Eagles for honour in Calabar

8:00 PM Sports No Comments

The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke is top of the list of personalities to be honoured at the first-ever Night of Stars, preceding the inaugural Nigeria Pitch Awards, which hold at the Conference Hall of Tinapa Lakeside Hotel and Resort, Calabar on Saturday, March 23.

Governor Imoke, whose administration has hugely supported the re-invigoration of the Senior National Football Team, Super Eagles and the U-17 Team, Golden Eaglets, will be honoured alongside the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, NFF Executive Committee and Management, Super Eagles’ players, and a dozen stars of the Nollywood industry on a night that aptly marries football and entertainment. The two-hour event starts at 9pm, with the red carpet on from 8pm.

Matchmakers Consult International Limited, endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation to organize the Nigeria Pitch Awards, is putting together this event that will annually precede the Awards, and has gone to great length to ensure it would be a roaring success.

“We are putting together something that will amply reflect the huge progress that our country has made in both football and entertainment sectors in the past few years.”

It is auspicious that this is coming at a time that the Super Eagles has just won the Africa Cup of Nations and Nollywood is celebrating 20 years on stream, but the truth is, this event has been in the works for some time now.

“As it has turned out, and for good too, this inaugural Night of Stars will principally celebrate Nigeria’s triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations and the rapid growth of the Nollywood industry in only two decades,” Shina Phillips, CEO of Matchmakers, said on Tuesday.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba and the Chairman of House Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya are also expected on a night that will see players and coaches of the Super Eagles as principal guests.

Expected from the Nollywood sector are top stars such as Desmond Elliot, Bimbo Akintola, Keppy Ekpeyong, Nse-Ikpe Etim, Francis Duru, Ejike Asiegbu, Bimbo Manuel, Fred Amata, Lancelot Imasuen and Chika Ike.









Source - Vanguard News

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Mba: Falana defends Rangers

6:30 PM Sports No Comments

The battle over which club owns Super Eagles Nations Cup winner, Sunday Mba appears to be nearing its end following yesterday’s meeting of the Nigeria Football Federation with the aggrieved parties, Rangers International of Enugu and Warri Wolves.

At the meeting which ran late into the night, we gathered that the Rangers team was led by Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who was propped up by two other lawyers in arguing Rangers’ case for ownership of Mba, who became a star for scoring two crucial goals in Nigeria’s road to 2013 AFCON glory.

Nigeria’s forward Sunday Mba kicks the ball during the African Cup of Nation 2013 quarter final football match Ivory Coast vs Nigeria, on February 3, 2013 in Rustenburg. AFP PHOTO

We gathered that after listening to both sides argument, that the NFF was said to have reserved ruling for today.

According to our sources at the meeting, Falana argued that Mba signed a contract for Rangers and that the deal was to elapse in 2014. However, it was learnt that Falana argued that since Mba’s had always gone on loan deals with former clubs like Dolphins that it was a normal process to go through.

In their own defence, we gathered that Warri Wolves team, which was led by the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Pinnnick Amaju presented documents to prove that Mba was still their player. It was reported that Amaju also tendered the request Rangers made to Warri Wolves for the transfer of Mba, who the former was said to have informed the house was yet to be sold to Rangers.

However, we gathered that Falana was reported to have argued that the transfer request, which Amaju was said to have alluded to, was made in error and that it was provisional and not in permanent form.

It was learnt that the famed lawyer argued that Mba’s transfer to Dolphins and other clubs were on loan but Amaju was said not to have been intimidated by the lawyers as he made a brilliant case for Warri and he tendered more documents to back up his case.

Earlier the League Interim Management board had ruled that Mba was a Warri Wolves player after looking at the vital documents.


 







Source - Vanguard News

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DPO, 9 others killed as Boko Haram members torch police station, bank

3:30 PM News No Comments

MAIGUDURI—BARELY 17 hours after the assassination of Mobile Police Training Camp, MPTC, commandant and a traditional ruler, gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect attacked the Gwoza Divisional Police Station and Mainstreet Bank, killing the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Abubakar Digire Ahamdu, his deputy; and eight civilians caught up in the crossfire on Monday.

Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State is a border town with Cameroun; and 135 kilometres south-east of Maiduguri, the state capital and epicenter of activities of the Islamist sect group.

Five of seven suspected terrorists arrested by JTF in connection  in Maiduguri, Borno on Thursday (21/6/12). NAN Photo

The gunmen, according to residents who do not want their names mentioned for security reasons told Vanguard that the attackers used Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, and petrol-bombs in torching the police station and the bank, before carting away undisclosed amount of money from the bank some 750 metres away from the torched station.

Narrating the incident, a source said: “We were about going to bed when we heard multiple explosions and gunshots at the divisional police station on market road. The dogs started barking, while the few people remaining at the main junction of Maiduguri-Mubi road; ran for safety, as the gunmen exchanged gunfire with the policemen at the station for over two hours.

“Twenty minutes after, I heard another explosion at the Mainstreet Bank premises; followed by sporadic gunshots that lasted for another half an hour. My neighbours hurriedly shut their doors, because the gunmen could burst into their houses.”

Another source from the Gwoza GeneralHospital also told newsmen that the bodies of the DPO and seven others were brought in by the police in two Hilux patrol vehicles for identification.

He further disclosed that the gunmen got into the bank, after dragging the bank manager from his house at gunpoint to its doors, before carting away undisclosed sums of money from the strong room and torching it at about 10.25pm.

Another resident said that their children and wives could not sleep, as the gunshots continued into the early hours of Tuesday.

“The whole area covering Gwoza Wakane and the residential north flank of Market road were scary with sporadic gunshots that lasted for over four hours. This is the first time in Gwoza we are having this type of multiple attacks by Boko Haram gunmen”, said residents.

The Borno State Police Command spokesman, Gideon Jibrin, yesterday confirmed the incident, adding that there have been no arrest made, as investigation has commenced.









Source - Vanguard News

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FG’s Anti-Gold Policy

3:00 PM Business, News No Comments

WHAT does the Federal Government have against mining of gold and other solid minerals?

We are wondering again because there are at least two major reasons that should elicit government’s interest in these minerals that have illegally been plundered for decades – they are great sources of income; their illegal mining annually leads to deaths of hundreds of children, over 400 in Zamfara alone since 2010.

The disclosure by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Linus Awute, that Nigeria lost $50 billion (N8 trillion) through illegal mining and exportation of unprocessed gold, in the last two years, should be of great concern to Nigerians.

“What the country loses to illegal mining is tremendous. But the truth is that the amount of gold that left this country because of the illegal mining activities is more than $50 billion in the last two years. The amount of unprocessed gold that has left this country through the neighbouring countries, Ghana in particular, and being processes in Ashanti gold is enormous,” Awute said at the Nigerian-Brazil Investment forum in Abuja.

Awute, an erudite civil servant, appointed a federal permanent secretary in 2008, and who had served in that capacity in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Health before his current posting, is not a frivolous man.

The annual federal budget in the last two years was about N8 trillion, meaning that the budgets could have been funded solely from gold stolen from Nigerian soil. There are fears that the figures understate the plundering that has been ignored for years.

Government’s proposed expenditure in 2013 is N4.92 trillion, it was N4.77 trillion in 2012, the lost gold resources could have funded these budgets that are often unacc0mplished because of poor implementation capacities and lack of funds.

