WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ZIKA FEVER

Nnamdi Azikiwe: Yesterday, Today

and Tomorrow-Page 3

ANALYSIS In the 1980s, the virus was also In Tanzania, the government said isolated in humans in Tanzania, yesterday it would monitor the Dar es Salaam — The government's Central African Republic, Egypt, disease, advising people to stay put directive to all doctors in Tanzania to Gabon, Uganda, Sierra Leone as well and rush to the hospital any time they keep a sharp eye on the threat of the as in parts of Asia, according to experience symptoms of the disease.Zika virus has come at a time when the studies done over the years and public is less informed of many issues published in various journals.about the mosquito-borne illness.Now the World Health Organisation The Zika virus, which was isolated (WHO) is estimating that at least 3 to 4 from monkeys in Uganda about 70 million people across the Americas years ago, has prompted worldwide will be infected with the virus in the concern after it recently began next one year.spreading very fast in the Americas.

But according to a survey carried out yesterday by not many people in Tanzania are informed about the health risks, signs and symptoms and how to keep away from being infected by the virus.

The Citizen,

ANALYSIS In the 1980s, the virus was also In Tanzania, the government said isolated in humans in Tanzania, yesterday it would monitor the Dar es Salaam — The government's Central African Republic, Egypt, disease, advising people to stay put directive to all doctors in Tanzania to Gabon, Uganda, Sierra Leone as well and rush to the hospital any time they keep a sharp eye on the threat of the as in parts of Asia, according to experience symptoms of the disease.Zika virus has come at a time when the studies done over the years and public is less informed of many issues But according to a survey carried out published in various journals.about the mosquito-borne illness. yesterday by The Citizen, not many Now the World Health Organisation people in Tanzania are informed The Zika virus, which was isolated (WHO) is estimating that at least 3 to 4 about the health risks, signs and from monkeys in Uganda about 70 million people across the Americas symptoms and how to keep away from years ago, has prompted worldwide will be infected with the virus in the being infected by the virus.concern after it recently began next one year.spreading very fast in the Americas.

www.africaworldnews.net@AfricaWorldNews1-15 February 2016

WHO OWNS THE OIL? THE FAILURE

OF FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA

- M.M.Mbanaja

-Page 12

Ireland: The Dáil Has

Been Dissolved at Áras

An Uachtaráin -Page 15

- Cont. Pg 16

THE 4TH PAN-AFRICAN LECTURE AND COMMUNITY AWARDS 2015 IN PHOTOS

rom the result of last if they are not willing to be the order of the day.elections, it is crystal clear participate. When will you stop the that something is wrong 'blame game' and use your voting Election is around the corner and F

with immigrants attitude to power. not voting will be detrimental to elections in the republic of Ireland. you and your family. Support a The fact is many care less about Trends in Irish politics should candidate and change the system if vo t ing ye t they compla in serve as eye opener to immigrants. you so desire. endlessly. The question I ask There is need for vigilance and immigrants particularly Africans is participation. There is need also, to We are back.- If you do not vote in elections, support those who encourage how do you effect the change you proper integration. Immigrants Come in.so much desire or sustain policies must wake up from the slumber of that favour you? People should political apathy lest policies Ukastop complaining new policy trust detrimental to their well being will

rom the result of last if they are not willing to be the order of the day.elections, it is crystal clear participate. When will you stop the that something is wrong 'blame game' and use your voting Election is around the corner and F

with immigrants attitude to power. not voting will be detrimental to elections in the republic of Ireland. you and your family. Support a The fact is many care less about Trends in Irish politics should candidate and change the system if vo t ing ye t they compla in serve as eye opener to immigrants. you so desire. endlessly. The question I ask There is need for vigilance and immigrants particularly Africans is participation. There is need also, to We are back.- If you do not vote in elections, support those who encourage how do you effect the change you proper integration. Immigrants Come in.so much desire or sustain policies must wake up from the slumber of that favour you? People should political apathy lest policies Ukastop complaining new policy trust detrimental to their well being will

VOTE ELSE

YOU WILL

REGRET IT

EDITORIAL

2

Get the next edition

his paper deals with four Africans. This work is analytical and participation in the politics of

key concepts, Nnamdi I tend to rely on hermeneutic and Nigerian post-colonialism. Even his

Azikiwe, Today, Yesterday, meta-narratives as a framework of activities in journalism, which he Tand Tomorrow my analysis. was among the forerunners in Africa

Background/Education with his group of newspapers was

Introduction Nnamdi Azikiwe throughout his also misunderstood. The Rt. Hon.

This paper deals with three key human existence was a public myth, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Owelle-

concepts, yesterday, today and and as such was seen by different Osowa-anya of Onitsha, and Zik of

tomorrow. It first examines Nnamdi persons from diverse sides. Thus, in Africa was born on November 16,

Azikiwe's yesterday, and takes a the roles he played while still active, 1904 in Zungeru, Niger State into

look at what Azikiwe's Pan-African admirers, friends and foes had t h e f a m i l y o f O b e d e d o m

view on today's African world and different understandings of his Chukwuemeka Azikiwe and

finally discusses what can be contribution; particularly in the Racheal Chinwe Azikiwe. His father

learned from Azikiwe's political development of the Nigerian state, was a Government worker, a clerk,

thoughts for the future generation of the decolonization process and his and his mother was a trader. He

Topic: Nnamdi Azikiwe: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Mazi Azukaoma Uche Osakwe, PhD Candidate, MDI – Dublin City Universityth th 4 Pan-African Lecture, Irish Writers Centre, 12 December, 2015.

3

attended various schools in

Nigeria, including CMS Central

School, Onitsha (1911); Methodist

Boys High School, Lagos (1915-

18); Hope Waddell Institute,

Calabar (1920-21). He was also a

pupil teacher at St. Jude's CMS

attended various schools in king's cabinet. Despite his many also inspired by United States'

Nigeria, including CMS Central years in the United States, Zik did philosophical symbolism. Recall

School, Onitsha (1911); Methodist not forget his roots and the culture that to many people across the

Boys High School, Lagos (1915- and traditions of his people, w o r l d , t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s

18); Hope Waddell Institute, Onitsha, as well as the Igbo culture. symbolised an anti-colonial power,

Calabar (1920-21). He was also a Thus, he married former Miss having liberated itself from the

pupil teacher at St. Jude's CMS Flora O. Ogoegbunam from his jaws of British colonialism. Thus,

Central School, Orafite, and CMS home town, Onitsha in 1936 based it became necessary for those

Central School, Onitsha (1919). He on the cultures of his people, even countries still under colonial

was a third class clerk with the though he resided many years in oppression, especially in Africa

Treasury Department, Lagos the United States and Asia to single out the United

(1921). Living all States. Zik was also

o v e r N i g e r i a a t t r a c t e d t o

facilitated him to American Higher

know how to speak Education due to the

t h e t h r e e m a i n e x i s t e n c e o f

languages in Nigeria, assistances for poor

Igbo, his mother students, which did

tongue, Hausa, and not exist in England

Y o r u b a . A s a during that era.

r e s p e c t e r a n d Nnamdi Azikiwe left

upholder of the for the United States

culture of his people, in the late 20s, as he

he was inducted into put it, "in search of a

t h e p r e s t i g i o u s Golden F leece ."

