Weekend observer 10 08 2013

THE WEEKEND

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Weekend

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE OCTOBER 6, 1990 • Vol.XI NO.3,196• SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013 • N100.00

ENCOUNTER APC: The Best thing That Has

Happened To Nigeria - Page 6

Muslim Clerics Urge Faithful To Reflect On The Lessons Learnt During Ramadan

ISLAMIC clerics yesterday urged adherents to hold strongly to the lessons they learnt from the Ramadan fasting and reflect such in their daily lives.

Also, the Lagos State In separate interviews Missioner, Nawarudwith reporters in Lagos, deen Society of the clerics advised Nigeria, Alhaji Mojeed adherents not to go Ayinla, urged Muslims back to sin after the 30- to pray for continued day fasting period. peace in Nigeria.

Imam Shuaib Abdullahi, the Executive Director, Zakat and Fadaqat Foundation, urged FORMER Minister of Muslim faithful to Sports, Prof. Taoheed remain sober during Adedoja on Thursday in and after the Eid-el-Fitri Ibadan, urged media festival. houses to institute life Abdullahi said that insurance scheme for Nigeria was going journalists in the through a trial period, country. and that Muslims Adedoja made the should use the festive call when he visited period to further pray Gbenga Opadokun and for divine intervention Fatima Abdulkareem, for the country.

Chairman, Oyo State “My advice to all council of Nigeria Union Muslim faithful is that of Journalists and Ramadan has gone, National Treasurer of but all those virtuous the union respectively attributes that at the University characterise it, should College Hospital. not just go with the He said the scheme celebrations. would take care of the “If you are doing hazards confronting the charity before, you media practitioners. should not stop your “Media houses charity; if you have should provide been so conscious of comprehensive life God, don’t go back to insurance for all the evil or devilish way Nigerian journalists in and then forget God,” view of the hazards he said. associated with the

The cleric also appealed to the Federal Government to give priority attention to the welfare of the masses.

He noted that the gap between the rich and poor in the country had become too wide, adding, “Governance is all about the wellbeing

of the people.

Government should step up its welfare programmes.

“We don’t want empty promises; we do not want white elephant projects.

What we want is food

on the table for the average Nigerian,” he said.

Similarly, the Chief Imam, Lagos Mainland Central Mosque, Alhaji Thabit Lawal, also advised Muslims not to be carried away by

merry-making during the festival.

“This is a time for Nigerians to put aside their differences, a time for those who are violent to let peace reign.”

He equally urged

love and brotherliness among Nigerians— through giving to the needy.

“You cannot separate love from giving; we must demonstrate our love for God by giving to the less privileged.’’

Institute Life Insurance For Journalists - Prof. Adedoja profession’’, he stressed.

He described the accident which claimed the life of three journalists at Osu junction on Ilesa-Ibadan expressway on Friday, as a sad occurrence.

“It is a sad loss to the victims’ families, the NUJ and the entire nation’’, he said.

Adedoja expressed his sympathy to the families of the deceased and the injured.

The accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to the Lagos State Council of NUJ. Those who died included Adolphus Okwonkwo, Olatunde Oluwanike and Kafayat Odunsi while 10 others sustained injuries.

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan with Trouser 3rd left with leg fold up accompanied by the Niger-Delta Minister Peter Orubebe left and the Niger Delta Minister of State Gaius Ishaku at the inspection of the Otuoke Community Skill Acquisition Centre, during the President’s Sallah Holiday visit to Otuoke in Bayelsa State recently.

SOCIETY

Why Men Cheat

- Page 18

DIPLOMACY Nigerian Foreign Policy

Time For A Rethink - Page 13

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N ws

CRIME

Man bags 16 months imprisonment for homosexual act, escape from custody A Zuba Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, has sentenced Ezekiel Ude to 16 months in prison for homosexual act with a five-year-old boy and for escaping from lawful custody.

Ude, 18, who resides at Yimi Village, Zuba, (FCT), stood separate trials on two counts of unnatural offence and escape from lawful custody.

The judge, Alhassan Kusherki, sentenced Ude to 12 and four months in prison for homosexual act and escape from lawful custody, respectively after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Kusherki said: “I am disappointed in this act of yours; at such a young stage of your life you have decided to pick up an act that is likened to that of animals.

“Ude, not only have you decided to live your life like that of animals, you have also decided to initiate and take advantage of children with very fragile minds.

“As such, you shall be

punished and kept away for some time to help you think about changing your ways.’’

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Sgt. Haruna Danlami, told the court that Musa Kaka of the same address with the convict reported the case at the Zuba Police Station, Abuja, on August 2.

Danlami said on the same date, the convict was caught having sexual intercourse with the five years old boy through his anus.

He added that on August 3, the duty officer at the Zuba Police Division, Abuja, Dsp. Haruna Usman, reported that the convict who had been arrested and detained at the station escaped from the cell and was rearrested later.

Danlami said the convict was arrested in connection with a case of act of unnatural offence along with two others, now at large.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the provisions of sections 172 and 284 of the Penal Code.

Deserted and looted Mokwe Mass Transit Park near main market, Onitsha yesterday. Angry Mob had a field day on the park on Thursday night after its owner, who is also owneer of demolished upper class hotel, Onitsha, was apprehended for alleged possession of two fresh human heads, two ‘”AK47 rifles, three loaded cartridges and a military cap last week.

Appeal Court Dismisses Suit Against Ekiti Monarch

THE Appeal Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, has affirmed the appointment and installation of Oba Samuel Fadahunsi as the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government

3 Men Charged With Burglary, Theft Of THREE men, who allegedly on August 2 at No. broke into a warehouse and N4m Goods offences 161, Ekoro Road, Abulestole goods valued at N4 million, were charged before an Ojokoro Senior Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The trio — Ibrahim Isiaka, 32; Yunus Muhammed, 30; and Yusuf Ibiza, 34 are facing a two-count charge of

burglary and theft.

The men, who all reside at No. 8, Alhaji Alli St., Meiran, Ijaiye in Abule-Egba, entered a not-guilty plea.

But the Prosecutor, Insp.

Lugard Ahonle, insisted that the accused committed the

3 Men In Court For Allegedly Selling Indian Hemp, Belonging To A Gang Of Thieves THE police arraigned three men in a Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, Mararaba, Nasarawa State for selling Indian Hemp and belonging to a gang of thieves.

Those arraigned are Mohammed Maikasuwa, 24, of Angwan Gwari, Mararaba, Felix Silas, 23, of same address and Johnson Jimoh, 24, of Aso Pada road, Mararaba.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Inuwa Maigida told the court a police detective, Sgt. Lawal Usman attached to the ‘A’ Division Police Station, arrested the three men on July 22.

Maigida alleged that the accused persons were arrested at Anwan Gwari, Mararaba with some quantity of Indian hemp for sale.

He said that investigations also revealed that they belonged to a gang of thieves, who terrorise people in Mararaba.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened provisions of sections 97, 306 and 361 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, they could face up to 12 years in prison or given an option to pay a fine

or both.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty.

The presiding judge, Mr. Albert Maga admitted the accused persons to bail in the sum of N100, 000 and one surety each in like sum.

Maga ordered that the surety must be responsible, possess a landed property and reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

He ordered the sureties to write an undertaking promising the court that the accused would not commit similar offence.

Egba, a suburb of Lagos, at 8.30 p.m.

According to him, the men broke into a warehouse belonging to Mrs. Grace Adepoju, and stole toiletries and sandals valued at N4 million.

“The accused broke into the warehouse located at No. 161, Ekoro Road, AbuleEgba, and stole items such as toiletries and sandals worth N4 million,’’ Ahonle told the court.

Ahonle said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 307 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Layinka, granted them bail in the sum of N200, 000 each with one surety each in like sum.

The case was adjourned to September 9 for mention.

Reports say that Section 307 provides seven years imprisonment for convicted felons.

Area.

The three-man Appeal panel, led by Justice Moshood Oredola, dismissed the appeal filed by the “Afayagbekun’’ and “Arobiogbon’’ Ruling Houses of Ogbon Omo quarters in Ijan Ekiti.

The panel declared the selection and installation of Oba Fadahunsi as legitimate and in tandem with the customs and tradition of the town.

In a unanimous decision, the Panel also awarded a N50,000 cost against the appellants.

The panel upheld the

Court Dissolves Two-Year-Old Marriage Over Beating Of Mother-In-Law

AN Iyana-Ipaja Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved the two-year-old marriage between Mrs Titilayo Odebode and his estranged husband, Oluwatobi, on grounds that the man beat up his mother-in-law.

The court president, Mrs Salewa Banjoko, said that all effort to reconcile the couple had proved futile as the petitioner insisted on divorce.

“The court has no choice

Man, 20, Arraigned For Allegedly Raping 2 THE Enugu State Police Girls In 2 Days Ngozi Ideani, said the

Command has arraigned one Ikenna Ugwu, 20, of Ugboeke in Igboeze North before an Enugu Magistrates’ Cort for alleged rape.

Ugwu was arrested for allegedly raping a 15-yearold girl at Ugboeke on July 26 and another 17-yearold girl on July 27.

The prosecutor, Mr.

Emmanuel Ajogwu, told the court that the complainants could not come to the court because they were hospitalized following the injury from the rape.

The prosecutor called three witnesses to testify in the case.

The magistrate, Mrs.

decision of the lower Court delivered on November 28, 2008 by the incumbent Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

Reports say that state High Court, presided over by the Chief Judge, had held that the Onijan should continue in office and enjoy all benefits attached to it.

The High court had then ruled that the Onijan’s appointment was normal.

The Appeal Court in its judgement, averred that both the oral and documentary evidences presented by the respondent, Oba Fadahunsi, were credible and had

probative value, contrary to appellants’ claims.

“The Otutubiosun Ruling House is duly recognised by Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law as part of the ruling houses.

“The enthronement of Oba Fadahunsi as Onijan from that dynasty did not contravene any law,’’ the Panel said.

It will be recalled that Oba Fadahunsi was presented the staff of office on April 29, 2003 by former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo.

The presentation of staff of authority followed the vacation of the interlocutory order got by the plaintiffs which had restrained the government from presenting it.

witnesses would testify in the high court where the Department of Public prosecutor would file the information on the mater.

Ideani said the accused should be remanded in prison while the case be transferred to the Attorney-General and adjourned it indefinitely.

than to dissolve the union because the marriage has broken down totally.

“Both parties are no longer husband and wife, they are free to go their separate ways,’’ she said.

The petitioner, Titilayo, a 32-year-old trader, had filed a suit on June 10, alleging that her husband beat up her mother and urged the court to dissolve her two-year-old marriage.

“My husband went to my parents home to beat up my mother for allegedly insulting him,’’ she said.

She also accused Oluwatobi of battery and maltreatment.

“Oluwatobi turned me into a punching bag. I had to pack out of his house because I didn’t want him to kill me before my time,’’ she said.

She told the court that she was no longer in love with Oluwatobi and urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her custody of their

two-year-old child.

“I cannot stay with the man who can beat up his motherin-law; that shows that he has no respect for my mother,’’ she said.

The respondent, Oluwatobi, a 35-year-old cobbler, had told the court that Titilayo vacated their matrimonial home to live with her boss.

He said that he returned home from work on December 24, 2012, to discover that his wife had moved out of their home.

“My wife is promiscuous; when I heard that she was dating her boss, I queried her but she denied it.

“But now, she has moved into the house of his boss,’’ he said.

He admitted beating up Titilayo, but said that it only happened occasionally when she did wrong.

“I used to beat her up, but not regularly; just to make her turn a new leaf, which she never did,’’ he said.

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N ws Allow Children Basic Six Go Through

Some pupils and teachers during the first graduation ceremony of Divine Standard Academy, held recently at Fugar.

I ’ll Not Preside Over Corrupt Police - IGP THE Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, has vowed to flush out bad eggs in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), saying he would never preside over a corrupt police service.

Abubakar made promise in Abuja while answering questions from State House correspondents

over the police officer dismissed last week for demanding N25,000 bribe from a motorist in Lagos,.

He said the punishment was not too harsh and warned that any police officer caught in corrupt

Farmers Encouraged To Use Improved Seeds To Boost Food Production

THE Fadama III National Project Coordinator, Mr. Tayo Adewumni, has advised farmers across the country to use improved seeds to boost production and ensure food security.

Adewunmi made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said that the improved seeds had the capacity to double crops annually over a shorter period.

On the extension of the Fadama III project from 2013 to 2017, Adewunmi explained that it was aimed at supporting the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

“The extension they are giving us now is to support the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

“The additional financing is to encourage more production of all the crops in the value chain; we are talking about rice, cassava, sorghum.

“Once the crops are produced in large quantities, then they will be able to mop up production.

“The essence of Fadama under additional financing

which has been supported by the Federal Government and the World Bank is to encourage our farmers to produce.

“If you are producing one hectare before, you have to increase it to five hectares.’’

According to him, 70,000 youths have benefitted from the Fadama project across the country.

He said the youths were being encouraged to engage in farming to bring about a revolution to the agricultural sector, noting that the present farmers were aging and getting weak.

Adewumni cited Ondo State as an example where Fadama youth village is being established in the 17 local governments of the state in collaboration with the Ondo state government.

He added that 43 percent of Fadama participants were women as they were majorly involved in production and processing of farm produce.

“Our farmers are aging and when the youths are been encouraged, definitely there will be total revolution in the agricultural sector.

practices would not be spared.

He said the NPF was ICT compliant, hence it would continue to use modern telecommunication gadgets in apprehending corrupt officers.

“You can see that we are IT compliant; we know what is happening in the You Tube, we know what is happening all over the world.

“We believe that we have to do what is right.

We monitor our officers and men. Sometimes we even set them up to ensure that we get them on the act.

“I will not run a corrupt police service.’’

Abubakar assured Nigerians of adequate security of lives and property during and after Sallah celebration

He enjoined the people to continue to support the law enforcement agencies by providing them with useful information to address insecurity across the country.

Abubakar also commended the media for its cooperation and support to the police in combating criminal activities in the country.

AN educationist, Mrs. Ugo Igbowelundu, has advised parents and school authorities to allow pupils to go through Basic Six before seeking admission into secondary schools.

Igbowelundu, Head, Research and Planning, Directorate of Police Education, told newsmen in Lagos that avoiding Basic Six was detrimental.

“Some children who proceed from Basic Five to secondary school are still too young and might not perform well.

“Parents have failed to realise that those who designed the curriculum to include primary six, understand child psychology.

“Children who are pushed into secondary schools too young have the brain and attitude that may not cope with the secondary school curriculum,” she said.

Igbowelundu appealed to school authorities not to succumb to pressure from parents to allow their children to go into

Institute Harps On Culture As Way Of Solving National Challenges

MR. Ndubuisi Ahanonu, Creative Director, International Institute for Creative Development, said culture would provide a veritable platform for solving the challenges of modern existence if properly imbibed.

Ndubuisi made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said that culture, if fully recognised, would help in the attainment of the country’s Vision 20:2020.

The director added that

the culture sector would also facilitate the building of a wealthy and transparent country.

According to him, the private sector must at this stage come into the sector to encourage a PrivatePublic Partnership.

“The private sector should at this point key into the culture and tourism sector to encourage Private-Public Partnership.

“This will make the sector to be versed and as well the sustainable resources will

permutations within the ranks of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rotate the governorship of the state based on “ the CalabarOgoja Accord’’.

This position was taken by the APC hierarchy shortly after its inaugural meeting in Calabar.

It stated that Cross River North had yet to occupy the governorship position in the state since the inception of the present democracy.

Chieftains of the APC and

Chairmen of the three major defunct parties in the merger, Mr. Hilliard Eta (ACN) Prince Terry Bisong (ANPP) and Mr. Mike Agbeh (CPC) are the main proponents of this position.

According to them the position of the APC to zone the governorship to the North was in addition to an earlier resolve of their individual parties which have fused into the new party to zone the seat to Northern Senatorial District.

APC Reserves 2015 Gubernatorial Slot For Cross River North

THE All Progressives Congress (APC), a newlyregistered political party, has resolved to reserve its platform for governorship slot in the 2015 elections for candidates from Cross River North Senatorial District.

The party also said that its position on the matter was in realisation of the fact that it would amount to injustice to deny the Northern Senatorial District of the state the governorship slot in 2015.

Its statement was coming on heels of political

- Educationist

secondary schools from Basic Five.

She said that Basic Six prepared a pupil for JS1 and should be allowed to impact well on the pupil.

She noted that many private schools encouraged going into secondary school from Basic Five, and urged that it should stop.

“In the past, Primary Six was the only stage that children got certificates for admission into JS1,“ she said.

Igbowelundu urged parents not to rush their children’s education.

“It is not how fast your child goes but how well.

The child must be allowed to move gradually from one stage to the next so that he can comprehend better,” she said.

She also called on the regulatory bodies to monitor and penalise schools encouraging pupils to go into secondary schools from Basic Five.

be developed to become an economic backbone.

“If this is achieved, the industry can now play an important role in arresting youth restiveness and also stimulate job creation and citizenship empowerment.”

Ahanonu stressed the need for re-orientation of cultural administration of the sector thereby putting the culture sector far beyond mere tradition and festivities.

He further said that there was need to highlight some areas of cultural similarity with the aim of cementing friendship and unity as a nation.

“It should be combined efforts to grow the economy and this will only be achieved through efforts by the government at all levels in the area of job creation and economic empowerment.”

He, however, called for cooperation among agencies of the tourism sector, urging them to be more creative and resourceful in the country’s quest for development.

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N ws STF Arrests Attackers Of Female Corps Member In Bayelsa THE Special Adviser to Bayelsa Governor on Security Matters, retired Col. Bernard Kenebai, said two people had been arrested in connection with the recent attack on a female corps member in the State.

Kenebai told newsmen in Yenagoa on Thursday that the Special Task Force, acting on a hint, arrested the two people suspected to have attacked the corps member, Miss Folakemi Akinbode.

He said that the task force received a call from the State Government’s Security Coordination Centre on a hint about the where abouts of the suspects.

Kenebai said the team raided Gbarain area, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa, where they arrested the two suspects, Weri Malua and Ebi WestJato.

He said the suspects were arrested with machete and two handsets, Blackberry and Nokia brand phones said to belong to the corps member, stressing that the operatives were on the trail of others.

The adviser said Akinbode’s limb was chopped off in the attack by the suspects last Tuesday while returning from her place of primary assignment.

The reports say that the suspects had gone to the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, to donate blood.

They were attended to by

NDLEA Arrests Bricklayer With 2.07kg Of Cocaine THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 46year-old bricklayer from Anambra State, who attempted to smuggle 2.07kg of cocaine into the country.

A statement by the Spokesman of the NDLEA, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the suspect was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, with 83 wraps of substance that had tested positive to cocaine.

“He was detected with the help of scanning machines during the screening of passengers on an Asky Airline flight from Brazil.’’

Ofoyeju said the suspect was recruited by a drug cartel in Brazil and when arrested excreted one of the highest quantity of cocaine ingested at a time so far this year.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that drug barons now have agents who move from village to village in search of drug mules.

“They have several antics, which include promise of better job opportunities abroad. The case is under investigation.”

their victim, after which they were paid an undisclosed amount by the Hospital Management through Akinbode.

After that, the suspects waylaid Akinbode who is a medical doctor, and attacked her with machete, leaving her left her arm held by thin flesh.

Reports say that the suspects had been handed over to the police for further interrogation.

THE merging forces of some political parties under a formidable umbrella, All progressive Congress (APC) has been described as a welcome development to Nigeria politics and nation building.

The chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (A.C.N), Egor, Mr. J.O. Aigbogun made the remark in a chat with newsmen in Benin City.

The A.C.N Chieftain who hailed INEC initiative to

APC: A Welcomed

Development - Aigbogun

By VICTOR OMOALU

register the APC party described the development as a breath of fresh air into the political system of Nigeria.

Hon. Aigbogun who attributed the high level of

Divine Standard Academy Holds Graduation Ceremony THE Divine Standard Academy has held it’s first Graduation in ceremony at Fugar, the Administrative headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area.

In his speech, the chairman of the occasion and former Action Congress of Nigeria (A.C.N) Chairman in Etsako Central local government area, Pastor Paul Osugbo said the school is founded on the foundation of God and that is why he is proud to be associated with it stressing that any Association that is not found on Christ cannot stand the test of time.

On his part, the parents Teachers Association, (PTA) Chairman, Mr. Akhigbe said the school is one of the best in the local government stressing that the school has transformed the lives of many pupils in the locality.

He urged parents to support the school financially and morally to enable it get to greater height adding that the foundation given to the pupils will be an excellent one in the near future.

The proprietor of the school Pastor Adewale Gabriel Ifah admonished parents to bring their children in the fear of the Lord as that is the only

way a child can be great in life. He called on parents to imbibe the spirit of sending their children to school as Education is light.

He asserted that the school will continue to soar high because of the foundation that is built on Christ.

Also speaking, Mrs. Adewale popularly called “Big Aunty” expressed gratitude to Almighty God, the parents and staff of the school for their support and cooperation adding that God will continue to replenish everyone of them.

Present at the ceremony include the chairman of the occasion, Pastor Paul Osugbo, the leader of Etsako Central legislative Arm, Hon. Ataikhiru

Murtala, Councillors, Mr. S.E. Ehiwere, Mr. Rony Ipigbe, Mr. M. A. Agbebaku amongst others.

Divine Academy was founded on the 9 th of August 2009. The motto of the school is “Foundation for Excellence.”

High point of the ceremony was the display a cultural dances and reading of Bible verses by the pupils of the school.

THE Executive Chairman of Etsako Central local Government Area Council, Hon. Emmanuel Ozemede Momoh has urged Muslims in the country to

pray for Peace,, Unity and Progress.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Mr. Elias Inaede called on

Traders Surrender N25m Worth Of Expired Drugs To NAFDAC TRADERS at Bridge-Head Drug Market, Onitsha has

handed over expired drugs worth N25 million to NAFDAC in Anambra.

Mr Kenneth Nwosu, Chairman of Onitsha Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers Union (OPPMDU), made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha, Anambra.

He said most of them were submitted to the union executives by the traders;

this year but was postponed, due to security challenges.

Muhammad, who assured that the commission was fully prepared for the election said: “all we are waiting for is improvement in the security situation. ”From April when we announced the postponement of the earlier scheduled date to now, there has been great improvement in the security situation across the state, we hope it will be sustained and improved upon for a conducive atmosphere for the election.”

“The idea of rushing to acquire power is not called for. Some of the leaders at the party’s national level are desperate for power,” stated Prince Eweka.

The Edo State Coordinator of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) stated further that the A.C.N which he described as the most popular party, had been performing in terms of providing the desired dividends of democracy to the people.

He asserted that the issue was not about a particular party but those elected to lead.

He said the late President Yar’Adua was a PDP, noting that his imprint will remain in the sand of time, just as he maintained that the electorates remain the people who determine who govern them through their votes.

Momoh Urged Muslims To Pray For Peace, Unity And Progress

while some were seized by the Task Force against Expired, Fake and Substandard Drugs.

“They are products of many pharmaceutical companies within and outside the country. We also handed over a handful of fake drugs discovered by the task force.

“NAFDAC had deposited the expired drugs in their store in Agulu to take proper record of them pending their destruction’’, he said.

Yobe’s Election Commission Ready For Council THE Yobe State Independent Jauro commended political Polls - Chairman parties, Electoral Commission (YSIEC), security agencies and said it had procured electoral materials for the 1,714 polling units for elections in the 17 Local Government Councils in the state.

The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Muhammad Jauro, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Damaturu.

The chairman explained that “except the ballot papers, all other materials, including the updated voter register, ballot boxes and logistics have been obtained by the commission”.

Reports say that the election was earlier slated to hold in June

poverty in the country to bad leadership style in the country, however described the newly registered APC as a responsible party to reckon with come 2015 general elections.

He further described the party as that which is committed to providing a pragmatic participatory representation for the people.

