Nigerian observer 09 05 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

• Vol . 38 NO.478 • FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014 • N100.00

Decamping: Group

ART ALIVE Page 18 The man who mapped the world

By TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN

BENIN CITY - Following the recent spate of decamping from the All Progressives Congress

backs Gov Oshiomhole

(APC) in Edo State, the Grassroots Coalition Network, (GCN), a sociocultural pressure group

committed to good governance in Nigeria has thrown its weight behind Edo State

Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for what it termed “Politics of Development, rather than sharing of state funds” Speaking exclusively Continues on page 2

Illegal Tax Collection

ART AND CULTURE Page 19 Ivory trades of Great Benin Culture

Gov Oshiomhole reads Riot Act to LG Chairmen

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

BENIN CITY- Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has asked the Chairmen of Local Governments in the state to put a stop to the collection of illegal taxes in their council areas saying only legitimate and approved taxes must be collected.

The governor who also said “our local warned against double governments must be taxation, said it amounts careful on the issue of to extortion of the revenue collection. I taxpayer if he is made to recognize the legitimacy of pay tax to both the State tax collection. Everywhere Government and Local in the world, taxes are Government on the same paid. Government needs it matter. to run and provide services Speaking during a to the people. meeting with the “I know as local Chairmen of the Eighteen governments you have Local Government Areas obligation to pay salaries, of the state in his office, you have obligation to yesterday, Oshiomhole provide and maintain markets and there are a couple of areas where you are supposed to be active.

You also have a number of health centres and several other purposes that you need tax to operate.

“The oil theft that has been on for quite some Progressives Congress time has affected all tiers (APC) and wondered of government. Edo state why politicians who are for example lost one billion desperate for power naira. The difference would like to play politics between the budget and with his appointment. what the federal “I want to unequivocally government released to us state that I have not last month was about one resigned my appointment as SSG and have no intention of doing so.

Those peddling such rumours are idle politicians. Infact, I enjoy working with the Comrade Governor and

By JOSES SEDE I am very desirous of ABUJA - President contributing my quota to Goodluck Jonathan the development of the yesterday, met behind state”. The SSG stated. closed doors in Abuja with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria,

billion naira and I know that would have also affected the allocation

to each of your local governments”, he said.

“However, for too long,

many people have been masquerading as tax collectors. I think we have done enough sermonizing and enough awareness campaign. I have spoken with the traffic management officials, I believe it is time after this lengthy

warnings that we now begin to invoke the law and that is why I have invited the Commissioner of Police, the Directorate of State Security Service to be present at this meeting Continues on page 2

I have not resigned my appointment BENIN CITYSecretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere has debunked rumours making the rounds in some quarters that he has resigned his appointment.

The SSG, who made this known in a press statement yesterday, said he enjoys working with the Comrade Governor and has no intention of resigning his appointment as is being peddled by some idle rumour mongers.

Prof. Ihonvbere clarified that he is still in the All

- Ihonvbere

TIT BIT

“If you wake up to find that all your friends have suddenly become your enemies, it is most likely that you are the one who suddenly turned an enemy of all your friends.”

- Kinglsey Ogbeide-Ihama

PROTEST: Women for Peace and Justice Coalition in Edo State in a protest at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat yesterday over the Abduction of Chibok School Girls. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

Abducted School Girls

Jonathan meets US Envoy Mr. James Entwistle.

The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum for Africa, was meant to discuss the modalities

for the actualisation of the offer made by President Barrack Obama to assist Nigeria in rescuing the schoolgirls abducted from Chibok, Borno State, on April 14.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the meeting was a follow-up to talks held on Wednesday between

Tambuwal laments leadership failure

BENIN CITY – The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mallam Aminu Tambuwal has attributed the challenges in the Nigerian Polity to

the failure of political leadership.

Tambuwal made the remark in Benin City at the public presentation of the two books co-

authored by university dons in criminology and criminal justice, Prof.

Patrick Igbinovia and his

wife, Deaconess Edobor-Igbinovia.

Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was Continues on page 2

Entwistle and Nigerian security officials on the United States offer of assistance.

Abati quoted the President as reiterating Nigeria’s appreciation of the US offer to deploy security personnel and assets to work with their Nigerian counterparts in the search and rescue operation, which was conveyed to him on Tuesday by the US Secretary of State, Mr. Continues on page 2

News

Group backs Gov Oshiomhole

Continued from page 1

with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER, yesterday, President of the group, Chris Osa Igbinovia, called on Governor Oshiomhole not to lose his sleep over those he described as political merchants who wanted to hijack the party for their selfish interests rather than that of the generality of APC members in the state.

Comrade Igbinovia who commended Governor Oshiomhole for his landmark

achievements in different sectors of the economic and political life of the state, urged the governor to remain focused on developing Edo State, rather than allow the decamping of some few party members to distract or worry him.

“In any democracy, decamping is allowed.

APC as you know, is a mega party which came on board recently. What

the Comrade Governor should bear in mind is that those leaving the party now are not genuine and loyal members. They are only selfish and greedy. Edo people and our Coalition are solidly behind the governor and his government, particularly those polices and programmes aimed at transforming Edo”, the GCN boss declared.

Continuing, the GCN president advised the

traditional rulers and community leaders so that they can share information.

Responding on behalf of the Chairmen, Mrs Itohan Ogbeide said “the state government is not against collection of legal levies and taxes. What we are bothered about is the

illegal collections at road blocks where spurious demands are made from road users.

“We condemn illegal radio levies, advertisements and all kinds of tickets among others.

We support the state government in all its developmental efforts”, she said.

Gov Oshiomhole reads Riot Act to LG Chairmen Continued from page 1

so that I can now, here and publicly remind the Chairmen and encourage them to join us in maintaining the law.

“If someone who is not authorized by the law to collect tax goes about extorting money from the public, the police and the SSS would ensure that he is arrested and prosecuted by the mobile court and if found guilty will be sent to prison.

“Local Governments must desist from illegal tax collection of taxes. Where the state is supposed to collect taxes, local governments should not interfere, where local government collects, the state should not collect because the law is clear. Where we have a memorandum of understanding to streamline tax collection so that we have one box where taxes are collected and distributed, that must be adhered to.

“Anybody outside that MoU who chooses to collect taxes will be arrested and prosecuted. I also want to add that nobody has immunity. I probably have some, I am not sure how far it can take anyone but the truth of the matter is nobody has immunity.”

Oshiomhole reminded them that they have a responsibility to maintain law and order in their councils, saying “As chairmen of Local Governments, it is true you have responsibilities for the security of your local government area but you can only discharge that responsibility when you liaise with the stakeholders in your local government because somehow these criminals live among us.

“So I want to encourage you as you go back to your local governments, you have to try and work with the police and the SSS,

Jonathan meets US Envoy

Continued from page 1 invoke John Kerry.

“The President told Mr. Entwistle and other delegations which met separately with him at the venue of the World Economic Forum that the much greater support which Nigeria was receiving from the United States and other members of the international community in the aftermath of the Chibok abductions, will certainly help the country to rapidly overcome the Boko Haram insurgency.

“Others received by President Jonathan include the President of Ghana, Mr. John Mahama and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo who brought him a message of solidarity from ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

“President Mahama informed President Jonathan that to support Nigeria’s efforts to rescue the abducted girls and defeat terrorism, ECOWAS leaders have decided to

Tambuwal laments leadership failure

Continued from page 1 represented by the deputy governor, (Dr.) Pius Egberanmwen Odubu.

The Speaker House of Representatives who was represented by the member representing Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon Constituency, Hon. Samson Osagie said the problem of the country is neither the absence of laws nor knowledge but the failure of political leadership.

He described the books entitled “Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalisation in Nigeria” and “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria. An Appraisal” as topical and appropriate at this time of Nigeria’s political history.

The state deputy governor who spoke on behalf of the governor described professor Igbinovia as an erudite scholar who is doggedly committed to impacting

Comrade Governor to urgently set up a committee comprising Credible loyalists of the party and headed by a staunch believer in the policies and philosophy of the Governor in the person of Barrister Osarodion Ogie, the commissioner of works in order to determine true members of the party who have been in the struggle since 2006. The idea, he said, is to ensure that those who deserve to be rewarded are identified and strategically positioned to strengthen the party.

He, however expressed the hope that next Monday’s state congress of the party in Edo State will be hitch-free as those creating division and tension in the party have left the party adding that the fortunes of APC will not in any way be affected by the exit of the decampees who think they were the pillars in the party.

positively on the lives of Nigerians.

Reviewing the book on Oil Theft, the Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Professor Cordelia Agbebaku said the book assesses the performance of the antigraft agency in its fight against corruption within the first 10 years.

The Dean, faculty of Law University of Benin, (UNIBEN) Professor Lawrence Atsegbua noted that the appraisal of EFCC examines among other issues, the general perception that the NNPC is a conduit for wastage of public funds.

In her remarks, the former Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN Professor Grace Alele-Williams said the books deal with some of the most critical issues in contemporary times.

the community’s protocols on counter-terrorism.

“The Ghanaian leader said that a meeting of Heads of Intelligence Services of ECOWAS member-countries will hold in Accra next week to work out a new framework for intelligence sharing in support of the effort to eradicate the threat of terrorism in Nigeria and the entire West African SubRegion”, the statement read.

Abati said the President also had private meetings with the founder of the WEF, Prof. Klaus Schwab, who said Nigeria deserved the maximum solidarity of the world at this trying moment.

The presidential spokesman said Jonathan later met with President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, former President Lula Da Silva of Brazil and the Prime Minister of Mali, Mr. Moussa Mara.

Meanwhile, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has said it would intervene in critical sectors of North’s economy to end poverty and insecurity.

The promise is coming ahead of the Northern States Governors’ Forum/U.S. Investors and Aid Agencies forum billed to hold on Saturday.

Administrator of USAID, Dr Rajiv Shah, was quoted to have promised that the U.S. Government would make direct investments in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, power/energy and health/ education.

This, he said, was to mitigate poverty and end insurgency.

A statement issued by the forum Chairman and Governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu’s spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo, said this was the highlight of a meeting between USAID and Northern States Governors in Abuja on Wednesday night.

Aliyu said the collaboration between the forum and the U.S. Government would provide a broader platform for agricultural development as it could employ about 70 per cent of the Nigeria’s workforce.

“Under the partnership, we intend to build collaborative business skills of smallholder farmers and associations and increase access to credit and electronic payment services and advancing the development of evidence-based agricultural policies,” he said.

He said the intervention would help to develop an environment for small businesses and

expand access to market-driven vocational and technical training linked with private sector employment opportunities.

Aliyu said USAID programmes would support equitable access to quality basic education through teacher training, support for girls’ learning, infrastructure improvement, community involvement, reading and literacy skills development, targeting public, Qur’anic and Islamiyya schools.

“Qur’anic schools focus on learning the Qur’an and Islamic values, while Islamiyya schools integrate classes to build skills in reading local language and numeracy into the traditional Qur’anic curriculum,” he said.

EDHA refutes report on gunshot BENIN CITY- The Authorities of Edo State House of Assembly have faulted a report in some national dailies linking a gun shot in the Assembly premises to impeachment in the House.

A Statement by Charles Ayeni, SSA (media), Edo State House of Assembly indicated that checks by the Chief Security Officer of the Assembly revealed that the gun shot, “was an accidental discharge from the gun of the police orderly attached to a member of the House when he was about opening the door to the said member’s office” According to the statement, “the House of Assembly is peaceful and calm. The alleged change of leadership, as speculated by the reporters is a mere figment of their imagination”.

The statement therefore urged security agencies and the general public to discountenance the speculation while urging reporters to verify their information before going to press.

Commissioner lauds BENIN CITY – The Artistes Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Mobilization, Hon. Chris Okaeben has commended Edo Artistes Association of Nigerian (EAAN) for its effort in discovering young talents and bringing out the best potentials in them.

Hon. Okaeben gave this commendation while receiving members of the association who paid him a courtesy call in Benin City.

The Commissioner said that the involvement of youths in the entertainment industry also helps to reduce social vices in the society.

Hon. Okaeben stressed that considering the calibre of Artistes in the association, there was no doubt that the humourous environment the society enjoys is as a result of the harwork and selfless services of members.

“When I am watching our local movies, of course I have no doubt in my mind. When I see the likes of you, I so much appreciate what you are doing in spending your time and resources to make people forget their sorrow and frustration, I get encouraged that Nigeria will change for the better.

We have no other place to call our own and in your little way, you are contributing your

quota in terms of showcasing our rich cultural heritage,” he said.

He enjoined the members of the association to honour one of their late members, late Erhauyi Ukeke who was murdered some years ago by observing one minute silence in his honour while promising to support the association.

“We get heart broken when we are celebrating the likes of you (EAAN) that there are some missing indices and spices that would have made the family more beautiful.”

“We are left with no choice than to always remember them in prayers, it’s on that note, I want to quickly enjoin all of us to please observe one minute silence for your member who always make me laugh, even if I am heart broken, the most celebrated Ukeke Erhauyi,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Mr. Henry Iyobosa Legemah BOT Secretary expressed the association’s readiness to support the Government by freely training youths who are interested in the entertainment industry free.

He therefore called on youths in the state to make themselves available in that regard

ALGON to distribute 200,000 bags of fertilizer BIRNIN KEBBI - The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) said it will distribute more than 200,000 bags of assorted fertilisers at subsidised rate to farmers in Kebbi this farming season.

Alhaji Musa Dan-Illelah, the Chairman of the association in the state, said this while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi.

Dan-Illela said that already, the commodity had been procured and would be sold to the farmers at the cost of N1, 700 per bag.

According to him, this will represent a N3, 000 subsidy, as a bag of the commodity costs N4,700 in the open market.

“The provision of fertiliser at low rates to farmers is to boost food production in the state and to serve as an incentive to attract people to farming.

“This will also help improve the farmers’ economic status.’’

He said that the association would ensure that additional incentives were provided to the farmers.

Dan-Illela said that the association had distributed 11, 550 metric tonnes of the commodity worth N1.3 billion in 2013 to famrmers in the state.

He said that such incentives would be sustained since the majority of the people in the state were farmers.

He said ALGON would also accord priority to the construction of access roads in the rural areas, adding that modalities were being worked out to enable each local government to construct 20 kilometres of road.

According to him, the provision of roads is a major factor in enhancing social and economic development.

N52.3m Fraud: EFCC

begins trial of Pastor IKEJA -The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has began the trial of a pastor, Mr Peter Nwogu, accused of defrauding some accommodation seekers of N52.3 million.

The 52-year-old accused is being prosecuted before Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya of an Ikeja High Court.

The commission, had on March 18, arraigned Nwogu for the alleged offence and he was remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Prison.

During yesterday’s proceedings, the EFCC counsel, Mrs Olubunmi Bosede, called three witnesses to testify against the accused.

Testifying, Mrs Vivian Obinabo, an estate surveyor and valuer, told the court how the accused defrauded her clients between July and August 2013 in Lagos.

Obinabo said Nwogu placed

advertisements for lease of property on some national newspapers using his outfits, Christian Defence Fellowship and Business Defence Solutions Limited.

She said the accused posed as the owner of the property situated at No.6 Gerrard Road and No.6 Olawale Dawodu St., both in Ikoyi.

Obinabo said: “The accused scheduled a meeting between us and came with a convoy of mobile policemen.

“My clients, which included Manuchar Trading Company Ltd., Sony Flying Dove Ltd., Akintola Williams Delliote and Associated Press inspected the property.

“They expressed interest and demanded for a copy of the tenancy agreement before making payments,” she said.

According to her, Nwogu obtained a total of N52.3 million from her clients as payments for rent and other sundry charges.

Inside Edo Enabulele Igbinoba Installed Odionwere

Social Security

Don Charges Nigerian Leaders

BY RICHARD EWEKA BENIN CITY – A Lecturer in the Department of Political Studies, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Mr. Iro Aghedo has called on Nigerian leaders to ensure the provision of social security for Nigerians.

Making the call in a lecture titled, “Nigeria, a Paradise on the Verge of Collapse.” Mr. Aghedo also urged the leaders to ensure the protection of lives and property of the citizens, protection of fundamental Human Rights as well as ensuring law and order in the nation, saying they are the attributes of established state.

The occasion was the reunion/gathering of achievers class of the 2007/2008 session of international studies and Diplomacy Department of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

The guest lecturer however noted that Nigeria is not an established state but a weak and fragile one having failed the citizenry in providing them the basic necessities of life.

Nigeria is weak and fragile due to pervasive corruption, high level of poverty, unemployment, poor image amongst the committee of nations, insecurity which has led to insurgency we’re now experiencing today.

“We must over come all these issues and make Nigeria an established state, rather than the weak or fragile state we have found ourselves today. To correct this, our leaders must get the notion and the practice of government right” he concluded.

The proterm president of the Achievers class of international studied and Diplomacy, UNIBEN (2007/ 2008), Eyemwonmwen Osamuyi gave a brief history of the body and thanked all members present at the event for their commitment.

He said the set has been adjudged one of the best in the Department of international studies and diplomacy.

“It was on record that we gave birth to the first speaker in the person of Idahosa Asuen.

“Today, ISSA is a force to reckon with in UNIBEN Protem Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the group,

Speaker Edo State House of Assembly (arrowed), flanked by Comrade Desmond Agbama (right), Chairman Edo State Council, Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ), in a group photograph with members of the NUJ, during the celebration of World Press Freedom day in Benin City recently. PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN

EDSOGPADEC Assures Communities U R H E H U E Of Development (Orhionmwon) – Oil and Gas producing Communities in Edo State have again been assured of governments commitment to leave no stone unturned in the quest to bring development to their doorstep.

This assurance was made Tuesday at the 2014 Needs Assessment/Sensitization Conference and study Tour of Orhionmwon Local Government Area by the Board and Management of Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Area Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) with stakeholders and Opinion leaders in the area.

Speaking at the Meet-thePeople-Tour in Urhehue Customary Court, one of the newly constructed projects by EDSOGPADEC, Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Vincent Uwadiae, said the yearly event by the commission was designed to have a first hand information on Opinions of beneficiaries of the numerous projects executed by the commission, the standard of the projects, the demeanor of the contractors and consultants handling them as well as the relevance or otherwise of the projects to the benefiting communities.

Barrister Uwadiae who added that the forum was also designed for the communities to make fresh requests for more projects further assured that every project already commenced would be completed within the lifespan of his administration.

Reeling out the catalogue

of projects already completed as well as those ongoing, the member representing Orhionmwon Local Government Area in the board of EDSOGPADEC, Hon Fidelis Okunzuwa, thanked the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the gathering, made up of representative of the Oba of Benin to the occasion, Chief Osayomwanbo Osemwengie Ero, the Edoba Yokhae of Benin Kingdom, the Enigie, youths, the Community Development Associations of the 34 communities represented at the event for creating the enabling environment for EDSOGPADEC to record such success in the development of the local government area.

Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of a

lecturer titled “Youth Violence and Criminality Enemies of Community Development, delivered by Dr. John Egharevba of the University of Benin the question and answer session as well as the distribution of various agricultural equipment.

The occasion was graced by the state’s publicity secretary of the All Peoples congress, Comrade Godwin Erhahon who chaired the occasion; the member representing Edo North Senatorial District in the Board of EDSOGPADEC Hon. Lugman Muhammad, the member representing Ovia North-East Local Government Area in the Board, Prince Ehioze Erediauwa, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Board of the commission, Barrister Osadebamwen Duke Osunbor and some top management staff of the commission.

AIHUOBABEKUN – Pa Enabulele Igbinoba was on Saturday, May 3, 2014 installed as the Odionwere of Aihuobabekun village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The colourful installation ceremony was graced by sons and daughters of the community who expressed joy that they now have a new Odionwere.

Speaking during the enthronement ceremony, Pa Igbinoba thanked the people of Aihuobabekun for the singular honour done to him and promised that he would strive to put smiles on their faces.

He said that as a recognized farmer and rural technocrat, he would use his new position to enhance the socio and economic development of the community.

The new Odionwere expressed gratitude to the Oba of Benin His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa for his fatherly role in the kingdom as well as his regular peace initiatives which have helped to guarantee peace in Edo State.

He appealed to the Chairman of Ovia North East local government council to come to the aid of the community with regards to the maternity centre which he noted, was already in a serious state of dilapidation.

Pa Igbinoba solicited the cooperation of the youths and the ACDA in order to move the community forward.

While expressing his appreciation to the ACDA, youths as well as men and women of the community for his successful enthronement as the 14 th Odionwere of Aihuobakekun Community, he warned that no one should take laws into his or her hands

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (right), exchanging pleasantries with Chief Sam Igbe, Iyase of Benin and Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin kingdom during a book launch in Benin City. PHOTO: MOSES OBOH.

while all illegal collections should stop forthwith.

Responding on behalf of the community, the CDA Chairman, Mr. Matthew Idemudia thanked the Odionwere for his address to the community, particularly on his advice to the people to be law abiding and to stop illegal collections.

Mr. Idemudia promised the full support and loyalty to the Odionwere at all times.

Mr. Enabulele Igbinoba

Madam Omorodion For Burial BENIN CITY-The Odia and Omorodion families both of Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have announced the obsequies of Late Madam Osayande Omorodion, a devout Christian and Community leader whose death occurred on March 10, 2014. She was aged 85 years.

A statement issued on behalf of family and signed by her Mr. Emmanuel Omorodion indicated that her remains will depart University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in a motorcade to her residence on Friday May 16, 2014, at 9.00am. There will be a Service of Songs same day at 4.00pm at her residence, No. 6, Chris Igiebor Drive, off Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin City, interment at her residence thereafter.

On SATURDAY May 17, 2014, there will be entertainment of guests at George Idah Primary School, Ihama Road, Benin City beginning at noon.

