Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Nigerian Journalists Suffer Daily Abuses at Work



7 May 2012 10:59 Africa/Lagos


Nigeria / Daily abuses suffered by Nigeria's journalists


PARIS, May 7, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Following World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Reporters Without Borders takes a look at the breaches of freedom of news and information in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2012, turning the spotlight on one of the most dangerous countries in Africa for journalists. For the first time, it has included the Islamist militia Boko Haram in its latest list of Predators of Freedom of Information, just published (http://en.rsf.org/nigeria-boko-haram-02-05-2012,42487.html).


The press freedom organization outlines all breaches of freedom of information recorded between 24 December and 24 March. It highlights the almost daily arrests and assault of journalists and the obstruction of access to, and distribution of, information, and describes the insidious atmosphere in which journalists have to carry out their work.


During the period in question, Reporters Without Borders recorded: the murder of one journalist, the killing of another with no proof that it was linked to the victim's work, nine assaults, seven arrests, three journalists threatened, four instances of seizure of equipment or deletion of files, three cases of access to information being cut off, three court cases against journalists and news organisations, the closure of a press centre and a media outlet's premises vandalised.


The report also covers disturbances in April when there were bomb attacks on the offices of two newspapers, in Abuja and Kaduna (http://en.rsf.org/nigeria-government-urged-to-protect-media-27-04-2012,42384.html)


Whether these abuses – obstruction of information and control of the government's image, or gratuitous violence and threats – were carried out by the government or private organizations using armed groups, they confirm the authorities' desire to silence journalists who try to report on the instability now gripping the country.


Nigeria embodies a paradox. On the one hand, it is a country where freedom of news and information is effective so far as the pluralism and vitality of the media are concerned, and on the other, it has one of Africa's worst records for infringements of press freedom and a worrying level of danger for journalists.


Murder, threats and violence



Since 14 March, when it became known that talks were taking place between Boko Haram and the government, the freelance journalist Ahmad Salkida has received several anonymous telephone threats. The reporter, who has covered the activities of Boko Haram for several years, was accused among other things of being a member of the Islamist group and of being the instigator of the talks. He was also told that he and the group “are not supposed to exist”. The next day, he was followed by a white Lagos-registered 4x4 for several hours in Abuja.


In July last year he was forced to move away from the northern city of Maiduguri after receiving threats from people claiming to belong to Boko Haram. The threats followed the publication in the magazine Blueprint of an article he wrote on the Islamist group's first suicide bomber.


On 11 March, Boko Haram threatened to take action against three newspapers, National Accord, Vanguard and Tribune, in a tele-conference in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state. The group said the newspapers attributed statements to the group which were not made by its members and showed bias against it in their reports. It said they portrayed the group in a negative light while praising government forces.


On 9 March, Boko Haram had threatened to “take care of” any journalist that misrepresented its views in an article. The Nigerian Tribune and Vanguard Newspapers were among those mentioned specifically by the group's spokesman, Abul Qaqa.


On 13 February, six journalists from the New Nigerian, Blueprint, Aminiya, Voice of Nigeria, Hausa Service and the Nigerian Standard, and a Nigerian Television Authority cameraman were attacked by a dozen unidentified assailants in Katami village in the Silame local government area of Sokoto State, where they were covering the election campaign of the All Nigeria Peoples Party's candidate for the state governorship, Alhaji Yusha'u Ahmed. The bus in which they were travelling was attacked by men armed with machetes, knives, cutlasses and sticks.


On 7 February, Akinola Ariyo, a photojournalist for the New Nigerian, was threatened by an officer who aimed his weapon at him and ordered him to leave while he was accompanying a group of people trying to negotiate the reopening of the press centre at Murtala Mohammed airport in Lagos, closed by the airport authorities in early February.


On 1 February, three security guards assaulted Hassan Adebayo, marketing executive with the Port Harcourt newspaper Daily Trust and Sani Musa, the driver of the company's distribution vehicle, as the pair were delivering copies of that day's edition to vendors in the area. The attackers, in a white Toyota Hilux with the registration number RV 96 AO1, first attacked the driver, who managed to escape, then vandalised the vehicle, smashing its side mirrors.


On 20 January, Enenche Godwin Akogwu, 31, the Kano correspondent of Channels TV, was shot dead while trying to cover Boko Haram suicide bombings, which killed at least 185 people earlier that day. The journalist was interviewing victims outside the Farm central police station, which was a target of one of the attacks, when an unidentified gunman fired several shots at him.


The body of radio reporter Nansok Silas, who worked for Highland FM, was found on 19 January in a stream under a bridge on the Zaramagada-Rayfield road, 200 metres from a military checkpoint, in Jos, northeast of Abuja. Nothing of value was taken from him and colleagues suspect he was the victim of a targeted murder, but the cause of death and possible motive are still unknown.


Originally from the Langtang North area in Plateau state, he had worked for Highland FM for three years and hosted a programme called “Highland Profile”. He had not received any threats. Reporters Without Borders has called on the authorities to carry out a thorough investigation and to do their utmost to shed light on his death, and to consider the possibility that it was linked to his work.


On 3 January, the Kano office of the Daily Trust was invaded by vandals who tried to smash up the premises and assault staff. Only one person involved in the failed attempt was arrested. He was charged with criminal conspiracy, assault, criminal trespass and mischief by fire.


Obstructing access to information and controlling the state's image



There was glaring evidence during the first quarter of 2012 of the Nigerian authorities' desire to control the country's image and monitor what the media publish or broadcast.


The government demonstrated its resolve to hide the real extent of the population's demonstrations of dissatisfaction, as well as the threat presented by Boko Haram.


