The Mystery of Delta politics

The Mystery of Delta politics As Many political watchers are still pondering about what happened in Delta PDP gubernatorial primary Okechukwu Jombo, writes that is has become a political mystery. That Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, against all odds, pulled 406 votes to beat his closest rival, Chief David Edevbie, who scored 299 and another leading aspirant in the race, Sir Tony Obuh, who got five votes, in the Delta state Governatorial primaries of the PDP is still a mystery to so many people . As a matter of fact, the emergence of Dr. Okowa was akin to a political revolution in the state as people from the three senatorial districts voted him regardless of whatever order they were given. Most importantly, the leadership of the Urobo Progressive Union UPU would learn a bitter lesson from this because it backed the wrong horse. What happened in Delta state is a political mystery. It is a clear indication that nobody is God or can play God. When they say 24 hours is long time in politics, nobody should dismiss the statement in a hurry because that is exactly what played out in the state.”“Can you explain why Dr. Uduaghan had to step down for Senator Manager in the Delta South primary, forget the explanation that it was for peace and security of the state, did you not see what happened to Mr. Obuh, who only 48 hours to the primary was the man to beat. . Okowa again is sure he would emerge victorious over the Labour Party’s Chief Great Ogboru and his All Progressives Congress counterpart, Chief O’tega Emerhor, in the state. While maintaining that the PDP has a thriving history of electoral victories since the advent of democracy in 1999, he vowed that such would be replicated next year. He expressed confidence that with the caliber of aspirants that jostled for the party’s ticket in the state, who have now keyed into his campaign council, victory was sure. Speaking on the challenges posed by the opposition APC across the country in Asaba, Okowa, who acknowledged that there are great hurdles ahead to be crossed by his party in 2015, however optimistically said PDP would overwhelmingly coast to victory. “This is the first time we (PDP) are going to the polls nationally with a strong opposition. “But with hard work, PDP will surmount the challenges and be successful.” According to him, the gubernatorial aspirants deserve commendation, especially for not allowing their personal interest to override the interest of the state after they were defeated. He said: “PDP in Delta State has always done so well and I believe that we will do better in the elections that are coming up in 2015. “All the aspirants have called to congratulate me. “Besides appreciating them, I appealed for their cooperation and support of all party faithful to further move the party forward.” Okowa urged the 71-man campaign council inaugurated by the state chapter of the party to midwife the 2015 general elections to engage only in “issue-based campaigns devoid of ethnic sentiments”. Political watchers belief that Okowa is the man to beat in Delta and therefore should be taking seriously this because his emergence as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State was not just the result of the steadfastness and steel of the candidate. There were many other factors While he is generally appreciated for his sagacity, his victory has unmistakably highlighted the grip on the state chapter of the PDP of associates of the immediate past governor of the state, Chief James Ibori on the party. Okowa served in Chief James Ibori’s cabinet like Senator Jamesn Manager, who joined forces to push forward Okowa's victory. Okowa polled 406 votes beating to second place, Olorogun David Edevbie, the consensus candidate of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) who also had the political machinery of the state government behind him with 299 votes. Other results as announced by Sunday Kareem, the returning officer were as follows: Victor Ochei (185 votes), Ndudi Elumelu (50 votes), Godsday Orubebe (49) and Godswill Obielum (22). Sylvester Monye, Ovie Omo-Agege and Sam Obi got 10 votes each; Peter Okocha had six votes, Tony Obuh (five), Charles Emetulu (four), Kenneth Gbagi(two) and Mike Uwaka (one vote). One vote was voided. 2006 power shift agreement It was learned on good authority that Ibori insisted on the power shift arrangement by leaders of the party, eight years ago, which is that Delta North senatorial district should produce the governor in 2015. This was against the clamour by the UPU, the apex sociocultural group of his Delta Central district for an Urhobo governorship flag bearer. Incompatible dissimilarities It was, however, palpable that there were some irreconcilable differences between Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Okowa which only the two personalities can explain. While Uduaghan stood wholeheartedly for a Delta North successor, his mind was not on Okowa and his body language pointed to the retired permanent secretary, Mr. Anthony Obuh. Until the last minute swing by his political machinery,Obuh was generally perceived as the man to beat inthe contest. Those who served with Okowa in the Ibori government were said to have insisted on Okowa forging ahead a development that pushed those opposed to him to the wall, and brought up the idea of using Edevbie to stop him through the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU. Okowa is known to be loved by the political class in the state, but his problem with Uduaghan alienated some persons until the eleventh hour when the Ibori followers rallied round him. Senator James Manager,who is also of the Ibori political family, led his Ijaw kinsmen, while Tompolo, did a yeoman job behind the scene. Nwaoboshi undeterred till the last minute Former state chairman of the party, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, who had boasted that it was Delta North in 2015, was not deterred by the last minute momentum towards Edevbie. hours before the votes were counted, “Mark it, youwill see what will happen, there is no way Delta Central is going to get it.”Nwaoboshi shook hands triumphantly with SenatorManager shortly after Ijaw delegates cast their votes,probably for a job well done. This was before the votes were counted. The refusal of Delta North aspirants to arrive at a consensus candidate for the primary worried the Ibori political family, but that notwithstanding, it deployed its immense muscle in the three senatorial districts to deliver Okowa. An Urhobo leader said, “In fact, the UPU was shocked that some Urhobo people voted for Okowa instead ofEdevbie. Even though the votes from all the local governments were mixed and counted together, it was clear when the Delta Central local governments were being counted that they were betrayers in the house.” The Urhobo political class and other government officials, who were giving marching orders to deliver Chief Edevbie worked hard as most of them moved from one delegate to the other, canvassing for votes without fruitful results. Most of them beyond what they were given, spent their personal money to woo delegates but to no avail.One reason the Ijaw kicked against Edevbie was that they saw him as a member of the cabal that workedagainst the ascension of Dr. Jonathan as acting president when President Umaru Yar’Adua took ill in 2009. The Ijaw gave bloc votes to Dr Okowa, vowing that the man, who worked against the emergence of their kinsman (Jonathan) would get their votes.