Other solid minerals like iron ore abound in Konkosso, and feldspar (for glass making) in Borgu, both in NigerState. Tantalite, an element for mobile phone technology is in Hayin Kanwa, near Zaria, Kaduna State, and tourmaline, used in making jewellery is mined in Olode, OyoState.
The country’s gold belt spreads through different parts of the country, and its illegal mining accounts for the lead poisoning that has killed more than 400 children in Zamfara State since 2010.

Nigeria, once the world’s largest exporter of Columbite and the world’s 6th largest producer of tin ore has abandoned solid minerals to illegal miners, estimated at more than 10,000 in Zamfara alone, who ruin the environment, plunder the nation’s wealth and cause the death of many.

It is time the authorities halted illegal mining, stopped the deaths and harnessed the resources for national development.










Source - Vanguard News

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UNN/UNESCO scientific mobile learning workshops begins 25th March, 2013!!

2:57 PM Education, News, Technology No Comments

The University of Nigeria and UNESCO Headquarters, Paris have pleasure in announcing UNESCO- Scientific m-learning training workshop which will take place from 25th to 29th of March 2013.
The venue is the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

This Workshop, aims to guide the academic community in developing countries into the potentialities of the newest mobile educational possibilities and the creation of scientific contents for mobile devices.

It also aims to give a balanced mix of technical detail, general overview, societal impact and a sense of the possible with “Scientific Mobile Learning”.

The programme was prepared by UNESCO Science Sector in collaboration with the ICTP-Science Dissemination Unit (SDU) in Trieste, Italy and it is based on the first training activity held in Trieste in 2012 by UNESCO-SDU which now is being carried out around the world.








Source: myschool.com.ng

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EFCC drags ex-Adamawa gov, Haruna, 3 others to court over alleged N200m fraud

2:37 PM News No Comments

YOLA — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dragged former Governor Boni Haruna of Adamawa State and three others to the Federal High Court sitting in Yola, over alleged fraud, conspiracy, forgery, diversion and laundering of public funds to the tune of N200 million while in office.

Also re-arraigned alongside the former Governor were Mr. Mohammed Inuwa Basi, the former Personal Assistant to Haruna, John Elias, his former Commissioner for Finance and Al-Akim Nigeria Limited, a firm allegedly owned by the former finance commissioner.

The case was earlier before Justice Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, but now transferred to the Federal High Court, Yola, presided over by Justice Bilkisu Aliyu.

EFCC’s new helmsman: Ibrahim Lamorde.

The four accused persons who have been standing trial before an Abuja High Court since 2008 on a 28-count charge of allegedly defrauding the state of about 200 million when they served as government officials between 2002 and 2003, pleaded not guilty.

Counsel to the EFCC, Ofem Uket, said the accused, had within the period in Yola and within the jurisdiction of the court conspired between themselves to perform an illegal act to wit: forgery of bank account opening documents with Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB, Yola branch, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 3 and 6 of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

He also stated that the offence committed by the accused persons, according to the 28-count charge is punishable under Section 2 of the same Act.

In the joint-count charge, the former commissioner of finance, John Elias who doubled as the Managing Director of Al-Akim Company Nigeria Limited, was accused of allegedly using his said company to siphon millions of Naira to facilitate the Bring Boni Back Project, BBBP.

Elias and the Al-Akim Company Nigeria Limited who were the third and fourth defendants in the case were absent in court but the court had ordered that they should appear before it during next Thursday’s sitting to accelerate the trial.












Source - Vanguard News

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Awo Leadership Award: Jonathan tasks leaders on accountability

2:00 PM News No Comments

…As Soyinka wins inaugural award

LAGOS—President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday in Lagos called on Nigerian leaders to embrace the character of accountability, which the late Premier of defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, exhibited in his life time.

He also described Awolowo as a foremost leader, who can never be forgotten, adding that he was a rare nationalist who worked tirelessly for Nigeria’s independence.

Jonathan, who was represented by his Vice, Namadi Sambo, said this at the inaugural Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership Award 2012, which was won by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Dignitaries at the event include Vice President Namadi Sambo, a former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governors of Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Niger states respectively, Messrs Olusegun Mimiko, Ibikunle Amosun, Abiola Ajimobi, Rauf Aregbesola, Kayode Fayemi and Babangida Aliyu.

Others are: National chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Chief Bisi Akande; former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; chairman of the Patriots, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Odia Ofeimun, Chief Jimi Agbaje, Fedrick Fasheun, Chief Gani Adams, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Bolanle Gbonigi, Sen. Biyi Durojaiye, Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo, Chief Demola Seriki, Yinka Odumakin, Sen. Adeyeye, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sen. Femi Okunrounmu, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, Prof Tunde Adeniran, Prof Pat Utomi, Senators Daisy Danjuma and Anthony Adefuye.

According to him: “Awolowo was an embodiment of intellect, he left a legacy for Nigeria’s development and he worked for his people. He was a central force in Nigeria politics and demonstrated uncommon leadership style. Today, many politicians try to follow his leadership style because we all have a lot of lesson to learn from Awolowo’s visionary style which is mainly based on rare leadership accountability.”

He further said, “It is our collective responsibility to learn from his leadership style and what he stood for which was driven by passion for development of Nigeria. Wole Soyinka is an embodiment of perfect leadership and his achievement qualifies him for the award because he has helped in strengthening democracy in Nigeria and he demonstrates a rare quality which Chief Awolowo stood for in his days”

In his speech, chairman of the selection Committee of the award, Chief Anyaoku, said the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership was named after the late sage, who was Nigeria’s foremost leader.

Anyaoku said: ”Integrity, credibility, discipline, selflessness, visionary leadership, people centred leadership, positive policy intervention, respect for Rule of Law, Accountability, Corruption perception, Courage and Tenacity of purpose are among the criteria used in selecting the bearer of the Award.’’










Source - Vanguard News

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Emulate Chavez, NLC urges Nigerian leaders

1:00 PM News, Politics No Comments

• Venezuelans accompany the hearse conveying the coffin of their late President Hugo Chavez, in Caracas... on Wednesday.

Nigeria Labour Congress has urged Nigerian leaders and others in Third World countries to emulate the late Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez, who the congress said exploited the resources of his country to promote the interest of the people.

President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, urged leaders in the country to defend the interest of the people rather than big business and Western interests.

Omar, whose comments were contained in a statement on Wednesday, said Chavez would be missed by millions of Venezuelans who benefitted from his populists progammes and their friends all over the world who admired his policies.

He said, “That he will be missed by his people and other working families is an obvious statement. This remarkable working class leader, is a hero of the people, and needs emulation by all Third World leaders, particularly in Nigeria – leaders that will stand up for the interest of the poor and not big business and western interests.”

Omar addd that the late Venezuelan leader would be remembered for his economic policies which put the poor at the centre such as free health services, subsidised food and free shelter.

He also recalled that Chavez nationalised the oil economy and ensured that oil prices were kept low for the poor and made serious contributions to the economies of countries in Latin America through oil subsidies and discounts which angered the United States.

He said several state-owned refineries established under him were supplying fuel at drastically reduced price not only to his people but also to other countries in the subregion.

Omar said, “Hugo Chavez was a remarkable leader who held his own against the overbearing influence of developed nations and sought to demonstrate that there are viable development models to that of the West.

