Edo United Group Wants FG To Restore Historic Edo Moat, Or Face Legal Action

Benin Moat

The Federal Government has been called upon to take steps, within the next few months, to reclaim and preserve the historic Benin Moat, or face legal action in Nigerian and international courts. 
The notice is contained in a petition dated January 14, sent to President Goodluck Jonathan by the Edo United for Homeland Empowerment, USA, in which the group drew attention to decades of painfully enduring the government’s failure to study, conserve and restore the Benin Moat.
But the government could simply opt to give up its legal interest, the group said.  “Either the Government should within the next three to four months embark on a genuine reclamation project of the Moat, or else it should formally relinquish statutory authority over and ownership of the Moat, transferring same to Edo State.
“Failing either of these two actions, we assure you that we will use all legal options to recover our historic property and thereby honor the greatness of our forefathers who constructed it and bequeathed it to us.”
The group said it will take the legal action on behalf of the Edo people as historic owners of the Moat, for violations that include “Breach of contract, Failure to fully protect the moral and cultural interest of the Edo citizens; and Denial of the Benin people’s Rights to benefit from the protection of cultural material interest resulting from scientific progress (as enshrined in Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Abuse of Traditional and Cultural Heritage, for Negligent Neglect of Declared Historical Landmarks and National Monuments and finally, Dereliction of Duty and Responsibility to the Citizens.”
Full text of the petition:
TO: His Excellency, Dr. G.E. Jonathan, President Federal Republic of Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria
January 14, 2013
Dear Sir,
Re: Federal Government Failure to Preserve the Benin Moat and Notice of Intent to File a Legal Action
BACKGROUND
The “Benin Moat" (iya) is the largest earthwork in the world, estimated at 10,000 miles in length and covering 2,000 square miles in area. In volume, it is surpassed only by the Great Wall of China as the largest man‐made structure in human history ‐‐ see http://www.csweb.bournemouth.ac.uk/africanlegacy/benin_Iya_earthworks.htm. Since the 1970's it has been partially surveyed and analyzed by famous archaeologists including Graham Connah ("The Archaeology of Benin", Oxford University Press, 1975) and Patrick Darling ("The Ancient Linear Earthworks of Benin and Ishan", Cambridge Monographs in African Archaeology, 1984).
It is obvious that the Moat is the single greatest physical endeavor known in our part of the world, as well as being the clearest evidence for the antiquity and greatness of the civilization currently known as Benin Kingdom ‐‐ the most stable and respected monarchy in Africa today, and which continues to play a commendably progressive role in our political and civic life. Oral tradition says that Benin portion of the moat was originally dug by the Trojan‐like men of Benin Kingdom during the reign of Oba Oguola and Oba Ewuare the Great as a means of military defense, but other sections have been scientifically dated more than a thousand years before their time. At various times the Moat has served nonmilitary functions such as regulation of taxes, trade and commerce, and possibly also flood control. Attached to this letter is a partial map reprinted from one of the books cited above, hinting at the intricate structure of this engineering marvel.
In all humility we must admit that the Benin Moat ‐‐ just like the Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Zimbabwe fort ‐‐ holds from the modern mind, generations’ secrets and treasures which now must be made to manifest the riches of its glory. As patriots we are determined not to allow this priceless ‘heritage to disappear through irresponsibility. A decade ago, the complex was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That was a good initial step, but now is time to follow mere words with real actions. We regret that the Federal Republic of Nigeria has done essentially nothing to rescue this national treasure from neglect, abuse and decay. This is shocking to say about the most important historical and cultural monument within the boundaries of Nigeria.
PROBLEM
Mr. President, having painfully endured decades of government failure to study, conserve and restore the Benin Moat, we, the undersigned executive members of the Edo United for Homeland Empowerment, U S A, being dully mandated, hereby resolve and herein convey (under US Notary Public and Seal) our profound concern on this matter to you as follows.
WHEREAS other Nations, blessed with less significant relics have effectively harnessed their landmarks and monuments as national symbols, the Federal government of Nigeria has ignored this greatest landmark of all;
WHEREAS the Federal Republic of Nigeria, exercising its sovereignty by National legislation declared the Benin Moat a National Monument in 1961, granted same full recognition and proclaim their intension to protect and preserve the Moat, no functional conservation plan has ever existed;