However, the South, South Deputy Commandant of the vigilant Group of Nigeria, Prince Sylvester Eweka, said he is neither against or in support of the merger party.

Rather, he (Prince Eweka) emphasized that the A.C.N party should have concentrated more on laying its structures across the country before considering the merger idea.

other stakeholders for their contributions toward preparations for the election.

The chairman assured that the commission would maintain its open door policy through the stakeholders’ forum to give people opportunity to contribute to the success of the election.

He noted that the arrangement put in place would give every electorate the right to exercise his civic duty as “we have taken all measures to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised in this election”.

Nwosu said the union had re-enforced its task force to enable members to work round the clock.

“We have opened more channels of information flow between the traders and the task force. People can now drop information in a box without mentioning their names.

“The task force will track down any suspicious product or dealers’’, he said.

Dr Christiana Esenwah, Assistant Director of NAFDAC in-charge of Onitsha Special Zonal Office, commended the traders for their bold initiative to rid the market of expired drugs.

Esenwah said the agency was still looking up to the market executives to do more and sensitise its members on the importance of retaining public confidence by selling only wholesome drugs.

“We are grateful for this step and urging you to do more as well as rid this market of unwholesome, expired, fake and substandard drugs for the benefit of all’’, she said.

Muslims to imbibe the spirit of tolerances, forgiveness and embark on acts that are capable of unifying the country.

The council boss used the medium to rejoice with Muslims as they celebrate Eid-Fitri.

According to the council boss, “Muslims should develop the spirit of brotherliness in all their actions and rededicate themselves to the service of God. He enjoined all Muslims to continue to pray to Almighty God to heal the ills of the land and grant us peace and progress.

Hon. Momoh asserted that Etsako Central has every reason to be grateful to Almighty God as He has always bestowed on us abundant blessings and favour through our mutual co-existence between people of different Religious backgrounds.

“While I commend the Muslim faithful for their successful completion of the Ramadan fast, I wish to reinstate my administrations commitment to the security of lives and property shall always be given the priority attention it deserves.”

Hon. Momoh stated.

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“Thus, more importantly, what the federal government ought to aim for at this material time is to create and begin to cultivate a new paradigm today, based on the greater appreciation that what unites us is by far greater than the differences that divide us.”

NIGERIA for many decades have been failing, invariably and failing conspicuously by it bondage to underdevelopment, corruption, violence and terrorism, without looking beyond into how to attain a harmonious perfection as a nation state. Events in the past two years or so has shown that the nation is certainly drifting towards anarchy.

Evidently, this is so, evidently also most Nigerians have been left with nothing but a nation that has lost its rudders, even as there exist palpable fear across the entire length and breath of the beleaguered nation.

Thus to most Nigerians these days, the fear of the terrorist, insurgent, is the beginning of wisdom.

Though Nigeria has also enjoyed a period of relative peace in the preceding decades, there had arisen a wide spread feeling of rising and growing inequalities in the land.

The rich in Nigeria seems richer than ever before, while the poor people in their rank and file continue to decline on the scale of qualitative measure of inequality.

By and large, Nigeria has become more unequal and segregated in recent times.

Today across Nigeria cities and towns abound squalid slums, which are filled with a vast number of unemployed men and women and youths with nowhere to turn to, nor a home to call their own.

Meanwhile, most of these people have become tinder boxes of

Curbing Terrorism In Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan

anger, hopelessness, frustration and silent hatred.

Also there are millions of young unemployed graduates roaming the streets, even as they continue to wallow in despair and poverty they soon become recruiting grounds for the terrorist.

According to many an analyst, terrorism, thrives on poverty, though violence is not pathology of the poor.

However, the compound of poverty, powerlessness, lack of o p p o r t u n i t y, suppression, repression and injustice are volatile mix that sparks off terrorism world wide.

Strangely though, there has been an unprecedented increase of terrorist attack especially in the northeast of Nigeria in recent times.

Also there has been an increase in insurgency attack in recent times, that the

Nigeria government had no alternative but to declare a state of emergency in Borno.

Yobe and Adamawa States. Apart from this however, the federal government has to accept long term political obligation, because if the government is determined to root out terrorism and insurgency, it must be deprive of the soil in which to grow. And this is the gut of this piece.

Like I stated earlier experts world wide are of the view that apart from the fact that the act of terrorism form our common vulnerability, but most importantly,

Senator David Mark

only through the development of a united alliance against international injustice and social injustice will it be possible to render useless and impossible act of desperation by victims of the system who would easily resort to violence and terrorism. But this is certainly not an easy task, even as the federal government had earlier resorted to the idea of dialogue and granting of amnesty to the terrorist group, before the declaration of state of emergency in the three states.

At this most crucial and critical time in the annals of Nigeria, for

the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government must steer clear of the situation in which it would define the country in terms of modes of loyalty into “coalition members” and the “enemies” and on that basis distributes rewards and blames.

According to Javad Zarif “the need for an enemy is so strong for government that at times enemies are forged as a managerial tool. This approach to… politics has brought bloodshed and devastation to human society suppressed much potentials wasted much precious human capabilities and scarce

national resources and instead give rise to domination, violence a n d underdevelopment”.

Thus, more importantly, what the federal government ought to aim for at this material time is to create and begin to cultivate a new paradigm today, based on the greater appreciation that what unites us is by far greater than the differences that divide us.

In essence, the Federal Government must not demonize all oppositions in the name of “internal security and the war against terrorism”.

Rather what the federal government should be emphasizing seriously is how to remove the soil in which terrorism is thriving in the country. In this wise the Federal Government need to brain storm with experts, views on ways which terrorism can be curbed and made a things of the past.

In the light of the foregoing the federal government has to formulate enlightened policies and programmes of action that would truly hasten the development of this beloved nation in order to confront terrorism in a broader partnership for human development.

“According to many an analyst, terrorism, thrives on poverty, though violence is not pathology of the poor.

However, the compound of poverty, powerlessness, lack of opportunity, suppression, repression and injustice are volatile mix that sparks off terrorism world wide.”

THE WEEKEND

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

n

E counter APC: The Best thing That Has Happened To Nigeria -Erewele

RT HON. Barrister Frank Okafi Erewele is the state organizing secretary of the defunct ACN now All Progressives Congress APC |Edo State. In this encounter with WEEKEND OBSERVER, he speaks exclusively on the new mega party.

Excerpt: Sir please tell us briefly about yourself?

I am Chief Barrister Frank Okafi Erewele, a former lecturer at the University of Benin, a former director of protocol under Professor Ambrose Ali, former Director Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), under Chief John Odigie Oyegun administration, former Commissioner of Education in Lucky I g b i n e d i o n ’ s administration and chairman Urban Water Board in Oshiomhole’s first tenure and presently the organizing secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), that has transformed into All Progressive Congress (APC).

Sir what is your reaction to the registration of this new party (APC)?

I think it is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria as a country, it has improved the practice of democracy in Nigeria and Nigeria been the pivot of African politics, it has further entrenched the politics of democracy; in the whole of Africa. As a matter of fact I see the emergence of two political party system is coming on board in Nigeria, watch the APC at the lead.

Sir what challenges do you think the APC will face with the ruling PDP at the federal level?

The challenges I see for now is how to manage the membership base because every person have seen that this is a new party that has come to stay, starting with the registration of party. APC, some doubting person’s thought it was a joke: Professor Jega have done it again in the

political strategy and I think he will continue to build on his confidence that he has established by himself.

I saw him on television this morning and he said, he did not see any reason why APC cannot be registered, because they met all their requirements and went ahead and registered the party and now every person have seen APC as a party to beat.

You will see that this is the first time that three political parties, that is ACN, CPC and ANPP part of APGA and part of DPP that have come out to form a merger, in fact I see another type of political union emerging (a coalition), all the PDP governors that are democratic in nature, that are progressive in nature will definitely form a coalition with APC and make it a mega political party that people will sleep and wake up and there will be a change in the fortune of Nigeria and APC will emerge the biggest party in Africa, and once again be transformed to another level and people of Nigeria will enjoy what democracy is all about.

Sir do you think the APC will take over the presidency come 2015?

Yes, as a matter of fact, politics is not mathematics it is not where you say 2 + 2 = 4 no, politics is about strategy and I have seen it coming which ever way it goes, APC will take over the country, look at the scenario that is playing out a group in this country feel it is their turn to take over the presidency, if you give it to that part of the country, and leave out Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan on his

own would like to conduct a credible election, which will bring APC on board.

If he refuse that group that I also know is their turn to rule, if you leave them out they will team up with APC and make sure PDP is not part of the choice of Nigeria.

Whichever way it plays out APC will come on board.

Sir how would you rate APC in general?

Well, like I said this is not mathematics, when you sow a seed you wait, you wait and allowed it to germinate, you water it, it will germinate you will still water it, it will grow, if it is a seed that bear fruits, you will allow it to bear fruit, give it time to grow to maturity before you harvest; but I think APC is still in organisational stage and it will be too early to rate it 90% or 100% (percent).

But all I will say is that for the first time some young men and leaders of like minds came together in this country to form a merger and it worked out perfectly well. If you look at Nigerian history, Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria UPN) Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of (NPP), Waziri of the GNPP Aminu Kano of the (PRP)), etc they attempted a merger against (NPN) late Shagari’s party, they tried, it failed, they tried again and it failed, because they could not set aside their personal interest for the growth of the country, look at it now, people set aside their personal interest to make sure Nigeria is rescued because it is a rescued mission APC have come for that and I think God

will bless them.

I will rate APC 100% the way they came together to form the party, the way they brought up the idea.

local government in the country on how to operate the local government will direct the ward on how to

level are elected.

What is your message to the Edo people?

The message is clear,

operate; so we might start with ward congresses, followed by state congresses from these to bigger umbrella and national convention of the party, probably at the state congresses we will launch the party in the state that does not mean that there will not be a big meeting or rally but the real take off will be when the executives at the state

the luck we have in Edo state is that God have given us a messiah in Comrade Adam Oshiomhole and Adams Oshiomhole is one of the arrow head of the APC. Edo State has always being the “heart beat of the nation”. I will encourage Edo people to join hands with the Governor to be able to transform ACN into APC. I will advice Edo people to cooperate with the leadership of the defunct ACN, so that the transformation into APC will be able to take off properly and people should keep their personal differences and work for the common good of the state and at the end, the state will benefit a lot from the formation of APC.

Barr. Frank Erewele

When is APC going to be launched in Edo State?

As we are talking now, a meeting is going on in Abuja, the interim committee of the APC headed by Bisi Akande are having a meeting and they will come out with guidelines for the party.

They will direct all states of APC on how to operate, the state will direct the

“I think it is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria as a country, it has improved the practice of democracy in Nigeria and Nigeria been the pivot of African politics, it has further entrenched the politics of democracy; in the whole of Africa. As a matter of fact I see the emergence of two political party system is coming on board in Nigeria, watch the APC at the lead.”

THE WEEKEND

7

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

oThe Security Challenges Facing The Nation At The

F r The Record

Moment Is Making Every One To Have Sleepless Night BEING AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY MALLAM ABDUL FATTAH ENABULELE, THE CHIEF IMAM OF BENIN ON BEHALF OF THE MUSLIM COMMUNITIES ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATION OF ELD-EL-FITR SALLAH HOMAGE TO EDO STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 8TH 2013.

The Comrade Governor Sir, it is my singular honour and privilege to address you once again on behalf of the Muslim communities on this joyous occasion of the celebration of ELD-EL-F1TR festival, an event marking the end of 2013 Ramadan Fast.

This yearly Sallah homage to your Excellency twice every year is not only a tradition meant to show support and solidarity to your administration for the purposeful leadership qualities you had provided since your assumption of office almost five years ago, it is also an opportunity to critically take a holistic analysis of the level of development in Edo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

It is equally an opportunity to offer constructive criticism and offer suggestion on the way forward for a better society.

Justice is one of those moral virtues for which every society and culture advocate, yet it is lacking in many societies. The Holy Prophet of Islam promised those who dispense justice in all their dealings with their families and those under their authority and are fair in all their decisions that they will be rewarded with paradise and will be on thrones of light near Allah. This is because justice at all levels and in all its various forms is closeness to piety and righteousness as Almighty Allah described it in a number of passages in the Glorious Qur’an. “Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judge between people, judge with justice...” Q 4:48 Almighty Allah says: I have raised up the heaven and imposed the balance of justice so that you do not transgress in the balance.

So, establish measuring the weight of all matters in justice and do not make the balance deficient (Qur’an 55:8-9) When we look at the tendencies around the world: increasing crime rates, wars between nations, terrorist acts of extreme violence, insecurity, the biting poverty and malnourishment of human beings in many communities, the suffering of ordinary people in every country in the contemporary world, the global economic crisis facing many nations today that leads many societies to crime and violence, misery, bitterness, and a lack of happiness, all are attributable to lack of justice.

The world today is full of all forms of oppression and injustice, be it in the international arena where big and powerful nations coerce small and weak nations into political and economic subjugation and enslavement or on a national level where corrupt and dictatorial governments constantly violate human rights in all areas of human life — political, economic, or otherwise. People blackmail or attack each other’s character for political benefit, power, wealth, or influence. Indeed, one of the poisonous habits inherent in our contemporary society is injustice.

The Comrade Governor Sir, the security challenges facing the nation at the moment is making every man and woman of good conscience to have sleepless night. The question is have we truly learnt any lessons as a people? It would appear that Nigeria’s origin and inauguration in colonial conquest and armed subjugation have continued to haunt it. A century after forcible amalgamation and almost half a century after the conclusion of the civil war, arms and their bearers continue to assume a tragic centrality in the framing and possible unfolding of the nation.

At the last count, the military are involved in internal security operations in twenty eight out of the thirty six states despite the declaration of a state of emergency in 3 northern states. The situation is not getting better.

While the northern most environs of the country have become a no-go area due to a combination of political and spiritual insurgency, the fear of Boko Haram is now the beginning of wisdom, significant paths of the South are under the siege of economic and social insurgency occasioned by militancy, oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipelines vandalism, armed robbery, violent kidnapping, ritual killing, cultism, sexual harassment and raping of the girl-child, sea piracy and other deviancies.

Meanwhile to complete the armed entrapment of the entire country, the presidency, under the strategically misguided notion that it is important to secure the presidential backyard, is seriously and furiously looking for trouble by adding the Rivers state to its shopping list of self-inflicted political disasters. Even the original owners of the game of programmed anarchy are shouting that this is going to be a bridge too far, but the government is saying not to worry, that it is a little local difficulty. May the Almighty God who has programmed this nation as one entity through Lord Lugard in 1914 continue to guard Nigeria through 2015 and far beyond.

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT It is the primary responsibility of government at all levels to provide and protect the lives and properties of citizens. The present mounting insecurity across the country is traceable to the failure of some of our leaders to take full responsibility of governance and offer dividends of democracy to the people.

Government must be very serious in handling security matters and should fund security agencies adequately. Currently, government has to do more than enough. Federal, state and local governments have different but collective roles to play in security matters. Security is a costly commodity. It is the essence of nations. Insecurity renders people useless. Security is a key responsibility of government but when it fails, its legitimacy diminishes particularly in a democracy.

Money must be invested in security and wisely spent because without law and order, peace and security, there can be no sustainable development. Government has a duty to protect citizens effectively

as its constitutionally bound duty. Federal Government must deal decisively and militarily with deviant Boko Haramists. The insurgents are enemies of Nigeria. They are ignorant of Islam which regards life as sacred. They kill even in holy places. Security has over-riding consideration over all other necessities.

Our political leaders must do away with the syndrome of planning for second term especially when the first term is still midway, while the business of governance continue to suffer. If government performs so well in the first term, without much campaign in the election, the people will surely return the government to power, just like it happened in 2012 governorship election in Edo State when the Comrade governor was overwhelmingly re-elected as Governor of Edo State.

The ambition of some Nigerian politicians as regards 2015 election is one of the greatest threats to security challenges facing the country. We sincerely appeal to all politicians who are interested in 2015 general election to take it easy as power belongs to God. It is only the Almighty God who knows those who will witness 2015 and beyond.

However, those in government are not magician, neither are they spirit they certainly do not have more than two eyes. Therefore those in government alone cannot be blamed for the national insecurity problems. We are all guilty. The politicians, community leaders, religious leaders and parents are all guilty of the insurgency that is threaten this country. Is it not very unfortunate that family values are no longer upheld because parents no longer take proper responsibility of looking after family.

THE ROLE OF PARENTS It is the duty of the parents to create and maintain a pious environment in the house in which love, kind sentiments, politeness, piety, righteousness and other good qualities and praiseworthy manners should prevail and which should make the children conscientious and polite.

The house and the family is the first social environment in which the child is brought up under supervision and guardianship. Hence it has more influence on the growth and gradual development of an individual than all other social environments and before the child comes under the influence of external social conditions he may remain under the influence of his family. The habits and views of the child commence from his house and a glance on these habits and views will make the importance of the influence of the family quite manifest. The child learns from the environment of his house all the habits and general way of dealing with the people as well as views regarding sex, property and rights of others, relations between man and woman, relations between parents and children and guardianship and the role and duty of a man in the family.

In short, as soon as a child arrives in this world and finds itself in the cradle, the child is subjected to an environment which consists of the thoughts, feelings, ideas, hopes and aspirations of the family members. The house is the place where the children learn the code of life in general and the culture of their parents in particular.

Children are gift anti trust from God to parents. It is a crime to bring to this world children one cannot take proper care of. Every parent will render account to GOD on the Day of Judgment concerning how they fulfilled their responsibilities towards their children. It is as a result of the failure of parents to fulfill their responsibilities towards their children that has led to high level of crime in the Nigerian society. The children have grown up to hate themselves, hate their parents, hate their leaders, and hate the government and the society. They feel deprived and neglected. They feel injustice and become enemies of the state and constituted authorities. They thereby become vulnerable to crime and violence.

These are the bitter pills we must swallow. We have to wake up and rise up to the challenges.

THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS How can one explain a situation where a religious leader, “a man of God” was caught and arrested by the Police for allegedly defiling a nine-year- old girl and thereafter start to blame the devil for his misdeed. Religious leaders are role model and a light that direct the society to straight path. When they begin to engage themselves in atrocities of this magnitude, the society is heading for doom. Majority of our religious leaders are too materialistic. There is too much emphasis on materialism and the slogan: ‘My God is not a poor God’ to the detriment of preaching against social vices and immoral behaviors plugging the society. Let our religious leaders take into consideration and correct the dressing code of their female worshippers in order to save the society from moral degradation and decadent paralysis.

ON ASUU STRIKE At independence in 1960, Nigeria was at par with many of the countries called the Asian Tigers. From where commodity items, including palm oils, are now imported. What makes the difference is education. While the likes of Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea heavily invested in developing the capacities of their citizens, successive Nigerian governments have merely paid a lip service to education. This accumulated neglect and half-hearted response culminated into the sorrowful state of affairs in our university system, as recently captured by the 2012 Nigerian Universities Needs Assessment Report.

Education is the bedrock of every civilization. Every government appears to now acknowledge the importance of university education for the development of human capital. There is the recognition that the University system produces academic cadre or force for all other levels of education and that it spearheads research in all fields including Science, technology, Health, Agriculture, the Cultural disciplines, law etc.

Any society that wants to advance in technological development

and compete with every other nations of the world, its higher education system must be accessible to all, including and especially to the children of the most vulnerable classes. The universities must be well funded with advanced and adequate teaching and research facilities and internationally competitive remuneration to keep Nigerian academics from all over the world. With this, the universities would be able to provide the storehouse for the production of competent human resources in critical area of national life including the industries, academic, government and general administration.

Indeed, no country can rise above the quality of its university system.

As a result of the long term neglect of educational system in Nigeria, we cannot attain a globally competitive system; neither can the universities conduct research to produce knowledge for propelling Nigeria to advanced science, technology, knowledge-based economy, and improved quality of life for the citizenry.

As at today, no Nigerian university is rated among the first 1000 universities in the world. The irony of this situation is that ASUU is again on strike. There seems to be no end in sight to (the on-going) university lecturers’ strike, with the Federal Government saying some few weeks ago that the 2009 agreement it signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) cannot be implemented. The government said the complexity of the agreement had been responsible for the continued breakdown of negotiations between the two parties.

Basically, there are six vital provisions of the agreements and MoU that ASUU is begging the Federal Government to implement: 1. Injection of N100 billion intervention fund in 2012 which will build up to N400 billion annually in the next three years.

2. Federal Government’s Assistance to State Universities.

3. Progressive Increase of Annual Budgetary Allocation to Education to 26% between 2009 and 2020.

4. Earned Academic Allowances.

5. Transfer of Landed Property to the Universities.

6. Setting up Research and Development Units by Companies Operating in Nigeria.

When you look at the above provisions raised by ASUU, which the Federal Government is unwilling to implement, you will realize that ASUU is not fighting for its selfish interest.

If the government knows that the agreements were so complex why did they sign and agree to its implementation in 2009. It is a betrayal of trust and lack of confident on the part of Federal government. As the saying goes: “When two Elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers”. It is the innocent students who are at the receiving end as a result of the strike. The students have mentally and physiologically lost focus and frustrated. The determination, zeal and enthusiasm to acquire knowledge have almost been derailed by the incessant strike. I am appealing to you Sir, as a stakeholder to help once again find lasting solution to this problem of ASUU incessant strike. Federal Government must do the right thing by implementing the agreement they signed with ASUU in 2009 so that our children can return to campus for learning.

On behalf of the Muslim Communities, I will like to use this opportunity to thank and appreciate the Comrade Governor for his tremendous contribution towards the completion of the Central Mosque in Benin City without whom the actual physical transformation of the obsolete Mosque would not have taken place.

Your Excellency has by this kind gesture contributed immensely to the growth of Islam in Edo State. May the Almighty God reward you abundantly.

We are very grateful for the Ramadan gift items you provided the Muslim communities. Thank you so very much.

Comrade Governor Sir, Gold and Silver, we have none to offer, but i believe that a genuine piece of advice based on pure intention is more valuable than all the ornaments of this world.

“If we work marble it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it, if we rear temples they will crumble into dust; but if we work on immortal minds and instill in them just principles; we are then engraving that upon a tablet which no one can efface but will brighten into all eternity.

As you continue to pilot the affairs of this state to a greater height, may the Almighty God who has given you this opportunity to govern this state continue to stand by you and your team every second of your lives.

May He grant you the power, energy, strength, increase in knowledge and wisdom, the understanding and tenacity, courage and bravery, the determination, zeal and enthusiasm, long life and good health so that you will be able to complete all the good work you have started and actualize your dreams for Edo State.

May He continue to protect you and all that you have against the evil manipulations of the devil and his agents.

May HE continue to direct all your activities in the right perspective.

May He continue to guide you with those He has guided.

May HE continue to support you with those He has supported.

May He continue to bless you in what He has given you.

May He not leave you with any problem unsolved.

May He not leave you with any promise unfulfilled.

May He not leave you with any ambiguity uncleared.

May He not leave you with any positive dream unrealized May He not leave you with any affliction unrepelled.

May He not leave you with any debt unpaid.

May He not leave you with any ailment unhealed.

May He not leave you with any iniquity unforgiven There is no security away from Him except with Him. And may He continue to bless you and members of your cabinet abundantly with all the good things of this life and a better one in the hereafter.

Amen.

THE WEEKEND

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

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L ndmark

The Adorable Bagudu @ 51

EVERY day of a month in every year, people seem to be celebrating their birthday. It is a remarkable day for anyone to actually remember when he was born into this world while the celebrant will either celebrate with families or friends as the case may be.

The story of such celebration seemed not to be different for Comrade Suleiman Bagudu, the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Etsako Central local government area of Edo State as he adds another year on 8th August, 2013 to his years. This date marks a special day in the life of Comrade Bagudu whose sphere of activity has affected so many people that come his way positively.

Comrade Suleiman Bagudu was born about 51 years ago in Anegbettee, South-Uneme Clan in the present Etsako Central local government of Edo State. He is one man that has distinguished himself from his mate in so many ways and is respected among his equals especially in his community.

