The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • El-Rufai’s silence not golden

    El-Rufai’s silence not golden

    Sir: On Wednesday last week, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted former governor, Nasir El-Rufai and several of his aides for allegedly siphoning over N423 billion of the state’s resources from 2015 to 2023. Presenting the report during plenary, the chairman of the 13-member ad hoc committee and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Magaji Henry Danjuma, said most of the loans obtained under the El-Rufai administration were not used for their intended purposes.

    Since the shocking findings by the assembly, the ex-governor has been uncharacteristically quiet. Though, his former aides and son Bashir have kicked against the allegations, describing the probe and the finding as baseless and politically motivated, the former governor has to do the needful to clear his name.  The huge amount of funds said to have been squandered under his watch demand full explanation if only to establish his innocence.

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    Nigerians might want to recall that the same El-Rufai, had during an interview with BBC Hausa service while still in office, accused the past PDP government of mismanaging billions of naira loans. At the time, he also challenged whoever accused his government of diverting the state’s loans to look at the infrastructural development executed across the nooks and crannies of the state.

    Governor Uba Sani has since come under barrage of attacks for being complicit in the loans debacle. This is because, in 2019 when Governor Uba Sani was in the senate, he actually facilitated the loans. This was after earlier attempt by the ex-governor were scuttled by senators Suleiman Hunkuyi and Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna North and Kaduna Central respectively in the 8th National Assembly. Not only did El-Rufai curse those two senators for not endorsing the loans request, but ensured they did not return to the senate. Later, Senator Uba Sani and Abdu Kwari who found their way to the 9th Senate through the support of El-Rufai, would assists his government to obtain the loans with relatively ease.

    Governor Uba Sani has since countered that he facilitated the loans in good faith, believing the ex-governor will judiciously utilise the funds.

    Although, El-Rufai supporters and associates have described the probe as politically motivated, it is high time the former governor broke silence on the weighty allegations against his government. The state House of Assembly committee’s recommendations which advised government to refer those indicted to relevant anti-graft agencies is certainly in order. The brazen abuse of office being alleged should not be swept under the carpet. If the ex-governor has no skeleton in his cupboard, this is the time to break silence in defence of his government.

     •Ibrahim Mustapha,Pambegua Kaduna State.

  • Harmful preservatives

    Harmful preservatives

    •Although NAFDAC is trying, it has to do more enlightenment on this issue

     Against the background of the current astronomical surge in prices of basic food items such as rice, beans, yam, bread, meat, fish, poultry, among others, in the country, the warning by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on the health risks of utilising unauthorised chemical agents as food preservatives is timely and pertinent. For, with the attendant slump in the demand, especially of grains due to the escalating costs, sellers of these commodities will be under pressure to do all they can to preserve their longevity in their stores and shelves.

    In particular, the NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has cautioned grain merchants against the use of dichlorvos, a chemical agent also widely known as sniper, to preserve their commodities because of its toxicity and resultant danger to health.

    Professor Adeyeye was reacting to a viral video that showed traders using dichlorvos and other unauthorised substances to preserve food items such as beans, stock fish and crayfish. She said that those who consume products preserved with such dangerous chemicals would be exposed to long-term negative health effects, including developmental abnormalities in their offspring, reduced fertility, memory loss as well as potential carcinogenic effects. The NAFDAC DG thus stressed the need for those selling these commodities to adhere to stipulated safety guidelines in using preservatives for food items meant for human consumption.

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    Although it is commendable that NAFDAC, according to the DG, periodically holds sensitisation meetings to enlighten traders on the need to avoid direct application of dichlorvos on grains and foodstuffs, the agency needs to step up its publicity campaign in this regard. The agency also reportedly subjects grains and food items for sale to laboratory tests to ensure that pesticide residues in them do not exceed maximum limits, both for internal consumption and export.

    Speaking at an event in Bauchi State to commemorate the 2024 World Food Safety Day, Professor Adeyeye reiterated her call on farmers, food manufacturers and dealers to desist from abuse and illegal use of agrochemicals, pointing out that food poisoning has been responsible for the death of over four million people globally. Stressing that one of the most harmful effects of unauthorised preservatives on food items is their ability to transform into carcinogenic agents that can be cancer-causing, she said food contaminants include abuse of agrochemicals, pesticides residues, veterinary drug residues, as well as illegal use of banned microbial contaminants, against which the agency has launched an aggressive mop-up exercise.