WHEREAS, after surveying the inner and city walls with citations (that in which indicated the highest point of the walls to be 30 ft and the ditch to be 30 feet deep), the Federal government by the Gazette of June 1st, 1967, declared the Benin Moat a National Property, however since then, no meaningful or substantial progress has been made to rescue the site from ongoing and accelerated destruction;
WHEREAS the Federal government Proclamation and recognition of the Moat is in itself an act of eminent domain taking over from Local Authority, the Federal Government has neither exercised due diligence nor sent accrued royalty to the various ethnic communities who were the historic owners of this monument, in compensation for our forefathers' labor and sweat;
WHEREAS severally the Benin people and the Edo State Government have made repeated passionate appeals to the Federal Government on the simple matter of restoring and preserving the Moat as required by legislation, regrettably however Benin Moat is continually collapsing with irretrievable physical damage;
WHEREAS the Moat is the authentic reflection of the Benin people, their history and identity, a symbol of ancient scientific intelligence, engineering prowess and political organization, and a link to the past which could anchor the future of our people;
WHEREAS our forefathers' patriotic concern to defend their land and environment is urgently needed today;
WHEREAS cultural tourism is one of the leading sectors of economic growth across most of the world, and yet one of the least developed sectors in Nigeria;
RESOLUTION
NOW THEREFORE, Mr. President, we intend to file a complaint on behalf of the Edo people as historic owners of the Moat, against the Federal Republic of Nigeria for failure to meet its legal obligations mentioned above. The court action will take place simultaneously in Nigeria and in International Courts, for the following violations and more: Breach of contract, Failure to fully protect the moral and cultural interest of the Edo citizens; and Denial of the Benin people’s Rights to benefit from the protection of cultural material interest resulting from scientific progress (as enshrined in Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Abuse of Traditional and Cultural Heritage, for Negligent Neglect of Declared Historical Landmarks and National Monuments and finally, Dereliction of Duty and Responsibility to the Citizens.
In conclusion, Mr. President, the Federal Government has several options which are not beyond reach. Either the Government should within the next three to four months embark on a genuine reclamation project of the Moat, or else it should formally relinquish statutory authority over and ownership of the Moat, transferring same to Edo State. Failing either of these two actions, we assure you that we will use all legal options to recover our historic property and thereby honor the greatness of our forefathers who constructed it and bequeathed it to us.
Sincerely,
SIGNED
Frank Ekhator (HRA) Chairman, Edo United for Homeland Empowerment, USA.
Omolayo Omoruyi, Secretary General
Emmanuel Okunmwendia, Treasurer
Dickson Iyawe (LLB HONS) BL Chairman, Council of Presidents of Edo National Convention Worldwide (ENAW)
Dr. G. Sam Edo (Ph D, Information Security) Biometric expert and Professor of Information Security, Boston MA
Pat Abbe (RN) Patron, Idia Ladies Club USA
Aliu Otokiti, Secretary General Benin Club of Massachusetts
Francis Edosomwan
Elder Robinson Ekhator
Dr.Kienuwa Obaseki, Board of Trustee, Edo Arts and Cultural Heritage Institute, Secretary General, Edo Okpamakhin Worldwide.
Mrs. Bridget Ekhator
Monday Adenomon
[plus 63 other signatures]
CC
His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor Oba Erediauwa.
Senator David Mark (GCON), Nigerian Senate President.
Comrade Adams Oshiohmole, Edo State Governor.
Hon A. Tambuwal, Speaker National Assembly
Rt.Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker Edo State House of Assembly
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Secretary to Edo State Govt.
Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, the High Priest of Edo land
Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin
Hon. Edem Duke, the Federal Minister of Culture and Tourism
Senator Ehigie Uzamare, Senator Representing Edo South
Hon.Michael Airhuoyor, Community Activist and Former Local Govt. Supervisory Counselor for Information, Arts and Culture.
Alhaji Mohammed Ighile, Human Rights Activist, Organizing Secretary, Benin Cultural Heritage Center.
Isaac Umondiagbon Agbontean, Historian, Author of the Origin of Benin People and its Dynasty.
Prof. Friday Iyoha, Former Dean Dept of Management Science, Professor of Political Science, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma.
Mrs. Abieyuwa Eribo, Special Adviser to Edo State Governor.
The Dean, Dept, of Archeology University OF Benin
Dr Victor Manfredi (Ph D in Anthropology), African Studies Center, Boston University Boston.
Irina Bokava, UNESCO Director General, Paris, France
enclosed: map (.gif) of Benin Moat sections in the vicinity of the capital