“He nationalized the commanding heights of the economy, kept oil prices low for the poor, propped up the economies of many a Latin American country via sustainable oil price discounts and subsidies for which he earned the wrath of the United States, understandably.”

The NLC President recalled the comment by a Venezualan ambassador under Chavez, who advised Nigeria to free the oil sector from the stranglehold of multinational oil corporations in the interest of Nigerians, saying the man expressed the views of his boss.









Source - Punch News

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I was not sorry to see Man United lose, claims Pogba

12:45 PM Sports No Comments

The France starlet took a swipe at his former employers after helping to guide Juventus to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 5-0 aggregate win.

Paul Pogba

         
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba says he was not disappointed to see Manchester United lose to Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Red Devils were edged out 3-2 on aggregate by Jose Mourinho's side after a controversial Nani red card led to a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, and Pogba rubbed further salt into the wound by suggesting he was not sorry to see them depart the competition.

"Did I watch Manchester United yesterday? Of course I did. Was I sorry to see them lose to Real? No," he told reporters at Juventus Stadium.

A goal apiece from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella saw the Bianconeri overcome Celtic and book their place in the last eight of the tournament, and Pogba insisted his side are aiming to go all the way this season.

"We are pleased. It was a very difficult game and we played the right way," the 19-year-old went on. "There is a great confidence within the team and the staff, and we will try to win the Champions League because we are Juve.

"I know the fans always expect me to score, but today it didn't matter because the most important thing was to win. The game was not as easy as it seemed tonight.

"I just want to play and win, that's all. The coach believes in me, and I'm glad I came here to play."










Source: goal.com

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Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Valencia (Agg 3-2): Lavezzi ensures nervous hosts edge into next round

12:40 PM Sports No Comments

Les Parisiens were uninspiring, but they ultimately had enough to see off the challenge of Los Che.

            

Paris Saint-Germain were made to work hard for a 1-1 draw against Valencia on Wednesday evening at Parc des Princes, a result that saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 1995 with a 3-2 aggregate success.

In what was an affair lacking in quality and excitement for long periods, the Spaniards grabbed the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Jonas early in the second half that was of a standard not in keeping with what had preceded it.

PSG, who were lacking the suspended pair of Marco Verratti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, battled back quickly, though, and Ezequiel Lavezzi scrambled them level.

From the outset it was clear that the home side were in an indecisive mood, and this allowed Valencia to set the tempo for much of the game. Although they struggled to test Salvatore Sirigu in the home goal, los Che deservedly grabbed the lead 10 minutes into the second period when Jonas blasted home with his unflavoured right foot from the edge of the area.

Ancelotti responded by introducing Kevin Gameiro, and the substitute would play a key role in invigorating the previously stale home side. A positive run through the centre of defence was rewarded by a lucky break that saw the ball break to Lavezzi, who needed two attempts to ultimately beat Vicente Guaita with his knee.

Even this equalising goal struggled to prompt much of a reaction from the home side, who had to withstand a good deal of pressure from their guests in the closing stages, with Alex and Thiago Silva outstanding in the heart of their defence while Blaise Matuidi’s energy in the centre of the field helped subdue Valencia.

The Spaniards would regret their failure to make headway earlier in the match. Despite bossing the game, Sirigu was rarely seriously tested.

With quarter of an hour gone, Roberto Soldado should have made the Italian work harder when he got a clear sight of goal, and a rather scuffed effort wide from Tino Costa with half an hour played rather summed up their efforts.

Only Jonas would show any serious intent during the opening period, but his shot in the 45th minute was punched clear by Sirigu.

The Brazil international was ultimately to be on the losing side, but this was a fate dictated by his side’s defeat in Spain rather than their considerable efforts in the French capital. For the part of PSG, they looked a side well short of the quality to be serious Champions League contenders.





 




Source: goal.com

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Juventus 2-0 Celtic (Agg 5-0): Matri & Quagliarella ease Italian giants into last eight

12:32 PM Sports No Comments

Antonio Conte's men displayed their European pedigree with a perfectly-executed victory over the Bhoys.

          

Juventus cruised into the quarter-finals of the Uefa Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Celtic at Juventus Stadium.

With a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, Antonio Conte's men proved devastating on the counterattack as goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella either side of the break ensured their progression to the next round.

Given their lead from the first leg, a Juve side with five changes from last Friday's Serie A draw with Napoli predictably showed minimal urgency during the early exchanges and were content to draw Celtic forward and look to hit them on the counterattack.

Joe Ledley attempted to give the SPL leaders some direction from midfield, but it was not until the 21st minute that they looked liked breaking through a defence that had conceded just four times in their seven previous European matches this season. The Wales midfielder arrowed a sweetly-struck attempt from 25 yards, only to see his shot go agonisingly close to finding the top corner.

But at the highest level such margins can often prove costly, and Neil Lennon's men suffered a hammer blow as the Bianconeri took the lead three minutes later.

Gary Hooper was caught on the ball by Andrea Barzagli and the centre-back fed Quagliarella inside the area. Fraser Forster was equal to the forward's shot but could only send it into the path of Matri, who followed up for a simple finish.

Hooper almost immediately atoned for his error as his touch drastically changed the direction of Kris Commons' shot, but Gianluigi Buffon readjusted to turn the ball behind.

However, there was nothing the keeper could do as Giorgios Samaras drifted in from the left and flashed a low cross across the face of the goal. Unfortunately, Hooper failed to react quick enough as the pass evaded his stretching toes as the visitors went in search of an equaliser.

At the start of the second half the Old Lady showed a greater desire to attack and could well have doubled their lead soon after the restart. Matri teed up Quagliarella inside the area, from Paul Pogba's pass into the area, though this time Forster was able to parry the striker's shot away to safety.

Celtic's ambition had visibly taken a knock and a free header from Efe Ambrose that bounced down and cleared the crossbar just before the hour mark was as close as they came to finding the net.

Juve would once more make the visitors rue that missed chance as Arturo Vidal beat the offside trap, latching onto an exquisite Andrea Pirlo pass and squaring for Quagliarella to add the finishing touch with 65 minutes played.

The tempo of the game soon fizzled out with the outcome clearly finalised, leaving Celtic winless in 10 visits to Italy. The Bianconeri, meanwhile, go marching on into the quarter-finals.







Source: goal.com

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Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk (Agg 5-2): Dominant Germans breeze into quarter-finals

12:28 PM Sports No Comments

The German champions dominated their opponents from start to finish at the Westfalenstadion, and claim a deserved place in the last eight

        

Borussia Dortmund strolled into the quarter-finals of the Champions League by recording a 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at Signal Iduna park, completing a 5-2 aggregate win.

The two sides had played out a tense 2-2 draw in Ukraine three weeks ago, but the Germans took the lead here through Felipe Santana on the half-hour mark, with Mario Gotze doubling the lead soon after.

The Miners rallied after the break, but all hopes of a comeback were killed off when Jakub 'Kuba' Blaszczykowski made it three.

Just as in the first leg, it was Dortmund who started the game the better of the two sides. Within minutes of the off, they had won a corner which Robert Lewandowski met, only to make poor contact on the ball and have it blocked.

Soon after, Gotze had picked out the Polish striker, who failed to get his shot away in good time, allowing Andriy Pyatov to scurry off his line and block the eventual strike from close range.

