Nigerian observer 12 06 2013

THE

NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 NATURAL MEDICINE Page 19

Hidden sources of Salt (1)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

• Vol. 37 NO.252 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 20 13 . N 100.00

June 12: ANEEJ, Fawehimmi Movement task FG on Immortalisation BENIN CITY - Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ has called on

the Federal Government to posthumously declare Chief M.K.O Abiola the winner of the June 12,

1993 presidential elections.

ANEEJ in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Reverend David

Ugolor and made available to newsmen in Benin City yesterday, said Chief M.K.O Abiola need

Continues on page 2

Edo bans ‘Okada’ Political Platform Pages 14 - 15 June 12

Lessons for the present

. Identifies houses used for kidnapping

BENIN CITY - Edo State Government yesterday banned the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada in three Local Government Areas of the state with effect from next Monday.

The State Governor, Also, the Government Adams has identified some Comrade who houses used

by Oshiomhole kidnappers as hideout and disclosed this yesterday vowed to demolish the shortly after the state houses in the next few Security Council meeting in Benin City, said the days.

affected local Government Areas are Ikpoba Okha, Oredo and Egor which constitute the Benin Metropolis.

He said it was now increasingly evident that Edo state is gradually becoming a safe haven

for all manner of bike riders.

Oshiomhole said, “In fact there are confirmed Okada riders who have been involved in kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes including robbery.

“We have tried as a government over the years to take steps to counsel Okada riders to observe certain codes, to watch out and ensure that criminals do not infiltrate their ranks and hide under commercial

vehicles to perpetrate crime.

“It is clear to me now that we have not been particularly successful.

More and more Okada riders have been found to be involved in various

Continues on page 2

Killing of UNIBEN student

EDSG halts action on panel of enquiry BENIN CITY- The Edo State government has halted action on the setting up of a panel of

STOP OIL BUNKERING ·

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People of Edo State, Government has discovered that inspite of measures taken by security agents in the State to stop illegal oil bunkering, perpetrators of this shady business have continued unabated.

The State Government is warning all those still involved in oil bunkering in the State to, in their own interest, stop this shady and dubious business forthwith as stiffer penalties await them.

Any person or group of persons caught in the illegal business will be dealt with according to the law.

All vehicles and equipment used will be burnt.

Be patriotic, report any person suspected to be in the business of oil bunkering to the authorities concerned.

Join Government to rid the State of enemies of progress.

Edo State must continue to move forward.

This message is from the Edo State Ministry of Information and Orientation

enquiry into the killing of Mr. Ibrahim Momodu.

A statement endorsed by Peter Okhiria, the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said the government decision is premised on the fact that events have overtaken the pronouncement. This is because the case file on the late Momodu has since been submitted to the Director of Pubic Prosecutions (DPP) by the police for advice and further action.

According to the statement, it would therefore amount to a duplication of efforts by government to set up another panel of

SECURITY MEETING: Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo and SSS Director, Mr. Bello Tukur, during a security meeting in Government House in Benin City yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

EDHA amends Land Use Charge Law 2012

BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly has passed into law, a bill for a law to Continues on page 2 amend the Land Use

Charge Law 2012 following amendments to certain sections of the law aimed at removing traces of ambiguity.

The amendment by parliament at the Committee of the whole followed the hearing of the request of the state

AU commissioner urges elimination of ABUJA - The AU d e m o c r a c y , governance deficit Commissioner for governance and human Political Affairs, Dr Aisha Abdullahi, has called for concerted efforts by Africans to eliminate governance deficit on the continent.

Abdullahi made the

call as AU experts opened discussions on effective strategies to implement the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and Platform.

The AGA was conceived in 2012 during the AU 15th Ordinary Summit as the overall political and institutional framework for the promotion of

rights in Africa.

The two-day technical meeting in Abuja is expected to review the draft AGA

Continues on page 2

Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in a letter to parliament requesting the consideration and approval of the amended bill.

Parliament before the consideration suspended Rules 20, 42 to 48 to enable the amendments to the sectors of the law which included the title, enactment clause, citation and

Continues on page 2

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

News ANEEJ, Fawehimmi Movement task FG on Furthermore, ANEEJ said Continued from page 1 Immortalisation members of the National to be declared winner in order to set the records straight for posterity sake.

ANEEJ also called on the federal government to rename the Eagle Square Abuja, June 12 Square, and the square should carry the names, photos and epitaphs of all those who paid the supreme price for the June 12 election including Chief

M.K.O Abiola.

“We also wish to use the opportunity of this year ’s anniversary to call on the Federal Government to rename the Eagle Square Abuja, June 12 Square.

“The square should carry the names , photos and epitaphs of all those who paid the supreme price for the June

12 1993 election, which include the Abiolas, and other Nigerians killed by security forces while protesting the annulment of the election in the streets.

“This would help present and future generations appreciate in full the significance of June 12, 1993 polls,” said Ugolor.

Edo bans ‘Okada’ Continued from page 1 acts of violent crimes.

“Also, because of the influx of bike riders, arising from the decision of some of our neighbouring states where bike riders have been prohibited, Edo State has become a safe haven for all manners of bike riders and because they do not get enough commercial patronage, some bike riders have to resort to crime in other to sustain a living while posing to be bike riders,” he noted.

Oshiomhole declared, “I am convinced that we cannot allow this situation to continue.

While I am very concerned about the fact of the level of unemployment in the country, and in Edo state, we have our own fair share of unemployment, I am convinced that the long term interest of job creation requires that you attract investors and investment to the state. It is a settled issue that investors will not be in a hurry to go to any state that the level of crime has risen beyond acceptable level.

“Therefore, everything considered, we have resolved as a government, effective from Monday next week, bike riders will not be allowed to operate in any part of Oredo, Ikpoba Okha and Egor Local Government Areas.

“These three local governments constitute the heart of Benin City. The law enforcement agencies have been informed accordingly and directed to strictly enforce this law,” he noted.

The governor stated that for now, the other fifteen local government areas in the state will not be affected by this law, adding that, “should situation deteriorate in those areas, we will meet as a government and review the situation and take the necessary next step.

Comrade Oshiomhole said that more than eighty percent of accident victims in the hospital are bike riders, noting that “we cannot continue like

this. I therefore reached the painful conclusion that it is time to do something and we cannot postpone it further.”

“I am not in doubt that there are many Okada riders who are not criminals and they have no criminal intentions. I am also convinced that there are many Okada riders who are into legitimate business, unfortunately there isn’t any mechanism for us to distinguish criminals who are also bike operators and decent citizens who are doing their very best to cope with the rigours of life, this is just one sacrifice we all have to make to make our state safer,” he added.

The Governor therefore appealed to the Okada riders to appreciate the government’s efforts and advised them to abide by the law strictly because a violation will be severely dealt with.

The Governor disclosed that the security meeting also resolved that all residents in the state, whether they are landlords or tenants should ensure that those they employ as private security guards or

maids in their homes have been properly scrutinized and certified that they have the right to reside in Nigeria.

“That is to say that it is the responsibility of every landlord or tenants to ensure that those they employ or hire as gatemen or security have got proper security scrutiny “The security chiefs have been directed to conduct random checks on security guards in various areas to establish their legal status whether they are Nigerians and if they are not Nigerians whether they have the right to reside in the state, and or have the right to engage in employment,” the governor added.

While reiterating government’s resolve to demolish buildings used by kidnappers, Comrade Oshiomhole said some of such buildings have been identified and action will be taken on then soon.

“He however announced that government will appropriately reward anybody who is able to provide useful information to any arm of the security agencies on criminal elements in the society.

EDHA amends Land Use Charge Law 2012 Continued from page 1 commencement of the law.

The other sections of the law which are 9, 11, 18, 22, 24, 27 and two new schedules were amended by parliament. With the amendment, the law would now be the land use charge consolidation and amendment law 2013.

Section 9(1) (F1) which bothers on exemption from property charge would now read “Owner Occupied residential property which is not in excess of 50ft by 100ft in an urban area; 100ft by 100ft in a rural setting not more than N10 million in value.” Shall be exempted.

The amendment provided

the platform expunging section 9 (1) paragraph H and I and a new 9(3) stating that “no owner occupied property located in an area designated as highbroad choice area and Government Reservation Area (GRA) by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development shall qualify for exemption.”

A new section 22(3) which bothers on penalties states that, “notwithstanding subsection 2 of this section, any person who contravenes subsection (2) of this section 22 commits an offence and shall upon conviction be liable for imprisonment for three months or a fine of N50,000 or both.

Assembly should speedily pass the bill before it seeking for the renaming of the University of Lagos after Chief M.K.O Abiola.

He said, “We are particularly glad that the Federal Government realised the significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential polls and named the University of Lagos after the winner of the election, but we are worried that the National Assembly is yet to pass the requisite bill to make this happen.

“We wish to call on the National Assembly to speedily pass the bill to immortalize Chief M.K.O Abiola.

“As a people, we cannot wish June 12 away, we are pleased that some states in Nigeria are observing today as democracy day because that was the day Nigerians, for the first time exercised their franchise and spoke with one voice, across religious and ethnic barriers for Chief M. K. O. Abiola and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe to steer the ship of the country, an election that was wrongly annulled by the military junta led by General Ibrahim Babangida,” Meanwhile, Gani Fawehinmi Movement for Good Governance has called on the federal government to declare June 12 as democracy day.

The group in a statement signed by its co-ordinator, Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin said Nigerians want the federal government to be very timely in taking decisions about June 12.

EDSG halts action on panel of enquiry Continued from page 1 enquiry since the DPP is a government functionary in the state Ministry of Justice.

The statement added that, “Government is therefore of the view that it is sufficient at this point to wait for the outcome of the investigation and advice of the Director of Public Prosecution before any other step is taken by government”.

AU commissioner urges elimination of and structures to sufficiently address the causes,’’ she governance deficit implementation strategy and stressed.

Continued from page 1

action plan, including the rules of procedure for member states.

He said “the challenge of addressing the governance deficit in Africa is the responsibility of all Africans as represented by the work that we do as organs of the Union and Regional Economic Communities.

“The onus is on us to ensure that we give to the process the required technical and professional support required to attain its noble objectives.

“Accordingly, we must ensure that this process achieves its aim of fostering systematic exchange of information, lessons and best practices on governance and democracy across the continent and improve

dialogue among African governance actors.”

She stressed that “this I believe is one major step in addressing our continental governance challenges’’.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru urged the regional body to set specific benchmarks for member states to assist them to uphold the principles of good governance, democracy and human rights.

Represented by Mr Suleiman Hakeem, the Director of African Affairs in the ministry, Ashiru described the task before the meeting as “crucial’’.

He added that the event was being held at an “auspicious time’’ following the adoption of the AU solemn declaration of the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU

in May. He said the declaration had renewed new vistas to accelerate the long term vision of African unity and integration, in addition to promoting peace, stability and overall development of the continent.

Also, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Salamatu Suleiman said the full operationalisation of the African Governance Architecture was “long overdue’’.

According to Suleiman, the security crisis being witnessed on the continent has its root causes in bad governance.

“These crisis which manifest as terrorism, piracy, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, have remained intractable due to the failure of our governance architecture

The meeting was attended by organs of the AU and the Regional Economic Commissions (REC).

Also in attendance were representatives of ECOWAS, the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Community of SahelSaharan States (CENSAD).

The meeting is expected to come up with a reviewed draft State Reporting Guidelines on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

It will also adopt the composition and scope of the AGA clusters, governance, democracy, human rights, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

National Hospital Workers suspend strike ABUJA - Workers at the National Hospital, Abuja on Tuesday suspended their indefinite strike over non-implementation of their revised conditions of service.

It would be recalled that the workers embarked on the strike on May 30.

Members of the Senior Staff Association of the Association of Nurses and Midwives and Medical Health Workers Union joined the strike, which lasted five days.

The Head, Management Information Service of the hospital, Dr Tayo Haatstrup, confirmed in an interview with newsmen that the workers had resumed duty.

Haatstrup said that the Chairman of the Board of the hospital, Dr Tony Okam, met with union leaders and management of the hospital to discuss the contentious issues.

“The issues were resolved and the union agreed to suspend the strike,’’ he said.

The Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of the hospital, Dr Kilani Jelili, who also spoke to NAN, confirmed that the strike had been suspended.

Jelili said that the association agreed to suspend the strike after leaders of the striking unions had a meeting with the chairman of the board and management.

He said that the chairman appealed to the association to suspend the strike and give management a chance to implement the conditions of service.

“We want to give them the benefit of doubt, so we have decided to suspend the strike until our demands are met and we do not want patients to suffer.

“All we want is the implementation of our conditions of service, that is all we ask for.’’

Jelili said that the chairman of the board promised to address the issues at their inaugural board meeting on June 11.

Oredo to reconstruct Obazamwunmiwan Pry Sch BENIN CITY - The chairman, Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Osaro Obaze has directed that work should begin in Obazamwunmwan Primary School at E m w i n y o m w a n r u Community.

The chairman gave the order when he paid an unscheduled visit to the school for on-the-spot assessment, following complain by the community leader that their children had been kept out of school as a result of the dilapidated state of the school.

To this end, the chairman has directed the council engineer to immediately commence action liaising with relevant authorities and agencies with a view to rebuilding the school.

Meanwhile the Oredo local government council chairman was at Emwinyomwaru community to officially flag off the

“Maternal, New born and child week” with a charge to parents to give their full support to the exercise by taking their children under five years old to the nearest health centres for Immunization, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality rate in Oredo Local Government Area.

The council boss said that the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health week is aimed at reaching every child under the age of five years and invariably their mothers by delivering an integral package of preventive health and survival services.

Hon. Obazee added that some of the services during the week include, deworming of children, vaccination against polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, Hepatitis, and tuberculosis are growth monitoring, promotion of breast feeding and affordable supplementary feeding,council present.

Omo-Ojo commences inspection of EDSOGPADEC projects IKPOBA OKHA – Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) yesterday commenced inspection of projects executed by Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Area Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The inspection exercise kicked of with a block of classrooms at Western Boys High School, Ikpoba Hil, on-going construction of 18 open stalls at Okha market on Sapele road, construction of staff quarters at Ologbo, contruction of twin blocks of self-contained staff quarters and a block of customary court at Oghobayo in Ologbo. All

projects are still on-going and at different stages of completion.

Other projects inspected are Ohen Primary school, Ologbo Medium Scale Solar-powered bore-hole at Ologbo, a Police station at Obayantor 11, two separate blocks of classrooms at Ozolua Grammmar School, Ologbo and the renovation of the main block of Ogheghe Health Centre at Okha.

During the inspection, Ambassador Omo-Ojo expressed his reservation and commendation based on the quality of work done by the contractors, pointing out that solar energypowered bore-hole and one of the blocks of classroom at Ozolua was ready for commissioning.

The inspection exercise continues today.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Inside Edo Edo Remains Committed To Youths Empowerment BENIN- CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo has said that his administration remained committed to initiatives geared toward providing employment for youths.

Oshiomhole made the statement in Benin when he received the leadership of Access to Success, a U.S.based Non-Governmental Organisation in his office.

He said youth unemployment was a global challenge and as such any activity that would keep the youth away from vices should be encouraged.

The governor assured the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Pius Odubu, during the Security meeting in visitors that the state Government House yesterday. Photo; CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE. government would do all it could to encourage youths.

He commended the initiative of the group, led by a Nigerian, for giving back to the society what they gained from it.

Oshiomhole reiterated his commitment to human capital development.

He said his administration

-Oshiomhole had made substantial investment in education, flood and erosion control as well as rural infrastructure development.

The governor said that the opportunity to assume public office had gone a long way in helping to actualise the ideas of good governance and public welfare which he canvassed as a labour leader.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr Andrew Lovedale, said the organisation was in the state to provide free empowerment programme for the less privileged.

Lovedale said the empowerment programme would emphasise leadership training, vocational training and basketball.

He said that the group was running a free coaching clinic for basketball coaches in Edo, while 100 youths were undertaking basketball training as well.

Man, 22, Remanded For Acid Bath

Some Security Chiefs during the Security meeting in Government House, Benin City. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

Apologise To Edo People, CNPP Tells NAMA BENIN CITY- The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the management of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to apologise to the people of Edo over the grounding of the helicopter conveying Governor Adams

Oshiomhole.

It will be recalled that on June 7, NAMA grounded the helicopter which was to convey Oshiomhole from Benin Airport to a function in

Anambra.

A statement signed by Mr. Samson Isibor, CNPP chairman in Edo and made available to newsmen on Monday in Benin, described

Ogba Zoo Decries Threat To Land, Animals ago.

BENIN-CITY-The management of Ogba Zoo and

Park, Benin, has decried encroachment on the facility by neighbouring communities.

Mr. Tony Oregbeme, Technical Director of the Zoo, told newsmen in Benin that the encroachment was threatening the animals, adding that a road construction company had channelled water into the zoo which led to the destruction of some animals’ cages, the zoo’s fence and death of some of the animals.

“We suffered a major devastation from a construction company working for the state government eight months

“The company released flood waters into our facility which caused a lot of damage in the zoo and the debris the flood brought into the zoo has not been cleared.

“We are appealing to the state government to address the issue of the devastation so that the debris will be removed,” he said.

Oregbeme stated that some neighbouring communities had encroached into the Zoo’s land and erected buildings, and called on the state government to address the issue.

He also called on individuals and companies to undertake projects in the Zoo as it was being done in other

parts of the world.

“Zoos are run by charitable organisations and grants from overseas, people also donate projects to Zoos.

“We are embarking on a museum education centre and an animal museum, but funding is a big challenge,” he said.

Reports say that the Ogba Zoo and Park is located in a 25-hectare expanse of land located in an urban setting in Benin.

The Zoo is also located in a forest reserve with diverse varieties of plants and animals including a white-giantthroated monkey that is not endemic to this part of the world.

the action as “the height of intolerance’’.

“The conference condemns in strong terms the recent grounding of the helicopter conveying the governor to a function in Anambra; it is the height of intolerance.

“The governor and people of Edo state are demanding for unreserved apology from NAMA without further delay, otherwise CNPP will not hesitate to institute legal action against the agency,’’ he said.

Isibor alleged that by the action, the Federal Government was trying to use the agency to “intimidate, embarrass and frustrate the good performance of the governor.’’

Stressing that the people of Edo were behind the governor, Isibor warned that CNPP would resist any individual or group of people who plans to truncate the achievements made by the governor in the state.

BENIN CITY-An Ikpoba Okha Area Customary Court sitting at Idogbo, Edo, has remanded Cyril Okosun, 22, in prison custody for allegedly bathing his former girlfriend with acid.

The accused had on April 9, at Dumez Road in Benin, poured acid on the face and body of the girl, Blessing Ikhumuhi.

Prosecutor Victor Ehiorobo alleged that after Blessing quit the relationship, the lover decided to bath her with

acid.

Mr. Fidelis Oriafo, Counsel to the accused, pleaded with the court to grant bail to the accused.

However, the prosecutor opposed the application on the grounds that the victim was still in a critical condition at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

The President of the court, Ms Esther Eweka, refused the application for bail and adjourned the case to July 23, for hearing.

6-Year Single Tenure To Stabilize Democracy

By INNOCENT OMOAKA

BENIN CITY- The deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has described the Proposal of the Committee on six years single tenure for Presidency and state governors as step to stabilize the country’s democracy.

The deputy Senate President who gave this indication in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Monday stated that the proposal on the six years of single term for the office of the president and state governors would address the crisis of succession associated with the four years of two terms currently operated by the 1999 constitution.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu said the proposal after going through the amendment

- Ekweremadu process by both chambers of the National Assembly would give room to office holders to concentrate distractions associated with the present system of four years of two terms.

If politicians are serious, they can achieve much in six years as it is with four years of two terms,” he added.

He described the contentions nature of states creation in the Constitutional Review as a result of the groups clamouring for state creation to fully adhere to the provision of section 8 (1) of the 1999 constitution on the requirements and processes for states creation, adding that the requirements and processes in the constitution on states creation must be observed before the committee on the review of the 1999 constitution would submit proposals for constitutional amendment on states creation.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Across The Nation Pro Democracy Groups Condemn Wamakko Suspension ABUJA -A coalition of civil society organisations, has condemned the suspension of Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Executive Director, Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development (CPALD), Mr. Joe Mesele.

It would be recalled that the PDP National Working Committee had on June 5, suspended Wamakko for alleged insubordination.

The statement urged Nigerians to be wary of the actions of the NWC based on allegations that the governor did not pick the call of the party’s chairman.

It expressed concern over the “rising wave of pull-down syndrome in the polity”, describing it as “unfortunate and insensitive” since the election of Nigerian Governors Forum was conducted.

“ We have found out that the allegation making round over the suspension of the governor is meant to ridicule and cow him.

“This is unfortunate and should be condemned in its entirety,” it stated.

According to the statement, the governor has laboured so much to ensure victory of the party at all levels since he came on board.

The coalitions, however, urged Wamako not to be distracted by the antics of desperate politicians, adding that he should concentrate on consolidating dividends of democracy to the people.

The statement also called on the leadership of the party to as a matter of urgency to rescind the suspension “considering the role of Wamakko in the North-west politics.

The groups include Transparency in Nigeria (TN), Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development (CPALD), Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Electoral Reform Project Initiative (ERPI).

BNCL To Assist YSDEC With Publicity

By INNOCENT OMOAKA/ BLESSING ANUGOR/ OYENMWEN OMOROGBE/FAITH ISEMHGOBTA BENIN CITY- The Management of Bendel Newspaper Company Limited, (BNCL), publishers of the Observer titles has promised the youth Empowerment and Development Centre (YEDEC), a Non Governmental Organisation of effective publicity of their activities.

The promise was made by Deputy General Manager, Marketing, Citizen Mr. Emmanuel Kola Okhakhu who represented the General Manager, Mr. Monday Aigbe during a courtesy call by YEDEC yesterday.

Mr. Okhakhu appreciated the role in youth empowerment and development and said the management of BNCL would support the group through

effective publicity of its activities and programmes.

The CEO of YEDEC, Mr. Christian Aisiri commended the efforts of the newspapers company in giving voice to the society and for offering to support their activities through publicity.

Highlight of the visit was the group presentation of an award of excellence to the General Manager for his continuous efforts in steering the activities of BNCL.

Bad Governance Bane Of Nigerians Dev. - Balarabe ABUJA -The National Chairman, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa has identified lack of proper governance as the bane of Nigeria’s development.

Balarabe made this known, in a phone interview with newsmen, in Abuja. “lack of proper governance has led to corruption and criminal waste of resources Deputy General Manager, Bendel Newspaper Company Limited (BNCL), Mr. Emmanuel which have resulted to insecurity Kolawole (right) receiving the Award of Excellence presented to the General Manager of and unemployment, particularly BNCL, Mr. Monday Aigbe from the CEO of Youth Empowerment and Development Centre in key sectors of the society.

(YEDEC) during a courtesy call recently in Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE. “Let us deal with the high level corruption in the country to have better society”, he said.

On democratic governance in Nigeria, Musa said “nothing happening in Nigeria has relevance to democracy.

“This is because democracy means the supremacy of the will of the people and this does not exist in Nigeria.

“Free, fair and transparent election leading to a legitimate government has not been possible in the country.

“Forget about democracy in Nigeria, what we have is civilian rule as opposed to military rule where the civilian rule is having the characteristics of military rule,” he said.

Balarabe called for a national conference, which should be a patriotic and joint effort of all stakeholders to address problems facing the country.

CEO, Youth Empowerment and Development Centre (YEDEC) Mr. Christian Aisiri According to him, the national (left) presenting technical reports of YEDEC to Deputy General Manager, conference should be organised with the purpose of reconciling Marketing, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Mr. Emmanuel Nigerians so that they can set Kolawole Okhakhu during YEDEC Courtesy visit to Management of BNCL in Benin aside their differences and be City on Tuesday. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE. united to move the nation forward.

Musa urged the three arms of government to be part of the Olubanjo, the former Personal conference to contribute to its Assistant to the deceased success.

He said that only a national described the former conference could produce a NADECO chieftain as “a jolly constitution appropriate to Villa, they noted that the former However, his corpse will good fellow whose goodwill Nigeria.

Family, Friends, Associates Mourn Dosumu LAGOS -Family members, friends and associates on Monday in Lagos expressed shock at the demise of Minister of Works and Housing in Shagari’s administration, late Dr Wahab Dosumu, describing it as “tragic and disheartening’’.

Speaking with newsmen, at the deceased’s residence, Ajike

minister would be missed by all as he was a “peace loving gentleman’’.

Reports say that Dosumu, 74, died at a hospital in the U.S. on Sunday night after a brief illness.

Kano Residents Decry Scarcity KANO -Residents of Kano that her children, who were Of Water have expressed concern about the between 20 and 30 years, had persistent scarcity of potable water in many parts of the state capital, newsmen, reports.

Many of those, who spoke with newsmen, stressed the need for government to arrest the development on time.

Malam Wada Abdullahi, a resident of Sagagi, described the effect of the problem on the people as “worrisome.”

Abdullahi added that many of the areas “within the heart of the city” had never experienced such a situation, noting that the scarcity had brought about hike in the price of drinkable water.

He observed that a 25-litre of water was being sold for between N20 and N50 in some parts of Kano.

According to him, the hike is heightened by the fact that many water vendors have to walk long distances to fetch water for sale.

Another resident, Malam Muhammad Abba of Kofar Na’isa, recalled that the “terrible condition” hit the area over a year ago, adding “even the wells in the area have dried up’’.

Hajiya Mariya Balarabe, of Galadanchi Quarters, explained

never experienced fetching water from the neighbourhood until the scarcity.

She pleaded with the state government to solve the problem, stressing: “water remains the most crucial element as far as human needs are concerned’’.

Commenting on the issue, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Yunusa Dangwani, said the problem was temporary.

Dangwani said that the scarcity was caused by some ongoing construction works in many parts of the state.

arrive Nigeria within the week.

It would be recalled that Dosumu aspired to be governor of Lagos State in 1999 on the platform of Alliance for Democracy (AD) but lost the nomination to Sen. Bola Tinubu .

He contested and won election into the Senate under AD and later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the end of his term in 2003.