The statement adds that the burial ceremonies will climax on May 18, 2014 a thanking service at the Redeemed Church, Upper Room Parish, 3 Redeemed Christian Way, Off Adesuwa Road, G, R. A, Benin City beginning at 9am The late madam Omorodion survived by six Children.

Late Madam Omorodion

News Kaduna State Bans Commercial Motorcycle

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and Chinese Prime Minister, LI Keqiang, addressing a Joint News Conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

KADUNA- Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has signed the law banning the operation of commercial motorcycles in Kaduna metropolis and some other major towns in the state.

Briefing newsmen after the weekly Security Council Meeting, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ben Bako, said the ban was aimed at reinforcing security in the state.

Bako said that the ban followed the influx of commercial motorcycles in the state following a similar ban on their operations in some neighbouring states such as Plateau, Niger, Kano and the FCT. The Commissioner listed the areas affected by the ban

to include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Zaria, Jema’a, Sabon Gari and Birnin Gwari local government areas.

He said the ban would take effect from May 21, warning that any person caught operating a commercial motorcycle would face three months’ imprisonment with an option of N10,000 fine.

He, therefore, advised all commercial motorcycle operators to desist from any commercial activities with motorcycles on or before the deadline, saying that defaulters would face the full wrath of the law.

Bako also reiterated the commitment of the state government toward addressing security, health and other relevant issues that affected public lives.

NCAA Clears Birnin Kebbi Airport For Operation

Bilateral meeting between Nigeria and China in Abuja on Wednesday.

Okorocha Reiterates Commitment

OWERRI- Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to tackle insecurity in the state.

Okorocha said at the launch of 25,000 jobs under the “Imo Youths Must Work’’ programme that insecurity was fuelled by idleness caused by unemployment.

“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop; armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism are all fuelled by unemployment,’’ he said.

The governor said that his administration was determined to end the problem by providing jobs for the youths under the programme.

“The nation cannot work unless the youth is working; that is why this administration is committed to providing jobs for the numerous unemployed youths in the state,’’ he said.

He said that as part of the state’s contributions to the fight against insecurity, 7,000 youths were employed in the Imo community watch as extra security measure while 2,000 were employed in the Imo civil guard.

Okorocha urged Nigerians to

unite regardless of tribe or political affiliation to end the insecurity challenge facing the country.

“All Nigerians should unite and close ranks to end the ugly situation of incessant bombings and kidnappings in the country.

“This is not the time to apportion blame on any political party or to use the situation as campaign strategy.

“What we should be discussing now is how to end the ugly situation we have found

To Fight Insecurity

ourselves,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Kenneth Emelu, said the programme would harness the skills of unemployed youths in the state.

He expressed the hope that the impact of the programme would help to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and poverty induced immorality.

“With the implementation of

the programme, there will be zero idleness that will engender unwholesome and devilish thoughts in the minds of the youths thereby effectively eradicating crime,” he said.

The commissioner appealed to companies and corporate organisations in the state to partner with the government to provide jobs through skills acquisition and empowerment schemes.

BIRNIN KEBBI- The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says the newly constructed N13 billion Birnin Kebbi International Airport is to commence flight operations for light aircraft.

The acting DirectorGeneral, Aerodrome of the NCAA, Mr Joyce Nkemakalem, said this when he led a delegation of experts on a final inspection of the facility.

He expressed satisfaction with the facilities and assured that the authority would issue a flight operation clearance for domestic operations later in the month.

Earlier, the Airport Manager, Malam Umaru Mande, explained that

conditions for the smooth operation of the airport had been fulfilled in line with civil aviation rules and regulations.

He said 500 workers for all the departments had been employed and were being trained in Lagos for effective airport management.

Governor Saidu Dakingari, who also inspected the new airport, said he would be part of a night test flight to Abuja from the state capital.

A cross section of people described the new airport as a major source of employment, revenue generation and a boost to tourism and called on authorities to ensure proper maintenance of the facility.

Experts Want TB Treatment Made Compulsory ENUGU- Health experts at the German Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Relief Association (GLRA) have called on the Federal Government to enact a law for compulsory tuberculosis treatment and control.

A medical adviser on tuberculosis, Dr Charles Nwafor, told newsmen in Enugu that such relevant laws would compel persons with the disease to go for treatment in the interest of the public.

According to Nwafor, the severe form of tuberculosis is known as multi-drug resistant

TB which is difficult to treat because the regular drugs used are not able to cure a person with this form of TB. “We know that some countries have laws that protect the public, heathwise. In Kenya, if you have TB, especially the resistant type, you must go for treatment compulsorily.

“We are worried because some patients who have been diagnosed with the resistant type and offered free treatment have refused this form of treatment for several reasons; some are due to religious beliefs.

“Some patients also believe that the disease cannot be cured with orthodox medicine, some believe it is a spiritual attack while some are afraid of losing their jobs because a patient who has resistant TB must remain in the hospital and receive the treatment for eight months,” he said.

Nwafor said as public health specialists, they were worried because these people affected by the disease, especially the resistant type, and had refused to receive treatment constituted public health hazards.

Earlier, another medical

adviser, Dr Tony Meka, said there were cases of drug resistant TB patients who refused treatment in spite of the plea to go for treatment, adding that the treatment was free.

“There are some confirmed cases of drug resistant patients who have refused treatment in spite of all entreaties. The treatment is free, the drugs are free and in addition there are some incentives to act as support and yet they vehemently refuse treatment,” Meka said.

“We are looking at it beyond individual rights, being a serious

infectious disease, we think its spread in our community has a public health effect,” he said.

He said the form of the disease talked about was a more severe form of TB, adding that most people who had the disease had refused treatment and yet lived in a community and maintained the spread within the community thereby putting the community at risk.

Meka said in some states like Bayelsa, Cross River and Ebonyi, health workers encountered people with the disease turning down the treatment.

News Socio Amenities: Monarch Seeks Govt Support

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

EJEME-ANIOGOR (DELTA STATE) The traditional ruler of

Ejeme-Aniogor in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta state H.R.H Obi Agbogidi Onwelikwu

Ogboli has appealed to the state government to

Ejeme-Aniogoe.

He made the appeal during an interview with help in the infrastructural the Observer in his palace development of his area, lamenting that his community had no government presence.

According to him, the community is still drinking from pond water, with a dilapidating school without facilities such as chairs, desks and, not enough teachers, He decried the lack of good link roads to enable his people evacuate their farm produce as farming is their occupation.

H.R.H Onioelikwu called for socio amenities such as building of utramodern market,

L-R: Mr. Victor Ekhator, member, representing Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Barrister Osadebamwen Duke Osunbor, and Mrs. Philo Ekhioragbon, Women leader, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area during the 3rd Stakeholders meeting organised by the Commission in Benin City. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

Ibrede Community Petitions Uduaghan, AIG Over Crisis

IBREI (DELTA) -The people of Ibrede Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, have called on the state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and the Assistant Inspector General (A.I.G) Zone 5, Hashimu Argungu Benin City to intervene in the alleged destruction and burning of houses and property, unlawful arrest of innocent citizens of the area by the police in the Delta state police command, Asaba under the sponsorship of the Urueboh

youth leader, Mr Israel Arueighe.

In a seven page petition written

by His Royal Majesty, Chief J.D Iliromah (JP) and the Edio in Council of Ibrede which was made available to newsmen, further accused the Local Government Transition Committee Chairman of the area and his Vice Chairman Mr. Innocent Ogboru who is from the crises- ridden area of high connivance and deliberately feeding the Delta State Police Commissioner with falsehood therefore leading to the continuous arrest and the unfortunate incident

ABUJA - The Former Governors Forum (FGF) has condoled with the family and friends of former governor of old Kwara, Alhaji Adamu Attah, who died on May 1.

The Chairman of the forum, Sen. Jim Nwobodo, delivered the condolence message at a press conference in Abuja.

Nwobodo said the late Attah was quiet but charismatic in his engagements as a public servant and politician and governed his state with the fear of God and unquestionable devotion.

“He was knowledgeable and brought to bear on the governance of the old Kwara State, the wealth of experience he gained as a former public servant.

“As a former colleague in governance in the glorious days of the second republic, we will continue to remember him as one of the great political leaders of the era,” he said.

Nwobodo said the forum and all Nigerians would miss a great patriot and notable contributor to the making of modern Nigeria.

He said the forum had commenced plans to put measures in place to assist colleagues, whom were in need.

According to him, the forum has assisted the deceased while on admission in the hospital, saying his demise is unfortunate.

Reports state that Attah, who died at the age of 84, was governor of old Kwara between 1979 and 1983 under the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

The forum equally extended its condolence to the family of former Lagos State Governor, Michael Otedola.

Otedola, a third republic governor of Lagos State on the platform of defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) between January 1992 and November 1993, died at the age of 87 on Monday.

Former Governors Forum Mourns Adamu Attah

that followed last weekend.

The duo alleged that the Delta State Police Command was aware of the lingering crisis between the Urueboh people led

by Mr. Israel Arueighe against the entire Ibrede people over the ownership of fishing area/land dispute called Odabor that subsequently snowballed into intra-communal clashes.

It was alleged that the Ibrede Community President General, Foke Onomerike in company of others had earlier gone to Divisional Police Station at Ashaka to report a threat text message from the opposite camp adding that similar efforts by the community chairman at Asaba did not yield result.

The people of Ibrede said ‘’we are pained to see our Monarch

who is seriously sick in company of others going with him to Oghara Teaching Hospital for treatment arrested and detained, while the police officers patrolling the town arresting any person they could lay hands on,’’ many which they said are still in detention. ‘’We have completely lost confidence in the Ndokwa East local government Authority and the member representing us at the State House of Assembly to fairly investigate or resolve the matter without bias, hence we are calling on the peace loving governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan to intervene on this matter that has reached its pick by setting up a judicial panel of inquiry with a view to solving it quickly Ibrede Community.

construction of Ndemili to Nsukwa road, Ejeme – Aniogor lights, among others.

He then urged the governor of Delta State Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, to look into their needs in order to ameliorate them.

H.R.H Obi Agbogidi Onwelikwu Ogboli

Presidential C’ttee On Abducted Girls Holds Maiden Meeting ABUJA The Presidential Fact-finding Committee on the Abduction of over 200 girls at Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, held its maiden meeting an official has said.

A statement from the C o m m i t t e e ’ s spokesperson, Mr Kingsley Osadolor, said the meeting was held shortly after its inauguration by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

It said the committee immediately went into workgroups to gather and sift facts already in the public domain, and within the knowledge of

appropriate agencies.

The statement said the committee took cognisance of the absence of the three representatives of Borno State Government during the inauguration at State House.

“The committee contacted the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Baba-Ahmed Jidda, to find out reason for the absence.

“Jidda explained that he had been away, but promised to send the nominated representatives at the next plenary of the committee.’’

The recalled that the committee is chaired by Gen. Ibrahim Sabo.

Barrister Vincent Uwadiae presenting one of the farm i m p l e m e n t s / agricultural equipment to a beneficiary at the stakeholders meeting in Urehme in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

With them is Hon. Fidelis Okunzuwa, the member, representing the Local Government Area on the Board of (EDSOGPADEC) looks on.

News Leader Of Akoko-Edo Legislative Arm Suspended UBIAJA – The Leader of IGARRA - Akoko-Edo Local Government Council Legislative Arm, Hon. Sunday Oyerebu has been suspended from office by seven out of the 10 members of the House in his place, Hon. Gbenga Daniel has been appointed.

Hon. Oyerebu’s suspension followed a motion moved by Joshua Suberu representing Ward 3 and seconded by Hon. Gbenga Daniel.

Moving the motion, Hon. Suberu observed that as Leader of the legislative arm of government, Hon.

Oyerebu has been high handed in performing the duties of his office.

Besides, the lawmakers accused Hon. Oyerebu of abuse of office, corruption, creating disaffection among legislators as well as unnecessary harassment of council staff.

OUR ERROR This story corrects our Wednesday’s report with dateline bearing Ubiaja and headline bearing Esan South East Legislative Arm. The error is regretted.

Editor.

Man Docked For Defiling SANGO-OTA (OGUN)Minor An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun has remanded a 24year-old man, Alade Akinola, in prison custody for allegedly defiling a 12-yearold girl.

Akinola, who lives at No. 34 Ifelodun Street, Iyana Iyesi, Ota, was arraigned on a one-count charge of raping a minor.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. ItaIta Ebobimino, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 26, at No. 26 Oyedeko Street, off AliIshiba, in Ota. The Magistrate, Mrs Titi Bello, remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case till June 6 for mention.

L-R: President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu; and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, at a summit for Child Health in Abuja recently.

Otedola Was A Rare Gem LAGOS - Sir Michael Otedola, the Governor of Lagos State under the Military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida and National Republican Convention (NRC) would be

remembered for his renowned contributions to the growth of the state and the indelible mark he left on the track of history would not be forgotten soon, said Hon.

more members to his/her side by denigrating our revered Monarch.”

He therefore advised such politicians who persist in such cheap publicity to desist from such mischievous act and not to drag the name of the palace to the mould.

Chief Obasogie however, reasoned that what has happened to Benin City in recent time in terms of

an improvement in the state, even as he destined calamity and utterly destruction on those who would wish to disrupt the progress of the state.

While expressing his appreciation to the Royal father over his prayers to those who meant well for the state, PCRC Chairman warned the people not to take quietness of the palace for a ride.

PCRC Boss Advises Against Linking Benin

BY ROLAND OSAKUE Monarch To Politics development was BENIN CITY – The Obasogie of Benin Kingdom and Chairman, Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee (PCRC), Edo State, Chief Eduwu Ekhator Obasogie has strongly advised politicians against insinuations linking the palace of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa with the ongoing politics in the state.

In a chat with newsmen in Benin City, Chief Obasogie who expressed dismay at the insinuations and flippancy of some politicians, who, in attempt to advance their political cause often make reference to the palace of the Benin Monarch.

He stated that the Royal father is God’s representative on earth who stand aloof in their politics and should be allowed to remain in the sovereignty of his fatherly role to all.

The Chairman also cautioned politicians to desist from any sharp practices capable of causing unnecessary tension into the state, particularly in their

insinuations and other body language of blackmail with the intention to drag the palace into their ‘petty politics.’

According to him, “the Omo N’Oba is the father of all who gives his royal blessings to anyone that seeks his face and the Benins will not allow or condole any flippant politician who advance higher cause to win

Olulade Chairman House Committee on Information.

This remark was made by the spokesperson for the Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity representing Epe Constituency II, while condoling with the family and people of Lagos over the demise of the erstwhile Governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola.

Olulade said that the Epe born media guru, politician, industrialist and statesman who served as the Governor of Lagos State between 1992 and 1993 before being ousted by the regime of late General Sanni Abacha played significant roles among which was the establishment

-Olulade

of Epe Campus of the Yaba College of Technology among other achievements within his short-lived tenure as Governor.

“Chief Otedola was the information Officer in the Western Nigeria government and fine public relation personnel. As his name implies, fate played critical role in his ascension to greatness and the entire people of Epe have lost one of their illustrious sons”.

Chief sir Michael Otedola died after a brief illness.

Olulade noted that Otedola was highly respected in his lifetime and would continue to be remembered for leaving behind a stronger institution called Lagos State of today.

Alleged Murder

Hunter Remanded

Some farm implements and agricultural equipment presented to beneficiaries at the 2014 NEEDS Assessment Sensitisation conference and study tour organised recently in Orhionmwon Local Government Area by the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC).

ABEOKUTA- A 40-yearold hunter, Ogunola Joel, charged with murder of a herdsman was remanded in prison by an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Ogun.

The accused, of no fixed address, was alleged to have shot and killed one Obasi John in a bush where he went hunting.

The police prosecutor, Insp.

Augustine Ozimini, told the court that the accused took the deceased for an antelope and shot him.

Ozimini said the accused claimed he mistakenly shot the deceased on his back, and was surprised when the antelope turned out to be a human being.

The prosecutor added that the accused rushed the victim to a hospital for proper treatment but he later died.

He said the offence was committed at about 11 a.m. on March 28 at Orile Ilugun in Abeokuta, adding that the offence contravened sections 316 and 319 (1) of the Criminal Law of Ogun, 2006.

The court did not take the accused’s plea.

The magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Adekunle, remanded the accused in Ibara Prison pending receipt of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.

Adekunle adjourned the case till June 1.

Lagos Navy To Investigate Fire Incident

LAGOS - Lt. Way Olabisi, Spokesman, Western Naval Command, Lagos, has said that the navy was investigating the cause of a fire incident that killed two children of a naval rating.

Olabisi told newsmen in an interview in Lagos that the death of the two children at Navy Town, Ojo, was caused by a fire that destroyed their apartment.

Newsmen report that a naval rating, simply identified as Udofia, lost two of his children, Emmanuella and Michael, aged 18 months old and five years old, respectively to fire on Saturday.

He denied speculations by members of the public that a naval officer had allegedly killed his children by setting his home on fire.

“No naval rating killed his children in Lagos; the death was caused by fire

outbreak in their apartment. We are investigating the cause of the fire.

“When we got the information about the fire incident, naval men went there. Unfortunately, two children of the rating were lost in the inferno.

The rating was also affected by the fire.

“Their corpses were taken to Naval Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

The affected rating is currently responding to treatment in the hospital,’’ Olabisi said.

L-R: Prophet J. O. Odigie, Minister-in-Charge, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Deliverance Centre, Edo State, welcoming Rev. (Dr.) Felix Omobude, PFN President, other ministers to the opening ceremony of the 3-day crusade of the Church on Wednesday in Benin City. Photo: IMHANZETO BRIGHT.

LAGOS - Some parents have urged the Federal Government and states to deploy Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials in public schools across the country to check incidence of child kidnap.

In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos the parents urged state governments to ensure that private school owners provided adequate security in their schools.

They expressed fears that the current security challenges

confronting schools in some states in the Northern part of the country could lead to increase in school-drop-outs.

Mrs Funmilayo Fatoki, a guardian and counsellor, said that there was need to intensify security in and around public and private schools to protect the children.

Fatoki said that government should seek the support of the NSCDC to guard schools.

According to her, NSCDC will give confidence to parents and students in the face of incessant

FG Urged To Deploy NSCDC To Schools abduction and ritual killing of school children.

She said that government at all levels and private school owners should seek the services of professional security guards.

Fatoki described current security arrangement in many schools in the country as “very poor”.

She advised that security personnel must be equipped with

Experts Canvass Establishment Of Community radio which, he said should be Radio, Newspapers LAGOS - Two speakers at the for real communities.

World Press Freedom Day, 2014, Prof. Lai Oso and Dr Williams Olatunji, have called for the establishment of communityfunded radio stations and newspapers in the country.

Oso and Olatunji, both of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, made the call in their papers at a one-day seminar organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), in Lagos.

The theme of the seminar was “ Media Freedom, Peace and Development in Nigeria’’.

Oso, Dean of the LASU School of Mass Communication,

said the establishment of community-funded radio stations and newspapers would give such communities opportunities for self-expression.

“Nigeria is without viable community radio stations and newspapers. We need to appeal to the Federal Government to grant operating licences to communities to establish their own radio stations and newspapers.

“This will encourage them to participate fully in issues affecting them,’’ Oso said.

He added that it would also provide them the medium to counter views they were opposed

to.

The don said that the presentday radio stations and newspapers in the country were owned by governments and the wealthy, adding that this should not be so as it would discourage the full manifestation of the democratic process.

Dr Williams Olatunji, an associate professor of Mass Communication, LASU, said that only university campuses were given licences to operate community radio stations by the Federal Government.

According to him, this negated the real concept of community

Olatunji urged community associations to show interest in the establishment of community radio stations through which they could advance their causes.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Lateef Ibirogba, commended Nigerian journalists for their contributions to national development since the pre-colonial era.

Ibirogba, Guest of Honour at the event, who was represented

by Mrs Toro Oladapo, the Asst.

Director of Strategy in the Ministry, charged journalists to brace up for the 2015 general elections.

A cross section of Ministers at the opening session of the on-going 3-day Crusade organised by Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), on Wednesday at the Baptist Convention Ground, TV Road, Benin City. Photo: IMHANZETO BRIGHT.

necessary tools to tackle external interferences in schools during the day and at night.

“Security in public and private schools should be given priority following the recent abduction and ritual killings in some parts of the country.

“Pupils and students should be given utmost attention now; the situation is creating fears in the minds of many parents and children.

“There is inadequate security or protection for our children during school hours; most of the security guards we see in schools are old and lack the skill to protect our children.

“Private school owners must be concerned with security of their students than enriching their pockets,” she said.

Mrs. Folake Azeez, a trader, told newsmen that kidnapping was a serious challenge that must be tackled with all available resources.

Azeez said that government

should not leave any stone unturned in providing security to lives and properties.

“Our schools must remain safe as always; parents must not be afraid to send their children to school because as a people, we failed to take up our responsibilities.

“Our government should not allow insecurity to take over the country.

“I do not want anybody to kidnap my children, so I urge the government to provide adequate security in schools,” she said.

Another parent, Mr. Tayo Erinla, said anything short of security for children in the country was unacceptable.

According to him, governments must carry out their responsibilities to the citizens and one of such is protection of lives and properties at all times, especially during these challenges.

Mrs. Shayo Famoriyo, another parent, urged the Federal Government to restore peace in the country.

LAGOS - Some dentists have advocated further training of their colleagues to identify and manage diabetes, hypertension and stroke other than the oral cavity in patients that visited them.

They told newsmen that such further training was necessary to diagnose other ailments in patients visiting dental clinics.

The experts said the move would ensure that such patients were referred appropriately for better management, treatment and prevention of complications, including death.

Dr Michael Adeyemi, a Dentist at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, said that many people were unaware they had other medical illnesses other than tooth problem.

