ELEVEN members of the House of Representatives opposed were summarily suspended yesterday, leading to the deepening of the crisis in the troubled lower-chamber parliament.
Consequently, some honourable members threw caution to the wind and openly engaged in a brawl.
Even some journalists were not spared as the aide-de-camp (ADC) to the Speaker seized the camera of Vanguard photographer Gbenga Olamikan while a reporter with Daily Independent Rotimi Akinwunmi lost his camera cellphone to a suspected security detail attached to one of the principal officers.
Those suspended indefinitely at the rowdy session which characterised yesterday’s sitting were Hon Independence Ogunewe (PDP, Imo), Austin Nwachukwu (PDP Imo), Dino Melaye (PDP, Kogi), Ehioge West-Idahosa, (PDP, Edo), Doris Uboh (PDP, Delta), Solomon Awhinawi, (PDP, Delta), Abba Anas Mohammed (PDP, Kebbi), Gbenga Oduwaiye (PDP, Ogun), Kayode Amusan (PDP, Ogun), Gbenga Onigbogi, (PDP, Osun) and Bitrus Kazie (PDP Plateau).
Melaye and the other suspended members however vowed to challenge their suspension in court insisting that they were not given any opportunity to defend themselves.
"Everywhere in the world, it is an international standard to allow an accused the opportunity to defend himself, they passed the resolution without giving us fair hearing", Melaye stated shortly after he was moved out of the chamber.
Trouble began shortly after the Speaker called upon Hon Chile Igbauwa to move a motion under Matter of Privilege and urged the House to invoke Order 5 (1) sub Rules 2 and 3.
Igbauwa had hardly read through his prepared speech when Melaye rose to challenge him insisting that the motion cannot be heard.
"No, this motion cannot be heard, I say this motion cannot be heard", Melaye shouted repeatedly.
Moments later he started blowing a whistle apparently to pass a coded message to his colleagues to prompt them into action.
In the ensuing confusion, Hon Awhinawi moved towards the mace ostensibly to seize the symbol of authority, but was physically prevented by some unidentified federal lawmakers.
The legislators, mostly northerners immediately built human shield around the table where the mace was placed and urged the Speaker to continue with the day’s proceedings.
Elsewhere in the chamber some other unidentified lawmakers swooped on Nwachukwu, dealt several punches on him and then tore his clothes to shreads.
Nwachukwu was alleged to have hit another lawmaker, Hon Chinyere Igwe with a handy fire extinguisher can and badly injured his hands.
Both Nwachukwu and Igwe who sustained injuries in the fracas were rushed to the National Assembly Clinic Abuja for urgent medical attention.
Igwe whose right hand was badly wounded was however referred to the National Hospital Abuja for expert medical attention as the facilities at the National Assembly Clinic were said to be inadequate to handle his case.
As the House degenerated into a rowdy session, Bankole read a portion of the House Rule books to announce suspension of the 11 members.
The lawmakers however defied the speaker and insisted that they would not leave the chamber as their purported suspension was illegal.
There was an intense rowdiness and exchange of blows, as Ishaku Bawa, Chairman Outreach Constituency, Dino Melaye, Austin Nwachukwu, Doris Uboh, and Bitrus Kaze went for each other.
With the help of the Sergeant-at-Arm, Col. Emeka Okere (rtd) all the affected members, especially members of the Progressives, were physically dragged out of the chamber.
In the process, clothes of Reps Dino Melaye, Doris Uboh, Bitrus Kaze, Austin Nwachukwu, all members of the Progressives pushing for the probe of house budgets since 2008, were torn.
Following the forceful ejection of key members of the progressives, the House resumed plenary session at 11.45 am and the Speaker, apologised to all Nigerians.
"Hon. members, I sincerely apologise to Nigerians for this rowdiness. Hon. Chile Igbauwa, kindly conclude your motion for record purpose," Bankole said.
Igbauwa said by the provisions of sections 24 of the Legislative Houses Act, any ``person who publishes any statement, whether in writing or otherwise, which falsely or scandalously defames a legislative house or any committee thereof is guilty of an offence.
"Any person who publishes any act or conduct capable of bringing disrepute, disgrace and dishonour to the House, its Committee or any of its members or officials or which in any way impairs or may likely impair the dignity and power of the legislative house would constitute punishable contempt’’
Igbauwa said the action of Hon. Melaye and his group in the Progressives had embarrassed and cast aspersions on the House, ``as a House incapable of resolving itself. But you know we can’’.
He said while the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the freedom of opinion and expression, such must be done within the context of procedure.
"The recent attacks on the speaker and principal officers of this Honourable House on television and the pages of newspapers, have cast serious dent on the image of this House,’’ he said.
Igbauwa moved that for failing to adhere to provisions of Legislative Houses Act and for taking their matter to the public domain with the view to maliciously bring the image of the House into disrepute, all the affected members should be suspended.
The motion, which was seconded by Hon. Garba Matazu (PDP-Katsina) was referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Meanwhile, there was a brawl between the journalists covering the proceeding and the security agencies at the National Assembly, which nearly marred the plenary session.
Meanwhile, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, yesterday described the actions taken by a group of lawmakers seeking the resignation of Speaker Bankole as anti-parliamentary.
The group, tagged "Progressives"’, had given the Speaker a seven-day ultimatum to resign for alleged corruption.
The Progressives also submitted a petition to the EFCC on Monday.
But Eyiboh (PDP-Akwa Ibom), who briefed newsmen on the suspension of 11 members of the House, said the actions of the lawmakers warranted the indefinite suspension clamped on them.
He said the House took the decision in consonance with the provisions of the Legislative Houses Act of the federation which regulates the conduct of members.
"The action of the House is premised on the motion before the House, ‘’ he said.
Section 24 of the Legislative Houses Act states that any person who publishes any statement, whether in writing or otherwise, which falsely or scandalously defames a legislative house or any committee will face punishment.
It further states that any act or conduct inflicting or capable of bringing disrepute, disgrace and dishonour to the House, its committee or any of its members or officials or which in any way impairs or may impair the dignity and power of the legislative House would constitute punishable contempt.
Rep. Farouk Lawan (PDP-Kano), who described the situation that led to the suspension of the members as unfortunate, said the actions of the affected lawmakers had become a permanent irritation to the House.
Lawan said the members ought to have petitioned the House on the corruption allegation against the Speaker instead of going to the public domain.
On his part, Minority Whip, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in his reaction to the events said it was unfortunate that the entire show of shame played out in the presence of secondary school students who were at the gallery on excursion to the House.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Soyinka: Nigeria is at a breaking point
PPARENTLY disturbed by the numerous political and economic crises in the country, Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday told Nigerians that they must be ready to take their destinies in their hands.
Speaking in Lagos during a rally organised by the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) at the Onikan Stadium, Soyinka said Nigeria was at “a breaking point”, and that the people must decide what to do with their future.
He said Nigerians should no longer expect him and a few other activists to continue to risk their lives while they (Nigerians) are lethargic about the way the country is being run by those elected.
Joined by Professor Pat Utomi, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Bisi Akande, Lt-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.), Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Dele Momodu, Mr. Femi Falana and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, among others, Soyinka called on Nigerians to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan not to use the 2006 voters register to conduct the 2011 general elections.
“Let this be the last time you (Nigerians) will drag me out to talk about voting and election generally; enough of talking, let’s match it with action; don’t bring me out here again to come and tell you to register and vote in any election; enough of talking, just go out there to register and vote.
“It is not enough to sit here and ask for new voters’ registration; we must all insist on how to do it and decide on what to do so that the people in charge of election will listen to you.”
According to him, the register is made up of synthetic names, names of animals and individuals that have long been dead, wondering why such an antiquated record should be used for the 2011 elections.
He described the register as “a condemnable compilation that contains the names of dogs, goats, cows and even dead people. You must decide not to be hoodwinked. You must decide what to do with those who are in charge of the exercise and what you have to carry out in your own behalf and on behalf of your children,” he said.
The Professor of Literature alluded to the post-apartheid era in South Africa, stressing that he would forever recall the elderly Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa dancing on the podium at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States.
“Let me remind you about post-apartheid South Africa. There was an incident in the UN that I will never forget. That was Archbishop Desmond Tutu dancing on the podium of the UN. Why was he dancing? He said that at long last and at an age close to 70, he was finally able to vote. When I can vote, that is when I can say that I have fully and completely become a man, a full human being,” Soyinka said, quoting the Archbishop.
On the appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he said: “My final word is a message to both Professor Jega and the President. I know Jega, I trust him, I believe him, I believe he represents the masses and I want to say to you that the civil society is behind you. I want you to know that the world is watching and the world is behind you because you have excellent credentials.
“I also want to let the President know that the world is behind you in any endeavour in which you strive to restore to the people their right, the fundamental right to express their will of who they want to govern them. The world is also behind the government in this respect but most important of all, we are watching, we are behind them in so far as you move and proceed in the right direction as you carry out the will of the people.
“And when the next government is installed, it should be an elected government; that government will ensure that we do not go backward in our history and one of the ways to do this is to ensure that those who have violated our fundamental human rights to humanity are put in the gallows, they are rigorously punished.
“No punishment is too heavy for those who have violated our constitution and denied our people the right to choose their leaders. We must go back and bring those people to book, not necessarily for vengeance but in the interest of enough is enough and let us say, no further step backward. We must resolve that the long nightmare is over”.
Utomi said it was unfortunate that the contentious register has foreign names like the former Heavy Weight Champion, Mike Tyson, and that of the late Pop Musician, Michael Jackson, adding that the Nigerian economy has remained stagnant for long since the leaders were never elected by Nigerians. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would rise again only if votes count.
Fashola changed the acronym RSVP to Register, Select, Vote and Protect, stressing that it was unacceptable for anybody to say that it is impossible to have a credible register.
“Even if it requires us to stay at home for 10 days to produce a credible voter’s register, we must do it.”
Bakare said it was time for the youth to rule the country, saying: “Our chance has come.”
But, Falana said he was not optimistic that the 2011 election would be credible.
Speaking in Lagos during a rally organised by the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) at the Onikan Stadium, Soyinka said Nigeria was at “a breaking point”, and that the people must decide what to do with their future.
He said Nigerians should no longer expect him and a few other activists to continue to risk their lives while they (Nigerians) are lethargic about the way the country is being run by those elected.
Joined by Professor Pat Utomi, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Bisi Akande, Lt-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.), Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Dele Momodu, Mr. Femi Falana and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, among others, Soyinka called on Nigerians to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan not to use the 2006 voters register to conduct the 2011 general elections.
