UNN Sandwich Students decry Resumption Date

...call for improved programme.

By: James Ojo,UNN.

With few days to Christmas, some students running
Sandwich programme at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
have cried out over school's resumption date; urging the
the management of the institution to improve the quality of
Sandwich programmes in the University.

They made this known in a cross-section of interviews with our correspondent
in the early hours of Wednesday.

Mr.Emmanuel Akinola, a 300-level student of Education/French,
described the inconveniences created by the resumption date.

According to him, "As a family man, it is tedious, it not convenient
during this festive period. Coming to Nsukka during December period is
not encouraging and it makes the programme boring," he said.

While explaining some challenges by faced Students running the
programme, Akinola said, "we are facing many challenges. One of them
is academic challenge. Most Lecturers hardly come to class and we find
it difficult to understand some of our courses. They make us feel as
if we are not students. Coming twice a year is not encouraging and
many has dropped out," he added.

Speaking on ways of improving the quality of the Sandwich programme,
Akinola said, "They should make the programme standard. There should
also be student unionism who will serve as a link between the students
and the management of the institution".

In the same vein, Mr. Emeka Chukwueze, a student of Igbo/Linguistics
noted that another challenge facing them is lack of infrastructural
facilities."We don't have a nice building, no water, no electricity for reading," he said.

He therefore enjoined the school's administration to renovate the
building (Zik flat) allocated to them and also supply water for them.
On her own part, Mrs. Idoko N.K tasked the administration of the
institution to give more attention to  the Sandwich programme of the
institution.

Sandwich students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka officially
resumed school today(Wednesday) as the regular students go on break.

2015 Poll: UNN Students predict tense Atmosphere

...tip Jonathan for victory.

by James Ojo

credit: sahara reporters

Few minutes after the declaration of former military leader, Muhammadu Buhari, as APC's presidential candidate, the major oppostion to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan for the presidential seat in the make or mar 2015 poll; Nigerians set their gaze on February 14th, 2015 - a day that would determine who wields Nigeria political power in the next four years.

BBC's Will Ross had in Lagos said: "This election is likely to be a tight race, especially if the opposition manages to stay united behind one candidate".

Reacting to this, some students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in an interview with Newstrack, predicted a tense atmosphere in the 2015, tipping preisdent Goodluck Jonathan as the possible winner of the election.

According to Orji Sylvester, a 200-level student of mass communication,"I think that even before this two men were elected as flagbearers for their respective parties, we know that they are most likely to get the position. Placing this two people side by side, it is the most heated candidates. It is going to be a fearsome election and the victory would be marginal".

Speaking on Jonathan's chances of winning the election, Orji said: "I think Jonathan would still emerge, not because of efficiency but because of the existing ideology".

While predicting the political atmosphere of 2015, "we may not have a violent free election... If we are not careful, 2015 may be the beginning of Nigeria's disintegration. Most people would be disenfranchised in the 2015 election. We may have majority winning the election which does not exist in the actual sense; and this would give rise to grievances from various fanctions of Nigeria. We may have a very bloody election come 2015," he added.

Suggesting the way forward, "It boils down to what INEC can give us. Can we really rely on Jega? INEC have to do a very good work to ensure efficiency. This time around the effiency of INEC would be tested," he said.

Berepamo Bofamene, a student of political science said, "Although Buhari is not a saint, he is credible; but being the incumbent president, Jonathan stands a good chance of winning the election". As for the political atmosphere,"it is going to be very thick," she added.

In the same vein, Eric Agbo, a student of English and Literary studies noted that despite the insecurity problems facing Nigeria, the Goodluck Jonathan's administration has remained the best in the history of Nigeria. "I think Jonathan has to be re-elected for some reasons. It has been the best administration in Nigeria. He is a president that listen to the masses. It is the complete democracy we have ever seen," he said.

Eze Victor, a student of public administration and local administration on his own predicted Jonathan winning "90% of the election".

Having defeated Mr. Atiku Abubakar his closest rival in the APC's primaries ,Buhari is now set to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan - a repeat of 2011 poll. In the previous election, Jonathan recorded a landslide victory over Buhari, winning with almost 59% of the vote against 32%, sparking widespread unrest in Northern areas which backed Mr. Buhari. More than 500 people were killed and thousands of people were forced from their homes.

Capitalizing on the Goodluck Jonathan's administration inability to tackle insecurity, the APC's chosen candidate, Buhari has vowed to leave no stone unturned in tackling the country's insecurity saga if elected.

War Against Corruption

...As Nigeria ranks 136th in latest global corruption index.

By James Ojo, UNN

It is no gainsaying that corruption is one of the chief problems facing Nigeria apart from insecurity. And in spite of measures intensified by the federal government in combating this menace, the frequent cases of embezzlement in the court seems to have made nonsense of this crusade.

