July 26, 2014

www.thenationonlineng.net

THE NATION,

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

Attack on Buhari: Military arrests suspected ‘mastermind’ THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday announced the capture of a man it described as the mastermind of Wednesday’s botched suicide attack on former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

The suspect was arrested at the scene of the blast in Kaduna dressed like a woman.

His true sex was established only after his arrest.

He is already being interrogated, the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said in a statement.

Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar yesterday ordered a probe into the bomb blasts in Kaduna which has so far claimed over 100 lives.

The ‘mastermind’ according to Gen.Olukolade was apprehended by the military patrol team that swooped on the area immediately after the explosion.

He said the suspect ”had disguised as a woman clad in female garb to exude femininity with a brazier affixed to his chest.

“The suspect was arrested while trying to fizzle into a crowd of onlookers when the patrol team arrived the scene.

“Youths in the area attempted to mob him while he was being arrested, but were restrained by troops who quickly whisked him away in an armoured personnel carrier.

He is currently being interrogated by security agencies

•IG sets up panel to investigate blasts Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Gbade OGUNWALE, Kola ADEYEMI, Kano in a bid to ascertain his links.”

The Nation gathered the State Security Service (SSS) is handling the investigation of the suspect in Kaduna.

“One bend of the ongoing probe is that the man is suspected to have remotely controlled the IEDs used to attack Buhari’s convoy,” one source said.

The source said he might be transferred to Abuja for further questionning .

Police anti-bomb and forensic experts are already analyzing the remains of IEDs recovered from the scenes of the twin explosions.

The second blast was apparently targeted at the popular Islamic preacher,Sheick Dahiru Bauchi.

Another source said: “The police are handling the comprehensive investigation into the incident based on orders from President Goodluck Jonathan who personally assured Buhari that security agencies will get to the root of the explosion.

“Some of the recovered items are going through forensic examination in order to verify some suspected links.”

The Inspector-General of

Presidency: Don’t politicise attack on Buhari THE Presidency yesterday urged caution by the political class in appraising Wednesday’s bomb attack targeted at former Head of State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the Political Adviser to the President, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, said resorting to blame game could be counter-productive to the war against terrorism.

Alkali sympathised with Buhari over the attack, saying it was by providence that the nation was saved the trauma of having the former Head of State and Sheik Dahiru Bauchi come to harm.

Alkali said: “I want to also state that in a season like this, the usual thing is what has become the popular culture of blame game. I don’t think anybody in this country would be associated with such thing in any way or form.

“Therefore, those who want to trivialise or personalise these issues by attributing it to this government or the leadership of this government in any form, directly or indirectly, should desist from that.

“This government is

Gbade OGUNWALE, Assistant Editor, Abuja committed to the security of this nation, it is committed to lasting peace in this country and Mr. President is deeply committed to bringing stability in our political environment.

“We should not over dramatise these issues.

All of us must come together, we have a collective responsibility to protect and defend our country. This is not a time for politicising issues.

“Security matters are not for politicians.

There are people who have been trained and who are responsible for security. We cannot do their job for them; they should be allowed to do their job.”

Police, Mohammed Abubakar yesterday instituted a probe into the bomb blasts .

The panel, headed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Legal Department, Mr. Nwodibo Ekechukwu, is expected to work in close collaboration with other security agencies.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, named the other members of the committee as DCP Chris Ezike of the Federal SARS; DCP Dan Mallam of the Monitoring Unit ;and DCP Adeyemi

Ogunjemilusi of the Interpol Unit.

The IGP also ordered that security be beefed up across the states, especially states perceived to be more vulnerable to terror attacks.

The IGP appealed to Nigerians, particularly Kaduna residents to remain calm and enjoined the citizenry to cooperate with the security agencies by providing them with relevant information.

Also yesterday, the Kano State police command promised to put in place adequate security ahead of the Eid-Fitr festival.

The arrangement in-

cludes stop and search of vehicles,police spokesman , ASP Magaji Musa Majiya said.

He advised worshippers attending Eid grounds to avoid “taking unnecessary objects other than their praying mats.”

He said: “People attending recreation centre and places of gatherings during the Sallah celebration should be extra careful by taking cognizance of people and objects around, with a view to report any suspicious move to security agencies .

“Parents and guardians should accompany their

children with adult to guide them throughout the festivities . This will checkmate the rampant cases of missing children.”

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) is deploying 50,000 troops and counterterrorism units, including special forces, a nuclear, biological chemical and radioactive squad and “sniffer dogs” across the country ahead of the Sallah.

Emmanuel Okeh, spokesman for the organisation said personnel will patrol gathering spots, highways and other “strategic places.”

•Representative of Jaiz Foundation Board of Trustees, Mr Abubakar Muhammad (3rd left), presenting relief materials to Chairman, Wukari Federation of Muslims Ummah (right), for internally displaced persons from the recent Wukari and Ibi religious violence in Jalingo yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Bomb Blast: Group commends doctors for patriotism A NON governmental organization (NGO), under the aegis of Health Initiative Forum (HIF), yesterday in Kano, commended Resident Doctors in Kano and Kaduna states who voluntarily went back to work following the bomb blasts that rocked the two ancient cities.

It will be recaled that the Resident Doctors Association of Nigeria had on July 1 embarked on strike to press home their demands to the government.

Moved by the level of casualties recorded during the bomb attacks, the doctors decided to temporarily call off the strike for the sake of the blast victims.

HIF praised the show of patriotism on the part of the professionals, adding that their swift reactions saved many lives that were having

Kolade ADEYEMI, Kano life threatening injuries.

Chairman of the group, Alhaji Bala Danladi, during a chat with reporters, observed the human feeling in the hearts of the doctors that participated in the rescue operations and their leadership in the affected states.

“Despite their perennial disagreement with the Federal Government, these doctors believe that the strike action should not stop them from showing love to Nigerians under such emergency situations.

“We also believe that Nigerian doctors are not enemies of Nigerians as some elements were trying hard to make us believe. They love us and they still believe with the government genuine intervention in the health sec-

tor many things would improve according to international best practices,” he stated.

While commending the widely circulated statement of the President of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), Dr Jibril Abdullahi, immediately after the happening of Kaduna blasts, the group urged federal government to make a second thought in her stand on the doctors’ demands.

The group also said that they were impressed by the immediate action taken by the Kano branch chairman of NARD, Dr. Shamsudeen Mashi, who decided to call off the strike for the sake hapless Nigerians who were involved in the terror attack.

According to Danladi, “the group learnt that immedi-

ately after the incidence of the New Road motor park, the Kano branch chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Sharfuddeen Mashi, confirmed to journalists that doctors were directed to go to the hospital and rescue victims.

“This is a patriotic posture to the core from the part of doctors. We should therefore request government to also genuinely understand the critical work of our dear doctors in the country. Anything short of heeding to doctors’ demands will not augur well for the health sector in the country.

“It is from the part of the government that you come to reluctant postulations in terms of respecting and fulfilling provisions of agreements reached by the two parties.”

Kaduna blast shows nobody is safe, says Anglican primate The Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, yesterday said that despite the devastating effect of Wednesday bomb blasts in Kaduna, it has its positive aspect, which is a signal that nobody is safe irrespective of his religion and ethnicity.

Asked to comment on the bomb blast during the 3rd Session of the second synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Kubwa, Abuja, he called on Nigerians to unite and end terrorism.

John OFIKHENUA, Abuja He said: “That is a signal of insecurity. And again, it sends another signal, which I think has an aspect of it that is positive. “ That is let everybody east, west, north, south, Christian, Muslims, African traditional religionists, let’s put hands together and stop this terrorism. Nobody is spared, nobody is free, nobody is safe.”

Okoh said that the abduction of the Chibok school girls has aggravated the state of insecurity in the country.

According to him, the entire problem would have been solved only when the Boko Haram sect militants lay down their arms and make themselves available for dialogue.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the Federal Government’s effort at rescuing the kidnaped school girls, the cleric explained that: “More than that, if the Federal Government wants to do bravado, all those girls will all be dead.”

He described the militants

as very complex people who could distribute the girls to different locations.

Okoh admonished Nigerians that any attempt to forcefully rescue the school girls could result in a worse problem.

He said: “So, allow the government to take its time to rescue these people the way it knows how to and bring them back alive.

“To my mind, bringing them alive is more important than allowing them to destroy lives of those girls.

They could easily be rehabili-

tated when they are out. They could be sent to schools locally or abroad, there could be medical facilities to take care ogf them. Please lets be patient so that these girls can come back alive. Otherwise, Boko Haram has shown to everybody that it can kill.”

Also speaking, the Bishop, Diocese of Kubwa, Reverend Duke Akamisoko, revealed that the National University Commission (NUC) has given approval for the commencement of academic activities in Anglican University in 2015.

He promised that the university will not be out of reach of the average Nigerian.

Akamisoko said: “I have always said it. We are not into

THE NATION,

NEWS 3

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

Boko Haram: FG acquires 40 attack helicopters to fight militants

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HE Federal Government is adding 40 attack and transport helicopters to the air force arsenal in the battle with Boko Haram.

Other sophisticated hardware have also been ordered for the armed forces by the government, according to military sources in Abuja.

The Defence Headquarters is understood to have ordered troops to rescue Damboa from Boko Haram insurgents who have hoisted their flag in the town.

The Nation gathered that the first batch of the aircraft is due is the country early next month and the remaining not later than December.

Some security men are said to be frustrated about

•DHQ orders troops to rescue Damboa from Boko Haram Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation their inability to storm the Sambisa Forest base of the insurgents on account of the unavailability of the required hardware.

The over 200 school girls abducted in April in Chibok, Borno State, by the sect members are believed to be kept in the massive forest.

“With the continuing hostage of about 219 Chibok girls, the military is saying enough is enough.

The military said it has reached a stage it will declare total war against Boko Haram. It is only waiting for the necessary politi-

cal will to launch a campaign,” one source said yesterday.

“A special unit of anti-terrorism forces has just been trained under an international agreement and is ready to be fully deployed to volatile areas of terrorism activities.

“Security operatives are not only aware of the locations of the girls, but are also closely monitoring the way that the girls are being moved around, but are afraid of the backlash should any harm befall the girls in the course of a forced rescue.

“Past incidents during attempts to rescue British and Italian nationals in Sokoto and SETRACO workers, which boomer-

anged, are the reasons the security forces have been reluctant in storming the forest and rescuing the girls.”

Responding to a question, the highly-placed source added: “As a prelude to the full-scale war, the DHQ has ordered troops to chase the insurgents away from Damboa and its vicinity.

“We have firmed up our operations in the area; troops will soon rescue Damboa which is a major transit town for the sect.”

Another military source said: “Oh I wish we could have a consensus of opinion from Nigerians that we should storm the forest and rescue the girls.

“The day Nigerians de-

cide that enough is enough in one voice, to clear the forest will take less than one week.

“Already, security forces have succeeded in ridding Zamfara, Kaduna, Jigawa and part of Bauchi states of Fulani cattle rustlers.

These have been completely eliminated.

The source faulted what he called the politicization of the insurgency in the North-East and NorthWest and local support for Boko Haram by some communities.

The source added: “Let me tell you, some communities are peculiar in their perception of the war on terror, as some of their residents supported Boko Haram in the ambush and attacks on our troops.

“In the past, they gath-

ered at village squares to cheer the insurgents whenever military personnel were captured and murdered. Young ones in the town even played with severed heads of victims.

“That is why we always warn Nigerians to report activities of these devils because giving them support is like dining with the devil or simply riding on the back of the tiger as they now turn against them.

“That was why some soldiers were reluctant to lay down their lives in some communities where innocent troops who were out to protect them were being misled for ambush.

“The situation is changing now as community leaders and youths are supporting the military offensives.”

World Bank: Boko Haram stalls African aid projects •Anti-Polio efforts also slowed down, says Bill Gates THREATS and killings by Islamist militants are jeopardizing World Bankfunded agriculture, health and water projects in parts of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, a bank official said yesterday.

Makhtar Diop, a vice president for the financial institution, said Boko Haram’s terrorism has set back projects to improve the livelihoods of people in faminestricken northern Nigeria and Cameroon and southern Chad.

The American billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates said separately that insurgency by Boko Haram is affecting a donor-backed target to record no cases of polio in Nigeria.

In northern Cameroon, a high-poverty area that’s vulnerable to natural disasters, a $108 million grant is stagnating instead of rehabilitating embankments, dams and irrigation systems and improving disaster-preparedness.

Diop met with Cameroon President Paul Biya to discuss how Boko Haram has created panic and slowed the execution of some World Bank-financed projects.

Diop told the Voice of America (VOA) they talked about economic development and how to increase “the conditions of peace and stability … and try also to see how we can strengthen all the social protection programs to alleviate poverty.”

Investors and foreign workers also are leaving far northern Cameroon. Chinese road construction engineers left Mora, on the border with Nigeria, after suspected Boko Haram members kidnapped 10 of their workers in May. Cameroon, Benin, Chad, Niger and Nigeria declared war on Boko Haram in May, weeks after the militant group kidnapped at least 276 girls from their school in the Nigerian village of Chibok, in Borno State.

Bill Gates told reporters in Addis Ababa that effort to

eradicate polio in Nigeria is being hampered by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North.

Authorities suspect gunmen from the Islamist sect abducted three health workers giving vaccinations in Bauchi state in March and killed nine others in attacks on polio immunization centers in Kano last year.

“This Boko Haram disruption is the one real cloud on the horizon where it means there are groups of children we’re not able to get to,” Gates said.

“So we’re hopeful that won’t get even more intense.”

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports the Global Polio Eradication

From left: Wife of Pat Utomi, Dr. (Mrs.) Ifeoma Utomi; his husband/founder/CEO, Centre for Values in Leadeship (CVL), Prof. Pat Utomi; former presidential aspirant, Chief Philip Chukwuedo Asiodu; founding Chairman, Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Chief Olu Akinkugbe and his wife, Janet, during the 13th CVL Leader Without Title (LWT) sector leadership tribute colloquium in honour of Chief Akinkugbe at 85th, in Victoria Island, Lagos…on Thursday.

PHOTO: Solomon ADEOLA

Residents turn blast scenes to tourists sites •As norlmacy returns to Kaduna •Checkpoints spring up

AS normalcy returns to Kaduna after Wednesday twin bomb blasts that rocked the metropolis, residents have turned scenes of the explosion to tourists sites.

Meanwhile, normal business activities have since commenced at the densely populated Kawo Market where the second bomb exploded, killing scores and leaving almost 50 people injured.

The Nation recalled that explosions generated tension in Kaduna city before Governor Mukhtar

Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna Ramalan Yero quickly declared a 24-hour curfew to calm the nerves of angry youths who were threatening protest.

It was believed that the first explosion was targeted at the revered Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, as the suicide bomber tried to penetrate his convoy before the bomb went off, killing the bomber and 24 others.

Similarly, Former Head of

State, General Muhammadu Buhari confirmed that the car bomber who detonated the second bomb that killed scores targeted his life.

The Nation, however gathered that the 24-hour curfew, which lasted for only about 20 hours before it was lifted, was initially imposed to prevent a degeneration into crisis, following the anger expressed by supporters of the personalities targeted by the explosions.

Meanwhile, when our

correspondent visited the scene of the blast at Kawo yesterday, residents were seen trooping to the scene to catch glimpse of the damages done by the explosion.

When our correspondent visited the scene, a resident said: “My brother, nowhere is safe any longer. If you say because they bombed here, so you will not pass here again, you are just deceiving yourself.

“Let me tell you, whether we like it or not, we are living in an atmosphere of

fear and tension. We can be bombed anywhere and at anytime. We should only pray that God brings these killings to an end.”

In the same vein, the Kawo Market was full to its usual capacity, as the people went about their usual businesses.

However, security check has been intensified at Kawo motor park, while a new military checkpoint has been introduced between the park’s exit gate and the headquarters of 1 Division Nigerian Army.

Group mobilises for protest in US against Jonathan A GROUP yesterday called on Nigerians in Diaspora to prepare for a protest against President Goodluck Jonathan in Washington DC. The Executive Director, Gatekeepers Foundation, Blessing Agbomhere, made the call in a statement in Abuja.

Agbomhere said the protest became necessary due to the inability of the

Sanni ONOGU, Abuja Jonathan’s administration to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

He said the protest was meant to demand immediate rescue of the over 200 girls in Boko Haram’s captivity since April and the recovery of the $20billion oil revenue unaccounted

for by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The statement, entitled: “President Goodluck’s visit to the US: A call for massive protests”, reads in part: “This is calling on all patriotic Nigerians and Gatekeepers Foundation Volunteers in the United State of America with committed interest in the growth and development

of our country to come out enmasse to protest rallies holding in Washington DC to demand that President Goodluck Jonathan Bring Back Our Girls Alive and bring back our US$20billion or resign.

“The protest has become necessary as a result of the insincerity of the Jonathanled government in providing security of lives and property in the country,

while deliberately perpetuating and protecting corruption and corrupt government officials.

“Therefore, we call on Nigerians in Diaspora, especially in the US, to come out with their placards to occupy the streets of Washington DC until President Goodluck is ready to Bring Back Our Girls Alive and Our US$20 Billion or resign.”

THE NATION

4 NEWS

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HE Independent Na tional Electoral Com mission (INEC) has said the body won’t favour any side in the petition raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party's candidate in the June 21 election in the state, Mr. Peter Ayo Fayose.

The APC is challenging the victory of Fayose, Ekiti governor-elect, at the election petition tribunal, alleging some irregularities in the con-

SATURDAY, JULY 26 2014

Election petition: INEC ’ll remain impartial, says Ekiti REC

Sulaiman SALAWUDEEN, Ado-Ekiti

duct of the election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ekiti State, Alhaji Halilu Pai, who spoke with journalists on the phone yesterday said all the materials used for the conduct of the election would be well kept and made available for

all parties.

It woud be recalled also that the Justice Mohammed Sirajo-led tribunal had given an order empowering the APC to inspect all materials used for the election.

But the PDP kicked against

Ogun moves against Ebola virus The Ogun State government has moved against the spread of the deadly Ebola virus which yesterday claimed its first casualty in Lagos.

The Ministry of Health, after the reported case of the death of the Liberian victim in a Lagos hospital, has embarked on a sensitisation of health workers in the fight against the Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHF).

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who made this known in a statement in Abeokuta, said the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, authorised and funded a health cascade training programme to ensure frontline health workers

in the state have a refresher training in detection and management of suspected cases of VHF, such as Ebola.

"Now that a suspected case has been reported in Lagos, it is prudent to advise the general public on what to look out for to ensure the situation is contained,” he said.

He advised the public to avoid contact with dead animals, especially monkeys and rats, saying that the signs and symptoms of viral Haemorrhagic Fevers include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and skin rashes. He added that there may be bleeding from the nose and other body parts.

The commissioner urged members of the public to avoid direct contact with body fluids, if a case is suspected and the person should be seen by a doctor urgently.

such, urging the commission to protect the materials from being destroyed, alleging the APC might attack where the materials were kept and destroy them.

On this, Pai said: “There is no cause for alarm. Immediately we got wind of the petition filed by APC, we contacted the Police and the State Security Service to beef up security around our warehouse.

“And I want to tell you now that the place is under serious security watch. There

is no reason to fear whether those materials will be tampered with.

“We are going to protect them and ensure that we make them available to all parties as directed by the tribunal as the trial progresses.

“We have demonstrated partisanship in our dealings with all political parties and we will continue to maintain this”.

The INEC said the results that were declared across the 177 wards by the staff of the commission on the day of the

election were true representations of the wishes of the Ekiti electorate.

He added that the commission had no reason to take sides in the conduct of any election, since it was not part of any political party, but a statutory and autonomous body established primarily for the conduct of election.

He urged Nigerians, especially politicians, to continue to repose confidence in the commission as an unbiased umpire and stop making comments that could disparage the election body.

Apapa-Iganmu LCDA disburses N320m micro credit loans

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HE Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State has granted N320 million loans under its micro credit scheme over the last three years,its chairman, Dr. Adesola Adedayo, said yesterday.

Reviewing the programmes of the local council at a stakeholders’ forum at Ijora-Badiya, Dr. Adedayo said more than 8,000 petty traders, artisans and small-scale manufacturers in the area benefitted from the scheme.

He described the micro credit scheme as the bedrock of his women and youth empowerment programme.

He said: “A major highlight of this heart-warming report is that customers’ re-payment stood at over 99 per cent while total portfolio at risk (doubtful and bad debt) stood at N1.5 million.

“Considering the canons of lending employed in the packaging and delivery of these soft loans, I cannot but commend the integrity of our people,’’ adding: ‘’your response has put to rest the widely held misconception that lending to the poor is risky and fraught with uncertainty.’’

The chairman said that the scheme was rooted in a tripartite agreement involving the council, Lagos State Micro-Finance Institution (LASMI) and Infinity Micro-Finance Bank Limited.

Dr. Adedayo said the council was committed to the creation of more employment opportunities through the promotion of small-scale industries and vocational training.

The chairman, who is a medical practitioner, said that the council had, under its free health programme, had performed 100 eye surgeries (mostly cataract extractions) and 670 other surgical cases of hernia, appendectomies, ovarian cysts, gynaecology and dentistry.

Fashola gives N2m to dead soldiers’ families

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Wednesday gave N2 million to families of two soldiers killed in a road accident in the Lekki area of the state in April.

The deceased soldiers’ families got N 1 million each from the governor.

Fashola also gave N500, 000 each to two civilians affected in the accident.

The soldiers – Sergeant Abdulmumini Musa and Private Bamidele Ayuba were members of the state Quick Response Squad. They died in the crash which occurred along the Lekki-Ajah Expressway on April 30.

