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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.28

Buhari’s certificate not with us – Army

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Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Olajide Laleye (left) and Col. Timothy Antigha, displaying Buhari’s file at a press briefing in Abuja... on Tuesday.

INSIDE

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Critics Choice Award PL4

Ice Prince, Mwafreek Mwaf in battle of truth

massive crowd of enthusiastic supporters on Tuesday welcomed the campaign train of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.

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TIGER WOODS

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TIGER WOODS

One of the things my dad kept instilling in me was the joy of playing golf. He made it fun for me. A lot of the times I see a lot of the kids, they don’t enjoy being out there and that’s a shame, you’re supposed to enjoy the game.

“It’s never a relief when you miss a cut. I’ve missed two of them so far in my career, and neither of them feel very good, especially when you bogey the last hole on both of them. It’s disappointing any time you miss the cut because you’re here for four rounds to try to compete to win account and now I don’t get that opportunity to win the golf tournament.

—Tiger Woods

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

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TASKS GHANA ON REMAINING MATCHES

1 2 Number 14) 2005 Tour: Tour: 1 PGA (Wins: 2002, 2008 Tour: Golf European 16 2001, 2002, Japan Tour: Australasia: 1997, 2000, 2006 2007 of championshipsWon: Asian Tour Won: 2005, 2006, PGA in major 2000, 2000, 2013) Others:results Won: 1999, Tournament: 2009, Best Won: 2013) 2007, Masters Open: 2009, 2006, U.S. Championship: (1996) 2007, 2005, Open Championship: awardsYear and the 2013) 2006, 2003, PGA of 2009, 2005, 2002, Rookiethe Year 2007, 2003, 2001,Year Achievements of Tour 2013) 2006, 2002, PGA Player 2000,of the 2009, 2001, winner 2005, 1999, PGA Player 2009) 2007, 2000, money 2002, (1997,Tour 2007, 2005, 2001, 1999, PGA leading 2006, 2003, 2000, (1997,Tour 2005, 2002, 1999, PGA 2003, (1997, Trophy 2001, 2009) Vardon 2000, Award 2002, (2007, (1999, Nelson 2001, Byron 2000,Champion (1999, Cup FedEx

D’banj on 10th year on state L4

WAKASO

PGA 106 tours: wins: tour Current by Professional wins of

Wednesday January 21, 2015

INSIDE XT Exclusive

Spouse: Children:

TIMES

Massive crowd receives APC train in Kano

Yakubu Salisu and Umar Mohammed, Gusau

Woods) ( Tiger 39) Woods (age Tont 1975 Eldrick 30, Tiger California m) st) December name: (1.85 13.2 Cypress, Full 1 in kg; 6 ft lb (84 Nickname: States Florida 185 Born: birth: United Island, (2004–2010) Place JupiterNordegren Height: Elin Alexis Weight: 1996) Sam Axel Nationality: (joined Residence: Charlie Tour

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UN: One million persons displaced by Boko Haram

Photo: Baba John.

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OPENS UP ON ‘KIDNAP’ SAGA

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Politics Page Three

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Editorial

UN voice against Boko Haram

T

hree days ago, the United Nations’ Security Council unanimously condemned the recent escalation of attacks by Boko Haram in Nigeria. In a presidential statement approved by all 15 members, the council expressed deep concern that the sect’s activities are undermining peace and stability in central and West Africa.

The statement, which was issued before yesterday’s meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey, to discuss the regional response to the threat posed by the Islamic militant group, cannot but be timely.

We wholeheartedly welcome the council’s concern and support, even as we urge regional countries to undertake planning to put into operation a sustainable, viable and effective Multinational Joint Task Force to conduct military operations against Boko Haram.

Definitely, this is not the first time the world body is calling attention to the dastardly activities of the jihadist sect. This time, it is threatening to charge it for crimes against humanity. Like Islamic State terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Boko Haram seeks to overthrow the Nigerian government and replace it with a regime governed by Sharia law.

In furtherance to their jihad, the sect has been kidnapping people and pillaging entire communities while leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Before now, the international

community had been playing the ostrich, pretending that Boko Haram and its disruptive activities are confined to only a small territory of Nigeria.

So, while innocent children are being taken hostage and men and women brutally raped and murdered, the world watched from a distance.

It has taken the recent killing of journalists in France and the discovery of Islamic militant cells in Belgium for the world to wake up to the danger posed to the entire world by these jihadist movements.

Even at that, the response of other African countries to the Boko Haram menace has been anything but encouraging. To many, the threat posed by the sect to their countries looks very remote.

Nigeria’s request for concerted efforts by the continent against Boko Haram, has all but been ignored till now. That is why we welcome the effort by Nigeria’s permanent mission to the UN in bringing the Security Council members to rise up against the sect.

The implication is that the international community cannot continue to sit idly by and watch a band of misogynists overrun countries.

While we welcome the help from Cameroon and Mali in the fight against Boko Haram, it is pertinent to note that the United Nations must send a far bigger and better-equipped force if the sect is ever to be defeated.

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

Sam Nzeh

ÎÎÎIf

there is one thing that the N10 slash in the pump price of petrol by the Federal Government on Sunday has thrown up, it is the impunity of fuel marketers across the country. Most of them have not only flouted the directive to sell a litre of fuel at N87 but also been quick to list reasons they must do as they wish.

As at Tuesday, two clear days after the directive was issued, most filling

stations in Lagos, Calabar, Ado-Ekiti and other parts of the country still sold fuel at the old pump price of N97. When asked as to the reason(s) behind their non-compliance, some said their filling stations were yet to receive directive to sell at the new price. Some accused government of failure to liaise with them before arriving at the N87 price while others said they would only adjust to the new price after they had exhausted their old stock bought at a higher price.

These are mere excuses and impunity taken too far which is fast becoming a pastime people in the pe-

Words On Marble :

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Impunity of fuel marketers troleum sector.

