Dark clouds roll over PDP again by Advocate Nigeria

Vol. 1 No. 32, Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

N150

Anambra North is not marginalized politically – Ifeanyi Ubah

G ·P

ANAMBRA GUBER POLL

Dark clouds roll over PDP again Tony Nwoye remains our candidate – PDP Pages 3 & 21 Ngige supporters hopeful Courts order multiple candidates for PDP, APGA

Why the S-East is backward, by Prof. Nnaji

Pg 8 Gov Peter Obi (left), with Chief Victor Umeh, APGA National Chairman receiving keys to ambulances and a cheque of N5m for flood victims from Emma Bishop Okonkwo of the Emma Bishop Okonkwo Foundation (second right), supported by Prof. Okechukwu Mbonu.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

ADVOCATE

WILLIE MADUABUCHI OBIANO, APGA GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, ANAMBRA STATE

Willie Obiano For Continuity

am passionate, very enthusiastic and will continue the programs of the present administration to transform our state to occupy its rightful place in Nigeria and Africa! Building on the enviable foundation laid by Governor Obi, Continuity will be the guiding strategy and theme of my administration. The importance of 'Continuity' is evident both at home and abroad as Governments and private institutions who have adopted a similar theme have benefitted immensely. I also intend to adopt the State's current strategy, christened: Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS). Today, ANIDS is and shall continue to be the driving force behind the rapid development taking place across all sectors. Over my administration's first 12months, we will work tirelessly to Continue, Complete and Commission (3Cs) all ongoing projects across various sectors in the State.

OUR 3Cs SHALL IMPACT THE FOLLOWING SECTORS:

We shall continue with the rehabilitation and expansion of N10bn Onitsha water supply scheme The expansion of greater Awka water supply scheme shall continue under my administration We shall continue with the electrification projects across all regions in the Anambra State.

ENVIRONMENT We shall continue with the beautification of Onitsha town as well as the restoration and beautification of numerous parks across the State We shall continue with the restoration of over 15 floodplain sites. We shall construct 35 major storm water management and erosion control sites

LANDS, PLANNING & HOUSING We shall continue with the ongoing construction of all commissioned housing estates (Ngozika II, Unity, etc.) We shall continue with the construction of a modern city settlement (Greenwood) to contain the new Government House, Government Lodge, Judges quarters, large commercial and residential layouts.

INVESTMENTS & JOB W e s h a l l c o m p l e t e t h e CREATION EDUCATION

construction of phase 2 of over 1,500 classroom blocks for primary schools . We shall complete the numerous faculty and administrative blocks at Anambra State University (ANSU) campuses and classrooms at Nwafor Orizu College of Education. We shall continue with the deployment of more Microsoft Academies; ongoing rehabilitation of secondary schools and sustain existing, strong, working relationship with the Church in transforming the education sector.

W O R K S INFRASTRUCTURE

We shall complete the ongoing construction of over 300 km of roads and bridges across the State. We s h a l l c o m p l e t e t h e rehabilitation and lighting of Ojukwu expressway, Onitsha.

HEALTH We shall continue with the ongoing construction of hostels and several administrative blocks at Schools of Nursing, Midwifery schools in parts of the State. We shall continue with the construction of new classroom blocks at Schools of Nursing and Midwifery.

PUBLIC UTILITIES

We shall continue the PublicPrivate-Partnership (PPP) negotiations with the largest African chicken producer, Rainbow Chicken, to build comprehensive chicken production facility. We shall continue with the ongoing negotiations to secure a joint investment with Africa's No.1 distillers for the construction of a distillery. We s h a l l c o m p l e t e t h e construction of two first-rate hotels in Onitsha and Agulu. We shall complete the ongoing construction of three ultramodern shopping malls in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi. We s h a l l c o m p l e t e t h e construction via Public Private Partnership (PPP) of a N50 billion 260 mw independent power plant in Onitsha We s h a l l c o m p l e t e t h e construction of the N3 billion Onitsha football stadium and sports complex.

KEY DRIVERS FOR MY E N V I S I O N E D ECONOMIC REFORM We Shall: leverage on our proximity to the River Niger and our boundary with 5 states (Abia, Imo, Enugu,

Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano Kogi, Rivers). Substantially develop all of our naturally endowed resources (such as natural gas, crude oil and fertile soil). leverage Anambra State's strong relationships with foreign development finance institutions to raise more counter-part funding for socio-developmental projects. introduce the use of Private Public Partnership (PPP) & Build Operate & Transfer (BOT) models to drive development across all sectors. ensure that the Federal Government commences full operations of Onitsha Inland Ports. secure adequate funding from infrastructure-focused financial institutions for the large scale infrastructure needs of the State. Word Health Organisation (WHO) to provide healthcare services at affordable costs to the general population. Continue significant funding and sourcing of international support for the equipping and management of Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka. Provision of excellent healthcare services leveraging on a voluntary National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve technology and subsidize healthcare costs across the State. Promote Medical Tourism by

persuading the Federal Government to create a Healthcare free trade zone in Anambra State. Partner with large foreign healthcare organizations (such as GE Health, Bill & Melinda Gates, etc.) to construct 3 new General Hospitals (Ihiala, Anambra East and Ogbaru) and 2 specialist hospitals in Awka and Nnewi. Provision of 10 medical emergency/trauma centres across all senatorial zones. Introduce free medical services for underprivileged pregnant women in general hospitals across the State.

Education: Prepare an all-inclusive education master plan to drive further development and progress within the sector. Creation of 3 State-funded specialized schools for the handicapped across the 3 senatorial zones. Introduction of a rigorous recruitment exercise and revised remuneration for teachers to attract the best resources in Nigeria across all levels of education. Introduction of basic ICT into all programs at all levels and curricula.

Health: Prepare a revolutionary healthcare master plan with the

support and assistance of UNICEF and WHO to provide healthcare services at affordable costs to the general population. Continue significant funding and sourcing of international support for the equipping and management of Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka. Provision of excellent healthcare services leveraging on a voluntary National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve technology and subsidize healthcare costs across the State. Promote Medical Tourism by persuading the Federal Government to create a Healthcare free trade zone in Anambra State. Partner with large foreign healthcare organizations (such as GE Health, Bill & Melinda Gates, etc.) to construct 3 new General Hospitals (Ihiala, Anambra East and Ogbaru) and 2 specialist hospitals in Awka and Nnewi. Provision of 10 medical emergency/trauma centres across all senatorial zones. Introduce free medical services for underprivileged pregnant women in general hospitals across the State.

Environment Source large financing and technical support from foreign developmental institutions to combat over 750 erosion sites. Continue to maintain cordial relationship with Federal Government with a view to attracting greater projects from the Federal Ministry of Environment in tackling the State's erosion issue. Create an environment taskforce to enforce against air, water and noise pollution and to reverse current 80% deforestation to reduce new occurrences of erosion. Introduce â&#x20AC;&#x153;plant-a-treeâ&#x20AC;? schemes in all primary schools across the State Seek foreign support from indigenes, international donors and corporate Nigeria to exponentially grow the State's ecological fund. Construction of 30 major storm water management and erosion control sites. Embark on numerous channelization (of flood plains) projects across the State Introduce PPP initiatives for all levels of Waste Management value chain (collection, dump sites and recycling). Provision of modern public sanitary sites in major cities (Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha) via

Continues on page 11

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ADVOCATE

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

ANAMBRA GUBER POLL

Dark clouds roll over PDP again ·Tony Nwoye remains our candidate – PDP development in the party where three persons are laying claim to ·Ngige supporters hopeful the PDP gubernatorial ticket ahead of the November 16 ·Courts order multiple candidates for PDP, APGA election. Many party stalwarts are By Ted Peters & Uche Chukwu

he present situation in Anambra State political arena could best be described as confusing as both the electorate, supporters and candidates of the major political parties vying for the November 16 governorship election are yet to know their fate. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in the state are at the centre of the confusion having failed to agree on a single governorship candidate to be presented to the electorate. While the PDP currently has three candidates from different factions of the party for the election, the APGA also parades two candidates courtesy of multiple and contradictory court orders which have made many observers to raise serious questions regarding the credibility and roles of the Nigerian judiciary in the unfolding political drama in Anambra State. What looks like a hasty injunctions being obtained from various courts across the country has become very worrisome as it has thrown the national electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC into confusion. Another worrisome development in the Anambra governorship contest is the huge financial resources being expended by the too desperate contestants, who have deployed their ill-gotten wealth to force their way into power without having any vision for the state. The antecedents of these class of politicians particularly in PDP is well known to the people of the state and indeed many Nigerians having spent several decades causing disharmony and anarchy in the party and the entire state using their connections with the powers that be at the center to oppress their fellow contestants. These dubious political manipulations began in 1999 when Professor ABC Nwosu was elected as the PDP governorship candidate for Anambra and before his name could be forwarded to INEC, some power brokers scuttled the process and snatched the ticket which was handed over to former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju. What followed his administration was anarchy as the state knew no peace throughout the four-year tenure due to the injustice that was meted out to the

rightful person that could have occupied the seat. Similar scenario also played out in 2003 when the PDP members were not allowed to choose their candidate in a free and fair gubernatorial primary as the then power broker and self-acclaimed godfather, Chief Chris Uba single-handedly grabbed the party's ticket and donated it to Dr. Chris Ngige. The party went into the general election with crisis and at the end of the exercise Dr. Ngige emerged but his administration was short-lived as his godfather threw caution to the wind and came out to confess that he rigged the election that produced the then governor.

The PDP was on the march again in 2007 when Andy Uba through his strong connection with the then Olusegun Obasanjo government, grabbed the PDP governorship ticket in what was described by his fellow PDP aspirants as a clear imposition of candidate. Even though he was elected governor, the Supreme Court declared that his election was conducted when the seat of the incumbent Governor Obi was not vacant. The victory celebration by PDP faithful was cut short and the party's desire to return to Anambra Government House in Awka could not materialize. As the race for the 2014

Tony Nwoye In 2010 when Governor Peter Obi's first four-year tenure elapsed and it was time for another governorship election, these do-or-die PDP aspirants jumped into the arena again but the erstwhile Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Charles Soludo, who was highly favoured to replace Obi, suffered a major political setback in the hands of the PDP guerilla politicians who made sure that he was defeated in that election. His fellow contestants for the PDP ticket rather than throwing their support behind him to win the election jumped into other mushroom political parties and picked their flags in their desperate bid to grab power at all cost. The negative result was the abysmal failure of both Soludo and his co-contestants thereby paving the way for Obi to retain power for another four years.

worried about the anti-party activities by some contestants who have carried on without any respect for the party's leadership. While Comrade Tony Nwoye was officially elected as the party's candidate in the primary election supervised by the National Working Committee of the party, Senator Andy Uba and Hon. Nicholas Ukachukwu, who have relied on the Courts rather than the party's support, are hands in glove to stop the party from fielding Nwoye. The matter which is before different courts both in Port Harcourt, Awka and Abuja as well as in some other courts yet to be made known, appeared to have been initiated to

Andy Uba governorship seat was gathering momentum, the dark cloud that had helped the PDP down since 1999 began to gather once more. Those perpetual contestants some of who only desired to be called “Your Excellency” without having the wherewithal to pursue the realization of their gubernatorial ambitions as well as a few others who have amassed so much wealth and believed that they could buy the PDP ticket even without a clear educational qualification for the high office, jumped into the arena for another round of dirty political manipulations. With their wealth, they procure court injunctions, pocket them and flashed it whenever the need arises all in a bid to cause confusion in their state with a view to denying the people the opportunity to elect a visionary leader. The result is the current shameful

scuttle the PDP's chance to produce the governor once again. The party supporters are more worried because while Nwoye's major opponents in APC and Labour Party are already campaigning, the PDP flag bearer is yet to know his fate notwithstanding the strong support of the party at the national level for his candidature. Unless his traducers, who have shown much desperation in their usual game, decide to lay down their arms, political pundits say, the party's desire to recapture Anambra to its fold, would remain a mirage in the coming dispensation. But Comrade Nwoye and his backers appeared to be very confident of surmounting all the challenges being posed by Uba and Ukachukwu as the National leadership of PDP is resolute in its decision to back him (Nwoye) for the contest.

The party's National Working Committee (NWC) on We d n e s d a y d e c l a r e d t h a t Comrade Nwoye remained its governorship candidate in spite of the court judgment restraining it. Reacting to the declaratory court judgment that compelled INEC to recognise, screen, publish and put the name of Nicholas Ukachukwu on the ballot paper as the PDP candidate for the Anambra governorship election, national publicity secretary of the party, Barrister Olisa Metuh, declared that Comrade Tony Nwoye would fly the party's banner at the November 16 governorship election, even as he gave indication that PDP would appeal the judgment delivered by Justice S. Aliyu. “The candidate of the party in Anambra State is Comrade Tony Nwoye and his deputy gubernatorial candidate filed with INEC is Dr. Ezike Amachukwu. Nothing has changed,” he said. H o w e v e r, m e m b e r s a n d supporters of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Dr. Chris Ngige, are celebrating over the confusion in PDP and APGA believing that the coast is very clear for Ngige's victory at the November 16 poll. Some said Ngige's ambition to return to power has become a fait accompli. Their hope was rekindled by Tuesday's judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt which declared Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as PDP flag bearer. This judgment came barely after the Federal High Court, Awka, granted an ex-parte order, directing that the names of two factional candidates of APGA, Mr. Willie Obiano and Dr. Chike Obidigbo, be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pending the hearing of the substantive suit. The APGA factional chairman, Chief Maxi Okwu, also on Wednesday, submitted the name of his own gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Obidigbo, to INEC in line with the orders of the Awka Federal High Court. APGA had through its recognized National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh submitted Obiano's name as its candidate for the November 16, 2013 gubernatorial race. Okwu who spoke to newsmen shortly after he had submitted Obidigbo's name to INEC as ordered by the court, dismissed the insinuation that APGA had double candidates saying: “Yes, it has been done in line with what the court order said and the matter in court will continue until it is determined. We still have time to dispense with the matter in court. Continues on page 21

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

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10,000 young Christian leaders to receive free training By Princess Ojiyi

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ver 10,000 young Christian leaders would receive free training from the International School of Missions and Leadership, (UK) (ISOMAL) Nigerian campus, in the quest to become vibrant ministers of the gospel. This was disclosed by the Rector ISOMAL (Nig) Rev. Victor Okorie, on the first convocation and second matriculation ceremony of the ISOMAL students held in Enugu. He said that the training was part of the three-year action plan to be undertaken by the school. Rev. Okorie said that the Nigerian campus of the school which serves as a tuition free Bible school kicked off in 2012 with the goal of sponsoring and encouraging those with a genuine call of God on their lives but lacked the financial capacity to go for training in other Bible schools. He stated that the school would mobilize and train the youths in three core areas of interest; Evangelism, Cyber Missions, Medical Missions and Skill Acquisition. “This free Bible school is nondenominational, we encourage church leaders to send their church workers and members for this training as it is the only cost effective way of raising the eleventh hour kingdom ministers”, he said. The chairman, planning committee for the programme, Dr. Lambert Echefu emphasized that the vision of the school which is to see that youths don't live wasted lives would surely be achieved through prayer and faithfulness.

He said; “we believe God that within some years now, God will make a name for Himself because of the zeal of the youths who are giving themselves for the work”. Echefu noted that the process of growth of the school is continuous with evident impact since one year of its inception. In his speech, the Registrar of the school, Barr. Emeka Ezechinemelu said the school would mobilize people from the grassroots to take the gospel to their communities and become agents of change in the society. Speaking during the occasion, the speaker of the day, Dr. C.N.N Nwanebu declared his unwavering support to the school's vision and admonished the matriculating students to be devoted to their studies. His Royal Majesty, Eze Udo 1 of EnuguNato, Ihe, Igwe M.C Aniagu alongside a Patron, Arc. Uzor Onuwuteaka who supported the school, expressed interest in the school's vision stating that he would desire other Christian schools to spring up in like manner. The Academic Dean, Rev. Ndubuka Ebenezer and the Vice Chairman planning committee, Dr. Kenneth Nzomiwu prayed for the convocating students of the school who were awarded diplomas and the patrons of the school who were issued certificates. Amongst distinguished men and ministers of the gospel who graced the occasion were Archbishop A.A Nwodika, Prophetess Sabina Akachukwu and His Royal Grace Igwe Goddy Ekoh, the Eze Udo III of Ihe.

ECOWAS Parliament Commends FG on War Against Terrorism

Name: Okoli Brenda Hobby: Modeling and Acting Likes: Honesty Dislike: Dishonesty Email: brendyo417@yahoo.com Source: st santos productions 07067899677

peaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria on the successful war against terrorism and insurgence in Nigeria and West Africa as a whole. He gave the commendation at the opening of the 2013 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja today. Senator Ekweremadu said: “The success of the subsisting State of Emergency in some parts of the country has left no one in doubt that Nigeria does not have even the minutest space or any iota of tolerance for terrorism and insurgence. “It has demonstrated that Nigeria has the might and firepower to sack the merchants of terror as well as the profound compassion to forgive those who truly repent and turn away from willful destruction of lives and property.” The Speaker who is also the President of the Nigerian Senate said that Nigeria's progress in the war against terrorism was particularly important to the sub-region given Nigeria's “highly strategic position as a key player in the integration project and indeed a pivot of political, social, and economic development in the subregion.” He called on the remnants of the insurgents to make haste to denounce terrorism and extremism in order to facilitate the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and

Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria. Senator Ekweremadu urged them to lay down animosity to be able to qualify for the magnanimous amnesty that may hopefully accrue from the work of the Committee, noting that only peace and stability could guarantee true development in Nigeria and the entire the sub-region. He pledged the support of the ECOWAS Parliament to every legitimate and wellconceived effort to promote peace and stability in West Africa. The Speaker congratulated the government and the people of Mali as well as ECOWAS for the resounding democratic progress registered in Mali through the peaceful, free, fair, and credible election in the West African nation, noting that it was a huge leap for democracy, peace, stability, security, and development for Mali in particular, and the sub-region in general. He however called on the political class in Guinea Bissau to find an enduring political solution to that country's lingering political challenges. “Political structures should be allowed to grow and mature and all forms of interference by the armed forces of that country should cease forthwith, while all stakeholders should work to ensure a free, fair, and credible presidential election is held in the Gambia before the end of the year”, Ekweremadu emphasized.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Anambra North is not marginalized politically – Ifeanyi Ubah Arthur Eze should support me, his brother By Ted Peters & Rex Arum

OVERNORSHIP Candidate of Labour Party, LP in Anambra State, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, at the weekend, dismissed insinuations that the people of Anambra North Senatorial zone would not support his candidature since they have not produced the governor of the state since the state was created. He stated that even though the zone had not produced the governor of the state since its inception, all past leaders that had served in different capacities at the national level including the first Nigerian president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, all came from Anambra North. Ubah said that the senatorial zone cannot claim to be poetically marginalized on account of not being able to produce the state governor, as the people of the zone have had a fair share in political appointments since the inception of the state. Addressing the people of Anambra State living in Enugu State and members of Enugu Sports Club on Friday, Ubah who was accompanied by a large crowd of supporters and members

of his campaign train said that he would get the support of the people of Anambra North “because they believe that I will adequately represent their interest.” Ubah said that his ambition to serve the state, which he regards as a huge sacrifice for the state, was borne out of his strong desire to transform the state in terms of

infrastructure and human development in order to take the state to another level, assuring that every senatorial zone in the state would feel the positive impact of his administration. His words: “Anambra North issue is a very sensitive one but very interesting issue I like to address. There is a common saying that there is power in

information. Sometimes our people miss the facts because they don't have information. Since Anambra State was created Anambra North has produced occupants of most of the sensitive positions in the history of the State. Anambra North produced Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ajie Ukpabi Asika and Dr. Chuba Okadigbo. Anambra North also produced the current Minister of Aviation, Stella Odua and several others. I have not seen any other zone in Anambra State that has produced people in power like Anambra

Ekwueme, Clark, Gbonigi, others call for National Conference

O R M E R Vi c e President Alex Ekwueme, one time Federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, Reverend Emmanuel Gbonigi and others under the aegis, Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, SNPA yesterday reiterated their support for the immediate convocation of a National Conference and called for its immediate convocation by President Goodluck Jonathan. According to a statement s i g n e d b y D r. A l e x Ekwueme (South East); Chief Edwin Clark ( South South) and Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Gbonigi (South West) yesterday, the SNPA urged President Goodluck Jonathan to before December this year set up a Committee that will work out strategies and modalities for the convocation of a National conference that will give the ethnic nationalities of Nigeria the opportunity to discuss the collective future after what they termed a “forced” marriage of 100 years remains the most rewarding centenary gift President Jonathan can give to Nigerians.

Ekwueme, Gbonigi and Clark Hailing Senate President David Mark on his National Conference position who stressed that there was the need for a national conference while addressing Senators back from vacation on Tuesday, said , “ the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly welcomes the remarks made by the Senate President, Senator David Mark on the urgent need for a national conference while addressing Senators back from vacation yesterday. The Senate President's call that

ethnic nationalities should be given the space to discuss the future of Nigeria is most germane and could not have come at a better time. We are indeed elated that the Senate President has aligned with our long held view that a conference of ethnic nationalities is imperative in correcting the enormous discontent in the Nigerian polity. Instructively, the position of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly in resolving burning national issues threatening the Corporate existence of the nation

has been very clear. ”Since our i n a u g u r a l conference at Ibom Golf and Resort Le Meridien, Uyo on 12th July, 2012 and the succeeding Conference a Nike Lake Hotel Resort, Enugu on the 29th January, 2013, the SNPA had affirmed its commitment to the convening of a n a t i o n a l conference. Our position was again reaffirmed in the communique issued at the end of the 3rd General Conference of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly held on the 20th of May 2013 in Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. ”We therefore call on President Goodluck to set up a committee to work out strategies and modalities for the convocation of a national conference by not later than December 2013 giving the ethnic nationalities of Nigeria the opportunity to discuss their collective future after a “forced” marriage of 100 years the most rewarding centenary gift President Jonathan can give to Nigerians.”