The two unnamed civilians were also critically wounded in the crash.

The Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ikeja, Brig.

Gen. A.S Maikobi, who pre-

Hamed SHOBIYE sented the cheques on behalf of the governor, described the gesture as state government’s little token to the soldiers’ families to cushion the effect of their loss.

He stated that Fashola’s initiative is an incentive that will propel the army to do more in the efforts to secure the state.

“We will do our best to bring peace to Lagos State. It will motivate soldiers to put in their best at all time. The money given to the dead soldiers’ families is not a compensation. It is an insurance cover to their families to cushion the effect of their loss,” the commandant said.

Musa’s widow, Margret, hailed the governor’s gesture, saying it was a welcome relief for her family.

•Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, acknowledging cheers from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state after observing the Iftar (breaking of fast) with them at the Government House, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta

One dies in APC, PDP clash in Ilesa

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NE person was killed yesterday in a fracas between the supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State.

It was gathered that members of the two political parties resorted to violence when a group of the PDP members reportedly embarked on destruction of Aregbesola's bill boards as they were conducting a doorto-door campaign in the area.

The hoodlums were allegedly led by a former local government chairman.

The political thugs, who were said to have begun the

Adesoji ADENIYI, Osogbo destruction of the bill boards around 8.00 am, allegedly attacked a supporter of the APC simply identified as Tolu in his residence around the Irojo area of the town.

It was gathered that one of the hoodlums allegedly fired a gun into the air to scare the people, but a bullet was said to have mistakenly hit Tolu in the chest, and he died on the spot.

Immediately after discovering that Tolu had been hit by the bullet and died, the hoodlums were said to have left the vicinity and escaped through

the Osun Ankara Road and Express Road before the arrival of the policemen from Ayeso Police Station.

The deceased’s relation, who preferred not to be named, said Tolu was not a politician, but he had at a time publicly declared his support for Aregbesola.

The Osun State Police Command's spokesperson, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, confirmed there was a clash in Ilesa. She said the police had commenced an investigation into the matter.

The APC in the state has condemned the incident, describing it as an open introduction of violence into the poli-

Fayose denies making negative comment on Omisore's chances

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HE Ekiti State governorelect, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose, said he did not make a damaging comment on the chances of the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore, to win the August 9 governorship poll as reported by social media recently.

According to a statement issued in Ado Ekiti yesterday

by Fayose's Chief Press Sec-

Sulaiman SALAWUDEEN, Ado-Ekiti

retary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, and made available to the press, Fayose said his “preoccupation for now is for Omisore and the PDP to win the election and I am doing everything possible to see that it becomes a reality.”

He said the PDP would take over Osun State after the

August 9 election .

He urged the Osun PDP members to remain united and ignore any negative news item, particularly on the social media, with the intention of causing disunity among the PDP leaders.

Fayose urged all voters in Osun State to secure their permanent voter cards in order to have the opportunity of casting their votes for Omisore in the election.

tics of the state.

The party's Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barr. Kunle Oyatomi, said the PDP had been "boasting publicly to use every means, including ‘federal might’ that can only be authorized by the presidency to attempt to remove the APC from power in the state."

Meanwhile, the APC said: "The PDP has begun the process of virtually destroying Nigeria, starting from Osun.

Once again, we want the presidency to think twice before plunging into this dangerous enterprise because it will significantly destabilise Nigeria, and more importantly truncate democracy.

"With the introduction of the Joint Task Force into Osun, the Federal Government is putting Osun State on a war footing. Let the Nigerians who love this country prevail on the presidency that this is not a war that the Federal Government can win. It is supposed to be an election in a state that has the reputation of being one of the most peaceful in the country.

"The necessity for this irrational deployment of the JTF does not exist in Osun, except for the rabid and unbridled ambition of the PDP to capture Nigeria, even if it costs lives."

THE NATION

NEWS 5

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

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T was a moving scene yes terday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as hundreds of secondary school students gathered to mark 100 days of the abduction of 276 students of Government Girls’ Secondary, Chibok by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

The programme, “Missing: A Tale of Chibok Girls,“ was put together by Mrs Oyindamola Ige, a former lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan.

The students, selected from over 15 secondary schools in the state, appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to intensify his efforts to ensure a safe release of the abducted girls.

The programme, comprising a play, cultural display and drama on the unity of the country, was held at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.

It was attended by many dignitaries from the University of Ibadan, civil society organisations and government agencies.

Mrs Ige said the play, ‘Missing’, was performed by the students of the University of Ibadan Theatre Arts.

She explained that the main objective of the play was to use the medium of creative art as a form of expression and advocacy for the release of the abducted Chibok girls .

Chibok Girls: Secondary school students mark 100 days of abduction in Ibadan Oseheye OKWUOFU, Ibadan She said: “On April 14, the nation witnessed one of the worst attacks on the country by a terrorist group when 276 girls were abducted from their school in Chibok, Bornu State. Since then, the mood in the nation has been one of shock, confusion and fear.

While some of the girls escaped and are now with their families, an estimated 180 girls are still missing.

“Local and International media are agog with the news of the abduction and global awareness campaigns for the safe return of the missing girls have been done as a show of solidarity for their respective families. This unfortunate incident has resulted in a lot of negative consequences amongst which is the seed of religious and tribal prejudices it has planted in the innocent minds of children whose only source of information is what adults tell them or the information they gather from the television.

“If this error is not corrected and such biases are left

to germinate in the hearts of children, it will be a catalyst that will trigger off religious and tribal wars for future generations”.

She continued: “We decided to use the medium of theatre to send the message to children in Nigeria and children

all over the world”.

Part of the essence of the play is to send the message to the world that not all Muslims are terrorists, “although I am a Christian, I have many Muslim friends and we relate a lot. So I am trying to send a message to change an indi-

A

Oziegbe OKOEKI lated attempt by one party to remain in power ‘by fire and by force’, and I don’t think this impeachment saga will help. It will only contribute to the problems that we have in Nigeria”.

Asserting that democracy in any clime is better than any other form of government, the lawmaker admonished the perpetrators to stop forthwith because with the way they are going about it now, anything can happen.

Bamidele Aturu buried

T

HE remains of the late Lagos lawyer and hu man rights activists, Bamidele Aturu, were yesterday buried in his hometown, Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State.

Scores of symphatisers, including human rights activists, legal practitioners, members of the organised labour union, were in attendance to witness the burial service.

His corpse was moved into the venue of the burial programme around 10.25 by the casket bearers and followed by a song rendered by members of the Redeemed Christain of God (RCCG) who came to honour one of their own.

Aturu was an Assistant Pastor in the church before his death.

The officiating minister, in his sermon, said death is an inevitable end for every human, hence the need for people to move closer to God He described Aturu as a dogged fighter and a fearless lawyer who stood for justice and equity,urging the younger ones to emulate his virtues.

People later moved round his casket to pay their last respects to the late human rights activist.

Some of his friends, colleagues, close associates and those he defended paid glowing tributes to him, describing him as a good man.

Aturu's corpse was later

moved to the burial ground where he was later buried amid tears.

The late Bamidele Aturu died on July 9 at the age 49 during a brief illness.

He would be remembered for his fearless disposition to injustice and oppression

S

TATE Security Service (SSS) operatives yester day invaded the premises of a Lagos-based research and marketing company, TNS RMS, in Ojodu and whisked away some of its staff.

The SSS men stormed the company’s premises about 11a.m and left about 2.pm.They were said to have ransacked its office and carted away materials from past research activities carried by the company.

It was not clear at press time the reason for the invasion as initial online media reports linked the invasion of the company to an opinion poll currently being conducted by the company on the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.

“I want Nigerians to rise up and tell the perpetrators of this evil that we need our democracy in Nigeria to succeed. This is not the type of democracy that we want. We don’t want people to impose themselves on us. If people say they don’t want you, go and examine yourself.

Sit down, do an appraisal of yourself and you can be useful in any other area.

“We cannot run the government of Nigeria as our own personal business. Nigeria belongs to all of us and every citizen of the country is entitled to vie or run for any position in Nigeria. People should not take it as their own personal business”, Akinsola said.

She advised those engaging in impeachment “because of money or whatever” to think of their tomorrow and the future of their children and the legacy they want people to remember them with.

Govt promises Lagosians free BRT, BFS ride on Eid-el-Fitr The Lagos State Government is offering Lagosians free bus ride on Monday July 28 to ease traffic around the state on the Eid-el-Fitr.

Commuters on the Mile 12 to CMS BRT route will enjoy the free ride, same as those on the Bus Franchise Scheme (BFS) route from Ikotun to Igando-Iyana-Ipaja-Ikeja.

A statement signed by the External Relations Specialist for the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr Kolawole Ojelabi said LAMATA’s Managing Director, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, urged Nigerians to do everything in moderation during the holiday period and ensure that accidents do not occur on the roads.

He called on all to use the holiday to reflect on the current security challenges being faced in the country and pray for its quick resolution.

Mobereola also called for

are a Christian or Muslim. This message will also educate our girl children and parents that they should not prevent their female children from having education. I am a lawyer by training, and I am also a product of girl education,“ Mrs Ige said.

Controversy trails SSS invasion of Lagos company Kunle AKINRINADE & Okorie UGURU An impeccable source who spoke in confidence, however, said that the invasion of the company by SSS operatives may not be unconnected with a recent assignment carried out by the firm in Enugu State.

“Some officials of the company had allegedly taken photographs of a military facility

Adeyinka ADERIBIGBE prayer for the safe return of the Chibok girls abducted over 104 days ago as well as the prosperity and development of the country.

Mobereola called on all Lagosians to be vigilant and be security and safety conscious.

He said any suspicious movement or activity by any person or group of persons should be reported to the security agencies.

As a public transport planning, franchising and implementation Agency of Lagos State, Dr Mobereola said LAMATA remain committed to promoting the achievement of an integrated multi-modal transport system in the state.

He urged the public to keep faith with the government in all its transport projects aimed at making life and movement easier for all Lagos residents.

in Enugu during field research and were trailed by security operatives to the company’s head office in Ojodu, a Lagos suburb.”

TNS RMS is a research company that engages in business, marketing and political research and surveys.

The company has conducted election polls in Edo, Ekiti and is currently handling the pre-election poll for the forthcoming Osun State gov-

ernorship election.

When our correspondents visited the company about 3pm yesterday, many of its employees were seen going about their normal duties while a patrol van was parked at the main gate of the company.

Attempts to speak with some members of the staff of the company proved abortive as many of them declined comments.

Osun 2014: I am ready for August 9 poll —Akinwusi

T

HE Governorship candi date of the Social Demo cratic Party (SDP) in Osun state, Mr Olusegun Akinwusi, has expressed his

PDP’s desperation to remain in power is cause of impeachment, says lawmaker member of the Lagos State House of Assem bly representing Ikorodu 2, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, has described the ongoing spate of impeachment in the country as an attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain in power by all means.

She stated this at the weekly ‘Time out with the press’ organised by Lagos Assembly correspondents for lawmakers which took place at the Assembly complex yesterday.

Akinsola said: “It is a calcu-

vidualistic mind set that Islam is not about violence, but people are only using it to perpetuate evil. “ I am trying to tell the children that they have to love their brothers as themselves because Nigeria is one, regardless whether you

“They should think of their children and what will become of their children tomorrow. If they feel that their children are abroad today and so they can do anything, they will still come back tomorrow to reap what we have sown in Nigeria. They should be careful and desist forthwith,” she said.

readiness for the August 9 poll, saying his untainted career as a former civil servant, the goodwill he enjoyed among the populace and the Almighty God will ensure his victory.

Besides, he was convinced that his party’s manifesto and programmes which he had so far presented to the citizenry during his campaign tours would help him secure their votes in the forthcoming poll. Akinwusi, while addressing members of the SDP in Ilesa on Thursday after the party’s streets’ rallies at both Ilesa-East and West, noted that his entry into politics has changed the

hitherto political calculation in the state.

The streets’ rallies, which kicked off at Ilesa boundary at Omi-Aladiye, took Akinwusi and members of the party, including the state chairman, Mr. Ademola Ishola, to OkeOmiru, Isokun, Itakogun, Atakumosa Market, Itabalogun, Ijofin, Bolorunduro, Wesley, Orogba, Isare, OkeOye, Iloro, Anaye, Okesa, Ifosan, Enu-Odi Ijebu, Cocacola and Ireti-Ayo along Ijebu-Jesa Road.

The former Head of Service (HOS) refuted the insinuation that he would drop his ambition to support another candidate, explaining that this was far from the truth.

THE NATION,

6 News THE Presidency says its slow approach to the rescue of the over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Chibok, Borno State, three months ago is to avoid a repeat of the 2004 incident in experience in the North Caucasus region of Russia when 300 children were killed in an attempt by Russians to free hostages held by Chechens.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said in London on Thursday that the situation

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

Why we’re slow in rescuing Chibok Girls — Presidency should not be misinterpreted as inaction on the part of government.

“The need to avoid a repeat of the 2004 experience when 300 children were killed in an attempt by Russians to free hostages held by Chechens in the North Caucasus region of Russia was responsible for the seemingly slow process of freeing the Chibok girls,” Dr.Okupe said at Chatham House lec-

ture series held at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London.

Speaking on ‘Priorities and Progress in Nigeria: Imperatives for Stability and Growth’, the Presidential spokesman said the war

against insurgency is a major priority of the Federal Government.

He decried the slowing down of the economy by the insurgency, saying, ”We are taking advantage of the offers from our international

military and intelligence allies to get a greater understanding of the landscape and identify key locations.

“We are working with our neighbours to secure the borders and limit the movements of the Boko Haram

fighters, building on the agreements reached at the recent summits in Paris and London.

He spoke of government’s plan to block domestic and international sources of funds for the group.

Two Cameroon soldiers killed in cross-border Boko Haram attack GUNMEN suspected to be Boko Haram members killed two Cameroonian soldiers in a cross-border raid overnight, a Cameroonian security official said yesterday on condition of anonymity.

The attack occurred late Thursday in the border village of Balgaram in northern Cameroon. Eight soldiers on duty fought back, and “in the clash we lost two men,” the official said.

Nasarawa Chief Judge inaugurates panel to investigate Gov. Al-Makura JUSTICE Suleiman Dikko, the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State on Friday inaugurated a seven-member panel to investigate the allegation of gross misconduct leveled against Governor Umaru AlMakura by the state assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state lawmakers had on July 23, passed a resolution directing the Chief Judge to set up the probe panel within seven days in line with the provisions of the constitution.

Inaugurating the panel on Friday in Lafia, Dikko said that setting up of the committee was in line with the state assembly’s request to appoint a seven man panel to investigate the governor.

Those in the panel are MalamYusuf Usman (Chairman); Malam Mohammed Sabo Keana; Rev. Joel Galadima; Alhaji Abdul Usman; Mr Samuel Chaku; Malam Mohammed Sani Usman and Pastor Daniel Chaga as members.

The chief judge urged the members to discharge their duties in line with Section 188, Sub-section 1-11 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The section read: ”A panel appointed under this section shall have powers and exercise its functions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the house of assembly and within three months of its appointment report its findings to the house of assembly.”

It will be recalled that the state assembly had on July 14, resolved to serve AlMakura impeachment notice over alleged gross misconduct.

Military reinforcements were sent to the area and several troops “entered Nigerian territory with the aim of finding the assailants,” the official said.

Boko Haram has been blamed for several clashes, abductions and killings targeting troops in northern Cameroon deployed to counter them.

More than 3,000 Nigerians fleeing Boko Haram attacks have taken refuge in the Cameroonian town of Fotokol, a municipal official said.

“We are worried about infiltrations by the Islamists among the refugees, “ a police officer in the town said.

•Miss Olapeju Odanye (middle), her father, Chief Tunde Odanye, member Federal Polytechnic, Offa and her mother, Mrs Omobola Odanye at Olapeju’s graduation ceremony at the University of Leicester UK, where she bagged First Class Honours in Law.

Liberian with Ebola-like symptoms dies in Lagos THE Liberian who was hospitalised in Lagos for suspected Ebola virus has died, the Lagos State government announced yesterday.

The Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris,his Information and Strategy counterpart, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina and the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Mr. Raji Lateef confirmed to reporters that the Lberian, Patrick Sawyer, 40, tested positive to Ebola virus disease in the test conducted in the country.

He was a consultant to his country’s ministry of finace.

He arrived in Nigeria on Sunday and was admitted to hospital after suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

He was subsequently quarantined because his symptoms were associated with the virus which has killed more than 650 people across West Africa in recent months, the worst-ever outbreak since Ebola first emerged in 1976.

Dr.Idris said the immediate task before government now is now to dispose of the body ‘properly’ and identify and treat everyone who had contact with the deceased.

He said: ”There is protocol.The people involved, we are talking with the hospital involved, the staff over there.After dealing with the body we have to deal with the hospital, to sanitize the hospital, more importantly too there is the need for us to do contact tracing. We are doing that with the World Health Organization people .We are going to trace all the contacts that the man came in with on the air plane ,where they went to. “ Since we have got the manifest , we are going to trace all of them .Ech one of them is going to be questioned.There

Victim’s sister died of Ebola three weeks ago •Fed Govt urges calm

PATRICK Sawyer is the second member of his family to die of Ebola virus in three weeks,according to information from Monrovia.

The degree of contact between the two is now being investigated by Liberian health ministry officials said yesterday.

Liberia’s finance minister Amara Konneh confirmed that Sawyer was a consultant for the country’s finance ministry.

“Our understanding is that the cause of death was Ebola,” Konneh told Reuters.

The Federal Government yesterday called for calm over Sawyer’s death ,saying there has been no other case of the virus in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists in Abuja Miriam EKENE-OKORO, Wale ADEPOJU and agency report is protocol for questioning and they are going to be followed in the next 21 days to see if any one of them develops any symptom.This is what we are in the process of doing. “ He said appropriate personnel have been deployed at the borders, seaports and airports in Lagos with a view to ensuring that infected people are not allowed to spread the virus.

Idris urged Lagos residents not to panic over the situation, saying treatment centers will be set up to deal with possible spread of the disease.

Liberia has recorded 172 cases of the disease, including 105 deaths, since the outbreak began.

Experts say that limiting the spread of the virus in a chaotic mega-city like Lagos poses added complications compared to infections in more

Vincent IKUOMOLA with agency report Health Minister Onyebuchi Chukwu assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm as necessary steps has been taken by government to contain the disease from spreading.

A special information committee on Ebola has also been set up.

It is headed by Information Minister Labaran Maku and is charged with the responsibility of creating awareness in the country about the disease .

Measures put in place to prevent the disease include: quarantining all the passengers that travelled with Sawyer; placing all entry ports in the country on red alert; and deploying health personnel at entry points.

rural areas.

Ebola is believed to be carried by animals hunted for meat, notably bats.

It spreads among humans via bodily fluids including sweat, meaning you can get sick from simply touching an infected person.

With no vaccine, patients believed to have caught the virus must be isolated to prevent further contagion.

In Sierra Leone, officials yesterday appealed for help to trace the first known resident in the capital with Ebola whose family forcibly removed her from a Freetown hospital after testing positive for the deadly disease.

Radio stations in Freetown, a city of around 1 million inhabitants, broadcast the appeal to locate a woman who tested positive for the disease that has killed 660 people across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since an outbreak was first identified in February.

“Saudatu Koroma of 25 Old

Railway Line, Brima Lane, Wellington,” the announcement said. “She is a positive case and her being out there is a risk to all. We need the public to help us locate her.”

Koroma, 32, a resident of the densely populated Wellington neighbourhood, had been admitted to an isolation ward while blood samples were tested for the virus, Health ministry spokesman Sidi Yahya Tunis. The results came back on Thursday.

“The family of the patient stormed the hospital and forcefully removed her and took her away,” Tunis said.

“We are searching for her.”

Fighting one of the world’s deadliest diseases is straining the region’s weak health systems, while a lack of information and suspicion of medical staff has led many to shun treatment.

Earlier this year, a man in Freetown tested positive for Ebola although he is believed to have caught it elsewhere.

According to health ministry data and officials, dozens of people confirmed by laboratory tests to have Ebola are now unaccounted for in Sierra Leone, where the majority of cases have been recorded in the country’s east.

While international medical organisations have deployed experts to the field in an attempt to contain the outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said poor health infrastructure and a lack of manpower were hindering their efforts.

“We’re seeing many of these facilities simply don’t have enough people to provide the constant level of care needed,” WHO spokesman Paul Garwood told a news briefing in Geneva on Friday.

There is no cure or vaccine for Ebola, which causes diarrhoea, vomiting and internal and external bleeding. It can kill up to 90 percent of those infected, although the mortality rate of the current outbreak is around 60 percent.

The West African outbreak is the first time that Ebola, which was first discovered in what is now Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976, has appeared in heavily populated urban areas and international travel hubs.

Cases have already been confirmed in Conakry and Monrovia, the capital cities of Guinea and Liberia.

The Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA) Lagos Chapter, yesterday offered to partner the Lagos State government on the suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease to prevent an outbreak.

Its chairman, Dr Tayo Ojo ,speaking at the inaugural briefing of the newly elected executives of the association in Lagos said the association owes it a duty ensure that the state is free of the virus.

But he advised the public to imbibe environmental and personal hygiene culture.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

COMMENTARY

7

‘

Similarly, Palestinians in Gaza and Jews in Israel or the diaspora should pointedly condemn the Netanyahu government in Israel and the leadership of Hamas for the obvious lack of respect for human lives inherent in the ongoing Israeli land incursion of Israel into Gaza

Rising terrorism, declining deterrence and confidence T

O say that the terrorism of Boko Haram has soiled the good name of Nigeria as a nation of peace loving and peaceful people in the comity of nations, is sadly for now, not an exaggeration at all.