“Let this be the last time you (Nigerians) will drag me out to talk about voting and election generally; enough of talking, let’s match it with action; don’t bring me out here again to come and tell you to register and vote in any election; enough of talking, just go out there to register and vote.
“It is not enough to sit here and ask for new voters’ registration; we must all insist on how to do it and decide on what to do so that the people in charge of election will listen to you.”
According to him, the register is made up of synthetic names, names of animals and individuals that have long been dead, wondering why such an antiquated record should be used for the 2011 elections.
He described the register as “a condemnable compilation that contains the names of dogs, goats, cows and even dead people. You must decide not to be hoodwinked. You must decide what to do with those who are in charge of the exercise and what you have to carry out in your own behalf and on behalf of your children,” he said.
The Professor of Literature alluded to the post-apartheid era in South Africa, stressing that he would forever recall the elderly Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa dancing on the podium at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States.
“Let me remind you about post-apartheid South Africa. There was an incident in the UN that I will never forget. That was Archbishop Desmond Tutu dancing on the podium of the UN. Why was he dancing? He said that at long last and at an age close to 70, he was finally able to vote. When I can vote, that is when I can say that I have fully and completely become a man, a full human being,” Soyinka said, quoting the Archbishop.
On the appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he said: “My final word is a message to both Professor Jega and the President. I know Jega, I trust him, I believe him, I believe he represents the masses and I want to say to you that the civil society is behind you. I want you to know that the world is watching and the world is behind you because you have excellent credentials.
“I also want to let the President know that the world is behind you in any endeavour in which you strive to restore to the people their right, the fundamental right to express their will of who they want to govern them. The world is also behind the government in this respect but most important of all, we are watching, we are behind them in so far as you move and proceed in the right direction as you carry out the will of the people.
“And when the next government is installed, it should be an elected government; that government will ensure that we do not go backward in our history and one of the ways to do this is to ensure that those who have violated our fundamental human rights to humanity are put in the gallows, they are rigorously punished.
“No punishment is too heavy for those who have violated our constitution and denied our people the right to choose their leaders. We must go back and bring those people to book, not necessarily for vengeance but in the interest of enough is enough and let us say, no further step backward. We must resolve that the long nightmare is over”.
Utomi said it was unfortunate that the contentious register has foreign names like the former Heavy Weight Champion, Mike Tyson, and that of the late Pop Musician, Michael Jackson, adding that the Nigerian economy has remained stagnant for long since the leaders were never elected by Nigerians. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would rise again only if votes count.
Fashola changed the acronym RSVP to Register, Select, Vote and Protect, stressing that it was unacceptable for anybody to say that it is impossible to have a credible register.
“Even if it requires us to stay at home for 10 days to produce a credible voter’s register, we must do it.”
Bakare said it was time for the youth to rule the country, saying: “Our chance has come.”
But, Falana said he was not optimistic that the 2011 election would be credible.
The sagging sanctity of sanctions
LOOKING back at the age-long diplomacy and quest to checkmate recalcitrant administrations with economic and other curbs instead of military intervention, the catalogue of all regimes of sanctions by the various world peace stabilizing bodies put together present the picture of jinxed efforts. Of course the reason for this is not far-fetched: orthodoxy and disunity or sheer insincerity of the stakeholders. It is sad that world's comity of nations for decades, seemingly, has been trapped in the straight jack sanction vision, and delaying in blending strategies to match the revolutionary pop ups of dire consequences from different axes.
Over the past decades, same paradigms of resolutions have been hawked around each time the need arose to push for restraint by nations whose ambitions, perceived or confirmed, are capable of derailing global peace. Even where there have been attempts for tailed penalties on nations according to their perceived misdeeds, systematic flaws hampered effective implementation, and end up rubbishing the otherwise potent remedy. It is against this backdrop that one can begin to understand why sanctions against deviant nations, no matter the stringent contents, appear to be losing the desired effect.
The United Nations(UN), Commonwealth, and regional blocs such as European Union(EU) and African Union(AU) and Arab League to mention but a few, have each had a bunch of these botched sanction projects. Examples of these failed sanction projects abound across the continents and key regions. For instance, in Middle East, Asia and Africa, there are some regimes which have stood out as test cases of the phenomenal debasement of sanctions as a peace stabilizing tool. Disturbing nuclear driven rows have seen the international community engaging with North Korea and Iran severally but separately, for diplomatic reasoning to forestall a possible military intervention, which before now remained a not too remote option. In Africa, Zimbabwe is a classic example of a regime with an unenviable record of sanctions, but it shed a portion of the heavy burden by quitting The Commonwealth seven years ago.
In a not too surprising show of resentment over the lingering showdown, the world's peace fostering body, the UN, on June 10 slammed the fourth regime of sanctions on Iran still aiming to dissuade the Islamic republic from furthering its atomic weapon adventurism, though Tehran claims that fuel and relief for cancer patients are the utmost targets for now. Among other curb measures, the UN resolution toughens rules on financial transactions with Iranian banks, and increases the number of Iranian individuals and companies targeted with asset freezes and travel bans; and an expanded arms embargo which prohibits Iran from buying heavy weapons such as missiles and helicopters.
Those blacklisted include Iran's Post Bank, Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi and the air force and missile command of the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The UN Security Council voted 12:2 in favour to endorsed the fourth round of sanctions on Iran; Brazil and Turkey were against, while Lebanon abstained.
Iran's allies Russia and China, though favoured the UN action had ensured the measures were watered down.
In what smacks of double standards, the new sanctions are not expected to affect the Russian surface-to-air missiles supplies to Iran.
The deal was sealed several years ago when Russia agreed to supply Iran with S-300 systems but has never delivered the weapons.
The US and Israel are concerned the missiles, designed to counter both aircraft and cruise missiles, might be used to protect Iran's nuclear facilities from possible attack.
Following reports that the S-300 deal would have to be frozen, Russian officials clarified that the missiles were not subject to the new sanctions.
[Ahmadinejad]
Ahmadinejad
They pointed out that the new UN Security Council resolution affects only "missiles or missile systems as defined for the purpose of the UN Register of Conventional Arms".
The register states that this "does not include ground-to-air missiles".
In a swift implementation of the UN resolution, the United States, which is at the forefront of latest campaign to smelt Iran off the nuclear ambition, on Wednesday last week expanded its sanctions against the Islamic state.
Washington in announcing the sanctions claimed that the individuals and institutions targeted were helping Iran to develop its nuclear programme.
The US sanctions prohibit any American business or individual from trading with those named on the blacklist. The sanctions also freeze any assets they may have under US jurisdiction.
"We will continue to target Iran's support for terrorist organizations, we will continue to focus on Iran's Revolutionary Guard, and we will continue to expose Iran's efforts to evade international sanctions," U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told a White House news briefing on Wednesday.
The list also has a front company for the national shipping line, which is run by the Revolutionary Guards. The U.S. has designated 27 new ships and updated entries for 71 others whose names had been changed.
With the designation of Post Bank there are now 16 Iranian banks under sanctions. Post Bank, U.S. authorities say is a front for Bank Sepah, which was designated in 2007 for providing financial services to the Iranian missile industry.
EU leaders follow the U.S.' lead, on Thursday last week, at a summit in Brussels also approved an expanded new set of sanctions against Iran beyond the UN measures. They placed a ban on investments, technical assistance and technology transfers to Iran's key oil and gas industry.
In a statement, the EU leaders regretted “that Iran has not taken the many opportunities which have been offered to it to remove the concerns of the international community over the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme."
Furthermore, EU banned Iran's shipping and air cargo companies from operating in its territory, while target the Revolutionary Guards with new visa refusal and asset freezes.
While three earlier rounds of sanctions failed to halt Iran's programme, the latest UN action has come almost 18 months U.S. President Barack Obama promised a new strategy of engagement with Tehran on assumption of office.
But President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad despite the gag measures has remained undaunted. The physicist turned politician who appears to have become more daring than the tough leaderships in North Korea, Libya, Israel, and Sudan and of cause his latest paddy and Zimbabwean counterpart, Rpbert Mugabe, responded the UN with his characteristic caustic remarks, instead of mellowing. He dismissed the new UN sanctions as a "used handkerchief" fit for the dustbin. But Barack said it is an unmistakable statement, by implication red a alert.
Though the new regime of sanctions aims to put intensive pressure on Iran, world's fifth-largest oil exporter, which has limited refining capability, concern of the vision's derailment has mounted.
Indeed, the foundation of the sanctions is already fast disintegrating even before commencement of implementation. For instance, Beijing which endorsement of the UN sanctions drew Iranian ire, overnight said it "highly" valued its relations with the Islamic republic.
From Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has damned the new sanctions describing it as a "mistake," Reuters reported.
The big nuclear superpower, Russia which missiles contract with Iran was shielded from sanctions, has openly chided the U.S. and EU for daring to take a decision towards implement the new sanctions.
"We are extremely disappointed that neither the United States nor the European Union is heeding our calls to refrain from such steps," Russian news agencies quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying.
Now, it would appear the focus has shifted significantly from the arguments for and against the perceived Iranian nuclear weaponry vision to sanctions row. From all indications, the sanctions row if not nipped in the bud, could become explosive and shred the UN. Without prejudice, it is really saddening that key players in the UN should descend to such level of clandestinely scuttling restraint pressures, be it on Iran or any other recalcitrant state. Now with one hand these nations have whipped Tehran while offering it carrots with the other. The impetus derivable from the seeming double-standard disposition of these powers that be is the reason why Iran and its likes are bluffing the international community security watchdog. Until, the world’s superpowers sincerely view issues objectively, and agree to put the popular will above all other selfish considerations, the Security Council could as well save humanity the torment of churning out sanctions that may never work, but rather cast a pall on the relevance of the UN.
Over the past decades, same paradigms of resolutions have been hawked around each time the need arose to push for restraint by nations whose ambitions, perceived or confirmed, are capable of derailing global peace. Even where there have been attempts for tailed penalties on nations according to their perceived misdeeds, systematic flaws hampered effective implementation, and end up rubbishing the otherwise potent remedy. It is against this backdrop that one can begin to understand why sanctions against deviant nations, no matter the stringent contents, appear to be losing the desired effect.
The United Nations(UN), Commonwealth, and regional blocs such as European Union(EU) and African Union(AU) and Arab League to mention but a few, have each had a bunch of these botched sanction projects. Examples of these failed sanction projects abound across the continents and key regions. For instance, in Middle East, Asia and Africa, there are some regimes which have stood out as test cases of the phenomenal debasement of sanctions as a peace stabilizing tool. Disturbing nuclear driven rows have seen the international community engaging with North Korea and Iran severally but separately, for diplomatic reasoning to forestall a possible military intervention, which before now remained a not too remote option. In Africa, Zimbabwe is a classic example of a regime with an unenviable record of sanctions, but it shed a portion of the heavy burden by quitting The Commonwealth seven years ago.