The question is: Would the fuel marketers not adjust to a higher pump price immediately if the government had ordered so? The swiftness with which fuel marketers adjust to a higher price whenever government so directs compared to their reluctance to do so whenever a lower price is announced is not only unpatriotic but also insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

It only shows that fuel marketers in the country delight in making obscene profits at the expense of Nigerians and don’t care if doing so runs against government’s directives.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

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Noel Anosike

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Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects Tunji Okegbola

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The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

Magnua Abe

Festus kayamo

Ibrahim Babangida

The issues of Riverine and Ogoni are the hottest concerns of this election. Therefore, if Peterside, a Riverine man from Opobo is voted in, then the other issue which is the Ogoni question would be settled in the near future

We have a president who has no single appetite to fight corruption ... Imagine a campaign dominated by the theme of corruption, yet the president has decided to appoint a person facing trial for money-laundering as his director of media and publicity

You media men have created this impression that we are fighting each other: Look at us here today; he knows what I mean and I know what he means. We both fought to keep Nigeria one when we were young majors

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

5 News

Etsako monarchs assure Oshiomhole of APC victory Titus Akhigbe

ÏÏÏ

Traditional Rulers in Etsako land have expressed their support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections, saying their support is based on the need to continue the development of the state.

The endorsement was given to the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Tuesday when he visited the traditional rulers while on a campaign tour of the area.

At the Palace of the Okumagbe of Weppa Wanno in Etsako East Local Government Area, HRH, Dr. Egabor JP, Omoaze 1, said, “Our community and, in-

Air Force ready for elections – AOC ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Air Force has said that it is ready to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the airlift of election materials across the country.

The outgoing Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Olutayo Oguntoyinbo, who made the pronouncement while handing over to his successor, Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Shehu in Lagos, said NAF

deed, the entire kingdom, is proud and have accepted your leadership which is development-oriented. I must thank you most sincerely for the autonomy granted to the College of Agriculture, Agenebode.

“We cannot thank you enough. Again let this be on record that your tenure in the state has witnessed tremendous changes in education, road infrastructure and human empowerment. For this simple reason, we have no doubt in our mind that a vote for the APC is a vote for Comrade Oshiomhole. So we are going to support you and make sure that all your candidates emerge victorious in the coming election”, the monarch added. had returned three of its major transport planes to flying condition, adding that they would assist the Federal Government in the forthcoming elections.

He said that, “the C-130s are serviceable and our aircraft are ready and we wait for the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu on instruction on what to do.”

While urging all commanders, officers and men of the force to cooperate with the new AOC to achieve the vision of the Chief of Air Staff, Oguntoyinbo said “we have three serviceable C130s, we have spares and we know where they are, things are functioning here at the logistics command and CAS has done so much to ease the life of people here.”

L-R: Senate President, Senator David Mark; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for Niger State, Alhaji Umar Nasko and Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu at the Campaign Rally in Niger State recently.

Jonathan handed Nigeria over to Boko Haram -Buhari Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has maintained that President Goodluck Jonathan handed certain territories of Nigeria over to the Boko Haram terrorists due to his poor handling of the insurgency.

Buhari speaking through Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Director, Media and Information Management, Buhari Support Organisation, said the poor handling of the insurgency by Jonathan made him lose valuable time to tackle the insurgency most

appropriately.

He insisted that the insurgency and other issues of governance were beyond the capacity of Jonathan to handle.

The former Head of State pointed out that contrary to what Chief Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wanted Nigerians to believe that the President prevented Boko Haram from over-running Nigeria, available evidence proved otherwise.

His words: “It is the Jonathan administration that handed Nigeria over to Boko Haram when the President admitted publicly that his strategy of dealing with

Boko Haram at its infancy was one of treating them with kid’s glove.

“This singular mis-judgment of strategy made him lose valuable time to tackle the insurgency most appropriately. When the Chibok girls’ saga erupted, it took the government some weeks to come to terms with the reality.

“Handlers of Mr. President, such as Olisa Metuh, Doyin Okupe and Reuben Abati were always busy chasing shadows, calling the APC names as the people sponsoring Boko Haram while available global intelligence pointed in the direction of Al-Qaeda with the radicalisation of this home-

Nigeria may lose N31bn to Ebola – World Bank

Jonathan Eze

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

gress (APC) has unfolded strategies for raising fund to finance its presidential campaign saying the intention is to democratise campaign funding in the country and operate a transparent and accountable fundraising and management.

Director of the BuhariOsinbajo Campaign Fundraising Committee and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, who unveiled the strategies at a press briefing at the Lagos House, Marina, said the intention was also “to show that Nigeria is a civilised country and that

ÏÏÏ

Despite having successfully contained the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus and obtained a clean bill of health from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2014, the World Bank has disclosed, at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that Nigeria stands to lose N31 billion ($186 million) to Ebola impact in 2015.

According to the report, presented on Tuesday, “even if Ebola is controlled

and further outbreaks avoided, economic costs will be incurred across sub-Saharan Africa in 2015.

Consumer and investor confidence has been eroded by the outbreak of the virus, and disruptions to travel and cross-border trade suggest cumulative losses of more than half a billion Dollars across the region in 2015, outside the three directly affected countries.

Economic damage will, of course, be larger if the Ebola outbreak cannot be contained.”

The report stated further

that countries neighboring those directly affected by Ebola, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, regional hubs and trade routes (e.g., Nigeria) have experienced small, but, noticeable declines in cross-border trade, as travel has been restricted and borders closed.

“Overall, including effects on travel, tourism, and trade, the largest estimated effects on GDP from consultation with World Bank country teams were in Nigeria (about $186 million), Côte d’Ivoire (about $93 million), Mali (about $75 mil-

lion) and Senegal (about $45 million). Still, the estimated effects are small in relation to these four national economies,” the report said.

The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report (January, 2015) expects subSahara Africa to grow at 4.6 per cent in 2015, down from a 5.0 per cent forecast in June, 2014. Projections have been revised downwards on account of global events, including the West African Ebola epidemic and the net effect of winners and losers from a steep fall in global oil and commodity prices.

ÏÏÏAll Progressives Con-

Buhari grown insurgents.

“Also Mr. President’s body language, at the onset, emboldened terrorism when you recall his comment after the 2010 Independence Day bomb blast that “my people, the MEND, are not responsible for the bomb blast”, he said.

APC unveils fundraising strategies things can be done differently and that change is upon us”.