Agbalanze Society of Onitsha in While in the US, he worked as a However, after a fruitless effort to

1946 with the title of Ogbuefi dishwasher, coal miner, potato move away to America in 1924, his

Nnayelugo, which represents peeler, car wash attendant, elevator father saved some money, and that

“your father has glorified you”. boy, kitchen hand, and waiter, to enabled him to travelled to

Similarly, in 1963, as President of pay his way through college. He America. Though, Marcus Garvey

the Federal Republic of Nigeria, attended Storer College in West factor and the role of Marcus

the then Obi of Onitsha, Paramount Virginia for two years (1925-Garvey on Pan-Africanism,

Chief Onyejekwe appointed him a 1927). Due to financial difficulties, influenced his decision to study in

Second rank red cap Chief (Ichie he left for Howard University, DC, United States of America. Zik was

Okwa) of the Onitsha Chieftaincy where he was for two years (1927-exposed to Garvey's ideas that

hierarchy, as the Oziziani. Zik 1929). In 1929, he entered Lincoln emphasized empowerment of

became a full-fledged First Class University, PA. In 1930, he Africans, redemption of Africa by

Red Cap Chief of Onitsha in 1970, received his BA degree in Political Africans and Africa's racial pride.

when he was installed Owelle- Science. In summer 1930, he was It was from this premise that

Osowa-Anya of Onitsha. This admitted to Columbia University Nnamdi Azikiwe questioned the

position made him a nobleman in to read journalism, with a l e g i t i m a c y o f E u r o p e a n

Onitsha, as well as a member of the scholarship from the Phelp Stokes domination over Africa. Zik was

3

The life of Nnamdi Azikiwe was

not one filled with bed of roses. He

had his challenges, especially in

acquiring higher education, which

took him to the shores of the

United States. He witnessed his

odyssey in the United States as a

result of great challenges he faced

in sourcing fund for his education,

to the extent that he desired to

commit suicide, but for divine

intervention (Azikiwe, 1970). He

was denied job by the colonial

government when he returned to Fund. He obtained an MA degree he knew it was time to go back to Africa, but by dint of hard work in Religion and Philosophy at his motherland, to join in the fight and his personal ingenuity he Lincoln University (1932). While to free Nigerians from the clutches excelled in the risk he took by still at Lincoln University, he was o f B r i t i s h c o l o n i a l i s m , editing a newspaper as its pioneer employed as a Graduate Assistant imperialism and neo-colonialism. staff in Accra, Ghana. To actualize in summer 1930. In 1933, he Nnamdi Azikiwe left the shores of this, Azikiwe, full of youthful zeal concluded two Master's degree United States to his motherland, and Pan-African idealism took up programs, in Anthropology and Africa. As he aptly captures his appointment in the Gold Coast in Political Science at University of decision to return to Africa in late 1934 as the editor-in-chief of Pennsylvania, PA. He was these words: The African Morning Post, a daily appointed a full-time lecturer in Then I made my decision to return newspaper, which was financed Political Science in 1933. Azikiwe to Africa. I was ready to continue by Mr. A.J. Ocansey, the taught ancient, medieval, modern suffering personal inconvenience, r e n o w n e d G o l d C o a s t and English history, as well as if need be, in order to do for Africa entrepreneur of the period. The African history. While still what that continue needed for a launch of the newspaper in Accra pursuing his Master's at Columbia renaissance in thought and marked “a new beginning” to University, he registered for the action…………. Motivated by an many literate and semi-literate Doctor of Philosophy degree at inner force to succeed thus far, I Africans resident in Accra and the school. In 1934, his Ph.D. was resolute in my determination beyond. This was as a result of the Thesis, “Liberian Diplomacy, to press forward towards a new fiery language and radical outlook 1847-1932” was published as Africa (Azikiwe, 1970). of the newspaper, whose editorials “Liberia in World Politics.” Since mostly against the colonial his attendance at these schools, he Career in Journalism administration in West Africa has received many honorary While in the United States, the impacted positively on many degrees from them, including two whole thoughts of Nnamdi members of the reading public. In from Lincoln University. After Azikiwe was how to make 1936, while still the editor-in-achieving his academic dreams, conditions in Africa to be better. chief of the African Morning Post,

4

Nnamdi Azikiwe was prosecuted Guardian (Port Harcourt), Nigerian World War II era, especially with

for sedition by the colonial Spokesman (Onitsha), Southern the agitations against the provisions

administration with Mr. Wallace Nigerian Defender (Ibadan), Daily of the Richards Constitution of

Johnson, the writer of an article Comet (Kano), and Eastern 1946; Azikiwe's status as a true

titled “Has Africa a God”, Sentinel (Enugu), etcetera. Azikiwe nationalist leader rose so high, as

published on Friday, May 15, 1936 was described as a foremost J.S. Coleman contends:

edition of the newspaper. Nigerian pioneering newspaper Although blind devotion to

The fallout out from this incident proprietor and journalist, whose Azikiwe was more pronounced

was a contributory factor to the newspapers directly influenced the among the Igbo, he was likewise the

return of Nnamdi Azikiwe to struggle for independence and idol of many politically inarticulate

Nigeria in 1937. However, it should inspired many Nigerians to support groups such as Cameroonians,

be stressed that The African the demand for self-rule (Uwechue, Nupe, Tiv, Igbirra, Birom, and

Morning Post under the guidance 1996). Idoma and indeed of most of the

and shrewd supervision of Azikiwe Middle Belt, and a growing number

was financially stable. Other than Political Evolution in Nigeria of Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri youths

this, the newspaper was used by Politics Cum Nigerian/Biafran War looked up to him as the national

Azikiwe to promote his philosophy Zik returned to Nigeria in the mid- leader (Coleman, 1986).

of “a new and liberated Africa”. In 30s and got involved in politics The above, no doubt showed that

the opinion of Agbafor Igwe (1992) forming the NCNC party. He was d u r i n g t h e d e c a d e s o f

argues that The African Morning actively involved in Nigeria's fight decolonization, when Nigerians

Post fervently attacked imperialism for independence. His dream was from various backgrounds were

at the national and continental finally realized on October 1, 1960 very patriotic on the need to attain

levels and so greatly attracted w h e n N i g e r i a b e c a m e a n independence; for many, especially

