The Federal Government, yesterday inaugurated a 12-man Negotiating Team (Government and Trade Union Side) to discuss the demand of federal civil servants for N50,000 minimum wage.n The team which has two weeks to work was inaugurated by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Nwogu with assurance from President Goodluck Jonathan that workers’ welfare remains top priority in his administration.
Labour suspended its planned strike billed for May 3 but the team’s inauguration was postponed from May 6 to yesterday following President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s death, the previous day.
The Head of Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye stated that the specific terms of reference was to resolve the issue of wage increase, though the negotiation was not limited to it.
“Negotiations must also dwell on the issue of productivity. Ordinarily, wage increase should be concomitant to improved level of productivity, but this has not always been the case. In fact, many employees of the Federal Government have often carried on as though they owed no obligation to their employers. Without prejudice to the decisions to be reached at the end of the negotiation, it is expected that the report will include a workable plan on how best to deal with the challenge for the ultimate good of the service and indeed our country.”
In his response, the Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Comrade Olakunle Olaitan, stressed that low wages and productivity were like siamese twins but regretted that in the case of the core civil service in Nigeria, it was not so because it was saddled with payment of emolument that were comparable to peanuts. Olaitan added that, expecting a robust productivity from such, might be a pipe dream.
While thanking President Jonathan for giving the order to return to negotiating table, Olaitan said, only political will, would compliment attempts to address the issue in practice terms to ensure the civil service departs from the days of storm to hope.
“We promise to cooperate with government to resolve the issue within the approved time-frame.”
Other members of the negotiating team include from the government side, the Permanent Secretaries Ministry of Education, Labour and Productivity, Finance, and Establishment and Records of the Office of the Head of Civil of Service Federation, Director General Budget Office and Chairman National Salary and Wages Commission.
Others from the Labour team include Peter Balogun who will act as secretary, Sylvester Ejiofoh, Solomon Onaghinon and Kiri Mohammed.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
I’m ready to quit England – Kanu
Nwankwo Kanu has finally come to grips with his waning impact in the round leather game and has launched his most pointed retirement notice. In the wake of last weekend’s loss to Chelsea in the English FA Cup, the ex-Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion attacker cum midfielder admitted that he might have played his last match as a player in England.
The 33-year-old Kanu is the second most decorated African footballer ever, after Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon, having also won the Champions League with Ajax and the UEFA Cup with Inter plus league titles in Nigeria, England and Holland.
Kanu, who has offers from Australia and the Middle East said: “This could be my last year in England, so going back to Wembley was special.
“The big stage is the best for a player and I’d say Wembley is the best one of all.”
Papilo stated further that he’s ready to end his Nigeria career: “I cannot play when I am 50. But I want to keep playing for one or two more years.”
Meanwhile, Kanu re-stated his belief that the Super Eagles could soar all the way at next month’s World Cup in South Africa.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already set a semi-final target for the Eagles in South Africa, but Kanu, who is on the verge of his third World Cup, has predicted Nigeria could even go all the way and win the tournament.
“Yes, this is a big opportunity for an African team especially, as the tournament would be played in Africa. It is a chance for an African team to make a big impact either to win the World Cup or at least, get to the final,” Kanu said on a BBC TV interview programme, Extra Time.
“Nigeria will be one of the strongest African teams at the World Cup. On a good day, we can beat any team, be it Brazil or Argentina.
“We only have to have the belief and be positive. We don't go down to anybody because we have to show the world we're good especially on a big stage like the World Cup.”
He added: “In Nigeria, we can die because of football. Four years ago, we did not make it to the World Cup, but luckily we will be in South Africa.
“We want to come out with something everybody can be proud of.” Kanu made history when he led Nigeria to become the first African team to win Olympic soccer gold in 1996, beating Brazil and Argentina on the way. Nigeria are drawn in a first round group that includes Argentina, Greece and
South Korea and Kanu warned that there will be surprises. “There will be surprises at this World Cup and it won't be advisable for anybody to underrate any team,” said Kanu.
“Argentina are a big football country, but all the same, we won't go into this match just to go and pick balls. It will be an interesting game and the result of this game could determine this group.
“It's important to win our first game and from there, we can move forward.”
Nigeria will begin training camp in England on Friday after a Presidential reception in Abuja the previous day.
The 33-year-old Kanu is the second most decorated African footballer ever, after Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon, having also won the Champions League with Ajax and the UEFA Cup with Inter plus league titles in Nigeria, England and Holland.
Kanu, who has offers from Australia and the Middle East said: “This could be my last year in England, so going back to Wembley was special.
“The big stage is the best for a player and I’d say Wembley is the best one of all.”
Papilo stated further that he’s ready to end his Nigeria career: “I cannot play when I am 50. But I want to keep playing for one or two more years.”
Meanwhile, Kanu re-stated his belief that the Super Eagles could soar all the way at next month’s World Cup in South Africa.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already set a semi-final target for the Eagles in South Africa, but Kanu, who is on the verge of his third World Cup, has predicted Nigeria could even go all the way and win the tournament.
“Yes, this is a big opportunity for an African team especially, as the tournament would be played in Africa. It is a chance for an African team to make a big impact either to win the World Cup or at least, get to the final,” Kanu said on a BBC TV interview programme, Extra Time.
“Nigeria will be one of the strongest African teams at the World Cup. On a good day, we can beat any team, be it Brazil or Argentina.
“We only have to have the belief and be positive. We don't go down to anybody because we have to show the world we're good especially on a big stage like the World Cup.”
He added: “In Nigeria, we can die because of football. Four years ago, we did not make it to the World Cup, but luckily we will be in South Africa.
“We want to come out with something everybody can be proud of.” Kanu made history when he led Nigeria to become the first African team to win Olympic soccer gold in 1996, beating Brazil and Argentina on the way. Nigeria are drawn in a first round group that includes Argentina, Greece and
South Korea and Kanu warned that there will be surprises. “There will be surprises at this World Cup and it won't be advisable for anybody to underrate any team,” said Kanu.
“Argentina are a big football country, but all the same, we won't go into this match just to go and pick balls. It will be an interesting game and the result of this game could determine this group.
“It's important to win our first game and from there, we can move forward.”
Nigeria will begin training camp in England on Friday after a Presidential reception in Abuja the previous day.
President assures on credible polls
President Goodluck Jonathan has restated his commitment to the conduct of free and fair elections acceptable to Nigerians and the international community of 2011. He assured that credible elections would be the basis for the emergence of a credible and legitimate government in 2011.
In the same vein, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, urged the National Assembly to ensure in the Electoral Act review, that elected representatives and office holders elect are not allowed to change their political parties after election without first resigning and going back to the electorate to seek a fresh mandate on the platform of their new political parties.
Anyaoku also called on President Jonathan to ensure that the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the commissioners are people of proven integrity and non partisan.
According to the former commonwealth scribe, the effort would ensure that the entire electoral process, particularly, the compilation and timely display of the voters register, and the logistics for voting are transparently effected.
President Jonathan who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho said. “This administration is convinced that the best way to start is to accord priority attention to electoral reforms. This is to ensure that winners in the forthcoming 2011 elections, at all levels of government, can exercise legitimate authority, having been freely elected by the people through honest and transparent process of free and fair elections in which every valid vote counts.