Indeed it is a great understatement and two events bear that out confidently and vividly over this last week. The first were the cheeky but bloody assassination attempts in Kaduna on retired General Muhammadu Buhari a former head of state and opposition politician, and Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, a Moslem cleric who had just preached in that town that day.

The two events left several innocent people dead.

The second testimonial of our descent into the abyss of terror, denting our good name as a nation, was the testimony in far away Tel Aviv, Israel, of no less a person than Israel’s PM Booyamin Netanyahu at a news conference with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, on Israel’s on going slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, where in trying to say how vicious Hamas‘ record on terror had been, ended up by proclaiming with great emphasis and finality that Hamas is like Al Qada in Pakistan, Taliban in Afghanistan and Boko Haram. Of course he did not need to mention Nigeria because Boko Haram has stolen the thunder of the bloodiest terrorist groups in the world with its peculiar and constant shedding of the blood of innocent Nigerians with impunity since it commenced its nefarious activities of saying NO to western education a few years back. That Boko Haram of our own shores of Nigeria is now the king pin of world terrorism is unbelievably great but pathetic news. Worse still is the fact that a leader of the state of Israel, a nation of the volatile Middle East whose establishment in 1948 has led to three Middle East Wars with the Arabs, now uses a Nigerian terrorist group to show how bad Hamas is as a terrorist organisation in the Middle East imbroglio. This odious comparison which gives an edge of terror - a primus inter pares of sorts -- to Boko Haram, clearly shows that we Nigerians do not know yet what we are up against with Boko Haram given our complacency and business as usual side stepping, when ever the next news of Boko Haram murder and mayhem intrudes rudely and daily into our attention from the news media, as it continually does ad infinitum nowadays.

Yet, no one in his right senses will say that Netanyahu did not know what he was saying on Boko Haram. Or that Nigerians, Nigeria or its leaders have more experience of terrorism than the Israelis that Arabs-since 1948, and Iran, have vowed to wipe off the face of the earth. Indeed compared with Israel, Nigeria’s experience with terrorism is like a

clean slate, until the advent of Boko Haram which has proved ruinous indeed to our sovereign reputation and is now threatening even our collective existence mortally as individuals and collectively as a peaceful sovereign nation state. So, one is left wondering in perplexity how we all have been able to muster the courage and equanimity not to see what Netanyahu has seen in Boko Haram that we have not seen either because of our collective myopia or national astigmatism.

Yet, again it is obvious that we are oblivious of our predicament given the danger inherent in Netanyahu’s comparison and let me show how this is so, from two utterances from our leaders, also this very week.

The first was the statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan at a daily post Ramadan dinner in Aso Rock where he reportedly told visiting members of the diplomatic corps that contrary to the situation in the country and all expectations, the 2015 elections will be free and fair. This was after the twin bombings in Kaduna on Wednesday this week. As the Chief Security Officer and Commander in Chief of Nigeria, the President is in a position to say what he said and guarantee that, but I am sure not many Nigerians share his confidence.

Indeed some have said that what is needed first is a fast way to deter and crush Boko Haram before 2015 so that the 2015 elections can come in on its own terms and recognisance. Without any ominous strings or security premonitions attached, given the present incessant rampage and insolent impunity on the Nigerian state with the bloody bombings and attacks of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria.

The second statement was that credited to the Minister of State for the FCT Jumoke Akinjide who reportedly told an audience gathered to mark 100 days of the abduction of the Chibok girls that the Federal government was in a position to defeat Boko Haram as it was bringing in new strategies and buying new equipment and technologies to defeat Boko Haram. She mentioned the Safe Schools Project to secure schools in the North and said the Soft Approach of the FGN was to ensure a safe return of the girls as force alone would jeopardise their safety. Such hope and preparation are commendable. But the money for the equipment is yet to be approved by the National Assembly where some legislators hostile to the President’s request for $1 bn have charged that it could be used for 2015 elections by the president. In addition one can question the use of a soft approach given that the 200 Chibok girls are in the custody of terrorists who have scant regards for girls and have promised in the recent past to marry and sell the girls in a market they said exists.

What type of life would the girls live after being rescued?

Procrastination on their rescue has tarnished their wom-

‘

anhood and their chances of living a future married life tremendously and one is not surprised of media reports that some of their parents have died a premature death from high blood pressure arising merely from contemplating the plight of their dear daughters in the custody of blood thirsty and unashamedly randy terrorists.

It is my view that the Netanyahu alarm should be treated seriously and all Nigerians should endeavour to condemn and fight Boko Haram to a definite halt. We do not need to carry arms but since this is a nation of deeply religious people and prosperous pastors there is a lot to be done that being just mere by standers. Tony Blair the former British PM provided a clue on fighting terrorism at a Labour Party Conference he addressed after the 2005 bomb attack on London by terrorists. He said that the British people must not succumb to people who want to force them to change their way of life because the US is supporting Israel or think that democracy and Islam are not compatible as this is a false belief. He said the way to fight religious militancy is to use the force of superior arguments to argue and debate against the aims and objectives of such terrorists. This he said can be done by highlighting true religious beliefs to counter religious terrorism and promoting true legitimate politics under the rule of law. The same measures can be adopted by all Nigerians regardless of their religious leanings to tell off Boko Haram that it has no religious anchor or tenet to be killing innocent people as Islam is indeed a religion of peace and the Boko Haram menace in Nigeria is an anathema to indeed any religion as a guide for moralty and belief in the unseen God in any religion of our time.

Similarly, Palestinians in Gaza and Jews in Israel or the diaspora should pointedly condemn the Netanyahu government in Israel and the leadership of Hamas for the obvious lack of respect for human lives inherent in the ongoing Israeli land incursion of Israel into Gaza.

Both Israel and Hamas have thrown caution to the winds and are no better than blood thirsty suicide bombers in the manner and bloody costs of their present confrontation in Gaza. Put simply Israel has no moral or legitimate right to be bombing places peopled by children, women and families who are not combatants. Just as it is cruel of Hamas to be using innocent human beings as human shield in shooting rockets into Israel. Both actions are as bad as that of Boko Haram in Nigeria or the Taliban in Afghnistan or ISIS in Iraq or Syria. Killing human beings to achieve an objective when dialogue or diplomacy has not been exhausted is Barbaric and definitely Boko Haram - and both Hamas and Israel are behaving like Boko Haram in the latest bloody but avoidable confrontation in Gaza. And that too is a great shame and pity indeed.

8

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

COMMENTARY

In times like this…(Nigeria weeps) N yet another week of madness and senseless rage, Nigeria bleeds further. The peaceful ambience that usually pervaded Nyanya, one of the popular satellite towns in Abuja where millions of residents hide their heads after the hustling and bustling in the city, was blown up in bombs of sorrow and tears. By the time the capital city woke up to count its losses, over 80 innocent lives had been cut short and hundreds were battling for dear lives at different hospitals. The pain was not just in the sickening Monday morning violence that shredded them into bits of human flesh and the horror that greeted the living in that early morning bomb blast. The pain lies in the fact that these ones, like many others in the past, died without knowing what sins they had committed to deserve such an inglorious exit. They were among countless others who have been failed by a state where leaders know nothing about the state’s duty of guaranteeing our right to life.

There was that father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt and breadwinner that rushed out just to eke a living that would probably feed many hungry mouths. There was the truck pusher, the bus conductors, the commercial driver, the local cobbler popularly called shoe shiner, petty trader, nail cutter and the jobless graduate brimming with hope in the face of so many odds. They all perished, some burnt beyond recognition. The images that confronted us were gory but we were forced to look at them. They were grim reminders of how low we have sunk, how unfeeling we have become and how fast we are losing our humanity! And then, you ask: did the perpetrators of this evil have blood, no matter how dirty, running in their veins?

We yelled, cried, cursed with teeth deeply buried in the tongue, railed and ranted. Yet, inside us, we knew these ones would never come to life again. They are gone forever, to be remembered by those who truly loved them—the husband that has suddenly become a widower; the wife who would have to adjust to living without her man by her side; the parent who would never see that child he had placed so much hope on; the child who would have to hold on to memories of a parent that would never be there again; the brother who would never see his sister again and the sister who knows that that dotting brother has departed to the land of no return. Sadly, that’s the reality that confronts us.

Those who have made it a habit to condemn one dastardly act after the other would feature prominently in the papers.

They would embark on the familiar drill of visiting the hospitals, consoling the wounded, throwing money at the problems and vowing to bring the demented souls that wiped out a generation to book. Doesn’t it sound like a familiar refrain? Those who never get tired of offering platitudes would be at their melodramatic best, feigning pain and anguish at the loss. In times like this when we are united by an unmitigated sorrow, nothing is impossible. Everything is

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doorstep. I’m sure that message is not lost on the authorities and that probably explains the President’s visit to the blast scene few hours after the light went out for the 80 souls. It is just as well that Jonathan has promised to wipe out the With insurgents and their sponsors. He definitely cannot afford to sleep on his hands while the greatest threat to his tenure as a President continues to hit him below the belt.

Yet, in times like this, we do not expect that some of the President’s men would be playing to the gallery in the name of political correctness especially when lives of innocent Nigerians are being wasted in an orgy of unmitigated E-mail:yomi.odunuga violence. So, with all the bloodletting, one funny character @thenationonlineng.net called Olisa Metuh, still had the presence of mind for insenSMS only: 07028006913 sitive politicking in a season of mass sorrow, blatantly accusing the opposition All Progressives Congress of being possible! behind the killings, bombings and slaughtering! And if And so, while we were still struggling to fathom a reason members of the party were truly behind the horror, why why the Nyanya mass murder succeeded in spite of the should a ‘caring’ President feign such indifference and avail detailed security network in Abuja after a number of tragic them the template to elongate our anguish? So impudently, moments in the past, the killers of our collective dream were the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, could relish said to have, on a single night, abducted over 230 girls from us with an incredible story about how Jonathan has been Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. In undergoing ‘psychological’ anguish due to the killings at a our usual manner, we went into riotous rage. How could that time when his party’s spokesman was busy justifying the be in an environment that was under heavy security surveilPresident’s singing and dancing at a political rally barely 24 lance? Could it be true that students are still being exposed to hours after the Nyanya mass murder. Psychological the maniacal operations of insurgents after the deadly attacks in anguish indeed! So, the best way to send a ‘loud statement Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, where 43 students to terrorists that government cannot be stopped from workwere killed and 16 abducted in March? How ‘secured’ is an ing’ was for the President to attend a political rally a day environment where insurgents could invade settlements for six after the shredded bodies of innocent citizens were denied hours, packing abducted students in trucks, setting homes on the decency of being packaged in body bags to the fire and slaughtering residents? morgues? So, there is no line of distinction between the Strangely, no one doubted the story. How could we? Were we cheap politics we play here, the cheap deaths that pervade not told to go about our ‘normal business’ as our ‘safety is our land and the hare-brained ranting in high places? How assured’ even when hundreds of lives have been cut short in long would this unfeeling mass continue to dance on the this maddening space? How many lives did marauders waste graves of the dead? in Zamfara State recently? How many villages have been raided In times like this, words do fail me. I can only shiver at by gunmen in Benue and what was the casualty figure? How the banality embedded in official indolence in this season of has Nasarawa State fared in the hands of attackers who steal, anomie. May God heal our land, amen. maim and kill? How about Wukari in Taraba State? What about Postscript: It's been over 100 days since the Chibok school the daily haulage of dead bodies in Borno, Yobe and other parts girls were abducted and close to 100 days when this piece of the North? And what is the contribution of armed robbers, was published on April 19, 2014. If anything has changed ritualists, kidnappers and hired killers to this sea of blood? since then, it is the scary reality that terror now walks on We may never know the answers to these questions. But we two legs on our streets. A recent report by Risk Consultancy do know one thing for sure. It is the responsibility of the Maplecroft lists Nigeria as top in world’s deadliest terror Jonathan administration to rein in the criminal in our midst, no attacks with an average of 24 deaths per incident out of the matter their political affiliations, and instil order. It is a sacred 146 recorded between January and June, 2014. In those duty he owes the nation and not tendering tendentious excuses hundred days, hundreds of lives have been wasted by those for his failure! We cannot continue to hang on to a promissory who wave the flag of painful deaths with sadistic trinote that devalues our lives as depraved minds take the centre umphalism. 100 days is more than three months and we are stage. The Nyanya killings, to my mind, sends the message still at this sorry pass, wondering who'll be the next victim. home that the enemy within is not just baying for more blood Do we still have a country to call our own? Indeed, Nigeria but that he is audaciously doing it right at the President’s is not laughing. Or is she?

Knucklehead Yomi Odunuga

INEC, FRESH and ‘go-and-die syndrome’ EV. Chris Okotie’s recent article: Is Jonathan obstructing the Rule of Law? asked a pertinent question. By their statutory roles and functions, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Senate-the highest legislative body in Nigeria, are supposed to be the drivers of our democratic culture and mien. The Presidency, the arrow head of the polity must ensure that these roles do not overlaps; when they do questions such as those raised by Okotie becomes worrisome.

They also are supposed to be law abiding and seen to live above board in matters that will foster the growth of our democracy. Sadly, these two institutions, INEC and the National Assembly, have been acting with utter disdain and contemptuous haughtiness, becoming the proverbial leech that sucks its own blood.

To INEC, political power belongs not to the people but to the Commission. It holds the knife and the yam. To whom it wants to cut a piece, nobody questions its sagacity. To the rest-the flotsam and jetsam, they can ‘go and die.’

How else can one explain the refusal of INEC to obey the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or the treachery and conspiracy of the Senate in giving vent to this illegality by seeking to amend the constitution and empowering INEC to deregister political parties that fail to win any seat in the Presidential, Governorship or Legislative elections.

A brief prognosis of the matter would suffice here. In December 2012, INEC wrote in which it purportedly removed the name of Fresh Democratic Party from the list of registered political parties in Nigeria. Such objectionable action was surprising because then, INEC did not find anything against FRESH. Recall that the functions of INEC as contained in Section 15, Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and Section 2 of the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended) include arranging for the annual examination and auditing of the funds and accounts of political parties, and publish a report on such examination and audit for public information.

INEC did not do this in the case of FRESH before the purported deregistration and as such did not find anything unworthy in the activities of the party except the flimsy excuse that it did not win any seat in the 2012 elections.

However, this action was challenged by FRESH at the Federal High Court Abuja in 2012. In his judgment delivered on July 29, 2013, Honourable Justice G. O. Kolawole ruled that “…no arm of government or a body created by the Constitution or any other law, can by the exercise of whatever power granted to it, enlarge, curtail or amend the provisions of the Constitution

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including the provisions stipulated in sections 221-229 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.

Undoubtedly, the implication is that the ruling declared the decision of INEC to deregister FRESH as a party invalid.

As a democratic institution founded by the goodwill of Nigerians and funded by the tax payers money it was expected that INEC would either obey this judgment and restore the rights of FRESH party to participate in future elections or to appeal the judgment and allow the courts to have the final say.

Sadly a year after, INEC has neither appealed this judgment,nor has it accorded FRESH the rights and political recognition that go with the legal status of a political party.

Instead, the Senate in a most surreptitious and conspiratorial manner joined INEC in perpetrating and illegality when while voting on clauses in the amended Act, as contained in Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999), which concerns INEC’s management of political parties it recently voted in support of an amendment to the Electoral Act 2010, which empowers INEC to deregister political parties that fail to win any electoral seat in the country.

The worrisome dimension in this matter is that the Senate

President David Mark had in a reply to letter by FRESH, said the matter had been referred to the Constitution Review Committee. But days after, the Senate went ahead with passing the bill.

It is obvious that INEC is playing a hide and seek game. First, it took some time before it could file a notice of appeal the court which in itself does not constitute a proper appeal. Then it denied that it was not aware of the judgment of the court even when the commission was represented during proceedings.

Even after he has been served with the notice of the judgment, Jega and INEC are insisting that FRESH should file a fresh application for registration. Of what relevance is the new application? Does it obviate the judgment of the court? Does it make FRESH more ready now to win elections? Does it means that the earlier registration was done in error and that there are certain provisions of the law that the party did not meet with before it was registered and had existed for more than eight years before being delisted by INEC? Did INEC register FRESH in error or is it that INEC is not just happy that FRESH took recourse to the judiciary to correct what could be described as an injustice meted out to it and its members? These are questions that we may never find answers to.

However, there are obvious reasons why the decision of INEC to deregister parties with the tacit support of the Senate is anti-democracy. One, it contradicts the 1999 constitution and infringes on the people’s right to freedom of association, which is enshrined in Section 40 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which states that “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of interests.”

It limits voters’ choices and in that regard, disenfranchises them. Above all, it narrows the purpose and functions of political parties to the bread-and-butter concept as parties now exist for the sole aim of winning elections.

This action will also encourage electoral fraud among the existing parties since they now understand that to remain relevant or avoid being delisted, they must win at least a seat whether through manipulative tendencies or through any other means. Elections will now become a do or die affair.

There is still time for INEC to redress its steps and restore to FRESH all the rights and privileges accorded a registered political party to enable it participate in the coming elections. Only by so doing, can we really say that the commission is a lawabiding body.

•Samson wrote from Ibadan

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

COMMENTARY 9

Bigger threat to humanity S we watch man threaten its very existence with its inhumanity to itself, our focus is very dangerously taken off a bigger peril. While we plant bombs and launch arsenals in a bid to win unwarranted wars, a silent war against the human race is being declared by an even bigger threat to humanity.

An ongoing epidemic of the Ebola virus is spreading throughout West Africa. The world’s deadliest Ebola epidemic is currently ravaging many communities in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, among others. So far, the World Health Organization has reported a total of 888 Ebola cases, including 539 deaths since February this year. In a statement, the organization expressed how dire the situation has become by labeling it a ‘precarious’ one which had surged at an unprecedented rate. Figures released by WHO in April indicate that there have been 157 suspected cases, including 101 deaths. Essentially, what we are witnessing is the slippery slope that has the potential of leading to the most severe outbreak of Ebola ever recorded in recorded history, both in the number of cases and fatalities.

With news that a man in Lagos just died from the virus, the impact of Ebola has just become all too real to Nigerians.

The man was a Liberian who had been quarantined when he arrived in Lagos on Sunday, July 20 with symptoms of the Ebola virus. His death is the first recorded case of one of the world’s deadliest diseases ever in Nigeria.

In Liberia, there have already been 21 cases, including 10 fatalities, of which five have been confirmed as Ebola. Mali has seen nine suspected cases with tests showing that two of them did not have the virus. Also, one death has been recorded in Ghana since the outbreak started. Various organizations, including the US Center for Disease Control, European Commission and ECOWAS, have been donating funds and have mobilized personnel to help counter the outbreak. Heads of West African governments have met under WHO auspices and have agreed on a coordinated regional strategy. However, much more is needed in terms of effort, cooperation and funds and much more is required from every single person living in the West African region, in terms of awareness.

Ebola was first discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). The virus is named after the Ebola River where one of the first recorded outbreaks occurred. Bats are believed to be largely responsible for the Ebola virus. Studies have shown that the virus was originally transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission, with fruit bats of the ‘Pteropodidae’ family considered to be the natural host. The largest-ever outbreak was in 200001 in Uganda, with 425 cases, about half of whom died, according to WHO estimates. From the time the virus was identified in humans, pharmaceutical researchers have been unable to develop an effective drug or vaccine to combat the disease.

The treat of Ebola cannot be underestimated by any of us or by the governments within the region of West Africa. It is a ruthless killer; one of the world's deadliest viruses, killing

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up to 90 percent of those infected. Much like so many other incurable and harsh diseases before it, the public seems to be somewhat carefree about learning the facts of it at a time when it can be controlled. Granted, at this very point, the Ebola virus is a huge threat to all of humanity but, at this time, it is also a threat that can be brought under control because the epidemic is still in the early stages.

We must protect ourselves from Ebola. And we can do so by first knowing the facts about the virus and doing everything possible to prevent its spread. We must empower ourselves with knowledge of the symptoms to look for and our government must immediately start a nation-wide awareness scheme.

The disease itself is contracted through contact with infected blood or through the exchange of body fluids from an infected person or animal. Early symptoms of the disease include, fever, headache, chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, backache, and joint pains. Later symptoms include bleeding from the eyes, ears and nose, bleeding from the mouth and rectum, eye swelling, swelling of the genitals and rashes all over the body that often contain blood. It could progress to coma, shock and eventually death.

Presently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for the Ebola virus but anyone infected must be admitted into hospital as soon as possible if they are to have any chance of survival.

The view of Ebola from Nigeria is extremely disturbing.

The news that the virus has reached Ghana, where a single US citizen was reported to have been infected, is one that Nigerians and the government needs to take very seriously.

Presently, there has only been that single case reported in Ghana, but that one case is all the warning we need!

The question now is; exactly how prepared is Nigeria to prevent and combat this scourge, in the event it needs to? Is the Federal Government equipped enough to forestall or limit the Ebola plague if indeed it needed to do so? The fact that the Federal Government is currently inundated with a profound level of insecurity in the nation, primarily by murdering, blood thirsty, evil and crazy insurgents; does it have the wherewithal to preempt such a potential plague?

Proactively, other countries across West Africa have already begun bracing themselves against the spread of the epidemic, with countries like Senegal closing the border it shares with Guinea. Liberia and Guinea are now currently doing all they can to try and control the virus from spreading further.