Fresh explosion rocks Maiduguri market

Fresh explosion rocks Maiduguri market Traders and many people who visited the Maiduguri Monday market are feared dead after a bomb exploded on Monday morning. The blast, suspected to have been planted by members of the Boko Haram insurgents occurred not far from the scene of last Tuesday's twin suicide bombing at One Way Monday Market which killed at least 24 people and injured nearly 60. Monday’s blast was equally deadly, witnesses said. A thunderous sound was heard across Maiduguri around 11.15am. This was followed by thick smoke even as pandemonium ensued around the scene as people scampered for safety. Already, soldiers, policemen, fire fighters and humanitarian agencies have moved to the scene. Earlier at about 6.am in Maiduguri, there was fear as a result of two deadly sound suspected to be explosion.

Plateau south and their quest to stop Governor Jonah Jang

Plateau south and their quest to stop Governor Jonah Jang Okechukwu Jombo ,Plateau South’s quest to stop Governor Jonah Jangs anointed candidate for the 2015 gubernatorial seems to have thrown up challenges never envisaged Plateau state like most Peoples Democratic Party PDP held states are facing Confusion state over imposition by their governors hence their effort to pick a consensus candidate from the Southern zone to challenge Governor Jonah Jang’s candidate for the governorship seat. But the move seem not to be going as planned as report have it that efforts by a group known as the Equity and Justice Movement to handpick a consensus candidate from the southern part of the state might not be realistic.This is because some of the aspirants are already rejecting the idea of pruning down the number of governorship aspirants from the Southern axis by a segment of the PDP elders’ forum. They are accusing the forum of taking side with one of the candidates. As such, they have opted to go to the primaries, expected to hold in December, without consensus. The Elder’s forum, under the banner of PDP Equity and Justice Movement, led by Prof. Dakum Shown, recently met in Jos, the state capital, with seven aspirants from the zone. The aspirants at the meeting were Deputy Governor Ignatius Longjan, former governor Fidelis Tapgun, former Director General of Industrial Training Fund Prof Longmas Sambo Wapmut, Senator Victor Lar, Architect John Alkali, Engineer Jimmy Cheto and Godfrey Oman Miri. This was with the view to adopting a consensus candidate. However the candidates sense foul play and belief that they are being sponsored and are playing the script of one of the aspirants to ensure his emergence. They challenged the integrity of the leadership of the forum, for that reason five out of the seven aspirants are opting out of the consensus deal on the grounds that the position and action of the elders’ forum failed in the very basic sense to be subjected on any foundation of credibility and transparency. They further belief rightly or wrongly that the criteria they intend to adopt in selecting their preferred aspirant remains unknown to them and unacceptable. Longjang and Lar are the two top contenders for the group’s endorsement, but majority of the members are plotting for the emergence of Longjang for selfish gains. Those against the choice of Lar argued that he lacks acceptability in his home front, Langtang. Some members of the group from his locality were said to have given the movement the impression that Lar would be difficult to sell to the electorate and compelled to opt for Longjang, who, according to the source, was favoured because he is the present deputy governor and could easily be presented to the electorate as someone with the knowledge of the workings of government. Some of the elders also believed that if Longjang, who is seen as humble and over 70 years old, eventually emerges as governor, he can easily be manipulated and some of them can be relevant in the corridors of power. But when the speculation on the choice of Longjang filtered to the other aspirants, some of them, who believe they have the capacity to win the primaries, vowed to reject any selection not done on the basis of transparency, a development that is presently fueling the speculations that a consensus candidate may never emerge from the zone. Even as the confusion continues the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has said that the APC in the state has not selected any of the four contestants as a consensus candidate. Dalung who is reacting to a report which indicated that Alex Kwapnoe, another governorship aspirant, could serve as the party’s consensus candidate, said it was wishful thinking for anyone to think that the party had anointed one of the four contestants at this time. While speaking to newsmen in Jos, the governorship hopeful said, “if there is any consensus reached it could be the figment of the imagination of a great dream of an individual who woke up from his bedroom and dreamt that he was taking oath of office as a governor so he addressed the press to say he was already there. The reality of the situation is that the APC must be more democratic than the PDP to be able to win power. So even if we are going to do consensus, it must be the consensus of the contending interests.” He however said getting a consensus candidate was not completely ruled out as the four contestants are quite understanding and recognise that each one is competent to lead the state, adding that they will be prepared to go into the primaries if that fails. Outside party lines elders of plateau south ahead of the 2015 governorship primaries have started mapping strategies with the principal purpose of producing a consensus candidate from Plateau South Senatorial District of the state. It was gathered that the Council of Elders from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state on recently held a secret meeting at the Jos residence of Jeremiah Useni, which lasted several hours. The meeting, which was between PDP Equity and Justice Movement, also had in attendance seven governorship aspirants of the PDP, all from Plateau South. They included the Deputy Governor, Ignatius Longjan; a former Governor, Fidelis Tapgun; a former Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, Prof Longmas Sambo Wapmut; Senator Victor Lar; Architect John Alkali; Engineer Jimmy Cheto; and Godfrey Oman Miri. In the meeting guidelines and principles are being introduced to the gubernatorial aspirants in view of having one of them emerge as a sole candidate from the South to challenge Governor Jonah Jang’s anointed candidate, G.N.S. Pwajok. The Southern zone, within last few weeks, has been spitting fire over alleged planned efforts by Governor Jang to impose the senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Pwajok, on the people as the next governor. Pwajok and Governor Jang, who hails from Du in Jos South Local Government Area, have decided to swap positions, a development that is facing stiff protest. This, according to report, is in the interest of justice, equity and fair play. They argued that the 2015 governorship ticket ought to be zoned to the Southern zone, pointing to the fact that the Central and Northern zones have had their shares, leaving the southern zone.