Africans to the nationalist struggle independent nation and he was the youths, Zik was the rallying

t o f r e e A f r i c a f r o m t h e sworn in as her first indigenous point. It was this that made him to

e n c u m b r a n c e o f f o r e i g n G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l a n d be elected in 1947 as a member for

subjugation. Commander-in Chief of the Lagos in the Federal Legislative

On his return to Nigeria in 1937, Federation. In 1963, Nigeria Council of Nigeria, where he served

Nnamdi Azikiwe founded The West became a republic, and he was then from 1947 to 1951. Equally, many

African Pilot, published in Lagos, made the First President. scholars and commentators also

which he was editor-in-chief from Many scholars and commentators wrote on the positive contributions

1937 to 1945. share the view that Nnamdi of Zik to the Nigerian nationalist

He was also the Managing Director Azikiwe was the foremost Nigerian struggle and attainment of political

of Zik Press Limited, which by the nationalist. Michael Crowder independence. G.O. Olusanya

1940s he had invested more than shares this view and asserts that (1980) notes:

five thousand pounds in the Azikiwe founded the first true Between 1944 and 1951 Azikiwe

development of the Zik group of nationalist party in Nigeria, the and the NCNC dominated the

newspapers (Aluko, 1974). Zik National Council for Nigeria and political scene and the NCNC

Press printed and published the the Cameroon [NCNC] (Crowder, membership spread across the

following newspapers: West 1978). various groups in the south. The

African Pilot (Lagos), Eastern Similarly, in the immediate post- party could lay claim to strong

5

support from a large articulate and democratically elected by the now free, and I have been honoured

section of the Yoruba population masses outside his home town, to be its first indigenous Head of

Zik was believed to be the “man of outside his own locality, outside his State. What more could one desire in

the moment” in Nigerian politics own region; and above all in a life. I thank God for sparing my life

during the post-WW 11 years, even Constituency, which did not to witness the independence of my

up till the early 1950s, when he was comprise of his ethnic group (Sule, native land. I am grateful to God for

the leader of opposition in the 1997). Nnamdi Azikiwe was a the opportunity to serve and I hereby

Western Region House of Assembly. major participant in Nigeria's pledge solemnly to render faithful

Unambiguously, Bola Ige (1995) politics for the greater part of his life and loyal service to my country

stated that after the death of Hebert during the twentieth century, and (Azikiwe, 1960).

Macaulay, there was no Nigerian during those decades in politics he In all his public service, as Premier

who could claim to be more was committed to the survival of of the Eastern Region in the 1950s,

nationalistic than Nnamdi Azikiwe. Nigeria as a nation-state. From 1947, as the first indigenous President of

Zik was so revered and highly when he became an elected member the Nigerian Senate in the early

respected and his activities were of the Legislative Council of Nigeria 1960s, as the President and

Pan-Nigerian and Pan-African, till November 16th 1960, His dream Commander-in- Chief, as well as

e s p e c i a l l y h i s i n t e l l e c t u a l was finally realized on October 1, Head of State from October 1963,

contribution to the nationalist 1960 when Nigeria became an when Nigeria attained Republican

struggles across the African independent nation and he was status up till his overthrow from

continent. He was a role model for sworn in as her first indigenous office by the military in January

youths across Africa, especially Governor-General and Commander- 1966, Zik showed absolute devotion

through the use of his natural skill- as in Chief of the Federation. In 1963, in the service to Nigeria.

he used his oratory skill in his Nigeria became a republic, and he T h o u g h , Z i k p a r t i n t h e

campaigns against colonialism was then made the First President. Nigerian/Biafran civil war was

(Aluko, 1974). Largely, many He was untiring in his service to misunderstood by many observers,

Nigerians, living and dead revere Nigeria, he sacrificed much to especially his critics. At the

him as a true and foremost realize its political independence. It beginning of Nigerian crises in 1966,

nationalist . Specifically, the was perhaps this unwavering to which escalated to the eruption of the

renowned nationalist and living se rv i ce , wh ich the Br i t i sh civil war from July 1967, Zik at first

orator, Maitama Sule argues that the government noticed, and thus supported Igbo succession, due to

fact that Nnamdi Azikiwe, with the pronounced him the first Nigerian the killing and maiming of NdiIgbo

introduction of the Macpherson named to the Privy Council of the mostly living in Northern Nigeria.

Constitution, won an election and United Kingdom on the same day he Also Zik acted as Biafra “roving”

represented Lagos as Leader of was appointed the Governor- Ambassador, and played an

Opposition in the Western House of General of Nigeria. His devotion to influential role in convincing some

Assembly from 1952 to 1953 Nigeria made Zik so passionate, as African presidents who recognized

showed Zik as a true Nigerian can be seen from aspects of his Biafra. Notwithstanding this, he

because he was accepted to represent Inaugural Speech as Nigerian Head supported peaceful resolution of the

Nigerians in the area he resided. of State on November 16, 1960: war, an advice, which was turned

Maitama Sule concludes that Zik As for me, my stiffest earthly down by Biafra leaders, a situation

became the first and indeed, the only assignment is ended and my major that made him withdraw and resign

Nigerian leader who was popularly life's work is done. My country is from his role as a roving ambassador

6

of Biafra in February 1969 when Although, in the view Dr Kingsley years in Nigerian politics (Nzimiro,

the London Peace Talk between the Ozumba Mbadiwe, Zik had a 1996). But to the likes M.T. Mbu

Nigerian Government and Biafra messianic outlook like Mahatma (1997) argues that the sum total of

representatives failed. Zik's stand at Ghandi of India in certain respects. Az ik iwe ' s ph i losophy was

the Peace Talk was for a just However, unlike Ghandi who said independent “in all things and

settlement of the Nigerian conflict he was the light and the way, Zik neutral in nothing affecting the

under the umbrella of “One Nigeria only showed the light for people to welfare of Africa; and that Azikiwe

“(Uwechue, 1996). This change of find the way . Perhaps, Mbadiwe believed in the dissemination of

fidelity depicted Zik in bad light to made this remark based on the light to his people, leaving them to

some Igbo people on whose belief that Zik 'abandoned' the find their ways.” Don't forget that

territory the Nigerian civil war was Zikists when it mattered most, Zik inspired and assisted many

f o u g h t , s p e c i f i c a l l y t o during the late 1940s. Another Nigerians to study in higher

C h u k w u e m e k a O d u m e g w u commentator also observed that educational institutions in the

Ojukwu (the leader of Biafra), during the period of radical United States, which includes

whose opinion on Zik was that campaigns of violence against the Lincoln University, his alma mater.