In his remarks, Alhaji Lineman Olashinku, late Dosumu’s sibling, described him as “a seasoned politician who never discriminated against any person on the basis of tribe, creed or region.’’

“Dosumu will be greatly missed by all, especially politicians because he never discriminated against anybody and he was a peace loving gentleman,’’ he said.

In his contribution, Mr. Yomi

was noticeable everywhere.’’

“Nigeria has lost a rear gem and a man who told no lies. He will be missed by the whole Nigeria,” he said.

A Chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Prince Oluyole Olusi, prayed for God to grant the former minister’s soul eternal rest.

He said: “a lover of humanity has departed’’.

Former Minister of Communications, Maj.- Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju, also described him “as a man of truth’’, saying the deceased would be fondly remembered for his goodwill and love for humanity.

He said “his death is a great loss to all of us’’.

Reports say that no fewer than 70 early callers, friends, family members as well as business partners have signed the condolence register opened at the late Dosumu’s residence.

NUJ Congress Holds Friday BENIN CITY- The monthly Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council has been stated for Friday June 14, 2013 at the NUJ Press Centre, No 1 Reservation Road, GRA, Benin City beginning from 4pm.

A statement by the Union Secretary, Titus Akhigbe said the change in date from the usual last Friday of the month is occasioned by other official engagement of the Union executive members.

The statement advised all journalists in the state to attend without fail.

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Across The Nation FCT Gives Ultimatum To Transporter One-Door Buses:

ABUJA -The FCT administration has given Shaansi Ltd., one of the intracity high-capacity bus mass transit operators in the territory, six months to withdraw its onedoor green buses from the roads.

Mr. Jonathan Ivoke, the Secretary, FCT Transport Secretariat, has told newsmen, that the one-door buses had been rejected.

“I have instructed them (Shaansi) to clear them, we have written to them and given them six months; we have shortage (of buses) that is why we allowed them.

“We do not use one- door bus for mass transit,’’ he said.

Ivoke maintained that the FCT had not commenced the operations of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) scheme.

He said that was because the

roads had not been demarcated adding that “what we are doing now is big bus capacity transit.’’

When contacted on the safety implication of the one- door bus, Mr. Kayode Fanola, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, told newsmen that it was too early to comment on it.

Kayode, however, said that the commission would observe the new mass transit system for a while to be able to advise the administration on safety implications, particularly on the one- door bus.

It would be recalled that the FCT administration began a new mass transit system of high capacity buses in the territory on June 3.

The new system put an end to the mini buses shuttle across the city centre and restricted them to satellite towns and area councils.

KADUNA -Land owners in Kaduna have protested over the non payment of compensation for the land acquired by the Federal Government to build the 215 Megawatt Kudendan Power Plant.

Reports say that the protesters confronted the Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinelu Nebo, who was inspecting the plant, asking that work at the project be stopped until they were compensated.

The leader of the group, Mr. Francis Nwobodo told the

Kaduna: Land Owners Protest Over minister that since the take over of the land by government in 2009, non of them had received money or alternative plots as compensation.

According to him, the then governor of the state and now Vice-President, Namadi Sambo had promised the affected residents of alternative land before work on the project would start.

“He promised to give us another land and based on that, we willingly gave away our land.

“Four years after, we have

Compensation not heard anything. The late governor Patrick Yakowa came here and promised that they will do something.

Some of us have died and we are yet to be given another land.

“We are fortunate today that the minister and his officials are here and we wish to know the way forward,” he added.

Responding, Nebo commended the land owners for the peaceful protest and

promised to link up with Governor Mukhtar Yero on the matter.

“I want to assure you that I will talk with him,” he said, adding that the delay might have been due to communication break down.

The minister said the issue would be resolved soon and appreciated the support given to contractors handling the project.

He said that the plant, when completed, would enhance power supply to the state and boost its economy.

Court Fines Woman ABUJA -An Abuja N5,700 Magistrates’ Court has ordered one Aisha Salisu to pay N5,700 compensation to her friend, Suweba Ismail for causing her grievous harm.

Magistrate Abdullateef Abolaji ordered Salisu, 25, of Angwan Beri-beri, Mubushi District, Abuja, to pay the money, after she pleaded guilty to the onecount charge of causing grievous hurt.

Delivering judgment in the case, Abolaji said the amount was to enable Ismail to settle the medical bill she incurred in treating herself after she was struck with a broken bottle by Salisu.

Abolaji warned the convict to desist from any violent act, saying that the court would not be lenient

with her if she appears before it again.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Sgt. Philip Apollos, had told the court that the convict attacked Ismail without provocation while she was purchasing some items in a shop.

He said that during police investigation, it was discovered that the convict was known all over Angwan Beri-beri as a “troublesome” woman.

The convict, in her plea for leniency, said she regretted her action.

“I am sorry, I will not do it again and I ask the court to have mercy on me’’ Salisu said.

Ismail had told the court that the convict was her friend, and that she had forgiven her.

L-R: Director, National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Nwajim Maidugu; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina and Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, at the Inauguration of the 6th African Arts and Crafts Expo in Abuja on Monday

INEC To Begin Distribution Of Voter’s Cards ABEOKUTA -The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will soon begin to distribute the permanent voter’s card ahead of the 2015 general elections, Prof. Lai Olurode, INEC National Commissioner, has said.

Olurode, the National Commissioner in-charge of Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti states, made

the plan known in Abeokuta during a one- day visit to Abeokuta.

He said that the card would replace the temporary voters’ card issued during the 2011 general elections.

He said that the commission was making preparations to conduct gubernatorial elections in 2014 as well as the 2015 general elections.

L-R: A Chinese Exhibitor, Jaky-Yan Lei; Director, National Council for Arts and Culture Mr Mwajim Maidugu and First Lady, Dame Patience Johnathan, at an Exhibition Stand during the inauguration of the 6th African Arts and Crafts Expo in Abuja on Monday.

He also visited the South-West The Commissioner visited INEC offices in Abeokuta Zonal Data Storage Centre, OkeNorth, Abeokuta South, and Ilewo, Abeokuta, where he Odeda local government areas. charged the staff to be dedicated to their duties.

2011 Elections: Jega

Hails Media ABUJA - INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, in Abuja has attributed the success of the 2011 general elections to the commitment of the Nigerian media.

Jega gave the commendation at a meeting with the management of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

According to him, the commission will forever appreciate, sustain the partnership and nurture it to greater heights.

He noted that Nigeria was blessed with patriotic and competent media organisations that had contributed toward the promotion of good governance in the country.

The chairman said that voter education had become imperative as the nation approached the 2015 general elections, noting that there was need to deepen democracy through credible elections.

Jega said that INEC also

benefited from inputs by all stakeholders which resulted in substantive achievements.

He said that the commission was determined to ensure that the 2015 elections were more remarkable than 2011 election.

“The success of credible elections is not the responsibility of INEC alone, but the joint responsibility of all enlightened citizens in the electoral process,’’ he said.

He said that the citizens must be sensitised, enlightened and educated on how well to discharge their civic responsibilities.

Jega said that the partnership with FRCN and other credible organisations would assist in doing the right thing for effective public enlightenment on voter education.

He said that the commission would cooperate with the FRCN and utilise the available resources for a better result come 2015.

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Across The Nation Ekiti Declares June 12 Work-Free Day ADO-EKITI -Workers in Ekiti State are to observe today Wednesday June 12, as public holiday.

A statement issued by the state government stated that the day was declared work-free in honour of acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Chief Moshood Abiola.

Reports say that the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo said in a statement that the move was to keep the memory of the late politician alive.

The statement added that Ekiti

State Governor, Kayode Fayemi was expected to lead top government functionaries to the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti for a rally.

According to the statement, the rally was to remember heroes and heroines of democracy who paid important roles during the long struggle to restore democracy in Nigeria.

The commissioner called on the people of the state, especially workers to use the day to pray for Nigeria and for the repose of the soul of the late business mogul.

Ondo Warns Developers On Illegal Structures AKURE -The Ondo State Government has warned developers in the state to refrain from building illegal structures.

Mrs. Modupe Ajayi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, told newsmen in Akure that residents must get appropriate approval before commencing construction.

She pointed out that officials of the ministry had embarked on demolition of illegal structures across the state, saying a task force had been put in place to monitor illegal construction.

According to her, the major mandate of the task force is to effect implementation of physical planning and urban development laws.

The Head of Monitoring and

Enforcement Unit in the ministry, Mr. Abimbola Tofowomo, warned residents to remove all illegal structures.

Tofowomo also advised developers to contact the ministry for advice before embarking on construction.

L-R: Ministers of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi; Information, Mr. Labaran Maku and Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the 2013 Ministerial Platform in Abuja on Monday.

Rep Executes N120m Constituency Projects IBADAN -Hon Olayemi Busari, a member of the House of Representative on the platform of Accord Party (AP), says he has executed constituency projects worth over N120 million between 2011 and 2013.

Busari told newsmen in an interview in Ibadan that the money was spent to improve the standard of living of the people

in his constituency.

He said that he constructed a three classroom blocks each at Bioku and Aladun Communities in Ona-Ara and another one at Olosan in Egbeda Local Government area of the state.

“Through my poverty alleviation programme, I have given to people of the constituency 100 motorcycles, 50

sewing machines, 30 deep freezers and cash gift of N40,000 to 200 beneficiaries.

Busari said he had also provided 16 boreholes in the two local governments and at the same time sunk two drilled well in each of the 22 wards that make up the constituency, bringing the number to 44 wells.

He also said that he had

Ekiti To Recruit 1,600 Teachers ADO-EKITI - No fewer than 1,600 will be recruited in Ekiti Teaching Service within the next couple of months.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Kehinde Ojo, made this known when he briefed newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Monday.

Reports say that applicants have already besieged the state Ministry of Education and designated banks in Ado-Ekiti to

obtain forms for the vacancies.

Ojo, however, clarified that the exercise was not designed to edge out the existing teachers currently on strike for 27.5 per cent peculiarity allowance.

He said that it was Gov. Kayode Fayemi, who gave approval for the recruitment, adding that the order came two weeks before the ongoing nationwide strike.

The commissioner said the state government holds the state

teachers in high esteem and had no reason not to cater for their welfare.

He said that negotiation was already ongoing between the state government and the striking teachers.

He, however, said that N170 million would be required by the state to pay the controversial 27.5 per cent allowance. “Except somebody wants this state to be grounded, there is no how we can sustain such an additional wage

Participants at the 2013 Ministerial Platform in Abuja on Monday.

bill on monthly basis,” he said.

Ojo gave an indication that the controversial Teachers Test which had remained a subject of discord between the state government and the teachers had been replaced with a three-year training exercise for all categories of teachers.

He said such training would be followed later with assessment tests that would determine their promotion to the next grade.

facilitated the rehabilitation and refurbishment of PHCN office at Olorunsogo which was burnt down during the protest against the removal of petrol subsidy in January 2012.

“I have tried within my capacity to secure appointments at the federal level for graduates in my constituency.

“At least, 235 graduates have secured appointment in the federal civil service, Immigration

Service, Nigeria Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Commission and Military, to mention but a few.”

He said that N50 million had been budgeted for the execution of many projects in his constituency in 2013.

Busari, however, said he was able to do all these programmes with total support from both Federal and state Governments.

PDP Mourns Wahab Dosunmu

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State has mourned the sudden death of the former chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and Second Republic minister, late Dr Wahab Dosunmu, whom was said to have played major roles in the political activities in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

The Lagos State PDP Chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle, said that Nigeria has lost a great gem in The Lagos State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Captain Tunji Shelle described the late politician who died at age 74, in United States hospital on Sunday night after a brief illness, as a strong character, leader of leaders and a principled man.

“He was a Minister during Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s administration, a senator and also a former ambassador. He was a strong character, a principled man. He played major roles in major elections in Lagos state politics.

“Lagos PDP will miss his fatherly roles because he was leader of leaders. A leader to reckon with, in terms of

management and coordination.

We will miss him dearly. May God Almighty grant him eternal rest.

Also commenting on the death of Dr. Dosunmu, the state publicity secretary of the party, Mr. Taofeek Gani, described his death as sudden and unfortunate, adding that the party has lost one of its aces in the 2015 general election in the state.

According to him, “the unfortunate and sudden death of our great leader and thorough Lagosian filtered in late last night. His death is a great loss to our party at this time. Indeed he was one of our aces for the 2015 general elections in Lagos State.

May his soul rest in perfect peace, amen.”

A PDP chieftain in the state, Chief Willy Akinlude described his death as an irreparable loss to the party, his family, Lagos State and Nigeria.

“It is very unfortunate that we had this unpalatable news at this time. We come to this world one by one and we will go back one by one. This is irreparable loss to his family, the party, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. He was transparent and a leader in PDP who helped in building this country. The party will definitely meet and talk about his death and burial,” he said.

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Lagos Group Threatens Protest Over Tricycles Ban

Police Nab Notorious Armed Bandit

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

BY RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS -The National Cordinator, Concerned Human Rights Nigeria, Comrade Declan Ihekaire has threatened to mobilize masses in Lagos to stage big protest against the State Government over the ban of tricycles, popularly known as ‘Marwa’ on some major roads in the state.

Ihekaire in a press conference yesterday in Lagos lamented that the banning of tricycles in some parts of the state is causing great hardship and residents which will need urgent protest against it as the police began arresting the operators indiscriminately.

The law, passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Babatunde Fashola banned motorcycles and tricycles on some major roads in the state but enforcement had mainly focused on motorcycles while officials only began enforcing the tricycles recently.

He said, “If the government does not soft pedal on this issue of the restriction, we shall start mobilising the mass of the people against this government. We know our tactics and strength as human rights activists and we understand the game now more than politicians”.

In banning motorcycles, Ihekaire said, the government claimed they were prone to accidents and were being used to rob adding, “The position was sold out by the government which some citizenry bought into not minding the agony that will emanate. But let them give us one single example where tricycles had been used to rob”.

“Lagos State cannot be more of a mega city than India, China and Korea where tricycle is being used as a means of transportation.

FROM 2ND RIGHT: Mrs. Eniye Omodamwen who represented Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP), Chief Victor Osa Uzamere, the Obadolaye of Benin one of the representatives of the palace of the Benin Monarch, the Community Relations Manager of United Geophysical Nigeria Limited (UGNL), Mr. Philip Agudah, Mr. O. Oronsaye Guobadia, Secretary to the Oba of Benin as well as HRH. Solomon Ogiomade the Enogie of Ugbokonumagbai flanked by other stakeholders during the UGNL Party 101 Project Advisory Committee (PAC) inaugural meeting held recently at Evboehighae Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

Repair Denro-Ishashi Road, Communities Appeal To LASG

LAGOS- Residents of two boundary communities, near the Ojodu-Berger suburb of Lagos — Denro and Ishashi, — have appealed to the Lagos State Government to repair the Denro/ Ishashi to Akute road.

Reports say that the road links the communities with other border areas in Ogun and Lagos States.

Denro and Ishashi are border communities in Ogun, along the border with Lagos State.

Newsmen who took a trip on the road reported that the five kilometre road was in a deplorable condition.

The residents also appealed to the Ogun State Government to repair the road, to reduce the hardship being experienced by commuters.

Mrs. Shade Abdullateef, a civil

June 12, Genuine Democracy Day - LSHA LAGOS - The Lagos State House of Assembly has explained that the 12th of June every year is the genuine democracy day for Nigerians.

Speaking in his office at the State Assembly complex, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity and Spokesman of the House, Hon. Segun Olulade, remarked that the importance of the June 12, 1993 Presidential elections, can not, in any way, be relegated to the background. He said “whenever and wherever discussions are held on the history of the enthronement of the current civil democratic dispensation in the country, June 12 is very important”.

Hon. Olulade maintained that the June 12 represents the collective will of Nigerians. He said that all well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of truth will readily admit that June 12 is supreme over any other date in the history of democracy in Nigeria.

The lawmaker affirmed that the appreciation of the significance of June 12, 1993 Presidential

LAGOS - A notorious armed bandit, Monday Akanni, who was apprehended by Police in Mushin, Lagos has confessed in court that he had no other business except robbing people of their belongings in Lagos and its environs.

Akanni, aged 20 who hails from Badagry and lives at 12, Ashawokun Street, Olosa, Mushin, pleaded guilty to the charge of felony to wit, robbery and attempted robbery before Ijeshatedo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Also a locally made pistol which he used for armed robbery operations was recovered from him and tendered as exhibit before the court.

It was learnt that the police from SARS at Alakara Division arrested Akanni along Agege Motor Road, Mushin during their

elections in Nigeria, has made the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a resolution declaring June 12 as the genuine democracy day which is worthy of celebration by all lovers of democracy, social justice and good governance in Nigeria.

Hon. Olulade added that the Lagos State House of Assembly, in its usual character as a champion in the struggle for democratic values and better governance in Nigeria would remain committed to the spirit of June 12.

He pointed out that a special parliamentary session shall be coming up at the State Assembly Complex in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the June 12 Presidential elections.

Olulade, said the occasion shall serve as a dual purpose, because it is also billed for the commemoration of the 2nd Anniversary of the 7th legislative Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“The theme of the special parliamentary session is ‘’June 12 and the Entrenchment of Democracy in Nigeria’’ Hon. Olulade revealed.

servant, observed that most residents were workers in the Lagos public service, who relocated to the area due to the activities of Shylock landlords and exorbitant rents.

“I work in Alausa and my family moved to Denro because of accommodation problems.

“Lagos and Ogun State Governments should join hands to repair the road to reduce our hardship,” Abdullateef said.

Mr. Dotun Akinreti, a banker, said that if the road was repaired, it would boost the economy of both states.

Akinreti said that several business hours were usually lost to gridlock caused by the bad road.

“Ordinarily, the trip from Denro/Ishashi to Ojodu Berger should not take more than ten minutes, but often times it takes almost an hour,” he said.

Mr Joseph Japhet, a business man, said: “This road has been like this for over eight years and politicians have turned it to a campaign tool for winning votes.

“During electioneering, politicians always come and grade the road and promise us heaven and earth, but as soon as they win, they’ll abandon the road.

“Two past state governors, even the incumbent Gov. Ibikunle Amosun have promised to repair the road.

“We are begging him and Gov. Babatunde Fashola to help us repair the road. Even though the area falls under Ogun, most people here work in Lagos,” Japhet said.

Mrs Patience Dickson, a teacher, urged the state governments to repair the road to combat flooding.

“Whenever it rains, if you are sitting on a bike, the water level almost gets to ones ankle.

“Ogun State Government has failed those of us living in Ifo Local Government, they should not neglect us because we live in the border area,” Dickson said.

The traditional ruler of Ojodu Abiodun, Oba Salisu YusufAbiodun, said all the nine roads in the border communities under

his dormain, which include Ojodu-Abiodun, Akute, Denro, Ishashi, Yakoyo, Ijoko, and other communities, were neglected.

Yusuf-Abiodun appealed to the Ogun State Government to create a new council area to cater for the communities.

“We have repaired this Denro/ Ishashi to Akute road several times through community efforts.

“We should not be allowed to suffer because we live in the boundary area.

“Ogun State Government should please help us and create a Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for us, so that there can be better administration of our large border communities.

“Gov. (Babatunde) Fashola should also join hands with his Ogun State counterpart to repair the road because most residents are workers of Lagos State,” he said.

random stop and search in the area when they found in his possession the gun wrapped in a nylon bag.

When asked why he was in possession of the gun at the station, it was reported that he confessed that he used the gun to hustle because robbery was his business.

When he was arraigned in court, he wept bitterly and explained that he promised to marry his fiancée this year and was hustling to raise money for that purpose before he was arrested.

Akanni told the court that he joined armed robbery gang at a tender age immediately he completed his primary school education in Badagry and had no opportunity to attend secondary school.

“I learnt tailoring for four years but I did not have money to open my shop. So one day I followed my brother, Tunde, to Mushin to hustle and since then, I have been in Mushin,” he said.

He said when he first got to Mushin, he did menial jobs to make ends meet. He was a load carrier and later a bus conductor before he became a full time armed robber.

Akanni said he was introduced into armed robbery by some men he met at a joint where he went to smoke Indian hemp.

According to him, the men introduced him to ‘bad guys’ in the area and they started working together before they formed a three-man robbery gang.

He identified two other members of the gang as KG and Alobo, disclosing that their meeting points were at Akala and Akinbaiyi axis in Mushin.

Akanni said the gun recovered from him belonged to KG who gave it to him before he was arrested.

He said he promised the police to assist them expose other members of the gang and how they operate in Mushin area including their armoury with the assurance that he would be set free. But he said that the police betrayed him and charged him to court.

June 12 Anniversary: Maku To

Speak On Nigeria’s Democracy government policies and programmes.

Reports say that Maku will make the presentation in Lagos at the Save Nigeria Group (SNG)

forum to honour late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential elections in Nigeria.

June 12 is a date set aside by human rights groups in Nigeria in remembrance of the June 12 presidential polls annulled by the former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

In a statement in Lagos, SNG Spokesman, Mr Yinka Odumakin explained that Maku was invited to balance the analysis of the Federal Government by civil society groups.

“The event is billed to audit the state of democracy in Nigeria since the June 12, 1993 elections.

“The programme is to mark the 20th anniversary of the annulment of the freest and fairest election ever held in a country with troubled history of elections.

“The convener of SNG, Pastor Tunde Bakare will lead the presentation of the assessment,’’ L-R: Representative of the National Security Adviser, Amb. Laseinde Layiwola; Odumakin said.

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Director-General, Voice of Nigeria and He said that prominent activists Chairman, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Malam Abubakar Jijiwa, at were also expected to speak on BON 58th General Assembly at Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi on Monday. the occasion.

LAGOS-The Minister for Information, Mr. Labaran Maku will on June 12, present the Federal Government’s position on Nigeria’s democracy,

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North Zamfara Assembly Orders SUBEB Chairman To Refund N747.2m GUSAU -The Zamfara House of Assembly has ordered Alhaji Murtala Jangebe, the Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), to refund N747.2million to the board’s accounts.

The order was contained in a report presented to the House on Monday by a special committee set up to investigate the operation and financial activities of SUBEB. The committee said the amount was allegedly misappropriated from the SUBEC account by the chairman.

Reports say that the committee was set up in the wake of allegations of high profile fraud that rocked the board in the last two years.

The committee further recommended the prosecution of Jangebe and all those found guilty in the scam for what it called “criminal disregard for laid down financial regulations“.

The report, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, was unanimously adopted by the House.

The committee, led by Alhaji Aliyu Kagara, representing Mafara 11 constituency, told the House that after investigations, it was discovered that the board, under the leadership of Jangebe, had been operating 15 separate accounts with different banks.

He said the committee audited seven out of the 15 accounts with the assistance of the state auditor general as a co-opted member in order to give its findings a professional touch.

It added that under the “pensions account“ operated by the board in Eco Bank, the chairman allegedly made illegal expenditure of N148.6million without the consent of the board or approval of the Governor.

“The chairman also deliberately went ahead, without the resolution of the board’s permanent members and approval of Governor, to divert N100million out of pensions funds to a fixed account.

“This is indeed a serious financial misuse of public funds as stated by pension reform act of 2004,’’ the report said.

The committee further revealed that under the “salary account‘ of the board operated with the UBA, it discovered illegal expenditure of N65.7million.

An example of such payments, the committee added, was the N8.6million paid to one Sani Mailafiya as “miscellaneous expenditure” without any supportive document.

“These expenditures covered payments made without vouchers and other necessary supportive documents,’’ it said.

The report said the chairman also furnished the committee with an inflated monthly salary expenditure of education authorities in 14 local government areas as N284.4million.

‘After scrutiny by our committee, it was discovered that the actual monthly salary payments to all 14 local government LEA staff is N264.6million, leaving a difference of N19.7million,’’ it stated.

“It was discovered that after auditing all teaching and non-

teaching staff under SUBEB in October 2011, the sum of N14.9million was recovered as left over but the amount was diverted for personal use by the chairman.”

The report also stated that it discovered unaccounted expenditure of N378.1million under the “Teachers’ Profession Account“ operated in Sterling Bank.

It was revealed that “out of the N150 million received by SUBEB from UBEC in 2011 as training funds between October and December 2011, the chairman made several withdrawals from the account to the tune of N145million without vouchers and other supportive documents.”

The committee further said that out of N140 million training funds received by SUBEB from UBEC in 2012, N132million was withdrawn under false claim of training 265 education managers.

“The Director of Primary Education testified before the committee that no training was conducted; rather the money was misappropriated without justifiable reasons.

“The committee also observed that the Chairman, Zamfara state SUBEB connived with the Director Primary Education and transferred N72.3million in to his personal account no 2014082999 with First bank,’’ the report said.

Alhaji Asheihk Karma (right) member, Board of Trustee of Sardauna Memorial F o u n d a t i o n presenting relief materials to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno for victims of Baga crisis in Maiduguri on Monday.

Pastor Sues Rep Over Unpaid N2.25m Commission

JOS -A Pastor has dragged the member of the House of Representatives representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Simon Mwadkon, to a Jos High Court over alleged N2.25 million commission.

The Pastor, Michael Gulu, in his writ, claimed he had allegedly assisted Mwadkon to purchase a property at No 38, Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos. Gulu alleged that, after the transaction, the Mwadkon, however, refused to pay him the

five percent commission to which he was entitled.

The pastor, through his Counsel, Mr. Wuyang Bwakat, is asking for another N1million as damages for the inconveniences caused him by the alleged default.

Gulu alleged that sometimes in June 2011, one Godwin Makeri, an Estate Valuer, approached him for prayers over an unsold

ALGON Scribe Applauds Senate C’tee For Recommanding LG Autonomy KUJE (FCT) -The Senate Committee on Constitution Review has been commended for including local government autonomy in its recommendations.

Mr. Danladi Zhin, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Zhin said the inclusion was a move in the right direction as it

would bring the government closer to the residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“For a long time, we have been asking that local governments be given full autonomy to operate just like state governments.

“I commend the committee for its recommendation of local government autonomy.

“When the bill is passed into law, residents of FCT will have the opportunity to exercise their civic right by voting their

leaders,” he said.

The secretary urged all Nigerians to support the passage of the bill as it will bring development to the grass-roots level.

