The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Osimhen‘s Napoli inch closer to UCL spot

    Osimhen‘s Napoli inch closer to UCL spot

    Victor Osimhen’s Napoli is just one win away from clinching their place in next year’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) after a convincing 2-0 win over Fiorentina in the Serie A.

    It was Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne who scored to help his side beat 10-man Fiorentina 2-0 and move into third place in the Serie A table in their chase for UCL place.

    The win leaves Gennaro Gattuso’s side on 76 points, one point ahead of AC Milan and Juventus in fourth and fifth respectively, before Milan hosted Cagliari later yesterday.

    Napoli will be guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League if they win their final game of the season at home to Hellas Verona next Sunday.

    Juve had beaten champions Inter Milan on Saturday to move above Napoli, who therefore travelled to Florence needing a victory to ensure they would go into the final round of fixtures in one of the four Champions League qualifying positions.

    Napoli were frustrated by the 13th -placed hosts in the first half as goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano kept out Piotr Zielinski’s strike and Insigne’s free-kick rattled the bar, while Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic had a header ruled out for offside.

    The breakthrough came after 57 minutes when Napoli were awarded a penalty for a shirt pull at a corner following a VAR review.

    Amid passionate protests against the decision, Viola substitute Bartlomiej Dragowski was shown a straight red card for his reaction.

    Insigne’s tame spot kick was saved but he fired home the rebound, and the Italy winger was close to a second when denied by the woodwork again with a low shot that struck the post.

    Napoli doubled their advantage on the 67th minute when Insigne laid off a pass to Zielinski, whose first-time strike took a big deflection off Lorenzo Venuti on its way in and was awarded as an own goal to wrap up the points.

  • Sunday Igboho’s boys clash with DSS operatives in Ataoja’s palace

    Sunday Igboho’s boys clash with DSS operatives in Ataoja’s palace

    By Toba Adedeji, Osogbo

    There was tension in the premises of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun on Saturday when supporters of a Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho clashed with operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS).

    A video circulating on social media obtained by The Nation in Osogbo indicated the incident happened on Saturday evening after the Yoruba Nation rally, which Igboho joined.

    A video indicated a middle-aged man who identified himself as Seun Olayinka was detained inside a car while a man and woman interrogated him.

    Olayinka, who wore Ankara, claimed he was sent by Federal Government and has been working with the DSS for six years.

    He confessed he was taking a record of the plate numbers of vehicles in Igboho’s convoy when he was caught by supporters of the agitator.

    He pleaded with the supporters to release him.

    Another video surfaced on Facebook on Sunday showing Sunday Igboho paying a courtesy visit to Oba Olanipekun after the rally held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park via Old Garage in Osogbo.

    After meeting with the monarch, Sunday Igboho stepped out of the hall as some of his aides whispered to his ears.

    He responded: “Where is he? Which vehicle did you put him?”

    Later, some DSS operatives entered the palace in a bid to have a word with Sunday Igboho but his supporters impeded their movement.

    The leader of the squad, who was armed with a pistol, forced his way through the supporters.

    As he was pushing through the supporters, other squad members stayed close to the fence inside the premises of the palace.

    Gunshots were heard when the leader persisted with Igboho’s supporters alleging the operatives fired shots.

    They attacked the operatives, manhandling them. Some of the operatives ran into the open room in the palace for cover as the video ended.

  • Diri: why I have no political enemies

    Diri: why I have no political enemies

    By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has revealed how the virtue of love towards all, practised by his mother, the late Mrs. Rose Diri, shaped his political philosophy of seeing nobody as his enemy.

    He spoke at Ayamasa, his maternal hometown, in Ekeremor Local Government during the eighth-year wreath-laying in honour of his mother.

    Madam Diri was born on May 15, 1939 and died on her birthday, 74 years later, on May 15, 2013.

    The governor in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said his late mother was the perfect example of the woman and wife captured in Proverbs 31 in the Holy Bible.

    He described his mother as a woman that accommodated everyone that came across her while alive and never had any enemy.

    According to him, her lifestyle of living without enmity and grudge towards anyone impacted his life greatly.

    He said: “My mother had no enemies. This is why as a governor; I don’t have enemies because I learnt that from her. She was a woman that I can aptly say was described in Proverbs 31. Our mother was mother to everybody.

    “From here in Ayamasa, she got married and moved with her husband to Sampou. Even in Sampou, she was a mother to everybody. Those who came across her can testify that she took everybody that she saw as my friend like her own child.

    “For those of us she left behind, the only thing I would say is to continue to maintain the standard she left for us.”