Saharareporters

Obasanjo launched fresh attack on President Jonathan

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has launched a fresh attack on President Goodluck Jonathan over the security challenge in the country.
He says the President should blame no one but himself if he cannot address the Boko Haram crisis.
Obasanjo, in an interview with the pan-African magazine, New African, accused Jonathan of mismanaging security issues engulfing the country.
“If the president is the chief security officer of the country and there is a security problem, where do you go for the solution? And if that solution is not coming from the chief security officer, who has everybody and can mobilise everybody inside and outside to get a solution, then he has the responsibility to solve the problem. And nobody else should be blamed but him,” he said in the latest of his public criticism of the President.
The Presidency had once hit back at Obasanjo after one of his serial criticism of Jonathan only for the former President to respond that no one could stop him from speaking his mind.
Obasanjo, who spoke to the magazine ahead of the launch of his foundation, said Jonathan was solely responsible for the deteriorating situation caused by Boko Haram.
The former President also responded to claims made by the Nigerian literary giant, Chinua Achebe, on the Nigerian civil war, particularly the alleged marginalisation of the Igbo in the aftermath of the war.
He said: ”Maybe he (Achebe) is making those remarks because he is not living in Nigeria. If he were living in Nigeria, when I was the president of this country, an Igbo lady was my Minister of Finance, and an Igbo man was the Governor of the Central Bank. An Igbo man was one of the military service chiefs. The permanent representative to the UN was also an Igbo person. What more do you want?
“For someone to say the civil war has not ended, 40 years after its conclusion, that person is living in the past.”
Obasanjo had said in Warri last November that the Jonathan Administration was soft on Boko Haram and should adopt the Odi approach which he (Obasanjo) used when he deployed the military to Odi, Bayelsa State, during his tenure after youths in the area killed soldiers that had been sent to keep the peace.
But in a CNN interview last month,Obasanjo appeared to have modified his position when he suggested that government was using excessive force against Boko Haram
President Jonathan’s spokesman, Dr.Reuben Abati, did not take kindly to this and called Obasanjo a confused man.
Abati in four tweets said:: “In November 2012 in Warri, former President. Obasanjo accused the federal government of being soft on Boko Haram. He recommended the Odi solution: genocide..
“In Jan.2013, OBJ tells CNN goverment should adopt a carrot and stick approach to Boko Haram. Genocide and dialogue? Where exactly does he stand?
“OBJ’s position on Boko Haram= Contradiction and Confusion writ large.
“One report says OBJ is recommending a multifaceted approach to Boko Haram. This government certainly doesn’t need a lecture on that!
“Jonathan administration has shown creativity and purposefulness in handling the Boko Haram challenge. Hence, the progress we witness.”
Meanwhile, there were indications last night that the manhunt for Boko Haram leaders has shifted to Bama in Borno State.
It was gathered that security agencies got intelligence report that some of the wounded leaders were being treated in Bama, a stronghold of the sect with many deadly cells.
A top source said: “We have got intelligence tip-off that some of the leaders of Boko Haram, who were declared wanted, are being holed up in Bama.
“We also learnt that a few wounded ones are also being treated in that town. We are on the trail of the sect leaders.
“From what has happened in the last few days, the leaders of the sect are not prepared for ceasefire. We had this suspicion right from the outset. We have never relaxed for a day.”
The Joint Task Force had in November 2012 placed a N290m ransom for anyone who could help to locate the leader of the sect, Imam Abubakar Shekau and 18 other leaders.
On the JTF list are five members of the Shurra Committee (the highest making body of the sect) and 19 Boko Haram commanders.
Those affected are five members of the Shurra Committee of the sect including, Imam Abubakar Shekau (N50 million); Habibu Yusuf a.k.a Asalafi (N25 million); Khalid Albarnawai (N25 million); Momodu Bama (N25 million) and Mohammed Zangina (N25 million)
The Boko Haram Commanders are Abu Saad (N10 million); Abba Kaka (N10 million); Abdulmalik Bama (N10 million) Umar Fulata (N10 million); Alhaji Mustapha (Massa) Ibrahim (N10 million); Abubakar Suleiman-Habu (a.k.a Khalid) N10 million; Hassan Jazair N10 million; Ali Jalingo (N10 million); Alhaji Musa Modu (N10 million); Bashir Aketa (N10 million); Abba Goroma (N10 million); Ibrahim Bashir (N10 million); Abubakar Zakariya (N10 million); and Tukur Ahmed Mohammed (N10 million).
NaijaCenter