“The powers of the local government chairmen and councillors will be exercised to the fullest when given the autonomy to operate.

“Dividends of democracy will be felt by the people when the government is closer to them,” Zhin said.

property worth N70 million.

He averred that Makeri claimed that he was given the property to sell but for over three years he could not get a buyer and needed the intervention of God. Gulu alleged that it was after his prayers that he got in touch with Mwadkon, who indicated interest in buying the property with a promise to pay him five percent commission.

“But after the transaction, the respondent (Mwadkon), who bought the property for N45 million, had since refused to pay the commission, “ he said.

“The respondent has refused and ignored to honour his obligation to the plaintiff by using one excuse or the other for not paying the money.

“It got to a point where the defendant was sending threats to the plaintiff through his thugs and goons to intimidate the plaintiff, “ the writ read.

Gulu then lodged a complain with the police, who invited Mwadkon and advised both parties to go and settle the matter amicably.

But Gulu alleged that the legislator did not bulge, even when his alleged spiritual father, Rev Nanyah Goifa, of ECWA

Bishara, Jankwano, Jos, intervened.

The complainant prayed the court to compel Mwadkon to pay him his N2.25 million commission being his legitimate due from the transaction.

When the case, which is before Justice Albert Dandam of High Court 13, came up for mention, Bwakat told the court that he could not continue with the case.

He said that was because he had just been served with a motion filed by Mwadkon’s Counsel, Mr. Sunday Danbaba, on that Monday morning.

He said he needed more time to reply to the motion, which was seeking for extension of time within which to file their defence.

“My Lord, since I was only served this morning, and the case has to suffer an adjournment, I hereby asked for N10, 000 cost, “ he demanded.

But Danbaba objected to the application for cost, arguing that the delay was not deliberate and asked the court to disregard the application.

Dandam, in his ruling, did not offer any cost but told Danbaba to always keep to the court rules and do the right thing at the right time.

He then adjourned the case to July 4 for hearing of motion.

Man Charged For Assaulting Police Officers

L-R: Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman; Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj-Gen. Chukwuemeka Onwamaegbu at the second quarter of study period of Directorate of Army PUblic Relations in Kaduna on Monday.

MARARABA (NASARAWA STATE) -The police has arraigned one Monday Akpere, 27, of no fix address, at the Grade 1 Area Court for allegedly intimidating and assaulting police officers.

Prosecutor Inuwa Maigida told the court that a police patrol team headed by Cpl. Enya Eden arrested the accused at Sharp Corner at Mararaba on June 6.

“In the process of arresting the accused, he started fighting all the police men on patrol.

“The accused threatened to deal with the police officers on patrol,” he said.

Maigida said the offence contravened provisions of sections 267 and 397 of the Penal Code.

Section 267 said upon conviction, the convict shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both.

Section 397 stipulates that a convict shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.

The accused pleaded not guilty, saying: “My sister and I came back from Ogoja in Cross River at about 12 midnight.

“The police men met us while trying to get a commercial motorcycle to our house.

“I was making call to my sister’s husband at that time and the police started beating me, calling me a Boko Haram and Ombatse member.

THE

NIGERIAN

9

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Aviation L-R: Special representative of UN SecretaryGeneral for disaster risk reduction, Margareta Wahlstrom; Minister of State for Works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda and Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, during the visit of the Special representative of the UN Secretary-General to the Minister in Abuja recently.

Chanchangi Airlines Workers Protest Non-Payment Of Salary Arrears IKEJA Workers of Chanchangi Airlines, numbering about 53, embarked on a peaceful protest over the refusal of its management to pay their 36 months salary arrears.

Reports say that the workers began the protest from the ticket counters of the new domestic terminal of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and terminated it at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) headquarters Some of the workers that spoke with newsmen alleged that the unpaid salaries had accrued since 2010, when the carrier advised them to embark on compulsory leave.

They alleged that its management had been insensitive to their plight, despite series of letters.

Receiving the protesters, two directors at the NCAA, Mr. Austin Ifeanyi, Human Resources; and Alh. Adamu Abdullabi, Consumer Protection, urged them to remain peaceful as their grievances would be tabled with the appropriate quarters.

The directors also commended them for towing the path of peace, by taking up the issue to the appropriate quarters peacefully.

They assured that the NCAA would investigate their claims and call Chanchangi to order.

However, Mr. Babadiya Ahmed, Chanchangi station manager, said that the workers were not sacked but the management was already looking into their plight.

Ahmed confirmed that management urged them to proceed on compulsory leave due to ‘operational issues‘ the carrier was grappling with.

He assured that the matter would be resolved soon.

apologised to the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), following complaints of poor service delivery lodged against it by some of its passengers.

This is contained a letter signed

by Mr. Endale Aschalew, the Manager of Airport Service, and addressed to the CPC Director of Surveillance and Enforcement, Mr. Shamm Kolo.

A copy of the letter, dated June 7, was made available to newsmen in Abuja.

In the letter, the airline referred to another letter sent to it by the CPC, dated June 3.

The airline explained in the letter that the delay in the check-in process was due to a disruption of its system, occasioned by network connecting problem.

L-R: Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Aghatise Erediauwa and Director, Research, Policy and International Relations, Dr. Jacob Afolabi, at the NDIC Workshop for operations in the Microfinance Banking Sub-sector in Abuja recently.

Foreign Airlines Fare Disparity

“We were trying to solve the problem with our system support staff in good time, but due to its seriousness, it took long to return the system back to normal.

“This problem contributed to the slowdown of the check-in process which resulted in the long queue of passengers.

“As you may know, the airport at Abuja is under renovation and the weighing scale at the checkin counter is not working due to the ongoing renovation process.

“The airline has provided a separate scale pending when the renovation process is finalised, and we hope this is done soon by the airport authority,’’ the letter read in part.

It would be recalled that the CPC had said in an electronic statement to media houses on June 8 that the complaints were lodged by passengers who boarded the airline’s flight ET910 on May 18, from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

The statement was signed by Mr. Abiodun Obimuyiwa, the council’s Deputy Director of Public Relations.

It alleged that passengers in the said flight from Abuja to Addis Ababa were shabbily treated by officials of the airline at the check-in counter.

The statement named Mrs. Dupe Atoki, the CPC DirectorGeneral and Mr. Suraj Yakubu, former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), and his wife, as some of the affected passengers.

Also affected, according to the statement, are Prof. Okon Uya, a former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission; Stephen Danyo of the World Bank; and Gary Offner from the U.S. “The passengers were not only shabbily treated, but were also subjected to harrowing check-in process, faulty weighing scale and indiscriminate boarding.

Lufthansa Proffers Reasons

IKEJA -The Lufthansa Airlines has said the economies of demand and supply had created foreign airlines’ fare disparity that among African nations.

Mr. Claus Becker, Managing Director, West and

Central Africa of the airline, said this during an award tour of some travel agents in Lagos.

He said that products offered by the foreign airlines were also responsible for the

Arik Begins New Online Check-In For Passengers counters at the airport for

IKEJA - Arik Airlines on Monday said it had introduced online check-in service on some of its domestic and international routes to boost passengers’ experience.

The airline’s Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue, said this in a statement made available to newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Ndulue said that the service would help customers, especially those travelling without check-in luggage, to

Ethiopian Airlines Apologises For Poor Service Delivery ABUJA - Ethiopian Airlines has

save some time they would have spent on queues.

According to him, customers using the service will be able to check-in 24 hours before a flight.

He said they would be able to do so three hours before the flight, have the opportunity to select their seats, and also print boarding passes.

“Passengers with baggage to check-in can still check-in online and proceed to the

baggage drop and standard security checks.

“The service has been introduced in Arik Air’s international locations in Johannesburg, London and New York as well as the key domestic locations of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt,’’ he said.

According to him, full network coverage of its domestic and regional locations will be progressively rolled out in the coming months.

high fares.

Becker said that the airline had introduced a new range of products in its various aircraft.

“We have the state of the art, first class; we have been winning Skyjet 5 Star awards for the best first class service and this is a very special product that we do have on our A380 aircraft.

“We have a full-fledged business class which is also state-of-the-art and that is already being introduced on the new Boeing 747-800 and the up-to-date economic class product,” he said.

Becker said that the airline would introduce more new products worldwide between 2013 and 2015.

According to him, the Nigerian passengers will get the new products, as the planes fly into Lagos, Port-

Harcourt and Abuja.

“The passengers are sure of getting these new products, as well as other ones and then you have to consider a passenger who flies with Lufthansa from Nigeria to Frankfurt, Germany,’’ Becker said.

He said that the airline had employed Nigerians as part of its social responsibility to the country.

Becker said that employment was one of the major social responsibility issues supported by the company’s headquarters.

“We have the Memorandum of Understanding to train Nigerian flight attendants and the airline has been having a good relationship with travelling agents in the country,” he said.

Mr. Bankole Bernard, the Managing Director,

Finchglow Travelling Agent, urged the airline to assist in the training of travelling agents in Germany.

“We want the foreign airlines flying into Nigeria to do more in developing our people as we are considered as a strategic business partner in the aviation industry,” he said.

Bernard urged the Nigerian government to improve on its Open Skies policy with foreign airlines, saying that the aviation industry was improving.

Reports say that five travelling agents were awarded ‘Top Agent of the Year 2012’, ‘Premium Agent of the Year 2012’ and ‘Agent of the Year 2012’.

The agents were Finchglow Ltd., Touchdown Ltd., BCD Quantum, Travel Consult and Aeroland Travels.

THE

NIGERIAN

10

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Business + Economy LAGOS , Techno Oil, LCCI Partner To Promote Healthy Environment

LAGOS -The Lagos State Government has reached an understanding with Techno Oil and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), to implement a scheme to make Lagos “clean, green and healthy’’.

It was learnt that the project, tagged “Clean and Green Environment Scheme, is aimed at

ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment in Lagos.

It is envisaged that the scheme will add value to the ongoing urban renewal programme in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city.

Techno Oil’s Head of Strategy Mr. Ken Abazie, who confirmed the collaboration between Lagos

State, LCCI and Techno Oil, said that the scheme would start on June 11.

He said that Techno Oil had since last year embarked on a “Going Green Revolution,’’ to nurture healthy environment in its host communities.

According to Abazie, about 20 per cent of the cost of cylinders would be written off by the State

Government to encourage Lagos residents to embrace the use of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a way of sustaining the environment.

He said that Techno Oil would be deploying thousands of cylinder units to support the scheme and that the company expected to sale over 100,000 pieces of 3kg and 6kg “TechnoGas’’ stoves at subsidised rates to the public in the first phase of the scheme.

Abazie said that the scheme would be executed, using a skid plant of three metric-ton tank in all the Local Council Development Areas in Lagos, through a partnership with stakeholders and Community Development Committees.

“Nigeria is rated among the lowest in Africa on the capital

usage of LPG at 0.5kg, compared to countries like Ghana at 3kg, Cameroon at 1.90kg, South Africa at 5.5kg and Morocco at 44kg, yet Nigeria has the highest gas reserve in Africa.

“Techno Oil launched the ‘Going Green Revolution’ to make people to switch from unhealthy life styles to healthy ones.

“The use of kerosene and fire wood as sources of energy for cooking and lightening is one of those life styles that made some tourists to describe Nigerians as living dangerously.’’

He said that TechnoGas Stoves were designed and fabricated with distinguishing qualities such as safety, affordability, portability and customer friendliness to discourage Nigerians from living

dangerously by using firewood, kerosene and other unhealthy sources of energy.

“We have so far distributed well over 20,000 units of 3kg, 5kg, 6kg and 12.5kg cylinders at discounted prices in a bid to make Nigerians to embrace the use of LPG.’’ Abazie argued that it would also be more rewarding for government to re-direct the current subsidy on Kerosene to the procurement of cylinders.

“Shifting to cooking gas would also help to save scarce foreign exchange hitherto, expended on kerosene importation, and collaboration with local energy companies to promote the use of LPG would boost the Local Content Initiative of government,’’ he stated.

Inflated Contracts

ICAN Seeks Prosecution Of Perpetrators

Stranded Luthansa passengers at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja recently.

ABAKALIKI -Mr. Solomon Adeleke, the Abakaliki District Coordinator of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has suggested that perpetrators of inflated contracts should be punished.

Adeleke made the suggestion in

Abakaliki at the inauguration of the Executive Committee of the District for the 2013/2014 financial year.

The coordinator said that the culture of financial impunity

Traders, Youths Want Improved Bank Security

OMU ARAN (KWARA) Traders and artisans in OmuAran Community in Kwara have pleaded with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to give priority to security of banks in the reform programmes of the CBN. They told newsmen in OmuAran that the call became necessary in view of the incessant bank robberies in the

community.

The traders and artisans bemoaned the incessant loss of lives and the consequences of bank closures on the economy of the host communities.

Mr. Olu Abioye, the Chairman of the Omu-Aran Chapter of the

NNPC Resumes Pumping Of Fuel To Ibadan ABUJA -The NNPC said that it had “successfully resumed fuel supply” operation to Ibadan and its environs after repairing the ruptured Mosimi–Ibadan pipeline.

A statement issued by the Acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the company, Ms Tumini Green, in Abuja said the pipeline was repaired 24 hours after it was vandalised by suspected oil thieves.

It said that a team of engineers and technologists from the NNPC and its downstream subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company had worked hard over the weekend to restore the line.

It said the NNPC was quick to respond because of its determination to ensure that Nigerians did not undergo any form of scarcity in supply of petroleum products as a result of the activities of some unpatriotic citizens.

“At exactly 20.06 hrs on Saturday, the Mosimi–Ibadan line was re-streamed after repair works at the ruptured point.

“We remain committed to our resolve in ensuring unimpeded distribution of petroleum products across the country despite the

mounting odds.

“We call on members of the public to support the NNPC and the security agencies in this fight against oil thieves and pipeline hackers.’’

Kwara State Furniture Manufacturers’ Association, said that no meaningful achievement would be recorded without guaranteeing adequate security for banks.

“No much emphasis has been placed by the authorities on the recurrent robbery attacks on banks nationwide which has recently assumed an alarming proportion.

“Security around banks’ premises across the country remained a matter of great concern both to the staffers as well as their customers.

“I think there is an urgent need

for a serious brainstorming by stakeholders on the need to put an end to this ugly trend for maximum absorption of the banking reform initiatives,” Abioye said.

Alhaja Awawu Popoola, the Chairperson, Omu-Aran Market Women Association, said the attacks on banks had created a dark shadow on whatever progress was made since the commencement of the reforms.

She said that marketers had incurred uncountable loses as a result of closure of banks, due to robbery attacks.

Stranded commuters at Orile Iganmu Bus Stop, in Lagos recently.

“The fear of attack on banks in Omu-Aran had sent many of our members out of business and had also driven away potential buyers to more secured markets in other towns.

“In as much as substantial progress has been achieved in the transformation initiative for easy banking transaction, the issue of attack on banks need to be urgently addressed,” Popoola said.

Mr. Joel Emmanuel, the Chairman, Irepodun Local Government Chapter of the Kwara State Motorcycle Riders Association, advocated the strengthening of the community’s Bank Relations Committee to address the incessant robbery attacks.

recorded in the award and execution of contracts in the country had persisted because perpetrators were not punished by the relevant authorities.

“This led to the high level of infrastructure decay and poor state of the country’s social sector, as the perpetrators operate freely in the land.

“It is disturbing that the cost of executing contracts in the country is the multiple of what it costs in other countries.”

According to him, ICAN has been contributing in checking the trend by making its members accountable and prudent with public funds.

“We made them realise that they took an official oath to be truthful and transparent in their financial dealings with the government and the private sector.

“We have provisions for the punishment of members who commit financial malpractice in order to protect the association’s integrity.”

He urged the new executive to be honest in their dealings and to carry members along in their activities.

“You should also ensure effective representation at the national level to get first-hand information on the association’s policies and actions,’’ he said.

The new Chairman of the district, Mr. Sunday Ituma, thanked the members for electing the new executive, promising to steer the district to new heights.

“We appreciate the contributions of the past executive, as we would sustain on the ideals in giving the district the desired repositioning for sustainable upliftment,” Ituma, who is the district’s third Chairman and Programme Manager of the Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Programme, said the executive would partner with the State Government to achieve its goals.

“We shall render professional advice and services in areas of internal revenue generation, audit of government agencies and parastatals, budgeting control, value for money audit of capital projects, among others,” he said.

THE

NIGERIAN

11

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(11/06/13) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

2

2,700

1,350.00

7UP

52.5

52.5

0

13

15,597

836,331.31

MCNICHOLS

2.08

2.02

-0.06

23

665,790

1,340,489.92

ABCTRANS

1

1

0

22

1,949,474

1,929,834.00

MOBIL

119

119

0

18

10,964

1,291,230.17

ACADEMY

1.92

2.11

0.19

4

437,101

922,283.11

MORISON

2.23

2.01

-0.22

8

289,219

599,525.07 1,497,523.28

ACCESS

11.54

11.7

0.16

395

17,765,985

210,088,053.08

MRS

16.7

16.7

0

13

84,193

ADSWITCH

1.63

1.63

0

1

60

88.2

MULTITREX

0.5

0.5

0

5

200,000

100,000.00

0.5

0.5

0

2

125,000

62,500.00

AFRIPRUD

1.81

1.9

0.09

63

3,221,233

6,209,754.19

MULTIVERSE

AGLEVENT

1.48

1.6

0.12

9

496,756

796,047.32

NAHCO

7.71

7.71

0

71

695,908

5,367,138.85

4,326,861.46

NASCON

12.15

13.36

1.21

129

6,133,262

80,752,396.50

AIICO

1

1.1

0.1

49

4,006,380

AIRSERVICE

4.52

4.51

-0.01

18

436,800

1,973,082.35

NB

177

174

-3

149

700,432

122,483,019.42

ASHAKACEM

28.5

29.98

1.48

67

1,735,690

49,823,468.04

NCR

18.7

18.7

0

4

3,050

57,035.00

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

2

200,700

100,350.00

NEIMETH

1.37

1.5

0.13

6

96,516

144,774.00

BECOPETRO

0.5

0.5

0

2

1,200

600

NEM

0.82

0.9

0.08

75

6,994,212

6,076,692.69

BERGER

9.46

10.35

0.89

12

157,454

1,628,772.30

NESTLE

1070

1070

0

88

102,200

107,516,237.76

BETAGLAS

10

10

0

5

74,000

740,097.60

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

1

50,000

25,000.00

CADBURY

57

59.95

2.95

138

3,049,751

172,490,200.47

NNFM

25.91

25.91

0

3

1,766

46,816.66

CAP

59.89

59.89

0

25

95,163

5,482,590.31

NPFMCRFBK

1.09

1.19

0.1

15

1,437,914

1,528,871.46

CAPOIL

0.5

0.5

0

1

500

250

NSLTECH

0.69

0.69

0

1

150

94.5

CCNN

10.6

11.66

1.06

71

1,952,601

22,193,508.38

OANDO

15.07

14.17

-0.9

364

9,886,268

142,698,934.23

CHAMPION

5.32

5.32

0

2

6,000

35,100.00

OKOMUOIL

51

51.12

0.12

78

1,411,045

72,457,731.66

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

1

20,000

10,000.00

OMATEK

0.5

0.5

0

4

102,700

51,350.00

CHELLARAM

4.89

4.89

0

1

100

441

PAINTCOM

1.4

1.54

0.14

8

292,653

447,828.81

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

22

877,720

439,160.00

PHARMDEKO

2.07

2.07

0

3

7,223

13,507.01

CONOIL

24

24

0

21

51,944

1,259,207.43

PORTPAINT

4.78

4.31

-0.47

2

520,000

2,241,200.00

CONTINSURE

1.25

1.2

-0.05

46

5,805,500

7,332,600.00

PREMPAINTS

10.93

10.93

0

1

20,000

196,800.00

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

5

523,589

261,801.50

PRESCO

34

37.4

3.4

41

1,017,310

38,047,144.00

0.65

0.65

0

3

57,417

33,876.03

COSTAIN

1.49

1.63

0.14

46

5,958,141

9,710,269.83

PRESTIGE

COURTVILLE

0.79

0.85

0.06

22

708,684

590,511.40

PZ

52.98

56

3.02

81

601,433

33,423,595.57

4.79

4.79

0

5

94,750

452,917.50

CUSTODYINS

1.8

1.83

0.03

40

12,566,133

23,021,024.72

REDSTAREX

CUTIX

2.18

2.39

0.21

2

300,000

717,000.00

RESORTSAL

0.5

0.5

0

3

48,200,000

24,100,000.00

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

16

342,390

171,195.00

ROYALEX

0.66

0.66

0

11

419,435

282,263.05

DANGCEM

210

210.01

0.01

134

716,017

151,539,600.02

RTBRISCOE

1.9

1.94

0.04

39

1,173,325

2,166,326.49

DANGFLOUR

9.5

9.72

0.22

115

5,075,801

48,879,701.06

SCOA

5.42

5.42

0

4

508

2,479.04

DANGSUGAR

11.6

12.76

1.16

206

9,450,478

117,174,941.21

SKYEBANK

4.99

4.97

-0.02

218

15,163,001

75,670,922.85

DIAMONDBNK

6.8

6.74

-0.06

91

4,745,799

32,279,589.61

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

4

351,020

175,510.00

DNMEYER

1.68

1.68

0

6

26,264

41,594.03

STANBIC

16.4

17

0.6

38

619,281

10,245,914.26

EKOCORP

4.32

4.32

0

1

124

482.36

STDINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

3

150,000

75,000.00

ETERNA

3.99

3.73

-0.26

44

2,372,395

9,775,499.68

STERLNBANK

2.7

2.74

0.04

69

3,279,643

8,896,286.69

ETI

15.82

15.91

0.09

90

3,256,828

51,892,136.41

STUDPRESS

2.52

2.52

0

1

480

1,209.60

ETRANZACT

3.47

3.47

0

4

10,650

33,334.50

TOTAL

165

170

5

13

409,055

69,500,345.38

EVANSMED

3.35

3.68

0.33

29

2,647,387

9,742,384.16

TRANSCORP

1.3

1.3

0

173

103,907,125

135,128,280.25

FBNH

18.44

18.26

-0.18

753

23,783,078

435,215,383.38

TRANSEXPR

2.78

2.78

0

1

100

251

FCMB

4.99

5

0.01

131

22,180,229

110,895,774.92

TRIPPLEG

2.29

2.29

0

1

2,000

4,140.00

FIDELITYBK

3.29

3.24

-0.05

191

18,833,423

61,035,634.03

UAC-PROP

15.22

15.22

0

27

310,402

4,930,369.06

FIDSON

2.44

2.5

0.06

184

9,318,565

23,668,122.36

UACN

59.2

59.2

0

68

260,163

15,351,238.16

FLOURMILL

95.16

104.67

9.51

54

135,042

14,134,707.30

UBA

9.07

9.6

0.53

530

40,687,777

380,698,471.17

1.2

1.27

0.07

95

4,599,244

5,777,186.86

FO

15.4

16.94

1.54

19

80,459

1,362,975.46

UBCAP

FTNCOCOA

0.5

0.5

0

1

40,000

20,000.00

UBN

14.39

15.3

0.91

178

2,474,334

36,382,363.23

6,208,489.85

UNILEVER

67

67.94

0.94

183

4,596,905

311,760,523.15

GLAXOSMITH

68

68

0

24

94,630

GNI

0.55

0.55

0

21

1,668,179

965,588.45

UNIONDAC

0.5

0.5

0

1

10,000

5,000.00

GUARANTY

28.3

28

-0.3

470

28,728,245

807,143,297.66

UNITYBNK

0.67

0.69

0.02

87

11,236,518

7,492,136.18

GUINNESS

288

293

5

71

228,467

66,289,208.94

UNIVINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

1

2,000

1,000.00

HONYFLOUR

3.4

3.74

0.34

104

4,113,437

14,604,237.13

UPL

5.55

5.6

0.05

7

142,000

794,910.80

IHS

2

2

0

8

299,194,068

598,404,686.00

UTC

0.77

0.79

0.02

19

389,152

303,299.82

IKEJAHOTEL

1.02

0.92

-0.1

24

4,177,800

3,872,028.00

VITAFOAM

3.75

4.12

0.37

29

944,385

3,868,339.70

INTBREW

25.9

25.9

0

65

629,744

15,765,463.71

VONO

1.71

1.71

0

2

354

545.16

INTERLINK

4.9

4.9

0

2

358

1,578.78

WAPCO

99

98

-1

74

807,695

79,328,430.13

IPWA

0.66

0.66

0

2

2,500

1,590.00

WAPIC

0.97

0.97

0

13

190,800

184,606.00

JAPAULOIL

0.54

0.55

0.01

99

8,576,711

4,644,007.43

WEMABANK

1.2

1.18

-0.02

50

170,549,622

202,917,190.79

JBERGER

60.5

60.5

0

32

293,348

17,920,989.64

ZENITHBANK

22.79

22.8

0.01

364

24,027,327

541,805,018.51

JOHNHOLT

1.44

1.58

0.14

13

490,751

740,176.25

JOSBREW

1.25

1.25

0

3

53,000

66,200.00

Stock

Close

Gain

Stock

FLOURMILL GUINNESS TOTAL PRESCO PZ CADBURY FO ASHAKACEM NASCON DANGSUGAR

104.67 293 170 37.4 56 59.95 16.94 29.98 13.36 12.76

9.51 5 5 3.4 3.02 2.95 1.54 1.48 1.21 1.16

NB WAPCO OANDO PORTPAINT GUARANTY ETERNA MORISON FBNH IKEJAHOTEL MCNICHOLS

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

LEARNAFRCA

1.8

1.96

0.16

19

548,656

1,046,385.82

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

1

500

250

LIVESTOCK

6.53

7.18

0.65

106

3,309,864

23,740,715.52

MANSARD

2.25

2.23

-0.02

28

1,495,200

3,393,176.00

MAYBAKER

2.8

3.08

0.28

66

2,492,994

7,448,804.02

TOP 10 GAINERS

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Close 174 98 14.17 4.31 28 3.73 2.01 18.26 0.92 2.02

Loss -3 -1 -0.9 -0.47 -0.3 -0.26 -0.22 -0.18 -0.1 -0.06

THE

NIGERIAN

12

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

TODAY, June 12, is perceived in some quarters as the real democracy day in Nigeria, considering the struggles and travails of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential elections.