Supreme Court sacked Taraba Ag Governor, orders Deputy sworn in

Supreme Court sacked Taraba Ag Governor, orders Deputy sworn in. Taraba State Acting Governor Umar Garba has been sacked by the Supreme Court. The Apex court on Friday also directed that the Deputy Governor, Abubakar Danladi be sworn in. It will be recalled that Danladi had approached a Federal High Court in Taraba, following his impeachment by the by Taraba State House of Assembly in September 2012. The lawmakers had found him guilty of gross misconduct and engaging in private businesses. But the Federal High Court ruled that Danladi was impeached in line with the provisions of the Section 188 of the constitution. The ruling was also upheld by a five-member panel of the Justices of the Court of Appeal, who dismissed the case as lacking in merit.

Police NASS invasion: My ordeal

The Nation was last week greeted with news of Police invasion of National Assembly complex which yours sincerely witnessed very early in the morning of that Thursday.I was in fact denied access to the National Assembly complex by security men for not carrying my identity card which had been missing for two days before that time. All my pleas fell on deaf ears as they insisted that they were under very strict instructions not to allow people without identity cards in. I was curious because even when I had my ID card they never bothered me and that was why I had not gone to process a new one. However I went back to the car park to think of how to access the complex and decided to walk out of the gate and access the place by hitching a ride with a colleague which I did but was still pointed out by the security men and told to come down at the gate. As I was still contemplating what to do after coming down The Speaker of the House of Representative Hon. Aminu Tambawal’s motor Cade came along but was stuck in the traffic. After some minutes the speaker came down from his car with other House members of the All Progressive Congress APC who were with him and walked to the gate which was already locked by policemen but was denied entry. It however took the ingenuity of members in their scores that saw the Speaker and members gain entrance to the complex after they beat the security network to force the main gate to the National Assembly open. Some members, including the Minority Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Minority Leader, Hon Abdulraham Kawu, Bimbo Daramola, Samuel Adejare, among others, were forced to climb through the gate before they could gain entrance into the National Assembly complex. Older men like senator Bukar Abba watched in awe as the younger once scaled the gate Immediately the Speaker and some members who were with him gained entrance into the National Assembly, policemen who were preventing them from entering the complex resorted to the use of tear gas to scare them away including myself but members had to cover up the Speaker and they made straight to the chamber of the House. The following dialogue ensued between the Speaker and the security operatives: Speaker: (Laughs) Excuse me, can I please access the premises of House of Representatives for me to go and preside over the House? My name is Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Speaker of this House. Can anyone answer me, please? Speaker: Officer how are you? Approach me please. Have you identified me? Mr Wilson, please come.. Even when he introduced him self as the speaker the policemen ignored him which led to the anger of other APC house members who started shaking the gate and shouting ''Kill us all Kill us all'' At this time tempers had risen and Members buoyed by the shouting started climbing the gate to the amazement of the crowd that had gathered Seeing that they couldn't stop what was happening the policemen opened the walkway for the Speaker who now walked into the complex but had to trek to the chambers were all hail was let loose as Policemen tried to prevent him from gaining access into the Chambers of the House of Representatives started firing tear gas at the advancing lawmakers On entering the lobby of the NASS the whole place had been engulfed with smell of tear gas many people were seen running from the building with their hands covering their nose it was totally pandamonic . Staff and visitors alike deserted the ever busy lobby of the complex. The only place I could run into was the press centre and thank God it was open. What a day.

Fayose's invasion of Ekiti House of Assembly is barbaric and condemnable -Ekiti APC

Fayose's invasion of Ekiti House of Assembly is barbaric and condemnable -Ekiti APC Our attention has been drawn to the invasion of the Ekiti State House of Assembly (EKHA) this morning by Gov Ayo Fayose and his attempt to arm twist the house to do his bidding to tinker with the constitution and confer functions on the caretaker chairmen he has set up for the Local Government councils. He is forcing his way to inaugurate them in spite of the due legislative process. In his characteristic manner, Fayose this morning went to the hallowed chamber in company of armed soldiers and policemen, dreadfully garbed, and unleashed terror on the innocent assembly workers, forced his way in and compelled his 7-man PDP house members to sit and do his bidding. We condemn the act in its entirety and we call on all well-meaning Nigerians to support our clarion call to call Gov Fayose to order. We have not minced words to point out the series of constitutional infringements being committed by Fayose as Ekiti State governor and this is just one in many. We are cock-sure that this impunity will not stop. The predictable chaos is here already and we are back to witnessing the reign of terror in Ekiti State. We also learnt that realising that it would require 9 members to form a quorum in a 26-member house, Fayose also brought some strange men into the hallowed chamber to impersonate Honourable Assembly members in his attempt at ensuring a constituted quorum. He insisted that they must appoint a speaker among them and go ahead with legislative matters, forgetting that the house doesn't hold plenaries on Monday. How badly can an impunity be? We condemn in categorical terms Fayose's lawlessness and executive recklessness. His bully and arm-twisting tactics know no bounds and he is acting like an emperor who cannot be stopped. He has hijacked and pocketed the Judiciary and he believes there is nothing stopping him from taking over the legislative functions, as long as his gun-totting soldiers are at his beck and call. Seeing Fayose move about with battalion of gun-totting soldiers is dreadful and harrowing. Military men who are supposed to be defending the territorial integrity of the country, following a governor about, unleashing terror on the innocent people and deliberately holding the state capital to ransom. This reminds one of the civil war era. Peace is fast eluding us in Ekiti and we are back to the season of anomie We are chronicling all the constitutional breaches by Gov Fayose, who has taken over the executive, legislative and judiciary functions in Ekiti State and we are hopeful that the law will find him out one of these days. We saw it coming. Now that it has come, we are hopefully that the heavens, the law and concerned citizens of the land will sooner than later rescue our beloved Ekiti State from the claws of Emperor Fayose. When he told the people that he was a changed person, we thought it was for good, least did we suspect that it was for the worst. We will neither retreat nor surrender to his evil whims and satanic caprices. He who the gods must destroy, they will first make mad. This time shall pass but history will not forget Fayose's invasion of our peace. Signed: Hon. Taiwo Olatubosun Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Ekiti State Chapter