Adeyemi said that many patients died due to some medical complications unknown to both the patients and the dentists.

According to him, dentists need to understand those

conditions which may also affect and modify the way he or she manages the patient.

“It is not enough to say you want to fill or extract the teeth but to look at the entire person.

“You will be amazed that when you routinely take blood pressure of patients, about four out of 10 of them may be hypertensive.

“We know that hypertension, stroke, can kill faster than toothache and so, in that individual, you will be concerned about managing his situation.

“So, part of the teaching now is to screen for these diseases, because we need to manage them,’’ he told newsmen.

The dentist said that there were challenges facing dentists managing patients with ailments other than the oral health.

He said that the challenges include long distance hospital settings and referrals by dental clinics.

Adeyemi said that another major challenge was that most dentists practised only core dentistry.

Dentists Want Training Beyond Oral Health

Across The Nation Windstorm Destroys 444 Houses

Prophet Samuel Abiara, General Evangelist, CAC Worldwide (middle) being ushered tothe altar to pray for the nation at the on-going 3-day Crusade of CAC in Benin City. Photo: IMHANZETO BRIGHT.

Rev (Dr.) Felix Omobude, PFN President leading other men of God and the congregation in prayers for the Church and the nation at the ongoing 3-day Crusade of CAC, Edo State. Photo: I M H A N Z E TO BRIGHT.

KATSINA - No fewer than 444 people were affected by the windstorm that blew across three local government areas of Katsina State three weeks ago, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has said.

SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Rawayau, said this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina.

It would be recalled that the state legislature recently passed a resolution urging the government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to victims of

FRSC Commends Anambra

ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Tuesday commended the Anambra Government for giving four patrol vans and one ambulance to the commission.

The FRSC Anambra Zonal Commander, Mr Charles Akpabio, told newsmen in Onitsha that the vehicles would help in the 2nd phase of the Special Intervention Patrol (SIP) and called for more of such support from the public.

He explained that the SIP patrol would cover OnitshaOraifite-Ihiala-Mgbidi road axis of the Onitsha-Owerri road as part of the command’s daily patrol of Onitsha-Owerri road.

“I want to commend the

NGO Wants Cost Of Governance Reduced KADUNA- The Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative (GAADI), a Kaduna-based NGO, called for the reduction in the cost of governance to make public office less attractive.

The Head, Strategy and Coordination, Mr Atoye Ariyo-Dare, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.

“We need to bring down the cost of governance and make political office less attractive, so as to make it a place of offering public service with selfless intention,” he said.

Ariyo-Dare said Nigeria could address the problem of scarce resources by adopting the principle of fiscal federalism where every zone or state would develop its potentials and merely contribute something to the centre.

According to him every state in Nigeria has abundant mineral and human resources, which with good restructuring, would sustain it.

“Nigeria is yet to tap 50 per cent of the opportunities available to it.

“The world is currently moving towards a knowledge based economy, so what each state or zone needs to do is to expand the frontiers of opportunities for research and developments so that, ideas and innovations can drive the economy.

“This will help to drive wholesome developments and ensure the achievement of national peace and stability,” the coordinator

said.

On the division of Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines, Ariyo-Dare said the ongoing National Conference should help to address the problem.

“We can come up with a rotational agreement for power to ease political tension and craze for power,”

he said.

On insecurity, Ariyo-Dare advised the Federal Government to adopt a twopronged approach, to end the problem “by exploring all security tactics in the fight against terrorism, while working hard to earn the trust of the people”.

“The government will

profit more from intelligence gathering to overcome terrorism because the insurgents are not ghosts, hence they need informants and some willing members of the public to operate,” he added.

He urged religious leaders to appeal to their followers not be carried away by emotions, but to work collectively to defeat the insurgents.

Scrap House Of Representatives,

By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - A veteran journalist and member of the Committee on Politics and Governance, Mr. Ray Ekpu, has advocated scrapping of the House of Representative leaving Senate to be the only national law-making chamber.

He was opposed to the present arrangement where there is a Senate and House of Representatives; describing it as wasteful and overburdening.

Ekpu informed the Committee that the two-chamber parliament is a breeding ground for discord and disagreement as there are

endless supremacy battles between the Senate and House of Representatives and called for increase in the number of senators from each state to four and one for the Federal Capital Territory.

“I will like to vote for unicameral legislature because at present, we are already overburdened. We have 774 parliaments in the local government. We have 36 States Houses of Assembly. And we have two at the national level.

I am advocating the scrapping of the House of Representative.

I will vote for having the Senate.

We can increase the number of

Senators to four per state. In that case, we will have 144 Senators plus one representing the FCT. We will reduce the cost. We will reduce the friction that currently occurs between the House of Reps and the Senate.

The House of Reps is called the lower house; they said they are not lower house. We are equal. But the constituencies are not equal. The salaries that they earn are not equal.

Nobody in the House of Commons will say Members of Lords, we are equal. They do different things. The Senate does confirmation hearing, but the House of Representative don’t,

the disaster.

Rawayau told newsmen that 228 victims of the disaster were from Bakori, 154 were from Musawa while the remaining 62 were from Faskari local government areas.

While sympathising with the victims, the executive secretary promised that the government would provide them with relief materials, to alleviate their sufferings.

He urged the people to maintain a clean environment and avoid dumping of refuse in waterways and drains, to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

Anambra State Government for the support they have given to the Federal Road Safety Corps so far.

“Recently, we were given four patrol vehicles from Anambra State Government, one ambulance in addition to what we received from them before.

“We may not get enough; but we still need such supports from stakeholders, from the governments, from individuals that can support road safety, from companies.

“Most companies declare huge profits; let them pay back to the society; not giving us motorcycles, not giving us food; but give us equipment that can enhance our operations.

He said that the four vehicles and one ambulance donated by the Anambra State Government recently had helped in increasing the command’s operational capacity in this state,’’ he said.

Akpabio said the SIP campaign would be allencompassing involving all motorists, bicycle, motorcycle and tricycle riders.

The Zonal Command covers Anambra, Edo and Delta.

Ekpu Tells Committee

but they say we are equal”, he continued.

On the issue of state police, Mr. Ekpu supported it and went on to advance reasons for aligning himself with the clamour: “My position (on state police) is not an armchair presentation. I am speaking because I was a member of the Police Service Commission for five years. And I have knowledge about how the federal police work.

“If you have true federal system, you will have state police, state courts etc. These all go with true federalism. We are complaining already with the

problem we have in security.

And look at the blame game going on between the federal government and the Borno State government.

If you have a police service that is close to the people; that nearness provides protection. It provides cover for the rural populace. Local police will know the territory.

If I post a policeman from Abuja to my village; he doesn’t know the arrangement, he doesn’t know the terrain. If you don’t have a local police, you will be denied of local knowledge of happenings – customs and people and so on”, Mr. Ekpu further submitted.

Abuja FCTA Assures Of Adequate Security In Schools

ABUJAThe FCT Administration has assured parents and care givers of adequate security in secondary schools.

Dr Moroof Akinwande, the Chairman FCT Secondary

Education Board, gave the assurance in Abuja in an interview with newsmen.

Akinwande said that the FCTA had put in place enough security measures to ward off any attack.

“We are aware of the current challenges and are prepared to combat it.

“The Board cannot disclose these arrangements because these issues are not meant to be

exposed.”

Earlier, some proprietors of schools in the FCT had appealed to the Federal Government to deploy adequate security in various schools.

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan and leader of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa Elders, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, during their visit to the presidential villa in Abuja recently.

14 Hawkers Jailed For Disobeying Police Order

ABUJA- An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court in Life Camp has sentenced 14 hawkers to two weeks in prison each for disobeying police order.

They are Ifeanyi Kingsley, Godwin Suswan, Stephen Monday, Davidson Uche, Samuel Elah, Ameobi Kalu and Collins Ogheleye.

The others are Chinwechi Chukwu, Asohera Uzoma, Thomas Bonfert, Joshua Arifuzo, Chibike Odenigbo, Usman Mohammed and Hamisu Mohammed.

Senior Magistrate Zubairu Mohammed convicted the accused, all of no fixed address, after they pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of joint act and disobeying order.

Each of them pleaded for the mercy.

“The accused are hereby sentenced to two weeks in prison each with an option of N1,000 fine.’’

Mohammed said they had

Trespass: Carpenter Jailed ABUJA- An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court in Wuse Zone 2, has sentenced a carpenter, Joseph Mikel, 25, to eight months imprisonment for trespassing into a school.

Mikel, who was arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal trespass and attempted theft, pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for leniency.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Ramatu Gulna, in her judgment, sentenced the convict to eight months imprisonment without an option of fine.

Gulna said the sentence would serve as deterrent to others.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Monday Akor, had told the court that Pakoya Sunday, a security guard attached to Tender Year School, Maitama, reported the

to be punished to serve as a deterrent to others who might likely commit similar offence.

“I put into consideration the plea of the convicts, they admitted committing the offence and did not waste the time of the court.’’

The advised them to be lawabiding citizens.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Salihu Mohammed, told the court that a team of police detectives, led by Supol Joseph Alobo from the Police

Division in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, arrested them on April 24.

Mohammed said they were arrested for obstructing members of the public’s access to Setraco Junction along Kubwa Express way, Abuja.

He said that the divisional police officer at Gwarinpa Police Station gave several notifications and warnings to hawkers to vacate the location.

The prosecutor said the accused disobeyed the officer’s orders.

A cross section of heads teachers who spoke with newsmen, said this would ensure the safety of students and give a parents rest of mind.

Mr. Oladunjoye Olayiwola, the head teacher of El-Amin International School, Maitama, said though the school had made provision for security, it was not adequate.

Olayiwola said this was so because the school was not allowed to employ armed security guards to protect the school.

“It is necessary for the Federal Government to send armed security men to schools to augment what we have on ground.

“We used to enjoy such privileges from the Maitama Police Command but early this year, they stopped coming.’’

He said to guarantee the safety of students, the school had opened a register where parents and guardians must sign before their wards were released to them.

He said that the guards were familiar with all parents so that if any strange person comes he or she would not be allowed into the premises until proper investigation was conducted.

Also speaking, Rev. Jacob Ibietan, the Head, All Saints School, Wuse Zone 3, said the security situation was worrisome.

“When I travelled to Israel, I saw how security conscious they were. Everyone is on alert and everywhere is clean so that even a needle is on the ground would be seen.

“The recent trend of attack on schools is inhuman and uncalled for; we say there is freedom of movement but insurgents have marred that freedom.

“Now people are afraid to move around because of the fear of the unknown and this is affecting people’s livelihood and it would soon affect the standard of living.’’ he said.

He said that the school had acquired metal detectors to monitor incoming and outgoing vehicles.

Man Docked For Defrauding Businessman ABUJA- A 40-year-old man, David Kalu, has appeared in a Senior Magistrates’ Court in Wuse zone 2 for defrauding a businessman of N3.4 million.

Kalu is arraigned on four counts of joint act, criminal breach of trust, theft and forgery.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Abdullahi Adamu told the court that Mr. Felix Daniel of No. 86 Aminu Kano Crescent Wuse 2, Abuja, reported the case at the Wuse Divisional Headquarterson March 3.

Adamu said that sometime in 2013, the complainant entrusted his Range Rover Jeep with reg.

No. KRD 307 AR valued at N4 million to the accused and one Okafor Celestine, now at large.

He said they forged the original documents of the aforesaid vehicle to enable them dispose of the vehicle.

The prosecutor said the accused sold the car for N3.4 million and converted the said

money to their personal use.

He said during investigations, only N400,000 was recovered from the accused.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 79, 312, 287 and 364 of Penal Code.

If found guilty, he is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 10 years or with an option of fine.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr. Anthony Ogboi admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N3 million with a surety like sum.

He ordered that the surety must be a public servant not below GL. 13 and must submit his/her last promotion letter.

He also ordered the immediate arrest of the accused’s accomplice (Celestine).

Agboi adjourned the case until June 9, for further hearing.

8 Months

case at Maitama Police Station.

Akor said that while the complainant was on duty, the accused trespassed into the school premises through a back fence with intent to steal.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 348 and 95 of Penal Code.

In his plea for leniency, the convict begged for forgiveness, saying “please, my lord have mercy on me, I won’t do that again’’. “ It was my friend who scaled the fence first and he encouraged me to join him over the fence.

“I had jumped in two minutes when the police arrived and arrested me alone. My friend had escaped,’’ the convict said.

P r e s i d e n t G o o d l u c k jonathan (left), discussing with Sen. Abdul Ningi (right) and other leaders from Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, during their meeting in Abuja recently.

Business + Economy NAWOJ Polls

Candidate Promises Journalists More Training IBADAN- Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, a presidential candidate in the 2014 national election of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has

assured female journalists of more opportunities for professional training.

Omowole made the promise in Ibadan while addressing women journalists on her programmes if

elected in the May 17 election slated for Lagos.

She said having being in NAWOJ for almost two decades, she was in a position to assess the needs and aspirations of

female journalists in the country.

The senior editor with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) said that her programmes would focus on capacity building, leadership training as well as

skills acquisition.

She further promised that when elected, she will ensure that the 25-year old association acquires its own national secretariat.

Omowole also assured members that NAWOJ would be incorporated into a cooperative society geared toward empowering members.

“I am not here to make empty promises, mark my word today, NAWOJ under my leadership will provide a focused and all encompassing leadership to restore our lost glory.

“Having served twice as national deputy President of

NAWOJ under two different leaders, I have the necessary experience and exposure to give our association a positive direction,’’ she said.

While thanking female journalists in the state for receiving her team inspite of the fact that her opponent was from the chapter, Omowole implored the delegates to cast their vote for the best candidate.

The chairperson of NAWOJ in Oyo State, Mrs Kitan Adeagbo, commended the candidate for her efforts and wished her well in her campaigns.

Omowole’s campaign team moved to Osogbo where she equally addressed delegates.

GUSAU- The Zamfara State Teachers Service Board is to train 3,223 teachers in modern teaching methodology as part of effort to deepen and strengthen the profession to enhance improved performance and teaching outcomes.

The Chairman of the Board, Malam Aminu Jelani, announced this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau.

Jelani said that the training was aimed at ensuring the provision of effective and sustainable primary and secondary education in the state.

“If teachers are given qualitative training from the grassroots level, the output of our schools will contribute to promote sustainable educational development.

“As we all know, training is a continuous process and not something that you will come and finish in one day; we have already compiled names of our teachers for training and we will group them according to their levels and areas of training need and very soon the training will commence,’’ he said.

Jelani said that teachers training programme was part of the state government’s commitment to promote both primary and secondary education in the state.

He recalled that the state government had set-up a special committee to transform primary and secondary education in the state, saying: “we have noticed the achievement of that committee which is making positive impact on educational development in the state’’.

He, therefore, urged teachers in the state to re-double their effort in their service delivery so as to meet with the state government’s expectations.

Zamfara To Train Teachers In Modern Techniques

Chairman, Enugu South Local Government Area, Dr. Victor Agbo (left), receiving copies of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) publications from Enugu State Director, Mr. Isaac Onukwube, during a working visit to the Chairman in Enugu on Wednesday.

LG Distributes Food Supplement To Nursing Mothers DANDUME (KATSINA STATE)- The Dandume Local Government Council of Katsina State has distributed prepared food supplement called ‘Garin Lafiya’ to nursing mothers in the area.

Distributing the food items at Illah village, the council’s Primary Healthcare Coordinator, Hajiya Binta Maikudi, said the gesture was part of efforts to fight malnutrition among children.

Maikudi said that the supplement was prepared to improve nutrition in children and commended the wife of the council chairman, Hajiya Nana Abdulkadir, for her commitment to the programme.

She said that the supplement was enriched with nutrients needed for children’s growth.

The coordinator stressed the need to educate rural women on the importance of eating food items.

Maikudi noted that 74,737 children were immunised against Poliomyelitis in April in the area, representing more than 100 per cent coverage.

She also commended the council, traditional institutions, workers and other groups for the success recorded and appealed for increased stakeholders support.

The chairman’s wife counselled women to ensure proper personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness to improve their family health status.

Abdulkadir used the

opportunity to educate women on how to prepare the food supplement themselves, saying that all the needed ingredients were available within their local environment.

She urged husbands to live up to their family responsibilities and encourage women to always access hospitals for all forms of medication, antenatal care and immunisation.

Abdulkadir also advised men to ensure information flow among family members, stressing that such interaction would reduce cases of psychologically induced hypertension and other related problems.

L-R: INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Enugu State, Dr. Lawrence Azubuike; Administrative Secretary, Mr. Uma Okories and Head, Voter Education, Dr. Anthonia Ekwo, at the INEC news conference on voter registration in Enugu on Wednesday.

FG Distributes Buses To Unions Activities ABUJA- The Federal Government has distributed 30 buses to support union activities in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mohammed Manga, Assistant Director, Media Relations in the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF).

The statement said that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji, handed the keys of the buses to the permanent secretaries in the presence of union representatives of various MDAs. He said that the presentation of the buses was a further demonstration of President

Goodluck Jonathan’s desire to provide welfare to the civil servants.

The statement said that the Federal Executive Council approved the purchase of 30 buses in December 2013.

It said that the buses were specifically allocated to the MDAs to facilitate union activities and to ease staff movement in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government.

It said that the beneficiaries of the buses include; Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Education.

Others are Ministries of

Interior, Justice, Finance, Environment, Housing, Lands and Urban Development and Women Affairs.

The Ministers of Culture and Tourism, Labour and Productivity, Trade and

Investment, Defence, Works, Agriculture, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) are beneficiaries.

Others are the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) and the Civil Service Commission.

It said that other programmes being implemented by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation was to improve the well-being of civil servants which include Pension Administration Reforms, Review of Group Life Insurance.

NAMA Completes Solar Power Installations IKEJA-The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has said it had completed installing solar powered airfield lighting system at Lagos and Port Harcourt international airports.

The Managing Director of the agency, Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, disclosed this to newsmen at the Murtala

Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

He said that the installed lighting system was a product of Avlite Systems Pty Ltd in Australia, one of the world’s renowned solar LED airfield system manufacturers.

He said that the lighting system was certified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the United

State Federal Aviation Administration.

Abdulsalam said the system was currently in use at various airports across the globe, particularly in Africa, Caribbean, Europe and South America.

He said the installation of the airfield lighting would increase the tempo of night/low visibility operations while reducing operational cost to the airlines.

Science

Alzheimer: ALZHEIMER’s disease (AD) is not common but a very deadly disease. It is the most common form of dementia. It causes problems with memory thinking and behaviour.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Alzheimer begins slowly first it involves the parts of the brain that controls thoughts, memory and language. The connections between the brain cells and the brain cells themselves degenerate and die causing a steady decline in memory and mental function people with Alzheimer may have trouble remembering things that happened recently or names of people they know.

Over time, the disease get worse, there comes a time, when the carrier will have trouble speaking they may forget how to brush their teeth or comb their hair. Later on they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home.

Alzheimer’s comes in two types, the early onset Alzheimer’s and the late onset Alzheimer’s disease. In the early onset AD, the symptoms appear before the age of 60.

This is much less common and tends to get worse quickly.

The late onset Alzheimer’s on the other hand is the most common type of Alzheimer’s disease. It occurs in people of age 60 and older. It may run in some families but the role of the genes is less clear.

The cause and progression of Alzheimer’s is not well understood. But it is believed that genes and environmental factors seen to play a role. It is likely that the cause include genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Because as people differ in genetic makeups and lifestyle, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s may differ from person to person.

Also, research indicates that the features of this disease are plagues and tangles in brain.

Plagues consists of clumps of protein called beta aryloid that damage and destroy brain cells in several ways, including interfering with cell-to-cell communication while tangles occurs when the threads of tau protein (the protein that facilitate the transportation of nutrients and other essential

The Irreversible Disease

material from the brain cells to various parts of the brain) twist into abnormal tangles inside the brain cells, leading to failure of the transport system.

This failure facilitates the death and decline of brain cells.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the following are the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. However each individual may experience symptoms differently. The symptoms include memory loss that affects job skills, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation to time and place, poor or decreased judgement, problems with abstract thinking, misplacing things, changes in mood or behavior changes in personality and loss of initiative.

Although Alzheimer’s has no cure, the treatments for symptoms are available. The current treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, but can temporarily slow the worsening of the disease. As of 2012, more than 1,000 clinical trials have been conducted to test various compounds in Alzheimer disease.

Alzheimer’s disease usually begins after 60 (late – onset Alzheimer’s disease). The risk is also higher if a family member has the disease or had the disease. Statistics shows that the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease worldwide currently totals 30 million, which is expected to triple by the year 2050.

Estimates show that in 2013, Alzheimer’s disease will cost Americans $203 billion a number that is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050.

Experts suggest that as many as 5.2 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s disease.

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease will grow as the U.S population age 65 and older continues to increase. By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer ’s disease is estimated to rise to 7.1 million.

By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States may triple, from 5.2 million to a projected 13.8 million.

By UTI A. UDOH

Alzheimer’s disease which is prevalent in two – thirds of dementia of the elderly in Caucasian population is under – documented and believed to be rare in Africans. A recent autopsy survey of the brains of elderly Nigerians showed absence of senile plagues and neurofibrillary tangles. In a door-to-door survey of a population of 9,000 including 932 elderly Nigerians, no subject with dementia as defined was found. This shows that the number of people with Alzheimer’s in Nigeria is less.

innate immune system plays a critical role in removing beta – amyloid, the main substance that triggers Alzheimer’s in the brain.

Today, there have been worldwide effort to find better ways to treat this deadly disease and prevent it from developing. A new research on AD suggests that it is actually a type of diabetes. Also a recent study out of Rhodes Island Hospital (RIH) confirms that Alzheimer’s disease is marked by brain insulin resistance and corresponding inflammation, a

As the number of people with Alzheimer’s continues to rise at an downing pace, researchers continue to look at means to halt the progression of this horrific disease. Past studies have identified grape seed extract, curcumin, resveratrol and vitamin D among a host of other substance that can positively improve brain health and shield it against Alzheimer’s disease.