ONE of the political realities of our contemporary global system is democracy, a political process which focuses on the necessity and imperative of governments to rule only by the Consent of the majority. The popular belief is that properly understood and practised, democracy can remove the layers of national socio-economic and political darkness. Countries that have attained the Status of mature democracy Continue to insist that it will be absolutely difficult to get things done in pluralistic society with poor records of democratic values and practices.

WITH the way things are going politically in contemporary Nigeria, it is very doubtful, whether Nigerians will ever realise the dreams of allowing democratic tenets to influence the Country’s political life.

IN this connection, democratic reality implies that all Nigerians must be willing to take difficult democratic decisions, and must see the benefits in supporting their Country’s democratic institutions. With the current state of democracy in the country, many Nigerians have openly wondered whether the struggle for political independence was a worthwhile exercise. Clearly, all is not well with democracy in Nigeria. Still, democracy remains the only viable and sustainable weapon for tackling national backwardness and for securing recognition and respect from the international community. No one will ever doubt the political fact that a strong democratic foundation will provide Nigerians with the opportunity to choose their own future.

THERE is need for all Nigerians to work together democratically, and openly express, indeed, demonstrate their Commitment to the development of democracy. One of the

THE

NIGERIAN

June 12 And Nigeria’s Democracy disturbing features of the Nigerian democracy is that the Nigerian elite have not demonstrated enough support for the Country’s democratic process, especially in times of increasing political uncertainties. The bulk of the Nigerian elite have virtually abandoned political involvement in government and governance.

They have left the process of democratic development in the hands of the “politicians,” which may well explain the low level of adherence to democratic procedures and values in the country ONE of the reasons why most of the highly development States are experiencing stable democracy is the undiluted commitments of their elite to ensuring right political governance.

It must be repeatedly stressed that Nigeria will find it hard to rise to the much desired political status of becoming one of the world’s stable and progressive democracy, if the Nigerian elite choose to remain on the political fence, Or exist as mere political spectators. Undoubtedly, the Nigeria elite can, just as their overseas counterparts have demonstrated, contribute to the growth Of the Nigerian democracy. Greater elite participation in the country’s democratic process must become the defining characteristics of Nigeria’s political System.

Despite marking 14 years of democracy, the political attitude of the majority of the Nigerian elite has been predominantly negative. It thus appears that Nigeria’s efforts to advance democratically will require a new shift in favour of greater elite involvement in the nation’s politics.

THERE is no doubt that the degree of support for democracy is largely influenced by economic fortunes. This means that the 71 percent of Nigerians living below the poverty line, by international estimates or the 54 percent poor Nigerians, by a 2005 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) report, are not economically motivated to demonstrate sufficient and effective support for Nigeria’s democracy. All the same, the less privileged classes in Nigeria can offer considerable support for achieving sustainable democracy in Nigeria, if they can be overtly organized into pro-democratic groups. The current economic and political reform efforts may well push less economically empowered Nigerians from their economic adversities right up to the middle class bracket. Economically and socially disadvantaged Nigerians may well discover in the long-run how support for democracy can widen opportunities for political influence and business.

SINCE independence in Nigeria in 1960, it is reasonable to infer that the country has failed to enthrone a durable and sustainable democracy. The Ekiti-rerun election and all other elections that have been flawed are pointers that transparency is seriously lacking in our democratic efforts in the last 10 years.

By all standards, the path to democratic development in the country will require joint political efforts between the ruling party, political parties and most importantly, the Nigerian electorate. Clearly, in a pluralistic society like Nigeria, democratic enthronement is possible, only if there is organizational unity at all levels of governance. The Nigerian elite, the electronic and the Print Media, have significant roles in the race to reach democratic maturity, by helping the people to understand the democratic process, guide them to appreciate what Nigerians want from the country’s democratic as well as outline the structure of democratic opportunities the Nigerian political system can support.

THE

NIGERIAN

13

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

View Point One Year After DANA Crash

Have Wounds Been Healed?

THE whole nation was taken by storm when it happened.

Nobody woke up that fateful day with the premonition that it would take place. And so as the nation woke up, death too woke up! The stories were screaming on pages of newspapers: “Black Sunday as 163 perish in air crash”, “163 die as plane crashes!” On that fateful Sunday, Dana Air Flight 992 flight on June 3, 2012, crashed into a furniture works and printing press building in IjuIshaga, neighbourhood of Lagos. The crash killed all 153 people on board as well as approximately two persons on the ground.

The crash is the second deadliest aviation accident behind the Kano Air disaster.

According to Wikipedia, the aircraft was built in 1990 and acquired by Dana Air in February 2009. The airframe accumulated 60, 846 hours of flight time since it was built.

The last maintenance on the aircraft was June 1, two days before the accident.

One year after the crash that happened 11 nautical miles (20km) from the airport, has the country’s airspace become

JUST last week, I was in my home state on a visit. The visit was not for a very special thing per se but as I as stepped out of the house, I began to feel the pulse of what dear country is turning into.

“Gbugbugbugbu…,” that was the sound from a “grinding machine” just a stone thrown from where I was. The sound was so loud that even the trumpets that fell down Jericho’s walls, would not match its ear-deafening credentials! What a deafening sound I echoed in my mind as my head nearly fell out of place with aching from the small noisy neighbor.

According to the world Health Organization (WHO), noise pollution is any sound that exceeds 90 decibels. It comes in various forms and tunes and can cause a lot of troubles to the human and society, ranging from hearing defects to hypertension.

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

Airlines sold the 5N-RAM aircraft to Dana Airlines. How can an airline acquire an aircraft that had been built over 15 years? Does it mean that the aircrafts history was not known to Dana Air? What about the Nigerian Civil Aviation

yet kept mum? Why was the plane not parked and “left alone” when it gave the signs that it was not in proper condition?

Also, as the Dana mishap marks one year, the victims are yet to be compensated.

According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Act, Dana Air was expected to pay the sum of $100,000 each to the victims who lost their lives with initial payment of $300, 000.

According to chizoba Mojekwu whose sister was aboard the illfated flight, said that: “There is still much to do. Issues of what really happened to this flight remain unanswered”. The issue of compensation is still hanging in the balance as Dana Air has to step up and ensure that people are treated with respect and dignity, she added.

In similar fashion, one of the victims, Daniel Omowunmi is still pained about the whole matter. He said. “My property included four plots of land with a detached six-bedroom building, two standard warehouses, a bungalow at the back of the warehouses and four ponds. Everything was destroyed, including my jeep parked inside the premises” Daniel moaned. He continued that “The only thing they made available to me after much pressure was $300,000 to rent a house. After that, they have not been forthcoming.”

Furthermore, the issue of rescue efforts during disaster period was excavated by the mishap (Dana). According to Wikipedia, crowds attempted to bring hoses to the site while security personnel attempted to disperse onlookers with punches and rubber whips.

Water for fire-fighting was scarce for several hours due to the city’s shortage of fire trucks, and civilians attempted to fight the fire by hand with water from plastic buckets.

Have the authorities in charge of emergencies done their groundwork to ensure such ugly scenario does not repeat itself again? Their plans to make rescue efforts a lot easier in the country? Are Nigerians still having the mentality of stealing from the dead?

Yet again, the ban on Dana Air’s operation, was lifted and the airline started recertification and retraining processes. How would the affected families feel seeing Dana Air flying over them when the root causes of the mishap are yet to be uncovered? What more, have the necessary compensations been paid to them (victims)?

Until these questions have been answered, then all these media hype, paparazzi and laying of wreathes will just be mere rhethorics! R.I.P. Dana 163. You still remain on our minds!

safe? Have the wounds left by the ill-fated crash healed? What about the families, friends and relatives of these affected by the disaster? Have they been consoled enough? Have safety standards required to fly aircraft been stock to now?

Immediately the Air disaster happened, several committees were set up to look into the root cause(s) of the mishap. One of the committee led by Groupegpt John Obakpolor-set up by the National Assembly, indicted the former Director General of NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren and Engr. Suleiman Akwu that certified the MD 83 to fly.

According to media reports, the Dana Air MC Donnell Douglas MD83 which crashed around iju-Ishaga area of Lagos, had a history of worrying defaults even before original owners, US-based Alaska Airlines sold it to Dana Airlines on February 17, 2009.

In 2002, the air-craft developed fault and had emergency diversion due to smoke and electrical smell in the cabin area. Four years after, the aircraft’s health was brought to

the fore when it was again evacuated after landing at the Long Beach, due to a chaffed wire bundle that discharged and produce smoke in the cubin area. Scared of any air mishap,

Let me start from the roads and the vehicles that ply on them daily. On a regular basis, cars speed past these roads with their horn been hooted in an annoying manner. The long vehicles (lorries, trailers coaster buses, etc), are the worst culprits. I could still recall an incident when an “Okada” rider anteloped into the gutter after being scared away by the hooting of the horn from a “trailer” loaded with cement. At times, car windows are wound down with the drivers playing music as loud as they could. The most annoying part is that the propellers of these act, see it as a way of showing off their status and confirming their “bigboyship.” Infact, during festive periods, especially Xmas, people compete by allowing the music playing in their car stereos be as loud as possible even to the cloud.

Also, can I still talk about the

Is Nigeria A Noisy Neighbourhood?

Stella Odua, Minister for Aviation Alaska Airlines parked the aircraft until September 2008 when maintenance was carried out on it. In 2009, the Alaska

Authority and other bodies saddled with ensuring the safety of the nations aircrafts, were they not aware of this and

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

markets in the country?

Visiting a typical Nigerian market is like gluing ones ear to a speaker that is producing sound. In most market place, from speakers blaring, with sound from sellers vying for the attention of the customers.

Even at that, some “bend-down select” merchants and other traders, also add to the growing list of noise pollutions with their high-sounding bells and other “customer-getting” mechanism. Some would argue that people (traders), need to sell their wares, but I ask: Is it by being noisy that would sell a product? Would potential customers not troop to traders shops if these noisygeneration customer-getting means are not deployed?

Beside, the noise generated

from party and event venues is disheartening. It is now a norm to see Berlin walls being built with speakers. The sound emanating from these event centers can even make a deaf person shout: “Wetin, una won deaf my ear?” It is not until the sound from an event is heard in far places that it can be considered successful and eventful.

Similarly, homes are also contributing their own part in ensuring that the nation shares a noisy neighbourhood. I could remember how a neighbor almost blocked our eardrums when he brought his generating set to inches away from our windows. In a compound where there is a five bedroom flat, the place is turned into war-zone whenever

“Similarly, homes are also contributing their own part in ensuring that the nation shares a noisy neighbourhood. I could remember how a neighbor almost blocked our eardrums when he brought his generating set to inches away from our windows.

In a compound where there is a five bedroom flat, the place is turned into war-zone whenever there is power failure as every Tom, Dick and Harry switches on his/her “I better pass my neighbor” generator.”

there is power failure as every Tom, Dick and Harry switches on his/her “I better pass my neighbor” generator. Although, the number of generating sets in Nigeria is unknown, it is estimated that $13 billion is spent annually in fueling these generators. As if the issue of “noisy” generators is not enough, some people put on music and make it loud that it would even awaken a dead man from the grave. When these people are told to reduce the volume of the music, it is like trying to fetch water with a basket!

Furthermore, companies (manufacturing), always reminds you that they are still in the vicinity with their eardrum-damage sound emanating from their production machines. Why wouldn’t they do so? Are they not manufacturing what those in the vicinity consume? Of course they do and so why telling them to check their noise generator?

Also, the religious organizations are not left out the show. Churches, mosques and others, tune their

microphones to the highest decibels. Speakers as huge as mountains are placed outside these worship center with the sound blaring from them louder than the loudest thing one can think about. I am not against the churches or mosques. Infact, this person writing is a committed Christian. It is not by turning the volumes of the microphones and speakers to their highest decibels that souls can be won. In-fact the Christian Holy Bible in I Corinthians 14:33 stated that: “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…” so any religious body that thinks it can deafen the eardrums of people in its vicinity should please lower their decibels.

One can go on and on in highlighting the new form of noisy neighbourhood our dear country is turning into. Right from the bedroom to the religious centers, an average Nigerian is left to battle with the high-decibel-nature of the most populous Black Country globally. The question I ask again before I drop my pen: Is Nigeria turning into a noisy neighbourhood?

THE

NIGERIAN

14

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Political Platform June 12: Lessons

By OLUGBEMIRO OPEYEMI MICHAEL

THERE are some dates in Nigerian history that have refused to leave the minds of people and have always brought reactions anytime it is re-echoed, they include the amalgamation of the two protectorates in 1914, the national Independence day( October 1,1960), the Biafran war which began on the 6th of July 1967 – 15 January , 1970 etc.

Another date that has stood the test of times, 20 years after its occurrence, is the June 12, 1993, and as we draw near to the celebration of its 20th anniversary, so many comments and reactions continue to come to the fore on the relevance, lessons and political benefit of this date to the development of Nigeria as a democratic state.

Owing to the fact that the celebration of the June 12 has brought together eminent Nigerians in different part of the world, different nationalities, professions and religious persuasions, it leaves much for the event itself to be recaptured for the products to be objectively brought to the table. Precisely on December 31, 1983, the military brought to an abrupt end , Nigeria’s second attempt at democratic governance after gaining independence from the British colonial masters in 1960.

The military seized power in a bloodless coup and installed Maj- Gen Mohammadu Buhari as head of state and commander – in – chief of the armed forces, but his administration had no timetable for a return to civil rule. He was forced out of office by his then Chief of Army staff, Maj- Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in a bloodless coup on August 27, 1985. Babangida began an endless money guzzling transition to civil rule programme, and after many false starts, his administration buckled under local and International pressure to return the country to civilian rule. During his administration, a national electoral commission was formed and Professor Humphrey Nwosu its chairman. It also decreed two parties into existence: The Social Democratic

Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).

After a fiercely contested Primaries held in Jos, Plateau State by the SDP, a renowned Multimillionaire business man, chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, better known as MKO, emerged as the parties presidential flag bearer, while his opponent from NRC, was a Kano State business man, Alhaji Bashir Tofa. Abiola took what was considered to be a political risk by picking a person of northern minority and a fellow muslim as running mate, who was in the person of Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.

Several events followed in quick and unveiling succession and the country witnessed the most robust election campaign and mobilization of the electorate to participate.

Nwosu, who was the chairman of the National Electoral Commission and his team set June 12, 1993 as the date for the presidential election, which was to bring to an end over a decade of unbroken Military rule. As the nation prepared for elections, a group of Military apologists led by Senator Arthur Nigeria; “ A Better Nigeria” tried to mobilise Nigerians against the transition to civil rule programme and went to court to stop the June 12 elections. Meanwhile, a Lagos high court had already declared that the ABN was not properly registered and the election went ahead as planned.

For the first time in the nation’s chequered history, the fanned embers of ethnicity were cooled and Nigerians dropped the cloak of clinging to their ethnic and religious identities in their previous elections to vote massively for the MKO/Kingibe ticket. In a sign that proved the acceptability of Abiola he beat Tofa in his own electoral ward. But no sooner had NEC began a s t a t e - b y - s t a t e announcement of election results, that Babangida announced the annulment of the elections. In a speech on the 26th of June, 1993, he cited electoral malpractices such as rigging and vote buying for

For The Present

his actions. Nigerians were enraged and stunned by this decision and it led to street protests and organised civil disobedience.

In a twist, Babangida in an interview on the TV show: “Moments with Mo” said that he was compelled to nullify the election because of security threats to the enthronement of a democratic Government at the time. He described the

actualization of the mandate continued, the Military cracked down on protesters, several went on exile and more were jailed for daring to stand up to the military.

Nigerians still did not relent even with the crackdown, activists, civil servants, students and the media literally shut the nation down with prolonged strikes and daily street protests. After

that came before them. At the national level, a BiPartisan approach will be our guiding principle. I call upon the usurper, General Sani Abacha, to announce his resignation forthwith, together with the rest of his illegal ruling council. We are prepared to enter into negotiations with them to work out the mechanics for a smooth transfer of power.

I pledge that if they hand over quietly, they will be retired with all their entitlements and their positions will be accorded all the respect due to them.

For our objective is neither recrimination nor witch hunting, but an enforcement of the

Late MKO Abiola

annulment as “UNFORTUNATE”. He however admitted that the June 12 election was free and fair and also the best of elections ever conducted in Nigeria’s History. He also said that he was going to be releasing a book on the saga; we anxiously await the book to give more insight to the cancellation of the best election in the history of this great Nation.

Babangida eventually stepped aside in August 26 and set up an interim government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan, with a mandate to run government and organise a fresh elections. As the protests continued, the Military under the leadership of General Sanni Abacha took the reins of power. As the struggle for the

waiting a long time for his mandate to be restored, Abiola declared a Government of National Unity at Epetedo in Lagos.

These were the words of the man with the mandate, as he prepared to actualize it in a speech titled “Enough is enough” “As of now, from this moment, a new government of National is in power throughout the length and breadth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, led by me, Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola as president and commander- in –chief. The National Assembly is hereby reconvened. All dismissed governors are reinstated. The states Assembly are reconstituted, as are local government councils. I urge them to adopt a Bi- partisan approach to all the issues

Nigerian people, as expressed in free elections conducted by the duly constituted authority...”

(Excerpts from John Elechenu on Punch newspaper, Tuesday, 11, 2013) Abiola had famously declared that he cannot surrender (his mandate) unless the people so demand and it is by virtue of this demand that I say that the decision of the Federal Military Government to cancel the results (of the elections) is patriotic and capable of causing undue and unnecessary confusion in the country. He was arrested afterwards at his residence on 5/7 Moshood Abiola Crescent, Ikeja, Lagos State. About a month after the death of Abacha on the 8th of June,

1994, chief Abiola died after allegedly drinking a cup of tea in the presence of American diplomats led

by Thomas Pickering. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubaka took over and initiated the transition programme which ushered in the current political dispensation in 1999.

Also, 20 years after the event that just outlined, what lessons have we learnt from the line of events?

While thinking of the unique points that the June 12 elections had, I Stumbled upon a work by Joe Igbokwe on sahara Reporters website, which identified some symbolic points in this historic election date: The most peaceful election ever held in Nigeria since Independence The man who won the election and his deputy are both Muslims It was the freest and fairest election in Nigeria since Independence It was celebrated and extolled by Local, national, and International observers For the first time in the History of this country Nigerians jettisoned both ethnic and primordial sentiments to elect leaders of their choice.

There was no record of violence, intimidation, snatching of ballot boxes, multiple voting, rigging etc.

There was no protest from any part of the country until IBB and his cohorts started brandishing the ethnic cards to stop the silent revolution.

I will like to build on these points by quoting Dele Momodu (Former Aide to Chief Moshood Kolawole Kashimawo Abiola) who said “Nigeria is plagued with the several crises rocking it today because the people have refused to learn anything from June 12”.

Hence, I decide to take no sides, but develop on the above symbols as it concerns the present development of this great nation, one of the greatest strengths of History, is that it teaches us how to go about the present and avert some consequences of the future.

It was a peaceful election: Nigerians should begin to understand that elections is not a do or die affair and that every participant should count it as an opportunity to serve and in case there are irregularities, there are mediums to contest such and not wreak

THE

NIGERIAN

15

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Political Platform

... Lessons For The Present Continued from page 24 havoc on the polity. Nigeria is so precious and big to be sacrificed on the altar of your supposed thought that you won or were supposed to win an election. Peace is the way, Nigerians just like the June 12, should understand that elections is not a war zone, but an avenue for peaceful transition of power, if we wanted it the other way we would have just used a coup and not waste time in the election process.

Leaders and electorate alike, we should learn that peace is the only way, even

at the point where he (MKO) wanted to announce his mandate; he still applied caution in approach.

Both contestants were Muslims and they won, June 12 explained the kind of election attitude befitting to a wonderful Federation like Nigeria.

Irrespective of the fact that both of the flag bearers of the SDP were Muslims, the people were unified in their mandate. Hence it was not about their religion or ethnicity but about what

June 12 :

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

EVERY June 12, Nigerians, mark the anniversary of the 1993 general elections that was annulled by then president Ibrahim Babangida. That year, Moshood Abiola was alleged to have won the presidential election under the flagship of Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In opposition in that annulled election was Bashir Tofa of the defunct National Republican Convention, NPC. This year, the country will mark the 20th anniversary of this famed election; adjudged to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.

However with June 12 observers and commentators have been adding their voice to what happened then. Now, the question that is being asked, is: “Have Nigerians learnt from the mistakes of June 12 or still thinking about it?

During the 1993 presidential election, Nigerians came out of their ethnic and religious shell to vote for the candidates of their choice Despite the fact that M.K.O Abiola and his running mate were Muslims, the masses did not count that but voted enmasses for the duo. It seems now that Nigerians have retreated to their shells as they now vote purely on ethnic, religious gender bases (Tell Magazine 10th June, 2013). Now, the primary target of electorates is to know the party that has more “money to spend” what people are after now is share the money and scatter the canopy “electoral process.

Again, electoral malpractices have not seized in the land. In 2007 after winning the presidential elections, then president Yar’adua, admitted that the process that brought him to office was flawed. Rigging and electoral mal-function have become normal. According to Okei-Odumakin, since 1999, Nigeria has been flooded with mynads of flawed electoral practices. Today, we also experience a situation whereby losers are pronounced winners of elections in Nigeria and the true

they could offer. Notably, Alhaji Tofa even lost in his own ward, which goes a long way to explain the attitude that was in charge of the atmosphere. Lessons have to be learnt from there. Afterwards, every other election since 1999 the ethnicity and religion flag has been shown, capacity has been relegated under the capacity. And to an extent I believe the religious and ethnic biases have been one of the major causes of the electoral violence we have experienced. This is a nation with about 744 local

governments and 250 fifty ethnic groups, including several religious inclinations and if our reasons for casting our votes and accepting results do not go beyond this prism of religion and ethnicity, then development is far away.

Again, I present a lesson that should be learnt, let us elect the best to be in positions and offices, even if you want to play the ethnic and religious card, bring up people of unquestionable character and ability and let there be a free and fair contest. When you lose, do not pick up the

Lessons Not Learnt

winners are subjected to a very long judicial processes before sometimes being able to reclaim their mandate. In 1999, the election that brought Olusegun Obasanjo to office, the judiciary received petitions about 15, challenging OBJ’s emergence.

Not enough in 2003 and 2007,

a “commodity that could be purchased by the highest bidder.”

Politicians are ready to throw their heart into the ring for any political office as they see the offices as means of sharing the “national moi-moi.” Politics is now one of the most lucrative business in the country.

According to a source, from the

“power-hugging” nature of most Nigerian politicians have led to dictatorship in the name of leadership. An observer, had this to say. “The annulment of the June 12 election by a despotic cabal represents the greatest injustice ever done against the Nigerian people. That distasteful and cowardly act will continue to

Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). there were 506 and 1,203 petitions respectively.

In addition to that, the body saddled with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has being batting hard to truly remain independent. Even when the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee made recommendations especially the one making appointment of the umpire (INEC Chairman), not to be made by the executive. It is like working to the answer, when a sitting executive president who is contesting an election is the same person who appoints an umpire to oversee the process.

Furthermore, the political elites have not been able to provide the needed good governance that the people have been yearning for.

Electoral positions have turned to

last analysis that we secured, there are over 20 million graduates of Nigerians tertiary institutions who are jobless”.

What has the politicians done to ameliorate this situation?

Similarly, the issue of intolerance in democracy, the minority groups and masses having their say, is still a dream in Nigeria.

According to Bue-knor-Akerele, the defective constitution handed over by the military has made some group lose its input in the entity named Nigeria. To her, “There is intolerance. In democracy, the majority will have their way and the minority will have their say.” When a candidate from a minority group comes out to contest an election, he is seen with the eye of his group.

Besides, Nigerian politicians have turned to “power-huggers”.

Once in power, they are always bent on staying glued to it. This

haunt us in our march to true nationhood and Nigeria may never really recover from it.

Again, there is the recurring problem of human right abuse in Nigeria. Immediately Abiola declared himself winner of the presidential elections, he was imprisoned by the military junta.

Abiola detention, heralded a lot of human rights abuse in Nigeria.

According to Human Rights Watch, the 2011 General election left more than 800 people dead during the post-election violence. “political offenders” were arrested without trial.

Today, as Nigerians mark the second decade anniversary of the famed June 12 elections, it can be vividly said that the Nation is still struggling to find its rhythm and dancing step in the democratic music.

The testimonies of June 12 still lives with the country.

guns, but pack up the lessons in drums and continue to digest with time, becoming a useful partner of the person in charge. If all contestants had the good of the country at heart, if any of them won the nation should be at peace. If it is the love of the nation that drove you to contest for the office, either you are in the office or not, all your efforts will be directed towards properly developing this great nation and not causing mayhem when we lose.

It was the freest and fairest election in Nigeria since Independence; This should be the mindset that every Nigerian carries in his/her heart while going to the poles. The idea should not be of corrupt practices and rigging, why do that if you love this nation. Any trace of rigging or electoral malpractices from any candidate reveals that he/ she is not fit for the office, because if you do not follow due process to come into power, how will you follow due process when you have the power. The politicians should believe and practice free and fair elections, the people in general should not allow themselves to be bought over by anybody, the security agencies should not allow their conscience be bought by anything with a price but defend this nation with their lives which they have sworn to.

The judiciary should be a useful backbone when other regulatory bodies fail and not join in the charade of irregularities if it exists.

If you love this nation, Free and fair election will be your watchword.

To an extent, the current state of this nation can be traced to the realities being a far cry of the tenets mentioned above, which could be deduced from the June 12 elections.

Nigerians have you learnt?

This is another time again, forget the biases and contradictions and focus on the lessons that will take Nigeria to greater heights. In the light of this, I will like to re-echo the statement of the secretary to the state government of Ogun, Taiwo Adeoluwa to announce that the state will be declaring the day as a public Holiday. He said “...the holiday would enable people to further appreciate the watershed that the annulled election represented, particularly as it served as the forebear of the current democracy which the country now enjoyed” even as Oyo and Osun states also declared Wednesday, June 12, 2013 as a work free day to commemorate the efforts on the polls, that same date 20 years ago, 1993.