    Senator Diri, who bemoaned politics of bitterness and blackmail, hoped that his emergence as governor would change the narrative and heal political wounds.

    Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo lamented the inability of churches and their leaders to speak truth to power in the face of increasing corruption and immorality in the society.

    He spoke at the weekend while addressing participants at the 145th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, at St Mathias Parish, Amarata in Yenagoa.

    The deputy governor said the silence of the church was contributing to the rise in crime rate, leadership failure, erosion of ethical and moral values as well as underdevelopment.

    He said to address the rising level of moral decadence and poor performance in the public and corporate governance, the church must live up to societal expectation of speaking and upholding the truth at all times.

    Ewhrudjakpo urged the clergy not to be swayed by material gains to the detriment of the society by turning deaf ears and blind eyes to poor leadership and crime.

    He challenged clerics to be courageous to hold those in authority to account like Prophets Nathan, Isaiah and Jeremiah did in biblical times to address the societal ills of their generations.

    The deputy governor stressed the need for churches to show more interest in building the future of youths by inculcating in them sound moral and spiritual values that will guide them through life.

     

  • El-Rufai vs Labour

    El-Rufai vs Labour

    Hardball

    Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and organized Labour, under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), are sizing each other up, for the soul of Kaduna, in a five-day warning strike.

    The Kaduna governor comes with “facts” that allege 10 per cent of civil servants, including the political bureaucracy, which has proved a wanton glutton for scarce public cash, are gulping 90 per cent of the state’s receipt from Abuja.

    Labour, on its own part, comes with the near-absolute right of workers to a job for legitimate living.  That can’t be challenged on the face of it.  Still, failure to link the citizen’s right to legitimate work with responsibility to drive value, amounts to nothing but sweet sentiments.

    Therefore, both sides are poles apart, at the extreme ends of more or less the same continuum.  If only both could be less hubristic, and commit to a mid-point that works for all!

    That way, both would be weaned off their missionary fixation with chosen causes: the Kaduna government, to spread the benefit of state cash beyond the “aristocratic” public servants; Labour, to understand that salaried work, in the face of dwindling value, is not the only way its members could thrive.

    But two days into the strike, it would appear mutual grandstanding, honed by extremist positions, rules the roost.  That can’t be in the interest of anybody.

    Labour has framed El-Rufai as a heartless enemy of workers — and thereby the people — that voted him into power.  So, the strike, aside from being a legitimate union push, has assumed the additional politics of delegitimizing the El-Rufai government, as prime “enemy” of the people.  Indeed, disturbing reports quote Labour leaders as warning their members of dire sanctions, if they as much as lift a finger, to avert the total shutdown of the state — from transportation to electricity.

    Still, inasmuch as Labour feels obliged to adopt any strategy that can make its strike succeed, framing the Kaduna government as “enemy” of the people is Labour sentiment taken too far.  In any case, the same government being demonized as enemy by Labour, claims it is fighting for the right of other Kaduna citizens outside the Labour camp — who, to boot, are a thundering majority!

    But Governor El-Rufai too should not frame Labour as a no-good, interloping busybody, that must be crushed to have peace.  The governor may have genuine intentions in what he prefers to call the “right-sizing” of the Kaduna civil service and political work force.

    But he must learn to infuse the “notorious facts” of foreboding statistics, with calming emotional intelligence.  That way, he is sure to avoid copping the most adversarial reactions from his different publics.  If El-Rufai had framed his difficulties in more sensitive language, perhaps Labour wouldn’t have been gored to this show-down, which frankly, is avoidable.

    The abiding grace, however, is that the strike is a five-day warning one.  Perhaps that period offers both sides the hot opportunity to sound off and quickly cool down, calm down and talk with each other to solve a mutual problem, instead of screaming at each other, to create more problems?

  • Boro: Dikio calls for unity, sustenance of peace in Niger Delta

    Boro: Dikio calls for unity, sustenance of peace in Niger Delta

    By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

    The Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixion Dikio (retd.), has urged the Ijaw ethnic nationality to embrace unity and sustain peace in the Niger Delta in honour of the late hero and icon of Ijaw struggle, Isaac Adaka Boro.

    Speaking at the Boro Day celebration in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State yesterday, Dikio said the liberation Boro fought and died for could only be achieved through dialogue, lobbying, collaboration with others and working in unity.

    He said in the honour of Boro, all stakeholders in the region must come together and work for the development of the Niger Delta.

    Dikio insisted that with its rich endowments, the region could only attain the expectations of Boro if all stakeholders closed their ranks and worked in harmony.

    He said: “In his later days, Boro became known as a rebel with a cause which dovetailed into the armed struggle.