While Nigeria has not reported a case of Ebola, the Federal Government through the Minister of Health, Oyebuchi Chukwu, recently admitted that there is a real threat to Nigeria judging by the rate at which the virus has been moving. The Minister said, despite the threat, preemptive measures, such as the production of information leaflets, have been taken by the Federal Government. If so, that measure is just not adequate enough in preventing the entry of the deadly virus into the nation’s borders. It is outrageous to think that the mere sharing of leaflets is adequate enough to fight an uncompromising killer like Ebola.

The problem of our porous borders must be addressed, not only to combat security but monitor the influx of disease as well. A ferocious awareness and sensitization campaign, giving the public information on the risk factors and protective measures of Ebola, through mainstream media, social media, in hospitals, schools, markets, industries and government offices must be launched with immediate effect.

The awareness campaign has got to be educative and shocking, particularly in pointing out that the virus is highly infectious and has no known cure or vaccine. Furthermore, the government should ensure that health workers and practitioners have all the information they need in addition to providing them with extra protective gear such as gloves.

While we ponder on the sub-regional scourge of the Ebola virus, its fatal effects, the current threat to Nigeria and the realization that there is no known cure for the disease, halting the spread of the virus must involve every Nigerian.

Everyone should be alert, involved and be on the lookout for any signs of the disease. Everyone should do their bit by learning more about Ebola, protecting themselves, ensuring that their environments are cleanly maintained and also improving on personal hygiene, like washing hands often.

We must all maintain methods and practices of disinfection, cleanliness, observation of contacts, rodent control and precaution in any interaction that requires the exchange of bodily fluids.

Infection can occur through eating fruits that have been contaminated with by bats with the virus. As a result, it is vital to wash every fruit before eating. Likewise, the creative manner in which some Nigerians devour bush-meat has to be carried out with utmost caution, because if we have learnt anything from these kinds of diseases, it is that their natural reservoir is usually wild animals, especially wild monkeys and wild rodents.

For now there has been only one reported case of Ebola in Nigeria; one hopes it stays that way. One also hopes the spread of the virus in other West African countries can be brought to a complete halt. As individuals, we each have a responsibility and duty of care in disease control. Let us invest our time into learning about the Ebola virus, let us each make an effort to stop its spread.

So, while man-kind faces the threat to its very existence through the self-inflicted bombs, missiles and wars it imposes on the human race, it would be worth our while to unite and battle the bigger threat currently to humanity… the threat of the Ebola disease.

Inside Akin Ambode’s mind LTHOUGH he served in the Lagos State public service for 27 years rising to the peak of the mega city’s public service as a Permanent Secretary and Accountant General of the state, it is only lately that Mr Akin Ambode has hit the public spot light as a leading contender for the gubernatorial candidacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 election. Of course, Ambode is only one of several worthy and competent aspirants seeking to fly the APC’s flag in Lagos come 2015. I was one of the anonymous guests at the recent public presentation of his book titled ‘The Art of Selfless Service’, which is a biographical account of his epochal public service career. Let me confess that I was not persuaded by the open endorsement of Ambode by the respected Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Rilwan Akiolu 1. I thought that Ambode’s rich academic pedigree and public sector management dexterity should be able to speak for him.

This is not to say that Oba Akiolu’s endorsement is not a plus for Ambode given the immense clout of the monarch especially among the influential indigenous Lagos elite.

However, it was while going through the 118 pages of the slim but powerful book that I encountered and was enthralled by the richness of Ambode’s mind, the quality of his philosophy of life and the depth of his commitment to his fellow human beings irrespective of tribe, tongue or faith. For instance, his reflections on his decision to quit the Lagos state public service at the height of his professional attainment, something quite rare in this part of the world, are most instructive and give an insight into the thoughtful and selfless Ambode persona. In his words on page 90 of the book, “I think you need to know what the story of your life is all about; what roads you have walked down, what victories you have won, those you have lost and what lessons you have learnt from victories and losses. You need to know what your strengths and weaknesses are and how they have shaped your life. You need to assess how many lives you have improved in whatever ways

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and how many you have empowered to be the best version of themselves, but above all, you need to know that your true value, your true wealth is measured not by the abundance of the material things you have gathered, but by the depth and quality of your humanity”.

These are amazing reflections on the worth and purpose of life particularly within the context of our overly materialistic orientation which is responsible for the massive corruption and visionless governance that has led an otherwise richly endowed country like Nigeria into her current state of anomie. Without vision, it is said, a people perish. For too long we have been impoverished morally, spiritually and materially by leadership without vision; a leadership so absorbed with selfish personal aggrandisement that gives no heed to the public good. The great Dr Nnamdi Azikwe was inspired by the vision of an independent Nigeria, free from colonial bondage. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was motivated by the ideals of welfarism crystalized in policies such as free education, free health care and full employment for all. Mallam Aminu Kano was dedicated to the liberation of the talakawa from the oppressive feudal order of the north. Ahmadu Bello was obsessed with uniting the diverse peoples of the north and empowering them to catch up with the south in terms of western education and socio-economic development.

What exactly is the vision, the guiding philosophy of most of those either elected or appointed to public office in Nigeria today? If our contemporary leaders were motivated by lofty ideals and selfless commitment to humanity, would our country be so pathetically hobbled by such monumental corruption as massive fuel subsidy fraud, kerosene subsidy scams, pension fund robbery, over $20 million oil revenue unaccounted for or a public officer spending over N10 billion on chartered flights in her junkets across the globe? And this within the context of mass poverty, pervasive hunger, decayed infrastructure, derelict health services, alarm-

ing unemployment, a virtually collapsed education sector and frightening level of insecurity. Here again, those who seek leadership positions can benefit from the following words of wisdom from Ambode: “It is so easy to focus solely on the self, its advancement and achievements and lose sight of everyone else, yes, even our most beloved ones. That makes us become so selfcentred that we turn into an idol that others worship and build their lives around. In the end we have no freedom but are bound by other peoples’ expectations of us. One becomes enslaved by one’s own egotistic appetite. The main task of life is to start early to find your concentric point of happiness and live your life around your happy settings, always having other people’s wellbeing in mind and living with integrity; every other thing that is good will attract itself to you”.

For those who seek to lead us; who claim to offer themselves in selfless service for our common good, we must closely interrogate their vision and philosophy of life. We must compare their words with their lives and see if indeed they have over time walked their talk.

One good thing about the Ambode book is that it contains interviews with several persons – men and women, high and low – who have worked with him over the years and they testify to a life that derives its happiness and joy from selfless service to others. But what exactly does Akin Ambode mean by selfless service? The answer is found in the prologue to the book (page xv) “…If we seek recompense for everything we do for others, imagine what we owe those who have done so much for us? Who can repay God for his manifold mercies that we enjoy every day; the air we breathe, the clean water we drink, the cool breezes that blow, the sky above, the earth below? Who can repay one’s parents for coming into this world? Who can repay those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy?”

•Oluwatayo Odunlami is a public affairs analyst.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

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NEWS Ramadan 29, 1435AH

RAMADAN KAREEM

Search for moon on Sunday, says Oloyede

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ECRETARY-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Prof Ishaq Oloyede has urged Muslims all over Nigeria to look for the new crescent of Shawwal on Sunday.

Oloyede said members of the National Moon Sighting Committee have been deployed with appropriate gadgets to various parts of the country for easy sighting of the moon.

“It is an indisputable fact that the old (Ramadan) moon will set just before sunset in Nigeria on Saturday, 26. The new astronomic moon would be born few minutes before midnight of that Saturday. Consequently, the search for Shawwal moon is on Sunday 27th. It can be sighted in Nigeria on Sunday with optical instruments or with some difficulties with naked eyes. Any claim of sighting a moon that is yet to be born is not only false, mistaken or impossible but also ridiculous,” he said.

He continued: “It is in this respect that the NSCIA wishes to remind all Muslims who know, and notify those who do not, that there is an established structure for moonsighting in Nigeria. Due to its

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

significance and technicalities, the Council has a National Moonsighting Committee under the leadership of an expert.

The Committee is equipped with necessary equipment and technological gadgets that are relevant to the discharge of its assignment. The membership of the Committee is drawn from various segments of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, including: “However, membership of the Committee is not exclusive to the above-listed personalities. The NSCIA expects people with requisite technical and demonstrable knowledge of moon-sighting to indicate their interests to the Secretary General, NSCIA. It is also helpful for such persons to list their areas of expertise.

We intend to have an expert in each of the Senatorial Zone of the Country.

“The National Moonsighting Committee will advise the President-General of the NSCIA (The Sultan) through the SecretaryGeneral, on the commencement and conclusion of Ramadan or sighting of Ramadan and Shawwal crescents.

“When a Muslim sights a

Vatican greets Muslims

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HE Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has released its annual Ramadan message to the world Muslims, calling for genuine fraternity between followers of the two faiths to promote mutual respect and friendship.

“Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters in the one human family, created by the One God,” the message, released by the president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, was quoted by

Catholic World News.

“We thank the Almighty for what we have in common, while remaining aware of our differences,” they continued.

“We perceive the importance of promoting a fruitful dialogue built upon mutual respect and friendship. Inspired by our shared values and strengthened by our sentiments of genuine fraternity, we are called to work together for justice, peace and respect for the rights and dignity of every person,” the Vatican said.

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

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Black seed

Have you heard of black seed before? That is the seed about which Prophet Muhammad was so passionate.

It is one of the three natural medicines he recommended with serious emphasis. The other two are honey and dates. He was reported to have said about ‘Black Seed’: “Watch out for this seed! It heals all ailments except one.”

On hearing this, the companions quickly asked him about the one it could not heal and he said it was death. Black seed is like grains of rice except that it is tinier than rice grains and wears a black colour. It has a peculiar taste that leaves a lasting effect on the throat when chewed or taken in honey or vinegar.

These seeds of the annual flowering plant botanically called Nigella Sativa have been highly prized for their healing properties since time immemorial.

The earliest record of its cultivation and use is traceable to ancient Egypt where it was found in the tomb of one Pharaoh Tutankamun about 3,300 years ago. It is called HabbatusSaudau or Habbatul Barakah in Arabic language.

Many modern researches have confirmed the biological efficacy of black seed either as serving as antibiotic or as a cure for many ailments.

And about 458 authoritative books have been published on this wonder seed since 1964.

Black seed is particularly good for treating kidney, fibroid and prostate problems. It is also very effective in treating infertility especially for women as well as easing menstrual pains. And for people who suffer from asthma, no better medicine can be found than black seed mixed with pure, genuine honey. There are many other ailments for which black seed serves as both prevention and cure.

This wonder seed also has a type of concentrated oil extractable from it which is called black seed oil. It is as black in colour as black seed itself. Where can black seed be found and how is it used? That is a question beyond this page. You may read more about it in the near future.

new moon, he should call any member of the Committee close to him, who will ask him series pertinent questions.

These may include time the moon was sighted, position of the crescent relative to where the Sun sets, altitude of the crescent above the horizon and condition of the sky at the time of the sighting.”

Oloyede urged Nigerian Muslims to direct their observations, notices and enquiries on the crescent to members of the National Moonsighting Committee.

“It is on the backdrop of the foregoing that the NSCIA announces that in line with the Qur’anic verse and the tradition of the Prophet, as

Ramadan draws to its close, any information on sighting the crescent (of Shawwal) should be conveyed to the National Moonsighting Committee so that the PresidentGeneral of the NSCIA, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar may pronounce the end of fasting,” he said.

•Prof Oloyede

Ramadan charities help Malawi Christians

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•Mufti (Grand Sheikh), Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i (second left) delivering Tafsir in Houston, United States. With him (from right) are Imam Abdulfattah Adeniji; Dr AbdurRasheed Ibrahim and Ustadh Abdulwahab Kadiri

Osogbo monarch fetes Muslim

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HE Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, has donated items worth millions of Naira to the people of Osogbo.

A statement by his media aide Deji Adekola, said the gesture, aimed at cushioning the effect of Ramadan fasting and contribution to promotion of Islamic religion in Osogboland.

He said the gesture was a demonstration of his love for religion.

He assured same gesture

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which has been given to traditionalist will be extended to Christians during their festivals.

The monarch described Ramadan as a period of sober reflection, self denial and commitment to the will of Allah.

“A sacred month in which prayers are easily accepted and speedily answered by the Almighty Allah; Muslims must consider the Holy month as an extension of benevolence to

liberate mankind from social, economic and spiritual bondage,” he said.

Oba Olanipekun sued for religious tolerance, peace and unity among all adherents of the major religious in Osogbo land.

He urged the clerics to pray peaceful governorship election in the state.

The recipients expressed delight with the kind gesture describing it as commitment towards promoting religious activities in the town.

Feeding fasting Muslim sparks fury

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UTRAGED by the incident of force feeding an Indian Muslim man fasting for Ramadan by an Indian lawmaker representing Ultra-nationalist Shiv Sena Party, Muslim leaders and opposition parties have demanded an investigation of the racial incident.

“The incident turns much controversial and inhuman as the victim of this barbaric act is a Muslim who is fasting during Ramadan,” India’s opposition parties wrote in a letter to parliament speaker Sumitra Mahajan demanding an inquiry into the incident, Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday, July 23.

“We would request you to uphold the dignity of the

House by ordering an inquiry and also direct the government for an immediate inquiry and appropriate action so that such wanton behavior is no longer repeated.”

Considering the incident a threat to their religious freedom and a blow to secularism, Muslim leaders announced, during a meeting in New Delhi, plans to meet President Pranad Mukherjee over the incident.

“The Shiv Sena has always spread communal hatred. The MP should be arrested. But what is more shocking is Parliament did not censure the MP,” asked Zafarul Islam Khan, the editor of Milli Gazette, a community magazine.

The incident has revived

Muslims’ fears of facing restrictions on religious freedom and being discriminated against under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

“My worry is that we will face more incidents like this under the Modi government,” said Professor Arshad Gauhar, the president of the Mumbaibased National Muslims Alliance, a think-tank.

Describing the incident as “shocking”, Congress member M I Shanavas said it is “cutting at the root of secularism.

“MPs who should be role models have become bad models ... the faith of minorities has been tarnished. The House should condemn it,” the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

Hold fast to your faith, Muslims told

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IRECTOR of ZaitunDawah Institute, Seatle in United States, Sheikh Mohammed Awwal has urged Muslims to hold tight to their faith in Allah, saying that is the only place their true salvation lies.

Sheikh Awwal said Islamic religion is not miraculous in nature unlike Christianity, the religion requires total submission to the will of Allah and adherents are expected to have faith in Allah always.

He spoke at this month

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lecture of the Islamic Platform Society held at the Skye Pavillon, Ikeja, Lagos.

He enjoined Muslims to hold on to the Quran which will guide their way of life to excel in all endeavors.

Founder, Purpose of Life Foundation, US, Shaykh Khalid Yasin, urged Muslim youths to have a life plan.

He described a life plan as the combination of education, career and Islamic life to achieve desired

objectives.

“If you fail to plan, you will plan to fail. Muslim youths are found wanting when asked of what their life plan is. You have to be optimistic and consistent in your life plan.

“Allah cherishes education and this is vividly shown in Quran chapter 96. Therefore, Muslim youths are meant to develop themselves, imbibe in excellence and be disciplined so that they will win the race of life through a proper life plan,” he said.

AKING advantage of the spirit of sharing among Muslims during the Holy month of Ramadan, hordes of needy Christians are flocking to various designated Iftar distribution centers alongside their Muslim counterparts amid the deteriorating standards of living in the southern African nation.

“In most of the centers designated for distribution of the foodstuffs to needy Muslims since the beginning of Ramadan, we are overwhelmed by growing numbers of Malawians of other faith groups who are coming to benefit from this level of goodwill,” Sheikh Abdu Fattani, National Chairperson of Islamic Relief Agency, told OnIslam.net.

“We are moved by this development, because it clearly indicates that our helping hand extends even beyond the Muslim community. Our religion is glorified by this,” Fattani said.

Islam is the second largest religion in Malawi after Christianity. It accounts for 36 per cent of the country’s 16 million population.

Along with serving the poor Muslims during the month of fasting, the Muslim community in Malawi has offered help to the needy of all other faiths in the secular, but diverse religious southern African nation.

Fattani said the development is also fostering unity among Malawians of all faith beliefs.

He said: “If both Muslims and Christians could come together during Ramadan and get food for their sustenance, without feeling discriminated, to us as a Muslim community signifies unity.

The gestures by Muslim charities were commended by some influential leaders within the Christian community as a “bridge” towards enforcing unity among diverse religions.

“Muslims giving out food to needy Christians during Ramadan is a wonderful development that we applaud. This shows how benevolent Muslims can be during Ramadan. And this calls for us Christian leaders to rethink our attitude towards Islam and Muslims,” Bishop Brighton Malasa, Chairperson of the Anglican Council of Malawi (ACM), a mother body of the Anglican Church in the country told OnIslam.net.

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Blame plight on witches, wizards

Women with goitre

Kunle AKINRINADE and Innocent DURU

‘

I have been having sleepless nights because of it. The pains wake me up many times in the night. I have developed a sort of phobia for night. I have been a trader all my life but my children stopped me from engaging in business activities because of this

,

A roundabout in Badagry

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15

A section of the community

Pa Jon

as Pen

uola

Maria G

odonu

‘

There is no how this kind of heavy load would not make one to have pains.

At times, the pains would be so severe that I would be incapable of doing anything.

It can be more worrisome when it happens at night, because I would writhe in pains all night and have my eyes wide open all through the night

,

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Olatunji OLOLADE, Assistant Editor

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Chadian robbery suspects Ebele BONIFACE

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

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CRIME & OTHER STORIES

olukunle87@yahoo.com

Lagos asks police to arrest illegal tricycle operators n Kunle AKINRINADE n HE Commissioner for Transport, Lagos State, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, has called on the Police to arrest and prosecute anybody or group parading themselves as members of Tricycle Owners and Driver’s Association of Lagos State, TODAL. In a letter to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko, dated June 4, 2014 with reference number: MOT/AG.301/VOL.III/472 which was at the instance of a petition by the Tricycle Owners and Operators’ Association of Nigeria, TOOAN titled: LETTER OF ALERTNESS ON PLOT TO CREATE SERIOUS PANDEMONIUM, ANARCHY AT TRICYCLE PARKS IN LAGOS STATE, Comrade Opeifa called for immediate police action.

The letter reads: “Attention of the ministry was drawn to a letter from the Tricycle Owners and Operators’ Association of Nigeria on the existence of a group known as Tricycle Owners and Drivers’ Association of Lagos State, TODAL. This association is a creation of some unscrupulous elements of tricycle operators with the intention of creating chaos at tricycle parks in some parts of the states, especially in Ojo Local Government Area.

“For the sake of emphasis, the Lagos State Government only recognizes the Tricycle Owners and Operators’ Association of Nigeria, TOOAN, under the leadership of Comrade Joseph Odusanya and which is an affiliate to the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW,” the letter to the Commissioner of Police stated.

He further emphasised that the serious security challenges presently ravaging some parts of the country called for vigilance on the part of security agencies in order to ensure that peace and tranquility reigned supreme at motor parks and garages in the state with no room for complacency as the state has zero tolerance for security related issues.

Comrade Opeifa therefore told the Commissioner of Police that “for the avoidance of doubt, any group found parading themselves as members of Tricycle Owners and Drivers’ Association of Lagos State (TODAL) in Ojo Local Government Area or any part of the state should not only be arrested but prosecuted in order to forestall breakdown of law and order in the state.”

The letter was copied to the chairmen of the 20 local government councils and 37 Local Government Council Development Areas in the State.

T •Recovered tanker

Robbery Tanker drivers recount ordeal n Kunle AKINRINADE n WO tanker drivers, Jelili Ashafa and Idris Ishola, will not forget Monday July 21, 2014 in a hurry. It was the day they were taken to the death’s door by vicious robbers who robbed them of their truck laden with 30,000 litres of petrol before dumping them in a forest along Igando-Lasu Road, Lagos State.

The incident, according to the duo, occurred at about 10 pm in the Ishashi area of Okokomaiko, a suburb of Lagos State, where they were flagged down by the robbers who accused them of knocking down their boss.

Ashafa recalls the incident saying:” We had left Swift Oil depot at Kirikiri about 9.30 pm and we got to Iyana-Ishashi in Okokomaiko about 10 pm when some men in military uniform suddenly flagged uu down and accused us of knocking down their boss. They were four in number.

Three of them wore army camouflage while the fourth person wore a navy uniform.

“They slapped and beat us until we became weak and they threw us into their white Hilux vehicle. They asked us to lie with our face down while we were being taken away. At a point, one of them told the other members of the gang to kill us, apparently out of fear that we might expose them on the way. At that point our truck had been driven away by other members of the gang.”

Recalling the incident further, he said: ”They asked us to give them money and threatened to shoot us in the leg if we refused to cooperate with them. They later led us into a bush where they changed into mufti and washed their body with sachet water.

“At about 11 pm, they stripped us naked and pushed us down from the vehicle. We approached a police patrol team. The policemen took us to Ishashi Police Division where the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) sent signals to other

T

police divisions about the incident.

Luck, however, ran out on the gang when they were arrested by policemen at the Toll Gate end of Lagos-Abeokuta expressway after •Ishola and Ashafa they were intercepted by officials of the Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch, the Unit Commander, Mr Sunday Omafu of National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers said: “Our men were on duty when the truck was (NUPENG), Sango-Ota Toll Gate branch. arrested and we had to impound the truck from “The heartless robbers were later arrested at the robbers who were travelling in the wee hours Toll Gate by policemen on patrol. By then, they of the day before police were invited to arrest had removed the number plate on the truck, inthem when they presented a fake weigh bill.” cluding the registration numbers written on the In a telephone conversation with our reporter, body of the tanker.” the Zonal Chairman of PTD-NUPENG, Comrade The assistant driver, Idris Ishola said: ”The robRasaq Akanbi, urged the police to ensure that the bers wounded me with a knife while they were pushing me out of their vehicle. We went through suspects face the full wrath of the law.