    Reinforcing the admonition of the NAFDAC DG, the Director of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Products ((VMAP), Dr Rametu Momodu, noted that even approved pesticides for use as fumigants should be deployed according to the specifications of manufacturers and should not be applied to food directly due to the attendant health hazards. According to her, once used, pesticide residues remain on or in the food as washing such food items will not mitigate the health risks since the preservative substances have been fully absorbed. She identified dizziness, vomiting, breathing difficulties, tremors, convulsions and in some cases coma and death, as some of the repercussions of ingesting such substances through food. Other experts have also reported that these unauthorised preservatives on food can cause damage to critical body organs such as the liver and kidney.

    Detection of these unsavoury substances on our grains and food stuffs also has inimical consequences on the ability of our merchants to sell their commodities in the international market, to the detriment of the economy. According to an online resource, “Artificial or chemical preservatives which are used to delay the contamination of foods are the ones that lead to health problems. These preservatives are artificially produced and synthetic in nature. These are often labelled as additives on food labels”. It also adds, however, that natural preservatives which are not mixed with synthetic items can help in increasing the shelf life of food items and also maintain food flavour with little danger of health hazards because they do not alter the chemical composition of food. NAFDAC has the responsibility to educate the public adequately on these issues.

  • Police recruitment

    Police recruitment

    •Things can only improve in the force if 10,000 are recruited yearly over a period

    Given the reality of under-policing in Nigeria, the announcement concerning the recruitment of 10,000 police constables into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is welcome news. The Police Service Commission (PSC), in a statement, said “9,000 applicants were approved for recruitment for general duty while 1,000 applicants were recruited for the specialist cadre,” adding that each stage of the recruitment process was “carried out with a high level of scrutiny and care.”

    It was striking that the commission said “a total of 609, 886 applications were received.” The high number of applications suggests that many of the country’s youths are interested in police work or are just desperate for any kind of job. In the end, 10 applicants were selected from each of the country’s 774 local government areas, which was intended to demonstrate fairness and inclusivity.

    The high number of unsuccessful candidates suggests that there will not be any lack of applicants in the various states in the event of the creation of state police, which is on the front burner. 

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    The PSC and the NPF are expected to determine the training period and the training institutions for the recruits. The 2020 batch of 10,000 police recruits, who completed their six-month training in July 2022, for instance, passed out from four police colleges and 12 training colleges nationwide. There have been public criticisms of the poor state of police training facilities in the country, and it is unclear whether such facilities have improved.

    Police recruits need to be well trained to conduct themselves professionally.

    Under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, there was a policy to recruit 10,000 police officers annually over six years, to boost police manpower. However, this was hampered by conflict between the PSC and the NPF over who should be responsible for such recruitment. The Supreme Court, in July 2023, ruled in favour of the PSC, after a legal battle that lasted about four years. This should ensure recruitment continuity. 

    In August 2023, the then acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, at an event at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Jos, Plateau State, said the NPF “requires an additional 190,000 personnel to be at par with the United Nations (UN) recommendation,” adding that inadequate manpower had resulted in “low police presence.” This means that recruiting 10,000 officers for six years, which would amount to 60,000 officers, is not the solution to the manpower problem.

    He also argued that the Federal Government needed to increase the annual recruitment of personnel into the force from 10,000 to 20,000. At the time, Nigeria’s police strength was reported to be about 370,000 officers, with a ratio of one police officer to about 600 citizens. The UN-recommended ratio is one police officer to about 450 citizens.

    In November 2023, Egbetokun, as the substantive IGP, during a working visit to Adamawa State, was reported saying he had got the approval of President Bola Tinubu “to recruit 30,000 for the next four years.” According to him, “I know that once we give effect to this approval, the issue of manpower will be a thing of the past.” This should be implemented with a sense of urgency. 

    There is no doubt that the country needs to increase its police personnel, particularly in the context of a complicated security crisis.

     The creation of state police is looking increasingly attractive to political leaders across the country as the federal and state governments, in February, agreed to pursue this during a meeting between President Tinubu and the governors of the 36 states of the federation. Also, in May, House of Assembly speakers in the 36 states announced their support for the state police proposal. It remains to be seen how that pursuit will develop. The establishment of state police should change the reality of under-policing in the country. 

    Nigeria is critically under-policed, which is bad for security as well as law and order. This problem demands particular attention and a comprehensive solution. 

  • Initiative sets date to kick off support for Kwara farmers

    Initiative sets date to kick off support for Kwara farmers

    In a bid to combat rising food costs, the Farm2Feed Initiative is poised to launch a transformative project in Kwara State.

    Spearheaded by Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman, the initiative aims to bolster agriculture, enhance food security, and empower local farmers. Interested participants are invited to text “Yes” to 0903-985-9793 to join.