He spoke further: “The entire world is looking forward to seeing how we are going to manage the process in the months ahead. Let me assure you that we shall neither fail our nation nor our admirers all over the world who are counting on us to make a significant difference.”
Jonathan admitted that his administration was facing the challenge of providing critical infrastructure, the most compelling, being epileptic power supply.
“This is important to stimulate economic growth, ensure poverty reduction and employment generation as well as enhance economic competitiveness,” he said.
The third priority concern of the administration, he said, was the issue of the anti-graft campaign which was based on his government’s zero tolerance for corruption. He noted that his government was determined to ensure that “all offenders are appropriately sanctioned within the ambit of the rule of law and observance of due process”.
Anyaoku also kicked against money politics, maintaining that elections should not only be for the super rich.
The former Commonwealth Secretary General decried today’s civil service, noting that, it has lost much of its earlier attribute of competence and efficiency.
In his remark, Head of Service of the Federation Stephen Oronsaye said the aim of the dialogue and engagement on the African Regional Conference was to focus on building trust, and accountability in governance.
“This involves strengthening bonds at three levels: between citizens and political leaders; between political leaders and the public service; and between the public service and the citizens.”
In the same vein, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, urged the National Assembly to ensure in the Electoral Act review, that elected representatives and office holders elect are not allowed to change their political parties after election without first resigning and going back to the electorate to seek a fresh mandate on the platform of their new political parties.
Anyaoku also called on President Jonathan to ensure that the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the commissioners are people of proven integrity and non partisan.
According to the former commonwealth scribe, the effort would ensure that the entire electoral process, particularly, the compilation and timely display of the voters register, and the logistics for voting are transparently effected.
President Jonathan who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho said. “This administration is convinced that the best way to start is to accord priority attention to electoral reforms. This is to ensure that winners in the forthcoming 2011 elections, at all levels of government, can exercise legitimate authority, having been freely elected by the people through honest and transparent process of free and fair elections in which every valid vote counts.
He spoke further: “The entire world is looking forward to seeing how we are going to manage the process in the months ahead. Let me assure you that we shall neither fail our nation nor our admirers all over the world who are counting on us to make a significant difference.”
Jonathan admitted that his administration was facing the challenge of providing critical infrastructure, the most compelling, being epileptic power supply.
“This is important to stimulate economic growth, ensure poverty reduction and employment generation as well as enhance economic competitiveness,” he said.
The third priority concern of the administration, he said, was the issue of the anti-graft campaign which was based on his government’s zero tolerance for corruption. He noted that his government was determined to ensure that “all offenders are appropriately sanctioned within the ambit of the rule of law and observance of due process”.
Anyaoku also kicked against money politics, maintaining that elections should not only be for the super rich.
The former Commonwealth Secretary General decried today’s civil service, noting that, it has lost much of its earlier attribute of competence and efficiency.
In his remark, Head of Service of the Federation Stephen Oronsaye said the aim of the dialogue and engagement on the African Regional Conference was to focus on building trust, and accountability in governance.
“This involves strengthening bonds at three levels: between citizens and political leaders; between political leaders and the public service; and between the public service and the citizens.”
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Frank Lampard Has Been Blues' Real Leader This Season
One hundred and thirty three goals in all competitions. It is a statistic as startling as it is impressive. Chelsea still have to dispatch Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to clinch their fourth English top-flight title, but that seems a formality against poor travellers, who have conceded 47 times while suffering 13 away defeats in the Premier League.
If Carlo Ancelotti's side should hit five against the fifth-bottom Latics next Sunday in clinching the Premier League title - and Roberto Martinez's men have already shipped that number or more in three league games this season - they will hit a century of Premier League goals for the campaign.
Perhaps it is a legacy of the considerable shadow that Jose Mourinho still casts over the club, but the Blues are still thought of as joyless assassins by many Premier League watchers. Their goal-happy season is a firm rebuff to this enduring perception.
Ancelotti describes himself as an advocate of attacking football, but in his Friday press briefing admitted he hadn't expected such an avalanche. "I am surprised," he said. "I didn't think this team could score so many goals. We try to play attacking football. We have a midfielder who can score 25 goals in a season, and there is nobody like this in the other teams. We don't just have great strikers, but the support from midfield as well.”
The coach couldn't have put it any more fittingly. That Ancelotti didn't even mention Frank Lampard by name epitomises the unobtrusive way that his star midfielder routinely churns out excellence. Ancelotti also praised Florent Malouda, and his emergence as a decisive player has been key to the term's success, but Lampard has led from the front, as he always since his 2001 arrival from West Ham United. Claudio Ranieri's role in keeping Chelsea competitive in the hand-to-mouth moments pre-Roman Abramovich, and his dignity as his departure was publicly mapped in his final season, are often flagged, but his purchase of Lampard is his primary legacy to the club.
Ancelotti's own sang froid has been notable amid a season of off-field controversy, and Lampard has been his on-field conduct, with John Terry also compromised on-field on a number of occasions. Lampard's smooth passing and polished all-round game is sometimes overlooked, but it's an understandable error given the unerring consistency of his finishing.
His goals have been vital; the successful penalties against Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge and on his return to Upton Park salvaged four points over the space of a few days when Chelsea's indifferent form threatened to let their title challenge slip away.
Landmarks have been routinely passed in recent weeks. The late consolation scored at Tottenham from Michael Ballack's cross was Lampard's 100th for Chelsea in the Premier League. His sublime clipped finish for the fifth against Stoke meant he reached the 20 mark in a Premier League season for the first time. The hat-trick goal of an eventual four against Aston Villa in March meant that Lampard had hit 20 in all competitions for the fifth successive season. And he now has 156 goals for the Blues in all competitions.
These figures also underline his year-on-year improvement at Stamford Bridge - he only reached double figures in a season once for West Ham, when he netted 14 back in 1999-00.
Didier Drogba has excelled too, of course, with his own strike at Anfield his 33rd of the campaign, equalling his best-ever season (in 2006-07). Lampard will turn 32 on June 20, just as Drogba did in March. In an increasingly physical sport - with the Premier League widely accepted to represent its athletic apex - the consistency of performance that these two continue to maintain is little short of phenomenal.
Lampard's stamina can only be a positive sign for England's World Cup hopes. Good news has been scarce over the past months, with Terry's well-documented struggles, the fitness worries over his replacement as captain Rio Ferdinand, and the nation wincing collectively every time Wayne Rooney goes into a challenge. With question-marks over where goals will come from if Rooney's form or fitness gives way, the presence of a senior figure of Lampard's reliability must be a relief to Fabio Capello.
Should Chelsea raise the Premier League trophy come 6pm this Sunday, no-one will deserve to get his hands on the silverware more than Lampard. His coach will know, as everyone else should, that his crucial strike against Liverpool is just the tip of a considerable iceberg.
Culled from goal.com
If Carlo Ancelotti's side should hit five against the fifth-bottom Latics next Sunday in clinching the Premier League title - and Roberto Martinez's men have already shipped that number or more in three league games this season - they will hit a century of Premier League goals for the campaign.
Perhaps it is a legacy of the considerable shadow that Jose Mourinho still casts over the club, but the Blues are still thought of as joyless assassins by many Premier League watchers. Their goal-happy season is a firm rebuff to this enduring perception.
