The advocate 34th edition

Vol. 1 No. 34, October 28 - 31, 2013

CLO condemns Catholic Nun kills her selective newborn baby demolition of in the Pg. 18 buildings in seminary Enugu Pg. 3

N150

UNTH: The Transformation, Breakthroughs and Challenges Pg. 6

Is Chime increasing poverty in Enugu?

Over 6,000 Okada riders, traders displaced ESWAMA operates illegal detention camp Multiple taxation forces business closures Tricycle operators living in fear

By Rex Arum, Patrick Okolie & Beatrice Ani

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R-L: Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State accompanied by the state Chairman of the PDP, Engr. Vita Abba, State Party Secretary, Barr. Steve Orurno and member representing Awgu/ Aninri/Oji-River Federal Constituency, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, while addressing a rally, during his local Government election campaign tour to Awgu Local Government Area …recently.

ince the emergence of the Sullivan Chime administration in Enugu State in 2007, the poor are being driven into what could be described as socio-economic oblivion on account of unpopular policies of the state government which experts say are always in favour of the rich and leaving the poor in abject poverty.

Poverty is the lack of material means of survival; a situation of little or no food, shelter, clothes, healthcare, education, and other physical means of livelihood and improving one's life.

Poverty level varies from one country to another, states and communities. An international study on poverty in Nigeria shows that Enugu state is about the poorest state in Nigeria.

Poverty has risen in Nigeria, with almost 112 million people living on less than a $1 (£0.63) a day, despite economic growth, according to statistics, but analysts said the situation is worse in Enugu state where thousands of people have lost their sources of income due to harsh government policies since the past six years as well as non-creation of jobs for the youths.

The National Bureau of Statistics said 60.9% of Nigerians in 2010 were living in "absolute poverty" - this figure had risen from 54.7% in 2004. In 2012 a statistics of the population of Nigerians in abject poverty was

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Enugu, crime capital of Nigeria – Survey Pg.

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Is Chime increasing poverty in Enugu?

Continued from front page released by the National Bureau of Statistics which revealed that even with reasonable economic g r o w t h , a b o u t 11 2 m i l l i o n Nigerians live below the poverty line.

This prediction according to the bureau was likely to continue over the years ahead.

Among the States of Nigeria, there seem to be a down turn in the available data which glaringly is suggestive of the fact that the people of the states are becoming more impoverished consequent on the plutocratic policies whereby the poor are forced out of the city to rural areas where there are no jobs or any clear means of livelihood.

In Enugu State the government has demonstrated some kind of autocracy in its policies and programmes without recourse to the plight of the governed who should be the major focus of any government.

Soon after Chime assumed office he commenced the demolition of shops owned by the low income earners on the streets of Enugu capital city without minding how they will survive. This was done at Agbani road, Obiagu, Achara layout, Abakpa Nike, Ogui Road, Emene among other high density areas of the town. These were done under the guise of recovering the old master plan of the coal city. Sources said no fewer than 5,000 shops, containers and other shanties have been demolished from 2007 to date and the exercise is ongoing.

While some applauded the administration's determination to sanitize the coal city, which was said to be fast degenerating to a ghetto due to indiscriminate erection of unapproved structures, others lamented the hardship which the exercise imposed on the victims whose sources of livelihood were taken away by the government. The plights of the victims were worsened by the government's failure to relocate the displaced or provide alternative places for them to continue with their businesses.

Recently over 3,000 traders displaced from various trading places at the Old Park market built and allocated by Enugu North local government area many years ago, were also sent to their villages. Many citizens described as “senseless” the demolition of shops in markets and on the streets without alternative allocation or compensation to ameliorate the sufferings of the affected traders.

Before the traders' doom, over 5,000 professional Okada riders that earn their living from commercial motorcycle operations within the Enugu capital city were rendered jobless by government's proscription

Gov. Chime order which was done based on security reasons.

This gave birth to Tricycles which have become a major poverty alleviation tools in many states but alas all is not well with the Tricycles as the government is said to have concluded arrangements to outlaw the use of Tricycles in Enugu with effect from next year and over 2,000 operators whose family members depend solely on this source, are likely to face severe poverty as their breadwinners would be thrown out of job.

Apart from Shoprite; a multi-million naira departmental shopping mall built during the Chime administration, which offered employment to some youths, there is no record that Enugu government has created job opportunities in the s t a t e w h e r e unemployment is placed at over 80 percent.

Road construction contracts, which have gulped over 90 percent of the state's resources set aside for capital projects from 2007 till date, were mostly awarded to nonindigenous firms thereby throwing many Enugu people in the construction industry out of business. Some indigenous contractors who were earlier considered lamented that they were now not empowered as their jobs were poorly priced unlike their foreign counterparts handling similar jobs in the state.

It will be pertinent to know that Civil servants in Enugu state have no salary chart and therefore allegedly short-changed in the implementation of the minimum

wage law. As a result civil servants in Enugu state are said to be earning the least salary when compared to the take-home pay earned by their counterparts in other states of the federation.

Agriculture has received a big chunk of the state budget since 2007, y e t n o t i n g meaningful has been seen from a sector that is supposed to be the highest job creator in the state.

Farmers in the state are becoming down cast as everyone of them is sick and tired of the subsistence farming which not only retard their life expectancy but also leaves them poorer than they were as their products are not accorded the deserving value.

None of the farm settlement in Ette, Obeagu, Oduma or Adani has been resuscitated in the past six years of Chime's regime to create more jobs for the unemployed in the state.

According to a level 12 officer in Enugu state government employ

government policies have influenced on housing or to cater for other needs of our families,” he said.

The Chime administration increased the premium being paid on lands allocated by the state government to N1,000 per square metre and this has forced rents charged by property owners up beyond the reach of the civil servants, many of who have relocated to their villages.

Today, many inhabitants of the Enugu capital city buy water, some of which are not safe both for drinking and domestic use as pipe-borne water is yet to be extended to greater part of the state capital.

The state government had tried to upgrade the status of traditional rulers by providing them with brand new cars in addition to a monthly stipend/allowance of N120,000. But before the monarchs could celebrate the government's good gesture, the monthly allowances were subjected to heavy deductions for the repayment of the loan with which the flashy Hyundai cars were procured. The royal fathers had acknowledged the government's good idea but the deductions leaves them with just about N40,000 as take-home pay.

Some of them had argued why the governor could not compel the

estate has been provided for workers. The Loma Linda Estate began by former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani is still being completed and allocation of flats to workers under the monetization policy has allegedly been on the basis of favouritism and at very exorbitant prices of between N5million to N7million per flat; an amount which even those on level 16 in the Enugu civil service cannot pay up with 25% of their monthly salaries for a period of 5 to 10 years.

Due to high premium charged on land allocated by the government, many people that got land allocation from previous administrations and even the present one are unable to obtain Certificates of Occupancy to facilitate development of their plots and this has not helped the poor civil servants to acquire their own houses.

Besides, the new layouts created by previous regimes for the middle-class and civil servants like the 2nd Phase of Independence L a y o u t , D e - z o n e d Industrial/Residential Layout, the Ugwuogo Nike Layout, among others, lack amenities like access roads, electricity and pipe-borne water, etc, making habitation impossible.

While the urban centres of Enugu have been given facelift in terms

who preferred not to be named, “We earn less than N45, 000 per month while our counterparts in other states earn almost double that amount.”

“The meager wages we earn is barely enough to sustain us and members of our families who are living under a very poor condition. Our monthly earnings, though it is paid promptly, is hardly enough to pay the astronomical rent that

various local government areas to share the burden if it was too much for the state alone to bear the cost of the cars.

Housing policy of the Chime administration is majorly targeted at the rich as the government builds only duplexes that are sold to politicians, businessmen and companies leaving the poor to settle in squalors and shanties without basic infrastructure in the city suburbs. No low-cost housing

of road rehabilitation and street lighting, the popular settlements like Maryland, Ngenev, UgwuAron, Ugbo-Odogwu, Iva Valley, Ologo, Nkpologu and Emene where majority of the poor live, have suffered total neglect as these areas are excluded from the government's development programmes. Yet these neglected layouts accommodate larger number of people due to

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CLO condemns selective demolition of buildings in Enugu

By Patrick Okorie & Beatrice Ani

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he Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, has condemned in strong terms what it described as selective demolition of churches and shops by Enugu State Government within the Enugu capital city saying the development has imposed severe hardship on the displaced persons.

Citing the recent demolition of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Enugu Regional Headquarters fellowship centre and the massive demolition of commercial shops at the Old Park, the CLO said in a statement signed by its Zonal Director, Mr. Olu Omotayo, that the “people cannot develop by demolishing their existing means of livelihood.”

The statement noted that the e c o n o m i c e ff e c t o f t h e s e demolitions on the masses in the state who are mostly petty traders is not only very harsh but highly detrimental to human development in the state.

Urging the Enugu state government to provide alternative shops to the over 900 traders affected by the demolition exercise at the Old Park Market, the CLO further asked the government to “endevour to create more jobs, provide good atmosphere for trading and sustainable means and ways to sustain and develop petty traders and the masses who constitute the majority of the population.”

The full text of the statement: EFFECT OF MASSIVE DEMOLITION OF SHOPS AND SOME BUILDINGS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS ON THE MASSES; AND THE G O V E R N M E N T INSISTENCE ON RECOVERING THE ORIGINAL MASTER PLAN OF ENUGU METROPOLIS There have been massive demolitions of some buildings in Enugu State over the past few weeks which affected a lot of masses in the State. The recent was the demolition over a week ago of the "Mountain of Fire Ministry" building situate along the Uwani Road, Enugu.

According to the pastor of the church, the site upon which the church was sited had Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), issued to the church signed by the present governor, before the Church came into occupation.

But the government still went ahead and demolished the church without

Gov. Chime giving adequate notice for them to remove their properties before the demolition, more so when the government failed to provide the church with alternative land allocation.

been eroded upon over the years, but the sincerity of the government is in doubt as most of the demolitions carried out only affected the masses. This calls for question as there are a lot of places habited by the rich and the a g e n t s o f government which violated the master plan of the Enugu metropolis.

Examples of these places are the Enugu Rangers Games Village now converted to Liberty Estate, The Enugu Zoo which was converted to the Zoo Estate and the International Conference Center which has been converted to the personal estate of the governors' son.

The Rangers Games Village

ECONOMIC EFFECT Our investigations show that the OF THE DEMOLITIONS Games village was mapped out for modern sports center by the ON THE MASSES The economic effect of these demolitions on the masses in the state who are mostly petty traders is not only very harsh but it is highly detrimental to human development in the state. The last month demolition of shops at the "Old Park market" affected over 900 traders. No Alternative arrangement was made to transfer the market to another place with existing structures in place.

The demolition of shops at the Abakpa Junction, affected around 50 traders. So also in different places like Abakpa and environs, where demolitions were carried out and all these demolitions were accompanied with wailings and cries of the affected citizens.

Ukpabi Asika, the former Sole Administrator of the East Central States. There were provision for training pitch, main stadium, Lawn tennis court and a host of sporting facilities in the games village in the master plan.

One of the heroes and founding fathers of the state and Nigeria, the Late Chief C.C. Onoh in his determination to preserve the Games Village, instituted a Suit in

Court in the early eighties against Col. Robert Akonobi, the then Military Administrator of the Old Anambra State, when the latter attempted to encroach on the G a m e s Vi l l a g e . B u t t h a t notwithstanding Col Akonobi still took part of the Games Village land. Among the reasons and idea behind the Games Village was the plan that it will accommodate a state owned stadium since UNEC stadium is owned by the University of Nigeria University, hence its' situate within the campus.

Today the Games Village which has been converted to Liberty Estate, shared and occupied by Commissioners and officials of the present government thereby putting an abrupt end to the plan and vision of the founding fathers like Chief C.C. Onoh and also defeating the entire Master Plan.

Enugu Zoo; Our investigation shows that in the Master Plan, Enugu Zoo was meant to be there, but the government removed the animals and destroyed the Zoo, and converted the place to an estate, now inhabited by the rich and influential government officials.

The most annoying part of it and the highest state of corruption is that despite the non existence of Zoo, allocation is still made annually in the state budget for the feeding of animals purported to be in a nonexistent Zoo.

The International Conference Center This project was commenced by the predecessor of the present government. The complex almost completed was abandoned when the last administration of Gov. Nnamani left government. Vast area of the land of the uncompleted complex has now

GOVERNMEN T INSISTENCE O N RECOVERING THE MASTER P L A N O F E N U G U METROPOLIS The state government has always justified these demolitions on basis of its' determination to recover the original Master plan of Enugu metropolis which has

Old Park demolition

been taken over and converted to personal estate of the Enugu state governors' son.

Conclusion/ Demand

It is our submission that if the government is determined to restore the Master plan of Enugu metropolis, it should be sincere in its activities which at present looks selective affecting only the poor masses. All the land in the Master Plan that has been encroached upon, like the Zoo and the Games Village should be reclaimed.

It is submitted that there is much land within the state, which are undeveloped, these land could be developed by allocating to government officials, agents of government and their families for development, not tampering with existing Master Plan of the metropolis or converting land meant for public purposes and public benefit, to personal estate as witness in respect of the land meant for the International Conference Center.

It is also our submission that alternative structures should always be in place before the government demolish shops that serve as the only means of livelihood of the masses.

People cannot develop by demolishing their existing means of livelihood.

The government should endevour to create more jobs, provide good atmosphere for trading and sustainable means and ways to sustain and develop petty traders and the masses who constitute the majority of the population.

For: The Civil Liberties Organisation, Southeast Zone; Olu Omotayo Zonal Director

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Sack Inform. Commissioner now, group tells Obi THE

By Okegwo O. Okegwo , Awka

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civil society organization based in Nnewi Anambra State wants the Anambra state commissioner for information, culture and tourism Chief Joe Martin Uzodike sacked.

The group known as society for the protection of right and privileges of the oppressed said in a communiqué at the end of its meeting that the Anambra state government is given 21days ultimatum to relieve Uzodike of the position he holds for Anambra people or face the wrought of the people.

According to the communiqué read by its secretary Comrade Clems Madumelu, the antecedents of the commissioner is un becoming of a public officer and has caused untold hardship and embarrassment to the people and even ridiculed the traditional rulers and members of Anambra State House of Assembly who he was alleged to have referred to 'as hungry and unworthy ambassadors'.

They also alleged that the commissioner has failed to redeploy the one hundred and forty eight staff of the Anambra Broadcasting Service after his severally promises on the state radio and television and pages of newspapers thereby

subjecting hundreds of families from across the state to sufferings an untold hardship.

The communiqué further stated that the group authoritatively learnt that the state government has released over one hundred million to the state broadcasting outfit yet the retired staff of the organization are still being owed over sixty million naira and the remaining staff are placed on basic salary when the state government has even increased its monthly subvention. The retired staffs of the establishment are now heading to court against the state government over their deplorable condition; a situation they alleged has sent some of them to untimely grave.

The communiqué added that the only state owned newspapers, the National Light newspapers is being printed outside the state when governor Obi had pumped money severally to resuscitate the company. The group condemns in its entirety the involvement of traditional rulers and the clergymen particularly those in the Anglican and Catholic churches in politics and called on the Bishops of the two orthodox churches to redirect its ordained priests of God to the path of rectitude.

The communiqué however commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for their quality legislation and contributions to the growth and development of the state and urged them not to relent.

Gov. Wada calls for the passage Bio-safety bill in Nigeria

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he Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada has stressed the need for a Biosafety law to be integrated in the production of Agricultural technologies, in view of its usefulness despite negative influence of environmentalists.

The State Governor stated this when he received the Director General, CEO, National Biotechnology Development Agency and Chairman, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Africa, Nigeria Chapter, Prof Solomon Bamidele Ogbe Solomon in his office who was in the state for the North Central Zone awareness campaign.

Capt. Wada who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said the need to educate and enlighten consumers on the value chain of Biotech products has become necessary.

The State Governor assured of the administration's partnership with NABDA in creating awareness that will aid boost food productivity, food security and improves the socio-economic life of the people.

Capt. Wada urged the Agency to seek new and reliable methods for increasing productivity and sustain ability, disclosing that the present administration is resolutely committed to using Agriculture to create employment, boosts its earnings for growth and development.

Earlier in his speech, Professor Bamidele Ogbe Solomon, said the time for Africa to explore great opportunities that biotechnology offers is now.

He disclosed that NABDA is looking at partnering with the Kogi State Government through the State Ministry of Agriculture and called for the assent to the Bio-safety Bill, which had already been passed by the National Assembly.

He called on the State Government to place

emphasis on the production of sesame seed which is of comparative advantage to the State when properly harnessed.

At the stakeholders open forum, with the theme “Embracing the Agricultural Transformation Agenda” aimed at proposing a unique intervention towards enhancing sesame seeds production and utilization through biotechnology, the Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said with increasing rate of people living in hunger across the country, the need to meet increasing demand for food and to eradicate hunger from the face of humanity remains imperative through increase in the production and supply of food by improved plant breeding methods.

The Governor commended the successes recorded in the production of rice in the State, said more efforts would be put in place for improved performance.

In his remarks, Professor Bamidele Solomon Chairman of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Africa, Nigeria Chapter, said biotechnology offers efficient and cost effective ways of producing diverse array of crops, value added products and foods.

The Chairman noted that increased climatic variability as well as less arable land availability per person are some challenges which calls for modification in crop production.

He solicited government partnership towards improved crop varieties.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioners for Agriculture and his counterpart from Science and Technology, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin and Dr. Abdulmumuni Usman, lauded the role biotechnology can play in increased production of crops with the increased in population and governments attempt to eradicate hunger.

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I never accused Chime of withholding council funds – ALGON boss

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ational President of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Chief Nwabueze Okafor, has denied ever accusing Enugu State government of tampering with council funds.

Okafor, who is also Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area in the state, made this known while reacting to a newspaper publication that mentioned him as having accused the state government of tampering with funds allocated to councils in the state on a radio phone-in programme.

The ALGON president equally denied ever saying that the Governor Sullivan Chime-led government usually left the local governments with nothing aside the statutory overhead costs.

Nwabueze described the said publication in a national daily on October 16, 2013, as the height of mischief.

He said: "What was said in the opinion piece is very far from the truth. I don't know if the writer really exists. I never at anytime said such against the Enugu State government.

Rather, I have always praised the government for the system they have put in place in consistently ensuring the release of council funds to the local governments.

"This, I have stated on several fora in the past - during interviews and at the ALGON general assembly in 2012 at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu.”

The ALGON boss further said, "I have regularly stated that the

"I have always been canvassing for the release of local government funds by erring state governments who withhold the money, and Enugu State has never been mentioned by me.

“The publication is very

The church of God Evangelical Mission ordains new pastors

By Our Reporter

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he church of God Evangelical Mission has ordained four pastors after three years intensive training with the aim of spreading the hard truth of the word of God to the people.

The pastors sent to various parts of the country to win souls for God are Pastor Emeka Madueke to Pastor Umuagu Church in Umuahia, Abia state, Pastor Joshua Igwe was sent to the Church of God at Kaba in Kogi state, Pastor Arthur O Uzor for Awka Church in Anambra state while Pastor Samuel Onyeka was sent to be in-charge of Agbani Church in Nkanu West Local government area of Enugu state.

Speaking to the pastors before the congregation during the ordination in Enugu, the General Overseer of the Church Pastor

Jonathan has delivered, says PDP

(DR) Boniface Okolo told them that it is not easy to do the work of God referring them to the book of Jeremiah 20 vs. 14 where Jeremiah cursed the day he was born simply because of what he passed through doing evangelism for God. He reminded them that to serve God in the real sense of it is a very difficult assignment one can volunteer to do.

Okolo expressed dismay that what used to be the pastors message in the past, which helped in winning souls for Yahweh through real interpretation of what is written in the holy book has changed, adding that a lot of pastors are today interested in only those verses that will suite what they want to achieve.

"The messages then were about the kingdom of God but today

messages are directed to what the people would like to hear and see", The Overseer noted.

He warned the newly ordained pastors to be careful the way they give the message of God to people saying that every message should be aimed at winning souls for Yahweh.

The Overseer however told them that once they are doing the will of Yahweh, He will bless them with all their needs but that they should be patient and wait on His time.

He also emphasised on biblical '666' and the way some people call themselves the Rock of Ages, warning them to be humble especially in the ways and manner they go about things, as no human being should place himself in place of God. According to him, “people who

include massive developments in the power, agriculture and road sectors as well as reforms in finance, commerce and industry.

Particularly, the PDP praised the President for “initiating the New Automobile Industrial Policy Development which is focused on promoting investments in affordable made-in- Nigerian vehicles” even as it “noted the conclusion of arrangements to kick-off passenger service on the Eastern railway route before the end of December.”

“We are happy that the New Automobile Industry Policy is already yielding results. Direct foreign investments are already flowing in from leading vehicle manufacturers including Nissan and Stallion Group which have entered into an agreement with the Federal Government to establish auto plants in Nigeria''.

use Bible should do what is written in it and not using it to deceive people through wrong interpretations.”

He further warned them to desist from pride but should imbibe humility as their main trust in the discharge of their duties for the Lord adding "You are a warrior you must do what the lord wants and not what you want".

He reminded them of what was written in 2Peter 3 vs 15 where Peter pointed out the difficulty in understanding Paul's letter and how much it has been misinterpreted and appeal to them to just give out the true word of God; not what people will like to hear.

The newly ordained pastors promised to follow the doctrine of the church which lies wholly on the teaching from the Bible.

Peace is the key to success of any government – Wada

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan over the implementation of the Transformation Agenda, urging Nigerians to support the administration.

The party's National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement, said the President has pursued his economic reforms, stressing that they have started yielding results.

“We are indeed highly impressed that the reforms initiated by the President has started yielding very high dividends resulting in a massive leap in the nation's economy which has also been acknowledged by the world community; the latest being the Fitch Ratings which affirmed Nigeria's long-term foreign and local currency IDRs as well as senior unsecured bond and shortterm foreign currency IDR ratings respectively at 'BB”s.

The party noted that “it is heartwarming that at a time other economies of the world are having a downward trend, Nigeria's economy on the other hand is experiencing stability and growth.”

It listed some of the factors that led to the positive rating to

local government system in Enugu State is one that is completely free from undue interference from the state government, especially in the area of funds and resource control.

mischievous and really unfortunate. And it is the height of mischief for one to have quoted someone for saying something he did not say.”

Okafor said Enugu State is one state where local government autonomy exists. "It is a model to other states in the country," he added.

he state government says it will support the traditional institution in the state to enable it effectively discharge its role of maintaining peace in their domain.

Capt Idris Wada made the promise while paying sallah homage in the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alh Ado Ibrahim in his palace at Okene.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, described peace in Central Senatorial District as fundamental and key to the success of the administration's p r o g r a m m e s a n d p o l i c y, commended the traditional ruler and other institutions for achieving the feat.

The governor solicited patience from the people of Central District, adding that very soon government intends to roll out several programmes that will be beneficial to the people.

The Governor urged the traditional father to settle the boundary rift existing between the people of Ogori-Magongo and Okene and Adavi and Okehi all in his district.

The Governor commended the inter relationship existing between the people of the district urged them to remain supportive of the present administration's programmes and policies in the state.

Responding, Alh Ado Ibrahim described the Sallah visit as first of its kind to his palace, commended the support of the administration in the state to unity and oneness of the people.

The Royal father called for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta steel company describing it as the key to the industrialization of the

country.

He supported the call for a National conference, saying it will enable the people discuss on areas that will move the nation forward.

Alh Ado Ibrahim who described the government of Capt Wada as a right thinking administration, assured that the traditional institution will resolve amicably all issues of boundary dispute in the area.

At the palace of the Maigari of Lokoja, Alh Kabiru Mohammed, the State Governor lauded the role of the Traditional ruler in his government programmes assuring him that government is committed to giving the state capital a befitting look He commended him for the peaceful role he has played in bringing peace among the various segment of society living in his domain.