It seems as if the obstruction of access to information, seizures of newspaper print runs and equipment, as well as threats and lawsuits against journalists are aimed at allowing the government to play down its own weakness and the difficulties faced by the country,


On 13 March, police and troops manhandled several journalists covering a visit to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, by the first lady, Patience Jonathan. Dare Fasuba, of The Vanguard, Akinwale Aboluade of The Punch, Gbenro Adesina of The News/PM NEWS, and Sola Adeyemo of Compass Newspapers were prevented from entering Lekan Salami Stadium, while others such as Bisi Oladele of The Nation were beaten when they tried to exercise their right to cover the event.


A few days earlier, Jude Obiemenyego, a journalist with the newspaper Zion Nationale, was arrested by an officer of the State Security Service, for having exposed a case of corruption involving the ex-wife of the former government of Delta State. He was arrested in the woman's office and threatened with a gun before being taken to police headquarters where he was held for several days. Since his release, he has received telephone death threats from unidentified callers.


On 7 March, an unidentified journalist was assaulted by police officers deployed to break up protests by youths at the Stubb Creek oilfield in the southern state of Akwa Ibom. The journalist fled to escape further violence.


On 23 February, Misbahu Bashir, a reporter for the Daily Trust, was refused access to the headquarters of the Aguryi Ironsi brigade in Abuja and was forced to stay in his car for three hours by soldiers outside the building. The journalist was seeking information about the arrest by brigade troops of 99 passengers travelling in a truck that had been stopped on the Kaduna-Abuja highway.


He said he was detained after asking to see the brigade commander instead of the public relations officer, a captain, with whom he had originally requested a meeting.


The reporter was allowed to leave after he was made to write down his name, address and vehicle registration number.


On 18 February, Iyatse Joshua, of the radio station City FM, was arrested by Lagos police while he was covering a procession organized by human rights activists and organizations in remembrance of those killed by security forces a during the week-long nationwide strike and mass protest against the abolition in January of fuel subsidies. He and a number of activists were taken to the offices of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. All were released several hours later on the orders of the chief of police.


On 14 February, Suleiman Isah, a reporter with the Daily Champion, was barred from entering the Niger State government headquarters by members of the State Security Service, despite having appropriate accreditation. The security officers threatened him before he was allowed to leave the premises.


Earlier, a Voice of America reporter was manhandled by security men in similar circumstances outside the Justice Idris Legbo Conference Centre, a few metres from the government building.


On 13 February, journalists from The Nation, ThisDay, The Punch, The Guardian and Nigerian Tribune were forced to leave by soldiers posted at the entrance to a hospital next door to the government headquarters in the northern city of Kaduna. They were reporting on an attack by some of the governor's guards on an information ministry official, whom they mistook for a member of Boko Haram.


On 9 February, Isa Sa'idu, the Kaduna bureau chief of the Daily Trust, was threatened by Lieutenant-Colonel Abubakar Edun, spokesman of the army's First Mechanised Division, for having reported that soldiers had manhandled journalists trying to cover the bombing of a division barracks in Kaduna on 7 February. His equipment was seized.


On the same day at the same location, Umar Uthman a cameraman with the private station African Independent Television and a colleague from government-run Katuna State Television both had their cameras confiscated.


On 7 February, agents of the State Security Service raided the offices of the Nigerian Television Authority in Abuja in search of video recordings that showed members of Boko Haram nominated to take part in talks with the government. The cassettes were taken away by the agents, who said they were acting on government orders.


On 5 February, the French journalist Jérémie Drieu, a reporter for the channel TF1, and a local colleague Ahmad Salkida, were arrested by soldiers in the city of Jos in Plateau State. They were forced to show all the material they had filmed before being forced to pack and leave the state at nightfall. They were apprehended when it emerged that a documentary on which they were working would be critical of the government.


On 4 February, the press centre at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, opened 30 years ago, was closed by the Nigerian authorities on the orders of the head of the protocol department attached to the airport's presidential wing, Alofabi Oduniyi. He was reported to have accused journalists accredited to the centre of writing articles that were negative and prejudicial to the interests of the president. More than 60 journalists have been prevented from recovering their equipment locked inside the centre.


Martins Ayola, general director of the station Adaba FM, which broadcasts in Ondo State, said there was a price on the head of some of its senior staff for broadcasting critical programmes and they were being hunted by contract killers. One of the station's programmes, "Oja-Oro", was ordered off air by the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation for allegedly trying to turn listeners against the governor, Olusegun Mimiko.


On 1 February, Kayode Akinmade, the commissioner for information and strategy, launched a petition against the programme that succeeded "Oja-Oro", entitled “Ela Oro”, alleging it was broadcasting negative perceptions of the government.


Also on 1 February, Goke Famadewa, a journalist for The Punch newspaper, was manhandled by police attached to the Lagos office of Shell Nigeria. The journalist, who was reporting on a dispute inside the company, was beaten up for taking photographs of the premises. The police officers deleted all his photos before releasing him after two hours.


On 25 January, newspaper vendors Okwudili Nnadi, Tochukwu Onuigbo, Ugwu Stephen and Martha Agbedo – who had her five-month-old baby with her – were arrested by state police in Nsukka, in Enugu state. All copies of newspapers in their possession were seized based on the argument that they stirred up popular unrest because they contained photos of the victims of Boko Haram attacks. They were released after several hours but they were unable to recover the confiscated copies.


Again on 25 January, Stanley Mijah, a journalist for The Scope published in Adamawa State, was indicted by a court in Yola for having in his possession sensitive articles which, if published, might disturb public order.