Senate to confirm Muhammed as CJN

Senate to confirm Muhammed as CJN ------Recieves President Jonathans letter on State of Emergency in Bornu,Yobe And Adamawa By Okechukwu Jombo Senate will today screen and possibly clear Justice Mahmud Muhammed president Goodluck Jonathans nominee for the seat of Chief Justice of the Nation CJN He is to replace retiring CJN Justice Aloma Muhktar who steps down November 20. Senate will also receive President Goodlucks letter on the State of Emergency imposed on Bornu,Yobe,Adamawa which expired yesterday.He might ask for full Emergency ruleon the troubled states The emergency rule was first declared in the affected states on May 14, 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan over the continued activities of members of the Boko Haram sect. Since that first declaration of six months, the emergency rule had been extended twice. The third tranche of six-month emergency rule expires on Thursday While declaring emergency rule in the three states in 2013 in a nationwide broadcast, Jonathan had invoked Section 305 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. He had announced that regardless of the state of emergency imposed, the political structures in the affected states would remain intact. Following continued violence in the state in spite of the emergency rule, there were calls for the sacking of the state governors to pave way for the appointment of military administrators. The Presidency had however said it was unconstitutional for the President to sack state governors. Mahmud’s name had been sent to the lawmakers in a letter by President Goodluck Jonathan dated November 10. The letter indicated that the nomination was in line with section 231 sub-section (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Speaking at last Thursday’s plenary, Senate President David Mark told his colleagues that the screening would hold next Tuesday “in the committee of the whole.” The lawmakers in committee will also meet over the Petroleum Industrial Bill PIB which had been in the Legislatures since last year

5 Efficiency Tips for Working Mothers

5 Efficiency Tips for Working Mothers Work-life balance may remain elusive, and even being a stay-at-home-mum is a full time job, but you can still stay on top of your game with these 5 tips from wives and mums around the country. 1. Plan ahead: Sit down on Sunday night and visualize everything you need to get done for the week; then write them down, making a to-do list in your diary or handheld device. Be sure to include everybody who is important in your plans; husband, nanny, older children, etc. Balance out your meetings in order to conserve energy. Try to schedule most of your out-of-office meetings around the same time so you make the most of your being out, and schedule late meetings close to home, so you’re not stuck in traffic faraway when you should be home with family. 2. Double up: This is my personal favourite; it has been of great value to me over the years. Make the best use of those pockets of time you have during the day. Go everywhere with working material or a book you need to finish reading. Make that phone call you’ve been meaning to while you do the dishes. Touch up your nail polish in the cab on your way to the seminar. Listen to your Bible while you sort the laundry. Pack it in, double up! 3. Use services that make life easier: I shop online often, and have my things delivered to me. You’re a wife, a mother, a professional (not to mention daughter, sister, friend) and with such a great demand on your time and attention it’s more than okay to take all the help you can get. When I need to get a nice outfit quickly, I order from So Necessary and they always deliver. And when I need to cook I skip the market bit and shop at Jaramall and they deliver fresh groceries to me. My husband loves spring cleaning, but I’d rather he spent time with me and our son, and I can count on AnyWork Services to handle that. There are no awards for “suffer-head” in the 21st century. Get with the programme, girl! 4. Take your R & R seriously: You know there’s rarely free time lying around waiting to be spent in bed napping, or drinking tea while reading a book. You need to create time for that, and treat it with the same seriousness you would a meeting with a client or an appointment at the doctor’s. You need it to be the best you. 5. Take care of your body: Make sure you eat right and keep fit. Whether you choose to do yoga, run, dance, swim, power-walk or use a skipping rope at home, make sure you’re keeping your body fit, strong and healthy. Getting to and from work, doing the school run, attending meetings and functions, picking up little children, having amazing sex…all these things take a lot out of a wife and mother and they require an abundance of energy. You need that body to serve you well; it’s the only one you’ve got. Keep it strong and healthy. About the author: Joy Ehonwa is a writer, editor and online proofreader who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She runs Pinpoint Creatives, a copy-editing, ghostwriting and transcription business, and blogs at www.anafricandiva.wordpress.com and www.girlaware.wordpress.com - See more at: http://connectnigeria.com/articles/2014/10/18/5-efficiency-tips-for-working-mothers/#sthash.qmIE9WrB.dpuf

Kalu submits Senate nomination form

Kalu submits Senate nomination form Former Governor of Abia State and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Orji Kalu, on Monday submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination form to vie for Abia North Senatorial District seat on the platform of the party in the 2015 general elections. A few weeks ago, Kalu’s aides under the auspices of Aides of OUK had picked and paid for the form for their boss. According to Kalu’s aide, Ugochukwu Obialo, who submitted the form on his principal’s behalf: “Today marks a new beginning in the history of Abia North, as an astute politician has accepted the clarion call by his people to run for Senate in 2015. I commend the national leadership of the PDP for their commitment to internal democracy as all party processes remain transparent and this is the beauty of democracy”. “Considering the accomplishments of Dr. Kalu in business and political spheres, he is the best man to represent the people of Abia North. I say a big thank you to our followers, supporters, loyalists, friends and colleagues for their moral, spiritual and financial support so far. I salute everyone.” The former governor’s aide assured the people of Abia North Senatorial District that his boss will ensure a better representation for them in the 8th National Assembly. Obialo acknowledged the positive impact of the transformation agenda of the present administration and called on Nigerians to vote en masse for President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office in 2015. In a similar development, a group of professionals from Abia North Senatorial District, Patriotic Professionals, has joined in the campaign for Dr. Kalu as Senator for Abia North in the upcoming general elections. In a statement signed by the group’s coordinator, Engr. Kalu Andrew, on Sunday, they promised to ensure that the forthcoming elections in Abia State are devoid of rigging and other irregularities. Andrew said: “Time has changed and we will not allow the intimidation that occurred in the last election to repeat itself especially in Abia North, as our people are ready to sacrifice for democracy. We urge all sons and daughters of Abia North, in the interest of our district, to vote for Dr. Orji Kalu in the next election.”