Ancelotti describes himself as an advocate of attacking football, but in his Friday press briefing admitted he hadn't expected such an avalanche. "I am surprised," he said. "I didn't think this team could score so many goals. We try to play attacking football. We have a midfielder who can score 25 goals in a season, and there is nobody like this in the other teams. We don't just have great strikers, but the support from midfield as well.”
The coach couldn't have put it any more fittingly. That Ancelotti didn't even mention Frank Lampard by name epitomises the unobtrusive way that his star midfielder routinely churns out excellence. Ancelotti also praised Florent Malouda, and his emergence as a decisive player has been key to the term's success, but Lampard has led from the front, as he always since his 2001 arrival from West Ham United. Claudio Ranieri's role in keeping Chelsea competitive in the hand-to-mouth moments pre-Roman Abramovich, and his dignity as his departure was publicly mapped in his final season, are often flagged, but his purchase of Lampard is his primary legacy to the club.
Ancelotti's own sang froid has been notable amid a season of off-field controversy, and Lampard has been his on-field conduct, with John Terry also compromised on-field on a number of occasions. Lampard's smooth passing and polished all-round game is sometimes overlooked, but it's an understandable error given the unerring consistency of his finishing.
His goals have been vital; the successful penalties against Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge and on his return to Upton Park salvaged four points over the space of a few days when Chelsea's indifferent form threatened to let their title challenge slip away.
Landmarks have been routinely passed in recent weeks. The late consolation scored at Tottenham from Michael Ballack's cross was Lampard's 100th for Chelsea in the Premier League. His sublime clipped finish for the fifth against Stoke meant he reached the 20 mark in a Premier League season for the first time. The hat-trick goal of an eventual four against Aston Villa in March meant that Lampard had hit 20 in all competitions for the fifth successive season. And he now has 156 goals for the Blues in all competitions.
These figures also underline his year-on-year improvement at Stamford Bridge - he only reached double figures in a season once for West Ham, when he netted 14 back in 1999-00.
Didier Drogba has excelled too, of course, with his own strike at Anfield his 33rd of the campaign, equalling his best-ever season (in 2006-07). Lampard will turn 32 on June 20, just as Drogba did in March. In an increasingly physical sport - with the Premier League widely accepted to represent its athletic apex - the consistency of performance that these two continue to maintain is little short of phenomenal.
Lampard's stamina can only be a positive sign for England's World Cup hopes. Good news has been scarce over the past months, with Terry's well-documented struggles, the fitness worries over his replacement as captain Rio Ferdinand, and the nation wincing collectively every time Wayne Rooney goes into a challenge. With question-marks over where goals will come from if Rooney's form or fitness gives way, the presence of a senior figure of Lampard's reliability must be a relief to Fabio Capello.
Should Chelsea raise the Premier League trophy come 6pm this Sunday, no-one will deserve to get his hands on the silverware more than Lampard. His coach will know, as everyone else should, that his crucial strike against Liverpool is just the tip of a considerable iceberg.
Culled from goal.com
Sani Kaita Speaks Of Monaco Return
Nigeria midfielder Sani Kaita says he may return to Monaco after his loan spell with Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia.
Kaita, 24, endured a miserable spell at the French club before being farmed out on loan to Russia, first with FC Kuban, and then with Lokomotiv Moscow before ending up at Alania where he is now enjoying a regular run of games.
The midfielder told KickOffNigeria.com that Monaco now want him back.“My Manager told me that Monaco wants me back desperately having watched my progress so far in the Russian League.
"So I may return to the French league soonest to rejoin them." But Kaita, who also claims to have other options, says he won't make a decision until after the World Cup.
"Also a top European club is on my trail and they really want to sign me on. But I told them to wait until after the World Cup in South Africa.”
Kaita, 24, endured a miserable spell at the French club before being farmed out on loan to Russia, first with FC Kuban, and then with Lokomotiv Moscow before ending up at Alania where he is now enjoying a regular run of games.
The midfielder told KickOffNigeria.com that Monaco now want him back.“My Manager told me that Monaco wants me back desperately having watched my progress so far in the Russian League.
"So I may return to the French league soonest to rejoin them." But Kaita, who also claims to have other options, says he won't make a decision until after the World Cup.
"Also a top European club is on my trail and they really want to sign me on. But I told them to wait until after the World Cup in South Africa.”
Whelan: Wigan Can Rain On Chelsea's Parade
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has promised that Chelsea will not stroll past the Latics on their way to the Premier League title this Sunday, and insists that Roberto Martinez's side have what it takes to spoil the Blues' title party "for the good of football everywhere".
Chelsea lead Manchester United by a point at the top of the table and with both sides facing seemingly straightforward fixtures on the final day of the season - Chelsea at home to Wigan and United at home to Stoke - it would appear that the title is destined to return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2006.
But Whelan, a friend of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, insists that the outcome of the title race is by no means a foregone conclusion, and has promised that his Wigan side willl do their best to ruin Chelsea's day.
"We have beaten Chelsea once this season, plus Arsenal and Liverpool, so we know we are capable of giving any team a game on our day," Whelan said.
"We are not playing for Manchester United, we are playing for Wigan Athletic and for the good of football everywhere. It's a huge challenge - that would be the case for any team going to Stamfrod Bridge when Chelsea need a win to clinch the title.
"How can you feel your season is already over when you are part of a unique occasion like this? The mood in the dressing room is that the players are all up for it.
"They are ready for one final push and have a belief they can make it difficult for Chelsea. Football is all about dreams and it is a fantastic dream to have, that you can decide who wins the league."
Wigan may have handed Chelsea a shock defeat at the DW Stadium earlier this season, and also beaten Arsenal at home a couple of weeks ago, but the Latics will have their work cut out at Stamford Bridge as they have never won an away match against any of the "big three".
Chelsea lead Manchester United by a point at the top of the table and with both sides facing seemingly straightforward fixtures on the final day of the season - Chelsea at home to Wigan and United at home to Stoke - it would appear that the title is destined to return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2006.
But Whelan, a friend of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, insists that the outcome of the title race is by no means a foregone conclusion, and has promised that his Wigan side willl do their best to ruin Chelsea's day.
"We have beaten Chelsea once this season, plus Arsenal and Liverpool, so we know we are capable of giving any team a game on our day," Whelan said.
"We are not playing for Manchester United, we are playing for Wigan Athletic and for the good of football everywhere. It's a huge challenge - that would be the case for any team going to Stamfrod Bridge when Chelsea need a win to clinch the title.
"How can you feel your season is already over when you are part of a unique occasion like this? The mood in the dressing room is that the players are all up for it.
"They are ready for one final push and have a belief they can make it difficult for Chelsea. Football is all about dreams and it is a fantastic dream to have, that you can decide who wins the league."
Wigan may have handed Chelsea a shock defeat at the DW Stadium earlier this season, and also beaten Arsenal at home a couple of weeks ago, but the Latics will have their work cut out at Stamford Bridge as they have never won an away match against any of the "big three".
Amokachi Thrilled Yobo Playing Again
Everton defender Joseph Yobo has been hailed by Nigeria assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi, for fighting his way back to the starting XI of his English Premier League club.
Yobo started and finished Saturday's game against Stoke City after several weeks on the fringes of the Goodison Park outfit.