Abdullahi Adamu Kanoma, a journalist with Zamfara State Radio, was charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, illegal assembly and mischief by fire. He was arrested while on his way to the police headquarters to interview the commissioner after the fuel price protests of recent months. He was approached by police officers and told his name was a list of people to be arrested for taking part in the marches. His trial began on 6 February before the Zamfara State Sharia court.


Problems persist in April, two more suspicious deaths


Before April ended with the twin newspaper bombings in Abuja and Kaduna, there were two suspicious deaths of journalists. Reporters Without Borders is unable to determine whether they were linked to the victims' work.


On 16 April, Chuks Ogu, a journalist with the station Independent Television, was shot dead by a gunman who burst into the apartment of a couple whose wedding he had been filming and opened fire. The circumstances of the murder are still unclear and it is not know whether the journalist was the target or simply an innocent victim.


On 3 April, the body of Ibrahim Muhammed, a film editor with the commercial TV station African Independent Television, was found in a pool of blood in his apartment in Kaduna. According to his family, he had been followed home on two occasions by unidentified people. An investigation was opened on 4 April, but there have been no serious efforts to find those responsible.

Source: Reporters without Borders (RSF)

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The Poor in Nigeria Can Save Themselves


A poverty stricken slum in Nigeria

The Youth Speak articles on Poverty in America vis-à-vis Nigeria by Ebenezer Leo the Great published on Monday May 7, 2012, and Life below a dollar by Olorunfemi Owoyemi published on Wednesday May 9, 2012 on the back covers of The Guardian newspaper of Nigeria almost moved me to tears, because of the gripping realities of the disparities of lives in Nigeria where the government and the elites of the ruling class live in denial of the tragedies of widespread poverty plaguing millions of Nigerians in dire straits.



Map of Poverty Levels in Nigeria. Photo Credit:Nasir EL-Rufai.


As much as we know that maladministration is the cause of the collapse of democracy and governance in Nigeria and also caused the systemic collapse of manufacturing and human capital development, but ignorance has done more collateral damage to the poor masses than maladministration. The people are their own worst enemies since they have failed to help themselves by over relying on the government for their survival and welfare.


A poor village in Nigeria. Photo Credit: Commonwealth of Nations.

It is annoying to see students of tertiary institutions going on rampage on campus over lack of water supply and power outages by the school authorities when they can use their skills to dig boreholes to build wells and pump water into tanks to supply water for their various uses on campus. But they would prefer to spend hundreds of thousands of naira to buy expensive smart phones, laptops and clothes which they use as status symbols to impress their peers when they can form campus cooperatives and contribute money and skills to build wells for water supply and solar panels for solar power supply for their classrooms, laboratories and campuses. Students in the engineering department should be challenged to build these wells and solar panels and stop mere studying to just pass exams and writes theses to obtain their paper qualifications that in most cases have failed to equip them for the critical challenges and emergencies of contemporary life in a mismanaged economy of a dysfunctional civilian government.


Female hostel on the campus of a Nigerian university. Photo Credit: Nigerian Times.

The thousands of naira female students spend on buying expensive Brazilian hair and other imported hairweave attachments and wigs and BlackBerry smart phones will be enough to build wells and solar panels to supply water and power for their hostels, but they would rather waste their questionable monies on such perishable status symbols and continue to use their dilapidated and stinking toilets and bathrooms described by a visiting tourist as worse than the toilets of refugee camps in many war zones in Africa and a government minister said the toilets in female hostels on Nigerian campuses are worse than piggeries!

The poor people in both urban and rural areas have also failed to help themselves even though most of them are regular church goers and mosque goers pretending to be pious Christians and Muslims, but they don’t practice the tenets of their respective Christianity and Islam outside the walls of their churches and mosques, because they are hypocrites or wolves in sheep clothing. If they are ready to obey their teachings of the founders of their respective religions, they will fare better in addressing and solving the social and economic problems causing their poverty and insecurity.

They would fare well if they could put heads together and join hands to form neighbourhood cooperatives in their various towns and villages to help themselves as many such cooperatives in other developing countries have been successful in building wells, solar panels and profitable startups of cottage industries to turn their subsistence farming and trading into lucrative enterprises to become self-employed and even create many jobs for the jobless members of their communities and contributed funds for both academic and professional sponsorships and scholarships to assist needy members among them.

The poor and other concerned citizens should stop their lamentations of the woes of the dog eat dog situation in Nigeria and join hands to address and solve the various social, ethno-religious and political problems plaguing their lives, because as we can see that the dysfunctional government has failed woefully.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, author of Children of Heaven, Sleepless Night, Scarlet Tears of London, Bye, Bye Mugabe, In the House of Dogs, Black Obama and the American Dream, The Prophet Lied and other books, is also the Publisher/CEO of International Digital Post Network Limited, Founder of Eko International Film Festival and Founder/CEO of Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema, operators of the Screen Naija One Village, One Cinema Project in Nigeria.



Tuesday, May 8, 2012

World Leaders Ready to Help the Most Vulnerable People Adapt



WASHINGTON, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adaptation Can't Wait is a message that will resonate through the Global Adaptation Institute's (GAIN) 2012 Annual Meeting & Scientific Convening in Washington, D.C., May 9-10. High-level presenters and panelists from AECOM, Baker & McKenzie, PepsiCo, Ernst & Young, Swiss Re, The World Bank, The Kresge Foundation and other prominent organizations as well as ministers of environment and commerce will partake in open dialogue on the subject of adaptation and how the private sector can create actionable solutions.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110506/DC97131LOGO )

The high level of interest in this annual event speaks to GAIN's success thus far in raising awareness of the importance of adaptation. Record insurance losses from catastrophic disasters, a continued rise in global food prices and urbanization outpacing the ability of cities to provide proper sanitation and infrastructure prove that now is the time for the public and private sectors to tackle these challenges together.