In a not too surprising show of resentment over the lingering showdown, the world's peace fostering body, the UN, on June 10 slammed the fourth regime of sanctions on Iran still aiming to dissuade the Islamic republic from furthering its atomic weapon adventurism, though Tehran claims that fuel and relief for cancer patients are the utmost targets for now. Among other curb measures, the UN resolution toughens rules on financial transactions with Iranian banks, and increases the number of Iranian individuals and companies targeted with asset freezes and travel bans; and an expanded arms embargo which prohibits Iran from buying heavy weapons such as missiles and helicopters.
Those blacklisted include Iran's Post Bank, Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi and the air force and missile command of the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The UN Security Council voted 12:2 in favour to endorsed the fourth round of sanctions on Iran; Brazil and Turkey were against, while Lebanon abstained.
Iran's allies Russia and China, though favoured the UN action had ensured the measures were watered down.
In what smacks of double standards, the new sanctions are not expected to affect the Russian surface-to-air missiles supplies to Iran.
The deal was sealed several years ago when Russia agreed to supply Iran with S-300 systems but has never delivered the weapons.
The US and Israel are concerned the missiles, designed to counter both aircraft and cruise missiles, might be used to protect Iran's nuclear facilities from possible attack.
Following reports that the S-300 deal would have to be frozen, Russian officials clarified that the missiles were not subject to the new sanctions.
[Ahmadinejad]
Ahmadinejad
They pointed out that the new UN Security Council resolution affects only "missiles or missile systems as defined for the purpose of the UN Register of Conventional Arms".
The register states that this "does not include ground-to-air missiles".
In a swift implementation of the UN resolution, the United States, which is at the forefront of latest campaign to smelt Iran off the nuclear ambition, on Wednesday last week expanded its sanctions against the Islamic state.
Washington in announcing the sanctions claimed that the individuals and institutions targeted were helping Iran to develop its nuclear programme.
The US sanctions prohibit any American business or individual from trading with those named on the blacklist. The sanctions also freeze any assets they may have under US jurisdiction.
"We will continue to target Iran's support for terrorist organizations, we will continue to focus on Iran's Revolutionary Guard, and we will continue to expose Iran's efforts to evade international sanctions," U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told a White House news briefing on Wednesday.
The list also has a front company for the national shipping line, which is run by the Revolutionary Guards. The U.S. has designated 27 new ships and updated entries for 71 others whose names had been changed.
With the designation of Post Bank there are now 16 Iranian banks under sanctions. Post Bank, U.S. authorities say is a front for Bank Sepah, which was designated in 2007 for providing financial services to the Iranian missile industry.
EU leaders follow the U.S.' lead, on Thursday last week, at a summit in Brussels also approved an expanded new set of sanctions against Iran beyond the UN measures. They placed a ban on investments, technical assistance and technology transfers to Iran's key oil and gas industry.
In a statement, the EU leaders regretted “that Iran has not taken the many opportunities which have been offered to it to remove the concerns of the international community over the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme."
Furthermore, EU banned Iran's shipping and air cargo companies from operating in its territory, while target the Revolutionary Guards with new visa refusal and asset freezes.
While three earlier rounds of sanctions failed to halt Iran's programme, the latest UN action has come almost 18 months U.S. President Barack Obama promised a new strategy of engagement with Tehran on assumption of office.
But President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad despite the gag measures has remained undaunted. The physicist turned politician who appears to have become more daring than the tough leaderships in North Korea, Libya, Israel, and Sudan and of cause his latest paddy and Zimbabwean counterpart, Rpbert Mugabe, responded the UN with his characteristic caustic remarks, instead of mellowing. He dismissed the new UN sanctions as a "used handkerchief" fit for the dustbin. But Barack said it is an unmistakable statement, by implication red a alert.
Though the new regime of sanctions aims to put intensive pressure on Iran, world's fifth-largest oil exporter, which has limited refining capability, concern of the vision's derailment has mounted.
Indeed, the foundation of the sanctions is already fast disintegrating even before commencement of implementation. For instance, Beijing which endorsement of the UN sanctions drew Iranian ire, overnight said it "highly" valued its relations with the Islamic republic.
From Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has damned the new sanctions describing it as a "mistake," Reuters reported.
The big nuclear superpower, Russia which missiles contract with Iran was shielded from sanctions, has openly chided the U.S. and EU for daring to take a decision towards implement the new sanctions.
"We are extremely disappointed that neither the United States nor the European Union is heeding our calls to refrain from such steps," Russian news agencies quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying.
Now, it would appear the focus has shifted significantly from the arguments for and against the perceived Iranian nuclear weaponry vision to sanctions row. From all indications, the sanctions row if not nipped in the bud, could become explosive and shred the UN. Without prejudice, it is really saddening that key players in the UN should descend to such level of clandestinely scuttling restraint pressures, be it on Iran or any other recalcitrant state. Now with one hand these nations have whipped Tehran while offering it carrots with the other. The impetus derivable from the seeming double-standard disposition of these powers that be is the reason why Iran and its likes are bluffing the international community security watchdog. Until, the world’s superpowers sincerely view issues objectively, and agree to put the popular will above all other selfish considerations, the Security Council could as well save humanity the torment of churning out sanctions that may never work, but rather cast a pall on the relevance of the UN.
Lagerback: Eagles failed to click
uper Eagles Manager, Lars Lagerback has blamed the #team’s ouster from the 2010 South African FIFA World Cup following its inability to beat South Korea yesterday on failed match plan.
The Eagles posted shambolic performances throughout the tournament where they only win a point following two defeats to Argentina and Greece. But Lagerback believed the team would have qualified for the knockout stages had the team been more fortunate.
Addressing the media after the Super Eagles’ stalemated outing against South Korea in Durban, Lagerback said, “It is just unfortunate that the team failed to click. Our match plan did not work out and that has stopped us from winning our matches at the World Cup.”
The Swede however commended the players for their performance at the mundial saying, “The boys played reasonably well but we are unfortunate not to win and qualify for the second round.”
The Eagles posted shambolic performances throughout the tournament where they only win a point following two defeats to Argentina and Greece. But Lagerback believed the team would have qualified for the knockout stages had the team been more fortunate.
Addressing the media after the Super Eagles’ stalemated outing against South Korea in Durban, Lagerback said, “It is just unfortunate that the team failed to click. Our match plan did not work out and that has stopped us from winning our matches at the World Cup.”
The Swede however commended the players for their performance at the mundial saying, “The boys played reasonably well but we are unfortunate not to win and qualify for the second round.”
Monday, February 22, 2010
Battle For Top Four Finish:Liverpool Battle Manchester City As Rooney Returns To Goodison Park To Face Everton
Wayne Rooney returns to Goodison Park as Manchester United meet Everton while the battle for a top-four finish intensifies when Manchester City lock horns with Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Sunderland aim for a second win over Arsenal this season and their first since November, league leaders Chelsea make the trip to Molineux, bottom-of-the-table Portsmouth entertain Stoke City while Wigan Athletic hope to avoid a repeat of their 9-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this campaign.
Everton will be wary of Manchester United striker Rooney, who is arguably in the form of his life. The striker, who left Merseyside for United in 2004, scored his 24th and 25th goals of the season in the UEFA Champions League win over AC Milan during midweek as he surpassed his personal strike record for a term. The lunchtime encounter, which can be seen live on Sky Sports HD1 & 1, offers the Red Devils the chance to leapfrog the pace-setters, Chelsea, who play at 3pm. Victory for the Toffees would only lift them one place to eighth, but it would extend a run that has seen them lose just once in their last 11 games.
Arsenal go head-to-head with out-of-form Sunderland. Perhaps the main quandary for manager Arsene Wenger, whose side remain just about in the title race, is his decision of choosing which goalkeeper. Lukasz Fabianski dropped the ball on Wednesday, literally. It was a chance for the Pole to shine in the absence of Manuel Almunia, who too has had a shocker of a campaign.
Now Wenger is faced with the arguable plight that is deciding on the lesser of two evils. For Sunderland, there is some hope. Whilst they have not won in 12 matches, their last victory was against Arsenal. Their increasing woe is that just three points separate them from the drop zone.
West Ham United face a relegation six-pointer with Hull City at Upton Park. Both sides are level on points in the table, with the Hammers' better goal difference keeping them two places apart in 15th and 17th. West Ham earned their first league triumph in six attempts last time out, and Zola will be eager to record the club's first back-to-back wins of the current campaign. Away from the KC Stadium, where Hull have impressed of late, the Tigers have been very poor. Indeed, Phil Brown's charges have not yet won on their travels in the 2009/10 term, with a lack of firepower at the root of their problems.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are in action against Chelsea, with all eyes on Mick McCarthy's team sheet. McCarthy's rotation at Old Trafford has since led to intrigue into which side is named for clashes against the so-called bigger clubs. But perhaps his mind will have been made up from now on, after Wolves were handed a suspended fine of £25,000 for the aforementioned incident on Thursday by the Premier League.
While Wolves received a good hiding when they met Chelsea earlier this season, surely McCarthy has some optimism, especially after his team beat Spurs in their last match. Furthermore, Chelsea have not travelled at all well this term. Indeed, the Blues have won only one of their last six top-flight away games.
Portsmouth's season of drama took its latest twist this week after they handed over their financial statement of affairs to the High Court before requesting they be allowed to sell players outside of the transfer window in a bid to raise cash. Focus now returns to matters on the field, where they play Stoke at Fratton Park on Saturday evening.
It has now got to the point whereby every match is a must-win scenario for Pompey, who sit at the foot of the table and eight points adrift of safety. The Potters have been ropey on the road, and Portsmouth may take heart from this. Stoke head into the match having found the net only once in their last six Premier League away matches, although they have yet to lose this decade.
Blackburn Rovers versus Bolton Wanderers sees Sam Allardyce lock horns with his former club. It is quite the turnaround for the Trotters in terms of leadership and ethos, with Allardyce's long-ball style ousted in the hope that new boss Owen Coyle will bring a more footballing ethos to the club. Nonetheless, Blackburn, having won three of their last five, are positioned 12th in the standings, compared to 18th-placed Bolton, who drew with Wigan on Wednesday. Coyle's main concern is likely to be the lack of attacking threat his side are currently posing.