North. “God has well positioned the senatorial zone and by God's grace my government would continue to carry them along and ensure that their interest is well protected. The new airport we are proposing will be located in Anambra North; the new industrial hub of Anambra state will be in the North, among others. “If you look at these dynamics, nobody can give Anambra North more than what I Ifeanyi Ubah will give. Irrespective of the fact that the zone had produced leaders more that other zones, they will not be left out in my government. I can tell you that my running mate, Dr. Emeka Eze, has been an Anambra North person. He hails from Dunukofia but was born in Onitsha, grew up in Onitsha and has been practicing (medicine) in Onitsha. Is Onitsha not part of Anambra North? So, my Deputy Governorship candidate has dual citizenship of Dunukofia in Anambra Central and Onitsha in Anambra North. So when you look at these dynamics, you will find that all that is happening between me, my running mate and our party, are destined by God.” On why he chose his running mate, Dr. Emeka Eze, from the royal family of Eze n'Ukpo Dunukofia, the acclaimed strong political base of Engr. Prince Arthur Eze, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwart and strong backer of the PDP governorship c a n d i d a t e , C o m r a d e To n y Nwoye,, Ubah said that Eze was at liberty to support whoever he wanted for the gubernatorial contest. But he expressed optimism that Prince Eze who is the elder brother of his running mate would see reasons to support his own brother's ambition than throwing his weight behind another candidate, saying “after running this race we shall calculate the millage.” “I am not challenging Arthur Eze, I am not fighting him, what I am saying is that he should support me and his brother, Dr. Emeka Eze, a medical doctor of 22 years standing. Arthur Eze has a better option to support his brother and myself than deploying his support and resources based on party consideration,” he said. Ubah, who declared his readiness to pursue his campaign with vigor and in a very decent manner, said that he had set up functional campaign offices in 526 political wards in Anambra state each manned by an Administrative Secretary, Ward Ambassador and City Mayor who are paid monthly salaries.” “Our campaign organization has strong presence in every ward and we want to carry everybody along with a firm belief that we shall sing a song of Glory to the Almighty God after November 16 and Anambrarians will begin to fill the impact of good governance,” he added.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

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PDP Crisis: FG withdraws Mark, Tambuwal, NASS members' diplomatic passports 路Why Emodi was sacked sack, wondered why she was sticking out her neck that much for

he Federal Government last Saturday ordered the withdrawal of all diplomatic passports of National Assembly (NASS) members, including that of Senate President David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal. A l r e a d y, r e l e v a n t F e d e r a l Government offices responsible for implementing the directive had been duly notified of the new development, reliable sources hinted. No reason was given for the action, but sources said it was not unconnected with the level of opposition the Presidency is currently facing among the National Assembly members which got to feverish peak last week. The implication of the Federal Government's action is that all 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives would no longer enjoy the special travel privileges the blue-coloured passport confers on its holder when they travel abroad. The withdrawal of the diplomatic passports of the senators and members of the House of Representatives is coming barely 24 hours after the Presidency sacked Senator Joy Emodi as its Special Adviser on National Assembly matters. Sources in a position to know the power play in Aso Rock revealed that even though it was the crisis in the ruling party that necessitated the action, members of the opposition party in the Assembly are also being affected. With the loss of their diplomatic passports, the NASS members no longer have immunity against arrest any time they travel abroad, a script, sources said, was the motive for the action. Also, the real reason for Emodi's sack, the source further said, was her bluntness to President Goodluck Jonathan in last Thursday's meeting with the Presidency. Emodi was called to explain the turn of event in the National Assembly where the opposition against the President appears to be swelling and how to stem the tide by effecting a change of leadership in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The Presidency, it was gathered, reasoned that both Senate President, Mark and House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s S p e a k e r, Tambuwal were tacitly siding with the Abubakar Kawu Baraje faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that it was urgent to shop for their replacement. At the Thursday's meeting in the Villa, the source said Emodi was taken to task on the happenings in

t h e N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y, particularly the leadership as well as her view on the alleged disbursement of cash to NASS members through a Presidency's point man, Bethel Amadi, a member of the House of Representatives from Imo State at the popular Bolingo Hotel, Abuja. But Emodi, at the meeting, pointedly told the President that the idea of using cash to buy the support of members of NASS was wrong approach, because events

of the past in the NASS had shown that it was capable of having a negative effect. She reportedly told the Presidency that she had been in the Senate and understands how members think, adding that the idea was dumb. After the meeting, the source said Presidency concluded that Emodi was sympathetic to the NASS leadership whose rank it has been finding it difficult to break. Mark, it was also gathered, had out of concern for Emodi before her

the lawmakers. But less than 24 hours, Emodi's sack was announced by Special Adviser to President Jonathan on media, Reuben Abati. No reason was given for her sack. It also emerged that as its game plan to effect a change of leadership in both House of Representatives and Senate or make them shift ground, the Presidency has started enlisting the support of political opponents of key leaders of the NASS. One of such recruits is Lawrence

Onoja, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) senatorial candidate for Benue South in the 2011 election. Onoja contested against Mark. He is now leading a group from the Middle-Belt region which is canvassing support for Jonathan ahead of the 2015 election. The thinking in Aso Rock is that if Mark does not play ball with the Presidency, Onoja, it was gathered, might be the next senator representing Benue South-Senatorial zone. For the Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha who wants to become governor of Imo State in 2015, it was also gathered that despite his closeness to the Presidency the latter is propping up Amadi, Ihedioha's political rivalry, to put the Deputy Speaker under check. It was gathered at the weekend that what is playing out in NASS currently, particularly the House of Representatives, is still a fall out of the grievance of the PDP top shots over the circumstances that threw up the Tambuwal/Ihedioha leadership. Regardless, we can confirm that house principal officers have vowed to remain united even in the face of high-wire politicking going on in the PDP.

South East states agree on regional integration By Ted Peters

PIONION leaders of different walks of life from the South East geopolitical zone have agreed on co-operations that will engender integration of the region for greater prosperity. The people of the zone regretted that the South East has lost its past leadership role in setting the pace for the economic integration of the states of the federation and called for the immediate return to the past glory. The agreements were reached at the weekend during the second Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) South East Media Summit held in Enugu. The summit which examined the role of media in South East Integration drew participants from the region and beyond including the former minister for Power Prof. Barth Nnaji as keynote speaker. Participants at the summit agreed that integration in the South East Region was timely and desirable. Communique of the summit indicated that participants upheld that the region is endowed with abundant human and material resources and therefore urged the media to promote co-operation and synergies needed to engender growth and development in the region.

They bemoaned the collapse of the culture of the people of the region and crisis in their value system and urged for the situation to be redressed. The summit urged the South East governments to arrest the current state of insecurity in the region and urgently devise new strategies for security management as a prerequisite to sustainable integration in the zone. Participants considered integration as part of the media

Corporate Social Responsibility and urged the raising of standards of journalism practice to achieve the desired goals. It was canvassed that development of courses and institutions critical to effective South East development and integration should be taken seriously. The Summit urged support from the private sector, corporate originations and governments of the region to always consider the

media as ally in the formation and execution of policies tailored towards the region's integration. It was also observed that major challenges of media practice in the zone include poor and irregular remuneration and urged for a paradigm shift from the traditional media role to re-shaping the history of the region. Participants called for more media ownership by South East people and publishing of Igbo versions of newspapers owned by the people of the region.

ANAMBRA GUBER: Court affirms Willie Obiano plaintiffs/respondents. as APGA candidate

he Federal High Court sitting in Awka presided over by Justice Muhammed Salihu on Friday set aside the interim order made on Monday last week, which directed the submission of the names of Chief Chike Obidigbo and Dr. William Obiano as APGA governorship candidates in the coming elections. Discharging the order, the court said it lacks the jurisdiction to make the orders and was against the express provision of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. I t n o t e d t h a t t h e plaintiffs/respondents concealed materials facts to the court thereby deceived the court into making the interim orders. The court discharged the order

following a motion exparte by Chief Onwuka Ukwa, Alhaji Tayo Sowumi and Barrister Ifeanyi M b a e r i w h o w e r e defendants/applicants to the suit filed by Dr. Chike Obidigbo and Chief Maxi Okwu as

It will be recalled that the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh had already on September 3, submitted the name of Dr. William Obiano to INEC as the APGA candidate in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election. This has however laid to rest the confusion created in the party as Obiano backed by Umeh and Governor Obi is now free to run his campaign without any hindrance while the apprehension on the part of APGA supporters over the legal tussle had been rested. Obiano and his large campaign team which will be led by Governor Peter Obi is expected to commence tour of the various wards in the state from this week.

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NSCDC nabs 4, impounds 28 drums of adulterated diesel By Ted Peters & Princess Ojiyi

HE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Enugu State Command has arrested four persons for being in possession of 5,600 litres of adulterated diesel believed to have been stolen from the Niger Delta area. The petroleum product popularly known as Blue Gas illegally used to power heavy duty machines, was concealed in 28 drums of 200 litres each and loaded into a trailer conveying crates of empty beer bottles from Port Harcourt to Enugu. Owner of the containers, who identified himself as Nnamdi Onyemelukwe from Imo State, receiver of the product, Chibuzor Nwankwo, from Enugu State, the driver of the trailer with registration number Delta XC 713 ASB, Brown Ajuzie from Abia State and his conductor, Kennth Okpara from Imo State, were arrested while offloading the gas at the Four Corner junction in

Ozalla near Enugu. Mr. Nathaniel Ubong, the state Commandant of the corps, said while parading the suspects that investigations revealed that the Blue gas which is different from AGO (diesel) Petrol or Kerosene, is usually stolen from the Niger Delta and sold to either construction firms using heavy machines and telecommunication firms for powering the generators. “The suspects were arrested for conveyance of 200 litres of adulterated gas which is known as blue gas. The arrest was made on September 5, 2013 at about 1300hours in our efforts to ensure we sanitize the petroleum industry and in line with our mandate to safeguard public infrastructures and of course ensure that there is no vandalisation of oil pipelines,” he said. The NSCDC commandant said that the corps was determined to eliminate oil theft which had deprived the nation of enough revenue, stressing that the law against oil theft in the country must be reviewed to allow stiffer penalties that

would deter the thieves. He said that the suspects had made confessional statements and would soon be arraigned before the Federal High Court, which has the jurisdiction to look into oil issues. T h e p r i n c i p a l s u s p e c t , M r. Onyemelukwe, claimed that his unnamed friend gave him the petroleum product in Port Harcourt to sell in Enugu, explaining that he was not a petroleum product dealer but a contractor supplying safety materials to companies. “I will not say that what we did is right but what I know is that this gas product is from a local refinery. Being a contractor, sometimes I get quotation to supply gas and in this case I had to call one of my colleagues, Shola to purchase for me. I purchased it at Port Harcourt and called a friend in Enugu to arrange the sale for me. I bought the product at N19,000 per drum and we were to sell it at N24,000 per drum in Enugu but I didn't know that it will end this way,'” he said.

Enugu CP tasks personnel on conduct and professionalism

he Enugu state commissioner of police Adamu Abubakar M o h a m m e d h a s c h a rg e d officers and men of his command to be professionals in their approach to duties and not to exhibit those negative tendencies that will drag the image of the force to the mud thereby negating the vision and mission of the transformation agenda of the present police administration. Adamu stated this Thursday while addressing officers and men of the No 3 Police Mobile Force Enugu, Dog sections and Awkunanaw Divisions of the Nigeria police force during his familiarization tour to those formations and Division. According to him, police men should be conscious of their conduct, dressing and in the way they interact with members of the public in line with the provisions of the Force code of conduct. While at the No 3 squadron of the police mobile force Agbani Road Enugu, he extolled the quality leadership of the commander of the squadron Csp Mamman B.Giwa whom he said has turn around the entire squadron to reflect the vision and mission agenda of the present police administration and however charged the personnel not to let the force down through the exhibition of any negative tendencies. Adamu further used the occasion to remind officers and men of both the 3PMF and the Dog section on the need to key into the transformation Agenda of the present police administration as it affects their welfare by embracing Programme of the Fokas mortgage loan and housing scheme which will aid them easily to have houses of their own without stress. At Awkunanaw Division, he had an

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

interactive session with traditional rulers, mmbers of the police community Relations committee P.C.R.C, Neighbourhood watch Groups, men of the British council, sister security Agencies and other relevant stake holders on the need to partner effectively in order to make

environment safe and secured and later addressed the officers and men in his usual way on the need to key into the transformation agenda of the force by being professional and not to exhibit those negative tendencies that will militate against the vision and mission of the police administration.

NGO undertakes Youth Empowerment By Princess Ojiyi

faith based NGO Pleasant Gathering has offered to raise a generation of youths who are equipped and empowered to take their rightful place in the spiritual, social-economic and political arena in Nigeria. The offer was contained in a welcome address by the coordinator of the organization, Barr. Joy Ogonnaya on the occasion of their 7th anniversary and youth summit held on 7th Sept. 2013 in Enugu State. Barr. Ogbonnaya disclosed that Pleasant Gathering, whose core objective is to equip and empower the next generation to fulfill their destiny and potentials, would have this core mandate perfected in the ongoing summit, saying, “we are confident that this is going to be the most powerful and impactful conference so far. More so, because the number seven stands for perfection and I am very convinced that so many things about this mandate shall be perfected in this summit.” Speaking on the conference theme “Equipped for Impact”, Rev.

Ugochukwu Anike said that for every glory there is a price and in order for one's vision to affect lives, it must be born out of tough processes. “The first thing the devil steals from you at your down time is your vision” he said, urging the youths to always go back to God the source of all things to gain whatever they may have lost. Also speaking during the occasion Rev. Victor Mark who elaborated more on diverse aspects of the conference theme laid emphasis on character as a strong foundation that gives birth to destiny. He enjoined the youths to be strong and discover the seed they are made of and hence behave in like manner. “If you are a lion, wake up the lion in you, don't stay small. Stop waiting for God to do for you what He has empowered you to do”, he said. The occasion was graced with a live performance from the well known Dynamites aka Apoaza singing crew, who ministered in songs and testified of God's faithfulness to them. High light of the occasion was the cutting of the anniversary cake by the members of the organization and the family song rendered by them.

Anambra 2014: Huge Reception For Nwoye PDP Flagbearer ·Nwoye pledges support for Jonathan

Comrade Tony Nwoye

WKA, the Anambra State capital, was agog, Saturday, when the disputed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the November, 2013 governorship election, Tony Nwoye, made a grand entry during a border reception. Nwoye said the sparks of the party were still intact and that days of the reign of Governor Peter Obi's All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state are over. He also vowed the state's unflinching support for President Jonathan, his administration and vision, stressing that Anambra remains a PDP state. Nwoye, who rode in a long convoy of vehicles with top national and zonal party stalwarts, was received by thousands of party faithful. According to him, none among Governor Obi, Chike Obidigbo or Willie Obiano has the political capacity and peoplesupport to stop the PDP from taking over the government house in the November 16, 2013 election. He told the crowd that besieged the Amansea border post: “We have seen eight years of Mr. Peter Obi's administration and every one can see that it is a colossal failure. He now wants one of his boys to replace him, so that the misrule and maladministration can continue. “The APGA government has this way of deceiving people with gifts and pretending to be doing something good whenever election is by the corner. The governor has announced that people should go and collect employment forms because election is by the corner. This was what he did in 2010 governorship election and after that nobody was employed till date. “He has started with local government elections and that was what he told us in 2010 election. Today, it has been shifted from October to December 2013. We learnt that he has been going about distributing cheques and money to schools and we wonder under what sub head are these payments being made in the 2013 budgetary provisions. He now shares money in churches and we wonder if he is more Christian than us. We want to announce that the days of APGA in government house Awka are numbered and we shall use Anambra People's mandate to flush the Obianos and Peter Obi's out of there.”

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ESHAWAR (AFP) A twin suicide bombing killed more than 70 people at a church service in northwest Pakistan on Sunday in what is believed to be the deadliest attack on Christians in the country. The two attackers struck at the end of a service at All Saints Church in Peshawar, the main town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which has borne the brunt of a bloody Islamist insurgency in recent years. Doctor Arshad Javed of Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital told AFP that 72 people had been killed and more than 100 wounded. Provincial health minister Shaukat Ali Yousufzai confirmed the death toll and told AFP the provincial government had announced a three-day period of mourning in the state. Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the “cruel” attack, saying it violated the tenets of Islam. Sahibzada Anees, one of Peshawar's most senior officials, told reporters the bombers struck when the service had just ended. “Most of the wounded are in critical condition,” Anees said. “We are in an area which is a target of terrorism and within that area there was a special security arrangement for the church. We are in a rescue phase and once it is over we will investigate what went wrong.” Former minister for inter-faith harmony Paul Bhatti and provincial lawmaker Fredrich Azeem Ghauri both said the attack was the deadliest ever targeting Christians in Pakistan. The small and largely

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

impoverished Christian community suffers discrimination in the overwhelmingly Muslimmajority nation but bombings against them are extremely rare. Schoolteacher Nazir Khan, 50, said the service had just ended and at least 400 worshippers were greeting each other when there was a huge explosion. “A huge blast threw me on the floor and as soon as I regained my senses, a second blast took place and I saw wounded people everywhere,” Khan told AFP. An AFP reporter saw shreds of human flesh and bloodstains on the walls and floor of the church, whose windows had been ripped apart by the blast. Pages of a Bible were scattered near the altar and rice meals mingled with dust on the floor amid shattered benches. Walls were gouged with ball bearings used in the explosives, he said. Grieving relatives blocked the main Grand Trunk Road highway with bodies of the victims to protest against the killings, an AFP reporter said. Christians in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and other cities also staged protest rallies to condemn the killings and demand state protection for their lives and properties, AFP reporters said. In the southern port city of Karachi angry protesters clashed with police when they tried to clear a road in Isa Nagri, a low-income Christian neighbourhood. Pakistan's Ulema Council, an association of leading Muslim scholars, strongly condemned the church attack and said killing innocent people breaches the tenets of Islam. “It is an extremely shameful attack

which has shamed all Pakistanis and Muslims,” Allama Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, chief of the council, told AFP. “There is no room for such terrorist acts in Islam.” Sectarian violence between majority Sunni and minority Shiite Muslims is on the rise in Pakistan. Sunday's attack will fuel fears the already beleaguered Christian community could be increasingly targeted. Islamist militants have carried out hundreds of bombings targeting security forces and minority Muslim groups they regard as heretical, but attacks on Christians have previously largely been confined to grenade attacks and occasional riots. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa i s a d e e p l y conservative province bordering the tribal districts along the Afghan frontier which are home to Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants. Provincial lawmaker Ghauri said there were about 200,000 Christians in the province, of whom 70,000 lived in Peshawar. “Now after this attack Christians across Pakistan will fear for their lives,” he warned. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the bombings. “Terrorists have no religion and targeting innocent people is against the teachings of Islam and all religions,” he said in a

statement. Sharif said such “cruel acts of terrorism reflect the brutality and inhumane mindset of the terrorists”. Only around two percent of Pakistan's population of 180 million are Christian. The community complains of growing discrimination. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has warned that the risk to Pakistan's minorities has reached crisis levels. Christians have a precarious existence in Pakistan, often living in slum-like “colonies” cheek-by-

jowl with Muslims and fearful of allegations of blasphemy, a sensitive subject that can provoke outbursts of public violence. In the town of Gojra in Punjab province in 2009, a mob burned 77 houses and killed seven people after rumours that a copy of the Islamic holy book the Koran had been desecrated during a Christian marriage ceremony. Rimsha Masih, a Christian girl who was arrested for alleged blasphemy last year, fled to Canada with her family in June after the charges were dropped.

...Pope condemns deadly Pakistan church attack

Pope Francis

ope Francis on Sunday condemned the hatred and violence behind a twin suicide bombing at a church in northwest Pakistan that left over 70 people dead, in what is believed to be the country's deadliest attack on Christians. “Today, in Pakistan, because of a bad choice of hatred and war, more than 70 people are dead. This path is not the right one, it leads nowhere,” the pontiff told thousands of young faithful during a visit to the Italian island of Sardinia.

Kenya confirms 59 killed in mall attack

ddis Ababa The death toll in Saturday attack on a Kenyan mall in Nairobi has risen to 59, the cabinet Secretary of the Interior Ministry, Joseph Lenku, said on Sunday. Lenku, who gave the new figure while addressing journalists in Nairobi, said the number of the injured had equally risen to more than 175 and were currently receiving medical attention at various hospitals across the city. It would be recalled that the Red Cross on Saturday confirmed that 30 persons were instantly killed when gunmen stormed the West gate Mall in Nairobi, while more than 60 others were injured in attack. Lenku said that the gunmen, numbering 15, are still holding a number of persons hostage in the building. He added that more than 1,000 persons, including some foreign nationals, had so far been rescued between Saturday and the early hours of Sunday. The secretary said the attackers had been isolated and were being

monitored through the CCTV, while security agencies had cordoned off the mall in an effort to rescue the remaining victims being held by the attackers in the building.

He gave the assurance that security agencies were in total control of the situation and were planning on the best possible way to rescue those being held by the attackers. He confirmed that one of the

suspects had been arrested but declined further comments, saying “disclosing the details will jeopardise the efforts of the security agents.'' He commended the efforts of the

Red Cross and others involved in the rescue operations as he confirmed that many people had donated blood to the victims receiving treatment in the hospitals.

Jonathan to address UN in New York

ew York – President Goodluck Jonathan arrived at the JFK International Airport in New York early of Sunday ahead of the 68th

Nigerian Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Joy Ogwu and the Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S., Prof. Ade Adefuye. He was later received at the city centre by the Minister of S t a t e f o r Wo r k s a n d s u p e r v i s i n g M i n i s t e r, National Planning Commission, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Akinwumi Adesina and Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State. Jonathan Jonathan is scheduled to meet with no fewer than 250 selected Nigerian session of the UN General professionals in the U.S. later in Assembly (UNGA). the day and also meet the U.S. Tthe President was received by the supervising Minister of Foreign President on a later date. Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, the The President is expected to hold

five bilateral meetings that will cover the EU, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. This year's UNGA is a unique one for Nigeria as President Jonathan will be among the four world leaders and the first African leader to address the UN General Assembly. He will be speaking after the leaders of Brazil, U.S. and Turkey. After the President's address, the supervising minister of National Planning Commission will be chairing the side event, organised by the Leading Group of Innovative Financing for Development, a global body which has 63 member nations and many International Non-Governmental Organisations.

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Delta Kidnap Kingpin gives FG a 60-Day Ultimatum to address demands or face attacks on oil facilities

d r eaded an d “The reason why they 'most wanted' have been hearing of the kidnap kingpin in name Kelvin is because of Delta State who doubles what I just told you now. I as leader of the new am the Kelvin; I am like Liberation Movement of two million Kelvin. I am the Urhobo People not a kidnapper. What is (LIMUP) today gave happening as a result of President Goodluck our activities in the state Jonathan a stunning 60and the country is for the day ultimatum to address federal government to the sufferings of the know that we are angry,” Urhobo as well as grant he explained. amnesty to kidnappers or He warned that the cease face attacks on oil fire and peace currently facilities in the area. being enjoyed in Delta Known simply as Kelvin, State was not the work of the bandit, who wore a men of the Joint Task mask and was surrounded Force or of large numbers by members of his gang of security men parading who were dressed in the streets, but that his military fatigues, said at a group had simply decided Kidnap Kingpin, Mr. Kelvin (5th from left) and other members of his gang press conference that if to give peace a chance by Jonathan failed to address what he giving the State and Federal d e s c r i b e d a s t h e ' g r o s s ultimatum to listen to us or else we Most of them can no longer fend for Government the benefit of the marginalization' of the Kokori will shut down all the well heads in their families and all attempts to doubt. draw the attention of the State However, he warned, “After this 60 community and grant unconditional the area,” he threatened. amnesty to kidnappers, he will have Kelvin, who was declared 'most Government and the Federal days ultimatum, if we do not see any no option than to shut down oil wanted' by security agents last year Government of Nigeria to the plight m e a n i n g f u l a t t e m p t b y t h e for allegedly masterminding a high of the community have been greeted authorities to address our plights, facilities. Present at the occasion were profile kidnap and killing some by repression, so we have no other we would shut down all oil facilities members of the Kokori, Ethiope security personnel, rejected the alternative than to bear arms against in Urhobo land and there is no East Local Government Area names he and his gang have been the nation, in order to drive home amount of security personnel that c o m m u n i t y, w h o e x p r e s s e d called. He declared them as being our demands since the only can stop us. I know I cannot fight the far from the truth, stressing that the language Nigeria understands is federal government alone but I will admiration of Kelvin and his men. “The reason why we are here today mission and vision of his group is violence.” do things that will touch their is because of the continuous nothing but to draw the attention of Asked Kelvin, “When the Ijaws and marrow.” cheating of our people by the the world to the criminal neglect of Itsekiris were agitating with arms, He promised to “strike decisively Federal government. The federal his oil-bearing community and the we the Urhobo youths chose to be and promptly with a devastating peaceful, but what did we get? We effect,” adding that this is no empty and state governments have been Urhobo nation. suffering us and now we want them According to the visibly angry are rather left out completely in the threat as the people are behind his to hear us because for over 50 years Kelvin, “For over fifty years, they amnesty program. Is it not the same group in this struggle, and to fear is now they have been drilling oil from have exploited our land in the guise oil that the Ijaws and Itsekiris to die many times. our community (Kokori), which is of oil exploration with nothing to produce that is also produced in “We have to take our destiny into show for it in terms of development. Kokori, which has the second best our hands, since the Nigeria nation the second best oil in this country. “Yet we have nothing to show for it, There are no good roads, no oil in Nigeria? So what is our h a s f a i l e d u s , ” h e s a i d . the community has no road, they do industries for the youths to work, crime?” “The government must listen to us wooden bridges in areas that need a our women and mothers cannot He said that his group does not fear because while Boko Haram will be formidable bridge that will last for a farm again because of the the army, should the government destroying in the north we will be long time. There is hunger devastating effect of the oil want to send it in, warning that when destroying from this way. We will his group is ready to attack, “no destroy all the well heads in the everywhere, graduates have no exploration on our land. work. So we want the government to “Fifty years of oil exploration has amount of security” can stop them whole of Urhobo nation not only in listen to us. In fact we are giving the left our men prostrate without no as they have the backing of “top Kokori after the expiration of the 60 federal government 60 days meaningful source of livelihood. people” in Nigeria and abroad. days ultimatum. Then the Federal

government will know that we don't make empty threats. But we will remain calm within the next 60 days, but if they think we cannot do anything then they will hear from us after the expiration of the 60 days ultimatum.” Several members of the community expressed their support of Kelvin and his dreaded gang. One, who pleaded for anonymity stated that they were throwing their weight behind Kelvin. “Kokori is suffering,” he declared. “There are no jobs for the youths, graduates whom their parents borrowed money to see them through their tertiary education roam the streets with nothing to do and business has been very slow for our market women because there is no flow of income. What we want the government to do is to build schools, hospitals, banks and cottage industries that can employ the men and teeming youths of the community.” Chief Saroke Edah and two other women who spoke on behalf of the women described Kelvin as Godsent, and backed up his complaints that despite their feeding the nation with their God-given oil wealth for the past 50 years, their community lacks good infrastructure and schools, as well as empowerment for the youths and women. “We thank God for using our son, Kelvin to fight for our cause,” they said. “He is not a criminal, as the government of Delta State wants the world to believe. Him and his group are fighting for what is just, equitable and legitimate. Therefore, he should not be given a bad name. If the government had provided jobs for these youths and our husbands, would they take up arms to ask for what rightly belongs to them? Where the oil is found in Kokori, the land belongs to Kelvin's grandfather and yet the family has nothing to show for over fifty years of oil exploration. Is this not injustice?”