    The initiative’s first phase will involve cultivating up to 1 hectare of land in every village and town across Kwara State. This extensive cultivation effort aims to support farmers’ cohorts and kickstart agricultural productivity.

    Following this, the second phase will engage passionate farmers in a comprehensive 12-month program. Participants will receive land, equipment, and guidance to cultivate essential crops such as rice, beans, tomatoes, and peppers. This structured support aims to uplift farmers and equip them to contribute actively to Kwara State’s agricultural sector.

    Aligned with Professor Abubakar Suleiman’s vision to support farmers and make Kwara state become a leading agricultural hub, the Farm2Feed Initiative promises to enrich lives, tackle food challenges, and foster sustainable development.

    To qualify, individuals must be native to Kwara State, involved in farming or express a strong interest, committed to addressing food security, available for the 12-month program, and possess at least one hectare of land.

    The official launch of the Farm2Feed Initiative is scheduled for 11 am, Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at the PAMAN Event Centre in Ilorin.

  • Parents, Delta health ministry biker over nursing students’ fate

    Parents, Delta health ministry biker over nursing students’ fate

    A fresh crisis is in the offing in the Delta government-owned Colleges of Nursing Science following the alleged cancellation of Preliminary Training Studies (PTS) examinations by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, of Nigeria (NMCN) over the manner the exams were being conducted in the State.

    But Delta Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, described the report of cancellation of the examinations by NMCN as baseless.

    A group of Concerned Parents of children in College of Nursing Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, in a save-our-soul letter signed by Mr Paul Erakpobruke and Mr Johnson Ovwile Ejiro to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori appealed he stepped in to arrest the ugly trends in Delta Colleges of Nursing to safeguard the future of their children.

    They alleged that the authorities of NMCN decided to cancel the PTS Exam conducted in the state because it was marred by malpractices and corruption after NMCN conducted an independent and thorough investigation into the issues raised against the PTS Exam and allegedly found them to be true.   

    They frowned at the action of Commissioner Onojaeme whom they accused of hiding the fact of the cancellation of the PTS Exam from the Governor but allegedly window shopping in an attempt to compromise some directors NMCN to get some of the student indexed through the back door.

    According to parents: “Good Deltans, we have been vindicated. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has cancelled the PTS Exam and the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme is hiding this fact from the Governor of Delta State.

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    “The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria conducted an independent and thorough investigation of the issues raised against the PTS Exam and found them to be true.

    “The good people of Delta state are now asking Dr. Joseph Onojaeme who is actually corrupt. This Commissioner and his team can no longer deceive us. We now know the truth that this Commissioner who claims to be fighting corruption is the one aiding and abetting the corruption that is destroying the Nursing profession right now in Delta State.

    “One would have expected that with the cancellation of the PTS Examination, the Commissioner would feel remorse and try to amend his ways. On the contrary, he has put in place a wicked agenda to ensure that many candidates who sat for the PTS Exam that has been cancelled will not have the privilege of rewriting it.

    “This write-up is aimed at alerting the entire people of Delta State the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has cancelled the PTS Exam which was carried out without due process and to be on alert so that their children will not be excluded from rewriting the Exam when the Ministry is ready to conduct another one.

    “Accordingly, we plead with His Excellency, the Governor, to take urgent steps to avert the impending calamity that will befall the Colleges of Nursing Sciences in the state.”

    According to their letter, over 200 students registered for the PTS Exams at Agbor, Warri about 150 students, Eku about 150 students, Asaba about 100 students; while Sapele about 100 registered students for the examination, and that if nothing is done urgently for them to retake the exam, their hope of acquiring a Nursing education will have been dashed.

    They appealed that for equity and fairness, students sent home as a result of the poorly conducted PTS Exam be called back to retake the examination.

    But Delta Commissioner for Health debunked the allegation that NMCN cancelled the PTS Exam held in Delta, urging Deltans and welling Nigerians to disregard the claim as nothing of such happened.

    Onojaeme said: “PTS Exam is not cancelled, they are currently doing Transcript valuation for transcript purposes, nothing more.

    “The PTS exam is not an examination that tests the knowledge of the students, it’s just an exam to regularise them, that is all.  The PTS Exam will stand, they have started their indexing.

    “The PTS exam is at no cost to the students and it’s not an exam that will cause them to fail and be out of school, so, I don’t know why they are scared of such an exam.

    “Take this from me, the PTS Exam has not been cancelled, I was with the Registrar of the Nursing Council, Mr Faruk two weeks ago and we didn’t discuss PTS, our discussions were centred on how he could increase the indexing number because of the pressure on admission from Delta State. 

    “No student was asked to drop out of any of our schools on account of this PTS Exam, because it’s just like an aptitude test and not the main Council exams, you can record this call and hold me responsible on this point.”