A new study from researchers at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at Exeter’s University in the U.K (United Kingdom) collaborated with a team from the National Institute on Agin in the US to prove that our

condition that some researchers are now referring to as type – 3 diabetes. Another recent research has suggested that Alzheimer’s disease may result from insulin resistance specifically in the brain, and as resveratrol is known to cross the blood brain barrier, the compound may prevent faculty insulin signaling that promotes then degenerative condition.

Furthermore scientist studies have previously demonstrated that the way we live and our diet can have a major effect on genetic expression which can promote the development of Alzheimer’s disease. A new study by neurological

“Alzheimer’s disease which is prevalent in two – thirds of dementia of the elderly in Caucasian population is under – documented and believed to be rare in Africans. A recent autopsy survey of the brains of elderly Nigerians showed absence of senile plagues and neurofibrillary tangles.”

researchers from Push University Medical Center demonstrates that daily physical activity may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, even in people over the age of 80.

Healthy diet including food known to suppress sharp insulin and glucose spikes along with sensible supplementation (curcumin, resveratrol, grape seed extract and omega – 3 fatty acids) and regular physical activities may help halt the development of Alzheimer as we age. Load author of the study Dr. Aron S. Buchman noted “the result of

biological marker is found in the Celebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) at least 10n years before signs of dementia become apparent Spanish researchers at the CSIC Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona believed that they may have found a marker that could suggest – the disease process in underway before symptoms start to show. They found a drop in the content of Mitochondrial DNA – genetic material present in the energy centre of cell in spinal fluid may be a signal for the disease.

According to the scientist, this discovery could allow a

our study indicate that all physical activities including exercise as well as cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease”.

As more research are made available, scientist made it increasingly clear that breastfeeding children provides infinitely more longterm health benefits to both baby and mom. A new study shows that mothers who breastfeed run a lower risk of developing. Alzheimer ’s disease later in life. The research indicates the link may have something to do with key biological effects of breastfeeding. Scientists also found that breastfeeding for longer periods of time decreased overall risk.

Moreso, a new test that could detect Alzheimer ’s disease for at least a decade before symptoms has been widely talked about. The test could defect Alzheimer’s if the

new diagnostic test that will enable patients to be given treatment long before their debilitating symptoms appears.

Currently, the only way to actually diagnose AD is in post motern (After Death) by linking chemical measures with an examination of brain tissue and pathology in the autopsy. But doctors have developed a means to find out fairly accurately if a person who is having memory problems has possible Alzheimer’s dementia.

Professor Ramon Trullas, who led the research at the Institute of Bio Medical Research of Barcelona, Saidi “If our initial findings can be replicated by other lab laboratories, the results will change the way we currently think about the causes of Alzheimer’s” he added that “this discovery may enable us to search for more effective treatments that can be administered during the preclinical stage”.

THE unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and its eventual sale to independent distribution companies across the country had generated furore and intense controversy.

WHILE the pervading fears among electricity consumers who yearned for stable power supply was the success of the power reform programme in order for Nigerians to reap its maximum benefit, the issue of disengagement of the workforce and payment of entitlements remained at the bedrock of the programme.

THE electricity workers body under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employers (NUEE) had flexed muscles with government concerning their entitlements to a point that the body threatened the nation with a black out.

THE power sector reform which necessitated the unbundling of the PHCN and the quest to lay a new road map for Nigerians to benefit is still a long way off and that it is why a smooth transition and payment of entitlements was a major corner stone for the leap forward to begin.

DURING the Nigerian Power Investors Conference (PIC) in Abuja in February, President Jonathan had announced that a total investment of $900 billion (about N144 trillion) would be needed over a period of 30 years to develop the nation’s energy sector.

ACCORDING to President Jonathan, under the National Infrastructure Master Plan, the country needs a total of $2.9 trillion

THE NIGERIAN

For Efficient And Reliable Power Sector for infrastructure development efforts in the next 30 years, from around 2014 – 2045. The energy sector alone, he estimates would need an infusion of about $900 billion during the period with a bulk percentage expected to come from the private sector.

ALSO the sector needs about $10 billion for capital expenditure for generation and distribution companies in the next few years to enable the nation raise additional 5,000 mw.

AGAINST this background, it is expected that the distribution companies who have fully bought off that share of the market settle down to deliver the gains of privatization to Nigerians.

BY now, the Nigerian OBSERVER notes that the issue of severance payments to disengaged workers should have been done with, given the payment of N380 billion to disengaged PHCN workers.

IT is imperative that the power reform programme should be made a success by the labour union in the sector, the investors who have put in their money and the generality of Nigerians who yearn for regular power supply.

AVAILABLE facts indicate that labour in the sector had earlier collected N8 billion from the Federal Government as a condition for allowing last year’s disengagement of PHCN workers in order to assist the new successor companies gain a strong hold.

SOME disengaged staff from available record, collected as much as N100 million and those in the junior category going home with about N6 million each.

IT is therefore significant that having been paid off, the new investors should be allowed to hold the reins of control and be free to reabsolve competent ones while those not so lucky could find jobs elsewhere.

THE Nigerian OBSERVER remarks that electricity consumers demand the best of services from the new investors and should not be goaded into reappointing non productive workers who would be clogs in the way of efficient delivery of services.

IPSOFACTO, it appears that stakeholders are at the mercy of labour in the sector if the investors are not given the free hand to right size and inject new blood into the sector as the current national goal is for an efficient and reliable power sector to run a burgeoning economy.

ON this ground, we enjoin the electricity union to collaborate as they have always done with the new investors in order to improve the yearnings and aspirations of electricity consumers to shore up the power supply situation for the good of all Nigerians.

Voice Of

Islam

Every Friday With Mallam Abdulfattah Enabulele Chief Imam of Benin

Allah warns His believing servants of a Fitnah, trial and test, that encompasses the wicked and those around them. Therefore such Fitnah, will not be restricted to the sinners and evildoers. Rather, it will reach the others if the sins are not stopped and prevented.

And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial) which affects not in particular only those of you who do wrong, and know that Allah is severe in punishment. (Qur’an Al-Anfal 8:25).

The Holy Prophet said in addition to the Fitnah: “By He in Whose Hand is my soul! You will enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, or Allah will send a punishment upon you from Him; you will supplicate then to Him, but He will not answer your supplication.”

“Allah commanded the believers to stop evil from flourishing among them, so that Allah does not encompass them all in the torment (Fitnah).”

“Every people among whom sins are being committed, while they are mightier and more numerous than those who do wrong, yet they did nothing to stop them, then Allah will surround them all with punishment.”

Any Community where people refuses to allow the laws and commandments of Almighty Allah to be their guarding principles, such community will continue to dwell in darkness and will continue to witness calamity upon calamity until they offer sincere repentance to Almighty Allah and follow His laws and commandments to the letter.

Any society that condole and encourage corruption in any form will never witness peace and progress.

Any Society that refuses to encourage and uphold the moral virtue of justice, equity and fair play amongst its people will continue to witness crisis upon crisis.

And society that encourages and apply double standard in dealing with issues involving people particularly between the rich and poor ones, such society will continue to witness uprising.

A society that allows and encourage oppressive and suppressive policies to be its guiding principle will continue to witness revolt and rebellious action from the poor ones who are the main targets of the oppressive and suppressive tendencies.

A society where the strong refuses to protect the weak ones; and the rich refuses to help the poor ones financially; and the knowledgeable ones refuses to educate the ignoramous and illiterate ones such society can never make any meaningful progress.

A society where the level of impunity is very high where no one can get justice, such situation can lead to anger

“Any Community where people refuses to allow the laws and commandments of Almighty Allah to be their guarding principles, such community will continue to dwell in darkness and will continue to witness calamity upon calamity until they offer sincere repentance to Almighty Allah and follow His laws and commandments to the letter”

This is one of the result of irresponsible leadership where citizens cannot get pure water for their daily use.

An Encompassing Affliction and frustration. Killing and assassination will be the order of the day.

A society where the problem of poverty and unemployment are very high and the authority does not create job opportunity for the youth to be gainfully employed, armed robbery, kidnapping and 419 will be the order of the day.

A society where the leadership is so materialist, extravagant and ostentatious in nature and character, corruption will be on the increase.

A society where human life is not valued and regarded as sacred, the dirty game of cultism and ritualism will be very rampant.

A society where the politicians give arms and ammunition to the youths to help them rig election in their favour, armed robbery, kidnapping and Boko Haram will be the end result because the politicians will not be able to retrieve the arms from their foot soldiers after the election.

A society where the politicians regards elections as a do or die affairs and believes that only the winning party can form the government is directly inviting chaos, rancour and acrimony in the community.

A government that fails to address the fundamental issues that predispose our people to crime and violence cannot be regarded as the government of the people.

A government that fails to initiate political and structural changes that will address agitations for equitable and just

political arrangements is inviting trouble.

A government that fails to successfully implement development policies that will meet the aspiration of the citizenry has failed in his responsibility.

Every society contains three groups of people: the good, the bad and the evil minded ones. It is the duties and responsibilities of government monitor the activities of the three groups effectively and protect the law abiding members of the society through its security agencies.

The protection of lives and properties in a society is the primary duties and responsibilities of government. A government that cannot carry out these responsibilities is not fit to precise over the affairs of the people.

Nigerians deserve good governance, basic infrastructure, means of livelihood and effective policing of Nigeria’s porous borders were questionable elements move into the country without check and balances. And given our abundant natural resources and human capacity, Nigeria has no business with poverty, insecurity and massive unemployment.

We must all pray that GOD will provide Nigeria with a God fearing leaders with the vision and will power to embark on the kind of changes the country needs.

Nigerians have suffered enough. Our rulers must overlook political

differences to find a way out to cooperate and make the country a safer, more secure for all.

Government must show the sincerity, honesty and display the political will that they want to put an end to the problem of insecurity.

Security agencies must be motivated and be well funded with specialist equipment and tracking devices which will help in the identification of criminal locations. These devices will help and lead to easy arrest of criminals and other questionable characters in the society.

The general conception of the society, especially the youths, is that of amassing wealth by any means and in the shortest possible time. This is partly due to the open display of opulence by the rich in the society. A systematic sensitization and re-orientation of the populace towards attitudinal changes is recommended .

Government should have the political will to initiate legislature to adequately punish crime in such a way as to serve as deterrent to any criminal.

Provision of communication facilities- it is common knowledge that security is everybody’s responsibility.

The security agencies rely heavily on information from citizens in the fight against crime. Security agencies must be seen to earn the confidence of the populace which will eventually stand them in good stead to be given the desired information to fight crime successfully.

Insight

THE headlines have been abashed with the news of the attack on innocent students of the Federal Government College, Buni-Yadi, in Yobe State by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents. Yobe is one of the states where the state of emergency is ongoing. The only offence of the children was that they were Nigerians who believed in the importance of acquiring western education.

The females who were spared, were threatened to be killed if they do not abandon their educational pursuit and get married.

The recent victims of the marauders were children of secondary school age.

Meanwhile before this development, about 20 girls were abducted at Konduga village, to be coerced into marriage.

Though the military have confirmed the rescue of the girls.

The latest attack seems to be a taunt at the president, who barely a day before the latest incident had extended another olive branch by stating that the government was still open to constructive dialogue with the sect. He also urged them to table their grievances before the FG so that a solution and an end to the insurgency could be achieved. The seeming courteous

gesture was made at International Seminar on the Imperatives of the Observance of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Norms in Internal Security Operations in Abuja With the latest strike, the insurgent simply sent a strong message that they were not interested in any peace or dialogue. In the light of the attack on innocent students, the FG should realize that this not a sect that wants its olive branch and now is the time for the FG to deal decisively and promptly and stop pussy footing. They have shown that they are here for business and nothing short of absolute power is their goal. How can you negotiate with that?

When the former American president, George Bush Jn said America does not negotiate with terrorists, he knew what he was talking about and the rate at which the insurgency is going, all hands must be on deck to tackle it before it goes beyond even the military’s control. All that the military needs to win this war must be given to them. Financial, moral, technical assistance must not be jettisoned on the altar of corruption. A clear and total victory is what is needed in this case so that the people of Nigeria can breathe

Enough Of Rhetorical R a sigh of relief!

Despite what others may think, I believe that the presence of the military has reduced the spate of attacks and the hold of the insurgents, because

Yusuf Mohammed, of which the court has ordered the government to pay his family compensation for his death. The conviction of about 40 terrorists is also heart-

without them, the situation would unarguably have been worse,... but the military also has to act within the purviews of the rule of engagement in avoiding a situation whereby it may be brought to book over unlawful killings, one of which exacerbated the insurgency with the death of the group’s leader, Malam

warming, as mentioned by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke.

The attorneygeneral while commending the roles of members of the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies in containing terrorism in the country, he urged them

“Despite what others may think, I believe that the presence of the military has reduced the spate of attacks and the hold of the insurgents, because without them, the situation would unarguably have been worse...”

By ADEDOYIN

to comply with relevant human rights and international humanitarian laws and norms during internal security operations. He even claimed that some

Northeast, he gave assuranc that the Federal Governmen will encourage troops t observe human rights, rules o engagement and internationa humanitarian law norms.

From all these, several issue

communities were awarded billions of Naira as damages against Nigeria by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

It is also alarming to realize that the country is militarized due heavy presence of military in curtailing domestic security crises. The National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) testified to the startling and worrisome fact when he said armed forces have been deployed in 32 out of the 36 states of the federation to check security challenges.

While saying efforts are being made to tackle Boko Haram insurgency in the

came to mind: the Presidential appeal for constructive dialogue with Boko Haram; more conviction of arrested terrorists and the overflag clamor that Nigerian troops should abide by the rule of engagement when confronting their enemies who do not believe in any rule.

There should be no reason to compel security personnel under threat to observe human right and rules of engagement when dealing with enemies that are brutal and callous in their murderous exploits on innocent girls, students and ordinary citizens.

It is an undeniable fact that military intervention sometimes attracts negative reactions from affected communities, political

Insight

Rules Of Engagement

N ADEWUMI

ce nt to of al

rhetoric and do-goods statements should not deter our security men in waging the war against terrorism.

It is unfortunate that the military has to take over the es internal policing in various states. The government

should ensure the police are adequately trained, funded and motivated to take up their statutory responsibilities. This is an anomaly that needs to be corrected as the military has no

business in the internal affairs of the country.

What happens when we need the military for its real duties of protecting our territorial integrity from external aggressions when

they have been stretched thin for internal purposes?

Adewumi Adedoyin Sapele Street, Garki, Abuja.

Ladyznigh0589@yahooc.om

“With the latest strike, the insurgent simply sent a strong message that they were not interested in any peace or dialogue.”

Stepping Up The Fight Against Boko Haram Insurgency

OBSERVERS have raised concerns about the sudden increase in attacks

by Boko Haram insurgents in the north-eastern part of the country in recent times.

They note that the people of the region were beginning to heave a sigh of relief when the sect struck at Izge village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno on February 15, killing no fewer than 106 people Reports indicate that no fewer than 47 people were killed at Bama, also in Borno, by the insurgents on February 19, in addition to several other persons who were slain at different locations in Borno and Yobe recently.

Barely a week after this bloodshed, specifically on February 25, no fewer than 29 students of the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe, were killed in their dormitory.

Observers note that the pattern of the recent attacks calls for an urgent review of the various strategies adopted by the security agents to contain the violence.

For instance, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno recently called for the commitment of more resources to prosecuting the campaign against Boko Haram insurgents, as the sect had become more daring.

Shettima, who spoke to newsmen after a closedoor meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, said that the sect seemed to be better armed than the military.

“Soon, we will stop

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

playing the ostrich and rise up to the challenges of the day; we should marshal all resources towards neutralising the antics of Boko Haram. This is what I came to update President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We need more resources; more boots on ground. In fairness to the officers and men of the Nigerian Army and Police, they are doing their best, given the circumstances they have found themselves in,’’ he said.

Shettima claimed that the terrorists had more sophisticated weapons, adding that they were also better motivated by their backers.

However, the Federal Government disagreed with the governor’s viewpoint, insisting that the security agents were equal to the task.

Dr Doyin Okupe, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, rejected the notion that the military could not contain the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said that Nigeria was winning the war, stressing that the country had the capacity to bring the activities of the Boko Haram sect to an end in no distant time.

“We state authoritatively

without any fear or equivocation whatsoever that Nigeria is already winning the war against terror and the activities of the insurgents will be terminated within the shortest possible time.

“We are certainly not involved in a conventional warfare but we are rather engaged in a guerrilla warfare, with all its unpredictability.

“It is heart-warming that our military had acquired the sophistication and necessary capacity to adapt to the ever-changing modus operandi of the insurgents.

“It is, therefore, wrong for anyone, Nigerian or foreigner, to assert that our armed forces cannot defeat the Boko Haram insurgents or to insinuate that the insurgents are better armed.

“We state categorically that the Nigerian military is one of the best equipped in Africa and that in 2014, the Federal Government made budgetary provision, in excess of N1 trillion, for the military and other security agencies.

“This definitely belies the suggestion in certain quarters that the Federal Government is not doing

the needful in prosecuting this war,’’ Okupe added.

Sharing similar sentiments, Jonathan, at a recent media chat, described Shettima’s comments as “unfortunate’’.

“The statement is a little bit unfortunate because you don’t expect a governor to make that kind of statement,’’ he said The president stressed that the dialogue option was still open, adding, however, that the Boko Haram sect was not forthcoming, as they remained faceless.

Jonathan, however, expressed the hope that Nigeria would soon surmount the problem of terrorism, which he described as a global problem.

As part of efforts to review ongoing security operations in the region, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, has embarked on an operational tour of units under the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army.

Minimah, who addressed the Operation Zamani Lafia troops during visits to their different locations in Borno and Yobe, advised the soldiers to make

“Miscreants were coming into our country from other countries before; so, I felt one of the best things to do was to totally close the border to enable my men to discharge their assignment professionally. We have passed adequate information to traditional rulers and our stations along the border areas.”

discipline their watchword at all times.

He urged the soldiers to remain resolute in the face of security challenges facing the country, noting that the current security challenges would be surmounted if the troops remained resolute and vigilant.

Minimah reminded the troops of their responsibility as soldiers, insisting that as professional soldiers, they must always rise to defend their fatherland.

He, however, commended the troops for their hard work and dedication to duty, pledging that their welfare would always be his top priority.

The army chief advised the soldiers to always abide by the rules of engagement in the conduct of ongoing military operation.

“I am aware that your task is not an easy one, considering that you must defeat faceless and vicious enemies.

“At the same time, you must protect the rights of innocent citizens in the operational areas,’’ he said.’’

As a strategy in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents, the Federal Government on February 22 announced the closure of Nigeria’s border with Cameroon in the Adamawa axis.

Brig.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, the Brigade Commander of the 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola,

said in a statement that the action became imperative because of cross-border attacks from the insurgents.

“It is imperative to completely seal up the border because of illegal movements in and out of the country, coupled with the rising rate of insurgent activities in most of the bordering villages.

“Miscreants were coming into our country from other countries before; so, I felt one of the best things to do was to totally close the border to enable my men to discharge their a s s i g n m e n t professionally.

“We have passed adequate information to traditional rulers and our stations along the border areas.

“Other security agencies such as the Customs Service and Immigration Service have been informed; our soldiers and police officers are also there to ensure that nothing crosses into Nigeria,’’ he said.

In spite of the intensification of the Boko Haram violence, observers believe that efforts to contain the insurgency will be successful if pragmatic measures are adopted.

They, nonetheless, underscore the need to further explore the dialogue option concerning discussions with the insurgents.

(NAN).

Art Alive

With Francis Odupute

The Man Who Mapped The World

THIS article is very important and especially beneficial to students of art history. This is because today in Uniben, Fine Arts department for example, a course titled “Geography and problems of the World” is being offered by the specializing students of Art History at 300 level of their academic sourjoun. It is therefore important to them because the course basically deals on maps of different countries and regions of the World and how their climate affects their art works. It also helps the students to travel to all parts of the world without having to pay for flight ticket or leaving their place of residence. It is good they read about this man who mapped the world so that they can acquaint themselves a little, so to speak, about a man who made it possible for us to be looking at and studying the map as “geography” The man in question is known as Geradus Mercator. He was born in 1572 in Rupelomonde, a small port near Antwerp, Belgium. He received his education at the University of Louvain.

After graduating, he studied the teachings of Aristotley, and before long, he was troubled by his inability to reconcile the views of Aristotle with the teachings of the Bible.

Mercator wrote, when I saw that Moses’ version of the Genesis of the world did not fit sufficiently in many ways with Aristotle and the rest the philosophers, I began to have doubts about the truth of all philosophers and started to investigate the secrets of nature”.

Since he did not want to become a philosopher, he gave

up further studies in the in the university. However, his quest to find evidence to uphold the Biblical creation account occupied his mind to abandon university study to turn geography. So in 1534, mercator began to study mathematics, astronomy, and geography under the

information on maps.

However, mercator adopted a new style of cursive writing from Italy called Italic, which proved to be beneficial in globe making.

In 1536, Mercator worked as an engraver with Frisius and

wall-mao as wide as a was man was tall, Mercator reduced sixty onto a sphere whose diameter was two handspans”! mercator ’s success story onfolds below.

Mercator in 1537, made his first “solo production”-a map

mathematician Gemm Frisius.

Furthermore, he learned the art of engraving from Gasper van der Heyden, an engraver and globemaker. At the beginning of the 16 th century, cartographers used heavy Gothier, or block-letter, type, which limited the space available for written

van der Heyden in the production of a terrestrial globe. Mercator’s beautiful cursive writing contributed to the success of the project.