Other members of the 12-member Committee are Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Chief Timipre Sylva; Mr. Olawale Edun; Abbas Bello; Ikechukwu Obiora; Farouq Adamu Aliyu; Sharon Ikeazor; Hon. Sabo Nakudu; Alhaji Sardauna Habeeb; Alhaji Badaru Abubakar and Alhaji Bola Oyebode.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

‘Buhari’s certificate not with us’ Segun Adio and Andrew Orolua

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that it was not in possession of the academic credentials of Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s West African School Certificate (WASC), whether original or certified true copies.

The claim drew sharp criticism from the All progressives Congress (APC) which is fielding Buhari as its candidate for the coming Presidential election.

A statement by General Buhari’s campaign organisation last night disclosed that he will address a press

conference on the controversy on Wednesday (today).

Prominent Northern politician, Alhaji Balarabe Musa described the development as a plot by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to manipulate the election against Buhari.

He told the Daily Times:: “How did he (Buhari) end up being a general in the Army? Did he not attend a series of courses both in and outside of the country? Why is it now that they are just discovering this?”

However, another prominent politician, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, who refused to be drawn into the certificate controversy, told the Daily Times that

his main concern was for Buhari never to taste the presidency of Nigeria again having jailed him and many other southern politicians in the past unjustly.

The credentials of Buhari has in recent weeks been a subject of controversy.

The former military ruler had claimed in his nomination form with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that his credentials werewith the Nigerian Army.

But the Army said on Tuesday: “Neither the original copy, Certified True Copy (CTC) nor Statement of result of Major General M. Buhari’s WASC result is in his personal file.”

Nigerian Army spokeman, Brigadier General Olajide Laleye, who stated this at a press conference in Abuja, said the clarification was prompted by numerous requests by individuals and corporate bodies about Buhari’s claim that his certificate was with the Army.

Laleye said that the media hype on Buhari’s credentials as well as the numerous requests to the Nigerian Army on the issue made it imperative for the army to provide the facts as contained in the retired general’s record.

“Records available indicate that Major General Muhammadu Buhari applied to join the military as a Form Six student of the Provi-

sional Secondary School, Katsina on 18 October, 1961.

His application was duly endorsed by the principal of the school, who also wrote a report on him and recommended him to be suitable for military commission,” he said.

“It is a practice in the Nigerian Army that before candidates are shortlisted for commissioning into the officers’ cadre of the service, the Selection Board verifies the original copies of credentials that are presented. However, there is no available record to show that this process was followed in the 1960s.

“Nevertheless, the entry made on the NA Form 199A at the point of documentation after commission as an officer indicated that the former Head of State obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1961 with credits in the relevant subjects: English language, Geography, History, Health Science, Hausa and a pass in English Literature,” he added.

Brigadier General Laleye stressed that the Nigerian Army holds Major General Muhammadu Buhari rtd in high esteem and would not be a party to any controversy surrounding his eligibility for any political office. He declared, “Suffice to state that Major General Buhari

rose steadily to the enviable rank of major General before becoming the Head of State in December 1983.”

Buhari’s personal file which was displayed before journalists shows that the recommendation of the Principal, Provincial Secondary School Katsina. It reads: “I recommend him fit for military commission. I consider that Muhammadu Buhari will pass the WASC in English, Math and three other subjects.”

However, in a swift reaction, the All Progressives Congress (APC) warned that those who are bent on destroying Buhari, on the basis of his certificates might end up destroying the country’s military.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party warned that the PDP and the Jonathan Administration were playing a dangerous game by trying to compromise the military to satisfy selfish political ends.

He therefore urged the military, as a symbol of national unity, to beware of those who may be seeking to use it to achieve selfish and divisive ends.

The party said the statement credited to Olaleye, was in direct conflict with what he said on January 4 2015 on the same issue.

Mammoth crowd at the APC presidential rally in Kano State ... on Tuesday

Massive crowd receives APC train in Kano Continued from page 1 In Zamfara State, the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Mohammad Kabir Danbaba, also on Tuesday conferred the traditional title of ‘’Garkuwan Manoman Gusau’’ on President Goodluck Jonathan.

Elsewhere in Kano, a large number of crowd turned out to welcome the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammad Buhari as he visited the city for his campaign.

Activities came to a halt as Buhari stormed the state with a large number of supporters waiting to greet him from the airport where he was received by Gover-

nor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The APC presidential flagbearer later proceeded to commission the just-concluded Kofar Nassarawa flyover built by the Kwankwaso administration.

In his statement Governor Kwankwaso said the APC had already won the forth coming election. He called on their supporters not to be intimidated in any way by anybody in the country.

Gen. Buhari thanked the people of Kano and all the prominent persons present. He said his governnent would fight corruption, unemployment and insecurity if elected into power.

Speaking while receiving

the campaign team of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on courtesy visit in his palace, the Emir lauded the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan administration.

The emir expressed appreciation over the appointment of indigenes of the state to manage key ministries and agencies of the government at the federal level.

Earlier, President Jonathan told the monarch that since he was in the Zamfara State to flag-off his 2015 Presidential Campaign, he considered it wise to pay homage and solicited for his fatherly prayers as he approached the next month

general elections.

He assured the monarch and the people of state that if re-elected for the second term, he would do more to empower Zamfara State’s farmers and support them with all the needed facilities to boost their agricultural production so that they can help in providing an alternative source of fund to the government.

The President was accompanied by his running mate, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo; Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd); Minister of State, Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda; and National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mu’azu.

UN: One million persons displaced by Boko Haram ÏÏÏMore

than one million people may have been forced to leave their homes in northern Nigeria by the five-year-old insurgency of Islamist sect Boko Haram, a United Nations agency said.

The militants’ attacks may force even more people to flee, both internally and to Cameroon, Niger and Chad, which could destabilise the region, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned in a statement on Tuesday.

“We also are concerned with the regional impact of the crisis and potential threats to the peace and security of neighbouring

countries, should Boko Haram’s insurgency spread,” said IOM Director of Operations and Emergencies Mohammed Abdiker.

The Sunni Muslim sect, which is trying to carve out an Islamic state in the largely Muslim north of the west African country, has killed thousands since 2009 in what is seen as the biggest security threat to Africa’s top oil producer.