    “We still believe in fighting for that which belongs to us but with an understanding that we are part of a federation with many moving parts. That means we need to adopt other strategies such as dialogue, lobbying, collaboration and working in unity.

    “In honour of the cherished memory of our beloved hero today, I want to enjoin all of us to come together as a people, to work for the development and transformation of our region.

    “We are a blessed people and we have what it takes to make our region live up to the expectations of Boro, only if we all agree to work together in unity and maintain peace in our region”.

    He said Boro Day celebration provided another unique opportunity to imbibe some of the high values, virtues and principles associated with the late icon.

    He noted that Boro was known to be passionate about doing things well and excellently, adding that the late Ijaw hero believed anything was possible regardless of the circumstances.

    “This was one man who was ready to sacrifice, to see things get better. Boro was an inspiring leader. His brand of leadership was about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could.

    “Isaac Boro inspired different kinds of passion in different people. The one most people remember him for is his passion to see his people liberated”, he said.

     

  • ‘Ojukwu’s spirit will be happy to see Nnewi man become Anambra governor’

    ‘Ojukwu’s spirit will be happy to see Nnewi man become Anambra governor’

    By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    An aspirant for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, said yesterday that allowing an Nnewi indigene to succeed Governor Willie Obiano remained the surest way to ensure equity and fairness.

    He said the spirit of the late Ikemba Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu would be happy to see an Nnewi man become the next governor, considering his commitment to the cause of the Igbo race.

    Nwosu, speaking in Onitsha during a consultative tour, pledged to consolidate on former and current governors’ achievements as well as create an all-embracing and development driven government anchored on transparency and accountability.

    He also promised to enthrone a maintenance culture and ensure that rules and laws were obeyed, to create a decent and an orderly society.

    He said: “Ojukwu’s spirit will be happy to see an Nnewi man become the governor of Anambra State, considering that he devoted his life towards the liberation of the Igbo and was also the soul and body of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the ruling party in Anambra State.

    “Equity and fairness demand that a competent Nnewi man should govern Anambra, since the old Aguata region and Ihiala have produced governors in the past, while the Nnewi axis has never produced any.

    “Looking at the three blocs in the south, I believe in equity. Aguata bloc has produced a governor in the past in the person of Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Ihiala axis has produced a governor too in the person of Mbadinuju.

    “It is only Nnewi axis that has not produced one. But if you look at the political history of Anambra State, Nnewi axis has shown commendable leadership and sacrifice in the past.

    “They have sacrificed so much for the entire Igbo race. When you remember the late Ikemba Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who was the image behind my party, APGA, you will see that it is just proper that you give it to the Nnewi man. We believe that Nnewi has the right people to govern Anambra State.”

     

     

     

     

  • CAN insists on justice for Iniubong

    CAN insists on justice for Iniubong

    By Bassey Anthony, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said vain teachings by church leaders in the state were misleading youths into crimes such as the murder of Miss Iniubong Umoren.

    The Chairman, Rev. Ndueso Ekwere, said at a news conference at the weekend in Uyo that the gruesome murder of Miss Umoren by Uduak Frank Akpan might have been a product of vain teachings by clergymen.

    He said: ‘’We are sad that the life of a young girl, who had performed excellently in her studies, was cut short in her prime by a devious young man, an act we condemn in its entirety.”

    Condoling with the bereaved family, CAN expressed worry about the moral decadence in the society, insisting that justice must be done.

    He noted that the death of Miss Umoren had brought to the fore the need to re-emphasise the message of righteousness.

    “This murder has brought to the fore, the need to re-emphasise the message of righteousness in the land, while discouraging misleading vain teachings and heresies by some so-called church leaders (especially the kind that is pervading almost every electronic media for several hours now in our state) that may have misled their gullible members and some youths into the get-rich route, thereby increasing the rate of criminality and exposing them to all sorts of atrocities, including crime against fellow human beings.”

    Ekwere advised church leaders to preach messages that would promote high moral standard.

    Calling on parents to teach their children the fear of God, the CAN chairman enjoined youths to learn skills and be self-reliant.

    He said they should not look for white-collar jobs that might not be enough for everybody.

    Condoling with the families who have lost their loved ones to attacks, the CAN chairman hailed Governor Udom Emmanuel for visiting the police headquarters to support the force.

    He called on the citizens to remain law- abiding and report suspicious moves and persons to security agencies.

    Ekwere advised Christians to pray for peace to prevail in the state and the country.

    He said CAN has, in solidarity with the national body, declared a three-day solemn fast and prayer “for our land from November 28 to 30.

    “This will take place simultaneously in all the states in the country. Christians are to gather each day in their individual churches to pray and end the fast for the day and finally end up with their church service on Sunday.”