Reacting, the Maigari of Lokoja, said the decision to pay him a sallah homage was first of its kind and praised the present administration in the state for the regards placed on the traditional institution, while assuring of the loyalty of his subjects to the present administration.

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UNTH: The Transformation, Breakthroughs and Challenges

By Ted Peters

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he University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku/Ozalla Enugu began in the early 20th century as a standard general Hospital for Africans built by the colonial administrators.

It later metamorphosed into a general hospital on the attainment of Nigeria's independence in the 1960's.

However, at the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970, the then government of East Central State transformed it into a Specialist Hospital with effect from July 1, 1970.

At this time, the hospital had a total of 50 doctors, 10 wards, and 300 beds and a chest bay of 60 beds. There were 350 nurses working in the Hospital at the time. Today, the situation has changed dramatically.

The bed capacity of the hospital in the permanent site is over 500 and the number of its personnel (both professional and non professional) has increased tremendously. By decree number 23 of 1974, the Federal Military Government took over the hospital, but left the management in the hands of the Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The UNTH became independent in July 1976 with the appointment of autonomous Management Board and has remained in that capacity till date and operating under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Permanent site at Ituku/Ozalla The physical constraints at the hospital's old site in Enugu capital city made it impossible for needed expansion to be implemented.

It was also appreciated that the old site was developed and used as a general hospital, and therefore, could no longer cope with the challenges of a Teaching Hospital. Hence, the then Federal Military Government gave approval for the construction of a new complex for the Teaching Hospital at Ituku/Ozalla and this became a major relief. Today, the new site, which is the permanent Site of the UNTH at Ituku/Ozalla, is permanent and fully functional.

It is located 21 kilometers from Enugu Capital City along Enugu Port Harcourt Express Way. All services hitherto rendered at the old site were moved to the permanent site with effect from 8th January 2007.

The UNTH Ituku/Ozalla has broad objectives of service, teaching and research.

The hospital tries to achieve these through provision of in patient

Dr. Chris Amah and out patient services to it's clients through her highly trained staff, provision of adequate clinical materials for service and training as well as equipment for research, provision of teaching facilities for training her students and other persons in the health delivery team and conduct and promotion of research on all matters pertaining to health.

There are nine training schools/programmes in the hospital viz: the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Laboratory Science, Nurse Anesthetists, Community Health Officers programme, Post-Basic Ophthalmic Nursing. Others are Peri Operative Nursing, Cardiothoracic Nursing and School of Health Information Management.

The movement from the old site to the permanent site was carried out under the former administration headed by Dr. Anthony Mbah as Chief Medical Director.

The hospital encountered many difficulties and challenges at the permanent site but while some were surmounted many were left unattended to and activities continued to foot-drag until the current Chief Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Amah took over the management of UNTH on May 17, 2011.

Before then, Amah, a Pediatric Surgeon, had served as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC of the hospital under the Mbah administration. Upon assumption of office he was confronted with numerous challenges but was resolute in his determination to move the hospital forward. The CMD, who completed his second year in office in May this year and now in third year of his administration, recently reviewed the progress so far made

by UNTH under his regime. He

recalled the hospital he met thus: “I met a hospital that was seriously bankrupt with a huge debt burden bedeviling it due to poor funding, very wide incomeexpenditure imbalance.

“In terms of clinical services delivery were very low both in volume and quality. A lot of clinical departments had lost accreditation for training of Specialists due to lack of essential equipment in those departments.

Our Radiotherapy equipment which is the only one meant to serve the entire South East and South South geopolitical zones installed by the Federal Government through VAMED Project was yet to work since it was installed in 2006. This was the situation I met on assumption of office.”

Continuing, he said, “Again, an oxygen generating plant installed to make the hospital self sufficient with regard to oxygen supply to the hospital was also not functional and was abandoned.

There was nothing like Amenity/Private Ward in the hospital for patients that require such facilities. The hospital's internal road network was in a state of serious dilapidation and disrepair. ' The CMD further disclosed that at the time he took over the management of the hospital, many of the staff unions were on strike and the morale of the workers was very low. “Above all, the signature project for which the UNTH was known and designated a National Centre of Excellence The Open Heart Surgery and other sophisticated cardiothoracic surgeries, were abandoned for over 10 years. In fact, before the hospital relocated to the permanent site at Ituku Ozalla, the Centre of Excellence had packed up. The attitude of workers to their duties was very poor and this adversely affected

the level of service delivery,” he added.

Assumption of office But upon his assumption of office as the CMD in 2011, Dr. Amah and his team reviewed the numerous problems they met on ground and resolved to completely embark on measures aimed at rebranding the hospital especially with regard to the morale and attitude of the staff bearing in mind that human resource is the most critical element in moving any system forward.

In this regard, the management had to embark on a visit to all departments and units to make the workers buy into the vision of the hospital, appealing to them and reinforcing the rules and regulations of both the public service and those of the hospital management. The management also made a wakeup call on all and sundry reemphasizing the fact that it could no longer be business as usual.

These efforts seemed to have paid off as the present management has achieved remarkable improvements in many areas even though, according to the CMD, “it is not yet uhuru”. This is evidenced by the increased turnout of patients in the various service areas of the hospital like the Accident and Emergency Department, General Outpatient Department, Specialists Outpatient Clinics among others.

This is supported by verifiable statistics which can be obtained from the Medical Records and Information Department of the hospital.

The number of daily clinical attendance has more than doubled and the hospital now operates in full capacity and sometimes under pressure especially in the A c c i d e n t a n d E m e rg e n c y Department where there are inadequate bed spaces due to

overflow of patients.

The rebranding effort has yielded the desired dividends and the hospital under Amah administration has rekindled the confidence of the patients. Most of the patients accessing services at the hospital come from its catchment areas including the S outh Eas tern s tates and neighbouring states of SouthSouth zone and the Middle Belt.

The patients mostly access critical services like C a r d i o t h o r a c i c s u r g e r y, Neurosurgery, Pediatric surgery and other rare areas not available in order government hospitals within the regions.

THE ADVOCATE observed that beyond the reactivation of the critical departments to render improved services to those in need, Dr. Amah and his team also took necessary measures to improve the general aesthetics of the hospital.

Hence the management team rehabilitated most of the dilapidated internal roads within the hospital. The roads were asphalted through funds generated internally. The road rehabilitation is still ongoing even in the face scarce resources available to the hospital.

Within the two years of Amah's administration, a number of projects funded through capital budgetary appropriation had sprang up and are rapidly being executed to provide more infrastructure in the hospital.

According to the CMD, these include a two-storey administrative block, building for Open Heart Surgery and other sophisticated cardiothoracic surgeries and medicine. Others are building for Nuclear Medicine and other Ionized Radiation Therapy, building for Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, Post-Basic Nursing programmes among others.

It is also on record that the Radiotherapy facility installed in the hospital since 2007 but was never put to use due to vandalisation and other reasons, has now been rehabilitated and put to use since February 2012 and, as learnt, it is the only one available in the entire South East and South-South geopolitical zones for the treatment of people afflicted by various cancers.

Similarly, the abandoned Oxygen Generating Plant was rehabilitated, modernized and put to use thereby saving the hospital huge sums of money previously spent to procure Oxygen from external vendors weekly.

Open Heart Surgery This super specialized art which earned the UNTH the status of National Centre of Excellence in

Continues on page 7

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UNTH: Centre of Excellence for Cardiothoracic Surgery Continued from page 6 Cardiothoracic surgery and medicine some years back was regrettably abandoned for almost 10 years. But determined to restore the glory of the hospital in this regard, the Amah administration provided a dedicated facility for resumption of Open Heart Surgery. This was done with Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in collaboration with international partners, The VOOM Foundation USA, as well as equipment support from Education Trust Fund, ETF project from the parent University of Nigeria through the able leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bartho Okolo. By this means, the UNTH resumed the abandoned Open Heart Surgeries in March 2013.

So far, about 25 patients have benefited from Open Heart Surgeries successfully conducted by a team of both foreign and local health experts at UNTH. It should be recalled that Open Heart Surgery was first conducted in UNTH in 1974 by a team of foreign and local experts led by Professor F.A. Udekwu of blessed memory and that was the first ever in Black Sub-Saharan Africa. Going from there, many more Open Heart Surgeries were done in UNTH including the Kanu Nwankwo Heart Foundation project of 2003.

Thereafter it was suspended due largely to the movement of the hospital to its permanent site at Ituku/Ozalla which hitherto had no dedicated facility for Open Heart Surgeries until Dr. Amah's administration broke the jinx in March this year. This was done in line with the Goodluck Jonathan administration's quest to checkmate medical tourism overseas by Nigerians which is estimated to have gulped N250 billion annually.

The UNTH management has so far proved that the huge capital flight from Nigeria resulting from seeking foreign medical care could be saved by ensuring that sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment such as abound overseas, are provided in UNTH. Besides, the Open Heart Surgery which is conducted by welltrained team of health experts of international standard in UNTH is highly subsidized. For instance, similar operations that cost Nigerians over N2 million overseas, is currently being performed by UNTH at less than a quarter of the actual cost. This has been made possible through the contributions of the hospital's international collaborators and philanthropy of some wellmeaning Nigerians.

To ensure that more patients benefit from the programme and in pursuance of the ongoing plans

to transfer skills to the local team, another and bigger open heart medical mission has been slated for December 2013. In addition to the team from VOOM Foundation, the International Children Heart Foundation is going to launch a Pediatric Open Heart Surgery programme at UNTH, the first of its kind in Nigeria, Dr. Amah disclosed.

Already, VOOM Foundation has done three missions and they were rated as very successful and it has returned Nigeria once again on the list of countries in Africa and the world where Open Heart Surgeries are being carried out and this is acknowledged as a major effort in curbing medical tourism out of the country.

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu who commissioned the Open Heart Surgery/Intensive Care Unit facility at UNTH in March and witnessed one of the surgical operations was appreciative of the efforts and had pledged government's support to the hospital. He acknowledged Amah's courageous mission in helping to raise a team of foreign collaborators and local experts with an overall goal of capacity building and skills transfer “so that overtime people would no longer need to travel to other countries for such treatment.”

The Minister declared that the Federal Government's transformation programme in the health sector was already yielding the expected dividends at the UNTH.

Beneficiaries testify One of the beneficiaries of the Open Heart Surgery conducted in

Dr. Amah (3rd-right) with medical experts from VOOM Foundation during the recent Open Heart Surgery at UNTH. residence but I was allocated a suite at the private suites where I stayed till I was discharged on March 27, 2013. While on admission, I was in good hands to the extent that the dieticians took record of my choice of food. My suite had everything to make me comfortable.

There was a refrigerator, a cable television, an air conditioner and a ceiling fan.

The windows and doors had mosquito nettings while there was a standby electric generator that supplied light anytime there was public power failure.

“One week after I was admitted, the doctors confirmed me fit for the operation and on March 20, 2013 I was wheeled into the ultra modern cardiothoracic theatre.

The theatre has the state-of-the art equipment that can be compared with the best anywhere in the world. With the help of God Almighty, the consultants, doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists and physiotherapists, true and dedicated professionals,

after the surgery, I was moved back to the private suite. The nurses at the private suites celebrated my return to the ward with shouts of Alleluia and praises to God. The Matron was so excited that she embraced me, while dancing and thanking God for my successful surgery. On March 27, 2013, two days after I returned to the ward and a consultant, Dr. O.C. Nzewi examined and declared me fit to go home and signed my discharge papers. I am eternally grateful to the hospital for saving my life.”

Also, Mrs King James, who underwent open heart surgery in UNTH, corroborated Ihemegbunam's story saying the hospital has all that is required including equipment and personnel to be dependent upon as a center of excellence in medicine. She called on the Federal Government and other well-meaning Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora to support the UNTH to enable it continue with its good works.

Facility upgrade The state-of-the-art Private Suite cum Amenity Ward and a dedicated Neurosurgery Ward which were non-existent before the inception of the Amah administration have been provided in the hospital and currently being used by patients. Realizing the crucial need for these facilities, the management at inception A beneficiary of the UNTH Open Heart Surgery, quickly renovated and Mr. Ihemegbunem Okafor with foreign nurses on restructured an existing twothe team of VOOM Foundation that conducted the surgery wing block formerly accupied

by Accounts and Audit M a r c h , a J o u r n a l i s t , M r. successfully carried out an open Ihemegbunem Okafor, showered heart surgery on me on March 20. Department and converted it to a praises on UNTH and the Dr. After the surgery, I was wheeled state-of-the-art private suite and Amah-led management for the into the Thoracic Intensive Care modern Neurosurgery wards. excellent medical services he Unit (ICU). The Chief Medical Today, any caliber of patient can received and declared that with Director, Dr. Christopher Amah comfortably be admitted and the modern sophisticated medical personally congratulated me on managed in these modern facilities manned by competent equipment acquired by the my successful surgery. hospital, “UNTH is on track as “At the ICU, I was treated like a and dedicated personnel. the National Cardiothoracic new born baby and all the medical Equipment currently available in Center of Excellence.” Okafor personnel handled me with the hospital include, modern who was diagnosed to have utmost care like a fragile object. equipment for successful open tumour called myxoma in one of The physiotherapists were on heart surgery. These include 3D his heart chambers, is one of the hand to teach me how to walk Echocardiogram machines with 25 patients that had been again. With the help of God, the TE Probes, ECG Machines, successfully operated by the team quality of care and medication I Mobile X-ray machines, and of medical experts at the hospital. received at the ICU helped me to various kinds of monitors, “I was admitted on March 18, recover quickly and four days invasive and non-invasive ones.

Recently the hospital installed a 2013 I had no choice of a ward of

cardiac catheterization laboratory facility (Cath-Lab) which is part of ETF projects from the UNN. The hospital also has numerous modern gadgets and equipment required to support the level of sophisticated surgical and medical procedures currently available in the hospital and befitting of a true Centre of Excellence. All these are supported with brand new power generator back-ups that ensure uninterrupted power supply to the hospital both during the day and at night.

Going by the facilities presently on ground, the UNTH can rightly be described as a revived and rejuvenated teaching hospital with a happier and better motivated workforce compared to what the present administration met on ground.

The effect of this is that Patients' turnout has massively increased while all those departments that lost accreditation in past years have already regained full accreditations for training of various medical/surgical specialties.

Radiotherapy services have commenced in the hospital and it is fully busy treating Cancer patients from different parts of the country. Similarly, the Oxygen Generating Plant long abandoned and forgotten has been resuscitated and functional and UNTH is at the moment selfsufficient in oxygen production and supplies.

Despite numerous daunting challenges, Amah expressed confidence that even though UNTH has not reached the Promised Land, “we can boldly say, with thanksgiving to God, that we currently have a hospital that is vibrant, promising and with great potential to take the lead as the foremost teaching hospital in the country and in the sub-region especially in the field of Cardiothoracic surgeries and medicine.”

However, what UNTH needs now is for all well-meaning Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora to join hands with the management to continue to build a sustainable and dynamic modern hospital of the 21st century.

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Is Chime increasing poverty in Enugu?

Continued from page 2 affordable accommodation there.

The public outcry against multiple taxation and levies in Enugu State especially within the state capital have been identified as some of the factors that have discouraged medium and small scale entrepreneurs from doing business in the state. Both petty street traders, artisans and other small business operators have continued to lament over extortion my revenue agents from the state and local government councils within the urban areas.

The ugly development is worse in Enugu capital city where business operators are subjected to multiple taxation and levies with the state government most times looking the other way as its agents descend on the residents with impunity. A lot of traders and artisans who could not cope with the activities of the brutal revenue collectors have since shut down their businesses and resorted to tricycle operation while some who could not lay hands on any alternative, have returned to the villages with their dependents.

The brutality which revenue agents from Enugu State Waste M a n a g e m e n t A u t h o r i t y, ESWAMA usually adopt in collecting sanitation rates and other levies from residents, many of who are detained in an illegal detention camp at its headquarters and forced to pay penalties after questionable trials in sanitation courts, has called to question the human rights record of the state, which is governed by an experienced legal practitioner.

Several issues had been raised by Rights and Civil Society groups as well as the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ECCIMA over the brigandage by the revenue agents who manhandle the people in a bid to collect revenue. The situation is worsened by the government's non-response to the complaints by those affected by multiple levies as its only desire seems to be enhancement of its Internally Generated Revenue, which has hardly been publicized over the

years.

While the ESWAMA, Ministry of Environment, Board of Internal Revenue, Public Health Inspectors and local government enforcement/revenue agents/enforcers are busy chasing the people around to collect revenue, it could not be ascertained if the unspecified revenues they generate are paid into government treasury. The menace of the revenue agents is said to have increased the poverty level in the state as their activities have discouraged low income earners from doing business in the state.

These are some of the facts that lay bare the economic condition of Enugu people vis-a-viz their dwindling fortunes or gradual drift from the sublime to the ridiculous level of poverty under the administration of Governor Sullivan Chime that has occupied the Enugu Lion Building since the past six years.

Disturbed by incessant complaints and public outcries over the massive demolition of structures going on in Enugu capital city, the Civil Liberty Organisation, CLO, recently raised an alarm. The human right body condemned the action of the government, citing the demolition of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry worship centre along Zik Avenue, Uwani Enugu as a case in point where even when the matter was pending in court, government went ahead to demolish the structure.

Although government claimed that the demolitions were aimed at recovering the master plan of Enugu capital city, CLO in a statement signed by it's Zonal Director Olu Omotayo and made available to THE ADVOCATE said that the sincerity of the government is in doubt as most of the demolitions carried out only affected the poor masses.

According to the statement, “This calls for question as there are lots of places inhabited by the rich and the agents of government which violated the master plan of the Enugu metropolis.”

The CLO cited instances of Enugu Rangers Games Village now converted to Liberty Estate, the Enugu Zoo converted to the Zoo Estate and the International Conference Center which part of it has been converted to the personal estate of the governors' son.

The statement further read: “The economic effect of these demolitions on the masses in the state who are mostly petty traders is not only very harsh but it is highly detrimental t o h u m a n development in the state.

“The last month demolition of shops at the "Old Park market" affected over 900 traders. No Alternative arrangement was made to transfer the market to another place with existing structures in place.

“The demolition of shops at the Abakpa Junction, affected around 50 traders. So also in different places like Abakpa and environs, where demolitions were carried out and all these demolitions were accompanied with wailings and cries of the affected citizens. It is our submission that if the government is determined to restore the Master plan of Enugu metropolis, it should be sincere in its activities which as at present looks selective affecting only the poor masses. All the land in the Master Plan that has been encroached upon, like the Zoo and the Games Village should be reclaimed.”

A trader who was affected by the demolition, Oli Emeka told THE ADVOCATE in tears that they veered into trading, not because it is pleasurable, “but due to the fact that politicians have stolen or looted the public treasury and failed to create the e n a b l i n g environment for investors to come a n d b u i l d industries that will create jobs”.

He said that ordinarily government should first create job opportunities.

“Can you imagine that even when they build shops they will sell it to themselves and their cronies, who will in turn rent it at very exorbitant prices to poor Nigerians”.

Gov. Chime Oli criticized Chime saying that “he has succeeded in making life miserable for the residents of Enugu state, he wants Enugu to be like Dubai in the UAE without commensurate opportunities for the people as in Dubai, and the questions he should answer is how many job opportunities has he created since he was elected governor of Enugu state?”.

A passerby who witnessed the demolition exercise at Old Park and who only identified himself as Charles said, “government should take steps to strike at a balance while developing her policies and implementing her programmes; in such a way that it will accommodate the interest of about 70% percent of the populace that are living under poverty line, otherwise government should be ready for some resistance from the governed.”

These were some of the hues and cries of the affected persons in Enugu who called on the state government to review its policies and give it some human face.

An Enugu based lawyer Barrister Tony Ngene said that why there's impunity in any system is because citizens don't make demands on the system, adding that there's no credible opposition in Enugu state.

In an interview with THE A D V O C AT E , t h e l e g a l practitioner said that, “Opposition is not only when election is at hand, it is now that people should seek a perfect alternative that is how it is being done in civilized world.” Ngene gave kudos to the state government in some sectors saying, “they are doing well in some areas, yet there are lapses.

For instance, the secretariat is good but look at what is happening in Enugu now, you hardly find where to park your cars.

Everywhere is over congested.

Assuming the secretariat is carried to one of this Local Government Areas where there is space and you give people land there and ultimatum within six months to develop the land, money will be paid into the government treasury.”

He said that the new secretariat is not an economic building venture noting that government projects should be people oriented.

“They have to think about the people.

Let government think of how they can now diversify the economy, they can even partner with the federal ministry of mines and know what happens to Enugu coal. Again, the government can complete the abandoned Enugu international conference center.

They should think on the way to empower people. Poverty rate is very high in this country and Enugu people are feeling the pains more,” he said.

“If any responsible government is sensitive to plight of the people of the state, they should look at some certain policies and review them; it may not look decent at times but as William Shakespeare said, it is out of a circumstance that a circumstantial law is formed.”

“The poverty level of this state is on the increase and this people that were disposed of their motorcycles and now they went and bought tricycle which was registered and numbered by the state government, a responsible government should have told them that after sometime they will be proscribed but not after you have registered them.

“It is above human face to proscribe them after you have registered them and asked them to buy this or that, let's not lay ambush for people unnecessarily.

We should be very proactive. Let's all give human face to whatever we are doing, we are all Nigerians, we have no other place to go.

Some are riding this tricycle on hire purchase so if you dispose them how can they train their children.

Government should concentrate on building the major infrastructures in the state and mind you these infrastructures should be built for people and not people for infrastructures.”

Efforts to speak with the State Commissioner of Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke on the issue proved abortive as he failed to respond to our text messages requesting for an interview just as he would not pick his calls.

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Enugu, crime capital of Nigeria – Survey ·Where would you likely be a victim of crime in Nigeria?

See the safest and most dangerous states in Nigeria.

E

nugu State, in the south east, is the official crime capital of Nigeria, a crime perception survey released in Abuja last Monday has revealed.

The report contradicted the recent declaration of Enugu by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar as the safest state in Nigeria.

At least 70 per cent of respondents to the survey in Enugu admitted they were victims of crime in the past year, the 2013 National Crime Victimization and Safety Survey conducted by CLEEN Foundation showed.

The national average was 25 per cent one in every four Nigerian. The survey showed a progressive decrease in the number of victims of crime in Nigeria.

“There has been a six per cent decrease in actual experience of crime from the 31 per cent recorded in 2012 to the current 25 percent,” the report said.

The report surveyed for c r i m e s l i k e r o b b e r y, kidnapping, physical assault, phone and car theft, rape and attempted rape, domestic violence, attempted murder and other crimes.

The Crime Victimization Survey used data collected

Gov. Chime across Nigeria between June and July 2013.

Closely following Enugu State is its neighbour, Ebonyi, where at least 65 per cent at least three in

every five residents were victims of crime.

Ekiti state, in southwest Nigeria, shares the same crime records with Ebonyi State. More than three in every five respondents admitted they were victims of crime last year.

Ogun State, a neighbour to Lagos is the safest state in Nigeria with only about one in every 20 citizens admitting they were victims of crimes last year.

Katsina State in Northwest Nigeria is the next safest.

Only about one in every 10 residents was a victim of crime last year.

Lagos State recorded 18 percent.

Borno and Yobe, despite being the hotbed for Boko Haram attacks recorded seemingly low crime rates, according to the report.

Only about one in every four resident admitted being victims of crime last year.

Boko Haram militants have murdered over 1,500 people in the states since launching a vicious attack against government establishments, security agencies, religious places and the residents.

At a geopolitical level, the South East recorded the highest number of crimes with 44 per cent of respondents complaining they were victims. The North West recorded the lowest score of 18 per cent crime rate.