From Humble Secretary to Female King: Ghana

When Peggielene Bartels went to bed on a summer night in 2008, she was an ordinary administrative assistant living in a modest one-bedroom condo just outside Washington D.C.

But a few hours later, when a persistent ringing phone woke her up in the dead of the August night, the 55-year-old found out she was much more than simply a secretary.
At the other end of the line was Bartels's cousin, from Otuam, a small fishing village on the coast of Ghana. Excited and humble, he congratulated her on being the new king of Otuam.
"I said, 'listen, it's 4 o'clock in the morning in the U.S., I am very tired, let me sleep,'" remembers Bartels.
"I thought he was trying to really play games with me," says King Peggy King Peggy shows off her crowns.
But this was no time for games.
The previous king of Otuam, who was Bartels's uncle, had just died. The village elders, who remembered Bartels from the times she'd visited with her mother, had decided to anoint her as their new ruler.
After the initial shock, Bartels decided to accept the kingship. Over the course of a few days, she went from being plain old Peggielene Bartels, who had worked for nearly three decades at the Ghanaian Embassy in the United States, to becoming King Peggy -- the first female king of Otuam, reigning over approximately 7,000 people.
Naij

See Beyonce Without The Makup At The Airport (PHOTOS)

Ladies stop painting your face!!! I will never stop saying this, see how pretty beyonce is without the pancake and kaskara.....

More pictures when you continue:








 TalkOfNaija

“I will not miss England” – Balotelli

By Phillip Eta New AC Milan striker, Mario Balotelli, has thanked Manchester City’s fans and officials, but insists he will not miss England.
The 22-year-old Italian, completed his move back to Serie A this week, after several disciplinary issues at the Etihad and says he is keen to turn a new leaf.
“I have to say thanks to all the City fans because they’ve been very nice to me and they always supported me in the good and in the bad moments,” he said. “And I have to thank my team-mates, and the manager. Everything else, I’m happy that I left England.
“Good things – only when I get to Carrington to train. So my team-mates and manager. And the bad things? Everything else. The press, first. The weather. The food. The way you drive. That’s it.
“To be honest the Premier League is an amazing league and I think it is the best. The crowd and the pitch … it’s an amazing league. I don’t know in the future if I could come back. For the moment I’m here.”