"I am excited about the response from leaders from around the world and their commitment to the most vulnerable people," said GAIN's Founding CEO and Former Managing Director of the World Bank, Dr. Juan Jose Daboub.

He also highlighted the dimension of the challenge in economic terms.

"Worldwide up to $100 billion USD is needed in adaptation investments every year for the next 25 years to save lives and improve livelihoods," Dr. Daboub said. "There is an urgency to act. Practical solutions exist and can be implemented. Governments have the key to enable the environment for private sector investments. Civil society is the glue that can connect the pieces of the puzzle. And, scientists are working towards developing metrics to measure results."

GAIN's Chief Scientist Ian Noble will present the GAIN Index (index.gain.org) and engage participants on how this navigation tool can help the private sector prioritize adaptation investments, as well as assist governments in determining the best public policies to facilitate such investments.

The GAIN Index ranks 161 countries according to their level of vulnerability and readiness to adapt to climate change and other global challenges. Several leaders have applauded the GAIN Index including former President of Spain Jose Maria Aznar, former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, former U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson and others.

The first day of meetings will conclude by awarding the GAIN Prize to organizations that are on the ground working shoulder-to-shoulder with vulnerable communities on innovative adaptation projects. GAIN Board of Directors Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NGP Energy Capital Management Mr. Kenneth Hersh will announce the winners during the GAIN Annual Reception.

While participation in the invitation-only meeting is at maximum capacity, GAIN hopes that more will join the conversation in the future.

The world will GAIN from Adaptation, but it will take the help of those partnering in the public and private sector and also civil society to get the job done.

The Global Adaptation Institute (GAIN) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization guided by a vision of building resilience to climate change and other global forces as a key component to sustainable development.

Please visit us at: gain.org

SOURCE Global Adaptation Institute

News Releases





Madagascar Movie Was True! Exotic Animals Really Sailed On Rafts



Madagascar movie was true! Exotic animals really DID sail on rafts to the island, say researchers

The exotic animals on Madagascar are descended from ancestors who rafted to the island 60 million years ago - just like in the movie.



Scientists modelled the geographic distribution of the animals, the physics of the Earth and the atmospheric conditions of the sea to show they used prevailing winds to float on vegetation from Africa.



Dr Karen Samonds, of Queensland University, and colleagues said once the currents reversed the number of successful rafters decreased.

Madagascar: In the movie Marty the zebra, Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo and Melman the giraffe get washed ashore on the island

The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found favourable conditions existed in the same period as when mammals arrived on the island.

Click here to read the complete report.


Universal's Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories Now Officially Open At Universal Orlando Resort




ORLANDO, Fla., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal's Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories officially opens today at Universal Orlando Resort – bringing two brand-new kinds of entertainment experiences to Universal's guests.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120508/FL03077 )

The new experiences are the latest in Universal Orlando's "Year to be Here" – during which Universal is creating more new entertainment experiences across its entire destination than any other year in its history. The year began with a newly enhanced Blue Man Group Show at Universal CityWalk, continued with the high-tech re-launch of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal's Islands of Adventure and will continue with the launch of the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction at Universal Studios Florida this summer.

Universal's Superstar Parade brings an entirely new form of entertainment to Universal Studios that combines wildly creative floats with hundreds of performers to create whole new levels of fun and excitement. Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories is a nighttime show that unfolds across Universal Studios' central lagoon, taking guests on a journey filled with powerful movie moments – stirring both emotion and imagination.

"We are creating special moments for the entire family," said Jim Timon, Senior Vice President of Entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. "You can laugh and dance with your children and their favorite characters and then be completely moved as you watch the most powerful tribute to film you could imagine – all in the same day."

Universal's Superstar Parade
The streets of Universal Studios will transform into a theme-park-wide performance stage as today's most beloved stories and characters bring new adventure and excitement to guests everywhere. Universal's Superstar Parade is one of the largest entertainment experiences the theme park has ever created and will make its way through the streets of Universal Studios every day. It will feature elaborately themed floats that tower above guests, hundreds of energetic street performers and spectacular music and dance performances. Unforgettable moments include Gru, his daughters and Vector from the blockbuster animated adventure Despicable Me dancing to "Boogie Fever," Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants arriving in his pineapple home from under the sea with his friends from Bikini Bottom, E.B. from the hit comedy Hop playing the drums and acrobatic performances by characters from Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! Throughout the day, guests will be able to sing and dance with their favorite characters from the parade during special performances at select locations.

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories
The new show is a tribute to Universal's 100 years of film-making history, highlighting some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from Universal Pictures' most iconic films. These moments are shown in crystal-clear clarity on huge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios Lagoon, surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics, all against an incredible musical score and a powerful narration by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. The show will take guests on a journey of epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good versus evil and triumph – all against a backdrop of light, sound and special effects.

Everyone can remember powerful film moments such as Elliott and E.T. riding across the moon in E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, the heroic struggle of the crew from Apollo 13 or the terror of watching the famed shower scene in Psycho. Universal's Cinematic Spectacular captures these moments – and so many more. Other iconic films featured in the show include American Pie, The Bourne Ultimatum, Jurassic Park, Scent of a Woman, The Mummy, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Fast and the Furious.

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories and Universal's Superstar Parade will run year-round except during annual and special events. For more information about both experiences visit www.universalorlando.com.

About Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure: Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It's the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Coming this summer: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Universal Orlando Resort is an NBCUniversal company one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.

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Rashidi Yekini, One of the Greatest Soccer Players of All Time


Rashidi Yekini (23 October 1963 – 4 May 2012)
Photo Credit: Soccer Room Today.

Rashidi Yekini, One of the Greatest Soccer Players of All Time

The International Digital Post Network Limited, publishers and owners of Nigerian Times, Nigerians Report, Kisses ‘n’ Roses, American Times Online, Guaranty Success and other online and offline media channels joins the family, relations, friends, associates and others to mourn the shocking passing of Africa’s soccer maestro Rashidi Yekini, who died on Friday May 4, 2012 in south western Nigeria.


Yekini clutches the net after scoring Nigeria's first FIFA World Cup goal on the night of June 21, 1994, in the USA.

Rashidi Yekini, the legendary soccer superstar was Nigeria’s all time leading scorer and one of the greatest strikers in the history of soccer who never missed a penalty kick throughout his professional career in Nigeria and abroad. He scored Nigeria’s first goal in the history of the FIFA World Cup on June 21, 1994 in Nigeria’s Super Eagles 3-0 victory over Bulgaria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America.



May his soul rest in peace and may the Almighty God comfort us all and grant us the grace to bear the loss of this great patriot of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



Monday, May 7, 2012

The Avengers Blockbuster Sets Global Box Office Record with $641.8 million



The Avengers movie has set a box office record worldwide for opening weekend making $641.8 million so far, thanks to women who bought 40 percent of all tickets as reported by Christian Science Monitor.



7 May 2012 19:09 Africa/Lagos

Marvel's The Avengers Sets Domestic, Global 3-Day Opening Weekend Records In IMAX® Theatres

Film Plays to Virtual Capacity Across IMAX® Theatres Domestically, Driving Record $15.3 Million Opening Weekend Box Office

Film Grosses Approximately $31.3 Million To Date in IMAX Theatres Worldwide

LOS ANGELES, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) Marvel Studios and The Walt Disney Studios today announced that the epic Super Hero adventure Marvel's The Avengers has surpassed IMAX's domestic opening weekend box office record by generating $15.3 million of the film's record-setting domestic gross of more than $200 million, resulting in an IMAX per-screen average of approximately $56,000 in 275 digital IMAX® theatres.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111107/MM01969LOGO)

Internationally, the film generated approximately $6.1 million over the weekend in 176 IMAX theatres, of which 80 were debut runs. This brings IMAX's international total to $16 million. Some international markets, including Poland and Japan, have yet to open.

The film also set a new IMAX three-day opening weekend global box office record with $21.4 million, bringing the worldwide gross to $31.3 million in IMAX theatres worldwide since its global release on April 25.

"With sellouts all weekend and IMAX fans around the world coming out in record numbers to see Marvel's The Avengers, the only way we could have done better would have been to have more seats," said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. "We saw particularly strong results in IMAX's key growth markets including China, which opened on Saturday to sell-out business across our network."

"Extremely strong word-of-mouth resulted in exceptional day-to-day as well as week-to-week holds across our global network," said Greg Foster, IMAX Chairman and President of Filmed Entertainment. "With more international markets still to open, we expect this trend to continue over the next few weeks as the film continues to play in a number of domestic and international IMAX theatres. Congratulations to our longtime partners at Marvel, Disney and director Joss Whedon - IMAX is honored to be a part of this epic, record breaking cinematic event."

Marvel's The Avengers, based on the well-known Marvel comic book series, is directed by Joss Whedon and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

Distributed by The Walt Disney Studios, Marvel's The Avengers: An IMAX 3D Experience marks the third Marvel Studios film presented in IMAX, following the releases of Iron Man 2: The IMAX Experience in 2010 and Thor: An IMAX 3D Experience in 2011.

The IMAX release of Marvel's The Avengers was digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of An IMAX 3D Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that makes audiences feel as if they are in the movie.


About Marvel's The Avengers


Marvel Studios presents "Marvel's The Avengers"—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, and directed by Joss Whedon, "Marvel's The Avengers" is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series "The Avengers," first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. "Marvel's The Avengers" is an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects.


"Marvel's The Avengers" is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film was produced by Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Louis D'Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. The story is by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon and the screenplay is by Joss Whedon. The film was released May 4, 2012, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over 70 years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.


About The Walt Disney Studios


For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel; and Touchstone Pictures, which includes the distribution of live-action films from DreamWorks Studios. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!. For more information, visit www.waltdisneystudios.com.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment and technology companies, specializing in the creation and delivery of premium, awe-inspiring entertainment experiences. With a growing suite of cutting-edge motion picture and sound technologies, and a globally recognized entertainment brand, IMAX is singularly situated at the convergence of the entertainment industry, innovation and the digital media world. The industry's top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and as such, the IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe. The Company's new digital projection and sound systems - combined with a growing blockbuster film slate - are fueling the rapid expansion of the IMAX network in established markets such as North America, Western Europe, and Japan, as well as emerging markets such as China and Russia. IMAX deliver the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX®, IMAX 3D®, and IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-Mastering) technologies. IMAX DMR enables virtually any motion picture to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience®.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of March 31, 2012, there were 643 IMAX theatres (510 commercial multiplex, 20 commercial destination and 113 institutional) in 52 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience® and The IMAX Experience® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include, but are not limited to, general economic, market or business conditions, including the length and severity of the current economic downturn, the performance of IMAX DMR films, the opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by IMAX, competitive actions by other companies, conditions in the in-home and out-of home entertainment industries, the signing of theatre system agreements, changes in law or regulations, conditions, changes and developments in the commercial exhibition industry, the failure to respond to changes and advancements in digital technology, the failure to convert theatre system backlog into revenue, new business initiatives , investments and operations in foreign jurisdictions and any future international expansion, the inability to protect IMAX's intellectual property foreign currency fluctuations and IMAX's prior restatements and the related litigation. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.