Attempt to confirm the story from the hell in their hands and escaped death by a spokesperson of Lagos Police Command, Ms whisker as they were armed to the teeth.”

Ngozi Braide, yielded no result as she was not Speaking during the handing over of the truck reachable on her mobile phone. A text message to the officials of NUPENG, Sango-Ota Toll Gate sent to her phone was also not responded to.

Man to face trial for allegedly killing wife HE Ogun State Poing nationwide industrial aclice Command has tion by judiciary workers. I disclosed that the 47can assure you that he will year-old farmer, Gbenga face trial once the strike acOgunfolabo, who altion is called off.” legedly killed his wife, The suspect was said to Bosede, on July 16, 2014, have hacked his 45-year-old will soon face trial. wife to death with broken The spokesman of Ogun bottle during a fight at their State Command, Mr. residence in Ishara, Remo Muyiwa Adejobi, exNorth Local Government plained that the ongoing Area. strike by judiciary workThe incident was not imers had prevented the armediately reported to police raignment of Ogunfolabo. by family members due to “Ogunfolabo has alpressure from the suspect’s ready confessed to the relatives, who wanted the •Gbenga crime and he is still in matter swept under the the custody of the carpet. n Kunle AKINRINADE n State Criminal InvestiA relative of the degation Department (SCID), Eleweran, ceased petty trader (name withheld) was howAbeokuta. ever said to have reported the incident to “It is a clear case of murder and he would Ishara Police Division, following which the sushave been arraigned in court but for the ongopect was arrested by detectives.

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Kwara police parade suspected human parts’ dealers, cultists, robbers

few weeks after the discovery of a kidnappers’ den in Ilorin, the Kwara State Police Command has paraded three suspected human parts’ dealers and others who allegedly participated in robbery and cult-related activities.

The suspects were brought to the police headquarters with a fresh human head and body parts found in their possession.

The Kwara State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ambrose Aisabor, told reporters in Ilorin that the suspected human parts dealers were apprehended at Tabira Village near Okuta in Baruten Local Government Area.

He said: “On July 22, 2014, at about 10.35 pm at Tabira village near Okuta, the command’s detectives, acting on intelligence, arrested one Amos Kareem. During investigation, a search was conducted in his house where human parts, including head and arms, were recovered.

“Abubakar Ladan, an accomplice, was also arrested. Both confessed to have been dealing in human parts.”

Two of those arrested for allegedly being members of a secret cult, according to the police boss, were nabbed around Kilanko, Offa Garage area in the metropolis on July 18, 2014, where they had scheduled a rendezvous of their cult group. One battle axe, two cutlasses, one toy gun, one knife and charms were recovered from them while five others were arrested at the Kwara State Polytechnic and Oke-Oyi on July 21, 2014.

“We also arrested five men for armed robbery and possession of firearms after

A

n Adekunle JIMOH n they had broken into the camp of one Musa Muazu at Tenbo village and carted away personal items of their victims. One of them was said to have however been sighted later in the day wearing one of the stolen clothes and was apprehended. His arrest led to the arrest of others who allegedly participated in the crime.

Speaking further during the briefing, Aisabor disclosed that another set of six men were also nabbed for conspiracy and armed robbery. They were alleged to have attacked one Umar Ahmed and Mansur Bello who were conveying goods worth about N14 million in a truck along the Ilorin-Ogbomosho Expressway on July 15, 2014 at about 8.45 pm. They were said to have wounded an escort of the truck who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The police boss promised to ensure a crime-free festive period, saying: “Kwara State Command is very proactive. The Sallah holiday is coming. Our personnel are on red alert. Day and night patrols have been re-intensified. “

•The suspects and human parts

Fake army captain arrested for asking police armourer to sell guns n Ebele BONIFACE n

A

•The suspect, Ifada

to a ʻAccording police source who

54-year- old fake army captain, Benjamin Ifada, has been nabbed by men of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lagos State Police Command for allegedly asking the armourer at the Idimu Police Station to sell firearms to him.

Ifada had allegedly asked the officer in charge of the armoury at the station to sell two pistols to him for N150, 000 each. He was also said to have earlier requested for one Ak-47 rifle for N100, 000 but was told to exercise patience.

According to a police source who asked not to be named, “the suspect had been visiting the DPO of Idimu as a friend, not knowing that he is a criminal.

His mission was exposed last week when he visited the DPO again. But unknown to the DPO, he had approached the police armourer, asking

asked not to be named, “the suspect had been visiting the DPO of Idimu as a friend, not knowing that he is a criminal

ʻ

•Some documents recovered

him to sell some rifles to him.”

It was gathered that the armourer who had become suspicious of Ifada reported him to the DPO who asked him to play along with the suspect.

“The DPO was even shown a text message sent by the suspect demanding to know how much an Ak47 rifle and pistol would be sold to him. He was arrested while paying the police armourer the sum of N20, 000 for a Barretta pistol after being told that AK 47 rifle was not available.

I rob with cutlass because it doesn’t make noise —Suspect A

•The suspect, Ibrahim

16-year-old robbery suspect, Jimoh handed me over to men of Ijora Police Station n Ebele BONIFACE n Ibrahim, who was arrested by the operafrom where I was later transferred to SARS.” tives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of Lagos On why he chose to operate alone, he said, “The risk is less. You Police Command in Ijora on July 12, 2014 for robbing some blame yourself for any mistake during and after robbery operawomen of their mobile phones and undisclosed amount, has said tions. In a two-man-gang, there is this fear that the other gang that he used cutlass to rob because it does not make a noise like member may unnecessarily expose you. But if you are a lone robgun does. ber, you control the whole situation.

The suspect said: “I am a one-man gang. I use cutlass because it “Moreover, I had no experienced armed robber who could teach does not make any bad sound, unlike a gun that would make a me the rules of the game and the gang to join. I preferred to use loud noise during operation. cutlass because I can easily deny that I am not involved in armed “My father and mother are late. It was hardship that pushed me robbery and it is also easy to pass police checkpoints unnoticed. into robbery. I did not want to kill somebody willingly or by accident. I use cutlass to intimidate my victims. Where it fails to intimidate my victims, I run away.

“That day, at about 6.44 am, I robbed two women with a sharp cutlass. I asked for their phones and they immediately complied.

One of them had a Nokia phone, another one had a Blackberry phone and N200 on her. I robbed them because I was looking for money for food. I was arrested by a man in the community who

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

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Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho caught the eye in Manchester City's 4-1 friendly win over Sporting Kansas City on Thursday. Here, Sportsmail's Adam Crafton runs the rule over the youngster.

AKINLOYE

AT LARGE

08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

40

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with KAYODE ALFRED E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com Tel:08116759807

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with KAYODE ALFRED E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com TEL:08116759807

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Dr. Festus Okubor (left) and South African Consul, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa

Okungbowa AIWERIE

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ENVIRONMENT COMMISSIONER

REGISTRAR, JAMB

GOVERNOR IMOKE

Prof. Ojerinde

Gov. Imoke

Tunji Bello

GOVERNOR ORJI

GOVERNOR FASHOLA

GOVERNOR AKPABIO

Gov. Fashola

Gov. Orji Gov. Akpabio

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‘

Honestly, I tried my best to ensure you got the job but the 'powers that be' had their way. But don't worry, Annette.

I'm sure something good will come along soon.

So, take heart

‘

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When worshippers defied rain to mark Ifa Festival Segun AJIBOYE

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

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Ebola hemorhagic viral disease - quick facts Continued from last week

Signs Of The Disease

These are also divided into two phases as was done for the symptoms Initially, patient appears like someone suffering from Malaria, Typhoid, Common cold, etc, so there is high grade fever with body temperature in excess of 39 degrees Celcius, breathing may be fast and shallow and make the condition resemble bronchopneumonia. There may be loss of skin tugor and sunken eyes from fluid loss and lack of intake Later when bleeding sets in, blood stains may be seen any where on the body even with the slightest of scratching. The white parts of the eyes may be bathed in blood. Brain involvement may appear in the forms of convulsion, neck stiffness and retrobulbar bulging.

As the condition deteriorates, there will be signs of shock with pulse and blood pressure slowly disappearing.

Pathophysiology

The viral organism targets mainly the inner coats of blood vessels ( vascular endothelium) causing swelling and rupture Other elements include thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, antigene antibody reactions as well as direct damage to cells A major complication is disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), which commonly appears towards the later part of the disease spectrum and usually signals the beginning of the end of life of the patient. Incidentally it is also when the patient is most infectious

Cholera , Typhoid, Encephalitis etc.

Tests should ordinarily include those that will confirm or dispute the presence of these other common disease conditions ,and include Blood films,thick and thin for malaria parasites, Widal test, VDRL, Retroviral screening for HIV, HBV antigen tests, urine and stool for microscopy ,culture and possibly analysis before proceeding to more specific tests Specific tests should include the following; Blood cell culture.

Tests to detect viral antigen Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) assay Electron microscopy

Prevention

At the primordial level the best way to handle disasters is to be prepared in all strategic dimensions before they strike .

Governments at all levels should not wait until there are cases of ebola before formulating policies that will enable people live in clean environment ,have access to clean and adequate water , good food, and become empowered to reduce their likelihood of getting infected with and

Laboratory Diagnosis

It is better to place emphasis more on recognizing the disease than on laboratory tests because of the resemblance to many other conditions such as Dysentery, Syphilis, Hepatitis, Meningitis,

Ebola virus

spreading diseases such as Ebola, Marburg and Lassa fever There should be health and nutrition promotional activities and awareness creation Disease surveillance and screening should be arranged and built into the health care system with consideration for terrain, culture and religion Of immediate importance is personal hygiene, especially hand and food hygiene Washing of hands with soap and water is cheap and only requires discipline Use of household bleach as soon as there is suspicion that someone in the neighborhood has this condition can be life saving It is advisable to void indiscriminate indulgence in bushmeat /palmwine delicacies, Unprotected sex with strangers particularly while making crossborder movements during outbreaks can be very dangerous as the virus can be transmitted through kissing ,unlike the HIV Anyone involved in the treatment, nursing care ,feeding, or bathing of a patient , performance of last offices , washing of corpse or examination of the body must wear impermeable suits and gloves, face mask, and boots. Personal protection should be backed up by adequate health education concerning the virus with emphasis on preventive measures through wearing of personal protective devices.

Survival from this deadly disease is not common, and patients who are lucky may be left with problems of deafness, chronic kidney or liver disease, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, blindness ,memory loss and speech disturbances. On the other hand, patients may be so thin as to be branded HIV/AIDS patients with the attendant problems of stigma and discrimination,either in the work place, school or household. All these require that adequate preparations be made for proper rehabilitation and health education

Removing mold in your home Continued from last week You need to consider the nature of the surface you want to clear of mold. A smooth surface can be cleaned by scrubbing with soap but this does not kill mold. It washes it off and any mold remaining can regrow all over the surface.

Mold on a smooth surface can be killed with bleach. Use bleach only if it is safe for the surface. Be certain that the bleach will not damage the material of the surface you are cleansing by doing a spot test first. To kill mold, the bleach should be at least 10% strong, i.e. one part bleach plus 9 parts water. Apply by spraying or with a sponge or cloth. If you spray the bleach, avoid inhaling the fumes because bleach is corrosive and therefor potentially hazardous to your respiratory tract. For the bleach to clear the mold, it has to reach all the mold that has penetrated into the material of the surface. A flat surface allows this but it may not work perfectly for an upright surface or a rough or porous surface unless you apply some pressure to press it in while applying. Remember that all minute amounts of mold left in the surface will regenerate new episodes of mold invasion. Molds usually have a color such a grey or black and once the surface is bleached (i.e. the mold color disappears)

you should not assume all the moldis gone but should make sure you apply enough bleach and that it penetrates well for at least ten minutes. The bleach may be left on the surface or wiped away depending on the surface. You should clean the bleach off a surface used for preparing food or such matters. Borax or vinegar are alternatives to bleach for killing mold and are less harsh.

Borax is an alkaline natural mineral used as a desiccant, deodorizer, household cleaner, and laundry booster.

It maybe found in the laundry section of retail stores. It is used to deodorize toilets and drains and also as an insecticide (to kill insects), as a herbicide (to kill weeds), and as a fungicide (to kill fungus).Use one cup of borax powder per gallon of water.

White distilled vinegar is acidic. It should be sprayed undiluted and left for at least 1 hour on the moldy surface. Vinegar can also be used to mop moldy flooring.

The smell of the vinegar disappears within a few hours.

Ammonia is a toxic chemical with a strong smell. It

can be used in a similar manner as bleach. When working with chemicals take care that you are not creating a hazard. Ammonia should not be mixed with bleach (chlorine) because this will produce a toxic gas. In fact, during World War II, a chlorineammonia mixture was used as a chemical weapon. A 50-50 solution of ammonia in water should be sprayed on the moldy surface. The surface can then be wiped clean after a few hours.

Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at your pharmacy or drug store, typically in a 3% solution. It behaves like bleach but is less corrosive and less toxic. It is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.

You may need to do a trial test to make sure the hydrogen peroxide will not fadethecolor of your surface b y i t s bleachingaction.

H y d r o g e n peroxide may be used with vinegar for a greater anti-fungal

cleansing. Hydrogen peroxide may be safe to kill molds on clothes but it is advisable to first do a spot test.

Baking soda can be used to kill mold, to deodorize harmlessly, and to absorb moisture, thus limiting the recolonization of the surface by moldspores in the air. Baking soda treatment followed by vinegar treatment kills more mold than baking soda or vinegar alone.

Tea tree oil is derived from the plant Melaleucaalternifolia. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can be added to water and sprayed or spread on the surface with a cloth. Grape fruit seed extract can be similarly used.

Some items such as books, carpets, clothes, and walls that have porous surfaces may be too difficult to clear of mold and may be better disposed of or destroyed. Hard smooth surfaces such as plastic, glass, and metal are the easiest to cleanse of mold. The waste from the cleansing should be carefully disposed of to avoiding spread of airborne mold spores through the house.

Cleaning of mold is not a task for children.

House-helps should be well educated on how to clean mold before given the task.

Dr. 'Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 08160944635.

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Email: counselling@faithoyedepo.org

Segun AJIBOYE, Paul UKPABIO and Mariam ABDULKAREEM

THE NATION,

56

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

Maiduguri Airport’s closure and the people’s right to know

T

HE Nigerian civil war was not a good period for most of the country’s nationals residing abroad, especially those in the countries that were sympathetic to the Biafrian cause.

Even in some other countries that adopted siddon look attitude towards the unfolding events in Nigeria, the Nigerians among them were not all that comfortable. Reason: the Biafrian propaganda of genocide against the Igbo or eastern Nigeria arrested the emotions and sentiments of the outside world.

Before anyone could shout Jack Robinson, innocent Nigerians resident abroad were labelled cannibals. They became unsafe not because they were guilty but because the Biafrian Propaganda machinery was effectively marshaled in both electronic and print media outside the country. Biafrian news broadcast on television was always accompanied with Gen. Odumegwu Ojukwu’s picture. For example, as an undergraduate at the prestigious Ghana International School of Jounalism, I saw hell together with my fellow Nigerian students. Unfortunately, we stayed at the International Students Hostel in Accra, which harboured about 50 foreign students from different parts of the world.

Among the students in the International Hostel, studying at various tertiary institutions in Accra, were Biafrian students who along with their colleague friends succeeded in polluting the minds of most of our co-students in the hostel against other Nigerians in the hostel.

Before long, Nigerians in the hostel became persona non grata. We were threatened to the point that the matter got the attention of the Nigeria High commissioner in Ghana, Mr. Victor Adegoroye, who had to intervene on several occasions to save our neck from the terror or propaganda war of our Biafrian brothers who felt, rightly or wrongly, that whatever the iniquity or stand of the federal military government in the ongoing war, Nigerians abroad must bear the brunt.

In short, whether we like it or not, in the Nigerian civil war, Biafrian won the propaganda war. The federal military government relied on its military strength to do the magic, but before the die was cast, the Biafrian propaganda had earned the recognition of nations like Tanzania and Ivory Coast. In addition, Britain, the traditional supplier of arms to Nigeria, blocked the source and every other thing appeared to be conspiring against Nigeria who though was winning the war on the battlefield, was los-

T

forced to embark on agonizing travel by road to Kano,” the statement said.

The NSCIA warned the federal government that it is perilous to use the security establishment to persecute Nigerians, and that a situation in which religious profiling is camouflaged as part of security measures does not bode well for the country.

The council urged the federal government to exercise caution in the discriminatory use of military and aviation facilities in order to protect the political neutrality of the national establishment.

•The Maiduguri Airport

Victor IZEKOR ing the propaganda war of Biafra based on effective information management. This placed Nigeria at a serious disadvantage as she was now compelled to embark on a sudden journey to tell the world Nigeria’s side of the story. Unfortunately, that was done too late.

I have gone to this length in order to demonstrate the importance of information management and the right of the people to know what is happening, particularly when such affect them directly or indirectly.

To deny the people the right to know what is happening around them is to give room for various interpretations and conclusions that are at variance with the good intention of the government. This brings us to the recent happenings in Borno State, which are causing ripples and building up possible conflict between the people and the Borno State Government on one hand and the Federal Government on the other.

Because of absence of due clarification on the issues involved or mismanagement of same, gossips, aspersion, innuendos or outright misrepresentation of facts now characterise the issues.

A story on Page 8 of the Daily Trust on June 28, 2014 titled Federal Government Shuts Down Maiduguri Airport, reads: The Federal Government yesterday shut down the Maiduguri International Airport, few hours to a scheduled airlift of 300 Muslim pilgrims

who were on their way to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj. Also, a character aircraft that brought the wife of Borno State Governor, Hajjiya Nana Shettima, which was expected to take back Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) and a member of the House of Reps, Hon. Peter Biye and some Borno elders back to Abuja, was also forced to take-off empty.

Our correspondents gathered from various sources that the airport was ‘abruptly closed’ following ‘orders from above’. Speaking to our correspondent last night, Senator Ndume said what transpired at the Maiduguri Airport was an insult on the Nigerian Senate, stressing that Nigeria was drifting to a state of lawlessness. ‘If they are talking about security, why did they allow the aircraft to land in the first place?

“When I realised that many soldiers had taken over the airport, I had to call the Chairman Senate Committee on Air force, who in turn spoke with the Chief of Air Staff. At the end of the day, I found that the order was from the Chief of Army staff,” Ndume said.

On the other hand, the Managing Director of Skynet Travel and Tours, Grema Terab, said their customers were subjected to psychological trauma. “We have completed arrangement with Max Air for the airlift of our clients from Maiduguri Airport. In fact, our passengers had been screened and we had completed all the necessary papers when a report reached us that the Airport was closed. As I am talking to you, our clients are now on their way to Kano by road so that they would be air-

lifted from Mallam Aminu Kano Airport,” he said.

Similarly, on its Page 6 on July 15, 2014, the Daily Trust wrote in a story title Federal Government Reopens Maiduguri Airport for Sheriff: The Federal Government yesterday reopened the Maiduguri International Airport which was closed on June 27, for former governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State to land in Maiduguri with his personal aircraft. Sheriff said he was dumping the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but that he would make a formal declaration after the month of Ramadan and has nothing to do with the APC. The airport was abruptly closed when 276 pilgrims had been screened by relevant agencies at the departure terminal and were awaiting a Max Air chartered aircraft to convey them to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj. “As a result of the closure, the pilgrims had to travel to Kano by road, even as on the same day, a chartered flight that brought wife of the Borno State Governor.

Hajiya Nana Shettima, was forced to take off to Abuja empty even though Senator Ali Ndume was waiting to board it.

Top military authorities announced that the airport was closed for security reasons. It was however reopened yesterday and Sherriff’s private jet with registration number 5NBMH landed at about 1:32 pm… Dozens of soldiers led by the Garrison commander of the 7 Division of the Nigeria Army in Maiduguri, Col. D.R Hassan, gave cover to the former gover-

nor, whose motorcade drove through the Airport Road, Bulumkutu, Damboa road and arrived at his private residence along Barracks road.

Our correspondents report that the plane that brought the former governor took off from the Airport at 2:22 pm and credible sources said it would return today (Tuesday) to take Sheriff back to Abuja, after which the Airport will be closed until September 29…

Meanwhile, Governor Shettima left Maiduguri by road yester to attend to his younger brother who had multiple fractures after an accident. Shettima was confined to Maiduguri since the closure of the airport and as well as withdrawal of soldiers from both the Government House and his convoy. Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to Shettima on Communications, confirmed the development. The plane that brought Sheriff actually came back the following day to take him back to Abuja.

In its reaction, the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NCSIA) cautioned the Federal Government to avoid using Nigeri Security apparatus for persecution. In a press statement signed by the Acting Director of Publicity, Muhammad Qasim, NCSIA said the same airport was suddenly shut against Muslim pilgrims taking their flight to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj, despite an earlier clearance to use the airport.

“Apart from denying the pilgrims the use of the facilities, the Muslims are subjected to physical and psychological trauma as a result of their grilling by the Nigerian security apparatus.

The pilgrims were subsequently

“It is our belief that the federal government has enough powers constitutionally guaranteed to tackle its perceived enemies rather than denying Nigerians the use of public facilities under the guise of fighting insecurity,” the statement said.