On a gender scale, more

A

chieftain of the P e o p l e s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Chief Ben Ezeibe has frowned at what he described as the campaign of calumny being mounted against the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige

by Governor Peter Obi. Ezeibe, a founding member of PDP and a former Vice Chairman of the party condemned in strong terms the high level of politics with bitterness being practiced with the machinery of Anambra State. Ezeibe, who spoke with reporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu shortly on arrival from China said: "I am still a

Irony of feeling A lth o u gh O gun S tate recorded the lowest actual experience of crime, almost everyone in the state fear they would become victims of crime.

The findings of the 2013 survey indicated that 94 per cent of Ogun residents fear they are likely victims of crime. In actual sense, only one in 20 was a victim of crime.

On a national scale, more than 7 out of 10 Nigerians had the fear of becoming victims of crime last year.

The people who feel safest

are those in Benue and Taraba States. Only 38 per cent of residents in those state had fears of becoming victims of crime. One in four residents of Benue state were victims of crime last year, and not more than one in every six in Taraba.

“Analysing by gender, 73 percent of females feared becoming victims of crime compared to 71 percent of males,” the report said.

“Overall, these findings are meant to assist the government, police and the entire criminal justice administration system to better understand emerging trends in crime and safety in Nigeria and consequently, to refine and deploy improved strategies to resolve the country's current challenges of security and s a f e t y, ” t h e a u t h o r s , CLEEN Foundation, said.

Ebonyi demotes lecturers with fake doctorate, masters degrees Some of the lecturers obtained their degrees from fake study centres of (AICCOCCOI), Enugu, passes and an ordinary pass an American university. have obtained their dubious a n d P a c i f i c W e s t (P7); he failed Mathematics

T

he Ebonyi State Government has demoted 15 lecturers from its College of Education for possessing forged Doctorate and Masters degree Certificates.

The lecturers were suspended in March, while the matter was being investigated.

An internal memo obtained by newsmen showed that the lecturers claimed to

degrees from local study centres of two American Universities: Montclair State University's African Institute Global Critical Creative and Caring Community of Inquiry

Anambra guber: PDP chieftain backs APC, asks Obi to stop humiliating Ngige

By Ted Peters

men than women fell victims of crimes in Nigeria last year.

“Further (segregation) by gender indicates that more men (27%) had actual experience than women (23%),” the report said.

chieftain of PDP. I am not a member of APC but I have my sympathy, like every other patriotic Anambrarian for Dr. Chris Ngige who is being humiliated with state machinery and resources.”

He said what was worrisome to him was that "the state governor is campaigning and squandering state treasury to ensure that Dr. Chris Ngige does not emerge as the next governor.”

He described the action of the governor as "man's inhumanity to man" querying "what has he done to deserve being humiliated the way the governor is going about it.”

Ezeibe said that Anambra grassroots voters are much wiser and not as timid as before to be deceived with executive recklessness.

He insisted that if the APGA

candidate, Willie Obiano is contesting to govern Anambra people, "he should go to the field alone and face the electorate and prove his popularity and not straddling on the back of incumbency advantage.

The politician cum businessman said: "We have finished with Peter Obi, he has served for 8 years and should quit the scene honourably. By going to the field openly campaigning for Willie Obiano is hurting the feelings of Anambrarians, we are not fools.” Ezeibe observed that Obi's 8 years as governor has reduced Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra state, to a bankrupt city since his introduction of Stock Exchange in 2006/2007.

"Since then traders were faced with high level

consumer poverty and obvious perpetual bankruptcy. What was needed at that time was not Stock Exchange House but Commodity Exchange House for Onitsha. You can see that venture was counter productive and a disaster.

What we are lacking are customers and patronage for goods and services, stock exchange was alien to the traders," Ezeibe explained.

He was, however, optimistic that Obi's involvement in the campaign would not give any advantage to the APGA candidate as he is not a good influence.

Recalling the fate of Dora Akunyili, Joy Emodi and Chuma Nzeribe in the last senatorial elections, the PDP chieftain said that they would have been senators today if they did not straddle on the back of Obi.

University's Macbes Global Studies Center, Owerri.

“The centres are illegal and any certificate obtained from any of the campuses of the institutions or any study centre in Nigeria is not recognised by the Federal Government of Nigeria for purpose of employment or further studies,” the memo read.

Investigations showed that Pacific West University does not exist anywhere in the United States although the lecturers' certificates claimed that the school was based in Denver, Colorado.

As for Montclair State University, the school does exist.

However, an official of the university on the development, “I don't believe we have any study centre in Nigeria”.

He directed the reporter to the university's website, saying that if the study centre did not show up there that meant that it did not exist. Our search did not produce the AICCOCCOI on the Montclair State University's website.

One of the lecturers with the fake Ph.Ds, Fidelis Ogbaga, has a Senior Secondary Certificate with three credit

and English Language. Mr. Ogbaga was demoted from Senior Lecturer to Assistant Clerical Officer II. The other assumed Ph.D. holders were Cletus Akpagu, Fidelis Nwoke, Joseph Nweke, Paulinus O j i u z o r, N w a n e k w e Valentine, Nwigwe Elias, and Nwebonyi Raymond.

They were stripped of their fake Doctorates and told to stop parading themselves as “Doctors”.

They were also demoted from Senior Lecturers to Lecturer III and will not be eligible for promotion for three years.

The lecturers with fake Masters degrees were Catherine Onuoha (demoted from Lecturer I to Lectu rer III), J o s eph Nwigwe (demoted from Lecturer I to Lecturer III), Bernard Ike (demoted from Lecturer I to Lecturer III), Martin Ndaba (demoted from Lecturer I to Lecturer I I I ) , S y l v e s t e r Aw a n (demoted from Lecturer III), Sunday Oboke (demoted from Lecturer II) and Chima Okporie (demoted from Lecturer II to Assistant Lecturer).

The demotions took effect on June 11.

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October 28 - 31, 2013

ANAMBRA 2013:

93,000 decamps to APGA, what hope?

Nkem Okeke as the best ticket,

rainbow of unity that will sustain

dominant regional party. Before

party's primaries “whose support

to the duo, Chief Umeh said the flag was a symbol of authority for him to represent APGA in the election.

In his speech, governor Obi urged the people to brace up for the challenges ahead which he described as surmountable , just as he thanked the Party members on their support and said there was nothing to fear about the election. In his acceptance speech, Obiano stated that he had accepted the historical challenge handed to me that day as the Standard Bearer of o u r g r e a t p a r t y, t h e A l l Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), assuring in the words of one of Britain's greatest Statesman, Sir Winston Churchill that “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.”

He stated that he was bound to serve pointing out that the state had finally come to that rare moment in time when” the forces that slowed down our march to greatness have finally been broken and when our people's great entrepreneurial spirit must find expression.

“The journey began 8 years ago, when His Excellency, Governor Peter Obi was handed this same flag in this same Square! Fellow Anambrarians, when we look back over the years, we can all see that Anambra State has moved forward! We can all see that Peter Obi has transformed Anambra State! We can see that APGA's model of governance is the best for Anambra State! And the best for Africa!

He added that he stood as a candidate in a representative capacity, recalling that APGA “primaries have come and gone and we are all winners because we are one big family. In every f a m i l y, t h e r e m a y b e disagreements but family wounds heal faster! So, as I lift up my hands to lift this flag, the hands of every party faithful and all friends and lovers of Anambra State rise in agreement to support mine and together we can fly the flag of progress.”

He stateed that the time to cast aside the differences and come together on the altar of brotherhood and love had come in order for all “ to join hands together and form a formidable

in Anambra State today.”

Obiano expressed optimism that after years of remarkable APGA leadership in Anambra State, the time had come to reclaim the rest of our sister states from the crushing grip of other parties whose ideologies stand in the way of the collective progress of Ndigbo and Nigeria as a whole.

“Today, APGA stands on the crossroads of history as the only political platform that represents the aspirations of Ndigbo at home and in the Diaspora. Today also, Anambra State is the only state out of the 5 states in the South East where APGA is in power.

“This glaring imbalance reflects our people's inability to grasp the political realities of our time. The South Eastern Nigeria is the only region which does not have a

the only political heritage of our great ancestors shrink to only one state of the federation.

“My brothers and sisters, the times demand that we rise to our full height to preserve the heritage of our fathers and the values of cohesion and brotherhood that once made Ndigbo great.

Chief Obiano recalled what happened to Anambra State in the past in which the people witnessed what happened to Anambra State in past political dispensations “when our leadership weaknesses allowed strangers to put a knife on the things that held us together. Umu nnam, I fear that History will repeat itself if we fail to learn from it.

He extended his hands of fellowship to his rivals at the

needs now and always. The work ahead is so big that no aspirant, no matter how prepared, will be able to shoulder it alone. I need your support and goodwill and I also need your commitment to the party and the development of Anambra State.”

He sent a message of hope to Anambra communities and Ndigbo in Diaspora, saying, “now is the time to lend a hand, now is the time to rebuild Igbo land.

No longer shall our people be deported in the dead of the night for seeking temporary shelter in hostile territories. No longer shall Ndigbo be maimed and killed for seeking comfort in unfriendly cities across Nigeria! Let us join hands together and rebuild Igboland; a land where no one can be deported from,” he concluded.

By Uche Chukwu, Awka while handing over the party's flag the fire of progress that is burning our very eyes, we have watched and loyalty our party urgently

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bout 93,000 supporters and members of the Booth-to-Booth campaign organization have joined the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) when the party flagged off its campaign to unveil its governorship candidate, Chief Willie Obiano and his running mate, Dr. Nkem Okeke at Ekwueme Square Awka, recently.

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman in the State, Barrister Ivy Obi-Okoye who left Labour Party over what he described as its groping in the dark, said the group would work to ensure victory for APGA in the November 16, 2013 governorship race.

At the ceremony, the State Governor, Peter Obi and the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh expressed optimism that the Party would win and occupy government house by the year 2014 in the spirit of continuity.

Presenting the governorship candidate and his running mate, Umeh praised Obi on his achievements as governor, urging the people to support APGA which he said is a party rooted in Igbo land.

According to him, APGA as a Party would deliver on its promises, adding that Anambra State now needs somebody who is task oriented and would continue where Obi stopped.

Umeh described Obiano as a person who could perform and exceed Obi's performance, stressing that "We would unveil our candidate and his running mate today and for this State to continue on the good track laid by Obi, please vote for APGA, don't listen to those who cannot deliver".

Describing the duo of Obiano and

Ngige: A man to beat in 2013 Anambra guber election

By Onah O. Onah, Awka

O

nitsha the commercial hob-nub of Anambra State went agog recently as Senator Chris Ngige and his campaign team visits various local government of in the state to familiarize himself more with the people and as well solicit for their votes during the November 16 Governorship election in Anambra state.

The visit which also took him to Ogbaru, Ekwusigo and Ihiala no doubt rekindled the hope that the popularity of the former Governor of the state was never in doubt as thousands of supporters rolled out their drum to welcome the senator.

Senator Ngige who addressed the people at various local governments promised to return the state to the part of glory and development. He said, “I will make sure that Anambra people regain their position in the comity of states, create employment, build solid roads, restore pipe borne water and develop education. That is not all, my government will review the double taxation imposed on the people by the Obi administration, improve on the welfare of the workers and pay them their minimum wage.”

“I want also to correct the rumor by the opposition political parties that APC is not an igbo party, it is

not true because your own son senator Annie Okonkwo is the deputy national chairman of the party. Because of my commitment to the betterment and welfare of my Igbo brothers, if you vote me back to power I assure you I will break the jinx of mediocrity and reckless spending.

“How can a government give money with reckless abandon to every organization, including those own by the federal government that allocates money to state and federal establishment?

Is it not madness, when you are sacking workers, closing government parastatals and suffering the workers of Anambra state? I want to tell you that APC is not a Yoruba party. We are not

interested in the p a r t y, w e a r e concerned in getting our own share from the federal government, after all we have been ruled by PDP and nothing has changed.

“As a senator I have a l s o m a d e significant impact in my constituency p r o v i d i n g b o r e h o l e s , transformer, renovating schools and empowering over five thousand youths who are now gainfully employed.

So I appeal to you to vote for APC to enable me complete the development of Anambra state which I started in 2003.”

Meanwhile the media consultant to Governor Ngige Miss Clementina Alum who addressed the press shortly after the familiarization Tour described all the propanganda against her principal by the opposition as irresponsible and baseless. She described those behind those allegations, who are party flag bearers as failures whose claims of high profile achievement are unfounded pointing out that those who did not excel in the banking industry cannot be a match to senator Ngige who she said has been tried, tested and trusted.

“The red carpet reception for Onwa as he is popularly called is a clear indication that the people still loves him so much and want

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The confab should discuss every issue about Nigeria – Ukwa

whatever it is, we need to put things right. Remember that this migration thing is coming, sending Chief Onwuka is a founding member of All Progressives Grand Alliance off people, those things demand a discussion. There must be a (APGA) and an elder of the party. In this interview with THE ADVOCATE, discussion to work out a way the outspoken politician bares his mind on the proposed national dialogue forward, as a matter of fact to giving insight into the critical issues that Ndigbo would canvass at the determine the continuation of the union. That is what the document conference. Excerpts on this particular issue and discuss is saying.

T h e P r e s i d e n t h a s Economic aspect of it, cultural how we are going to produce a What are those things to inaugurated a committee to aspect of it; every facet of this document that would move this want to be discussed?

You know that I mentioned that p r e p a r e h i s p r o p o s e d thing must be looked at. We are country forward. also very lucky that those that have Y o u s e e m t o b e there are various agitations, here n a t i o n a l d i a l o g u e o r been shouldered with the and there, all over the country. I conference. What is your responsibility of mapping out the contradicting yourself here. m entioned various groups view on the entire thing? modus operandi for this talk are You said if it is not representing various ethnic Gentlemen, it is always refreshing very eminent and respected S o v e r e i g n N a t i o n a l nationalities. They have their own to be with you to review some of Nigerians. DR George Obiozor is Conference it is nothing. individual agitations. Those things the burning issues that confront there, the Chairman is there and Now, you are saying that they are talking must be looked at. our nation. Well, the most topical others. They are very respected Nigerians should support They are numerous. There are one now is the confab. And for me, and brilliant Nigerian minds. We various agitations, various issues confab is nothing if it is not a must give them a chance to set off the confab. Where exactly from all these groups that I sovereign national conference. this thing. Let me appeal to those do you stand? mentioned and everybody is aware This is because it has come to a who have chosen the path of It has to be Sovereign National of their demands. Some bother on point where the basis of the distraction, that it is even in their Conference. Everything must be economic, political, cultural, association or union of this best interest to allow a total and put on the table. There must not be everything. We have to look at country must be thoroughly re- uninhibited discussion of our any restrictions. There must not be them. negotiated. All issues must be on problem so that we can now come any no go area or else, it would be a total waste of time because the How will the outcome end? the table. We must discuss out of the woods.

You see, the problem we have everything. The politics of this Why are you insisting that it problem will continue to be there. always had is that without even country from a very refreshing must be Sovereign National M o s t o f p e o p l e a r e embarking on it, we have always point has evolved itself, continued suspicious about this been afraid, how will it end? Will Conference? to evolve and now it has become n a t i o n a l c o n f e r e n c e , this cause disintegration? Will we nothing but tribal politics. And it is Sovereign National Conference will solve our national problems. considering that the general start bickering? Okay, do we really that tribal injection into our There is no doubt about it.

We election is less than two have stability? That is why we politics that is the bane of not only must discuss. This discussion will should be grateful to Jonathan. our development but a stable and years away. Do you share bring about the desired stability. If Whatever convinced him to sound political system in the the same suspicion? we discuss and know what the country and we must sit down to pursue this courageous path, I No, we just came out of election problems are, then think he should be resolve those delicate issues. we go about c o m m e n d e d .

There are several agitations all resolving them over the country, here and there. Other leaders have with the aim of avoided it because The Niger Delta, Boko Haram, stabilizing this Arewa, MASSOB, OPC, all over of the political country. i m p l i c a t i o n o r the place, these are very strong You are aware political, tribal clicks whose s u s p i c i o u s that we have agitations must be resolved if this p o l i t i c a l country must continue to progress implications. If several of such as one or develop as one. you go to a doctor, discussions in Therefore, it is either Sovereign i f h e f a i l s t o the past and d i a g n o s e y o u r National Conference or the problem, or you n o t h i n g government shouldn't waste fail to explain your seemed to have anybody's time. Well, in recent times I have heard those blaming problems or a come out it. the President about timing, and all proper diagnosis is Will this not sorts of flimsy excuses, while we not done on your end up another cannot sit down and discuss. We ailment and you proceed on a cure, talk show? have had many missed the chances are W e cannot opportunities and I think we b e c a u s e should be grateful to the President, that the cure will somebody else Goodluck Jonathan to have given not succeed. It will fail.

The ailment f a i l e d t o this country, once more an will continue.

So, i m plement the opportunity to really discuss the outcome of a setup way forward for this country. We it is the same , then we will not cannot continue on the path we are premise in which I am basing to say c ontinue to going for many years without any that if we must attempt to solve achievable thing. We are favoured our problem. If the and we are competent brilliant succeed and create other one failed, minds, visionary leaders who can a stable and united there is no way we sit down to discuss. The country Nigeria, whatever is our problem, we can predict that has enormous potentials, Chief Onwuka Ukwa must identify and this one will fail or enormous resources, whatever you that this one will want to talk about, we have it in d e a l w i t h i t last year. We have gone half way this country. Why are these things squarely to be able to solve the but we still have two years. So, we not be implemented. We don't problem that confronts us.

So, I am know but all we do is that we will difficult for us to combine? All can discuss anything within the hope that Mr. President has good asking for understanding, even these essential indices that are next two years. As a matter of fact, essential to building a great nation, from the opposition parties. I also we should not be talking about intention and will have the belong to the opposition parties. political courage and the political those are the things we must look election now. We should be talking vision to implement what the All Progressives Grand Alliance into.

(APGA) is a major opposition about how to put this country on outcome will be.

What are these indices you party in Nigeria. We need to talk. the right footing, not talking about There are those who view are talking about?

We need to support the President election that is far away. 2015 or

the President's proposal for confab as the proposal of somebody who lacks the idea to solve the country's problems. It is believed that we all know our problems in Nigeria today and the issue is how to solve them rather than dissipating energy on the problems. How do you see this school of thought?

No, but you must have a platform to discuss it and implement it. If you just have an idea that is not implemented, it is just an idea that is up there in your head. It is just an idea that is up there in your head unless it is implemented. It will just be a dead idea.

You are of Igbo extraction.

If you are told to prepare an agenda for your people, what are those issues that you will be canvassing at the confab?

I am actually working on a paper.

Looking at all these things and how it fits into the general format of this discussion because I don't want to sit here and claim that I am going to draw an agenda for Igbo people. We must sit down together, look at what our problems are, the causes of these problems and what we require at the centre and what have been the inhibitions to the success of what our requirements are. That will be the platform through which that will be discussed. In fact I have been working on this paper even before the announcement of the confab by the President.

What are the key agitations of the South-East Nigeria?

The key agitations of South-East are numerous. Let me give you typical examples. Why is it that Enugu-Onitsha road, contracts were awarded, others were awarded in South-West and they have all been executed and funded, this one in the South-East has not been funded and it has not been executed? We lack federal projects. Other parts of the country are enjoying numerous federal projects. Why is it that we have none in the South-East? We only get contracts awarded when there is an approaching federal election.

Then the same roads will now be re-awarded and after the election, that is the end of it. Then, there will be some patching of roads during Christmas. As the Christmas is approaching, all we will have are signboards that will be springing up on our roads as FERMA signboards whose duty is only to patch federal roads. By January, those signboards are gone. All the patched work washed away. Let me give you another typical example with this airport. When President Obasanjo came into power, the same government issued a statement announcing

Continues on page 21

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Obiakor blames govt. for conflicting orders and rulings by the judiciary Barr. Ifeanyi Chukwu Obiakor, former Secretary General Awka Development Union Nigeria says the founding fathers of Anambra state have no plan to develop the Awka capital. They have failed to lay solid foundation for the future development of the Anambra state capital popularly called Light of the Nation. In this interview Barrister Obiakor spoke to our reporter Onah O. Onah on several issues including the continuous neglect and marginalization of Awka people by successive government of Anambra state. Here are excerpts.

Sir may we meet you We l l I a m B a r r i s t e r Ifeanyichukwu Obiakor, former Chairman of NBA Awka branch, former secretary general Awka development union Nigeria. I hail from Umudioka village

You have the privilege of at least coming from the state capital, what is your take for being part of this success story?

Well let me be frank with you, the founding fathers of this state have no plan to develop the Awka capital. They also failed to lay a

solid foundation for the future development of the capital city and the state in general. There is no master plan for the capital city.

All the subsequent administration did not see the development of Awka as a priority. Majority of them concentrated in selling Awka land and even acquired it not for overriding public interest but for commercial gains. See people are given allocation to build houses and they sell the land to make profit at the detriment of the original land owners. Do you know that some even sold the land allocated them

maintained good relationship with the federal government and has sustained the steady flow of income from the federation account.

Now we are going to elect another governor, and people are saying that the next governor should come from the north, I believe in justice so if the next governor comes from the North there is no problem, may be one day the Governor will come from Awka. We have also sacrificed a lot for the state and should be given an opportunity to govern the state.

by the government to Awka land owners? So where is the success story?

Your people, particularly the traditional rulers have been alleged by government to be responsible for Awka capital underdevelopment.

How do you react to this allegation sir?

Look, our traditional ruler Obi Gibson Nwosu is never responsible for such unfounded allegation. He is a complete royal father of distinction, highly respected in this country and

cannot descend so low, I know my traditional ruler very well. I can say that Governor Peter Obi is the only Governor who remembered Awka people and the state in general, because he has

ANAMBRA 2013:

Professor Ifeatu Ekelem, the revolution messiah resources must be addressed and our resources properly harnessed.

To do this all government expenditure and activities will be on the web and hotlines, for transparency while extra revenue should be vigorously pursued from American NGO's and other world organizations.

For those who have not come across Professor Ifeatu Ekelem, he is the Governorship candidate of the 'All Congress for Democrat' ACD in Anambra State. He is a medical graduate of the Premier University of Ibadan and now an assistant Professor of Neonatology UCI Irvine USA , Director of Neonatology Mecharry Medical Collage Nashville TN USA, Chief Executive Officer Paediatric and CEO impact medical group urgent Apart from this, what will care clinics USA among others. Professor Ekelem was born a triplet on a you sacrifice to the state as Christmas day in Warri Delta state and hails from Awka Anambra State. He aAsperson? a governor I will work for free spoke to our reporter Onah O. Onah in Awka on his plans for a new and all, commissioners will not be on salary, only support Anambra state if elected in December 16 2013. Excerpts.

Prof. why did you leave your job in USA to run for this position in this country, when most people are opting to go outside the country.

Well I am a reformer, a crusader and an advocate. So many things have gone wrong here in Nigeria, I've been in the United State for over thirty years and each time I come back to this country I weep because things are not done the way it is supposed to be . Why I am running for the Governor of Anambra state is that, I want to carry out a revolution, of restoring the failing inept leadership, under the present democratic setting in Anambra state, most of which are misplaced priorities. My government will find a lasting solution to dysfunctional political parties and chronic infighting within the leading political parties which ofcourse is the bane

of our development.

These include inadequate evaluation and lack of focus on the plight of the poor, youths, children and the less privileged, the degrading status of the Igbo man despite the scar of civil war and profound fear created by i n s e c u r i t y, r a m p a n t kidnapping, killings, criminal onslaught and other Mayhem WHICH must be tackled headlong. The massive unemployment, inadequate plans for the Igbo people plus the profoundly lagging behind of the people in the digital world of networking, internet and informed technology must be our priority.

Prof. do you think other aspirant do not know this?

The depressing state of

Ifeatu Ekelem healthcare and lack of adequate hospitals, clinics have shown that they do not know. It will be given adequate attention, hunger and despair ravaging the people despite our Gods given natural

sustenance will be paid. It is a charity work. On the infrastructural development all roads must be paved and adequate drainage system provided I will also activate all the existing sea ports if any and digitalize all government ministries and departments. The business of governance is a call to service and should be seen as so.