While most Nigerians could not afford the basic needs of man like food and shelter; statistics showed that Nigeria is Africa's biggest economy. In the latest global corruption index released by Transparency International, Nigeria ranks 136th most corrupt country in the world and 3rd most corrupt in West Africa after Guinea and Bissau.

This record is Nigeria's best ranking on Transparency International's corruption perception index(CPI) under president Goodluck Jonathan. Nigeria was ranked 144th in 2013, 139th in 2012 and 143rd in 2011 with the 2014 position bettering that of 2013 by eight places. The 2014 report shows that the least corrupt country in the world is Denmark as it ranked 1 of 175 nation's surveyed, with Somalia and North Korea both ranked as the most corrupt nations of the world.

Reacting to Jonathan's effort at combating corruption in Nigeria, the Senior Special Assistant to the president on public affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe; revealed in Abuja that the President Goodluck's administration is leaving no stone unturned to stop corruption in Nigeria.

According to him, "There is no doubt that Nigeria is winning the war on corruption. It may not be immediately apparent to those who do not understand the dynamics of applying creative techniques in upturning an age-long habit that has cost this country a lot in terms of financial resources; but to those like the officials in Transparency International knowledgeable in the nuances of fighting corruption, a lot of grounds have been covered," he said.

Speaking on specific areas where the Jonathan's administration has achieved some landmark achievement; Dr. Okupe said,

"one major area this fight has been visible is the agricultural sector where the administration's carefully articulated and executed Agricultural Transformation Agenda ended 40 years of corruption in the distribution of fertilizers to farmers".

"The same thing applies to the reforms in ports where we have successfully plugged many loopholes which some corrupt officials had exploited to delay genuine business transactions and harm the Nigeria economy," he said.

"The old corrupt system of government direct procurement and distribution of fertilizer as well as the operations in the various parts and government agencies contribution in no small to the negative rating of Nigeria by the Transparency International and other global watchdog," he added.

While explaining the various strategies explored to achieve this feat, Okupe said "While it was important for suspects involved in corruption cases to be tried, and if found guilty, sent to jail. What is more important is for the development of mechanisms, the institution of structures and enactment of policies that would plug loopholes and foster transparency, such that at the propensity for corruption os ,are more difficult and eliminated completely".

Indeed, the Jonathan's administration is fighting corruption but considering the rich historical, natural, and mineral resources we are awashed with; more is demanded of us. From the foregoing, more effort must be geared towards fighting corruption in Nigeria. This will help maximize our resources to generating more employment, bring development to all sectors of the economy and collectively achieve Nigeria's Vision 2020.

Fragile United Soars past Saints.

...Continues five match unbeaten run.

By James Ojo

Manchester United continue their five match unbeaten run on Monday night after defeating Southampton 2-1 in a pulsating encounter.

Southampton looked more organised than the visitors but an early mistake puts the reds 1-0 up in the 15th minute. Pelle's 32th strike levelled up the score as united defense looked porous and uncordinated after Smelling was substituted in the early ten minutes of the game with signs of distress.

The reds looked wasteful in the midfield as Fellami's deadly error cost united a lot but Robin Van Persie's second half strike gave Louis Vangaal's men three points which saw them clinch third spot on the table.

Speaking on the outcome of the encounter, Manchester United ace striker, Robin Van Persie said:

"I don't think we played our best football today. At times we were a bit sloppy here but we fought hard we gave absolutely everything.

"In the end, we nickel it. It was a tough game, they have a good team. We knew what to expect but in the end it's a fifth straight victory so we're on the up," he added.

Manchester United Vs Southampton: Clash of the Titans

...As the reds hope to extend their four match winning streak; battle for third spot

By James Ojo

Manchester United hope to extend their four match winning streak on Monday when they battle Southampton for three points in a make or mar showdown; as both side fight to cement third spot on the league table.

After what might be considered as a lacklustre start of the season, the reds had fired a warning that they are still in for the EPl after a scintillating four match unbeaten run. United, who saw-off Hull city 3-0 currently sit fourth on the table with 24 points, with 9 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.

Southampton has proven a strong side so far this season but their defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal has seen Ronald Koeman's slide slip down to third and united are on their heels with only one point behind. Indeed, the clash of the two sides will no doubt be a mouthwatering encounter as United are desperate to leapfrog Southampton to clinch a third spot on the table.

Louis Vangal's team injury list is gradually decreasing with Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney expected to be fit for the game. Although United talisman, Angel Dimaria,Luke Shaw and Dainley Blind remained unavailable. Similarly, Southampton manager,Ronald Koeman would be without Belgian midfielder, Toby Alderweireld who suffered a harmstring injury against Arsenal.