However, I have reservations when any Public holiday on the day is tagged “DEMOCRACY DAY”, not because it is bad, but because it defies my call for Unity, as the whole country already has a day slated for that theme. It could be tagged something else relating to a developmental theme, but let the celebration not be misinterpreted and exploited to overheat the polity, but be used as an opportunity to learn the lessons that the date epitomizes and utilized in developing this nation.

Elections serve as one of the only major ways of transition of government in a democratic state; hence all hands must be on deck to ensure that the best of practices are followed in the process. June 12, presents itself as a model but not a standard, as it is possible for us to have a better electoral process.

We can do it! Only with love, sincerity and patriotism can this nation be actually known as a great nation, filled with great people. God bless Nigeria.

“It was the freest and fairest election in Nigeria since Independence; This should be the mindset that every Nigerian carries in his/her heart while going to the poles. The idea should not be of corrupt practices and rigging, why do that if you love this nation. Any trace of rigging or electoral malpractices from any candidate reveals that he/ she is not fit for the office, because if you do not follow due process to come into power, how will you follow due process when you have the power.”

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Midweek Continued from last week

CURRENTLY, he is at the centre of the macabre dance currently going on in Rivers State. As according to him, “I am defending the injustice meted to Bro Felix Obuah the PDP Rivers State Chairman to secure back his office as the Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, this is in line with how I fought when Gov. Amaechi found himself in similar situation in the past”.

Being the Director General of the Campaign Team that executed successfully the second bid venture of Gov. Amaechi to the Rivers State Government, it will be assiduously on his side to come out from this dance unscathed no matter how hard he tries. How far he can go in this his latest move will be determined in future. He has warned the Obuh led Executive and his supporters not to disrespect Amaechi as he remained the governor and leader of the party in the State. “By the constitution of the party, the state governor is the leader of the party in the state, so you must respect the governor and carry him along in everything you do.

If not, you are not being fair”.

The Hon. Minister recently donated his salary for six months to the foundation of Tompolo.

PRINCE TONYE PRINCEWILL Prince Tonye Princewill an enigma as the three characters mentioned above which modus operandi politically is a study in mysticism as the more you try to study him the more he develops other confusing strategies. Born a prince of the renowned Amachree dynasty in the Kalabari kingdom of Rivers State and trained as an aristocrat par excellence and bestowed with an uncommon wisdom from God. He stormed the politics of Nigeria like a colossus dispatching political giants like Seregent Awuse to the cleaners and clinching the AC ticket and sent shock waves to the marrows of the PDP giants during the 2007 gubernatorial election. In an unprecedented political manoeuvre, he decided to withdraw his petition at the tribunal and chose instead to join forces with Governor Rotimi Amaechi in a Unity Government based on strategic partnership that has been hailed as a model of constructive opposition in the nation. This move proved that he placed the state’s stability and growth first over his own political ambition.

Maligned in various quarters and within the ranks of the AC then, Princewill stood by his decision. His dynamism has also been recognised by the Federal Government with

his September 2008 appointment into the 45 man Presidential Technical Committee on the Niger Delta with the mandate to collate and review all past reports on the Niger Delta, starting from the 1958 Willinks Report, appraise their recommendations and make other proposals that will help the Federal Government to achieve sustainable development, peace, human and environmental security in the Niger Delta Region. On 18th April, 2009 he was appointed alongside other illustrious Nigerians, as a member of the Federal Government Vision 2020 Committee, where he was subsequently appointed Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Niger Delta. A position he resigned from on the 19th May 2009 in protest of the JTF onslaught on Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Niger Delta Region. Popularly known and addressed as the undisputable Prince of Niger Delta Politics based on the above feats. He is being mentioned here not as a party to the on-going macabre dance but maybe a channel in stopping it.

Interestingly these four great sons of Niger Delta on whose shoulder lie either escalating or finding how to restore peace in Rivers State are all alumnus of the great UNIPORT and the Port Harcourt big boys.

President Jonathan and Princewill are of the Ijaw extraction while Amaechi and Wike are of the Nkwerre extraction. Jonathan is the eldest of the four while Princewill is the youngest.

AMAECHI, HIS SINS AND THE CAUSES OF HIS CURRENT TRAVAILS Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi knew where his problems are coming from, according to him when the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Camillus Etokudoh, led over a hundred priests and 1,000 Catholic faithful in a prayer session in Government House, Port Harcourt recently, he stated, “Pray for me for the chairmanship of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) because that is what this entire (political crisis in the state) is all about. But whether I win or not, I will contest for the Chairmanship of the Forum. I believe in the power of prayers.

If you look at my political history, you cannot divorce God and prayers from my political history, if you remember how I became speaker, it was through prayers. Before I became speaker, I was already married to my wife (Dame Judith Amaechi) and she knew how we prayed and fasted together to be speaker. You know the story of the governorship race.

What I ask God is that, why should I go through crisis like this all the time, why are people

Rivers 2015: not honest in life? My political problems stemmed from my truthfulness and inability to tell lies and that people had mistaken that for pride, brashness and arrogance.

When I’m asked a question, people expect me to tell a lie or bend it a bit, and suddenly it comes out straight. And when it comes out straight, people don’t like it. As a result, my Catholic priest told me that it is only me that will account for my soul before God, not even my wife will help me to account for my soul. So if because of you, I bend it a bit, how will I answer to my God?” Throwing more light on the perceived sins of Gov Amaechi one of his closest allies, former Commissioner of Works and presently the Chairman of the Petroleum Downstream Committee of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dakuku Peterside recently in an interview stated, “Some persons also claim that he is too forthright and I don’t know what crime that is called.

However, the biggest unsaid problem is the perception by certain persons in the presidency that Governor Amaechi has ambition to aspire to higher office. The attempt to criminalize ambition, if any, is the root cause of the perceived problem in NGF. The second strand is speaking truth to power as can be seen in Governor Amaechi’s comments on sovereign wealth fund, excess crude account, Rivers-Bayelsa oil well issue, fuel subsidy, East-West road, Adamawa PDP amongst others”.

It has been stated in various write ups that the presidential bid of President Jonathan will suffer a setback should Amaechi emerges as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in their next election. How this is possible is what I don’t understand as the Chairman is just first among equals in the Forum as the Chairman of the Forum cannot influence or force another sitting Governor what can be done in their States.

Apportioning unwarranted powers that the Chairman of NGF does not have is creating something else just to overheat the polity.

IS AMAECHI THE MAIN PROBLEM OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN IN 2015? INSTEAD, HERE ARE THE MAIN PROBLEMS! 1.

2015 PDP PRESIDENTIAL TICKET Though the egg heads within the President’s camp have not come out with the strategy they hope to adopt to clinch the PDP Presidential ticket come 2015 in the midst of formidable

Magazine The Big Four And Wa

By EZE CHUKWUEMEKA EZE

forces aligning to confront him including Atiku Abubakar amongst others. 2015 is surely going to be a different ball game than what happened in 2011, so instead of wasting energy the camp will need come 2014 on Amaechi they should be thinking on how to clinch the ticket and leave Amaechi alone. Assuming that clinching the ticket is concluded, let us discuss other serious challenges.

to the aspiration of Jonathan in case he decides to run come 2015 if the key role Amaechi played by his 2011 emergence are anything to go by. Instead of fighting Amaechi, serious minded people should be concentrating on how to get him back. The way the strategists in Jonathan’s camp are going they will only succeed in forcing him to align with those that do not want Jonathan by 2015. Should we

still too small, fragile and sectional, we must not ignore the possibility that a merger of these parties may constitute a threat to our current dominance of the political terrain”. Anenih told his party men, “We must not labour under the illusion that we can be spectators in the bold and necessary drama of national reconstruction, or, worse still, align with those who seek power for its own sake rather than for the good of our people. We, therefore, have a strategic obligation to

President Goodluck Jonathan 2.

THE CHALLENGE OF CONFRONTING THOSE ALLEGING THAT MR PRESIDENT HAD AN AGREEMENT TO RUN FOR ONLY ONE SINGLE TERM The people concerned may have retreated and may regroup by 2014, what strategy is the President’s camp coming up with to diffuse this when it gathers momentum? Or is attempting to undermine Amaechi sorts out this?

3.

POOR HANDLING OF THE RIVERS STATE PROJECT Sadly, those pursuing the current Rivers State agenda will be thinking that they are doing a great job on behalf of the President not considering the harm they are doing to the realisation of his bid come 2015. Other regions are putting their acts together and we are here dissipating our energy pulling ourselves down making ourselves laughing stock before the outside world!

Fighting or trying to malign Amaechi is a great disservice

look down on what Amaechi is capable of doing then the strategists in Jonathan’s camp need some briefing.

4.

THE APC CHALLENGE The threat posed by APC in 2015 is not only real but has the capacity to stop PDP come 2015. Those that need to know about this have already confirmed it including both the BOT Chairman and National Chairman of PDP. What strategy to adopt to curtail this moving force should be of concern to any serious strategist in the camp of Jonathan instead of wasting energy to pull down a force that should be of help in whatever calculation they are advancing! In case those fighting Amaechi do not know what APC portends, then they can read what the PDP BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih thinks while addressing some of PDP Chief Wigs recently in Asaba, “We must not live under the illusion that our party is invulnerable. Although, the existing opposition parties are

put our house in order so as to sustain the peace which we have enjoyed in the last 14 years”. Is fighting Amaechi who is a pillar of the party how to put the house in order?

5.

THE EAST-WEST FEDERAL ROAD AND THE SECOND NIGER BRIDGE If these two major projects at the heart of the South-South and South East are not completed before 2015, its potential of posing a serious setback need not be overemphasized.

6.

THE U N WA R R A N T E D EXCHANGE OF WORDS WITH THE NORTHERN LEADERS Any thinking that threats in whatever form will intimidate any section of this country over 2015 general elections does not know about the politics of Nigeria. Chief Edwin Clarke recognized this fact when he stated that Jonathan cannot be elected by the Ijaws alone.

Calling our people that make inflammatory statements to

order if tr candid sellab Prof T regard going peopl him, h 7. politic that st 2015.

East speak candi

Gov these under be the at this 8.

THE A. WOO “Th to st Jonat after recei accep State Buha with h Gene Baba formi victor Progr the n recon and o camp Secur Moh Satur Buha highwill smoo

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Midweek Magazine ay Out Of Macabre Dance need be over-emphasized uly they want the ature of Jonathan to be le come 2015. Hear what am David West said in this , “The way Jonathan is , if he does not restrain the e who are speaking for e will lose 2015 in 2013” Who are the notable ians from other regions ill think of Jonathan come Apart those from South which other region is ing seriously about his dature? Read some of

between him (Buhari) and a section of the northern elite but also seek their support for his nomination as APC presidential candidate and at the election proper” B. NEF: THE NORTH WILL NOT PLAY SECOND FIDDLE IN 2015 The NEF argued that though Northerners threw away the presidency a few years ago by some political errors; elders in the region had decided that it was time to return the presidency to the North.

vernor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. leaders’ comments and According to the stand that Amaechi should organization, “we are not least of Jonathan’s worries happy that the North is not s time. playing active role in the THE THREAT FROM present day. That is why we NORTH decided to bring together our “2015: BUHARI surviving elders. We resolved S IBB, GUSAU”. that something must be done, e desire of northern leaders that the North ought to do op President Goodluck more than it is currently doing han from retaining his seat now in the affairs of the the 2015 election has country”. The group also ved a boost with the maintained that any tance of a former Head of discussion that will not bring , General Muhammadu back power to the North in ri, to bury his differences 2015 is not in the interest of is then successor in office, the North and its people. ral Ibrahim Badamasi Instead of the egg heads in ngida (IBB) and form a Jonathan’s Camp strategizing dable alliance that will give and strengthening their base, y to the newly formed All they think by fighting some essives Congress (APC) at elements is the best strategy ext polls”. To achieve to sell Jonathan to other ciliation with Babangida regions after all these obvious ther northern leaders in his threat! , like former National THE PEACEMAKERS ity Adviser (NSA), Gen. It is gladdening to note that ammed Aliyu Gusau, Senators elected on the day Sun gathered that platform of the Peoples ri has set up an eight-man Democratic Party, PDP have powered committee “that resolved to intervene in the not only work on rift between President thening the relationship Goodluck Jonathan and

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State “To that effect we have set up committees to engage the dramatis personae in the two states, and those committees will get to work immediately.” The earlier these Committees start to work the better for our country. The South-South, South East Governors have also decide to intervene.

Most pronounced in this regard is that of an ally to the three major players in the ongoing confusion in Rivers

State, Prince Tonye Princewill who has in several moves stated his resolve to bring peace amongst these three great characters that he shares a lot in common. “I have said it, time and time again that any true Nigerian should be focused on how to help Jonathan and Amaechi succeed. My dilemma now comes when these two people are now at logger heads with each other, what do we do? I have done a lot to bring the two of them together and even though I have not succeeded till this point, I think at some point in spite of any interventions by third parties, two of them will realize that they and they alone need to settle this matter. I know Jonathan’s thinking on the matter and I also know Amaechi’s thinking on the matter and I believe that at the fundamental root of it is a gross misunderstanding between the two. Who supported Jonathan most when he was Vice President?

Amaechi! And who gave Amaechi free rope in 2011 when many asked him to clip his wings based on the perceived leanings in Rivers state? Jonathan does not hate Amaechi and Amaechi does not hate Jonathan. In fact secretly if they are honest, they both like each other. Amaechi might have been a product of God but so was Jonathan. To defeat evil, you must be good. When two miracles of God face each other, show us the evil. If in the event you have to become evil to eliminate good, what is the point? In the end the President will realize at a point that Amaechi is really not his problem. Of this I have no doubt, what I am not sure of is how much damage would have been done by then”.

Let us pray and hope that these efforts will bring peace to Rivers State CONCLUSION AND APPEAL From the much I gathered in the course of this research most of the aides of both Mr President and that of Gov. Amaechi are all amiable to peace but how to go about this is the challenge. As much as I commend all those who have intervened either through prayers or whatever form I plead with Mr President as the elder to Amaechi and leader of PDP not only to summon but call his younger brother, Amaechi considering all the past positive deeds done by him and get this issue resolved once and for all and avoid the gathering of the storm in Rivers State. If my appeal is not acceptable then the cry of the Rivers State Speaker can be attended to “Your Excellency Sir, the situation in Rivers State has reached a fever-pitch, as there are strong indications that the governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the legislators, and prominent government officials have been marked for assassination, following series of reported nocturnal meetings held in a neighbouring State and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The situation is exacerbated with the planned release from detention of 18 notable robbery and kidnap kingpins currently in custody to carry out this planned mayhem on the government officials and innocent citizens and residents of the state”. Your Excellency Sir, we fear for the survival of our democratic structures; and the freedom to carry out our legitimate legislative duties have been greatly hindered and interrupted. We make bold to say that we now live in uncertain times, lives and properties can no longer be guaranteed in Rivers State as a result of these chronicled events in a state that has just

regained its peaceful status from the recent past from being the hotbed of cultism and kidnapping. Silence over this planned and calculated destabilization of security apparatus in Rivers State is an “evil wind” that will blow no one any good and is capable of contributing to fostering anarchy on the Nigeria Stateline, especially, when those charged with upholding the law, ignore and conspire to undermine it, unmindful of the implications”.

Your Excellency sir, you may wish to read this quote extracted from the Editorial of the Nation Newspaper titled “PLOT AGAINST AMAECHI” of 17 May, 2013, “The presidency should do everything to prevent bloodbath in Rivers State.

Nigeria, in recent times, has had enough shedding of innocent blood emanating from the condemnable acts of the Boko Haram Islamic sect and some notorious cultists, especially in the northern part of the country.

The president cannot afford to have another flashpoint now, especially in the aftermath of his declared emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states”.

Your Excellency sir, assuming that the Speaker is not making any sound statement coupled with the Editorial of the Nation Newspaper, what of our own revered Nobel Laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka plea; “before the irretrievable point of escalation is reached, we have a duty to sound a collective alarm, even without the lessons of past violations of constitutional rights and apportionments of elected representatives of the people, and their consequences.

There is an opportunity in Rivers state to break this spiraling culture of executive impunity -manifested in both subtle and crude ways – that is fast becoming the norm in a post-military dispensation that fitfully aspires to be called a democracy. Even a child in this nation knows that the police derive its enabling and operational authority from the dictates of the Centre, so there can be no disguising whose will is being executed wherever democratic norms are flouted and the people’s rights ground to mush under dictatorial heels.”

In case Prof Soyinka stand is not in order, what of our own elder Prof Tam West and his proverb, “The Nigerian Governors’ Forum, which is a forum of all state governors, does not belong to the Peoples Democratic Party, and should not be under the control of the President. I’ve told Jonathan before, I can reveal it. There is a proverb in Ijaw which says that if you chase a chicken too much, you will fall down and the chicken will go. If all Jonathan is doing is to guarantee 2015, I tell you, Jonathan may lose 2015 by fighting 2013.

Amaechi has controlled the

state very well. They expected action and reaction from the state which would have led to a crisis and then they would have declared a state of emergency. But if they are not careful, the way they are going, they will plunge this country into a serious crisis.

It happened in the West, when (Ladoke) Akintola and (Obafemi) Awolowo were fighting. How did it end?”

Your Excellency Sir, while I was trying to conclude this treatise that if adhered to is capable of making you the greatest democrat that have ever ruled this country Senator Magnus Ngei Abe (Rivers East) and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream, alerted me to summarize all that I was trying to convey to you when he started that, “I would like to repeat that what is going on in River State is not in the interest of the South-South, it is not in the interest of the President and definitely not in the interest of Rivers people. I will say that and I will say it anywhere” I started this piece with quotes from one of the greatest Leaders of the world, Prime Minister Churchill Winston and would have loved to conclude with him with his following quotes, “However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results” and in another breath this greatest war strategist of all times counselled once again “Politics is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year.

And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen”! But no Your Excellency, I will not conclude with the great Winston but the words of He who picked you out of nothing and made you to preside over one of the greatest nations of the world!

The Gospel according to Saint Mathew Chapter 5 verse 9, says, “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of GOD”. Psalm Chapter 62 verse 11 may interest you as well – “GOD hath spoken once; twice I have heard this; that power belongeth unto GOD”!

Sir, before I rest my case and thank you for your precious time, permit me to say kudos and congratulations on your decisive step in declaring the state of emergency in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States! No matter the rattling of some funny disgruntled elements only God knows what would have been our state by now as a nation if you have not acted accordingly!

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Opinion

Between June 12 And May 29 NOT long ago, Nigeria elaborately celebrated Democracy day. Exactly two weeks after the celebration is June 12, a day many Nigerians believe should have been the ideal date. Despite the difference between these two dates, they are both significant to the history and development of democracy in the country.

But June 12, 1993, according to political analysts and historians, was not only the day of Presidential election to usher in the third Republic, it was the highest point of political intrigues orchestrated by the then military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, the evil genius.

He was on a bid to subtly transit himself from a military head of state to a civilian president.

Two presidential candidates, Chief M.K.O Abiola, of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Alhaji Bashir Tofa, of the National Republican Convention (NRC) had on that day contested in the presidential polls with the consent of the military junta, to enthrone a democratic state. The election, presumed to have been won by chief Abiola of the SDP, was said to be, and evidently still remains, the freest and fairest election to have been held in post-independent Nigeria.

Everybody believed that the outcome of the polls in 1993 would usher in a new Nigeria, one that was a departure from the previous electoral manipulations which, popular knowledge

presumes, had favoured a particular section of the country.

But the dream of a new Nigeria was cut short 11 days later. On June 23, 1993 the then military government of General Babangida annulled the election results and suspended the National Election Commission (NEC) that had conducted the election under the ill fabricated excuse that the polls had been dented by legal and administrative complications.

While in contrast to the June 12 election, in May 29, 1999, the military head of state, General Abdulsalam Abubakar handed over the mantle of leadership to democratically elected civilian president of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, ushering the beginning of a promising fourth Republic of Nigeria. The emergence of democratic rule then was at first believed by enthusiasts to have consolidated the truncated June 12 victory. But rather than take Nigerians back to the June 12 dream land, the May 29 scenario has only heralded a period that has made the dream of Nigerians a more distant wish after about two decades.

According to experts, June 12 unlike May 29 symbolizes the basic tenants of democracy of justice, equity and fair play.

Justice as an ingredient of democracy was on flamboyant, immutable display on June 12. Unlike in the past and future of June 12, the two candidates at the June 12 presidential polls emerged based on

By INNOCENT OMOAKA

their equal rights and opportunity. This was in agreement with the tenant of basic human right that states that all citizens can hold political office irrespective of their ethnic background, religion and social class; so far they are duly qualified.

For observers of the June 12 polls, the day was unique in the sense that it was a day Nigerians freed themselves from the shackles of tribal

the north, Babagana Kingibe. But Nigerians who massively voted for the SDP did so over-looking the “Muslim-Muslim” ticket and voted for candidates of their choice.

After the annulment of that election, Nigerians have not only been unable to get it right but has regained their once lost myopic ethnic sight; religious bigotry has also beclouded their electoral

focus more attentions on May 29, the lessons of the polls in 1993 should be taught in schools to young generation of Nigerians with an aim of teaching them what true democracy entails so as to imbibe the culture of true democrats from childhood. Of course, this is seemly impossible because the handlers of our curriculum are under the payroll of the May 29 politicians. Even at that, the idea is worth considering and exploiting.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Late MKO Abiola

and ethnic sentiments. It was on record that the two presidential candidates, Chief Abiola and Alhaji Tofa, were Muslims. It was the first time ever in Nigeria’s political history that all presidential candidates in an election were drawn from the same religion. In addition to that, the running mate of Chief Abiola was a Muslim from

Democracy Day. According to him, on that day, Nigerians came out on their own to vote the candidates of their choice and were not compelled to do so as is now the practice since the return to democracy 14 years ago. Nigerians are also threatened and swayed by electoral violence, naira notes and perishable food items dished as electioneering souvenirs so as to vote for a candidate.

On the other hand, the May 29 celebration of

judgment since 1999.

Campaigns into political office are now based on rhetoric of religion, tribe, region and social class of candidates in place of the candidates’ leadership antecedents.

President Conference of Non Governmental Organization (CONGOS), Jude Obasanmi, described June 12 as the peoples’

“But the dream of a new Nigeria was cut short 11 days later.

On June 23, 1993 the then military government of General Babangida annulled the election results and suspended the National Election Commission (NEC) that had conducted the election under the ill fabricated excuse that the polls had been dented by legal and administrative complications.”

democracy is obviously for selected few who benefitted largely all this while from the undemocratic charade of the fourth Republic.

The beauty of June 12 was described by the personal physician to the late Chief Abiola, who was presumed to have won the election, Dr. Ore Falomo in an interview with the media. According to him, the polls on that day were so free that the two opposing sides were in open discussions. They were also devoid of the now perennial rigging, violence and lack of transperence.

It is evident that June 12, 1993 in the history of Nigeria has all it takes to be celebrated as democracy day. Therefore, rather than

In fact, according to social commentators, it is as a result of the failure of the country to teach and learn from its history that led to the protests that accompanied the namechange of the University of Lagos after the hero of June 12, the late Chief Abiola.

That goes a long way to show that the society has done less to teach valuable history to its youths. It equally says that the society is conversely teaching the youth that the surest way to success is to aspire into political office to join the group of looters represented by May 29, who have continue rape the country of its God-given human and natural endowments.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Natural Medicine

With Dr. MAO 08030717341

Hidden Sources Of Salt (1) HAVE you heard of the term orthorexia nervosa?

No? Don’t break bones over this. I will explain what it means.

Orthorexic nervosa is a medicalese coined by Dr Steven Bratman. A pioneer of dietary paritanism, he used the term to refer to a passion for identifying, selecting and consuming healthy, natural foods. Unlike bulimia and anorexia nervosa note that orthorexia nervosa is not a medical problem.

Afterall, it is sign of good health to eating well as we find with the person with orthorexia nervosa.

Sources of salt/ sodium Given that you know the meaning of this term, you can see that it is honourable to be called a salt orthorexic-that is, one careful about his salt intake. Such a person does not only watch over his table salt and cooking salt use, also he is cautious about the hidden salt in prepared food he consumes during the run of daily business.

Hidden salt? Yes. There are instances when salt is added to commercial foods sold in the supermarkets or roadside.

Salt, apparently, is an ingredient of these foods.

Those who prepare them believe the foods are incomplete without including salt for taste, sometimes, though, salt is added to the food as a preservative and a flavour. Whatever reason

is given for using salt in food preparation is not of value to this writer, what interest me is that the salt is considered technically hidden in the food. This is because the consumer may not be aware of the salt until he buys and begin to eat the food.

There are cases he may not even know that the food contains salt. An intermix of tastes and flovours put a veneer of imperceptibility on the salt.

Well, the tongue may not pick the salt in a food.

But, then the body pick it up and reacts negatively to it most especially if in overdose quantity.

Some foods with hidden salt, disclosed or undisclosed in labels, include the following: Canned foods. For instance, sardine, gelsha and corned beef. Salt is a necessary ingredient of most canned foods. That is why they taste salty.

The salt used goes a long way in preserving the foods.

Groundnuts…..Popcorn….Bread.

Groundnut sold in supermarkets and on roadsides contain salt. A friend once discovered that he couldn’t sleep one night, Try as much as he could, he stayed awake until 2am before sleep came. He couldn’t decipher what was wrong until I fingered the bottled groundnuts he had consumed in large amounts before going to bed. Unknown to him, salt is a stimulant. Like all stimulants, salt overdose

can keep you awake most especially when the salt is iodised. Don’t forget iodine is a metabolic mineral.

Popcorn. There are two market brands of popcorn; the salted and the sugary types. Salt and

contains salt and sugar. If you are unlucky, potassium bromate is added to the bread-a product that increases the risk of cancer. Hey! There, you are!! You eating three poisons at a go!! Overdose of salt,

also discover that cheese contains salt. Well, milk may not contain added salt. But all the same sodium (Na) is one of the minerals in milk.