Flood strips Enugu residents of Properties By Princess Ojiyi & Beatrice Ani

ome residents of Obiagu Ogui Newlayout Enugu were stripped of their properties worth millions of Naira last week as unforeseen flood struck some neighbouring homes at Ebe lane area. The flood which was said to have occurred at about 4pm on Tuesday last week was caused by the heavy rainfall which gradually became fierce and destructive, leading to several damages and losses. Victims of the flood while trying to restore their homes and some damaged items narrated their ordeal to The Advocate reporters who were present at the scene of the incident. “All my properties have been damaged, television, speakers, all

destroyed; there is nothing left, even my money. I don't have anything again. If not for people, I would have been drowned with my children yesterday evening. I was in the room when they started telling me that water is coming, so as I was trying to ensure that my house was safe, the next thing I saw was the water blocked the door.” “I tried to open the door but it refused to open, so I started carrying my children out of the mattress that I placed them on because the water had already covered it and as I tried to open the door again it refused, then I started shouting 'this water is about to kill me and my children', people now came, forcefully opened the door and rescued us” Mrs. Chibuzo Ekejuba narrated. Residents of the affected area attributed the cause of the flood to

the ongoing road construction in their neighbourhood which has not been favourable to them since the rainy season. “This is very bad, when it starts raining, water flows into my shop and destroys what I am selling,” Mr. Emeka Eze said in agony. It was also learnt that this was not the first time flood incident had

occurred but the effects of the past incidents were not as severe as this. Victims of the flood complained of the adamant and nonchalant attitude of the road construction workers to their plight and pleaded with government to come to their aid. Responding to The Advocate, one

of the key workers at the road construction site who pleaded anonymity stated that the rain was what disrupted their work on the road but assured that everything would turn out fine. “We are working for the people, we are rectifying everything, it takes due process, and we will rectify it” he said.

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Why the S-East is backward, by Prof. Nnaji By Rex Arum, Princess Ojiyi Nigeria and so the assault against & Beatrice Ani

ormer Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji at the weekend listed crisis of values, lack of unity in practical terms and absence of joint planning of development as some of the often over-looked factors militating against the socioeconomic development of the present day South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Nnaji, who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Geometric Power Limited, made the assertion in his key note lecture during the 2nd South-East Media Summit, which took place at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu on Saturday. Speaking on the theme, “Role of the Media in South-East Integration”, Prof. Nnnaji stated that there is fast erosion of culture and values in the zone, stating that societies which have a high stock of social capital develop faster than those which have a low stock of such values as; trust, loyalty, h o n e s t y, s o l i d a r i t y a n d cooperation. “We certainly do not want and should not allow our beloved Igboland to become the Sicily (where mafia and criminal organizations exist to make the area perpetually backward) of

our sacred cultural values must be fought with all our might and talent. “Our culture cherishes honour, integrity, trust and profound respect for the dignity of the human person. But these values are fast being eroded. There is perhaps nothing which dramatizes the collapse of values than the new phenomenon of kidnappings for ransom”. The former minister identified area of insecurity as a critical area of integration where the SouthEast governments can work together by according to him, jointly procuring tracking equipment, the type used in Abuja

by federal security agencies; and devise security information sharing strategy. In terms of planning together, Nnaji harped on the imperative of drawing up a long-term development plan with all the Igbo-speaking areas; including those in Delta and Rivers states as well as the Diaspora. He said that such plan should include how to bring bid businesses such as state-of-the-art hospitals, high quality educational institutions, electricity and other projects, which will enable thousands Igbo people working in places like IBM, General Motors, Ford Motors, General Electric,

Motorola, Massachusetts General Hospital and the rest in the Diaspora to return home. Nnaji said that the media should keep the issues of development such as the ones he raised and those raised by others in different fora, burning in the ears of the South-East leaders. The chairman of the occasion and senator representing Abia Central, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, chairman senate committee on Gas, stated that proper integration should be an added advantage to the people of the zone since they are already industrious, courageous and highly determined. Earlier in his remarks, the National Vice-President, Nigeria

Union of Journalists (NUJ) South-East Zone, Deacon Christopher Isiguzo stated that journalists in the zone as agenta setters decided to champion the course of contributing to the development of the zone. Highlight of the event was recognition of some indigenes of the zone who have distinguished themselves in their area of endevour such as Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah (guber candidate Labour Party in Anambra State), Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu (Abia Speaker), Senator Chris Anyanwu (Imo), Chief Dave Nwachukwu (Ebonyi) and Dr. Okechukwu Itanyi and Autostar Motors (Enugu).

NDF backs President Jonathan for 2015 By Uju Nwankwo

group under the aegis National Democratic Forum, NDF, has called on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to contest for 2015 presidential election. Arising from a general meeting held in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria, the group upon explicit attention on the activities going on in the political system extolled President Jonathan for his achievement in the past three

years in spite of the countless distractions and deep plots to collapse his administration. According to a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, “President Jonathan has demonstrated sincerity, courage and responsible political leadership against all odds; being unrelenting and steadfast in delivering his campaign promises.” The classic economic transformation rooted in the

belief that Nigerian-nation should join in commitment and principle in the league of prosperous and industrialized nation, NDF noted has made Nigeria economy to be rated higher from what it used to be. “Based on Mr. President's achievement so far, we are earnestly calling on the great son of Nigeria to contest the 2015 presidential election believing that a winning team cannot be changed,” the statement read.

Enugu Land ownership tussle, Judge urges out-of-court settlement

ustice Fidel Ngwu, Enugu state vacation judge sitting at Nsukka, has transferred to the regular courts hearing on the enforcement of fundamental rights motion and counter motion before it. The suit number C/482M/2013 involves Engr. Okwor and Igwe Okoli (Applicants) and the InspectorGeneral of Police, (Respondents) in a N48ml controversial land deal in Enugu. In his ruling after counsels to the parties P.A.N. Ejiofor for first respondents, Godwin Ijoma for second and third respondents and Ifeoma Eze Okereke for the applicant announced the appearances indicating their interest to go with the matter, which was adjourned for hearing, the learned judged observed that in view of the fact that his court would cease to operate by next Monday, it would be futile embarking on a mission he would not accomplish. He however advised the parties to seek solution to the matter outside the courts and the police. “I am minded that the days of this court are numbered, it will be futile for me to embark on a mission I cannot accomplish. I therefore transfer this case to regular court. I want to re-echo my advice that it is most reasonable for parties to sort out

the matter themselves than using the court and police. I am supposed to vacate the court this week” The director Vinolet Company, E n g r. O k a f o r U g o c h u k w u Damian, had claimed in a counter affidavit that he bought two plots of land known as Plot 21 and 22

Emene Industrial Layout and subsequently renumbered to as Plot 221 and 222; Emene Industrial Layout Enugu from Igwe Okoli and Engr. Ben Okwor but the land turned out to be revoked by the Enugu State Government. When the sellers could not deliver

the relevant documents to Engr. Ugochukwu, he reported the case to the Inspector-General of Police who invited Engr. Okwor and Igwe Okoli to his office. However, instead of responding to the IGP's invitation, Igwe Okoli and Engr. Okwor rushed to court for the enforcement of their

fundamental human rights which Ugochukwu says was a ploy by Engr. Okwor and Igwe Okoli to evade police investigation. Counsel to first respondent Mr. PAN Ejiofor and that of second and third respondents, Mr. Godwin Ijoma extolled the ruling saying it was the best under the circumstance.

Ugwuafor Land: Monarch urges Enugu govt to ignore unwarranted protest By Ted Peters

HE traditional ruler of Ugwuafor community in N k a n u We s t l o c a l government area of Enugu State, Igwe John Ideyi Nwodo, has condemned recent protest march by Umueji Igwe Onyi of Ogonogo Eji, Ndiuno, Akpugo community to the Government House, Enugu over the ownership of Ugwuafor land. The traditional ruler said the protest march which was led by the traditional ruler of Ogonogo Eji, Ndiuno, Akpugo, Igwe Stephen Nwatu, was unwarranted and evil intended “as it has no moral or legal base and j u s t i f i c a t i o n ” , u rg i n g t h e government to ignore them. In a letter written to the state government by his counsel, Mr. B.C. Nwobodo, Igwe Nwodo wondered why the people should

protest after the family had gone to court in suit n u m b e r CC/AO/6/2013 between Igwe Nwatu and five others versus Igwe Nwodo to challenge the ownership and possession of the alleged land in dispute. “Is the protest the family's lack of confidence in the court or what? Do they w a n t t h e government to intervene or what? This is w h y w e categorically state that the protest is fraught with sinister intention

calculated and hatched to destroy the reputation of our client (Igwe Nwodo) and bring him to bad

light before the authority,” the letter reads. The royal father appealed to the state government to ignore the “unwarranted protest” and allow the rule of law to take its course, insisting that the said land legitimately belonged to his community . He advised the aggrieved family to rather wait for the outcome of the case before the court rather than “playing to the gallery by staging unwarranted protest.” The Ogonogo Eji, Ndiuno, Akpugo autonomous community had during their protest to the Government House, Enugu and the state Ministry of Lands, alleged that Igwe Nwodo had forcefully taken over their land but the royal father dismissed their claim insisting that the said land belonged to Ugwuafor community which had agreed to use it for the development of an estate.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Willie Obiano For Continuity Continued from page 2

irrigation system, large industrial silos for secure storage and roads infrastructure. Create via PPP large agroprocessing centres across the State to provide quality consistency and promote exportation of produce from Anambra. Mobilize and incentivize foreign and domestic private sector experts to cultivate for local consumption, processing & export. Collaborate (via PPP) with reputable agro-based Israeli institution to introduce modern farming technologies to improve yield productivity.

PPP Build Operate & Own schemes. Commence large scale beautification projects in Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha Construction of cemeteries across all local governments in the State.

Infrastructure Development Continue with the expansion of Awka Capital. Build 2 new modern cities/settlements (in addition to the Greenwood city) via PPP with competent real estate financiers which shall come complete with all social amenities (such as water scheme, sewer system, electricity and roads) in Nkwelle Ezunaka and Nnewi. Strategically build 700 km of roads, flyovers and pedestrian bridges (in addition to ongoing 300 km road projects) to harness potentials and enhance economic activities in the remote parts of the state. Dualization of major high-traffic roads in our major cities (Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha). Secure foreign infrastructure development institutions to develop an intra-state light rail system connecting all major cities (Awka-Onitsha-Nnewi) within the State. Leverage on the State's strong relationship with the Federal Government to accelerate the construction and deployment of inter-state rail transport to Anambra for easy movement, transport of raw materials and finished goods manufactured in the State to other parts of Nigeria. Provide via a BOT scheme an airstrip with human traffic and cargo facilities in Anambra North senatorial district to foster the development of the Oil and Gas, and agriculture sector in the State. Modernization of the State's transportation system by building bus stops, remodeling parks and introducing an electronic payment scheme. Development of a water transportation master plan A, with a view to providing indigenes (especially those in the riverine areas of the State) a quick and reliable transportation option for the movement of people, goods and services. Promote more investments in power to complement ongoing projects in power generation (such as the Onitsha 260mw IPP). Leverage cordial relationship with Federal Government and initiate an intensive lobbying to fast-track the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge, the dredging of the River Niger and Anambra River.

Commerce & Industry

Housing & Urban Development

Create Anambra State Markets Agency (ASMA) to rehabilitate, construct and regulate all trade activities in all our major markets across the State. Construct new and organized markets via PPP schemes in surrounding towns of Onitsha and Nnewi. Invest in support infrastructure in existing industrial clusters in Onitsha, Nnewi and Ozubulu and create 2 new clusters in Orumba and Achalla. Set-up training schools that focus on educating Small-Medium Enteprise. Incentivize private sector to embrace PPP to provide shared infrastructure statewide for use on â&#x20AC;&#x153;pay as you useâ&#x20AC;? basis, such as: Automotive parts production towns Food processing Plants (Mills, Juicers, Packaging plant, etc) Wood processing Plants Storage Silos Food packaging Promote Exportation Use PPP to set up a Bio-fuel and waste recycling plant to be sited at a major waste dump site in the outskirts of Onitsha. Assist existing automobile industry participants and attract at least 1 global auto brand to establish an assembly plant in the State. Improve existing patronage to local manufacturers and encourage other States and Federal Government to patronize domestic manufacturers.

Create an annual N1bn youth empowerment grant scheme modeled after the Federal G o v e r n m e n t ' s Yo u W i n ! programme to tackle youth unemployment and foster economic growth. Create a new agency solely responsible for promoting, protecting, monitoring, regulating and facilitating investments in Anambra State Anambra State Investment Promotion & Protection Agency (ANSIPPA). Agriculture: Prepare a 5-year agricultural transformation agenda leveraging on the Federal Government's existing plan focusing on the development of the State's food basin (Ayamelum, Anambra West, Anambra East and Ogbaru) to ensure Anambra State becomes self-sufficient in all staple foods (rice, cassava, maize and yam) by 2018. Improve and expand the Root Crop Research Centre (Igbariam) into a full-fledged agroinstitute,similar to International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to provide scientific research capable of enhancing the quality and quantity of the State agricultural produce. Creation of large agro-allied zones for commercial and mechanized farming located in the State's food basin fully equipped with a comprehensive

Embark on an aggressive implementation of the city master plan for Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi jointly prepared by Peter Obi's Administration and UN Habitat. Introduction of a fully automated C of O issuance, structure approval and renovation processes. Introduce PPP with reputable developers to build new settlements of 10,000 housing units annually to decongest high population regions of the State. Working closely with the Federal Ministries for Housing and Finance, to provide single digit interest mortgage loans to encourage house ownership amongst working class (civil service and private sector) in the State.

Security &Social Welfare Creation of Anambra State Traffic and Safety Agency. Introduce CCTVs at all the entry and exit routes of the states to enable security agencies track movements of kidnappers and other criminals. Construct new and rehabilitate existing security agency infrastructure. Donation of 1,500 security patrol vehicles, communication and other surveillance equipment to security agencies across the State. Put in place a 'Target/Reward System' to motivate security agencies towards aggressive crime fighting. Sustain cordial working relationship between all security agencies. Grow State's security trust fund via assistance of blue chip corporations in the State. Introduce capacity building programs for Community Vigilante groups. Establish 6 new fire emergency stations across all 3 senatorial zones. Build upon the

recently commissioned Social Security scheme for the elderly.

Tourism, Sports & Youth Development Prepare a tourism and hospitality policy to promote private sector investments in hotels, resorts, museums, tourist sites and theme parks. Establish 21 sport centres across all local governments to discover young talents. Establish at least one (1) fully functional Sports Academy via PPP in each senatorial District. Encourage the setting up of a State Football club Upon completion of Onitsha stadium, the State shall bid aggressively to host major games and national sporting events. Introduction of annual Anambra State Sports Festival to stimulate and promote healthy competition.

Judiciary Introduction of a fully automated judicial system. Improve welfare packages to attract the best qualified judges and supporting staff. Provide resources for adequate training programs and summits

Administration & Civil Service Embark on an extensive revision of the compensation and welfare packages of Civil Service in Anambra to enhance productivity and improve the quality of life of every civil servant. Introduce a structured, rigorous and transparent recruitment exercise annually. Commence annual retreats for all civil servants (level 15 and up) to evaluate ministerial performance and devise strategies to improve performance. Continue the recently introduced annual domestic and foreign retreat for senior government officials (members of the Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries and other Political Appointees). 4-year replacement of official vehicles for all qualified Staff (Permanent Secretaries and Directors). Introduce annual training programs for all staff across all levels.

Enabling Laws In my first 6 months, we will strive to pass into law or amend the following enabling laws to create legal bedrock for my policies and programs to thrive: Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Law Awka Capital Development Authority Law Anambra State Tourism and Hospitality Law Children and Young Persons Law Criminal Justice Law VOTE CHIEF WILLIE OBIANO FOR ANAMBRA STATE Governor

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

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Anambra 2013! A battle of Titans

Tony Nwoye (PDP)

s the count-down to the Anambra governorship election 2013 is fast approaching day by day, palpable fear has gripped major state holders and political parties, on the possibilities or otherwise of what may make or mar the political future of the Economic vibrant state. There has also been uncertainty in the polity as the unfolding political scenario in various political parties creates a more confusing and unimaginable scale of political alignment and re-alignment making the entire process a more difficult mission. Political watchers and analyst have also not been able to critically comprehend and analyze the dynamism, political maneuver and power play in various political parties jostling for the plumb position. It is also not in doubt that about sixty five percent of the just concluded congresses and primaries for the election are inconclusive, which has given birth to factions here and there with each having their candidates as the flag bearer of the party for the gubernatorial elections.

APGA For instance, the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA produced two different candidates in the persons of Chief Willy Obiano a former Fidelity Bank chief executive and an industrialist Dr. Chike Obidigbo from Umunya both from Anambra North Senatorial zone. The emergence of the two, no doubt is contradictory in view of the circumstances that brought them into the parties as flag bearers. Chief Obiano, a new entrant in the Anambra governorship race is strongly believed to have the blessing or anointing of the incumbent Governor of Anambra state Mr. Peter Obi; situation political watchers have criticized, describing it as an imposition on the people of the state.

Willie Obiano (APGA) There's an assumption that the situation may not augur well for APGA as Obiano's emergence was predicated upon Governor Obi's fraternity with him when he was with the Fidelity Bank CEO, where Obi was once the chairman Board of Directors and has the highest shares capital investment. The preference of Chief Obiano for Professor Charles Soludo, former, Central Bank Governor and a first class economist of the University of Nigeria is strongly believed to have political undertone and can be linked to the Obi- Umeh saga where Soludo undoubtedly was believed to be Umeh's choice for the party's governorship ticket. The dramatic turn of event in the former Central Bank Governor's candidature after dumping his former political party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join APGA may have left political observers wondering if the professor of Economics was not just a victim of circumstance who was sacrificed to settle leadership tussle within the party. The young professor's entrant into APGA as could be recalled came shortly after the fragile reconciliation between Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State and Chief Victor Umeh the recognized National Chairman of the Party. The choice of Soludo by the National chairman is also very clear as Umeh according a close source wanted a candidate that has been tested and trusted whose general acceptability, pedigree and credibility is never in doubt, to win the election particularly when the state is the only strong hold of his party. For Governor Peter Obi, this is the time for stock-taking. He believes in the biblical injunction of the Old Testament Bible, 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'. Obi also believes he has paid his dues having served as Governor for about seven years with nothing presently at stake. It is either Umeh

Chris Ngige (APC)

allows him to produce the next Governorship candidate of the party or he lives the party as he met it. Obi's position was manifest in a press statement recently where he said that he'd rather quit politics instead of leaving APGA. The implication is that if the party loses the state, Umeh automatically loses recognition as the National Chairman along with his National working committee and each and every one of them should quietly leave the political stage to their respective homes. Also the Obi's new found favor in the Government of Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP is another grey area to critically look at because the President seems comfortable with Obi's political manipulations in the state whether or not it favours the ruling party the PDP. Also the way and manner that Governor Obi's Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe Martins Uzodike, has been vocal in defending his master's role in the manipulation of Soludo's APGA ticket obviously points at a predesigned strategy to frustrate the Professor's ambition. His defence that Governor Obi has no hand in Professor Soludo's disqualification is just an eye opener, after all there are other six others aspirants also disqualified, including Governor Obi's immediate Secretary to the state government Mr. Oseloka Obaze who is at the time of filling this report had since resigned his appointment. All these people disqualified belong to one family APGA and ought to be carried along by the party leadership which Obi is one but for whatever reason, the allegations are that Obi may have decided to leave the Government House Awka with APGA to his new found political family the PDP; a development Obi had since denied.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state since 2007 has also remained a ghost of itself. It is no longer news today that since the exit of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju in 2007, the party has subjected itself to endless court litigations; a development that has also disorganized major stakeholders of the party and even destroyed the party structure at the grassroots for over ten years now. What are obtained in Anambra PDP had been political bickering, intra-party squabble, unimaginable power play as well as various degrees of court injunction and judgments. Against this background, the PDP has lost the grip of the state it controlled for about seven years and the remaining members of the party in the state are merely hawkers, shopping for money from one money bag to another irrespective of party affiliation. This is why some analysts think that the party cannot by any stretch of imagination win the Governorship election in the state unless by divine intervention or by means of imposition just as the unfolding power play in the PDP clearly substantiates this assertion. Two factions were born as a result of the intra party crisis in the party, which led to the emergence of two Governorship flag bearers; a former Governor of the state and a sitting Senator, Andy Uba and a onetime state chairman of the People Democratic Party, PDP, Comrade Tony Nwoye. While Senator Uba was the candidate of a faction led by Chief Oguebego recognized by INEC, Comrade Nwoye is a candidate of the Kenneth Emeakayi, led faction recognized by the Party, PDP. In the interim the PDP cannot present two candidates for this election, therefore one must bow out either in peace or in pieces; a condition that is deepening the crack in the party.