Comrade Suleiman Bagudu after having his elementary and Advance Diploma in school worked in some industries such as Northern Nigeria Flour Mills, Kano, Holborn Nigeria Limited and Textile Mills, Kano where he became the Organizing Secretary of the National Union of Textiles, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria. Interestingly, the comrade governor Adams Oshiomhole was at the same time the General Secretary of the union where he later moved to become the NLC president.

In 2007, Comrade Bagudu veered into Edo state politics to join the campaign train with his

long time boss having won the victory at the Appeal Court. With his dedication to work and service to humanity and his leadership quality, the Anegbettee-born industrialist was appointed member, Edo State Tourism Board and later Special Adviser to the governor on community development a position he held until November 2010 when he was appointed Chairman, Transition Committee, Etsako Central local government, Fugar.

As council chairman, the ever handsome, good looking gentleman demonstrated the confidence reposed in him by the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole hence he recorded tremendous achievements in the various sectors across the entire local government area from education to Health, infrastructure to sport and especially in the area of staff welfare. As a comrade, he believes that after work, there must be payment hence he ensures that salaries were not unnecessarily delayed while claims and allowances were paid to workers as and when due.

As chairman, Comrade Bagudu never seemed to belong to the group of “chairman is busy or chairman is not on seat syndrome” as his doors were widely opened to both career civil servants and the politicians. This is why his administrative policy was commended by all and sundry. He is invariably a man that sees constructive criticism as a challenge that will lead to a better change for tomorrow.

A man who is never afraid to speak his mind any time no matter whose ox is gored. He believes that the peoples wealth should be spent on the people’s benefit rather than sharing

By WINIFRED OSASOBO

• Comrade Suleiman Bagudu

the money to a few individual hence he was able to touch the lives of the common man on the street in the locality especially the less privileged ones in the society.

Bagudu is a man who takes other people children as his own and treat them equally no matter what it take so far he see people’s happy, he feels and understand the pains of the common man on the street, little wonder therefore he was regarded as the closest chairman to the people in the grassroots as this was showcased his widely known nick named

as the “Egwe chair” by the people in the local government and beyond especially the pen pushers who never seize to always be around him.

What else could be said about a man who was always having that burning desire to serve his people at heart never believe in pretext, bold to speak his mind any time any day no matter who is involve. This is to wish him fifty-one happy birthday and many more years ahead as he adds another year on the 8th August, 2013.

Just like a golden fish that can never be hidden, the labour leader has received

several awards from different bodies and organizations as a recognition for his immense contributions to the infrastructural and human development such as National Association of Niger/Delta Students, (NANDS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), REFILS Ibadan, Fugar America Foundation Inc. far away Texas, USA, Church of God Mission (Upper Mission Province) among others as chairman in the local government.

Comrade Suleiman Bagudu is adored by many Nigerians because of his vision, dependability, ferocity and tenderness to issues. Indeed, he is a marked eagle of hope for simplicity in majesty, courage in faithfulness and triumph in adversity. To this end therefore, he has displayed an amazing degree of charisma, charm and political brinkmanship.

He has endeared himself to the common man on the street. He believes that humanity is the key that unlocks the potentials of greatness in men. Those who begin with it have always ended well. For comrade Bagudu, there is no other way to begin than through humble paths.

With determination, hard work and a thirst of excellence, he turned a rather placid personality to an accomplished administrator and politician.

At 51, Comrade Bagudu has demonstrated that he is not only a responsible leader but also committed to the restoration and realization of the vision of this administration led by the Comrade governor, Adams Oshiomhole especially on the transformation agenda which is geared towards improving service delivery

and general well-being of the people. In this connection therefore, let me use this opportunity to acknowledge Comrade Bagudu’s humility and wisdom. This is because true leaders are known to build legacies, mobilized and harness resources through motivated people as well as develop successors.

Consequently, one can rightly and happily say that Comrade Bagudu is a scholar, an astute politician with relentless appetite for excellence. One thing that was very unique about his life was his visionary ability and agility for a functional and viable in order to ensure peace, stability and equality reign during his tenure as council boss.

Comrade Suleiman Bagudu is a man who has carved a niche for himself in the political honour in both levels. A political juggernaut of immense clout whose pedigree is quite intimidating compared to his contemporaries. At 51, he is still looking under 20 beaming with confidence and dexterity. Let me use this opportunity once again to commend his humility, sincerity and loyalty to the constituted authority and the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole and the leaders of the great party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) now All Progressives Congress (APC) for giving him the opportunity to serve the people at the grass roots.

The standard he exhibited as council boss is commendable and worthy of emulation.

I pray the Almighty God to guide, protect and grant him more robust health and long life to enable him enjoy the bounteous fruits of his arduous and sweating labour of his life.

Happy birthday Sir.

“A man who is never afraid to speak his mind any time no matter whose ox is gored. He believes that the peoples wealth should be spent on the people’s benefit rather than sharing the money to a few individual hence he was able to touch the lives of the common man on the street in the locality especially the less privileged ones in the society.”

THE WEEKEND

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

o Pastors And Sexual Abuses S ciety

ON EBS television footage of 17th July 2013 there was an amazing news caption: “A Deeper Life Pastor at Abudu near Benin in Edo State sexually abused primary school children”.

To so many unbelievers in Christianity would frown at this bizarre behavioural pattern of illicit sexual appetite being exhibited by a pastor of an apex church in this country.

EBS crime correspondent questioned the accused pastor, “how did you come about having sex with these two innocent little primary school kids?” In response he said, “I lured them into my room with the pretence of sending them errands and consequently had canal knowledge with them one by one.

One of the parents of the victim observed that he little girl was walking abnormally and decided to question her concerning unusual way she was now walking.

She opened up to her parents about her sexual abuse by a pastor.

Consequently the matter was communicated to law enforcements agents who swing into action to apprehend the culprit.

Wonders they say shall never end. In another scenario the

CNN reported yet another bizarre news captioned philadephia priest get 3 to 6-years in abuse. The highestranking Catholic Church cleric charged and convicted in the landmark philadephia child sexual abuse trail was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in prison Tuesday.

Monsignor William Lynn, 61 was found guilty in June of one count of child end angerment the first time in U.S.A church leader has been convinced of such a charge.

He was given just under the maximum sentence he faced which was 3+ to 7 years in prison for his conviction on the third degree felony Lynn who was allowed to make a statement apologized for any short comings “I have tried to serve God as best I could” said Lynn, who was not wearing his clerical collar and was escorted by bailiffs to the court room. “ My best was not good enough” said Lynn.

The trial marked the first time U.S. prosecutors have charged not just the priest who allegedly committed abuses, but Lynn is the highest ranking cleric accused of covering up allegations of child molestation and rape against priests by transferring them to unwitting parishes.

By EKAIWE IGINUA OSEMWEKHA

In another scenario, former Penn. State secondary school President Graham Sapnier said, he never would have ignored accusation of child sex abuse on campus because among other

career to the welfare of children and youth … would have knowingly turned blind eye to any report of child abuse or predatory sexual acts directed towards children. Spanier said in the letter, which was

things he said, “I personally experienced massive and persistent abuses as a child,” according to a letter he sent to the school board of trustees. “It is unfathomable and illogical to think that a respected family sociologist and family therapist, some one who personally experienced massive and persistent abuse as a child some one who devoted a significant portion of this

dated Monday and obtained by C.N.N on Tuesday.

He then blasted the findings of an internal review that found top university officials including Spannier had failed to report abuse and created an environment that helped to empower the former.

In Nigeria cases of this nature happen on daily basis but because of financial challenges the offence is swept under

“In Nigeria cases of this nature happen on daily basis but because of financial challenges the offence is swept under the carpet by the people managing the church organisation parents are secretly compensated so as not to devulge such information to members of the public.”

the carpet by the people managing the church organisation parents are secretly compensated so as not to devulge such information to members of the public.

Children of divorced parents are more vulnerable predatory of sexual attack in Edo

parties. Shocking? not to experts who have studied men assault on teenagers over the past two decades said, “we have seen a father engaging his daughter a teenager in sexual activities”, So stated a traditional Dr. Osagie who resides at New

State and beyond.

Although divorce is alien in Benin traditional marriage, certain cases abound where women are asked to leave their matrimonial home for infidelity or transgression of family taboos.

A respondent, Mr. Ugiagbe describes the orgy like parties, some Benin metro police youths throw while parents are at work. At one such party a young girl announced after consuming “Ogogoro” supplied by some matured boys in their midst “I am going to have sex with all the boys in the house” children as young as 12 and big boys as old as 27 were involved in the

Benin area in the state capital.

Particularly disturbing was a report in the newspaper: “: increasing numbers of the country youngest teen are having virginal fistula especially in the northern part of Nigeria.

According to one survey of 19,000 girls, eighty percent of them are forced into early marriage. So, they are forced to have sex at very early age.

In the light of the above sex education must be imparted on vulnerable groups across the country in order to ensure protection for our youths who are the future generation.

THE WEEKEND

10

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

a

N tion

Nigeria Without Oil

By ODINUKAEZE NNENNA

CRUDE oil was discovered at Oloibiri in Bayelsa state in 1956 by shell BP. In 1970, Nigeria secured massive wealth from its oil production. Nigeria is the largest exporter of petroleum in Africa and the third largest supplier to the United States.

Since the discovery of oil in Nigeria, it has been the moving force of economic growth in Nigeria. The nation relies heavily on the oil sector. In other words, oil is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy. Despite the fact that the country is blessed with crude oil, the condition of the country does not seem to be ameliorating.

Some Nigerian feels if country were to be without oil, the name Nigeria will cease to exist and oil is what makes Nigeria an entity. This notion is right that one sometimes imagine ‘a Nigeria without’.

Before the discovery of oil, agriculture contributed immensely to the nation’s GDPs. The introduction of oil led to the abandonment of this sector and concentrated solely on oil as the major revenue generator. Over the years, it has served as major revenue for the nation and the nation has gained tremendously from it. The agricultural sector is the largest employer of labor and yet not much attention and investment have been given to it. It will be recalled that the agricultural sector used to be very buoyant especially in the area of groundnut and palm oil production. But as a result of the neglect, after oil was discovered, Nigeria was surpassed by Indonesia as a major producer of palm oil in the world.

One wonders what the fate of Nigeria will be if the world finds another alternative to oil. Surely, there will be another

alternative because change is inevitable. But the question is “are Nigerians ready for that”? Since its discovery, oil has somehow positively impacted on Nigeria’s economy. Oil has been the moving force of

naturally produced without first giving thought to the fact that oil may dry up one day. The government’s total dependence on oil, can been described as laziness on the part of the government to create wealth outside oil. Oil is the main source of revenue and other sectors have been abandoned. If this laziness continues when oil eventually dries up, it will be

growth. Crude oil is the lifeblood of the nation’ economy Oil is something that would not last forever and the Nigerian crude oil has been speculated to dry up in about 30-70yrs time.

Also, western nations are now giving their attention to other sources of energy.

Nigeria’s national budget is close to 5trilllion naira but majority of its populace are

economic growth in Nigeria.

The nation relies heavily on the petroleum industry.

As a result of the discovery of oil, the government subsequently forgot about the existence of other sectors like the agriculture sector and made crude oil the nation’s mainstay. While Nigeria is freely drowning in a product

disastrous and it will take a long time before the country recovers. The federal government is aware of the consequences of relying on crude oil but the need to diversify, has not been given much priority. Even the world bank is of the opinion that for Nigeria to reduce its poverty,, the nation will require non-oil

still wallowing in poverty.

Most Nigerians cannot boast of 3square meals in a day. Oil has turned Nigerian leaders into huge spenders.

Furthermore, there are lots of countries without oil and they are doing quite well. In 2011, Taiwan earned 25billion dollars

“The agricultural sector is the largest employer of labor and yet not much attention and investment have been given to it. It will be recalled that the agricultural sector used to be very buoyant especially in the area of groundnut and palm oil production. But as a result of the neglect, after oil was discovered, Nigeria was surpassed by Indonesia as a major producer of palm oil in the world.”

from the sales of notebook computers also South Korea earns more than 300billion dollars per year exporting high tech products. Nigeria will remain under- developed as a result of its high expectations from crude oil.

Nigeria needs o focus on development without crude oil.

There are other sectors to be explored in Nigeria but it seems the government is just contented with oil and this spells doom for the

nation. Nigeria’s sole dependence on oil has promoted poverty and it makes. 95% of the country’s exports are oil and gas.

Nigeria needs to take a cue from Angola in Africa who has diversified its economy by transforming its state capital into a tourist attraction centre in Africa. In 2001, 341million dollars was generated from Angola’s hotel and tourism business.

Oil has been the driving force of the nation for more than 50years.

Oil dominates its foreign earnings. Also, corruption has become endemic as a result of the huge wealth coming from oil.

Additionally, despite the

enormous revenue from oil, the educational sector has not been properly funded one may begin to imagine what will happen when there is no longer oil to sell.

The nation also needs to invest in this sector, as it is the general belief that apart from agriculture, education is also one of the keys needed to sustain the economy.

Another pitiable aspect is that proceeds from oil are spent carelessly instead of using it to improve the economy. Whatever is gotten from crude oil should be used to improve and develop the agricultural and other important sectors capable of sustaining the country.

If Nigeria had remained an exporter of agricultural products like palm oil and groundnuts, after the oil boom, the race to a brighter future would have been insured and the economy would have been easily diversified.

Nigeria depends highly on oil sector which accounts for around 805of government revenues, 90955 of export revenues and over 90% of foreign exchange earnings.

If the agricultural sector or other on oil sector is properly harnessed and managed, unemployment rate will be drastically reduced, the rural areas will be developed and it will contribute immensely to the country’s GDP. Nigeria should invest its revenue gotten from oil in the agricultural sector so as to be able to feed its future generation.

The need for Nigerians to diversify its economy is not an option but a necessity.

There is nothing wrong with the idea of government generating foreign exchange from different sources instead of just a sole source.

T HE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CHANNEL HUGE RESOURCES ALREADY GENERATED FROM OIL INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES THAT WOULD ENABLE THE TRANSITION FROM CRUDE OIL. THERE IS NEED TO DIVERSIFY THE ECONOMY FROM OIL TO THE NON OIL SECTOR.

NIGERIA

CAN SURVIVE

WITHOUT OIL ONLY IF OTHER ABUNDANT HUMAN RESOURCES ARE PROPERLY ARE TAPPED INTO AND HARNESSED.

THE WEEKEND

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Challenges Of Nigeria’s Federalism

FEDERALISM IS GOTTEN LATIN WORD CALLED “FOEDUS” MEANING COVENANT OR F O R M A L A G R E E M E N T .

A CCORDING T O W IKIPEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA, FEDERALISM IS FROM THE

A POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY IN WHICH A GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE BOUND TOGETHER WITH A R E P R E S E N TAT I V E .

IN

GOVERNMENT, FEDERALISM IS USED TO DESCRIBE A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

IN

SOVEREIGNTY

WHICH IS

CONSTITUTIONALLY DIVIDED BETWEEN

A

CENTRAL

GOVERNING AUTHORITY AND CONSTITUENT POLITICAL UNITS.

FEDERALISM PRACTICED

IS IN

tiers of government; they are the federal, state and the local government.

There have been arguments in some quarters that federalism is not fully and effectively, practiced in Nigeria like the United States and Germany.

In these countries, federal government is less visible and the federal government is not everything. In Nigeria, the case is different; the

By ODINUKAEZE NNENNA government.

In Nigerian federalism, separation of power is necessary for ensuring freedom. The federal and state government should prevent an encroachment on each other ’s sovereignty.

Nigeria, borrowed most of its federal content from the united states but the government forgets that it is not what is copied or

into massive conflict, poor political, social and economic problems. A good example could be likened to the Niger/Delta problem which has strived over the years. Oil is gotten from the Niger Delta area which comprises of Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Edo States and the land is left in ruins. Yet in return, a meager 13% derivation is allocated to this region and

system of government.

Resources gotten from each state of the federation, are supposed to be used by the individual states to develop. Under the federal government in Nigeria, all political power is centralized and the states do not have any control over their resources. As a result, there is no incentive for innovation and competition among states to outdo one another in terms of harnessing its resources.

BEING OTHER

COUNTRIES.

Also, federalism is a system of government in which the power to govern is shared between the national and state government. Federalism is the system of government that separates power between a centralized government and states with each entity having defined powers.

Federalism provides for a constitutional division of governmental functions in the distribution of power and authority between the central and the states in a country. Each level of government is autonomous in its constitutionally assigned area The reason for the maintenance of Nigeria’s federalism even after independence could be the need to further strengthen its existing relations with other countries and to possess a stronger voice internationally and also to protect itself from threats to its security Federalism will score some points in Nigeria if each states and units are allowed to perform their separate functions without undue interference from the central government.

Nigeria is one of the countries in the world like the United States of America and Germany that practices federals system of government,. The history of Nigeria’s federalism can be traced as far back as 1914, when Lord Lugard amalgamated the southern and the northern protectorates to form an entity called Nigeria. Nigeria has three

• President Goodluck Jonathan

• Senator David Mark

federal government has the final say on most governmental issues.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, underdevelopment is at it height in the nation.

Though, the level of underdevelopment witnessed in the country may not be as a result of the system of government practiced, but with those at the helm of affairs in the country. Until Nigerian political leaders have a changed attitude towards the positions they occupy, and starts seeing them as public trust, things will be the same.

Furthermore, Nigeria has a strong central and weak regional government. The states are so weak that majority of the decisions are dictate by the government at the centre.

Not all states in the country can generate enough revenue without depending on the federal

the other percentages are shared equally among the other states with the federal government taking a bulk percentage. It is unfair that the region where the country’s major earnings emanate from should be abandoned in terms of development projects. Nigeria’s federal revenue allocation, has failed to adequately allocate resources for the development of this region and this has brought about hardship for the people living there. This is not a true reflection of a federal

borrowed that reflects a true federal system but the method of enforcing such contents.

The failure of Nigeria’s federalism is the inability of the federal government to maintain its boundaries. In Nigeria, the central government owns the country and its resources therein. It takes what rightly belongs to the states. The issue of the concentration of the country’s revenue in the hands of the federal government has resulted

A major challenge of Nigerian federalism is ethnicity. Nigeria is greatly diverse. Ethnicity is a major source of identity in Nigeria. Nigerians are always ready to define themselves in terms of their ethnicity rather than common nationality. Ethnic violence has become prevalent in Nigeria especially in the north.

This has brought about the idea that Nigeria is bound by nothing except by the proceeds gotten from oil and Nigeria unity shall be

tested when is exhausted.

There have been calls on the legislature by most state governors and stakeholders on the legislature to remove some provisions of the constitution which prevents states’ governors from developing their states without depending on the federal government.

The constitution ascribes more than 50%of monthly revenue from the states’ coffers to the federal government. Although, the call by the states governors, is a good one, but it could also be a means to further enrich them as they will be in total control of their states’ resources without any interference from the federal government. In addition, the federal government takes more of the nations’ wealth but the states’ governments have more developmental tasks.

In a federal system, the term “earn as you generate” should be common. Every state should be responsible for its affairs economically and socially but not entirely sovereign from the central government. In a true federal system economic stress are taken over by the states government from the federal government and the central government focuses on issues like maintaining its foreign policy, increasing its foreign reserves and sometimes check the excesses of the state governments, through the legislative arm of government.

Nigeria cannot have an effective federal system without sufficiently empowering the state government by bringing about policies that are related to the principles of federalism.

“The failure of Nigeria’s federalism is the inability of the federal government to maintain its boundaries. In Nigeria, the central government owns the country and its resources therein. It takes what rightly belongs to the states. The issue of the concentration of the country’s revenue in the hands of the federal government has resulted into massive conflict, poor political, social and economic problems.”

THE WEEKEND

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

THE WEEKEND

13

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

i

D plomacy

Nigerian Foreign Policy: Time For “...NO nation that is weak at home, politically or economically, can be strong abroad. Foreign prestige is a function of home strength. A government that tolerates no freedom at home will not be taken seriously when it preaches abroad…or retain the respect of the world…”

Chief S.O. Adebo AS

A STUDENT BACK AT THE

TERTIARY LEVEL, WE WERE MADE TO UNDERSTAND FOREIGN POLICY AS THE EXTENSION OF A NATION’S DOMESTIC POLICY. TO

GRASP

THEREFORE,

THE

INHERENT

MEANING OF FOREIGN POLICY AS A TERM IS TO SEE IT AS A BASIC SET OF PRINCIPLES ADOPTED BY A

S TAT E

TO

DEFINE

WITH

R E L AT I O N S

ITS

OTHER

C O U N T R I E S OR G R O U P S OF COUNTRIES.

IF

I N T E R R O G AT E PROPERLY

ONE I S TO

D E E P LY

N IGERIA

AND

FOREIGN

POLICY IN THE LAST ONE DECADE, THERE IS NO DENYING THE FACT T H AT T H E R E I S A S E R I O U S DEEPENING CRISIS IN THE WAY IT IS PROMOTED TO THE WORLD. OUR FOREIGN POLICY MAY LOOK PRECOCIOUS AND COMPLACENT TO ITS CRAFTERS , YET ONE SALIENT EFFECT IS THAT IT HAS FAILED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO GIVE THE COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE THE MODICUM OF RESPECT AND FEAR SHE USED TO BE KNOWN FOR AND HAVE DECADES BACK.

THE

QUESTION ON THE MINDS

OF MANY CONCERNED NIGERIANS TODAY IS: WHAT WENT WRONG WITH OUR HIGHLY RESPECTED FOREIGN POLICY?

COULD

IT BE

THAT SINCE THERE ARE SERIOUS SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH OUR DOMESTIC POLICIES, THAT IS THE REASON WE ARE NOT GETTING IT RIGHT AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL OR HOW ELSE CAN WE DESCRIBE

THE

PA L PA B L E

SITUATION WHERE WE HAVE BECOME A NATION WHICH , AS USUAL, HAS MOVED FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE RIDICULOUS IN T H E WAY WE R E L AT E W I T H DIGNITY AND RESPECT WITH THE WORLD, YET IN RETURN RELATE WITH

US

IN

A

UNBEFITTING OF OUR

MANNER

GIANT

OF

AFRICA STATUS. From Malaysia, India, Libya, Egypt, The Gambia, the United States, to Commonwealth countries like the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore,

Ghana to mention a few, Nigerians are hounded, maimed, gagged, robbed, shot at and worse of all killed extra-judiciously on flimsy excuses or at the slightest provocation. If the above are not meted on Nigerians at home and The Diaspora, they are confronted with embarrassing acts ranging from forceful deportation, harsh travel bans, xenophobic attacks, high visa fees, huge monetary down payment before travel among others. With these cases continually rearing its ugly head around the world and in specific countries on Nigerians, most especially in other countries, Nigeria seem to be in one form of bilateral partnership/ relationship or the other one begins to wonder where Nigeria’s foreign policy stands in all of these.

It is disheartening that the Nigerian state folds its arms and watch as some of these countries treat her citizens like unwanted waste and at best animals, forgetting the role we have played and continue to play in a fast globalising world. Not many will forget the sad death in 2007 of Iwuchukwu Amara Tochi in Singapore. Despite calls from both international and local human rights group to commute the teenager’s sentence, Tochi, who was arrested in Changi Airport in 2004 for being in possession of capsules containing diamorphine, was sentenced to death by hanging after a 13-day trial.

The Nigerian government, complacent as it has always been, only found it imperative to act when it was already too late. Tochi’s death, even when our

xenophobic attacks years back which led to the death of many Nigerians, there has been a systematic and clandestine move by that country’s police and citizens to frustrate Nigerians either working or living there. If Nigerians are not attacked, they are killed and such cases are never really reported in the media or

the boycott of the Commonwealth games. It is quite saddening that SouthAfrica had suddenly forgotten where it was coming from and those who gave it a safe-landing when she needed it the most. No nation would sit and watch as such impunity against its citizens permeates without necessarily putting its foreign policy to action.