It is this mineral called sodium (Na) that does the damage to the body in

sugar are two commercial additives used for boosting sales in this digital age. Someone told me, the other day, that you now have a hybrid popcorn with a combo salt/ sugar taste.

Incredible! Well, don’t blame wise man. His tastebuds have been blunted by the sterile, processed foods he eats.

So, he needs salt and sugar to enhance the tastes of these foods.

Bread. Of course, it

too much white sugar and potassium bromate.

Can’t you see why wise, wise man does not live long these days.

Milk …. Cheese ….cornflakes. All these food items contain salt.

Let me give your some assignments. Get the package of a cornflake.

Read the information on it and you will find salt listed as an ingredient. If you have more time read up the information on a can of cheese. You will

excessive amounts, all the same.

MSG-that is, monosodium glutamate.

You can see MSG contains sodium, an overdose of which causes body damage. Apart from harbouring hidden sodium, or common salt if you like, MSG has a big story behind it.

The Chinese made it from soybeans or sugar beets to give taste, flavour and freshness to foods. When it was

“Some foods with hidden salt, disclosed or undisclosed in labels, include the following: Canned foods. For instance, sardine, gelsha and corned beef. Salt is a necessary ingredient of most canned foods. That is why they taste salty. The salt used goes a long way in preserving the foods.”

ferried over from China to America, the Chinese restaurants there used it in preparing their foods.

Chinese doctor, who went to eat in one of these restaurants always, discovered that each time he ate MSG in the food, he developed dizziness, light –headedness and some malaise. His experience was

confirmed by other eaters.

Following all these complaints, animal researches on baby mice, rats, chicks and monkeys on the effects of MSG. The findings confirmed the worst fears of the public. They did more by revealing that MSG may cause irreversible brain damage to the baby animals and chicks used in the researches. This led to the withdrawal of MSG from baby formalas in America.

Today, we have offshoots of MSG in the market selling as bullion cubes –I mean mary or is it wadawa cubes? Just taste them and you will discover that they are loaded with common salt.

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New Horizon Servant-Leadership And Beyond (2) HERE are two cases in point: the former Mayor, Marion Barry and the former U.S President, Bill Clinton.

Neither of these leaders were servant leaders, although they were good managers and were able to provide for their constituents physical needs.

This is all the people ask of them. These needs are what people consider their personal rights. These leaders also felt that they had a right to a private life that should not be closely examined or considered a disqualification of their ability to perform their public duty. In many ways a leader’s private life is even more important than his pubic life is more of a performance.

It is the private life that gives us a greater indication of his consciousness. A leader ’s actual consciousness will indicate how he forms policies. Mahatma Ghaudi emphasized that leaders must have uniform standard of conduct One cannot act improperly in their life and consider it all right because one is a good manager. If one is improper in one area of life, that activity will certainly cloud other areas of his life.

This is why I am emphasizing the importance of character development. The Vedas (Higher standard literatures) states: caravan purusoveda: “One who knows the leader (arcarya) and the Vedas knows what is what. And inasmuch as the real arcarya (leader) is living in truth, he becomes the role model for other truth seekers”. The Vedas also mention arcara and pracara, that the actions and speech of true servant leaders are similar.

That is he or she does not act one way while saying something else. They are not hypocritical.

Since people themselves have such little integrity or wholeness, their lives are fragmented into political lives, cultural lives, institutional lives, social lives, and religious lives. By the end of the day, they are often confused about their actual identity. They have different standards of conduct in all their different roles. It is no wonder that so many people today are having mental breakdowns. There are three areas to which leaders often fall prey:- illicit sex, intoxication and lack of financial accountability, in the case of Marian Barry, who did wonderful things to his constituent but he was ruined by his use of illicit drugs and his support of the drug industry. Considering that drug abuse is one of the worst problems facing the youths in this country, it is a betrayal of trust to have a mayor of a major city involved in the same activity. In the case of

President Clinton, he also betrayed the nation’s trust. In a sense, he indulge in incest. That is, he was a caretaker or father of his people, and the girl involved was young enough to he his daughter. If he had been a normal parent or even an average leader of almost any organization in the world, there would be no way for him to maintain his position. In the same instance a highly placed student in the U.S marines, once said that if she or any of her junior staff members or officers did something even half as serious as what President Clinton did, she would have lost her job in the military. Here, President Clinton maintained his office and continue to be supported by the American people. She saw this as a contradiction to the true meaning of true leadership. It has since been shown that his improper actions have led others to engage others in similar activities. His example of indulging in immediate sense enjoyment rather than considering the example he would set for others is just the type of mentality that is creating counterfeit leaders all over the world and degrading civilization. We need to sound a wake — up call in order to tell people that it is the time for real animated leadership rather than driven leadership. We need leaders who are prepared to lead from the inside out. People are being programmed to think through their genitals. We are constantly bombarded by the media and advertisers all over the world with sexually stimulating materials. People nowadays are trying to experience personal enjoyment at any cost. The following story emphasizes the danger of trying to have one’s senses endlessly stimulated. A man once was walking in the forest and saw a tiger. The tiger began to chase him. As he was running, he saw a well covered by grass and he saw two branches growing out from the walls of the well. He quickly held on to this branches and lowered himself into the well to save himself from the danger of the tiger. However, the tiger saw him enter into the well and stopped at the edge and leaned over looking at the man.

The man seeing the tiger above him looked down to see if he can change his position in the well but noticed two cobras with extended hoods at the bottom of the well. His legs were dangling over the serpents as he hanged helplessly. There came two white and black rats and began nibbling at the branches he was holding. The two rats signify night and day, the tiger represent death and the serpents represents life’s difficulties. What a precarious situation this man is involved.

There are dangers above and

dangers below. And above him on a tree, he saw a beehive, dropping with honey. As he looked up, he realized that the honey was dripping in such a way that if he stuck out his tongue, he could just catch a few drops, and so began to enjoy the honey’s sweet taste.

And he soon forgot the dangers he faced. Such is the life we are living in. The temporary pleasures that people experience and try to enjoy amid unlimited dangers normally preoccupy them. This is called denial of reality. Life has a higher purpose but, few

love if we are too interested in materialism and the externals of physical life. When we remain on a platform of physical survival, our minds and hearts are fragmented by unlimited desires. We will not be capable of feeling the depths of love.

Love is based on wholeness, selflessness and the ability to share our essence in very genuine ways. As far as we continue to pursue physical and mental pleasures at any cost, we will continue to literally enjoy ourselves to death. Now we see that people are trying to entertain themselves to

people know what it is or even know that it exists. Most people are only concerned with improving their concerns of eating, sleeping, mating (sex) and trying to defend oneself. Or they become stuck at the earlier stages of maturation that both Maslow and the Vedic system present. That is, they expend all their energy on fulfilling physiological needs and the need for affiliation without ever understanding any thing more.

However while expending so much energy, old age creeps up and death soon follows.

Whatever, one worked so hard to acquire in the material realm is then lost to others to enjoy.

All that is left, all that is carried away from this body with the individual soul, are the values he imbibed and the Composite of the deeds he performed. If one spends his life only trying to satisfy the physical body, he has certainly cheated himself and those around him while never actually experiencing human life. Real living means connecting with our real identity, the higher identity in its connection with God. From this point, we can experience real love. However we can not experience such a high level of

unhealthy ways and that they are speeding up the process of their lives and dying younger.

Studies show that more people are dying from self imposed illness - illness imposed on ourselves by unhealthy life styles - than from any other diseases. More people are dying from illnesses related to stress, lack of exercise, depression, smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs, illicit sex and unhealthy mixtures of pharmaceutical drugs and diseases caused by sexual promiscuity than ever before. But what can be done when unprincipled leadership sets an example that encourages others to aim for nothing higher but constant degradation of oneself materially and spiritually. Among the leaders are those thinkers - scientists, philosophers who while making some beneficial contributions to society, have somewhat hurt human development by focusing on materialism and denying the existence of God. Such teachings nor leadership allow people to be more aversive and less accountable for their moral decisions. It has focused the meaning of human life on the individual’s self centred pleasure rather than on

With VICTOR ANIUKWU social benefit or transcendental life. Generally, materialistic leaders and preachers disguise themselves under various philosophies which does not help one nor the world at large now and in the future. For example, Francis Bacon played a significant role in separating man from nature, encouraging human/kind to exploit nature as he placed more emphasis on science and technology than on God as the creator and supreme scientist. Adam Smith is another such person who made an interesting contribution by focusing on human greed and selfishness stressing how these qualities are the basis of any strong economy. He suggested that encouraging people to increase their greed and selfishness would actually strengthen the market. Another materialistic thinker is Charles Darwin, who gave the world his theory of survival of the fittest.

In many ways he reduced the meaning of human life to biology and allowed us, for the first time, to understand that we were simply sophisticated animals fighting for territory like any other animals. Then comes Karl Marx, who presented a philosophy of dialectical materialism, foreseeing the downfall of capitalism and presenting the model of a classless society, but one in which God has no place.

Then we have Sigmund Freud, who contributed significantly to our understanding of human psychology, but who had no basic interest in God. At last, I would like to mention Machiavelli, who was most gross in his theory about how we should view selfishness as good. He also presented the message of shrewdness, which focused on using people for one’s own pleasure. Do we ever realize how these people’s teachings have been spread around the globe whereby millions of people have been influenced directly or indirectly by their philosophies. Actually it is rare to find leaders who can see and practice the higher meaning of human life. The propagation of these teachings helps us to understand that the leader makes the age far more than the age makes the leader.

In other words, the quality of leadership is responsible for determining the collective consciousness of the citizens.

Our views of leadership need to be transformed to deal with today’s dynamic realities.

Much of today’s leadership is tactical and specific, focusing on external manifestation, such as vision, drive, creativity or charisma. However, this outside factors cannot capture the essence of leadership.

Leadership is something deeper and more fundamental. As much as we may try to separate leadership from the person, the two are totally inseparable.

“The most important human endeavour is the striving for morality in our actions. Our

inner balance and even our very existence depends on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity, to our lives”- Albert Einstein. More so, we are what we repeatedly do. Hence the power to control our actions is the power to control our character and the power to control our character, is the power to control our dear lives.”

Basically, a servant leader has a great appreciation for power, money, facility and other type of asset - not because he sees himself as a proprietor, but because he understands that such facility is necessary to become genuinely productive.

A servant - leader feels a passion to help others, but realizes that if he has no facility to do so, his passion will not be realized. A Servant - Leader loves power, influence, money and assets, but simply to coordinate their use for the benefit of the people under his care. King Prithu is an example and he said; “The King will respect all women as if they were his own mother, and he will treat his own wife as the other half of his body. He will be like an affectionate father to his citizens, and he will treat himself as the most obedient servant of the led.” In Srimad.

Bagavatam we find a personality called Prithu Maharaj who was very humble, meek and gentle, and whenever he performed any philanthropic work or welfare activity for the general public, he would labor exactly as if he were tending to his own personal necessities. In other words, his philanthropic activities were not for the sake of show but were performed out of personal feeling and commitment. All philanthropic activities should be thus performed.” In truth, the late John D. Rockefeller is remembered as a contemporary leader who displayed servant leader qualities, even if, in other areas, he was a bit controversial. He said repeatedly, “God gave me my money; He favoured me because He knew I would give it back.” In this area, John O. Rockefeller walked his talk.

From his first boyhood job, he donated six percent of his wages to charity. By the time he was twenty, he had surpassed the ten percent mark.

When he died at ninety - seven, he had given away most of his money to build countless hospitals, churches, museums, and educational institutions.

His life was a typical example of stewardship. He saw that God had arranged for him to have so much, so that he could help others. Be your brother’s keeper, always, we can breed true love that will avert hatred, which leads to killings, bombing and dictations. “If the world does not sincerely check all these negative deeds, it will destroy it self in just one moment.”

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Place Of Prayer

How Intimate Are You With God?

THERE are many sons of God by covenant, who are not benefiting from Him. This is because although they are related, they are not intimate with Him. Intimacy is what activates the benefits of a relationship. If a house wife for instance allows a concubine to become more intimate with her husband than she is, then the concubine will begin to benefit more from the man than the wife can boast of. Now although there is a higher level of relationship between the wife and the man than between the concubine and the same man, the concubine will benefit more because she is more intimate with the man.

Intimacy with God is more important than the relationship. In Luke 16; 3842, Martha was busy maintaining relationship whereas Mary sat by Jesus to fellowship with Him. Jesus later told Martha, ‘only one thing is needful and Mary has chosen that part”. All your official spirituality will not move God, He is only interested in your intimate fellowship with Him, once you can be consistent in this, you can be rest assured that every other thing you do to please Him will become more valuable to Him. The success of your day’s activities is determined by what you gained in your intimate fellowship with Him at the break of that day. The strength to overcome, wisdom for good decisions and all other benefits that will make your day fulfilling is received in your intimacy with God. In considering the benefits of intimacy which is the crux of this article, I want to take you through the parable of the prodigal son as illustrated in Luke 15:11-32.

The story begins with a young man that had a ‘son ship’ relationship with his father. He however decided to break intimacy with his father because he felt he would enjoy life better if he was distant from his father. Take note that breaking intimacy with his father did not break

the ‘son ship’ relationship he had with his father. Even after squandering his father’s wealth as you will see when you read the full story, he was still a legitimate son and still had a covenant relationship with his father, however he had become distant from his father, there was no intimate relationship between them anymore and this therefore stripped him of further benefits of the father-son relationship. Covenant can establish provision, but provision is only accessible by intimacy.

Once you are a child of God, all that you will ever need is provided, 2 Peter 1:2-4, however they only can be accessed through an intimate relationship with the father.

You don’t need to beg for benefits when you are intimate with God; He naturally provides all your needs. When the prodigal son later realized himself and decided to resume an intimate relationship with his father, he did not have to beg for any of the benefits of a son. His father provided him with a ring, new clothes and slaughtered a cow for him to feed his hungry body not because he requested for them but because he knew the needs of his son. All these things had been available all the while that the young man was away, but he could not access them because there was no intimate relationship with his father, but as soon as intimacy was re-established, they became accessible.

Consequences of Not Being Intimate with God The prodigal son suffered the following consequences when he broke his intimate relationship with his father.

1 He wasted his substance vs.

13. Anyone that wastes his time on other things and neglects intimacy with God will waste his resources.

2. Indiscipline begins vs. 13.

When you are no longer intimate with God,

indiscipline begins (riotous living). Many Christians still struggle with sin and bad habits because they do not spend time in intimacy with God, the more time you spend with God, the more you will be tuned to his image and likeness.

3. He began to be in want vs.

14. Before now, he always had surplus, all his needs were provided and he had never experienced lack before in his life. Kingdom provisions are

bringing irrelevant people your way. Such people will not contribute anything meaningful to your life but will rather bring you to ruins.

5. Things he needed were no longer available vs. 16. God knows our basic needs, if he clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you Matt. 6:30-34. However His provisions are for those who make Him their priority, who spend quality time daily with him in intimacy.

6. Hunger begins vs. 16 &17.

Even the husks that the swine

only available to those who remain in an intimate relationship with the father, God will supply the needs of only those that fellowship regularly and consistently with Him. 4. He began to interact with insignificant persons v 15 Jews naturally do not associate with swine, but the son began to feed swine.

When you do not give God attention, then the devil will soon take your attention by

ate were not available to him.

Your physical and spiritual appetite will no longer be satisfied when you stay away from God. Even when you eat, your body will not receive adequate nutrients because the diet will not be complete with the necessary classes of food which makes a balanced diet.

7.

Hopelessness and Helplessness vs. 16. No man gave to him. When you stay away from God, you will

“Once you are a child of God, all that you will ever need is provided, 2 Peter 1:2-4, however they only can be accessed through an intimate relationship with the father. You don’t need to beg for benefits when you are intimate with God; He naturally provides all your needs.”

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struggle and struggle over things and yet no one will come to your aid. Your effort and sacrifices will not even be appreciated by men. Your skills, beauty and expertise will remain hidden; your products will not enjoy patronage.

Benefits of Intimacy When he realized himself and decided to resume intimacy with his father, he once again

genuine son of God that maintains consistent fellowship with God will receive honour and recognition wherever he goes because when God honours you, men have no option but to honour you too.

4. He received shoes for protection vs. 22. He had travelled the long distance bare footed, his feet were not protected against the hazards

began to enjoy the benefits of intimacy. Below are some benefits he enjoyed as a result of renewed fellowship with his father: 1. Access to the father to make request vs. 21. He was able to beg for forgiveness and ask for restoration. When you are intimate with God, you can make requests of Him at anytime and He will be glad to grant to you the desire of your heart. I Peter5:7.

2. He received a ring of authority vs. 22. Rings are symbols of authority, as soon as the son resumed intimacy with the father, his authority as a son was restored to him.

For every child of God that remains intimate with Him, you have authority to operate as a god.

3. He received a cloak of honour vs. 22. He was given the best robe to wear, this signifies great honour. Every

of the road. But when fellowship was restored, he received covering for his feet.

Intimacy with God guarantees your protection from all the hazards of life.

5. He was celebrated vs. 23.

A cow was slaughtered and a party was put together in his honour. All those that have an intimate relationship with the father are celebrated wherever they go. Gladness and rejoicing never ceases from their homes because the Lord satisfies them daily with good things.

I am very sure you will agree with me now that there is so much to gain from an intimate relationship with God. I enjoin you to begin to spend time daily in intimacy with the father and watch your life if dramatic improvement will not be seen.

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International Features

Obama Exhorts Congress To Act On Immigration

PRESIDENT Barack Obama prodded Congress Tuesday to send him a bill by fall remaking the nation’s immigration laws, even as the Senate prepared to cast its first floor votes on the landmark measure opening a door to citizenship for millions.

“Congress needs to act, and that moment is now, “ Obama said, surrounded by immigration advocates, business and religious leaders, law enforcement officials and others in the East Room of the White House.

“There’s no reason Congress can’t get this done by the end of the summer,” the president said. “There’s no good reason to play procedural games or engage in obstruction just to block the best chance we’ve had in years to address this problem in a way that’s fair to middle class families, business owners and legal immigrants.”

The Senate was set to vote Tuesday afternoon on a pair of procedural measures to officially allow debate to move forward on the farreaching legislation. The measure would boost border security and workplace enforcement, allow tens of thousands new high- and lowskilled workers into the country, and create a 13year path to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants in the country illegally.

Both votes were expected to succeed by comfortable margins, because even some senators with deep misgivings about the immigration bill said the issue deserved a Senate debate.

Ahead of the votes, senators were readying amendments on

contentious issues including border security, back taxes and health care coverage.

Some Republicans said they were seeking to strengthen enforcement provisions so that they could be comfortable voting for the bill. Other GOP measures were already being dismissed by Democrats as attempts to kill the bill by striking at the fragile compromises at its core.

Meanwhile House Speaker John Boehner, ROhio, made his most positive comments to date on the issue, saying Tuesday he thinks there’s a good chance that legislation can be signed into law “by the end of the year.”

The way forward in the House remains unclear, because the chamber is dominated by conservatives many of whom view a path to citizenship as amnesty. But Boehner said he hopes for committee action by the end of June.

“I believe that it’s important for the House to work its will on this issue,” Boehner said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” ‘’And I would expect that a House bill will be to the right of where the Senate is.”

“I think, no question, by the end of the year we could have a bill. No question,” the speaker said.

As debate opened Tuesday in the Senate, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the bill written by a so-called Gang of Eight — four Republicans and four Democrats — would need stronger provisions on border security and other issues to earn his support.

“The Gang of Eight has done its work. Now it’s time for the Gang of 100 to do its work — for the entire Senate to have its say

on this issue, and see if we can do something to improve the status quo,” McConnell said. “At the risk of stating the obvious, this bill has

Heated debate is anticipated on the border security elements of the bill. The bill sets up a system wherein immigrants may only begin taking steps toward

authored by a bipartisan group of eight senators, also sets those figures as goals, but doesn’t make the path to citizenship directly contingent on them.

President Barack Obama of US

serious flaws.”

Nonetheless McConnell said he intended to vote to allow the debate to go forward. The real fights will come in the days and weeks ahead as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, DNev., aims to push the bill to final Senate passage before July 4.

The bill’s Senate supporters were working to determine which amendments they could accept to lock down more “yes” votes from the GOP side without losing Democratic backing.

They are aiming for a resounding show of support from the Democratic-led Senate that could pressure the House to act.

citizenship once certain border security requirements are met. But opponents say those “triggers” aren’t strong enough.

An amendment announced by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas., would require 100 percent monitoring of the entire U.S.-Mexico border and 90 percent of would-be crossers to be stopped or turned back before anyone can get a permanent resident green card. The Senate bill, RECONCILIATION OF NAME

I, Joseph Kabeba Osasumwen Kingsley wish to bring for the information of general public that I am the same person as Joseph Osasumwen Kingsley. All former documents remain valid.

All concerned authorities and general public should please take note.

“It’s time for us to adopt real triggers,” Cornyn said Monday.

He said his measure was “essential to accomplishing the goal of bipartisan immigration reform.”

But in an interview over the weekend with Univision, Reid

dismissed Cornyn’s amendment as a “poison pill.”

“If people have suggestions like they did in the Judiciary Committee to change the bill a little bit, I’ll be happy to take a look at that,” Reid said. “But we’re not going to have big changes in this legislation.”

It’s not likely to be Cornyn’s, but supporters of the bill were looking for a border security measure they could support. It could be an amendment pushed by Sen. Marco Rubio, RFla., an author of the bill who’s talked about giving Congress a more direct role in developing a border security plan that the bill now leaves to the Homeland Security Department.Other disputes will surround amendments being pushed by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, to strengthen requirements for payment of back taxes in the bill and require previously illegal immigrants who get green cards under the bill to wait five years before beginning to access benefits under the nation’s new health care law.

PUBLIC NOTICE GOD’S ARMY OF PEACE INT’L CHURCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C 20, L.F.N 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Evangelist Emmanuel Elewuwa. O. - (General Overseer) 2. Deaconess Agnes Elewuwa. O. Member 3. Bro. Lewis Onyeabor (Secretary) 4. Sis. Beauty Onyeabor Member 5. Bro. Matthew Sunday Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel, teach and win souls for Christ in all parts of the world.

2. To establish and maintain Churches and Missions in Nigeria and in other parts of the world.

3. To train, ordain and licence ministers for Gospel missions.

4. To establish and maintain Parochial, Bible and Christian oriented schools, institutions and hospitals.

Any objection to the registration should be directed to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, P. M. B. 198 Garki, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Celestine C. Okoro Esq for C.C. Okoro & Associates

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

International Features GIVING military aid to Syria’s rebels – however just their cause – will only prolong the civil war and increase the risk of sectarian conflagration in the region. A better way to help the Syrian people is to pursue diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and provide more humanitarian aid.

As onlookers gaze in horror at the civil war raging in Syria, many naturally feel a compulsion to do something to relieve the people’s suffering. Many have called for arming the Syrian rebels – a move President Obama is now reportedly considering as Bashar al-Assad’s forces are apparently poised to attack the key city of Homs. But such a step would worsen the devastation and might involve the United States in yet another Middle East war. A better way to help the Syrian people is to pursue diplomatic efforts to end the killing and provide greater support for humanitarian relief efforts.

Giving military aid to the rebels will only add fuel to the fire, prolonging the war, producing more death and destruction, and increasing the risk of sectarian conflagration in the region. The rebel cause is just – to overthrow the murderous Assad regime – but the hard reality is that after two years of fighting, insurgent forces have been unable to defeat government troops, and lately

Way Out Of Syria Crisis have lost ground militarily, most recently with the fall of the city of Qusayr in central Homs province. Mr. Assad’s Army remains strong, despite some defections, and has been bolstered by aid from Iran and Hezbollah and promised missile shipments from Russia.

OPINION: Five guidelines for US role in Syria Sending weapons and military aid might help the rebels, but they are already receiving assistance from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. US support will not solve the problem of rebel disunity and the lack of effective command. Many of the fighting groups are more loyal to local militia leaders than to the Free Syrian Army. In some localities warlords hold sway and refuse to submit to external authority.

Providing weapons to the rebels also means giving military support to insurgent forces that include elements allied to Al Qaeda. We are assured that US aid would go only to moderate groups, but controlling the use of weapons is impossible in the midst of the large-scale bitter war raging in Syria. Islamist groups such as the al-Nusra Front increasingly dominate the insurgency and would likely gain control of any weapons we send. US military

aid could end up arming Al Qaeda.

What if American arms assistance were to somehow help the rebels turn the tide in their favor? More Hezbollah troops would probably enter the fray on the side of the Assad government, and their paymasters in Tehran might also intervene more directly.

This would escalate and expand the conflict. The Sunni majority Syrian rebels would face a Shiite-backed (Hezbollah, Iran) Assad regime, intensifying a regional ShiiteSunni divide already tearing apart Lebanon and Iraq. This conflict would sunder the entire region and further devastate Syria.

With US involvement growing and escalation likely, pressure would build for stronger action. A no-fly zone? Drone strikes against Syrian tanks and artillery? Boots on the ground? The US might find

itself dragged into another even more dangerous Middle East war.

ANOTHER VIEW: Why US must give military aid to Syria’s rebels Rather than pursuing uncertain and dangerous military solutions, the US should use its influence to continue to press for a diplomatic settlement. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov announced recently in Moscow the convening of a conference in Geneva to end the fighting and begin negotiations for a transitional government.

UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi welcomed last week’s communiqué as “the first hopeful news concerning that unhappy country in a very long time.”

The Syrian government has said it will attend the conference,

but the now militarily weakened rebels are balking and say they will not participate without weapons and ammunition from the West. The Obama administration is using the prospect of military assistance for the rebels as leverage to gain Russian and Syrian government support for the talks, and as an inducement for the rebels to participate.

It’s a delicate balancing act that will require Mr. Kerry to pressure the Syrian government into allowing an open transition process and the rebels into pursuing their goals through political and diplomatic means rather than armed struggle.

Syria’s most urgent need is for humanitarian assistance. The UN on Friday issued the largest humanitarian appeal in its history, requesting more than $5 billion

this year to care for the more than 1.6 million refugees who have fled the country, with 200,000 more leaving every month, and for the millions more displaced within Syria. Emergency help is needed for food, medical assistance, sanitation, shelter, and schooling for children. The World Health Organization expressed concern last week about possible outbreaks of several preventable diseases.