The Trotters have failed to score in their last four Premier League matches.
Confusion Over Nigeria-Paraguay Friendly
Confusion reigns over Nigeria's proposed friendly with Paraguay on March 3, with the Super Eagles insisting the game is on, but the South Americans having none of it!
The match was scheduled to be played in London at The Valley, the home of English third-tier club Charlton Athletic, and Nigeria insist all documentation has been signed.
But the BBC reports that the Paraguayans say that talks have broken down, and that they will be playing Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao instead.
Two other African sides will be in London on March 3 as Egypt take on England and Cote d'Ivoire play South Korea
Confusion Over Nigeria-Paraguay Friendly
Confusion reigns over Nigeria's proposed friendly with Paraguay on March 3, with the Super Eagles insisting the game is on, but the South Americans having none of it!
The match was scheduled to be played in London at The Valley, the home of English third-tier club Charlton Athletic, and Nigeria insist all documentation has been signed.
But the BBC reports that the Paraguayans say that talks have broken down, and that they will be playing Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao instead.
Two other African sides will be in London on March 3 as Egypt take on England and Cote d'Ivoire play South Korea
NFF Opens Talks With Shehata
Nigeria have confirmed that they have opened talks with Egypt coach Hassan Shehata over the possibility of him leading the Super Eagles at this year's World Cup finals in South Africa.
"We have already contacted Shehata to inform him that he is one of the candidates to take over our national team," Nigerian Football Federation spokesman Ademola Olajire told Egyptian radio.
"We nominated four other coaches for the team's managerial seat. We will sit down with each one of them in the coming few days."
Egyptian FA president Samir Zaher said earlier on Wednesday that Nigeria have until Friday to make a formal offer for Shehata.
Shehata said he wished to have a new experience at the World Cup along with his Egypt assistants.
"It's up to Shehata to choose his assistants, we have no problems with that," Olajire added.
Olajire did not reveal the names of the other candidates but KickoffNigeria.com said Swede Lars Lagerback, Serbian Ratomir Djukovic, French Bruno Metsu and Englishman Peter Taylor would vie for the vacant seat.
Shehata attracted interest from Nigeria after leading Egypt to a third successive Africa Cup of Nations title last month.
Nigeria sacked coach Shaibu Amodu after finishing in a disappointing third place at the Nations Cup in Angola.
Tiger Uncertain On Return
An emotional Tiger Woods has apologised for his "irresponsible and selfish behaviour" and revealed he is uncertain when he will return to competitive golf.
Speaking to a selected gathering of friends, family, acquaintances and media at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, a solemn and shaky-looking Woods made a 13-and-a-half-minute statement in which admitted to and apologised for a series of extra-marital affairs.
He went on to reveal he had been seeking treatment and therapy since the end of December and added that the process would continue from Saturday.
He also repeatedly asked for forgiveness for his actions and made wide-ranging apologies to his wife Elin, family, those in the room, his fans and his business partners amongst others.
However, perhaps most significantly, the world number one refused to confirm when he intended to return to the professional game, acknowledging it might not even be in 2010.
He stated: "I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year."
Of his infidelity, he said: "I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behaviour. Every one of you has good reason to be critical of me.
"I am also aware of the pain my behaviour has caused to those of you in this room. I have let you down. I have let my fans down.
"I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. I stopped living by the core values I believed in.
"What I did was unacceptable and I am the only person to blame. I never thought about who I was hurting, instead I thought only about myself.
"I was wrong, I was foolish. I don't get to play by different rules. I brought this shame on myself.
"I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife's family, my friends, my foundation and kids all around the world who admired me.
"For all that I have done. I am so sorry. I have a lot to atone for. It's up to me to start living a life of integrity.
"I recognise I have brought this on myself and I know above all, I am the one who needs to change.
"It is hard to admit that I need help but I do. For 45 days since the end of December to early February I was in in-patient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I am facing.
"I have a long way to go but have taken the first steps in the right direction."
"I have a lot of work to do and I intend to do it. As I move forward I will continue to seek help."
Whilst apologetic, Woods also hit out at the media for intrusion in his family's life and also rubbished reports that circulated following the crash outside his Florida home on November 27.
It had been speculated that his wife Elin had attacked him with a golf club, causing the crash, but the American flatly denied those reports, adding: "There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal."
Woods, who had been the target of criticism from some players at this week's WGC-Accenture Match Play, also expressed his gratitude to Accenture (one of his former sponsors) and those competing in Arizona for understanding the timing of statement.
He added that he was hopeful he would one day return to compete with them and thanked them for their continued patience during his absence from the game.
The 34-year-old concluded by saying: "I want to ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again," before going to hug his mother who was sat in the front row of the assembled guests.
Togo Fail In Their 2012 CAN Bid
Togo have failed in an urgent bid to be included in Saturday's 2012 African Nations Cup draw, the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration in Sport said on Thursday.
A statement by Lausanne-based CAS said the court had dismissed Togo's urgent request for inclusion because it had been told by the Confederation of African Football that should Togo win its appeal against a two tournament ban it would still be able to compete in the preliminaries, even if the draw had already been conducted.
Togo have appealed to CAS after being banned by CAF from ?the next two Nations Cup tournaments after the team was withdrawn ?from this year's competition in Angola following the death of two members of their delegation in a gun attack.
With CAS only due to hold a hearing in the next months, the Togo Football federation had sought urgent intervention but CAF have said they will be allowed to compete if they will their appeal.
A new draw would be conducted if Togo were successful at the CAS.
Saturday's draw for the 2012 event, to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, will go ahead without Togo, a CAF spokesman said. The preliminaries only start in September.
Essien Making Progress On Injury
Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is making good progress in his battle to win fitness after sustaining a knee injury at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola last month.
The Chelsea man tore knee ligaments in training with the Black Stars and was expected to be sidelined for three months at least. But he has already started training with the Blues squad and could be back in match action in a matter of weeks.
Essien has had an injury-ravaged period in his career, having been sidelines for three months last year after tearing a hamstring in a UEFA Champions League match for Chelsea.
NFF Drops Kanu, Yobo For 'Younger Blood’
For next month's World Cup warm-up against Paraguay, Nigeria will parade a far younger team than the one that featured at the recent Africa Cup of Nations following a decision to call up players not beyond 28 years of age.
This means players like skipper Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu and Seyi Olofinjana will not be involved in the Paraguay friendly slated for March 3 in London.
The technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will therefore call up players from the country's Under-17 and Under-20 teams for the London friendly.
“We have listed some very young and promising players from the age-grade teams to join those who are already in the Super Eagles, but we are only going to use players not more than 28 years for the match against Paraguay,” said deputy secretary-general of the NFF technical department, James Peters.
“We are therefore considering players like Emmanuel Sani, Fortune Chukwudi and a host of players within the 28 years age bracket.”
Players like Rabiu Ibrahim and Obiora Nwankwo from the Under-20 also have a good chance of making the squad for the Paraguay clash.
You May Be A Contact Point
GOD created everybody and everything to live by contact. No matter how distant a person may be or how detached a thing may be, there is a point of contact somewhere even in the mind. We all live by it in association and group, one having a connection and getting in touch with another in a chain-link relationship. With this, one has something to give or share with another knowingly and unknowingly. But we believe that in humans all contacts should be deliberate and unassuming.
It is the work of GOD that by this relationship one learns from another and imparts to another one's characteristics. Normally, therefore, we are all influenced by all contacts we make and we display the basic character of where we live, our home, village, where we come from, the group we belong, the church we worship, the gang, cult, occult or political party we belong, etc. The values and norms of these contact points are become our values and accepted norms. Sometimes our contact polish us, some time they endirty us, in fact, spoil us. And this establishes the importance of our contact points for good or bad. And we have seen how people change when they have new contact.
However, we now come to believe that if we spend our time always with a fool, the drunk, the wayward, the idolater, the angry, lazy, gossip, selfish, timid, lustful, wicked, deceitful, the thief, the harlot and people like these, we surely learn and copy from them, be inadvertently influenced in thoughts to display their character. Most people believe they can survive these situation no matter how close they are to them, we do not dispute it but GOD warned the returning Jews to be careful of their contact with the other nations round about them so as not to be spoilt by contact. Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Do not be deceived, evil communication corrupt good manners.”
Yes, we can survive as GOD gives us the grace, yet we have witnessed people's mass departure from good to evil in our society due to wrong contact groups society maintains. Contacts were to transform us positively but it not so and our expectant new life in CHRIST is still an illusion, it was to give us strength to launch out into the depths of goodness but our contact help us to do evil the more. It was to enable us get assistance but the assistance we got is often for wrong projections. This is why many of us enjoy contact with the gossip, backbiter, scorner, and cluster around a bad-mouthed person.
We should have contacts that would expose us to goodness, good relationship, good service to GOD and man, proper worship, honesty, truth, obedience, and a culture of humility. But where can we have these contacts? We need a contact group for peace, self-restraint and good linkage. We believe to contact the wise, the skilled, hard working, dedicated and progressive but where is this group that parades these qualities? Who are the people we should get in touch with so that we imbibe their qualitative character? Let us turn to assess the group we belong. We belong to the church but when people in the Church refuse repentance the church cannot be a recommended contact group to transform us into goodness.
The church has now become a wrong contact group where evil and wickedness thrive and where evil contacts are perpetrated spiritually and otherwise. So many people go to church not for repentance but because the church is permissive of their evil nature. And sadly enough, we have seen and known many people who come from the church as their contact point to cause much trouble and commit crimes in the world today. And the tussle within the church itself cannot be emulated for this reason. And the church by contact may cause a societal decadence it does not know. Therefore, the church should be alive above mundane and unCHRISTian behaviour.
There is nothing that forestalls the goodness of the society and destroys its roots than the prevalence and zealous patronages of evil, wicked and rough groups of contact within the society containing those who do not seek or speak peace. Many people have preferred contacts with the cults for strength and elevation in committing crimes and for social ascendancy. They use this contact point to steal, rob, kidnap, call for war, rig election, foment trouble of all sorts. Look around and you will see many contact groups also who get collective strength to agitate, oppose as become self-seeking. Many others are in the occults for higher spirituality which is not godly and they are expanding, calling unwary members into their nets.
What can these people offer for emulation if one contacts them? Groups of evil contact are become very popular in the society today and they operate as if GOD is not alive and as if GOD is not interested. They seem to be very useful and important in the society so that politics and government cherish them and believe in these groups than in GOD. But what decency can they offer for emulation if they succeed by foul means?