Nicholas Crane, a modern biographer of Mercator, writes that while another cartographer “had managed to fit fifty American locations onto a

of the Holy Land, which he made to contribute to a “better understanding of both testaments”. In the 16th century, maps of the Holy Land were hopelessly inaccurate, some with fewer than 30 placenames-and many of them in the wrong location. Mercator’s map, however, identify more

FRANCODUS ON FRIDAY

By MARY YOUNG

Mobile: 08023680030

than 400 places! Further, it showed the route followed by the Israelites on their journey through the desert after Exodus. Because of the accuracy of mercator’s map, his contemporaries had much admiration for it.

Encouraged by his success, Mercator published a world map in 1538. before that time, mapmakers knew little about North America, calling it the unknown Distant Land.

Although, the geographical name”America” already existed, mercator was the first to apply that name to both North and South American.

Mercator lived at a time when the world’s oceans were being explored and many new lands were being discovered.

Sailors passed on contradictory information, making the task of mapmaking almost impossible, as cartographers had to fill in the gaps. Nevertheless, in 1541, mercator achieved his goal of making “a more complete globe than had been done so far”. But despite this success, mercator was accused of heresy. How? In Louvain, where mercator lived, there were many Lutherans. By 1536, Mercator sympathized with Lutheranism, and it appears that his wife later became a Lutheran. In February 1544, mercator was arrested together with 42 other citizens of Louvain on the accusation of writing “suspicious letters”.

However, it must also have been because the publication of his map on the Holy Land had aroused the suspicion of Tapper and Latomus, two theologians from the university of Louvain. Both men had presided over the trial of Bible translator William Tyndale, who had been executed in Antwerp in 1536. perhaps Tapper and Latomus were concerned that Mercator’s map of the Holy land, like Tyndale’s translation of Bible encouraged Bible reading. In any case, mercator in the castle of Rupelmonde, his hometown.

Mercator was released after seven months of imprisonment, but all his belongings were confiscated.

In 1552, mercator moved to Duisburg, Germany, where he found a more tolerant religious climate.

While there, Mercator continued to defend the Biblical account of creation.

He devoted most of his life to making a synthesis, or overview, of the entire creation “of heaven and earth, from the beginning of times to the present”, as he put it. This work contained that chronological and geographical information.

In 1569, Mercator published a list of the most important historical events from the creation onward-the first part of his synthesis,

entitled Chronologia. His aim was to help his readers understand their place in time and history. However, because mercator had included in his booth Luther’s protest against indulgences in 1517, Chronologia was put on the Catholic Church’s index of prohibited books.

In the years that followed, Mercator devoted much time to drawing and engraving the plates for the maps of his new geography. In 1590, he suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak and praralyzed his left side, making it extremely difficult for him to continue his work. He was, however, determined not to leave his life’s work unfinished, and he continued with it until he died in 1594 at the age of 82. At is death, his son Rumold completed five unfinished maps. The complete collection of mercator’s maps was published in 1595. it was the very first collection of maps to bear the name atlas.

Mercator’s Atlas contained a study of the first chapter of Genesis, in which the authenticity of God’s Word was defended in the face of opposition from philosophers.

Mercator called this study “the goal of all my labour”, the enlarged edition of the Atlas, published by Jodocus Hondius in 1606, was printed in many languages and became a best seller. Abraham Ortelius, a 16th Century Cartographer, praised Mercator as the “greatest geographer of our day”. More recently, writer Nicholas Crane described Mercator as “the man who mapped the planet”.

Mercator’s legacy is still part of our daily lives. For example, whenever we consult an atlas or switch on a Global Positioning System, we are benefiting from the labours of mercator, a remarkable man who all his life sought to know the time and place of God;s creation.

To appreciate Mercator’s efforts, we should all try to fatten the skin of an orange.

You can see that, that it is impossible to do so without distorting it. That example illustrates the problem faced by mapmakers-how to project a globe (the earth) on a flat map.

Mercator solved the problem.

In this method the lines that form the degrees of latitude from the equator to the poles are spaced proportionally.

Although, this approach distorts distances and sizes (especially to the North and South), it was a major breakthrough in cartography.

Mercator’s wall map of the world of 1569 was a masterpiece that greatly contributed to his fame as a cartographer. Actually, his projection is still used in ocean maps and by the modern Global positioning system.

What a great achievement. He is indeed “the man who mapped the world”.

Art And Culture

Ivory Trades Of Great Benin Culture

IVORY is the hard white substance composing the tusks of an elephant.

Other animals, the walrus, hippopotamus and whales also produce ivory.

There are two species of elephants, the African and the Asian. They have long trunk and big tusks — curving teeth.

The trunk is perhaps the most remarkable of all animal organs. It is the Long drawn out nose and upper limb which the elephant uses as extra limb to gather food.

Its tip is sensitive that it can pick up a single peanut; yet, the trunk’s muscles are strong enough to pick up massive logs.

The elephant can use its trunk to suck up as much as twelve litres of water, which is then squirted into its mouth or unto its back.

The tusks are enormously over-grown upper front teeth and are valuable for their ivory.

These elephants were hunted for by specialist hunters and killed specifically for their ivories, for the lucrative artistic trades.

The Royal ancestral altars of Benin have long been a focus of artistic elaboration, even dating back to Ogiso times.

Much of the sculptural forms that most

characterize Benin art were originally created to honour the Royal Ancestors of Benin nation.

The number of shrine compounds was normally on the increase and by the first quarter of the nineteenth century, about thirty of them were reported by a European visitor to Great Benin.

“In the early eighteenth century, Van Nyandael saw on one altar eleven men’s heads cast in copper and upon every one of these is an elephant’s tooth. On another he saw only carved tusks”. The altar decoration was seen also

by French and English visitors from the late eighteenth to the late nineteenth century, “yet from the early 1820s we have anonymous author in the Royal Gold coast Gazette, and perhaps even more remarkable, an actual sketch of a Benin altar”.

According to the account “The tombs are decorated by as many large elephant’s teeth as can be set in the space: these are elegantly carve in the manner of the ancients and the socket of the tooth is introduced into the crown of the head of a colossal brazen bust, that by its correctness of expression and regularity of features confirms our opinion of

that art having been long introduced and liberally cultivated by those people. The drapery which resembles the collar of a large toga or large gown covers part of

The domestic altar is rigged up in various ways, too various in fact for short description, some are external, provided with all the heterogeneous mixture of idols, cowries chalk

the cheek, and in fact the whole is in the best style of workmanship. The other figures on these monuments are very happy. .“ In 1862, when Sir Richard Burton visited Benin City, he spent sometimes in a chief’s house and has left a very detailed description of what was principally a paternal ancestral altar,”.

sticks, Ivories, some elaborately and beautifully carved...”

Benin craftsmen were busy carving Ivory objects Ivory objects ranging from spoons, with handles, sold at modest prices to sailors, to more elaborate saltcellars and hunting horns, destined apparently for the Portuguese nobility.

“The Portuguese impact was strong in Great Benin but it was brief for the Portuguese were surpassed in trade by the Dutch, French and English.”

With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI

The Benin-Portuguese ivories are a blending of status imagery from two cultures.

The Portuguese impact was strong in Great Benin but it was brief for the Portuguese were surpassed in trade by the Dutch, French and English.

Indeed a Spanish capuchin letter of 16511652 tells the very first

sacrifices to Efae, the Ogun in his quality as god of hunting and war before undertaking expeditions.

They sang and danced to the accompaniment of braced, single membrane drums and used the bones of animals as stick clappers and guns to dance to the sound of the drums.

Carved Ivory tusks,

description “Every man whether great or small and according to his means has within his house an altar or shrine well adorned with hideous idols... and also have some heads like those of wooden rams, each of which holds a very large elephant tusk...”

Ivory was a particularly important export as the Dutch trade records indicate. Increased trade with the Dutch ushered in an era of great prosperity, which began at the end of the seventeenth century.

Elaborate ceremonies were performed by elephant hunters and elephant hunters perform

supported by elaborate bronze heads, huge elephant tusks leaned with the points towards the walls, carved from end to end, with human and animal figures, most of the art works were looted by the British invaders in 1897, thus marked the end of Benin as an independent kingdom and the beginning of new era.

In 1914 Oba Eweka II lifted the restrictions on the sales of art work and built a shed, later to become an arts and crafts school, but nowadays elephants and ivory are in extinction in the culture.

Issues Issues

Encouraging Local Vehicle Assembly Plants

IN an effort to boost industrialisation and encourage local manufacturing in the country, the Federal Government established five vehicle assembly plants in the 1970s.

The plants were Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd. (PAN), Kaduna; Volkswagen of Nigeria Ltd. (VWoN), Lagos; Anambra Motor Manufacturing C o m p a n y (ANAMMCO), Enugu; Styer Nigeria Ltd., Bauchi; National Truck Manufacturers (NTM), Kano; and Leyland Nigeria Ltd., Ibadan.

Less than 20 years after, some of the plants became moribund due largely to the effects of global economic recession of the 1990s and early 2000s, leading to the inability of the plants to cope with the challenges of import substitution.

The few surviving ones now operate at far less than their installed capacities.

A fresh pronouncement aimed at reviving the automotive industry through private sector participation was made recently by President Goodluck Jonathan.

This was during his visit to inaugurate Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM) plant in Nnewi, Anambra.

He noted that Innoson’s strides were in tandem with government’s economic policy of encouraging the development of the private sector.

“I am indeed happy that Innoson is not just

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

assembling parts that are imported from other countries.

“From all indications, it is only the engine that is imported; apart from that, every other thing is manufactured in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, The Chief Executive Officer of Innoson, solicited government’s support through the formulation of enabling policies and creating a favourable investment climate.

“Mr. President, with adequate encouragement, we can go beyond our present level of operation; and when we operate fully, the auto plant alone can employ as many as 3,200 workers.

“Most of the raw materials were raised in Nigeria and all the car parts are made in Nigeria, except the imported engine blocks,’’ he said.

Mr. Aminu Jalal, Director-General, National Automotive Council (NAC), Abuja, appraised Nigeria’s automotive sector, saying that Innoson produced 1,600 units of vehicles in 2012, and called for more patronage for the company.

He said that the plant produced different models of vehicles, amounting to about 300 to 400 units per model.

He regretted that Nigeria spends about N600 billion annually on vehicle importations, adding that about 50,000 new and 150,000 used vehicles were imported into the

country yearly.

“Nigerians spend an average of N400 billion on the importation of passenger cars, and by the

obtainable in India and other countries where it is easier to set up manufacturing plants than to import vehicles.

“The easiest way to do it is by putting in place a

manufacturers in the country under its auto development scheme.

He said that only five of the 10 companies that applied for the loans had accessed it, noting that PAN got three billion naira; IVM got one billion naira, while Dunlop (Nigeria) Ltd. received N1.2 billion.

Jalal said that the

President Goodluck Jonathan

time you add trucks and other vehicles, the amount Nigerians spend on imported vehicles will be running to N600 billion annually.

“The market is there; with this market, automotive companies will be willing to invest in the country. But the constraint is the low import duty which made the vehicles cheap.

“Our current policy structure encourages importation and discourages production.

“That is why we are trying to reverse it to something that is

tariff structure that will discourage importation and encourage production of vehicles,’’ he said.

Jalal regretted that Nigeria’s import duty regime was not skewed in favour of local manufacturers in order to further encourage them.

“Nigeria’s import duty is 10 per cent for commercial vehicles and 20 per cent for cars; right now complete knock down (CKD) parts is imported at five per cent,’’ he said.

He said that NAC had disbursed seven billion naira in loans to vehicle

“Mr. President, with adequate encouragement, we can go beyond our present level of operation; and when we operate fully, the auto plant alone can employ as many as 3,200 workers. Most of the raw materials were raised in Nigeria and all the car parts are made in Nigeria, except the imported engine blocks.’’

remaining amount was allocated to micro-finance banks for disbursement to other small and mediumscale industrialists.

He also said that the NAC had concluded arrangements to establish automotive test centres in the country where trained mechanics would effectively handle modern vehicles to ensure their durability.

He said that the project would boost the development of local content in the automotive sector.

“It will also not only ensure good operation and maintenance of Nigerian vehicles; it will also help to obtain capacity to conduct approval tests in vehicles.’’

Jalal said that the project would be done in two phases, adding that the feasibility and consultancy aspects had been concluded.

He stated that necessary and appropriate approvals from government agencies had been obtained, adding that laboratories would be established in some parts of the country to fully realise the objectives of the project.

He said that the laboratories include a component testing laboratory, automotive material laboratory, emission testing laboratory, and a vehicle evaluation laboratory.

According to him, the council had trained some highly skilled mechanics on mechatronics programmes to man the centres.

Mechatronics is a combined training in mechanics, hydraulics, electrical/electronic and computer applications in modern vehicle operations.

Mr. Kolapo Odetoro, NAC’s Director, Industrial and Infrastructural Development, said that the council was collaborating with a Japanese firm to establish an autorecycling company for non-serviceable vehicles in Abuja.

“We have reached an advanced stage of negotiations for the establishment of an autorecycling company.

“The company which will be sited in Abuja is to serve as a model centre, and will be replicated in other parts of the country,’’ he said.

Analysts say more should be done to encourage indigenous auto companies to enable Nigeria join the league of developing countries known as vehicle manufacturing nations.

They include Thailand, South Korea, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.(NAN).

One Lay Woman

Protecting The Rights Of Nigerian Women

By SABINA IDOWU-OSEHOBO

“TOADS for supper” is the title of a book written

by Chukwuemeka Ike. The very first time I saw that title, I was repulsed. What is this business of eating toads at super? How disgusting! For me, my reaction was not strange considering that toads are slimy; decidedly ugly squat creatures founded around creeks, ponds and other bodies of water especially the stagnant, smelly ones. I have never found anything attractive, tempting or inviting about toads and I am positive I never will.

But these sentiments of mine does not erase the fact that toads for certain people are delicious and very good for food. For some others they are beautiful. I will not be surprised to come across people who go into rhapsodies over toads as the most intelligent animals in the world! Talk about one man’s meat being another’s poison.

By the time I finished reading the book, my understanding was: “Toads for supper,” refers to any situation of debasement, indignity, injustice, name it. The negatives are either self-inflicted or othersinflicted. But the good news is that it is a reversible situation based on facts and choices made.

Women’s rights issues fall squarely into this. Yes, it is indeed a very big “toads for supper” issues, depending on what side of the divide you are.

Women’s rights issues elicit strong responses. For one group there is absolutely nothing wrong with women and their treatment in our society.

For this group the issue of women’s rights is a scandalous piece of frivolity, which the world, and especially Africans, particularly Nigerians can, should and must do without to ensure “even

development and progress.”

To those on the other side of the divide, the most burning issue in human progress right now is the women question. Until properly addressed, real progress cannot be made in any area.

This second school of thought has been vocal and persistent enough to bring gender to the fore of discuss around the globe.

Now the two schools of thought have reasons for their positions.

The most common of which are: School One: God in his infinite wisdom created the man to be the head and have dominion over the woman. That is why she is the helpmate and “weaker vessel.” Culture, knowing the mind of God has through the socialization process defined the role and positions for the woman beyond which she should not venture. The survival of the family is dependent on the maintenance of this status quo. Any deviation

amounts to a departure from the divine will and subsequently a destruction of the family unit. Since the family is the cell of the society, automatically a collapse society is being called for.

School two: God made all of us equal. God is sexblind and that is why the

women’s humanity.

The argument is that not only can this be done without harm to the fabric of society but is essential to ensure the continuation of society.

Change is constant in human existence. Change, we know does not come easy. It is never wholly

universal declaration of human rights are just those; human rights, not man’s rights. But overtime, the interpretation and enforcement of these rights have tended towards “ men” not “human.” So comes the need to reorient, interpret and establish women’s rights within the context of

acceptable to everyone at the same time because whatever the existing situation, it is beneficial to somebody. Change again should never be indulged in just for its own sake. The best option is change for the positive. This is the only acceptable change.

In the YES to change and NO to change in women’s

rights issues, which voice is louder? Whose voice are we hearing? What reasons are behind the voices?

What purpose do these voices seek to achieve?

How will the dominant voice contribute to building or destroying the fabrics of our society?

It has been well demonstrated that women’s empowerment and contributions to

decision making guarantees progress, development and peace in societies. The reverse of this is the case when women are prohibited from full participation in all spheres of life of any society.

The current situation in Nigeria where women and girls have their rights to

“To those on the other side of the divide, the most burning issue in human progress right now is the women question. Until properly addressed, real progress cannot be made in any area.”

bodily dignity and integrity violated routinely as they have become the target of blind, brutal violence alongside the discrimination and injustice which has been their lot will no doubt produce a harvest of greater sorrow for this country. A situation where young girls are abducted from their schools and no doubt abused or even killed, women are raped

maimed and nothing seems to happen, no culprits are apprehended not to talk of justice being served is to say the least appalling.

What we are seeing now across Nigeria where women and girls are bearing the brunt of the physical, mental and psychological violence of terrorists, insurgents and “normal” males, we should not forget that discrimination, and marginalization are also acts of violence against women. Public outcry must be great and government must move beyond “empathy and sympathy” to take concrete action that will protect women and girls and promote their rights.

Religion

What Is Truth? Part 3

THE truth does not draw crowd to itself and is not attractive to majority of Christians. And that is why Jesus Christ refers to the true church, where the truth is preached as a little flock to whom the Father will give the kingdom of heaven, as written in Luke 12:32. The truth portrays the True light of God which lighted every man that cometh unto the world, as written in John1:9. Jesus is the Truth.

In Isaiah 53:2, Prophet Isaiah testifies of Jesus as being a tender plant and as a root out of a dry ground; and that He (Jesus) hath no form nor comeliness, and there is no beauty that one should desire Him. The truth, therefore, who is Jesus personified is a root out of a dry ground and there is no beauty about the truth that will make Christians to desire it. Yet, this truth is a stone or a rock that will someday grow into a great mountain that will fill the whole earth, as written in Daniel 2:35. The Truth is so powerful that it smote and broke in

pieces the great image, that king Nebuchadnezzar saw in his vision, as written in Daniel 2:34. It is this truth therefore that will overthrow the kingdom of darkness and error in the nation and in the entire world. And it is only the righteous nation that keeps the truth that will be allowed into heaven and into the gates of the New Jerusalem as written in Isaiah 26:2 “Open ye the gates that the righteous nation which keepeth the Truth may enter in”.

Christians do not know the importance of the Truth, and so they disdain it, but the devil knows quite well that without it no one can enter heaven. The devil, our adversary, does not want Christians to enter heaven.

Therefore, being the god of the world he has blinded the minds of Christians not to know the truth and not to believe it, even if they know II Corinthians 4:4.

Whereas, obedience to this truth, is the shield and the buckler of all true Christians as written in Psalm 91:1-12. It

is the Christians’ refuge and fortress.

It is this truth that shields the Christians from all the arrows that fly by day, and from all the destruction that waste human lives at noon-day. It is this truth that protects Christians from all the pestilences (terrible sicknesses) that walk in darkness, that are spread upon people in their sleep, by witches and wizards which defy all medical diagnoses and cure. It is this truth that sets Christians free from every fear of the terror of the night. It is the truth, when believed and obeyed that moves the God of heaven to give His angels charge over Christians. It is the truth (the undiluted word of God) that gives Christians the power to tread upon the powers of their enemies so that they are not able to hurt them Luke 10:19. It is this truth that will deliver the Christians from the trap of satan and from every noisome pestilence. In I John 5:18b, it is written “He that is begotten of God (that is,

“Christians do not know the importance of the Truth, and so they disdain it, but the devil knows quite well that without it no one can enter heaven.

The devil, our adversary, does not want Christians to enter heaven.”

With

REV. OLU GEORGE

“Christians free from every fear of the terror of the night. It is the truth, when believed and obeyed that moves the God of heaven to give His angels charge over Christians. It is the truth (the undiluted word of God) that gives Christians the power to tread upon the powers of their enemies so that they are not able to hurt them Luke 10:19. It is this truth that will deliver the Christians from the trap of satan and from every noisome pestilence.” begotten of the truth) keepeth himself (keeps himself in obedience to the truth) and that wicked one (satan) toucheth him not.”

It is the truth that purifies our souls in readiness for heaven, as it is written in I Peter 1 : 2 2 a .

Unfortunately, the devil, knowing all the spiritual benefits Christians derive from obeying this truth, deceives many Christians into seeing the truth as a hard saying, difficult to obey, whereas, it is very easy through the Holy Spirit and power. The truth is to remove from our necks the yoke of satan, and from our shoulders the heavy burden of satan, especially the burden of sin. It is the truth that enables Christians to grow from being children in the spirit, who are tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive Ephesian 4:14. It was this truth that made Jesus to be so spiritually matured

as to reject the gift of satan as written in Matthew 4:8-9. But many so called ministers of God for lack of knowledge of this truth are being seduced by satan, to accept the ‘gift’ of the earthly things of this world from satan. The truth is that such ministers have fallen down to worship the devil except God, peradventure, will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. It is only then that they can recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive, at his will II Timothy 2:25-26.

Being grounded in the truth, makes Christians, to be warring soldiers of Christ who will not entangle themselves in the affairs of this life, so that they may please Jesus, who has chosen them to be soldiers II Timothy 2:4. But most ministers of God have been disbanded from the army of the Lord, because of their entanglement with the affairs of this life. They have

become ‘brambles’ in the forest instead of remaining the olive trees, or the fig trees or the vines, which God has called them to be.

Only the bramble as written in Judges 9:8-15 accepted the offer to reign over the other trees because the bramble is neither useful to God or to man. But the olive tree, the fig tree and the vine refused to be distracted from their individual divine assignment, for any earthly ambition.