And so it continued. Marcel Schmelzer forced one across the box, almost finding Gotze, who flung out a leg, but could not make clean enough contact on the ball to force it into the net.

Lukasz Piszczek and Gotze wasted further opportunities to give their side the lead, but on the half-hour mark, they finally had a deserved advantage, with Santana meeting a right-wing corner with a magnificent header which Pyatov could never have stopped.

Seven minutes later, they were well and truly in control of the tie. Lewandowski found space down the right and squared it to Gotze, who sent a delicate flick past the keeper and into the corner of the net.

More hesitance from the Polish striker denied them a third, with Oleksandr Kucher making a good block, and it would have been no less than they deserved after a dominant first half.

Indeed, the closest Shakhtar came to a reply was in stoppage time, when Fernandinho strode down the right and miscued a cross, almost catching out Roman Weidenfeller, who was forced to back-peddle and tip it over the bar.

Mircea Lucescu withdrew Taison and introduced Douglas Costa at the break, and the Brazilian almost had an instant impact, driving wide after being set up by Luiz Adriano.

Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho came close to giving a much-improved Shakhtar a path back into the match, while at the other end, Pyatov was forced into decent saves to deny Marco Reus and Gotze.

The Miners' frantic start to the second period had died down, and their chances of progression were dealt a definitive blow just before the hour mark.

Pyatov clumsily spilled an Ilkay Gundogan effort right into the path of Blaszczykowski, who kept his composure to lift the ball over the sprawling goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Dortmund were heading for the last eight, and missed chances to give themselves a four-goal advantage when Gotze fired wide, Lewandowski failed to read Marco Reus' pass and Kevin Grosskreutz had a lovely shot tipped wide.

At the other end Yaroslav Rakytskyy had two efforts saved by Weidenfeller, who had enjoyed a quiet evening, but was alert enough to deny Luiz Adriano from close range after a deflected effort fell into the Brazilian's path.

In the end, though, BVB could not muster a flattering fourth and Shakhtar could not find a consolation, meaning the hosts progress to the last eight.











Source: goal.com

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Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid (Agg 2-3): Ronaldo pounces decisively after Nani sees red

12:25 PM Sports No Comments

The Spanish giants score twice in three second half minutes through Luka Modric and the former Old Trafford favourite after a controversial Nani red card for a foul on Arbeloa.

Christiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo came back to haunt 10-man Manchester United as Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League quarter-final with a dramatic and controversial 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

With the tie finely balanced at 1-1 following the first leg in Spain, United struck first through an own goal by Sergio Ramos early in the second half but the game turned on its head after Nani was sent-off in the 56th minute for a high boot in a challenge with Alvaro Arbeloa.

Real Madrid used their man advantage and sealed the aggregate victory with two goals in three minutes. Substitute Luka Modric equalised with a stunning strike from 25 yards before Ronaldo slid in at the far post to break the hearts of supporters who gave him a hero's reception before kick-off.

The result completes a wonderful week for the Spanish giants following two wins over bitter rivals Barcelona and the visiting fans saluted coach Jose Mourinho as they target an historic 10th European crown.

Ronaldo had a relatively quiet game on his first return to Old Trafford since his £80m transfer in 2009 but the script was always written for the Portuguese forward to have the final say.

He may not have done so were it not for referee Cuneyt Cakir, who infuriated United with his decision to show a red card to Nani. The United winger appeared to be challenging for the ball and certainly meant no harm to Arbeloa, but the consequence of his dismissal was that the home side's gameplan, which had worked so well to that point, was ruined.

Sir Alex Ferguson made a hugely bold decision of only naming Wayne Rooney as a substitute for United, with Ryan Giggs making his 1000th career appearance in central midfield in the absence of Phil Jones with an ankle injury. Nemanja Vidic returned at centre-back in place of Jonny Evans after the United captain missed the first leg.

There were no such surprises in the Real Madrid line-up, with Gonzalo Higuain selected ahead of Karim Benzema to lead the attack as Jose Mourinho returned to his first choice starting XI having rested a number of players in the 2-1 win over Barcelona on Saturday.

Mourinho claimed this clash between two of the biggest clubs in the Europe would "stop the world" and stars past and present were in attendance at Old Trafford for this showpiece occasion, from Diego Maradona to Gareth Bale.

Ferguson called on the crowd to "turn up the volume" in his pre-match programme notes and Old Trafford was a cauldron of noise as the teams made their way out of the tunnel at the Stretford End, with the home fans unveiling a mosaic in support of their team.

As the team line-ups were read out, Ronaldo's name was greeted with an enormous roar from all sides of the stadium, the former United man looking choked as he patted his chest and raised an arm to acknowledge the reception.

Ferguson predicted an attacking game but set out to stifle Real and counter-attack, with his plan working almost perfectly in the first half as they restricted the visitors and came closest to opening the scoring.

United captain Vidic thought he had scored in the 21st minute but his thumping header from Giggs’ corner rattled against the post before Danny Welbeck, admittedly in an offside position, mishit the rebound straight at Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez.


In the 34th minute, Lopez was again forced in to action as he made a hash of his attempt to save Robin van Persie’s shot from a tight angle and had to react quickly to deflect Welbeck’s rebound over the crossbar with his shoulder.

But the hosts had to wait less than three minutes after the break to take the lead.

After Madrid defenders blocked two United shots in the penalty area, the ball landed at Nani's feet on the left. The Portuguese winger played the ball into the box and, after the faintest touch off Welbeck, Ramos could only turn it into his own net.

The turning point, however, came in the 56th minute when Nani was shown a straight red card by Turkish referee Cakir for a high foot in a 50-50 challenge with Arbeloa. On first viewing, it looked a harsh decision and it certainly left Ferguson and the United players fuming with the officials.

Mourinho responded to the man advantage by bringing on Modric for Arbeloa and the former Tottenham midfielder levelled the score in the 66th minute. After picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, Modric breezed past Tom Cleverley and struck a thunderous effort in off the post from 25 yards.

Three minutes later, Real Madrid took the lead for the first time in the tie. Higuain fizzed a low cross along the six-yard box and Ronaldo used all of his predatory instincts to slide in at the far post and end United's European campaign.










Source: goal.com

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FG adopts framework to reduce maternal mortality

12:15 PM Health, News No Comments

Federal Government has adopted a strategy known as the Millennium Development Goals Acceleration Framework to reduce the high rate of maternal mortality in the country.

The plan, if operational would offer a new urgent way to curtail challenges of accelerating progress with the MDGs in the country and identify priorities in the area of interventions that would help reduce the high level of maternal mortality in the country.

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, disclosed this in Abuja during a two-day workshop organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbeneol, in conjunction with Development For International Development (DFID) tagged “ MDGs Acceleration Framework Technical Workshop.”

“In order for Nigeria to succeed in achieving Goal 5 by 2015 a concerted effort is required to mitigate this growing in-country divergence. By comparison to progress in other Goal areas (for instance Goal 4 where progress is around 13 percent reduction per year), progress in Goal 5 is only a 4 percent reduction per year,” Gbeneol said. Chukwu said the initiative would help fast track the efforts of the health sector in accelerating progress towards the MDGs by 2015.

He also said that it had been tested and proven by other countries to be an accepted strategy to engender progress through capacity building. “We welcome the initiative as it will help refocus and fast track the achievement of the MDGs ;it is our expectation, at the Federal Ministry of Health, that the application of MAF will fast track progress and performance improvement.