The problem is that people see governance as an avenue to enmass wealth. It will be no business as usual. Once there is committed sacrifice only credible people with visible means of lively hood would be looked for and not charlatans. Anambra and Nigeria as a whole has refined gentlemen and women who are qualified for the leadership of this country but our problem is that, there are no benchmark to measure the credibility or otherwise of those who seek power, that is why Tom, dick and Harry seek leadership of the country at all level with impunity.

Counsel, now you have delved into politics, can Anambra hold L.G. Election with an acting chairman as the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission and especially when there is a suit pending in court.

The issue of a local government election is a constitutional matter government has no justification for not conducting the local government election. It is a clear breach of the constitution which provides for a democratically elected local government executive and security or whatever cannot be any excuse for the non conduct of the local government elections inorder to facilitate grassroots development. Infact the proposed local government election by the present administration is not possible because the constitution did not make provision for an acting chairman of the commission and any election conducted under him is a nullity.

Just look at what the PDP is doing between Tony Nwoye, Andy Ubah and Ukachukwu.

The supreme court of Nigeria has made it clear in its several judgments that it is the sole responsibility of the political parties to choose its candidate. As it is now PDP has maintained that Tony Nwoye is their candidate, INEC decision is subject to court's interpretation and you will see that at the end of the tunnel the existing judicial proceeding would be followed. “This is why the judiciary is crying for its autonomy, the conflicting orders and ruling is because government is controlling the judiciary and that has exposed our judiciary practice to a lot of risk and practice. I don't want to go too far but that is the problem.

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Anambra Guber: Appeal Court reaffirms Nwoye PDP candidate ...Changes permutations on who succeeds Obi

By Our Reporter

(Ukachukwu) in the case at the lower court was d e n i e d participation in the PDP primary which he duly contested.

However, by the appellate c o u r t ' s decision, the Anambra gubernatorial election permutations have been dramatically altered. The restoration of Nwoye's ticket on the platform of PDP, which is regarded as a m a j o r contender in

T

HE battle for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ticket for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State, which has almost torn the party apart in the state, took another turn Thursday as the Federal Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt reaffirmed Tony Nwoye as the party's authentic candidate.

The judgment followed the Supreme Court order of Tuesday asking the Appeal Court to deliver judgment on the appeal by Nwoye seeking to upturn the earlier ruling of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt that removed him and affirmed Nicholas Ukachukwu as PDP flag bearer.

Ukachukwu, a respondent in the substantive appeal, represented by Prince Nwafor Orizu, had gone to the Supreme Court hoping to upturn the Appeal Court's dismissal of his application, demanding the appellate court to disqualify itself from hearing Nwoye's appeal on the ground that they had received bribe from a party in the case.

In its response, the Supreme Court had ordered that all parties return to the Appeal Court to deliver its judgment which was already set, before the Supreme Court could entertain any reservation from any party on the matter.

In the judgment delivered yesterday, the Appeal Court set aside all the orders granted Ukachukwu by the Federal High

Tony Nwoye Court and restored Nwoye as the candidate.

The judgment read by Justice Ejimbi Eko of the three- man appeal panel, held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction and erred in entertaining the matter because it was a PDP internal affair.

The court also faulted the lower court for relying on the Electoral Act in deciding the case, stressing that the act would only have been relevant if the plaintiff

S'East, S'South govs meet on unity

S

even of the 11 governors of the South-East and SouthSouth states rose from their meeting in Enugu, recently, with a pledge to ensure economic co-operation and unity among the two geo-political zones.

Four governors, including those of Rivers, Edo, Akwa-Ibom and Imo, were absent and were not represented.

However, those present also reiterated their commitment to the success of President Goodluck Jonathan's government.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, who briefed newsmen after the meeting, said that the two zones have agreed to foster economic cooperation towards the development of the two regions. He did not give further details.

It was learnt that the governors discussed common areas of agreement to be presented by the

two zones to the National Conference Committee.

Those present at the meeting included Governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Peter Obi (Anambra), Theodore Orji (Abia) and Sullivan Chime (Enugu).

The governors of Bayelsa and Ebonyi were represented by their deputies.

Meanwhile, the governors of the South-East are expected to meet with leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo later this week to fine tune the position of Ndigbo ahead of the National Conference.

Vanguard learnt that Ohanaeze decided at its Imeobi meeting on Saturday to consult governors in the zone on the need to present a common position at the conference.

A source said: “After meeting with the governors, Ohanaeze would make its position on the conference public.”

the election has reset permutations on ground in several directions.

Among those to be seriously affected with the development is Chief Willy Obiano, the APGA candidate who until now was basking in the fact that he is the only one of the major candidates from Anambra North Senatorial zone, the zone that has been most united in projecting individuals from the zone to be the next governor of the state. Anambra North has not produced a governor of the state since the state was created in 1991.

Nwoye's emergence is also likely to draw from the youth vote and could impel support that was until his reemergence was drifting towards Ifeanyi Ubah, the Labour Party candidate.

A former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Nwoye could tap into the youth and students' vote at the expense of similarly youthful candidates.

But what is not clear in the PDP's

camp is whether those who contested the ticket with Nwoye and who are currently aggrieved over the selection process, would drop their weapons and throw their support behind him in the overall interest of the party to return Anambra to PDP once again.

Would Senator Andy Uba who was once Nwoye's political patron but lost out to Nwoye fall into line to back his former political pupil? Or would Ukachukwu who fascinated some other more matured political operators on ground to grab the ticket from Nwoye through a protracted legal tussle, now relax and cooperate with the new candidate?

Nwoye seems to enjoy the strong support of President Goodluck Jonathan who has not hidden his determination to return Anambra to PDP and this could be a great advantage for the PDP candidate to sail to victory. But a lot of campaign is required in the next few days to win back the confidence of the party's supporters who have turned to APGA an alternative owing to the confusion created by the legal battles in PDP.

Enugu LG poll: ENSIEC disqualifies APC candidates, as opposition the disqualification of the party's were an after thought, threatens legal action ascandidates they had fulfilled all the

By Ted Peters

A

LL the candidates of All Progressives Congress, APC, contesting the November 2 Local Government election in Enugu State have been disqualified by Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, ENSIEC. Three chairmanship and sixteen councillorship candidates, who were earlier given provisional clearance to contest the election were disqualified by the state electoral body over issues relating to non-payment of taxes.

The development caused tension and confusion in the camp of the opposition party with the leaders threatening to drag ENSIEC to court.

In a letter conveying the disqualification dated October 4, 2013 but which APC said it received at the weekend, the ENSIEC stated that the candidates were disqualified based on none presentation of tax clearance certificates.

The letter signed by the ENSIEC Executive Chairman, Dr. Boniface Eneh (ksc), said: "Following further findings during verification of documents submitted by the candidates, it was observed that the tax clearance certificates showed that they did not pay their taxes as at and when due and at the appropriate place.

"Also it was further discovered that some of these candidates did not present any tax clearance certificate.

This letter supercedes the Commission's earlier letter EN/SIEC/AD/272 on the above subject dated 11th October, 2013.”

The three chairmanship candidates include; Chime Ifeanyi Edeh of Enugu South LGA, Chukwuemeka Anike Ogbuene of Enugu East and Odoh Christian Chukwudi for Igboeze South LGA. The chairmanship candidates were disqualified alongside their running mates.

But in a swift reaction, the chairman APC local government electoral committee and Enugu East Senatorial candidate of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Ben Nwoye decried the development saying it is a rape on democracy and attempt by the State Governor, Sullivan Chime to stifle opposition in the state through the ENSIEC. Nwoye called on the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military and other law enforcement agencies to talk to Chime and Dr. Eneh to allow opposition participate in the election.

The APC chieftain insisted that

requirements, including presentation of tax clearance certificates and were earlier cleared on October 11 only for ENSIEC to reverse it on October 14 based on alleged directive of the state governor.

He alleged that even before now, Governor Chime has been boasting at PDP rallies that only PDP was contesting the election and that it would be yes or no voting arrangement for sole PDP candidates.

Nwoye further maintained that ENSIEC wrote and mailed the letter of disqualification on October 17, a day after expiration of deadline for substitution of candidates, and merely backdated it to October 14 to give it "fraudulent" legal backing.

Even so, he alleged that the letter was delivered to the party on October 20, 2013.

"I want the world to know that Chime has stifled democracy in Enugu State and his instrument of destruction is Dr. Boniface Eneh.

He should rethink his action and allow silent voice of majority prevail.

"If they say there is no opposition why should governor instruct his Executive Director of ENSIEC to withdraw clearance he had issued to opposition?".

He said the party would go to court to seek injunctive relief to stop the election.

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From The

COURT

FOI Act: Group appeals High court ruling, sue for amendment

P

aradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), a Lagos-based nong o v e r n m e n t a l organization, has appealed against the ruling of Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja calling on the National Assembly to amend the Freedom of Information Act to limit those who can request information under the Law. In a four-ground “Notice of Appeal” lodged at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, PIN is asking the Appeal Court to set aside the decision of Justice Kolawole and send the case back to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for assignment to and hearing by another Judge.

In the ruling, delivered on July 3, 2013, Justice Kolawole refused to grant leave to PIN to apply for an order of mandamus to compel the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, to disclose to it detailed information on the multimillion dollar contract awarded by the Presidency in April 2013 to an Israeli company, Elbit Systems, to monitor internet communication in Nigeria.

The Stop Impunity Nigeria (S.I.N.) Campaign is challenging the ruling on behalf of Paradigm Initiative through one of its member organizations, the Centre for Social Justice (CENSOJ).

In a statement made available to The Advocate, the grounds of appeal filed by Mr. Kingsley Nnajiaka of CENSOJ are that Justice Kolawole erred in law when he refused to grant PIN's Motion Ex-Parte for leave to

apply for an order of mandamus because at that stage of the proceedings, all the organization needed to do was to establish a prima facie case, but the judge went ahead to decide the substantive case at the interlocutory stage.

According to the paper, the claim that the judge erred in law by “fishing for extraneous materials that would fetter its discretion”; in deciding that Paradigm Initiative was a “busybody”; in taking into consideration the fact that Mr. Edward Snowden leaked official secret information in the

United States; in suggesting an amendment to Section 1(2) of the FOI Act; and by refusing to apply the provisions of Section 1(2) of the Act even before such an amendment.

“The judge violated PIN's constitutional right to fair hearing by raising, on his own, the issue of the capacity in which Dr. Abati was sued without giving PIN the opportunity to be heard on the issue. The organization is also complaining that the judge held that Dr. Abati was not involved in the contract which constitutes the subject matter of the application

even without hearing from PIN; that the judge held that the office of Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity was not a public office, body or authority amenable to the prerogative order of mandamus notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 151 and 152 of the Constitution; and that the judge did not invite PIN to address it on the issue of the capacity of Dr. Abati and if possible take advantage of Order 34 Rule 3(3) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009”, the group stated.

The statement further claimed that “the judge erred in law when he held that Paragraph (iii) of the

Statement filed by PIN merely stated that Dr. Abati is a Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity but did not state that Dr. Abati “in that capacity was being sued as the one who awarded the contract in issue”. It argued that requests for information are made to custodians of public records not the public officers who participated in the activity in issue; that Dr. Abati is a public officer, a fact which is judicially noticeable by the court; and that Dr. Abati did not deny that he had custody of the information sought

by PIN.” No date has been fixed for the hearing of the appeal.

Kidnappers of Osun Speaker's wife jailed 27 years

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n Osun State High Court sitting in Iwo, had sentenced five persons that had been standing trial over the kidnap of the wife of Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaja Muibat Salaam, to 27 years imprisonment each.

The convicts, Chukwudi Okereke (40), Ogbole Ochijile Elijah (25), Okonkwo Lucky (33), Kaikine Mahah (35) and Nwadinnor Philip (30) were, last year, arrested in Ilaro, Ogun State, by the Police.

They were said to have conspired, while armed with AK-47, and kidnapped Mrs. Salaam, who was returning from her shop in her Honda Accord car with number plate OSHA02 at 8p.m. around Oke-Oyo Road in Ejigbo area of

the state on October 9, 2012.

According to the prosecution, led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr. Adewale Afolabi, the convicts had confessed to the kidnapping of the Speaker's wife in their individual statements to the police during investigations.

Judgment Delivering his judgment, which lasted for over an hour, Justice Moshood Adeigbe said that the prosecution had been able to establish their case against the defendants.

Justice Adeigbe said: “The confessional statements were clear that the accused persons met at Royal Hotel in Agbor, DeltaState, where they planned the kidnap, perfected it in Lagos

and carried it out in Ejigbo.

“The exhibits also showed that the five accused persons kidnapped Mrs. Salaam, forced her into a trailer and dragged her into the bush on their way to Lagos, before Ogun State Police Command arrested them.

“I hold that the prosecution have established their case and therefore found the five accused persons guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.”

Although the defence counsel, Messrs Sam George and Fredrick Komolafe, prayed the court to temper justice, Justice Adeigbe maintained that the five convicts deserved the full punishments for their offence, saying that the act was heartless and condemnable.

Jail terms For the count of conspiracy, Justice Adeigbe ruled that each of the five convicts is sentenced to seven years imprisonment, while he sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment for the count of kidnapping and 10 years for the charge of unlawful possession of fire arms.

Justice Adeigbe, however, noted that each term of the sentence shall run concurrently since the counts arose out of the charges of the same act. Reacting to the judgment, the defence counsel said that they will appeal the judgment, saying that his clients were found guilty based on confessional statements.

He said the confessional statements were not verified, adding that the best option was trial within trial to authenticate the confessional statements.

Man held for beating mother of three to death

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he Lagos State Police C o m m a n d h a s apprehended a 35-year-old man, Mukaila Sumonu, for causing the death of his neighbour in the Ikorodu area of the state.

THE ADVOCATE learnt that the suspect, allegedly flogged the deceased, Fausat Ajibola, at their compound located in Araromi Village.

According to Police authorities, the suspect inflicted deep wounds on Ajibola, who lives in the same compound with her husband and three children.

It was said that the mother of three died a day after the flogging.

The suspect was said to have been arrested and then transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, Lagos. Close to tears, Sumonu told REPORTERS that he had only meant to discipline the deceased and not kill her.

when residents accosted me and accused me of He said, “I was killing her. This is sitting on my the devil's own in the handiwork.” compound The suspect, when she pleaded for (Ajibola) pardon, saying, “I accused me of have two wives c u t t i n g and four children. branches off Who will take the mango tree care of them if I i n o u r am sent to compound.

Mukaila Sumonu prison?”

She held me The police by the shirt however faulted Sunmonu's and was almost strangling me so I claims. A source at the SCID said wrestled free but she continued to Ajibola's corpse was marked with chase me. bruises all over.

“Ajibola is mentally challenged so The source said, “Sunmonu is I picked up a cane and threatened to claiming that he was attacked first flog her with it but she continued to and that Ajibola was mentally harass me, so I just flogged her a deranged. This was a woman that few times. I did not inflict a lot of was taking care of three children, wounds on her like the police are cooking for her husband every day. claiming.

Although, the killing may not have “I was surprised the following day

been deliberate, he (Summonu) still has a case to answer,” he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, who

confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the telephone, said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

2 suspected cultists docked for assault others at large, committed the

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wo suspected cultists, Olowo Ibrahim, 24 and Iyiola Ibrahim, a.k.a Old Soldier, 23, were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate's Court for allegedly belonging to an unlawful society.

The defendants, who reside at 66, Brown Street, Oshodi, and 4, Balogun Street, Oshodi, respectively, were docked before Magistrate Miss Akinde.

The defendants, said to be friends, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful association and assault preferred against them by the Police.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Edet Okoi, said that the defendants and

alleged crime between August 12 and October 17, respectively, at Mafoluku, Oshodi.

He told the court that the suspects, who belong to an unlawful society, assaulted one Lukman Adeleke of 35, Adedeji Street at Mafoluku, Oshodi area of Lagos.

According to him, the offence committed is contrary to Section 409, 40 (1) (a) (b) and punishable under Section 171 of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

However, the magistrate granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the matter till December 5 for mention.

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The Nigerian Nationalist James Ajibola Idowu Ige called to the bar in London's Inner Temple in 1961.

Bola Ige established Bola Ige & Co in 1961, and later became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.[3] He became well known in the country for his oratory prowess, as well as his advocacy work on civil rights and democracy.

Uncommonly, Bola Ige spoke all the three major Nigerian languages, Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa fluently. He wrote several books, and an anthology of articles and tributes about him was published shortly after his death.

Early political career

Ajibola Ige

J

ames Ajibola Idowu Kaduna in northern Nigeria on Ige, SAN (Yoruba: Bọ́lá September 13, 1930. His parents

Ìgè; September 13, 1930 D ecember 23, 2001) simply known as Bola Ige was a Nigerian lawyer and politician. He became Federal Minister of Justice for Nigeria. He was murdered in December 2001.

Background James Ajibola Idowu Adegoke Ige was born in Zaria, near

Continued from back page vigilante members per community monthly salary of N10,000.

The 6,500 workers employed by the state government, which includes 2,500 primary school teachers, all have their salaries (from April 2014 December 2015) safe in a special account.

The final push under education takes matters beyond the clearly positive results of handover of schools to their original owners, complete with noticeable improvements in academic performance, to the disbursement of N1.5 billion, on September 16, to further strengthen the organisations to which schools were returned.

On the very next day, N2 billion was disbursed to public primary schools. This is in addition to the N1 billion (N750 million for library and N250 million for laboratories) disbursed to all secondary schools (public and

were Yoruba natives of Esa-Oke town, in the old Oyo State (now in Osun State). Bola Ige left Kaduna and headed south to the Western region at the age of 14. He studied at Ibadan Grammar School (194348), and then at the University of Ibadan. From there, he went to the University College London where he graduated with a Law degree in 1959. He was

During the First Republic (19631966), at age 31 he was at the center of the Action Group crisis, when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was pitted against his deputy, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

He became a rival of Olusola Olaosebikan for succession to Obafemi Awolowo. Bola Ige was a Commissioner for Agriculture in the now-defunct Western Region of Nigeria (1967-1970) under the military government of General Yakubu Gowon. In 1967 he became a friend of Olusegun Obasanjo, who was a commander of the army brigade in Ibadan.

In the early 1970s, during the first period of military rule, he devoted his time to the anti-racism campaign of the World Council of Churches.

Towards the end of the 1970s he joined the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the successor to the Action Group. When General Olusegun Obasanjo initiated the Second Republic, he was elected as governor of Oyo State from October 1979 to October 1983.

Adebisi Akande, later to be

Edifying Elucidations private).

Come October 2, N10 million was disbursed to all secondary schools for facilities upgrade. Then you have the 500 buses given to all the secondary schools (public and private) totaling N2.5 billion-, 25,000 laptops each containing the school syllabus, at the ratio of 1 to 10 students (N2 billion) provision of internet access through Galaxy Backbone, with subscription paid up to 2015 (N700 million), provision and certification of Microsoft Academy for all the schools (N150 million), with subscription till 2015, provision of generators (N700 million) to all secondary schools N700 million, sports development support (N700 million) for all the secondary schools N750 million, provision of N 500,000 for sick bay in every school, supply of the Achebe Trilogy and “There was a Country”, for all the secondary

schools in the state.

Regarding health, which covers goals 4, 5 and 6 of the MDG, the state government has since taken far reaching policy measures that have put health institutions in the state on a new pedestal. Anambra now has accredited medical institutions, including a brand new teaching hospital, 15 rehabilitated general hospitals, new hospitals, with more than 25 giant buildings in missionary health institutions.

Declining mortality rates, disease incidence, etc. are on record.

In the 'final push' there is a concerted focus in transmittable diseases. The handling of emergencies is improved, with 16 life ambulances and appropriately trained personnel. Some health institutions (Our Lady of Lourdes, Ihiala; Holy Rosary, Waterside, Onitsha; Iyienu Hospital, Ogidi; St Charles Borromeo, Onitsha; St Joseph Hospital Adazi-Nnukwu;

governor of Osun State after it was split off from Oyo State, was his deputy governor during this period. In the 1983 elections, when he ran for reelection as the UPN candidate, he was defeated

by Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

Ige unsuccessfully challenged the election in court. However, Olunloyo lost the seat three months later to a coup staged by Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon.

Ige Bola was detained after the coup, accused of enriching party funds. He was released in 1985, after the next coup, by Ibrahim Babangida, and returned to his legal practice and to writing. In 1990, he published People, Politics And Politicians Of Nigeria: 1940-1979, a book that he had begun while imprisoned.

He was a founder member of the influential Yoruba pressure group, Afenifere. Although critical of the military rule of General Sani Abacha, Bola Ige avoided political difficulties during this period.

Third Republic Following the restoration of democracy in 1999, Bola Ige sought the nomination of the Alliance for Democracy party as a presidential candidate, but was rejected. President Obasanjo appointed Bola Ige as minister of Mines and Power (1999-2000).[8] He was not able to make significant improvements to service provided by the monopoly National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

He then became Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2000-2001). In September 2001 Amichi Anglican Diocesan Hospital) which had previously received various degrees of government attention and investment got N3 billion for various needs; including drugs and institutional capacity building.

As in other areas, the final push on the environment builds on the initiatives of the last five years and is poised to round off on a resounding positive note. Erosion control has received new fillip, and it is expected that the menace would be more than substantially domesticated within the few remaining months.

The N1.8 billion now being put into the Onitsha Water Scheme will effectively take water supply issues for the Onitsha area out of the list of matters of concern for the new governor.

The water schemes in Nibo, Ukpor, Agulu and other areas fall within the cocktail of infrastructural interventions that seek to make things very different

Bola Ige said that the Federal government had initiated a program to re-arrange and consolidate the laws of the Federation, publish them in digital form, and make them available on the website of his ministry. He campaigned ardently against the imposition of the Sharia law in the northern states of Nigeria. In November 2001 he said that the Federal government would not allow the Sokoto State government to execute the judgement of a verdict passed by a Gwadabawa sharia court to stone a woman, Safiya Hussaini to death for committing adultery.

Bola Ige was about to take up a new position as African's Representative on the United Nations International Law Commission when he was gunned down in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Death On 23 December 2001, Bola Ige was shot dead at his home in the south-western city of Ibadan. He had been entangled in squabbles within his Alliance for Democracy party in Osun State.

The previous week, the longrunning feud between Osun state Governor Bisi Akande and his deputy, Iyiola Omisore, had apparently contributed to the death of an Osun State legislator, Odunayo Olagbaju. The government of President Olusegun Obasanjo deployed troops in south-western Nigeria to try to prevent a violent reaction to the murder. Although various people were arrested and tried for involvement in the murder, including Iyiola Omisore, all were acquitted. As of November 2010 the killers had not been found.

In a speech at his funeral, he was quoted as saying that he was sure that Nigeria was worth living for but he was not so sure that it was worth dying for. in the state.

The 8th Millennium Development Goal, which focuses on gender issues, has recorded many positive strides under Obi, with the result that, today, practically all the school head teachers in the state are women.

So are the Commissioner for P l a n n i n g / C h i e f o f S t a ff , Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Commissioner for Local Govt, Commissioner for Education, Special Assistants on Public Works, Internally Generated Revenue, (IGR), MDGs, and Special Duties among others.

It is important that Anambra State moves to a new level in its politics.

Part of moving to that new level is ensuring that whatever gains that have been made under the tenure of the current governor are sustained and improved upon.

Okey Ikechukwu writes from Awka

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October 28 - 31, 2013

Obianuju Nwankwo e-mail: obianujunwnkwo18@gmail.com

Hairstyles by Face Shape

J

ust the way you need to place your body shape into consideration before choosing the clothes to wear, accessories to use, make-up to put on and shoes to wear for any occasion , that is how you need to consider the shape of your face before making any hairstyle. As the foundation for any hairstyle, the shape of your face determines how your hair will emphasize your eyes, lips and cheekbones. Guido, a hair advisor also said that “With a great hairstyle and layering technique that is finely tuned to your face shape, you can truly make the best of yourself, and instantly bring more life and vitality to your features�. Don't just rush to make any hairstyle without thoughtful consideration your face shape.