The council also called on the military authorities to protect and safeguard the credibility of the profession by not being partisan.

No doubt, the Federal Government or the Military authorities reserve the right to take any action provided it is in the best interest of the nation, more so when it borders on security. However, much as such action is taken in good faith and in the overall interest of the nation, there is also the need for the people to know when there is a change in such decision or policy and why. Where information gap is allowed instead, it give room to various interpretations of government’s decision or policy with the government in some instances boxed into the corner notwithstanding its good intention.

For example, people will like to know why the Maiduguri Airport that was closed for security reasons was suddenly opened for Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s private plane to land and take off with the same airport still closed to other users. In addition, people will also like to know why soldiers who were reportedly withdrawn from Government House, Maiduguri as well as from the convoy of the state governor, Kashim Shettima, was equally reported to have given cover to Senator Sheriff when he arrived in Maiduguri on the faithful day. These are cobwebs that need to be cleared to ward off unnecessary gossips and for the good name of the Federal Government.

In any case, no one would expect the federal government, the father of all, to rub Peter to pay Paul.

•Izekor wrote in from Maiduguri

Presidency: Don't politicise attack on Buhari

HE Presidency yesterday urged caution by the political class in appraising Wednesday’s bomb attack targeted at former Head of State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the Political Adviser to the President, Prof.

Gbade OGUNWALE, Assistant Editor, Abuja Rufai Ahmed Alkali said resorting to blame game could be counter productive to the war against terrorism.

Alkali sympathised with Buhari over the attack, saying it was by provi-

dence that the nation was saved the trauma of having the former Head of State and Sheik Dahiru Bauchi come to harm.

Alkali said: “I want to also state that in a season like this, the usual thing is what has become the popular culture of blame game. I don’t think anybody in this country

would be associated with such thing in any way or form.

“Therefore, those who want to trivialise or personalise these issues by attributing it to this government or the leadership of this government in any form, directly or indirectly, should desist from that.

“This government is committed to the security of this nation, it is committed to lasting peace in this country and Mr. President is deeply committed to bringing stability in our political environment.

“We should not over dramatise these issues.

All of us must come together, we have a collec-

tive responsibility to protect and defend our country. This is not a time for politicising issues.

“Security matters are not for politicians. There are people who have been trained and who are responsible for security. We cannot do their job for them; they should be allowed to do their job.”

THE NATION

NEWS 57

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

Ebonyi lawmakers raise alarm over death threats

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OME members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly yesterday raise the alarm over their safety. The members, who alleged that their lives are in danger, sent an appeal to the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Maigari Dikko, pleading with him to come to their rescue.

The alarm followed the Thursday kidnap of a lawmaker and several threat messages sent to the lawmakers by unidentified persons since the impeachment crisis started.

Briefing reporters in Abakaliki, 15 out of the 24 members of the Assembly loyal to the new Speaker, Hon Helen Nwobashi, alleged that they have been receiving several threat text massages of kidnap and maiming from some top politicians in the state.

It will be recalled that the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sam Nwali, was kidnapped last Thursday morning, but was rescued by security operatives in the afternoon of same day.

The members who spoke to newsmen include Hon Eni Uduma Chima, Ohaukwu South and Hon Frank Onwe among others.

Hon Jerry Obasi, who spoke to newsmen, said: “That am still alive now is just the grace of God. I would have been dead by now.

There was a plan to disfig-

•Go into hiding Ogochukwu ANIOKE, Abakaliki ure me, put me in a permanent wheelchair or send me to an early grave. Just yesterday, I was invited to my constituency to give a report card on my achievement, which I willingly accepted.

But just a few minute drive to get to my constituency, I received a call.

“The person who called me instructed me to turn immediately and return back to Abakaliki, as there were some men waiting to attack me close to the village. Initially, I did not take him serious, but when he persisted, I had to turn back immediately. It was when I got to Abakaliki that I made contact and it was revealed to me that there was no plan to hold such programme.”

Hon Obasi, who said that the threat have been coming from a man in Ohaozara Local Government Area, maintained that the decision join in the impeachment of the former Speaker was his constitutional right, insisting that no amount of threat would make him change his decision.

Also speaking, Hon Eni Uduma Chima (Afikpo South West) stated that most of the Assembly members have gone into hiding fol-

lowing the threat messages they received, adding that the impeachment of Hon Nwazunku is irrevocable.

The new Speaker, Hon Helen Nwobashi, reaffirmed that her election as Speaker is irrevocable.

Hon Nwobashi said that as a mother and Speaker, “I as-

sure Nwazunku and his cotravelers that they would be received back into plenary whenever they have a rethink. It would therefore be in their interest to toe the path of constitutionality, decorum and respect for rule of laws so that we can join

hands to move the state forward.”

Meanwhile, a new twist has been added to the kidnap and subsequent of Hon Sam Nwali. While the people of the state are battling to come to terms with the kidnap story, some stakeholders of his Ikwo North State Constituency have claimed that the Majority

Leader was not kidnapped.

Speaking yesterday at a press briefing, the spokesperson of the group, Apostle Emma Mbam, said that at no point was the House of Assembly member kidnapped.

According to him, “when some of the youths went there to invite him, his boys tried to resist them and a fight ensured.”

•Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (middle) and Prof. Bath Nnaji (right) during a reception for Rev Fr. (Prof) Obiora Ike (left) to celebrate his induction into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts at Hilton Transcorps, Abuja, yesterday

Impeachments: Enugu Deputy Governor's whereabouts unknown Nigeria sitting on keg of his office and HE embattled Deputy of gun powder, says •Dep Gov denies fleeing state resources exercised the powers thereof Governor of Enugu to resist and ridicule the State, Mr. Sunday However, when contacted implementation of a public ex-Ohaneze Ndigbo Onyebuchi, has not been Chris OJI, Enugu on phone, the deputy goverhealth policy of the governseen in public since last nor said he was in Enugu, Nwanosike ONU, Awka ment of Enugu State.”

Tuesday’s motion by the President sack tions of gross misconduct but declined to say the exact He said the deputy goverGovernor Tanko AlHouse of Assembly to serve against him by substituted

T

F

ORMER President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural or-

ganization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, said yesterday that the gale of impeachment in some states of the country is not in the best interest of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said that the country is sitting on a keg of gun powder on account of the development.

Ikedife, an Anambra State delegate to the National Conference told reporters in Nnewi that situation calls for utmost caution by the political class.

“If you look at the political goings on, a lot of them seem to be heading towards explosion; there is still a lot of disrespect for continued existence of this country,” he said against the backdrop of the recent impeachment of Admiral Murtala Nyako as governor of Adamawa State and the threats to similarly

Makura of Nasarawa State and Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, Deputy Governor of Enugu State.

He added:”We must know when to call a spade a spade and not a garden fork.

“This spate of impeachment particularly of people who left Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I do not know how healthy it is and where it is going to lead.

“If we want a one-party system, let us say so and then they will all fall in line. I am not in any political party now but what I am observing does not give me happiness in this country.”

Asked to evaluate the performance of the National Conference, Dr. Ikedife said : “We went there thinking that one state alone would be given to South East and others would raise the issue so that five geo-political zones would have six states, one would have seven, we did not achieve that.

him notice of impeachment.

According to sources, efforts by the clerk of the court, Dr. Christopher Chukwurah, to locate the deputy governor to serve him the notice were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, following the inability of the clerk of the House to serve the deputy governor the notice, the House of Assembly has resolved that Onyebuchi be served the notice of allega-

T

A

Ugochukwu UGOJI-EKE, Umuahia killed in the blasts.

The bomb blasts, which occurred along Alkali Road and Kawo areas of Kaduna metropolis, claimed more than 100 lives.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Governor Orji said that he was devastated by the news of the blasts, and described

place.

It will be recalled that the Enugu State House of Assembly commenced impeachment process against the deputy governor last Tuesday, alleging gross misconduct, abuse of office and disobedience to lawful directives of the governor.

According to the Leader of the House, Hon. Udeh Okoye, between February 2013 and February 2014, the the deputy governor “wrongfully deployed the

nor, in defiance to the resolution of the Enugu House of Assembly, maintained and operated a commercial livestock and poultry farms within the premises of his official residential quarters.

The deputy governor was also said to have “habitually refuses, fails and or neglect to carry out and or perform the functions of his office as directed by the governor pursuant to section 193(1) of the Constitution without excuse.

INEC threatens to ban subtle campaigns by the political parties are not as aspirants in Enugu responsive to us as we would

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has threatened to stop subtle campaigns by political aspirants in Enugu State, saying that time was not rife for such campaigns.

According to agency report, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state, Dr Lawrence Azubuike, said that politicians were violating the law barring them

Abia Governor condemns Kaduna bomb blasts ABIA State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has condemned the recent twin bomb blasts in Kaduna, describing it as an attempt by the BokoHaram insurgents to destabilize the country.

Orji, however, thanked God for saving the lives of the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and a prominent scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who narrowly escaped being

means.

The notice, according to sources, would now be posted at the gate of his official residence in Government House, Independence Layout and his private residence at Savage Crescent, GRA, Enugu.

It was being speculated that the deputy governor left Enugu for Abuja early morning Tuesday before the commencement of the impeachment processes.

the act as devilish and barbaric.

The governor condoled with his Kaduna State counterpart, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero and families of the dead and the injured.

Governor Orji tasked the Federal Government to stop at nothing to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice, stressing that it is the only way to ensure justice for the dead and the injured.

from campaigning before 90 days to the elections.

Azubuike said the commission would meet with the political parties to address the issue and others such as lack of specific contact addresses by some of them.

According to him, the meeting will establish a platform where all the political parties can come out and be fully identified.

“People should not overheat the polity. We always stress to politicians, let us look at the spirit behind this law and try to abide by it.

“Politicians, especially should behave with restraints.

I am sure they know when they are campaigning publicly and when they are not.

We appeal to them to respect the law.

“As a citizen, if you see a poster that you think has violated this rule, then you can call our attention to it. If to us

it violates the rule then obviously, we will advise the people behind the poster accordingly.

“Unfortunately in Enugu,

expect. As we speak, we have only about four or five political parties with clearly identifiable addresses in Enugu State.

Anambra targets 500,000 hectares for agric revolution

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NAMBRA State Government is targeting the acquisition of 500,000 hectares of land for its agricultural transformation programme meant to provide massive employment for over 100,000 people, especially youths.

Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, the Interim Chairman of the 12-man Land Acquisition Committee, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha, Anambra, on Friday.

Ilouno said that over 50,000 hectares donated by two agrarian communities for the

agricultural programme had already been surveyed, adding that the land were leased to the government without much pressure.

Ilouno, who is also the Chairman of Anambra Central (Zone) Traditional Rulers’ Council, said that the committee had also secured nine natural body of large water for fish ponds under the new agricultural scheme.

“I have not seen such a massive support from our people to any government before; Governor Willie Obiano is highly lucky and blessed.

THE NATION

58 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

Akpabio's wife blames nation's woes on decline of family values

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HE wife of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, has said that most of Nigeria’s social problems are traceable to the loss of moral values at the family level.

The governor’s wife was speaking to executive members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) when they paid a courtesy visit to her yesterday at the Government House, Uyo. “Some of the challenges we are facing as a country today is because we have lost our family values” she said.

Speaking further, she said: “We have neglected our children for too long, and that is why they sometimes rebel. I believe that God is not happy with us as mothers because we indulge our children too much.

“Every problem should not be on the head of the

president. We have to do our own part as mothers, wives and sisters at home. We must not forget that when the family is not stable, the society cannot be stable.”

She, however, commended NAOWA for their interest in the welfare of their members who had lost their husbands to wars and the ongoing insurgency in the country, urging them to always protect the welfare of widows in their midst. She however identified with their noble charity service to widows and vulnerable children.

She added that she is always passionate about issues concerning the vulnerable groups in the nation because of her experience with such.

Mrs. Akpabio also reminded members of the delegation that charity begins at home, and urged them to look within their individual families and communities for people in need whom they could assist at an individual level.

Residents blame oil spill, river pollution on bunkering activities

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IL spill caused by bunkering has polluted farmlands and the only river in Egonu community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, according to residents.

The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that oil thieves vandalised pipelines passing through the area, leading the oil spill that polluted the river.

Mr Isah Musa, a resident, said that farmers’ crops had been destroyed.

“We woke up early this morning to discover that oil is floating on our river and this must have affected the aquatic animals in the river.’’

Musa said that the spill was caused by a rupture on some pipelines that passed through the community.

Another resident, Mr Ibrahim Mutairu, said that the river was the only source of water for the community.

“Now that the water is polluted, we find it difficult to get water to drink and the situation has been on since two months.’’

He called on the government and other relevant agencies to deploy a surveillance team in the area to curb the menace of the activities of the bunkers.

Mutairu also called for the immediate clean up of the affected farmland and their river, to protect the people from contacting disease.

A source at the NNPC depot in Benin declined to comment on the reported oil spill, saying that he would need clearance from the corporation’s headquarters to talk to newsmen.

Oshiomhole assures Yoruba community of fair treatment in Edo

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DO State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has assured ethnic groups resident in the state of equal treatment, irrespective of sex, religion or places of origin.

Oshiomhole, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, gave the assurance yesterday at the Government House when he received a delegation of Yoruba community in the state, led by its Chairman, Dr. Dosu Malomo.

Oshiomhole said government is concerned about the welfare of all the ethnic groups resident in Edo State, pointing out that no group or individual would be discriminated against in the scheme of things.

He thanked the visitors who are members of the All

OSemwengie BEN OGBEMUDIA, Benin Progressives Congress (APC) for their unalloyed support for the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led government.

On the crisis currently rocking the state House of Assembly, the governor described it as a ploy to distract the government from its resolve to develop the state.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Dosu Malomo thanked the present administration in the state for appointing members of his association as members of boards of government establishments.

Dr. Malomo assured the governor that his people would continue to support the administration in the face of the current political challenges.

•From left: U.S. Ambassador, Mr James Entwistle, exchanging signed MoU on power with Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, in Abuja on Thursday. With them is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali.

PHOTO: NAN

Police arrest man for robbery, rape

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IVE persons, including four students of Lighthouse Polytechnic in Edo State, have been arrested for alleged cultism by men of the Edo State Police Command.

The four students are Patrick Rapu, Okpue Kelvin,

R

•Five students arrested for cultism Osagie OTABOR, Benin George Ebiaye and Obodo Godwin.

One battle axe and two bottles of hot drink were

found in their possession.

A fifth suspect, Isaac Emeka Asemota, was arrested at Ugoneki while on an alleged mission to assassinate three members of a rival cult gang.

A locally made pistol and

Help find killers of our sons, families beg police

ELATIVES of the three youths killed in Amadi-Ama community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State have appealed to the state Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin to set up a body to investigate the killing of their sons.

The people, who visited the office of The Nation in Port Harcourt, expressed concern that no arrest has been made seven days after the killing of the three men.

It will be recalled that unknown gunmen reportedly stormed a compound in the community on Wednesday night and killed the victims.

They victims were said to be the only people in the compound at the time of the inci-

Rosemary NWISI, Port Harcourt dent.

The three victims are Justice Owens Tubobereni, an oil worker with Intels Nigeria Limited, Daibi Precious Josiah, graduate of the University of Port Harcourt and Abiye Idawari, an evangelist.

The delegates, led by Tanny Josiah, younger brother to one of the victims, said Tubobereni and Josiah were candidates in the forth-coming youth council election of their community.

Josiah said the compound/ family elections, after which the winners would have qualified for the main election (Electoral College) was scheduled to hold on the Saturday of the week they were killed.

According to the family members, Josiah and Abiye were killed in the court yard, while Tobobereni was killed in his kitchen, all with gunshots to the head.

“We have not heard anything from the police since they were killed and we are pleading with them to assist us to find the killers of our brothers.

“These men had very bright future and they are law-abiding, as you can see in their profile. It is painful to lose these young men in their prime. But we believe in the ability of the police to find their killers.”

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmed K. Mohammed, said no arrest has been made.

five live cartridges were found on him.

However, the suspect said he was assigned the mission because a member of his gang complained that members of a rival cult group raped his wife.

He said he was arrested by local vigilante after they got wind of his mission.

The four students refused to respond to questions put to them.

In a related development, one Samuel Emeka Chukwu was arrested for allegedly robbing and raping five girls at Airport road in Benin City.

Police said Emeka broke into the flat occupied by the girls, stole their phones, cash and tied them with a rope after he had carnal knowledge of all of them.

Samuel, who was paraded along with others, said police arrested him based on mere allegations, and challenged the police to prove the robbery and rape in the court of law.

Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations were concluded.

Group hails impact of amnesty programme on ex-militants

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HE Kengema Unity Forum, a Rivers-based socio-cultural organisation, yesterday, said the Federal Government’s amnesty programme had impacted positively on the lives of ex-militants of the Niger Delta.

The President of the forum, Mr Sobomabo Jackrich, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the amnesty programme had made numerous former militants pilots, engineers, and skilled people.

“The Federal Government’s amnesty programme has changed the reasoning of several youths across the Niger Delta.

“It has touched some people to know that, actually, there is no way we can achieve anything in a volatile region.

“There is no way we can achieve any development when there is disunity.

“There is no way we can

achieve even human capital development when we don’t have peace among us, when we don’t have a profession of our own.

“And so, I give kudos to the Federal Government, the amnesty programme and the amnesty committee led by Hon. Kingsley Kuku.

“So many of our youths are now engineers; so many of our youths that are skilled are now abroad, putting their skills to productive use.`` Jackrich urged the Federal Government to sustain the amnesty programme because it had changed the lives of many ex-militants.

“I was marveled at the level of training and sophistication of former militants, who are now trained pilots and engineers and who are now flying commercial planes.

“It’s an indication that government is determined to change the lives of our youths.``

Akwa Ibom government to sanction indolent workers

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KWA Ibom State Head of Service (HOS), Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien, on Friday in Uyo, promised to impose sanction on absentee workers and those who turn offices into market places.

Udoessien said this in a circular issued by her office and made available to newsmen.

She said that government would invoke the civil service rules against any erring worker in the state.

Udoessien said that government was disappointed at the rate some workers in the state

absent themselves from work.

She said that the few others found at their duty posts expend their energy loitering about.

She said that it was also pathetic that few people who were in the office just sit around gossiping or engage in petty trading rather than facing their work.

“Akwa Ibom State Government will no longer put up with indolent workers.

“The rate at which workers in civil service abandon their

duty posts daily on very flimsy excuses to attend to their private matters is alarming.

“The state cannot continue in this manner. We have to strengthen our civil service if we want to take advantage of investment by foreign partners,” she said.

She recalled that her office had previously issued a number of circulars to draw workers attention to their attitudes to duty and the consequences that might follow.

THE NATION

NEWS 59

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

INEC announces August 16 for Niger senatorial by-election

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HE conduct of the bye-election to fill the vacant Niger East Senatorial seat has been tentatively fixed for Saturday August 16 by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Niger State.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo yesterday released the proposed time table and schedule of activities for the by-election at a stakeholders’ meeting at the state INEC Headquarters in Minna.

It will be recalled that the Senatorial Seat became vacant following the death of Senator Awaisu Kuta on June 12 in Lagos on his way to London for medical treatment.

Onucheyo said that the choice of August 16 was in consonant with the constitution and the Electoral Act Addressing political party leaders, security agencies and civil societies, the REC said, “the National Assembly informed the Commission of Senator Kuta’s death on the 17th July, 2014, and we all know that the tenure of the current Assembly expires in 11 months’ time (June 2015).

“Section 76 of the 1999 constitution mandates the Commission to conduct byeelection to fill this vacant seat within one month, from the date of formal notification. As a result, the State office has proposed Saturday 16th August 2014 for the By-Election.

We called for this meeting because we need to inform you that, we cannot make moves until the Senate writes us. They (Senate) wrote us on the 17th of July

Barnabas MANYAM but it reached my table on the 20th.”

The time table released showed that the collection of forms by political parties would commence on August 4 and to be submitted August 8, 2014.

Onucheyo also said that the publication of personal particulars and forms of nominated candidates would be on August 11 due to the electoral act which mandates the Commission to publish the particulars of personnel and forms in the constituency within seven days of its receipt.

He added that the last day for withdrawal or replacement of withdrawn candidate by political party would be on August 11 while the publication of nomination would be on the 13th of August, 2014.

The REC also stated that campaign by all the candidates would end August 14 in consonant with the Electoal Act which states that campaign is to end 24 hours prior to polling day.

Meanwhile, only the two main political parties out of the 17 in the state have shown their readiness towards the bye-election.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is presenting former Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Shem Nuhu Zagbayi as its consensus candidate.

Former All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) gubernatorial candidate in the 2007 and 2011 gubernatorial elections in the state, Barrister David Umaru of All Progressives Congress (APC) has also declared intention to vie for the seat.

Railway corporation warns against trading on rail tracks

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IGERIA Railway Corporation (NRC) District Office in Minna,

Niger, has warned people in the state against trading and clustering on rail tracks, saying it was unlawful.

The Public Relations Officer of the corporation in the district, Alhaji Akinwoye Abdulraouf, gave the warning with reporters in Minna on Friday.

Abdulraouf said the illegal acts were also dangerous to lives and could adversely affect operations of the corporation.

“The corporation put gates at all its terminals but motorists and traders at the Gwari Market in Minna have destroyed the gates, in the name of trading.

“The gates at the rail tracks have been destroyed repeatedly by impatient motorists in spite of sensitisation in the media and one-on-one encounters with traders in the market,’’ he said.