Source - Vanguard News

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Edo among three fastest growing states in Nigeria – Chukwumerije

12:04 PM News, Politics No Comments

BENIN—Chairman,Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, has rated Edo State among the three fastest developing states in the country, attributing same to the character and political leadership of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Senator Chukwumerije, who gave the assessment during a courtesy call on the governor in Benin City, yesterday, said: “In terms of resources, you are not as rich as the richest states or the first segment of the richest in the country, but in terms of achievements, you share with two other states that feat of being the fastest developing state in the country.”

Noting that his committee was in the state to oversee the most distressed sector of the country and yet a sector that is most pivotal to the future of the country, he said: “We have a governor that has the trait, which has been proved in the theatre of popular struggles. You see yourself particularly excited because, if you transfer that trait into education, you will help us bring into education the kind of transformation which anybody who believes in the future of the country would wish for.”









Source - Vanguard News

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Interest and enrolment in science on the decline in Africa – UNESCO

12:00 PM Education No Comments

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has lamented the global decline in interest and enrolment in basic sciences across its member-countries especially in Africa where the situation has become worse than any other continent.

This was disclosed by UNESCO’s Director and Executive Secretary, International Basic Sciences Programme, Professor Maciej J. Nalecz, who noted that the organisation is concerned about the global level of decline in science and technology despite what it sees as the primary role of science in the production of knowledge that improves conditions of living, sustainable development and, in general, the advancement of civilization.

Speaking on Biotechnology Prospects and Challenges for Africa at the Inaugural Conference of the International Centre for Biotechnology (UNESCO Category II), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nalcez said the main challenge for science and technology at a global level is the declining interest and enrolment of young people into science, mathematics and engineering faculties, especially women, at a time when there is an increasing need for them.

File Photo: Cross section of students writing exam

“Yet, new knowledge provided by scientific research is required to address major challenges such as poverty, environmental degradation, climate change, existing and newly emerging diseases, natural disasters and energy needs, form the stable foundation on which all current and future technologies should stand.”

According to Nalcez, statistics show that Africa’s contributions to research and development (R&D) is less than 1 per cent of global investment in R&D while it generates a mere 1.5 per cent of total scientific publications, a situation grossly termed inadequate.

He blamed the declining interest in enrolment of youngsters into sciences on a diminishing trust in science by the general public resulting from a number of reasons among which are many unfulfilled promises such as a cure for cancer, a solution to energy crisis, a healthy economic future, among others.

Warning that Africa stands the risk of stunted growth if she doesn’t arrest the current slide by putting in place adequate measures, Nalcez said “failure to meet this challenge will result in insufficient numbers of scientists, continued brain drain, skills shortages and ongoing impact on development, especially for developing and least-developed countries.”

To reverse this trend, he suggested that innovative means be developed to allow young people appreciate the value, creativity, challenges and excitement of science.

The Biotechnology Conference marked the official commencement of the International Centre for Biotechnology, UNESCO Category 2, UNN as a UNESCO Centre following the signing of the MOU between Nigeria and UNESCO in October 2012.

The UNN Centre was established to provide state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to enhance and develop research for food security, develop tropical disease research initiatives, provide training for postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows and develop capacity for biotechnology policy and practice.













Source - Vanguard News

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Unilag partners Soroptimist on education for visually impaired

11:59 AM Education, News No Comments

The University of Lagos, Akoka, has renewed its commitment towards providing quality education for the over 40 visually impaired students in the institution with the proposed procurement of 30 special computers.

With 15 already on ground, the devices, according to the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Babajide Alo, are loaded with special software packages with transcription facilities so as to further enhance the use of audio devices and Braille papers by visually impaired students.

Alo made this known while receiving the President, Soroptimist International of Great Britain, Mrs. Pat Black, who was on an inspection visit to the university’s Braille Centre built in 2010 by the Soroptimist International of Eko.

The Braille Centre uses the latest computerized software to assist visually challenged students with their studies and research, thus trying to bridge the gap between them and their sighted counterparts.

Buttressing the institution’s commitment to the holistic education of challenged students, acting University Librarian, Okanlawon Oladipo Adedeji, revealed that the university had various preferences for challenged students and was also planning other state-of-the-art services.

“These are students we cannot allow to be on their own, so, as we cater for other students, we have put in place services for them. We care for all categories of students, but for those with physical challenges, we give priority, including in the area of accommodation.

For visually impaired students, we had in place audio devices to aid their studies, but since the establishment of the Braille Centre two years ago by the Soroptimist of Eko, they now have the opportunity of studying and writing examinations without audio devices, but with Braille papers. The production of Braille is actually now done here in the centre.”











Source - Vanguard News

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I’ll defend Nigeria with my last blood – Obasanjo

11:55 AM News, Politics No Comments

ABEOKUTA— Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said he would use the last drop of his blood to defend the unity and progress of Nigeria.

This came as President Goodluck Jonathan described Obasanjo as “a true nationalist and promoter of national unity.”

Obasanjo spoke during his 76th birthday celebration, at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

The birthday celebration also featured a public presentation of a book titled “Olusegun Obasanjo- the Presidential Legacy-1999-2003.”

Obasanjo said: “Even if it remains the last breadth in me, I will work, preserve and promote the unity and progress of Nigeria, work for Africa development and indeed promote humanity.

“If you are in public service and you expect commendation of men and women, you may be the most disappointed human being on earth. So, if commendations do come, take it as it comes and accept it and if it does not come, don’t worry.

“Some people had made it a point of duty to run this place (Presidential Library) down even before it started. One day we were here and one man said he wanted to apologise. He said he joined people to condemn the library without even knowing what it is all about. I told him that it does not really matter, since God has not condemned us.”

In his goodwill message, President Jonathan, represented at the celebration by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Mike Oghiadomhe, said Obasanjo was a true elder statesman and peace loving person.

The President said: “Your success are well placed in the history of our dear country. We celebrate with you as you continue to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.

“You demonstrated this when military regimes were still fashionable, you shunned the unusual temptation of regime extension to usher in democracy in 1979.

“You have served Nigeria diligently and with total commitment, when in 1999 after the unfortunate incidences in our country and the opportunity came and you were beckoned upon to serve as elected president.”









Source - Vanguard News

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Govt must subsidize computers for students

11:52 AM Education, News No Comments

THE Federal Government has been called upon, as a matter of urgent national importance, to initiate a policy of subsidy of computer ownership for students at various levels of education in the country.

Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh made this call in Lagos while receiving officials of Intel Corporation of the US who paid him a visit.

Chief Ekeh said that if the aviation sector could have Aviation Development Fund, the maritime sector, the Ship Acquisition and Ship Building Fund among others, then there is no need why computer ownership and education for the nation’s children should not have such a fund.

And for the nation’s technological development, he added that only the Federal Government could, through mandatory patronage, ensure sustainability of the digital assembly plants of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the country.

Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox

Necessity

Chief Ekeh said that of necessity, government should immediately commence the subsidy of computer ownership for all students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

“If government makes available just one hundred billion naira for the subsidy of computers for all Nigerian children, that would be an investment that will yield dividends in trillions of naira. This is because youths so equipped with computers today will be the engineers, lawyers, farmers, pilots, and other professionals of tomorrow, and the nation will benefit as they will be better trained than their forebears.