Nigeria’s foreign policy has failed in this respect and should have a proper focus in tackling such dehumanising attitudes from belligerent neighbours and countries who pose as

made known to the Nigerian embassy.

It is an irony that a country like South-Africa whose freedom from and fight against apartheid was fiercely tackled by Nigeria could pay the country back with all forms of witchhunting against its citizens.

Nigeria more than any country of the world ensured that black and majority rule became a victory for the people of that country, donating money, helping with logistics and ensuring sanctions on the international stage upon the apartheid minority rule.

Even when Britain remained disinclined to punish the apartheid regime, Nigeria was quite vocal at the Commonwealth, leading to

friends yet are villains to us.

Coming back to the recent policy enacted by the British government, imposing the payment of a 3000 Pounds bond on Nigerians and some selected countries, one cannot but describe such policy as irreverent, preposterous and obnoxious, most especially when it is coming from the Commonwealth of Nations bridge builder. When we assess this situation critically with past ones, especially the one of September 1986 where the Margaret Thatcher administration decided that travellers from Nigeria and few other countries will require entry visas from their own countries before travelling, one cannot be wrong to state that the UK’s

A Rethink

By RAHEEM OLUWAFUNMINIYI

foreign policy should necessarily have saved his life, has reduced Nigeria to what Professor Eghosa Osaghae would call a crippled giant.

Not too long ago, we were inundated with the news of Nigerians deported in droves by the South African immigration for the lame excuse that the former did

• Ambassador Olu Gbenga not possess Yellow Fever Cards. It was not until the Nigerian authorities acted swiftly that such obstinate attitude from South Africa was corrected. Recent events in South Africa, most especially acts against Nigerians should be of interest to the Nigerian government for the more reason that since the

“Nigerians are not asking for a billion naira allocation for feeding but a good life where justice, equality and good leadership are the key.

When these are provided the citizenry, none would have the reason to want to “check out” and become risk factors for countries like the U.K who see nothing good in Nigeria’s good heart.”

visa policy has always actually been discriminatory against Nigerians despite our shared history.

In a critical situation like this which tends to further damage Nigeria’s reputation and already battered image abroad, one would have expected that the Nigerian government should be highly pro-active enough to start targeting British interests in the country, but rather went cold in handling the situation.

The summoning of the British High Commissioner, Dr. Andrew Pocock by the Nigerian government and the unwarranted noise made in the Legislative chambers of a revenge mission, are not workable solutions to this shocking British policy. Nigeria is just too big to be embarrassed by its former colonial overlords, most especially at a time when Nigeria needs serious and better image laundering.

If Nigeria’s foreign policy were assertive enough, such embarrassment shouldn’t have been placed on the table of the country and her citizens. It is therefore; the reason Nigeria must use all diplomatic contraptions at her disposal to turn around this rather unpleasant policy and serve as a note of warning to nations that we cannot continue to be our brothers’ keeper when they are keen on being the adversary. On the other hand, the Nigerian government must get its acts right, most especially through its domestic policies. It is because the country is fast moving out of control from those who hold it together; it is why our foreign policy is not working out well for us.

Nigerians are not asking for a billion naira allocation for feeding but a good life where justice, equality and good leadership are the key. When these are provided the citizenry, none would have the reason to want to “check out” and become risk factors for countries like the U.K who see nothing good in Nigeria’s good heart.

For those who claim to be guardian angels of the country’s foreign policy, now is the time to have a rethink else we may soon be confronted with a rather brutal policy from a country with pariah status.

THE WEEKEND

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e

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

D velopment Jonathan Scorecard

Deepening Economy, Diplomacy And National Planning

THE recent UN World Report indicated that Nigeria recorded great improvement in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2012.

The report put FDI flow into the country in 2012 at 8.9 billion U.S. dollars, compared with 6.1 billion U.S. dollars recorded in 2010.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Olugbenga Ashiru, who spoke at the ongoing Ministerial Platform in Abuja, attributed the increase to the strengthening of economic diplomacy by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

“The inflow of these investments had effect on the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in supporting the economic programme of the government,’’ he said.

Ashiru stressed that China, U.S., Britain, Germany, South Africa and some other countries had formed strategic partnerships with Nigeria in investments in power, wholesale trade and manufacturing.

“For instance, the General Electric Company of U.S. is investing over 1 billion U.S. dollars in the construction of a factory in Calabar, to manufacture gas turbines for the power sector, not just for Nigeria, but also for Africa.

“The factory will employ over 2,500 skilled workers and an equal number of unskilled workers, with wealth creation in the added value chain.

“Also, Procter and Gamble has begun the construction of a factory in Agbara, Ogun, to manufacture health materials, with the potential of creating well over 1,000 skilled jobs and huge potential for wealth creation,’’ he added.

The minister also announced that China had granted a soft loan of 500 million U.S. dollars for the construction of a light rail system in and around Abuja, adding that the

Asian country was also sponsoring the construction of a 50-bed hospital in Abuja.

Ashiru said that Mexico had also granted Nigeria 54 million U.S.-dollar-FDI to develop plantations for the cultivation of pineapple and other crops for export to European Union (EU) markets.

On international visibility, the minister said that in the last two years, Nigeria was elected into many positions which she had hitherto been denied by the African Union (AU).

“We have worked hard to reverse this trend and within this period, we have successfully secured 16 international positions for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“Furthermore, Nigeria is also at present in the highest level of decision making organ of the AU, in charge of democracy, election and good governance of the continent,” he added.

Ashiru said that Nigeria’s interventions in the crises in Guinea Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Libya, among others, had fostered Nigeria’s relations with such countries and repositioned the country in the international community.

He, nonetheless, expressed optimism that based on the recently signed deal between Malian authorities and the Touareg group; democracy would be restored to Mali soon.

“It is true a peace deal that was signed and we are optimistic. Nigeria is in the driver’s seat in this process of negotiation and the move towards elections in Mali.

“We want all countries in West Africa to be democratised and we will move towards that.

“We will work with all stakeholders to ensure that whatever peace agreement that is signed

By FOLASADE FOLARIN

is respected and we will also make sure that all other parties, including the EU, U.S. and the UN will move speedily towards elections in Mali.’’

However, Ashiru

business and refrain from committing crimes like drug trafficking which attracted capital punishment in some countries.

The Minister of National

Usman said that inflation was now within the single digit bracket of 8.6 per cent, as against 12.4 per cent recorded in 2011.

“The deliberation meeting of the International Investors Council that was just

• President Goodluck Jonathan

expressed regret that over 9,000 Nigerians were currently serving prison terms abroad, out of which 752 were in British prisons.

“Most of the remaining prisoners are concentrated in the AsiaPacific region and a good number of them are on death row.

“We are concluding Prisoners’ Transfer Agreement (PTA) with countries such as UK, Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia, Switzerland, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola and Hong Kong; so that we can bring home these Nigerians to complete their prison terms,’’ he said.

Nevertheless, the minister appealed to Nigerians abroad to engage in legitimate

Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, who also spoke at the Ministerial Platform, said that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) moved up by eight steps in world ranking within the last two years.

“Nigeria moved from the 44th position in 2010 to the 36th position in 2012, recording the highest FDI inflow of 7.01 billion U.S. dollars in 2012, overtaking South Africa for the first time,’’ he said.

concluded and the report from the index say that all indicators are moving positively towards our target of Vision 20:2020.

“This performance is expected to be sustained in the medium term, given the massive reform measures being implemented. Whichever sector you look at, reforms are taking place and these are beginning to yield results,’’ he noted.

He said that the National Planning Commission

(NPC) had initiated major reform initiatives at the federal and state levels, such as the institutionalisation of the strategic planning process at the federal level.

Besides, Usman said that institutionalisation of P e r f o r m a n c e Management System (PMS) was aimed at measuring the performance of ministries and individual officers as against negotiated performance targets.

“Progress made under PMS is the establishment of Monitoring and Evaluation (M and E) departments in NPC and M and E units in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“Signing of the 2012 performance contract agreement between the ministers and the president also led to regular ministerial performance reporting at the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“Reform data generating process was spearheaded by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which also encouraged the establishment of States’ Statistical Bureaux,’’ Usman added.

The feats notwithstanding, the minister said that there were still some extant challenges, adding that these included the issue of security and translating the robust growth rates to jobs.

Analysts contend that if the challenges, especially the security challenge, are overcome, FDI inflows into Nigeria and the national economy will receive a significant boost.

“Furthermore, Nigeria is also at present in the highest level of decision making organ of the AU, in charge of democracy, election and good governance of the continent. . . ”

THE WEEKEND

15

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

u

B siness

Busines And Right To Development

ONCE more Nigeria is in the global picture over issues relating to the activities of the International Crimes Court in The Hague, Netherlands following the visit on Monday of the Sudanese President General Omar Al-Bashir who is facing indictment and a subsisting international arrest warrant over war crimes he allegedly committed against the people of South Sudan which gained Independence only last July.

The Sudanese dictator is visiting Nigeria to attend the global health programme on HIV/ AIDS and the scourge of malaria which is being hosted by Nigeria at the behest of the African Union.

Nigeria was urged by the International Crimes Court to arrest and hand over the visiting Sudanese President but Nigeria resisted on the ground that the African Union’s resolution which grants General AlBashir immunity from arrest as a sovereign head of state is pending and subsisting.

In my column today, I am not concerned about the international politics of the International Crimes Court and the socalled indictment against some African leaders including that of Sudan and Kenya but my pre-occupation is on the practical ramifications of the concept of RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT visà-vis the current government’s transformation agenda and the fact that an

enterprising young Nigerian citizen by name Mr. Timothy Onwughai has embraced this beautiful United Nations concept of Right to development to create a thriving business which is similar to a paint revolution to create e m p l o y m e n t opportunities for many young and upwardly mobile Nigerians in line with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Government which is a salient component of the global concept of right to development.

RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT

By EMMANUEL ONWUBIKO TO DEVELOPMENT INTO THE FORMULATIONS

AND

IMPLEMENTATIONS

OF

VARIOUS POLICIES AIMED AT ENCOURAGING

AND

CREATING THE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE SECTOR

PRIVATE

TO

ESTABLISH BUSINESSES

give the city of Abuja and indeed the whole of Nigeria a fresh colorful look with his range of high quality imported paints.

Looking unassuming in his Maitama office,

Asked to relate the product to the allimportant concept of right to development, Mr. Onwughai said “Yes, of course. The brand is the second best in the paint sector; the company employs the latest technology

he shared his vision for a colorful city of Abuja courtesy of the Sherwin-Williams range of specialized, durable paints in an interview with this columnist.

It is truly an awesome product. My company is introducing this new range of paint products into the Nigerian market. The name is Sherwin-Williams Paint Products, produced in the United States of America. It is on authoritative record today that SherwinWilliams is rated the No. 2 paint brand, both in USA and across the entire globe.

for paint-making”.

He continued thus; “Its uniqueness lies in the fact that SherwinWilliams paints are 100% acrylic. This means they are of a far higher quality and more durable than most paint brands. It is also important to state that this range of paints is VOC-free.

VOC is an acronym for ‘volcanic and organic components’. What VOC-free means is that these paints are free of these toxic materials that have the potential to harm human beings. You know that most times, when houses are

WAS FIRST RECOGNIZED IN

1981

ARTICLE 22 [1] CHARTER HUMAN AND PEOPLES IN

OF THE AFRICAN OF

RIGHTS

AS A DEFINITIVE AND

INDIVIDUAL

RIGHT .

COLLECTIVE

ARTICLE 22[1] PROVIDES THAT ; “ ALL PEOPLES SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO THEIR ECONOMIC , SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

WITH

TO

THEIR

REGARDS

FREEDOM AND IDENTITY AND

IN

THE

EQUAL

OF

ENJOYMENT

THE

COMMON HERITAGE OF HUMANITY ”.

R IGHT

TO

WA S

DEVELOPMENT

S U B S E Q U E N T L Y PROCLAIMED

U NITED RESOLUTION

IN

THE

N ATIONS AS

A

DECLARATION TO RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT

AND

ADOPTED BY THE UNITED N ATIONS G ENERAL A SSEMBLY UNDER RESOLUTION NUMBER 41/ 128. T HE RIGHT TO

THAT

WILL

CREATE

E M P L O Y M E N T OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE

N IGERIAN

YOUTH AND

CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY IN

THE

COLLECTIVE

DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATION’S ECONOMY.

It is with a view to maximize the benefits derivable from the right to development that Mr. Timothy Osaho Onwughai, a remarkable man doing remarkable things has become the arrowhead of the ongoing paint revolution in Nigeria.

Armed with a top quality paint brand known as SherwinWilliams, he seeks to

painted, they have to be left vacant for days to enable the pungent fumes disperse away.

However, with Sherwin-Williams paints, there is no need for this. House owners can pack into their houses the same day that the houses are painted.”

He was full of praises to the President Goodluck Jonathan for creating the enabling environment for enterprising business persons to establish cottage industries to create economic multiplier effects on the nation’s economy.

Timothy Onwughai used the opportunity of our meeting to educate my audience on how environmentally friendly his range of business products are to the nation’s environment given the fact that emphasis is now on green environment to reduce the effects of climate change and global warming. His words; “We have paints for automobiles and for aircrafts too. We have marine paints specially designed for ships and oil rigs, oil tankers, and for pipelines. This is very useful to the oil and gas sector. This paint eliminates the need for annual maintenance as it coats the pipes effectively, also acting as sealant. It prevents corrosion and seals all leakages in the pipeline”.

DEVELOPMENT IS A GROUP RIGHT OF PEOPLE OPPOSED TO INDIVIDUAL RIGHT AND

“NIGERIA

HAS CONSISTENTLY MAINSTREAMED THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT INTO THE

FORMULATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATIONS OF VARIOUS POLICIES AIMED AT ENCOURAGING

WAS REAFFIRMED BY THE

1993 V IENNA D ECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION. HAS N IGERIA C O N S I S T E N T L Y MAINSTREAMED THE RIGHT

AND CREATING THE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO ESTABLISH BUSINESSES THAT WILL CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE AND CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT ECONOMY.”

NIGERIAN YOUTH OF THE NATION’S

THE WEEKEND

16

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

u

J stice NAFDAC And My Pikin: The Triumph Of Tenacity THE recent conviction and imprisonment of two employees of Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, on charges of producing and selling the killer baby teething syrup, My Pikin, are significant in many ways.

Not only is it a defining moment for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in its fight against drug counterfeiting, it is equally a personal triumph for Dr. Paul Orhii, head of the agency who has tenaciously pursued the matter since 2009.

THE SYRUP WHICH

ALLEGEDLY ACCOUNTED FOR THE D E AT H O F O V E R

80

INNOCENT CHILDREN BETWEEN

2008

AND

2009

HAS BEEN

THE SUBJECT OF A LINGERING, TWISTING COURT CASE .

ALARMED

AN NIGERIAN POPULACE

MUST HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED WITH

NAFDAC

WHICH

DISPLAYED AN UNCOMMON COURAGE AND DETERMINATION SINCE THE MATTER BROKE OPEN FOUR YEARS AGO. AGENCY

HAD

THE

ADDUCED

COMPELLING EVIDENCE THAT THE TEETHING MIXTURE WAS ADULTERATED, AND VOWED TO BRING THE CULPRITS TO BOOK.

It was not mere talk as events have since proved. The trial judge, Justice Okechukwu Okeke had found the Company, its Production Manager, Mr. Adeyemo Abiodun; and the Quality Assurance Manager, Egbele Eromosele, guilty of conspiracy, manufacturing and selling the dangerous baby teething mixture. He therefore sentenced them to seven years imprisonment each on the offence, while he ordered the company to be compulsorily wound up and its assets forfeited to

the Federal Government.

The judgement is a landmark in the agency’s fight against fake and counterfeit drugs. It is the first time in its 20 years of existence that the Agency would secure a conviction against drug counterfeiters. It is also a befitting outcome for NAFDAC which had adduced strong evidence to conclude that the teething mixture was contaminated by the manufacturer who used diethylene glycol in place of “propylene glycol” in its production.

Diethylene glycol is an ingredient used in antifreeze and brake fluids which is also used as industrial solvent while propylene glycol is harmless and sweet, and used in a wide range of medicines and foods.

Barewa Pharmaceutical Company had opted for diethylene glycol which is far cheaper, though it causes damage to the liver and kidney, attacks the central nervous system and causes paralysis that hampers breathing.

To every well meaning Nigerian, it was an offence that should not be left unpunished, and one in which an example must be shown. Through its Directorate of Establishment and Inspection, NAFDAC had investigated the scandal which broke out in November 2008, and concluded that its mandatory prescriptions legally stipulated for drug productions were flouted.

Investigations also found that the company relied on a school certificate holder to buy raw materials for the production of “batch

By KAYODE OJO

02008” of the drugs, and he had bought diethylene glycol instead of propylene glycol, the mistake that led to the contamination of the drug.

Evidence from the numerous laboratory tests at different hospitals

established that the Quality Control Officer did not carry out the mandatory identification tests for all the materials before production as required by law. Nothing could be more pathetic in a country battling against

NAFDAC whose DirectorGeneral, Dr Paul Orhi has remained consistent in battling the menace. He deserves strong commendation for the diligent prosecution of the case, and for refusing to be distracted from it, like has been the case in some previous celebrated

• Dr. Paul Orhi

where the children died was that “renal failure” symptom as shown by inability to urinate, was common to all the victims of the drug who were admitted to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria where the scandal first blew open.

The agency also

drug contamination. The large number of casualties made it even worse, especially as the cause of death was easily associated with the drug administered.

Victory against fake and counterfeit drugs has in recent months been coming like rain drops for

“The judgement is a landmark in the agency’s fight against fake and counterfeit drugs. It is the first time in its 20 years of existence that the Agency would secure a conviction against drug counterfeiters. It is also a befitting outcome for NAFDAC which had adduced strong evidence to conclude that the teething mixture was contaminated by the manufacturer who used diethylene glycol in place of “propylene glycol” in its production.”

cases in which the agency is involved. This time, Nigerians were impressed the way the agency provided strong evidence arising from its meticulous tests and investigations.

Though the deaths associated with My Pikin started in 2008, Dr Orhii had reopened the case immediately he assumed office in 2009 as the Director-General of NAFDAC. It was a decision that earned for him and the agency, commendation for courage and forthrightness.

He determined that the agency needed to pursue such litigations to the end, as a deterrent to others.

Now, the successful trial and conviction of the case have brought another shocking revelation: that chemicals used in large quantities for such a sensitive manufacturing concern was handled by an unqualified personnel, a school certificate holder who knows nothing about them.

Though the DG has been relatively quiet in prosecuting the fake drugs war— a departure from the old way— it is evident he has been no less effective. This is evident not only from the final determination of the instant case, but from the increasing effectiveness of its enforcement and regulatory functions. In the past few years, NAFDAC has introduced several hi-tech facilities for verifying the authenticity and validity of manufactured products for public consumption. It also introduced cuttingedge technologies, WHOprequalification programmes and other strategies in its operations, all of which have combined to improve production capacity and standardisation of the quality of drugs in the country. Within the period, Nigeria has also emerged the leading light in the use of cutting-edge technologies to fight drug counterfeiting.

In addition to serving as an inspiration to other judges, this first successful conviction is likely to re-energise the fight against fake and counterfeit drugs, considering that previous efforts in the courts have yielded little results. It has been 20 years in coming, but for NAFDAC the war against fake and counterfeit drugs has just begun. Like it vowed, the agency has indeed followed the My Pikin case to its logical conclusion; what is expected is that it builds on this landmark and on the vision of the present leadership.

THE WEEKEND

17

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

e

M dia Role Of Media, Editors In Nation Building THE art of editing a book involves a whole lot of things depending on the editor. To edit a book, an editor is required to edit all the errors and make the book generally acceptable and appealing to the reading public. It could be a tasking job but when properly edited, a book that people would ordinarily disregard after reading can end up selling millions of copies in the market. That is what editing can do to any book and it is the job of the editor to remove or add anything that will affect the quality of the book as the case may be.

In editing, an editor will come across several styles of writing and presentation by authors and it is the duty of the editor to polish these writings to a certain level of maturity and acceptability such that the reading public will appreciate the works of such authors and yearn for more of their books. Editing requires a lot of hardwork and in the process of editing a book, an editor may be required to re-write the book and remove all the jargon therein.

Editing and proofreading are not the same because you can only proofread a book after editing it.

Proofreading should be the last stage before finally going to press to publish a book. In proofreading, a proofreader majorly concerns himself with the spelling and punctuation errors but editing involves quite more than that.

Editing requires a higher level of language use, grammar, proficiency, talent, thinking and imagination on the part of the editor who will read a book several times over and know what to do in order to make that book a masterpiece through editing. Therefore, it can be said that an editor is an excellent writer who is not

only skilled and talented in writing but also in editing.

A good editor must be a good writer because it’s not possible for a person to edit books without being a writer himself. Is it possible for somebody to be a football coach without having been a footballer himself? If he coaches a football team, with what skill will he deploy in coaching them when he does not even know the nitty-gritty of playing football? The only way he can have an indepth knowledge of football as an aspect of sports is for him to have been a footballer and not just being a footballer for the sake of it but a good one at that!

Is it possible for a person to teach others without having the rudimentary knowledge of whatever he is to impart? Whoever embarks on such ignoble journey has not only opened a gateway of embarrassment and scorn unto himself but would have ended up belittling himself before the very people he is to teach. You cannot give what you don’t have, so if you cannot write or even spot the slightest errors in any write-up, then it will be impossible for you to edit any book or claim you are an editor. A good writer can develop into an editor with talent, skill, training and practice. A good editor must be a voracious reader in order to devour several styles of writing to enhance his editing skills.

When you read some very powerful and captivating books, you will think the author is so excellently gifted in writing but alas that may not be the case because it is possible that the author just wrote down his ideas in a boring and uninspiring style but when the editor picks up the book, he deployed his

By TAYO DEMOLA editing skills to polish it to make it a masterpiece bestseller. A good editing work must generally start from the title to the last word of the book and anything that will hinder the message of the book from being properly understood by the reader must be removed by the editor. A good editor must look at the

likely to stand the test of time than newspapers and magazines. In editing newspapers and magazines, the editor must preoccupy himself with editing several aspects of the articles, stories and features submitted by various writers and contributors which include the title, content, message,

content, message, style, tone, presentation, logical sequence of events and chronology of ideas as well as a whole lot of other elements which will make the book irresistible to the reader.

In editing articles, journals, magazines and newspapers, the editing skill needed is similar to that needed to edit books but not entirely the same.

This is because a newspaper or magazine is somewhat transient but a book is more permanent in nature and books are more

style, tone of presentation and so on. It is critical to note that a magazine or newspaper editor is usually subjected and restricted to the economic and sociopolitical philosophy or ideology of the publisher and such editor must ensure that all articles and write-ups are tailored to fit into a certain editorial style as directed by the publisher.

A good editor must be versatile and adaptable. He must read wide on various issues and be willing to learn new styles of writing

“When you read some very powerful and captivating books, you will think the author is so excellently gifted in writing but alas that may not be the case because it is possible that the author just wrote down his ideas in a boring and uninspiring style but when the editor picks up the book, he deployed his editing skills to polish it to make it a masterpiece bestseller.”

which keep evolving everyday as more authors emerge. Editors must be open-minded and dynamic in their editing style and should not necessarily expect all writers or authors to conform to a certain dogmatic style of writing.

Every writer should be allowed to express himself in his own style of writing while the reading public can appreciate a writer

materials, information and pictures which some media outfit publish which at times should not have been published in the first place.

These calls for proper regulation of our media laws by the government and sanction for those who violate the required standard in publishing.

Morality has been thrown to the dustbin by many

based on the quality of his work.

In Nigeria, editors will do better if they realize that they have a high stake in nation building and should not relegate their prestigious duties to the background.

Nigeria editors and publishers should consistently and properly censure whatever materials they are to bring out to the public and ensure that only the best material is eventually published.