Balotelli, who has previously played for Inter Milan, says it is a dream to be able to play for his boyhood club and he will give his all to fulfill his potentials.
In signing for Milan, Balotelli has joined his boyhood club. The former Inter Milan forward now hopes he is in the right environment to mature and realise his potential.
“It’s an honour and a great opportunity so I hope to grow as a player and I am here as a man,” he said. “I hope to stay as here as long as possible.
“It has always been a dream for me to play for Milan and I am happy to be back near my family but I would rather play than talk about it.”
 DailyPost

Puzzling tragedy: The story of Seun, the UNILAG student who allegedly committed suicide

inShare

When a young undergraduate suddenly commits suicide, neighbours and friends are bound to draw various conclusions.
It is a more puzzling tragedy because suicide is not common among youths in Nigeria.
Till date, people are wondering why an undergraduate of the University of Lagos identified simply as Seun committed suicide on January 19. His action has left his family and friends in shock.
Claims by neighbours that he was a brilliant student in school could not be ascertained as efforts to investigate which department he was, proved abortive.
He lived with his aunt at 9, Alhaja Adijat Lawal, Beesam, Mafoluku, Lagos, where the incident was said to have occurred.
When our correspondent paid the family a visit, Seun’s aunt was still in shock.
“Please, I cannot say anything because this is a big tragedy for us,” said the woman, who did not give her name, said.
But some neighbours who spoke to our correspondent gave an insight into the kind of person Seun was and the circumstances surrounding his alleged suicide.
Most of those who spoke declined to give their names because they fear the deceased’s family might not look kindly upon them for speaking on their tragedy.
A young woman said of Seun, “I knew he was a student. I just did not know he attended UNILAG. He was an easy going and quiet man. We probably would have been close if he was not the quiet type.
“The day of the incident, I just got home from an errand and I was told Seun had been rushed to a hospital. When I asked what happened, I was told he went out to buy a substance and locked himself inside his room.
“I still don’t know what happened to make him take that action. I think those in the house when he went to buy the substance must have suspected he was going to do something drastic because they later forced the door open, but he had already ingested the substance he went to buy. They quickly took him to the hospital.”
It was learnt that Seun died later that evening in the hospital.
The young woman who spoke with our correspondent said she did not know the hospital Seun was taken to for treatment.
Our correspondent went to St. Nicholas Clinic, which was the nearest to the street to find out if any young man was brought there on January 19 for suspected poison ingestion. A nurse, who identified herself as Ibidun, said their records showed no such thing.
A beer joint operator on a street adjacent to Seun’s street said he knew the deceased too. But he could only remember him as “a very quiet young man of about 27 years old.”
The young woman who had earlier spoken with our correspondent put Seun’s age at around 28.
Suicides are still seen as taboo in many parts of Nigeria, a reason family and friends of victims would rather not speak about it in public.
“Please, whatever you want to know, I think it is better you speak with the family,” a tailor around the building where Seun lived told our correspondent.
Seun’s suicide remains shrouded in mystery more because the police have said no report was made about it.
Public Relations Officer of the Airport Police Command, Lagos, Mr. Dennis Ifijen, said, “We have no record of the case. I have not heard about it.”
Seun is the second undergraduate of UNILAG to commit suicide in the last one month, Saturday PUNCH learnt.
On New Year’s Eve, Damilola Durojaiye, a computer science student of the university, also allegedly committed suicide at his parents’ Akute-Ajuwon, Ogun State home.
The 19-year-old was said to be a brilliant student with a cumulative grade point average of about 3.9.
He reportedly stayed at home when his parents went for the cross-over service, only for them to come back and see his body dangling from where he hanged himself.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said at the time that a suicide note was found where Durojaiye hung himself.
It probably may never be known what drove Seun to consider suicide as the way out like Durojaiye, but the incident is a pointer to the fact that problems faced by youths in the country are increasingly becoming psychological.
YNaija.com

Helpful Chart For Anyone Who’d Like To Continue Living

Apparently 80-year-olds can do whatever the hell they want.

Adam Albright-Hanna 

UUpworthy