though he was an indefatigable colonial Government mounted by Among those assisted by Zik to

fighter for freedom and study in the United States

equity, but his politics of w e r e ; C . A . B o l a j i

compromise left the Igbo M a c a r t h y, E y o I t a ,

naked. However, Zik Asuquo Idiong, Abdul

contributed immensely to Disu, Nwafor Orizu,

p u t a n e n d t o t h e Mbonu Ojike, Nnodu

slaughtering of innocent O k o n g w u , G e o r g e

Igbo men and women, M b a d i w e , K i n g s l e y

during Nigerian/Biafra. O z u m b a M b a d i w e ,

Though, he was seen by Reuben O. Ike j i an i

some Igbo as a coward etcetera and others who

and saboteur, but anyone that followed Zik's footprints to obtain the Zikist Movement in the name of

knows Zik, knew that he never American education (Ogbeidi, Zik, he saw their actions as “the

subscribed to violence, instead he 1997). It was his unquenchable youthful impetuosity of the Zikist”

believed that dialogue could solve d e s i r e s t o e s t a b l i s h e d a n (Aluko, 1974). Lending credence

any problem. He saw that Biafrans indigenous university modelled to that sentiment was Ikenna

did not have a chance against the like Lincoln University that the Nzimiro, (1996) who criticized the

firepower of the Nigerian military, dream for the establishment of a leadership style of Zik and felt that

p r o p a g a n d a a n d A l l i e d University of Nigeria later he be t rayed h i s fo l lowers

collaborations, so he intervened. If materialized when he was the particularly the Zikists when his

he did not intervene, I wonder what Premier of the Eastern Region of services were seriously needed.

would have become of the Nigeria. The birth of the University Ikenna Nzimiro, went further to

Biafrans. The Nigerian military of Nigeria, Nsukka can be traced to claim that Zik was virginally

might have used the Biafran War as 1954, when an Economic Mission inconsistent in some political

an excuse to exterminate the Igbos of the Government of Eastern actions he took during his many

off the surface of the Earth. Region of Nigeria led by the

7

Premier, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Party (NPP) and due to his vast this tag was labelled on Zik because

embarked on an economic mission political experience was the party's of his politics of compromise, as his

to Europe and America. A major Presidential candidate in the 1979. party entered into what the Nigerian

result of the mission which lasted However, Zik's incursion into Press termed alliance of 'strange bed

from May 5 to July 11, 1954 was the politics in Nigeria's Second fellows'. The Press was doubtful on

clear articulation of the idea for a Republic was not as successful and who between Nnamdi Azikiwe and

genuinely African university rewarding as his glorious years as Obafemi Awolowo would be the

charged with the responsibility of Nigeria's foremost nationalist and Presidential candidate of the

freeing the African intellect and renowned poli t ician, which alliance of 'progressive parties'.

serving as a fortification against spanned more than two decades Like ear l ie r a l l iances , the

colonial mentality, which Zik felt from the 1940s to the first military Progressives failed to present

was a major impediment to genuine coup d'état in January 1966. common candidates who could

development (Obasanjo, 2012). Though, he contested the position of have matched candidates of the

That mission gave birth to the president of Nigeria in 1979 and ruling NPN, while the election

University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the 1983, respectively, but failed. Like ended in favour of the ruling party

first truly indigenous university in in Nigeria's First Republic, his amid riggings, violence and

Nigeria, the handiwork of Zik, political party – Nigerian Peoples' corruption. Few months after the

inaugurated on October 7, 1960. Party (NPP) entered into a political 1983 General Elections, Zik

The motto of the University of alliance with the National Party of resigned from participation in

Nigeria founded by Zik is “to Nigeria (NPN), which won majority active politics and withdrew to his

restore the dignity of man”. This votes in the National Assembly and country home in Nsukka where he

summar izes Zik ' s v iew on Presidential elections held in 1979 lived until May 11, 1996 when he

education, that it should be used to to form the government in October passed away at the University of

uplift man and his world view. 1 9 7 9 , w h e n t h e m i l i t a r y Nigeria Teaching Hospital. He was

At the end of the war in January administration under General buried on November 16, 1996, at his

1970, Zik was happy that a nation he Olusegun Obasanjo handed over country home in Onitsha. Nigerians

struggled for its independence was power to the civilian democratically from all nooks and corners came to

united again. He continued his elected President, Alhaji Shehu pay their last respect to the man who

writings based on politics, national Shagari on October 1, 1979. That was known to all as The Great Zik of

and global issues, and argued in one alliance calmed the polity for a Africa. He may be gone, but his

of his works titled Democracy with while, but later collapsed before the legacy lives on. Despite Zik's shortcomings, there Military Vigilance, in which he felt conclusion of President Shagari's were also many others, who were

Diarchy was the best system of first term of four years. fervent followers of Zik, who considered him as the great Zik of government for African countries In preparation for the 1983 General Africa, who demonstrated (Azikiwe, 1974). He was also Elections, Zik's party entered yet confidence in the search of social

appo in ted Chance l lo r, and into another political alliance with justice on any path he judged to be right. To this group, despite Zik's Chairman of the Council of the other opposition political parties in weaknesses as a human being, he

University of Lagos in 1972, a a bid to defeat the NPN. It was at this was the father of African

position he held till 1976. When the stage that the vociferous Nigerian independence who was endowed with the political Pan- Africanist ban on civilian politics was lifted, Press dubbed Zik, “the beautiful vision (Achebe, 2012)

Zik joined the Nigerian Peoples bride of Nigerian politics”. Perhaps,

8

The ruling NRM party to 10% for opposition. On r e m a i n s U g a n d a ' s the other hand, 61% of men dominant political party also prefer NRM compared

according the latest Afro- to 19% for opposition.barometer survey. According to Franc is Of the 2, 400 respondents Kibirige, the national interviewed countrywide in May coordinator of Hatchile this year 65% favoured NRM Consult Ltd, the firm behind compared to 15% for the the Afro-Barometer survey, opposition. respondents was asked: "If According to the poll, NRM presidential elections were support is more pronounced in the held tomorrow, which Western region at 84%, Northern party's candidate would you region at 80%, Eastern region at vote for?" The respondents 74%, Central region at 51%, were required to reply either while in Kampala the opposition ruling party or opposition leads with 37% and the NRM political parties.scores 35%. The survey shows that 71% The Afro-barometer is an African- of Ugandans believe that led, non-partisan research multiparty is a viable system of 16% in 2002 to 31% today.network that conducts surveys on governance compared to 41% in Despite increased support for g o v e r n a n c e , d e m o c r a c y, 2002 before pluralism was re- mult ipart ism, ci t izens are economy in over 30 African introduced in 2005. dissatisfied with the practice of states. The survey also reveals that trust multiparty politics especially The research also shows that 69% in opposition political parties in with regard to competitionof women prefer NRM compared the last decade has doubled from