Ifeanyi Uba (LP)

the grass root in the state going by the recent role of some major stakeholders in the new party. This is because there's already a feud amongst major stakeholders of the party especially the recent endorsement of Senator Chris Ngige and his subsequent emergence as the party flag bearer in its last primaries. Worse still, the merger that threw up the party has also suffered a serious setback following the withdrawal of the state Branch of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Besides, the former ANPP structure in the state is threatening to pull out of the merger because it claimed their structure was not consulted during the merging and harmonization processes as well as the recent primaries that led to the election of the former governor of the state Senator Chris Ngige as the party's flag bearer. Ngige has also been accused by some people due his statement on the repatriation of Igbo's in Lagos state to Anambra state; an action that has been widely criticized by the Igbos at large. The pulling out threat of the State chapter of ANPP was also coming on the heels of the report made by a coalition of civil society organizations on election observation and monitoring in Nigeria that the APC primaries of September 2, in Anambra State was marred with irregularities and ballot box snatching by some political thugs in some polling units in Ayamelum, Onitsha South, Aguata, Onitsha North, Nnewi South, Njikoka and Ihiala local government areas. The National Coordinator of the team Engr. Dominic Alfred and Comrade Friday Maduka National Secretary who were in Awka on the eve of the primaries said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;late arrival of materials frustrated a lot of people from voting.â&#x20AC;? The state scribe of the defunct ANPP Mr. Mike Igwilo in a press briefing after its emergency APC The PDP The All Progressives Congress, executive meeting in Awka also In another development the APC, may not find it easy to get to Continues on page 13

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

State.

Anambra 2013! A battle of Titans ACD committee headed by Alhaji Mani I b r a h i m Ahmed, who is also the party's n a t i o n a l organizing secretary. Ahmed who announced the result said the state was in transition and ADC was prepared to produce the next governor, noted that the three delegates from the21 l o c a l Godwin Ezemuo (PPA) Godson Okoye (UDP) government areas of the state and some which picked its gubernatorial chieftains took part as delegates Continued from page 12 candidate for the November 16, accused the leadership of the 2013 election in Anambra State, for the election. ( A P C ) o f b r e a c h i n g t h e with an investor, Dr. Hygers Also speaking, Chief Nwosu constitution by failing to set up a Ifeanyi Igwebuike as its candidate. stated that the party would hold the State Congress Committee that Accord Party's Board of Trustees biggest rally in next week, would o v e r s e e i t s chairman, Chief Sir Augustine presented the flag to Arinze saying activities before the conduct of the Mazie who announced Dr. that the party would not sing praises of money bags whose past primaries. Igwebuike as the winner at the activities in the state has set the According to him, “We are primary that took place in Awka marginalized in the party and not before the close of deadline of state back, just as he stated their carried along for the reasons we September 2, this year lauded the interest was to hijack the power find difficult to explain, our orderly and peaceful manner in source and milk the state dry as supporters now float like sheep which the delegates conducted cabals. without a shepherd. But before the themselves to elect the party's flag While saying that ADC has adopted a global transformation end of September, our next bearer. framework that would actualize destination would be made ACTION ALLIANCE with its domineering influence in public”. Although the pulling out of the After its gubernatorial primary African continent, Nwosu stated ANPP Anambra state chapter from supervised by national officers of the low key nature of the primary the merger may be seen as the party in Awka, the Action conducted by the party was to insignificant and may not deter the Alliance elected a prolific writer make a difference from wasteful APC but its credibility and and author, Chika Jerry Okeke as bazaar of other parties He added that ADC was more interested in confidence may not be guaranteed its candidate. recreating the nation through Okeke emerged as a consensus by the Nigeria electorates. candidate of the party in a imaginative nation building The Labour Party gubernatorial primary held at the process. However the Labour Party in the Cana House Awka penultimate DPP state had only one candidate, Wednesday. returned un-opposed during its The chairman of the electoral Similarly, the Democratic People's primaries at the Emmaus House in panel, Vernimbe James announced P a r t y ( D P P ) h a s h e l d i t s Awka. Although other contestants Okeke as the winner of the gubernatorial election after who purchased the intent/ exercise, saying he was the only meeting at the Choice Hotel Awka nomination forms were said to candidate that was cleared to run September 2, this year to return a Lagos-based lawyer, Chijioke have withdrawn from the race after the election. Godfrey Ndubuisi. the purchase. Their withdrawal automatically paved way for the ADC NCP Nnewi-born multi-millionaire Also, ADC held its primary Equally, the Anambra State Chief Ifeanyi Uba, who narrowly monitored by INEC, Arinze , a Executive Committee of the escaped being a victim APGA journalist turned politician and National Conscience Party (NCP) one time publisher of Trade Link had on September 2 this year political debacle. Political analysts are of the opinion International magazine, was elected Okonkwo as its fla bearer. that those contestants may have declared as the winner. Before the exercise, State also made brisk business with the At its primary held at GeoGold chairman of the party, Peter Okala national officers of the flanked by Barrister Chibuike multi millionaire either as political Hotel, hawkers or were intimidated by the party including Chief Ralphs Okey Nwabueze; the state legal adviser, display of affluence by the super Nwosu, national chairman; Alhaji Barrister Anthony Orunkoya, rich oil magnet popularly known Said Baba Abdullahi, national among other state executive secretary; Chief Hon. Lai members of the party said four as Capital Oil. The oil magnet according to eye O k u n a d e , d e p u t y n a t i o n a l aspirants underwent screening witness parades over two hundred chairman (South), Hajia Amina stressing that who eventually wins and fifty exotic cars in his political Mohammed, national women would lead the party into campaign train and has the leader and state chairmen from G o v e r n m e n t H o u s e a f t e r financial muscle to dare the ruling Rivers, Sokoto, Kano ,Osun, November 16, election. party as well as the PDP money Ondo, Oyo, Kaduna, Taraba and Okala disclosed "We are going Anambra were in attendance. bags. into Anambra Government House Arinze, who ran as the party with all sense of responsibility ACCORD PARTY deputy governorship candidate in Leading the pack of other 2010 governorship election was because as its name implies, many contending parties is the number elected through a voice vote people are yawning for a party one party, Accord Party (AP) handled by the Congress electoral with conscience, having become

tired of past leaders who have no conscience and who have politicized everything in governance". "The message of our party is clear and direct and without bias, adding, just like the founding father of the party, Late Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Gani Fawehimni whose spirit is still alive, Anambra State has no course to worry as NCP is now sending a message of hope by addressing the wounds inflicted on our people by political desperadoes". NCP chieftain warned Governor Peter Obi to allow for a level playing ground for all contestants, noting that the era of people coming into Government House through the window is over as Anambrarians are now wiser and in a dire need for a government with conscience. Meanwhile, human right activists from various parts of the country are expected to storm, Awka, Anambra state capital ahead of the mega rally of the National Conscience Party, NCP. In a press release from the NCP s t a t e p u b l i c i t y s e c r e t a r y, Emmanuel Uzoh, also expected at the rally includes the former National Chairman of the party and renowned lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN). Uzoh said "NCP as one of the major contenders to Anambra state governorship seat has mapped out its strategies all geared towards sensitizing the people to vote according to their conscience. In the light of this, human right activists and close friends of our late leader, Gani Fawehmi including Falana and Yanusa Tanko are expected to flag- off the maga rally slated to hold in the state"

NNPP The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) elected Leonard Uchendu as its gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra state. Uchendu, a business man was the only candidate in the primary election held on Friday August 30, 2013 at the party's state secretariat in Awka, polled more than 95% of the votes to emerge as an acceptable candidate of the party. National Chairman of NNPP, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam who spoke through the party's National Secretary, Major Gilbert Agbo, before the election informed the delegates from all the local government areas in the state that although Uchendu was the only candidate cleared by the Screening Committee of the party, in line with the Constitution of the party, the sole candidate would emerge through legitimacy of the people in the internal democracy. In his acceptance speech, Uchendu thanked the leadership and the entire members of the party for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to disappoint them and the entire people of Anambra

There are other political parties trying to get recognition in the state which include, The ACD Advanced Congress for Democrats which has an assistant professor of Neonatology Meharry medical college, Nashville, TN, USA, Dr Ifeatu Ekeleem as its candidate. D r. E k e l e e m b e l i e v e s i n reformation and massage of good hope to turn around Anambra state and Nigeria Democratic process to the path of glory and rectitude, but the fear is that about seventy percent of Nigerians live below poverty line and because that fewer than five percent of the electorate will have the time to listen to this massage of good hope and long Grammar. A beautiful idea and concept it may seem but he is not grounded in the kind of politics that is obtained in Nigeria. His ignorance about the terms and condition of politics played out when he was dumped during the primary by the party for Chief Sylvester Okeke who however was the highest bidder. It is not yet clear what Okeke really want to do with the ticket as the party as at the time of this report is yet to have structure as well as followers in the state. These and more are the yet untold story of Anambra 2013 election.

Jonathan sacks Emodi, Olagunji as special advisers

resident Goodluck Jonathan on Friday relieved two of his Special Advisers of their appointments with immediate effect. They are, his Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Mrs. Joy Emodi; and that of New Partnership for Africa's Development, Dr. Tunji Olagunju. A statement by the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan commended Emordi and Olagunju for their services and wished them success in their future endeavours. No reason has been given for the sackings. When contacted, Emordi expressed gratitude to the President for an opportunity to serve him and by extension the nation. She said, “It was an honour and rare privilege to serve Mr. President and my nation in the capacity I served. I am also grateful to God and my family for the support they gave me throughout the period.” Emordi equally said she would continue to work towards the growth and progress of Nigeria and urged Nigerians to continue to s u p p o r t M r. P r e s i d e n t ' s transformation agenda.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

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Anambra: Confusion as Nwoye drags INEC, PDP to court … Wants his name on the ballot papers

he confusion trailing the governorship candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State continued Tuesday, as candidate recognized by the national leadership of the party, Tony Nwoye, has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and his political platform before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. In a suit he filed through his counsel, Chief Yusuf Ali (SAN), Nwoye, is asking the court to mandate the INEC to place his name and particulars on the ballot papers and other necessary documents to be used for the conduct of the election by the first defendant. Meanwhile, Senator Andy Ubah and Prince Nickolas Ukachukwu,

have applied to be joined as parties to the suit. However, Justice Elvis Chukwu

could not proceed with the case in view of an observation by counsel to Ukachukwu, Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu, that a High Court in Port Harcourt, had yesterday morning, disqualified Nwoye from contesting the Anambra gubernatorial poll. Consequently, Justice Chukwu adjourned the matter till Friday to study the details of the said judgment. The plaintiff further urged the court to decide “whether having regards to the second defendant (PDP) constitution and its electoral guidelines, the second defendant having issued certificate of return to the plaintiff as the winner of its governorship primaries for

Hausa community in Abia commend exercise the general manager Abia were ASEPA waste bin is located, ASEPA Boss State Environmental Protection a n d c o m m e n d e d t h e s t a t e government for the assistant being

By Emmanuel Ihanacho, Umuahia

he Hausa community residing in Lokpanta Umunneochi local government area of Abia state has continued to shower praises on the state governor and the general manager Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency (ASEPA) for the annual ritual of keeping their environs clean. Speaking while receiving the ASEPA workers who came to clear the area, the traditional ruler of the Hausa community there, Alhaji Magaji, said he has spent over nine years now in Abia State but started enjoying the environment ever since the inception of Governor Theodore Orji, and the GM ASEPA Mr. Ikechukwu Apugo who not only ensures the up keep of the Lokpanta cattle market but have asked them not to pay anything. He thanked the agency for the good work they are doing and disclosed that him and his people are willing anytime to assist the state government in contributing, no matter how little it is, for the steady up keep of that area, “as a people we know what it takes for here to look good as it is now.'' The sight engineer, Apostle Charles charged the leaders of lokpanta market to help ASEPA by disposing their waste in all the designated places to reduce cost being spent by state government monthly in clearing that area. Some business men in that area who spoke with THE ADVOCATE prayed ASEPA to make available waste dump sites for them as soon as possible and expressed their willingness to pay revenue monthly to assist the government do better. They also called on ASEPA to redeploy personnel who will monitor defaulters as they could not afford living in the same condition which the place was before when the incumbent government had not come on board. Briefing news men shortly after the

Agency (ASEPA) Mr. Ikechukwu Apugo, disclosed their willingness to keep Abia State clean, as it was in line with the vision and mission of Governor Ahamefula Orji, to give inhabitants of the state a healthy environment. According to him this exercise has been going on daily, no longer monthly as it were, that is the only magic at hand to maintain the cities of Abia clean. He disclosed that their challenges includes; a role off truck that will be carting away dirt's in all the areas

given to them financially which has been a source of encouragement. Mr. Apugo condemned the attitude of the people who did not make use of dump provided for them by ASEPA but rather chose to liter the ground with dirt. He called on Abians to help ASEPA for them to do more, and promised their readiness to kick start a programme that will help to educate people from house to house which will also pass the knowledge that says cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Anambra State and forwarded, presented and nominated his name to the first defendant as its governorship candidate for the November 2013 Anambra State governorship election, the second defendant has the vires/power, to present/ nominate or forward the name of any other person to the first defendant as its candidate for the November, 2013 Anambra State governorship election.” He is also asking for “a

declaration that having regards to the provisions of the second defendant's constitution and its electoral guideline for primary election 2010, the first defendant is without vires, power or authority to reject his name, accept, receive or recognize any other person, other than the plaintiff as the second defendant's governorship candidate for the November 2013 Anambra State governorship election.”

INEC sacks nine senior officers

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the dismissal of eight members of its s t a ff a n d t e r m i n a t e d t h e appointment of one employee. The announcement was contained in a memo signed by the commission's Director of Human Resources Manager, Mr. Musa Adamu, and published in the Wednesday's edition of “INEC Daily Bulletin.” Those dismissed include Mr. Martin Yakwo (Admin. Officer II) on GL 08 (INEC Benue State); Esther Francis Ita (Senior Executive Officer), GL 09 (INEC Akwa Ibom State); Imelda E. Akpan (Admin. Officer I) GL 09 (INEC Akwa Ibom State); Ogudo Esther N. (Assistant Executive Officer) GL 06 (INEC Akwa

Ibom); and Mrs. Eberewariye A. Sharon (Admin. Officer) GL 09 (INEC FCT). Others are, Mrs. Makir Dzakpe Helena (Principal Admin Officer); GL 12 (INEC Nasarawa State); Akonjom Nsed Ayip (Assistant Chief Engineer) GL 13 (INEC Cross River State) and Miss Oyedokun Taye Risikat (Admin. Officer II) (INEC Osun State. The appointment of Mr. Adebore Murtala Adesina (Higher Executive Officer) GL 08, (INEC Osun State)) was terminated by INEC. Although there are yet no details as to the offences of the affected workers, it was however gathered that it was in preparation for the 2015 general elections.

Enugu LG Polls: PDP, Chime laud peaceful conduct of primaries

overnor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State and the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have commended the level of understanding, maturity and cooperation exhibited by PDP stakeholders during the recently concluded local government chairmanship primary election of the party in the state. Chime, who was speaking on the outcome of the exercise noted that the election was the fourth that the party was conducting since he came into office and described it as a huge success since it was peaceful, orderly and devoid of thuggery. He advised the chairmanship candidates that would carry the party's flag during the November 2 local government election in the state to redouble efforts, listen to their people and carry the stakeholders along so that the party is victorious at the polls. He further urged those of them who will be coming for the second tenure to use the period to correct the mistakes of the past to justify the confidence reposed in them by the party and the people. Also in his speech the Chairman,

PDP Central Working Committee National Monitoring Committee for Enugu State, Mr. Baba Lawal described the party primaries in the state as outstanding and exemplary. Lawal who said that he was highly impressed over the rancour free elections urged other state in the country to emulate the good example of the party in Enugu State where aspirants were given the opportunity to test their popularity. Also speaking, the Chief of Staff Government House, Enugu, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo advised the party's chairmanship flag bearers to tow the leadership style of the present administration at the state level to enhance development at the grassroots. She maintained that the leadership style of Governor Chime has been a good example to be emulated and therefore charged the party's chairmanship candidates to justify the people's confidence through hard work.

…17 Candidates emerge The list of PDP candidates elected for the November 2, 2013 Local Government Election in the 17 councils in the state has been published. The list of the elected

candidates signed by the State PDP Chairman, Engr. Vita Abba and Secretary, Mr. Steve Oruruo, released after the primary elections, showed that twelve of the outgoing council chairmen were re-elected as the party's flag-bearers while five new entrants were elected. The outgoing chairmen who made the list of the party's candidates seeking re-election for another two-year term include, Christopher Nwobodo ( Aninri), Mathanus Nze (Awgu), Prince Cornelius Nnaji (Enugu East), Emeka Edeh (Enugu North), Emeka Ozoagu ( Ezeagu), and Festus Ozoemena (Igbo Etiti).

Others are Bonaventure Onuh (Igbo Eze North), Festus Ozioko (Igbo Eze South), Augustine Nnamani (Isi-Uzo), Pastor Sam Iyiogwe (Nkanu East), Ifeanyi Chinedu Iloeje (Udi) and Cornel Onwubuya (Uzo-Uwani). The new candidates include Victor Agbo (Enugu South), Afam Okereke (Nkanu West), Charles Ugwu (Nsukka), Jideofor Onyemechi (Oji River) and Amaechi Nwodo (Udenu). The state party chairman, Engr. Vi t a A b b a , e x p r e s s e d satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the primary election in the 17 local government areas saying the candidates emerged through a transparent process. He commended members of the party for the maturity they displayed during the exercise which ensured that the process was conducted without any ugly incident in all the councils. While congratulating the candidates for their success in the primary election, Abba urged them to work hard in order to ensure the party's victory in the council poll which many parties are presenting candidates. Meanwhile, candidates of other political parties contesting the election are yet to be unveiled.

THE

ADVOCATE

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Nigerian founding fathers

estus Okotie-Eboh (1919-1966) was a prominent and flamboyant Nigerian politician and former minister for finance during the administration of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Born to Urhobo parents from Uwherun, he adopted the Itsekiri as his tribe after marriage into a prominent Itsekiri family. Before his change of ethnicity he was Chief Festus Samuel Edah. He attended the Baptist School, Sapele for secondary education. He later joined the British Bata Company, as a clerk. After working at the British Bata Company for a while, he became a deputy manager in Sapele, during this time he was also member of the Wa r r i P o r t s A d v i s o r y Committee and the Sapele Township Advisory Board. In due time, he traveled to Czechoslovakia and studied Business Administration. On returning to the country, he quit his prior position and started a

Festus Okotie-Eboh successful business, selling timber, rubber and owning a few schools. In 1951, after some influence from Azikiwe, he contested for a seat and was elected into the western region House of Assembly. In 1954, he was elected treasurer of the N.C.N.C. and in 1957, was made Minister of Finance. Chief Okotie-Eboh was reelected from his constituency in Sapele in the present Delta State on the plat-form of National council of Nigeria and Cameroun (NCNC) during the second general election in 1959 to the House of parliament. He was reappointed Minister of Finance sequel to the alliance between Northern People's Congress (NPC) and National Council of Nigeria and Cameroun (NCNC), which formed the federal government after Independence in 1960. Chief Okotie-Eboh brought a lot of changes in his Ministry

of finance during his second tenure as the minister of finance. It was during his second tune-around that the

Central Bank was set-up. The Nigerian currency during his period came into circulation. The Bauchi-Maduguri

Railway extention came into being in 1964 based on world bank loan, he and his team negotiated. He died in 1966.

Who is afraid of Ike Ekweremadu? By Engr. Emeka Ozoagbo

ecently a national daily had quoted the Executive Governor of Enugu State Barr. Sullivan Chime to have said in a town hall meeting held in Enugu that it is the turn of the Enugu North Senatorial District (Nsukka Zone) to produce the next governor come 2015, and in a swift reaction, Senator Ike Ekweremadu was also quoted to have told reporters in Abuja that there was nothing like “zoning” in Enugu governor's seat. As 2015 draws near, the election to determine who would succeed Governor Sullivan Chime is already generating considerable interest. Before I proceed, Senator Ike Ekweremadu needs no introduction in the political landscape of this country and by extension he is the 'Deputy Senate President', a grass root politician having grown through the ranks from Local Government Chairman prior to 1999 then in 1999 when he became the Chief of Staff Government House and later the Secretary to the State Government, a position he held until 2003 when he was elected as the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District. He doubles as the Chairman of the senate committee on Constitution Review and the speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. He has raised the profile of the Senatorial District through his unprecedented performance. A distinguished senator, who has been a recurring decimal and a fixture in the power equation of the country, combines an astounding intellectual capacity with practical experience in

Senator Ike Ekweremadu governance. Zoning is not enshrined in the Nigerian constitution of 1999 as amended. It is only unpopular and weak aspirants that would base their ambition on such parochial tendencies. Enugu North Senatorial Zone has taken refuge in zoning and power shift. Consequently, they have expended so much energy on zoning in a manner that suggests that aspirants from the zone are incapable of competing in a free and fair contest. Since the creation of Enugu State in 1991, the context for governorship in the state has always been open to all aspirants from the three Senatorial Districts in the

state. As at last election, Governor Chime had contested against aspirants from Enugu East and Enugu North Senatorial Districts and no one was barred from contesting the PDP primaries. In 2015, Enugu people are desirous of a leader who would consolidate on the a c h i e v e m e n t o f G o v. C h i m e administration (Apology to the Ngwo Clan). The people desire a development minded leader with a disposition towards making the whole state his constituency and not one who comes with a “zoned” mentality. Such mundane and primordial consideration as “zoning” and “power shift” as being canvassed by those who

cannot match the intimidating profile of Sen. Ike Ekweremadu should be consigned to the dustbin. “As Uthman Dan Fodio rightly put it, conscience is an open wound only truth can heal it”. It will be an equivocation for the ambition of such a political heavyweight to be sacrificed on the altar of zoning. “The Governor can only act in line with the constitution or any other existing law” and that “where an action is not explicitly supported by any law, the action is Ultra Vires”. One is left to wonder why the Governor with all his manner of gentleness should now be involved in such an undemocratic principle. I am worried that if this discriminatory policy is allowed to stand, we will not only be encouraging illegality, but also be destroying the core values of merit, hard work and excellence in favour of indolence and mediocrity. It needs to be stated that Senator Ekweremadu has not yet thrown his hat into the ring but has met the constitutional requirement. Be that as it may, Sen. Ekweremadu's perceived ambition has featured prominently in the political discourses in the state and my candid advice to the North Senatorial District (Nsukka Zone) is to device a means of winning the gubernatorial election come 2015 than basking on the euphoria that the Governor had erroneously zoned the coveted seat to them. But one thing is imminent, the politics of “divide and rule” and this could only be summarized as “Ike Ekweremadurisation”.

Engr. Ozoagbo wrote from Enugu

THE

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

ADVOCATE

NUJ SOUTH EAST SUMMIT IN ENUGU

he 2nd Annual Summit of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Zone C South East Zone was held at the Prestigious Nike Resort,Enugu on Friday. The event attracted top dignitaries from all works of life. Some of those in attendance were the Chairman ,Senate committee on Gas ,Senator Nkechi Nwogu who chaired the event. Former Minister of Power,Prof Bath Nnaji who delivered the annual lecture,Senator Anyim Udeh,the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Deputy National President of the NUJ. The Vice president South South Zone of NUJ,Ozaka,Ozaka, the Representative of the Deputy Senate President, Gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party in the forthcoming Governorship election in Anambra State,Dr Ifeanyi Ubah and his Deputy as well as the Chairmen of the NUJ in Abia,Anambra,Ebonyi,Enugu and Imo State. Also in attendance were the SSG to Abia State Government as well as the DVC of University of Nigeria Nsukka and Gregory University, Uturu Abia State among others..The Host was the Vice President ,NUJ Zone C,South East ,Deacon Chris Isiguzo. Pictures below show some of the dignitaries that attended the event.

Dignitaries at the Event

Prof. Bath Nnaji, Guest Lecturer

Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah and Wife (Award Recipient)

Rep NUJ Nat. President, Senator Anyim Udeh (right)

Chris Isiguzo, Ambrose Nwachukwu and Abia Onyike

Guests at the Event

Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime casts his vote during the PDP Local Government primary election, at Udi local government headquarters, Udiâ&#x20AC;Ś Last week

Gov. Sullivan Chime commissions five security vans donated to the Enugu State Government by the MTN Foundation, yesterday. He is flanked on his left by Akinwale Goodluck, MTN's Corporate Services Executive.