For additional information please contact:


Entertainment Media:

IMAX Corporation – Santa Monica

Christine Tasto

310-255-5547

ctasto@imax.com

Principal Communications Group – Los Angeles

Melissa Zukerman/Paul Pflug

323-658-1555

melissa@pcommgroup.com

paul@pcommgroup.com


Investors:


IMAX Corporation – New York

Heather Anthony

212-821-0121

hanthony@imax.com

Business Media:

Ann Sommerlath

212-821-0155

asommerlath@imax.com

Sloane & Company – New York

Whit Clay

212-446-1864

wclay@sloanepr.com

SOURCE IMAX Corporation

Web Site: http://www.imax.com



Godswill Orphanage of Kogi Wins Melody Shelters N10 Million Championship Prize

Members of the Godswill Orphanage

PRESS RELEASE

AS MELODY SHELTERS COMES TO AN END, GODSWILL ORPHANAGE IN KOGI CARTS AWAY THE N10 MILLION CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE FOR 2012



The first ever musical reality show for orphanages organized by Melody Shelters, a collaboration of Adonis Productions and Prince Tonye Princewill came to a climax on Saturday 5th of May, 2012, with Godswill Orphanage of Kogi State emerging as the 2012 champions.



Melody Shelters is the first ever and only Reality TV music talent contest for orphans in the world.

Lifetime Caring Orphanage, Rivers State, 1st runner up with their cheque of N5M

Godswill Orphanage, Kogi State, Winners, with their cheque of N10M

Chief Eze C. Eze, representative of Prince Tonye Princewill making his speech.

An orphan, appreciating the Prince.

The PDP Chieftain and the Leader of Princewill Political Associates (PPA) was on hand to present the cheques totaling 20 million Naira to all the beneficiaries in a star studded event witnessed by an enthusiastic PH crowd, government officials and chieftains of the Entertainment Industry amongst others.

The final event saw Godswill Orphanage of Kogi State clinching the coveted trophy and the Championship Prize of N10M while the Runners-up, the Lifetime Orphanage of Rivers State got the Prize of N5M. Rachael Homes, Abuja came in third carting home the N3Mprize. The Princely amount of Five Hundred Thousand each was given to the other remaining five Homes as co-champions and what the Prince called“combined winners”.


Prince Tonye Princewill with an orphan.


Mrs. Elizabeth Opanachi the Matron of the Godswill Orphanage Abuja the Champion Home in her appreciation thanked Prince Tonye Princewill and the Directors of the Melody Shelters for embarking on this great innovative and God inspired project that will surely change the course and lives of the less privilege in Nigeria. Mrs Opanachi who was emotional in her presentation quoted the gospel of St. Mathew Chapter 5verse 7 which says “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy”assuring the Prince that his investment and concern for the poor in Nigeria would not go in vain as they would continue to pray for your upliftment and growth in all aspect of your life. “You are a gift from God and the poor will surely celebrate you when the time comes”. She went further to challenge other rich men in Nigeria to emulate the Prince and invest their funds to alleviate the suffering of orphans and/or the many, not the few. She concluded by urging the various segments of government in Nigeria to assist the credible Orphanages in Nigeria in their onerous task to reduce poverty and provide succour to the orphans in Nigeria.

Mr. Adonijah Owiriwa the CEO of Melody Shelters thanked all that made the event possible particularly the Prince who bore most of the financial burden and concluded by stating;“Give me just three Prince Tonye Princewills in Rivers State and I will turn Rivers State to the true Garden City it should be and the envy of all cities in Africa!” Prince Tonye Princewill who through his Head of Media, Chief Eze C Eze presented the cheques assured Nigerians that all things being equal this event has come to stay as he intended to spend the remaining part of his life attending to the needs of the needy among us. He remarked that his concern in this regard had nothing to do with politics but is inspired by God who provided the resources against all odds. Therefore he said, he would make this show an annual event.



~Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, Media Consultant, PPA.





President Jonathan, Barrister Adeleke and the Nigerian Police


Nigerian Police officers.

Mr. President, Addressing Barrister Debo Adeleke’s Observations on Nigeria Police Selection and Promotional Problems

~ By John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D

Just some months ago, a presidential statement noted that, “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Mohammed D. Abubakar as Acting Inspector General of Police” resulting in the abrupt removal of the serving Inspector General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim.

The President as empowered by the law made this temporal appointment while the nominee, Mr. Mohammed D. Abubakar awaits confirmation from the Senate hopefully—given his heightened professional spirit and outlook to police service.

Following a Nigerian tradition of an Assistant Inspector General of Police being promoted to the rank of Inspector General of Police the exiting senior officers in the rank of Deputy Inspectors General of Police, six of them in this case equally received abrupt termination in order to create a new and loyal environment for a junior officer promoted straight to the top.

This type of removal of serving Deputies is a tradition or practice which from the point of the psychology of best practices appears controversial in approach, highly subjective in nature and needs reexamination in terms of standardization, fairness and equity. To simply state, if any of them were to show resistance or disloyalty to Mr. Mohammed D. Abubakar because of the President’s political prerogative to move an Assistant Inspector General of Police to the rank of Inspector General of Police then show them the door and do it quickly!