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16-yr-old mother of 2 Catholic Nun kills her newborn stabs husband to death baby in the seminary

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16-year-old mother of two, Ebere Ogu, has allegedly stabbed his 35year-old husband, Patrick, to death in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a fight, and has fled with her children.

Detectives from the criminal Investigation Division of the state Police Command are presently looking for her.

The crime was committed last Thursday at their number 70 Ijapo extension residence in Akure at 5a.m.

Chinedu, a native of Imo State was a staff of Owena River Basin Authority, Alagbaka in Akure.

A co-tenant, who gave his name as Kelechi, said: “Ebere and Patrick frequently engage in fights but on Thursday, October 17, at 5a.m., the couple began to fight.

“Most times they engage in such fights, I go there to settle it. But on this fateful morning, when I got into their room I saw Ebere holding a knife against her husband so I pleaded with her to drop the knife and pleaded with Patrick not to beat his wife.

“At the first attempt I succeeded in separating them. So Ebere dropped the knife. But as soon as Patrick

saw that his wife had dropped the knife, he seized the opportunity to pounce on her and gave her another beating.

How he died “I told Patrick to stop, but I noticed that when he tried to move away he slumped and that was when I screamed for help and called other members of the house.

“When we entered the apartment we realised that Patrick was already on the floor. So people began to urge Ebere to lift her husband up. She eventually did and we saw that the father of two was already bleeding.

“We were all shocked and most of the people took to their heels.

Ebere escaped with her two kids to an unknown destination.”

Police image-maker, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the ugly incident.

Ogodo said: “One Mr. Tuyi, who is the landlord of the house the couple lived in, reported the incident to the Police Station on Thursday October 17, at 6.45a.m.

Ogodo said that policemen are searching for the suspected killer, while the corpse of the deceased had been deposited at the Akure State Specialist Hospital morgue for autopsy.

A

woman studying to become a Catholic nun has been charged in the District of Columbia with smothering her newborn son, police said.

The woman, 26-year-old Sosefina Amoa, gave birth to the boy Oct. 10 in her room at the Little Sisters of the Poor elderly care facility, police said. Afraid the nuns would hear the newborn's cries and discover she lied about sexual activity, police say Amoa told investigators

she smothered him by placing a wool garment over the child's mouth and nose and applying pressure.

A day later she and a nun took his body, in a small black luggage bag, to a hospital, police said.

Investigators interviewed Amoa after she arrived at the hospital and say they found bloody clothing and small traces of blood during a search of the convent room where she had been staying.

Amoa was charged Wednesday

with first-degree murder after the death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation. Her attorney declined to comment on the case Friday.

The order said in a statement that they are praying for everyone involved.

"We all feel that this is a tragic situation," said Sister Constance Veit, communications director at Little Sisters of the Poor.

Amoa arrived from the island of Samoa on Oct. 5 and was considered a postulant, someone who wants to be admitted to the order.

She initially told investigators that she did not know she was pregnant but that she experienced significant bleeding just prior to delivering the baby, whom she named Joseph.

She later said she had not told the convent about her past sexual activity and that after the child stopped breathing, she contemplated putting it in the trash but decided against it, police said.

Police say they interviewed a nun at the convent who said Amoa showed her the child and initially told her that she had found the body outside. The nun says Amoa later told her that she had given birth to the child, and police say the two of them together took the body to the hospital.

Policeman tortures eight year old daughter over Witchcraft Ayamba, allegedly heeded his request and took the children to him. Ekong said that the children's stepmother made life miserable for them.

He said: “It was during their stay in Port Harcourt, that their stepmother took the children to a Pentecostal church. Goodness was accused of witchcraft at the church. Her stepmother was told that Goodness was the person responsible for their father's non-rising profile in the force.

The father who was also in the church began to beat and kick Goodness in a bid to extract a confession about her witchcraft.”

When reporters visited Immanuel

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police sergeant from Ibiaku community, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ita Ayamba, has allegedly brutalised and abandoned his eight-year-old daughter, Goodness Ayamba over her refusal to confess to witchcraft.

The Advocate reports that Ita had paraded his little girl along the village streets unclad, declaring that Goodness was responsible for his retrogression in the Police Force.

He tortured his daughter for several hours in an attempt to extract a confession of being a witch from her.

A source and relative of Ita said: When he discovered that Goodness had passed out, Ita abandoned her, having hit her chest with the butt of his AK 47 Rifle.

None of us could go close to Ita to rescue Goodness as he had threatened to shoot anyone that dared.“I don't see how a child of that age could become a clog in the wheel of her father's progress in the Police Force. We need to tell each other the truth. Progress in one's career depends on the efforts one has made academically.”

Reporters gathered that Ita had divorced Goodness' mother some years back. He was said to have remarried almost immediately, leaving three children including Goodness with their grandmother.

A resident of the area, Okon Ekong, said that on July 28, 2013 when the children were on holiday, Ita had requested custody of them. He was said to be at his new station in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the time.

Ita's former wife, Mrs. Anietie

Hospital, Eket, Eket LGA, on Saturday, where Goodness was taken to for medical attention, it was gathered that she had been admitted at the intensive care unit of the children's ward.

Nurses at the hospital said Goodness' condition was stable but that her bones and chest cavity had been badly damaged.

A group of women lawyers under the aegis of Federation of International Women Lawyers have said that they would do everything within their power to ensure that Ita was brought to justice.

The state director of the organisation, Mrs. Mary Udonsek,

stated that the women would not continue to sit back and allow men maltreat their children on the guise of labelling them witches.

Ita, said to be working at Trans Amadi Police Station, Port Harcourt, Rivers State had allegedly not been to Ibiaku, Mkpat Enin LGA since the incident.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Etim dickson, said the Rivers State Police Command would be contacted about the matter.

He said: Messages have been sent across to police area commands in Oron and Ikot Ekpene so that Ita will not have any place to hide once he is in the state.”

Octogenarian beats daughter to death over choice of Church

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72-year-old man has beaten his 14-year-old daughter to death in the Iba area of Lagos State over her refusal to attend The Lord's Chosen Church with him.

The deceased's mother, Mrs. Comfort Udin, 40, explained that her husband had been angry over their daughter's refusal to attend his church, The Lord's Chosen.

Comfort said that her husband, John Udin, used a stick, covered with nails, to beat his daughter.

One of the nails perforated her forehead and she later died.

According to her, the victim, Ejiro Udin, began her journey to the grave last week Tuesday after they told John that they were going to church.

The church was however a new church, which Comfort had started attending with the children.

She said she did not like John's church after she attended it once.

John had forbidden them from going to church that day.

This order had generated a quarrel and John started beating Ejiro with a whip.

He later dropped the whip, picked the stick, which had nails and slammed it on her forehead.

Rather than take the young girl to hospital, John was alleged to have locked both mother and daughter inside the kitchen, where they spent the night.

By the time they took Ejiro to hospital on Sunday, almost five days after the nail attack, it was too

late. She died at the hospital that same day.

John on the other hand, said his wife was lying.

He explained that he has 14 children and had never killed any of them.

According to him, he wanted to hit his wife with the stick, but his wife pushed Ejiro into the path of the stick.

He explained that on the fateful Tuesday, his wife and daughter had attacked him, after he told them not to go to church that evening because they had not given him food since morning.

Comfort has four children for John, with Ejiro being the eldest.

His other eight children are from two former wives.

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400m children living in extreme poverty, says report

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he World Bank new report on extreme poverty has stated that number of people living in extreme poverty around the world has sharply declined over the past three decades.

The bank is worried that the number still includes roughly 400 million children, or one -third of those living in such abysmal conditions.

World Bank analysis released, Thursday, for the first time gives an in-depth profile of the poorest people in the world.

The report found that 721 million fewer people lived in extreme poverty in 2010 defined as those living under $1.25 a day compared to 1981.

But it also concluded that a disproportionate number of children were among them: Children accounted for one in three of those living in extreme poverty around the world in 2010, compared with only one in five of those living above the poverty line.

In low-income countries, the percentages were even worse, with half of all children living in extreme poverty.

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim in the report said: “We have witnessed an historic movement of people lifting themselves out of poverty over the past three decades, but the number of children living in poverty alone should leave no doubt that there remains much work to do.

“We can reach our goals of ending

Children living in poverty in Africa poverty and boosting shared prosperity, including sharing that prosperity with future

generations, but only if we work together with new urgency.

Children should not be cruelly

condemned to a life without hope, without good education, and without access to quality health

Nigerian elderly have highest depression rate – Experts

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LDERLY persons in Nigeria are among those with the highest rates of depression in the world as a result of non-payment of pensions and other related factors.

This was revealed by the President, African Association of Psychiatry and Allied Professions, Richard Uwakwe, Thursday, in Ibadan.

Chairman, Faculty of Psychiatry, National Post-graduate Medical College, Nnamdi Azikwe

U n i v e r s i t y, Anambra State, m a k i n g allusion to a recent global survey of the well-being of older persons

by HelpAge International, London, said Nigeria was rated 85th in a list of 91

Elderly people in Nigeria

Flood wreaks havoc in Owerri

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everal families have been rendered homeless and property worth millions of Naira destroyed by ravaging flood that followed a torrential rain in parts of Imo State Thursday.

The downpour, which started at about 2 am and lasted for about four hours, flooded several parts of Owerri municipality.

The story was the same in Egbu, particularly Umuayalu village, Owerri North local council area, parts of World Bank Housing Estate, Onitsha Road Industrial Area and other adjoining communities.

Several families residing in buildings along Ibeme Street, near the Relief Market, Owerri, were seen scooping water from their houses and trying to salvage whatever they could from the ruins.

Some vehicles were submerged in most of the places visited by Vanguard and no effort was made by owners to tow them to safety at press time.

It will be recalled that Chukwuma

care. We must do better for them.”

In his remark in the report World Bank Chief Economist and Vice President, Kaushik Basu said: “The finding that over 400 million children live in extreme poverty and children are more likely to be poor than adults is disturbing, since this can exacerbate child labour and create intergenerational conflict. Hence, if we want to make a sustainable dent on global poverty, this is where we need to focus our attention.”

It will be recalled that at the April Spring Meeting of the Bank Group and IMF the Governors of the World Bank Group endorsed two global goals: ending extreme poverty by 2030 and promoting shared prosperity by fostering income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population in developing countries. Poverty reduction globally has moved at a faster pace than expected; the Millennium Development Goal of halving extreme poverty between 1990 and 2015 was reached five years ahead of time.

Nwaoha Road, Dick Tiger Street and many other streets in Amakohia and Akwakuma areas could not be accessed in vehicles as a result of the flood.

Lamenting her plight to newsmen at 4 Ibeme Street, Owerri, Dr. Onynye Nwachukwu, a veterinary doctor, said she could not immediately quantify the loss occasioned by the rampaging

flood. ”You can see that the entire ground floor is flooded. Where do I start counting our loss? Is it from the veterinary drugs, poultry and animal feeds or personal effects?

The damage is colossal”, Dr. Nwachukwu lamented.

According to her, residents of the street had been trying to help themselves in the past, stressing that they had even constructed a

culvert and taken other measures aimed at reducing the effects of the flood. ”We are always working on this road. We have also taken other measures aimed at checking the devastating effect of flood. You can see that many families now have to wade through the flood before getting into their homes”, Nwachukwu lamented.

nations.

He described as mere political statements the claims by some state governors that they were providing free health services for children under five years and aged people from the age of 65.

While speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, T h u r s d a y, h e lamented that the number of current psychiatrists in the country was less than the number required.

Corroborating the survey, Professor Oye Guruje, said the survey carried out in 2001, about 10million of Nigerians had mental disorders.

The mental disorders according to him include, cognitive problems, anxiety disorders, stress related disorders, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, suicide, intellectual disabilities and many others.

39-yr-old man nabbed with N82m cocaine

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says it has arrested a 39-year-old man, who imported 7.45kg of cocaine valued at N82 million.

Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the agency's spokesman, who made this known in a statement Tuesday, said that

the suspect was intercepted at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

Ofoyeju said the discovery was made on October 12 “during inward screening of passengers on-board an Ethiopian Airline flight from Brazil.

“The drug, which was

industrially concealed inside food flasks and kitchen utensils, tested positive to cocaine and weighed 7.45kg.

“It is estimated to cost N82 million. It is the single largest seizure recorded at the Abuja Airport since January.''

Ofoyeju said investigations into the case had commenced, adding that the agency's Operation End of Year Screening made the discovery

possible.

He said: “The agency is prepared to counter the tricks of drug traffickers. As the year is coming to an end, we have launched Operation End of Year Screening.

“This is targeted at preventing drug cartels from carrying out their criminal acts this season.”

The spokesman said that the suspect would soon be charged to court.

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I have the mind of developing human beings – Mr James Jato have to contribute our own quota.

Mr James Jato is an Educationist, a technician, seasoned administrator and the proprietor JATO comprehensive college and JATO Technical college Yenagoa Bayelsa State in this interview with our correspondent Mr. Philip EKE highlighted on the crucial nature of technical education in nation building and, stressing other important issues and the way forward for our teeming youths. Excerpt alongside

the

Jato

Sir, for the record can you Comprehensive college, which today has metamorphosed into tell us your name?

I am Mr. James Jato from Polaku To w n i n Ye n a g o a L o c a l Government Area of Bayelsa State, the proprietor of both Jato Comprehensive and Jato technical colleges with headquarters at Amarata, Opposite Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

technical education as a full entity.

Without technology development, one is not properly breed. Like in Bayelsa State, the awareness of technical education or skill acquisition is very low, that is why our youths often times depend on their parents and care givers for our sustenance. Youths with skills if properly harnessed can never be in the streets of Yenagoa. I am actually inspired to give succor to our youths.

Can you tell us why you established Jato comprehensive School which has currently been Since your school was expanded to a technical established, can you vividly college, what inspired you? tell us your contributions, Well, I have the enthusiasm of especially man power developing human beings. When in 2001, at a time youths development? restiveness was the order of the day, I decided to establish Jato Comprehensive School with all round education. That time many of our youths were not so inclined to technical education.

From establishment of Jato College, there was serious need to establish a technical school

Jato Schools have produced several members of the academia and technicians in Bayelsa State and even beyond; in the oil sector, some of my former students are Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers in various establishments, I can vividly name them without mincing words. Now that we are

Mr James Jato going technical, especially from senior secondary one, when Junior WAEC has been completed you are qualified to be enrolled for technical education. It is not so proper for us to wait for Government to do everything; we

What is your advice to Bayelsa and Nigeria generally, looking critically on the importance of skill acquisition?

I advice Bayesians and Nigerians a t l a rg e t o t a k e technical education seriously. With skills they can be employers of Labor, and youth restiveness can be reduced maximally. Also, am appealing to Government to support the technical idea, if you are opportune to see my swali school, there is c o n d u c i v e environment for learning technical education, with eight lecture halls and big school field. More so, I have several technical equipments, l i k e welding/fabrication machines, sewing machines, electrical equipments, wood works, for catering, hair dressing equipments, mechanical equipment, even teachers, we have many, but the students, where are they?

Because the parents are not even aware or not knowledgeable about

Chime Should allow God`s will – Rev.Ebenezer Continued from page 26 audience?

Scared? How can I be scared?

God has not given me the spirit of fear but of power, boldness and a sound mind. The messages I preach are given to me by the Holy Spirit. I am under obligation to deliver them as raw as they came, otherwise God will hold me accountable for the destinies of men on earth and in eternity. Only the truth can set men free. As a minister of God, I cannot but declare the whole counsel of God anytime I have the opportunity to do so. I urge fellow ministers not to compromise God` s word or peddle the gospel for fear of losing membership. There is a scarcity of God` s word in our days, and multitudes of sincere seekers are trooping to where they can find the real thing. We are not afraid of losing members, because we speak the truth in love. That's our duty. Only God can save a man and keep him in church. It is unfortunate that some pastors manipulate people` s destinies in order to keep them in their membership. I would rather pastor one hundred men into heaven than spend my life entertaining one thousand men

spouse?

bound for hell.

Yo u a r e c h e e r f u l l y warming up to celebrate your third wedding anniversary. What do you think should be the attitude of Christians when praying to God for the choice of a

Thank you for remembering that. Our wedding will be three years by October 2nd, and we are grateful to God for a happy married life. When praying to God for a spouse, young men and women should remember that our marriage as Christians is for both pleasure and purpose.

God has a purpose in bringing a man and a woman together.

Therefore, to get the best spouse, a congenial partner or helpmate, seek out God` s purpose for your life and ask Him for a spouse that will help you fulfill that purpose and make heaven at last. This way you would be seeking first the kingdom of God and every other thing (beauty, money, education, children, etc) will be added unto you in your partner. That's the

secret of my marriage with Pastor Mrs. Testimony Okechukwu, my ever loving and supportive wife.

the value of technical education, they don't even know the importance of technical education, white color jobs idea have taken over the minds of the people of Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole. But where are the white collar jobs? Very scarce, if you don't have God father or influential people by you, you will not get employment in the public service even in the private sector of our economy.

I am tasking Bayelsans to be very serious in skill acquisition, people should not be ashamed of undertaking technical works, and like me I have been in technical area of work for several years and have risen to Director Cadre in technical department. I can never beg to make my living. If I don't have money at hand, I change to my professional field to make money for a living; people with needed skills can never lack.

Sir is your school recognized by National B o a r d o f Te c h n i c a l Education or is your school registered with the ministry of education?

Well, my school is a popular school known by Government, and National Board of Technical Education (NABTE) is have its examination centre approved here. The school is not hidden, Jato Schools also have approved Joint Matriculation Board as Centre (JAMB), West Africa Examination Centre, WAEC, NECO among other professional examinations, I make my passionate appeal to government to come to my aid to move the state forward in the area of technical education.

Sir, can you tell us vividly Do you have a message for the area of support you the Governor of Enugu need from Government?

State?

If money has been as available as Yes, I do. I have observed the administration of Governor Sullivan Chime and I am impressed particularly with his diligence. I wish the governor of Abia State learnt from him. My counsel to the governor is for him to ensure that he ends well. Let him use the remaining time to right whatever wrong he has done while in office, because we must all appear before God to account for our stewardship whether as a pastor or as a politician. Let him allow God` s will and true democratic process to determine his successor. We are praying for him.

What is your advice to Christians across the country?

I challenge all Christians across Nigeria to rise and take their place and fulfill God` s purpose in their sphere of influence. I implore them to live a life worthy of the gospel as we await the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ to rapture the saints.

required, I wouldn't have to border the government for aid, but for now the school has been fully established. Government should advocate seriously of technical education, more so financial aid, and study aids among others to s u p p o r t th e r ap id development of Jato Schools, especially in the technical College which is in dire need in the state.

The Craft development Centre at polaku, sir can you tell us the present condition of that school?

At Polaku, there is craft centre, in Yenagoa Local government Area of Bayelsa state, really, people are not interested, anything technical they are not interested, if you visit the centre, you have scanty students, government equipped the centre, but the students are not there, so to create awareness, government should change the orientation from formal education to technical, although formal side is very good but the technical have to be side by side.

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The confab should discuss every issue about Nigeria – Ukwa Continued from page 11 Enugu airport to be an international airport the same time with Yola. Yola has been functioning as international airport for many years. Enugu airport was abandoned until this lady, Princess Oduah came in and worked so hard until her President and my President too, Goodluck Jonathan turned this place into international airport. Remember that the radar that was here before was carried from here to Yola for the commissioning of the one in Yola. Many people are not aware of this. Both airports were declared international airports at the same time. The radar from here was removed to commission the one in Yola. These are the things we are talking about. I will mention another one. Why should we have in a country various laws governing different mineral resources? We have oil. It is a federal government property. We have solid minerals. It belongs to the people who own the land.

These are disparities in terms of

law that needs to be streamlined. I can name and name and name them. State creation, inequality, how many do we have? If you talk about our population, we are heavily populated, more than some of these deserts but they get more money because the formula through which this money is allocated is based on land mass, which has nothing to do with financial allocation. Therefore, we are suffering here in the SouthEast. We are being deprived of a lot of resources, which is naturally due to us. These are some of the issues we must have to discuss.

We cannot continue to function this way. We don't have roads. We don't have federal presence. We are deprived of resources due to our people from the centre. We need to resolve these issues. I don't know whether it is a government policy or whatever it is, we do not have any embassy.

We do not have any consulate where our people can work in to get their visa. We have to travel through all these potholes, to either Abuja or Lagos to get visa to travel out. For years, we were

we cannot discuss. We want to discuss everything if we are part of this country. So, are other ethnic nationalities, they also have their own. They must be given the opportunity and the freedom to discuss these issues.

There is this fear that the conference will bring disagreement and a major crisis.

Do you not see it that way?

No, I don't think so. This country, we have one thing that is binding us, that is the desire to keep Chief Onwuka Ukwa this country as one. That desire to keep this country as one, deprived of a gateway to the will prevent such a fear that you outside world until President Goodluck Jonathan opened that are expressing. But, we must Enugu airport. These are some of discuss all these things. We must the issues. There are numerous discuss them. In fact, let me give issues that are agitating the minds you a recent example. How can of our people that we want to you tolerate a citizen of this discuss at that Sovereign National country being repatriated within Conference. So, it will be unfair his own country? Those are the for anybody to tell Igbo people things that must be discussed. The that there are certain things that nationality question must be sorted out. I cannot belong to a

country where I will be repatriated in my own country and yet I am a free citizen of this country.

In the ongoing constitutional amendment , this issue of indigeneship and citizenship is still there and the National Assembly held public hearings for the amendment all over the country. In many places, Nigerians voted against indigeneship in favour of citizenship. The process of that amendment is on and we are now talking about a national conference.

Would this not amount to dissipation of energy over a matter we ought to have waited for the National Assembly to resolve?

I think I have answered this question before. This one (confab) supersedes that one (constitutional amendment).

Constitutional amendment is limited to a particular something, but in the confab we are saying everything must be discussed.

Sovereign Confab'll throw Nigeria into anarchy – Ekweremadu

By Ted Peters

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EPUTY Senate President and Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Ike Ekweremadu, Tuesday, gave insight on why the proposed National Conference cannot be sovereign as being agitated by some people.

Senator Ekweremadu specifically said that convocation of a Sovereign National Conference without legal and constitutional framework would end up throwing the country into anarchy.

Speaking when the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue, Dr Femi Okurounmu, led members of his committee to him on consultation, the Deputy Senate President disclosed that the National Assembly was already working on how the result of the exercise could be used to give Nigeria a new constitution.

According to him, “when we hear people talking about sovereign national conference; there must be a legal framework for it. You don't wake up when you have a constitutional conference in place and begin to say you want a sovereign national conference to impose the will of some people on everybody without a legal basis for what they are doing. Otherwise, we are calling anarchy.”

He further stated that, “Now that we have looked at the 1999 Constitution from 1999 till now,

and we tried to do some amendments, it is therefore possible that based on our experience in the practice and the exercise of the review process, there are changes t h a t a r e fundamental that must be made to make sure that this country progresses.

“And so, that is where your job comes in. My understanding from what you said is that your committee is to create framework for this exercise, to provide intellectual background to enable those who will have the conversation to do something that is seamless.

“It is not an easy job because it is difficult at this stage to determine the character of representation but that is the business of your committee. We are not going to worry ourselves about that. We believe that you will deal with that.

“For us at the National Assembly, the most important job in this exercise is to provide the necessary legal framework that will support whatever the outcome of both your own committee and that committee that will come after it.

“We envisaged as I said earlier from works that were done over

these years that a day such as this would come. We proposed to our colleagues a possible amendment to section 9 of the Constitution that would provide a legal basis to a possible constitution because today, what we have in our Constitution, the process for amendment, there is no such provision in this constitution that can successfully power a new Constitution.”