THE

ADVOCATE

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

e-mail: tender4j@yahoo.com

ow can you live the high life if you do not wear high heels, your foot wears also defines whom you are , not only clothes and hand bags you carry. Want to look classic? Then you go for foot wears that will make you appear trendy including flats, so you check these out.

THE

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

ADVOCATE

Online baby sale: Student impregnates, kills 17-year-old girl Couple try to sell baby girl via outside a metro station in suburban marry the girl in question but his in Zamfara parents Facebook In Brazil Recife and to turn over $666 in frowned at the decision,

6-year-old student of health technology has been arrested by the police in Zamfara State for allegedly abducting, impregnating and killing a 17year-old girl, Bela'u. The suspect, Bello was arrested following the death of the girl after he took her to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, in an effort to stop excess bleeding by the victim, resulting from alleged attempt to abort a five-month-old pregnancy. Bello, who is a student of the state School of Health Technology, Tsafe, admitted that he had sexual relationship with the deceased for more than two years and she became pregnant for him. It was gathered that the suspect bought some drugs from a patent medicine store, which he wrongly administered on the girl in order to abort the pregnancy. It was further revealed that shortly after the administration of the drugs, she started bleeding and vomiting in Bello's room and was later taken to hospital. “I abducted her from her house in Samaru area and took her to my room where she became pregnant for me; so, I tried to abort it and she started bleeding and vomiting. “I noticed that the bleeding would not stop, so I quickly rushed her to the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau and she was admitted but unfortunately for me, she died few minutes after the admission. “I called my uncle to inform him of what had happened and he too called her (Bela'u) uncle and told him about the incident.” It was gathered that the suspect initially declared his intention to

warning him to avoid any relationship with her. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Lawal Abdullahi said they received the information on the death of the girl and immediately swung into action. DSP Abdullahi said the girl's body has been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre for post mortem examination, adding that the suspect would be charged to court after proper investigation.

couple who tried to sell their two-year-old daughter via Facebook has been arrested in the northeastern Brazilian city of Recife, police said Wednesday. A police spokesman in Recife told AFP that the toddler's biological parents were arrested and jailed late Tuesday after failing to post bail set at $6,666 each. The girl was turned over to the city's child protective services. “The 23-year-old mother said she

cash plus a portable computer in exchange for the girl. Under the deal, she was due to pay an additional $890 in 10 installments. The couple was arrested during the transaction. “The husband did not take part in the online negotiations but was present during the delivery and held the child in his arms,” Geraldo da Costa, the police officer in charge of the case, told the G1 news portal.

Man Brings Two Big Snakes To BRT Bus office. No one could explain to Depot, Threatens Boss me how he got in.”

man, identified as Sunday Ogbaide has been arrested by the Ketu Police Division after he brought two big snakes to the office of the depot chairman, Sunday Yusuf at the Ketu bus rapid transit depot in Lagos State. According to the man, he was sent by a yet-to-be identified person to sell the snakes to the BRT boss. Yusuf said that no one could explain how the suspect gained entrance into the depot. “I was in my office when the man presented two snakes to me. When I asked him what his mission was, he said he was sent by someone who told him that I would be interested in buying snakes. When I asked him to tell sent him, he said he did not security guards arrived. The me the name of the person that know the name of the person. I man passed through three main quickly raised the alarm and the gates before arriving at my

Man eats 49 garlic cloves in under 5 minutes to win competition

man packed 49 garlic cloves into his mouth in order to win a garlic eating competition. The man ate the 49 cloves of garlic in just under five minutes in a contest in Dorset, United

needed money to travel to Europe for prostitution. The 40-year-old father did not say anything,” the spokesman added. A social worker from Campina Grande in Paraiba state reported the couple to authorities after reaching a monetary agreement for the transaction on Facebook. “I am relieved to have changed the future of this child,” said the social worker, who initially thought the case was a joke. She had agreed to meet the couple

Kingdom. Oliver Farmer of Charmouth won the first Annual World Garlic Eating Competition after eating Iberian garlic. "It was absolutely fantastic and an incredible result," Organizer

Mark Botwright, 49, of South West Garlic Farm near Bridport, said. The event at the George Inn in Chideock saw 26 contestants eat as much raw garlic as possible in five minutes. The garlic had to be eaten one at a time. The champion won a trophy and a cash prize of 100 pounds. Ali Harvey of Seatown, ranked second, eating 46 garlic cloves. All proceeds from the entry fee will be donated to Weldmar Hospicecare trust and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Botwright said the competition next year could see a change in the rules so that competitors could win a place in the Guinness World Record book. The current record is held by Deepak Sharma Bajagain who ate 34 whole cloves in a minute in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2009.

It was gathered that people attempted to beat up the suspect for bringing the snakes but Yusuf was able to restore calm after which he called the Divisional Police Officer, Ketu, SP Justin Umar who sent some policemen to the scene to apprehend the suspects and kill the snakes. However, on getting to the station however, the suspect said he was a truck pusher at Ketu Market. He got the snakes from Ibadan, Oyo State, and thought he could make a lot of money by selling the snakes to the BRT boss. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said the suspect would be charged to court with attempting to induce fear and wilfully endangering human life with dangerous animals.”

''I'm A Member of Your Church'' Prostituté Tells a Pastor who Picked her

preacher with an evangelical church in Kenya's Nakuru County was shocked when a prostituté he picked up for séx told him she was a member of his congregation. The preacher, 56, picked the woman along Club Road, Nakuru at around midnight last Friday before driving off with her in his car. The preacher, who was disgraced in 2000 after his contact with someone's wife was exposed, picked her up seeking a date, a common euphemism among prostitutés for séxual contacts. “For séx, I mean that's why he picked me, that's what I do, I'm a prostituté,” she said.

The woman said after they 'transacted business' in his posh car she revealed to him that she was a member of his church and he was shaken and pleaded with her not to expose him to other members of the church. The lady of the night said she got an extra Sh20,000 usp from the Sh500 so as to keep her mouth shut. In 2000, the preacher was disgraced after he was found in a compromising position with the wife of a member of his congregation. The incident then led to a walkout by some pastors in his church. The prostituté said the preacher was a regular customer and normally conducts the 'business' in his car.

THE

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Imbibe Manufacturing/Entrepreneurship Skills D.Diekedie urges Bayelsans David D. Diekedie, the liaison officer Yenagoa Technology Incubation Center {TIC}, a renowned administrator highlights on the importance of manufacturing /entrepreneurship in nation building. Diekedie during this interview with our correspondent Philip Eke in YENAGOA noted the operational challenges associated with technology incubation and development which includes lack of funding for research. Excerpts Sir, can you tell us your name? My name is David D. Diekedie, I hail from Igbedi Town in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government Area of Bayelsa state, the liaison officer Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) Yenagoa, it is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, it is being managed and coordinated by national board of Technology Incubation Centre, Abuja

Who are the stakeholders in this programme for achieving your vision and mission?

Can you tell us some of your activities in the states? Well, Technology incubation centre Yenagoa was established five years ago and our major mandate is to help, nurture, develop and support science and technology innovation activities or related activities whether in the manufacturing or production sector. Some of the services we render include: we provide what we call counseling services, we also provide technical services as a typical incubation centre should have a workshop or laboratory, we provide asses to funding, we liaise with financial institutions and other government agencies or NGOs that provide loans for investment in manufacturing or entrepreneurship in technological oriented services. Recently, one of our entrepreneurs was given financial grant of N700, 000 under the presidential standing committee on science and technology grant; we also expose innovation or manufacturing products to markets. We market their products, right now we are about doing capacity building sensitization workshop in Yenagoa in the Ministry of Science and Technology in Bayelsa state.

Manufacturing sector is very low compared to other states in the federation, like in Lagos, Port Harcourt, what do you think should be the motivating factors and how do you enhance the development of the sector in Bayelsa state? Fine, that is a good question, we have to inculcate the habit of entrepreneurship, especially in schools, to enable people do the right thing, and we have partnered with some institutions to mentor our students on entrepreneurship so that when they graduate they can be on their own. As we celebrate sports, we can celebrate

workshops once in a while, staff training, provision of office equipment, maintenance among o t h e r s . S o funding is very important. One other crucial challenge we have, we are in a global world, Information Communication Technology (ICT) We hope to get strong ICT base, we just have a Vsat, we need functional equipment in meeting ICT standard to improve working performance. The main thing is getting a place of our own, build according to standard, then the architectural drawing of Yenagoa incubation centre is done. We need standard in everything. Federal Government is ready to provide the needed equipments, such as workshop/laboratory equipments with necessary staff, “the sky will be our limit”

entrepreneurship, if we do the right thing, students can go to school, but as well come out with entrepreneurship skill. Secondly, government should provide the needed infrastructure because low level of manufacturing is also caused by lack of infrastructure in the state. Government should establish a functional incubation technology centre with the required equipment and a functional incubation centre should have a workshop and a laboratory. Other, states are trying their best, but in Bayelsa State, more should be required. The forth coming workshop/exhibition programme, the centre appealed to Bayelsa State Government to provide land while the federal government is so eager to build the structures, many persons are ready for entrepreneurship and in the manufacturing sectors. “The lady that left just now” also, many persons are into cassava production, among others, but the support is not there. Also, Bayelsans and Nigerians should patronize our locally made products, not to make it a habit of buying foreign goods, in that way our local sector can boom. Government should see it as a point of duty to encourage entrepreneurship by buying these products from them. We that work in incubation centre often buy their products apart from marketing, we just don't market it, we use their products. Finally,

Government should provide adequate funding with little or no interest rate, if you can recall, an entrepreneur was recently given a N700,000 grant, it is a big support, we will guide the person to maximize it, government should provide the enabling environment, with this, a lot of competitions will spring up and that will as well boost the economy. People would be motivated, power is important, road network among others are important factors, and all this components complement each other.

In running this office, can you highlight some of the challenges so far? Indirectly, I have mentioned some of the challenges. One of the major challenges is that we don't have a land of our own where Yenagoa incubation centre can be built, that is why we believed that after the workshop/exhibition, we will appeal to government to provide land for the building of Yenagoa Technology incubation centre. Federal government is willing to build the structures in collaboration with the state government. One other challenge we have is that we don't have logistics, am very sorry to say this because, a few of us used our personal cars for official duties within and outside the state. For funding, I will say we are managing, funding of the programme is very important in meeting daily activities, we have to organize

Our partnership strength is very high; we are partners with Bayelsa State Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Trade and Investment in Bayelsa state, formerly Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Also, we have partnership with NACETEM, Yenagoa Chamber of Commerce and industry, also, in partnership with Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC) Yenagoa, we collaborate with financial institutions, for instance, we liaise with Banks for provision of loans for our entrepreneurs in the small and medium scale technology based firms.

On a serious note, what is your advice to Bayelsans for incoming entrepreneurs? My advice is very simple, number one, get the passion and the zeal of doing a business, plan properly, get the needed partners and network properly. Work closely with government agencies that are so in line with your business, this will enable you to get support services such as counseling, grants or credit facilities, and attend Workshops/seminars in acquiring more knowledge. The present government is a restoration government, led by Hon Seriake Dickson, he is a listening governor. Be very focus and the sky will be your limit.

Finally, can you tell us the technology incubation scheme and scope of the project being implemented in Bayelsa state? The Program Scheme is classified into three (3) categories; preincubation: Facilitate (A). Product-based R&D (B). Trail Production (C). Professional support services in feasibility studies. (D). Proposal/business plan preparation, etc. These are activities of the entrepreneur prior to admission into the incubation

program. In incubation, we facilitate the commercialization of technologies (R&D, inventions and indigenous knowledge). The incubation process begins with the admission of a value-added technology based enterprise into a Technology Incubation Centre (TIP) and ends with graduation after two (2) to three (3) years Incubation period. At the TIC, share facilities like working spaces, office, central workshop, equipment and laboratory handson management assistance, access to finance, networking/linkage to knowledge and exposure to critical business, technical and legal support services to enhance the success of enterprise during incubation period. These are provided at subsidized rates. This is referred to as Resident Incubation. The second is referred to as the Non-Resident/ virtual Incubation. In this scheme, incubation service such as access to resources (knowledge providers, finance, linkages/ networking etc) are extended to Entrepreneurs outside the TIC. Meanwhile, post incubation is a period we undertake some intervention measures such as mentoring/advisory services. Linkages/networking to capital and knowledge providers (local and international), etc are extended to graduates of the programme to ensure sustained competitive growth and encourage innovation, and continuous improvement. The establishment of a Technology Park is an integral part of every Technology Incubation C e n t r e b e c a u s e Te n a n t Entrepreneurs under the programme graduate after 3 years access to such a facility. While the scope of technology Incubation Programme is to nurture the development and commercialization of low Technologies, manufacturing of simple equipment and machineries such as upgrading of traditional technologies, Hand crafts etc. Medium Technologies include Manufacturing of electrical and electronic components and equipments; chemical processes and manufacturing of plastic items and the Manufacturing of scientific equipment, among others High Technologies; in this process Biotechnology Processing and Products; Information & Communication Technology (Hardware & Software) Space Technology Artificial Intelligence Robotics. In Emerging Technologies, Advance Materials; Nano Technologies; Laser Technologies and others are used in the process. I used this medium to ask Bayelsans to inculcate the habit of invention, manufacturing and acquiring entrepreneurship skill in making conducive leaving standard and also becoming employers of labor.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

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Water scarcity hits Enugu

Most residents rely on Well water, sachet water Princess Ojiyi & Beatrice Ani

ater tops the list of natural resources we cannot live a day without. The rich, the poor, the married, the single, the young and the old need it for their daily survival. Because of this obvious indispensible nature of water, a society that is denied of water source will be endangered especially it has to do with drinking water. Against this backdrop, sources reveal that Nigeria amidst its ranking as Africa's largest country, still suffers from low levels of access to portable water. Statistics equally reveal that Nigeria's access to an improved water source is amongst the lowest in the world with staggering rates of dwindling digits from time immemorial till present. As of 1990 to 2006 the rate was stagnated at 47 percent while urban areas decreased from 80 percent to 65 percent in 2006, and in 2010, it increased to 54 percent and subsequently to 74 percent in the same year. The above statistics reveals the obvious reality that there's fluctuating movement of access to water supply by Nigerians. As it stands now, Enugu state even as the best city in the Southeast is faced with this untold hardship amidst the growing scarcity of drinking water nay Tap water. A recent survey around Enugu metropolis down to the rural residence revealed this fact as the people let out their hard feelings from what they experience. Plagued with a significant high

standard of living, residents of Enugu have to battle with the pain of spending money to get drinking water and worse still, those who do not have any source of water at all are left at the mercy of the water dispensers (Tankers) who charge huge amount of money to supply water to them. With not much of a choice, most people now resort to taking unhealthy options to lessen their cost of living and reduce the amount of money being spent on water. Of course such options are plainly not the best; using water gotten from wells to cook, while in extreme cases for those stricken with abject poverty, individuals may tend to boil the water from wells to a high degree in order to purify it for drinking. But this does little or no good to their health because findings have revealed that not all bacteria can be killed by mere boiling of water, some bacterial species do thrive and survive hot boiled water and this can lead to these common ailments we see around like diarrhea, typhoid and the likes. Most worrisome had been the over-dependence on sachet water which had become a major source of drinking water in most homes. The source of such water even though they carry NAFDAC numbers, are suspect and health experts say they are not safe for human consumption, yet majority of the people rely on it. It is quite obvious that the responsibility to ensure portable water in the state lies in the hands of the State Water Corporation which is

directly responsible to the State government through a State Ministry of Water Resources but the question now is; why is Tap water becoming scarce and what is being done? One likely attributable reason to this dilemma as stated by World Bank is the operating cost of water agencies which is being pushed up by seeming reliance on diesel generators and the erratic power supply that encourages the idea of agencies building their own power plants. And more so is the poor maintenance of equipment and pipes that bring about unsteady water supply. We cannot deny the efforts of Enugu state government in this regard, by installing new Taps in various neighborhoods in the state, but of

what use is a new Tap when it doesn't function, serving its purpose to the people? Water infrastructure is basic in Enugu,it is not just enough. The functionality and efficiency of every installed infrastructure should be the top priority of the government of the day and not just the installation. And without doubt, if these water production and reticulation are neglected, the effects would be devastating especially the health implications which would accrue from it. It would result in a society stricken with epidemic which would have been prevented if the necessary intervention were made and rightly too. The management of the State water corporation had at various times made known some of the challenges

being faced by the corporation which ranges from erosion menace on the water facilities especially the water pipes, lack of power supply due to vandalisation of electrical installations at both Ajali and Ojiriver water sources. The onus lies on the State Government to put in necessary efforts to see that the issues raised by the state water agency are taken care of so that the growing scarcity of drinking water nay Tap water is effectively tackled. The State Government should make available the necessary facilities that would enable these agencies carry out their duties effectively and assiduously supervise the work being done to ensure that water is provided in every area.

However The Advocate went to town to get the opinion of the people.

BENEDINE UGWU es we have Tap in our yard but for the last three months it has not run but other streets are running. The scarcity of water started last year in Achara layout, we have not been getting tap water. We use well water or go to Independence layout for drinking water. They built new Taps but not all of them are working. This is affecting us because we don't get much water to wash clothes, to take our bath, to flush toilet, sometime we even use pure water to cook. I want the taps to be running; they should put new Taps and let them run because they did not put new taps in all the yards.

MISS MABEL stay at 8 Avenue, close to Damija, Trans-Ekulu for more than ten years now and if I must say the truth we don't have tap water. After putting the pipe and the tap for many years now, not even a single drop of water has come out from that tap. That has made the taps and pipes tools of decoration in the area. Just go around all the houses here, what you will see are 'Well' water and that is our source of water here. We rely more on sachet water for drinking. My advice is that government should supervise all their workers especially those in charge of social amenities like light, water and so on.

MISS EBERE 've lived here for four years now. There was no tap water before till early this year around January, that was when they started putting the pipe and tap for water and ever since then, there has been water but it is not steady, that's because the water is rationalize among the streets here. Though I thank God and the Government for that, I still want the Government to do more. They should stop rationalizing the water and all street in Transekulu and beyond should enjoy the water equally. Like people living in phase six and inside G.R.A are complaining bitterly of scarcity of water and you know that water is very expensive here so the Government should please come to our aid.

MR. IFEANYI

incerely, we have tap water in my street since when I stated living there that is at Agbowa Street in Trans-ekulu. The only problem is that the water is not steady but we have been enjoying tap water here for some time now. I am Mr. Ifeanyi and I first of all thank the Government and advice them to do more.

KINGLEY MBA here is tap water in Enugu but within this Mary land Ugwuaji road there is no water. There is no Tap around here since the existence of Enugu, not even old pipe, you can only find in Uwani. We survive here through well and tanker people. It's affecting us seriously because you have to buy water and if you want to buy 20 liters of well water you'll N10 naira, during dry season you'll pay 15 naira. We have to be economizing water so as not to buy another one, we even cook with well water which is not hygienic. It affects our health; we go to hospital for diarrhea, typhoid. Government should come to our aid and bring Tap water to the rural areas because this place was formally a village. Tap water is hygienic and will reduce the cost of buying water.

JAMES EDE If you ask me I'll say there's no water in Enugu entirely especially around Coal Camp side and Timber side. There is nothing like pipe here, there is nothing like water. I don't know the problem whether it's finance or whether they don't want to power anymore. Around 2010 there was water in Achara layout but in 2011 when they started the rehabilitation of roads, they spoilt everything and they started putting new pipes and now there is no water anymore because the caterpillar was removing the former pipes and from that time everything was damaged. I was a plumber before and we used to work for people who call us to come and check or repair their pipes but all this while no more work, everything just switched off. It affects me a lot, in my house where I live in Loma Linda estate, every day I spend 300 naira because a gallon is 50 naira. I buy water like 300 naira before I do anything.

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Dark clouds roll over PDP again Continued from page 3 So, there is nothing to fear about and APGA will have one candidate.” The ruling by the Port Harcourt High Court against Nwoye was consequent upon a suit filed by Ukachukwu, who as a gubernatorial aspirant placed second to Nwoye in the primary election that produced Nwoye. Ukaachukwu had in his suit alleged that Nwoye forged tax clearance certificate and other relevant documents. Recall that another court had declared Senator Andy Uba who emerged from a factional primary of PDP at Emmaus House Awka on August 24, this year as the candidate of the PDP instead of Nwoye. Ukachukwu had filed a case against Nwoye, the PDP and its National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur and the Independent National Electoral Commission to challenge the emergence of Nwoye at the party's primary which was held in Awka on August 24. In the judgement, Justice S.A. Aliyu declared that based on the dictates of paragraph 4(a) of the Part IV of the Electoral Act Guidelines for Primary Elections 2010 of the PDP,” the first defendant (Nwoye) was not eligible to participate and or take part in the gubernatorial primary election conducted on the 24th day of August 2013 by the second defendant (PDP) for the selection of its candidate for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled to hold on November 16, 2013 or any other date. “It is hereby declared that by the virtue of Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010(as amended), the plaintiff, being the only qualified aspirant of the second defendant that scored the highest number of valid votes cast at the party's governorship primary held on August 24, 2013, is the duly elected candidate of the PDP to contest for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled to hold on November 16, 2013 or any other date.” Ukachukwu, after the judgment stormed the PDP's national headquarters in Abuja last Tuesday, to serve its leadership the judgment, copies of which were issued to newsmen. He was represented by a team of lawyers led by Chief Rickey Tafa (SAN), PDP was represented by K.K.Eleja and other lawyers while Dr. Amaechi Nwaiwu (SAN) led lawyers to represent Tukur and INEC. Prior to the judgment, Nwoye was the gubernatorial candidate sponsored by the PDP having won the August 24, 2014 primary of the party supervised by the Shehu Shema-led national PDP team ahead of Ukachukwu who placed a distant second. Based on Ukachukwu's prayer that Nwoye should be disqualified on the ground that he allegedly presented forged tax clearance certificate, among others, the court ordered that Comrade Nwoye, was not qualified to contest the primary. Nwoye had equally same Tuesday listed INEC and PDP as 1st and 2nd

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Tony Nwoye defendants in his suit filed through Malam Yusuf Ali SAN asking an Abuja Federal High Court to order INEC to recognize him as the party's candidate in the state, having also forwarded certificate of return to the electoral body. He prayed the court to determine whether, having regards to the constitution and electoral guidelines of the PDP, another candidate could be nominated to replace him after the party had already issued him with a certificate of return as the winner of its governorship primaries in the state. Also the court was asked to make a declaration that INEC lacked the power or authority to reject his

Andy Uba name as the PDP governorship candidate. Nwoye through his lawyer also prayed the court to declare that INEC had no power to “accept, receive or recognize any other person, other than the plaintiff as the 2nd defendant's governorship candidate for the November, 2013 Anambra State governorship election.” Also, Nwoye asked the court to declare that his name and particulars should be placed on the ballot papers and other necessary documents to be used for the conduct of the election. The judge, Justice Elvis Chukwu, adjourned the matter to Friday in

order to study the details of the Port Harcourt judgment. The judgment favouring Ukachukwu came on the last day (Tuesday September 17) for political parties to submit names of candidates for the election. Some observers believe that Ukachukwu is the candidate of PDP having obtained the court's endorsement before the closing date for submission of names for the election. On the other hand, Andy Uba, political pundits say, is also another candidate of the PDP having been upheld as the candidate by the Port Harcourt Federal High Court. The upholding of two candidates of

PDP as the candidates of the party in one election, observers further said, was an indication that the party has presented double candidates for the November gubernatorial race and that could spell doom for the party. This development may have excited supporters and members of the APC who see Ngige as likely to make a walkover of other candidates in other parties that are crisis-ridden. Investigations, however, revealed that outside PDP and APGA, the major serious party in the race is the Labour Party, which has Ifeanyi Ubah as its gubernatorial candidate. Ubah flagged off his campaign at the Holy Trinity Onitsha after the state government allegedly refused him the use of Ekwueme Square which he had intended to use. But political observers are fearing the possibility of Ubah completing the journey as sources claim security operatives are trailing him and may scuttle his bid before the real contest. The AMCON has confiscated assets of Ubah to enable it liquidate debts running into billions that the Labour Party flag-bearer's company, Capital Oil and Gas Limited is owing. The Bombardier aircraft imported by Ubah was reportedly seized by AMCON as part of measures to offset his company's indebtedness most of which it owed when he was still the Managing Director. APC faithful do not count Ubah as Ngige's major threat and are already singing victory song but the moment PDP and APGA resolve the confusion over who flies their flag in the November 16 governorship contest, the political calculation and permutation would change and the battle line would be clearly drawn between the APGA, PDP, APC and

Obi wins APGA Award of the Most Faithful Party Man of the Time

overnor Peter Obi has received APGA most faithful party Man of Our T i m e Aw a r d . T h e A P G A Ambassadors Forum presented the Award to the Governor at the weekend, during its special GetTo g e t h e r a t O j u k w u P a r k , Amawbia. Presenting the Award, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh said the honour was well deserved and recalled that since inception of the party, the Governor has remained faithful and has continued to fight relentlessly for the progress and growth of the party. Chief Umeh noted that the Governor was able to transform and elevate the State to a pride of place because of prudent and transparent management of available resources. He expressed confidence that APGA flag-bearer in the coming Governorship election, Dr. William Obiano and his deputy, Dr.Nkem Okeke would build on the strong foundations already laid. Earlier, a stakeholder in the party and former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Okey Ude said the award was in recognition of Obi's travails in politics, after which he remained APGA, even when forces wanted him to leave the party. He recalled how he brought

pride to APGA by being the first Governor to come in through the court, back from impeachment and to go for tenure interpretation that led to the staggering of the elections, among other achievements. Responding, Governor Obi, while

thanking them for the gesture, assured that he would remain in APGA as long as he remained in politics. He expressed satisfaction that the State has become viable and a reference point in the country with enough potential to attain greater heights under Dr. Obiano and Dr.