In their most recent major attack earlier this month, the insurgents are thought to have killed hundreds of people in the northern fishing town of Baga, though the death toll is unknown.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday January 21, 2015

EU deploys 39 election observers in Nigeria ÏÏÏThe

European Union has announced the deployment of a 39-member Election Observation Mission in Nigeria.

The mission will observe the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly election, which are slated for February 14 and 28.

A statement by the Press Officer of the EU Observation Mission, Eberhard Laue, which was made available to Daily Times in Abuja, yesterday, stated that at the invitation of the Federal Government, the mission will assess the elections, against national law and international principles for elections contained in regional and international law and standards.

According to him, nine analysts of the core team arrived Abuja from January 6, following an advance team that was deployed during the party primaries last November and December. He said 30 long-term observers arrived since January 12.

Our correspondent, however, learnt that the mission will be boosted by a delegation from the European Parliament and a group of European Union diplomats serving in Nigeria.

In 2011, the EU had deployed 120 observers from 27-member countries to monitor the elections across Nigeria.

Support Organizations (BSO) yesterday slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for spreading rumours over their presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

In a statement issued by its Director, Media & Information Management, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, BSO said PDP agents have unsuccessfully tried to malign the health status of the APC presidential candidate.

The group said: “We have the duty and moral right to alert the reading public to completely discount such mali-

Briefs 28-man Thai delegation arrives in Anambra Doris Nnabuenyi, Awka

ÏÏÏA 28-Man Delegation from the

Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (5th right) and members of his cabinet at an interactive session with Students and Youth Leaders in Ondo State at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure on…Tuesday

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is led

by Santiago Fisas Ayxela, a member of the European Parliament from Spain, who will arrive Abuja later this week. ”The EU EOM’s extended presence shows the union’s commitment

to the conduct of inclusive, transparent and credible elections in Nigeria.

We don’t just focus on the election days, but on all aspects of the electoral process, including the arbitration of petitions long after voting is finished,” Chief Observer Santiago Fisas Ayxela noted in the statement.

Buhari group slams PDP over death threat ÏÏÏBuhari

7 News

cious and unfounded information. We are surprised that same day General Buhari directed the training of BSO state coordinators on conducting a violencefree polls, based on the Abuja Accord template, the PDP leadership had to place some advertorial on national dailies depicting General Muhammadu as one facing imminent death and advising voters not to vote for someone who will soon die.

“This is campaign of calumny taken overboard,” the statement said, adding: “This current PDP action is

The observer team will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the entire electoral process. This, Laue… said, will include assessing the legal framework, the performance of the election administration, voter registration, candidates’ nomination and political parties’ primaries.

PDP, one big family in Delta, says Sen Manager Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏSenator

Buhari

a clear breach of the Abuja Accord and people cannot be blamed if any challenge is thrown up following this insensitive advertorial, depicting eminent personalities from North West geopolitical zone of the country as ones destined for death.

James Manager has debunked insinuations of a rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, over the choice of a running mate for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, asserting that the PDP in the state is one big, united family.

Senator Manager said in an interview that there is no conflict of interest in Delta PDP, as all stakeholders’ of the party are working diligently to deliver the party’s candidates at the polls.

“PDP in Delta State is

united. No conflict of interest. Everybody in the state is for the PDP. Don’t listen to rumour mongers.

The APC is very mouthy.

But elections are not won by that.

“I don’t see anything dramatic happening to make APC win in Delta State. Instead, I see them coming a distance third or even last in the February polls in the state,” the senator said.

The PDP flag bearer for Delta South Senatorial District charged the electorate to vote massively for the candidates of the party in the general elections, adding that “no party is perfect, so no politician is perfect.

business community in Thailand Republic has arrived Awka, Anambra State, yesterday, on a week-long visit to explore the abundant business opportunities in the area.

The delegates, accompanied by the Nigeria Ambassador to Thailand, Chief Chudi Okafor, and Thailand Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Chailert Limsomboon, paid a courtesy call on Governor Willie Obiano at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

The trade missioners are largely drawn from diverse sectors of the Thai economy, cutting across sectors like Oil & Gas, Agriculture, power generation and distribution, waste and water management, mining, healthcare, among others, and they would, during the visit, interact with professionals and visit four various parts of the state to explore investment opportunities and areas of collaboration with the government.

Land dispute: Osun communities sue for peace Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏLeaders

of the two warring communities in Osun State have agreed to sheath their swords over the disagreements resulting in communal clash.

It would be recalled that Ipetumodu and Asipa, both in Ife North local government area of Osun State, clash had left many injured and houses razed.

In recent times, the youths of the communities clashed on their market days.

The clash had made many residents of the communities to flee, while others locked themselves indoor.

At the meeting were the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba James Adegoke, and the representative of the Alashipa of Asipa, Ojediran Olaleke, chiefs and leaders of the township associations of both communities.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Zamfara Assembly passes tax law Umar Mohammed Gusau

ÏÏÏ

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), (middle); his Deputy, Mrs. Orelope Adejoke-Adefulire (4th left); All Progressive Congress (APC), gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (4th right); Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (right) during the commissioning of solar-powered panels to enhance e-learning at the Lagos State Model School, Meiran, Lagos on… Tuesday

IG redeploys 28 AIGs, Mbu moves to Lagos ÏÏÏThe

Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, on Tuesday ordered the redeployment of 28 Assistant Inspectors-General to various departments, zonal commands and formations across the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by the force spokesman, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, in Abuja.

Abba said that the redeployment which was with immediate effect, followed recent promotion of some senior officers and vacancies occasioned by retirements.

The I-G urged the officers to bring their experience to bear on their new postings.

He also charged them

to partner with the public to ensure improved safety and security of lives and property in all parts of the country.

Below is the breakdown of some of the redeployment: AIG Zone 1 Kano, Tambari Mouhammed, Zone 2 Lagos, Joseph Mbu, Zone 3 Yola, Mohammed Abubakar, Zone 4 Makurdi, Adenrele Shinaba, Zone 5 Benin, Musa Daura and Zone 6 Calabar, Johnson Ogunsakin.