TOP REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD RELOCATE TO AUSTRALIA

TOP REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD RELOCATE TO AUSTRALIA You may know of Australia only as that huge continent/country that is located somewhere far south; a place so far that it is almost at the edge of the world. That way of thinking, however, is far from what’s real because Australia is one of the best places to live in. It’s better yet if you are a skilled worker and looking for an ideal nation to call home, somewhere to settle down with a family and to seek financial stability. For workers, there are about a hundred different reasons to relocate to Australia. The following are just some of the most important reasons why you, too, should go there. SKILLED WORKERS ARE IN DEMAND Aside from the excellent lifestyles, manageable standards of living in addition to the desirable climate in Australia, the work opportunities are also vastly available to skilled individuals. If you have a skill and you consider yourself to be good at it, then Australia is most definitely a perfect place for you. HIGH RESOURCES-TO-POPULATION RATIO It’s a fact that Australia is a big country. Geographically, it scopes a land area about nearly as large as North America. The best part is that Australia is not as populated. The sporadic infrastructures, settlements and cities have made it possible for the country’s natural resources to be preserved. In turn, the resources in Australia are part of its selling qualities. Keep in mind that the resources of a country are directly related to its wealth. AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY PAYING HIGH AVERAGE WAGES Australia is among the first-world English speaking countries. Along with that fact is the high salary rates for experienced professional workers. Provided you have the skills and experience necessary to get a decent employment, you can expect to make anywhere around AU$45,000 per salary year. NO SHORTAGE OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES There is also no shortage of career opportunities. If you prefer pursuing a specific career to finding a stable employment, then you will have no trouble with that, too. As said before, skilled workers are in demand in Australia, so skilled employees, business owners or budding entrepreneurs are able to carve out a niche for themselves easily. AFFORDABLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE LIVING Immigrant workers from around the world settle in Australia for many reasons, one of the most important being the expenses. It’s not expensive to live in Australia. The prices of daily commodities and personal accommodation don’t stray too far from what you would expect in other countries. Needless to say, you need only to change currencies and expect to allocate the same budget after relocating to Australia. Of all the positive things you will like about living in Australia, nothing beats the cost-effectiveness of living. You can have nearly any lifestyle you want and not bother with making ends meet. As long as you have a job, which is very likely for everyone, you can maintain a lifestyle that best suits you. The costs of education, travel, commodities and accommodation are just far too appealing to let slip from your grasp. In summary, Australia is an ideal place to live if you are a skilled worker. There’s no need to struggle finding a viable job opportunity elsewhere when possibilities like mentioned above wait for you in a better country - Australia. Live & Work in Australia and New Zealand!

Cigarette: One stick, 7000 dangers, by Hyelni Dauda Ndahi

Cigarette: One stick, 7000 dangers, by Hyelni Dauda Ndahi They saying: ‘one man’s food is another man’s poison’ does not hold truth here. Therefore, the next time you want to make some fume like a mill exhaust, remember that there is nothing good in a stick of cigarette. Also, each time you miss your buddy (the cigarette), take a look at this page and consider how you could be smoking life out of yourself. Cigarette smoking and tobacco use are acquired behaviors − activities that people choose to do – smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society. But, the smokers perish because they lack knowledge; they simply don’t know of the dangers they cause their systems each time one more stick of cigarette is smoked. It is abundantly frightening to know that there are approximately 600 ingredients (additives) in cigarettes (American Lung Association, 2014). When burned, they create more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, and 100 are poisonous. Many of these chemicals are also found in consumer products, but these products have warning labels. While the public is warned about the danger of the poisons in these products, there is no such warning for the toxins in tobacco smoke. One significant issue is that while all these chemical compounds have been approved as additives to food, they were not tested by burning. Burning changes the properties of chemicals. More than 7,000 chemical compounds are created by burning a cigarette, 69 of which are carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer). Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and ammonia are found in cigarette smoke. Many governments impose restrictions on smoking tobacco, especially in public areas. The primary justification has been the negative health effects of second-hand smoke. Laws vary by country and locality. Bhutan is currently the only country in the world to completely outlaw the cultivation, harvesting, production and sale of tobacco and tobacco products under the ‘Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010′. Well, since Nigeria has not illegalised the cultivation, transaction and use of tobacco products, one has to fall back on sensitization to help smokers see the dangers in smoking cigarette – perhaps; this will help redefine their attitude towards smoking. In verity, when a stick of cigarette is burned, a cancer-causing substance called Polonium 210 is produced. This Polonium 210 is Radioactive and very toxic. Another substance which is capable of causing cancer found in each burned stick of cigarette is Formaldehyde which is used to embalm dead bodies in morgues. Benzene, found in gasoline and rubber cement, is also produced when a stick of cigarette is smouldered. Cadmium is an active component in battery acid but, ignorant minds have gladly consumed this substance with glee in the name of smoking. A little we know about battery acid is that it is corrosive – having the ability to eat into materials and tissues. Each smoked stick of cigarette producer Tar, a substance used in paving roads hence we have tarred roads. Methanol – a main component in rocket fuel and Toluene – used to manufacture paint are also produced when a stick of cigarette is smoked. Ammonia is used to increase the absorption rate of nicotine. It’s also used to clean toilets, helps to treat wastewater (poop and pee) and is a key ingredient in liquid fertilizer. Lead and Nickel are metals and are all found in each stick of cigarette that is burned. Only a person with suicidal intent will drink or inhale insecticide. However, each stick of burned cigarette produces Nicotine which is used as insecticide to kill the likes of cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes yet people still smoke with reckless abandonment. Insects don’t like in the human lungs; do they? As earlier stated, these ingredients are approved as additives for foods, they were not tested by burning them, and it is the burning of many of these substances which changes their properties, often for the worse. Forty-three known carcinogens are in mainstream smoke, side stream smoke or both. It’s chilling to think about not only how smokers poison themselves, but what others are exposed to by breathing in the second hand smoke. Honestly, smoking does not endanger you alone; the people around you also stand a risk of being affected – your wife, kids, friends, family, mates; everyone stands a risk. So how does your body digest these toxic, corrosive and foul smelling things? It really doesn’t – which is the problem with cigarettes. The human anatomy is not designed to digest these chemicals; and if the human body cannot digest them, they will digest the human body. After all, that’s what cancer is. Right? Hyelni Dauda Ndahi, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