OPINION: Five guidelines for US role in Syria The Obama administration deserves credit for launching a diplomatic process to try to end the war in Syria. The administration should also pledge greater American support for providing desperately needed humanitarian assistance for the war’s civilian victims. Sending aid rather than weapons and continuing to pursue a diplomatic solution offer the best options for helping the Syrian people.

“Sending weapons and military aid might help the rebels, but they are already receiving assistance from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. US support will not solve the problem of rebel disunity and the lack of effective command. Many of the fighting groups are more loyal to local militia leaders than to the Free Syrian Army. In some localities warlords hold sway and refuse to submit to external authority.”

Clashes As Turkish Police Move Into Square; PM Says Won’t Yield ISTANBUL- Turkish riot police moved on Tuesday into the central Istanbul square at the heart of 10 days of antigovernment protests, firing tear gas and water cannon at hundreds of protesters armed with rocks and fireworks.

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan declared he would not yield to the protesters. In a further sign of the effect the crisis has had on financial markets, the central bank said it would intervene if needed to support the lira.

“They say the prime minister is rough. So what was going to happen here? Were we going to kneel down in front of these (people)?” Erdogan said after the action began.

“If you call this roughness, I’m sorry, but this Tayyip Erdogan won’t change.”

Police backed by armored vehicles moved soon after dawn into Taksim Square, site of the initial protest against government construction plans 10 days ago which sparked the worst unrest in decades.

Bulldozers cleared barricades, but by early evening hundreds of protesters remained on one side and black smoke from bonfires of rubbish and plastic mingled with tear gas. Demonstrators skirmished with police.

Tear gas drifted into the lobby of an upmarket hotel, overwhelming some guests who were moved to the basement.

What began as a protest at redevelopment plans for Gezi Park, a leafy corner of the square, has grown into an unprecedented challenge to Erdogan.

Victor in three consecutive elections, he says the protests are

engineered by vandals, terrorist elements and unnamed foreign forces. His critics say his unyielding talk has made the crisis worse.

MARKET TURMOIL “A comprehensive attack against Turkey has been carried out,” Erdogan told a parliamentary group meeting of the AK Party he founded in 2001 and led to power in 2002.

“The increase in interest rates, the fall in the stock markets, the deterioration in the investment environment, the intimidation of investors - the efforts to distort Turkey’s image have been put in place as a systematic project,” he said.

Thousands packed into Gezi Park, now a ramshackle settlement of tents at the edge of the square; among their number leftists, environmentalists, liberals, students and professionals who see the development plan as symptomatic of overbearing government.

Despite the street protests against Erdogan, he remains unrivalled as a leader in his AK party, in parliament and on the streets. Many protesters call for his resignation, but others say they just want to moderate his exercise of power.

One organizing group called for a mass protest on the square, where stalemate seemed to prevail. Police were expected to block any attempt to move into the area in the night.

The unrest has knocked investor confidence in a country that has boomed under Erdogan.

The lira currency, already suffering from wider market turmoil, fell to its weakest level against its dollar/euro basket

since October 2011.

The cost of insuring Turkish debt against default rose to its highest in ten months, although it remained far from crisis levels.

Western allies have expressed concern about the troubles in a key NATO ally bordering Syria, Iraq and Iran. Washington has held up Erdogan’s Turkey as an example of an Islamic democracy that could be emulated elsewhere in the Middle East.

The police move came a day after Erdogan agreed to meet protest leaders, whose peaceful demonstration two weeks ago spiraled into anti-government protests in cities across the country after police crushed it using tear gas and water cannon.

“I invite all demonstrators, all protesters, to see the big picture and the game that is being played,” Erdogan said. “The ones who are sincere should withdraw ... and I expect this from them as their prime minister.”

Police removed huge banners hung by protesters from a building overlooking Taksim but the local governor said they had no intention of breaking up a protest on Gezi Park itself. Riot police moved into the park briefly, then withdrew.

Hundreds of protesters, many wearing facemasks and hard hats, gathered on steps leading from the square to the park.

“Our aim is to remove the signs and pictures on the Ataturk statue and the Ataturk Cultural Centre.

We have no other aim,” Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu wrote on Twitter.

POLICE APPEAL Police hung a single Turkish flag and picture of the founder of the Turkish secular state, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, from the building.

Protesters accuse Erdogan of

authoritarian rule and some suspect him of ambitions to replace the secular republic with an Islamic order - something Erdogan denies.

to intervene. We don’t want to harm you. Please withdraw.”

Turkey’s Medical Association said that as of late Monday, 4,947 people had sought treatment in

Erdogan has made many democratic reforms, taming a military that toppled four governments in four decades, starting entry talks with the European Union, reining in rights

Protesters react after an explosion on a barricade during clashes in Istanbul’s Taksim square yesterday. Riot police fired water cannon and teargas at hundreds of protesters in Istanbul’s Taksim Square yesterday.

“This movement won’t end here. We’ve started something much bigger than this park ...

After this, I don’t think people will go back to being afraid of this government or any government,” said student Seyyit Cikmen, 19, as the crowd chanted “Every place is Taksim, every place resistance.”

Police appealed to the protesters not to throw rocks, calling from loudspeakers, “Dear Gezi friends. We are unhappy with this situation. We don’t want

hospitals and voluntary infirmaries for injuries, ranging from cuts and burns to breathing difficulties from tear gas inhalation, since the unrest began more than ten days ago. Three people have died.

Erdogan has repeatedly dismissed the protesters as “riffraff”. But Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said on Monday leaders of the Gezi Park Platform group had asked to meet him and Erdogan had agreed.

A meeting was expected on Wednesday.

abuses by police and forging peace talks with Kurdish rebels to end a three-decades-old war that has cost 40,000 lives.

His AK Party has taken Turkey from a crisis-prone economy to Europe’s fastest growing over the past decade, and has won three successive elections, each time with a higher share of the vote.

But the protests, embracing a wide range of people from nationalists and leftists to secular activists and students, have shaken Turkey’s reputation for stability.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Security Foluso Adebanjo: IT is 100 days today since Mr. Deji Foluso Adebanjo was deployed to Edo State as its 33 rd substantive Commissioner of Police.

Like his forebears, hit the ground running as soon as he arrived in the state on 18 of February 2013.

For instance, as soon as he had settled down in his office, he paid a courtesy visit to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor on February 21, 2013. Another visit to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, followed subsequently to meet the full requirements of protocols.

Having fulfilled protocol righteousness, he toured police divisions in the state to familiarize himself with policemen under his command as well as with their challenges in crime fighting. He later set up a Conflict Resolution Committee to partner with communities in Edo State in solving their misunderstandings before they scale up into bloody crisis.

In March, 2013 his command-relying on a diligent intelligent network-intercepted certain persons with seven boxes containing 6,300 live ammunitions and 114 AK47 rifle magazines. One does not need to be told that this arms haul by Edo Police Command is a big dent on the business of arm smugglers who feed the “army” of kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers and political hoodlums in Nigeria.

On April 8, 2013 Foluso Adebanjo personally led a security active team of MOPOL, anti-kidnap unit,

100 Days Of Policing Edo State

special investigation bureau, state anti-robbery squad and state criminal investigation department in 15 police vans to the “evil forest” along Benin-Lagos Road in a show of force.

While there, he exorcised the forest of criminals and planted policemen within its perimeters. Thereafter, the area became “good forest”. Criminals fled away.

On April 20, 2013 he mobilized his men in Edo Police Command to provide security for local government council election. Fortunately enough, there was no mishap during the event, thanks to the leadership he provided for 5000 policemen deployed for the election.

Once again, on May 2, 2013 he led another patrol team of crack policemen, numbering over 100, in OPERATION SHOW OF FORCE to black spots on the Benin-Auchi-Okene Road. One of the focal points was the Iruekpen Axis of the road which was a notorious den for criminals. A fall out of the patrol is the positioning of police operatives in the area. Also it is re-activating the existing security synergy of SIB, SARS, highway patrol, antikidnapping unit and divisional police stations in crime control along the Benin-Auchi-Okene Road.

Invariably, because of the presence of special and regular policemen in dark spots in Edo State today, criminal activities in these areas are petering out.

Each time, Foluso Adebanjo addresses the press, he never fails to

By MICHAEL ODIGBE/RICHARD OKORO EWEKA

sensitize the public on the need to give information to the police as a civic duty.

For instance on March 27, 2013 during a visit to Ugbowo Police Division, he said: “We need partnership with all stakeholders. Always

mandate to combat crime and a legitimacy to use reasonable force in achieving this goal, if need be.

So far, the haul of criminals by Edo Police Command has been

Benin-based musician. He was arrested earlier on but escaped from detention.

Now, with Foluso Adebanjo at the helm of affairs at Edo Police Command, he has been re-arrested. Without mincing words, he says Anthony will be tried for armed robbery, murder and kidnapping-three heinous crimes.

Indeed, it has been a busy schedule for Mr. Foluso

Foluso Adebanjo, Edo State Police Commissioner

support the police with relevant information so that the police can help. We need you to help us. We need each other for effective policing”.

In addition, he has not failed to caution the public against confrontation with the police who have a legal

remarkable. Many of them are under arrest, several others have been charged to court, some are awaiting trial while the rest are still undergoing investigations.

Among these criminals is one Anthony, implicated in the brutal kidnap and murder of Bayo Ade, a

“My men also have to be commended for their dedication to duty. I can’t do it alone without their support and cooperation. We are doing our best to ensure a crime free society, and the people are already commending our effort so far. We are here to serve the people and we are doing our best to ensure the security of every citizen in the state.”

Adebanjo all these 100 days.

Last week we met with the amiable Commissioners of Police in his office to hear about his experiences since his arrival in Edo State.

Excerpts of the interview: What went through your mind when you heard you were posted to Edo State as Commissioner of Police?

This is a big question. It is big because I never expected to come to Edo State; it is a very challenging place to work. When I heard of my posting, the first thing that came to my mind was to pray to God to help me in my new assignment and give me the strength to do the job well. To be able to

mobilize my men to do more than expected. We all know that combating crime is not a child’s play, it is a serious job. The job is very challenging but however challenging the job is, I never forget to put God first in all I do.

100 days in office, looking back, how do you feel?

First of all, I want to thank God Almighty for leading me thus far, he has continually be with me in all I do as a police officer, I don’t do anything outside him. I get appreciation from the people I serve and will continue to serve so as to reduce crime rate in Edo state. Generally, the crime rate has drastically reduced in the state. The magic of this success so far is God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth. My men also have to be commended for their dedication to duty. I can’t do it alone without their support and cooperation.

We are doing our best to ensure a crime free society, and the people are already commending our effort so far. We are here to serve the people and we are doing our best to ensure the security of every citizen in the state. God has really helped me and his still helping me to carry the people along in all I do.

We are working and will continue to discharge our primary responsibility which is securing the lives and property in the state and ensure the state is crime free. We are reorganizing the force by redeploying some of our officers who have stayed long in a place. This is a continuous process, and will help us put the right people at the right place to make our job easier.

You have spent 100 days in office, what is the most difficult assignment you have handled?

There are many challenges. Police are involved in almost everything we do in the Continues on page 25

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Security Continued from page 24

society. If your wife is angry with you she calls the police. If you have a problem with your neighbour your call the police to resolve it. You suspect anybody; it is the police you call. If there are armed robbers in your house, you equally call the police. Every day comes with its own challenges and it’s attended to on a daily basis. I and my men are working round the clock to keep the society free from crime, which is why we produce a leaflet which contains my number and numbers of DPOs and other senior police officers which you can reach immediately you have an emergency, I love the response rate and we are equally responding to all calls that comes.

People are already commending us for our effort so far. I pick calls at anytime of the day, I have not slept three hours straight without interruption; all is for the service of humanity. Some days I wish nothing happens, but it does not work like that, things happen every day and policemen are always ready to check the situation.

Criminals keep planning and the police also strategize to counter their plan. I see a minimum of 50 people a day and much more. You have to solve problems brought before you, that is why you are there. They all come to you hoping that the commissioner will solve their problem. We do our best to serve the people.

Policemen inconvenience themselves to ensure the society is safe for us all to dwell in peace and unity.

What is the motivating factor that keeps you on in fighting crime?

As a person I hate injustice, I want to make a difference by ensuring that justice is the order of the day in the society. To be able to effect this, I felt the police force is the best place to ensure this is achieved. Ensuring justice is my motivating factor that has kept me on in ensuring that the people get justice

at all times. I have contributed and still contributing my quota by ensuring that the society is safer for us all knowing that the problem we face is enormous as a nation, am not deterred but rather courageous to do my best for the people I serve. The satisfaction is when people say thank you for your effort. The single act gives satisfaction. Service to humanity is satisfying enough for me to continue to do my best.

What is the secret behind the unity and cooperation between you and your officers?

In my year of service, I found out that if you motivate people working with you and create a peaceful atmosphere for them to operate they will perform, this is exactly what I have done to my officers, and they have perform better and are still performing well. Let them know that you all are partners in progress, let them know that you are all in the job to serve the people. I t is now important to serve the people now that we are in the position to do so. Motivation is important and it creates open doors for the junior officers to come to you with their personal issues and as you help them solve it, it enhances their performance, it boost their confidence in the job. I motivate my men to do the right thing and make the society a better place to live in. Praise them when they do well and chastise them when they do wrong. To ensure that close relationship and better service delivery, we meet every Monday for DPOs in Benin Area Command and last Thursdays of the month for every DPO and other officers just to encourage them to put in their best and ensure that we all serve the people to the best of our ability.

What are some of the facilities that the police need from the government for better performance?

All what we need have already been channeled to the appropriate quarter. We need logistics, vehicles,

... 100 Days Of Policing Edo State communication gadget.

The most important thing we need is the cooperation of the people, as soon as they are able to render assistance in giving us information; I tell you it will make our job easier.

The government is doing its best to support the police and the partnership is yielding positive result. The governor gave us money to refurbish our damaged vehicles, we successfully put 15 of them back to use,

sleep. I can’t really relax when there are more job on hand, how can I relax? You cannot relax with the present day situation here in Edo State or in Nigeria generally. There is so much to attend to, it appears that the police is in the fore front to solve it all. Before I became the commissioner of police, I thought police commissioners do nothing but seat down and relax, but now as police commissioner I know

the society. Am not bothered with work but it is a path I have chosen. I make a lot scarifies and also create time for my family. As policemen we work round the clock. I go out at night to monitor situation myself. Mine is leadership by example.

When DPOs see Commissioner of Police going around to monitor situation around 1-2am, such DPO will not sleep, for he knows the CP is

Foluso Adebanjo, Edo State Police Commissioner

they are now of great use to us. The Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole is doing his best to assist the police to serve the people better.

With your busy schedule, how do you find time to relax with your family?

I don’t think I have ever had 3 hours uninterrupted

better. The higher you go, the hotter it becomes. As commissioner of police, you need to lead while others follow.

As commissioner, you get calls almost every time and you have to respond to it. It is not easy, but it is a profession I have chosen, through which I will help

awake so cannot go to sleep. I also move round at weekend to monitor situation around the state.

I have also visited notorious places just to show that I can do it too and also motivate my men to be up and doing. If I seat in the office as CP I will not get the true picture of issues,

this is why I move round so that I will get first hand information. This has kept my men on their feet and they are now very careful, they know our job comes first before any other pleasure. For now, no much time for the family and relaxation but we will try to see how to balance both.

Your advice to criminals who are still perpetrating crime in the state?

My advice to them is for them all to repent and turn a new leaf and be law abiding citizens of the state or relocate to other states.

We will go after them and ensure they don’t have space to operate here in the state. We will not allow them to rest where ever they are in the state until they leave. We are determined to arrest them and make them face the wrath of the law. I advice them to be law abiding.

Your advice to the people?

The police anywhere in the world cannot do anything without the support of the people to ensure a safer society. Information is one vital tool that the police work with to get result, the people should partner with the police by providing viable and relevant information to the police to help them solve the security problem confronting us.

People should see the police as their friends and ensure they provide them with correct information to help them crack crime cases. Just walk into the command and give relevant information that will help the police. I am free, my door is open to everyone. We are truly the friend of the people, we need their cooperation. I want to assure them that we are here to serve them well and better. But we need information to achieve this.

“In my year of service, I found out that if you motivate people working with you and create a peaceful atmosphere for them to operate they will perform, this is exactly what I have done to my officers, and they have perform better and are still performing well.”

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

Galatasray Open To Sneijder Sale G A L ATA S A R AY just because I never saw this president Unal Aysal has told coming, but also because I suitors that Wesley Sneijder have always given my all in would be available for the role as captain. transfer if the club’s “I will have to accept this, valuation is met. though. It was a huge blow Sneijder, 29, joined Gala in for me. The coach told me the January transfer window that I should focus on myself and helped them win the for now and use my energy Turkish Super Lig and reach to regain top fitness. the quarter-finals of the “I was planning to do that Champions League. any way, though. I am more Chelsea and Tottenham are eager than ever before. reportedly interested in the “I know that I have not former Ajax, Real Madrid shown enough recently and and Inter Milan midfielder’s that I will have to step it up a services and will be notch. But I am confident that encouraged by Aysal’s I can reach my level from the admission that he could be 2010 World Cup and Euro sold, although no firm 2012 again.”

Wesley Sneijder interest has been registered.

“I have been following the rumours about Sneijder, but we have not received an offer for him,” Aysal told Turkish newspaper Sabah.

“If an offer in the region of +15 million (£12.75 million) comes in, we might decide to sell him though.”

THE Germany Under-21 team has come in for criticism from Meanwhile, after losing the the country’s media after failing to qualify for the semi-finals of captaincy of the Netherlands the European Championships in Israel. to Manchester United’s After two defeats in as many was not down to our attitude.

Robin van Persie, Sneijder is games against the Netherlands and Spain was just better than us.”

The captain was the only player intent on recapturing the Spain the Germans are without a point and facing early elimination to have been capped for the form that saw him help from the tournament. On senior team. Established Oranje to the 2010 World Wednesday, Germany will take on Germany players like Julian Russia in a meaningless match for Draxler, 19, Ilkay Gundogan, 22, Cup final.

Andre Schurrle, 22, or injured He told Dutch newspaper the third spot in Group B. “We have failed,” Tottenham midfielders Toni Kroos and De Telegraaf: “It was a pretty midfielder Lewis Holtby said after Mario Gotze were never painful announcement. Not the 1-0 defeat against Spain. “It considered for the squad despite

Fan Killed In Argentina VioONE man has been killed and another badly injured after lence police and hooligans clashed

German Media Slam Under-21 Team

Australia Take Step Towards Finals

AUSTRALIA are 90 minutes away from at place at the World Cup finals after thrashing Jordan 4-0 in Melbourne.

It has been a difficult qualifying campaign for Holger Osieck’s Australia, who are looking to qualify for the World Cup for the third successive time. But now they know that victory over Iraq in Sydney next Tuesday will guarantee a place on the plane to Brazil from Group B. The Socceroos’ golden generation rolled back the years to steamroller Jordan, who went into the tie only behind their hosts on goal difference.

The first goal came from 33year-old Al-Gharafa midfielder Mark Bresciano after just 15 minutes, who swept the ball home from close range after referee Abdul Malik Bashir had played a well-judged advantage in Australia’s favour.

Just after the hour the second goal came to calm the nerves, this time New York Red Bulls’ Tim Cahill, also 33, netting with a trademark header.

Robbie Kruse, the 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward, at least gave a sign of a future talent for Australia as he turned superbly in the box before firing home.

But perhaps the best was

saved until last as Lucas Neill, making his 91st appearance for his country in a 17-year international career, nodded home for his first Australia goal at the age of 35.

Osieck is now guaranteed at least a place in the play-offs, while Jordan must win at home to Oman next Tuesday to make the playoffs themselves - a result which would mean Australia qualify for the World Cup even if they fail to win against Iraq.

Japan, on 14 points, have already won the group and booked their place. Australia are second on ten points with Oman on nine, Jordan on seven and Iraq on five.

Iraq entertain Japan later on Tuesday and must win to retain any hope of making it to Brazil.

South Korea are also on the brink of qualifying after they secured a 1-0 win at home to Uzbekistan in a crucial Group A qualifier in Seoul.

The two nations went into the game level on points at the top of the table aware that a victory would put them within touching distance of the finals while defeat would put them under threat from third-placed Iran, who sit a point back.

The only goal of the came just before half-time when the unfortunate Akmal

Shorakhmedov headed a cross into the back of his own net.

It means South Korea will become the second team to qualify for the World Cup, after Japan, if Iran lose at home to Lebanon later. Lebanon have already been eliminated and cannot even make the Asian confederation play-off.

If Iran win or draw against Lebanon it would still need a considerable goal difference swing for South Korea to fail to finish in the top two.

being eligible to play.

“I won’t comment,” Holtby said of their omission, before admitting: “Even with those players it would have been a difficult task against Spain. I don’t mourn after those players.

It would also not be fair towards my team-mates.”

While Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gundogan was rested, Leverkusen midfielder Schurrle and Schalke starlet Draxler took part in Germany’s U.S. tour earlier this month, as part of an agreement with coach Joachim Low, who preferred to grant the players experience of the senior team.

“This tournament is wellstaffed with class. You have to take that into consideration if you want to be successful,” Germany Under-21 coach Rainer Adrion said. When questioned if it made more sense for the likes of Draxler to play friendlies he replied: “You have to think about that. The best thing for young players is to compete on a very high level.”

The German Football League general manager Andreas Rettig

added: “The German Under-21 team has to raise the claim to start with a top team and win the title.”

The German concept was also widely criticised in the German media.

“At the Under-21 European Championships in Israel the German national team flopped during the group stages - with an uninspired football that reminded of the past instead of the future.

That raises question about the DFB youth concept,” Sueddeutsche Zeitung commented while sportschau.de counted the various German youth teams failing to impress internationally.

“The results can be perceived as a warning signal. Maybe the German youth football is not as good as seen from the in and outside. A good question would be, how those responsible at the DFB judge the situation.

“But: Robin Dutt, [Matthias] Sammer’s successor as sporting director, has already left the association for Werder Bremen.

And the DFB is left looking for another successor, under whom titles can be won.”

Community Shield Match Set For Wembley

THE Community Shield will return to Wembley this year, with Manchester United set to face Wigan on Sunday August 11.

The season curtain-raiser was held at Villa Park last summer because of a clash with the London Olympics but returns to its traditional home with a 3pm (CAT) kick-off.

Both sides will be led out by new managers as David Moyes has succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford while Wigan have yet to appoint their boss after Roberto Martinez became Moyes’ replacement at Goodison Park.

“You have to go all the way back to 1985 for the last time that Manchester United played in this

fixture without Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline so the eyes of the world will be on the Community Shield and Wembley when David Moyes leads them out in August,” said FA general secretary Alex Horne.

“Wigan Athletic provided a fairytale ending to this season’s FA Cup Final, which was fitting in our 150th anniversary year, and it will be great to welcome them back to Wembley as they take on the double challenge of Europa League football and the Championship.”

United have received a ticket allocation of 35,000 for the match

while relegated Wigan, criticised in some quarters for not selling out last season’s Wembley allocations on the way to the FA Cup final, will have just 15,000 and prices range from £20 to £45.

“Manchester United travel in great numbers while Wigan Athletic’s allocation is based on the attendances across their two visits to Wembley in The FA Cup last season,” added Horne.

“The 2pm [local time] kick-off time has been agreed by all the relevant authorities and means that both sets of supporters can travel back to the north west.”

before an Argentine first division match between Estudiantes and Lanus in La Plata on Monday.

Officials at the Ciudad de La Plata stadium called the match off at half-time after news of the death and injury emerged.

“The police reported that a supporter [of Lanus] had died and, in the face of this situation, it was necessary to suspend the match,” Enrique Lombardi, the Estudiantes president, said.

Lombardi added that the decision had been agreed by both clubs, and had been taken for “humanitarian reasons”.

Estudiantes coach Mauricio Pellegrino said: “This violence doesn’t come from football it’s a social problem. Football reflects the violence in society.”

The development came days after another game in Argentina, between Velez Sarsfield and All Boys, was abandoned amid crowd violence.

Liverpool Close To Aspas Transfer

IAGO Aspas is expected to complete his £7.7 million move from Celta Vigo to Liverpool after undergoing a medical on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old striker arrived on Merseyside on Monday after cancelling a holiday in the Caribbean to help the deal go through more quickly. He has agreed personal terms.

Liverpool agreed a fee for Aspas at the end of May, but the move was held up because of an outstanding bonus payment due to him from Celta after he had helped them avoid relegation from the Spanish top flight on the final day of the season.

Aspas, who can play as a main forward, a second striker or out wide, broke into Celta’s first team in 2008, having graduated from their youth set-up.

He scored 12 goals in their first campaign back in the Primera Division after five years in the second tier, and had reportedly been a target for Valencia and Swansea as well as teams in Portugal and Italy.

He will become the second signing of the summer for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who has agreed to bring out-of-contract Manchester City central defender Kolo Toure in on a free transfer.

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Mourinho Unveiled At Chelsea ...Says ‘Special One Now Happy One’ JOSE Mourinho returned to Chelsea on Monday, with the smiling ‘Special One’ saying he was now the ‘Happy One’ on his second coming as manager of the Premier League club he has always loved.

With some 250 reporters from home and abroad and dozens of television crews crowding into a suite at Stamford Bridge, there was never any doubt about the Portuguese retaining his media pulling power of old.

“If I have to choose a nickname for this period, I would choose ‘the Happy One’,” he declared. “I am very happy.

“Time flies. It looks like it was a couple of days but it was nine

years ago when I first became manager,” he said after entering the room to a barrage of camera flashes.

“I have the same nature, I am the same person,” the titlewinning former Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager assured reporters, adding that he had the same heart and emotions.

“I would describe myself as a very happy person. It is the first time I arrive in a club where I already love the club. Before I had to build an emotional relationship and I only came to love the club a little later.”

Mourinho won the 2005 and 2006 Premier League titles in his first spell with the west London

club but departed in 2007.

