Nigerian Observer Bendel State, the predecessor of Edo State. The Rivers State newspaper "The Tide" did not mention the conflict with the teachers. During the administration of President Shehu Shagari (1979-83) the newspaper was subject to harassment by the police, with staff being detained and the premises shut, as were other papers belonging to state governments controlled by opposition parties. Early in 1989 worsening economic conditions forced the paper to close for some time. On 22 July 1993 the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida banned the "Nigerian Observer", as well as the "National Concord", "The Punch" and the "Daily Sketch". An analysis
Nigerian English of "sir" to another title (i.e. "Professor sir") illustrates a greater level of prestige than normal, or an instance of being more polite than the norm. Though the exact levels of Nigerian English usage are contested, one suggestion indicates there are 4 levels of usage within this nativized (but not indigenous) English: These levels are only one proposed differentiation of the pragmatic realizations of Nigerian English. Because of the nature of its presence in Nigeria, English has been a point of contention among Nigerian residents who strive for a more nativisitic lifestyle (i.e. returning to the predominant speech of indigenous