Let all ministers of God, who are genuinely called, learn from the truth of the parable in Judges 9:8-15. The church is not an organisation where politicking and rivalry is the order of the day. The church is a living organism led by the Spirit of Truth. Those that have ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit of Truth saith to all ministers of God and to all Churches.

COURTESY: REV. OLU GEORGE CHRISTIAN GOSPEL CHURCH ( The Truth Centre ) BENIN CITY.

Health

Dealing With Gum Disease

DO you think gum disease is something that only happens to people your grand parents or the aged? Think again! Teens can get gum disease too, and it can cause problems from the simply embarrassing (like bad breath) to the serious, like pain and tooth loss (which is both embarrassing and serious).

What is gum disease?

According to kidshealth.Org, Gum disease is also known as periodontal (pronounced: per-ee-oh-dontu) disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fallout.

Gum disease is usually caused by a building of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums.

Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. That’s why brushing and flossing everyday and regular trips to the dentist are so important.

Who is at risk?

Certain things can make teens more likely to develop gum disease. Some may inherit this tendency from their parents. The snacks you eat also can put you at risk of developing gum disease especially if you grab fries and a soda in the mall after school and aren’t able to brush immediately after eating them. You probably know that sugar is bad for your teeth, but you may not know that starchy foods like fries also feed the acids that eat into your tooth enamel.

If you have braces, fending off plaque can be tougher. Plus, some medical conditions (including diabetes and down syndrome)

and certain medicines increase the risk of gum disease. Running yourself down with a lousy diet, too little sleep, and too much stress leaves you more vulnerable to infection anywhere in the body, including your gums.

Girls have a higher risk of gum disease than guys.

Increase in female sex hormones during puberty can make girls’ gums more sensitive to irritation. Some girls may notice that their gums bleed a bit in the days before their periods. For severe and early gum problems, though, the real bad guy is tobacco. Not only does smoking lead to bad breath and stained, yellowed teeth but recent research also shows that smoking is a leading cause of gum disease.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), people who smoke cigarettes and chew tobacco are more likely to have plaque and tartar buildup and to show signs of advanced gum disease. They are also more likely to develop mouth cancer in the future.

How it progresses Gum disease progresses in stages. Believe it or not, more than half of teens have some form of gum disease. Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth? Chances are you already have the muldest form of gum disease, bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis.

Other warning signs of gingivitis include gum tenderness, redness, or puffiness. If plaque from teeth and gums isn’t removed by good daily dental, care, over time it will harden into a crust called calculus or tartar. Once tartar forms, it starts to destroy gum tissue, causing gums to bleed and pull away from the teeth. This is known as periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease.

With periodontitis, gums

By ISEMHENBITA FAITH

become weakened and form pockets around the base of teeth. Bacteria pool in these pockets, causing further destruction of the gums. As periodontitis spreads, it damages deeper gum tissue and can eventually spread to areas of the jawbone that support the teeth. This can

swollen, or tender).

• Any signs of gums pulling away from teeth.

• Bad breath that won’t go away • Loose teeth.

Tracking it down and treating it Gum disease can be sneaky, sometimes causing little or no pain or irritation before

rinse to tackle the problem.

Once someone develops periodontitis, it is not as easy to control. Usually there is widespread infection of the gums that needs to be treated.

This may require several special treatments either by a dentist or a periodontist, an expert who specializes in the care of gum disease.

Some of the ways dentists and periodontists may treat

Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health

cause teeth to become loose and fall out. Though periodontitis is rare in teens, it can happen. If it is not treated, it can cause real trouble for your teeth.

What should you do to avoid these problems. See your dentist if you notice any of these signs of gum disease.

• Bleeding of the gums that occurs regularly when brushing or flossing.

• Discoloration of gums (healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red,

permanent damage is done to your teeth. That is why regular dentist visits are a must. With x-rays and a thorough examination, a dentist or dental hygienist can spot trouble before you know it’s there.

The earlier that gum disease is caught, the better.

Adopting better brushing and flossing habits can usually reverse gingivitis. Sometimes your dentist will also prescribe antibiotics or a special antibacterial mouth

“Other warning signs of gingivitis include gum tenderness, redness, or puffiness. If plaque from teeth and gums isn’t removed by good daily dental, care, over time it will harden into a crust called calculus or tartar. Once tartar forms, it starts to destroy gum tissue, causing gums to bleed and pull away from the teeth. This is known as periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease.”

periodontitis are; Antibiotics: These and other medications are often used together with scaling and root planning to stop the spread of infection and inflammation in the mouth.

They come in several different forms that range from medicated mouthwashes to antibiotic – containing gets or fibers that are placed in gum pockets to slowly kill bacteria and help gums to heal.

Scaling or root planting: These deep – cleaning measures involve scraping and removing plaque and tartar from teeth above and below the gum line.

Surgery: Advanced cases of periodontitis may require a dentist to open and clean badly diseased gum pockets, then stitch the gums back into place to fit more snugly

around the teeth.

Gingival grafting: If gum tissue is too diseased to sew back together, a dentist removes healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and stitches it into place. The graft replaces the diseased tissue and helps to anchor the teeth, giving them an improved appearance.

While undergoing treatment for periodontitis, it’s especially important to take special care of your teeth and gums to see lasting improvement. This includes flossing and brushing everyday and quitting habits that mean bad news for the mouth, such as smoking or eating sugary snacks between meals.

Prevention tips Fortunately, there’s good new: Gum disease is usually preventable. Just take care of your teeth, starting now.

Brush twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time (about the length of your favorite song) and floss daily. If you’re not sure whether you’re brushing or flossing properly, your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best techniques.

Always brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride; some dentists also recommend daily mouth rinses containing fluoride.

Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue. Be sure to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months, a worn-out toothbrush can injure your gums. (some toothbrush brands contain color indicators on the bristles to remind you to replace them when they become worn.

Eat a healthy diet: Avoid snacks and junk foods packed with sugar that plaque causing bacteria love to feed on.

Don’t smoke! Cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause mouth irritation and are very unhealthy for gums and teeth.

Regular dental care is extremely important in helping to keep your mouth healthy. Visit your dentist for routine care especially cleaning at least twice a year.

Your dentist can remove hardened plaque and any tartar that you’re not getting to with brushing or flossing.

International Features IN 1994, Indiana Republican Rep. Dan Burton fired bullets at what he would later describe as a “head-like object” in his backyard— whether it was a melon or a pumpkin has been lost to history—in an attempt to prove that White House aide Vincent Foster had not committed suicide, but was murdered. At the time, Burton believed President Bill Clinton was responsible for his death.

Burton went on become the Chairman of the House

importantly, what not to do.

House Speaker John Boehner this week tapped Rep. Trey Gowdy, a veteran prosecutor and Republican from South Carolina, to lead the select committee, and insists it won’t become “a circus.”

But with Democrats charging that new Beghazi hearings will amount to little more than political theater — Democratic Party Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz said Wednesday it was “nothing more than a political ploy”—

communications adviser Ben Rhodes. The existence of the letter — made public under the Freedom of Information Act and offering guidance to administration officials about how they should characterize the attacks — has raised the possibility that additional documents may yet be forthcoming, if Congress presses for them.

When reached for comment about the new select committee, Burton, who retired from Congress last year, declined to offer

carry the message, that’s trained in how to handle crisis management in terms of media.”

He added: “I would pick professional investigators that are seen by people in the legal community as really competent and capable. … I would make sure they have some Democratic connections as well as Republican connections. “ Gowdy himself said he intends to take great pains to lend credibility to the committee.

conclusions, but I don’t want there to be any ambiguity about whether the process was fair and complete. It’s my responsibility to convince you that the process was fair.”

Democrats are worried that the proceedings won’t be carried out fairly, and some have even called on party leadership to boycott the hearings altogether.

Critics of the Republican’s move to create a select committee point to the fact that four bipartisan congressional committees

of the Ethics Committee, seats on congressional panels are doled out based on the partisan makeup of the chamber.

“That’s a red herring. I don’t think it’s important at all” to have an equal number from each party, Gowdy said.

“I just want it to be fair.”

Hillary Clinton, who was Secretary of State at the time of the Benghazi attack, was asked about the issue during an appearance at the Ford Foundation Tuesday. She said she was “absolutely”

have already launched their own Benghazi investigations and that the House Oversight Committee still has an inquiry open on the subject.

In January, the Senate Committee on Intelligence released a report on the attacks—signed off by both Republicans and Democrats on the panel—that concluded that the attacks were “preventable.”

On Tuesday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Whip Steny Hoyer sent a letter to Boehner requesting there be an equal number of Democrats on the panel as Republicans. The letter called for rules mandating that there be bipartisan agreement to approve subpoenas and protocols for the release of documents related to the investigation.

Republicans are all but ignoring the Democrats’ request, with plans to appoint seven of their own to the panel and just five Democrats. As justification for the move, they point to Pelosi’s decision, when she was Speaker in 2007, not to appoint an equal number of Republicans and Democrats to a Select Committee on climate change. They also note that with the exception

satisfied with the information she had about Benghazi and greeted the new Republican push with the verbal equivalent of a shrug.

“Of course, there are a lot of reasons why, despite all of the hearings, all of the information that’s been provided, some choose not to be satisfied and choose to continue to move forward,” Clinton said. “That’s their choice, and I do not believe there is any reason for it to continue in this way. But they get to call the shots in the Congress.”

House Republicans plan to vote on creating the joint committee later this week.

Meanwhile, it’s already proving hard for Republicans to keep the party on message.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has begun fundraising around the Benghazi investigation, fueling Democratic criticism that the committee is being established for political purposes. Gowdy denounced the NRCC’s move and is urging Republicans not to raise money off the investigations.

“This is all about getting to the truth. It’s not going to be a sideshow,” Boehner insisted Wednesday morning.

“It’s not going to be a circus.

This is a serious investigation.”

Can The GOP Keep The Benghazi Hearings From Becoming A Circus?

Oversight Committee and would be remembered for aggressively—and sometimes unethically— probing the tiniest details of Clinton’s presidency. The committee sent out more than

Republicans are mindful about trying to avoid the kind of theatrics Congress witnessed in the late 1990s.

“If you’re shooting a

guidance for Gowdy.

“He’ll do a good job without my advice,” Burton told Yahoo News. Burton added that he wasn’t

watermelon, you’re probably going too far,” South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who cut his teeth in Congress as a Clinton-era investigator, told Yahoo News. “I don’t think [Trey Gowdy’s] going to have a demonstration in his backyard about how Benghazi happened.”

Controversy over White House messaging in the wake of the Benghazi attack reerupted at the end of April after Judicial Watch succeeded in obtaining a previously undisclosed email from September 14, 2012, written by National Security Council

interested in discussing his own historic tactics and strategies. “I really don’t think I ought to go back and re-hash all of that,” he said.

“I don’t think it will be beneficial for me to go into all that again.”

Graham, however, was glad to offer wisdom.

“If you’re going to take on White Houses you better have a thick skin,” Graham, a dogged critic of Obama’s handling of Benghazi and a member of the Judiciary Committee team that brought the case for impeachment of Clinton in 1998, said. “What I would do is get a good press shop. Somebody who can

“I care very much about the process,” Gowdy told Yahoo News Wednesday after a House Republican conference meeting on

Rep Trey Gowdy 1,000 subpoenas to Democratic officials for various investigations on Burton’s watch, including one that delved into the White House Christmas-card list.

The strong-armed tactics and stunts defined Burton’s tenure as a top cop in Congress, but Republicans were regularly accused of overreaching.

Today, Republicans organizing the new select committee to investigate the 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya, are looking to their own party’s colorful history of presidential investigative hearings for guidance. This includes, most

Capitol Hill. “I want people to respect the process. You are welcome to draw different

“Of course, there are a lot of reasons why, despite all of the hearings, all of the information that’s been provided, some choose not to be satisfied and choose to continue to move forward,” Clinton said. “That’s their choice, and I do not believe there is any reason for it to continue in this way. But they get to call the shots in the Congress.”

International

South Africa’s ANC Rolls To Victory

PRETORIA - The ruling African National Congress (ANC) took a clear lead yesterday in South Africa’s fifth post-apartheid election, giving President Jacob Zuma the political clout to push through pro-business reforms in the face of union and leftist opposition.

Burdened with sluggish economic growth and damaging strikes in his first term, the scandal-plagued Zuma has devoted less and less time over the last year to the

wishes of unions, whose long walkouts have hit confidence in Africa’s most developed economy.

He has also batted away opposition from the far left, squelching some expectations the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) - led by his former protégé Julius Malema - would ride a wave of populist anger over grinding poverty and high unemployment.

“With this (election outcome), he is much less beholden to the left,” Cape Town-based political analyst Nic Borain said, and he expected Zuma to appoint a technocrat

Pro-Russians To Hold Referendum In East DONETSK, Ukraine - A Ukraine pro-Russia insurgency in eastern Ukraine decided yesterday to go ahead with Sunday’s referendum on autonomy despite a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay it.

While Putin’s call on Wednesday to postpone the vote was seen as part of an effort to step back from confrontation with the West, he fueled tensions again yesterday by overseeing military exercises that Russian news agencies said simulated a massive retaliatory nuclear strike in response to an enemy attack.

Putin said the exercise involving Russia’s nuclear forces had been planned back in November, but it came as relations between Russia and the West have plunged to their lowest point since the Cold War. On the ground in Ukraine, many have feared that the referendum could be a flashpoint for further violence between Ukrainian troops and the pro-Russia militants who have seized government buildings in about a dozen cities in the east.

The decision to hold the vote as planned was unanimous, said Denis Pushilin, co-chairman of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic.

The suggestion to postpone the referendum “came from a person who indeed cares for the people of the southeast” of Ukraine, Pushilin said.

“But we are the bullhorn of the people.”

The organizers have said the referendum was on whether to give the eastern regions more autonomy within Ukraine, but they have left open the possibility of using it to seek independence or annexation by Russia.

Putin on Wednesday also declared that Russia has pulled its troops away from the Ukrainian border, although NATO and Washington said they saw no signs of this.

Putin also spoke more positively about the Ukrainian interim government’s plan to hold a presidential election on May 25, calling it a “step in the right direction,” but reiterated Russia’s long-standing contention that it should be preceded by constitutional reforms.

His spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, added yesterday that the election could only be considered legitimate if Ukraine stops its “punitive operations” in the east and

begins a national dialogue on resolving the crisis, the Interfax news agency reported.

A poll released yesterday showed that a strong majority of Ukrainians want their country to remain a single, unified state and this was true even in the largely Russian-speaking east where the pro-Russia insurgency has been fighting for autonomy.

The poll conducted last month by the Washington-based Pew Research Center found that 77 percent of people nationwide want Ukraine to maintain its current borders, while nearly as many, or 70 percent, in the east feel the same. Only among Russian speakers does the percentage drop significantly, but it is still over half at 58 percent.

The central government in Kiev has the confidence of only about 41 percent of Ukrainians, with a sharp divide between the west of the country, where support is 60 percent, and the east, where it is a low 24 percent, according to the poll.

Russia, however, is viewed with great suspicion, with three times as many Ukrainians surveyed saying Russia is having a bad influence on their country as say its impact is positive.

In Crimea, which Russia annexed in March following a referendum, 93 percent of people surveyed expressed confidence in Putin and said Russia was playing a positive role on the peninsula.

Their confidence in U.S. President Barack Obama, on the other hand, was recorded at a dismal 4 percent.

cabinet with the express mandate to roll out policies to boost growth.

“There’s no deeply insightful change, but the bottom line is that by 2019 they are going to have to be growing this economy and making sure they can still raise tax revenue.”

Zuma hinted this week that the ANC needed to take a more pro-business tack, accusing the main platinum union of irresponsibility for dragging out a four-month wage strike, and he hinted at reforms in the pipeline.

“We need an overwhelming majority so that we can change certain things so that we can move faster,” Zuma told a news conference. “There are things you need to remove so you can move faster. I won’t be specific.

The ANC, the liberation movement that swept to power two decades ago under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, had 62.5 percent of the vote with just over half of districts counted, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said.

Its nearest rival, the Democratic Alliance, held 23.3 percent, upholding poll predictions the party would improve on the 16.7 percent it won five years ago as it

gradually sheds its image as the political home of privileged minority whites.

The militant EFF, launched by Malema after he was expelled from the ANC in 2012, was in third place with 4.7 percent.

Turnout was high across 22,000 polling stations nationwide, officials said, and voting passed off smoothly although the ANC said one of its members was shot dead outside a polling station in rural KwaZuluNatal, Zuma’s home province.

BANGKOK Thailand’s anti-graft agency indicted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for negligence yesterday, a ruling that came a day after a court threw her out of office and could kill off any hopes she has of staging an electoral comeback.

Thousands of her loyalists were converging on the capital as the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s announced its decision to press ahead with charges related to a financially ruinous state rice-buying scheme.

The blows delivered on successive days by the commission and Thailand’s Constitutional Court are the latest twists

in a struggle for power between Thailand’s royalist establishment and Yingluck’s brother, ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

“The committee has investigated and there is enough evidence to make a case ... We will now forward it to the Senate,” the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) president, Panthep Klanarongran, told reporters.

If found guilty by the Senate, Yingluck could be banned from

politics for five years. Several other members of the family and about 150 of Thaksin’s other political allies have been banned for five-year terms since 2007.

Yingluck’s removal from office by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday for abuse of power followed months of sometimes deadly protests in Bangkok aimed at toppling her government and ending elder brother Thaksin’s influence.

Thaksin, a billionaire former

telecommunications tycoon who has won the unswerving loyalty of legions of Thailand’s rural and urban poor, lives in exile to avoid a 2008 jail sentence for abuse of power, but he looms over politics.

The Constitutional Court, which removed two previous pro-Thaksin prime ministers in 2008, ruled that Yingluck and nine of her cabinet ministers had abused power in 2011 over the transfer of a security agency chief.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan - A bomb planted by suspected Taliban insurgents ripped through a truck carrying troops in Pakistan’s tribal region yesterday, killing nine soldiers and wounding more than a dozen,

officials said, with the death toll expected to rise.

The daylight attack, one of the biggest on Pakistani security forces in months, deals a major blow to the army at a time when Pakistan is already under strong U.S. pressure to do more to contain the insurgency on its western frontier.

The army said the bomb was planted in a truck carrying soldiers of the paramilitary Frontier Corps.

It exploded as it was moving along the Afghan border where many al Qaeda-linked militant groups are holed up.

“The paramilitary forces were doing some internal movements along the Afghan border when their pickup truck was blown up,” a senior military official based in Miranshah, the capital of North Waziristan, said.

Another military official said the death toll could increase as several of the wounded were in critical condition.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but the officials said the Pakistan Taliban, seeking to set up an Islamic state, were responsible.

Taliban insurgents have carried out similar attacks against the army and paramilitary forces that control

the area.

The Taliban had earlier vowed to step up attacks on security and government forces after electing a new hardline leader, Mullah Fazlullah, at the end of last year.

Village elders said Thursday’s blast, which was heard all around Miranshah, created panic, forcing people to retreat into their homes and close down shops and markets.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came to power last year promising to engage the Taliban in peace talks and find a negotiated solution to years of fighting.

Talks had been going on since February but recently stalled again when Taliban called off a ceasefire.

Attacks have continued unabated despite dialogue, a concern to regional powers already anxious about security as most foreign troops prepare to leave neighboring Afghanistan this year.

The Pakistani Taliban, loosely aligned with their Afghan namesakes, are also deeply fractured, making policy coordination all the more difficult, something the government hopes to exploit.

Yesterday, nine militants were killed and 15 wounded in fighting between two feuding factions. On Tuesday, twelve militants were killed in in-fighting.

Polls ahead of the election, the first to feature voters born after apartheid, had put ANC support near 65 percent, a touch below the 65.9 percent it won in the 2009 vote that brought Zuma to power.

The rand firmed 1 percent to 10.35 against the dollar - its strongest level this year - as the ANC’s margin of victory became clear. The benchmark Top-40 stock index was little changed.

The ANC’s enduring popularity

has confounded those who had expected its support to wane as the glory of its past receded into history and voters focused instead on the sluggish growth and slew of scandals that have typified Zuma’s first term.

Africa’s most sophisticated economy has struggled to recover from a 2009 recession - its first since 1994 - and the ANC’s efforts to stimulate growth and tackle 25 percent unemployment have been hampered by the unions.

A pro-Russian gunman sets a banner which reads: “Do not forget, do not forgive!” in front of the city hall decorated with flags of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, in the center of Slovyansk, Eastern Unraine yesterday.

Thai Graft Agency Rules Against Ex-PM

9 Pakistan Soldiers Killed By Suspected Taliban Bomb

Ex-Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra greets her supporters yesterday.

International S/Sudan To Suspend Attacks On Rebels For A Month

ADDIS ABABA - South Sudan’s government said on Wednesday it had ordered a one-month suspension of attacks on rebel forces as international pressure mounts for an end to an ethnic conflict that has raised fears of genocide.

South Sudanese Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said the government’s commitment to honour a “month of tranquillity”, proposed on Monday at peace talks in Ethiopia, meant the army could still fight back if attacked.

There was no immediate word from the rebels.

“We have already given our forces an order,” Lueth told a news conference in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, where months of peace talks have made little progress.

A ceasefire deal struck in January swiftly fell apart, with each side blaming the other for fighting that has exacerbated deep-rooted tensions between President Salva Kiir’s Dinka people and the Nuer tribe of his sacked deputy president, Riek Machar. The conflict has largely followed ethnic faultlines.