Others are: Zone 7 Abuja, Patrick Dokumor, Zone 8 Lokoja, Christopher Dega, Zone 9 Umuahia, Usman Gwarry, Zone 10 Sokoto, Bala Hassan, Zone 11 Osogbo, Ikemefuna Okoye and

Abba Zone 12 Bauchi, Mohammed Gana.

With the movement, AIG Adisa Bolanta now becomes the Commandant, Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, Sabo Ibrahim, AIG, Border Patrol and Wilfred Obute, AIG Armament, Force Headquarters.

Helen Adeyemi is now AIG, Maritime Force Headquarters, Lawal Tanko, AIG, Police Mobile Force Headquarters and Yahaya Ardo, AIG Counter Terrorism Unit, Force Headquarters.

Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission on Tuesday approved the promotion of one Assistant Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Ahmed Mohammed, on behalf of the Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission.

The statement named the affected officer as Mr Fehintola Abuwa.

Why I set up independent presidential campaign group – Obanikoro Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏ

Immediate past minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on Tuesday told Daily Times that he set up the Lagos Independent Presidential Campaign Group for President Jonathan to deepen the President’s presence in Lagos State and take his message directly to the people.

Last weekend, Lagos was almost shut down by the mammoth crowd that gathered at his former gubernatorial campaign office which has now been rechristened ‘Goodluck/ Sambo Independent Campaign Office at GRA Ikeja, making a former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel to state that if Jonathan wins in Lagos, Obanikoro should be thanked and seen as

the heroe because of his aggressive campaign for his re-election.

Obanikoro opined that a lot of misinformation is going on and a critical way to counter that is through grassroots mobilization.

He expressed optimism that with the grassroot mobilization he has initiated and networking conceived, he has no doubt in mind that the president

will win.

His words: “It is going to be a close election, but I have no doubt in my mind that at the end, the President will carry the day. However, from the distribution and collection of PVCs, it is clear that the APC wants to rig in the North. How do you explain states like Borno and Yobe with the dislocation of insurgency recording 80 percent collection?

Zamfara state House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the law on local government harmonized rate and levies with a view to boosting revenue generation at the local government level.

Presenting report of the public hearing on the billl, Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Aliyu Ango said the harmonized rates and levies law would greatly boost the revenue base of the council.

‘Olusosun dumpsite may become golf course Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏ

The Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Mr. Ola Oresanya, said the Olusosun dump site in Ojota could end up in golf course or any other recreational centre at the end of 2022.

Oresanya told DailyTimes exclusively that, “When I talked about golf course, it does not mean it’s really going to be a golf course but that tells you

The chairman of the committee urged the house to consider the bill for the third and final reading and for onward submission to the governor for assent.

Speaker of the House Hon. Sanusi Garba Rikiji said the bill on harmonized rates and levies came at right time. According to him, the bill if passed into law, would checkmate series of problems associated with revenue generation.

After careful deliberations the house unanimously passed the bill into law and for its submission to the Governor for assent. the value or the impression that when we finish, it will look almost like a golf course.

“When we said Olusosun will finish like a golf course, the golf course is the extreme value of a well manicure greenbelt, so look at that extreme level, it could end up to be a golf course or any other recreational centre.

He further stated that, “It’s the extreme of our impressions of what we intend to create, so when you come to the city of Lagos you see something that looks almost like a golf course on your right hand side then it’s kind of a landscape that will finish that area, so the usage can be for recreational park, urban agric and it will add to the city landscape out there.

Fire razes popular Warri Hospital Joe Ogbodu Warri

ÏÏÏ

An early morning fire on Tuesday partially destroyed the popular Syracuse Clinic, along Willie Street area of Warri, the commercial nerve centre of Delta state.

Properties worth millions of naira were lost in the inferno which was sparked by an electrical surge but no life was lost.

Daily Times learnt that the fire started at the upper floor of the storey building when workers tried to switch clinic’s generating set over to power supplied by the Benin Electricity

Distribution Company.

Eyewitness said that a fire truck belonging to the Delta state government as well as Warri South Council were deployed to battle the fire all to no avail as the raging inferno spread to nearby buildings.

Our correspondent learnt that neighbours of the hospital also made frantic efforts to battle the fire which wreak havoc on the clinic for hours.

The Medical Director of the clinic, Dr Victor Oraegbu, who spoke to newsmen said there was no death or physical injury to anyone, including the patients on admission.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Soldiers intercept truck with 3, 600 ballot boxes in Ogun to Ogun State special security outfit, OP MESA, yesterday intercepted a 40-Feeter container truck laden with 3, 600 ballot boxes and other electoral materials in the Ijebu - Ode axis of Ogun state.

The trucks which registration number was yet to be ascertained as at press time, were intercepted by men of OP MESA who were on routine patrol around 8:00a.m along Odogbolu axis in Sagamu - Ijebu Ode - Benin expressway.

Source close to the scene where the truck was intercepted told Daily Times that two other trucks whose contents were suspected to be bales of ballot paper and boxes had escaped before the soldiers sighted the third one arrested and taken the consignment to a special security facility to prevent powerful Nigerians from pleading for their release.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the interception of the consignment, stressing that a team of the soldiers attached to the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta who were on Stop-And-Search, “OP MESA” handed the truck and its driver to the police at Ijebu Ode Area

er of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), and Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi has disclosed that he will not probe the incumbent governor, Chief Martin Elechi if he is voted into power, but, vowed never to condone corruption.

Umahi stated this in Abakaliki on Tuesday while addressing journalists at his campaign office beside Salt Lake Hotels along Afipko Road stressed that he would not condone corrupt practices, which leaders of the state have agreed to eradicate from the system, as failure to do so would amount to invitation of poverty to the state.

The PDP flag bearer attributed the political disagreement between him and the governor to the handiwork of darkness.

He noted that he would run an all-inclusive government, not a

Group berates APC for insulting Jonathan in Sokoto Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏNigeria

Posterity Project has berated the All Progressives Congress,( APC), in Sokoto State for insulting and embarrassing President Goodluck Jonathan during his campaign tour of the state.

National Coordinator of the group, Louis Ebodaghe, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, condemned APC youths for their action of sweeping off the footprints of the President after he left the state, under the pretext that they were sweeping away the bad luck that t Jonathan brought to the state.