“I'm happy to see he is playing again because he's a young man who deserves to be starting games,” said Amokachi.
Yobo lost his place in the Everton first team after he returned to England from the Africa Cup of Nations with a hamstring injury.
So unsettled has he been at Everton that speculations have linked him with a move in the summer to either promoted Newcastle United or Bolton.
But despite his lack of playing time this year, Yobo was included in Nigeria's provisional squad for the World Cup in June.
Nigeria New World Cup Base To Cost More Nigeria's new World Cup base, the Waterfront Hotel at Richards Bay, will cost a lot more than the country's previous choice, officials have disclosed.
Last week, Nigeria officials chose not to use the New Hampshire Hotel in Durban ahead of the World Cup and decided on the Waterfront Hotel after an inspection visit led by the country's sports minister, Ibrahim Bio.
“One of the reasons we chose Hampshire was that it was within our budget, but following government's intervention, we can now take up the Waterfront Hotel, which is about 200 dollars-a-night more expensive than Hampshire,” said Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official, Tunde Aderibigbe.
Officials raised security issues over Hampshire, who failed to beat an April 28 deadline to complete a perimeter fence around its premises.
Paper work as regards this switch of training site is expected to be perfected on Monday with officials of world football governing body FIFA, officials disclosed.
The Super Eagles are due in South Africa on May 31 after a training camp in England.
Yobo started and finished Saturday's game against Stoke City after several weeks on the fringes of the Goodison Park outfit.
“I'm happy to see he is playing again because he's a young man who deserves to be starting games,” said Amokachi.
Yobo lost his place in the Everton first team after he returned to England from the Africa Cup of Nations with a hamstring injury.
So unsettled has he been at Everton that speculations have linked him with a move in the summer to either promoted Newcastle United or Bolton.
But despite his lack of playing time this year, Yobo was included in Nigeria's provisional squad for the World Cup in June.
Nigeria New World Cup Base To Cost More Nigeria's new World Cup base, the Waterfront Hotel at Richards Bay, will cost a lot more than the country's previous choice, officials have disclosed.
Last week, Nigeria officials chose not to use the New Hampshire Hotel in Durban ahead of the World Cup and decided on the Waterfront Hotel after an inspection visit led by the country's sports minister, Ibrahim Bio.
“One of the reasons we chose Hampshire was that it was within our budget, but following government's intervention, we can now take up the Waterfront Hotel, which is about 200 dollars-a-night more expensive than Hampshire,” said Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official, Tunde Aderibigbe.
Officials raised security issues over Hampshire, who failed to beat an April 28 deadline to complete a perimeter fence around its premises.
Paper work as regards this switch of training site is expected to be perfected on Monday with officials of world football governing body FIFA, officials disclosed.
The Super Eagles are due in South Africa on May 31 after a training camp in England.
NFF Confirm World Cup Build-Up Plans
Nigeria have confirmed that they plan three World Cup warm-ups and will fly out to South Africa on May 31 from London ahead of the global football extravaganza, officials have disclosed.
Spokesman for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, told reporters that Nigeria will tackle Iceland in London on May 26 and four days later take on Colombia, also in London, before their final warm-up match against North Korea on June 4 in South Africa.
Olajire also informed that the country will submit to FIFA a 30-man squad to the World Cup on May 10, before a final squad of 23 players is named on May 31.
The Super Eagles will be hosted to a special send-off dinner by Nigeria's Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, on May 20 in the capital city of Abuja.
Nigeria are drawn in Group B with Argentina, Greece and South Korea.
Lulu Must Pay $125,000 – Dudu
Respected soccer aficionado, Barrister Godwin Dudu-Orumen has described the decision of Nigeria Football Federation to book sub-standard accommodation for the Super Eagles as unacceptable and disgraceful.
The ex-CAF legal committee member frowned at what he called a silly mistake and told brilafm.net that NFF president, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi and his board members should pay the $125,000 fine over late cancellation of the Eagles' camp base.
“I don't know how we got ourselves to that point. But, when the officials went to get a venue for the Eagles and did not go along with the coach, I complained at that time.
“I said it was like putting the cart before the horse. Now, I have been proved right. It is just so because we don't have anyone experienced enough to pick a camp for the team.
“Maybe they should ask Lulu and his men to pay the fine from their purse and stop using tax payers' money to cover up their misdeeds,” Dudu lampooned.
Spokesman for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, told reporters that Nigeria will tackle Iceland in London on May 26 and four days later take on Colombia, also in London, before their final warm-up match against North Korea on June 4 in South Africa.
Olajire also informed that the country will submit to FIFA a 30-man squad to the World Cup on May 10, before a final squad of 23 players is named on May 31.
The Super Eagles will be hosted to a special send-off dinner by Nigeria's Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, on May 20 in the capital city of Abuja.
Nigeria are drawn in Group B with Argentina, Greece and South Korea.
Lulu Must Pay $125,000 – Dudu
Respected soccer aficionado, Barrister Godwin Dudu-Orumen has described the decision of Nigeria Football Federation to book sub-standard accommodation for the Super Eagles as unacceptable and disgraceful.
The ex-CAF legal committee member frowned at what he called a silly mistake and told brilafm.net that NFF president, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi and his board members should pay the $125,000 fine over late cancellation of the Eagles' camp base.
“I don't know how we got ourselves to that point. But, when the officials went to get a venue for the Eagles and did not go along with the coach, I complained at that time.
“I said it was like putting the cart before the horse. Now, I have been proved right. It is just so because we don't have anyone experienced enough to pick a camp for the team.
“Maybe they should ask Lulu and his men to pay the fine from their purse and stop using tax payers' money to cover up their misdeeds,” Dudu lampooned.
That Vision Of Prophet Habakkuk On The Plan Of God (Part 2)
In this segment, we will meet with Noah and his family AFTER the flood and study how the second world began and how and through whom came the races of the human family today. Remember, this is the 2nd Dispensation or world, 'your present evil world'!
The letter 'B' in the chart shows the period of the 2nd world. This world began the very day that flood began (Genesis 7:11), so that on that day one world ended (the first) and another (the second) began.
Noah and his family were within the Ark for a period of one year and ten days or (375 days) Genesis 7:11; 8:14. The flood itself was caused by the rain for 40 days and 40 nights, but for the land to become dry it took on a year and ten days in all.
As observed in the chart, the 2nd world has three sub-divisions of time called “AGES”. The first period was called The Patriarchal Age, when God's dealings were with single individuals or patriarchs. The second period was called The Jewish Age, when God's dealings were with the families of the 12 sons of Jacob, who came to be called the nation of ISRAEL. The third period is called The Gospel Age, when God's dealings are with the believers and followers of Jesus.
Now, after the end of the flood and the ground had dried up Noah and 7 people (2 Peter 2:5) were saved from the first world. Thus it was from these eight people that began the second world (Genesis 9:18-19). Therefore, all of today's human races are traced from them.
Let us look at the three subdivision “ages” of this 2nd world.
THE PATRIARCHAL AGE: This was the period from after the flood till Jacob's death, when God dealt with individuals and made covenants with them. These were great individuals called The Patriarchs or the Fathers. The first of these 'patriarchs' was NOAH and then came ABRAHAM and then ISAAC and finally JACOB.