Kiir and Machar are due to hold face-to-face talks in Addis Ababa on Friday.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in Juba last week that Kiir had committed himself to talks on a transitional government, and has threatened Machar with sanctions if he does not meet Kiir. South Sudanese Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told Reuters on Wednesday that the plan envisaged a “transitional process” that would last until the next election in 2015.

“President Kiir will stay in power until the elections take place,” he said.

Machar has called for Kiir to resign, saying he lost the people’s trust after fighting broke out in the presidential guard in December and

quickly spread across the country, which is about the size of Texas.

Thousands of civilians have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

In a sign of growing frustration at the failure of South Sudan’s leaders to end the bloodshed, the United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on two commanders on opposing sides of the ethnic violence.

The sanctions were imposed under an executive order that U.S. President Barack Obama signed in April to hold to account those responsible for the unrest in South Sudan - whose secession from Sudan in 2011 was seen as a major U.S. policy success.

Norway, another of South Sudan’s main Western sponsors and donors, also made clear that its patience was running out.

“We made it clear that the international community will react even firmer in the coming months if they don’t take responsibility in ending the fighting and find a solution for an inclusive government for the future,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Bende told Reuters in Addis Ababa.

Benjamin said in Juba that he had understood from Kerry that the regional African group IGAD, which is sponsoring the peace talks, would take the lead on any foreign sanctions.

“We were surprised that the United States pre-empted what they had agreed upon,” he said, although he added that he doubted relations with Washington would be damaged.

The sanctions targeted Peter Gadet, an army commander loyal to Machar, and Major-General Marial Chanuong, head of Kiir’s presidential guard. One U.S. official said both men had “blood on their hands”.

Nearly 300 Killed In Fallujah-Area Unrest

between the country’s western border with Kyrgyzstan and the Taklamakan Desert on the east.

Aksu was the home of one of the two bombers killed in the Urumqi blast, according to police.

In February, Xinhua said 11 “terrorists” were killed in Aksu prefecture. They had “attacked a team of police” who were patrolling, it said.

Exiles and many rights groups say the real cause of the unrest in Xinjiang is China’s heavy-handed policies, including curbs on Islam and the culture and language of the Uighur people.

The government has blamed previous attacks on terrorists, a term it uses to describe

Islamist militants and separatists in Xinjiang who have waged a sometimes violent campaign for an independent East Turkestan state.

Dilxat Raxit, the spokesman for the Germanbased World Uyghur Congress exile group, said that the incident stemmed from police insulting Uighurs during the vehicle inspection.

Chinese authorities have taken into custody seven Uighurs, and five others who used their mobile phone cameras to film the clash, Raxit said.

Officials at the Xinjiang government did not pick up calls to their mobile phones.

BAGHDAD - Violence in and around the Iraqi city of Fallujah, held by anti-government fighters for months, has killed at least 295 people since late last year, a doctor said Wednesday.

At least 1,296 people have also been wounded in the area, a short drive west of Baghdad, between December 30 and May 7, Dr Ahmed Shami, chief medic at the city’s main hospital, told newsmen.

The actual toll may be higher, as dead and wounded may have been taken to other hospitals or not at all.

A crisis erupted in the desert province of Anbar on December 30 when security forces dismantled Iraq’s main Sunni Arab antigovernment protest camp just outside provincial capital Ramadi, to the west of Fallujah.

Anti-government fighters subsequently seized all of Fallujah and shifting parts of Ramadi, and security forces have failed to wrest back control.

It is the first time anti-government forces have exercised such open control in major cities since the peak of the deadly violence that followed the US-led invasion of 2003.

Security forces have periodically clashed with militants in areas around Fallujah, but the main source of casualties in the city has been persistent shellfire that has especially targeted southern neighbourhoods.

Bombardment in various areas of Fallujah killed seven people and wounded 45 from Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, Shami said.

And in the northern city of Mosul, two people were shot dead, a police officer and a morgue employee said.

Iraq is suffering a protracted surge in unrest that the government has blamed on external factors such as the civil war in neighbouring Syria.

existence of Israel if the Palestinians are to move forward with their hopes of establishing their own state, former Egyptian foreign minister Amr Mussa said Wednesday.

“It is normal for the Palestinians to reconcile,” Mussa said of a recent unity deal struck between the Hamas militants who run the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Liberation Organization.

However, “I believe that Hamas should declare its acceptance of the Arab initiative of 2002, which is the map of normalization and recognition of the state of Israel together with the establishing of the Palestinian state and the withdrawal of the occupied territory,” he insisted.

“If Hamas does do this, it would be a major step in the direction of formulating a favorable all-Palestinian policy towards the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”

Hamas and the Western-

backed PLO, which is dominated by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas’s secular Fatah party, signed a surprise reconciliation agreement on April 23 in a bid to end years of bitter and sometime bloody rivalry.

Under terms of the deal, the two sides would work together to form an “independent government” of technocrats, to be headed

by Abbas, that would pave the way for long-delayed elections.

The move angered Israel, which has suspended its participation in US-led peace talks, saying it cannot be expected to negotiate with a government which includes members of a party dedicated to its destruction.

Egypt, which was once close to Hamas, has grown increasingly hostile to the militant movement after the Egyptian military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. Hamas is a Palestinian offshoot of Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood.

The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative was launched by Saudi Arabia and backed by the Arab League.

Under the plan, Arab states would forge full diplomatic relations with the Jewish state in exchange for a withdrawal from land it occupied during the 1967 Six Day War or mutually-agreed upon land swaps.

Mussa, who was Egypt’s top diplomat from 1991 to 2001 before becoming secretary general of the Arab League until 2011, is close to former military chief Abdel Fattah alSissi, who is tipped to win next month’s elections in Egypt.

Abbas held “positive” talks with Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal in Doha Monday in the first meeting since their surprise unity deal last month, Palestinian officials said.

However, the deputy leader of Hamas, Mussa Abu Marzuq, insisted earlier this week that despite the unity deal his group would never recognize Israel.

“We will not recognize the Zionist entity,” he told a press conference in Gaza City.

Palestinian Fatah delegation Chief Azzam al-Ahmed (centre) laughs with Hamas Prime Minister in the Gaza Strip Ismail Haniya (right) during a press conference in Gaza.

1 Shot Dead In China’s Troubled BEIJING - Chinese police Xinjiang Region has shot dead an assailant who attacked a police vehicle with knives in China’s far western region of Xinjiang, the latest in a string of violent attacks that have raised concerns of greater instability in the troubled region.

Xinjiang, resource-rich and strategically located on the borders of central Asia and home to the Muslim Uighur people, has been beset by violence for years, blamed by the government on Islamist militants and separatists.

The attack in Aksu city came as police were checking a “suspicious car”, the Xinjiang government said on its official news website (www.ts.cn). The suspect attacked them with knives and “hurled burning devices at police patrol cars”, state news agency Xinhua said.

The incident followed a bomb and knife attack last Wednesday at a train station in Urumqi, the regional capital of Xinjiang, that killed one bystander and wounded 79.

China has grown increasingly nervous about Islamic militancy since a car burst into flames on the edge of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in October and 29 people were stabbed to death in March in the southwestern city of Kunming.

Aksu is an agricultural hub

Smoke rises from an Iraqi army vehicle following an attack by armed militants in the Anbar City of Fallujah recently.

Hamas Must Recognize Israel, Top WASHINGTON Egyptian Official Says Hamas must recognize the

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Keshi’s Provisional World Cup List Elicits More Reactions STEPHEN Keshi’s provisional 30-man list for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on Wednesday elicited mixed reactions from some notable stakeholders in Lagos.

The much awaited list was finally released on Tuesday in Abuja, after Keshi had met with the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).

The list was made up of goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama, Augustine Ejide, Daniel Akpeyi and Chigozie Agbim.

The defenders are Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Ambrose Efetobore, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami, Joseph Yobo and Juwon Oshaniwa.

Those in the midfield are Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Gabriel Rueben, Nosa Igiebor, Joel Obi and Michel Uchebo.

Strikers in the team are Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Babatunde Michael, Uche Nwofor and Nnamdi Oduamadi.

Paul Hamilton, a former coach of the Super Eagles, told reporters that he was satisfied with the list and had implicit trust in their ability to perform.

Hamilton, who was also a Chief Coach of the Super Falcons in the early 1990s, said that it was normal for some people to make the list while some would not.

“The list is not an endless one which can take everyone and so what we are seeing is expected.

“Keshi knows what he wants and I am sure he used

that in his selection process, I am sure that he has good intentions,’’ he said.

A former Golden Eaglets Chief Coach, Henry Nwosu, urged Nigerians to support and respect Keshi’s selection.

Nwosu said Keshi is the head coach and the World Cup is a major competition so he would not want to disappoint people.

“He has done a good thing in juggling the players, bringing in some news ones for the World Cup. “Let us all know that he can’t satisfy everyone in his selection and accept it by knowing that he has good intentions,’’ he said.

Adegboye Onigbinde, a former Super Eagles coach, hailed the decisive manner with which Keshi had gone about the task of selecting the players he needed in the buildup to the World Cup. Onigbinde told reporters that Keshi had done what was expected of him to release a list and urged Nigerians to support him.

“He chose those he believes will execute his plans for the World Cup and I am optimistic of a good outing.

“No one does a thing without a plan so let’s give him the chance to carry out his plans,’’ he said.

Tayo Balogun, a renowned sport analyst, said that Nigeria was in a very tough group which many people did not seem to realise.

Balogun said that Iran had been preparing so hard for the competition by engaging their players in series of friendly matches to build up for the World Cup. “The Group F where we are alongside Argentina, BosniaHerzegovina and Iran is a very tough one and we need to take serious precautions

Tamuno Danagogo, Sports Minister

not to fall.

“We need all the seriousness and commitment before and during the World Cup because it is a major tournament,’’ Balogun said.

He, however, charged Yobo, who eventually made the provisional list, to use his wealth of experience to mentor his fellow players, especially the younger ones.

“Yobo should use his pedigree to keep the team all through the competition because they need motivation to carry on.

“Motivation is also a vital tool needed by the players to keep going and not to be dampened for what so ever reason,’’ he said.

Steven Keshi

Keshi’s List Comprehensive THE Chairman, Anambra Football Association (ASFA), Jude Obikwelu, has commended the 30-man Super Eagles list for Brazil released by Head Coach, Stephen Keshi on Tuesday.

Obikwelu told newsmen in Awka that the list was comprehensive.

He said that he was happy that Keshi retained the squad that conquered Africa at the Nations Cup in South Africa.

This, he said, was contrary to expectations in some quarters that Keshi would drop some of the notable players out of sentiments.

Obikwelu noted that some of the good players who had one issue or the other to settle with Keshi still made the list.

He said that was a show of fairness on the part of the

head coach and portended understanding and unity which would lead to greater bonding in the team.

Obikwelu dismissed the notion that Joseph Yobo was too old to make the team list and pointed out that the World Cup was actually a game of skills and experience.

He said that Yobo possessed the requisite skills to be at the Mundial.

The Anambra FA chairman also hailed the resolution of the issues that had caused a rift between the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the coaching crew of the Eagles.

“I commend the list, it is comprehensive and okay, most of the members of the

SOME track and field athletes on Wednesday threatened to boycott the Nigeria Athletics Federation (AFN) organised Golden League scheduled for Akure on Saturday.

The athletes told newsmen in Lagos that the prize money for the two previous competitions in Abuja and Ilorin had not been paid.

The AFN’s league is organised every two weeks in different states to harness talents for national assignments.

The winner of the first position is to earn N40,000 and the second N30, 000, while the third and fourth positions are to get N20, 000 and N15,000 respectively.

The fifth placed athlete is to earn N10,000 and the sixth to get N5,000, while he first place winners in relay are to get N30,000, second N25, 000 and third N20,000.

Temidayo Oshunbanjo who

runs 100m hurdles, Eze Anayo who does 800m and Abike Egbeniyi for 1,500m women told The athletes, who claimed to be speaking for their colleagues, said they were tired of unfulfilled promises by the organisers over their outstanding prize monies.

Oshunbanjo, a gold medalist from the Abuja event in April said: “As a professional, I am supposed to live from my career and not promise.

“From the kick-off of the league in Abuja, no prize money has been given to anybody, we all expected the money at the Ilorin event two Saturdays ago but to no avail.

“The Akure event will be a show down on individual basis devoid of conspiracy, the athletes are poised to down tool to drive home their demand,” Oshunbanjo said.

Anayo, also a gold medalist in the 800m of the league at

- Anambra FA Boss Nations Cup winning team are there and I believe we have the provisional list that will give us the best in Brazil.

“There are no surprise exclusions but rather experienced players like Yobo and Osaze Odemwingie who are needed in the squad are there, they are not old.

“Roger Milla of Cameroon played at the age of 42 years, Romaniger of Germany played at the age of 45 years and so it is not about age.

“It is normal for the technical committee of the NFA to work with Keshi and his men, they are experienced coaches,” he said.

The happy news is that at the end of the day, we now

have a list of the best around, Obikwelu said.

A sports analyst, Ikem Asika, however, told reporters that there was still a need to work on the list, saying the present list was only provisional.

Asika commended Keshi and the NFF for releasing the list rather than keep lovers of football in the dark.

“It is good that the list is out, I want to believe that it is not all over, it is possible that more names will be included, while some of the names which I don’t want to mention here will be dropped,” Asika said.

Athletes May Shun Akure Golden League Ilorin said: “We have had enough of their unfulfilled promises and we don’t live on pledges, they should pay us now.

“The consternation you see us express cut across the ranks of the participating athletes, it is quite regrettable that such a thing is happing now,” Anayo said.

Egbeniyi, a bronze medalist of the competition said that AFN should make the welfare of athletes their topmost priority.

“With the feelings around the athletes only all-comers will be at the Akure event.

“The professional athletes are tired of misleading promises from the organisers and will not be part of the third leg of the league in Akure unless we are paid,” she said.

Meanwhile, Uruemu Adu, Assistant Secretary, Athletes Coaches Association, said the issue of athletes prize money

had been resolved by the AFN and that they would be paid at Akure.

Adu told reporters that there was an issue about who should be handed over the cheque.

“The issue has been resolved by AFN without the knowledge of the athletes, the initial problem had to do with who should AFN hand over the cheque to.

“Because the coaches are entitled to some percentage of the prize money,’’ Adu said.

He said the federation was using the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) guideline of 25 per cent to coaches and 75 per cent for athletes to resolve the issue.

According to him, the issue was resolved after the Ilorin event with the athlete’s representative Falilat Ogunkoya.

Thuram Hits Out At Villarreal Fine

Milan Need Experience MARCO van Basten has advised his former club AC Milan not to turn to Filippo Inzaghi should they decide not to confirm Clarence Seedorf as coach next season.

Seedorf’s position remains shrouded in doubt due to reported differences of opinion with the club’s general manager Adriano Galliani.

He signed a contract until 2016 when he took over from Massimiliano Allegri in January, taking his first ever managerial position after ending his playing career.

According to Van Basten, Milan made a mistake in appointing him, however, and he would not be surprised if they change their mind this summer, although he believes appointing Inzaghi would prove to be another mistake.

“There’s a big difference between being a footballer and being a coach,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “The coach needs to lead the team, he

Marco Van Basten

- Van Basten

needs to talk to the players and be in control of things like discipline. All a player has to do is play.

“If I had been the one deciding, in a situation which was not easy, like Milan’s, then I would have chosen a coach with more experience.

“To manage Milan, you need a lot of experience.

[Roberto] Donadoni has a lot more of this [than Inzaghi] and he is ready to manage a complicated club like the Rossoneri. I would choose him, even if Inzaghi may have a lot of talent, but to realise that, he needs to be given time.”

Former Milan midfielder Donadoni gained his managerial experience at spells in charge of Livorno, Napoli and Parma, as well as the Italian national team.

Those years in the dugout could put him at an advantage when it comes to dealing with temperamental Milan striker Mario Balotelli, who Van Basten believes could be one of the world’s best players, just as soon as he sorts out his attitude.

“He’s a good player, one who can make the difference, but if he wants to become a great player in every game, he’s still got to demonstrate he’s the best,” Van Basten said. “It’s all about his mentality. If you want to become world class, you need something else.”

Manuel Pellegrini

Pellegrini Expects Man City To Win Title MANUEL Pellegrini finally admitted he expects to win the title after Manchester City thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 and believes it will be a triumph for beautiful football if his side are crowned champions.

City, who are two points clear of second-placed Liverpool and have a superior goal difference, only need a draw against West Ham on Sunday to lift the Premier League trophy for the second time in three years.

And they became just the second side in 50 years to reach a century of goals in

English top-flight football when Yaya Toure scored their fourth against Villa.

“Of course I expect to win the title because now we are top of the table,” said Pellegrini in a news conference. “Now we can talk about the title because if we win the next game we are going to win the title. We could not do the same before this game because we had to beat Aston Villa.”

Only the Chelsea side of 2009-10 had managed 100 Premier League goals before Edin Dzeko, with a brace,

West Brom responded after the break, but the Black Cats could have extended their lead but for a glaring 65th-minute miss by substitute Jozy Altidore, and the points were safe long before the final whistle.

Poyet had admitted just a few short weeks ago that his team needed a miracle to stay up, and insisted survival was the biggest achievement of his life.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted, I am proud of what we have achieved. I am so pleased for the players, the fans, the club, really.

“I was brought to the club to do one job and one job only, and it was to stay in the Barclays Premier League, and we have done it in a certain style, I can say.

“It’s going to be remembered forever. There are going to be people talking in many, many years’ time — ‘Sunderland did it, it’s possible, we can do it.’

“I can see plenty of managers telling their players in the future,

even if you are seven points adrift with six games to go, you can do it. All the best.”

West Brom replaced Sunderland in 17th place, although their superior goal difference means they are effectively safe even if Norwich do manage to get the better of the Gunners.

However, boss Pepe Mel was less than impressed by a lacklustre first-half display which sends them into Sunday’s home clash with Stoke with his future still uncertain.

Asked about his hopes of extending his stay at the Hawthorns after arriving on an 18-month deal, he said: “I really don’t know. That’s not a decision for me to take, I’m not sure.

“What we need to try to do is try to change the image that we are giving of the team against Stoke City.

“I am very disappointed with the first half. I don’t understand what happened in that first half.

We weren’t able to equal Sunderland’s intensity.”

Sunderland Escape Delights Gus Poyet GUS Poyet guided Sunderland to Premier League safety on Wednesday and immediately turned his attention to ensuring they do not face the same battle next season.

The Black Cats became just the second club to lie at the foot of the table at Christmas to survive by virtue of a 2-0 victory over the other, West Brom, at the Stadium of Light.

It was their fourth successive win, something they had not achieved in the top flight since December 2000, and gave them a total of 13 points from the last 15 they have contested.

However, head coach Poyet, who celebrated deliriously with his players on the pitch after the final whistle, is adamant that the lessons of a remarkable campaign must be learnt.

He said: “That’s fundamental for me. Can I go another year like these seven months? No. I’m strong, but I don’t want to die, I don’t want to have a heart attack, I don’t want to lose any more hair

than I have lost already.

“I want to have a season where I can relax and see my team playing football week in, week out.

“Are you going to win the league? No, but we need to make sure we don’t go another season like the last two or three because when you play with fire, in the end, you get burnt and we don’t want to do that.

“We don’t want to go down, so we need to make sure that we don’t make the same mistakes that we have been making for the last two or three years.”

Victory lifted Sunderland to 14th place, five points clear of Norwich, who need to beat Arsenal on Sunday and see the Baggies lose at home to Stoke with a swing in goal difference of 17 to avoid the drop.

They got their noses in front when Jack Colback turned home Marcos Alonso’s 13th-minute cross, and they were coasting when Fabio Borini volleyed home from Sebastian Larsson’s delicate pass.

Stevan Jovetic and Toure took City to the landmark.

And Pellegrini added: “I think it will be very important, not only [to win] the title but in the way we are going to win the title if finally we win it. I think we have a style of play, I think we are an attractive team, I think we score many goals and we are always thinking to score more goals. That to me has the same importance as winning the title.

“I am very happy to win the title this way. There are different ways to win titles. I choose this one with attractive football so that the fans enjoy the season. For me, the aesthetic part is very important.

“We always try to play as a creative team and we have creative players. The characteristics of the players, with Fernandinho, with Yaya, with Samir [Nasri], with [David] Silva, Jovetic and [Sergio] Aguero are technical players and we try to give them the ball as much as we can as a team.”

Toure became only the second central midfielder to record 20 Premier League goals in a season, after Frank Lampard, and Pellegrini singled him out for praise.

He said: “It is an amazing amount of goals. I think Yaya is the absolute complete midfielder in the way we plays. He scores goals, he marks, he is the complete midfielder. He plays with the freedom to do what he thinks is best.”

FORMER Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram has told El Pais it is “a joke” the authorities fined Villarreal just 12,000 euros after a fan threw a banana at Dani Alves during a game, adding: “It shows they do not want to end racism.”

Barca and Brazil full-back Alves picked up and ate the banana, leading to a social media campaign led by his club and country teammate Neymar, which drew global attention to the issue of racism in Spanish football.

Villarreal quickly identified and banned the fan responsible, and he was also arrested and charged by local police, but La Liga authorities (LFP) decided against taking strong action against the club — such as forcing them to play behind closed doors — and instead issued a fine.

Former France international Thuram said: “It is a joke to impose a 12,000 euro fine. It shows they do not want to end racism.

“In America, they take this seriously — Donald Sterling was thrown out of the NBA. The referees must stop the game and the federation close the ground.

The Spanish competition committee does not understand racism — it is an act of violence against a player and against the people watching the game.”

The reaction to the incident in Barca’s 3-2 win at El Madrigal on April 27 has been mixed, with Villarreal president Fernando Roig claiming it would be unfair to punish the club for an “isolated incident” carried out by one individual, and hundreds of people protesting in support of the fan, who a family spokesperson claimed had been “lynched” by the media.