The Nigeria media is awash with too much sensationalized news reporting and little or no investigative journalism which should be the selling point of any credible media outfit. Virtually every news item is politicized or blown out of proportion by the media which should not be the case because the media is so crucial to national development that any modern nation cannot develop without the media.

It amazes me the type of

newspapers and magazines in Nigeria that publish pornographic and half nude pictures of women and young girls just to sell their paper. The media should also refrain from publishing materials that are defamatory and outright falsehood calculated towards character assassination of a person which is presumably the hallmark of Nigerian politics. Every Nigerian has the right not to be defamed in any way and it is the duty of editors to ensure that materials brought before them are properly scrutinized and authenticated before going to press.

Therefore, editors, publishers and the media generally have a great and indispensable role to play in national development and it is their duty to ensure that their responsibility is not compromised for the sake of posterity.

THE WEEKEND

18

o

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

S ciety MOST men feels it is their biological, evolutionary, and sociological imperative and god-given right to have sex with as many women as possible. These men will often go on to say that sexual and romantic fidelity ‘‘imposed on them’’ by their wife or significant other and modern western culture is not only unsustainable, but a tired legacy of some rigid moral and religious construct that feel unnatural to them. And so they want to feel free and explore their world with women.

From a sexual standpoint, healthy adult men tend to be most aroused by a visual succession of body parts and sexual acts. Men in general also seem to have a greater psychological capacity overall to engage in objectified, even anonymous sexual experiences, which are devoid of any relationship or personal connection. This is why men enjoy pornography and strip clubs and venues that allow them to sexually objectify their body parts.

There is reason in abundance why men pull wool over the eyes of their wives. Often times, it is out of spite and neglect, while the other times, it’s because they feel they will never be caught. Dr. Kamal Khurana reviewed through his research that male infidelity can be answered from the, wife’s point of view. These reasons include: Disturbance in the marriage as the primary reason: when there are regular fighting in the home with the wife, which are left unsolved, a pattern sets in wherein the man continues to be unhappy and ‘disturbed’. In this kind of scenario, either he can fight or he can flee. When he looks for an affair, he is looking to flee dealing with the issue in the marriage, and be comforted by that ‘other person’. It is telling oneself that the problems do not affect anyone and life can continue in a better way in a parallel support.

Cheating men report boredom led to the affair: some men may find the routine of married life to be tedious and dull. These men find it easier to shift

Why Men Cheat

dominance or primacy to another relationship and feel the sparks outside to be a thrilling option, instead of finding a way to charge up marriage. It becomes present moment for gratification versus the hard job that they have to do in their marriage to resolve an issue. The extra-marital

relationship provides them with a ready–made and fresh experience, which is appealing enough to take the risk.

Cheating men love to experiment sexually: sex has always been and will always be an integral part of marriage. While some men are quite content spending the rest of their lives having sex with the same wife for many years, others prefer to experiment more as a need, rather than as option. They want to sleep with many women, many times, and

By ECHWRUDJE PRAISE

therefore do not think twice before an extra-marital alliance. It perhaps makes them feel sexually powerful and more adept than others.

Cheating men are emotionally dissatisfied: when their wives are too busy with their lives,

not be compatible so however much the wife may do, the man will always find something to complain about.

It may also happen that the woman he cheats with is his co-worker or boss, someone who praises him,

working or bringing up children or even looking after in-laws and parents, emotionally, men are left high and dry. But men are emotionally driven beings too. They want their wives to show them that they are appreciated, and they want women to understand how hard they are trying to get things right. Most men consider it unmanly to ask for a pat on the back, which is why their emotional needs are often overlooked.

Sometimes the couple may

looks up to him, and compliments his efforts.

That is another reason why, it is so critical that he feels valued at home.

Cheating men have a history of EMR: some men in their childhood may have witnessed cheating in their parent’s marriage. This somewhere gives them a message that is it okay to cheat, even though deep inside, they know this is wrong. All of us learn from our parents, so taking the risk is good enough. This acquired learning also

happens, through cheating resort taken by elder siblings, neighbours, peer group and everybody who have impacted them.

Sometimes as teenagers or young adults, some men have had multiple relationships; these men either intentionally or accidentally, end up going back to their ex-girlfriends.

The other lot goes back to their past style of having multiple relationships. It is well said, what a mind thinks, it achieves. So there are females also who are either consciously or unconsciously looking for such men.

Cheating men have wives who cheat: men also take revenge with their cheating wives, by having multiple relationships themselves.

Even if their wives are guilty and come to accept their extra-marital relationships, some men continue with the

trick. This is mostly done by men who do not want to forgive their spouses.

Cheating men think it to be ‘divorce’: some men are wilfully adulterous and use it as a mean for acquiring divorce. The law also considers adultery as a fair ground for the wife to seek a divorce. The man is cheating openly and is in a non-receptive mood, taking the wife’s feelings of frustration to an all time high.

Although this percentage is low but it is there.

Cheating men need to be needed: when men feel they are not needed by their wife anymore, they look out for another woman, who can understand them and make them feel special. As an obvious outcome of a new relationship, they get that feeling from the other woman. And suddenly when they are showered with attention, which they have not received in a very long time in their marriage, they toss their hands in the air and get deep into the new hot and happening relationship.

According to Robert Weiss, a psychologist, some men cheat because they are not who they seems to be. This kind of men never intended to be monogamous, despite taking a vow or making a commitment to do so. They lack empathy for their spouse, and they resentfully see monogamy as something to work around rather than respect. The need to get what they want, when they want it, supersedes the value they place on intimacy and partnership.

Feeling of insecurity drives some men into cheating on their partner.

Feeling old, undesirable, unattractive, unsuccessful, etc., these set of men uses affairs, prostitutes and other forms of sexual intensity to reassure themselves of their desirability and worth. They will often go to strip clubs, attempt to become that ‘‘special’’ client to a particular prostitute, or otherwise seek situations that provide external validation in an attempt to bolster their failing selfesteem.

“Cheating men are emotionally dissatisfied: when their wives are too busy with their lives, working or bringing up children or even looking after in-laws and parents, emotionally, men are left high and dry. But men are emotionally driven beings too. They want their wives to show them that they are appreciated, and they want women to understand how hard they are trying to get things right.”

THE WEEKEND

19

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

o

S ciety

Is Forced Father Fair?

THIS weekend millions of Americans will happily celebrate the role that fathers play in their families. For some families, though specifically those in which dad’s role was not freely assumed, but legally mandated - Father’s Day can be an emotionally complicated occasion. And that somewhat messy reality raises a question that is worth examining today as the very definition of parents and families continues to undergo legal and social transformation.

Women’s rights advocates have long struggled for motherhood to be a voluntary condition, and not one imposed by nature or culture.

In places where women and girls have access to affordable and safe contraception and abortion services, and where there are programs to assist mothers in distress find foster or adoptive parents, voluntary motherhood is basically a reality. In many states, infant safe haven laws allow a birth mother to walk away from her newborn baby if she leaves it unharmed at a designated facility.

I F A M A N A C C I D E N TA L LY

Brake, men should be responsible for helping with the medical expenses and other costs of a pregnancy for which they are partly responsible.

Few feminists, including Brake, would grant men the right to coerce a woman to have (or not to have) an abortion, because they recognize a woman’s right to control her own body.

By LAURIE SHRAGE

mother’s husband becomes more outdated. When there is a dispute about fatherhood rights and obligations, the courts can use different criteria for assigning legal paternity. These include a man’s marital or marriagelike relationship with the child’s mother, his caregiving and support role in the child’s

goal of collecting child support from men whose biological offspring are in the welfare system, as well as lawsuits from men aiming to avoid financial responsibility for their dependents.

Murphy, then, reasonably proposes that judges and legislators “recognize multiple bases for legal

violence or threats of violence against a mother and her children when child support orders are enforced against them.

I happen to be familiar with the social consequences of forced paternity because my mother worked in the district attorney’s office in Santa Clara County, Calif., in the 1970s and ’80s. I remember the stories that she told about

life, and his biological relationship to the child.

The legal scholar Jane Murphy has argued that a new definition of fatherhood is emerging in our laws and court decisions which privileges a man’s biological tie to a child over other criteria. In a 2005 article in the Notre Dame Law Review, Murphy wrote about paternity “disestablishment” cases in which men who have assumed the father role in a child’s life seek genetic testing to avoid the obligations of legal fatherhood, typically when they break up with the child’s mother. Her research shows that replacing the limited “mother ’s husband” conception of fatherhood with a narrow biologically based one still leaves many children legally fatherless.

Furthermore, Murphy explains how the new definition of ‘fatherhood’ is driven by the government’s

fatherhood” and be guided by “the traditional goals of family law - protecting children and preserving family stability.” Murphy argues for revising paternity establishment policies so that fewer men become legal fathers involuntarily or without understanding the legal responsibilities they are assuming.

Murphy’s proposed reforms would apply to men who have different kinds of ties to a child. They would protect a naïve man who, in a moment of exuberance with a girlfriend, allows his name to be put on a birth certificate, and a man whose only tie to a child is biological.

Coercing legal paternity in such cases leads to painful “disestablishment” battles that are unlikely to be in the best interest of the child or promote stable family relationships.

Murphy discusses cases in which legal fathers resort to

mothers on public assistance who lived in fear that a former abuser would return to harm them or their children because of the D.A.’s enforcement of a child support settlement. Coerced paternity in such caseswhere there has been little informed consent at the moment of assigning legal paternity-is typically costly to enforce and does not protect children or preserve family stability.

Feminists have long held that women should not be penalized for being sexually active by taking away their options when an accidental pregnancy occurs. Do our policies now aim to punish and shame men for their sexual promiscuity? Many of my male students (in Miami where I teach), who come from low-income immigrant communities, believe that our punitive paternity policies are aimed at controlling their sexual behavior. Moreover,

CONCEIVES A CHILD WITH A WOMAN, AND DOES NOT WANT TO RAISE THE CHILD WITH HER, WHAT ARE HIS CHOICES? SURPRISINGLY, HE HAS FEW OPTIONS IN THE

UNITED STATES. HE

CAN URGE

HER TO SEEK AN ABORTION, BUT ULTIMATELY THAT DECISION IS HERS TO MAKE.

SHOULD SHE DECIDE TO

CONTINUE THE PREGNANCY AND RAISE THE CHILD, AND SHOULD SHE OR OUR GOVERNMENT ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH HIM AS THE LEGAL FATHER, HE CAN BE STUCK WITH YEARS

OF

CHILD

SUPPORT

PAYMENTS.

Do men now have less reproductive autonomy than women? Should men have more control over when and how they become parents, as many women now do?

The political philosopher Elizabeth Brake has argued that our policies should give men who accidentally impregnate a woman more options, and that feminists should oppose policies that make fatherhood compulsory. In a 2005 article in the Journal of Applied Philosophy she wrote, “if women’s partial responsibility for pregnancy does not obligate them to support a fetus, then men’s partial responsibility for pregnancy does not obligate them to support a resulting child.” At most, according to

However, if a woman decides to give birth to a child without securing the biological father’s consent to raise a child with her, some scholars and policy makers question whether he should be assigned legal paternity.

Historically, it was important for women to have husbands who acknowledged paternity for their children, as children born to unmarried parents were deemed “illegitimate” and had fewer rights than children born to married parents. Today, the marital status of a child’s parents affects much less that child’s future. Nevertheless, having two legal parents is a significant advantage for a child, and establishing legal paternity for both married and unmarried fathers is a complicated but necessary part of our public policies.

As more children are born to unmarried parents, the social and legal preference for awarding paternity to the

the asymmetrical options that men and women now have when dealing with an unplanned pregnancy set up power imbalances in their sexual relationships that my male students find hugely unfair to them. Rather than punish men (or women) for their apparent reproductive irresponsibility by coercing legal paternity (or maternity), the government has other options, such as mandatory sex education, family planning counseling, or community service.

Court-ordered child support does make sense, say, in the case of a divorce, when a man who is already raising a child separates from the child’s mother, and when the child’s mother retains custody of the child.

In such cases, expectations of continued finiancial support recognize and stabilize a parent’s continued caregiving role in a child’s life. However, just as courtordered child support does not make sense when a woman goes to a sperm bank and obtains sperm from a donor who has not agreed to father the resulting child, it does not make sense when a woman is impregnated (accidentally or possibly by her choice) from sex with a partner who has not agreed to father a child with her. In consenting to sex, neither a man nor a woman gives consent to become a parent, just as in consenting to any activity, one does not consent to yield to all the accidental outcomes that might flow from that activity.

Policies that punish men for accidental pregnancies also punish those children who must manage a lifelong relationship with an absent but legal father. These “fathers” are not “dead-beat dads” failing to live up to responsibilities they once took on - they are men who never voluntarily took on the responsibilities of fatherhood with respect to a particular child. We need to respect men’s reproductive autonomy, as Brake suggests, by providing them more options in the case of an accidental pregnancy.

And we need to protect children and stabilize family relationships, as Murphy suggests, by broadening our definition of “father” to include men who willingly perform fatherlike roles in a child’s life, and who, with informed consent, have accepted the responsibilities of fatherhood.

THE WEEKEND

20

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

eI Will Castrate My Husband If he Cheats On Me

W eKEND ENTERTAINMENT THE story of Uche Jombo is like a movie. It has all the plots and trappings of a Nollywood blockbuster, but the only itch is that it is a real life story.

From running away from home at 14 to dating a man that cheats, and to finding love in the arm of a SpanishAmerican, the actress has surely come a long way.

In this no-holds-bar interview with The Entertainer, Mrs. Uche Jombo-Rodrigues finally addresses the rumour of dating a younger man. She indeed goes full throttle. It’s a Sunday Jombo package.

Enjoy it.

You are gradually working your way to becoming not just a prolific producer but also an impressive one.

From Mrs. Somebody to Damaged, to Misplaced and now False and Lies Men Tell, you are already carving an ideal place for yourself, what informs the transition?

First of all, I have always known right from time that I was going to eventually start investing on Nollywood. I’ve lost money, at the beginning I wouldn’t understand how these things were done. In a normal world, that was supposed to discourage me, but it didn’t. I remember I started attending auditions; I started working on myself as an actor.

My first production was Nollywood Hustler, where I was laughing my heart off. It was a good laugh about how we make movies and how far we’ve come. I knew the films I wanted to do and I wanted to first laugh so that we can get into the serious production like Holding Hope and the rest and then mix it with drama. To me it’s just growth, what I know I planned right from time was to do the films I wanted to watch, I don’t care if the story is with me for two years, if I don’t like it, I won’t film it.

Eleven films and still counting, are you so prolific?

I don’t want to use the word ‘prolific’. But I will like to use the word ‘passion’ because I like to be seen as a passionate filmmaker because sometimes there is so much I want to do, but I’m not able to do it. Sometimes if it’s all about the work, you will get discouraged if that passion part of it doesn’t come into play because it matters more to me to have a good title than to have just any title.

It matters to me what I put my name on. I might not be perfect, but I want my growth as a filmmaker to show as I keep producing the kind of films I want to watch. I don’t want to have one of the best films two years ago and shooting the worst film this year. It doesn’t show growth

and consistency, and if there is anything I was good at as an actress, it is consistency. I was at it for years and so I should know and I won’t compromise on that.

Let’s talk about these three movies; Misplaced, False and Lies Men Tell, what distinguishes them?

The movie, False and Lies Men Tell would be released soon. Misplaced was out a while ago. What distinct them is that they are all human stories. I wanted to do a story that if it doesn’t happen to you directly it will speak to one or two people who are around you when you are watching it.

We have so much that there is no need copying the Oyinbos so to speak. Luckily for us, we are cultured, we don’t have to dream up super heroes films to keep working.

We have culture, so we can always base stories on ourselves as a people because first of all, that is what brought Nollywood to the center stage. I just want to do more of human stories, stories that can speak more to me directly, I don’t care if it’s one-man or 40-man cast, if it’s a story that is speaking to me directly, and I will do it.

If your husband were to be a philanderer like Desmond Elliot in Lies Men Tell, would you react that way?

I will castrate him; believe me! To me, there is no excuse to cheat. It’s either you are with someone or not. And if you are tired of such person, please accord the decency of respecting who they are and their feelings don’t go making someone look stupid because there is no excuse. The problem with me is there are no in- betweens, Do you believe in what you are saying or you are just saying it for the purpose of the interview?

I am saying I, Uche Jombo Rodrigues, don’t have inbetween. So, that is why it takes me long time to make a decision or take a stand on something. And if I am to take on someone, we have to meet somewhere. There is no excuse not to honour an agreement you have made.

This doesn’t have anything to do with the interview; it has to do with the principle that guides me. It is not just about marriage, it is also about how I conduct relationships. It’s either it is this or that. If that is my thinking in a relationship, then you should know that for marriage it’s 150%, that there is no room for cheating.

So you believe that your husband will or should not cheat on you?

I don’t have control over what someone will do. I’m not God. I’m talking about me now, how I conduct things.

So, I thought the question is

By EFEMWENKIEKIE OSAS KELVIN about me. It’s not an option that it will happen; I will not tolerate cheating.

Are you saying you will not forgive the man who cheats on you and is manly enough to say sorry?

If you are in that situation oh God, you are going to slave for me for life. And do you know any man that will want to slave for a woman for life?

Answer.

Let me turn the table, does that mean you can

the reason why you keep having problems, get your ass up and go and be happy.

That’s all.

There was a particular relationship you had that people actually feasted on, was cheating the major reason? And were both of you compatible because people said money was actually the reason you said ‘yes’ to that particular person, that you were older than him and stuff like that?

Uche Jombo never cheat? Of course, your marriage is still young and love is still ‘shacking’ so you have not cheated yet?

Let me put it this way, I didn’t get married when I was young and stupid and I could believe almost everything. It took me a while to find someone who I thought was my soul mate.

Have you called off a relationship because of cheating?

Do you mean my past relationships? Isn’t that the only reason people quit relationship? Are you trying to go somewhere with this question? Because it sounds to me like you are.

I’m trying not to go anywhere. I like the analysis, but you know…?

I have and I will.

Sometimes, you have to give interviews and you have to hold yourself not to say things that people will not understand. I’m not a feminist; I am just an extremist. If we are in this, we are in this together. And if we are not, we are not; there is no inbetweens with me. I think life is too short for someone not to be happy. If a guy isn’t happy in a relationship, he can take-off, likewise the lady.

You don’t have to live your life for anyone and if cheating is

I have never dated or married someone I was older than in my life. So, if you have the illusion of someone’s age, that is your business, and I am even too mature for my age. And that is the problem because men of my age are small boys around me; I can’t date them. I am someone who had to become a mother to some of my siblings at the age of 14. So, I don’t know where the rumour came from.

Because you are an underachiever does not mean I should play down on my achievement. That age factor for you or a yardstick for you to succeed should not mean you should judge people with it, and I don’t have an apology.

I will continue to try to do what I need to do and to try to work harder as a person to be ahead, and if I’m learning from people who are older than me that is because I don’t hang out with my age mate. Because I don’t think there is anything else you want to teach me, and if you want to judge me by the people I hang out with or by when I started my hustle, where the hell were you at that time? What really matters to me is that people that knew me during my nottoo-proud days are so proud that this is me now. I have

come far; it’s something I’m grateful for. I couldn’t have even written it better if it was a story because if you tap my mum now and ask her ‘what are you most grateful for’, she will say Uche Obi because I was one of those kids that if you wake up my mum from sleep and ask ‘which of your children will land you in police station? She would say it’s me. ‘Which of your kids would come home with teenage pregnancy? It will be me.

At a point I felt that it’s about time I started talking about that part of my life to encourage teenagers. There was a time someone tried to blackmail me to the press, asking me to pay some money into a Zenith Bank account, and that if I refused to cooperate; he would tell the press I ran away from home at age 16. I said ‘bros, first of all, N200, 000 is small money if you want to blackmail someone’. ‘Secondly, if you want to tell the press a story, can you do it with the right date, time and age?’ I didn’t run away from home at 16, it was at 14. Now which of these people’s number do you need to confirm it because if at some point I have ever given you a reason that I was ashamed of my past, because that is why I’m here. If I didn’t go through that, I wouldn’t have arrived here. So, I told him ‘when next you are calling my phone, let it be because you want the press numbers, if not, you are dialing the wrong number’.

Why did you leave home at 14?

Tragedy happened in the family and I just didn’t want to be boxed into the corner.

There were things I felt I couldn’t let situation define where I was headed. It was a tragedy that turned out to be a wake-up call for me because without that, I think I was heading to selfdestructive path.

So, your leaving home was a turning point for you?

Yes, it was. Because at that point you not only wished you wanted to become an adult but also needed support.

Where did you run?

I stole my uncle’s address from my mum, without her knowing. My uncle was living in Lagos.

I thought the story was that you ran to live with a man?

(Laughs) I didn’t even know a man at that time. The man I knew then we were more like a cupboard love. Back then no man dared cross my way because I was a complete tomboy. I was running away from a situation, it wasn’t about me as a person so to speak. I just didn’t want to be placed where I saw my future going so, I felt this uncle of mine didn’t know much about my miscreant ways, I decided

-Uche Jombo to begin a new life with him.

Who paid your school fees?

He did pay for the first two years in the university, and then I paid the remaining.

You have started working then?

Yes, at the first AMEN Award, I did marketing; I’ve always been a hustler. I went to my uncle who gave the interview when we did Mother’s Fight for a job, but he declined because I was still schooling. Then I saw a jingle that they were planning on his table and I told him I could do it because being part of the marketing team of AMEN made me come across some artistes in Nollywood.

He gave me the jingle to do out of guilt for not given me a job. That was where I made my first million and bought my first car while I was still in school.

What prompted the use of celebrity kids in the movie, Unconditional?

Well, (Julius) Agahowa’s daughter has always wanted to act since she was fiveyears-old. She is 11 now and this is her first movie. Using celebrity kids wasn’t my intention because we had series of auditions and I told everyone I knew the age I wanted apart from Isabella Aghahowa who is playing a dual role as twins. The first time she was supposed to work with me, I didn’t start before she left for England.

God’s girl was subjected to audition and we started coaching her on how we wanted the character to speak, while Tuface’s daughter is such a drama queen. They are all wonderful.

Are you paying the kids for their roles in Unconditional?

Of course I am. They are in my budget. I don’t want to look at it as if I’m doing anybody a favour or anybody is doing me a favour. If you want them to take it serious, you have to make it look like work for them, and also reemphasize on the money.

Who are the other cast members in this movie?

There are Ruth Kadiri, Annie Idibia, Chika Chukwu, Boy Alinco, and Lepacious Bose. The film was directed

by Onyeka Chukwu.

Where is your husband from?

He is from New York City, born in Brooklyn.

When are you planning to have a baby?

Well, we are still on it… I’m planning it day-in-day-out.

What are your plans for the future?

It’s to continue with what I know how to do best, that is acting and producing.

THE WEEKEND

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

e Another Wizkid Impersonator

W eKEND ENTERTAINMENT Discovered In Imo

Stories By EDIONHON UYI THOMPSON Weeks after an impostor who claimed to be the talented single, Ayo Balogun popularly known as Wizkid defrauded students of the University of Lagos (Unilag) of the sum of N500,000.00 as full payment for a show tagged ‘Concert for Life’,

the ugly incident has repeatedly itself.

This time around, the victims are not Unilag students, but an Owerri, Imo State-based businessman, Chief Chukwudi Ofoha, the CEO of Ibari Ogwa, a popular hang out located

Wizkid

in the World Bank area of Owerri.

Weekend entertainment gathered that the imposter who claimed to be Wizkid was contracted by one Mr. Ugochukwu Favour Mayor on behalf of Chief Ofoha for a show at the hangout. The impostor is said to have charged the latter the sum of N1,000,000.00. And in sealing the deal, an advance payment of N300,000.00 was allegedly paid in the impostor’s UBA account.

An insider told Weekend Entertainment that shortly after the payment was made, the imposter switched off his cell phone, thereby raising the suspicious that he was not the real Wizkid. Based on this development, the CEO of Ibari Ogwais said to have arrested and detained Mr. Mayor at the State CID in Owerri.