Okeke. The Governor urged people of the State to be wary of desperate politicians who he said might attempt to use material wealth to mortgage the State. In his remarks, Dr. Obiano said he would work hard to sustain the tempo of development in all sectors to further elevate the State to higher level.

Gov. Peter Obi (middle), receiving the APGA Most Faithful Party Man of Our Time Award from the National Chairman of the Party, Chief Victor Umeh (left), while APGA Governorship Candidate, Dr. Willie Obiano(right) looks on.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

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Court awards N10m against IG, 5 others for unlawful shooting of victim …as two men were nabbed with fresh human head

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Friday, awarded N10 million as damages against the Nigerian Police Force, the Police Inspector General and three of its officers for shooting one Mr Darlington Amaiham unlawfully and negligence. Trial judge,Justice Mohammed Yunusa awarded the amount as damages, in his judgment in a fundamental rights suit by the applicant, praying the court to declare that the reckless shooting by the respondents, amounted to a violation of his right to life. The respondents in the suit are: The Nigerian Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Insp. Usman Shehu, Cpl. Alex Edomagbon, and Cpl. Seun Adewale. The applicant in the suit filed in September 2012 through his counsel, Mr Joseph Odeh of “Access to Justice,” sought to enforce his fundamental rights against the respondents. Amaiham had claimed the sum of N10 million as general damages, for the reckless and sporadic shooting by the fourth to sixth respondents, which he said had left him incapacitated. He also claimed the sum of N5 million as exemplary and aggravated damages, in addition to the sum of N128,800 as special

damages for his medical expenses. Justice Yunusa in his judgment, granted all the reliefs sought by the applicant, adding that he was bound by law to do so, since the respondents had failed to defend

the suit since it was instituted. Meantime, two men suspected to be ritualists were caught after cutting off the head of a woman in Ibadan yesterday. Men from Oyo state police command who stormed Olufana

village, Igbo-Oloyin, Ibadan in Akinyele Local Government Area of the State after a tip-off yesterday arrested two suspected ritualists with fresh human head. While speaking with newsmen on the incident, the Police Public

Police confirm seven killed at Apo legislative quarters

he Police have confirmed that seven persons were shot dead in two uncompleted buildings behind the National Assembly Quarters in Apo, Abuja , early on Friday. The buildings are located at Zone E in the area. Mr Sunday Odukoya, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-Charge of Abuja Metro Area Command, confirmed the killings to newsmen on Friday. Commenting on an allegation that the victims were killed by soldiers, Odukoya said: “I have not heard something like that. “But the issue is when a matter happens like this, we do investigation, people will tell us what happened, we will gather more intelligence.'' Some people, who spoke at the scene of the incident, said that gunshots were heard at midnight and that the shooting lasted for an

hour. A resident of the area, Umar, said nine people had been taken to hospital apart from the seven dead. Umar alleged that the people who did the shooting were in uniform. “They came and shared themselves, some lay on the floor, some went inside, some standing,'' he said. A resident of the area, who identified himself as Femi, said that the shooting started about 11.45p.m. on Thursday and lasted till midnight. “This morning we heard that a lot of people died, while some were wounded and had been taken to the hospital. The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Altine Daniel, confirmed that there was an incident at the uncompleted buildings but added: “I do not have the briefing, honestly.''

However, Malam Huwal Umaru, the leader of labourers in the area, said six men in army uniform came into the uncompleted building where no fewer than 100 laborers were staying and started shooting. “At the end of the operation, seven of my people were killed and many were injured, the uniformed men also went away with 15 of our people. “We don't even know their fate now, may be they are alive or dead and when we took a count we could not account for three,'' Umaru said. He said the armed men came in two jeeps, the white one was parked at the entrance of the gate leading to the street while the black one was stationed at the junction adjacent to the street. He said when they got to the front of the building; they started shooting, rousing the people from

Boko Haram in deadly rampage in Yobe

oko Haram Islamist insurgents have rampaged through a town in northeastern Nigeria with heavy weapons, setting public buildings on fire and killing a soldier and the wife of a senior policeman, authorities said Thursday. The attack on Wednesday was the latest carnage to hit the region, which has seen an upsurge in violence in recent days linked to a military offensive as well as attacks by Islamist extremist group Boko Haram. Armed with Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers and homemade bombs, the Islamists stormed Yadi Buni in Yobe state around 10:00 pm, leading to a shootout with troops in which a soldier was killed, state police commissioner Sanusi Rufa'i said. They set fire to a makeshift police station, the fire service, a local education office and the home of the divisional police head in the town, whose wife was burnt to death inside, Rufa'i said. “Buni Yadi was attacked last night by Boko Haram insurgents,” he said. “A soldier was killed in a shootout and the wife of the (divisional police chief) was burnt to death in her home.”

Relations Officer of the command, DSP Olabisi Ilobanafor said the men were arrested in connection with the incident. The suspects were reportedly seen cutting the head of the woman at Igbo-Oloyin village.One of the suspects, who claimed he was a farmer said he was asked to produce a human head for antibullet charm.

Telecom towers in the town were also burnt by the Islamists, the Police Commissioner said. It was the second time Buni Yadi was attacked by Boko Haram in as many months. Scores of people have been left dead in recent days from military raids or Boko Haram attacks. The military claimed on Wednesday that a strike on a Boko

Haram camp in the northeast last week left about 150 Islamists and 16 soldiers dead, amid reports of dozens of troops killed. On Tuesday night, suspected Boko Haram members dressed as soldiers set up checkpoints in the Benishiek area, killing an unclear number of people and burning some 50 buildings. Some residents spoke of around

20 people or more killed in Tuesday's violence, but there has been no official death toll. The attacks as well as claims and counterclaims regarding last week's violence again raised questions over a four-month-old military offensive seeking to end a years-long insurgency by Boko Haram.

sleep. “It was the sound of the gun that woke the people up, they were confused and ran to the direction of the attackers. “Those that were not sleeping were able to prevent more people from running outside,'' he said. Umaru said that before the tragic event, a security man from Kaduna State, had left the building with his girlfriend and his friend. Umaru said for more than one year they had been living peacefully in the uncompleted building, “We are into various menial jobs like shoe shining, masonry, selling tea, while some drive keke NAPEP (tricycle). “This is a place we have been living for over one year, not free of charge and we don't constitute nuisance to anybody,'' he said. Umaru said that on Wednesday the owner of the building came to pay the security man guarding the structure his salary and in the process noticed some movements within. He said after series of investigation and questioning, he got to know that some people were hibernating in the building and he gave them a week's notice to vacate. “The man warned us that if we don't vacate the building by Wednesday, he would make life unbearable for us, as he would bring solders to chase us away,'' Umaru said. He said they had an agreement with the security man to be paying N200 weekly per person. “We don't have problem with anybody, all we do is to go out in the morning to look for our daily bread and come back to lay our head,'' Umaru said. One of the security men in one of the houses on the street said that the uniformed men were more than six but only six went for the operation. He said he and his colleagues were outside the building when the people came and ordered them to go inside their house and lock the windows. He said that few minutes after the instruction; they heard gunshots and shouts of agony by people. The corpses were taken away in an ambulance belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Friday.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

UBE books sold in open Market in Umuahia Our Books are customized – ASUBEB Chairman

he Universal Basic Education [UBE] books which the federal government produced and meant to be given free of charge to the pupils in all the states across the federation have been found being sold in the open market in Umuahia. Investigations carried out by our reporter have shown that the books which are customized UBE/FGN and marked not for sale are being sold while teachers have been asking parents to go to the market to buy the books. A mother, who gave her name as simply Maureen, said that she was given a list of books to buy for her children, “After collecting money from my husband, I went to the market to buy, 'Pupil Book 1 UBE Edition Learn Mathematics for Primary Schools', which I paid the sum of N1100 for”. Maureen said that she had gone to the market last Friday to buy the books, “But I was told that some of the books are not in the market yet, but was advised to come back to the market on Monday when the books will be in the market and when I got to the market on Monday I bought the books marked not for sale”. However when our reporter called on the chairman Abia State Universal Basic Education Board [ASUBEB], Chief Micah Onyebuchi with view to confirming the veracity or otherwise of the development, he said that the books which are being sold in the open market are not meant for Abia state schools. Onyebuchi said that all the books

from UBE which are meant for the state are sent to his office directly and that they have distributed such books to the schools across the state, stressing that the books are customized and not meant to be sold. The Abia ASUBEB boss told our correspondent to go and report to the security agencies whose duty it is to arrest the sellers and ask them where they got the UBE

books they are selling to the g e n e r a l p u b l i c , instead of coming to report to his office. Onyebuchi said, “When the books are sent down to us, we stamp them with ASUBEB stamp beside the UBE/FGN are not for sale but are given out to the pupils and I am sure that nobody in this office is playing pranks with the books meant to be given to pupils for

free”. He said that the books in the open market are not under his care, “As we have finished distributing the books we have received from UBE, so any other book you people are seeing in the open market is not from our store, as I can vouch for those working under me”. The ASUBEB boss who did not show any sign of surprise that

Isenah lauds NUBSS

... as NUBSS tasks FG/ASUU to resolve strike earnestly

he National Union of Bayelsa State Students NUBSS have called on Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve the strike without f u r t h e r d e l a y . The assertion was made by the President of the Union Comrade Stephen Agbada in a one day Ijaw Cultural day organized by the union at the prestigious Peace Park, opposite Bayelsa State Government House. Comrade Stephen, a final year Law Student of the Unique Niger Delta University said ,the aim of the cultural fiesta is to show-case the rich cultural heritage of Ijaw man, and as students they have a role to play in sustaining and propagating beyond the shores of the state and that is the more reason why they came together to celebrate the culture of Ijaw man, Comrade Agbada noted that the

Gov. Dickson identity of Ijaw man is the culture, the students boss further said the cultural day event is the maiden edition organized by the union and

he pledged to sustain the event continually even after his tenure. C o mr ad e A g b ad a commended Bayelsa S t a t e Government,and Hon Tonye Isenah for the great support, moreso, the provision of the union Bus to ease logistics, but he bemoaned the none payment of bursary for the past three years, while appealing to the executive Governor of Bayelsa State to easily facilitate the payment to support their parents and caregivers in their educational pursuit. Without words of reservation, Comrade Agbada on behalf of the students affirmed two weeks ultimatum for the payment of bursary or will call for mass

NECO releases 2013 May/June SSCE results

…69. 57 % pass at Credit Level

he National Examinations Council, NECO, has released 2013 Senior Schools Certificate Examinations results with a considerable improvement by the students nationwide compared with the past results. A breakdown of the results shows that about 69.57 per cent of the candidate had credit while most of the students also came out with good results in both English Language and Mathematics. Releasing the results at the Headquarters of the Examinations body in Minna, the Niger State capital, the Registrar, Professor Promise Nwachukwu Okpala, said a total number of 1,052,898 candidates registered for the examinations. Okpala said out of the figure, 1,034,263 candidates actually sat for the examinations. He noted that 681,507, representing 66. 63 per cent passed English Language at credit level while 668,314, representing 65.50 per cent also

UBE books are being sold in the open market, said that people are free to bring in books from other states for sell, insisting that the books that are in the open market never came from his office. Our reporter gathered that some parents are alleging that the state received about two million copies of UBE books and that after stamping about one million books, the rest may have grown wings and flew into the Abia markets for sell.

passed Mathematics at credit level. According to the Registrar, 719593, representing 69.57 per cent passed at credit level, while number of candidates who made five passes and above stood at 998,624, representing 96. 55 per cent. Also, the number of candidates involved in examinations malpractices dropped to 8,308, representing 0.80 per cent. “This year's result shows a remarkable improvement compared to that of 2011 result, which stood at 15.84 per cent pass at credit level and 2012 result of 51. 66 per cent also at credit level,” the elated Registrar declared. He, however, said that despite the brilliant results, some schools and students were still caught in examination malpractices, but added that those involved has been sanctioned by de-registration or cancellation of results. About 36 schools involved have

been de-registered for a period of two years. He said the affected schools have been notified officially. He said that the identities of the schools would be made public as soon as the Council concludes all the necessary procedures which included allowing the schools to defend themselves. According to him: “The council

has zero tolerance for examination malpractice. It has thus sanctioned schools and candidates involved in examination malpractice through de-recognition or cancellation of results. To this end, the Council has de-recognised 36 schools for a period of two years. “The essence of the two year derecognition is to recover the schools and not destroy them. The two years sanction is meant to jolt the affected schools towards abstaining from examination malpractice in the future.”

protest as their last resorts, as they have maintained enough patience, Agbada added. In the same vein, the NUBSS senate President Comrade Igbeta Ayebakuro and Barr Tari Porri former President of NUBSS, in their separate remarks while fielding questions from newsmen thanked the NUBSS members for their peaceful disposition and more so, organizing the maiden edition of Ijaw Cultural day which was very unique, Barr Porri further said, NUBSS is a springboard for future leaders as it has produced world class leaders in every strata of the society, such as Barr. Miebi Whyte former State Chairman Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Samuel Unguku, Former Chief of Staff Government House, among others, Porri tasks students to be very serious in their studies “don't be carried away by the struggle”. Hon. Tonye Isenah, member Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Kolokuma/ Opokuma constituency, who doubled as the Chairman of the event was represented by his Protocol Officer while interacting with newsmen soon after the program commended the students especially the present leadership, stressing that he is at their service always, Hon. Isenah who stressed several developmental projects in his constituency and the state in general such as scholarships, skill enhancement among others. The climax of the NUBSS Cultural day was presentation of Lecture by Prof. Benjamin Okaba Lecturer, Delta State University and the cutting of the 14th Anniversary Cake.

Alleged undergraduate serial rapist nabbed

22-year-old undergraduate of Caleb U n i v e r s i t y, L a g o s , Ugochukwu Agudosi, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos, for allegedly raping a lady in an uncompleted building in Ikeja metropolis. Agudosi, who is facing a fourcount charge bordering on rape, preferred against him by the Police, was docked before Magistrate Sule Hamsat, Monday. Prosecutor, Inspector Roman

Unuigbe, said that the offence committed is punishable under Sections 260, 261,262 and 258 of the criminal laws No 11, Vol 44 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011. However, when the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Hamsat granted him bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum. He was unable to meet the bail condition and was remanded in prison custody. The undergraduate, who was

arrested by Policemen at Area 'F' Command, Ikeja, it was gathered, had been remanded in prison custody over a similar offence. It was gathered that Ugochukwu's first victim was a 22-year-old lady (names withheld), who was his senior in school. 'How he operates' His modus oparandi, it was gathered, include chatting up his victims on Black Berry. Along the line, he would invite them for a date, a plan his victims usually fall for because of his posh car.

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Okorotumu now Autonomous Community – Lauds Kolokuma Council of Chiefs By Philip Eke, Yenagoa

s the old adage says Rome was not build in a day, the demand for the establishment of Okorotumu Autonomous community after a raging imbroglio in Okorotumu family in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, has received the endorsement of the traditional rulers council of kolokuma as the ancient peace loving people cried to God Almighty on the fourth of June, 2013. The clan head of Kolokuma kingdom, HRM (king) Onya Mozi Agara, the Kala Okon 111, while announcing the approval after consultative meeting with Stakeholders stated emphatically that the Okorotumu has been deprived for a long time, politically, socially and other wise stressing that during national census and election period they often partook but were not seriously accorded the rightful recognition. This propelled Okorotumu family to cry foul, prayed fervently, and appealed to the Kolokuma council of Chiefs who in their magnanimity under the leadership of the distinguished leadership of king Onya Mozi Agara granted their request.

King Mozi Agara while announcing the epoch news at his palace, tasks the Okorotumu Autonomous Community to celebrate their Autonomous community success story at low standard, appealing to them to put their community sign post and the traditional sign Board in their land to symbolize their Autonomous Status. H e called on them to maintain peace, love, and harmony in the development of their community and the local Government in general, appealing to them to

desist from court cases which the Royal majesty said would not bring development but disintegration. Okorokumu was equally urged to relate to the Kolokumu Council of Chiefs for advice and contribute meaningfully their quota. The new paramount ruler of the new Community, HRH Alfred Okoro Jerusalem Akosubo, while making a brief remark thanked the council of Kolokuma Kingdom for giving the approval of Okorotumu Autonomous Community to fruition.

He also narrated the historical background of Okorotumu family, saying that they came from Obunagha in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He said the founder of Okorotumu was Okoro, at Obunagha who was asked to serve Koro Egbesu so he decided to migrate to Opokuma and met Oko, in summary Okorotumu was one of the first settlers in river Nun. It is also a known fact that most of them have migrated to Oyan, Umoru, Effuru and among other

Kogi Gov lauds Full-gospel fellowship on partinership

ogi State Deputy G o v e r n o r , Yo m i Awoniyi, has disclosed that aside the tremendous investment in rebuilding decayed infrastructures and repositioning the Agriculture sector, the State is going through a major transformation in attitudinal orientation. The State Deputy Governor, who represented Capt. Idris Wada, made the disclosure at a State Dinner organized for the Full Gospel Business men's Fellowship International, who

were in the State for the 2013 Lokoja Regional Convention. Yo m i Aw o n i y i , described Government's attention to the production of rice and cassava as key in the Agric transformation agenda of the Capt. Wada's administration, a d d i n g t h a t Government's seriousness to reposition Agriculture has attracted the signing

Abia to train 40,000 artisans and local entrepreneurs Emmanuel Iheanacho, Umuahia

orty thousand artisans and local entrepreneurs of Abia state origin are to be trained in best craft and business global practices to perfect their skills in goods and craft productions that meet international standard. The artisans who hither to lack capacity building and skills to deliver good production lines would be exposed to 40 different specialized, identified and commercially viable areas to produce products that could be exported abroad would be trained by international experts from the United States, Thailand, South Africa and would be certificated by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. This information came to the fore at the South East, South-South orientation programme for partners and stakeholders of the Global Export Market Access and Expo (GEMAEXPO) of the unifying Nigerian project in Umuahia. Flagging of the programme, the wife of the state governor, Lady Mercy Odochi Orji said that GEMAEXPO would teach the young artisans and exporters modern dimension of international business transaction and to

Communities in Delta State and even in Rivers State. Also, Major Christian Bipelagha (rtd) former chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Council, and indigene of Okorotumu Community while fielding questions from newsmen at the event thanked Kolokuma Council of chiefs for the great gesture in the great approval, stressing that it is aimed at rapid transformation, while congratulating the new chief on the great responsibility ahead in developing the new Community to an enviable level.

discover and understand the inherent opportunities in the global market which meet the expected standard therein. Lady Orji stated that the programme was aimed at replicating the Asian Tigers economic ingenuity and foresight by harnessing our artisans exploits to produce goods and crafts that would compete favourably in any economy as to accelerate Nigeria's economic development. She commended the state governor; Sir T. A. Orji for making the state investors friendly, stating that some of the policies put in place and on-going legacy projects are testimony of the government commitment to restore the economic fortunes of Abia and for Aba to regain its lost glory as the Japan of Africa. In his address entitled, “Stimulating Economic Growth and Development through Empowered Skilled workforce and Artisans Resources Development”, the Secretary to the State government, Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa said that due to limited employment opportunities to absorb thousands of secondary and tertiary school leavers in civil and public sector, many were led into self employment as artisans and their ingenuity made Aba, a centre where virtually all imaginable products of arts and crafts, leather

works in forms of bags, shoes and clothes made from local and imported fabric are found. Prof Mkpa while acknowledging that such economic activities offers employment to otherwise idle hands of our youths but regretted the economic dividends were grossly limited because they hardly meet international standard to attract reasonable market value hence most of them preferred to place the labels of foreign countries that produces quality products. He said that in order to halt this unhealthy trend towards abandonments of our local arts and crafts in preference to foreign made goods, there was need to revitalize and refine the production process of the local items and reorientate our youths that lots of wealth could be created here under a supervised regime and with an improved techniques and technology. The SSG expressed the hope that with the programme, artisans to be trained shall be transformed from being mere local artisans to entrepreneurs, employers of labour and job creators who would not only perfect the acquired skills but enjoy the opportunity of having their products advertised and exported to the United States and elsewhere. In his speech, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Elder Okechukwu Aguwa said that

the project would help the state to realize its goals of providing good governance and dividends of democracy to the people through development of international trade and opening of global export opportunities for Abia businessmen and women. Elder Aguwa said that the project would increase internally generated revenue of the state; generate increase family income for the beneficiaries, attract foreign direct investment to our artisans and local industries and rebrand made in Aba and other handmade cultural products to be exported.

of eleven memoranda of understanding with foreign investors in the production of rice and cassava. The State Deputy Governor called on the Businessmen to acquaint themselves with the State abundant historical and tourist sites that are all undergoing renovation disclosing that “as the nation celebrates its hundred years of existence, Lokoja the Kogi State capital occupies a vital place in the centenary celebration.” While commending the fellowship for the work they have done in the State, Awoniyi lauded their sense of partnership in elevating the States infrastructures. Earlier in his remarks, the National President of Full Gospel Business men's Fellowship International, Arc. Ifeanyi Odede, said the Regional Convention will focus on teaching, business seminars, workshops and rallies describing the convention as a positive turning point for the State. Arc. Odede commended the developmental strides of the Capt. Wada's administration and assured the Governor of the fellowship's continuous partnership with the state.