The reality is that the church, politics, government, home, village, in fact where we have our base have given us a character, good, bad or both. But we know that all the crimes and wickedness committed in this world come from these descents groups. And these are where we belong. How can we exonerate ourselves from the crimes committed by our members? The contact group we belong may be the ones damaging this society, it could be our home, church, school, village, political party or government.
Think about what you can teach the society; think about yourself as a contact group, what goodness do you have that can better the society? It does not say of pretence, I mean your person and personal qualities operated from wherever you belong. Can anyone buy those qualities from you at a higher cost? As leaders, we may make sure that where we lead is not seen or suspected as a contact group for criminality otherwise GOD will require our accounts. And hence, if you are a contact point, make sure that you do not sell evil.
By contact with evil, Eve spoilt her husband and that her contact spoilt their relationship with GOD. Today many contacts with other people have dislocated many good relationships with others. By contact with the Philistine Chiefs Delilah's mind was bedeviled to betray her husband to be arrested and dehumanized. So are the contacts our wives have with other women and men that have destroyed husbands and homes. And by contact with the hateful and wicked High Priests Judas was empowered to betray JESUS his master. Who is our contact point? Have we cared to find out for sure? By contact with the old prophet, the man of GOD from Judah disobeyed GOD and died by the prompting of the old prophet. What advice do you give your innocent junior colleague if you are his/her contact point, or some one is learning from you?
The contact you have with another reshapes you into what you never thought you can become depending on what he/she or group it is. Do not tempt the providences of GOD. Do not be carried away by the praises your contacts sing about you.
Do not make devil your contact point otherwise you are for the grave. Make JESUS alone your contact point and He will choose others for you. Remember, your nature and what you give out to another can bless or hurt someone forever. But find out, are you a contact point for others and what type are you to your family, church, workplace, followers and every other person. Just think!
The Rod And Staff Of God (Part 1)
In the Bible a rod is used to symbolize power and authoritydestructive power, such as the “rod of iron”; the rod of discipline; and especially the rod of assistance and comfort as suggested in the theme text.
RODS AND STAFFS
According to the best authorities, the distinction between a rod and a staff in olden times is not clear. In the Old Testament, the two words are often translated from the same Hebrew word “shebet”, and seem to be used interchangeably. It appears that the shepherds of Israel may have had two distinct implements that were used in connection with their occupation mainly as herdsmen. This is indicated in this 23rd Psalm where each is mentioned. The two English words rod and staff apply to one and the same thing, simply a walking stick that was customary for people to use in olden times to assist them over the rough terrain as they traveled. In the New Testament, the English words rod and staff are used several times and always translated from the same Greek word.
The Lord and his disciples each used such a rod, or staff, to assist them as they journeyed from place to place. This is referred to in Mark 6:8 when Jesus sent the twelve disciples out two by two, and instructed them to take nothing with them except their “staff.”
This opening text, puts before our mind the sense in which our Heavenly Father has used the symbol of a rod or staff to illustrate his tender care, protection, guidance, and comfort over all of his people, particularly all those who are dwelling in the “house of the Lord.”
When Jesus sent his disciples out two by two he told them to take “nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse.” (Mark 6:8) The lesson seems to be that having entered upon the Christian waythe narrow and rugged waywe must not depend upon the arm of flesh, or upon temporal things, but our sufficiency is in Christ. He has promised to be with us, to care, comfort, and guide us, helping us over the rough places, even unto the end of the way. The staff, or rod, of the Lord is indeed stronga firm foundationand it will never give way. It will carry us over the most difficult obstacles of our Christian journey, and help us through our most severe trials. Let us learn to lean fully upon it.
IMPORTANCE OF THE ROD OF GOD
The rod of the Lord had been so vital from ages, even though before then was without power and ordinary as in the case of Moses. When it became of God, it was used in the delivery of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Here, it was a simple shepherd's rod which Moses used in tending the flocks. Little did he know it would beget of the Lord.
Almost at 80 years of age, the angel of the Lord appeared unto Moses in a flame of fire and spoke to him out of a burning bush. The Lord declared his intension to bring his people (the Israelites) into Canaan, a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exo. 3:7-10).
Moses felt inadequate to this great task and questioned the Lord's wisdom in choosing him to be the deliverer of Israel. This was not necessary as He said “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Jer. 1:5. For sign of proof, the Lord inquired what was in his hand. He said rod; and he ordered him to make good use of it. (Exo. 4:1-4).
THE SYMBOLISM OF THE ROD AND STAFF
Rod and staff as earlier mentioned are for power and authority; and also for assistance and comfort. The men of old made use; and were guided by these instruments. Prophetically, the Psalmist mentioned these to symbolize the Great book “THE BIBLE”. The Old Testament and the New Testament representing the Rod and Staff respectively. In Moses times, literal rod was used in leading the Israelites, but now the word of God Bible. Suffice it to say that Moses and Israelites were types representing Jesus Christ and his believers as the antitypes.
In Moses sign, it is possible to see two conditions symbolically represented that have to do with the whole human family. We know that “the sting of death is sin” (1 Cor. 15:56) and all have “come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The human race have all come under the effects of original sin, and thus come under the curse of God's judgments. The time is coming, though, when the greater than Moses will 'catch the serpent by the tail', bind and eventually destroy Satan and thus release the human family from his beguilement.
This concerns the Lord's people inasmuch as the very purpose of their calling is that they may become part of this great antitypical Moses that will be charged with the responsibility of delivering mankind from the bondage of sin and death during Christ's kingdom. These called-out ones have been begotten with God's Holy Spirit, and thus have the great responsibility to properly use this power and authority as ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom.
It is important to remember that while the Lord's people are not expected to deliver mankind or to convert the world at this present time, nevertheless we must be putting forth this message, preaching the “gospel of the kingdom in all the world for a witness.” (Matt. 24:14) As we 'cast the rod down,' telling the people about how that old serpent, Satan, is the god of this world, and telling them about the great time of trouble we are now in, let us be sure to 'lift the serpent up again' by the tail, and also tell the people about the time when their deliverance will actually take place; and sin, suffering and death will be eradicated from the face of the earth. Pointing out the 'silver lining' behind the dark clouds of trouble is indeed a most wonderful part of our ministry, especially as we know that day of deliverance is near at hand.
THE GREAT QUESTION
The Lord is asking each one of us the question, as he asked Moses, 'What is that in thine hand?' If we have certain talents, abilities, material possessions, knowledge of the truth, let us remember that all of these things have been sanctified with the 'rod' of God's authority through the begetting of the Holy Spirit, and we must use all to his praise and honor in faithful service to him. We feel inadequate at times, and so unworthy of this honor, just as Moses did. We know that in our own selves we come far short. The words of the Lord to Moses in Exodus 4:11,12 should also be a comfort to us, “The LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
THE GREAT QUESTION
The Lord is asking each one of us the question, as he asked Moses, 'What is that in thine hand?' If we have certain talents, abilities, material possessions, knowledge of the truth, let us remember that all of these things have been sanctified with the 'rod' of God's authority through the begetting of the Holy Spirit, and we must use all to his praise and honor in faithful service to him. We feel inadequate at times, and so unworthy of this honor, just as Moses did. We know that in our own selves we come far short. The words of the Lord to Moses in Exodus 4:11,12 should also be a comfort to us, “The LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
The Lord chose Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman before the people, particularly at the time of their deliverance. (See Exo. 4:16, 17). In these verses, we see Moses representing God, and Aaron the Lord Jesusthe 'Word' of God. Again, Moses had Aaron as his mouthpiece, so also is you for Jesus. We, as the footstep followers of Jesus, have been charged with the responsibility of speaking the words of the Father as faithful ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom. As in verse 17, the Lord particularly pointed out the fact that this rod had been sanctified for use by Moses and Aaron in giving signs related to the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt.
Interview By President Yar'Adua When His Brother, Shehu Was Arrested And Detained In The Abacha Era
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua was a politician who could not be ignored in the 80s and early 90s. In fact he could be called a soldier-politician. The Katsina State born army General who was then Habib Bank's (now Bank PHB) Chief Executive was being haunted and finally whisked away in February, 1994 by General Abacha's men. From the Archives' duo of ANI UDOM (Weekend Editor) and IFREKE NSEOWO (Sports & Entertainment Editor) bring you an interview granted Tell Magazine by his brother Umar Musa Yar'Adua, now Nigeria's President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed forces just before his brother's release. Umar Yar'Adua explains the scenario behind Shehu's arrest. Enjoy it…
When was General arrested?
On Saturday, February, 12.
What time precisely?
Between 3.30 to 4pm. But you have to understand I wasn't here myself. I was in Katsina. Then I received the news of the arrest myself in Katsina around 10.00 in the night. So I wasn't here when he was arrested. But I was made to understand that he was at home, fasting and around 3.30 pm, the Director of the State Security Service and two of their staff came to the house. But, it is not unconnected with the press conference in Lagos on the state of the nation, on the political problem.
If exactly that was the reason, why is it that they are now coming to effect the arrest almost a month after the press conference?
Well, I don't know. I am not a party to the arrest. I am not the one making the arrest. I don't know why. But I know he was scheduled to travel and I think he traveled. I think he gave the press conference and flew to London the following day because he had a board meeting: Habib Bank meeting in Jeddah. Of course, there are no political activities now. You know he has been very very busy. Very active politically over the last few years and he was not able to travel out of the country on holidays. Normally he does travel with his family, with his wife on holiday every year. I think for the last two years or three years he was not chanced to do so. I know he planned to travel just after the election and then there came a problem. The elections were annulled. And then he stayed and then later, he also planned to travel and then there was the question of the formation of the Interim National Government… So, he had been shifting. He never had the chance until really after the Abacha take-over. After that he planned to go abroad. So, he went with his wife, principally for three things. He traveled for three things. He took the opportunity to rest. So, he took his wife. And then there was the meeting, Habib Bank meeting, which he is chairman, scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He performed the lesser Haji, Umrah and then went back to London.
You suspect that it must have been because of the press conference that he gave?
Well, I don't think it's a suspicion as such. As I said, it's not unconnected principally because of what the Minister of Information said. You know that there was a warning, a statement by the Inspector General of Police. The statement came on the day the Nzeribe press conference was aborted. It was a day after the press conference my brother gave, that the government, through the IG, came out with a statement saying that any further conference and so on by politicians, may be liable to arrest and possible prosecution. And early this month, in a response to a question from journalists, Professor Jerry Gana, the Minister for Information and Culture, did say that General Yar'Adua had held his press conference and left the country. In fact to use (the minister's) own words he said he (Yar'Adua) ran away otherwise he would have been arrested.