Meanwhile, a source who confirmed the development to Weekend Entertainment during the week hinted that the impostor is still demanding for the balance N700,000.00 from his victim. According to the source, the Police are already investigating the

Peter Okoye Of P-Square Proposed To Longtime Girl Friend Lola Omotayo Big big congratulation to the soon to be Man and Wife as Peter Okoye of PSquare proposed to his longtime girlfriend and mother of his two kids, Lola Omotayo.

Details are not clear but according to sources (Instagram), it looks like it happened at the Square Mansion in Lagos. The question was popped and she gladly said yes…. of course she would. Plus the Range Rover Peter Okoye of P-Square gave to her.

Lola who has already giving birth to two children for Peter Okoye of PSquare is in a very happy mood this time around as her long time dream have finally come to reality and the duo living no stone unturned which they plan to prepared for the marriage rite as soon as

possible.

Some will say it’s about damn time. They have been together for over five

P-Square

years now, if we’re correct, congrats to them both for taking that next step in life.

It’s needed.

matter. But series of efforts made at press time to contact Wizkid proved abortive.

Last month, the hit-maker granted journalists an interview where he decried his continuous impersonation by fraudsters. Bugged by increasing complaints and reported incidents, Wizkid expressed worry that some bandits would go to the length to perpetrate evil acts and defraud innocent fans and customers. Interestingly, one of the imposters was recently nabbed in Lagos.

Globacom Drops Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Uche Jombo And Others As Ambassadors Telecoms giant Globacom recently dropped some of their Nollywood ambassadors after signing new ambassadors from the Nigerian music industry.

Those who were dropped include Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Mike Ezuruonye, Monalisa Chinda, Nonso Diobi, Uche Jombo and Odunlade Adekola.

These four, Chioma

Chukwuka, Funke Akindele, Desmond Elliot and Ini Edo were left so they still remain Glo Ambassaors for now. And those who were dropped have been told to go to the legal department of Globacom to pick up a letter, terminating their contracts with the telecom company. Some have picked up their letters while others are yet to do so.

Glo Ambassadors

Olamide Has Parted Ways With His Manager Nwakolor

Weekend Entertainment investigation has revealed that Olamede and his manager has stopped working together, following commitment issues from both parties.

A source close to the rapper told Weekend Entertainment that the rapper became unsatisfied with his manager (Nwakalor) commitment to his career.

Olamede who seemed to have lost confident in Tony because since working with D’banj, Tony seemed to be more committed to D’banj than him and it doesn’t work like that. Said the source.

Olamede’s new manager who gave her name simply as Rachel, confirmed the situation, but declined giving further details. She said: do you actually expect me to tell you that something happened?

Nothing happened, he just changed management and that’s all.

When reached for comments, Nwakolor ask Weekend Entertainment reporter to call back later and then did not pick up his calls when Weekend Entertainment later tried to reach him.

D’banj hired Tony Nwakolor who also manages actress Tonto Dikeh just two months ago. And the Yes

Olamide

Records boss replaced D’banj former friend – manager Abisagboola Oluseun John, popularly known as Bankulli.

Nwakolor who now runs 1805 Entertainment and Olamide started working together in August, 2011 after the rapper stopped working with his former manager, Toni Payne.

THE WEEKEND

22

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

i

L ving Dealing With Marital Infidelity Infidelity is a violation of the commitment to sexual loyalty by one or both members of a committed romantic relationship. Infidelity can take various forms, including sexual infidelity and emotional infidelity.

Technological advances in the twentieth century have facilitated other forms of infidelity, such as phone/ cybersex and viewing pornography. Although attitudes about infidelity differ between men and women and across cultures, infidelity constitutes a serious betrayal.

Regardless of culture, age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, a committed relationship usually includes a stated or implied promise of sexual (and perhaps emotional) loyalty to one’s partner. Such commitment helps define and preserve the relationship.

However, despite the explicit and implicit promise, partners may be unfaithful and ‘‘cheat’’ on the other.

Infidelity can take various forms. In cases of sexual infidelity, sexual intimacy is diverted away from the committed relationship through sexual relations with another person. Other forms of infidelity include nonsexual physical relationships, emotional affairs, and liaisons via telephone or the internet. With any kind of infidelity, intimacy that is typically reserve for the primary relationship is shared with another person without the partner ’s knowledge or consent. Extramarital sex or adultery is a specific kind of infidelity in which there is a betrayal of marital sexual exclusivity.

Some people stream-lined marital infidelity to married person having sexual intercourse with another person as against their marital pledge. Other ways of practicing infidelity includes; participation in cyber sex, reading sexually explicit literatures and viewing pornography and other ways in which individuals can violate commitments to

sexual exclusivity.

Recent technological developments such as the internet and mobile phones have increased access to pornography and potential affair partners. Some spouses regard internet infidelity just as real and damaging as face-to-face affairs. For example, recently, a lady used another name to followed her fiancé on twitter, they began chatting, after some time the girl asked the guy if he had a girl friend, he denied he does not and immediately asked the lady for a relationship, not knowing it was his fiancée. This particular guy’s action left the lady confuse if she should confront him and then quit the relationship. What would that be called? Maybe one could call it the power of the internet.

When talking about the cause infidelity in marriage, one cannot point at a particular cause, because the causes are complex and differ greatly from couple to couple. But infidelity is one of the main reasons many relationships and marriages have crumbled.

But according to Gunjan Rastogi, a writer, one can generally consider the following as the causes of marital infidelity.

Lack of intimacy: The lack of intimacy between a couple causes dissatisfaction with the marriage. Intimacy is the bridge that links two individuals in an emotional, sexual, mental and spiritual tie. The bridge suffers breakage when partners do not feel and show their togetherness with each other. Putting your complex energy into a job, children, friends or family instead of the marriage makes your spouse feel lonely.

Lack of communication: remember a marriage is not about ‘You’ or ‘I’, but ‘We’.

Infidelity happens when the ingredients of a successful marriage exist scantily. Due to lack of communication with your spouse, you may not be fulfilling his or her emotional, mental and

By EGHWRUDJE PRAISE

sexual needs. Your inability to realise and meet your spouse needs is a reason enough for him or her to resort for outside help. For marital happiness, give your partner the platform to express his/her emotions.

Talk to your partner and sort out all the differences you have.

Low sex in marriage: when sex becomes an obligation or happens occasionally, your spouse may lose his or her interest in the marriage.

Passionate and satisfying love making is crucial for a successful marriage. It shows the level of intimacy between the husband and wife. If your spouse have to keep pestering you for sex or you deny it anytime he/she asks for it, note that you are making a huge mistake. Your marriage is a low sex marriage in which you are denying sexual pleasure to your spouse, thereby giving him/her a strong reason to look for sex outside of your relationship.

Boredom: partners in a relationship that has no sense of excitement, adventure and fun in it, find it hard to stay in the relationship. Lost spark of a relationship can lead the husband or wife to look out for opportunities outside of the marriage, thereby inviting infidelity. It is advisable to be creative and freshen up your relationship by surprising your partner with unexpected plans, such as a weekend trip and seducing him or her once again.

Dr. Gary chapman, once noted that, ‘‘love euphoria (intense excitement)’’ in a marriage dwindles after a while. It is then when it is important that we choose to love. He further noted that love is a decision, therefore if it takes decision to love, so it is with remaining faithful.

Being faithful in marriage is an intentional act of love and surrender.

There are many consequence of involving oneself in extra-marital affairs, these consequences which cut across religious

belief, traditional (Africa tradition in particular), social, psychological aspects of the persons involve in the committed relationship.

Consequences can include mental/emotional suffering as well as termination of the relationship. However, the effects of termination of the relationship can be overcome and healing is possible.

Whether man or woman, cheating on your spouse is going to cause your family to break, even if your spouse

decides to forgive, you cause them to go through much emotional trauma and you sow bad memories into their lives. It will take almost a lifetime for them to trust you again.

If there are children already, this wrong practice might start affecting them psychologically, because children tend to see their parent as truthful and honest people so whatever their parent does is right, they begin to view extra-marital affairs as being right. And if this act of cheating begins to bring quarrels between the parent and they hear about it, there is this sudden fear that creeps into their young minds, that their parent is

“Dr. Gary chapman, once noted that, ‘‘love euphoria (intense excitement)’’ in a marriage dwindles after a while. It is then when it is important that we choose to love. He further noted that love is a decision, therefore if it takes decision to love, so it is with remaining faithful. Being faithful in marriage is an intentional act of love and surrender.”

about breaking up and so, they gradually retreat to themselves or take side with any one of their parent that seems to be closer to them and start seeing the other one as being evil.

African tradition on its own forbids women from participating in extra-marital affair, as it will bring curse upon the family mostly on the husband and children. For instance in Urhobo tradition, it is highly forbidden for a woman to cheat on her husband as it would lead to the gradual death of their children and even the

husband. When an Urhobo woman is caught in such act or she confesses, she pays fine and do some sacrifice in order to avert death from her family. This also is effective in other tribes in Africa.

Your unfaithfulness opens the windows in your life to the attack of the enemy who claims his right through sin.

Besides, you misrepresent the name of our Jesus as a Christain.

STEPS TO AVOIDING EXTRA-MARITAL AFFAIRS Beware of false distractions: you need to watch out for those things you don’t like before, when they start coming and instead of pushing them away, you appreciate them. The question most people ask themselves when such things start attracting them is, ‘‘is it wrong to appreciate something good?’’ of course everyone would reply nothing, but that’s the starting point.

Beware of comparison: those appreciations can become troubled water when you then begin to compare

the other person with your partner. God has designed everyone uniquely and to be discontent and compare your partner with someone else is to open a big door for the enemy to enter your family.

Beware of false feelings: these subtle admirations then become false feelings that the enemy brings into your heart. The deceptive spirit wants you to believe it is love.

At this point, you have to make disconnect with that person, it might not make sense to you or that person but it will sure help you guard your marriage.

Beware of false assurance: you have to be careful of sweet promises that might betray your faith in your partner. A lot of women have

separated themselves from their husbands to a new relationship that looks and sounds more promising but at the end, they are left high and dry and trying to locate their way back to their husband (this also applies to men).

Beware of false touch: lingering handshakes to harmless winks are all parts of this deception. The enemy quickly arouses your emotions to make you feel all the more special.

Beware of secrets: sin breeds faster in private. The thought that no one is going to catch you or know is the greatest fuel that pushes people to try stupid things that they will regret later in life. And to facilitate that, you begin to let lies into the relationship, taking every bits of credibility and then your heart begins to be numb to the affection and reality of your marriage.

It is advisable to pursue 100% transparency in your marriage. If you miss the mark, don’t fail to confess and recommit. Deceit and cover-ups are just steps away from losing your marriage to foolishness.

THE WEEKEND

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

s

I sues Re-Establishing Borno As ‘Home Of Peace’ “HOME OF PEACE’’— the catchphrase for Borno State — is not out of place, according to its governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima.

The governor, in a recent media interview, said that the motto was coined after a thorough consideration of the state of affairs in the state, which also shares border with countries such as Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroon.

“Borno is the gateway of Islam into this part of the world; a confluence state, a melting point of ideas and the citadel of Islamic scholarship.

“We have always been a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, while peaceful coexistence and tolerance have always guided our relationship with other nationals. We cherish peace and we don’t discriminate against strangers,’’ he stressed.

Malam Usman Chiroma, the General Manager of Borno Radio Television Corporation, corroborated the governor’s viewpoints, saying that different ethnic groups across the country and even foreigners had been living in peace in Borno.

However, analysts have been wondering whether the “Home of Peace’’ catchphrase for Borno is still relevant, considering the current security challenges facing the state.

They note with concern the violent activities of the Boko Haram sect, describing the bombing of the INEC office in Bulumkutu, Maiduguri, in 2010 as the threshold of violence in the state.

However, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, the Shehu of Borno, stressed that the sect’s activities since then had been very worrisome, as every member of the society was affected by the sect’s campaign, irrespective of their ethnic or religious background.

“Boko Haram makes no deliberate attempt to attack a particular interest group; if it does, they wouldn’t have attacked me,’’ he said.

According to him, most activities in the state, including businesses, have been paralised due to the fear of Boko Haram attacks.

Irked by the growing security challenges facing Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the states on May 14, as part of structural efforts to restore peace to the troubled states.

Jonathan said: “After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, Sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I hereby declare a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

“I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to cooperate maximally with the armed forces and the police to ensure that the exercise succeeds.

“We call on the citizenry to cooperate with our security agencies to ensure a return to

By ABU DAN’AZUMI (NAN)

normalcy within the shortest possible time,’’ he added.

Months after the declaration, observers laud the President for the action which, they note,

Haram camps and have discovered many arms, ammunitions and improvised explosive device materials,’’ he said.

According to Musa, the

has been effective in efforts to restore normalcy to the affected states.

Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF), said in a statement that the Boko Haram insurgents had been in disarray with no central authority, coordination or administration.

“Most of the terrorist commanders and foot soldiers have either been arrested or killed in their daily encounter with the JTF. “We have been able to destroy all identified Boko

JTF has been able to restore peace and order in the affected areas, as people could now move about freely, while schools and other public institutions have reopened.

“The situation has also created socio-economic relief and it has led to the emergence of youth vigilante group, popularly known as “Civilian JTF’’, which has created serious impact on the society.

“We are monitoring, guiding and regulating the attitudinal disposition of members of the group, in

“I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to cooperate maximally with the armed forces and the police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to cooperate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time...’’

terms of the way they display their weapons and approach members of the public,’’ he said.

THE ARMY OFFICER, HOWEVER , SAID THAT THE

V E RY

“It is part of our postconflict management strategies to create jobs in public works, particularly in construction, vocational skills and agriculture.

“Those that have the capacity to further their education will be supported, while those with limited skills will be assisted to enhance their skills so that they can

Musa expatiated that the youth had assisted the JTF with useful information, which facilitated the arrest of confirmed or suspected members of the Boko Haram group.

In spite of the security measures put in place, Shettima stressed that in efforts to address the Boko Haram crisis, “we have to attack the causes of extreme poverty, illiteracy and hopelessness.

“We have to create jobs, empower the youth in order to bring this problem to a final end.’’

However, the governor pledged his administration’s determination to plan adequately for the members of the youth vigilante group, insisting that unless a proper framework was put in place to engage them meaningfully, there would be no progress.

become better citizens,’’ he said.

Shettima said that the state government had spent more than N15 billion on agricultural schemes to ensure aggressive grassroots socio-economic development.

“I am for dialogue and I will always be for dialogue; I will always support any Nigerian who wants peace, and we also support the Federal Government’s dialogue with Boko Haram.

“Borno is ours, we have no place to call our home, we have a duty to reinvent and rebuild Borno’s shattered peace; this is a task which we must all work very hard to achieve,’’ he said.

All the same, observers note that the declaration of a state of emergency and the JTF’s security operations in Borno have certainly facilitated efforts to restore peace to the state in a pragmatic way.

INVOLVEMENT OF THE YOUTH IN THE SECURITY OPERATION WAS A TESTIMONY THAT THE PEOPLE OF

THE

S TAT E

WERE

APPRECIATIVE OF THE JTF AND ITS ACTIVITIES , ADDING THAT

“THEY

H AV E

BEEN

SUPPORTIVE’’.

THE WEEKEND

24

p

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

O inion

First Ladies And Their Excesses WHO says women are not powerful? Women are not just powerful; they indirectly or directly determine how the affairs of most nations are run. Some of the most important decisions in history have either been influenced or even made by women. Like Groucho Marx the American classic comedian once said “Man does not control his own fate, the women in his life do that for him” Women wield a lot of power and influence not just in the kitchen or in the bedroom, they wield a lot of influence when it comes to a man’s ears as well.

There is nothing that influences a man’s decision as much the voice of his wife or mistress as the case may be. There are several examples of powerful men in history whose actions were backed or motivated by women.

Examples of such women include Isabella I of Castile, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Nefertiti Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra and several others.

In modern times, the position that best depicts the influence, prestige and power of the woman is that of the wife of the president or head of state and Nigeria have had its fair share of wives of presidents and heads of state who have one way or the other influenced the decisions and actions of their husbands.

When it comes to wives of the president or head of state, we have seen different types; we have seen the flamboyant, the reclusive, the flashy, the matronly and even the coquettish. The evolution of the position of first lady in Nigeria has been in stages and eras. It has slowly evolved from the initial harmless and supportive position to the overbearing monstrosity we have presently.

First, there was the era of “oyibo” first ladies; when spouses of the different Governor-Generals acted as

first ladies, the most notable of which was Lady Flora Shaw Lugard who named this geographical space Nigeria, after her husband decided to weld people of different cultures and languages together as one country.

Then came the era of indigenous first ladies, when we had the likes of Flora Azikiwe, Victoria AguyiIronsi, Victoria Gowon, Ajoke Mohammed, Esther Oluremi Obasanjo and Safinatu Buhari acting as first ladies. These ladies were noble, they operated from the background. They merged their roles as wives and first lady seamlessly.

These women realized that they were ladies first before been first ladies and they comported themselves in like manner. They were seen but not heard. They knew their place especially in the African context. But their laid back posture didn’t detract anything from their elegance, as most of them carried themselves only in manner befitting of queens.

Simply put, these women were role models.

Sadly, the era of these noble first ladies ended with the coming of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. His spouse Mrs. Maryam redefined the concept of first ladyship; she took the position to another level altogether. She remodeled the position using the American template. She was beautiful, intelligent, charismatic, flashy, ambitious, and reveled in her position as the wife of the president. Unlike others she didn’t just want to be seen, she also wanted to be heard and she wanted a position/space of her own.

She carved out for herself and sought to legitimize the

By IKECHUKWU MBACHU

witnessed an era in which an unconstitutional first lady became more powerful than a minster, an era where ministers became answerable to the first lady.

An era in which some

• Patience Goodluck Jonathan

position of first lady.

She started her own pet project, Better Life for Rural Women and with her panache she got everyone attracted to the project, never mind that most of the fund for her project was public fund. Politicians, business men and others all struggled to be identified in one way or the other with her project. She strutted across the land like an empress with her flashy smile and Nigerians were enamored by her. Maryam Babangida thus set a negative trend, as almost every other first lady that came after her followed with their own uppity character and pet projects.

Save for Justice Fati Abubakar, every other first lady improved upon the

illegitimacy created by Maryam Babangida. This trend continued such that over time, the illegitimate and unconstitutional position of the first lady became fully accepted and even somewhat endorsed by Nigerians. First ladies of this era became so influential and powerful so much so that we thought that we have seen the height of abuse of power and privileges by these women. But along came the present era, the era of Turai Yar Adua and Mrs patience Faka Jonathan.

With the coming of Turai Yar Adua and Mrs Patience Jonathan, the excesses and abuse of the ideals of first ladyship went ballistics.

Under Turai Yar Adua, we

“When it comes to wives of the president or head of state, we have seen different types; we have seen the flamboyant, the reclusive, the flashy, the matronly and even the coquettish. The evolution of the position of first lady in Nigeria has been in stages and eras. It has slowly evolved from the initial harmless and supportive position to the overbearing monstrosity we have presently.”

ministers were even rumored to have acted as cooks for the first lady. An era where the vice president could not get access to the president until the first lady gave approval, an era in which a single woman and a few other men conspired to hide a president for months on end and held a country of over 170 million people to ransom.

However, the advent of Mrs. Patience Jonathan have made Alhaja Turai Yar adua look like a learner in the abuse of power by first ladies.

Under Mrs. J o n a t h a n , unconstitutionality has become constitutionality and illegality has become legality. Never before has Nigerians seen such flagrant abuse of power. This era has seen the creation of the office of the first lady with full paraphernalia of government thus making the position an official one. The first lady now moves across the land like an elected official complete with all the perks and appurtenances.

Nowadays, people dread the visit of the first lady to their state because of the inconveniences associated with such visit. The visit of

the first lady to some state like Lagos and lately Rivers state meant the total lockdown of these states.

Never mind the fact that the position of the first lady is not mentioned anywhere in the constitution, there is a now an official seal of the first lady of Nigeria.

Knowing Nigerians and our high level of tolerance for the absurd, I am not worried that few people have opposed or raise any alarm about the excesses and impunity of the first lady. What worries and troubles me is where and when this impunity and excesses is going to end?

Some weeks back, the first lady visited Rivers state and ever since that visit, Rivers state have not been the same. Rivers state has become a theatre of war.

Even though the first lady has denied playing any role in the imbroglio in Rivers state, we all know where the different combatants are drawing their source of strength.

The imbroglio in Rivers state reminds one of the local parlance “the witch cried yesterday and the child died today, who does not know that it was the witch that cried yesterday that killed the child who died” Fact is whether, Mrs. Goodluck Jonathan admits it or not, her conduct so far leaves much to be desired.

We are witnessing something of an aberration in Nigeria today, where an unelected first lady sees herself as more superior and powerful than an elected governor and keeps instigating people openly against a sitting governor.

I care less about the travails of the governor and his squabble with the first lady. This is their private affair. If they don’t like each other’s face, so be it, but their quarrels must not be allowed to form a clog in the wheel of governance of state.

My take is if these first ladies desire power that much, they should simply wear the garb of politicians and stand for elections instead of this unconstitutionality we are witnessing right now. We cannot have two presidents in a country. The role of the first lady is at best an advisory role and should be seen purely in that context at least until the role is constitutionally changed.

This impunity must stop! It has to stop!

THE WEEKEND

25

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

p

O inion Achieving Quality Road Construction Via Efficient Legislative Oversight MEMBERS of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Works were in Abia recently to inspect ongoing road projects, as part of their oversight functions.

They were also in the state to verify claims made by the Abia Government for reimbursement on expenses incurred in reconstructing federal roads.

The state government claimed that it has spent N14.6 billion on the maintenance of 16 federal roads.

The roads which the lawmakers inspected include UmuahiaBende-Ohafia road; Ikot Ekpene-Aba-Owerri road; Ikot Ekpene-Aba road; OlokoroAhiaukwu-Itaja-Obuohia road; Olokoro-IsialaOboro-Nnono road and Olokoro-Ariam-Ikwuano road.

OTHERS ARE AHIAUKWUAMANGWO-UMUAHIA-NGWA ROAD ; N KPORO -A BIRIBA OHAFIA ROAD AND ABIRIBAAROCHUKWU-OHAFIA ROAD. The lawmakers used modern road testing equipment to ascertain the quality of the roads and confirm if the contractors actually executed the projects according to specifications.

Briefing newsmen after the inspection, Rep. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, lamented that the

committee discovered that over 85 per cent of roads in the South-East geopolitical zone fell below standard.

He blamed incessant road failures in the area on several factors, which included award of contracts to incompetent contractors and poor supervision by the works ministry.

O z o m g b a c h i commended the Abia Government for its intervention in rehabilitating federal roads in state, adding that N20 billion had been earmarked in the 2013 budget as refunds to state governments that executed federal road projects.

He, however, noted that more than 60 per cent of the 300,000 kilometres of federal roads across the country were in a deplorable state.

Ozomgbachi said that the committee’s resolve to use modern road testing equipment during the roads’ inspection was designed to get to the root of the problem.

“Due to our intention to get to the root of the problem, we acquired equipment like coring machine, smith hammer, tape and concrete testing equipment, among others, to ensure that contractors executed the projects according to specifications.

“With the use of these equipment, we have been able to uncover why our roads continue

By FRANCIS ONYEUKWU (NAN)

to collapse, while the government keeps expending huge amount of money on roads every year with little or no

reconstruction of the Section 3 of the Ikot Ekpene-Aba road, awarded at the cost of N2.991 billion in

Bello, the Federal Controller of Works in Abia, said that the pragmatic approach adopted by the federal lawmakers would boost the delivery of road projects.

• Aminu Tambuwal

result,’’ he said.

Another member of the committee, Rep. Tobias Okwuru, said that the committee decided to use the road testing equipment to ensure that the government got value for the money spent on road projects.