    He urged Christians to pray for the speedy recovery of Nigeria from its challenges so that it can become a nation everybody will love.

     

     

     

     

  • Baba Ijesha traumatised, weak, lean in detention – Lawyer

    Baba Ijesha traumatised, weak, lean in detention – Lawyer

    By Alao Abiodun

    Adesina Ogunlana, lawyer to embattled Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James Omiyinka popularly known as Baba Ijesha has explained that his client is traumatised, weak and growing lean in police detention.

    In the letter obtained by The Nation to Lagos Police Commissioner, Ogunlana demanded his client should be released on bail.

    He noted that Baba Ijesha’s colleague Yomi Fabiyi is ready to stand surety for him.

    The Nation reports Baba Ijesha has been in police custody since his arrest in April for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old .

    Ogunlana in his letter titled ‘Re: Olanrewaju James Omiyinka application for immediate grant of bail’ urged the police to release Baba Ijesha on bail, adding that the accused has become abnormally weak and lean in detention.

    Part of the letter reads: “We are aware that a piece of legal advice on our client’s matter has been issued about two weeks ago, disclosing prospective charges of bailable character.

    “From all indications, the investigation has been concluded in his matter and it is inconceivable that the issuance of legal advice will now be a basis for the denial of bail as you have been widely reported in the press to have claimed.

    “We submit that the continuous detention of Mr Olanrewaju James Omiyinka at your SCID Panti Yaba facility, for about thirty days now, in our respectful view, is in gross breach of his fundamental human rights as cognisable under the 1999 constitution the grand norm of the nation’s legal architecture.

    “As of today when I met with Omiyinka in the company of his thespian colleague and ready surety, Mr Yomi Fabiyi, he appeared traumatised, emaciated, and walked with a limp in his right leg. May I assure you, sir, that Mr Omiyinka is not a flight risk and he is prepared to face trial.”

  • NEMA gives 1,112 Cross River windstorm victims relief items

    NEMA gives 1,112 Cross River windstorm victims relief items

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the weekend distributed relief materials to 1,112 households devastated by a windstorm that swept through four communities in Ikom Local Government of Cross River State.

    Ogomogom, Akorofono, Nkarasi and Abinti communities in Ikom Council bore the brunt of the windstorm, which pulled off roofs, destroyed houses with loss of properties.

    NEMA Director General AVM Muhammadu Muhammed (rtd), who launched the relief distribution at Ikom Local Government Secretariat, sympathised with the affected persons. He said the relief items were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for delivery to them by the agency.

    The NEMA DG, represented by the agency’s Southsouth Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Godwin Tepikor, advised people to minimise the predicted floods’ impact.

    He said they must take seriously the forecast as concerning Cross River State for preparedness, mitigation and response activities.

    The items distributed were 556 bags of 12.5kg rice, 556 bags of 25kg beans, 556 bags of 12.5 kg of Garri, 56 kegs of palm oil, 93 cartons of seasoning cubes, 46 cartons of tomato paste and 1,112 pieces of blankets.

    Others included 1,112 pieces of foam mattress, 725 cartons of bath soap, 556 pieces of wax print, 700 bundles of roofing sheets, 185 bags of 3″ nails, 370 packets of zinc nail and 1,668 pieces of ceiling boards.

    The Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Princewill Ayim, appreciated the President’s empathy and NEMA’s prompt and direct distribution of the humanitarian support.

    The Chairman of Ikom Local Government, Mr. Kingsley Egumi, thanked the Federal Government for the relief support delivered through NEMA. Representatives of the beneficiaries, Madam Okongor Ndoma-Yala and Elder Nfam Douglas Akong, also thanked President Buhari and NEMA for rescuing them.

     

     

  • Ugwuanyi rescues accident victims

    Ugwuanyi rescues accident victims

    By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the weekend led a rescue operation on an accident scene at Ekulu Bridge, Abakpa Nike, Enugu East Council and rescued accident victims.

    The accident occurred when a petroleum truck lost control and fell into a ditch.

    It was learnt that prior to the governor’s arrival, the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Enugu State Fire Service and Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Alex Ugwu went to the accident scene to apply safety measures to save lives and property.

    The officials were said to have stabilised the victims and transferred them to the hospital with an ambulance.

    The state government, through SEMA and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure provided a crane and manpower for the removal of the vehicle, evacuation of the products and reopening of the road for human and vehicular traffic.

    SEMA Executive Secretary Nkechi Eneh, who confirmed one casualty, urged residents to be calm and law-abiding, saying they should cooperate with the government and emergency response stakeholders in their efforts to restore normalcy.