Rape victims besiege National Assembly

Rape victims besige NASS By Okechukwu Jombo Tears of woe rained supreme as Female Federal National Assembly members allowed emotion take the better part of them as they listened to the painful stories of rape victims who besieged the National Assembly complex to share their agonizing experiences in the hands of rapists. The girls, mostly young ladies were in the legislative arm of government to push members of the Senate and House of Representatives on the need to save them from further assault by passing the bill against sexual offences. The ladies participated at the mock tribunal/court on sexual and gender based violence organised by the National Assembly Women Affairs Committee and the Legislative Advocacy Coalition for Violence in Nigeria. Most of them recalled with nostalgic pains, how they were sexually assaulted by older men while efforts made by them to seek redress legally had been frustrated due to weak laws against such crime. The victims, who spoke with their faces covered, passionately appealed to female lawmakers in the meeting to save other ladies either of their ages or much younger than them. The duo of Senators Chris Anyanwu and Oluremi Tinubu, who spoke at the occasion, condemned the criminal act which they described as the most wicked crime against the womenfolk. They vowed to do everything within their powers to ensure that relevant bills that seek to protect women and children against violence, are passed before the end of the current legislative year. The Founding Director, Women Aid Collective, Dr. Joy Ezeilo, said the purpose of staging the mock tribunal/court, at the National Assembly, was to spotlight cases of gender based violence Nigeria. Ezeilo also explained that organisers also wanted to use the event to raise the voices of victims and survivors towards eliciting urgent action in enacting protective laws, especially the one that had made significant progress in both chambers of the National Assembly. She said, "Sexual and gender based violence unarguably affects women disproportionately. Women and girls experience sexual violence in their homes, communities, schools, workplaces, streets, markets, police stations and hospitals. "The national survey on torture in Nigeria carried out by Women's Aid Collective indicated that rape and sexual abuse are forms of torture mostly experienced by women." She added that the survey put the rate at which women are raped and sexually abused at 64.4 percent which according to her presented a high risk to women development. "In addition to serious psychological effects, sexual violence creates heightened vulnerability to unintended pregnancy, and life threatening sexually transmitted diseases" , She added.

Military charges 59 soldiers with mutiny, insubordination

Military charges 59 soldiers with mutiny, insubordination A military court martial on Wednesday began the trial of 59 soldiers in Abuja for criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny and for disobeying the order of their commanding officer in Maiduguri. The soldiers are being charged with offences which include criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny on August 4, 2014 in Maiduguri. The accused soldiers were also charged with mutiny for refusing to obey the orders of their commanding officer, Lt. Col. Timothy Opurum, of the 111 Special Forces Battalion, to take part in an operation. The judge advocate, Lt. Col Ukpe Ukpe, who read the charges to them, said the operation in question was meant‎ to recapture Yelwa, Bellabulini, and Damboa in Borno State. The Commander of the 111 Special Forces Battalion is currently testifying before the military panel. Although, the Army authorities initially planned to charge 60 soldiers for mutiny, the charges against one of the accused was dropped because of ill health. The lead prosecutor, Capt. Joseph Nwosu, called the attention of the court to the fact that the 11th accused person, CPL Anthony Simon, was too sick to be arraigned. He said the list of accused had to be amended to reflect that 59 people are being arraigned for mutiny. The 59 accused soldiers are being defended by the law firm of Mr. Femi Falana

Benefits of starting your own business

Benefits of starting your own business I want to share with you today the benefits of starting your own business. Starting a business can be scary. But great rewards await entrepreneurs lucky enough to create successful small businesses --benefits you may miss out on if you remain a wage earner for the rest of your life. Although only you can decide if you're ready to quit your job and plunge into running your own business, here are some of the rewards of going out on your own: Independence and flexibility. You'll have more freedom and independence working for yourself.And once your business is firmly established, you'll probably have the flexibility to make sure you don't miss the moments and events that matter most to you in life. Personal fulfilment. Owning and running your own business can be more satisfying and fulfilling than working for someone else. Many successful small business owners find they enjoy the respect they earn from their peers for having the courage to go out on their own. Power. Don't be surprised if power is one of your goals. When it's your business, you can have your employees do it your way. If power is important to you, think about how to use it in a constructive way. Money. The risks of forgoing a steady pay check can pay off when you own your own business.You can get rich in a small business, or at least do very well financially. Okey , to find more information on businesses you can start -lick

Compel CBN to name Boko Haram sponsors -SERAP

Compel CBN to name Boko Haram sponsors -SERAP The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project on Tuesday asked a Federal High Court in Lagos to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria to name the persons behind an alleged money laundering for the purpose of funding Boko Haram. The group, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1547/2014, argued that it would only be fair for the CBN to expose the sponsors in the light of unlawful killings of innocent Nigerians and the continued destruction of properties by the insurgents. SERAP explained that the suit was necessitated by the alleged refusal of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to oblige its request for the list in line with the Freedom of Information Bill. It further argued that the continued denial by the CBN is in opposition to social justice since “the subject matter bothers on an issue of national interest, public peace and security, public concern, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability.” It insisted that the CBN has nothing to lose if the information was made available to it. According to the group, being a public office, the CBN is legally bound to oblige its request for information on the persons who allegedly laundered money through the bank for the purpose of sponsoring Boko Haram. In its originating summons, SERAP argued, “By virtue of Section 4 (a) of the FOI Act, when a person makes a request for information from a public official, institution or agency, the public official, institution or agency to whom the application is directed is under a bound legal obligation to provide the plaintiff with the information requested for, except as otherwise provided by the Act, within 7 days after the application is received. “The information requested for by the Plaintiff does not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act. “CBN has so far failed, refused and/or neglected to provide the plaintiff with the details of the information requested. “By virtue of Section 1(1) of the FOI Act 2011, the plaintiff is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution.” No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Akpata lived for a viable Nigeria - Mark