Ibeto remains my deputy, says Aliyu Saka Bolaji - Minna Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio (middle) addressing the Paramount Ruler of Obot Akara, HRM Okuku Uwah Umoh Adiaka at his Palace during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Rally in Obot Akara Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State with them is gubernatorial candidate for PDP, Deacon Udom Emmanuel on…Tuesday Command when they could not ascertain the authenticity of the ballot boxes.

Adejobi further explained that soome officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as others from the Lagos Wharf have contacted the Ogun state Police Command, claiming that the consignment belonged to the commission.

He said the official that contacted the command further claimed that the 3, 600 ballot boxes were on its way to the INEC’s Akwa Ibom office.

“As I speak with you, we have the 3, 600 ballot boxes belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Information we have about the consignment as I am talking

I won’t probe Elechi, Umahi pledges ÏÏÏThe governorship flag bear-

9 News

type that would award contracts to sons, wives and family members, noting that Elechi’s problem was that “the governor does not listen to anybody; otherwise he could not have promised more than four people that they would succeed him”.

According to him, the former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Fidelis Mbam resigned because Elechi could not listen to his advice on critical issues in the state.

Umahi, who was the former state PDP boss, said that he was still submissive to the governor, stressing “I will not lay my hand on the governor, no matter the level of provocation”.

He, however, noted that the declaration of support to the reelection bid of President Goodluck Jonathan, without extending same to other candidates of the party in the state by Elechi

amounted to hypocrisy, assuring that “ President Jonathan will get the highest votes from Ebonyi than in previous elections”.

The governorship candidate alleged that the state governor had been using the state fund to finance the opposition Labour Party, whereas he still claimed to be the leader of the ruling PDP in the state.

He also accused Elechi for painting the state government buses with the logo of the Labour Party for its political activities in the state.

“It is the height of hypocrisy for a leader of the party to say ‘Vote for Jonathan and don’t vote for others in the same party’. In the day, they will say that they are supporting Jonathan and in the night, they will pull down his billboards and posters”, Umahi added.

The deputy governor expressed

with you now is that some INEC officials have called and some officials from the Lagos Wharf to confirm that the consignment belongs to INEC and that the ballot boxes are meant to be delivered at INEC office in Akwa Ibom state”.

“We want to think without mincing words for now that we cannot call the ballot boxes fake or illegal ones.

dismay on what he described as “serious desperation” of the Labour Party in the state by allegedly attacking PDP supporters and destroying billboards and posters of Jonathan and others in most of the council areas.

“There is very serious desperation on the part of Labour Party and their agents. It started with the pulling down of billboards of Mr. President. If you go to Ezza South, Ishieke, you see the posters and billboards of Mr. President were destroyed”, he noted.

Elechi

ÏÏÏDespite

his defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) last Monday, Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has said that his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto remains the Deputy Governor of the state.

Ibeto defected to the APC at the presidential rally addressed by its candidate, General Mohammadu Buhari claiming that his defection was informed by the refusal of the National Working Committee of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to entertain his petition after the governorship primary election which he lost to former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Nasko.

I’ll not increase LASU school fees, says Agbaje Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏGovernorship

candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, has promised not to increase tuition fees of students of the Lagos State University (LASU), just as he assured non-indigenes of fairness and justice under his administration.

Agbaje, who lamented the poor state of education in the state, said a PDP administration under his leadership would do a comprehensive job in the sector to restore its lost glory. He based this on the fact that the impact of the rot in the education sector was real as most students from the state, who took the West African School Certificate (WASC) examination performed woefully in 2014.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Traffic controllers give NAMA fresh ultimatum Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ

Members of the Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), have given the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) a 40- day ultimatum within which to comply with agreement reached or face strike.

A statement signed by

Mr Victor Eyaru and Olawode Benjamin, president and general secretary respectively reads, “We wish to state that after 1st March, 2015, as agreed and the agreements are not being attended to, our members should not be blamed if the suspended action resumes”.

NATCA had Monday suspended its strike follow-

ing the agreement between them and management of NAMA over welfare issues.

It was agreed at the meeting that the management will release the outstanding advancement of recently licensed ATC’s without further delay and to improve on Air Traffic Management and other facilities with a view to completing other ongoing

projects and ensuring improved air safety.

Agreement was also reached between them and NAMA that they will visit the report of the committee on outstanding balance of World Bank assisted foreign courses allowances for prompt implementation and to also forward the harmonized ATC allowances which will take

effect from 1st January, 2015, to the Minister of Aviation for consideration and onward transmission to salaries and wages commission.

The ATC had last week issued a statement to its members to embark on strike Monday but after a marathon meeting last weekend, they agreed to suspend the planned strike.

Buhari

PDP disowns Fayose over death wish for Buhari Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

Nasarawa Police nab man, wife for illegal acquisition of PVC

L-R: Deputy Director of Planning and Research, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Umesi Emenike; Director of Disaster and Risk Reduction, Alh. Alhassan Nuhu and Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Dr. Zanna Mohammed, during a National Humanitarian Coordinating Forum in Abuja... on Tuesday Photo: Temitope Balogun

Rabiu Doma Keffi

ÏÏÏ

FG fleecing unemployed youths says Oshiomhole Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏ

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has attacked the Federal Government’s employment policy, accusing it of deceit and fleecing unemployed Nigerian youths of over N800 million in the name of employment.

Speaking at a rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agenebode, Fugar and Jattu in Etsako Local Government Areas of the state, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government’s claim to the creation of three million jobs is false as nobody can point to any of his relations so employed by

the Federal Government. He said the Jonathan administration is full of deceit, as it only says things it will never deliver on.

According to Oshiomhole, even after the PDP-led Federal Government spent over $30 billion on power, Nigerians still live in darkness; and after promising the people on the construction of a second Niger bridge, nothing is on ground to justify the huge sums so far pumped into the project.

According to the Governor, “they claim to have created three million jobs.

Among you people that are here, how many of your brothers have got Federal

Government jobs. Over the years, government employment is done based on rules.

“The PDP Federal Government cheated unemployed people, poor youths.