However, it was just the latest in a series of incidents former Sevilla defender Alves has suffered throughout his 11 years in La Liga. Other players including, but not limited to, Real Madrid defender Marcelo, Real Betis centre-half Paulao, Granada full-back Allan-Romeo Nyom and — during a Champions League youth match against Atletico Madrid — Manchester City youngster Devante Cole have all faced similar abuse this season alone.

Lilian Thuram

Ancelotti Blamed For Real Title Slip Up REAL Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s substitutions were responsible for Wednesday’s 11 draw with Valladolid which severely dented Los Blancos’ title hopes, according to his

opposite number.

Madrid were 1-0 up at halftime in what was a must-win game for their La Liga title chances but they appeared to lose their grip on the game after half-

time at the Estadio Jose Zorilla.

The home side pressed more and more as Ancelotti removed attack-minded Isco and Karim Benzema for the more defensive Asier Illarramendi and Marcelo,

and were rewarded in the 85th minute with Humberto Osorio’s equaliser.

A second surprise draw in four days left Madrid needing major slip-ups from both leaders

Atletico Madrid and secondplaced Barcelona to have any chance of winning the title, while the point lifted Valladolid out of the relegation places with just two games remaining.

Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez told his postmatch news conference that he felt Ancelotti’s substitutions had contributed to the swing in the game’s momentum.

“We were reeling at 0-1 down but we were able to react,” Martinez said. “The game had lots of ups and downs. We finished it playing in their half and with a lot of possession, provoking a fear in Madrid which their own boss, with his

changes, transferred to his team.”

Ancelotti gave a different explanation to reporters afterwards, saying that following their impressive 4-0 Champions League win at Bayern Munich his players had not been able to locate the “mental energy” required for La Liga.

“We had the match under control for 70 minutes, but then we started defending deep and conceded a goal from a dead-ball situation,” the Italian coach said.

“It wasn’t a case of a lack of attitude because [goalkeeper] Iker [Casillas] hardly had a thing to do all night.

WAYNE Rooney has said he feels England can win the World Cup in Brazil, adding: “We have to believe, even if no one else will.”

The Manchester United forward insisted that Roy Hodgson’s side could shine despite some pundits predicting that they will not get through a group that pits them against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Asked during a question and answer session for Samsung whether England could lift the World Cup trophy, Rooney said simply: “I think we can.”

He said facing Uruguay’s Liverpool star Luis Suarez — who has scored 31 goals for the Anfield club this season — in the second group game would be a huge challenge but added that he believed ex-Old Trafford hero Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal

captain, was the world’s finest player.

Rooney also picked Ronaldo as the star he would most like to bring to Manchester United, but could not choose between Ronaldo and Paul Scholes as the best player he had worked with because they had different strengths.

“Scholesy controlled the game and passed the ball around, but in terms of winning games it’s Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said.

He also hinted that he could follow Old Trafford colleague Ryan Giggs, United’s caretaker boss, into coaching and added: “I could be a manager at some point.

“It would depend on circumstances in my life and what chapter of my life I was at with my family and which club it would be.”

That’s perhaps true, but I’m not convinced of that. You have to pick up points, give an identity to the team’s play and put in place a philosophy with great players who you have to convince and with whom you have to discuss things. There are moments of tension.

“The PSG coach is not just a guy who puts down 11 names and tells them: ‘Do what you want, win!’ — that would be too easy. The players are important, but the technical staff are too in both the good and the bad times.”

The press were not the only ones sceptical about Blanc’s influence on a squad that

contains imposing personalities such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Thiago Silva. Lorient coach Christian Gourcuff recently called Blanc “a coach who doesn’t coach” due to the former Bordeaux and France boss’ perceived distance between himself and his players on a dayto-day basis.

Blanc — who has become only the fourth coach to win the French title with two different clubs after also guiding Bordeaux to the title in 2008-09 — rejected the criticism.

“People don’t know what they’re talking about. There is a lot of jealousy, and that is a bad fault. It always ends up turning nasty. I don’t have that fault,” he said.

“People need to come and see how we work. I’m at training every day, and I work just as the coaches and technical staff do. I do the same as the others — I participate in training and in the choice of certain things. I delegate a lot, but a coach at a big club has to delegate because there are lots of things to do other than on the football pitch.

England Can Win World Cup - Rooney

Carlo Ancelotti

Philipp Lahm Defends Guardiola Tactics

BAYERN Munich captain Philipp Lahm has defended Pep Guardiola, telling Sport Bild the players just need to show more “conviction” as they adapt to his tactics.

A week on from the 4-0 home defeat to Real Madrid, the debate over its cause continues in Germany, with questions over Guardiola’s rotation policy as well as his unrelenting commitment to possessionbased tactics.

However, Lahm told the German sports weekly that “there have always been good reasons” for the former

Philipp Lahm

Barcelona coach’s changes to his starting XI and insisted that they could not be considered the “decisive factor.”

He also backed the shift towards possession-based football, which had drawn criticism from Bayern’s honorary president, Franz Beckenbauer, even before the recent crisis when he said the team could “become like Barcelona, who are unwatchable.”

Lahm highlighted the remarkable success Barca enjoyed during the Guardiola era, even if he feels the coach is now looking to evolve the tactics he employed during his time at the Camp Nou. “From 2008 to 2012, Barcelona were the yardstick for everyone across the world and played outstanding football, but our goal has never been to become a second Barca,” he said.

“Under Pep Guardiola, throughout two-thirds of the season, we showed we can play a unique, very successful style:

precise and dangerous in attack and, yes, just like Barcelona, with a lot of possession, because possession means controlling the play.”

He added: “We have never played tiki-taka, however that is defined, but rather have, with Pep Guardiola, found an effective way of playing football

at the highest level.”

Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title in record time earlier this year, and Lahm feels the dip in form that has followed is simply the result of the players failing to carry out the coach’s tactical instructions effectively, saying: “We need to have the conviction to ensure our system is successful throughout a whole season.”

Blanc Rejects Criticism After PSG Title

LAURENT Blanc has hit back at criticism of his work with Paris Saint-Germain this season after helping the Ligue 1 champions retain their crown, telling the media: “The PSG coach isn’t just a guy who puts down 11 names.”

Blanc, 48, saw his side beaten 2-1 at home by Rennes on Wednesday but knew before kick-off his team would lift the French title for a second successive season following second-placed Monaco’s 1-1 draw with Guingamp earlier in

the evening.

By also winning the Coupe de la Ligue and taking PSG close to the Champions League semifinals, Blanc has surpassed the achievements of predecessor Carlo Ancelotti. While his players were being feted as champions, Blanc said he and his staff fully deserved their share of the plaudits.

RMC quoted Blanc as saying: “I appreciate this one because, at the start of the season, everyone thought Paris would be champions with any old coach.

England Should Take Chance On Stones - Lineker ENGLAND manager Roy Hogdson could do worse than taking a “gamble” on including 19-year-old Everton defender John Stones in his World Cup squad, according to former captain Gary Lineker.

Under-21 international Stones - who was playing for Barnsley last season before a £3million move to Goodison Park during January 2013 - is expected to be in contention for a place as a

stand-by when Hodgson names his 30-man group after the final game of the Barclays Premier League season.

However, with doubts emerging over the potential fitness of Manchester United’s Phil Jones, who suffered a shoulder injury in Tuesday night’s Barclays Premier League win over Hull, and Tottenham defender Kyle Walker - out for the past two months because of

a pelvic problem - Lineker has backed giving Stones a place on the plane to Brazil as cover for the likes of Phil Jagielka, who has just recovered from hamstring damage, and Gary Cahill.

“The only one I might take a chance on because we are so short in central defence is Stones.

I really like him, and he has got a lot about him,” said Lineker, who was speaking in London at

the launch of the BBC’s World Cup coverage, which will include some 31 live matches spread across television, radio and digital platforms to offer fans 24/ 7 access to the showpiece tournament in Brazil.

“Sometimes central defenders need a little bit more experience than players in other positions because of the extra discipline and the nature of that particular role.”

Laurent Blanc

Neymar Not A Leader - Pele PELE has had his say on Brazil’s World Cup squad and warned against looking to Barcelona’s Neymar as a team leader.

Brazil Coach Felipe Scolari yesterday named his 23 for the tournament, on home soil, and Marca reports Pele saying he

Neymar

would like to have seen more experience in the group.

Pele specifically pointed to former Real Madrid pair Kaka and Robinho as players he would have called up, but admitted he didn’t know who he would drop from the squad to make way.

“I think Scolari has done well.

He’s been consistent and there are no surprises,” the three-time World Cup winner said.

“But I thought more experienced players like Robinho and Kaka might have been called to join the group.

“In general everyone’s been well chosen.

“I don’t know who I’d remove to make way [for Kaka and Robinho]. I’d take 24.”

Pele conceded, however, that Robinho’s form at Milan may not have warranted inclusion in

the World Cup squad.

“I expected more from Robinho. At Milan he’s not the same as he was at Santos or with the national team,” the 73-yearold continued.

“Really it was a negative surprise because there was an expectation he could do much better. Even so, with the current level of football worldwide, he’s a player for the team, any team.”

With that lack of experience in mind, Pele argued less should be expected of Neymar.

“We can’t think of Neymar as a leader. We’ll have to actually count Fred or Thiago Silva, who have personality,” he added.

Michael Jordan Says He Was Racist In New Book

BASKETBALL Hall of Famer Michael Jordan says in a new book that he considered

Sherwood Will Leave Tottenham

SANDRO has revealed that he expects Tim Sherwood to leave Tottenham and that he hopes to reignite his career under a new boss.

The 25-year-old has struggled to re-establish himself in Spurs’ midfield in the second half of the season after suffering a calf injury in December, and was labelled “not up to it at the moment ahead of other people” by boss Tim Sherwood after being overlooked for the April 19 game against Fulham.

Sherwood has opted to use Paulinho as his main defensive option in the middle of the park - leaving Sandro out of the firstteam picture - but the Brazil international hopes the seemingly likely departure of Sherwood at the end of the campaign could rejuvenate his prospects in north London.

“He (Sherwood) will leave at the end of the season,” Sandro told ESPN Brazil. “Then, new coach, new everything.”

Sherwood was handed an 18month contract when he succeeded Andre Villas-Boas in December, but that has not prevented reports he will be shown the door at the end of the term, with the likes of Frank de Boer and Mauricio Pochettino touted for the role.

Sandro, who has been linked with a transfer to Sao Paulo, is unsure what his own future holds, but says a switch back to his homeland would be difficult given Tottenham’s valuation of him.

“I do not know anything yet (about my future), but I’m happy to have my name talked about with a club the size of Sao Paulo,” he said. “(But) it would be very difficult to leave on loan. If I leave, I would have to be sold, and it is not close. Other teams have come, but with little money.”

Sherwood has played down talk of bad blood between the pair, stemming from the player

- Sandro

tweeting to tell fans he was not injured on the morning of the Fulham game. ‘’He’s not injured, and he’s fit to play, but he’s not selected because he’s not up to it at the

Jordan in action

moment ahead of other people,” the 45-year-old said after the 31 triumph. ‘’I really don’t have a problem with him. He’s a good lad. I don’t have any problem with anything he’s got to say. He’s not being disrespectful to me, I

himself a racist growing up.

In a new book entitled “Michael Jordan: The Life” by author Roland Lazenby, the fivetime National Basketball Association most valuable player and current owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, says that as a teenager he was “against all white people.”

Excerpts of the book published on Wednesday by the New York Post include Jordan describing how growing up in North Carolina during the 1970s, where he said the Klu Klux Klan thrived, helped shaped his views on racism.

In one instance, Jordan recalls a school girl calling him the nword.

“So I threw a soda at her,” Jordan says in the book. “I was really rebelling. I considered myself a racist at the time.

Basically, I was against all white people.”

It was after that incident that Jordan’s mother convinced him that he could not go through life consumed by racial hatred.

Jordan, who went on to win six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, recently spoke out against racist remarks by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling,

who has since been banned for life by the NBA and could be forced to sell the team.

“As an owner, I’m obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views,” Jordan said in a statement last month.

“As a former player, I’m completely outraged.

“I am appalled that this type of ignorance still exists within our country and at the highest levels of our sport. In a league where the majority of players are African-American, we cannot and must not tolerate discrimination at any level.”

over his long-term future, saying at an award ceremony on Tuesday: “We’ll see about that.”

Since returning from injury in mid-March, the 24-year-old has been a key factor in Dortmund’s recent return to form, scoring 10 and setting up seven of the team’s 24 goals during that time.

On Tuesday, Reus was named Borussia Player of the Year by local Dortmund paper Ruhr Nachrichten, and his excellent form has led to renewed speculation he could be the next star to leave the Westfalenstadion.

The Germany international is under contract until 2017, but his current deal has a release clause of 35 million euros that may be activated in the summer of 2015 and he said he has yet to agree new terms.

“Nothing has changed,” he said during the award ceremony.

“We will make an announcement when there is something to announce.

“It’s like that in this business.

Every player only has one career and wants to get the best out of it. You have to decide what’s best for you. We’ll see about that.”

The former Borussia Moenchengladbach attacker has yet to win a major trophy since

joining BVB in 2012 and he said: “Every footballer has his goals and is dreaming of winning titles. At the end of your career, you want to be able to say that you’ve won many titles.”

Dortmund, who saw Mario Goetze leave for Bayern Munich last summer, will also lose Robert Lewandowski to Pep Guardiola’s side at the end of the current campaign.

Dortmund have already announced that Sunderland’s Ji Dong-Won and Hertha Berlin’s Adrian Ramos will be joining the club, with others set to follow.

Asked whether Dortmund’s activities on the transfer market

world-class player here. You can always pass the ball to him. He is dangerous in front of the goal.

That is a loss for the team, because we all know how Lewy plays.

To bring in another player who might not be a like-for-like replacement but has qualities of his own is important for the team, and would also send out a signal to everyone else that losing Lewandowski does not make that much of a difference.”

He added: “We intend to do great things here at Dortmund and I’ve got a valid contract here and I am just delighted to be able to live this club in every second.”

Marco Reus Yet To Commit To influence his decision, BORUSSIA Dortmund’s Dortmund could Reus said: “Robert became a Marco Reus has remained coy

Sandro

PSG Win League 1 Title Despite Loss THE Spanish League has handed Villarreal a fine of 12,000 euros ($16,000) after one of the club’s supporters threw a banana at Barcelona’s Dani Alves in a recent game at El Madrigal.

The incident, which occurred during a La Liga game on April 27, received worldwide attention as Alves picked up the banana and ate it, sparking an antiracism campaign spearheaded by his Barca teammate Neymar.

PSG players celebrate

Villarreal banned the fan, who was later also arrested by police, but the Spanish League had been slow to respond to calls to punish the club.

El Submarino Amarillo could have been hit with a stadium ban but the LFP have reportedly chosen instead to impose a fine, with the EFE news agency claiming Villarreal sources confirmed the figure was 12,000 euros.

Marco Reus

CMYK

Okpekpe Road Race

A Second Sure Step FOR the second time in as many years, Okpekpe, a hitherto unsung community in Etsako East local government of Edo state, played host to some of the best crop of international middle distant runners and athletic enthusiasts from across the globe for the second edition of its 10 kilometre road race.

Without any doubt, it did so with a better organized event that seems to send an unambiguous message to interested stake holders aracell over the world that the event, aptly christened, Okpekpe Road Race, has not only come to stay but do so permanently too. With a 1, 500 mobile stadium, better road markings, top rank security arrangement and other necessary facilities for an international race, nothing was left to chance. If nothing else, the presence of sports personalities at the event is an apt testimony. Vividly, the sitting arrangement was better just as arrangements around the finish line was commendably done to create more space for athletes, usually exhausted at the end of the race, to recover conveniently. According to Toyin Ibitoye, renowned sports journalist and administrator, the only notable flaw, which he noted can be easily overcome, is the fact that the race started a little late. “What we are seeing now is a great improvement from what we saw during the first event. The sitting arrangement is better and the arrangement around the finished line is superb. But the race should start earlier because it is a road race on a difficult terrain.

Because it is energy sapping that requires so much for athletes to barely make it to the finish line. If they start early, they will finish while its still cool to make their recovery faster than when the sun is out.

Every other thing around

the race is fantastic. I just hope that the improvement goes on, year after year.”

Arguably, securing a confidence vote from international athletic bodies must be one of the most important issues on the mind of organizers of the road race. Thus, it goes without saying that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the event is

WTF and watching keenly to see the transition from the present administration to the next.

Another important factor that may be important in getting the endorsement of international athletic bodies is the manner of organization. There is no where in the world where organization of events similar to Okpekpe 10

needed infrastructure necessary for the event’s potential benefits to truly reach the people.

For instance, the community does not have any facility for housing the number of visitors that troop in for the event. As a matter of fact, only Auchi and other adjoining towns, kilometres away from the venue of the event, have

held consistently even after the exit of the Oshiomhole administration. Thankfully, this fact is not lost on all relevant stakeholders, including the host community, given their understanding of the event’s accruable potential benefits.

Significantly, the road race has put the Okpekpe community on a very enviable global athletic map.

But it goes without saying this position will be further enhanced if the event secures the full endorsement of both the International Amateur Athletic Federation, IAAF, and World Athletic Federation, WTF. There are conditions for achieving the endorsement.

Organizational consistency is one of the conditions needed for the endorsement of relevant athletic bodies.

From all indications, at least given the commitment of the Oshiomhole administration, there is certainly no doubt that the event is here to stay.

However, it remains to be seen that those coming after his exit must see the need to continue organizing the event with the same fervour.

Therefore, it goes without saying that both IAAF and

kilometre race. However, hiccups that occur are usually contingent in nature. That simply means that everything must be done to ensure that subsequent organization, like the just concluded second edition, is near faultless. Therefore, in addition to drawing large crowds, one of the tasks ahead is how to put up superb arrangement that will be the envy of other such races.

So far, investigations seem to indicate that merely adding colour to an interesting potential-filled sporting event is not exactly the reason the event experienced a larger turn out of sports enthusiasts from across the world. More than that, their presence is a statement of appreciation for the impact, economic and social, that come with the road race. Secondly, it is as a mark of the hope that event is truly capable of opening avenues for real investment. In other words, a lot of the guests came over to find out how hospital it would be for them to help provide

such facilities. As it were, these facilities were booked to capacity days before the event. But if Okpekpe had such facilities, the economic impact would definitely have robbed off on it.

Without any need for professional economic analysis, it was clear that with requisite facilities available in the host community, social and economic activities will change ways beyond current understanding if investors are given the incentive for investments in the community.

Chester Bello, an Auchi based Okpekpe indigene and Hon. Prince suleiman Afegbua, chairman of host, Etsako East local government, are certain that with the necessary facilities in place, Okpekpe will forever not only wear an international outlook given the reality that it is now the host of an event that draws some if the best of the world’s distance runners but also become investors’ home.

Bello, who is grateful to Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole for

By ERNEST OMOARELOJIE constructing the access road which is the reason for the event in the first instance the community. He is equally hopeful that the governor will do the needful in order for the community to benefit from potential and real economic or social windfalls. “I visited a hotel with over 50 rooms in Auchi days before the event and all the rooms were booked. We hope and pray that the governor will do what is necessary to create the needed environment for real investment in this community. Just imagine that Okpekpe has such facility?”

He asked rhetorically.

Prince Afegbua noted that Etsako local government is gearing up its enablement processes for individuals and groups applying for incentives to set up businesses in and around the community. According to him, a number of individuals and groups have already approached the local government for land to build hotel and tourism centres.

“We know that this event has come to stay and we will do the needful not only to make it stay but also harness attendant opportunities to make sure the community and its evirons reap the full benefits of being host,” Afegbua said.

Beyond immediate economic and social benefits accruable to the community, experts are united in the opinion that putting the right infrastructure in place will turn the community and environs around on the long run. Ibitoye is of the belief that as an impactful programme, organizers must, in addition to attracting top quality stars, develop a deliberate policy that seeks to make the people of the community a part of the event. Such a policy, he adds, comes with the potential of developing world champions for the country in the future. According to him, as owners of the terrain, the community can be encouraged, with necessary incentives, to produce and introduce young boys and girls into the programme so that with time, they will effectively master the undulating terrain the same way the East Africans distance runners did. In the future, such young boys and

girls will not have difficulties winning less challenging, straight route races like the London and New York Marathons.

While hoping that organizers of the event will realise that they must be consistent for the event to obtain international endorsement, Ibitoye is also eager that they understand the impact the race may have on young boys and girls from the community.

“No one can readily put a hand on what continuity could mean for young children watching right now.

In such young minds, the idea I could be a champion someday may be unfolding.

The only way to make such dreams come true is to make them believe they can do it. Ensuring that the event continues unhindered is one sure way of helping them believe they can do it and become champions not just for themselves but for Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the need for infrastructure boost and or continuity is not lost on stakeholders.

While individual members of the community with means are already neck deep in plans to provide some of the needed infrastructure, Edo state and Etsako East local government area are, in their different capacities, putting finishing touches to further development plans.

For instance, the state government is making plans to transform the mobile stadium into a more permanent structure while the local government is making available, without stress, for would be investors.

For now, while both local and international athletes cart away mouth watering monetary prizes, local vendors had a field day making hay while the sun shone. Eagerly, every is waiting to see how the next edition pans out. But for an event that started as a child’s play, kudos must go to Comrade Oshiomhole for making the impossible appear simple. What remains to be seen is how coming administrations will build on the gains of the event as it stands a greater chance of giving the country a better and more positive and better image.

Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor. BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI) - (07030699646), Deputy General Manager (Marketing) (08023457566), Assistant General Manager(Advertisement) (08023808856) Lagos Office: 25A Alli Street, Off Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)