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Madrid Edges Out Man United …Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid shot a goal against Manchester United, essentially securing Real’s passage to the Champions League quarter-finals,yesterday.
In his day job, the Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir is an insurance agent so he will be well aware of the arbitrary, irrational mishaps that can blight the ordinary lives of everyday folk. He is supposed to be the man who offers mitigation against them, but tonight he turned into the force that wreaks the havoc.
A Champions League tie that was tight and intriguing, with Manchester United holding the advantage with a 2-1 lead on aggregate was turned on its head by a decision by Cakir that was just plain wrong. Just shy of the hour he sent off Nani for a high boot on Alvaro Arbeloa that might have merited a yellow card and United’s 10 men never recovered.
It was an extraordinary decision, one that Cakir seemed to build himself up to in the small timeframe in which he waved away United players who were trying to persuade him not to blame Nani. He might have heard something in his headset from his assistant on the near-side but whatever went through his mind, it was a disaster. Even Jose Mourinho conceded: “the best team lost.”
There is always a tendency for the beaten side to bleat about the referee but this time, as Ferguson jabbed a finger at the referee from the touchline, you had to ask yourself: why so incompetent? There has not been a worse refereeing performance in a Champions League tie since Tom Henning Ovrebo blundered his way through Chelsea’s 2009 semi-final against Barcelona.
Floored by the decision, United conceded goals to Luka Modric, a substitute and then Cristiano Ronaldo and bowed out. It had been a game that had promised so much for them.
If you were so inclined, you might have tried to explain the omission of Wayne Rooney as something that the player could regard as a positive thing, but, really, what big player accustomed to starting matches for his club could be happy with anything other than a place in the team?
It was a landmark moment in Rooney’s career. It was the first time he was dropped for a significant game, but perhaps not the last. It changed at a stroke the dynamic of his relationship with Ferguson, with this team and the club itself. But tonight was United against Madrid, and even this development in the life of a famous footballer was not going to overshadow the football.
Of the chances there were in the first half, and there were not many, the only really significant ones fell to United. Nemanja Vidic crashed a header against the post from a corner from Ryan Giggs on the right and when the ball came back it fell to Danny Welbeck whom flagged offside, snatched at his chance somewhat and hit it straight at Diego Lopez on the line.
Welbeck saw little of the ball, but when he did he looked a potent as any attacker on the pitch. Robin van Persie was also forced to survive on a mediocre level of service but he too made so much more of it. He got a good shot on goal after 34 minutes from the right side that Lopez blocked but could not hold and yet when the ball bounced out to Welbeck, the Madrid goalkeeper composed himself and blocked the shot. On an average Premier League Saturday afternoon, those kind of chances might have passed without comment but this was Real Madrid and the margins were always likely to be fine.
Ronaldo had been introduced to Old Trafford as the club’s once “magnificent No 7” and the response from the home fans briefly transcended the partisan desperation to prevail in this tie. It was a wholehearted outpouring of love and respect for a great player which Ronaldo duly acknowledged. Within a few seconds he got his first touch and was booed, but that was strictly ironic.
Ronaldo was quiet before the break as Madrid failed to get away on the counter-attack after a bright start. Before the end of the first half, they lost Angel di Maria to injury and he was replaced by Kaka. There were some wonderful moments from Giggs, another surprise selection in his 1,000th professional game. Two nifty tackles on Fabio Coentrao, the accomplished left-back, and a superb ball with the outside of his left-foot that set up a half-chance for van Persie, drew applause.
There was no denying that United looked comfortable and if there was a gameplan then it seemed to be working to perfection when, three minutes after half-time they took the lead. It was a goal that owed something to luck in that Varane lost Nani and it was Sergio Ramos turned the ball into his own goal, but even so, it was coming.
By then, Welbeck had the Madrid defence on the run and it was he who helped create the panic. The ball broke left to Nani who crossed it back and, via a slight contact with Welbeck, it was prodded into his own goal by Ramos who could not get his feet sorted out in time.
Even in the period of pressure enjoyed by Madrid that followed the goal, United had control of the game but then the Cakir intervened and the game was turned upon its head. Nani’s foot was high on Arbeloa when he made contact and Ramos was soon on the scene to protest to the referee. He was pushed away by Van Persie who, along with Giggs, both seemed to be making the point that Nani’s eyes had been on the ball when Cakir pulled a red card out his breast pocket. It was a stunning moment.
Ferguson went up to fury level 10 in record time. He could see what was coming. Within minutes, Rafael headed Higuain’s header off the line. Then on 67 minutes, Modric, a substitute brought on after the red card, stepped away from Carrick outside the area and clipped a shot that went in off the post.
United were on the rack, with Ferguson and then Giggs entreating the fans to make more noise. Two minutes later, Rafael lost Ronaldo and he slid in at the back post for the second goal from Higuain’s cross. With Rooney on, then Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia in the closing stages, United threw a lot at Madrid but Kaka still hit the post and two goals was always going to be a tall order.
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.