Akpata lived for a viable Nigeria - Mark By Okechukwu Jombo The Senate president, Senator David Mark, has described the late Chief Tayo Akpata as a nationalist who lived for a viable and united Nigeria. Senator Mark in a condolence message to the family of late Chief Akpata said the deceased was a fulfilled Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of humanity. He recalled the services rendered by late Akpata while in active service to the nation, noting that, "Chief Akpata lived a life full of passion for our country. He was a nationalist to the core. "When he served as the Executive Secretary of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund, (PTF), he was outstanding. He was ever ready to teach the younger generation from his vast experiences. He preached love, peace and unity to every Nigerian. We will miss his bluntness and panache. Senator Mark however urged the family of Chief Akpata, people and government of Edo State to take solace, “in the landmarks that this great son of Benin Kingdom has left in the sand of time. According to a statement made available to Nigerian Pilot yesterday, the family confirmed the passing on of the elder statesman and astute administrator yesterday monday. An alumnus of Edo College, Benin, and University of Hull, United Kingdom, Chief Akpata served as the deputy registrar of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. He was also director of Bendel Feeds and Flower Mills (BFFM), and chairman of I.B.M (Nigeria) Ltd. The late octogenarian was also a one-time chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of NNPC, as well as the chairman of Siemens Nigeria. Akpata is survived by his wife, Olabisi, children and grandchildren. Burial arrangements would be announced in due course, according to the press statement.

Senate receives harmonized report on constitution review

Senate receives harmonized report on constitution review -----Passes National Health Bill By OKechukwu Jombo The senate yesterday received the report of the conference committee on the review of the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 Bill 2014 and passed the National Health bill. The Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ike Ekweremadu had on Wednesday, 5 June 2013 presented before the Senate, the Report of the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The comprehensive and well detailed report which was signed by 49 other Senators contained results of retreats and outcomes of opinion polls conducted in the course of the review process. But because he was presiding over the session in the absence of the Senate president who is in Geneva for international parliamentary union meeting, the leader of the Senate Senator Victor Ndoma Egba laid the harmonised report on the table to be debated on a later date They also passed the bill on the Federal University of Petroleum Resources,Effurun Establishment etc bill 2014. The bill which was sponsored by late Senator Pius Ewherido gave legal status to the university which is already in existence Effurun. The senate also received the report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative NEITI on the Fiscal Allocation and statutory disbursement FASD Audit 2007-2011 and Solid Minerals 2011 in accordance with section 4[3] of the NEITI Act 2007 Deputy Senate President ,Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided over the sitting emphasized on the need for the senate to pass some very important bills still before it like The Petroleum Industry Bill PIB ,Review of the constitution before the end of the session He also said the senate is awaiting the 2015 appropriation act which according to him must be passed before the end of the year 2014. The senate read for the first time three bills namely the Equipment Leasing Bill,Nigerian Geological Survey Agency Act 2003 and N.D.E Act Cap N28 Amendment bill Some bills like the act to repeal the insurance Brokers act 2003 to re-enect a new one and the electoral act 2010 Amendment bill were stood down for next parliamentary days.

Delta poll: Clark's emergence will enhance PDP victory in Burutu- Youth leader

Delta poll: Clark's emergence will enhance PDP victory in Burutu- Youth leader Comrade Sunday Ekama Tialobi, the Delta state coordinator of PDP Transformation Youth Forum (PTYF), yesterday, expressed hope that the candidature of Ebikeme Clark will give the party victory in the forth coming council election. Clark is the chairmanship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Burutu local government, which he described as the best in the history of the area. Tialobi made remark at a PDP youth meeting yesterday. According to him, "Hon. Ebikeme Clark, son of Chief Edwin Kiagbodor Clark, the national leader of Ijaw was the most qualified aspirant hence he won the party primary election" He said; “the aim of our forum known as ‘PDP Transformation Youth Forum’ is promoting transformation agenda in Nigeria. And Clark’s candidature is a welcome development because he is capable of transforming Burutu council in accordance with our group’s objective. Chief E.K Clark, father of Ebikeme has served the country in all ramifications and his son deserves to be elected to serve in continuation of his father’s legacy”. He advised all stakeholders to collectively work with Ebikeme in order to attract development to the area. The PDP chieftain also commended the people of Udu local government area for electing Chief Solomon O. Kpomah as the PDP flag bearer in UDU.

Senate resumes, debates constitutional review

Senate resumes, debates constitutional review By Okechukwu Jombo The Senate will today resume sitting after a two weeks sallah break to commence discussion on the report of the National Assembly constitutional review committee amongst other matters They will also look at the report of the conference committee on the discrimination against persons with disabilities and that of judiciary human rights and legal matters on cyber crime which had been laid on the table before the break. The National Assembly proceeded on a combined two-week break for the country’s 54th independence anniversary and Eid-el Kabir on Tuesday. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, who doubles as the Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review,had announced that the two chambers had harmonised their differences on the proposed amendments. He said, “The harmonised conference report is ready and we shall begin voting after the Sallah break. We will take a date after resumption to vote to pass the report. Please, all members should be aware of this and come prepared for theý voting when we resume.” The House had earlier passed 77 new clauses to the constitution, while the Senate passed its own recommendations as well. Among the highlights of the recommendations passed by the House were the removal of immunity (against criminal prosecution) for the President and governors, the rejection of state police and the approval of independent candidature during elections. It also approved to split the offices of the Minister of Justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation, while the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation was placed on First Line Charge of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. However, theý Senate and the House had disagreed on granting financial autonomy to local government councils. While the House endorsed autonomy for the councils by scrapping the controversial local government/state joint account, the Senate rejected autonomy for the councils. Under Section 9 of the constitution, two-thirds of all members of each arm of the National Assembly will mandatorily ý vote to endorse a proposal before it can pass an amendment to the constitution. This implies that 240 out of the 360 members of the House of Representatives must endorse every proposal before it can be included in the new constitution. Similarly, 73 out of 109 senators must vote to endorse all new proposals to the constitution. In addition, two-thirds (24) out of the 36 state Houses of Assembly must also approve the amendments passed by the National Assembly as the final phase of the amendment process. It will be recalled that the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ike Ekweremadu had on Wednesday, 5 June 2013 presented before the Senate, the Report of the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The comprehensive and well detailed report which was signed by 49 other Senators contained results of retreats and outcomes of opinion polls conducted in the course of the review process. It also included reports on issues for reform like change of tenure of the office of the President and financial autonomy for local governments to mention just a few. Some issues raised for reform such as creation of new States and establishment of State Police met dead ends in the Senate. In his presentation, the Deputy President of the Senate noted that Constitutional review is a continuous process and that the alterations done over the years have helped to strengthen the country’s democratic system. On States creation, Sen. Ekweremadu stated that all the 61 memorandums submitted failed to meet the Constitutional requirement for its creation under section 8 (1) of the 1999 constitution. Consideration of the Report was however, deferred to another legislative day giving the exigency of the subject matter and the need for every member of the Senate to critically study the Report to enable them make meaningful inputs on the date slated for consideration. Other matters such as the Petroleum industry Bill will come up sometime within the week in the senate for discussion