The ruling NRM party to 10% for opposition. On r e m a i n s U g a n d a ' s the other hand, 61% of men dominant political party also prefer NRM compared

according the latest Afro- to 19% for opposition.barometer survey. According to Franc is Of the 2, 400 respondents Kibirige, the national interviewed countrywide in May coordinator of Hatchile this year 65% favoured NRM Consult Ltd, the firm behind compared to 15% for the the Afro-Barometer survey, opposition. respondents was asked: "If According to the poll, NRM presidential elections were support is more pronounced in the held tomorrow, which Western region at 84%, Northern party's candidate would you region at 80%, Eastern region at vote for?" The respondents 74%, Central region at 51%, were required to reply either while in Kampala the opposition ruling party or opposition leads with 37% and the NRM political parties.scores 35%. The survey shows that 71% The Afro-barometer is an African- of Ugandans believe that led, non-partisan research multiparty is a viable system of 16% in 2002 to 31% today.network that conducts surveys on governance compared to 41% in Despite increased support for g o v e r n a n c e , d e m o c r a c y, 2002 before pluralism was re- mult ipart ism, ci t izens are economy in over 30 African introduced in 2005. dissatisfied with the practice of states. The survey also reveals that trust multiparty politics especially The research also shows that 69% in opposition political parties in with regard to competitionof women prefer NRM compared the last decade has doubled from

regions, believe that once elections are over, opposition parties and politicians should accept defeat and cooperate with government to help it develop the country.Explaining NRM's popularity, Golooba-Muteb i sa id tha t although poll results mainly tackle preferences and not why people prefer such choices; the current crop of opposition doesn't provide tangible answers to the electorate."When you look at the survey, it seems that people are stuck with NRM, especially in rural areas and among women. The trouble with poll results is that they tell us what and not why. We have not done an in-depth research to find out why people support NRM. However,

Dr. Fredrick Golooba-Mutebi, the the opposition should work with my view is that the state of the lead researcher said that he Government to develop the opposition doesn't provide a discovered during the survey country. credible alternative to NRM," he process that many Ugandans 52% of the 2, 400 respondents said.support the idea of having many sampled in Western, Eastern, political parties and also think that Northern, Central and Kampala

regions, believe that once elections are over, opposition parties and politicians should accept defeat and cooperate with government to help it develop the country.Explaining NRM's popularity, Golooba-Muteb i sa id tha t although poll results mainly tackle preferences and not why people prefer such choices; the current crop of opposition doesn't provide tangible answers to the electorate."When you look at the survey, it seems that people are stuck with NRM, especially in rural areas and among women. The trouble with poll results is that they tell us what and not why. We have not done an in-depth research to find out why people support NRM. However,

Dr. Fredrick Golooba-Mutebi, the the opposition should work with my view is that the state of the lead researcher said that he Government to develop the opposition doesn't provide a discovered during the survey country. credible alternative to NRM," he process that many Ugandans 52% of the 2, 400 respondents said.support the idea of having many sampled in Western, Eastern, political parties and also think that Northern, Central and Kampala

CURRENT POLLNRM leads with 65%-New poll

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Humility is not thinking less - Nathaniel Brandenof yourself, Comparisons are odious.it's thinking of yourself less. - Old English Saying There is no respect for - Rick Warren others without humility in

We take refuge in pride one's self.Humility is not cowardice. because we are afraid to - Henri Frederic AmielMeekness is not weakness. tell the truth to ourselves.Humility and meekness are - Kakuzo Okakura Be modest, be respectful of

indeed spiritual powers. others, try to understand.It comes down to the way - Swami Sivananda - Lakhdar Brahimi you treat people.When you treat people with It's all about humanity, Once you respect yourself, dignity and respect all the humility, and integrity. there is no longertime,- Debra Wilson any reason to disrespect you can work through anyone else.anything.Pride makes us artificial, Once you are confident of - John Baconand humility makes us real. your own worthiness,

- Thomas Merton the worthiness of others Every human being, of ceases to be an issue.whatever origin,The ego lives by - Jonathan Lockwood Huieof whatever station, comparisons...deserves respect.The ego cannot survive There is magic in We must each respect without judgment. respecting others.others even as we respect - A Course in Miracles Respect customers, ourselves. vendors, bosses, - U. ThantReal excellence and employees, co-workers.

humility are not Respect parents, spouses, Every good relationship, incompatible one with the sons, daughters.especially marriage, is other, Respect the trash collector, based on respect.on the contrary they are the mayor, the bank teller, If it's not based on respect,twin sisters. the truck driver.Cab driver.nothing that appears to be - Jean Baptiste Lacordaire Respect the president. the good will last very long. lawyer.the dancer.- Amy GrantA man's pride shall bring

him low, Respect all human being.As we grow as unique but honor shall uphold the -Jonathan Lockwood Huiepersons, we learn to humble in spirit.respect Real excellence and - Proverbs 29:23the uniqueness of others. humility are not - Robert H. Schuller incompatible one with the Talent is God-given; be

other, on the contrary they humble.There is overwhelming are twin sisters.Fame is man-given; be evidence that the higher - Jean Baptiste Lacordairethankful.the level of self-esteem,Conceit is self-given; be the more likely one will be careful.to treat others with respect,- John Woodenkindness, and generosity.

Humility is Strength-Vitamins for the mind

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POEM By Ukachukwu Okorie

SMILING DUN LOAGHAIRE Strewn on the habours of the wharfClean amidst the massage of sea breezeBlowing the unguarded hairthrough the roots to fluff aroundStanding lonely yet buzyMeditating as well as lookingCounting the movement of skyon the bay of the sea townI smile for there's nothingNot even the waters can offer meEven with the Wharf town lookingI smile like a handbags owner.

Stood the test of timeIn the struggle for freedomYou are a living withnessBlood and flesh splatteredTears and anguish chorusedYou saw the courage of menYou're a harbinger of thoughtsFaiths converge on thy corridorMen walk past in reverenceHistory rever youCos you counted the costWhen the city of DublinFought a sprawling empire.