Chime congratulates new Methodist Prelate

overnor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has congratulated the Prelate Elect of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev Dr Samuel Kalu Uche over, his recent election to the post Chime, in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, described the elevation of Dr Uche who is the sitting Archbishop of the Diocese of Enugu, as a divine call to serve the nation and humanity with even greater vigour and devotion.

He stated that the election was a testimony to the confidence that the church reposed in the new Prelate's leadership q u a l i t i e s a n d ability to take it to higher levels. While wishing him a successful tenure, Governor Chime also congratulated the Church on the successful and peaceful conduct of the election. He also thanked the church for its continued support for his administration.

THE

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

National Festival of Arts and Culture, ( NAFEST):

Jonathan wants participants to promote peaceful co-existence, integration By Philip Eke, Yenagoa

t was a parade of men and women adorned in colourful attires and costumes depicting an array of cultures and traditions cutting across the length and breadth of the country including the Federal capital Territory at the opening ceremony of the 27th National Festival of Arts and Culture, ( NAFEST) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The week-long event would be featuring competitions such as traditional dance music, arts and craft, children's essay writing, children's drawing and painting, traditional wrestling, book fair and guided tours to tourist sites in the state. Speaking at the official opening ceremony of NAFEST with the theme, “Culture, Peace and N a t i o n a l Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n , ” President Goodluck Jonathan said the choice of the theme was in line with the present administration's desire to transform the country into a virile and prosperous nation. The president who was represented by the state Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson urged contingents to the cultural festival to leverage on the NAFEST platform in tapping and promoting cultural heritage, peaceful coexistence and national integration. President Jonathan commended the State Government for its relentless efforts at delivering what he described as purposeful governance aimed at justifying the State's appellation as the Glory of All Lands. “The Federal Government

believes that a proper grasp of the people's culture enhances understanding and smooth administration at all level. We also believe that for tourism to make significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product it must be driven by the people's culture and heritage” “We are happy to note that the success of the Nollywood that is giving Nigeria a good image in the international arena has also become a potent tool of national rebranding. This is attracting the desired global attention to our culture. In realization of this, let me assure you that we will continue to pay special attention to the sector in the transformation agenda of my a d m i n i s t r a t i o n . ” In his speech, Governor Seriake Dickson noted that the event was

not only a cultural fun-fare but also a rallying point to uphold the rich arts, aesthetics and cultural values of the country. The Governor, who called on the contingents to compete in peace

of the Portuguese on the coast of the Niger Delta in the late 15th century. There are relics of the European adventure in our land till date. An example is the Atlantic Slave Trade in Akassa, Brass Local Government Area of the State now a tourist centre to behold.” Also speaking, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, described culture as the main collateral of the people and a platform for harmonious coexistence among any people, noting that “the day the people lose their culture, they would be lost forever.” In his address, the Executive Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Mwajim Maidugu, called on the people of the state to take advantage of the festival by visiting the various venues where different aspects of the Nigerian culture would be showcased.

AKHA Speaker charges investors to ensure quality By Christopher Okon, Uyo courtesy call.

he Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of A s s e m b l y, R t . H o n . Samuel Ikon has called on Companies operating within Akwa Ibom State to comply with global standards. The Speaker stated this while playing host to the management team of the Emenite Group of Companies who paid him a

Elder Ikon reiterated the State Assembly's resolve to remain committed to the synergy existing between the House and the state Governor, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, which is geared towards the development of the state. He pointed out that the state is safe for investors, noting that the state Assembly in anticipation of the influx of investors passed the

Kogi dissolves management, appoints the two clubs and new administrator for clubs By Uche Anichukwu

ogi State Government has appointed Mallam Abdul Adama as the new administrator for Kogi stateowned clubs. The appointment of Mr Abdul to oversee the affairs of both clubs was endorsed following the dissolution of the state-owned clubs' managements. The state-owned clubs sponsored by the Kogi state government are Kogi United Football club and Confluence Queens FC of Lokoja. According to a statement released by Jacob Edi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mallam Abdul Adama, currently a Special Adviser on Public Private Partnership (PPP) to the Kogi State Government, takes immediate effect. The statement explains that the

and build bridges of unity, urged cultural workers to continue to protect the nation's values and traditions towards boosting wealth creation and value reorientation. Governor Dickson attributed his administration's developmental strides to the prevailing peace brought about by the huge investments in security, enjoined participants and visitors to visit tourist sites in the state. In his words: “Let me further inform this gathering that Bayelsa state is a land with diverse culture and ethnicity, a land that is truly a conference hub and cultural nerve centre of the Niger Delta. “The various communities that make up Bayelsa State were settled in the Niger Delta several thousand years before the arrival

dissolution became necessary in order to inject life into the two teams for better performance. The Kogi State Governor further directed the state Ministry of Sports to take proper inventory of

hand over to the new Sole A d m i n i s t r a t o r immediately. He charged the new helmsman to evolve a better strategic approach to turn around the fortunes of the two teams by institutionalizing a sustainable structure that will make the two teams the pride of the state in sports and youth development. The Governor, Wada reiterated his determination to uplift s p o r t s i n the state and urged the people of the state to continue to support the two clubs. Until appointment, Mallam Abdul Adama was the pioneer founder and chairman of Bukola babes FC (now ABS FC), a team he propelled from Amateur to Premiership stage.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bill and the Akwa Ibom Investment Holding Corporation bill to secure investments within the state. The Honorable Speaker called on Emenite group to work towards erecting their production plant in Akwa Ibom State adding, “Apart from boosting your presence in the state, it will also create employment opportunities.” He described Akwa Ibom as “fertile ground” for the production and sales of building material, pointing out that with the experience garnered by the company in the sector, he is confident they would always flood the market with quality and affordable products at competitive prices so as to sustain patronage. He particularly commended the company for the extension skill acquisition training programmes to some Nigerians, maintaining that it will go a long way to enhance the lives of the people. He also warned that the Assembly will not hesitate to move against anyone found guilty of supplying substandard product to the state, describing such acts as unacceptable reaffirming the Assembly's decision to remain committed and dedicated to serving the people, which he said is reflected in the Bills passed since inauguration. Earlier in his remark, the Managing Director of the Emenite Group, Mr. Tony Carge informed the Assembly of the company's desire to strengthen the relationship with the Akwa Ibom State government. He also assured the Speaker, that

the Emenite Group remains committed to the production of high quality building materials and rendering grade “A” services in the building sector. Mr. Carge however stated that the company cannot succeed without the necessary support and patronage from the state and the people. Also speaking, the General Manager Marketing, Emenite Group, Mr. Ifureuwen Udofia who said the company's experience in the building sector spans over fifty years also intimated the Speaker that as part of their civic duties, the company has trained over one thousand youths in Akwa Ibom State, adding that over the years, the company has had a good working relationship with the state government and solicited for better patronage. The General Manager of Ubotex, Elder Ubong Obot, and the sole distributor of Emenite Products in Akwa Ibom State in his remarks stated, "The investment we are making through Emenite underscores our confidence in the future of our overall building business and our commitment to customers for the long-term. In addition to the significant increase in capacity, this investment will serve to improve our operational efficiency and competitive position in Nigeria." Elder Obot congratulated the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Governor Godswill Akpabio on the people oriented projects and policies and referred to the plans by Emenite as a model of public and private cooperation.

THE

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

The Advocate Gospel This Week

THE GOSPEL DOES NOT LICENSE SIN TEXT: Galatians 2:17-18 But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn't that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a law-breaker. (NIVUK)

NARRATION Paul's religious critics did not understand why religious observance was not enough to win favour with God. They thought Paul was saying that free salvation through faith in Christ meant that God is not bothered by our sin; they claimed that the gospel promoted sinning. Surely, they argued, if Christ is pleased to forgive sin then He will be pleased when people sin more! If that was true, then He is a promoter of sin, and a law-breaker Himself! Why should Jesus Christ, who suffered so intensely because of our sin, want to encourage it any more? In Romans 6:1-2, Paul wrote about that false teaching: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” What is an appropriate response to the suffering of Christ: to deliberately sin more? No! That would show that we had no gratitude or love towards our Saviour. The only right response is to repent, repudiating all that is wrong, and live in a way which will please Him. The idea, that 'God does not mind sin' can creep into Christian minds, even if it is not explicitly taught. It is one of Satan's tools to disable God's people, making them ineffective as agents of light in a world of darkness. Sometimes the Evil One stirs a leader to teach that God does not mind what we do because He loves us and wants us to be happy. They are wrong. God is far more zealous for our moral purity than we often imagine. A real friendship is two-way: Christ suffered for us and we live to please Him. When that link is broken, there is little functional relationship. So let us be sure that we live right and teach the truth while humbly trusting in the grace of Christ.

Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for saving me as I put my trust in Jesus Christ and His death for me. However I am sorry that I do not always show You how grateful I am, and sometimes believe that You are indifferent to my sin. Please forgive me; help me to keep resisting temptation and be alert to the need to live a holy life so that my relationship with You may grow and become spiritually productive and glorify You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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'Ministry is looking at people's hearts, not their pockets' – Rev. Aniede 53 years old Rev. Simeon Aniede typifies the breed of ministers who have in the last four decades witnessed the changing trend in both the old and new generation-brand of Christianity. He barred his mind on a wide range of issues in the Christian circles; highlighting some of the ugly trends that have always bedeviled the church in Nigeria. Excerpts and giving which motivates Christians to work By Mary Chinda

Can we meet you sir? My name is Reverend Simeon Success Aniede. I am the Pastor of The Bread of life Pentecostal Bible Church, Emene Branch.

When and how did you receive your calling into the ministry? Well, I gave my life to Jesus Christ in 1977, January precisely. At that time I was merely 17 years of age, when I had this voice in a dream asking me to pick up my Bible the next morning and go to Onwudiwe primary school (Uwani, Enugu) where I met brethren of the Riches of Christ Mission sharing the word and I surrendered my life to the Lord when they made an alter call. A year after my conversion, the desire to go into serving God full time began to well up in me hence I joined the Scripture Union, Enugu wing as an Itinerant Evangelist. However by 1999, I began pasturing full time after I heard God clearly say to me during a week of fast “resign from Niger optical and serve me in ministry fully”.

What do you have to say about the popular message of prosperity which seems to have dominated the message of salvation in the past two decades? You see, those of us who got converted in those days really appreciated what ministry is. We know that ministry is looking at people's hearts not their pockets and hence you will not look at people's pockets as it would be obvious that you would get financially challenged and stuck. That is why a true Christian must be sure to get directives from God before delving into the ministry. Notwithstanding, the prosperity message preached in the right context is godly and not a message from the devil because the Bible says, “I wish above all things that you prosper even as your soul prosperith.” So your prosperity is God's will for His children. Nevertheless my quarrel is a minister placing one teaching above the other for personal gains. God's word is balanced, so to me, I know the scripture says “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteous and everything else shall be added unto you”. One thing I have discovered that makes some ministers emphasize prosperity is when your calling is not defined to the point that you understand that God has called you to look into people's hearts and minister to their souls as such they divert into preaching messages that would empty the people's pockets. The problem is that there is a huge difference between teaching believers “the principles of productivity and giving and over- chanting the prosperity-without works message” for instance, a friend shared with me the story of a church in Lagos where the pastor would come and milk the congregation telling them to wash his new shoes with N250 000, in order to tap into his anointing of prosperity. This despicable practice is similar with the message of prosperity

hard, save, give liberally to God's work here on earth. For instance every Sunday in January, I have services I call productivity services, where I teach members the principles of productivity which are hardwork, praying, saving, and giving and then we pray and dedicate our working tools to God for the year. So I too, like prosperity because without it we would raise a crop of Christians that are so heavenly conscious but earthly useless due to poverty. But ministers preaching prosperity for selfish reasons are not teaching productivity but what I call “better message” or extortion, and let's remember that the quickest way to hell is through the pulpit. I am not against rechristened prosperity message.

What do you think about the new wave of resurrectionfrom-the- dead messages making round in the Christian circles recently? Look, I have been a believer for 36 years and I have keenly followed the trends in the church over the last three decades. The issue of the theology of the resurrection from the dead ministry is not strange in the church especially in Nigeria. That is, somebody claiming to die, resurrect and bringing up a message from Jesus Christ. I have seen five persons with this claim of resurrecting with a message and they don't even have the same message. The corner where one says he saw heaven is not the same corner where the other one says he saw it from. My grouse is with the fact that they all claim to die and resurrect which is not in tandem with the only resurrection from the dead which the bible say will happen when Jesus comes to take us. My problem is if they died, which vessel died, what kind of death is it? Is it spiritual or physical? If they had dreams or momentous seizures which God wants to use to give a message, then, let them make it lucid, not to tell us they died. These things are merely visions, spiritual things cannot be physically understood and that is why when you dream you need an interpreter. No man of God should be publicly judged as it is not yet time for judgment.

Any advice for the youths? Please, don't miss out in your generation. My emphasis is on the Christian youths. I urge them not to follow the crowd to sin rather let them pursue heaven and study the word of God.

What is your message for the Enugu government? A Hearty congratulation to the governor, Barrister Sullivan Chime for the massive construction of roads within the state capital especially the Akwata area. However, the Government should learn to come out with policies that would be welcoming to both the rich and the poor, instead of affecting the poor heavily. I think the Government needs to look into the issue of incessant levies which the local government is forcing down the throats of the masses like the “container permit” here in Emene.

THE

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Doctors advised to take their health seriously By Christopher Okon, Uyo having the understanding that they practitioners.

he chief medical director University of Uyo Te a c h i n g H o s p i t a l (UUTCH) Prof. Etete Peter has advised medical doctors in the state to take advantage of their professional skills to take care of their health despite challenges experienced in the profession

are not super human beings. Prof. Etete Peter gave the advice while speaking with Journalists during the 2013 Annual General meeting /Science Conference of Nigeria Medical Association held at MNA Headquarters in Uyo with the theme: Physician Heal Thyself: a discourse on the health and longevity of the medical

He said they are professionals who should not relent in checking their health status but rather try to minimize busyness despite challenges experienced in the profession. He said they should understand all their focus and their target which is to deliver effective health service to their patients should

always remember they are not super human being and can equally breakdown just as their patients. While not contradicting issue for them to always maintain their primary goal as the profession demands. Prof. Etete Peter who is also the chairman of the occasion said health is not an issue to joke with despite that wonder while people

A'Ibom to partner Indian expatriates to enhance the health sector Nigerians that are s u ff e r i n g f r o m d i f f e r e n t ailments", the Governor posited. Akpabio disclosed that the state government wants to bring certain areas of medicine to the hospital, so that it would be easy for people to get the best areas of medical attention from the hospital, pointing out that the medical team w o u l d b e introduced to different medical specialties. Hinting that the hospital won't end up in partial

By Christopher Okon, Uyo

kwa Ibom Government has reiterated its readiness to partner with Indian medical expatriates in the running of the on-going 20th Anniversary Hospital in the state. Governor Godswill Akpabio, who stated this Thursday when Dr. Kofo Oganyankin and Mr. John Viyaru leading the Indian medical team paid him a courtesy visit at Governor's Office, Uyo and presented him with a proposal of partnership in the running of the 20th Anniversary Hospital, remarked "We want a strong partnership that can create a niche in the health sector". Akpabio explained "We don't want to stop capital flight, but we want to minimize the number of people that die while trying to travel to Europe and India for medical check-up and to minimize the turnout of Nigerians that leave the country. We would be glad to work with you where you will offer excellent services and you would be amazed by the number of patients that will patronize the hospital because they would be drawn to good services, best care and first-class treatment in a firstclass hospital. "We would look into the proposal because we are too ambitious and I hope the size of the hospital as you went on tour of the hospital did not overwhelm your operations. So, we tend to build a living quarter. Already, we have about 500 housing units which have been roofed and we would create a section of the estate and give out 100 or 150 houses for the hospital personnel to be completed for occupancy before January next year", he noted. "I also believe that a lot of private people would build hostel-like hotels opposite the hospital where patients who have a long stay can actually rent, occupy and stay close to the hospital. So, no matter how gigantic a hospital is, is not the size that matters but is about the care. We are all from different professional callings, so if we come together for strong partnership, working with our Nigerian partners and government, we would all reach a kind of consensus to bring the health sector to beat for a lot of

services but will develop in other medical areas, he assured the medical team of government's commitment to the provision of the necessary security for them to work in a conducive environment. Dr. Oganyankin and Mr. Viyaru who spoke respectively said they were impressed with the infrastructure in the state especially the on-going building of the 20th Anniversary Hospital, disclosing that their visit to the state was to partner with the state government in the running of the hospital when it is completed. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey hinted that the Indian expatriates were impressed with the flair design of the hospital during their inspection tour at the building of the hospital, saying that the hospital which is a world-class would conserve foreign exchange in the training of medical doctors for the hospital is one of the legacies of Governor Akpabio administration.

could not take care of themselves and use the opportunity to express his feeling that quackery in the medical profession should be eliminated in the system not tarnish the profession image while the committee concern should surely focus where nothing can frustrate them to achieve their purpose for citizens witness and experience transformation in the health sector by flushing quackery out in all ramifications . He said conference of this nature would ginger doctors to really understand their professional ethic to meet up the current practice standard generally the entire world as they have not relent over their responsibilities because they dealt with human lives. Prof. Etete has commended the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort to educate members through the scientific conference of understanding the trend involves without taking care of their health system in ramifications following the slogan that said health is wealth, while the association should continue to assist the government and the citizens of the nation in the provision of smooth, efficient and effective health care delivery system in the country . He advised medical doctors to always deliver qualitative health care service through continuos professional development advocacy and policy development.

TRAGEDY:

Two girls drown while swimming in Enugu

ragedy struck in Enugu last Saturday when two young girls who went to swim in Asata River in the state capital with their colleagues drowned in the dirty water. The girls believed to be hawkers at the New Haven/Bisala road junction, went down to the river with their colleagues to shower where they met their untimely death. An eyewitness said the younger girl of about eight years had jumped into the deepest part of the river and fearing that she could drown, the elder sister of about 15 years dived into the river to rescue her but unfortunately both of them drowned. When their colleagues noticed that they have been swallowed by the fast floating river, they took to their heels and alerted some passersby who engaged some local divers to help rescue them. After the search that lasted for about an hour, the four divers only succeeded in rescuing the lifeless body of the 15-year-old girl while the second could not be found before the night. The development caused traffic gridlock on the road as several motorists stopped to

The lifeless body of the 15 year-old girl ascertain why the crowd gathered at the scene. Throughout the rescue operation, no security operative was seen at the scene which is about a kilometer away from the Government House.

By press time, the rescued corpse of the girl was still lying by the roadside as her parent could not be identified. The Advocate gathered that the search for the missing girl continued even the next day but her corpse could not be found.

THE

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Chime woos investors to Enugu, promises tax harmonization By Rex Arum

overnor Sullivan Chime said plans is underway to harmonize taxes in the state, calling investors to take the advantage to invest in the state as such harmonization is aimed at removing the burden of multiple taxation on their businesses. The Governor made this disclosure last week during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Prima Industrial Bottling Plant, producer of LaCasera drink at Ezinato-Nsude in Udi council area of the state. Represented by the state Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Anthony Ani (SAN), Chime invited other companies to take advantage of conducive environment existing to locate their factories to Enugu. Chime who said Prima company wouldn't have chosen other time than now to invest in the state, noted that his administration has

Shell to train 500 nurses in Abia

lans have been concluded by Shell Petroleum Company limited in collaboration with the state government to train about 500 nurses in the state. According to Dr Okechukwu Oga the Hon. Commissioner for health designate '' the Abia state government is to partner with Shell Petroleum Company Limited to train about 500 nurses which will help the input of those nurses after the training and to improve their productivity. He maintained that the state government will soon embark on employment of qualified health workers, nurses, pharmacist and doctors to manage 710 health centers built by the state government adding that the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji the health friendly governor has also built a diagnosis and dialysis center in other to improve the health care of Abia citizens.

invest in Enugu state will lead to rapid economic development that will create jobs for our youth and empower the overall population”. Earlier in his address the Managing Director, Jotna Nigeria Ltd owners of the Prima Industrial Plc, Sushil R. Ramchandani thanked Governor Chime for his support which he said without the day couldn't have been possible. He promised that the company will abide by all issues contained in the

laid the ground work and build the necessary infrastructure for businesses to thrive, noting that with the commencement of International flight from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu has been directly linked to international community. While thanking the community for providing the land on which the company is being built, he urged them to show the investors hospitality, charging them to see the investment as their own, and should therefore nurture and protect it at all times. He said, “Attracting industries to

he Parliament of the Economic Community of We s t A f r i c a n S t a t e s , ECOWAS Parliament, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, a German Foundation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, aimed at enhancing the powers and strengthening the role and mandate of the Community Parliament. Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Monday, the Speaker of the Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu said the thrusts of the MOU were to reinforce the ECOWAS commitment to regional integration and enhance and strengthen the Parliament's contribution to social justice, development, integration, and democratic and comprehensive security policy. Senator Ekweremadu who also signed on behalf of the Community Parliament pledged the Parliament's commitment to utilizing the opportunity judiciously. He said: “This is coming at a very important time in the history of the ECOWAS Parliament and we would continue to be very

independent and responsible in our work; we want to serve the community very effectively and provide leadership and support that will enable the integration effort in the sub-region to thrive.” Also speaking, the Coordinator for West Africa, Friedrich Abert Foundation, Mr. Felix Henkel described the enhancement of the p o w e r s o f t h e E C O WA S Parliament as one of the most important regional issues at the

Nigeria and for most of them the destination is Akwa Ibom State”. According to him, “This is the time for investment. We have done the infrastructure; we have opened access to our state through an international airport. And in partnership with the Federal Government, we are about to commence construction of Ibaka Deep Seaport.” Akpabio described Akwa Ibom State as one of the most peaceful states in the Niger Delta Region, noting “This is the only state that government goes a little extra to spend money to ensure security for companies working. The Managing Director of

He said the support to the parliament was informed by the fact that the ECOWAS Vision 2020 seeking to transform the Community from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of people could only come through with the proper representation of the people and enhancement the powers of the ECOWAS Parliament. Meanwhile, under the MOU, the Friedrich Abert Foundation is to strengthen the campaign for an

civil society organisations and networks as well as facilitate expert inputs to the work of the respective parliamentary committees. The brief ceremony was witnessed by the Minister/Counsellor, Embassy of Germany in Nigeria, Klemens Momkes; Speaker of East African Legislative A s s e m b l y, H o n . M a r g a r e t Nantongo Zziwa; and Speaker of Pan African Parliament, Hon. Bethel Amadi.

PASSAN cries for increase of salary, allowances

he Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria Bayelsa State chapter has called on the leadership of Bayelsa State house of assembly led by Rt. Hon. Kombowei Benson to increase their salary and allowances to 100%. PASSAN without any reservation to protest for their demand if the leadership of the BSHA failed to meet up their demand. Comrade Siso Simeon appealed to Staff to

By Christopher Okon, Uyo companies are showing interest in between the oil company and the

MoU signed with Ezinato-Nsude community through her land management committee on 3rd September, 2013. Presenting two cheques to the community during the ceremony as part of the company's corporate social responsibility, Ramchandani said, N2.5 million is for community development project at N.5million per annum being payable in advance for five years, while 2nd cheque of N.5 million is for providing education opportunities to deserving indigenes. He further stated that 50 cases of each brand of company's products will be provided to the community, through its land management committee chairman annually.