It was widely reported that he had suffered a breakdown in his relationship with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, a claim the Portuguese was keen to play down.

“I read and I kept listening I was fired, I was sacked, we had a complete break of relationships,” he said. “That was not true. Many people didn’t believe in that, but it was mutual agreement.

“At the time we thought it was best for both of us, me and the club. It was a sad moment. Of course it was a sad moment, but I don’t regret that decision.”

Cavani Likes To Work With Mourinho EDINSON Cavani would relish the chance to work with returning Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and has admitted talking to other clubs about a summer move.

The 26-year-old Napoli striker is a reported target for the Premier League club, who have reinstated Mourinho at Stamford Bridge after a six-year absence, while Manchester City have also been linked with an approach for Serie A’s top scorer.

Speaking at Uruguay’s preConfederations Cup retreat in Brazil, Cavani said: “The Special One? It would be a pleasure to

Edinson Cavani

be managed by someone like him.”

Cavani is among the most highly rated strikers in Europe having hit 29 goals for Napoli in the 2012-13 season and, despite being under contract at the Stadio San Paolo until 2017, he confessed he would enjoy linking up with Portuguese Mourinho in London.

The Uruguayan would also consider collaborating with Chilean tactician Manuel Pellegrini, who claims to have a verbal agreement in place to become City’s next manager.

He added: “Chelsea? I don’t know if they’ve made an offer for me but I know that working for a coach like Pellegrini or Mourinho would be a great pleasure It would certainly be a great honour to join one of the illustrious teams that are looking at me because I dreamed about doing that as a child. At the moment, though, I am only focused on Uruguay.”

Cavani will definitely make a connection with a one-time Chelsea boss when he returns for pre-season training with Napoli, given Rafael Benitez has agreed to take control at San Paolo from the beginning of July.

The Spaniard spent seven months as interim boss in west London and his first task will be trying to persuade the prolific Uruguayan to prolong his threeyear stint in Naples.

“I don’t know if Benitez’s arrival could affect my future,” Cavani added. “Today I have a contract with Napoli but, at the same time, I’m talking to other teams.

“Things are bit uncertain at the moment. The only certain thing is that I belong to Napoli and I’m concentrating on Uruguay because we have a tough tournament like the Confederations Cup. After these engagements I will think about my future.”

Jose Mourinho Unveiled

...Poyet Predicts Success CHELSEA legend Gus Poyet has backed Jose Mourinho to be a huge hit as the Portuguese boss prepares to get his second stint as Blues boss underway.

Football folklore suggests a manager should never return to a club after a successful first spell at the helm, but Poyet believes Mourinho will prove that notion wrong by storming to success at Stamford Bridge a second time

Nani To Make Utd Decision Soon MANCHESTER United winger Nani says he will soon make a decision over his future at Old Trafford.

Nani’s contract with United expires next year and talks over a new deal have stalled with speculation linking him with a move away.

Sir Alex Ferguson had often defended the Portuguese star but

the arrival of David Moyes as the new manager has further clouded the issue of the player’s future.

When asked about his plans after Portugal’s 1-0 win over Russia on Friday, Nani told RTP: “I have not yet decided where I am going or if I am going.

“In the next few days I will decide my future.”

Moyes To Lead Out United At Wembley Aug. 11 CHAMPIONS Manchester United will face FA Cup winners Wigan as the Community Shield returns to Wembley on August 11.

The season curtain-raiser was held at Villa Park last summer because of a clash with the London Olympics but returns to its traditional home with a 2pm kick-off.

Both sides will be led out by new managers as David Moyes has succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford while Wigan have yet to appoint their boss after Roberto Martinez became Moyes’ replacement at Goodison Park.

“You have to go all the way back to 1985 for the last time that Manchester United played in this fixture without Sir Alex Ferguson

on the touchline so the eyes of the world will be on the Community Shield and Wembley when David Moyes leads them out in August,” said FA general secretary Alex Horne.

“Wigan Athletic provided a fairytale ending to this season’s FA Cup Final, which was fitting in our 150th anniversary year, and it will be great to welcome them back to Wembley as they take on the double challenge of Europa League football and the Championship.”

United have received a ticket allocation of 35,000 for the match while relegated Wigan, criticised in some quarters for not selling out last season’s Wembley allocations on the way to the FA Cup final, will have just 15,000 and prices range from £20 to £45.

“Manchester United travel in great numbers while Wigan Athletic’s allocation is based on

the attendances across their two visits to Wembley in The FA Cup last season,” added Horne.

“The 2pm kick-off time has

been agreed by all the relevant authorities and means that both sets of supporters can travel back to the north west.”

David Moyes new Manager for Man United.

around.

“I’m a big, big fan of Jose and I think it’s going to be good,” states Poyet in the Daily Mirror.

“I don’t know why people are being so negative. It’s going to be fantastic.

“People think that the second time around it’s never as good, but I think it will be because he’s got the personality, the knowledge and the fans love him.

Jose will bring something special to the team.

“Everything is in place for him

to have a good few years at the club. He’s unique and he brings plenty into the equation. He always has an opinion, he’s very honest and people like that. He’s a winner.”

Poyet would not be drawn on his own future, as he remains in limbo after being suspended by Brighton following his side’s defeat in the Championship Play-Off semi-finals last month.

As for Mourinho, he will face a packed media conference at Stamford Bridge on Monday afternoon at 1.30 (GMT).

Sterling Tips Reds For Champions League RAHEEM Sterling has backed a revamped Liverpool to secure Champions League qualification next season.

Anfield manager Brendan Rodgers is attempting to bolster his squad by completing deals for Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas and Sporting Lisbon centre-back Tiago Ilori.

Rodgers, who has already signed central defender Kolo Toure on a free transfer from Manchester City, is also considering moves for Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Schalke’s Greece international defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

So far, departures from Anfield have seen central defender Jamie Carragher retire, while striker Andy Carroll is trying to agree personal terms for a move to West Ham. There is uncertainty over the future of Luis Suarez following his public announcement that he wants to leave, while goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been linked with Barcelona as a long-term replacement for Victor Valdes.

Sterling, though, feels Liverpool are on the right lines under Rodgers, who guided them to seventh place in his first season as manager.

The 18-year-old winger told the club’s official website: “We just need to get a good start to next season and hopefully maintain that, and I think we’ve got a good

chance of finishing in the top four.

“I can’t talk any more highly of Brendan as a person, not just as a manager. He’s not one of those who is only interested if you’re playing well at that moment. He looks at players who are not playing, or young players.

“Liverpool should be really grateful they’ve got a manager like that.”

Having brought in Toure, Rodgers is hopeful that Aspas will become his second signing of the summer within days.

Liverpool had planned to have the 25-year-old striker signed at the weekend, having agreed a £7.7 million fee with Celta Vigo.

But it is understood the deal was held up by an outstanding bonus payment due to him after he had helped Celta avoid relegation from the Spanish top flight on the final day of the season.

Sterling said he was looking forward to playing alongside new arrivals in August, having missed the end of last season with a thigh problem that forced him to pull out of the England squad for the European Under21 Championships in Israel.

He added: “For me at Liverpool, it’s about cementing a starting place in the team, getting a good run of games and hopefully getting some goals and assists as well. If I do that, then I hope I’ll get a pick for the England squad.”

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Milan Confident Of Tevez Capture MILAN CEO and vicepresident Adriano Galliani claims that they are close to securing the signature of Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez.

The rebellious Argentine striker looks set to be heading for a departure from the Etihad this summer following a tumultuous four-year tenure at the club.

After seeing his move to Milan fall through during last season’s winter transfer window, Galliani now admits that the Juventus target is close to joining the Rossoneri.

“Carlitos won’t betray me,” Galliani commented when asked about the possibility of a move.

“I like Carlitos a lot, because he’s a ‘nasty’ player. His wages?

There will be no problems with Tevez.”

Tevez has scored 73 goals in 138 appearances for City since arriving in 2009 from rivals Manchester United.

Benzema Undergoes Knee Surgery REAL Madrid’s French international Karim Benzema has undergone a surgical procedure in France to drain liquid from his right knee, the club said on its web site.

Benzema was admitted on Monday afternoon to an orthopaedic clinic in Lyon, southeastern France, where a ganglion, or mass, on his right knee was treated.

The 25-year-old striker had a “CAT-guided aspiration”, the club said late Monday, a procedure in which surgeons use a CAT (computer axial tomography) scanner to guide them as they insert a needle and then drain liquid.

The French clinic’s surgeon Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, of the Centre Orthopedique Santy, carried out the operation under the supervision of the Real Madrid health services, the club said on realmadrid.com.

However, the player himself is confident that he will be fit in time for the start of preseason training next month.

“It is a cyst that has been bothering me and it is almost not even an operation,” he told Spanish sports daily Marca in an interview published on Tuesday.

“I will be in perfect condition when the preseason starts, we don’t have to worry about this topic.”

Mourinho Backs Moyes To Suceed CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United made a good decision in appointing David Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor.

Mourinho, 50, was touted as a possible replacement for Ferguson at Old Trafford, with the 71-year-old finally stepping aside at the end of last season.

The Portuguese coach, who has signed a four-year contract with Chelsea following his departure from Real Madrid, maintains Moyes deserves his shot at one of the highest profile jobs in world football.

Speaking yesterday at the official media unveiling at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho was pressed for his thoughts on the appointments of title rivals United and Manchester City, who are expected to unveil Manuel Pellegrini later this week.

“They have made good decisions,” he said.

“David proved himself at

Gareth Bale

Madrid To Spend Big On Bale ZINEDINE Zidane has admitted Real Madrid will have to break the world transfer record to sign Gareth Bale.

The Tottenham winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital with Madrid reportedly lining up a bid of £85million.

That would smash the £80m they paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo four years ago.

‘The talk about Gareth Bale is not a surprise,’ Zidane, who is Madrid’s sporting director, said.

‘It is impossible to have the season he just had and not be linked with the biggest clubs in

Europe.

‘If any club is going to tempt Spurs, then it will take big money – maybe even record-breaking money.

‘There are four or five clubs at the moment who have the finances not to be put off by a record-breaking fee like that.’

The astronomical fee would be almost impossible for Spurs to refuse with Bernabeu chief Florentino Perez pinpointing the Wales superstar as his prime target.

Fabregas Hinges Future On Barca CESC Fabregas has said his future is in the hands of Barcelona as rumours continue to link him with a return to the Premier League.

Speculation has suggested his former club Arsenal and Manchester United are in the frame to sign him from his boyhood club Barcelona, whom he joined from the Gunners in 2011.

He has struggled to secure a regular starting spot in his favoured central midfield role and is set to hold talks with coach

Cesc Fabregas

Tito Vilanova.

The terms of the deal Fabregas signed when he joined Barcelona mean Arsenal would have first refusal if he is made available for transfer.

But the player said he would leave matters entirely in the hands of his club, telling Marca: “I have not opened my mouth once.

“It has taken a lot for me to get where I am, and I am not thinking about throwing it all away for nothing.

“If they [Barcelona] said that they didn’t want me, that would be another thing - but what I really want is to triumph at Barca.

That has been dream since I was small. Barcelona is my home, and I have always dreamed of triumphing here.”

Fabregas said he would try to rise above his critics in the stands - he has been whistled by irate supporters – explaining: “[There are people] who might not like my play, but that makes me stronger to improve.

“If they [the fans] whistle me, I need to accept it. I am the first one who knew this would be the most important challenge of my life. I just want to play.”

Bale could be taken to Madrid to replace Ronaldo ,who has been linked with a move back to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Juventus officials held talks with Madrid over

Gonzalo Higuain on Sunday. The Italians are eager to beat Arsenal to the £20m signing of the Argentine striker but have been told a deal must wait until Carlo Ancelotti is appointed coach.

Everton. Okay, no trophies, but it’s not easy to get a trophy when you manage Everton and he was not far from doing that.

“He has good experience, good work. I am more than happy, and I feel very happy for him.

“Man United will give him the time to adapt to a new dimension.

“He has never played a Champions League match so people can’t expect him to be a fish in water in that first match.

“Give him time, stability.

United is perfect for that, so that’s a very good choice.”

Despite being overlooked for the United hotseat, the former Porto and Inter Milan manager insists he would not want to be anywhere else.

“I am where I want to be. You tell me now every job in the football world at this table, I would choose my job. So I have the job I want to have,” he said.

Mourinho also insisted he had no issues with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s reported interest in former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who will take charge at European champions Bayern Munich next season.

The Portuguese coach said: “I don’t know and I don’t care, really.

Arsenal Target Top-Class Talent ARSENAL chief executive Ivan Gazidis has insisted that Arsene Wenger will spend money - but only on top-class talent.

Arsenal endured another campaign of toil, extending their trophyless run to eight seasons, and Wenger came under fire for failing to bring in the players needed to challenge at the top of the Premier League.

Supporters have seen the likes of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy sold, and have been frustrated by the standard of players brought in to the Emirates after such key departures.

In the early weeks of the summer, the Gunners have been linked with names including Wayne Rooney, Gonzalo Higuain and the possible return of Fabregas.

But Arsenal fans have seen this in previous years, and at a meeting of the club’s supporters’ group and shareholders, Gazidis was questioned about summer transfer plans.

The chief executive, who recently insisted the club could afford to make a move for Manchester United striker Rooney, said: “Arsene is not scared to spend money, but he has to believe they are top-class players who will add to the squad.

Can I guarantee he will spend all of the money available to him?

That depends on the talent.

“Arsene has done an outstanding job to make sure Arsenal stay in the mix with the top teams - not where we want to be, but in the mix - on a relatively limited budget.”

Arsenal secured a place in the top four on the final day of last season, and Gazidis has made it

clear that was not good enough.

He added: “We have been consistent, in that we haven’t slid backwards or gone forwards.

Now we need to go forwards. It is not enough to watch a video of a last-minute scramble to get over the line and into fourth place.”

Gazidis also stuck up for the club’s majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, whose public reticence on club matters has been a source of frustration for Gunners fans.

“What Stan Kroenke has not done is put debt on the club, taken any dividends or management fees out of the club,” he said.

“We are fortunate in that he has not treated the club as his own personal fiefdom, as a reflection of his ego and as a personal playground. We haven’t seen a lot of the negatives that come with much of the ownership around the

Arsene Wenger

world. We feel our ownership situation is healthy and sustainable.”

The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust has produced a report which recommends that changes be made at board level, and Gazidis acknowledged that a renewing of the hierarchy was necessary.

“We know the suggestions around governance,” he said when asked if he had read the report.

“It is not a secret that we have an ageing board that will need refreshing.

The board acknowledges and understands that, and board succession is something we are looking and thinking about.

“It will be done the same way as Arsene Wenger’s contract — quietly and, at the right time, we will make announcements.”

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Unhappy Hearts Coach Duncan Drops Exit Hint

2014 W/Cup

Uganda Team Thrown Out Of Stadium UGANDA’S national team were thrown out of the Mandela National Stadium and not allowed to train.

Stadium management threw them out yesterday afternoon as the venue was reportedly booked by Aspire Academy.

The Cranes, who beat Liberia 1-0 in a Group J qualifier of the 2014 World Cup on Saturday, had reported to training only to be told that the Qatar based football Academy had hired the stadium for three days.

“This is unbelievable. The national team is the national team and they are aware we are preparing to play Angola on Saturday,” said team manager Chrispus Muyinda.

Moses Magogo, the Vice President in-charge of Administration in the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), told MTNFootball.com that they cannot accept this kind of sabotage.

“This is a national cause and management of Namboole must know this.

They have said they will shift the Aspire Academy to the

outer training pitch, while the Cranes train in the main pitch,” added Magogo.

The team was forced to train on the outer pitch which is reportedly hard and causes lots of injuries to the players.

“This pitch outside here is very hard and dangerous,” added Muyinda.

A disappointed Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic later told MTNFootball.com that he cannot believe that management of the Stadium can deny the national team.

“I am totally disgusted,” said the Serb. Officials at the Stadium were not available for comment.

The win over Liberia last weekend pushed the MTN Uganda sponsored Cranes to second place and another win on Saturday over Angola will brighten the team’s chances of qualifying for the next stage.

Aminu Maigari

Nigeria Pro League: Akwa

Slammed

For Abandoned Match And they are to pay the AKWA United have been slammed after fans assaulted match officials and led to the abandonment sum of 200,000 Naira to of the clash against Warri Wolves. each of the assaulted match Akwa United have been Rojenny Stadium Oba for officials. banished from Uyo to the rest of the season.

Top league official Salihu Abubakar disclosed to MTNFootball.com: football and I do not want my “Decisions have been taken family to have to go through over Akwa United following that again,” added. withdraw from that trip, I hope FIFA decided then on their fans assault on match that the Togolese people will Monday to relocate this officials during their game understand. qualifier to Tripoli, which did “Human life is more important not change the mind of Romao against Warri Wolves. that a football game.”

“Akwa United have been who tweeted early on Tuesday: Gakpé turned to his Facebook “I am about to leave Lome to banished from Uyo to page and revealed his thoughts on go back to France as apparently Rojenny Stadium for the rest the matter: they don’t take us seriously.

“Considering what is happening “Tripoli or Benghazi, what of the season and that will currently in Libya, our away trip difference does it make? I will start with their Week 18 over there seems irresponsible and change my mind if the FIFA very dangerous. I do not want to representatives who took the game against Kwara United. experience what happened in 2010 “The game was originally decision come with us. again.

“Now, more important than to scheduled for Wednesday, “They want to send us to see the Football officials Benghazi where 30 people died becoming more sensible is that but has been shifted to this weekend. I love my country, Libya can enjoy peace,” Thursday due to short notice.

I love my jersey, but there are concluded over an array of “They will also pay each of things more important than

Two Togo Players Fear Playing In WHILE Togo was hosting Cameroon in Lomé this Libya weekend, violent attacks in Benghazi, where Libya are due to host Togo next, left 31 people dead.

Still traumatized after their bus was attacked in Cabinda during the 2010 AFCON in Angola, several Togolese players, including Marseille’s midfielder Alaixys Romao and FC Nantes’ winger Serge Gakpé, considered withdrawing for the trip to Benghazi.

“Despite what is at stake against Libya, I am still deciding on my presence in Benghazi on Friday,”said Romao after their 2-0 victory over Cameroon.

“After our traumatic experience in 2010 at the AFCON in Angola, I do not wish to inflict more worries to my family.

“If I take the decision to

John Utaka

the assaulted match officials 200,000 Naira.

They will also pay for the damaged advert board at the stadium.”

Abubakar further told MTNFootball.com that the assaulted match officials could go to court to sue those who assaulted them and that more sanctions may still be placed on Akwa United.

He said “The referees have been told they can seek legal action for the assault, that is a personal thing. We may take more sanctions on Akwa United if need be.”

Oshiomhole Cup Quarter Final Results Male

tweets.

Kasimpasa Join Utaka Chase TURKISH club Kasimpasa have joined the chase for free agent John Utaka,

MTNFootball.com has learnt.

Several Turkish clubs including Besiktas have already tabled bids for the Nigeria striker, who is expected to meet with his agent on Wednesday to have a clearer direction on his next destination.

There also remain interest from Qatar and China.

“His meeting with his agent on Wednesday will give a clearer indication where he will finally move to,” a top source close to the striker, who won an historic French league

championship with Montpellier two seasons ago.

The former Portsmouth star has already put off his honeymoon after his wedding this month to his long-time French girlfriend in France.

“He wishes to sort out his future before he will leave on honeymoon with his French wife,” another source disclosed.

Last season, compatriot Uche Kalu was an instant hit with Istanbul outfit Kasimpasa.

Kasimpasa finished sixth in the 18-team Turkish top league with 50 points from 34 matches.

HEARTS of Oak coach David Duncan has confirmed he is unhappy at the club and says he might leave at the end of the season.

Duncan is reported to have fallen out with chairman Togbe Afede XIV and cannot guarantee his future.

The former Ghana U23 coach took charge of the Phobians in November last year and has been credited for their t r e m e n d o u s improvement.

Hearts were in the relegation zone but Duncan managed to improve their fortunes as the club fight for a topfour finish.

“I am at the apex of my coaching career domestically and coaching Accra Hearts of Oak is the highest point,” Duncan told a local radio station.

“I am having some challenges but I am not the type of person who suffers in silence. I let it out and to anybody who has the right to know and the people who have the right to know are not only my employers.

Triumph Akoko –Edo

1 4

Amegor King Citadel

0 0

Etsako East

1

Glorious

0

Etasko East Ovia S/West

1 0

Female Owan West Owan East

0 0

Today’s Semi Final Games Male Egor Etsako East

Vs Vs

Triumph Akoko Edo

Female Finalists Estako

Vs

Egor

FEMALE THIRD PLACE Owan West

Vs.

Owan East

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013 CMYK

Remembering June 12 “GENERAL Babangida’s regime was an eloquent testimony of disaster. His rule over Nigeria was that of bureaucratic despotism, economic stupidity and political suicide in which the country was nearly plunged into a second civil war. His hidden agenda to perpetuate himself in power became open, when he blatantly cancelled the freest election (June 12 1993, presidential election) in the chequered history of Nigeria.” Quoted in WHERE WE ARE (Page 60).

When I saw the headlines in some of the national dailies yesterday I laughed for a very long time. My wife who was close by as I glued my eyes to my laptop asked me why I was laughing. I told her to come and have a look at the headlines. The headlines was about the presidency’s ruthless reply to Nuhu Ribadu’s recent outburst against the Jonathan regime.

Nuhu Ribadu had said that President Jonathan is presiding over a sinking system, that the administration has performed far below the expectations of the wretched masses of Nigeria. What actually made me to burst into laughter was the way and manner the presidency through Special Adviser to the President on media, Rueben Abati, lashed out at Nuhu Ribadau.

Abati called Ribadu a tyrant and an ingrate for daring to criticize President Jonathan. According to Abati: “We find it very sad and utterly deplorable that Nuhu Ribadu has resorted to shameless wolf-crying, the peddling of arrant falsehood and the denigration of the elected government of his fatherland.” Now, it is hilarious that the presidency and its beneficiaries have reduced the affairs of our country to

frivolities and issues of personal interests and sentiments.

Agreed that the former boss of the Economic and Financial

benefited somehow from the present regime, but all that is not enough reason that a man with conscience should sit and keep quiet when the affairs of the country is heading towards a brick wall.

It is laughable when I heard words like “ingrate, hypocrite and tyrant” coming from the presidential aide on media.

Genuine Nigerians know today that Nuhu Ribadu has not resorted to “shameless wolf-crying and peddling of arrant falsehood”. That is not to say that we have forgotten Ribadu’s excesses and mistakes as head of EFCC under General Olusegun Obasanjo, but we know too

Late MKO Abiola Crimes Commission (EFCC), who went on self exile during the reign of late President Musa Yar Adua, was assisted to reappear in the country without hiccups in 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Agreed that he must have

opportunity?

It is wolf-crying that the greatest majority of our people are presently experiencing excruciating poverty? Ingratitude has absolutely nothing to do with the way and manner the affairs of the nation is being run by President Jonathan and the new masters of Nigeria.

Today the affairs of the country have been substituted with the 2015 presidential campaigns.

If you ask an average citizen walking on the streets in Benin City today to assess Jonathan’s two years in office so far? He or she will tell you

refine our crude oil locally.

In two years those that connived, stole and went away with our hard earned money using oil subsidy as conduit pipe are walking free and breathing heavily on our necks. Where are the children of Bamanga Tukur, Ahmadu Ali and company? The other day Bamanga Tukur as Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) said there is nothing wrong if his

General Ibrahim Babangida fully well that what Ribadu said recently was nothing but the whole truth. It is falsehood that the nation is actually sinking under the dead weight of new accumulated debts being incurred by the Jonathan government at every

that Jonathan Presidency has failed abysmally to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of Nigerians. In two years, we are paying more to fuel our cars, and the government is not interested in building more refineries to

“On June 12, 1993 presidential election Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was voted overwhelmingly as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For the first time in our bitter chaotic history sectionalism, religionism tribalism and cabalism were disregarded as Chief M. K. O. Abiola emerged as the President elect of Nigeria. That Abiola paid the Supreme Price in order for us to have this pseudo civil rule of today, he deserves to be immortalized. Abiola deserves a national holiday, he deserves to be properly celebrated, the naming of the University of Lagos in his honour was a blunder committed by the Jonathan regime (Though that decision has been rescinded).”

son become the next Governor of Adamawa State.

What a country.

Today is June 12! In 1993 on June 12, the people of Nigeria rejected one Alhaji Bashir Tofa, who represented mediocrity, backwardness, incompetence and national shame and opted for man who believed in humanity and progress. On June 12, 1993 presidential election Moshood Kashimawo

Olawale Abiola was voted overwhelmingly as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For the first time in our bitter chaotic history sectionalism, religionism tribalism and cabalism were disregarded as Chief M. K. O. Abiola emerged as the President elect of Nigeria. That Abiola paid the Supreme Price in order for us to have this pseudo civil rule of today, he deserves to be immortalized. Abiola deserves a national holiday, he deserves to be properly celebrated, the naming of the University of Lagos in his honour was a blunder committed by the Jonathan regime (Though that decision has been rescinded).

What is wrong if the National Stadium in Abuja is named in his honour, after all he was a mighty pillar of sports too.

Though, Chief Abiola had his shortcoming as a mortal, but his martyrdom in the hands of the enemies of our country while struggling to actualize his mandate has erased his mistakes. Today, this column is dedicated to the memory of Chief M. K. O. Abiola.

When are we going to have the right atmosphere to re-enact June 12, 1993 presidential election?

When will Nigerians be given the opportunity to vote for a man of visional competent guy that will take us to the next level?

We must take insist that our electoral Act is revisited so that digital voting can be inserted in the document.

Anyone, including Nuhu Ribadu who is on the side of the people today must be encouraged to lash out against Aso Rock. Things cannot continue like this?

Nowinta, wrote where we are.

TOMORROW ON THIS PAGE

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It is an all embracing law. Apart from the couple who will be imprisoned for 14 years, the pastor who contracts the marriage; the choir that ministers at the wedding, the MC at the reception; the editor of the media house that publishes the notice of the wedding; and all those who attend the wedding are all accomplices and will go to prison for 10 years...

”

-Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan

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