They used a private consultancy firm to ask people to pay one thousand naira to an account. Nigerian rules are clear; you cannot collect money from unemployed people looking for jobs.

“PDP wanted to make money even from people who cannot take three square meals a day. They collected over N800 million from unemployed youths in the country. Nigeria has to change. We must ask the right questions of our lead-

Oshiomhole ers. Have you ever heard where you do interview in a stadium? And so many people died.

The Nasarawa State police command has arrested a husband and wife over illegal acquisition of Permanent Voters’ Card.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ugochukwu Theodore, in an interview at the force headquarters revealed that the two were nabbed in possession of 14 PVC’s and three Temporary Voters Card. He hinted that the two were apprehended in Lafia, the state capital.

Theodore opined that they had since been transferred to the Criminal Investigation for interrogation. Speaking on the allegation of possession of PVC’s as alleged by the ruling party, the PPRO said he was not aware of the accusation.

“This is election period and you will hear anything in respect election.

The All Progressives Congress accused the PDP of plans to rig 2015 election” Theodore said.

The State Chairman of the party, Philip Shekwor condemned the plan to rig election as a bad omen to acquire power at all cost, calling on electorates in the state to ensure the safe keeping of their PVC.

ÏÏÏ

The People’s Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, (PDPPCO), has dissociated itself from the death wish for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), MajorGeneral Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) by the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose.

The PDPPCO, while reacting to the death wish statement through its Director of Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode Tuesday in Abuja, maintained that what Fayose said was his personal opinion and not that of the PDP and its presidential campaign organisation.

The clarification by the PDPPCO however came on the heels of the declaration by the national leadership of the APC that by Governor Fayose’s act, President Jonathan has violated the “nonviolent pact” signed by him and the other presidential candidates and their parties.

The APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said: ‘’We are therefore calling on all those who witnessed the signing of the pact, especially former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Emeka Anyaoku, to take note of this very serious breach of the agreement and urgently call President Jonathan and his party to order.

But Chief Fani-Kayode stated that President Jonathan would never denigrate Buhari nor make such allusions against him.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Certificate palaver: Keyamo faults Jonathan on Dikko Funmi Coker

ÎÎÎA

renowned lawyer, Festus Keyamo, has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of promoting corruption with the continued stay in office of the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Abdulahi Inde Dikko, whom he accused of certificate forgery.

Keyamo, in an open letter to the President published on Sunday, noted that President Jonathan has failed to investigate the matter of alleged certificate forgery by the Customs boss because he has “no single appetite to fight corruption” under his administration.

Keyamo had in 2012 approached the Court of Appeal in Lagos to challenge the judgement of Justice Yetunde Idowu of a Lagos High Court stopping his move to prosecute the Comptroller General of Customs, over alleged certificate forgery.

While reacting to the certificate controversy of the All Progressive Congress presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Keyamo said President Jonathan has no moral right to discuss the issue of Buhari’s certificate.

“Besides, what moral right has Jonathan got to discuss Buhari’s certificate when I have since informed him that his Comptroller-

General of Customs forged all his certificates, yet the President has not even ordered a simple investigation into the matter. He has turned a blind eye on the issue,” he said.

Keyamo also said it was an irony that Jonathan had decided to tackle the corruption of stealing of the nation’s resources in the high seas by empowering “small-time crooks and criminals to police our waterways”.

“To worsen matters, President

Jonathan has decided to tackle corruption of stealing our resources in the high seas by empowering small time crooks and criminals to police our waterways. This is because he has no idea as to how to revamp, reorganize and reinvigorate the Nigerian Navy to perform its constitutional duty,” “These days, it is an eyesore to see our military chiefs and officers kowtow to these empowered small time crooks and criminals for appointments and promotions

and other privileges. The disaster about this initiative of empowerment of crooks and criminals is that crude oil theft has never been so high, so rampant in the annals of this country than it is now. Why? Because the President has put a rat as a watchman over a morsel of fish. It is sad to say but the President by his actions has shown no spine, no appetite, and no nerve to fight corruption. He just continues to sink into an abyss of moral debauchery,” he said.

Onitsha

ÏÏÏWhat

looks like a misunderstanding capable of generating communal crises is looming in Anambra oil community as angry youths in Umerike Umia Village of Umolum Community in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state at the weekend protested against their alleged illegal oil deal involving a priest and a retired headmaster with Orient Petroleum PLC.

Mimiko presents N130b 2015 budget

Four Delta LG chairs back Mrakpor for NASS Monday Osayande, Asaba

ÏÏÏThe

candidature of Hon. Amaechi Joan Mrakpor, a member of Delta state House of Assembly has been endorsed by four Local Government Chairmen of Aniocha / Oshimili Federal Constituency for House of Representative 2015.

Chairman of Aniocha South, Isaac Anwuzia, made the endorsement on behalf of others, while campaigning at Abuedo Primary School, in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South, Delta State.

He said that his counterparts from Oshimili South, Pastor John Obusom, Aniocha North, Chuks Oseme, Oshimli North, and Luis Ndukwe, jointly authorized him to announce their positions, reminding PDP members in Ward 4 and Ward 5 Ubulu – Uku that the Hon. Mrakpor Project 2015 is their personal project hence other people of Aniocha / Oshimili have decided to associate with her based on her past records at the State House Assembly.

Isiaka pledges to make local councils functional L-R: Peoples Party of Nigeria, (PPN), gubernatorial candidate for Ogun State, Mr. Eyiowuawi Razaq; his counterparts in Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and National Conscience Party, (NCP), Dr. Benjamin Onafadeju at the Ogun 2015 Governorship Debate held in Ogun State on…Tuesday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Crisis looms in Anambra community over missing funds Dilionye Dilibe

11 News

The youths numbering about one hundred accused a priest, Rev. Fr Ben Okwuife Eboh and the ex-headmaster, Chief Anthony Makwudo, of inviting some people believed to be workers of Orient Petroleum to the site where there was oil reserve in Umolum Community for oil without the consent of the elders and youths of the area.

The youths, who staged a peaceful protest matched from Nwoye Junction and later moved to Shell Road and the site of the reserved

oil, wells at Otu Umolum waterside in search of the oil workers.