ECOWAS Parliament, Friedrich Ebert Foundation mandate and capacities Sign MOU on Regional Integration, ofenhanced the Community Parliament, facilitate dialogue between the Enhancement of Powers moment. ECOWAS Parliament and relevant

Gov Akpabio advocates good Nigeria-US partnership. I thank you so far ExxonMobil is in a position to relationship because so many American confirm the extent of partnership kwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has reiterated the need for continuous partnership between Nigeria and United States of America in the promotion of trade and investments. Governor Akpabio, who made the call at the state banquet for the Consul-General of United States of America, Consulate General in Nigeria, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, further called on more American companies with interest in Nigeria to invest in Akwa Ibom State. He noted “We must continue to promote trade and the only way to do so is for us to continue to forge

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government and the extent we go to ensure that there is peace and cordiality. If there is anytime they have reduction in production, it is when they have problem with the pipeline not through vandalism but through age and leakages”. The Consul-General, Hawkins said he was amazed at the hospitality accorded him and the infrastructural development in the state, saying that Akwa Ibom State h a s t h e l a rg e s t A m e r i c a n investments in Nigeria. “I have been in Nigeria two years now and I have visited 17 states, I have not seen such hospitality. We are struck by the infrastructural development of the state,” Hawkins said.

always cooperate with PASSAN in achieving their aims. According to Comrade Siso Simeon, he came about one year now from 2nd April 2012 -2nd April 2013, barely after RT Hon Kombowei Friday Benson was sworn in as speaker February 2012. The relationship as Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria ( PA S S A N ) c o m p r i s e o f Assemblies, National Assemblies and their Service commission, Bayelsa State Chapter and the leadership headed by the speaker and the management was cordial through many meetings to raise the welfare situation of staff of the State House and the service Commission. The issues the union sought was purchases of drugs to the Assemble Clinic, Training of Staff to meet with New Technological practice, upward review of allowances, and provision of computers to all Departments, repair of the Staff coaster Bus among others. The union Chairman said, the relationship went soar recently when the union (PASSAN) demanded for the implementation of the establish consolidated legislative salary structure (CONLESS), A 100% pay rise for parliamentary staff implemented at the national Assembly. The Rt. Hon speaker has asked the

union to provide necessary documents to raise memo to His Excellency for the payment, but in several occasions failed, while honourable members sets their approval urgently the bedrock at the legislature, the Staff have nothing approved for them as embedded in the Assemble budget all years round. The latest is that Mr. Speaker has stopped the chairman Comrade Siso coming to office or the house at the Assembly Quarters to fight for the right of the staff, at the Assembly service commission the situation is very pathetic as there are no chairs/tables for staff in the conference hall,there are no furniture nor equipments among others, as Comrade Siso highlighted while briefing the press on behalf of the union. While the chairman, Comrade Siso Simeon, was at Abuja for PASSAN NEC meeting, Rt Hon Kombowei Benson affected posting from the floor as acting sergeant atArm/CSO to the information department to demoralize what Mr. Speaker termed pressure on the union yet the (chairman) would not be discouraged, else on the 5th Monday, August 2013, a congress meeting of PASSAN members called for meeting. The union called for concerted efforts in the welfare of members and thereby appeals to the leadership to address their situation or there would be a show down…..So the chairman added.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

gist

BBA The Chase: Pokello's Dad Disapproves of Her Relationship with Elikem

t may seem that former Big Brother A f r i ca Th e C ha s e ho u s e m at e, Pokello Nare's father does not approve of the ongoing romance between his daughter and fellow housemate Elikem Kumordzi. According to reports, Pokello's dad, George Nare intentionally avoided meeting Ellikem, during the latter's visit to Zimbabwe earlier in September, contrary to media reports by the couple that he was busy. It was gathered that the Retired Colonel chose not to meet with his daughter's boyfriend allegedly because he believes doing so was against the tradition, which must be strictly observed. 'My daughter called me and told me she was coming to Bulawayo with her boyfriend and wanted me to meet him, but I was very frank with her and I told her that it was against our tradition…I can only be able to meet him when they come for official introductions' he reportedly said. George Nare however expressed his

support for his daughter, adding that although the relationship is in its early stages, he is prepared to back whatever decision she makes. 'As a father I believe Pokello is a grown up woman who makes her own decisions and she has chosen to fall in love with this guy, Elikem and her happiness is what counts most to us...All I can do is help her make the best of her life and facilitate her to achieve her goals.’ Pokello is presently in Ghana as part of a courtesy visit to reciprocate Elikem's earlier visit to her home country in Zimbabwe.

Actress Yvonne Jegede landed in a messy chest surgery scandal Tuface Idibia's African Queen video. The actress who decided to share sexy new photos of herself upon return as a way of re-launching her acting career in Nollywood turned out to be the starting point of the controversy. Many of her fans did not expect it because they felt she was the quite, shy and 'decent' kind of girl. The actress in a recent interview denied the rumorsaying she did not do any chest enlargement surgery. According to Yvonne Jegede: My features have always been the same from time immemorial. The thing is a lot of people have always seen me as that naïve, vulnerable girl who likes to cry a lot because those are the kind of roles I used to get

ollywood actress, Yvonne Jegede who has been off the movie scene for a while landed in a messy chest surgery scandal after returning back. The Sexy actress left the scene in 2007 to study International Relations in Cyprus. Yvonne, was one of the ladies in

before I left. The roles I got were roles I have to be a nice girl in the village, a girl who is begging to be loved, a girl who has made a mistake and who desperately wants to repent, a girl who people will feel sorry for, a girl who is from a poor home.

Onyeka Onwenu gets Political Appointment in President Jonathan's Administration

resident Goodluck Jonathan has appointed one of Nigeria's pop music sensation, Onyeka Onwenu, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) Abuja. Onwenu's appointment was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Ayim Pius Ayim. The appointment according to the letter is for a-four-year term and is effective from September 13, 2013.

An elated Onwenu confirmed the appointment on telephone to our reporter saying, ”yes, it is true; but I am in Enugu right now.” Onwenu had since the dawn of the present democratic dispensation tried severally to contest election as the chairman of Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State but was denied the opportunity by the past governors of the state. Her last public office was as the chairman of Imo State Arts Council, a position she was appointed to by Ikedi Ohakim.

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Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

By Okey Anyichie

Nigerian Pioneer Football Clubs (10)

Enyimba International Football Club of Aba

nyimba Football Club of Aba was founded in 1976, the late Veteran Sports Administration, Chief Jerry Enyeazu, when he was appointed the new Director of Sports in the newly created Imo State. It became one of the football clubs to exist in Aba, popularly called Enyimba City after the Civil war in 1970. Before the war, there was a town's popular football team called Aba ‘Giant killers’, which challenged strong and popular town's football teams like the Port-Harcourt's ‘Red Devils' or 'Pitarkwa All Stars,'Ikpeazu Redoubtables’ of Onitsha and Enugu ‘Black Rocks' among others in the former Eastern Region. However in 1971, a football club called Neptune Football Club Owned and formed by Lever Brothers Nigeria Limited, an arm of United Africa Company (UAC) started trading tackles with other football clubs in the srstwhile East Central state. The club played the state final of challenge cup

t last, the draws for the 10 final qualifiers for the last lap of 2014 world cup soccer championship in Brazil are out. In the ceremony that took place in Cairo- Egypt, the Confederation of Africa football (CAF) paired the ten countries which include Ghana, Cape Verde (later Tunisia), Egypt, Cameroun, Senegal, Cote D,ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Algeria. These ten qualifiers will play among two teams each starting from next month and end in November this year. It will produce five countries that will trade tackles with other qualifiers from different nooks and crannies of the world for the world cup next year in Brazil. Nigeria which is among the ten countries that qualified to play for

competition in Enugu with the Rangers Football Club of Enugu in 1971 and lost by 1-4. Later another strong football club called Abatex Football Club emerged in 1974. The Enyimba Football Club when it was formed in Aba sequel to the creation of Imo State had another strong football club called Spartans Football Club of Owerri

the five tickets for Africa zone had been paired with Ethiopia. After two encounters between the two countries on away and home basis, the winner will pick one of the five tickets for Brazil next year. This is the first time, Nigeria is facing Ethiopia at this crucial level of world cup soccer qualifier in Africa zone and barring any u n f o r e s e e n circumstances, Nigeria is likely to pick the ticket after the two encounters. If this happens Nigeria will be among the African five flag- bearers at this global soccer championship next year in Brazil. Nigeria will then record

by the same Sports Administrator, Chief Jerry Enyeazu in the year of 1976 as a rival football club. Spartans Football Club of Owerri always had upper-hand in football competition in Imo. It was later bought and renamed Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri. It was bought and financed by Engineer Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, now it is

her presence at the championship for the fifth time since 1994 in USA. Nigeria started being one of the Africa's flag bearers at the competition in 1994 in USA, 1998 in France, 2002 in South Korea/Japan and 2010 in South

called 'Heart-Land' of Owerri. Enyimba shot into prominence after the creation of Abia State in 1991 and in 1999, when the fourth Republic started, the football loving Governor of the State Chief Uzo Orji Kalu took charge of the club and funded it fully and the club started impacting on Nigerian league Championship as well as the champion of champion's super cup. With these triumphs of the Aba based club side in 2001, Enyimba continued its string of victories in the national soccer with the winning of the premier league championships in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010. The club also won the Football Association (FA) Cup in 2005 and 2009. In the international soccer scene, the Aba club side broke the

Africa. The meeting of Nigeria and Ethiopia marks another historical situation in Nigeria's soccer competition in Africa. Nigeria had encountered this East-African Country in the Africa cup of

jinx on the Africa League Soccer Championship which had eluded the Nigerian club sides since 1968. In 2003 Enyimba defeated Ismaili Football Club of Egypt 2-1 to win the Continental League Soccer Championship, in 2004 Enyimba retained the championship by beating Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia. The club also played in the continental league championship in 2005 and 2006 and bowed out at the group stage, while in 2008 and 2011 shot into the semi-finals and got eliminated at the stage of these two years editions of the league championship. Also Enyimba played in the second continental soccer competition for Africa club sides called Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Cup competition, but stopped at the round of 16. That is a good score card for both national and international appearances by Enyimba. With these soccer back-ground of Enyimba Football Club of Aba, it stands out as one of the best clubsides in Nigeria at the turn of this 21st century after it was formed in 1976. The Climax being the winning of the elusive continental league championship that had eluded the Nigerian club sides for thirty-eight years of appearances at the competition. And Enyimba has taken their great and unique standard in the game from the boundaries of the country to numerous African countries, where the club came, saw and conquered Africa for two years, 2003 and 2004.

nations in 1982, 1994, 2012 and 2013. Now the stage is set for this final lap and last stage of qualifier for the five tickets to Brazil next year. Although on paper it seems a walk over for Nigeria, but football is not mathematics. There are bound in some cases an upset. Hence it is said that it is not over until it is over. This would be known after the 15th November 2013. Let's be loaded with optimism.

Enyimba football club of Aba triumphs for the third time LOTTO! LOTTO!! LOTTO!!! (CAF) cup since it started in 1975 in the FA Cup Championship Enyimba vied in the group stage of

he peoples elephant, otherwise called Enyimba football club of Aba last Sunday triumphed in the final encounter with Warri Wolves in the final of federation cup soccer Championship by 5- 4 penalty shoot out. In an explosive encounter which ended 2-2 at the end of the ninety minutes, had to go into penalty shoot out to produce the 2013 champion of the competition. This is the third time; the Aba based club-side has lifted the trophy. The club made the first victorious incursion in the competition in 2005, only to repeat a victorious performance in 2009. Now the Aba based soccer out fit

will apart from winning the trophy, pick the ticket for 2013/2014 Confederation of Africa cup soccer championship after an absence of five years in the continental soccer fiesta for clubs in the continent. Enyimba is a very resilience football club in the country at the turn of the 21st century after winning the elusive Africa league soccer championship for Nigeria clubs since 1968. The winning of championship backto-back in 2003 and 2004 has put the country in the competitions 'Hall of fame', since it started in AccraGhana in 1964. But Enyimba football club of Aba is yet to lift the Confederation of Africa football

the competition 2010 but could not accomplish much. And so with the winning of FA cup and the ticket for CAF cup soccer competition, Enyimba is set to make another record in the clubs' soccer competition next year when the competition starts. It would be recalled that Nigerian clubs beginning with 3SC, Rangers, BCC Lions football clubs had won the competition in the past years. But since the past seventeen years no Nigerian club had won this second continental soccer competition for clubs in Africa. Maybe after the competition next year, Enyimba football club will once again win the competition for the country for the fourth time since it started in 1975.

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Hall of Famer Ken Norton dead at 70

en Norton, who in the course of 12 hard-fought rounds in 1973 was transformed from an unknown heavyweight into one of the most famous boxers in the world by virtue of a victory over Muhammad Ali, died Wednesday in a Las Vegas care facility. He was 70. Norton was a thickly muscled ex-Marine who had little notoriety when he faced Ali on March 31, 1973, at the San Diego Sports Arena. But Norton broke Ali's jaw in the second round and went on to earn a split-decision victory that would define him as one of his era's greats. The Seventies were a golden age for heavyweights, with legends such as Ali, Joe

Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Mayweather bout judge stepping away from ring

the clear winner. Those scorecards had the fight 116-112 and 117-111 for Mayweather, who remained an undefeated 45-0. Alvarez fell to 42-1-1 before a big crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and a large pay-per-view audience. Nevada boxing regulators generally backed Ross, although Nevada Athletic Commission Chairman Bill Brady told reporters the panel could have looked more closely at her selection for the Mayweather fight. Brady promised changes to protect fighters, fans

a decision whether to quit. Ross scored the world 152-pound title fight a 114-114 draw on Saturday night, but Mayweather won a majority decision after two other judges scored Mayweather

and bettors. He didn't immediately respond Wednesday to messages. Ross also drew attention as one of two judges who scored Timothy Bradley the winner in a controversial split-decision

veteran Nevada boxing judge who drew widespread criticism after scoring a weekend title fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Saul ''Canelo'' Alvarez a draw is giving up her ringside job, at least temporarily. ''I'm taking time away,'' Cynthia C.J. Ross told The Associated Press on Wednesday in a brief telephone interview from her home outside Las Vegas. The 64-year-old Ross said she won't judge any fights ''in the immediate future,'' and hadn't made Frazier, George Foreman and Larry Holmes among many others competing at a high level, and Norton fit right in with that group. Ali beat him in a hotly contested rematch later in 1973, and after the fight was singing Norton's praises. "Norton is a better fighter than any other fighter I've fought, except maybe Joe Frazier," Ali said. Gene Kilroy, Ali's former business manager, was a good friend of Norton's and visited him at the Veteran's Administration hospital in Las Vegas two weeks ago. He said Norton was unable to speak, but loved seeing the boxers that Kilroy brought to visit.

welterweight title bout over Manny Pacquiao in June 2012 in Las Vegas. The decision spurred a call by the manager of both fighters, Bob Arum, for a review by Nevada state Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. She said she found nothing illegal or criminal in the scoring. State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer said Wednesday he respected Ross' decision to take time off and appreciated her more than 20 years of service to boxing. Ross, a retired casino surveillance official and mechanical designer, said she has been scoring fights for 22 years and estimated that she had judged more than 30 previous championship bouts. She defended her scoring of the 12-round Mayweather-Alvarez fight. ''I had six rounds for each fighter,'' she said. ''Every round was close. I no idea of the controversy until the next day.'' Ross said she thought second-guessing on social media has changed boxing. ''Controversy happens in a lot of fights. With the help of social media, people expressing opinions, it brings things to a different light,'' she said. ''I'm taking the brunt of it.'â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

UEFA Champions League:

Chelsea lose at home, Arsenal beat Marseille

HELSEA suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Basel in Jose Mourinho's first Champions League game back at the club. Oscar broke the deadlock for Chelsea on the stroke of half-time with a fine finish into the bottom corner after being played in by Frank Lampard. The Brazilian struck the crossbar with a wonderful effort early in the second period and there were also chances for Eden Hazard and Branislav Ivanovic, but Chelsea never looked fully in control and they were pegged back in the 71st minute by a curling shot from Mohamed Salah. Basel were not content to hold on for a point, though, and were rewarded for their adventure eight minutes from time when Marco Streller's near-post header from a corner crept past Petr Cech. Willian was brought into the starting XI for his debut after arriving from Anzhi Makhachkala and there were also starts for Samuel Eto'o and Marco van Ginkel as Mourinho took charge

of Chelsea in the Champions League for the first time since the draw with Rosenborg exactly six years ago which marked the end of his first spell at the helm. Chelsea, missing the guile of Juan Mata, were unable to unlock the Swiss defence in a ponderous opening. In the second term, gaps were appearing in the Blues' defence

and Behrang Safari, wearing a head bandage following an earlier clash with Willian, found Streller with a diagonal pass and the target man laid the ball off for Salah to clinically net across goal. Mourinho replaced Van Ginkel and Lampard with John Obi Mikel and Demba Ba, the latter going up front alongside the ineffective Eto'o.

Chelsea's pursuit of all three points left them exposed and Streller won a corner. From the set-piece Streller evaded the attentions of Eto'o and Cahill to head substitute Matias Delgado's corner in at the near post. Cech might have done better, too. Marcelo Diaz had an effort blocked as Basel looked for a

third, with Chelsea well beaten as their winless run was extended to four games. Elsewhere, Arsenal claimed a hard fought 2-1 win in their UEFA Champions League group F opener in Marseille thanks to goals from Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey. Walcott's sublime volley from the corner of the six-yard box 25minutes from time gave Arsenal the lead on what was a difficult night in the South of France. Neither side impressed in the opening 45-minutes, but it was the home team who looked the more likely before Walcott struck taking advantage of a poor clearance from Marseille fullback Guy Morel. The win and three points came courtesy of five-minutes of Aaron Ramsey's sixth goal in six games. Marseille did claim a consolation in injury time when Jordan Ayew converted a penalty - given away by Ramsey, but the whistle went almost immediately after and left the home side with no time to look for an equaliser.

Vol. 1 No. 31, Wednesday, September 25 - Tuesday, October 2, 2013

Rafael Nadal Back page comment

Local Government Autonomy: Any Justification?

ecently, there has been a countrywide debate on whether the Local Government shall enjoy full autonomy with all their rights sacredly restored to them, especially as it pertains to control of Federal Government's monthly financial allocations without passing through the various state governments to the local governments. This was triggered off by the debate in the upper chamber of the National Assembly the Senate on Local Government autonomy in the on-going review of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution. The position of the senators in the debate was obviously negative as the majority voted against Local Government autonomy a stance totally against the provisions of Section 7 of the Constitution of the F e d e r a l Republic of Nigeria, which they swore to protect and as such drew the ire of the vociferous members of the p u b l i c especially the grassroots politicians who felt cheated. The position of the senate did not tally with that of the H o u s e o f Representatives Mark the lower chamber of the N a t i o n a l Assembly dependent upon on the submissions of the Nigerian people during the public presentation of the constitution review, voted for Local government autonomy without exception. This became the center-point of controversy and gave impetus to national debate on whether the LGAs actually deserve full autonomy or should continue to be on the guide and guard of state governments. The debate drew the attention of the generality of the populace the politicians, academics, public servants, farmers, artisans, market men and women, drivers, etc. All became involved because of the vital role which the constitution assigned to the Local Government Councils (LGCs), but are in most cases, not performed because of the appendage clause. As the third tier of government and indeed the grassroot government of the nation, the people's hope and expectation from the LGCs were totally dashed by their wanton disregard to the performance of their statutory role thereby negating the idea and objective of

setting up the Local Government system ab initio in 1976. However, the operators of the system, in defense of their ineptitude and flagrant disregard to their role, put up a strong argument that they do not receive their Federal Government monthly revenue allocation which is held in custody for them by some state governments and (sometimes) not released to them, not even for payment of workers' salary. This is true in some states and untrue in others. Some state governments do not even allow local government elections to be held in their states and defiantly appoint stooges as caretaker committees to run the affairs of the local governments for their personal gains. By this singular act, democratic dividends due for the

governments leaving people to ponder over the need or essence of allocating funds to them which is believed are for misappropriation. Workers are owed several months of salary arrears. No new developmental projects are embarked upon and where an attempt is made to carry out one, its outcome is shoddy and shameful. Health and education are relegated to the back ground to the extent that teachers are not paid, no new or modern equipped school blocks, no attempts at repairing dilapidated and damaged school buildings. On the issue of primary health care, the health centres are not only lacking drugs, medical personnel but most annoyingly not even renovated or modernized to accommodate the fast growing rural population and where they attempt at providing any it is nepotisticdriven and very selective. However, this debate would n o t h a v e attracted so many comments if the right things were done. There is no doubt that the F e d e r a l Republic of Tambowal N i g e r i a Constitution of 1999 and the electorates are denied of them and socioe c o n o m i c a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l system of government operative in development in the rural communities Nigeria allows for autonomy of the Local Government Councils as the third tier of stalled to a large extent. However, many local government government, but the need for the Local operatives receiving their allocations government Chairmen to live up to their fully and untampered with are still total oath of office cannot be over emphasized. disappointments to their electorates due There is no doubt that corruption has to the noticeable avalanche of corruption taken a deep toll on the nation's psyche within the system. This is why some are and seemingly difficult to change but the laws of the land should be enforced so clamouring for state control. But worse than the state-controlled much so that corrupt public officials LGAs, some others supposedly free from especially those who embezzle public the stranglehold of their state funds with impunity could be called upon governments tend to exhibit high level of to answer for the crimes they committed moral ineptitude and wanton disregard to while in office many years after their their promises and in fact, do not respond leaving office. Otherwise it shall be pertinent to suggest to the challenges facing the electorates. The main objective of establishing the continued management of the affairs of local government system at the initial the local governments being that most stage among which is to carry local government administrators development to the grassroots, provide abandoned their responsibilities for state social infrastructure such as good roads, to manage over this long period of time. electricity, and portable water (as a means However, the constitution of the Federal of stemming the tide of rural-urban Republic of Nigeria should be reviewed migration) became defeated at the behest in this line to avert the punishment meted out to the grassroots. and utter consternation of the people. The state governments still carry out most FRANK ONWUMELU of the developmental projects in the local Writes from Enugu

Rafael "Rafa" Nadal Parera (born 3 June 1986) is a Spanish professional tennis player and a former world No. 1. As of 26 August 2013, he is ranked No. 2 by the ATP. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time,or by some the greatest along with his great rival Roger Federer. His success on clay has earned him the nickname "King of Clay" and has led many sports journalists and commentators, as well as former and current players, to regard him as the greatest clay court player in history. Nadal has won 13 Grand Slam singles titles, the 2008 Olympic gold medal in singles, a record 26 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and a record 14 ATP World Tour 500 tournaments. He was also a member of the winning Spain Davis Cup team in 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2011. In 2010, he became the seventh player in history and youngest of four in the Open Era to achieve the Career Grand Slam. He is only the second male player, after Andre Agassi, to complete the Career Golden Slam. Nadal and Mats Wilander are the only players in history who have won at least two Grand Slam titles on three different surfaceshard court, grass, and clay. By winning the 2013 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament eight times and the first to win at least one Grand Slam tournament for nine consecutive years, breaking the record of eight previously shared by Björn Borg, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer. Nadal holds the record for most consecutive titles at a particular tournament as a result of winning his eighth straight MonteCarlo Masters in 2012.

Early life Rafael Nadal was born in Manacor, Balearic Islands, Spain, to Sebastián Nadal, a businessman who owns an insurance company, a glass and window company, Vidres Mallorca, and manages his own restaurant, Sa Punta. His mother is Ana María Parera, a housewife. He has a younger sister named María Isabel. His uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, is a retired professional footballer, who played for RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona, and the Spanish national team.Nadal supports football clubs Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca. Recognizing that Nadal had a natural talent for tennis, another uncle, Toni Nadal, a former professional tennis player, introduced him to tennis when he was three years old. At age eight, Nadal won an under-12 regional tennis championship at a time when he was also a promising football player. This made Toni Nadal intensify training, and at that time he encouraged Nadal to play left-handed for a natural advantage on the tennis court, as he noticed Nadal played forehand shots with two hands.