He added that the keeper of the level crossing alerted people with a red flag whenever a train was approaching but was usually not taken serious by traders and motorists who continued to clog the rail tracks.

“A locomotive engine can-

not stop for traders on the tracks; it is not done; it is impossible because it has the right of way but people are careless and adamant in their ways,’’ he stressed.

Abdulraouf recalled a recent incident which involved a couple at a rail line at the Gwari market in Minna, saying that the wife managed to escape but the husband was not as lucky.

He said that the train driver struggled to avoid hitting the couple but was unsuccessful, adding that if the driver had done otherwise, the train would have derailed and all the people on board would have died.

According to him, items recovered from the accident are yet to be claimed by the family of the couple.

He stated that by the corporation’s regulation, the accident victims were supposed to pay for the damage to the locomotive as a result of the incident, adding that it would cost the corporation a lot of money to repair the locomotive.

He, however, said that the corporation would sustain its sensitization of the public on the dangers of trading along the rail lines and of ignoring the red flag alert by the level crossing’s keeper.

•Remains of Former Minister of Petroleum, Dr Rilwanu Lukman, being taken for interment in Zaria, Kaduna state on ....

Thursday PHOTO:NAN

Pandemonium in Zaria

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HERE was pandemonium in the ancient Zaria City yesterday, as son of Sheikh Ibrahim ElZakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria otherwise known as Shiite, was one of the five people that were reported to have been shot dead by soldiers when the group and soldiers clashed in Zaria yesterday.

According to an eyewitness, members of the Shiite group were on a procession to celebrate this year Quds Day and at the same time to condemn the military operation on Gaza by the Israeli

...as Shiite, soldiers clash •El-Zakzaky son’s, four others fear dead Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna forces in Zaria yesterday.

The witness further disclosed that the sect members while carrying out procession passed a military check point close to the popular PZ roundabout. In the process, there was a misunderstanding between the protesters and the soldiers and it resulted to soldiers firing warning shots but this was

said not to have deterred the protesters who still carried on their protest.

The Nation’s investigation however revealed that, in the process, Mahmud ElZakzaky, son of the Sheik who was among the leaders of the protest was hit by bullet attributed to the Army.

His junior brother, Ahmad El-Zakzaky was one of the dozens of the people arrested by the military.

When contacted the Military authority did not out rightly confirm the incident but a source close to the military said the army authority was aware of the incident and was studying the situation.

As at the time of filling in this report, there is confusion and commotion around the PZ area of Zaria and more soldiers have been drafted to the area.

Adamawa police parade kidnappers

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RIMINALS that specialized in kidnapping were yesterday paraded by the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police Mr. John Abakasanga.

One of the suspects, Chinwedu Mbogu,21, conspired with one Friday Ugwochuku who stole a oneday- old baby from a Cottage Hospital and took same to Aba in Abia State.

Among the suspects was a 72- year- old man who was said to have allegedly defiled a seven- year- old girl .

Barnabas MANYAM Another suspect, Baba Adamu Idirisa will be arraigned. The command declared wanted a 23 –yearold Ahijo Angarawe, a male, for causing grievous harm, resisting arrest and an attempt to commit homicide at Vinikilang Ward of Girei Local Government Area. He is wanted along with a hard drug dealer who also resides in Girei LGA A number of items including Indian hemp knives and cutlasses have been

recovered to that effect. The Command told reporters that criminal conspiracy and robbery took place at Barkin Sajo ward, and one of the suspect , Shehu Nalaide , a male confessed to robbing people in their houses.

Likewise, the command paraded one Abdullaziz Ahmadu, 29, and one Abubakar Salihu, 30 and Abu Sangere, for criminal conspiracy and theft of a Toyota starlet.

The suspects of the stolen car were said to have drugged their victims by using poisoned yoghurt on the

driver of the car before stealing the car and took the car to Cameroun where they disposed it; the CP described them as trans- border criminals.

Investigation according to the command is intensifying to unearth their nefarious activities.

The commissioner thanked members of the public that have been voluntarily furnishing the command with relevant information leading to the arrest and achievements recorded so far, assuring them that their identities would be kept in secrecy.

AU Commission plans joint task force on Boko Haram

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HE African Union Commission (AUC) has announced plans to set up a joint task force with four member states to tackle the menace of the Boko Haram insurgents.

The states are in West and Central Africa- Nigeria, Cameroun, Chad and Niger.

The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Amb. Smail Chergui, gave the indication yesterday while briefing newsmen at the Commission’s headquarters in Addis Ababa.

“On the fight against Boko Haram, the four countries, members of lake Chad Basin have now announced the contribution of 700 armed men from each country to

tackle the insurgents.

“They have also organised their intelligence in order to work together. This is the good news meanwhile, the AU has a proposal even to go further to really be associated with that force or even bring it to the level of what we are doing. It will be joint task force on Boko Haram.“ Chergui commended the four countries on the effort and pledged AU Commission’s support on the plan which based recommendations of the meeting of Head Intelligence Service of the West African region held in Burkina Faso.

“The recommendations of the head of intelligence service meeting were adopted

by peace and Security Council. We are hopeful to work with countries of the region to materialise that force in order to really have better force to tackle the situation, “ the Commissioner said.

He said AMISOM force had resumed operations in Somalia to regain some towns which are still under the control of the Al-Shabab terror groups.

“Some of our operations had stopped because of the rainy season but now the action has resumed and we are hoping to continue regaining towns and places that are under control by Alshebab “We are also concerned by the terrorist attacks that

have been now organised in neighbouring countries, so I think the Peace and Security Summit in Kenya in September will come up with additional measures that we can recommend member states and the international community for interventions.“ He said the Chair of the peace and Security Council, President Idriss Debi of Chad has accepted to organise the summit, on Sept. 2 in Nairobi.

The Summit would be hosted in Nairobi as a solidarity and determination to deal with security challenges not only in the East Africa, but also the Sahel and West Africa to tackle the Boko Haram and so on.

THE NATION

60 NEWS

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IVIL rights activist and a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Mallam Shehu Sani, has said that political bickering and blame game between the government and the opposition parties in the country as well as warmongering between the north and south is helping to sustain the current wave of violence and insecurity in the country.

In a statement made available to The Nation, Sani who is also the President of the Civil Rights Congress (CRC), said it was wrong for the ruling party to blame the ongoing insurgency in the country on the opposition without any proof, He condemned an attempt to link President Jonathan or the Federal Government to attacks that clearly and evidently had the hallmark of the Boko Haram insurgents.

Sani who was reacting to the Wednesday’s twin bomb explosions in Kaduna which was allegedly targeted at an Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi and former Head of State, General

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

Government, opposition encouraging insecurity, says Shehu Sani Tony AKOWE

Muhammadu Buhari, Sani said that the nation had a major challenge which must be addressed with the cooperation of every Nigerian irrespective of political or religious affiliation.

He noted that if the attempt on the lives of the two personalities had been successful, the nation would have been thrown into a major crisis which could have been the intention of those who sponsored the attacks.

Sani said: “The multiple bombings in Kaduna and Kano which targeted Muhammadu Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi stand unreservedly condemned.

The assassination attempt once again demonstrated the annihilating danger faced by the Nigerian state. The attack if successful, could have triggered a serious civil unrest of which the architect must have intended to

achieve.

“The ongoing insurgency and the overall security situation in the country should be a matter of concern to all. With the attack on these two prominent Nigerians, it’s evidently clear now that we are in a situation where everyone is vulnerable. The series of campaign and violence is the most imminent and concrete threat to Nigeria’s unity, freedom and democracy.

“For how long should we continue to harvest the corpses of innocent victims of mass murder. There is the

absolute need for national unity and solidarity in tackling the menace.

“Violence will continue as long as there is no exigent national cohesion to combat it. Political bickering and blame game between the government and the opposition and warmongering between the north and the south helps in sustaining the violence.”

He said it was utterly wrong for the ruling party to ascribe the ongoing insurgency to the opposition without any iota of proof and it’s utterly false for

anyone to concoct conspiracy theory that links President Jonathan or the Federal Government to attacks that clearly and evidently has the hallmark of the insurgents.

“We have a crisis at hand and a historic challenge to address it. These are special moments in the history of our nation which appeals to our conscience and concern and needs our convergence.

“The ill wind of violence is threatening to uproot the standing pillar that upholds our national flag, we must all lend our hand and defy

theses gusting forces. In the crisis we find ourselves, what will matter most to posterity is not the individual opinion we hold about it, but the collective position we took about it.

“When a nation’s faith is tested by crisis, it must be found strong, if that nation is to survive. Each bomb explosion should generate a wave of patriotism to extinguish its motive and detonate its essence. As a citizen I’ll continue to offer the best possible help I can to help restore peace to our country,” said Sani.

Our elected leaders failed us - Kogi APC chieftain

businessman and All Progressives Party (APC) chieftain in Kogi State, Chief David Olatunde Dare has accused the elected representatives and leaders from Yagba West Local Government Area of the state of non-performance.

He said this when he was being honoured with the Lord Lugard Centenary Award by the Public Orientation and Okun Youths Alliance for Progressive Change. He called on Nigerians to resist intimidation by the ruling class.

Affirming his commitment to the party, the APC chieftain said members have their eyes set on winning the next governorship election in the state.

He asserted that the government has failed Nigerians in every sense of the word and left the ordinary people despondent.

According to him, “the executive has failed us, the legislature has failed us, the judiciary has failed us, and today, corruption and insecurity is our lot.

A

James AZANIA, Lokoja “What Nigerians do now is to await where next is going to be the target. We used to think that the judiciary was the last hope of the common man, but today the common man cannot even get access to justice.

“I represent the new generation, but I am not interested in political office.

Our elected leaders, in both the Senate and the House of Representatives have all failed our people. I am home now to address the people and tell them, look, don’t allow these people to bamboozle you with “mudus” of rice and steal away your vote. Your work must be able to speak for you.

“What is left for us in the APC as a party now is for us to get these people out of the National Assembly and replace them with those that will truly represent us.”

He condemned traditional rulers for honouring those he described as hardly deserving of a handshake and called on well-meaning Nigerians to rally against impunity and injustice “across the land.”

Hajj Commission assures pilgrims of better accommodation

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HE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday assured all intending Pilgrims for 2014 Hajj of a comfortable stay in the Holy land.

The assurance is contained in a statement issued in Saudi Arabia by NAHCON Media Head, Mr Uba Mana, in Saudi Arabia and made available newsmen in Abuja. ‘‘Based on the stringent prehajj inspection policy commenced last year and being continued this year, all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that pilgrims have a comfortable stay in the Holy land.

“Specifically, the commission this year ensured full compliance with its new accommodation guidelines.

“The guidelines compel the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to secure standard accommodation for their pilgrims in Makkah,” it said.

According to the statement, the accommodation guideline also stipulates that henceforth pilgrims are not cramped into rooms without regards to space and the number of pilgrims.

It said that commission’s inspection teams were mandated to take into consideration the bed ratio and number of pilgrims per room.

“In this regard, the commission is glad to note that accommodation guidelines enabled the states to secure excellent accommodation arrangement for Pilgrims in Makkah unlike what obtained previously.

•From left: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali; President Goodluck Jonathan and Dean of Diplomatic Corps and the High Commissioner of Cameroon, Mr Abbas Salaudeen, at the breaking of Ramadan fast at the presidential villa in Abuja... Thursday.

PHOTO: NAN

Jigawa airport gets additional N4.1bn

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IGAWA State government has approved the sum an additional N4.1 billion for the construction of Dutse International Airport .

This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Alhaji Babandi Ibrahim after the second round of the state executive council meeting held at the government house, Dutse said the projects is to be executed by three construction firms; Aftin Nigeria ltd,

Ahmed RUFA’I, Dutse CGC Nigeria Ltd and Dantata & Sawoe Ltd. Babandi Ibrahim while explaining the breakdown of the contract, explained that the sum of N 2.6 billion was allocated to Aftin Nigeria Limited which would provide fire tenders, airfield lightening and scanning machines while Dantata and Sawoe would get N1.2 billion for additional works around the runway and CGC Nigeria Ltd gets N500 million for construction of drain-

ages within the airport premises.

According to the commissioner the contract is expected to be completed in the next six weeks to facilitate the commencement of airlift of hajj pilgrims from the state.

Meanwhile the council has also approved the release of over two billion naira for some capital projects in the newly established state University, Kafin Hausa.

He said, N1.8 billion was approved for the construc-

tion of senate building and Vice Chancellor’s resident in the school.

Babandi added that, over N143million for the payment of land compensation to those whose lands were taken for the establishment of the university.

The commissioner reiterated the commitment of the state government to do everything possible to provide all necessary facilities needed to make the new university one of the best in Nigeria.

Eid El Fitr: FCT drivers, transport unions unhappy OME FCT commercial with low turnout of commuters drivers and transport

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u n i o n s yesterdays expressed displeasure over the low turnout of passengers few days to Eid el Fitr celebration.

According to reports, few passengers were at most of the parks in the FCT and many vehicles were empty waiting for passengers.

Alhaji Musa Abaji, Chairman, Branch 3 of the NURTW Taxi Long Journey Division at the Utako Central Motor Park in the FCT, attributed the low turnout of commuters to the security challenges in the country.

Abaji said there used to be

rush by commuters ahead of any festive period in the country, but added that only few were now willing to travel out of their stations for fear of explosions at the parks.

Also speaking, some commercial drivers expressed concern that the frequent bomb explosions in Kaduna and Kano had restricted movements of commuters from Abuja.

“The curfew in Kaduna affected our transport business in the park but after lifting the curfew we started seeing some passengers at the park.

“Our transport fares remain the same. Abuja to Kaduna is

N1, 500; Lagos, N5, 500; Ilorin, N4, 000; Maiduguri, N6, 000 and Kano, N2, 600.”

“We decided not to increase the fare in order to encourage patronage from passengers going to different places in the country,’’ one of the drivers explained.

Mr Taiwo Hassan, a member of National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW), appealed to the Federal Government to make the various parks across the nation safe so as to promote the transport business.

Mr Emmanuel Aboor, the Manager of New Nyanya Transport Company, said

recurring bomb blasts had affected the turnout of commuters, describing the situation as“ very bad and discouraging”.

“In the recent past, there used to be mad a rush of commuters but because people are afraid of the present security challenges, there tends to be low patronage.

“Though we have equipped our park with some security gadgets including scanners which we use to screen passengers’ bags and vehicles, there is poor turnout ,’’ Aboor said.

THE NATION

61

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-07-14

Zenith Bank rallies on half-year earnings

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ENITH Bank Plc played the contrarian stock yesterday as investors continued to respond to the bank’s half-year earnings report. Against the general downtrend at the stock market, Zenith Bank’s share price rose by 1.12 per cent with the addition of 28 kobo to close at N25.23 per share.

Trading at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) was dominated by declines in share prices with 40 decliners against 23 advancers. The All Share Index (ASI), the benchmark index at the NSE, indicated average negative return of 0.57 per cent, dropping from its opening index of 42,529.74 points to close at 42,285.82 points.

Market analysts attributed Zenith Bank’s bullish trading to the positive outlook of its half-year results. Zenith Bank recorded a pre-tax profit of about N58 billion in

•Records N58b profit in six months Taofik SALAKO Capital Market Editor

the first half of this year as the bank sustained modest growths in the top-line and bottom-line.

Interim report and accounts of Zenith Bank for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014 released yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that profit before tax rose by about seven per cent to N57.85 billion in first half 2014 as against N54.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period of last year. Profit after tax also rose to N47.45 billion as against N45.42 billion for the same period in 2013. Gross earnings rose by 7.8 per cent from N171.02 billion in 2013 to N184.43 billion in first half 2014.

The results also showed

that within the period, Zenith, Nigeria’s biggest bank

by Tier-1 capital grew its assets by 15.2 per cent from N2.78 trillion to N3.20 trillion. Also noticeable is the 7.43 per cent increase in shareholders’ funds, up from N458.31 billion as at the end of June last year to 492.38 billion.

The first-half report further strengthened the performance outlook of Zenith Bank, which had increased cash dividend to about N54.94 billion for the 2013 business year as against N50.23 billion distributed for the 2012 business year. The breakdown of the dividend indicated that shareholders received a dividend per share of N1.75 as against N1.60 received in the previous year.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-07-14

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

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SPORT EXTRA Athletes’ allowances will be paid after Games —Elegbeleye

Backlash for Eagles •Continued from back page

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HE Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye has corrected the insinuations in the media that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has failed to pay the camp allowances of the athletes participating in the ongoing 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

He, however, set the record straight by saying that it is a common practice that such payment is done at the end of the competition like it was done during the Gaborone 2014 Africa Youth Games in Botswana.

“I have read in the media that the National Sports Commission has failed to pay camp allowances to athletes before the commencement of the ongoing 2014 Commonwealth Games. I want to correct this insinuation and to also set the record straight on this matter.

“Firstly, I have to say it as a matter of fact that we don’t pay athletes before the commencement of any international competitions in order to guide against unnecessary distractions. We will pay the allowances towards the end of the competition or at the end of the competition. So it is not true that the athletes were stranded or suffering as it was reported in the media.

“The athletes here in Glasgow are very happy and raring to go to make Nigeria proud and we at the National Sports Commission have done everything humanly possible to make them comfortable and happy too. It is when they are comfortable and happy that they too can re-double their efforts and fight for glory for their fatherland.

GLASGOW 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES:

Amalaha bags Nigeria’s first gold

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IGERIA’S good show in weightlifting continued as teenage lifter Joy Chika Amalaha grabbed the country’s first gold medal in the women’s 53 kg category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games on Friday.

16-year-old Amalaha who is the current African record holder in her category, lifted a total of 196 kg in snatch and clean and jerk to get the Gold medal. New Guinea lifter Dika Toua, who is a mother of two,

By Akeem Lawal took the silver with a total lift of 193 kg, while 20-year-old Santoshi Matsa from India grabbed the bronze medal after lifting a total of 188 kg.

Amalaha led the snatch event with the best of 85kg and went on to break the Games Record with a lift of 111 kg each in the clean and jerk section.

This is Nigeria’s second medal from the weightlifting event after winning bronze on the opening day of the

event courtesy of Nkechi Opara.

Nigeria now occupies the 7th position on the medals table.

England continue to dominate the table with a total of 32 medals which includes 12 gold, 11 silver and 9 bronze medals and is closely followed by Australia with 10 gold, 9 silver and 12 bronze medal making a total of 31 medals, while host, Scotland is in 3rd position with 7 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze making a total of 14 medals.

Drogba completes Chelsea return

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REMIER League giants Chelsea announced yesterday that their former striker Didier Drogba has returned to the club on a one-year contract.

Citing the influence of manager Jose Mourinho, Drogba told the club website: “It was an easy decision. I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work with Jose again.

“Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to me. My desire to win is still the same and I look forward to the opportunity to help this team.

“I am excited for this next

chapter of my career,” added Drogba, who was pictured on the club website posing with Chelsea’s new home shirt.

Drogba, 36, was a free agent after leaving Turkish side Galatasaray at the end of last season.

The Ivory Coast star scored 157 goals for Chelsea over an eight-year period and left the club in 2012 shortly after scoring the winning penalty against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

“He’s coming because he’s one of the best strikers in Europe,” Mourinho said.

“I know his personality very well and I know if he comes back he’s not protected by history or

what he’s done for this club previously. He is coming with the mentality to make more history.”

Mourinho brought Drogba to Stamford Bridge from Marseille in a £24 million ($40.7 million, 30.3 million euros) transfer in 2004 during his first stint as manager.

The burly, powerful centreforward went on to become one of the greatest players ever to have played for the west London club.

He was instrumental in three Premier League title successes and also won four FA Cups and two League Cups, in addition to the Champions League triumph at Bayern’s Allianz Arena.

In total he has made 341

appearances for the club, scoring nine cup-final goals, and was voted Chelsea’s greatest ever player in a 2012 fan poll.

After leaving in 2012, he played for Chinese club Shanghai Shenua before joining Galatasaray on an 18month deal in January 2013.

An Ivory Coast great, he played in all three of his country’s matches at the World Cup in Brazil, leaving him with 104 caps and 64 international goals to his name.

Drogba is likely to provide cover for new Chelsea signing Diego Costa, who completed a £32 million move from Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

could be loaned out to smaller teams this season.

Efe Ambrose earned his stripe playing for Nigeria at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. He wasn’t quite outstanding in Eagles’ four matches. Efe returned to his Scottish club Celtic FC of Glasgow, and did well in the team’s UEFA Champions League game. He is a sure bet for the Eagles, except that he plays at the centre-back for Celtic.

The good news, however, is that Elderson Echiejile is fit again to play for his French side. He couldn’t tie down a regular shirt last season. Many hope that Echiejile returns to the first 11, having missed out of Nigeria’s Brazil 2014 World Cup matches due to a freak injury during one of Eagles’ warm-up matches. Our players need to play regularly, if we hope to excel at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

For Godfrey Oboabona, Brazil 2014 World Cup is a nightmare. He nursed hope that he would hit the big stage with a meteoric outing for the Eagles. He limped out against Iran and never returned to the game till Nigeria was eliminated. Easily one of Nigeria’s best central defenders, Oboabona’s injury worries has made his club career in Turkey an uneventful one. Perhaps, this injury is what Oboabona needs to see the doctors, ahead of the 2014/ 2015 soccer season.

Juwon Oshianiwa shocked everyone with his determination at the world Cup. Not a skilful player, yet he fought for the ball and gave his opponents difficult times, every time they took him on to try to dislodge the Eagles’ defence.

