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 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.

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.

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

“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 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.

Attah, Ibibio Paramount Rulers At War

The ex-Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Obong Victor Attah, is enmeshed in a verbal war with the paramount rulers of the Ibibio land as recent events reveal.

Lately, in an interview with an Akwa Ibom-based newspaper(not Community Pulse), Obong Attah was quoted as saying that HRM Akpabio Udo Ukpa is the Oku Ibom 111, an utterance that has since sparked off mixed reactions from the traditional fathers and annoyed a large number of them. In the said interview, Obong Attah had questioned the rationale behind the controversial stand of some people who continue to insist that since the late Usonyin Okon Ekpo Ekpo was not properly buried, a new Oku Ibom could not emerge.

The elder statesman had questioned the emergence of Chief Ita Etuk who took over from the late Usonyin as Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan and insisted that the emergence of another Paramount Ruler after the death of Usonyin Ekpo only smacks of double standards.

However, returning fire for fire, the traditional chiefs in a release signed by the Paramount Rulers of Nsit Ubium (HRM Edidem Robert J. Obot), Etinan (HRM Edidem D. Umoette), Ibiono Ibom (HRM Okuku Ime Udousoro Inyang), Uruan (HRM Edidem), Itu (HRM Edidem Akpan Inyang), Ikono (HRM Edidem Effiong Akpan Ineme) and Uyo (HRM Edidem Silas Akpan) and made available to the Community Pulse, accused Obong Attah of complicity in the on-going saga of confusions and disrespect to customs and traditional norms in Ibibio land.

“The present state of confusion, anarchy and complete disrespect to our customs and traditional norms is the legacy left behind in Ibibio land by Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah”, the paramount rulers said, adding also that Obong Attah “has no right whatsoever to speak on behalf of the Ibibios.”

Going headlong into the matter, the paramount rulers posited that the appointment of a paramount ruler is covered by the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers law, whereas te selection of and enthronement of Oku Ibom Ibibio purely a traditional matter vested only in the paramount rulers of Ibibio land.

Going hard on the ex-governor, the chiefs accused him of not making any provision for the Oku Ibom in his eight years as governor and warned him to allow the burial of Oku Ibom II to be concluded in peace “which the present administration has shown tangible concern to correct the confusion that he created and left behind”.

Ini Edo's Interview

I was greatly disgusted to read what Akwa Ibom born actress, Ini Edo vomited in a recent interview in your paper where she said that she will get pregnant when she wants to.
I don't know what all these Nollywood actresses are turning into. Maybe Ini Edo has forgotten that this is an African setting and that she is an African woman.
I wonder if se is emulating the western culture. This is Africa and no woman has the right to determine when she gets pregnant. I am bound to believe that with the statement Ini Edo made, she is controlling her Edo-born US-based husband. I fault in totality the delectable actresses' statement on when she wants to get pregnant.

Who is the Sponsor of Kidnappings in Akwa Ibom?

Please permit me to ask you this question that keeps giving me sleepless nights and restless days. My question is: who is the sponsor of kidnapping incidents in Akwa Ibom?

I need an answer because the thing is on the increase and people are not safe anymore? Is it because of politics or the sign of end time?

No Bank Attack Without Insider Link

In your last weekend edition, you reported how the First Bank Plc, Essene branch, Ikot Abasi was attacked by robbers. It's my belief that no robbery attack can take place in a Bank without an insider leaking the bank's secrets to the robbers.

So First Bank and other banks should know the type of staff in their employ and screen them properly.

Re: After Amodu, Who Next?

I'll like to comment on the back page sports feature story on who is taking over from Amodu in your last weekend edition. Believe me, NFF are embarking on a white elephant project. They are surely going to give us another Berti Vogts.

Have you ever seen an employer going to look for whom to employ? This is what the occupants of the Glass House are doing. Among the top men in the wanted list, they will meander and come up with a miniature coach as the Super Eagles' Technical Adviser for the World Cup.

Those men are just toying with our football. Let's just keep watching; when they conduct the interview at London next week Friday, we will all see who they will say is the best for the job. May God help Nigerian football.

Area Boys Loot Church Offering, Stab Pastor

On page 10 of your last weekend edition, you reported how area boys stormed the Christ Fountain Fellowship church, Calabar, Cross River State, looted the church offering and stabbed the resident pastor.

You people shouldn't bother reporting such a disgusting incident. Whosoever enters a church, and loots the church offering is owing God a debt; and cannot go unpunished.
Innocent Elijah, Uyo

Clan Heads Rise Against Kidnapping

Clan heads in Akwa Ibom State have raised their royal voice against what they described as an upsurge in kidnapping in the state.


Coming under the aegis of Assembly of Clan Heads in Akwa Ibom State, the royal fathers condemned in totality the recent abductions in the state.


They noted that traditional institutions have recently become a target of these criminal elements with reference to the Clan Head of Inen in Oruk Anam, His Highness Obong John Obusi and the Paramount Ruler of Okobo, Obong Bassey Andam Ibok who were both abducted recently in different kidnapping cases in the state. They described the kidnapping as an unproved affront of the traditional institution. They warned those involved in the illicit act to retrace their steps as according to them, the traditional institution will resist such further attempts.