“Empowering the young ones today with IT equipment is a surer way of ensuring a future Nigeria that can provide for its people, sustain the unity and stability of Nigeria, and lead the rest of Africa. Until this is done, democracy dividends cannot be said to have been delivered.”


New plant coming

Chief Ekeh also used the occasion to announce that in a bid to increase its production capacity, the Zinox Group will commission a new plant in Lagos this month.

He added that Zinox has also strengthened its partnership with Intel Corporation, the global leader in computer chips and hardware manufacturer.

Ekeh said the long technical relationship between Zinox and Intel has been sustained through shared core values of innovation, trust, and grass roots relevance.

Welcoming the Intel delegation, Chief Ekeh that the partnership with Intel is an endorsement of the world-class standards in production and corporate governance that have been put in place by the company.

At the Zinox Group office in Lagos, where the partnership was strengthened, the two companies informed that the main thrust of this relationship was to continually seek way to address the needs of consumers in different strata ranging from individuals in the education sector and ancillary sectors that bear requirements for advanced technology.


Zinox okay, says Intel

Global Vice President, Intel Corporation, Mr. Greg Pearson said that Intel was pleased to partner with Zinox, a regional leader with the capacities and high ethical value required to deliver on its promise to use technology to drive development nationally and internationally.

Expressing enthusiasm for the Nigerian hardware industry, Pearson said that as a long-standing member of the Intel Diamond Club, Zinox would continue to enjoy information and technical exchanges to make the company more relevant to the economy.

He said that Zinox shared the Intel passion for adequately empowering the education sector. He informed that Zinox has been responsible for the computerization of over 65 per cent of the tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Of late, he said, Zinox developed and deployed the largest e-learning suite in Africa solely for the purpose of providing affordable access to content for the education sector.

“The Zinox world-class hub, which went live, recently would bring relief to many educational institutions beginning from April 2013 when Zinox streams e- Content to educational institutions at half the present cost”, he stated.

The Zinox boss revealed that the ultra modern factory would begin production before the end of March while explaining that, the delay in bringing up the factory was due to the irregular power supply in the country.










Source - Vanguard News

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Police nab student with slain Damoche’s phone

11:50 AM News No Comments

The Police in Lagos, yesterday, gave the identity of the LagosStateUniversity student on whom the phone of late Damino Damoche, the 400 level Banking and Finance student killed last Thursday by suspected cultists in front of LASU gate, as Durojaye Olaleye.

Damoche

Olaleye was said to have been arrested by operatives from the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja in the school premises.

His arrest as gathered, caused pandemonium as some of his colleagues attempted to stop his being whisked away.

Meanwhile, out of the 70 suspects arrested weekend in connection with Damoche’s killing, 36 had been released, with 34 still in detention.

Police sources said the detained suspects’ statement led to Olaleye’s arrest and subsequent recovery of the late Damoche’s phone.

Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide confirmed the arrest, adding that he had been transferred to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, for further interrogation.









Source - Vanguard News

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Ogun Assembly: Mace smashed, as two factions lay claim to speakership

11:40 AM News, Politics No Comments

ABEOKUTA—There was commotion at the Ogun State House of Assembly, yesterday, after the mace, a symbol of authority of the House, was broken by aggrieved lawmakers obstructing the Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, from announcing the suspension of four members.

Already two lawmakers, Suraj Adekunbi ane Remmy Hassan are laying claim to the speakership.

This was compounded by alleged possession of guns by some lawmakers prompting the security agents to thoroughly search some of the lawmakers, journalists and visitors to the chamber.

As if this was not enough, another Speaker, Remmy Hassan was purportedly elected by 14 lawmakers after the first rowdy plenary where four of them were suspended.

Trouble started few minutes after the commencement of the proceedings around 11a.m. when the Speaker announced the plan to sanction four members that allegedly disregarded the House rules at the last sitting.

*Ogun State House of Assembly in a Rowdy Session
 Photo By WUMI AKINOLA

According to Adekunbi, Remmy Hassan, Olufemi Akintan, Adija Adeleye-Oladapo and John Obafemi reprenting Odogbolu; Egbado North 11; Ifo 11 and Remo North constituencies had been suspended for “various acts bordering on unparliamentary behaviour and gross disrespect to the legislative institution.”

In an attempt to counter their suspension one of the affected lawmakers, Khadijat Adeleye-Oladapo rose, allegedly grabbed the mace placed before the Speaker and broke it.

She was subsequently joined by other aggrieved lawmakers numbering about 13 who then smashed the mace.

Adekunbi had called the majority leader of the House, Isreal Jolaosho, to move the motion for the suspension of the four lawmakers before the lawmakers broke the mace.

Announcing their suspension Adekunbi said: “Consequently, these Honourable members are not to be seen within the premises of the Ogun State House of Assembly henceforth.”

*Broken Mace

The House comprising 26 lawmakers has been polarised into two groups with both Adekunbi and Remmy Hassan leading the factions.

Attempt by the Speaker, to reconvene the House at 2:30pm was aborted as Remmy Hassan prevented the Speaker from seating, saying “Suraju has been suspended, he is no more our Speaker, I am the Speaker protem.”

Briefing after the commotion, Adekunbi explained that he tried to give all the lawmakers equal right during the plenary.













Source - Vanguard News

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Unclaimed dividends now N60bn – SEC

11:38 AM Business, News No Comments

The value of unclaimed dividends by investors in the Nigerian capital market at the end of last year was N60bn.

The amount represents an increase of 46 per cent or N19bn over the N41bn that was recorded at the end of 2011.

Unclaimed dividends refer to dividends payable to shareholders but have not been accessed by the beneficiaries for a period of not less than 12 months.

The Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, disclosed the actual value of unclaimed dividends for 2012 to our correspondent on the sidelines of a media briefing by SEC on the Nigerian capital market in Lagos on Wednesday.

Our correspondent had last week reported that analysts and market watchers had projected that the value might be up to N50bn.

Oteh blamed the rising amount of unclaimed dividends on the challenges facing the postal system in the country, adding that the amount would reduce largely if the challenges were addressed.

She said another major reason for the accumulation of unclaimed dividends was ignorance on the part of shareholders or when they changed their forwarding addresses without informing the registrars of companies they invested in; thus, making them to be unable to receive dividend warrants.

Oteh, however, said that SEC was involved in various efforts aimed at reducing the amount to a reasonable level this year.

She said, “We have been made to understand that the amount of unclaimed dividends for 2012 stands at about N60bn, and we at the commission are making concerted efforts to ensure that this amount reduces.

“We have gone into various discussions with registrars and company directors on how this amount can be reduced, and we are sure all these efforts will yield positive results in the next few months.”

Oteh explained that SEC frowned on the situation where companies declared dividends at the end of the year but did not give the registrars the necessary cash backing to ensure that the dividends were disbursed to shareholders, adding that this had also contributed to the rise in the amount of unclaimed dividends.

“SEC is coming up with a policy to ensure that companies, which declare dividends, give out such amount declared to the registrars for onward disbursement to the shareholders; this will lead to a significant reduction in the amount, going forward,” she said.

She said when the new Chairman of the SEC Board, Mr. Suleyman Ndanusa, was the director-general of the commission, the amount of unclaimed dividends stood at N8bn only, adding that he had promised to ensure that the current amount was reduced drastically.