Ekweremadu said the country borrowed the example of other countries that have had the kind of experience Nigeria was passing through now such as Zimbabwe, Kenya, Brazil, to bring into the

constitution.

He said that when the senate meets with the House for their harmonization, that they would support the initiative, especially now that their work was in progress.

“If that happens, then, most of the views here would have been addressed because if we say we are a country that believes in rule of law, we must do everything in accordance to the law and not the rule of the tongue,” he stated.

He expressed the optimism that the committee and the National Assembly could work together to make the exercise to be fruitful.

Ekweremadu said, “I have no doubt whatsoever that you are eminent citizens of Nigeria, very concerned about the progress of Nigeria and you have shown in the past, your commitment to nation building.

“We in the Senate have no doubt whatsoever that you are going to bring to bear on this particular assignment, your very wide experience and your very well known commitment to issues of Nigeria as one nation.

“So, let me add that we in the National Assembly have been in this business of trying to find some better ways of addressing some of our challenges through some possible amendments, through the business of some constitutional reforms since year 2000.”

The Deputy Senate President who said that the proposed amendment to Section 9 of the Constitution as passed by the senate included the referendum noted that there were challenges culminating in 2010 when the constitution was first

amended.

He said, “In fact, immediately after the beginning of this particular assembly. We had the National Assembly joint committee on constitution review and for which you are quite aware of. We had number of challenges culminating in 2010 when we successfully amended the constitution for the first time.

And we have done it two other times after that and we are now in the fourth phase of that constitutional reform exercise. For us, in doing those exercises, we have come to terms with the reality of the necessity for improvement in our country.

“So, we welcome this decision from the federal government to allow Nigerians to discuss and bring about possible changes that would better the life of all of us.

Speaking earlier, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue, Senator Femi Okoroumu, said the committee's main job was to consult widely with all Nigerians in respect of the proposed National Confereence particularly with a view to what should be on the agenda of the conference.

He also said that the committee would also look at “what should be the size, duration and how membership of the conference should be chosen and what should be the legal basis of the conference and transmission of it's outcome to Nigerians.

“We have stopped over in Jos and Akure. We are making 13 stops on the whole. As one of the most powerful bodies, we are here to confer with you,” he explained.

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DSS nabs 'Boko Haram' suspect in Enugu

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HE Department of State Service, DSS, Enugu State Command, Thursday, paraded a 35-year old man, Mr. Daniel Danboyi, who claimed to be a repentant member of Boko Haram for allegedly extorting money from some churches under false pretence.

The suspect, who is also known as Shuaibu Shehu Rabiu, is said to have visited several churches in the country where he told fictitious story of how he was actively involved in the activities of the Boko H aram insurgents before he repented and became a Christian in order to get help from the churches.

The State Director of DSS, Mr. Victor Duru, who paraded the suspect in Enugu, said that Danboyi, a native of Garshi District, Kura Falls, Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State, “has been going about duping innocent Nigerians using religion as his tool.”

According to him, the suspect was arrested at Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church, Zik Avenue, Enugu in connection with Boko Haram activities, explaining that he had been going about with a “false testimony, deceiving people and duping /exploiting people in the name of religion.

“He claims that he is a renounced Boko Haram member who has converted to Christianity,” Duru said, adding that Danboyi began his deceitful life way back in 2001 in a church at Abuja where he lied to one of the Pastors that he was a Muslim who converted to Christianity to curry sympathy and financial help.

“On the basis of this false claim, he has visited several churches, sharing his false testimony and making money out of it. Among the churches visited are Four Square Gospel Church, Bodeja, Ibadan, Oyo state, Glory Tabernacles, Bodeja, End Time Aw a r e n e s s C h u r c h a . k . a Wonderland, Akinbude Monia Ibadan, Oyo state, Christ Apostolic Church, Ajibode, Ibadan, Royal Church, Awka,

Anambra State and the Spoken Word Church, Awka, Anambra State.”

T h e D S S Director further stated that b e f o r e Danboyi's arrest, he claimed he was invited by a Church in Awka, Anambra (Spoken Word Church) for a y o u t h programme as a guest speaker.

“On his way back to Yola, Adamawa State on 21st August, 2013, the commercial bus he boarded broke down at 9th Mile, Enugu State and the driver refused to refund the transport fare. When he became stranded he called his host who could not help him prompting his decision to proceed to Mountain of Fire & Miracle Church at Zik Avenue,

DSS Enugu to solicit for monetary help. It was in the process of seeking this help that the service picked him up,” Duru said.

He further disclosed that the investigations conducted into Danboyi's activities revealed that he had been a serial liar and deceiver. “He is a Christian and not a Muslim. He confessed he has never been a Boko Haram member. His real name is Daniel

Danboyi and not Shuaibu Shehu Rabiu as he goes about claiming. His claim that he is from Gashua LGA of Borno State is false.

He is from Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State and Borom by tribe.

He had been exploiting the sympathy of unsuspecting Nigerians and extorting money from them in the name of religion,” the DSS boss said.

He, however, urged Nigerians to be wary of people going about sharing bogus testimonies “especially if the intention is to seek help or get money/favour or attract sympathy” just as he advised churches to be cautious of any common testimonies from strange quarters.

Villagers beat up man found with father's amputated leg …As Pastor was accused of raping 9-yr-old, two 7-yr-olds

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he Bauchi State Police Command has rescued a middle aged man found with a human leg from being lynched by a mob in Gudun village, Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The state Police Public Relations

Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, who disclosed this in Bauchi, said that Police initially arrested a man (names withheld) with a human leg in Bauchi.

He added that after investigation, it was discovered that the leg belonged to his father, which was

amputated in the hospital because of an illness.

Mohammed said: “The hospital gave him the amputated leg to go and bury. As a stranger, he pleaded with an Okada rider to take him to the outskirt of the town where he will dispose of it.

“Unfortunately for him, the motorcycle rider took him to

Gudun village and alerted the public. The enraged mob took laws in their hands and started beating him before he was rescued by the police.”

He added that after he was rescued, the Police took his statement and paid a visit to the hospital, where they met his father whose leg was amputated.

N255 million car scandal:

House committee insists Oduah must appear before it Tuesday

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he House of Representatives Committee on Av i a t i o n h a s o r d e r e d Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, to appear before Tu e s d a y, w h e n i t s investigation into the armoured car scandal will end.

The committee said she must attend even if she has to arrive by chartered flight.

The order came after the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry said Mrs. Oduah was in Israel to sign bilateral air agreement with Israel and

will not be able to return b e f o r e Tuesday.

The committee asked aviation ministry officials, led b y t h e permanent secretary, who w a s t o represent the minister, to leave; saying they had no relevance to the hearing.

The committee said it will only accept presentation from NCAA whose director is in attendance.

The chairperson of the committee, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, said the committee wanted independent presentation from the NCAA, hence its insistence that the others leave.

Mrs. Oduah is being investigated over the controversial purchase of two armoured BMW cars for N255 million by the NCAA at her request.

She was recently queried by President Goodluck Jonathan who has also set up a threeman panel to probe the deal.

He said: “The father of the man gave us the same story and we feel there is nothing incriminating against the suspect.

“We released him and he was admitted in the hospital because of the beating the villagers gave him.” In a similar development, a pastor, Emmanuel Mathew, 50, appeared before an Abuja High Court for allegedly raping three pupils in a primary school at Mpape, Abuja.

Mathew, who is the pastor and General Overseer of The Choice Bible Church, Mpape, and proprietor of the said school, was arraigned on a five-count charge.

The Prosecutor, DSP Stanley Nwodo, told the court that the accused raped two seven-year-old and a nine-year-old pupils on different occasions in his school.

Nwodo said the offence contravened Section 283 of the Penal Code, which attracts 14 years imprisonment, an option of fine or both.

Mathew pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After arraignment, the Counsel to the accused, Mr. Uya Yamah, urged the court to admit his client to bail.

The prosecutor did not oppose the application because the accused had been on administrative bail.

In his ruling, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N500,000 and a surety in like sum.

Baba-Yusuf ordered that the surety must be resident within the FCT and must produce proof of ownership of a landed property.

He adjourned the case till January 21, 2014, for hearing.

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Technical Education, panacea to Nigeria's unemployment problem – Prof Ogbuagu

By Our Reporter

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he Provost Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu says the global economic meltdown has brought with it great socio-economic challenges to many countries with its attendant mass unemployment, huge job cuts, budget deficits and extinction of white collar jobs.

Speaking to news men in his office at Umunze, Prof. Ogbuagu observed that as a result, many countries have devised measures to tackle these challenges but expressed satisfaction that here in Nigeria, government at all levels have braced up with the challenges by embarking on Education for Self-Reliance Programme.

The Provost described the programme as the panacea to Nigeria's unemployment problem and pointed out that in pursuance to the programme all tiers of government have embarked on the establishment of Skill Training Centres in various parts of the country including the rural areas.

He commended the Federal Government's Transformation Agenda which he described as “robust” “well articulated” and “appropriate” in the present circumstance and extolled the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyeson Wike for his “uncommon focus”, “courage” and “ingenuity” in piloting the affairs of the nation's education sector.

Prof. Ogbuagu explained that the Education for Self-Reliance Programme involves impacting relevant skills to the youths particularly graduates that will enable them establish their own business immediately on graduation, create more jobs by

technical and vocational education could play in the socio-economic development of the nation, had taken adequate steps to boost this aspect of the education sector by restructuring the country's educational curricular and tailoring them toward enhancing skill acquisition with the establishment of technical institutions and equipping them with necessary state of the arts facilities to impact relevant skills to students to prepare them for selfemployment.

Prof. J.O. Ogbuagu Prof. Ogbuagu Provost FCE (T) Umunze remarked that Nigerian government is pursuing this employing others, and create Programme of self-reliance in wealth, and contribute their quota education with the utmost vigour to nation building. and opined that if this tempo is He noted that in addition to maintained, the country will soon establishing skill training centres, increase its volume of production N i g e r i a g o v e r n m e n t s i n to make the much described shift realization of the vital role

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politically and socially, attain the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and Vision 20 : 20:20, and acquire its rightful position in the comity of nations.

Prof. Ogbuagu described Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as the engine of development and job creation, and commended the Federal Government for revitalizing this “vital sector” for national development, but warned that for government efforts on employment generation to succeed Nigerian youths must be prepared to work with their hands on graduation in business places like shops, restaurants, industries, construction firms and even barbing saloons and laundry and dry cleaning establishments as is seen in advanced countries, have focus, and imbibe those vital attributes of patriotism, selflessness in service and hardwork.

He then charged Nigerian students to avail themselves of this opportunity provided by government to acquire these necessary skills to be self-reliant.

Politicians have not hijacked strike, says ASUU

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he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University (NDU) chapter, says it will not allow opposition politicians to hijack the ongoing nationwide strike by the union.

The Chairman of university chapter of the union, Dr. Beke Sese, gave the assurance on Tuesday while speaking at a solidarity rally at the premises of the Law Faculty of the university in Yenagoa. The union has been

on strike since July 1.

Sese expressed the union's displeasure over the attempt to misconstrue the objective of the strike.

“We are aware that some opposition politicians are trying to capitalise on the current ASUU strike to cast aspersions on government and inadvertently trivialise our genuine struggle.

“Let me state here that ASUU is not a party to such cheap manifestation of political

Covenant University will be among world's top 10 by 2022 – Oyedepo he Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Dr David Oyedepo, said on Monday that the institution would be among the top 10 universities in the world by 2022.

Oyedepo made the remark at the institution's 11th Founder's Day celebration in Ota. According to him, the university has since inception in 2002, focused on actualising its mandate, which is primarily to raise leaders who will change the world.

Oyedepo said that already, the university had surpassed set standards but was not relenting till it achieved its desired 2022 dream, tagged: Vision 10: 2022, (1 of 10 in 10).

“It is in view of this that we are launching our new vision and, therefore want to charge the faculty managements to invest maximally in

from a consumption to a production economy, enhance her Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and export, and through better balance of payments under her international trade boost her foreign exchange earnings.

According to the College of Education Chief Executive, Education for Self-Reliance Programme has been earlier embarked upon by advanced economies like U.K, U.S, Canada, France and Germany, and noted that in the case of Germany which has neither oil nor even water, her citizens have so advanced in technology that it is today the leading economy in Europe with entrepreneurial sector accounting for over 65% of her G.D.P. While tracing the components of President Jonathan Administration's Transformation Agenda especially those areas for job creation, food security, education and power, the Provost expressed optimism that if effectively pursued with the support of all citizens, Nigeria w i l l g r o w e c o n o m i c a l l y,

the review of our curriculum. “ We m u s t s t r i v e t o r e v i e w pragmatically, the contents of our curriculum by bringing it into the realities of the day.

“Let us not be afraid of trying out new things in new ways because unless this is done, you cannot move forward. “We must strive to have the creative mind of Christ to review our curriculum in order to truly meet the needs of the society,” he said.

The Chancellor said that empowering the people intellectually and practicalising it through inventions and discoveries was key in taking universities to higher levels.

He charged the students to be excellent performers, especially in the area of self-discipline, as it was a major tool in becoming great leaders.

The chancellor later inaugurated projects in the institution, among

which was the vision 10:2022 (1 of 10 in 10) billboard.

He also inaugurated the glass blowing laboratory at the chemistry department of the institution as part of activities lined up for the celebration.

The laboratory is meant for fabricating, moulding and remoulding of glass.

The Head of Department of Chemistry, Dr Kolawale Ajanaku, said that the laboratory would enable students to turn waste to wealth by picking up broken glasses and putting them into use.

He said that the laboratory would not serve the students alone but would be open to members of the public for training.

Covenant University, which was established on Oct. 21, 2002, has graduated more than 10, 000 students.

opportunism.

“We rather wish to implore this government to make history by commencing the process of revitalising public universities to a height never attained by any previous administration.”

He recalled that the union had over the years, consistently engaged successive governments through dialogue, to compel the political leadership to arrest the rot in the university system.

According to him, the leadership of ASUU has held several talks with the Federal Government over a possible peaceful resolution of the present crisis.

“But it is quite disheartening that the government has refused to show the necessary commitment and sincerity in its selfproclaimed effort to address our demand.

“Rather than honour an agreement it freely entered into with our union after several months of negotiation, government has resorted to arbitrary imposition of money.”

Sese said that the purported disbursement of N100 billion to address the funding requirement of some universities was arbitrary.

He recalled that the government had promised to stimulate the process of revitalising the university system with an initial sum of N100 billion for 2012.

This, he said, would be built up to

a yearly sum of N400 billion in the three years from 2013 to 2015 as intervention.

“But regrettably, the said N100 billion being purportedly disbursed is, therefore, not at variance with the 2009 agreement and MoU signed with government on the 24th of January, 2012.

“Rather, it appears to be a strategy of government aimed at dividing us.

“By our estimation, the MoU should have fetched the universities a total sum of N500 billion by now, if government had faithfully implemented the 2012 agreement.” Sese said the the claim that there were no funds to implement the 2009 agreement was untenable, adding that the same government had within the last three years provided trillions of naira from public coffers as “bail outs” to support private concerns such as banks and arlines.

The union chairman urged parents to support ASUU's effort to compel government to “do what is right for university education”.

He said that the union would remain determined in its effort to bring a drastic change in the university system.

NAN reports that the solidarity rally, which was supposed to be a public rally along major roads of Yenagoa, was cut short by the Bayelsa Police Command as it refused to grant the union a rally permit.

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Kogi Govt solicits COREN, NSE support

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ogi Govt solicits COREN, NSE support.

Members of the Council of Registered Engineers and the Nigeria Society of Engineers in Kogi State have been called upon to show more concern in the infrastructural development that is on-going in the State.

The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, made the call when he received in audience State Officials of COREN and the Nigeria Society of Engineers.

The Deputy Governor, called on COREN and NSE to show more than a passing interest in Government activities especially as it has to do with infrastructural development.

The present administration, Awoniyi disclosed is committed to providing quality infrastructures, noting that it can be realized when COREN and

NSE bring in their supervisory role to ensure best practice in the i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l s e c t o r.

Awoniyi who explained this at the designed phase of building a Motor park that will be replicated in urban centers of the State,

called for the technical input of COREN, NSE in overcoming the initial challenges of erosion which the project is encountering.

He assured the Professionals, of Government support to enable them discharge their

responsibilities.

In his remarks, Engr. Adebola Michael Ajayi, State Chairman of COREN, said the body was in the State to solicit for support for its two day workshop, with the theme; Infrastructural

Development in Nigeria: avoiding building collapse in Kogi State, which is aimed at employing best practices in the area of infrastructural development.

Engr. Adebola commended Kogi State Government in its interest in ensuring standard in project execution.

Gov. Wada mourns Lar

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s the nation continue to mourn the passing away of Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, the Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, and the entire people of the State, said they received the news of the demise of the former civilian Governor with great sadness.

In a statement signed by Yomi Awoniyi, Kogi State Deputy Governor, described the exit of the pioneer Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, as one that has once again depleted the ranks of the very small group of outstanding statesmen who have

Capt. Idris Wada

Chief Solomon Lar

Abia to develop programme that will add value to farm products – Dr Nwosu

By Emmanuel Iheanacho, Umuahia

the new Commissioner for Agriculture, noted that government will also key into the federal government agricultural programmes pointing out that over the years the rural farmers are the people feeding the nation.

Nwosu said that feeder roads will be opened in all the senatorial zones of Abia and while old farm settlements will be revived and new ones

T

he Abia state commissioner for Agriculture Dr Kenneth Nwosu says government will develop programmes that will improve the lives of farmers as well as add value to their products.

Dr Nwosu who disclosed this while interacting with THE ADVOCATE in Umuahia shortly after his swearing in as

established.

He also said that the youths will be encouraged to go into mechanized farming as a means of livelihood and succession of old farmers who are weak and fail as the years go by.

The new Commissioner who assured that government will do it to encourage the youths and sterm youths restiveness, pointed out that no other sector but the agricultural sector remains the only option as all other sectors are saturated, and called on youths to embrace this programme when it comes.

contributed immensely to nurturing Nigeria to the enviable heights it has attained today.

Capt Wada described late Chief Solomon Lar as a peace maker said he stamped his indelible imprints on the political landscape in Nigeria.

The statement reads in parts "It is on record that Chief Lar was a leading light in the G-34 which spearheaded the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998.

The statement further said it was In recognition of his exceptional organizational and leadership skills, selflessness and patriotism, that made him to be saddled with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the fledgling party as its pioneer chairman.”

Capt Wada noted that the sheer size, reach and monumental success of the party today is an eloquent testimony of the success of his tenure and the solid foundation he laid.

Capt Wada described the late elder statesman as a man who displayed exceptional leadership qualities throughout the half a century he was in active party politics.

The statement disclosed that as the nation mourn his passage, the Governor and people of Kogi State expresses their sincere condolence to his biological family, his political family and the entire people of Nigeria and prayed that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest.

Enugu Community decries age-long infrastructural neglect by government ... Says they are now Government rejected area

By Rex Arum

R

esidents of Maryland Community in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State have raised the alarm over long neglect by both State and local governments in terms of infrastructural development of the area.

Residents, who spoke to The Advocate under anonymity over their plight, described the area as “Government Rejected Area” due to the gross absence of government presence in the area which could be seen in the lack of portable water supply, lack of stable and steady power supply, accessible roads, and primary healthcare facilities among others.

But most disheartening is the unevacuation of huge waste materials located in all the nooks and crannies of the community that constitute nuisance and causing serious health hazards to the residents of the area, yet the residents claim that men of the Enugu State Waste Management Authority keeps harassing, intimidating and humiliating them over payment of ESWAMA fees.

The Advocate discovered during investigation in the community that waste materials have blocked major roads in the area thereby making human and vehicular movement very difficult.

According to a resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity “despite the fact that

the waste materials were yet to be evacuated, officials of the Enugu S t a t e Wa s t e M a n a g e m e n t Authority (ESWAMA) have continued to collect environmental fees from this place.

Speaking at the Mary land Community Development Meeting held weekend, the Chairman, Federated Maryland Neighbourhood Association, Comrade Ikechukwu Okpala described Maryland as a rejected area.

He stated that apart from the yet to be cleared open waste dump sites at various locations in the place, “students in the area were beginning to develop eye problems due to the use of candle

light for reading their books”, adding that epileptic power supply has been incessant due to lack of transformers to boost electricity supply in the area.

He also lamented the deplorable nature of roads in the area, which resulted in the refusal of commercial vehicles to ply them; a development he said had caused untold hardship for residents of the place.

Also speaking at the event attended by various stakeholders in the area, Barrister Crownwell Chibuzo from the Center for Development and Media Advocacy (Center-DMA), advised residents of the area to develop a service Charter which will enable then bargain effectively with politicians during electioneering campaigns so that they will not be short changed by government Chibuzo noted that government

neglect of any society was because nobody cares to ask questions. He therefore enjoined the people to learn to make demands on government so that those in authority will not rest on their oars while in office.

He said there was need for them to tell politicians seeking for their votes their needs instead of collecting bags of rice, beans and salt.

Barrister Chibuzo, who was the moderator of the programme, stated that the agreement would force politicians to swing into action when they go into office.

Responding, the councillor representing the area, Ifeanyi Ugwu commended the people for the gathering and urged them to always speak with one voice inorder to achieve their goals adding that he has been lending voice to the needs and yearnings of the people of his ward.

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Rural Transformation under Capt Idris Wada

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ecently relief came the way of the people of Okura in Dekina and those of Ankpa local Government Areas when Governor Idris Wada moved his rural transformation train to flag off construction of roads in Ankpa and Dekina Local Government Area after several years of neglect.

It is important to state that providing succor to people living in the rural areas has been the focus of the Capt Idris Wada's administration.

Over the years, rural development and poverty reduction efforts in Kogi State have been characterized by many flaws.

Most of the programmes were designed and administered using National outlook which usually makes rural development programs not to meet its desired objectives of improving lives.

But one cardinal strategy which seems to be yielding the desired result for the Capt. Idris Wada's administration is the concept of integrated rural development.

This policy aims at bringing

the present administration in Kogi State, aside the s u s t a i n e d investment in the Health, Education, Agriculture and Social Infrastructure Sector, the emphasis o n r u r a l transformation has remained a high point of the Wada administration.

The recent flag off of t h e S t a t e Government multi million naira roads a n d o t h e r infrastructural development programmes in the Eastern Senatorial Governor Idris Wada District of the State just as it has been development and Government done in other districts, has no closer to the people through the doubt brought more relief to provision of basic social p e o p l e l i v i n g i n r u r a l amenities and also makes life communities an action buttressing worth living for rural dwellers. that government is mindful of Within the last eighteen months of their plight and that development

is being brought to their doors step. In line with his transformation agenda, basic amenities geared towards improving the quality of lives of its rural populace as well as boost their economy, have remained Capt. Wada's topmost priority.

The flag off of the construction of O k u r a To w n s h i p r o a d a s commendable as it is, is geared towards giving the ancient town a befitting look, check the ravaging effect of erosion and provide the community with a more decent and motorable road.

Similarly, the Otukpo junction Ojoku Alobe Okaba road which has long been abandoned for more than two decades shows the sensitive nature of the present administration in remembering the plight of neglected communities.

It is important to state that the road construction just recently flagged off is aside the 36 road projects inherited by the present administration that have either been completed or are still undergoing construction. The

Abia sanitation court tries, convicts violators of environmental laws

By Emmanuel Iheanacho, Umuahia

T

he Abia State Mobile Sanitation Court in Umuahia has tried some persons caught by the State Environmental protection Agency (ASEPA) violating environmental laws in the state.

ASEPA prosecutor alleged that the agency patrol team have severally cautioned and arrested some persons for blocking drainage systems, improper use of ASEPA waste materials, littering

of their business premises, and obstruction of road side thereby making it difficult for vehicles and people to pass as well as for fighting the ASEPA task force patrol team.