A release signed by the state chairman of the institution, Okuku Pius Effiong Eside thanked the State Governor, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio for the positive steps taken so far to ascertain the recent security crisis including the recent stakeholders' meeting called by him to brief the state on the present security situation.

Ministry of Agriculture Holds Annual Summit

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Akwa Ibom State has rounded off its annual Agricultural Summit with the theme “Repositioning Agriculture in Nigeria For The Dwindling Oil Fortunes”. The summit which drew participants from all parts of the country took place at the Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

In his remark at the event, the Executive Governor of the state, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio commended the ministry for keying into the seven-point agenda of the federal government by trying to improve the agricultural standard of the state by way of exhibition, which according to him will showcase its subjects and also boost the economic situation of the state in particular and the country in general.

The governor, who was represented at the event by his deputy, His Excellency, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, said that the oil sector which everyone is venturing into in the real sense can not afford the expected income which maybe derived from agriculture. He further said that before the advent of oil in Nigeria, agriculture was the main source of income which according to him, its derivation could never be compared to the oil sector which majority of it is not refined in the country and thus losing some of its resources to foreign countries. The governor however pledged his total commitment to the development of agriculture in the state and expressed the state government's gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture of being decent enough to organize the summit.

In a keynote address presented at the sumimit, Dr. Trenchard Ibia of the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, and also a former Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture said that the global threat to dwindling crude oil fortunes is already known, adding that for Nigeria, the threat is real considering the global competition, concerns and action on the impacts of oil activities and consumption as well as global oil politics.

Dr Ibia further said that the critical issue of climate change is pushing global actions on cutting emissions by reducing fossil fuel consumption, saying that many countries are intensifying actions for alternate sources of energy including green energy, solar energy, nuclear energy, wing energy.

In his response, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Prof. Etok Ekanem said that quite a lot has happened in the agricultural sector of the state since the inception of the present administration, adding that the 2nd Agricultural summit affords the state an auspicious opportunity to report on and celebrate the two and half years of revolutionary activities in the agricultural sector of the Akwa Ibom state economy under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio.

He however opined that never in the history of the state has so much attention and support been given to agricultural sector considering the short stay of the present administration.
Prof. Ekanem further said that agriculture is one of the most critical sectors of our economy, adding that the state government has the statutory responsibility of providing the needed enabling environment to ensure availability to adequate and affordable food, security, supply of agro-based raw materials for industry, generation of employment, creation of wealth and economic emancipation of the people.

He stressed that the policy thrust of the present administration in Agriculture is being driven through the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which according to him is to cause a quantifiable annual growth in the production of cash crops, staple food, livestock and fish through institutional and infrastructural support for private, small, medium and large scale farmers.

Oil Wells: Uncertainty Trails Implementation Of Committee's Report


Cloud of uncertainty has enveloped the report of the presidential committee set up by ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua to investigate the controversies trailing the decision of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to cede 76 oil wells formerly belonging to Cross River state to Akwa Ibom state.

It was learnt that the committee which was headed by the then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, now the Acting President, had waited in vain for Yar'Adua to return from his medical trip in Saudi Arabia to tender its report.

But our correspondent gathered that the elevation of Jonathan to an acting capacity by the National Assembly because of failure of Yar'Adua to return had created doubts as to the implementation of the committee's report and the future of the oil wells. It was gathered that what had really created confusion was whether Jonathan would act on the report in his capacity as an Acting President or he would keep the report on hold until Yar'Adua returned to the country.

N-Delta Ministry Awards Housing Contracts

The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs says it has awarded contracts for the construction of 360 units of three and two bedroom houses in the nine states that make up the Niger Delta. The houses are to be completed within three months.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Ufot Ekaette, disclosed this when members of the Akwa Ibom State Community in the Federal Capital Territory paid him a visit in his office, yesterday.

The Minister said that the ministry had also awarded three shoreline protection contracts in Effiat Mbo in Akwa IBom State, Kurutie in Delta State and Ikuru Town in Rivers State as part of its environmental remediation programme.

According to Ekaette, more land reclamation projects are to be undertaken in 2010 while the Ministry has begun the survey of eleven oil-impacted sites in the Niger Delta with a view to adopting appropriate technology to clean them up for the use of the inhabitants.
The President of the Akwa Ibom Community in the Federal Capital Territory, Eng. Ben Ukpong called on the Federal Government to examine all reports on the Niger Delta and priortise them for the development of the region.

Eng. Ukpong suggested the adoption of the model used in developing Abuja to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region.

He commended the Minister for the steps he has so far taken to develop the Niger Delta but called for adequate funding for the Ministry's projects to enable it to impact positively on the lives of the people.

State Government Plans Retreat for Ex-Militants

In an effort to assist in the Federal government's rehabilitation plan for former militants who embraced the amnesty, Akwa Ibom State government has approved a one day retreat for them next month.

The State Commissioner for Information and Social-Reorientation, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, who announced this at a post state executive meeting yesterday said during the period, names of those who may wish to be trained will be collated to fill the 155 slots made available by the State Government for the exercise.