  • Over one million youths to benefit from NYSP – FG

    Over one million youths to benefit from NYSP – FG

    Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has stated that over one million young Nigerians will benefit from the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP) to avail them with the skills needed to thrive in modern economy.

    The Minister said this in Abuja during the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Youth Programme organised to celebrate Nigeria’s 25th Democracy Day with the theme: “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospects for the future.”

    She informed he ministry was drafting bills for the National Assembly to institutionalise a 30 per cent youth quota, restructure the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), and establish the National Youth Fund (NYF).

    According to a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Omolara Esan, the minister said: “These legislative actions will solidify the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and ensure sustainable development.”

    She said the restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will commence its call for entries by June 30, 2024, adding that the ministry has already streamlined the process to ensure more young entrepreneurs can access the funds they need to innovate and create jobs.

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    The minister stated that the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP) and the implementation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reforms will also begin by July 30, 2024, explaining that the reforms will integrate skill development and entrepreneurship into the service year, making it more impactful and economically beneficial for the graduates.

    “The Youth Development Bank will be launched by August 30th, 2024. This bank will provide tailored financial services to youth-led ventures, supporting innovative ideas and business growth,” the minister added. 

    Regarding the Young Leaders’ Institute, the minister declared that the institute will be launched by August 30th, 2024 to nurture the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to excel.

    She said: “The future of Nigeria is in your hands, and together, we will build a nation where the achievements of young people are the norm, not the exception. Let us move forward confidently, knowing that our plans are strategic, our implementation is diligent, and our commitment to empowering the youth is unwavering.”

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe expressed gratitude to the minister for her forward-thinking initiatives and well-crafted policies aimed at empowering and preparing the youth to assume significant leadership roles in the future. 

    He said the initiative indicated that the younger generation was enthusiastic and ready to take charge by embracing forward-thinking concepts and leveraging modern technology, even though their generation may not have had prior exposure to it.

    The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Ahmed Umar, said that the Federal Government was fully committed to ensuring the successful implementation of all youth development programs.

    He emphasised that these programmes are poised to bring about a positive and tangible impact on the lives of the youth thereby catalysing a transformative change in their well-being and future prospects.

  • Four die, 10 injured in Enugu-Onitsha highway crash

    Four die, 10 injured in Enugu-Onitsha highway crash

    Four people died and 10 others sustained various degrees of injuries in road a accident along Enugu-Onisha expressway.

    Twenty five people were also rescued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Emergency Rescue Teams in the incident that occured on Tuesday, June 11.

    FRSC spokesperson, Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, announced this in a statement on Wednesday, June 12.

    He said: “The preliminary crash investigation report revealed that the crash, which was caused by speed violation, involved seven vehicles comprising a black Toyota Matrix bearing the following registration details ENU742NL, a white Suzuki Hijet mini bus ENU982XY, a Custom Toyota Highlander jeep JRV247HK, and a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number UWN16AP, a Toyota Rav 4, a Red Mack Tanker and a Mazda vehicle.”

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    Ogungbemide said the injured victims have been taken to orthopedic hospital in Enugu for medical attention, while the dead bodies have been deposited at Park Lane hospital morgue.

    He said the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, had ordered “full investigation and speedy prosecution of the driver responsible for the fatal crash.”

  • Group to Yahaya Bello: appear in court and defend your integrity

    Group to Yahaya Bello: appear in court and defend your integrity

    As the ongoing N80.2 billion fraud case against the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) resumes on Thursday, an Abuja-based civil group, Vanguard for Credible Representation (VCR), has called on the ex-governor to stop disregarding the court and appear to defend himself.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the EFCC’s application for the former governor to appear in court for his trial. 

    Meanwhile, Bello has filed an application to vacate the arrest warrant issued against him. 

    However, Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that Bello must appear in court before making any application.

    The case has been adjourned to June 13.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in the ruling, insisted that even if the arrest warrant was illegally obtained, the defendant (Bello) should have still shown up in court.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Appeal Court fails to hear EFCC chair’s case against contempt proceeding

     He said that the order of court subsisted until it is set aside, even if there is irregularity. 

    The judge said Yahaya Bello’s staying away amounted to disregard to the sanctity of the court. 

    “Bello should come to court on his own not through EFCC for arraignment on the next adjourned date,” the judge declared. 

    Bello’s  lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), had assured the court that “efforts would be made to contact the former governor to appear in court on the next adjourned date. 

    In a statement, the group’s coordinator, Akinloye Oyeniyi, said: “We recall that this matter has generated so much unnecessary and unneeded brouhaha. This is a simple case of allegations and clearance of oneself. But here we are seeing the court almost begging the defendant to come to court despite its earlier ruling. This is terrible and uncalled for.” 