But in your opinion, did Yar'Adua actually run away?
No, I have told exactly what had happened. I think somebody who holds a press conference and is planning to run away. I would expect that he would have pre-arranged everything and then from the conference room, he drives straight to the airport and time it in such a way in fact that the moment he gets to the airport, he checks in and boards a flight. That is how people run away, people don't run away by giving a press conference, going back to their home and sleeping, and then the following day also giving press interviews and then being in town up to about 10.00pm. I think the flight was a midnight flight on that day. Do you think that is the person who has planned to run away? Hmm?
Could it be that he, Yar'Adua, is trying to plan some political offensive that the government wants to nip in the bud?
What is the political offensive about it? You said you were aware of the press conference. What the press conference actually did was to review the transition programme under the former president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and then absolve the political class of blame in the collapse of the transition programme. It shifted the blame to the military class and then the General went ahead with the conference to put forward suggestion. How we should move forward. He called for a sovereign National Conference and that we should actually sit down and discuss the question of our corporate existence. How we want to stay together as a nation and these are questions that if you want this country to move forward, in my opinion, we can not avoid discussing and resolving them. Then, of course, he suggested that if this conference is to be sovereign which is then extremely important, delegates should be elected… That the composition of the conference should be such, that, we have three elected members, no nomination from senatorial constituencies. And of course, he suggested that the conference should have no-go-areas and that this military government should prepare a programme. He advised that the conference should hold from March till June and then the ban on political activities should be lifted immediately to facilitate a cross-fertilization of ideas for the conference. Furthermore, that the military should hold elections and leave by December. In my opinion, these are constructive suggestions not even criticisms of anybody's policy. I don't see anything offensive about it or confrontational in my view.
So, generally, how do you feel about this arrest?
I feel all sorts of things. Actually, when I received the news I felt very very bitter, because I cannot see why people should be arrested and detained for expressing their honest views. I have read the press conference and those views are honest suggestions and I expect the government to be tolerant. It should tolerate other views and it is only when these views are expressed by political leaders that they seem to be the collective expression of not only themselves but their followers. In fact, it is a good avenue for government to actually have a feel into what people think and that I expect would be helpful. Also, I think that General Yar'Adua by virtue of the position he holds in the country, his contribution as a political leader and as a national figure, to some extent an international figure, and one starts to ask, what is happening in the country, people would say where are we going?
And talking about security angle, with your relationship with the General, do you see him as constituting any form of security risk to warrant this kind of arrest at all?
l don't see any security (reason). The General has been here and in fact you have been in the practice of Journalism and you have watched the transition programme under Babangida's Third Republic. I am sure you will bear with me that in spite of all that has happened politically to him, to his political associates, to the group, personally, has he ever compromised the peace and stability of this country for what he is looking for? As such he has acted as a statesman, a responsible elder statesman who almost in any situation no matter how grave, no matter how it affects him, he keeps calm and he does not initiate certain actions that might constitute security problem to the country. And I'm sure a lot of people would agree with me that there were instances that warrant him to do that which other people in his place would have done, but he didn't do it. For instance, when the primaries were cancelled, first, they were arrested and detained. He won the primaries they were cancelled; he was banned and then he didn't cause any problem for his country. Did he? His legitimate right as a citizen was withdrawn from him. He did not complain…. he did not do anything. He was arrested along with the others and then released and then unbanned and he came out and participated in politics and he entered the presidential race. The first round of the primaries which he was winning was cancelled. They said okay, start again, he started again, he did not complete and then the second round of the primaries was carried through, he won and the result was cancelled. Then, he was banned again and then the (Option A4) was introduced and he participated, he supported others. He supported Chief Moshood Abiola. Is that the character of someone who constitutes a security risk to this country?
And what game do you think this government is playing by arresting him?
That is the million dollar question. But the important thing is that in a country where the priority now of the nation and the government from statements by both the Head of State and high government functionaries is reconciliation in the development of a viable democracy, when things of this nature are happening to people like General Yar'Adua for expressing their views, then one begins to wonder where are we going. How can democracy survive under this kind of atmosphere?
From your knowledge of General Yar'Adua, has there been any point of conflict or disagreement between the two of them, Abacha and Yar'Adua?
No. No conflict or disagreement that I know of and I don't think there is any conflict or disagreement. You see, because when you come into that you are talking of personal …
Yes. There is nothing personal. Or was there anything personal in Yar'Adua's address? Did he come out to attack any individual?
No, it's not his style. Yar'Adua, he is a man of principles.
Do you see Yar'Adua as victim of a gang-up from people in this part of the country who don't believe in his call for a Sovereign National Conference?
There is no assumption which I think is fundamentally wrong. In fact the thinking that the north does not want a sovereign national conference, I don't think it is correct…. the Lagos-Ibadan press axis has been saying that the north does not want a sovereign conference. I have not seen a prominent northern leader, may be you can have just one or two, but they are still in the minority, coming out to oppose a sovereign national conference. My opinion is that certain events have taken place in this country over the years, historically; that certain things have been shaken and whether these things are real or imaginable, the reality is that people feel that there is need to sit down and resolve these problems. That's what a national conference is all about and they should be resolved in such a way that we have to decide whether we want to remain together. We have decided how we want to remain together to the satisfaction of very section of the country. That way the nation will never move forward. That's the reality of the sovereign national conference and everybody understands it here in the north.
Isn't the arrest because of a gang-up against the General?
No. it is definitely not because it is on your assumption that the north does not want a sovereign national conference.
Still on Yar'Adua arrest
People feel there is a bit of injustice. People feel they are not secure, people feel they have to watch themselves. It does not give rise to the calm atmosphere that we require. So, I call on government to effect the release of General Yar'Adua immediately.
What Would You Do If You Discover That Your House Maid Is Pregnant For Your Husband?
Martina Mfon
See, we are all humans, but first, I will have mixed feelings. I will think that he has been doing it outside and can even be giving them money and force them to abort the babies whenever he impregnate them, but just because this one is in my house and she is helpless so he cannot abort it. But as a Christian, I will not allow Satan to separate my marriage, so I will just pray over it then I will try to solve the problem together with my husband.
Kokoma
I know that all men are cheats, so I don't expect my husband to be per cent faithful and honest to me.
About ninty per cent of married men are cheats; they can keep their wives in the house and be hunting for young girls outside.
So, if I was to get married to my husband for better and for worst, then I will know that it's the worst time of my marriage, then, I have to accept the pregnancy which is my husband's child and send the house maid away, not just like that, but will give her money to take care of herself and I will continue with my husband.
Ekom
I'll be disappointed, but I will take care of the maid and the baby, then, when she gives birth I will send her away and keep the baby because it's for my husband. It will be wrong if I send the both of them away because the baby is my husband's blood and my husband' child. So I have to keep the baby and send away the mother so that she will not scatter my home for me.
Aniefon
At first, I will be very very disappointed both in both of them (my hubby and maid). It's like being slapped in the back. Let's face facts, it's my husband's child and if I claim to love my husband, I should love his child whoever carries it. I will house the maid till she delivers, take the baby and ask the her to leave my house because it's my house, and it will always be my house, not my maid's house. So she will go before she takes over my husband.
Ijeoma
O my God! What an embarrassment, Jeez! I will ask her to keep the baby, then, when it's the time she gives birth, I will send her away with enough money, after that my husband and I will talk things out.
I will hear from my husband and know what really gingered him to go to bed with our house maid, because may be there was something that pushed him into that which I may not know. Is not the best thing to just send the maid away and stop talking to each other.
Idara Clement
Since I cannot miss my husband, I will send the maid away and give her some money to take care of the baby, but that does not mean that the baby is not my husband's.
See, we are all humans, but first, I will have mixed feelings. I will think that he has been doing it outside and can even be giving them money and force them to abort the babies whenever he impregnate them, but just because this one is in my house and she is helpless so he cannot abort it. But as a Christian, I will not allow Satan to separate my marriage, so I will just pray over it then I will try to solve the problem together with my husband.
Kokoma
I know that all men are cheats, so I don't expect my husband to be per cent faithful and honest to me.
About ninty per cent of married men are cheats; they can keep their wives in the house and be hunting for young girls outside.
So, if I was to get married to my husband for better and for worst, then I will know that it's the worst time of my marriage, then, I have to accept the pregnancy which is my husband's child and send the house maid away, not just like that, but will give her money to take care of herself and I will continue with my husband.
Ekom
I'll be disappointed, but I will take care of the maid and the baby, then, when she gives birth I will send her away and keep the baby because it's for my husband. It will be wrong if I send the both of them away because the baby is my husband's blood and my husband' child. So I have to keep the baby and send away the mother so that she will not scatter my home for me.
Aniefon
At first, I will be very very disappointed both in both of them (my hubby and maid). It's like being slapped in the back. Let's face facts, it's my husband's child and if I claim to love my husband, I should love his child whoever carries it. I will house the maid till she delivers, take the baby and ask the her to leave my house because it's my house, and it will always be my house, not my maid's house. So she will go before she takes over my husband.
Ijeoma
O my God! What an embarrassment, Jeez! I will ask her to keep the baby, then, when it's the time she gives birth, I will send her away with enough money, after that my husband and I will talk things out.
I will hear from my husband and know what really gingered him to go to bed with our house maid, because may be there was something that pushed him into that which I may not know. Is not the best thing to just send the maid away and stop talking to each other.
Idara Clement
Since I cannot miss my husband, I will send the maid away and give her some money to take care of the baby, but that does not mean that the baby is not my husband's.
How to Cope When Your Wife Earns More Than You
When you were starting out , you were making more than your wife but somewhere along the way, your wife zoomed faster than you while you still remained at the basement level or on the ground floor only .
There comes a watershed in your life when you have no choice and have to decide one of you will have to quit to look after the children. Who will that be?
Naturally , the one who earns less will have to give up the job and stay at home to look after the kids.Will you take up the challenge and let your wife be the breadwinner?
Will you quit your job and look after your kids with the consent of your wife ? Not only just looking after the kids , you will be doing a role reversal with your wife.That means essentially you will become a househusband while your wife becomes the breadwinner.
According to a recent survey by careeerbuilder.com ,37% of the working men would quit their jobs to be with their kids. If given a choice , another 38% of the working men would take a pay cut to spend more time with the kids.
Times have changed and the perceptions that men should take a more proactive role in their child's welfare and upbringing is making many men to quit their jobs, if their wife makes enough to support the family.
Men today don't feel the shame or 'lose face' while their wife supports them.There is no more stigma in this arrangements.