Mr Godwin Eghieye, the Director of Federal Ministry of Works, who is in charge of highways in the South-East zone, conceded that some contractors failed to execute their contracts according to specifications.

He also said that the contract for the

December 2009, had yet to be completed, even though it had August 2011 as its completion date.

“Other details of the road projects are known to the contractors and the government expects the contractors handling the projects to execute them according to specifications,’’ he said.

Besides, Eghieye said that “work appeared to be moving at snail speed in a number of road projects toured by the lawmakers in Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra and Abia states.’’

However, Mr Nasiru

“Rep. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, lamented that the committee discovered that over 85 per cent of roads in the South-East geopolitical zone fell below standard. He blamed incessant road failures in the area on several factors, which included award of contracts to incompetent contractors and poor supervision by the works ministry.”

He, nonetheless, gave an assurance that road projects would be effectively supervised, especially with the deployment of additional personnel to the state.

Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia blamed the bad condition of roads in the South-East zone on the devastating effects of the 1967-1970 Civil War. He stressed that state governments in the zone lacked the wherewithal to reconstruct the roads, soliciting the Federal G o v e r n m e n t ’s intervention in that regard.

Orji said that his administration had spent N14.6 billion on the maintenance of 16 federal roads in the state.

He expressed the hope that the lawmakers’ visit would facilitate the refund of the money spent on the projects by the Federal Government.

The governor,

however, said that the road reconstruction contracts awarded by the Federal Government in Abia had been abandoned because the contractors were not duly mobilised.

He listed some of the abandoned projects as the Arochukwu-Ohafia road as well as the Olokoro-Ahiaukwu road.

Orji also noted that allocations were not made for the road projects in the 2013 budget, adding that the situation would negatively affect the achievements already recorded by the government in efforts to improve the infrastructure.

He called for the lawmakers’ intervention in efforts to ensure that existing road projects, which that were not captured in the 2013 budget, were captured in the supplementary budget.

All the same, Mr Eddy Anyanwu, a contractor, stressed that the execution of road projects according to contract specifications would pose no a problem, as long as the government fulfilled its contractual obligations to the contractors.

“We submit monthly returns to government on what should be done to address the perceptible challenges facing contractors handling federal road projects; if all those things are done, I think we will make appreciable progress,’’ he said.

Even though most of the reasons behind the poor execution of road projects by contractors are quite obvious; stakeholders insist that tangible efforts should be made to compel contractors to execute projects according to specifications.

THE WEEKEND

26

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

e Why Corruption Persists In Nigeria N ws Analysis

THE former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has offered reasons as to why corruption persists in the Nigerian polity, citing impunity and lack of political will to fight the menace of corruption as the major obstacles.

Ribadu, who was the presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 presidential election, stated that only a corrupt-free president who is also ready to subject his cronies to processes of the law, in case of infringement, can lead the crusade against corruption.

Other hitches to successful anticorruption war

identified by the exEFCC chairman include interference in the works of law enforcement agencies, and certain loopholes in the justice administration which make corruption cases difficult to prosecute.

RIBADU SPOKE RECENTLY AT A RAMADAN LECTURE ORGANISED

BY

THE

U NIVERSITY OF L AGOS MUSLIM ALUMNI, WITH THE THEME “CORRUPTION AND JUSTICE IN NIGERIA”.

Corruption profile of Nigeria, according to him, is rising to a worrisome level as many convicts go largely unpunished or given a mild sentence for monumental theft.

He also described recent pardon of some highly placed individuals convicted of corruption by the federal government as

By MALLAM NUHU RIBADU

rubbishing the war against corruption.

“So many corrupt people get away with their acts, largely because of their relationships with heads of institutions that ought to counter or expose their abuse of office. Some convicts are being granted state pardon, thereby rubbishing the whole effort at corruption.

These practices have turned corruption into a sort of culturally or ethically accepted trend,” he said.

According to Ribadu, it takes a great deal of

goodwill and readiness of the political leadership to launch an effective anticorruption campaign, as he cited the example of the infamous Malabu oil deal and the report of the presidential task force on oil revenue as being jeopardized by executive silence.

For a new leaf in antigraft crusade, Ribadu advocated for electing credible and incorruptible leaders who would set the tune for the crusade, as well as strengthening of anti-corruption

agencies for them to be truly independent.

Ribadu, however, dispelled the clamour for special courts for corruption, arguing that what was needed is review of the procedural laws and sincere application of

same by any court of competent jurisdiction.

The former EFCC chairman also charged the legislative arm of government to be alert to its oversight responsibilities which, he said, is a primary mechanism of tackling corruption.

• Nuhu Ribadu

Viewpoint And God Said, Let There Be Sex YOU’RE probably reading this article because the title got you curious, offended or slightly infuriated. If that’s the case, I’m glad I got your attention. However, my intention is not just to arouse your curiosity but to remind you of some fundamental truths which we all know — at least intuitively — but often choose to ignore. So please read on.

Whenever sex is mentioned, especially in religious circles, most people put on a “whatare-you-talking-about” look as though it doesn’t affect them. But we all know that it does. No matter how religious you are, you have to admit that sexual urge is natural and you cannot satisfy it by fasting and prayer or any other spiritual discipline. So, rather than

turning a blind eye, we must learn to address it within the right context.

I was moved with compassion as I read the story of Seyi Kolade, recently reported by The Sun of UK. Seyi explains how sex addiction took hold of her life for more than 13 years.

Recounting her ordeal, she says “It was a craving and a fear of how I’d feel if I couldn’t get it. Once I did, it was a huge relief, like a weight was lifted.

It’s like any addiction. It made me selfish, selfdestructive and depressed but it was a cycle I couldn’t escape.

When I started having sex with my boyfriend I thought it was the answer and would stop me feeling so lonely. But it wasn’t enough.” Like many people, Seyi was using

By PHILIP AMIOLA

sex to replace her feelings of loneliness.

Seyi lost her virginity at 13 and struggled with sex addiction until she sought help when she hit rock bottom at 30.

On the other hand, some people treat sex as taboo. Most of us were not told the truth as children and teenagers whilst some of us were told ninety-nine percent truth plus one percent lie.

But ninety-nine truth plus one percent lie is equal to deception!

Quite unconsciously, many people have imbibed the lie that God is against sex — that He doesn’t want people to enjoy themselves. But really, this is not true. God created sex and even blessed it! He owns the

trademark and it bears His signature. And like any manufacturer or service provider, He included terms and conditions – sex is meant to be enjoyed and protected within the context of a committed and loving relationship, between a man and a woman in the lifelong covenant of marriage.

After having 40 partners and bedding 370 men, Seyi has apparently realised this. Now, she says “I don’t plan on having sex any time soon.

If the right guy comes along and I feel I’m in a stable, loving relationship, I’d feel safe to do it.” Sex is best enjoyed in marriage. In marriage, a man and a woman can enjoy intimacy with each

other without fear of abandonment, betrayal, or disease; and within this type of relationship with a stable mother and father, children can be best cared for and raised to healthy maturity. God created sex to be enjoyed between a married man and woman; not between individuals who are not married to one another as in pre-marital sex, free love or extramarital sex; and not between members of the same sex, as in homosexuality.

These restrictions are not meant to spoil our fun.

Rather, they are meant to shield us from avoidable grief and devastating heartaches. Sex outside of marriage comes with many problems, a few of which include disease, unwanted pregnancy and

uncared for children, guilt and emotional trauma.

Consequently, it is in our best interest that we heed the gospel of abstinence, fidelity and sexual purity.

However, for those who have caused themselves a lot of grief before realising this, there is still hope. I have great respect for people like Seyi Kolade who have boldly stepped out to tell their story. Our attitude towards such people should be compassion, not condemnation.

Postscript: Seyi Kolade has now trained as an inspirational speaker and happiness advocate. At workshops and seminars she can help others understand what sex addiction is, where it comes from and recovery. Check out her work at www.ar4h.co.uk.

THE WEEKEND

27

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

Today’s Diet With Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Praying For Spiritual Services

Memorise: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8 Read: 1st Corinthians 2:12-13 Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1-3

ONE reason many people are failing God ministry and in their circular jobs is because some people are copying methods rather than follow the Lord. Another reason is that they are following the wrong things. If you pursue the wrong things or focus on what is not needful, it will definitely affect you. When Naaman was leaving with all the goodies he had, Gehazi vowed to go after him. What are you after? God sees the hearts of men. Naaman, came to the man of God hoping to pay for his healing. The man of God ‘‘was sensitive to the Spirit of God and so he refused a gift from him. There are some servants of God who have never refused a gift before. In fact, if something is not offered to them after God has used them to be a blessing, they take offence and begin to complain. Such people are following the path of Gehazi.

Romans 3:24 says we are justified freely by His grace, 1 Corinthians 2:1213 and Romans 8:32 say that Go has freely given us the things of the Kingdom. Did you pay for your s a l v a t i o n , sanctification or baptism in the Holy Spirit that makes the miraculous possible in your life? Matthew 10:8 s a y s , “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

Today, the greed of some ministers of the Gospel makes them to compel or cajole recipients of blessings from Gods grace on their life to pay in cash or in kind. In other

words, the concept of free reception and free delivery fast becoming obsolete. Some ministers will say, ‘ I laid hands on you and the cancer in your body disappeared. You know how much it costs to treat an incurable disease like cancer. If it is half of what you would have spent on treatment, go and bring it; after all, it is not easy to acquire the anointing’. Has the anointing suddenly gone on. The Lord frowns seriously at this! If recipients of miracles on their own decide to show appreciation, that is fine; but it is very wrong for them to be compelled or cajoled or ‘pay’ for what they have received. If they pay, they may never see the need to turn their lives over to God.

Key Point: If you sell the gift of God which should be freely give, you will be made to pay back on the day you have nothing at hand.

Viewpoint

And God Said, Let There Be Sex

By PHILIP AMIOLA

YOU’RE probably reading this article because the title got you curious, offended or slightly infuriated. If that’s the case, I’m glad I got your attention.

However, my intention is not just to arouse your curiosity but to remind you of some fundamental truths which we all know — at least intuitively — but often choose to ignore.

So please read on.

Whenever sex is mentioned, especially in religious circles, most people put on a “whatare-you-talking-about” look as though it doesn’t affect them. But we all know that it does. No matter how religious you are, you have to admit that sexual urge is natural and you cannot satisfy it by fasting and prayer or any other spiritual discipline. So, rather than turning a blind eye, we must learn to address it within the right context.

I was moved with compassion as I read the story of Seyi Kolade, recently reported by The Sun of UK. Seyi explains how sex addiction took hold of her life for more than 13 years. Recounting her ordeal, she says “It was a craving and a fear of how I’d feel if I couldn’t get it. Once I did, it was a huge relief, like a weight was lifted. It’s like any addiction. It made me selfish, selfdestructive and depressed but it was a cycle I couldn’t escape.

When I started having sex with my boyfriend I thought it was the answer and would stop me feeling so lonely. But

it wasn’t enough.” Like many people, Seyi was using sex to replace her feelings of loneliness.

Seyi lost her virginity at 13 and struggled with sex addiction until she sought help when she hit rock bottom at 30.

On the other hand, some people treat sex as taboo. Most of us were not told the truth as children and teenagers whilst some of us were told ninety-nine percent truth plus one percent lie. But ninety-nine truth plus one percent lie is equal to deception!

Quite unconsciously, many people have imbibed the lie that God is against sex — that He doesn’t want people to enjoy themselves. But really, this is not true.

God created sex and even blessed it! He owns the trademark and it bears His signature.

And like any manufacturer or service provider, He included terms and conditions – sex is meant to be enjoyed and protected within the context of a committed and loving relationship, between a man and a woman in the lifelong covenant of marriage.

After having 40 partners and bedding 370 men, Seyi has apparently realised this.

Now, she says “I don’t plan on having sex any time soon. If the right guy comes along and I feel I’m in a stable, loving relationship, I’d feel safe to do it.” Sex is best enjoyed in marriage. In marriage, a man and a woman can enjoy intimacy with each other without fear of

abandonment, betrayal, or disease; and within this type of relationship with a stable mother and father, children can be best cared for and raised to healthy maturity. God created sex to be enjoyed between a married man and woman; not between individuals who are not married to one another as in premarital sex, free love or extramarital sex; and not between members of the same sex, as in homosexuality.

These restrictions are not meant to spoil our fun. Rather, they are meant to shield us from avoidable grief and devastating heartaches.

Sex outside of marriage comes with many problems, a few of which include disease, unwanted pregnancy and uncared for children, guilt and emotional trauma.

Consequently, it is in our best interest that we heed the gospel of abstinence, fidelity and sexual purity. However, for those who have caused themselves a lot of grief before realising this, there is still hope. I have great respect for people like Seyi Kolade who have boldly stepped out to tell their story. Our attitude towards such people should be compassion, not condemnation.

Postscript: Seyi Kolade has now trained as an inspirational speaker and happiness advocate.

At workshops and seminars she can help others understand what sex addiction is, where it comes from and recovery. Check out her work at www.ar4h.co.uk.

THE WEEKEND

28

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

o

F cus Professionalizing Revenue Collection In Delta State

Generally, there are three major indicators or measure of an efficient tax system number of tax payments, time required to comply with tax obligations and total tax.

In Delta State, factors which had hindered the timely achievement of a well organised system of taxation included multiplicity of taxes before July 2009 were inadequate use of technology in tax collection and a defective tax dispute resolution process.

Among several other

the professionals in the state under the auspices of the Tax Audit Monitoring Agency and the Board of internal Revenue is already generating huge results as reflected in the tax collections in the past two years.

TAMA which comprises bodies/groups of tested professionals, tax practitioners and accountants, skilled in tax management and administration was instituted

by DBIR in May 2011 with the sole objective of bringing

Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas

reasons adduced for the cumbersome nature of tax administration in the state were: lack of transparency and accounting, collection of taxes by touts and lack of tax awareness.

It was to eradicate the aforementioned challenges and to sanitise the revenue collection process in the state, that the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue led by Hon Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, started a process of involving experienced Tax Professionals and accountants in the administration of taxes in the state.

The collaboration between

professionalism and expertise to bear in relating with all companies in Delta state, improve on the state IGR and expand on DBIR tax net.

TAMA was also saddled with the responsibility of monitoring, auditing and investigating companies operating in Delta state shore to enable the attainment of the actual tax due (i.e PAYE & WHT) and payable to the state Government.

In carrying out its responsibility, the Tax Professionals largely employed moral-suasion to convince its various clients on reasons why they should

By DR. JIDE BROWN willingly comply with the tax laws in the state rather than being compelled to do so.

Having created the conducive environment for operation, members of TAMA had been liaising with their clients to ensure that full disclosure of all employees, adequate/actual PAYE deductions, full disclosure of all contractors’ details and adequate/actual deductions of WHT. The understanding that exists among the Board, Tax Professionals and the clients has further helped in ensuring full disclosure of all expatriate employees, provision of actual expatriate quota and monthly immigration returns, provision of expatriate deletion where applicable and prompt remittance of monthly PAYE and WHT to the bank.

Collection of DBIR receipts from their local Tax offices and provision of copies of monthly PAYE and WHT receipts to TAMA for record purpose has also become routine. At the end of each calendar year, TAMA also promptly carries out an end of year Tax Audit of its clients.

This strong and organised relationship between DBIR, TAMA and the tax-paying corporate organizations and individuals has further enhanced an efficient tax system in the state as virtually all clients promptly comply with Tax audit request.

During this period, the tax audit monitoring agency has successfully Tax-audited all its clients for all prior years before their appointment, while some for the 2011 financial year and 2012 financial year are already completed.

Because of the collaboration between the tax professionals and the tax board, tax compliance has increased as most clients have paid up all their tax liabilities to DBIR. TAMA also liaises between

its clients and DBIR at the instance of its clients and thus enhance tax compliance by providing relevant DBIR tax details to enable the creation of a better and robust tax template for their use, expansion of tax net: sourcing of clients to increase DBIR tax clientele base and creation of client education/awareness to help them embrace DBIR. This innovative collaboration between the DBIR and TAMA has contributed immensely to the current improvement of Delta State IGR .

However, in order to take the ‘’Delta beyond Oil’’ policy to the next level, there is the need to create further tax awareness and enlightenment of the informal sector to further get more tax paying public into the tax net of the state.

The success of the working relationship between the Tax Professionals and DBIR, has also been attested to by the Executive Chairman of the Board, Hon. JoelOnowakpo Thomas, who said the revenue agency had engaged the services of tax professionals to work on behalf of the state government in the new reforms.

He told some World Bank functionaries recently that the consultants were going through the books of the different companies in a cordial atmosphere with their officials, and come up with the relevant taxes to be paid, based on the laws of the land. ‘’In the past, multiple notices were issued in respect of taxes but the new partnership between the board and the companies is meant to address such matters. The agency is committed to ensuring efficient tax generation that would lead to increased for

the state.

According to Hon. JoelOnowakpo, measures put in place were already yielding appreciable results and had led to “the remarkable increase in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue from N1.2 billion when the Board was inaugurated July 2009 to N5.7 billion recorded

by January this year.”

He noted that the board’s relationship with the tax gurus had led to the blocking of all the leakages in the tax system . “Before 2009 the dependence on oil in the state was 90 per cent and what that meant was that if for instance there was a drop or a frustration in the oil price, it will affect everything in the state including the payment of salaries”, he added.

Tax Professionals at a recently held meeting in Warri, unanimously agreed that by empowering them through engagement as Tax Consultants to work with the State Board of Internal Revenue in the areas of Tax Audit and Investigations to recover arrears of taxes, the state government has also succeeded in putting the collection of taxes on the path of sanity.

They added that with the inclusion of Tax Professionals in the collection of taxes in the state, the government has also succeeded in creating employment for young tax consultants in the state who are now working as employees under the consultants.

However, the concept of ‘’Delta beyond Oil’’ by the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan which s vastly gaining ground in the state was conceived as an alternative to oil receipts while focusing attention mainly on the state’s Internally Generated Revenue .

Other such strategies adopted by the State Government to empower the citizens so as to achieve the vision ‘’Delta Beyond Oil’’ include the provision of MicroCredit Schemes aimed at supporting the Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

This apart, the state government has been providing basic infrastructural facilities to assist the private sector operators to grow their businesses and thereby increase job opportunities for the youths in the State.

There has also been tremendous progress and improvement in security situation in Delta State through the commissioning of the Delta State Waterways Security Committee.

The empowerment of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), to address issues of underdevelopment and creation of jobs in the oil producing communities of Delta State with the much needed basic facilities in the host communities is also making some desired positive impact.

Other efforts by the state to refocus the economy from an oil-based one include the expansion of Osubi Airport, near Warri, investment of over N15 billion (approximately US$93.7m) in Federal Government IPP Project as part of her counterpart funding to step up power generation and distribution in the state and partnership with private investors towards the completion of an Independent Power Project (IPP) to produce power for the usage of the State.

Over 100,000 people have also benefited from the promotion of commercial and industrial entrepreneurship scheme and the development of the tourism sector of the State respectively and the development of the marine sector in cooperation with Federal Government towards building a multi-million dollar landing jetty in Okwagbe to support the state’s transport infrastructure.

The Industrial Parks such as the Warri Industrial and Business Park, the Koko and Ogidigben Industrial Park/ Export Free Trade Zone and the Asaba Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park are some further measures to take the Delta State economy from depending on allocations from oil revenues.

“The success of the working relationship between the Tax Professionals and DBIR, has also been attested to by the Executive Chairman of the Board, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who said the revenue agency had engaged the services of tax professionals to work on behalf of the state government in the new reforms.”

THE WEEKEND

29

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

Lauren Blank Feels PSG Can Challenge For UCL Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc says that finishing second in Ligue 1 would be a failure, while also maintaining that his side can win the Champions League this season.

Blanc, 47, took over from Carlo Ancelotti this summer and he will be expected to emulate the achievements of the Italian, who led PSG to their first French title in 19 years before leaving for Real Madrid.

The former France national team coach should face stiff competition from big-spending Ligue 2 champions Monaco, but Blanc insists that failing to retain the league title would not be good enough.

“Our target will not have been reached if we finish second,” he told Le Parisien. “Our aims are clear — to do as well as possible

in all the competitions that PSG take part in. The Champions League? We want to do as well as, if not better than, last season.”

PSG fell to Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals last season and Blanc feels that winning the competition is not an unrealistic objective this time around.

“PSG can win it like Chelsea did at the time when it was least expected,” he said. “Everything depends on the draw, the seedings, the players who are in form at the time... I prefer to say that PSG has the potential to win the Champions League.”

Blanc has already picked up his first piece of silverware in Paris, having led his side to victory in the Trophee des Champions against Bordeaux

Big Clubs In For Luiz Gustavo Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo could reject a move to Wolfsburg as he holds out for a club competing in Europe.

Brazil international Gustavo, 26, appears certain to leave Munich, with the holding midfielder having fallen down the pecking order following the signing of Spain international Thiago Alcantara and new coach Pep Guardiola’s tactical adjustments.

Fellow Bundesliga side Wolfsburg looked to be leading the race for his signature, but Bild believes he would prefer a move to the Premier League,

with Arsenal and Chelsea reported to be interested.

Gustavo, a relatively new member of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil squad, appears to be seeking the chance to play in Europe ahead of the 2014 World Cup. Wolfsburg, who finished last season in mid-table, therefore face a tough task in persuading the player to join.

“Big clubs are interested in him,” Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told kicker.

Speaking to Sport1, Rummenigge added: “The question is whether Luiz wants to join a club that will sadly not even play [in Europe] next season, or if he wants greater things.”

last weekend. His first league match is on Friday at Montpellier, the club where he started his career as a player.

The 1998 World Cup winner is expecting the opening game to be a sign of things to come over the course of their Ligue 1 campaign.

“It will be a difficult season, like it often is after winning the title,” he said. “We have to follow up on last season and people would not understand if we didn’t so that adds extra pressure.

“Our opponents are playing against the defending champions.

They want to beat you at all costs and we’re going to see that, starting from Friday in Montpellier.”

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Brazilian centreback Thiago Silva, two key players in last season’s titlewinning team, both sought new deals at PSG over the summer.

Given their lofty reputations, Blanc was asked whether the pair would be subject to the same competition for places as the rest of the squad.

“Very few players can be considered untouchable,” he added in Le Parisien. “There are some — it’s true — but that’s not specific to PSG or to my management. That’s the way it is at all other clubs.

“Every coach has players — men — that they like. We know that the season will be long and that there will be turbulence. I have to know who I can count on... in certain positions I already have a very clear hierarchy, but in others I don’t. It will be the matches and the performances that will decide.”

QPR’s Park Returns To PSV On Loan

South Korea legend Park JiSung has returned to his former club PSV Eindhoven on loan, his current employers Queens Park Rangers said on Thursday.

The 32-year-old only joined QPR from Manchester United a year ago as one of a number of high-profile new signings under then-manager Mark Hughes.

But like many of his fellow arrivals, he failed to impress at Loftus Road as QPR were

Ji-Sung Park

relegated to the Championship.

Current boss Harry Redknapp has moved him on temporarily as he looks to reduce costs now that the west London outfit are no longer part of the moneyspinning Premier League.

Already the likes of fellow high-earners Djibril Cisse — released on a free transfer and

now at Kuban Krasnodar — Christopher Samba, sold back to Anzhi Makhachkala, and Adel Taarabt, loaned to Fulham, have been moved on.

Park played for PSV from 2003 to 2005 before some sparkling performances in the Champions League, notably against AC Milan, caught the eye of Alex Ferguson and earned him a move to Old Trafford.

His arrival at the Philips Stadion comes at time when the Eredivisie club are undergoing a squad reconstruction of their own.

Kevin Strootman, Dries Mertens, Erik Pieters and Jeremain Lens have all left with coach Phillip Cocu bringing in Stijn Schaars, Santiago Arias, Florian Jozefzoon, Adam Maher, Karim Rekik and Jeffrey Bruma.

Park started his career at Kyoto Purple Sanga in Japan before heading to Europe.