God made a covenant first with Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:9-11). Then many years later God dealt with ABRAM, whose name was later changed to ABRAHAM. He became the “Father of Faith” for his great faith in being willing to sacrifice his only dearly beloved son, Isaac in obedience to God's command (Genesis 22:1-3). He was the tenth generation from Noah and the twentieth from Adam.
But what was Abraham's background when God called him? Was he a worshipper of the True God? As in Joshua 24:2 “Your father dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham,…and they served other gods”. Yes! Abraham came from a background of idol worshippers. But God asked him to leave his country and his people and go forth to a land that God was going to show him. God in saying so made a great PROMISE with him, and that if he obeyed he would be greatly blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).
After Abraham, God dealt with his son, Isaac and later with Isaac's son, Jacob, who later went on to become the Father of the 12 tribe-nation of Israel. These are the four patriarchs and great details of them are recorded in the first book of the Bible, GENESIS.
THE JEWISH AGE: This was the period from after the death of Jacob, the last patriarch. This was when God , after dealing with only individuals began to deal with the children of the 12 sons of Jacob a nation that came to be called “ISRAEL”. “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…” (Amos 3:2). Scripturally, God had recognized and adopted the nation of Israel as “my people” (Exodus 3:10).
This Age or period of time covers God's dealings with this nation and their many experiences spanning more than 1800 years. During this period Israel became 'slaves' in Egypt and then God delivered them from the hands of Pharaoh mightily and this deliverance was through the hands of Moses as in the book of EXODUS. This was a TYPE, illustrating the captivity of God's children by Satan until the great redeemer Jesus shall set them free the ANTITYPE.
Then after God brought the Israelites into the “Promised land” of Canaan, He continued to guide and instructs the people by raising up many prophets who spoke and wrote God's words as in the Books of the Prophets beginning with ISAIAH and going on till the last book of the Old Testament MALACHI.
It was in this Age that God through Moses gave to Israel His DIVINE LAW (Exodus 24:12). These laws consisted of the Ten Commandments and nearly 3600 laws covering all matters of daily life including even “bathroom or toilet” laws (Deuteronomy 23:12-13). In Israel and “under the law” was born God's son Jesus (Gal. 4:4). This was a great and immeasurable blessing to the Jews. But unfortunately, the Jews did not recognize him as the “Son of God” and generally rejected him. And thus it was that with these words of Jesus, the Jewish Age ended “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38). This now led to the last age of the 2nd world.
THE GOSPEL AGE: This is the third and last “AGE” or period of time in the second world as in the chart. This is otherwise known as the “Christian Age” (Romans 16:25-26). Here in this Age, the “preaching of Jesus Christ” is done and thus a mystery is revealed “which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men,…That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body…” (Eph. 3:5-6). The “mystery” is the selection of the one body of Christ (4:4) from both Jews and Gentiles The Church of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18). With the end of this Gospel Age, the 2nd world too comes to an end (2 Peter 3:7 & 10). Here, the Apostle Peter speaks of the destruction of this present 2nd world “by fire”. What does this mean? A lot of controversies surround this. Many are saying that FIRE here must be literal as was the flood of water in the first world. Notice the scriptural language used in 2 Peter 3:10 “…the earth also and the works that are therein shall be buried up”. The works are the evil works of this 'earth' lies, corruption, theft, deceit, selfishness etc. Now, how can these “works” be burned by a literal fire as they are not inflammable? Thus, this fire is something symbolic, meaning or representing God's righteous ANGER and Judgments against the evil systems which constitute “the earth” (Zeph. 3:8), which is to be completely destroyed (Isaiah 24:3), while the people of the earth learn great lessons in evil (Isaiah 26:9). Here in 2 Peter 3:10, the “elements” refer to the parts of the “earth” or visible human rulership political, economical, religious, social etc. All will disintegrate (“melt”) and become no more, like when a candle melts and disappears. This “Fire” is referred to by Jesus as “great tribulation” (Matt. 24:21-22). The great Judgments upon the evil systems and their destruction is symbolized by 'Fire' and many people we see, survive this destructive end of the 2nd world (Zech. 14:16).
The end of the 2nd world only leads to the glorious 3rd world new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness (2 Peter 3:13). Extremely few people know about this righteous world to come on this earth.
THE THIRD WORLD
The capital letter “C” shows the period of this world (2 Peter 3:13), a coming world (new heavens & a new earth) wherein will dwell righteousness.
New heavens meaning a new invisible spiritual rulership or control of the earth's affairs. New Earth a new visible human (fleshly in nature) rulership or control of the earth's affairs to be “righteous” unlike as were in the 1st and 2nd worlds. Who then shall control of this 3rd world? See Revelations 20:4 & 6. Our Lord Jesus Christ with his 'Body' the Church will rule this earth for a period of 1000 years. This will be the fulfillment of that Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:10. and also the fulfillment of the 'Promise' now given to all who faithfully suffer in following Jesus' footsteps (2 Timothy 2:12).
Thus, the “fire” that “burns up” and consumes the 2nd world is also the beginning of the 3rd world. As seen, it is not a literal fire but used here to symbolize a complete/ utter destruction of the evil order and systems (1 Corinthians 7:31). Apostle James also prophesied (James 5:1-4) of that “fire” that will come upon the rich in the coming great conflict between the two classes of capital and labour. This is referred to as “Armageddon” in the Bible (Revelation 26:16) and in Joel 3:14 and will be worldwide. (There is tract on Armageddon, you may request for it free).
Ezekiel and Jesus spoke on this in Ezekiel 7:19 and Matthew 24:21. It is to be called a time of 'great tribulation'. But thankfully, ALL flesh, we are informed, WILL not be destroyed (Matthew 24:22). Yes! The terrible 'conflict' will be divinely stopped when all systems will be destroyed and mankind humbled, but many will still be alive (Zech. 14:16).
A small MODEL or PROTOTYPE of this worldwide revolution to come was seen in the French Revolution at the end of the eighteenth century (i.e. about 1790). Then soon after the end of this revolution which in later years could come to be called The World Revolution and upon the ruins of the second world will be established God's kingdom visibly in the nation of Israel and then all nations shall gradually seek to be a part of it as in Zech. 8:22 “Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord”. This may be something very surprising to most Christians to read of, a future “earthly kingdom” centred in Jerusalem and all the nations of the world seeking to be a part of it, even though the scriptures speak of it again and again. For example in Matthew 8:11 it shows the resurrected faithful men of God to be the teachers and rulers then, in fulfillment of Psalm 45:16 “Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou may make princes, in all the earth.” 'Thy fathers' here refer to the ancient worthies like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and were faithful ones before Jesus, but never had the chance to be of the Church class. But to receive their reward from Jesus who becomes their “father” (Isaiah 9:6) and they his “children”, and are to be made the human rulers or “princes” in all the earth. Some readers of this may be surprise because of their believes that Abraham, David, Moses, Isaac, Jacob etc. are all in heaven, forgetting the information from the one who came from heaven as in John 3:13 that “no man ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from Heaven”. They will be resurrected in God's kingdom to be “princes in all the earth”. More of this in consequent studies. These “princes” begin from ABEL to John the Baptist, the last of this class who died before Pentecost. Among them are Moses, Daniel, Joseph, Samson, David, Noah and all the prophets etc.