THE GPO

SATURDAY MARKET A smile at the odd ones outHope that restores confidenceFrom household to allYou answer the multi purpose callWhen the cock crowsTo the tune of the second grubQuenching the lure of Henry and GraftonGiving hope to the hopelessSoul and gong of CumberlandYou are a true raftTo the place for all nations

Like a dream in a tempest seaThe eyes hallucinatesThe ears bubbledThe air smelt ignoranceIt was a journeyBorn on dairy premierNurtured with dry milkA rainforest survivalTo serve and informTo whom it may concernAnd to delete the debrisFor the dignity of man

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WHO OWNS THE OIL? THE FAILURE OF FEDERALISM

IN NIGERIA - M.M.Mbanaja.

ollowing the comment on the Wheare will be used here as a EVOLUTION OF NIGERIAN 1st of February 2016 by Mr template to determine the Nigerian FEDERALISMpresident on the ownership federalism and the extent to which Historically, the structure of F

of oil in the Niger Delta, i invite you Nigeria has fulfilled the basic tenets Nigeria federalism can be traced far to examine with me the validity of of federalism. back to 1914 when the Northern and his claim. It is a distraction in the Southern protectorates were sense that the nation woke up on The basic tenets according to him amalgamated though with unitary that morning to hear the news of the are: form of administration. Since then, massacre of 300 men, women and a) There must be at least two governmental power that existed in children on Saturday night in the levels of governments and Nigeria started to be shared village of Dalori in northeastern there must be constitutional between the central government Nigeria. Being expected to issue a division of powers among the headed by the Governor-General presidential statement on the levels of governments. and the governments of Northern burning alive of children, diverted b) Each levels of government and Southern protectorates headed the nations attention to the same oil m u s t c o - o r d i n a t e a n d by the lieutenant Governors. politics that has consumed the lives independent. Therefore, with the existence and of millions of people, especially c) Each levels of government recognition of the two autonomous people of of the eastern region in the m u s t b e f i n a n c i a l l y parts of Northern and Southern 30 months of civil war. independent. He argued that provinces, the administrative

this will afford each levels of system of Nigeria wore an outlook The definition of federalism by government the opportunity of a federation.scholars rest on the fundamental of performing their functions The further division of the country principle that - federalism is a form w i t h o u t d e p e n d i n g o r into three regions by the then of governmental and institutional appealing to the others for Governor of Nigeria Sir Authur structure, deliberately designed by financial assistance. Richards under the Richard political 'architects', to cope with d) There must be Supreme Court constitution of 1946 gave more the twin but difficult task of of the independent judiciary. support to the emergence of Nigeria maintaining unity while also He argued that in terms of as a federal state. The Macpherson preserving diversity, Livingston power sharing, there is likely constitution of 1951 gave further (1787 American constitution). to be conflict hence, there concrete support in the sense that, Federalism, also can be defined as m u s t b e i n d e p e n d e n t the cons t i tu t ion appoin ted the method of devolving power so judiciary to resolve the case. lieutenant Governors to head these t h a t r e g i o n a l a n d c e n t r a l e) In terms of the amendment of th ree reg ions and gran ted governments are each within a the constitution, no levels of legislative power to the legislative sphere, and independent of one government should have and executive councils that were another. K.C Wheare's proposition undue power over the es tab l i shed . The Ly t t l e ton posits that the federal principle amendment process. constitution of 1954 removed the essentially entails a legal division He maintained that, once a country final shade of a unitary system of of powers and functions among is able to satisfy these conditions, government from Nigeria by levels of government with a written such country is said to practice establishing a true federal state in constitution guaranteeing and federalism. the sense that it shared powers reflecting the division. K.C between the central and the regional

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g o v e r n m e n t s . T o a v o i d noted that, the choice of federalism the independent state of Zambia, constitutional conflicts that might as the preferred system of Z i m b a b w e , a n d M a l a w i arise between the central and government for Nigeria was not respectively.regional governments, a supreme accidental. Given the heterogeneity Despite the introduction of court was established to handle such of Nigerian polity, the founding federalism since the British left, conflict. fathers of Nigeria adopted the Nigeria political system has been

federal system as the most viable characterized by series of instability After independence, Nigeria option of protecting the core interest and backwardness. It is on this basis constitution has continued to retain of the federating units. This was that we shall consider some of the the federal system imposed by the demonstrated in the federal problems that bedevil Nigeria departed colonial Britain but with constitution, especially in the 1963 federal system and find out if the some minor modification. Based on federal republican constitution, that president of the federal government the forgoing, the analyses of the clearly defined the jurisdictions of of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari was evolution of Nigeria federalism can the federating units. For example, right when he said that the Niger be based on three fundamental each of the federating units had its Delta region has no right to claim reasons. own constitution, one of the key the oil in their region because it a) The British deliberately properties of federalism. It should belongs to the federation.imposed the federal system on be noted that, before the attainment Nigeria in order to maintain a neo- of independence by Nigeria in 1960, It is evident that the most colonial control of the country after the federating units – East, North consummate student of federalism independence. Since federalism is Nigeria and Western Nigeria – were, in Nigeria is Chief Obafemi more or less an evidence of some in all intents and purposes Awolowo who wrote in his book, form of disunity, political weakness independent entities. That the three Thoughts on Nigerian Constitution and uneven economic development, federating units attained their p.48 & 49:the British deliberately wanted to independence in 1957 (Eastern and keep the federating units as apart as Western) and 1959 (Northern) 1. If a country is bilingual or multi-possible so as to meddle in the further buttressed their respective lingual like Nigeria, the constitution internal affairs of Nigeria to their sovereignty. If they had wanted, must be federal, and the constituent own economic and political there was nothing preventing any of state must be organized on linguistic advantage after they would have them to go their separate ways as basis;granted her independence. i n d e p e n d e n t s t a t e s i n t h e 2. Any experiment with a unitary b) The second aspect emphasizes international community in 1957 constitution in a bilingual or multi-the fact that historical and and 1959 respectively. Thus, when lingual or multi-national country geographical factors determined the some contemporary analysts of must fail, in the long run.political evolution of Nigeria. Nigerian politics blame the British Nigeria being a large and culturally amalgamation of 1914 as the source Let us now place it to Nigeria distinct country could not have been of Nigeria problems, they should be situation and see whether Nigeria governed from one centre. This reminded of the lost opportunity by has been living up to the federal interpretation is much more Nigerian leaders especially Dr arrangement as explained by K.C objective than the former. But it Nnamdi Azikiwe who saw himself Wheare and Obafemi Awolowo. It must be pointed that while the as 'Zik of Africa' as such needed to is surprising that Nigeria only historical and geographical factors transform his pan-Africanism into operates federal system on paper. determined the constitutional pan-Nigerianism in entirety as The federal structures have never evolution of Nigeria, these factors against Chief Obafemi Awolowo existed in Nigeria society. The did not determine the shape and who urged h im to go for reasons are not far fetched; first, the form of the federation that the independence since the North was federal government, ever since the British helped to create in Nigeria. not yet ready, to disengage from the intervention of the military in c) It was not a question of a forced amalgamation when they government has always assumed country that was originally unitary, had the choice in 1957. supe r io r i t y ove r t he s t a t e being broken into federating units, government, because military but of formerly totally independent Like Nigeria, the federation of federalism had been more common kingdoms, empires, nations and Rhodesia and Nyasaland was also a than civilian federalism, this model autonomous communities being creation of British rule. It is made the federal government the brought together, and ending up in a significant to note that, unlike 'master in relation to the dependent' federal union. Nigeria, the constituent units of s t a t e g o v e r n m e n t s . A t In line with this historical evolution Rhodesia and Nyasaland elected to independence, largely autonomous of Nigerian federalism, it should be go their separate ways by becoming regions possessed the residual