Some of the defendants pleaded guilty while some said they were accused wrongly. Ifeoma and Chioma Onwura who were accused for blocking the drainage system and fighting the task force patrol team pleaded not guilty and did not show any remorse for fighting the task force patrol team.

Eze Willy pleaded not guilty,

PUBLIC NOTICE Nnoko Ezinulo Charity Organization.

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named charity organization has applied to the corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C� of the Companies and Allied Matter Act,1990 Board of Trustees 1. Msgr. O.C Onoyima 2. Rev Fr. S. Ugwueze 3. Rev Fr. Paul Obayi 4. Barr. Okey Ezea 5. Dr. Sally Adukwu.

Aims and Objectives 1. Providing support to the motherless, homeless and physically challenged persons.

2. Lending help to the less privileged and the needy in our society.

3. Marriage counseling and family support programmes.

4. Protection of women's rights.

5. Youth's empowerment and civic education.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

Nnenna Ekwe claimed that it was pure water sachet that was found in the front of her shop, Isiaka Daniel accused of pouring dirt into the gutter was found guilty, while Chisey Nwosu accused of improper use of ASEPA waste bucket pleaded guilty, but said that she did not litter the environment.

Charles Michael who was accused of obstructing the road side with his furniture materials also pleaded guilty.

In her judgment, the presiding magistrate, Chinyereugo Mathew Ibe found Chioma Onwura and Ifeoma guilty of blocking the drainage system and assault to the ASEPA Staff and sentenced them to 3 months and 2 months imprisonment or pay a fine of N30,000 and N20,000 each, Eze Willy found guilty of blocking the drainage system according to section 11, sub-section 2 of Abia State basic environmental law 2004, was fined the sum of N10, 000. Nnenna Ekwe, the magistrate said went contrary to section 11 sub-section 2 establishing Abia State Environmental Law 2004 and found her guilty of blocking the drainage and was fined N10,500, Isiaka Daniel was found guilty of blocking the drainage system, and fined the sum of 10,000 and cost of N500, totaling N10,500. Chisey Nwosu charged for section 1, sub-sections 2 of improper use of ASEPA bucket and was fined N2,500, while Kalu Eke Kalu was found guilty of lack of ASEPA bucket illegal dumping of refuge in drainage system

according to section 6, subsection 2 and was fined the sum of N7000 and cost of N1000 totaling 8, 000. Charles Michael, by section 4 sub-section 2 was found guilty of obstructing side road with furniture material and was fined 10,000 and cost of 1,000 totaling N11, 000.

The magistrate condemned the attitude of some individuals who obstruct or assault ASEPA men, and warn the public to desist from such act.

In his reaction, the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency ASEPA), Ikechukwu Apugo, expressed happiness over the positive development of ASEPA task force and the sanitation court to enforce discipline for people to do the right thing.

According to him, “Umuahia need to be clean as the capital city of the state. Each day, we develop ideas to make sure the state especially Umuahia become cleaner. ''We thank His Excellency, Governor T.A. Orji for his support to make the agency to carry its duties, even in setting up the task force and the sanitation court, and the result is what you are seeing today''.

He condemned the attitude of some individuals who make it difficult for the agency to carry its legitimate duties, advising them to desist from such act as that may lead them going to prison.

Apugo urged members of the public to make use of ASEPA waste materials properly and listen to some sensitization programme which is on air, so as to be law abiding.

administration has also initiated other new road projects across the state with a promise to inaugurate more for construction depending on available resources.

Furthermore, as part of its rural transformation agenda, the administration has completed 27 rural electrification schemes in rural communities with two others at advanced stages of completions.

Similarly, several transformers to boost electrification in communities across the State have been installed. Several communities in the State have also been connected to the national grid.

In addition, Kogi State Rural water supply and sanitation Agency, has drilled numerous bore holes at over a hundred communities in over 13 local government areas of the State.

The establishment of new and upgrading of exiting cottage hospitals to general hospitals has also remained cardinal in the rural transformation agenda.

It is a known fact that most rural communities are ravaged by erosion. The directives of the State Governor for the commissioner of works to avert the gully erosion at Oluboojo area of Ankpa, and his visit to another erosion site at Anyigba, shows the concern of the present administration to tackling erosion menace in the State head long. It is on record that several erosion prone communities have been salvaged from being completely wiped off since the coming on board of this administration.

While the present administration may not have met by reason of dwindling financial resources accruing to the State all the challenges in transforming rural communities, it has however shown bold steps that development and provision of rural infrastructures is no longer the exclusive preserve of people living in urban centres alone as was the case in the past. Today, more attention is being given to people living in the grassroots.

With vast majority of the people living in rural settings, the effort that is being put in place by the present administration will no doubt check rural urban migration. It would also boost the socio economic life of the people of rural communities and afford them a decent living condition.

While the present administration of Capt. Idris Wada, certainly may not have met all the high expectations of some persons who feel the pedigree of the present leadership and its ability to transform the state to higher pedestal is far from being met.

One thing that is however certain is that the administration is on course and that in a matter of time, change seems to be sweeping through the rural landscape of Kogi State simultaneously with those of the urban areas.

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The Advocate Gospel This Week

THE WAR OF LOVE TEXT: Galatians 5:16-18 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (NIVUK)

Chime Should allow God`s will and true democratic process to determine his successor – Rev.Ebenezer Dynamic and Vibrant-looking Reverend Ebenezer Okechukwu is one of those few ministers who have not lost the pulpit tenacity to teach the truth of God's Word, no matter how expensive in these last days. He charges other ministers not to compromise God's standard for membership, highlighting that the Christian marriage is meant to fulfill both pleasure and where the Lord is taking you?

Well, the ministry is not mine; it is the Lord` s. I am only a privileged undershepherd. As for your question, it is the Lord, the owner of the work, who can accurately assess the ministry. My assessment could be wrong. Suffice it to say that God has given us unusual grace and breakthrough in the last four years.

Though we have not arrived where He is taking us to, we are certainly not where we started. Our mandate is a global one so it is too early to celebrate anything now. I see our current level of impact as a rehearsal for the main thing, which is global and eternal relevance.

NARRATION Not all conflict comes outside of us. The most important conflicts go on inside our hearts. The Spirit of God comes into people who believe in Jesus, giving them the desire and the power to resist the passions of the flesh. But our sinful natures are set to ignore the Spirit of God and neutralise His instructions. So there is a contest between God's will and our sinful passions: between His Spirit and our flesh. They are totally opposite to each other. Without God's power we will fall, but if we let His Spirit operate in us, He will help us to overcome those wrong impulses.

The Galatians were confused and did not understand.

So Paul needed to explain that they were in a spiritual battle, every day. It was not just their wrestling over doctrinal matters (such as 'law' and 'grace' which occupies so much of this letter) but in dealing with anger, immorality, occult practices and drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21 ). These habits are commonplace and many believers are frustrated by being defeated in these areas.

So Paul wrote to tell them that they had to listen to the Spirit, stay with Him, walk with Him and ask for His strength to resist their sinful impulses.

Don't let your emotions or body tell you what to do; they do not have the ultimate authority over you. If you belong to Christ, walk with Him through each day. As you let His Spirit motivate and direct you, there will be less opportunity for your fleshly nature to direct you into sin.

When you feel the heat of the battle in your heart and mind, submit yourself to the Lord and ask for His help so that you may serve Him and not sin against Him. That battle is not wrong - it is essential! It may not be easy: that is why we have to call on the Lord's strength. He wants us to win it glorifies Him, shames the devil, enables us to be useful in His Kingdom, witnesses to His power in the world, gives us confidence to keep trusting and will be rewarded when Jesus returns. So let the Spirit lead you into practical truthful decisions today.

Prayer: Dear Lord God. I am so glad that You do not leave me alone to be at the whim of my emotions and fleshly desires. Thank You for giving me Your Spirit to give me the courage to deal with my fleshly desires. But I am sorry for the many times I have failed to seek Your help and have therefore frustrated and grieved Your Spirit. Please help me to put myself under Your authority and fill me again with Your Spirit so that I can learn to serve You by serving others and denying myself.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Is COPMI strictly a students' church?

No, not at all! The gospel of our Lord Jesus is for every man everywhere, rich or poor, literate or illiterate, Mongoloid or Caucasoid. It is for all nations, all tribes and all tongues under heaven. COPMI is open for everyone that Jesus died for.

Can we meet you, sir?

I am Pastor Ebenezer, the president of City of Purpose Ministries International (COPMI), a dynamic and charismatic ministry currently based at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Could you take us down memory lane into how you received your call for the ministry?

First, I thank God for counting me worthy and putting me in the ministry. The first time I got consciousness of God` s call upon me was on January 2nd 1991. The call became obvious by the day and I have been in public ministry since 1996.

However, the call into full-time ministry came specifically on June 26, 2006 in the middle of a fast which the Lord asked me to embark on for refilling and receiving further directions in life. This was after my first degree programme at the University of N i g e r i a Nsukka(UNN).

During the fast, I had a unique encounter that lasted for five and a half hours in which the Lord Jesus spoke t o m e a n d commissioned me to raise Him an army that will enforce His purposes and His glory in the nations of the earth. My life has been one of special encounters with the Lord.

Since the inception of your ministry, many have testified of the manifestations of God` s miraculous power. What do you have to say about this in the light of the reality that miracles are also being proliferated by even lucidly diabolic men of God? To the glory of God, we constantly see God` s miraculous power at work in this ministry, simply because God is committed to whatever He has commanded. We have seen the blind see, the deaf hear, the dumb speak, HIV humiliated, the demonized set free, sinners saved and transformed, and other awesome things that only God can do. Praise the Lord who does it all! As for the people who use diabolic powers, don't call them Men of God. That would be a contradiction in terms. Not everyone performing miracle is a man of God. They are ministers of Satan seducing people with lying wonders.

“I would rather pastor one hundred men into heaven than spend my life As a pastor of a fastentertaining growing ministry, what is your biggest one thousand motivation? men bound for hell.” th

Your ministry has stepped into its 5 year of existence. How would you assess the ministry in the wake of

My passion is to get people saved, equipped, blessed and established for their God-given purposes. The love of God is my motivation and the Holy Spirit is my driving force.

The brand of messages you dish out on the pulpit has been described by many as “Hard” and “Raw” truth. Are you not scared it could make you lose Continues on page 20

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Nigeria spends N250bn on medical tourism annually

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apital flight for medical tourism in Nigeria has been estimated at N250 billion annually, just as plans had been concluded to rake in a total of N8 billion for medical facilities in the country as part of the centenary celebration.

Disclosing this at a briefing in Abuja, Secretary, organising Committee of the Nigerian Centenary Charity Ball of the centenary celebration, Dr. Kingsley Esegbue said: “It is estimated that Nigeria spends N250 billion annually on foreign medical care.”

Esegbue who noted that the capital flight was unnecessary for a developing country like Nigeria, however, explained that the problems that caused these flights

could be handled in Nigeria if the facilities were there.

According to him: “Sealing a hole in a child's heart needs not cripple the parents financially or take place in India; replacing a damaged kidney should and can be done within our borders.

“Every breast, cervical or prostate cancer patient should have access to quality care within Nigeria.

“Our neuro-surgery units need to serve the Nigerian people; no woman should have her bladder torn giving birth and for victims of cruel acid attacks, re-constructive surgery should be done within our borders.

“For instance, while campaigning during elections the politicians promise heaven on earth; airconditioners on our highways; free education, among others,

Technical Committee on the elimination of Malaria in Nigeria set-up

N

a t i o n a l Economic Council Adhoc Committee on the elimination of Malaria in Nigeria has s e t - u p a subcommittee to develop the implementation strategy and plan, with an accountable framework for the National Integrated Test, Treat, and larval source management project.

The committee which has the Honorable Minister of Health, P r o f . C . O .

Onyebuchi, as the chairman was inaugurated by Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State who is the Chairman of the National Economic Council Ad-hoc committee who mandated the Technical committee to propose mechanisms to ensure community participation and ownership of the project implementation process.

The terms of reference also include proposing the source of funding, funding structure for the project and to determine the cost benefit analysis as well as the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders including all ties of government and communities in the implementation process.

Responding on behalf of the Te c h n i c a l C o m m i t t e e , t h e Minister for Health Prof Onyebuchi, commended the role of the Economic Community of West Africa State in its drive to using the African Model in the elimination of malaria.

He assured of a thorough and early completion of the assignment.

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yo m i Aw o n i y i , w h o w a s representing Kogi State as a M e m b e r o f t h e Te c h n i c a l Committee following its success in the fight against malaria disclosed that the State government has within the inception of the Capt Idris Wada's administration remained resolutely committed to the eradication of Malaria.

Awoniyi commended the Federal Government's initiative in its new quest to eradicate malaria from Nigeria describing it as achievable.

The NEC Ad-hoc Committee meeting was attended by the Acting Governor of Taraba and the Deputy Governors of Abia, and Lagos State alongside commissioners of health from pilot states and other relevant stakeholders.

only to often renege when they assume office.

“Nigeria is blessed with skilled healthcare professionals. What is r e q u i r e d i s t h e infrastructure/technology and perhaps the will. Certainly, this is what the Nigerian Centenary Charity Ball hopes to achieve by equipping already existing National Referral Centres for heart, kidney diseases, neuro-

s u rg e r y, c a n c e r c a r e a n d management.

“This initiative intends to galvanise all Nigerians, including Nigerians in the Diaspora for a common good, as our collective gift to Nigeria on her anniversary.

We will like to emphasise that in organising the Nigerian Charity Ball, we have chosen to be politically blind because what is at stake is our health as a people.”

When asked how much the Committee was targeting to assist the medical facilities from the

Centenary Celebration, Esegbue said “between N5 billioin andN8 billion is being targeted, stressing that funds generated would be managed by a non-governmental and independent trust.”

In his contribution as a guest, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abuja Council chairman, Chuks Ehirim condemned the political class, stating that the amount of money being spent on medical tourism was as result of lack of patriotism from the political leaders.

30 ways to protect your sperm

By Oladapo Ashiru (dapo.ashiru@medicalartcenter.com)

1. Do not have unprotected sex. Sexuallytransmitted diseases, such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, can damage the spermproducing cells that block the tubes carrying sperm from the testis to the penis.

2. Avoid pesticides that control pests in the garden and on the farm. Such chemicals can damage the sperm-reproducing organs.

3. Avoid insecticides sprayed to kill mosquito. Such chemicals can damage the sperm- reproducing organs. Therefore, if you must spray your room against mosquitoes, allow at least one hour before going back to the room.

4. Avoid exposure to lead fumes generated in the manufacture of small cell batteries and in bullets. Such fumes can reduce sperm count through their negative effects on the hormones and the testis.

5. Avoid exposure to heavy metals like cadmium from the manufacture of heavy batteries, as they negatively affect the hormones.

6. Avoid exposure to paint fumes and plastic softening chemicals like phthalates, hydrocarbons such as ethylbenze, benzene, toluene, and xylene, as they destroy the sperm-producing cells and hormones.

7. Minimise exposure to e-rays, as the sperm germ cells are very easily damaged by the gamma rays.

8. Minimise exposure to radiation, as the sperm germ cells are very easily damaged by radiation.

9. Avoid fumes generated by welders and iron smelters, as their heat can affect sperm production and lead to low sperm count.

10. Avoid exposure to accumulated old newsprints, as the carbon can lead to low sperm count.

11. Avoid wearing tight pants and trousers, as the heat generated can cause low sperm count.

12.

Avoid children with mumps as having mumps in childhood can cause irreversible damage to the testis. Therefore, never allow a male to visit other children that have mumps.

13. Minimise your consumption of alcohol as drinking to excess can cause low sperm count and also reduce libido, causing you to have a low sex drive.

14.

Do not smoke, as cigarette smoking can damage the testis and lower sperm count, lower the ability of sperm to move and lower the lifespan of the sperm.

15. Do not eat too much saturated fat, as they reduce the efficiency of the hormones

and enzymes that help in the sperm production process.

16. Do not eat food or supplements with soya beans, as soya beans convert to the female hormone oestrogen, which tends to neutralise the male hormone testosterone, which is needed for men to reproduce sperm.

17. Minimise your intake of refined carbohydrate like white flour, white bread and white rice, as they reduce the efficiency of the hormones and enzymes that help in the sperm reproduction process. Instead, eat more of the unrefined carbohydrate like brown rice, wheat bread and oats.

18. Do not become constipated, as this can obstruct blood flow to the testis. Therefore, eat more dietary fibres.

19. Do not eat a poor diet, as this affect the quality of the sperm. Instead, eat more whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

20. Do not take artificial sweeteners like nutrasweet, candarell and sweetex, as they reduce sperm count.

21.

Avoid excessive consumption of raw lemon, as this may inhibit the enzymes responsible for sperm production and libido.

22. Do seek immediate medical help if one or both of the testes are un-descended from the abdominal cavity into the scrotal sac, as this can significantly reduce sperm production.

23.

Do not sit for long periods of time in one position if you are a long distance driver, drive a small sport car, or a chief executive having many board meetings in leather chairs, as this can increase the temperature around the scrotum which can reduce sperm count.

24.

Avoid traumatic injury around the testes, as this can damage the spermproducing cells.

25.

Avoid bicycling, as this can damage the tube carrying the sperm.

26. Avoid stress, as this can decrease the sperm count and lead to production of abnormal sperms.

27.

Avoid obesity,s as this can reduce blood flow to the testes, making the sperm production process more difficult and significantly reduce libido.

28. Avoid substance abuse like cocaine or heavy marijuana use, as this can lead to low sperm count and deformed sperms.

29. Avoid poor nutrition, as this affects the quality of the sperm.

30. Do not have children at a late age, as the quality of the sperm decreases with age, leading to more difficult conception and greater possibility of having children with deformities.

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Kogi Women gets support to start small scale businesses

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programme aimed at empowering Kogi State Women residing in the Western Senatorial District of the State, through the granting of financial support to them to start small scale businesses, has been flagged off in Kabba, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area with a call on Women in the State to work towards being self reliant.

Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, represented by the Chairman of Kabba Bunu Local Government, Emmanuel Funsho, gave the advice while flagging off the Kogi Women Empowerment Programme, Kogi West Chapter in Kabba.

The Governor described women as home makers and nation builders, disclosing that with little support, women can grow their small businesses and supports to their spouses.

Capt Wada maintained that his administration is resolutely committed through its Agricultural Transformation and Women empowerment policy in the State.

The Governor who appealed to

women to form cooperative societies to enable them access micro credit that would help them boost their trades, urged them to use the funds judiciously.

In her remarks at the occasion, wife of the Kogi State Governor and founder of the Kogi Women Empowerment Programme, Hajia Halimat Wada, said since inception, KOWEN has empowered several women at the

grassroots. She noted that women are better financial managers who when empowered cater for the children and their husband.

The first lady disclosed that the empowerment programme is aimed at assisting women with little token to either start or boost their small businesses.

In her remarks, Mrs Tokunbo Awoniyi, Wife to the Kogi State Deputy Governor who also doubles as the Chief host at the programme disclosed that the scheme aims at empowering

several women at the first phase.

Mrs Awoniyi,described women of the west senatorial district as very reliable, hard working adding that they have shown that with little support they can be self reliant.

Mrs Awoniyi thanked the Wife of the State Governor, Hajia Halimat Wada for initiating and empowering women across that State.

She called on the women to reciprocate KOWEN's gesture by being resourceful with the

N342.8b ready for 40,093 PHCN workers' severance pay

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ll is set for the payment of severance packages to 40,093 Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers. Their names have been sent to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) for payment, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has said.

The BPE, in a statement by its spokesman Chigbo Anichebe, said the action was line with the government's commitment to

settling the workers' outstanding payment and ensuring the smooth take off of the PHCN's successor companies.

It said N342.8billion had been released to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for the payment.

Speaking at a forum in Abuja, BPE's Director-General Benjamin Ezra Dikki said the figure represented payment to 84 per cent of the entire workforce of the former state-owned electricity

giant. Dikki, who was represented by the BPE's Project Manager (PM), Electric Power Department, Mr. Amaechi Aloke, said of the six batches, the OAGF had confirmed the payment of three, totalling 26,899 persons.

He said OAGF promised that two more batches (4 and 5) covering 11,716 workers would be paid their entitlements next week.

On union dues, the DG said that the OAGF had confirmed the remittance of N3bn to the two

FG owes marketers N220bn

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h e F e d e r a l government owes importers of petroleum products over N220 billion claims under the Petroleum Support Fund, PSF. As a result, the marketers said they may not be able to adequately supply products during the Yuletide season unless the debts are cleared.

The Executive Secretary of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr Obafemi Olawore, told Vanguard that they are being owed “mainly this year's imports plus interest charges and fixed fluctuations.”

He also said that the outstanding subsidy pay increased as a result of delay in the payment of verified claims and principal sum, unbearable bank interest rate and foreign exchange differentials.

According to him, the development has put importers at cross roads as they do not have money to continually import petroleum products for the consumption of Nigerians.

Olawore further warned that the development may launch the country into another round of fuel scarcity if nothing is done to offset the outstanding claims of the marketers.

He wondered why marketers are being owed such huge amount despite their efforts in ensuring that the country is not in short supply of petroleum products.

empowerment given to them.

Highlights of the programme was the presentation of good will messages from Hajia Maiyaki Zubaida, State Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Patience Mameh as well as the flag off of the empowerment program where cash amount were given to some selected women across the seven Local Government Areas of the West Senatorial District to boost the trade.

The Federal government had recently established a Technical Wo r k i n g C o m m i t t e e o f Stakeholders on Delayed Payment of PSF Subsidy Claims of Marketers, to quicken the payment of subsidy to importers.

The Committee's recent report said the interest rate regime provided for financing in the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) template is indexed to the 45 days payment cycle in the PSF Agreements.

It stated that marketers are debited by their banks on additional days of non-payment of subsidy refunds which is usually a minimum of 22 percent and can go as high as 25 percent.

This, it said, resulted in huge

exposures of the marketers on transactions carried out.

The report said the prevailing reality is that the essence of the sovereign instruments has been defeated by the prolonged delay in payment of marketers' claims. “The unfortunate reality today is that the Sovereign Debt Notes (SDNs) which are supposed to be redeemed immediately upon maturity now stay unredeemed for an additional 21 days or more. Out of the 271 transactions for marketers in 2013 for instance, 132 are yet to be paid; while indebtedness range from 50 days to 200 days for transactions that were funded based on a provision of 45 days' financing cost.”

The report also stated that marketers demanded the immediate payment of all their outstanding arrears plus interest and forex differentials for all delayed payments.

According to the report, “The 45 days credit cycle is sacrosanct and should be respected by all parties for all due debts going forward. In the interest of all parties, these issues should be resolved speedily in view of the fast approaching fourth quarter and yuletide season which are characterized by increased demand for petroleum products

by Nigerians”. The report stated that given the fact that the PSF dwells on the principle of

restitution, reimbursement under the scheme on the old naira exchange rate is inimical to sustaining products supply to the system.

PHCN unions-the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, (SSAEAC) and National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), deducted from the PHCN workers' benefits.

Interest groups, such as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), the Senior Staff Association of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, among others, have protested against the late payment of the severance package of PHCN workers.

They threatened to scuttle PHCN's privatisation, if the government failed to address the problem. To avert crisis, the government decided to settle the workers' outstanding ahead of January 2014 when the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM) will take off.

US investment in Nigeria hits $5bn Hawkins

T

he United States says its investment in the Nigerian economy this year is more than $5bn.

The US Consul General, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, said this in Lagos on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Hawkins, who held talks with officials of the NSE during the visit, told stockbrokers on the floor of the Exchange that Nigeria was a growing economy and the US government was willing to help the country boost its economic growth.

The consul general, while stressing that it was difficult for a country to progress without investment in the capital market, said in line with the US' plans to support the country, it was building a strong trade framework with the Federal Government.

He, however, praised the economic reforms currently being implemented in the country, stressing that they were aimed at ensuring that the financial system was healthy.