The two Dutch managers will face each other in the Premier League for the first time. In their last 5 premier league meetings, Southampton have scored the first goal in 4 of them but lost 3 and won 0 of those 4 matches. Manchester united have won nine and lost just one of the last 12 premier league games against saints. The match kicks-off by 8pm on Monday

Chelsea, Arsenal suffer defeats as Man City wins in a dramatic EPL weekend

By James Ojo, UNN

Newcastle ended Chelsea's unbeaten run this season as Papiss Cisse's strike earned the homeside a deserved Victory.

Cisse who came off the bench netted twice to take the Magpies 2-0 up, but Didier Drogba's goal was not enough to earn the visitors a point. Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho had however blamed the ball boys for his side's defeat.

"We wanted to play more football, but that was not possible because a few things that I thought didn't belong anymore to a top level football but still belongs - the ball disappears, the ball doesn't come, another ball comes, the ball boys, they run away." Mourinho told BT sport.

In another showdown, Stoke wiped off fragile Arsenal 3-2 in a pulsating encounter. The visitor fought hard for a comeback scoring two goals after the potters had taken a 3-0 lead in the first half of the game but Stoke's fighting spirit was enough to hand them a victory.

Manchester city also continues their five match unbeaten run after beating Everton 1-0 in a match that saw City's ace striker Sergio Aguero limped off the field due to injury in the early hours of the game. Yaya Toure converted a penalty to hand the homeside a crucial win as they close in on league leaders Chelsea who are three points clear on top of the table.

The champions now go into Tuesdays make or mar clash with Roma without their talisman, Aguero who single handedly handed them a win with a superb hat-trick against Bayern Munich. However, Pallegrini remained resolute that is team can make it to the round of 16 of the champions league as city is more than just Aguero. David Silva and Jovetic also remained a doubt for the clash after failing to recover from injuries.

This weekend's Epl results are as follows:
Man city 1- Everton 0
Newcastle 2- Chelsea 1
Stoke City 3- Arsenal 2
Liverpool 0- Sunderland 0
Tottenham 0- Crystal Palace 0
Hull city 0- Westbrom 0
Qpr 2- Burnley 0

Oritsejafor's Five Conditions: The way forward for Nigeria

By James Ojo, UNN

From Kano to Gombe, the wave of terrorism continues on Nigeria's soil. Where do we go from here? This evil must stop!

Just of recent, it happened again on that faithful sunny Friday, in Kano, a Jumat service it was but the sporadic gunshots, bombs that went off made nonsense of this sacred place of worship. Blood of Islam faithfuls, splashed on the wall, human flesh torn beyond recognition; men and women struggling for a gasp. What a day! a horrible day. Indeed, another historic event albeit, a sad one has gone into the anals of Nigerian history.

And then in a quick succession, in Bajoga,the headquarters of the Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, the Boko Haram islamic sect launched another devastating attack on Thursday, 4th of December,2014. From all indications, it is glaring that attempts aimed at curbing insecurity in Nigeria by the federal government had proved futile.

True are the words of our elders that:"it is only a mad man that sleeps with his roof on fire". Are we going to fold our arms while this evil continues? No! Nigerians must take action. Nigerians must now speak with their minds.

It was amidst these challenges that Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the president, Christain Association of Nigeria(CAN) has given "five conditions for finding a lasting solution to our intractable security challenges posed by the present Boko Haram insecurity". According to him the "five conditions" are:

 "As a nation we must stop pretending that the present Boko Haram insurgency is not a product of religion, because it is.

"The millitary campaign must continue and forcefully so.But for it to be effective the security agencies must search and boldly look inwards to fish out and expel from amongst them those who are Boko Haram sympathizers. If this is not done, the millitary option must continue to suffer set-backs.

"Muslim Clerics, Muslim traditional leaders and Muslim political leaders must as a matter of urgency come together and jointly face the facts of the grave dangers posed by the ideology being propagated by Boko Haram, which is inimical to the tenets of traditional Islam as much as it does to christainity. You can't fight an ideology with anything short of a superior ideology.

"Our respective Muslim Clerics must help us go to the grassroots to build into the heart of the average Muslim the fact that Nigeria as it stands today has no option but to reman united as one people with diverse ethnic and religious leanings. They should therefore encourage them, even at the risk of their lives, to expose the members of Boko Haram in their midst and subsequently give credible intelligence reports to the security agencies.

"Finally, government must seriously tackle the problem of our porous borders- not just land but both air and sea. And one important means of acheiving this objectives is to screen those whose duty is to man these borders," he said.

What an insightful speech! It might appear short, but it is encompassing. Indeed, our current insecurity saga would be a thing of the past in no distant time if these measures are properly looked into.