Women have always stepped up when men were having hard times.Today, because of the job recession, men are having a hard time again, and many wives are making more than their husbands.
This is a blow to the male ego in many cases, as well as pushing the woman into a role she sometimes never thought she'd have to take.
This is for the husbands -- how to cope when your wife makes more than you.
1. Step 1: Don't stop looking for employment.
When your wife makes more than you, it should adrenalize you to show your wife that you can take care of her. Be happy you have such a resourceful woman, that you can lean on in tough times, but don't ever lose your place as the breadwinner.
Scan the classifieds every day. And not the newspaper; that's old. Use the internet, please.
2. Step 2: Get up every morning like you already have a job.
The most disheartening thing you can do to your family when your wife makes more than you is to get up, not shave or shower, let your beer gut go, and put on dirty clothes and mope around all day.
Get up every day and look for a job. Even if you have to take your laptop to Starbucks to stay vigilant, do so. Do not let your wife and kids see you sweat. They will get scared and respect you less.
3. Step 3 If you accept a position below your station, keep looking for higher positions.
You just need to get back to work when your wife makes more than you. So you might have to accept a position below your station, and go to school online to increase your skill set. If you take a job below your station, the rest of your time should be spent increasing your skill set.
4. Step 4: Deal with her frustration like you do any other time she yells at you.
Perhaps the toughest thing to take when your wife makes more than you is the snide sideways comments and looks that women sometimes give. It's frustration, plain and simple, but that's natural. She still loves you, but like every other interaction with your wife, your reaction to her stimulus is much more important than her stimulus. Consider it a test. You pass by keeping it together and staying vigilant. Good luck.
Mbomboyo Presents ‘In His Sanctuary’
Aniekan 'Mbomboyo', a leading gospel artiste in the Akwa Ibom is presenting a praise night tagged In His Sanctuary in collaboration with his album project, Recap Radical Change.
The event billed to take place at Church of God Mission Int'l, 8 Stadium Road, Abak on Sunday 21st February, 2010 by 5pm prompt will have live ministration by Evangelist (Mrs.) Ethel Odungide, Minister Mary Atainyene and Rev. Emmanuel Etuk.
According to feelers, the Worship Alive programme is expected to be a fire power event, an event you wouldn't want to miss.
Police Kid Launches Maiden Album
A fast rising music sensation in the state, Nsidible Udotung popularly known as Police Kid is set to launch his maiden album. The Album entitled “Police Na Your Friend” is to be launched on Sunday 21st February, 2010 at La Mems Hotel, Nkemba Street, Uyo by 3pm.
Expected at the event is Lion (Elder) Nse Ekefre who is billed to serve as the Chairman of the Occasion while the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Obong Okon Uwah is the Special Guest of Honour.
Pulse Glamour authoritatively gathered that top artistes in the state are set to perform at the event including Mista X-to, Akilo, Moses Armstrong, Sir James, Asteroid and others.
Expected at the event is Lion (Elder) Nse Ekefre who is billed to serve as the Chairman of the Occasion while the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Obong Okon Uwah is the Special Guest of Honour.
Pulse Glamour authoritatively gathered that top artistes in the state are set to perform at the event including Mista X-to, Akilo, Moses Armstrong, Sir James, Asteroid and others.
Peniel Studios Open In Uyo
A first class digital recording and entertainment outfit, Peniel Studios has been formally opened for full commercial operation in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The studio which is the first of its kind in the state is undertaking the service of film/TV production and post production, digital photography and printing, events coverage, audio production and mastering, magazine publishing and other services.
The studio has digital professional equipment for films, music videos, and TV programme which includes HD cameras, music crane, Rugged NLE Suit, Dolly Track, Professional Light and Accessories.
Speaking at the occasion the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Pastor Anietie Ukpe said that it is a wake up call on all Akwa Ibom persons to stop depending on government for their survival but to be creative and to bring in bring new things to Akwa Ibom State.
The Governor's Aide maintained that over-dependence on government and politics has made many youths to engage themselves in social vices and criminalities which rob them from achieving their potentials.
He however thanked the Chief Executive of Peniel Studios for setting up standing of professionalism in the state which according to him will bring people from outside to do business in Akwa Ibom.
In his remark, the chairman of the occasion and Chief Executive of Politics and Business Today, Mr. Sampson Akpan said that Akwa Ibom has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the entertainment industry which was evident in the setting up of the studio.
He said that Akwa Ibom State has great talents that could be highly sought after by professional bodies, saying that lack of employment has driven away many young talents away from the state. He expressed confidence that with the digital equipment in place, young people will not take to kidnapping as a means of livelihood.
Responding the Chief Executive of Peniel Studios, Mr. Etiemana Eyo described it as a dream come true. He said that the studio is a new world of possibility in all digital production. He added that the studio had before now have good editors and professional hands, but what stopped them from working was lack of equipment.
He said the studio has what it takes to produce the best sound in all sound recording, video and movies production adding that they have the capacity to lift the entertainment industry to the next level, and also have the ultramodern facility for song and movies production.
The opening ceremony had in attendance the-who-is who in the entertainment industry and media professionals where some Akwa Ibom artists performed to thrill the audience with their usual likes.
Governor Godswill Akpabio And His Messianic Mission
Governor Akpabio has taken the bull by the horn, reminiscence of the fit recorded by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the western part of the Country, who, between 1951-1956, introduced the Free Educational system, which had greatly catapulted the Yoruba race in all spheres of human endeavour. In the same vein, his Excellency has introduced a free and compulsory education, a policy that has stood Akwa Ibom out among other states. Aside of the free books given, government also pays subvention on behalf of the pupils/students. This is in addition to the massive revamping of public schools. The effects would be that the house-boy, house-girl syndrome, often associated with our people is a thing of the past.
Another area where his Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio, has recorded monumental achievement, is in his deliberate attempt of turning boys into men, through various appointments, thereby preparing them for future leadership responsibility. For instance, one of such appointees, Hon. Onofiok A. Luke, has metamorphosed into the Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament at Abuja. This credit goes to his Excellency for laying the foundation.
His Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio, is not relenting into turning the State into a robust and vibrant industrial and technology hub in Nigeria, and making the State an irresistible destination in West Africa, with the coming on board of the Ibaka processing free zone, industrial parks etc, which will definitely transform the State into an economic heaven, and in effect, would help to check youths restiveness in Akwa Ibom and Niger Delta, through massive and gainful employment of the youths.
Security is yet another area where his Excellency has invested so much, with a view to securing the lives and properties of its citizens. Security out-fit, like Aduma, is on ground, and well funded. The police had also benefited through the provision of vehicles fitted with the state-of-the-art equipment, all in the bid to guarantee continuous investment and prosperity of its citizens.
No wonder the issue of kidnapping, militancy and other forms of criminality are on the decrease in the State, and are politically motivated.
The transport sector has not been left out by the administration of his Excellency, as the government has provided buses, and taxi cabs to cushion the effects of the near-disappearance of the motor bike (Aka Uke) from the roads from 6:30pm. Your Excellency Sir, I hope in the nearest future more buses/taxis will be provided to cover more areas. For instance, I had to walk from Ewet Housing Estate where I visited a friend to my place at Aka Road by 8:15pm. Even where his Excellency may be contemplating outright banning of the motor bikes in the near future as it is done in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Umuhia and Owerri, I passionately beg his Excellency to empower the Okada men effectively with some of the tax cabs and buses, so that they can still be responsible to themselves, families and the State at large.
Other areas where his Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio, is also investing the State funds are in the discovery of talents, through sponsoring of the yearly Akpabio's cup fiesta, which does not only draw participants from within the country, but also outside the country. Your Excellency Sir, we still need more of the Vincent Enyeama, Samuel Peters, Kingsley Udoh, among others. Akwa Ibom State needs an Olympic size stadium for which you had promised to build. Tourism has not been left out, as this has received a boost with the signing of the contract agreements between the State Government and the Silver Bird Groups, for the building of a World Class Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center in Uyo, as well a digital library, under construction. All these will, no doubt, add to the ecstatic value and beauty of the city.
His Excellency the Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has saved the generation of the Akwa Ibom children from extinction by rescuing them from the witchcraft accusation and setting up a rehabilitation centre at Eket, and by going further to award scholarship to these children to the tune of 10 Million Naira. The Child Rights Act has been passed to consolidate on these gains, this centre has attracted some British journalists to the State of late, with promises to assist the children in the centre. These children need more love now than ever before.
And for these wicked criminals who called themselves pastors of whatever with their devilish organization church/prayer houses. Please, if the only thing they have to offer and bequeath to the Akwa Ibom children is by branding them as witches and by going extra miles in killing those innocent children, they had better take a cue from what churches, like the RCCG, living Faith, Mountain of Fire and Synagogue Church of all Nations and others are doing in the South-West of the Country, where Schools, Hospitals and other life enhancing programmes have been set-up to better the lives of their people and children, instead of involving in criminal activities in the name of removing with crafting and unnecessarily putting the name of the State in bad light.
This must stop henceforth please, or they look for something else to do than subjecting these innocent children to pains and miseries. I suggest that severe punishment should be meted out to these fake pastors to serve as a deterrent to others.
I was almost tempted to think that with these monumental successes and superlative performances by his Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio, that he had finished his first term. Little did I know that I have only succeeded in x-raying his Excellency's mid term score card. The question now is what will happen by the time the Governor would have finally extinguished the remaining years of his first in the development of the State. Then Akwa Ibom people should expect nothing short of an Eldora do.
I was discussing with a friend in the Church the other day, I told him I know why his Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio, is performing. That, apart from courage, boldness and determination to serve his people, his first name “Godswill” also has a religious inclination, mbok or how else would I describe the name Godswill, which is the man, doing God's will for God's people in God's own state.
The National President of Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Olu Akeredolu, and the prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, specifically said recently that Governor Akpabio has justified the Mandate given to him by the masses in the April 2007, hence merit a second term.
The issues that is agitating my mind now is, and without mincing words, his Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio, would like to render his selfless services to the people of Akwa Ibom again in 2011 for a second term. He needs all Akwa Ibomites' support as usual to be returned to the government house with or without neck-breaking campaigns. I think that his myriad of achievements should do the magic.
He would have ably justified the mandate given to him in his first term and honesty deserved an unchallenged second term in 2011 (Akwa Ibomites isn't it so?). I can bet anybody without sentiment that by the time the second term of his Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio, is exhausted, the State would have been turned into an enviable state in the comity of states in the nation, thus placing Akwa Ibom on the next level of development.