He said, “Over the last two years, Nigeria has had a good economic approach and the regulators like the Central Bank of Nigeria and

the Securities and Exchange Commission have ensured a healthy financial system.”

Although Hawkins praised the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, “for his advocacy on the rule of law and transparency,” he urged the NSE not to relent in its effort to ensure that the Nigerian capital market was transparent in order to attract investors.

In his remarks, Onyema gave an assurance to the Consul General that the Nigerian Stock Exchange would support economic activities and diplomatic ties between both countries.

He added that the Exchange would encourage friendly portfolio investors from the deepest markets in the world, particularly the New York Stock Exchange, to access the emerging market, which is the highest returning market in the world.

A stockbroker, Mr. Sam Ndata, called on Hawkins to encourage US investors to invest in the Nigerian capital market.

He explained that with the regulatory reforms in the capital market as well as its growth over the years, it was primed to guarantee them strong returns on their investment.

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gist

I don't promote nudity in my films – Anuche

Light-skinned Chinedu Anuche is a describable rose among flowers within the league of Nollywood producers as his productions constantly stand out to promote moral decency while correcting societal vices .In this interview with Mary Chinda of The Advocate, he tells how his latest movie Kings Fall Apart won him an international award. Excerpts: Will you describe yourself I am Chinedu Anuche. I hail from as workaholic?

Can we meet you?

I don't actually give up, I think of something that is good for all, and I go for it not minding what it will cost me, so I am workaholic. But I try to combine all my activities to get How long have you been in something out of it and Nollywood as a producer? that is why people Since 2004 till date, that is 9 years should emulate so many now. things from me. I tell Have you done any acting? Nigerians, call me and Yes, I have, but that was before I try to know my secret. began producing.

And you know what? My As a producer how has it secret is God. Okpuno-Ahani Achi from oji River Local Government Area Enugu State. I am also a graduate of Enugu State University of Technology, where I read Electrical Electronics Engineering.

been since 2004 till now?

Well I will say, like I always tell everybody that Nollywood as a movie industry is a very wonderful place to be. Actually, when I discovered my talent in the entertainment industry after my National Youth Service, I saw producing movies as a financially rewarding venture and delved into it full time.

What was your first movie?

The staff of odo was the first movie which I handled as a producer. My sponsor believed in me and as such spent a lot of money then in the movie, which we realized in a hundred fold as the movie was largely successful. There is one remarkable thing that the talents who work for me has always celebrated over the years about my movie making is the fact that I don't owe them a dime. After the first movie, I continued producing more like The laptop(2007), What a shame(2008), Bless My Soul(2008) and the most current one which is Kings fall apart, sequelled The Fall of Kings premiered in March 2013.I have been known for producing best selling movies because I don't manage my production, I am not frugal in spending when I am producing and I get huge profit in return. Like they say 'better soup na money kill am.' On scripting, I do not write nonsense as I do not promote nudity promiscuity etc. I pass out messages to correct the ills in society.

Would you say it pays to be a movie producer?

Surely it does pay to be a movie producer!!

Israel by the grace of God within imitate what they see on screen.

December 2013 and January We are Nollywood, we are NOT Hollywood and as such our culture 2014. of decency must be respected.

What is the aim of shooting That is why in making Kings Fall the next movie in Israel?

Apart, I spent a lot of money using It is because there are certain the Nollywood huge guys like things in the Christian faith that Mama Gee, Sam Dede, Pet N i g e r i a n s , M u s l i m s a n d Edochie e.t.c. paying them Christians alike do not fully millions of Naira to interpret a appreciate yet. The movie decent movie for me, thereby will be focusing on the promoting our cultural values, importance of pilgrimage on instead of nudity.

from strength t o the Christian. s t r e n Like how many movies do gth you shoot in a year? , Just two. That's because I don't rush my production. It takes me time to pass weighty messages to my audience so that when people watch they will be changed for the better.

So are you working on something now?

Yes, the title is 'Zebrudaya in America' (1&2) produced by my colleague and I and some foreign counterparts too. It is partly being shot in the United States of America and Nigeria. It will be premiered very soon around next month. It is sequelled L o s t i n America (1&2) and My *Anuche American gra Wife (1&2). ce to grace, and not from Another is, The Slave Warrior (1&2) starring Regina Askia with grace to grass. I am trying to have Oscar Oliver playing the lead role. tentacle spread across the globe So you can see that we are moving consequently I want to shoot in

Do you star in any of your movies?

Yes, I starred in Kings Fall Apart and Bless My Soul.

Sir, have you won any award before?

Yeah! And recently too, Kings Fall Apart won an award for the most……The movie went to United State along side with other How? We have a lot of hoodlums in the movies and one day I was called society. Hoodlums who don't go to on phone and asked if I was the church. So by the virtue of these writer of the movie and I said yes. movies, they will realize that they So how do you fund your have been doing things that are not movie production? good before God and humanity. Sometimes I will be called by We need to retrace out steps someone and they will say they before He comes. Hence, I want to invest in the production want to use this movie as a and I make my money and then I medium to preach to will tell the person the good thing every one, and everything about Nollywood I b o t h don't hide things. That is why I am Christians known for “sincerity” my yes is a n d yes and my no is no. And that is Muslims. why I am succeeding because if Nigeria at you do movie with me you will some point like to do another one again, is noted as a t h o u g h s o m e t i m e s m o v i e bad country production clashes but we settle it filled with wisely. So we sort for funds d u b i o u s through our goods works. people, demonic So any last words for your influence and so fans? on, so it's more like Nigerians should relax, better am working at news are coming ahead, more rebranding Nigeria through productions that will bring the movies. noble standard of this nation are What do you think about coming. People's life will be nudity in Nollywood? transformed through subsequent Yes it is there and it is affecting the movies that will be coming forth youths as most of them want to from somebody like me.

Davido releases official ‘Skelewu' video

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ollowing the controversy surrounding the previously shot Skelewu video by celebrity film maker Sesan, the new video shot by Moe Musa has been released as the official video.

Davido rejected the video shot by Sesan after it leaked online. He came on twitter to denounce it, claiming it was not the original version.

Hours after this latest video by Moe Musa came online, comments on preference between the videos shot by him (Moe) and Sesan's have danced back and forth, creating an almost even poll.

The new Skelewu video was shot in London and released under Davido's HKN music label.

*Davido

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By Okey Anyichie Nigeria- Ethiopia ! Not Yet Uhuru

Nigerian Pioneer Football Clubs (11)

Heartland F.C H

eartland F.C (formerly known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale 1985-2006) is a Nigerian soccer club based in Owerri. They play their home games at Dan Anyiam Stadium.

With local rivals Enugu Rangers, they are one of two Nigerian teams that have never been relegated.

History Originally founded as Spartans FC, they won the Nigerian championship four years running from 1987-1990. Their first international (friendly) match was against Ararats F.C. of the USSR which Spartans won 2-0 at the Township Stadium, Tetlow Road, Owerri, in August 1976.

Milestones November 1985: Spartans FC renamed Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC following a successful change of ownership from Imo State Government to chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

January 1986: Iwuanyanwu Nationale embark on a 3-week training tour of Brazil. The club finished runner-up of Nigerian top league.

1987: Iwuanyanwu Nationale emerge league runners-up behind Leventis United on goal difference. But they later got the ticket to represent Nigeria in CAF Champions Cup following the disbandment of Leventis.

1988: Iwuanyanwu Nationale repeat as league champions as well as winning Nigerian FA Cup for first time, beating Flash Flamingoes of Benin in cup final 3-0. Reach CAF Champions Cup final, winning 1-0 in first leg tie in Ibadan, losing 4-0 in Constantine, Algeria in return leg versus Entente Setif.

1989: Retain league title but lost FA Cup following 0-1 loss in final to BCC Lions.

1990: Iwuanyanwu Nationale beat Stationery Stores of Lagos in Lagos in professional League's commemorative game 2-1.

Nationale went on to emerge first pro league winners in Nigeria.

1991: Nationale lose league title to Julius Berger, crash out of CAF Champions Cup to Nakivubo of Uganda in semifinal.

1993: Club regain league title following a 2-0 away victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in last league fixture to edge out Bendel Insurance to the title race.

1994: Reach champions cup quarterfinal. Lose 3-0 to Esperance of Tunisia in first leg tie, September 18. Aboard a chartered Oriental Airline, the team suffered an aircrash at Tamanrasset, Southern Algeria same night. Two players, defender Aimola Omale and goalkeeper Uche Ikeogu lost their lives.

CAF consequently shifted the

Heartland F.C return leg match in Owerri from October 3, to October 10.

Nationale crashed out following a 1-1 draw in the return leg match.

1999: Emerged regular league champions but lost title to Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the inaugural Super League playoff.

2005: Finished third in premier league and also in the Coca-Cola FA Cup with coach Stanley Eguma in charge.

2006: Imo State Government reacquire ownership of the club on February 7 from chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, renaming it Heartland FC. 2008: Finished second in premier

league by one point to Kano Pillars, earned a Champions League slot.

2009: Finished second in the 2009 CAF Champions League;losing to away goals to TP Mazembe after tying 2-2 on aggregate.

Achievements Nigerian Premier League: 5 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993.

Nigerian FA Cup: 3

CAF Champions League: 2 appearances 2009 - Finalist 2010 - Group Stage

African Cup of Champions Clubs: 5 appearances 1988: Finalist 1989: Second Round 1990: Semi-Finals 1991: Semi-Finals 1994: Quarter-Finals

CAF Confederation Cup: 2 appearances

1988, 2011, 2012.

Nigerian Super Cup: 2 2011, 2012.

Performance in CAF competitions

2006 - Group Stage 2012 - Second Round

CAF Cup: 1 appearance 2000 - Semi-Finals

Purple-krown College Enugu wins All-Nigerian Private secondary schools soccer championship in the national final of the soccer competition, the Enugu based private post-primary school triumphed over Rivers state selected side 2-1 to become the national soccer champion of the All-Nigerian private post-primary schools soccer fiesta.

Speaking to Advocate sports, the principal and proprietor of the post- primary school, Purple

Krown, Mr. Wale Alao paid tribute to his boys for their dedication and playing to the instruction during most of their matches during the competition. He also thanked God for making it possible to see his boys achieving his second victory in the soccer competition for national post-primary schools among private post-primary schools in the country.

LOTTO! LOTTO!! LOTTO!!!

ADILITY LOTTO The proprietor/principal of Purple krown Collage Enugu, Mr. Wale Alao carrying the trophy won by his boys in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

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he young footballers of Purple- Krown College Enugu recently at Port Harcourt, Rivers state lifted the All-Nigerian private post- primary schools soccer trophy.

The Enugu based post-primary school; it must be recalled, won the 2012/2013 shell cup soccer competition for All-Nigerian secondary schools. Purple Krown College Enugu started the journey

to victory in the All-Nigeria postprimary private schools in Enugu by beating Pine-crest secondary school, Enugu by 6-0. Then took on Calvary Foundation Secondary School, Coal-camp Enugu by a lone goal to qualify for the finals of the soccer competition.

In the final competition, purpleKrown won the competition after piping Enugu North Local government area selected private

post-primary schools by a lone goal. In the encounter to determine the south-east zonal champion in Abakaliki, the post-primary school defeated the Ebonyi state selected private schools by 2-1 to represent the south-east zone.

In the final play off of the competition in Port Harcourt involving the representatives of five zones of the country, PurpleKrown boys defeated their Gombe selected counter parts by 3-2. And

We play all Ghana games and Lagos games in Enugu Now at 26 Edinburgh Road, Ogui New Layout, Enugu.

Your winning is assured

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S

Stevie does it again ... Steven Gerrard's late strike ensured England's place at next year's World Cup.

teven Gerrard insisted England still have plenty of room for improvement after sealing his side's place at the World Cup finals.

England captain Gerrard bagged the killer second goal in a 2-0 win over Poland at Wembley that earned Roy Hodgson's team automatic qualification for next year's finals in Brazil.

Wayne Rooney had opened the scoring just before half-time, but Poland had several chances to shock the hosts, who could not afford a draw.

Gerrard conceded England, who gave away possession too easily at times, must improve their ball retention to beat the world's best.

"The big lesson is to play better in the second half. We must keep the ball better when it gets tough," Gerrard said.

"But at times in the last two games we were fantastic. Tonight, we started really well and we are getting better defensively.

"We know there is a great togetherness in the squad, and that is all that matters. We performed under tremendous pressure."

With the road to Rio finally reaching a successful conclusion

World Cup: Spain, England, Bosnia-Herzegovina, others qualify for Brazil 2014

after some disappointing displays earlier in the qualifying campaign, Rooney is adamant England can go to the World Cup confident of making an impact.

"We have some fantastic young players in our team, with some great experience. It is a good blend, it is good times for England," he said.

Mario Balotelli's sister delivers baby boy for Obafemi Martins The lovebirds were delivered of a baby on Sunday, the third for the Seattle Sounders' forward and the first for Milan striker's sister Seattle Sounders forward Obafemi Martins has had a baby boy by Abigail Barwuah, older

Eaglets beat Iraq 5-0 to top group F

By Patrick Okolie

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he Golden Eaglet of Nigeria had secured the ticket to the next round of the on going Under 17 world Cup in the United Arab Emirate as they beat Iraq 5-0 in the last Group F game played in Al Rashid stadium in Dubai during the weekend.

The Eaglets who went into the match as group leaders with four points after beating defending champions, Mexico 6-1 and drew 3-3 with Sweden would not allow the Iraqis who have lost their first two matches and are seeking their first win in the history of the competition a chance to net not even a goal in the match.

It was a goal festival as the Eaglets opened scoring in the fourth minute when Yahaya was knocked

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England's manager from their failed 2010 finals campaign Fabio Capello will also be in Brazil after Russia got the point they needed with a 1-1 away draw at Azerbaijan.

It will be the 2018 World Cup hosts' first World Cup finals since 2002.

Bosnia - who had lost to Portugal in play-offs for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 - progressed at the expense of Greece, who go into the play-offs, while Portugal

down in the penalty box by the Iraqis defenders and Mohammed who played the penalty was careful enough to convert it to a goal. The fans were yet to stop celebrating the first when Nwakali scored the second goal few seconds later.

Nigeria was in possession all through the first half but not in some instances where they show some technical laxity and the Iraqis took the lead and the Eaglets had to fight so hard to stop the force of Sherko, Sajjad and Mahdi the three Iraqis strikers who had shot on target without successfully converting it to goal.

The weak defense of the Iraqi team gave the Eaglet more chances to score goals as Yahaya scored a brace in the sixteenth and thirty ninth minutes.

The second half was a bit tough for Nigeria as the struggle with their last strength to defend their goals.

Not more of Nigeria was seen in the second half and coach Manu Garba had to make some changes.

Nwakali was substituted for Obasi who coming from behind added another goal in the ninetieth minute making the score card 5-0.

The match umpired by Italian referees, Gianluca Rocchi and was assisted by Elenito Di Liberato and Gianluca Cariolato and the fourth was Ken Hansen from Denmark.

Egypt is not safe to host Black Stars –LastGFA boss Sunday, Egyptian police

Alvaro Negredo's goal helped secure the win that means Spain will defend the World Cup title in Brazil next year. osnia-Herzegovina reached their first ever major finals on Wednesday (AEDT) as a 1-0 win over Lithuania saw them confirm their place at next year's World Cup. They will be joined by holders Spain, who made no mistake in beating Georgia 2-0 at home in Albacete, England, who also won 2-0 at home to Poland to reach their fifth successive World Cup finals.

sister of Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

The baby was delivered on Wednesday in Italy. Seyi Aduloju, an associate of the striker confirmed the birth to Goal.

The two have been dating since 2012 and Martins confirmed to Goal in an interview last year about their relationship.

It is Martins' third child but the first for Abigail. The two lovebirds spent last Christmas in Lagos and have been photographed in a private jet together.

It is reported that she had a miscarriage late last year but got pregnant again almost immediately.

finished runners-up to Russia and will also contest a winner takes all play-off.

Vedad Ibisevic was Bosnia's hero as he scored what was the most important of his 20 international goals as the 29-year-old Stuttgart striker struck in the 68th minute.

His sidefooted effort came just two minutes after he had seen another shot brilliantly saved by Giederius Arlauskas, who had denied Bosnia throughout the match in a stunning performance.

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hana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi insists Egypt is unsafe to host next month's Brazil 2014 World Cup playoff return leg.

The Black Stars are expected to travel to Cairo to face the Pharaohs on 19 November after a comprehensive 6-1 win in the corresponding fixture.

The Ghana FA wrote to FIFA requesting the match be moved to a neutral ground and the world's football governing has set an 28 October deadline to take a decision.

clashed with hundreds of students staging an anti-military protest at Cairo's Al-Azhar University.

Reports say the students had blocked the main road leading to the campus and threw rocks as security forces also fired tear gas to disperse them. ”My strongest conviction is that the match should be moved away from Cairo because I think security is seriously compromised in Cairo and the situation keeps escalating day in day out,” Nyantakyi told an Accra-based Joy FM.

Vol. 1 No. 34, October 28 - 31, 2013

Back page comment

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Edifying Elucidations A

By Okey Ikechukwu

ll of Anambra State Governor Peter Obi's expenditures, from July 2013 to the end of his tenure in 2014, are designed to speed up the delivery of all his government's developmental initiatives.

This is his 'final push' to round off the sustained focus of his administration since its inception. Having adopted the 'With the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)' as his governance template, Obi is clearly attentive to Gordon Brown's recent call for accelerating delivery of the MDGs. But he is also a politician who also wants to finish strong and give the lie to the insinuations of those who, probably wearing blinkers, refuse to see progress on the ground.

One thing is sure; the governor will make life easy for his successor, who will not inherit any liabilities from major capital intensive initiatives, including financial obligations arising from new policies and revamped institutions.

The governor has quietly accumulated funds to carry such obligations up until December 2015, leaving the new governor in peace.

T h i s i s n e w .

Contemporary national and state public administrations' practices thrive on the transfer of substantial liabilities to the future, often via unfinished or abandoned projects, unpaid loans and debt rescheduling.

But Obi is doing the opposite.

His tenure points to refloating of the local economy and defusing existing and potential economic sores; to enable his successor plan without a sense of panic, consult without feeling stampeded and develop good policies.

This 'final push' is the culmination of what Obi has always targeted since assuming office. Let us recall that the 2006 and 2007 budgets of Anambra State were actually not his budgets in real terms.

The state was still on its knees, with impeachment threats, contrived impeachment and counter impeachment still flying around. The government house was burnt, along with all major public assets.

The state had outstripped all known (and possibly future) world records in the speedy production and demolition of state governors. Any global prize for the high birth rate and short life expectancy of state chief executives would have gone to Anambra State possibly unopposed.

Thus Obi's programmes as governor, and which are all now targeted for the 'final push', began in 2008/2009.

He rejected calls for a “Peter Obi Agenda� and looked for a 21st century development template, arguing that he had come as co-worker with the people who elected him.

The MDGs gave him a globally acclaimed and comprehensive development template for good governance, as designed by the best brains the world could put together to plan its future within and beyond the 21st century.

But the governor needed to give teeth and limbs to the MDGs in Anambra State, because the 'developmental' efforts of his predecessors were largely sporadic and did not fall within clear sustainable development frameworks.

The gains in some areas were ruined by poorly thought out initiatives in other

areas. Lack of coordination, avoidable wastes and non-economic investments confronted him on several fronts.

Then it struck him; only an integrated approach to policy and programme conception, planning and implementation will enable Anambra maximise the impact of its limited resources.

The Anambra State Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS) thus came into being, as the executing arm of the MDGs in the state. This made Obi the first to fully adopt the MDGs, while devolving execution to a locally crated administrative vehicle.

His 'final push' is the completion and conclusion of this development agenda that had always been in view since the beginning of his tenure even when some were wondering what he was doing.

There are major investments to be inherited, without any liabilities, by whoever takes over from Obi. First is a new Onitsha Hotel and Convention

Centre, coming in at N2.7 billion.

Second is a stake of N700 million in an ultra-modern shopping mall, also in Onitsha. In place of the heap of rubble which replaced the state-owned Ikenga Hotel (destroyed by sponsored arson) the new governor will inherit a N2.5 billion shopping mall.

The Agulu Lake, whose fame was actually limited to the fact that it exists, will now become a revenue earner and tourist resort, as the N2.5 billion Agulu Lake Resort will be handed over by Obi. Two elaborate bridges (N5 billion) around the lake will improve state transportation and drive commerce around the resort and neighbouring towns.

Then, Three Arms Zone, Governor's House, Chief Judge's house, courts and legislative buildings for which the funds have already been set aside.

Concerning the specific gains under the MDGs and ANIDS, we note that under MDG 1 (Eradicating Extreme Poverty), the government carried out an unprecedented 'Poverty Mapping', to provide a scientific basis for information about poverty incidence and the appropriate poverty eradication measures to be taken at each time and in each locality.

There is also the very rewarding Conditional Cash Transfer initiative, through which about 2,250 poor households which cannot keep their children in school receive N5,000 monthly to reverse the situation.

There is financial support to enable pregnant women attend ante-natal clinic and a lump sum support of N.1 million' of which about 8,000 families are beneficiaries.

Local economies are benefitting from new roads, as they are creating access and local liquidity. The several youth development programmes of the state, including in particular the three-phased Anambra State Youths Reorientation and Empowerment Programme (ANSYREP), have taken thousands of Anambra youths off the streets, off crime and out of the reach of those searching for thugs. Those yet to be empowered in this regard will still be reached before the end of this year.

There is also a N5,000 monthly welfare scheme for the elderly poor aged above 75 years who are not pensionable and the state government has set aside enough funds for the new government to be able to pay them up till December 2015.

To maintain the enabling environment for the economic activities that would reduce extreme poverty, the state government provided security agencies with over 300 security vehicles, distributed over 200 vehicles, at least one to each community and is paying 20

Continues on page 15

B

lessing Okagbare (born 9 October 1988) is a Nigerian long and triple jumper and short sprinter. She is an Olympic and World medalist in the long jump, World medallist in the 200m, and the African record holder in the 100m.

In May 2007, at the All-Africa Games trials in Lagos, she established a Nigerian record of 14.13 metres in the triple jump. At the 2007 All-Africa Games she won the silver medal in the long jump and finished fourth in the triple jump.In the latter competition her Nigerian record was beaten by Chinonye Ohadugha, who jumped 14.21 metres.

The team of Okagbare, Osayomi, Lauretta Okoh and Agnes Osazuwa set a new games record with a run of 43.43s, more than a full second ahead of the silver-winning Cameroonian quartet.

In 2011, Okagbare continued to build on her earlier endeavours by establishing herself as a 100m runner. At the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, Okagbare placed fifth in the 100m final with a run of 11.12s.

However she did not make it to the final of the long jump as her best jump of 6.36m was not enough to get her out of her qualifying group.She concluded her 2011 season by winning three medals at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique. She won silver in the 100m behind compatriot Oludamola Osayomi with a run of 11.01s and gold with in the long jump with a jump of 6.50m. She was part of the Nigerian quartet that won gold in the 4x100m with a time of 43.34.

2012 was a busy year for Okagbare. She jumped 6.97m in the long jump in Calabar during the Nigerian championship. She won new continental medals at the 2012 African Championships in Porto Novo. In the 100m she was beaten to silver by Gabonese Ruddy Zang Milama while in the long jump she claimed gold with a jump of 6.96m.

In London 2012, Okagbare participated in her second Olympic games. Going into the Olympics she had run a number of fast 100m races and there was much anticipation and hope of a medal. However the 2012 Olympics were not as successful as the 2008 Olympics for Okagbare. She established a new personal best of 10.92s in the 100m semi-final but placed eighth in the final with a run of 11.01s.

2013 would prove to be a breakthrough year for Okagbare. In April 2013, in Walnut, California, Blessing Okagbare set a personal record in the 200 meters with a time of 22.31s (+1.3 m/s wind).