NASS ASKS FOR PROMOTION OF MADE IN ABA GOODS

NASS ASKS FOR PROMOTION OF MADE IN ABA GOODS BY Okechukwu Jombo The Senate President, Senator David Mark and other members of the National Assembly yesterday urged the Aba business men, who are into manufacturing to be proud of and promote the indigenous brands of their various products. Senator Mark made the urge at the second edition of Made-in-Aba Trade Fair holding at ThisDay Dome, in the Central Business District, FCT, Abuja. The trade fair, which started last year, is being facilitated by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District. Declaring the event open, the President of the Senate, who was represented by Senator Bashir Mohammed (Kano Central), told the Aba traders and manufacturers that they had what it takes to compete with other manufacturers across the world and should be bold to promote their products brands as 'made in Nigeria'. Mark, who described the displayed products at the fair arena as highly qualitative, assured the indigenous business men and women that the Senate would support any policy that would help their enterprises to flourish. "You have what it takes to compete with whatever products produced anywhere around the world. I have tested products made in Aba; I have used materials made in Aba, and I can tell the whole world that your products are good and qualitative. Therefore, whatever policy or encouragement you need, the Senate will support you", he assured. Meanwhile, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe promised that he would do everything within his powers to sustain the Made-in-Aba Trade Fair, explaining that it was one of his strategies towards implementing the constituency projects initiative in his district. He noted that he had already factored the next edition of the fair in 2015 budget, stressing that it was his responsibility to get the programme into the annual national budget. The politician, who has declared his intension to run for 2015 governorship race in Abia State, said that his vision behind the trade fair was to attract at least 10% of Nigerian population to the Aba Market in order to make the place the commercial hub of the country. "This is the second time we are bringing Aba to Abuja; this is the second time we are doing what is right. This is not the last; we have put the Programme in the budget of 2015. There is a misconception of what the constituency project is. This is an example of the constituency project. My job is to facilitate it and put it in the budget", he explained. Abaribe also acknowledged that the trade fair was one of his campaign strategies to win the support of his people in the gubernatorial contest, saying "it is one of my campaign strategies for my governorship ambition. I can not shy away from the reality. If you are interested, you have to show people what you have done in order to convince them to give you their mandate". Senator Ita Enang, who also attended the event, commended the impressive efforts of the Aba based industrialists, and advised them to identify their product brands as made in Nigeria instead of pretending that such products were made abroad. "Aba products are good and qualitative. Aba traders should retain the indigenous brands of their products by indicating that it is made in Nigeria. Oil is becoming less important; so, we are not going to rely on oil. It is what the people of Aba and Akwa-Ibom and other people produce that we are going to fall back on", he said. Senator Enang also encouraged the Aba entrepreneurs to go into production of local modular refining machines for refining crude oil and other products, tasking them to liaise with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON and the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Association of Nigeria, SMEDAN, to be able to manufacture the type of refining machines used by the Biafrans during the Civil war. Reps Nkem Abonta (House of Reps, Abia) and Uzo Azubuike, who represents Aba North/South Federal Constituency of Abia State, also eulogised the enterprising attitude of the Aba traders, calling on the Federal Government to come and use Aba to liberate the ailing economy of Nigeria. Rep. Azubuike lamented the misconception of made in Aba products as fake products by Nigerians, explaining that indigenous products are not synonymous with fake products. He also regretted that Nigeria had been reduced to a dumping ground for Dubai, Korea and other foreign countries to dump their inferior products while Nigerian indigenous products were being disregarded by the citizens of the country. Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Bature Umar commended Senator Abaribe for introducing the fair, which he described as a unique initiative that would help tackle the unemployment problems in Nigeria, noting that no government anywhere in the world could provide the employment needs of the citizenry.

Workers lock out finance ministry,tackle perm sec

Workers lock finance ministry,tackle perm sec. Workers lock out finance ministry,tackle perm sec By Okechukwu Jombo Business activities were on Wednesday paralyzed at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance, Abuja. For about three hours, the workers of the ministry grounded business activities over what they described as poor welfare conditions. Our correspondent, who witnessed the protest, reported that the workers barricaded the gate of the ministry, preventing visitors from either gaining entrance to the ministry nor going out. The workers accused the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Anastasia Nwoabia, of deliberately denying them some of the benefits that should accrue to them based on the civil service rules. The workers, who defied the Wednesday morning downpour in Abuja, said since the Permanent Secretary assumed office few months ago, members of staff had been experiencing difficulties in getting some of their allowances, such as overtime and training allowances. They also accused her of tactically stopping some of the perks that should be given to them during festive periods. Nwoabi, who was at the building during the protest, appeared restless as her movement were restricted by the workers. The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who might have been able to placate the workers, was said not to be in the office during the protest. She was said to be attending the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa. All pleas by top directors of the ministry for the workers to stop the protest fell on deaf ears as the protest was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.