Shedding lights on the State Executive deliberations, the Commissioner said, the Council frowned at the problem of indiscriminate MOUs agreement and contracts entered into by various ministries in the past which has impacted negatively on government finances.

Accordingly, he said government has directed that henceforth no MOU agreement or contracts should be signed or executed by any Ministry without the prior approval of the State Ministry of Justice.

“The intention of Government is to curtail the arbitrariness which led to several litigations against government”, he stressed, adding that a committee is to be constituted to review and sanction officers of government (serving or retired) found culpable.

The image maker of the state hinted that the state government has equally directed the immediate blacklisting of contractors who collected monies from the former state administration, but failed to execute such contracts at the state College of Agriculture, Obio Akpa.

Umanah said the Attorney General of the State has been asked to drag to court such contractors and any member of the management of the institution also found culpable in the mismanagement of the N70 million released to the College.
The State government, he further said, has also constituted a five-man committee to probe illegal employment at the defunct College of Agriculture and should review, verify and determine approved staff of the college with the report submitted within one month.

The committee is to be chaired by the Special Adviser, Public Service Matters, Mr. Sunny Akpadiaha, with the Special Adviser, Labour and Productivity, Comrade Udo Kerian Akpan; the Commi-ssioner for Education, Dr. Nseabasi Akpan; the Commi-ssioner for Health, Dr. Louisa Ukpe and the Commissioner for Economic Development, Godwill Umoh as members.

Considering the understanding and cooperation shown by Judiciary Union Workers in the state by calling off their strike, the State Executive Council approved the payment of the suspended salaries, pending the final negotiations.

In order to boast agricultural and human capital development and further empower the citizens, the Council approved the release of the sum of N650m for the commencement of 2010 Integrated Farmers Scheme programme.Under this scheme, 930 youths drawn from the 31 Local Government Areas of the State will be trained and empowered with the sum of N500, 000 each for various agricultural ventures.

Nsit Ibom People Urged To Rally Round Gov. Akpabio

The people of Nsit Ibom Local government area have been urged to continue supporting the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio to attract more development to the area.

A prominent son of the area and a renounced political chieftain in the state, Engr. Ifiok Umondak made the charge recently when a frontline sociopolitical group, the Nsit Ibom Alliance for Godswill Akpabio (NAFGA) paid him a courtesy call recently.
Engr. Umondak who received the group in his home in Uyo noted that to attract genuine governmental attention to the area, people of the local governmental area needed to identify with the government that has gained the trust of citizens of Akwa Ibom State.

Earlier in his address, the National Convener of NAFGA, Mr. Uwem Etuk said the visit was necessary as the group is poised and determined to identify with every well meaning and positive minded sons and daughters of Nsit Ibom extraction.
He stressed that “NAFGA is a sociopolitical group embedded with the passion and zeal to support the 2nd term bid of the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio whose developmental strides has gained him numerous commendations.”

He cited the awarding of a contract for the construction of Enen Nsit which has long been neglected by every other administration in the state as a fulfillment of promise and enjoined every concerned Nsit Ibom person to doff his or her hat for an administration that has fulfilled election campaign promises in record time. He solicited for Engr. Umondak's support, encouragement and advice to move the group's aspiration forward and said the group was proud to be identified with a man who has distinguished himself 9n his chosen field of endevour.

Speaking separately, the secretary of NAFGA, Prince Ekerendu Esitikott extolled and poured encomium on Engr. Umondak for his show of benevolence to the group and commended the Umondaks for their outstanding show of love and kindness to everyone their came around them saying their good deeds still lingers on the minds of many who have been affected by them. He explained that NAFGA is an assemblage of selfless, trustworthy and determined personalities in Nsit Ibom LGA who have distinguished themselves to support good governance and development of the people.

He said NAFGA has been motivated by the laudable programmes of the state chief executive and hence their readiness to support his continuity beyond 2011.
Another member of the delegation, Barr.(Mrs) Linda Ndaeyo lauded the achievements of Engr. Ifiok Umondak and indeed that of the entire Umondak family. She assured him of the group's readiness to kick against any sort of opposition in Nsit Ibom as regards to the 2011 gubernational ambition of the governor and also solicited for Engr. Umondak's co-operation and support in the pursuit for the re-election of the governor come 2011.

Responding, Engr. Ifiok Umondak appreciated Nsit Ibom people who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour and said that for a long time Nsit Ibom was regarded to be a place incapable of producing prominent personalities who could ginger development in the area, and noted with pride that the reverse has been the case.

On the re-election bid of Governor Akpabio, he commended NAFGA for the initiative in canvassing support for the governor in the area and advised the group to be transparent and steadfast in all their undertakings. While reiterating his support for the group, he expressed confidence on the caliber of leaders and members of the group and congratulated them for assembling a team that has people of proven integrity that could be relied on when the chips are down.
He assured them of his encouragement and support anytime it is needed and affirmed the fact that with the kind of support given to the governor by NAFGA, the area can only hope for the best in terms of development from the current administration.