13

powers in the federation and in their respective spheres. since the return to civil democratic functioned almost independently. However, this autonomous entity rule.The regions had independent has never being found in Nigeria r e v e n u e b a s e s ; s e p a r a t e federalism and this has continue to Another issue to look at, is the constitutions, foreign missions, hamper the political stability in the bolstering of local governments as and the primary and secondary country. a third tier of government. This education were under the residual process began with the 1976 local list while the university education government reforms, which was under the concurrent list. All Secondly, the issue of financial introduced a uniform local these changed under military rule. autonomy as proposed by K.C government system; Although Attempts by the state governments Wheare. It should be noted here these reforms were embodied in the to reassert their autonomy during that this financial autonomy has 1979 constitution and also the second republic were aborted never been achieved in Nigerian strengthened in the new 1999 by the return of military rule. Some federalism. The high level of constitution, State governments in state governments that were intervention of the federal the third and fourth republic controlled by parties other than the government through national refused to allow local governments NPN took the NPN-controlled financial policies, grants- in-aids any measure of autonomy, federal government to court many among others, increases the power o c c a s i o n s o v e r m a t t e r o f of the federal government and The state governments want to jurisdiction and competence. This makes the federating units claim their superiority over the trend reccured during the third subordinate to the federal local governments just as the republic when the Lagos state government. The reason is not far federal government is claiming governor in person of Bola Ahmed fetch- the increased revenue from their superiority over them. These T i n u b u t o o k t h e f e d e r a l oil boom has made the federal disputes have barred the masses at government to court over the issue government to be more financially the third tier level from enjoying of local government creation in p o w e r f u l o v e r t h e s t a t e the dividend of democracy and Lagos state. This act, where the governments than before. As a further added to the unending federal government sees itself as result of this financial power, the problem of administration. Uptil superior to the state governments federal government now embarks this day, the state governments are does not make federalism work on some projects which were still struggling to reclaim their perfectly. Federalism is therefore, meant to be in the state residual list. autonomy from the federal an arrangement whereby powers The universal basic education government.within a multi-national country are board project is an example of this. shared between a central authority Similarly, this increased revenue When we translate these into the and a number of regionalized from oil boom enables the federal constitutional provisions on 'fiscal governments in such a way that government to give financial federalism', the federating units each unit, including central support to the state governments. own and manage their resources authority, exits as a government I n t h i s s e n s e , a n y s t a t e and revenues but make a separately and independently from g o v e r n m e n t s t h a t p r o v e s contribution to the central the others. As Wheare put it "the ''stubborn'' or a state not controlled government to fund federal fundamental and distinguish by the party at the centre is not responsibilities. Resource control characteristics of a federal system likely to get financial support from is also defined in terms of the right is that neither the central nor the the federal government. Vivid to control or manage the revenue r e g i o n a l g o v e r n m e n t s a r e examples are Lagos and Yobe accruing from oil and other natural subordinate to each other, rather states among others. resources in line with the tenets of the two are coordinate and true federalism.independent." Each government In practice, this act does not make Therefore, it is the duty of our exist, not as an appendage of federalism work perfectly as lawyers to come forward to use the another government but as an proposed by K.C Wheare. In a constitution operating in Nigeria to autonomous entity in the sense of federation, each government challenge the claim by the being able to exercise its own will enjoys financial autonomy. This president that the people of Niger on the conduct of its affairs free will afford each levels of Delta and other federating units in from direction by any government. government the opportunity of Nigeria have no power to control Thus, the federal government on performing their functions without their resources.one hand and the state governments appealing or begging for financial on the other hand are autonomous survival as we have seen in Nigeria

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15

Ireland: The Dáil Has Been Dissolved at Áras An Uachtaráin

ANALYSIS –strains that are also p r e v a l e n t i n Dar es Salaam — The government's Tanzania. But unlike directive to all doctors in Tanzania to s o m e o f t h o s e keep a sharp eye on the threat of the viruses, there is no vaccine to person with an active infection, it Zika virus has come at a time when prevent Zika or medicine to treat the picks it and then spreads the virus by the public is less informed of many infection. biting other humans. These other issues about the mosquito-borne

humans become carriers during the illness. Zika has now gained worldwide time they have symptoms.attention because of its alarming The Zika virus, which was isolated

connection between the virus and a In most people, symptoms of the from monkeys in Uganda about 70 neurological disorder that results in virus are mild, including fever, years ago, has prompted worldwide babies being born with abnormally headache, skin rash and possible concern after it recently began small heads. This causes severe pink eyes. In fact, 80 per cent of spreading very fast in the Americas.d e v e l o p m e n t a l i s s u e s a n d those infected never know they have

In the 1980s, the virus was also sometimes death. the disease.isolated in humans in Tanzania,

Reports show that since November That, according to doctors, is Central African Republic, Egypt, last year, Brazil has seen 4,180 cases especially more of a concern in Gabon, Uganda, Sierra Leone as of microcephaly in babies born to pregnant women, as this virus has well as in parts of Asia, according to women who were infected with Zika now been shown to pass through studies done over the years and during their pregnancies. amniotic fluid to the growing baby.published in various journals.

“What we now know,” said Dr Lyle Now the World Health Organisation Petersen, director of the Centre for (WHO) is estimating that at least 3 to How is the virus transmitted and Disease Control's Division of 4 million people across the what are the symptoms?Vector-Borne Diseases, “Is that Americas will be infected with the

fetuses can be infected with the virus in the next one year.virus. That's not new for

In Tanzania, the government said infectious diseases, but it is new yesterday it would monitor the for this virus.”disease, advising people to stay put

In addition, the CDC says there and rush to the hospital any time have been documented cases of they experience symptoms of the virus transmission during disease.labour, blood transfusion,

But according to a survey carried laboratory exposure and sexual out yesterday by The Citizen, not contact. While Zika has been many people in Tanzania are found in breast milk, it is not yet informed about the health risks, confirmed it can be passed to signs and symptoms and how to the baby through nursing.keep away from being infected by the virus.

Where is the Zika virus now?