    The group urged Bello to use the opportunity of the next adjourned day of June 13, 2024, to appear and clear all doubts about his integrity and respect for the judiciary.

     “Like other Nigerians, groups and the court, we are also joining the chorus to ask Alhaji Yahaya Bello to appear before the court to clear his name, which is very necessary. We cannot be handling issues of this nature in the media and gossip centres. This is a serious matter and everyone should be involved to lay the matter to rest,” Oyeniyi said.

  • FG urges Labour to settle for realistic minimum wage

    FG urges Labour to settle for realistic minimum wage

    Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has urged Labour to settle for a national minimum wage that will not undermine the economy and lead to mass retrenchment of workers. 

    Idris made appeal while declaring open the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja.

    Idris pleaded with labour to seek a realistic and sustainable wage regime that is realistic and will not rock  the country’s economic. 

    Idris also highlighted government’s efforts towards  reducing the cost of living and increase Nigerians’ purchasing power through programs like the Presidential CNG initiative, which aims to cut transportation costs by 50%.

    He said: “As I have repeatedly said, the Federal Government is not opposed to the increase of wages for Nigerian Workers but we keep on advocating for a realistic and sustainable wage system for the workers – a wage system that will not undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardize the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.  

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    “We want the Labour Unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of an increase in wages. 

    “It will also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians. And this is where programs like the Presidential CNG initiative come in. By replacing or complementing petrol usage with CNG, that program alone will cut transportation costs by as much as 50 percent.”

    The Minister appealed to the clerics to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for renaissance and pray for wisdom and guidance as the country navigates its current challenges.

    Noting that Tinubu stepped into power at the most challenging time for Nigeria, Idris said that the President is working assiduously to ensure sustainable development across the country. 

    He said: “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Mr. President stepped up with a great sense of courage and responsibility. In the last year he has been implementing crucial and comprehensive reforms aimed at steering our country back onto the path of growth, prosperity, and sustainable development.

    “President Tinubu has never shied away from acknowledging the reality of these pains. In his Democracy Day address delivered to the nation just this morning, President Tinubu summed it up very aptly: “The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth. 

    “There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay, and compensation for his endeavour and labour.”

    “Indeed, as a nation, we are enduring short-term sacrifice, for long-term benefits. We are inspired by the bigger picture of a Nigeria where no one is left behind.”

    He hinted that his Ministry would collaborate with the clerics in the implementation of the national orientation programme, the National Values Charter. 

  • Eagles’ 2026  World Cup bid shaky after loss to Benin 

    Eagles’ 2026  World Cup bid shaky after loss to Benin 

    • Finidi rues players’ commitment  

    The Chances of the Super Eagles making it to the enlarged  2026 FIFA World Cup  to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and USA, now rests on a cliff hanger   following  coach  Finidi George-led side’s  2-1 loss to  neighbouring Republic of Benin  yesterday at  the Felix Houphouët Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.  

    It was the first loss for the Super Eagles in the qualifiers  after an identical  1-1 draw in their opening three matches against Lesotho (home ),Zimbabwe(away) and South Africa (home).

    The three-time African champions  are now  second from bottom of Group C with three points from four matches while Benin, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, shot to the top of the standing on seven points.

    Technically,  Nigeria would possibly need to win  all of her remaining six matches  to  automatically  make the World Cup party  again since Russia  2018 after the country failed to make it to Qatar 2022. 

    Meanwhile, coach   Finidi George has seemingly  berated  the Super Eagles’ faint -hearted  approach  towards  the  2026  FIFA World Cup campaign. 

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    Yesterday, Raphael Onyedika gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 27th  minute to crown a bright start for the visitors. But Benin grabbed the equaliser some 10 minutes later when Jodel Dossou took advantage of a mistake by Calvin Bassey to slot the ball past the onrushing Stanley Nwabali. 

    The Cheetahs  later went ahead late in the first half, with Steve Mounie also pouncing on poor defending in the Nigeria box to tap the ball home.

     “(The plan) Is to win but  there is no special formula for that ,” George said  at the post-match conference in Abidjan.“ We have to  see how we can get the best  out of the players, “And everybody must be committed and I think without commitment …”

    The  crest-fallen  former Enyimba coach  who was  only appointed in April  for departed Portuguese coach  Jose Peseiro,  could only mutter : “ We would win games  and  I believe we would win games, if  we can win games, the battle would still  be there  ; and we can’t  throw in the towel because we have only three points. We have to find a way  and get these players  back in  way that they can perform.”