Conclusively, the promised Paradise will come, thus the 3rd world will have completed its first age of a thousand years and will then enter into the “Ages to come” (Ephesians 2:7) and unlike the 1st and 2nd worlds, the 3rd world has no end! BE BLESSED!
The letter 'B' in the chart shows the period of the 2nd world. This world began the very day that flood began (Genesis 7:11), so that on that day one world ended (the first) and another (the second) began.
Noah and his family were within the Ark for a period of one year and ten days or (375 days) Genesis 7:11; 8:14. The flood itself was caused by the rain for 40 days and 40 nights, but for the land to become dry it took on a year and ten days in all.
As observed in the chart, the 2nd world has three sub-divisions of time called “AGES”. The first period was called The Patriarchal Age, when God's dealings were with single individuals or patriarchs. The second period was called The Jewish Age, when God's dealings were with the families of the 12 sons of Jacob, who came to be called the nation of ISRAEL. The third period is called The Gospel Age, when God's dealings are with the believers and followers of Jesus.
Now, after the end of the flood and the ground had dried up Noah and 7 people (2 Peter 2:5) were saved from the first world. Thus it was from these eight people that began the second world (Genesis 9:18-19). Therefore, all of today's human races are traced from them.
Let us look at the three subdivision “ages” of this 2nd world.
THE PATRIARCHAL AGE: This was the period from after the flood till Jacob's death, when God dealt with individuals and made covenants with them. These were great individuals called The Patriarchs or the Fathers. The first of these 'patriarchs' was NOAH and then came ABRAHAM and then ISAAC and finally JACOB.
God made a covenant first with Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:9-11). Then many years later God dealt with ABRAM, whose name was later changed to ABRAHAM. He became the “Father of Faith” for his great faith in being willing to sacrifice his only dearly beloved son, Isaac in obedience to God's command (Genesis 22:1-3). He was the tenth generation from Noah and the twentieth from Adam.
But what was Abraham's background when God called him? Was he a worshipper of the True God? As in Joshua 24:2 “Your father dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham,…and they served other gods”. Yes! Abraham came from a background of idol worshippers. But God asked him to leave his country and his people and go forth to a land that God was going to show him. God in saying so made a great PROMISE with him, and that if he obeyed he would be greatly blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).
After Abraham, God dealt with his son, Isaac and later with Isaac's son, Jacob, who later went on to become the Father of the 12 tribe-nation of Israel. These are the four patriarchs and great details of them are recorded in the first book of the Bible, GENESIS.
THE JEWISH AGE: This was the period from after the death of Jacob, the last patriarch. This was when God , after dealing with only individuals began to deal with the children of the 12 sons of Jacob a nation that came to be called “ISRAEL”. “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…” (Amos 3:2). Scripturally, God had recognized and adopted the nation of Israel as “my people” (Exodus 3:10).
This Age or period of time covers God's dealings with this nation and their many experiences spanning more than 1800 years. During this period Israel became 'slaves' in Egypt and then God delivered them from the hands of Pharaoh mightily and this deliverance was through the hands of Moses as in the book of EXODUS. This was a TYPE, illustrating the captivity of God's children by Satan until the great redeemer Jesus shall set them free the ANTITYPE.
Then after God brought the Israelites into the “Promised land” of Canaan, He continued to guide and instructs the people by raising up many prophets who spoke and wrote God's words as in the Books of the Prophets beginning with ISAIAH and going on till the last book of the Old Testament MALACHI.
It was in this Age that God through Moses gave to Israel His DIVINE LAW (Exodus 24:12). These laws consisted of the Ten Commandments and nearly 3600 laws covering all matters of daily life including even “bathroom or toilet” laws (Deuteronomy 23:12-13). In Israel and “under the law” was born God's son Jesus (Gal. 4:4). This was a great and immeasurable blessing to the Jews. But unfortunately, the Jews did not recognize him as the “Son of God” and generally rejected him. And thus it was that with these words of Jesus, the Jewish Age ended “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38). This now led to the last age of the 2nd world.
THE GOSPEL AGE: This is the third and last “AGE” or period of time in the second world as in the chart. This is otherwise known as the “Christian Age” (Romans 16:25-26). Here in this Age, the “preaching of Jesus Christ” is done and thus a mystery is revealed “which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men,…That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body…” (Eph. 3:5-6). The “mystery” is the selection of the one body of Christ (4:4) from both Jews and Gentiles The Church of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18). With the end of this Gospel Age, the 2nd world too comes to an end (2 Peter 3:7 & 10). Here, the Apostle Peter speaks of the destruction of this present 2nd world “by fire”. What does this mean? A lot of controversies surround this. Many are saying that FIRE here must be literal as was the flood of water in the first world. Notice the scriptural language used in 2 Peter 3:10 “…the earth also and the works that are therein shall be buried up”. The works are the evil works of this 'earth' lies, corruption, theft, deceit, selfishness etc. Now, how can these “works” be burned by a literal fire as they are not inflammable? Thus, this fire is something symbolic, meaning or representing God's righteous ANGER and Judgments against the evil systems which constitute “the earth” (Zeph. 3:8), which is to be completely destroyed (Isaiah 24:3), while the people of the earth learn great lessons in evil (Isaiah 26:9). Here in 2 Peter 3:10, the “elements” refer to the parts of the “earth” or visible human rulership political, economical, religious, social etc. All will disintegrate (“melt”) and become no more, like when a candle melts and disappears. This “Fire” is referred to by Jesus as “great tribulation” (Matt. 24:21-22). The great Judgments upon the evil systems and their destruction is symbolized by 'Fire' and many people we see, survive this destructive end of the 2nd world (Zech. 14:16).
The end of the 2nd world only leads to the glorious 3rd world new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness (2 Peter 3:13). Extremely few people know about this righteous world to come on this earth.
THE THIRD WORLD
The capital letter “C” shows the period of this world (2 Peter 3:13), a coming world (new heavens & a new earth) wherein will dwell righteousness.
New heavens meaning a new invisible spiritual rulership or control of the earth's affairs. New Earth a new visible human (fleshly in nature) rulership or control of the earth's affairs to be “righteous” unlike as were in the 1st and 2nd worlds. Who then shall control of this 3rd world? See Revelations 20:4 & 6. Our Lord Jesus Christ with his 'Body' the Church will rule this earth for a period of 1000 years. This will be the fulfillment of that Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:10. and also the fulfillment of the 'Promise' now given to all who faithfully suffer in following Jesus' footsteps (2 Timothy 2:12).
Thus, the “fire” that “burns up” and consumes the 2nd world is also the beginning of the 3rd world. As seen, it is not a literal fire but used here to symbolize a complete/ utter destruction of the evil order and systems (1 Corinthians 7:31). Apostle James also prophesied (James 5:1-4) of that “fire” that will come upon the rich in the coming great conflict between the two classes of capital and labour. This is referred to as “Armageddon” in the Bible (Revelation 26:16) and in Joel 3:14 and will be worldwide. (There is tract on Armageddon, you may request for it free).
Ezekiel and Jesus spoke on this in Ezekiel 7:19 and Matthew 24:21. It is to be called a time of 'great tribulation'. But thankfully, ALL flesh, we are informed, WILL not be destroyed (Matthew 24:22). Yes! The terrible 'conflict' will be divinely stopped when all systems will be destroyed and mankind humbled, but many will still be alive (Zech. 14:16).