The PUNCH had exclusively reported last week that the total amount of dividends declared by quoted companies but not claimed by investors in 2012 might hit N50bn.

A stockbroker, who preferred anonymity, had told our correspondent that with the way things were going, it was likely that the amount of unclaimed dividends would be significantly higher than the previous year’s.

He said a lot of issues concerning unclaimed dividends were left hanging and had yet to be addressed, adding that this might lead to further increase in the amount this year.

The stockbroker said, “I think if the regulators and other concerned stakeholders want to be sincere, they will admit that the figure for unclaimed dividend would likely rise to about N50bn.

“This is because there are a lot of unresolved issues in the area of getting dividend warrants to investors, especially the retail investors, who have small amounts of dividends.”













Source - Punch News

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Ebonyi Youths endorse Jonathan for 2015

11:32 AM Politics No Comments

ABUJA – An umbrella body of all youth associations in Ebonyi State, the Ebony Youth Assembly, EYA, has declared support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s ambition to contest for Presidency in 2015.

The group said its decision was taken following a recent declaration by the Federal Capital Territory High Court that President Jonathan is constitutionally qualified to contest the 2015 presidential election.

The National President of the EYA, Comrade Chinedu Ogar who announced this while addressing newsmen in Abuja, said Nigerians should not be dragged into unnecessary controversy over the issue.

It would be recalled that the court, presided over by Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi had struck out the suit, filed by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Cyriacus Njoku which sought to stop Jonathan from the 2015 race.

Comrade Ogar said that after reviewing the transformational agenda of the Jonathan’s Administration, the group feels it deserved to be given a chance to take root.

He said “we are not interested in any secret deal with any group of people; we are aware that Jonathan is President of Nigeria and Nigerians and not of a clandestine group of governors or power brokers. The mandate he holds belongs to Nigerians”.

Ogar noted his people beleived the second term will enable the administration conclude on-going projects and embark on other people-oriented infrastructural development.

According to him, several youths in Ebonyi State have been employed in Federal Government Agencies while many others are also benefitting from the SURE-P projects being implemented by the Fderal administration.

“This is the first time Nigeria is witnessing balanced development in all the six geographical zones. This is also the first time that Federal Character principle is bing upheld in appointment to federal Civil Service. In terms of job creation, about 300 youths of Ebony have been given appointment in government service while a good number of them have been empowered through the SURE- P Programme of FG,” he said.

Speaking on project execution, Ogar said the youths are convinced that the South East has benefited from the administration, citing the example of recent award of the building of the Second Niger Bridge to Julius Berger Construction Company as well other road projects under construction.

After an extra-ordinary General Meeting of the Assembly, held at Rockview Hotel in Abuja, on the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility to contest in 2015, the youth leaders regretted that even though the court has put to rest the issue of eligibility, “certain elements from the Northern part of the country, including Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, have since introduced a new dimension to it, saying that Jonathan signed a secret agreement to do a single tenureâ€.

“This matter is very simple; the court has settled that Jonathan is still in his first term of four years in office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and therefore is immensely qualified to re-contest in 2015.

“The judiciary has restated the freedom and right of every Nigerian to seek any office under the constitution. We urge Nigerians to continue to resist all attempts by desperate politicians to truncate the system through the distortion of the facts of law.
Ogar said the the ball is now in the court of the PDP as a party and Nigerians to decide, through legitimate processes, whether or not to return President Jonathan to the Presidency in 2015 if he indicates interest.

The Ebonyi youth leader further questioned the rational for the former Head of State, Major General Muhammed Buhari’s posturings as an apposite of democracy when indeed he was the one who cut short the life span of a civilian administration of Shehu Aliyu Shagari in 1983 through a coup.

“Sometime in 2010, we were the first to mobilize our people as a state, to publicly; in a mass rally in Abakaliki township stadium, adopt His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the candidate of the state for the 2011 Presidential election.

“We are surprised that mid-way into his first tenure as President, all manners of issues are being raised over the eligibility or otherwise of President Jonathan to seek re-election.

“In view of the issue in question, we are proud to state categorically that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is constitutionally qualified as a Nigerian to seek re-election in 2015, ” he said.










Source - Vanguard News

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Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez dies at 58

11:31 AM News, Politics No Comments

CARACAS (AFP) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez lost his battle with cancer Tuesday, silencing the leading voice of the Latin American left and plunging his divided oil-rich nation into an uncertain future.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro, who struggled to hold back tears as he announced Chavez’s death, said the government had deployed the armed forces and police “to accompany and protect our people and guarantee the peace.”
 
Chavez had named Maduro as his heir, but the Venezuelan opposition is sure to press for fresh elections and tensions have been mounting over government allegations that its domestic rivals are in league with its foreign foes.

Shortly before Chavez’s death was announced, Maduro and other top officials had accused Venezuela’s enemies of somehow giving the 58-year-old leftist the cancer that eventually killed him, and two US military attaches were expelled.

Under the constitution, elections must be held within 30 days and National Assembly speaker Diosdado Cabello must take over on an interim basis, but Chavez had urged Venezuelans to vote for Maduro if he was unable to return.

Soldiers brought the Venezuelan flag down to half-staff at the Caracas military hospital, where senior figures in Chavez’s 14-year-old administration gathered before the cameras of state television to break the news.

“We have received the toughest and tragic information that… comandante President Hugo Chavez died today at 4:25 pm,” Maduro said.

“Long live Chavez!” the officials shouted at the end of his announcement.

Chavez had been checked into the hospital on February 18 for a course of chemotherapy after spending two months in Cuba, where in December he had undergone his fourth round of cancer surgery since June 2011.

President Hugo Chavez

TOPSHOTS – A man walks past a mural portraying the Venezuelan flag, President Hugo Chavez and South American liberator Simon Bolivar at the 23 de Enero neighbourhood, in Caracas on March 5, 2013. AFP PHOTO

The once ubiquitous symbol of Latin America’s “anti-imperialist” left had disappeared from public view after he was flown to Cuba on December 10, an unprecedented absence from the public eye that fueled all manner of rumors.

The government sent mixed signals about the president’s health for weeks, warning one day that he was battling for his life, yet insisting as recently as last weekend that he was still in charge and giving orders.

And the opposition repeatedly accused the government of lying about the president’s condition.

Chavez will be mourned by many of the country’s poor, who revered the self-styled revolutionary for using the country’s oil riches to fund popular housing, health, food and education programs.

And like-minded Latin American leaders like Cuba’s Raul Castro, Ecuador’s Rafael Correa and Bolivia’s Evo Morales lost a close friend who used his diplomatic muscle and cheap oil to shore up their rule.

Chavez died five months after winning an October election, overcoming a resurgent opposition and public frustration over a rising murder rate, regular blackouts and soaring inflation.

He missed his swearing-in for a new six-year term on January 10, but the Supreme Court approved an indefinite delay.

A new election could offer another shot at the presidency to Henrique Capriles, the opposition leader who lost to Chavez in October.

Until picking Maduro, 50, as his political heir, Chavez had never allowed other leaders to emerge within his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

He used the ballot box to consolidate his power and push through policies that drove a wedge into Venezuelan society, alienating the wealthy with expropriations while wooing the poor with social handouts.

Chavez won re-election vowing to make his self-styled 21st century “Bolivarian” revolution “irreversible.”