Nevertheless, with the coming of the Acting Inspector General of Police the empty spaces of Deputies were filled with seven new Deputy Inspectors-General of Police who were promoted by the Police Service commission under the watch and leadership of the Chairman, Parry Osayande, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police.

Some of senior officers reportedly received double or triple advancement, and this action is causing anger in the light of the type of complaints now coming from some officers who felt the subjective process cheated them due to nepotism , bias, dishonesty and duplicity. In recent times a more intense complaint is coming from the Mr. Debo Adeleke, a Lagos-based attorney.

As we know some of the distressed senior police officers have lodged complaints against the Police Service Commission to the National Assembly, and to the President and other Public interest groups about the current promotional and appointment process.

As an academic expert in forensic psychology with a focus on police/prison management, and police and prison psychology there are questions that the President, the National Assembly, and the Senate’s Police Committee especially or any other interested body ought to ask in regards to various procedures in regard to police selection, promotion and management.

This is not to blame the Police Service Commission ( PSC) as it may have done what is expected of a modern police system in terms of promotion and appointments but we need to see and examine if the conditions utilized were objective, or generally subjective through mere conditions.

We need to see if the conditions met current standard practices in leadership elevation. This open question is essential especially, when this process is supposed to be public, transparent and a non-secretive practice.
In 2006, a document called “Guidelines: For Promotion in the Nigeria Police Force” was published under Chief Simon Okeke, the then Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

The publication was developed with the assistance of professional groups and individuals which included the CLEEN Foundation and Open Society Justice Initiative, a consultant, Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu and other scholars like Kemi Asiwaju and Maxwell Kadiri

At the time an Appraisal/Promotional procedure that was established and the procedure, and process involved receiving documented information on an officer from “Committees at the Area Command, State and National levels” for the purpose of assessing candidates for various ranks up to that of a Deputy Inspector General of Police.

Given the presence of the appraisal forms and procedures it is important to find out how the recent promotions were conducted, and if these laid down appraisal procedures were utilized?

Some of the main criteria in the 2006 promotional section included but not limited to receiving a “Good Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) over a period of three years with classification in categories A or B”.

The set of guidelines for promotion also called for fulfillment of the principles like merit, hierarchy, decentralization, fairness, openness and equity which should objectively be adhered to.

The full utilization of a “National Appraisal” Promotion procedure as in the one of 2006 or any other if available could create less room for accusations and grievances in form of suspiciousness, corruption, nepotism, procedural irregularities, unfairness, and irregularities in form of side tracking the principles of hierarchy or seniority.

While there could be some occasions when an exception is made for an officer(s) to receive double promotion he or she must equally have a completed appraisal in terms of a “ Good Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) over a period of three years”.

The real dilemma is not whether the entire police system is under a Civilian oversight board as in the Police Service Commission who is supposed to put a check on issues of complaints, misconduct, indiscipline, and in matters of appointment and promotion of all officials of the Nigeria Police Force (other than the IGP), as well as in matters of dismissal matters.

The real concern is who on a constitutional and legislatively basis is monitoring the fairness of all procedures in terms of the functions of the police service commission in regards to the usage of objective appraisal procedures, and it is important to know if there are documented reports on this check?
There appears to be nothing in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution in regards to measurable police procedural guidelines and it remains highly descriptive and short on details with no updated amendments to meet contemporary times.

As we all know the Nigerian Police Force or the Nigeria Police under section 214, is to assist in crime prevention, crime detection, in the preservation of law and order; and in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders as well as in the enforcement of all laws.

It is time that the statutes show measurable police procedural guidelines in promotion, and hopefully through the blessings of the Chairman of the Senate committee on Police Affairs, Senator Paulinus Igwe a new legal picture could be given to the fix some of the problems at hand.

But as it is now the current type of procedures in making appointments, promotions and carrying out disciplinary processes are yet to be developed and blessed by the legislature in terms of established rules.

As such, it is time that the National Assembly study what is in place in terms of an objective appraisal system specifically in regard to selection, advancement or denial measurements and outcomes.

Already the Nigerian Constitution is modeled after that of the United States of America ,and for the sake of human rights, fairness and commonsense behaviors, it is only proper that we have Statutes that contains standards for all Law Enforcement procedures.

Our legislatives should contain provisions of employment, promotion, advancement, denial, discipline, and dismissal with appropriate rulings or statutes defining manners of appointments; of Promotion; of Discipline and Discharge. The statutes should contain the manners of hiring and advancing personnel on the basis of merit, and it should cover how officers are demoted and, suspended—something that could be championed by Barrister Debo Adeleke.

With new legislative cover objective standards covering these various areas will be drawn from the law, and policies will be constructed by the police management and other oversight instruments, the police service commission in particular.

By so doing , detailed and objective practices as well as non-subjective procedures in matters of officer rights and privileges, discharge, discipline, demotion, denial, promotion, transfer, or reassignment will be clear to every the open eyes. These type of rules and policies are not security or sensitive areas, therefore they should be carried out transparently and must remain clear professional procedures in police work and practices.

With essential amendments the National Assembly could provide statutory observations as to how the statutes on these matters are turned into policies and guidelines for the selection, promotion, discipline and discharge of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

With clear definitions, provisions and rulings on these police matters it will allow the court system to better interpret and give ruling sunder the direct guidance of the law for those in a state of grievance.

What the people wants to see through guide of the National Assembly is an equitable position that will guide the executive arm like the police system and help guide against subjective lines like personal anger, organizational turmoil, and mistrust of the leadership. Clearly, no one wants an organization full of disheartened men and women in the police system.