A small MODEL or PROTOTYPE of this worldwide revolution to come was seen in the French Revolution at the end of the eighteenth century (i.e. about 1790). Then soon after the end of this revolution which in later years could come to be called The World Revolution and upon the ruins of the second world will be established God's kingdom visibly in the nation of Israel and then all nations shall gradually seek to be a part of it as in Zech. 8:22 “Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord”. This may be something very surprising to most Christians to read of, a future “earthly kingdom” centred in Jerusalem and all the nations of the world seeking to be a part of it, even though the scriptures speak of it again and again. For example in Matthew 8:11 it shows the resurrected faithful men of God to be the teachers and rulers then, in fulfillment of Psalm 45:16 “Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou may make princes, in all the earth.” 'Thy fathers' here refer to the ancient worthies like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and were faithful ones before Jesus, but never had the chance to be of the Church class. But to receive their reward from Jesus who becomes their “father” (Isaiah 9:6) and they his “children”, and are to be made the human rulers or “princes” in all the earth. Some readers of this may be surprise because of their believes that Abraham, David, Moses, Isaac, Jacob etc. are all in heaven, forgetting the information from the one who came from heaven as in John 3:13 that “no man ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from Heaven”. They will be resurrected in God's kingdom to be “princes in all the earth”. More of this in consequent studies. These “princes” begin from ABEL to John the Baptist, the last of this class who died before Pentecost. Among them are Moses, Daniel, Joseph, Samson, David, Noah and all the prophets etc.
Conclusively, the promised Paradise will come, thus the 3rd world will have completed its first age of a thousand years and will then enter into the “Ages to come” (Ephesians 2:7) and unlike the 1st and 2nd worlds, the 3rd world has no end! BE BLESSED!
2nd Terming Governor Akpabio For What?
When the righteous is in authority the people rejoice: but when the wicked man rules, the people moan and groan”; Proverbs 29:2
For sometime now in Akwa Abasi Ibom State and beyond, the refrain hitting, the air waves, the print media and others have been the desire, I guess to return the digital governor to government house for a second time or in the words of his die heart support group, a back-to-back return to government house i.e 2nd terming him in 2011. This has been the chorus of his fanatic/ardent supporters who through their antics and intrigues have indoctrinated and brainwashed socio-political groups, social organizations, churches, trado-rulers and indeed the masses to join the bandwagon of seeing him through his wild and stubborn ambition. Yes, he deserves a second term for so says the constitution, but the people must have a very good reason to accept this section of the constitution. While this write-up might not want to jump on the bandwagon, but might tend to differ or sing a discordant tune by asking this question of 2nd terming governor Akpabio for what? By 2nd terming him, are we not continually cushioning an imperious and domineering/hypertensive administration that lacks competence, transparency, accountability, integrity and that's the more reason he desperately guns for cheap popularity by and sole candidacy in 2011 by unbecoming and immodestly wooing those he shouldn't thereby debasing the coveted office of a governor? Does 2nd terming him not mean empowering and encouraging/girding him to push on with his political vendetta of discriminating against his political opponents. Ever since the 2007 elections, it is news that the governor has been venomously fueling extreme hatred and anger against his kinsmen politicians that contested against him e.g. the treatment meted to the managing directors of Akro and USA motors is very disturbing. Instead of financially propping up these companies, once they show face on Akwa Ibom, he has frustrated them and many workers they employed. Has he tarred progress road at the city centre of Ikot Ekpene? No, this is because of a politician big businessman/name withheld whose residence is along this road differs with him politically. Is the governor punishing the politician or the masses that live along this road? By this singular act, he is openly masterminding politics with bitterness. Are we 2nd terming him to continue with his unholy romance with myriads of splinter groups/splinter political organization e.g. AKPF, FOGAN, FOGAW, continuity 2011 etc. with assumed different philosophies/ideas, which are actually not different but only to use them as springboards to gain recognition and extract money from government a sure and clever way of making easy money. The side effect of all this is that, they have all drowned and rubbished the PDP in the state; are you 2nd terming him to continue with his voodoo economic or no policies at all, for the proponents of his 2nd term exploits/ambition claim that Akwa Ibom State economy will be the biggest heal theist in the country by the time governor Akpabio comes full cycle as governor by 2015 the dream economic hypothesis of one Stephen Akpan, an assistant to Governor Akpabio while addressing traders at Ikot Ekpene recently yes a voodoo economic indices which look/seem very attractive but unworkable. How can it work when the economy of Akwa Ibom State is being comfortably controlled by other Nigerians and foreigners, when the money is not invested in things that will catapult us to economic greatness? Yeah! 2nd term him to mindlessly continue patronizing foreign and non-Akwa Ibom contractors e.g. Capital Oil and the Ibaka proposed seaport projects? With this, and the economy controlled by outsiders our so called billions are winged outside the state with careless abandon. Yes 2nd term him to continually treat Ibom Plaza with disdain, the once cynosure of the state is now an eyesore with the return of motor parks which had been removed by governor Attah in 2007; and the four modern regional motorparks have remained abandoned to weeds ever since he fell in love with drivers' unions/drivers hence can't expel them from the plaza for familiarity breads contempt. The giant digital TV Screen that added glamour, colour, dignity and made the plaza a tourist haven is now a ghost of its former self and a passing fancy. 2nd term him to keep on abandoning projects of the past government e.g. Ifa Atai Timber Market, the Ring Roads, Technological Park, Abak to Ukanafun Road, Enen Nsit, Aka to Ikot Ekan Road and the University still in the cooler so also the four regional motor parks at Uyo now overgrown with weeds, Oron Road diversion between Ikot Asua and Okobo sluggishly executed; these are not only show of construction gimmick and shame, but a big crying shame considering the billions Akwa Ibom lifts monthly. 2nd term him to continue with his reign of terror because with myriads of army/police check points, no rule of law indiscriminate arrests, killings, kidnapping/rapping are rife and Akwa Ibom is the latest pariah/police/rogue state only comparable to Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Congo Democratic Republic. Indeed, our state is the emerging Palestine of this part of Africa and Uyo metropolis the worse for it because of motor bikes banned, there's no night life, night business, night worships; 2nd terming him would mean perpetuating his extravagance through the much orchestrated Akpabio Plc. Inter Ministerial projects of gate houses, fencing, mini water, rural electricity, toilets, construction, renovation of class rooms at inflated prices, all used to siphon money from the treasury. To continue with his Greek gifts to some churches and church leaders? Whereas money so given out which ranges between N5 million and N20 million would have been pooled together to boost the cooperative grant he started in 2007, to raise the amount from a paltry N100 million to N1 billion for all churches/members to have a feel of the administration. With the current visiting of a few and selected churches to the exclusion of others, how will others tap from his questionable generosity- oh, during the 2nd term; may be to continually buy obsolete science equipment at N527 million without the principals and science teachers? May be to continue commissioning projects without telling the people the final construction cost. To 2nd term him to continue with his own brand of free education without teaching and non-teaching staff, accommodation, equipment, short-changing the principals/headmasters in the payment of subvention, without inputs from parents and PTA, without interhouse sport, yes free education that abandons extra/co-curricula activities as a complete sham. To continually launder Akwa Ibom money in the foreign banks of Europe, America, Asia, South Africa which are used to acquire chains of landed property/assets above countries; just to further his mega bourgeois mentality? 2nd term him to keep on corrupting trado-rulers and church leaders and turn them into politicians, so also youths who have now abandoned skills acquisition, but turn themselves into professional politicians and PA's to politicians, making youths enroll in secret societies and disrespecting elders? 2nd term him to continually perpetuate poverty, hunger, unemployment which have virtually swallowed the people?