And to his Excellency, my prayers for him, his family, and the Akwa Ibom people is as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy 23:5
And to his Excellency, my prayers for him, his family, and the Akwa Ibom people is as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy 23:5
“Nevertheless the lord thy God would not hearken unto Ba'laam; but the lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee”.
And may the good Lord continue to bless Akwa Ibom State, as the angels chorused, Amen.
My vacation is Akwa Ibom State has been a fulfilling and most rewarding one, as I took time off to visit twenty (20) local government areas, hoping to cover the remaining eleven (11) local government areas, sometime this year during another vacation, God willing.
Kidnapping: While We're Waiting For God To Answer Our Prayers
Some part of this article was erroneously excluded in our last Tuesday’s edition. This has prompted a repeat of that piece. We are sorry for the mix-up.
The day was Thursday, February 26, 2009. Paramount rulers, clan heads, and village heads had converged on the expansive Ibom Hall in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, filling it to the brim. Abandoning their traditional engagements, the royal fathers, drawn from their different domains were converging to attend to an issue that has become one of the state's number one headaches-kidnapping.
The day was Thursday, February 26, 2009. Paramount rulers, clan heads, and village heads had converged on the expansive Ibom Hall in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, filling it to the brim. Abandoning their traditional engagements, the royal fathers, drawn from their different domains were converging to attend to an issue that has become one of the state's number one headaches-kidnapping.
The royal fathers were responding to an urgent call by Governor Godswill Akpabio as stakeholders in governance, to come and deliberate on how to keep kidnappers at bay in the state.
Despite the assembling of a crack Joint Task Force and code-naming it Aduma (meaning thunder), it appeared that more and more criminal gangs were increasingly attracted to Akwa Ibom by the day. There was palpable fear in the land and the intended high pitched voicing of that popular slogan “Akwa Ibom Ado Ok” seemed to be rendered in a tone that was hushed, suppressed and unsure.
Addressing the royal fathers at that meeting, Governor Akpabio expressed displeasure over the way youths in the state had allowed themselves to be misled into crime. He said government was “disturbed that some of our children are misled by events happening in states around us to think that they can make a living out of kidnapping”.
In a dramatic fashion, the traditional fathers rose in unison and rained curses on kidnappers and would-be kidnappers seeking to terrorize citizens and visitors. If you can recall, the monarchs led by the Chairman, State Council of Chiefs, Edidem Ime Dickson Umoette, cursed: “They would die. God would kill them… let them die in Jesus name!” The chant of “Amen” rented the air.
Recalling a Bible portion, the royal fathers told us that God also kills; hence He should deal with kidnappers.
Exactly a year on, that curse seems to have deterred no one as kidnapping has now even assumed a frightening dimension in the state and the bravado of these evil gangs in recent times is indeed worrisome.
For the past three weeks or so, the story has been troubling. There have been pathetic stories of citizens of the state who have been whisked away to unknown destinations only to return when huge ransoms have been paid.
Alarmed and desperate again, the government assembled Akwa Ibom women who all dressed in black, at the same Ibom Hall on Saturday to fire more curses on kidnappers, as well as their sponsors in the state; praying God to fortify the people and cleanse the land. This marked the end of a three-day fasting and prayer declared by the state government in honour of some women killed in the church (Qua Iboe Church) by kidnappers two weeks ago, when they kidnapped General Edet Akpan, the former Director General of National Youth Service Corps.
But while we wait on Almighty God to answer our prayers it would be wise to take a hard look at ourselves and apply the age-long wisdom of helping ourselves while He makes up his mind whether to rescue us from this growing monster or allow us wallow in self-pity.
We need to ask ourselves why Akwa Ibom has suddenly become the breeding ground for kidnappers. This is one question that has bugged the minds of many. Could it be the rising cases of unemployment or the proliferation of arms as a result of political patronage of miscreants who are dumped after elections or is it the result of moral decadence and the quest to get rich quick?
There's a strong urge to link the spate of kidnapping to the rising army of the unemployed and the prevailing poverty in the state. The widely acknowledged saying that an idle mind is a devil's workshop cannot be different when it is related to the present chronic unemployment level in Nigeria. There are uncountable able bodied men and women in Nigeria roaming the streets in search of jobs which do not exist. Out of frustration, coupled with mounting responsibilities to contend with, many have ventured into the dark and dirty world of criminality. Psychologists reason that a graduate who is unable to lay hands on something is psychologically bereft of any concept or ideas for survival.
The tendency to develop a negative attitude towards society and attribute his failure to society and to manifest his/her indignation towards society is very likely.
I stick to the school of thought that strongly believe that the proliferation of arms as a result of political patronage of miscreants who are dumped after elections is enhancing kidnapping. This likens the rot today to the scourge of armed robbery in the country in the early eighties. Then, Nigeria's journey into national and highly sophisticated criminal activities that was perpetrated could be traced to events following the end of the 30 month civil war. Many young able-bodied men who fought the war were discharged and sent home with nothing.
The schools they left behind were destroyed and there were no jobs to engage them and keep them busy. Consequently, many of the demobilized youths took to armed robbery on a somewhat lesser scale. They were armed with weapons, having acquired the skill and guns during the war. However, the coming of the oil boom in the seventies increased the level and scale of armed robbery so dramatically and massively threatened the country's security.
Today, the story is almost the same. This is the political off-season in Akwa Ibom. Therefore, the political thugs who have been abandoned by their employers after winning elections are now keeping themselves “gainfully employed” by snatching innocent people and relatives of those seen, rightly or wrongly, to be wealthy. And just as the coming of the oil boom in the seventies increased the scale of armed robbery dramatically, the stupendous empowerment of political office holders and their cronies have led many who are far away from these juicy government contracts to turn to kidnapping-to have their hands on the pie.
The flipside of the theory holds that these politicians and government contract beneficiaries flaunt so much wealth to the envy of those whose minds are always at work to do evil as a result of greed.
For those who are staunch in the believe that our kidnapping wahala is born out of tribal disharmony and a subsequent ethnic cleansing taking place systematically, I may be talking trash. But while we wait on Papa God to help put these suspected ethnic dividers to shame, we have to help ourselves and leave the rest to Him.
Since the declaration of death penalty as a way of curbing the crime by the House of Assembly which passed into law a bill termed “Prohibition of Hostage Taking and Related Offences Law”, with death penalty as punishment for offenders has not changed anything, we need to do more. In fact, things have worsened since the declaration of this sentence, instead of improving.
Could the problem be that we legalized death penalty, which the rest of the world have proscribed?
Reacting to Nigerian States making kidnapping a capital crime last year, Amnesty International had expressed displeasure. The world-famous human rights group insisted that extending the scope of death penalty to include kidnapping is a retrogressive step that does nothing to protect victims. The organization stated that the retention of capital punishment has failed to reduce armed robbery or murder in Nigeria despite the execution of more then 2,600 culprits since 1970.
Amnesty International had told our leaders that from their experience, the threat of death penalty is not an effective answer to violent crimes like kidnapping. They said the right and effective way to curb this menace was to strengthen the police ability to detect potential crime before they occur and prevent them. But nobody listened.
Although they continue to look helpless and hopeless against this sophisticated and brutal minority, the Nigeria police seemed to have hit the right button last year in the fight against this scourge when the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, proposed a draft bill, seeking the enactment of a law to order GSM companies in Nigeria to register the names and addresses of all GSM subscribes to help track callers who call and ask for ransom after kidnapping.
When queried why his men seem so helpless in this situation, Okiro had always maintained that GSM companies refuse police access to information of certain numbers on the ground that it would violate privacy law, and the companies might take the police to court. Entitled “A bill for an act to make it mandatory for all GSM companies to register their subscribers,” the bill which sought to make it a punishable offence for a GSM company to fail to comply, proposed closure of the company, or N1million fine if it fails to comply. The impending law will also punish a subscriber who fails to register his or her numbers within a given period.
Sadly, and in typical Nigerian fashion, no genuine effort has been made to make this feasible-bringing to the fore the ability and sincerity of government to eliminate this menace.
2010 Will Be A Year Of Blackmail- Gov. Akpabio
As the 2011 general election gathers momentum in Akwa Ibom State, and the battle for who will be the number one citizen of the state thickens, the incumbent state governor, chief Godswill Akpbio has said that considering the many influential forces that he will contend with to get his second term ambition, the year 2010 will be a year of blackmail, kidnapping, and killing in the state in an effort to undermine his administration and stop him.
The governor made this known to journalists in Uyo recently at the media interaction and called on all Akwa Ibom persons to be security conscious in the state, and join him in the fight against insecurity.
The governor who did not hide his feelings has named some top politicians in the state who are planning to cause mayhem and frame-up charges against the state government.
He mentioned the former minister of State FCT and an ex-senator representing Uyo senatorial district, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, as being one of the persons behind kidnappings and related problems in the State.
He said John Akpanudoedehe is also one of the contenders for the 2011 guber election, and added that he (Akpanudoedehe) and other top politicians in the state have conspired to destabilize the state and make it difficult for him (Godswill Akpabio) to get his second term ambition.
It can be recalled that immediately after the abduction of the (Rtd) Major General, Edet Akpan, the forum of concerned leaders of Ibibio people issued a communiqué carpeting the governor on the deteriorating security situation in the state, which the state governor said was the handiwork of the opposition to make the presidency declare a state of emergency in Akwa Ibom.
It could be noted that the governor was mad about the communiqué, and used the recent press briefing to describe the former governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah as somebody “who has fallen from the throne of honour to that of embarrassment”.
He said as a former governor, Attah should be an elder statesman, and should be an asset to the present administration rather than resorting to ethnic politics.
Jonathan: Gov. Akpabio Commends National Assembly
The State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has commended the National Assembly for Empowering the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President pending when the ailing President Yar'Adua will recover and come back to complete his tenure in office.
The governor made the commendation recently in Uyo while exchanging views with newsmen on the significance of making the Vice President Jonathan to act for President Umar Musa Yar'Adua.
The governor said that Akwa Ibom people must thank God for the peaceful resolution of the politically disturbing situation in Nigeria and the way God has guided every person to make contributions, from NGOs, civil society organizations, Nigerian public, members of the National Assembly and the Nigerian Governors' Forum. He added that today, Nigerians have had an acting president who is taking full control of the affairs of government, and called on all citizens of the country to continue praying for the ailing President Yar'Adua to recover soon, and also pray for the acting president so that his policies will move the country forward.
The governor explained that the process was a very peaceful resolution, saying that even the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the European Union and the Americans commended Nigeria on the fact that since independence in 1960, this was one of the very few occasions that Nigerians were able to resolve a constitutional crises through a very peaceful means, saying that it is highly commendable.
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