Defense Minister Diego Molero, surrounded by top military officers, said Tuesday that the armed forces would defend the constitution and respect Chavez’s wishes.

The opposition had accused Chavez of misusing public funds for his campaign and dominating the airwaves while forcing government workers to attend rallies through intimidation.

His death will particularly affect Cuba’s communist regime, whose moribund state-run economy has relied heavily on Chavez’s oil generosity.

Supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez cry after knowing of his death in Caracas on March 5, 2013. AFP Photo.

Under Fidel Castro’s mentoring, Chavez became the face of the radical left in Latin America, with regular diatribes against US “imperialism” and the forging of ties with regimes at odds with Washington in Syria, Libya and Iran.

But despite tense relations with the United States, Chavez continued to export one million barrels of oil per day up north.

Before cancer slowed him down, Chavez was known for rousing speeches peppered with religious references, songs and quotes from South American independence hero Simon Bolivar.

The then lieutenant colonel gate-crashed the political scene in 1992 when he led a failed coup against president Carlos Andres Perez.

After two years in prison, he decided to take power through democratic elections, winning in 1998 to become Venezuela’s youngest president at age 44.

After reforming the constitution to increase presidential terms to six years and reducing the powers of Congress, he easily won the 2000 election.

Chavez survived a short-lived coup in 2002 that lasted just 47 hours after popular protests restored him to power. A 2004 attempt by the opposition to oust him in a recall referendum was defeated.

Elected to a second six-year term in 2006, Chavez then won a 2009 referendum that abolished the two-term limit and enabled him to run indefinitely.

Now, for the first time in 14 years, Venezuelans will not see his name on the next election’s ballot.

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Afenifere, others oppose amnesty for Boko Haram

11:28 AM News, Politics No Comments

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III

A FLURRY of opposition on Wednesday greeted the Sultan of Sokoto’s amnesty demand for members of the violent Islamist sect, Boko Haram, with the major ethnic associations outside of the North condemning the demand.

Both the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere; and youth wing of Ndigbo kicked against the Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar’s call which they described as unfortunate and outrageous.

A former President-General of the main Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, said it was premature at this stage to be talking about granting amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect.

Ikedife told one of our correspondents on the telephone that inasmuch as there was an urgent need to stop the senseless killings by the Boko Haram sect, it was more important first to identify the sect’s leaders and their backers and dialogue with them to know what they really wanted.

“There is a need to stop the senseless killings. But what type of amnesty are you talking about? They have not been seen and there is the need to understand what their grievances are, then they can say grant them amnesty or not,” he said.

Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties faulted the demand. The two bodies said there was the need for Boko Haram members to first unveil themselves and cease fire before the issue of amnesty could be suggested.

But a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Abubakar Tsav, said he was in support of the Sultan’s demand.

The Sultan, who is the spiritual head of Muslims in the country, had on Tuesday asked for “total amnesty” for members of the sect which had killed over 1,500 persons since they embarked on campaign of violence against the Federal Government and its agencies.

He had argued that a presidential amnesty to even one member of the sect could make others to lay down their arms for peace to reign in the nation and blamed the security challenges confronting the country on injustice “meted out to the people.”

Abubakar spoke at the meeting of the Central Council of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Kaduna.

But the octogenarian leader of the Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on Wednesday described the Sultan’s call for amnesty for Boko Haram as “outrageous and highly unfortunate.”

Fasoranti, who spoke to one of our correspondents in Akure, Ondo State, said, “The Sultan’s call for Amnesty for Boko Haram is outrageous and highly unfortunate. It is an express approval of the caliphate for the mass killings, devastation and destructive activities of the dreaded sect over the years.

“I cannot imagine why a highly placed person in the calibre of Sultan be seeking amnesty for a sect whose activities had rendered many homeless and left thousands of children as orphans.

“The sultan’s call is obviously an indication that the caliphate is encouraging and condoning bloody violence. It is unheard of that the Sultan, who should speak up and denounce the evil sect, wanted them treated with kid gloves.

“Our position in Afenifere is that the Boko Haram members are evil. They should be identified and severely dealt with according to the laws of the land.”

The Igbo youths who spoke through the National Organising Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo Youths, Mr. Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said they were very sure that the Federal Government would not give attention to the Sultan’s demand.

Isiguzor, in an interview with one of our correspondents in Enugu, said, “Having held our meeting, our view is that the Federal Government should first of all fight and conquer terrorism before anyone begins to talk about amnesty.

“Well, we are very optimistic that the Federal Government would not give room to such talks. Moreover, granting them amnesty would expose President Jonathan as being soft to the security challenges facing Nigeria.”

A statement issued on Wednesday night by the General Secretary of CAN, Dr. Musa Asake, wondered what the Sultan meant by injustice in relation to the activities of the Boko Haram sect “when members of the group are a bunch of fundamentalists who have killed, maimed, deformed Christians and made orphans and widows of otherwise peaceful and lovely families.”

He said, “We believe that for the talk about amnesty to hold water, the Islamist militant group must first of all renounce their extreme ideology and embrace the ceasefire plan. What President Goodluck Jonathan should do is to first of all give the sect members an ultimatum within which they should organise a ceasefire, failing which the sect members should be confronted vigorously, in line with what was done to the Niger Delta militants who refused the amnesty offered by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Otherwise, how can government grant amnesty to faceless people?

“We wonder the kind of amnesty contemplated by the Sultan. This is why we are puzzled. We therefore say categorically that we reject any offer of amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect. We ask government to do same. One group of people cannot continue to pay the price for one Nigeria. We must sit together as brothers and discuss issues.”

The CNPP argued that it was necessary for members of Boko Haram to unmask themselves before they could get presidential amnesty.

Rivers State Chairman of the CNPP, Dr. Manaidi Dagogo-Jack, who spoke with The PUNCH in a telephone interview on Tuesday, described the call for amnesty to Boko Haram members as an error from the Sultan of Sokoto.

Dagogo-Jack explained that it would be difficult for President Jonathan to grant amnesty to faceless people, insisting that members of the sect must be identified before they could get any reprieve.

He stated that it was wrong for anybody to compare the Niger Delta agitation to the activities of members of the Islamic sect whose abhorrence for western education had been a reason for violence in the North.

Dagogo-Jack said, “This (call for amnesty for Boko Haram) is an error from the Sultan. The President would be setting a very bad precedent if he accepts to grant a faceless Boko Haram amnesty. Nigerians should be able to know members of the sect. We should be able to know the faces behind those masks.

“We respect the Sultan’s opinion, but the government should ask him to identify who they (Boko Haram members) are first before talking about amnesty.”

But Tsav said, “I am in support of the Sultan’s appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan to grant general amnesty to members of the Boko Haram. I want to stress that the proposed visit of Mr. President to Borno and Yobe states without the grant of general and unconditional amnesty will have no impact or significance whatsoever.

“Already the 12 courageous and patriotic All Progressives Congress governors have stolen the show, by not only risking their personal safety, but by also donating N200m to the state government. I commend them for this. Jonathan can only beat this by granting general and unconditional amnesty to the sect members just as the late President Umaru Yar’Adua did to the Niger Delta militants.

“Anything short of general amnesty will mean nothing but a visit to mock the traumatised government and people of the two states. Those who are not in support of amnesty may be benefiting from the situation.”












Source - Punch News

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