He has been capped 100 times

by South Korea, scoring 13 goals, and was part of the squad that reached the 2002 World Cup semi-finals on home turf.

He won four Premier League titles with Manchester United as well as the 2008 Champions League and three League Cups.

Before that, he won two Dutch crowns with PSV and one Dutch Cup.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Benin Club Of Mass Extols NBA Star, Alex Oriakhi’s Mom

By ANDY EGBON Premier Edo socio-cultural organization in Massachusetts, The Benin Club of Massachusetts has identified itself with the outstanding achievement of basketball star, Alex Oriakhi, recently drafted by the prestigious U.S. National Basketball Association.

The organization, in a statement signed by its president,

Anthony Omoruyi, Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Okunmwendia and General Secretary Adam Aliu E. Otokiti, praised the basketball star’s mom, Angela Oriakhi, a Nigerian-American of Edo origin, for a job well done over his upbringing.

“We recognize that event of this magnitude deserves to be celebrated, as it depicts your son as a dexterous, visionary,

Tottenham Prepare For Capoue Arrival Tottenham’s busy summer of spending looks set to continue after Toulouse confirmed they had agreed to sell midfielder Etienne Capoue to the Premier League club.

Capoue’s employers have confirmed that a deal, worth reportedly as much as £11m, is in place for their French international, whose ability to slot into a defensive role may appeal to Andre Villas-Boas.

Toulouse president Olivier Sadran was quoted by L’Equipe as stating “he will go there” when asked about speculation linking the 25-year-old with a

move to Tottenham.

While the ongoing transfer saga involving Tottenham’s Gareth Bale has dominated the North London club this summer, they have been active in their early transfer trading with the signings of Roberto Soldado from Valencia, Brazilian midfielder Paulinho and Belgium winger Nacer Chadli.

The imminent arrival Capoue will fuel the suspicion that Scott Parker’s days at the club may be numbered, with Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp reportedly eager to bring the player he signed for Spurs to Loftus Road.

ambitious and successful young man, and enriches our hearts and souls as Edo indigenes, especially at a time when several children have gone astray even with great parental care.”

It remarked that the description of Alex as a very hard-working, coachable and disciplined young man by the National Basketball Association bears concrete testimony to his unique upbringing.

“And for that reason, we say thank you for a job well done in uplifting our community and giving your best to the world.”

The organization noted that by Alex’s lofty achievement, he will forever remain a great source of inspiration to millions of young men and women beginning from “our community to the far corners of the globe.”

The Benin Club of Massachusetts expressed confidence in Alex becoming the best among all NBA stars in the years ahead and called on all youths to emulate his sterling qualities in the pursuit of their individual dreams.

“We wish Alex a peaceful and prosperous career in the National Basketball Association and pray The Almighty God to guide and protect him in his endeavors,” the statement added.

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Idoko Praises Keshi For Building Local Players’ Capacity THE Executive director of the Ondo State Football Agency has heaped praises on the Super Eagles chief coach for giving domestic league players a sense of belonging Coach Stephen Keshi has been commended for giving players in the Nigeria Premier League opportunity to fight for a place in the senior national team.

Since Keshi’s ascent to the managerial position of the national team, players like Godfrey Oboabona of Sunshine Stars and Enugu Rangers’ Sunday Mba, who was recently named into the prestigious Goal 50, have become a key part of the Super Eagles.

Speaking with Goal, Ondo State Football Agency executive director, Mike Idoko believes Keshi’s success

Stephen Keshi

story with the Super Eagles can be hinged on the fact he never overlooked the localbased stars stating that it takes a lot of confidence for a national team handler to take such a risk.

“I must commend Stephen Keshi for being fearless. He took a risk former managers, even the foreign ones, couldn’t take. I think he must have borrowed a leaf from [Clemens] Westerhof because he took time before building the USA ’94 team which we have not been able to assemble up till now. The NFF also must be commended too because if they had not given him the chance, Keshi wouldn’t have

been successful,” said Idoko.

“All our boys now go to the Super Eagles to fight for a place because it is glaring that they are no longer training materials like they were in the past where the foreign-based were picked ahead of them. At the Africa Cup of Nations, he took along six players which has not happened before,” he added.

The football administrator, however, warned him not to be carried away by the homebased performances stating he must select players that will stand the test of time.

“If this trend continues, the league will experience rapid growth but the coach should be careful on his choice of local based talents. He must look at their age and ask himself if those players can play for a long period of time,” concluded Idoko.

Eagles Winning Bonus Pegged At $5000 A committee to probe a recent bonus row in the Super Eagles has recommended the win bonus for the team be pegged at $5,000-aman.

The committee, which is expected to present its findings to the country’s sports minister next week, also recommended a formal code of conduct to be signed by all players in the national team.

“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are no longer in a position to pay $10,000 each for a win and that is why the committee has recommended we should revert to the status quo of $5,000 before the 2010 World Cup Presidential Task

Force supplemented the bonus,” a top official informed only MTNFootball.com A code of conduct will also be introduced to the Eagles, which will clearly spell out what is expected of both players and the NFF. The code of conduct is in force in countries like England and Germany and even though several national team coaches including current handler Stephen Keshi have been averse to this rule book, the committee has recommended it be enforced in the Eagles.

“The players are expected to sign the code of conduct or else quit the team,” another official told

MTNFootball.com In 1994, only a handful of players led by Mutiu Adepoju agreed to sign a code of conduct tabled by the NFF. In June, the African champions stayed put in Namibia and refused to board a flight to the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil until they were paid full bonuses for a

Idris Malikawa told MTNFootball.com that the team give glory to Almighty Allah for sparing the lives of their coaches and that they will do their best to beat the hosts 3SC in a Week 24 game for the coaches and that way extend their lead at the top of the table.

“Our target in the game against 3SC is to win and extend our lead at the top of the table, as well as win for

Sunday Mba

NCF Begins Preparation For World League THE Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), on Thursday announced that it would open camp in Lagos this August ahead of the World Cricket League (WCL), Division 5 slated for February 2014.

The national men’s team recently qualified for the WCL Division 5 from Division 6 at the WCL

Pillars Plan To Beat Hosts 3SC For Absent Coach

PILLARS will seek to beat hosts 3SC in Sunday’s league clash for coach Mohammed Babaganaru, who was seriously hurt in a fatal car crash.

Babaganaru was hospitalised for several days when he along with his coaching team were involved in a car crash while returning to Kano from Ilorin, where they played a Federation Cup game.

Team’s media officer

win and a draw in Kenya and Namibia, respectively.

MTNFootball.com gathered that thereafter the Presidency had to make available a shortfall of $7,500-aplayer with sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi having to personally cart the cash to Brazil for the team.

our coach Babaganaru, who was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday evening,” Malikawa told MTNFootball.com Coaches Abdu Maikaba and Kabiru Baleria, who have since recovered fully from the crash, will lead the team to Ibadan.

Champions Pillars still lead the table with 39 points, while 3SC are 17th on the table with 27 points.

Division 6 in Jersey, the U.K., where they came second.

Okon Ukpong, Manager of the national team, said the camping would make it possible to identify younger talents that could make it into the national men’s team.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the camping would also create opportunities for the U-19 and the U-17 players to engage their seniors in the hope of making it into the category.

Ukpong added that the camping would provide a platform for the federation to create an interface for transition of younger cricketers into the senior team.

No date had been announced for the opening of the camp.

“The Division 5 will hold in Malaysia in February and so hopefully, we will start the programme by the

end of this month on an open basis, because we want to dilute the team a bit with younger players.

“We just want to get the boys to come and we look at their skills level and work on them in terms of skills enhancement.’’

He added that they would travel to Abuja with

the rest of the team to see how they could improve further.

Ukpong noted however that their qualification to compete in the Division 5 had helped in popularising the sport in the country and could help the federation in the drive for increased sponsorship.

Aminu Eager To Shine For NIGERIA U20 star Umar Samsunspor Aminu has said he cannot wait to play his first match for new Turkish club Samsunspor.

Aminu signed a three-year deal with Samsunspor on Thursday afternoon and began training immediately with the ambitious Turkish division two club.

“I did not hesitate when the offer came from Samsunspor. I said okay. I thank God I am here,” said the former Wikki Tourists star.

“I hope to start playing as soon as possible, I cannot wait to get out in front of the

fans.”

The league will kick off next weekend.

Skilful Aminu, who could play as a winger, top striker or support striker, has returned to Turkey a month after he featured for Nigeria at the FIFA U20 World Cup, where he netted a brace against Cuba.

He was top scorer at the 2013 Africa Youth Championship in Algeria with four goals and was picked for the Tournament XI by CAF.

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100m Euro A Lot For Gareth Bale, Says Real President

I Do My Talking On The Field - Ronaldo REAL Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he is never fazed by criticism and is looking forward to the new season.

The Portuguese international scored a brace on Wednesday night as the Whites defeated Chelsea 3-1 to win the Guinness International Champions Cup and was also named the Man of the Match.

“I do my talking on the field, things that happen off of it do not affect me,” he told reporters. “I aim to help Real Madrid to achieve its objectives and what happens away from there does not hurt me.”

Ronaldo is also confident that his side have assembled a strong squad as they look to reclaim the La Liga title and also chase their tenth Champions League trophy.

“There’s still a long way to go, but we’re going to try to go far,” he added.

“We’ve made some quality new signings and here’s hoping this is the year for ‘La Décima.

“The team is going from strength to strength and we improved in several areas.”

REAL Madrid president Florentino Perez has told ESPN that 100 million Euro is a lot of money to spend on Gareth Bale.

The Tottenham forward is widely expected to put an end to one of the summer’s longest-running transfer sagas by joining Madrid in the coming weeks, once Perez agrees what is likely to be a world-record fee with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and owner Joe Lewis.

Reports in Spain have claimed that the Premier League club will not sell for less than +120 million, while Madrid have so far refused to raise their most recent offer of +98 million plus a player, who could be either Fabio Coentrao or Angel Di Maria.

Talking with ESPN

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Bayern Chief Plans To Change Domestic Fixtures For Winter World Cup BAYERN Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed plans to change the pattern of domestic football fixtures to accommodate a winter World Cup. With the 2022 tournament in “The idea is based on periods Qatar looking increasingly likely of time. You could hold a World to be held in winter after FIFA Cup in January or February — president Sepp Blatter said it for instance the one in Qatar — was possible to “cool down the and if the World Cup returns to stadiums, but you can’t cool Europe in 2026, you could play down the whole country”, it in the summer again.”

Rummenigge said UEFA In order to achieve that, favoured a block system of different fixture “blocks” had to domestic fixtures. be formed, he said, adding: Speaking to German football “[There would be] Some three magazine kicker, he explained: or four months for club football “I like to call it the Lego system. only, then maybe a month of national team football for qualification games and friendlies.

“This system can be adjusted to play World Cups in January Court of Arbitration for Sport or June. You only have to move the modules around. Of course (CAS).

French side Olympique this would be revolutionary and, Lyonnais were also given a at the beginning, maybe a bit tricky tie against Spain’s Real irritating for the fans, but I am convinced it can also have Sociedad.

Former champions Celtic of advantages.”

Rummenigge also said he Scotland will face a long journey to Central Asia after hoped the ongoing debate over Qatar World Cup would they were drawn against the the soon come to an end, and hit Kazakhstan champions out at comments made by

Milan To Face PSV In UCL SEVEN-times European Play-Off champions AC Milan received a tough tie against former winners PSV Eindhoven yesterday’s draw for the Champions League playoff round.

English Premiership side Arsenal will face Turkey’s Fenerbahce, who were banned from European competition for two years for match-fixing but reinstated pending an appeal at the

Shakhter Karangandy.

Ex-Netherlands Star Admits To Doping practice amongst players.

FORMER Netherlands international and World Cup finalist Johnny Rep has admitted to doping during the 1970s.

The confession comes after a German study on

doping has raised questions about several German national teams, including the 1974 World Cup-winning team.

Rep was a member of the Netherlands side that made it into back-to-back World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.

In an interview with RTV Noord-Holland, the 61-yearold, also a member of Ajax’s European Cup-winning side in 1973, confessed to doping during his playing days and added that this was common

Deportes TV, Perez appeared to send a message to Spurs that +100 million was too much for Bale, while simultaneously claiming never to speak about potential transfers out of respect to the other parties involved.

“We talk with lots of people and we will see what happens in all our negotiations, with this player [Bale] and with others,” Perez said. “We do not usually talk about other players out of respect to the player, the club and the president, with whom I made a good friendship last season during the signing of Luka Modric.

“If I do not talk about names, I do not talk about money. [But] +100 million

“Indeed I took an amphetamine pill before a European Cup game. But that was not that extraordinary,” Rep said. “Looking back you think there maybe was something. But what do you think about the South Americans we faced in the Club World Cup with Ajax? They were stiff through amphetamine.”

Rep, who won 42 caps for his country, also believes that something was wrong with the Brazil and Uruguay sides that Netherlands faced during the 1974 World Cup. “They were totally wild, but you only realise that later when you look back on it,” he said.

The controversial doping

issue has been widely discussed in Germany throughout the past week.

A comprehensive doping study conducted by Berlin’s Humboldt University and commissioned by the Federal Institute of Sport Science had suggested a systematic doping system used by the former West Germany. It linked the German national teams from 1954, 1966 and 1974, who all reached World Cup finals, with doping.

The German Football Association and former Germany internationals Franz Beckenbauer and Uwe Seeler have rejected allegations that the 1966 side used performance-enhancing drugs during the tournament.

former German FA president Dr Theo Zwanziger about the issue.

Zwanziger called for the decision to award the event to Qatar to be reversed and said the “unity of German football” would be endangered by the need to rearrange fixtures for a winter tournament.

Rummenigge said: “Just look at the statements Dr Theo Zwanziger made - he gives you the impression everything is

corrupt. But he doesn’t have any proof and, if he has no proof, he should be quiet.

“What he does right now is not good for German football.

If there is proof, show it to us.

And if there is no proof, now is the time to stop and put an end to the discussion.”

In 2011, Rummenigge hit out at FIFA “corruption” and, speaking to Bild, Zwanziger said: “I deem the Qatar decision false. I am astonished how the biggest critics of the decision have backtracked in a hurry.”

seems a lot to me, a lot for everything. I do not talk about players nor money because I should not and cannot, out of respect.”

Perez also denied a recent Marca story that Cristiano Ronaldo had already agreed a new contract with Madrid, but said he expected the Portugal captain to soon sign an extension which would tie him to the club for the remainder of his career.

“We are all convinced that he is going to finish his sporting life at Real Madrid,” he said. “At the end of the summer we will try and sort out this subject.

I believe this will happen, for sure, before the end of the month, or at the start of next month. We do not have such a great hurry, when there are good intentions. We will resolve it satisfactorily. At least that is my desire.”

Gareth Bale

Djokovic, Nadal Battle Into Montreal Quarters

NOVAK Djokovic and Rafael Nadal remained on course for a potential semifinal meeting at the Rogers Cup with battling third round wins in Montreal.

World number one Djokovic had to come from a set down to beat a free-spirited Denis Istomin under the centre court lights.

The Serbian was out of sorts at the beginning of his second match as Istomin went for his shots and found the lines with some scintillating tennis.

Djokovic, however, recovered and produced some of his own magic in the second set before he celebrated a hard fought 2-6 6-4 6-4 victory by thrilling the late night crowd with another

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

dancing routine on the centre court, this time wearing a 1970s styled wig.

Djokovic’s quarter-final opponent will be French number one Richard Gasquet, who similarly staged a comeback to send Japan’s Kei Nishikori home.

Nadal, back in action for the first time since Wimbledon, was given a tough workout by Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz but survived to win 7-6 6-4.

Janowicz served for the set and led 3-0 in the second but was unable to capitalise on his chances.

“It was a very good victory against a very difficult

Rafeal Nadal

opponent,” Nadal said.

“He played a little up and down but I’m pleased with the way I played ... It’s a great victory for me.”

Nadal’s next opponent is Australian qualifier Marinko Matosevic, who celebrated his 28th birthday with a 7-6(7) 67(10) 6-3 victory over Benoit Paire of France.

Canada’s challenge in the tournament reached heights not seen by the locals in over 20 years when 11th seed Milos Raonic joined his 71st ranked compatriot, wildcard Vasek Pospisil, in the last eight.

Raonic ended Juan Martin Del Potro’s impressive recent run with a 7-5 6-4 victory while Pospisil chalked up his first ever win over a top 10 player when he held his nerve in a thrilling deciding tiebreak to shock Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych.

Pospisil had already beaten in-form American John Isner and another Czech in Radek Stepanek to reach the third round.

He will meet another experienced campaigner, Russia’s resurgent former world number three Nikolay Davydenko, in his debut Masters series quarter-final.

CMYK

Weekend Sport

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Hull City Renamed Hull City Tigers

HULL owner Assem Allam has confirmed the club will be formally renamed Hull City Tigers from the start of the new season.

The move, which runs the risk of stoking resentment among fans, will do away with the Association Football Club (AFC) moniker which has been part of the Yorkshire club’s name since their formation in 1904.

Revealing the move in the Hull Daily Mail, E g y p t i a n - b o r n businessman Allam said: “Hull City is irrelevant.

“My dislike for the word ‘City’ is because it is common.

“City is also associated with Leicester, Bristol, Manchester and many other clubs.

“I don’t like being like

Luiz Suarez

Liverpool Not Obliged To Sell Suarez - PFA

PROFESSIONAL Footballers’ Association boss Gordon Taylor has contradicted Luis Suarez by declaring that the striker does not have a clear £40 million buy-out clause in his Liverpool contract. on July 23.

Taylor, chief executive Liverpool have of the players’ union, maintained that they says that the club are not only have to inform obliged to sell Suarez.

Suarez of any offers The Uruguay above £40 million - and international gave do not have to sell at that interviews to the price.

Guardian and the Daily The 26-year-old said in Telegraph on Tuesday, his Guardian interview insisting that he had the that Liverpool had legal right to force promised him a year ago through a move to that he could leave if the Arsenal, who saw a club failed to qualify for £40,000,001 bid rejected the 2013-14 Champions

Swansea Ease Into Europa Play-Off, Scots Flop SWANSEA ensured their place in the Europa League play-offs after a 0-0 draw at Malmo preserved their 4-0 advantage from the first leg of their third qualifying round clash.

The Welsh club, playing in Europe for the first time in 22 years, saw Michu and Wayne Routledge go close in Sweden while Wilfried Bony had a ‘goal’ ruled out for offside.

“Overall, I’m very satisfied,” said Swansea coach Michael Laudrup.

“It was a professional performance from ourselves, they had a chance in the first minute but then I think we dominated the game.

“There were also many positives. We have played two games, kept two clean sheets and not given many chances

away to the opposition.

“If we had to find a negative then it is the fact that we have to do better offensively. But we can’t always dominate games, and the clean sheets are very important because it breeds confidence.”

Scotland’s two representatives in the final qualifying round were knocked out.

Motherwell, already 10 down from the first leg, lost 2-0 at Kuban Krasnodar in Russia while St Johnstone were defeated on penalties by Minsk of Belarus.

Saint Johnstone were 1-0 up from the first match but were defeated by the same score at home before Minsk prevailed 3-2 in the shootout.

The play-off draw takes place in Nyon on Friday.

League, adding: “And it is not just something verbal with the coach but something that is written in the contract.”

And he told the Telegraph: “We have the backing of the PFA.” But Taylor, whose organisation has been in touch with both player and club in an attempt to resolve the dispute, says that Liverpool have only agreed to negotiate with any club making a bid of more than £40 million.

He told the Press Association: “If you are going to have a supposed buy-out clause, it should be that - but it is different as it says [that] if there is no qualification for the Champions League and if there is a minimum offer of £40 million, then the parties will get around the table to discuss things. But it does not say the club has to sell.

“It quite clearly states £40 million is a minimum offer for discussions, but it becomes really difficult with such clauses. There is a ‘good faith’ clause in relation to serious discussions but I can’t say it is a cast-iron buyout clause.

“Luis is one of our members and we want to be supportive. However, he may well have thought such an offer would trigger a move.”

Suarez missed Liverpool’s 4-1 friendly victory over Valerenga in Oslo on Wednesday night, remaining on Merseyside as the club said he had a foot problem.

He is not expected to figure when Liverpool play their final preseason match, against

Celtic in Dublin.

And the striker will not be able to play again in the Premier League until September, as he completes a 10-match suspension imposed in April after he bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield.

keeping their word by refusing him a move to north London.

However, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has refuted Suarez’s claims, believing the former Ajax man lacked ‘respect’ for the club.

Meanwhile, the saga has done little to dissuade Suarez’s potential teammates, with Walcott confident the club will snare a “top-class player” if

Champions League: Arsenal Get

Fenerbahce In Play-Off ARSENAL face a stern test in their Champions League play-off as they’re drawn against Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Arsene Wenger’s side will have to be at their very best to qualify for the Champions League group stage as they face Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Scottish champions Celtic were drawn against Kazakhstan minnows Shakhter Karagandy.

The first-leg of the play-offs will be played

on the 20th & 21st of August with the secondleg being played on the 27th.

Full draw: Dinamo Zagreb v FK Austria Vienna Ludogorets v Basle Plzen v Maribor Shakhtyor Karaganda v Celtic Steaua Bucuresti v Legia Warsaw Lyon v Real Sociedad Schalke 04 v FC Metalist Kharkiv Pacos Ferreira v Zenit St Petersburg PSV v AC Milan Fenerbahce v Arsenal

Redknapp Confirms Defoe Interest QUEENS Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp confirmed he is eager to bring Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe to Loftus Road.

Redknapp has worked with Defoe during his spells in charge of West Ham, Portsmouth and Spurs and while he accepts the challenge of convincing the England striker to drop out of the

...Walcott Would Welcome Suarez

ARSENAL attacker Theo Walcott said he would welcome the arrival of Luis Suarez but believes the Gunners “are a great team” even without the Uruguay international.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Suarez are locked in one of the most talked about transfer sagas of the summer with the 26-yearold striker recently hitting out against the Anfield club, claiming they are not

everyone else. I want the club to be special.

“It is about identity. City is a lousy identity. Hull City Association Football Club is so long.”

Any references to AFC on club branding are to be phased out, although AFC will remain on the shirt crest during their first season back in the Barclays Premier League, before being removed from the 2014/ 15 campaign.

According to the Mail’s report, Allam wants to market the club as Hull City Tigers locally and Hull Tigers to national

and international audiences.

“In the commercial world, the shorter the name, the better. The more it can spread quickly,” said Allam, who took over the Tigers in 2010 following their relegation from the top flight and whose investment is credited with saving the club from a significant financial crisis.

“I have always used short names in business.

It gives you power in the science in marketing.

The shorter, the more powerful the message,” he said.

“In Tigers, we have a really strong brand.”

Suarez was to sign. But even without the skilled, but controversial player, Walcott remained positive about Arsenal’s chances for the upcoming season.

“If he (Suarez) comes, great,” Walcott said. “Even if we stay as we are now, we are a great team and we showed that in the last 10 games last season. We just need to do that a bit more on a consistent level at the start of this year.

Jermain Defoe

Premier League will be tough, he is eager to explore the possibility of signing the 30-year-old marksman.

“I’d love to have Jermain,” Redknapp is quoted in the Evening Standard.

“We made an enquiry but at the moment he’s not available. We’re nowhere near anything.

There is a small chance of it happening.”

Ince Suspended Over Insulting Gesture H I G H LY - r a t e d Blackpool forward Thomas Ince has been handed a two-game ban by the Football Association after making an offensive gesture to a match official during Monday’s acrimonious defeat at Preston.

Ince, who has attracted interest from Liverpool and Cardiff this year, accepted the FA charge of “using an offensive and/or insulting and/or abusive gesture towards a match official” during the first half of Blackpool’s 1-0 loss at

local rivals Preston in the League Cup first round.

It means the Championship club will be without their star player for this Saturday’s clash against Barnsley and the subsequent trip to Middlesbrough.

Thomas Ince

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