Nigeria’s best player at the World Cup in Brazil is Oguenyi Onazi. He did the dirty jobs in the midfield. He covered up Mikel’s weaknesses even though the Chelsea star got the accolades culminating in Mikel being adjudged the man-of-the-match in Nigeria’s first game against Iran.

Onazi was brutalised by the French, reminiscent of what the Italians did to Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amuneke during the USA’94 World Cup. Onazi held the Eagles’ midfield firmly. But he bowed to the rough tactics of the French with the referee from USA looking the other way. Onazi’s exit spelt doom for Nigeria as we crashed out of the competition, losing a game we had firmly in our hands.

When Michael Babatunde was listed in Nigeria’s 23man list, this writer was shocked. He had shown glimpses of his talent. But for the big stage, one had doubts. But Babatunde proved everyone wrong with his sterling performance until he was substituted due to a broken hand in the better-to-be-forgotten game against France. I look forward to watching a midfield featuring Babatunde, Onazi, Bright Dike and Mikel, only if Eagles’ coaches learn how to parade four midfielders, not the archaic two-man midfield formation where Mikel tires out quickly.

If a seer had predicted that Emmanuel Emenike won’t score a goal at the World Cup in Brazil, bookmakers would have placed several bets on such odds. Emenike was the hottest striker in Africa before the Mundial. It was the reason why the Iranians, Bosnians, Argentines and the French close-marked him. He wasn’t given any breathing space as he could be deadly when faced with any goalkeeper. In fact, the Bosnians are still ruing how Emenike shoved off their captain before laying the killer pass which Osaze Odemwingie converted for the only goal of the game between Bosnia and Nigeria. Emenike did score a disallowed goal, yet he did his best at the Mundial. He remains with his club and we expect that he has learnt a few lessons on how to evade his markers. It could also include getting to know how to dribble them beyond his present physical approach to the game.

Odemwingie justified the clamour for his return. He accepted that his behaviour was untoward. The World Cup is over and not one negative word from the “king of the twitter” which means old things have passed away.

Odemwingie and Ahmed Musa propelled the Eagles’ attack against Argentina and France. Odemwingie and Musa scored Nigeria’s three World Cup goals. Poor records for the defending African champions, but a deserving lesson for the Eagles’ coaches on how to field only the best, irrespective of their idiosyncrasies Sadly, one of those dropped by our coaches, Brown Ideye, has joined Barclays English Premier League side Westbromwich Albion for a club record fee of 10 million pounds. He joins the league of Nigerians who have played for the Baggies. Ideye would strive to combine effectively with another Nigerian, Victor Anichebe in the attack. One hopes that Eagles’ coaches can look in their direction when picking the squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ikechukwu Uche is back at Villareal in Spain. He is fit.

It was said that he had reconciled with Eagles coaches.

They know better, having taken stock of what happened in Brazil with the strikers they took there. Uche’s return to the Eagles is imminent. One only wished the coaches had swallowed their pride for the sake of Nigerians. Nigeria would have beaten France and hit the quarterfinals. Maybe, we could have topped the group by beating Iran and drawing Argentina - only if they took Ike Uche, Victor Anichebe, Sone Aluko et al to Brazil. Not one to sulk over spilt milk, Uche offers the coaches their best chance to redeem whatever coaching reputation that they have. Will they take the chance? Oba khato Okpere, Ise!

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

63

SPORT EXTRA FEDERATION CUP:

Enyimba, Giwa now to clash in Abeokuta

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HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved Thursday’s Men’s Federation Cup semi final clash between holders Enyimba FC and fellow Professional Football League side, Giwa FC to the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Although there was a desire to ensure both semi final matches are played at the same venue for reason of close monitoring and the probability of Supersport Television broadcasting both games live, officials have now decided to move one of the matches to ensure equidistance for both competing sides.

Ruth David, Head of Federation Cup unit, stated:

“We have now moved the match between Enyimba FC and Giwa FC to Abeokuta.

Abuja, the venue picked earlier, is much closer to Jos, home of Giwa FC than it is to Aba, the base of Enyimba FC.” However, four –time champions Dolphins FC and Prime FC will still square off at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja, also on Thursday. Both matches kick off at 4pm.

There was also a change in the women’s event, with the match between Sunshine Queens and Nasarawa Amazons now to take place in Lokoja, on Friday. Rivers Angels and Delta Queens retain their FIFA Goal Project, Abuja venue for the same day.

Players’ salaries: LMC clears seven more clubs

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HE League M a n a g e m e n t Company (LMC) says seven other clubs have been certified to have met requirements on minimum wage for players following their submission of proof of salary payment document as directed by the league body.

As at close of business yesterday, the seven clubs that received clearance include Heartland, Sunshine Stars, Enyimba International and Warri Wolves. Others are ElKanemi Warriors, Rangers International and Lobi Stars.

Chief Operating Officer of LMC, Salihu Abubakar who disclosed this also announced that the three clubs, namely Kano Pillars, Abia Warriors and Bayelsa United that were earlier certified to have met the proof of compliance have now been paid the second installment of the Basic Award.

All the 20 Clubs of the Glo Premier League had at the start of the season received N10m each from the LMC as the first installment of the Basic Award

and the LMC had said they could receive more in the course of the season if they are found to have complied with requirements. The LMC has also been paying an enhanced honorarium of all match officials covering their hotel accommodation and travel costs which represents additional expenses the league body relieved the clubs from since the 2012/13 season.

Abubakar said other clubs will also receive their Basic Award as soon as comprehensive verification of their document is completed.

“We have created these procedures to protect players from the previous tales of unpaid salary arrears and will be working with the clubs to ensure overall improvement of players’ welfare”, remarked the LMC official.

Gombe United, Sharks and Giwa FC submitted documents that showed they were not paying players the NPFL minimum wage of N150, 000 and were thus not certified.

2014 GLASGOW COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Boxing: Ajagba books quarter final ticket

MANU WARNS IHEANACHO

No automatic F/Eagles shirt D

ESPITE his eye-catching display for English Premier League champions Manchester City, Kelechi Iheanacho will not just walk into the starting XI of the Nigeria U-20 team, according to coach Manu Garba.

Iheanacho, 17, scored to crown a superb Manchester City debut in a 4-1 pre-season win over Sporting Kansas City in the United States of America on Thursday.

Manu has said the MVP of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup is good enough to feature for

Amuneke: Eaglets in Congo to win

•Ademuyiwa through to Round of 16

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IGERIAN boxer, Efe Ajagba brightened the country’s hopes of another medal after qualifying for the quarter final in the Men's Super Heavy weight (+91kg) category, at the ongoing 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, in Scotland.

Efe, who is competing in his first international outing, de-

•Ademuyiwa Kekinde during a training session in Glasgow

By Akeem Lawal feated Commonwealth 2010 bronze medalist, Fa Uaine of Tonga in the Round of 16 bout decided yesterday at the Clyde Auditorium.

The 20-year-old recorded an outstanding result of the maximum 30points as the judges unanimously accorded him the victory having knocked down Uaine in round two.

Efe’s next fight will be against South Africa’s Schaffer Paul who defeated Leui Paddy Junior of Samoa by unanimous decision also in the Round of 16 bout.

The quarter final bout will come up Tuesday at the Hall Four, SECC, Clyde Auditorium.

Nigeria’s Kehinde Ademuyiwa also defeated Salemani Salum Kidunda of United Republic of Tanzania in the Men's Welter (69kg).

21-year-old Ademuyiwa will next face Australia’s 20 year old Daniel Lewis in the Round of 16 match scheduled to hold at the Hall Four, SECC, Clyde Auditorium on Monday.

European champions Real Madrid, but at the same time insisted he is not guaranteed a place in his star-studded youth team, when they host Lesotho in another AYC qualifier next month.

“Kelechi does not have an automatic shirt in my team. He has to come and prove himself in training before I can pick him,” Manu told AfricanFootball.com “Besides there are equally other talented strikers in my team like Isaac Success, Alhassan Ibrahim ‘Muazam’, Taiwo Awoniyi. So, it will

•Amuneke

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IGERIA'S Under 17 national team, the Golden Eaglets, will be going for victory when they face the Junior Leopards of Congo Democratic Republic in an African U17 Championship (Niger 2015) qualifier today in Kinshasa.

This much was said by the team's Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke (MON) after the Eaglets' final training session yesterday, ahead of the match fixed for 3:30pm local time (3:30pm Nigerian time) at the Tata Raphael Stadium today.

"We are here to win and it is as simple as that but we know that the game will not be that simple," said Amuneke who scored match-winning goals when Nigeria won the 1994 African Cup

of Nations and Atlanta'96 Olympic Soccer Gold medal. "We have constantly told the boys that all what we did in the past are now in the past and the moment of serious business is here for us."

Keen followers of the Eaglets can readily predict the team's line up after remarkably going 21 matches undefeated in regulation time (bar the penalty shootout loss to Benin at the WAFU B Tournament in Togo), fuelling suspicion that the 1994 African Footballer of the Year might stick to his reliables against Congo DR. "The only difference between Saturday's (today’s) match and the ones we played in the past is just the circumstance because this is one of the qualifiers for Niger," he explained. "So it is important for us to win irrespective of what Congo will throw at us because we know Kinshasa is a difficult place to win matches."

Typically, Amuneke refrained from picking any particular player as the joker for the match saying that all the 18 players on the trip are physically and psychologically ready for what is regarded within the rank of the team as 'The Battle of Kinshasa.'

"Joker? I don't have any joker for the match," he bluntly said.

"What we have is a team with a winning mentality and we have brought players we believe will do the job for us.

always be the best who will make my team.”

True to his word, Manu benched the Manchester City starlet in both legs when the Flying Eagles recently dumped their Tanzanian counterparts in the qualifying series for the 2015 African Youth

Championship in Senegal.

He was a 46th minute replacement for ‘Muazam’, when the Flying Eagles trounced Tanzania 4-1 in Kaduna, same as it was two weeks earlier in Dar es Salaam, when the Nigeria U-20s won 20.

Joel Obi relishes Real, Man United tests

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IGERIA international Joel Obi has said preseason matches against Real Madrid, Roma and Manchester United will test his Italian club Inter Milan ahead of the new season.

Inter, who have won the Italian league championship 18 times, finished fifth last season.

“I would say that once we’ve come this far in our preparations the friendly games can be of great help, also to see how we are in our

physical condition in comparison to these great teams. Therefore it will be great tests for us,” said the Nigeria midfielder, who is back at the San Siro after a loan spell at Parma.

“We will go there without being worried to give our all.

We will play our game, then we will see how it goes.”

The left-footed midfielder has not hidden his desire to play for Inter this season after completing another loan spell way from the San Siro.

Rhys Williams tests positive

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WELSH 400M hurdler Rhys Williams is out of the Commonwealth Games after being charged with an anti-doping violation, UK Anti-Doping said on Friday.

Williams, 30, who won gold at the 2012 European Championships and bronze at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010, and was cocaptain of the Wales squad In Glasgow, said he was “utterly devastated” at the news.

“UK Anti-Doping can confirm the provisional suspension of athlete Rhys Williams after being charged with committing an anti-doping rule violation under the IAAF AntiDoping Rules,” UKAD chief executive Andy Parkinson said in a statement in response to an announcement by Team Wales. Williams, the son of former Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby

winger JJ Williams, failed an in-competition test at the Glasgow Grand Prix event on July 11 and has been given a mandatory provisional suspension from all competition.

Welsh 800M runner Gareth Warburton was provisionally suspended this month for an antidoping violation, ruling him out of the Games.

•Williams

TOMORROWPUNCHLINE IN THE NATION

Our people must learn to think much more beyond the veneer and take these empty postulations with more than a pinch of salt SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.9, NO. 2914 « …we, on the threshold of this new constitution, are on the cross roads ; there is that broad, smooth road, with promises of no-taxation, and efforts to get money from other places, leading nowhere but to perdition, poverty, disease and economic enslavement ; and there is the other road – people who go therein pay tax. They also have to apply self-help and selfsacrifice to get where they want. But this road, Mr President, leads to success, to prosperity and to the exploitation of our natural resources by the people of this country” - Chief ObafemiAwolowo, August, 1954

Ideological clarity in Nigerian politics

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ESPONDING to my article ‘Further Thoughts on Ekiti Polls’, an eminent son of Ekiti state sent me a text message agreeing substantially with my views but pointing out that the defeat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in that election could be attributed beyond Dr KayodeFayemi’s flaws to the inability of the people to see any ideological differences between the APC and the PDP. I agree that the lack of ideological clarity among the major political parties is a major problem in contemporary Nigerian politics. The APC projects itself as a progressive party in the mould of the Action Group (AG) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) of the first and second republics. This image was tenable and credible particularly on the part of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before the grand merger that produced the APC as a mega party.

The very necessity of the merger to forge an alliance capable of effectively contending with the PDP behemoth at the polls inevitably blunted the progressive ideological edge of the new party.

This is understandable. The APC had to devise strategies to win power first before being able to implement policies inspired by a progressive ideology. In the process, the APC was forced to accommodate all shades of characters and tendencies many of whom left the ruling PDP not on grounds of principle but because they were losing out in the power game within the party.

Some of those who joined the APC at its inception and were even accepted into its inner leadership core were worse than conservative; they had reactionary antecedents. These elements have since found their way back to their natural habitat, the PDP thus reinforcing the notion that there are really no differences of ideology or values between the two parties.

Interestingly, no one has captured more incisively and clinically the ideological hiatus that separates the APC from the PDP than the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr KayodeFayemi. In his very important book, ‘Regaining the Legacy: Three Years in the Saddle’, Fayemi captures the ideological essence of the APC and I will quote him at some length: “Nigeria stands at a historic juncture. For the first time, the nation is witnessing the practical differences between the neo-classical economic policies of the ruling PDP and the progressive political economic policies of the merging APC as exemplified by the states under our control. This difference has manifested itself in the divergence of opinions regarding issues such as Sovereign Wealth Fund, fiscal federalism and the fuel subsidy removal. The gov-

—Femi Orebe

‘

The APC must refuse to be stampeded by the Ekiti electoral debacle into abandoning its core principles and values. Massive infrastructure provision cannot be compromised.

Taxes are painful but inevitable for development

•Fayemi

•Fayose

erning PDP has embraced the supply side economics in accord with the dictates of the doctrinal mindset of the international financial institutions. Under this worldview, the moneyed elite and big business are given the utmost advantage to reinforce their economic advantages. This trickle down economic theory has clearly failed to empower the bulk of our population. Conversely, we have embraced a more grassroots model of economic development that promises dignified employment and a decent wage, good social services, and social safety nets, modern, functional education that provides marketable labour skills; increased agricultural output, revival of moribund industries, promotion of the knowledge economy and provision of modern infrastructure”. The critical question is why with this deep philosophical insight Fayemi was unable to translate theory into practical electoral victory in Ekiti state. The answer lies in his personal leadership failings which I have addressed in this space and will not dwell upon further.

It is not as if the APC has not tried to project its philosophy of governance and sought to focus public discourse on pertinent issues confronting the average Nigerian. The party was thus widely applauded when it earlier in the year launched its policy road map and manifesto. But what was the response of the PDP? The latter did not undertake a rigorous critique of the APC road map. Its spokesman, OlisaMetuh simply dismissed it as a ‘janjaweed agenda’ thus tarring the APC with the brush of religious bigotry. The APC confronts a major dilemma because its op-

’

ponent is a party that defies any meaningful ideological categorisation. I have insisted that the PDP cannot rightly be described as a conservative party in the mould of either the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) of the first republic or the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) of the second republic. Conservatism is a respected and cohesive ideology, which places premium on minimal government, limited intervention of the state in the economy, fiscal discipline and strict adherence to moral and ethical principles. The PDP stands for none of these values. It is purely and simply a vote-harvesting machine with the singular aim of capturing and retaining power for its own sake.

The PDP has been in power at the centre since 1999. Under President OlusegunObasanjo, its policy platform was the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS).

The late President UmaruYar’Adua jettisoned this for his nebulous seven-point agenda. President GoodluckJonatrhan has in turn dumped YaÁdua’s seven point agenda and is currently purportedly implementing a transformation agenda of little substantive content and negligible impact. Under the PDP’s watch, the country has degenerated abysmally on all fronts – education, health, security, electricity, employment generation, industrialization, agriculture, and poverty alleviation. Yet, President Jonathan is confident of being re-elected for a second term next year, not on the basis of his performance record, but on his ability to divide Nigerians in order to rule them. His has been the most divisive presidency in Nigeria’s history deliberately pitching Christians against Muslims, the North

against the South or the middle belt against the core north.

In the South-West, the PDP is propagating a most cynical form of populism. It promises to abolish or substantially reduce taxes. As Chief Awolowo noted in the quote above, the attractive road of no taxation may seem broad, easy and pleasurable but it eventually ends in poverty, penury and perdition. In Ekiti and Osun states, AyodeleFayose and IyiolaOmisore hop on Okadas or eat roasted corn by the roadside, albeit with sinister masked gun men behind them, in fake, hypocritical solidarity with the poor. We thus have an ironical situation whereby the PDP is now trying to profit politically from its poor macro-economic policies at the national level that has crippled Nigeria’s agriculture, led to massive de-industrialisation, multiplied unemployment and reduced large numbers of our populace to the dangers of riding okadas for a living or selling roasted corn by the road side. Which is really the party of the people? Is it that which wants to keep the people at the menial level of riding okadas for a living or that which through massive infrastructure renewal and qualitative social services wants to elevate the economy to create greater prosperity for all? That is the question the APC must creatively and ingeniously communicate to the electorate.

The APC must refuse to be stampeded by the Ekiti electoral debacle into abandoning its core principles and values. Massive infrastructure provision cannot be compromised. Taxes are painful but inevitable for development. The level of recurrent to capital expenditure must be drastically reduced if meaningful transformation is to be achieved. The imperative of having competent teachers cannot be compromised if we are to have truly educated youth equipped to compete in a global economy. Our economy must be radically elevated so that our people have more dignified ways of earning a living than riding okadas. Principles, values and ideology matter. Everything is not about winning elections. Fayemi lost in Ekiti but he has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Whatever may be his own flaws like all mortals, history will ultimately vindicate the values he stood for as Ekiti state governor. Unfortunately, the wide ranging and thought provoking interview he granted this newspaper last Sunday suggests a man living in denial and thus incapable of facing bitter political realities. His political future rests on his ability to confront and accept cold realities. His contention that he never gave a concession speech, for instance, smacks of intellectual dishonesty, which is totally unbecoming of a gentleman and sober scholar.

In the absence of any redeeming ideology or coherent policy framework, the PDP has become devastatingly adept at running negative campaigns of calumny against the opposition. On the Ekiti polls, the authoritative and influential London-based journal, ‘Africa Confidential’ wrote: “Fayose told voters that Fayemi’s reform plans would mean massive job cuts in the civil service and claimed he was using state funds to build a university in Ghana. By the time Fayemi’s team issued rebuttals, much of the damage had been done. Fayose’s team ran a textbook negative campaign – well funded and personally targeted”. This is a communication challenge the APC must be prepared to confront and effectively counter in future elections.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Backlash for Eagles

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HE reality has dawned on our big boys (Super Eagles) in Europe. They are lan guishing in their old clubs. John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses are not good enough to be part of Chelsea’s pre-season tour. They will keep the home front warm while others perfect their acts ahead of the new European season. That is the price players who lost focus during the World Cup face after the Mundial. Only a miracle will earn them a shirt at the start of the season.

Mikel has been linked with several clubs, especially in Italy. His transfer news is everywhere the international media, yet nothing has happened in terms of securing a new club, leaving pundits to ask what has happened to his game. Chelsea’s manager Jose

(My World Cup diary, 15) Mourinho has recruited good holding midfielders who will keep the Nigerian at the stands, not on the bench this new session.

Had the Eagles done well in Brazil, Mikel and Moses would have called Mourinho’s bluff and head for at least Queens Park Rangers (QPR), the newly promoted Barclays English Premier League side.

Will Mikel return to the Globacom Premier League competition this season? Shocked? Do not be. It could happen with the way things are. Or he could swallow his pride and head for the lower rung, like Kenneth Omeruo, who is on a one year loan to Middleborough.

Is this how Mikel’s career will end? I don’t think so. He must lift his game. He must show

that he can dribble, pass the ball very well and score goals. Passing backwards or shielding the ball from markers cannot help his game.

Not a few criticised Mikel’s choice as the Budweiser Man-of-the-match against Iran.

They opted for Osaze Odemwingie. But the statistics on the technical board as the Iranian game progressed showed that Mikel was indeed the engine-room of the Eagles in that tie. Mikel has vowed to remain at Chelsea to fight for a shirt. No one doubts his talent. His problem is his style. He needs to be more adventurous, if he hopes to use Chelsea’s games to convince willing European teams to seek for his services. This seems far-fetched for

now, given Mikel’s body language. It could mean that his fight for shirt at Chelsea is hinged on the fact that a move out of Stamford Bridge could force the Nigerian to take a pay-cut. Pay cut for Mikel? Read my lip.

Moses’ case is slightly different. He learnt the game in England, playing with English kids. His peers are all over; so are some of his former coaches and trainers, who taught him the basics of the game. Moses seems too lazy.

He was loaned out to Liverpool. He couldn’t lift his game, with England international whiz-kid Raheem Sterling keeping the Nigerian on the bench for most of last season.

However, Moses could get succour from his former manager at Wigan, Roberto Martinez, who coaches Everton.

Martinez wanted Moses at Everton last season. He could return for the Nigerian. But this depends on how much Chelsea would accept as his transfer fees. Otherwise, Moses Continued from Page 62

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