Akwa Ibom people have had a bellyful of our governor's intrigues/antics and that's why they are sternly bemoaning a government that's morally bankrupt and bereft of the decency expected of this exalted office. The unfolding dramatic political scenario in the state is not only embarrassing but challenging, hence we have to leave the past with their mobocracy in order to reach the future with purposeful leadership; for when the righteous is on the throne the people rejoice, but when the wicked rules the people perish, just as we are perishing now in dribs and drabs. Change is the answer, yes we can!
For sometime now in Akwa Abasi Ibom State and beyond, the refrain hitting, the air waves, the print media and others have been the desire, I guess to return the digital governor to government house for a second time or in the words of his die heart support group, a back-to-back return to government house i.e 2nd terming him in 2011. This has been the chorus of his fanatic/ardent supporters who through their antics and intrigues have indoctrinated and brainwashed socio-political groups, social organizations, churches, trado-rulers and indeed the masses to join the bandwagon of seeing him through his wild and stubborn ambition. Yes, he deserves a second term for so says the constitution, but the people must have a very good reason to accept this section of the constitution. While this write-up might not want to jump on the bandwagon, but might tend to differ or sing a discordant tune by asking this question of 2nd terming governor Akpabio for what? By 2nd terming him, are we not continually cushioning an imperious and domineering/hypertensive administration that lacks competence, transparency, accountability, integrity and that's the more reason he desperately guns for cheap popularity by and sole candidacy in 2011 by unbecoming and immodestly wooing those he shouldn't thereby debasing the coveted office of a governor? Does 2nd terming him not mean empowering and encouraging/girding him to push on with his political vendetta of discriminating against his political opponents. Ever since the 2007 elections, it is news that the governor has been venomously fueling extreme hatred and anger against his kinsmen politicians that contested against him e.g. the treatment meted to the managing directors of Akro and USA motors is very disturbing. Instead of financially propping up these companies, once they show face on Akwa Ibom, he has frustrated them and many workers they employed. Has he tarred progress road at the city centre of Ikot Ekpene? No, this is because of a politician big businessman/name withheld whose residence is along this road differs with him politically. Is the governor punishing the politician or the masses that live along this road? By this singular act, he is openly masterminding politics with bitterness. Are we 2nd terming him to continue with his unholy romance with myriads of splinter groups/splinter political organization e.g. AKPF, FOGAN, FOGAW, continuity 2011 etc. with assumed different philosophies/ideas, which are actually not different but only to use them as springboards to gain recognition and extract money from government a sure and clever way of making easy money. The side effect of all this is that, they have all drowned and rubbished the PDP in the state; are you 2nd terming him to continue with his voodoo economic or no policies at all, for the proponents of his 2nd term exploits/ambition claim that Akwa Ibom State economy will be the biggest heal theist in the country by the time governor Akpabio comes full cycle as governor by 2015 the dream economic hypothesis of one Stephen Akpan, an assistant to Governor Akpabio while addressing traders at Ikot Ekpene recently yes a voodoo economic indices which look/seem very attractive but unworkable. How can it work when the economy of Akwa Ibom State is being comfortably controlled by other Nigerians and foreigners, when the money is not invested in things that will catapult us to economic greatness? Yeah! 2nd term him to mindlessly continue patronizing foreign and non-Akwa Ibom contractors e.g. Capital Oil and the Ibaka proposed seaport projects? With this, and the economy controlled by outsiders our so called billions are winged outside the state with careless abandon. Yes 2nd term him to continually treat Ibom Plaza with disdain, the once cynosure of the state is now an eyesore with the return of motor parks which had been removed by governor Attah in 2007; and the four modern regional motorparks have remained abandoned to weeds ever since he fell in love with drivers' unions/drivers hence can't expel them from the plaza for familiarity breads contempt. The giant digital TV Screen that added glamour, colour, dignity and made the plaza a tourist haven is now a ghost of its former self and a passing fancy. 2nd term him to keep on abandoning projects of the past government e.g. Ifa Atai Timber Market, the Ring Roads, Technological Park, Abak to Ukanafun Road, Enen Nsit, Aka to Ikot Ekan Road and the University still in the cooler so also the four regional motor parks at Uyo now overgrown with weeds, Oron Road diversion between Ikot Asua and Okobo sluggishly executed; these are not only show of construction gimmick and shame, but a big crying shame considering the billions Akwa Ibom lifts monthly. 2nd term him to continue with his reign of terror because with myriads of army/police check points, no rule of law indiscriminate arrests, killings, kidnapping/rapping are rife and Akwa Ibom is the latest pariah/police/rogue state only comparable to Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Congo Democratic Republic. Indeed, our state is the emerging Palestine of this part of Africa and Uyo metropolis the worse for it because of motor bikes banned, there's no night life, night business, night worships; 2nd terming him would mean perpetuating his extravagance through the much orchestrated Akpabio Plc. Inter Ministerial projects of gate houses, fencing, mini water, rural electricity, toilets, construction, renovation of class rooms at inflated prices, all used to siphon money from the treasury. To continue with his Greek gifts to some churches and church leaders? Whereas money so given out which ranges between N5 million and N20 million would have been pooled together to boost the cooperative grant he started in 2007, to raise the amount from a paltry N100 million to N1 billion for all churches/members to have a feel of the administration. With the current visiting of a few and selected churches to the exclusion of others, how will others tap from his questionable generosity- oh, during the 2nd term; may be to continually buy obsolete science equipment at N527 million without the principals and science teachers? May be to continue commissioning projects without telling the people the final construction cost. To 2nd term him to continue with his own brand of free education without teaching and non-teaching staff, accommodation, equipment, short-changing the principals/headmasters in the payment of subvention, without inputs from parents and PTA, without interhouse sport, yes free education that abandons extra/co-curricula activities as a complete sham. To continually launder Akwa Ibom money in the foreign banks of Europe, America, Asia, South Africa which are used to acquire chains of landed property/assets above countries; just to further his mega bourgeois mentality? 2nd term him to keep on corrupting trado-rulers and church leaders and turn them into politicians, so also youths who have now abandoned skills acquisition, but turn themselves into professional politicians and PA's to politicians, making youths enroll in secret societies and disrespecting elders? 2nd term him to continually perpetuate poverty, hunger, unemployment which have virtually swallowed the people?
Akwa Ibom people have had a bellyful of our governor's intrigues/antics and that's why they are sternly bemoaning a government that's morally bankrupt and bereft of the decency expected of this exalted office. The unfolding dramatic political scenario in the state is not only embarrassing but challenging, hence we have to leave the past with their mobocracy in order to reach the future with purposeful leadership; for when the righteous is on the throne the people rejoice, but when the wicked rules the people perish, just as we are perishing now in dribs and drabs. Change is the answer, yes we can!
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