The police policy makers must recognize the need for a current promotional policy, and performance evaluation policy based on advertisement/announcement process policy, job description policy, job analysis procedure, selection process policy, testing methodology, time adjustment policy, scoring system policy, and on a feedback process policy.

It is time that the National Assembly set out rules in regards to psychological rules for Law Enforcement work.

There is need for both medical and psychological selection qualifications as this will avoid cases like the Kaduna Police Training college where recruits who were already in training would suddenly be expelled because their admission was in part reportedly based on political endorsement, bribery and some of them had various character , psychological and medical problems.
It is essential that all police positions including rank and file, and management positions go through adequate demographic and historical measurement and each one of them should possess good moral character, mental /emotional instability, and visual/motor alertness.

These determinations are to be made by licensed or certified psychologists trained and experienced in test evaluation, interpretation and recommendations. Psychology as a profession places emphases on the state of wellbeing solely in terms using psychometric or assessment measures/techniques to establish proactive, preventive, attitudinal, practical, and fitting behaviors in humans for the continued assertion of a healthy state of wellbeing.

In cases where an individual’s wellbeing is overwhelmed by negative lifestyle, personal failings or societal distress psychiatry and/or neurology as an end-of-all-purpose input is then warranted. This medical model follows when the individual’s state of wellbeing as determined by psychological assessment is deemed to be chronically unmanageable, warranting the need for bio-chemical, biological, pharmacological and medication/suppository interventions.

All-in-all, with a combined vision and push for new type of policing by leadership instruments in the likes of Mr. President, the National Assembly, Acting Inspector General of Police, the current bold Commandant of the college, Sanusi A. Rufai and a powerful advocate like Barrister Debo Adeleke, the Nigeria Police leadership and its rank and file could begin to see marked reduction in selection, training, promotional, advancement and management problems.


~ John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D., is an Abuja-based forensic/Clinical Psychologist and the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA), Abuja, Nigeria. Jos5930458@aol.com. Tel: 08126909839
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TERROR IN EDO STATE OF NIGERIA


The Nigerian police have offered N10 million reward to any informant who can help them to find the unknown killers of Mr Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal Private Secretary to the Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who was murdered in his residence in Benin last Friday.

The following is Dr. John Oshodi's critical analysis of the political crisis in Edo State.



Gubernatorial Election and Concerns about Electoral Terror in Edo State


The last image that any one wants to see is the oppositional political party members, and even the various political communities destroying themselves in Edo State.

With about two months to the Governor’s election in Edo State, assuming we live in a healthy democracy the results of a series of debates between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and retired General Charles Airhavbere, as once suggested by this psychologist would have being the current talk of the market women, office workers, students, and the media at this time.

Actually, the psychology of the debates would slowly be transforming inside the minds of voters as to whom among the two candidates may be able to attract more voting and positively affect the lives of everyday citizens in the State as elections have consequences.

Instead, what we are hearing are such words, incidents or acts as “Assassins”, “shocked”, “shooting”, “evil”, “do-or-die”, “suspicious traffic accident”, “intimidate”, “horrific” and “mastermind”.

Most disturbing now is that direct names are being mentioned as possibly responsible for a killing or an assassination, a dangerous road to go at the worse times in the country.

The danger here is that while some of these words and insinuations cannot change reality, they certainly could change how the people of Edo State perceive the entire State at this time.

Right now the respective mind of the warring parties is more identified with self-protection and possibly they have lost touch with the real theory of election as there is on both sides, fear of attack anywhere and at any time within the country, within the State in particular—a fear that weighs heavily on two of them.
The candidates and those very close to them which include their families and supporters may find themselves in a psychological state marked with subconscious concern about death or severe injury and may even be thinking of horrific primitive responses to these fears in regards to any possible or anticipated danger.

With the fear of the unknown in these times of political crisis the ordinary citizens certainly need federal protection while the warriors may be doing all kind of things in order not to lose power and their lives.

These political warriors are in the fight against fear, instead of showing the people how one of them would fully fight against leadership problems, State insecurity, poor economy, pitiable education, unemployment and other day-to-day challenges.

Giving what is currently happening in the State the President using the Inspector General of police should announce the launching of a new investigation to reveal any criminal act, or deadly conspiracy in order to stop the possible built-up of militants, end unnecessary name accusation or speculation and to avoid any cynical plan.

There should be at this time the presence of highly professional police operatives for the purpose of securing lives and properties as well as to help terminate any planned or concealed plot to destabilize the July election.

Each of the Gubernatorial candidates requires extra-security in order remain protected against any violent threats and attack.

President Jonathan or the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, should immediately call for a top-secret emergency meeting of the two candidates, mandating each of them to quell the current burning tension that is disturbing Edo State.

And should the current election tension continue to rise there should be a curfew from 11.00 pm to 5.00 am from now until the Election Day.

As long as there is tension in the State, for fear of political unrests many voters will remain in their homes in order to protect their lives and properties thereby leaving the election primarily in the hands of riotous minded party members, explosive minded politicians, and highly passionate supporters.

This means there could be more strains of intimidation, violence, and fraud brought in by corrupt executors.

What we need now is a sensational or a memorable election but not in an inflammatory fashion as that would be bring in possible murderous, destructive, and mob behaviors.
This is the time for the Oba of Benin and father of the entire Edo Kingdom, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa to ask the people to cry out for an air of decency and peace during these times, as well as pray for an election that will be rooted in security and safety.


~ John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D., is an Abuja-based Forensic/Clinical Psychologist and the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA), Abuja. Jos5930458@aol.com 08126909839.