The Zika virus is now being Here are the things you need to locally transmitted in Barbados, know about Zika:Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde,

What is Zika and why should C o l o m b i a , D o m i n i c a n people be concerned about it? R e p u b l i c , E c u a d o r , E l

Salvador, French Guiana, The Zika virus is in the same family Guadeloupe, Guatemala , as the yellow fever virus, West

When an Aedes mosquito bites a G u y a n a , H a i t i , H o n d u r a s , Nile, chikungunya and dengue

East/West Africa: What Tanzanians/Nigerians

Need to Know About Zika Fever

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Martinique, Mexico, Panama, doors is critical to preventing entry About Zika VirusParaguay, Puerto Rico, Saint to homes and hotel rooms. OPINIONMartin, Suriname, Samoa, the US

T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l H e a l t h Virgin Islands and Venezuela, says What's being done to stop Zika? R e g u l a t i o n s E m e r g e n c y the CDC.

Committee on Zika virus held a Globally, researchers are hard at What can you do to protect meeting yesterday. I t was work in laboratories trying to yourself against Zika? organised by WHO Director-create a Zika vaccine. A clinical Because there is no treatment or General, Dr Margaret Chan to trial for a Zika virus vaccine could vaccine available, the only ascertain whether the outbreak begin this year, according to Dr protection against Zika is to avoid constitutes a public health Anthony Fauci at the CDC.travelling to areas with an active emergency of international

Until those efforts bear fruit, infestation. concern or not.health officials are implementing

If you travel to a country where Arrival of the virus in some traditional mosquito control Zika is endemic, the CDC advises countries of the Americas, notably techniques such as spraying strict adherence to mosquito Brazil, has been associated with a pesticides and emptying standing p ro tec t ion measures : Use steep increase in the birth of babies w a t e r r e c e p t a c l e s w h e r e a p p r o v e d r e p e l l e n t s o v e r with abnormally small heads and mosquitoes breedsunscreen, wear long pants and in cases of Guillain-Barré

The Pan American Health syndrome, a poorly understood condition in wh ich the immune sys tem a t t acks the n e r v o u s s y s t e m , sometimes resulting in paralysis.

We are thrilled already that the WHO Director-General had briefed the Executive Board of the international agency on Zika situation on 28th January 2016. Briefing the board she said “distinguished members o f t h e B o a r d , r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f Member States, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this briefing on the Organizat ion (PAHO), the long-sleeved shirts thick enough to Zika situation. I will give you a regional office of the WHO has block a mosquito bite, and sleep in brief history of this disease and already advised people to protect air-conditioned, screened rooms, explain why WHO is so deeply themselves from the mosquitoes, among others. concerned. The Zika virus was which also spread dengue fever

first isolated in 1947 from a and chikungunya.monkey in the Zika forest of H o w d o w e k e e p a w a y In Tanzania, the Ministry of Uganda. Its historical home has mosquitoes with Zika. H e a l t h , C o m m u n i t y been in a narrow equatorial belt

If you have Zika, you can keep Development, Children and the stretching across Africa and into from spreading it to others by Elderly says that local authorities equatorial Asia.For decades, the avoiding mosquito bites during the are monitoring the entry points disease, transmitted by the Aedes first week of your illness, says the while the government would work genus of mosquito, slumbered, CDC. The female Aedes aegypti, on curbing the spread of the virus affecting mainly monkeys. In the primary carrier of Zika, is an to Tanzania, as per the WHO humans, Zika occasionally caused aggressive biter, from daytime to guidelines. a mild disease of low concern. In dusk and indoors to outdoors. 2 0 0 7 , Z i k a e x p a n d e d i t s Keeping screens on windows and geographical range to cause the

Nigeria: What We Should Know

17

first documented outbreak in the The meeting yesterday was aimed at 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, Pacific islands, in the Federated advicing on the appropriate level of respectively), and in 2015 from the

i n t e r n a t i o n a l Americas (Brazil and Colombia) concern and for and Africa (Cape Verde).r e c o m m e n d e d measures that should

Diagnosisbe undertaken in affected countries Zika virus is diagnosed through and elsewhere. PCR (polymerase chain reaction)

and virus isolation from blood Zika virus is an samples. Diagnosis by serology can emerging mosquito-be difficult as the virus can cross-borne virus that was react with other flaviviruses such as first identified in dengue, West Nile and yellow fever.Uganda in 1947 in

rhesus monkeys t h r o u g h a

Preventionmonitoring network

Mosquitoes and their breeding sites of sylvatic yellow pose a significant risk factor for f e v e r . I t w a s Zika virus infection. Prevention and s u b s e q u e n t l y cont ro l re l ies on reducing identified in humans mosqui toes through source in 1952 in Uganda r e d u c t i o n ( r e m o v a l a n d and the Un i t ed modification of breeding sites) and R e p u b l i c o f

States of Micronesia. From 2013- r e d u c i n g c o n t a c t b e t w e e n Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus 2014, four additional Pacific island mosquitoes and people.During disease have been recorded in nations documented large Zika outbreaks, health authorities may Africa, the Americas, Asia and the outbreaks. In French Polynesia, the advise that spraying of insecticides Pacific. The vector is the Aedes Zika outbreak was associated with be carried out. Insecticides mosquitoes.neurological complications at a recommended by the WHO time when the virus was co- Pesticide Evaluation Scheme may circulating with dengue. That was a Signs and Symptoms also be used as larvicides to treat unique feature, but difficult to r e l a t i v e l y l a r g e w a t e r The incubation period (the time interpret.The situation today is containers.Travelers should take the from exposure to symptoms) of dramatically different.” basic precautions described above.Zika virus disease is not clear, but is She rounded up her briefing by likely to be a few days. The Treatmenttalking about an issue that every symptoms are similar to other local agency all over the world arbovirus infections such as dengue,

Zika virus disease is usually should adopt and implement. She and include fever, skin rashes, relatively mild and requires no itemized why WHO is concerned as conjunctivitis, muscle and joint specific treatment. People sick with follows: pain, malaise, and headache. These Zika virus should get plenty of rest, symptoms are usually mild and last 1. The possible association of drink enough fluids, and treat pain for 2-7 days.i n f e c t i o n w i t h b i r t h and fever with common medicines. malformations and neurological If symptoms worsen, they should syndromes.

Transmission seek medical care and advice. There 2.The potential for further is currently no vaccine availableZika virus is transmitted to people

international spread given the through the bite of an infected

wide geographical distribution mosquito from the Aedes genus,

of the mosquito vector.mainly Aedesaegypti in tropical

3. The lack of population immunity regions. This is the same mosquito in newly affected areas. that transmits dengue, chikungunya

and yellow fever. Zika virus disease 4. The absence of vaccines, specific outbreaks were reported for the first treatments, and rapid diagnostic time from the Pacific in 2007 and tests.

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