The angry youths later matched to the resident of Rev. Fr. Eboh where they demanded to know about the motive of the oil workers in their village.

Addressing the youths, Fr. Eboh said that they were not Orient petroleum workers, but were in the village to install a power generating plant that would supply electricity to Orient Petroleum Refinery at Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government.

Reacting, the youth Public Relations Officer, Comrade Mocha Anierobi disagreed with the Catholic Priest, accusing him and his cohorts of misrepresenting the people.

The protesting youths, however, called on the Anambra state governor, Chief Willie Obiano to as a matter of urgency wade into the matter and call Fr. Eboh and his cohorts to order as the situation if not nipped in the bud could degenerate into a communal crises.

‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

get is made up of N53 billion proposed for the capital expenditure with N77 billion as recurrent expenditure, indicating an increase of 7 percent over the 2014 recurrent expenditure budget.

Daily Times gathered that the 2015 budget indicated a sharp reduction of 23% when compared to last year’s budget of N168 bil-

lion.The Governor disclosed that the major objective of the budget is to further consolidate on the gains of his administration by completing on-going projects.

In the budget, economic and social sectors have the highest sectoral allocation in the budget proposal with N16 Billion and N9 Billion.

ÏÏÏOndo

State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, on Tuesday presented the 2015 budget of N130 billion to the State House of Assembly for approval.

Presenting the budget to the lawmakers of the Assembly in Akure, Mimiko said the 2015 bud-

ÏÏÏOgun State governorship can-

didate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka has promised to allow local governments to operate as stipulated by the 1999 Constitutiona if elected into office. He, however, berated the out-going government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun for stifling that tier of government and making them ineffective to carry out their constitutional responsibilities as the closest tier of government to the people.

Isiaka said this during a gubernatorial debate organised by the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Abeokuta on Tuesday, where six candidates participated. Governor Amosun was conspicuously absent at the gathering where candidates were asked various questions on their agenda for the state.

Mimiko

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

PM slams ISIS over threats to kill Japanese citizens Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has condemned an apparent threat by the Islamic State group to kill two Japanese hostages.

A video purportedly from the group shows a militant threatening to kill two hostages unless a ransom is paid.

In the video, which has not been independently verified, the militant also criticises Japan for pledging aid to countries fighting IS. Mr Abe said the threat was unacceptable and vowed to save the hostages.

He added that their lives were his “top priority” and that Japan would not give in to terrorism.

The video named the two men as Kenji Goto, a well-known freelance journalist, and Haruna Yukawa, who reportedly went to Syria to set up a private military contracting company.

Mr Abe is currently in Jerusalem as part of a six-day tour of the Middle East.

However, he is expected to cancel the remainder of his trip and return to Japan to deal with the hostage crisis.

In a press conference in Jerusalem, Mr Abe said he was “indignant” and felt “strong resentment” at the threats, and demanded the immediate release of the hostages.

“Extremism and Islam are completely different things,” he said, adding: “The international community will not give in to any form of terrorism and we have to make sure that we work together.”

Japan has paid for the release of hostages before, most famously in 1977 when Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda agreed to pay $6m (£4m) to the Red Army Faction to free passengers aboard a hijacked Japan Airlines plane in Bangladesh. But this time will

almost certainly be different.

Firstly the amount is unprecedented. No prime minister would want to be seen handing over $200m (£130m) to known terrorists; certainly not Mr Abe, who prides himself on being tough and a close ally of the US. Also public sympathy for these two men is likely to be muted.

Kenji Goto is a well-known documentary film-maker, but many here will say he chose to go to Syria even after other hostages had been murdered.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has condemned the use of tear gas by police on Monday to disperse primary school pupils who were protesting the grabbing of their school playground by an unknown businessman. Kenyatta said the Minister for Lands as well as the National Lands Commission will be held liable for the ugly turn of events which led to the hospitalisation of at least five pupils.

Kenyatta said lands officials should have amicably solved the dispute before the reopening of schools.

In a quick rejoinder, the cabinet secretary in charge of Lands Charity Ngilu tweeted “I agree I should have taken action earlier.

Moving forward my ministry will be proactive on this issue.”

Several pupils were injured

ÏÏÏBahraini

Shia opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman has been formally charged with “promoting political change using illegal forceful means and threats”.

Attorney General Yousef Mahmoud said the head of the Wefaq political society would go on trial next week.

The charges relate to a series of recent statements by Sheikh Salman, who was arrested on 28 December.

His detention has sparked near-daily protests by Wefaq supporters, while the UN, US and EU have expressed concern.

Greece to extradite Algerian man linked to Belgium attack ÏÏÏGreece

Houthi Shi’ite Yemeni show their weapons during clashes near the presidential palace in Sana’a, Yemen, on Monday

Kenyan leader apologises to tear-gassed school kids ÏÏÏKenya’s

Haruna Yukawa is likely to garner even less sympathy. He has been described as a fantasist who went to Syria to set up a military security company despite having no military background.

His website shows him riding with Syrian rebels, wearing combat fatigues and carrying an assault rifle. In a video of his kidnapping posted on a jihadist website he can be heard claiming to be “half a doctor half a journali

Bahrain opposition chief Ali Salman for trial

during the protests organised to reclaim the land which had been fenced off during the holidays. It is still not clear who had grabbed the land and for what purpose, but a prominent politician has been linked to the hiving off of the land.

Kenyatta steered clear of the issue of the land grabber but condemned the involvement of children in the pulling down of the stone perimeter fence.

“The headmaster should also answer a couple of questions.”

Earlier, interior minister Joseph Nkaissery visited the school and apologised to the pupils promising to have the wall demolished within 24 hours.

Meanwhile two political activists arrested during the protests were on Tuesday released on bail.

Tension mounts in DR Congo after deadly protest

ÏÏÏThousands

Kenyatta

of people demonstrated on Monday against alleged plans by Congolese President Joseph Kabila to extend his rule.

Government spokesperson Lambert Mende confirmed late on Monday that nine people were inadvertently shot dead in clashes with police in Kinshasa. An opposition representative earlier said that 15 protesters were killed.

Unconfirmed reports said police officers were also killed.

Police fired real bullets at demonstrators, Martin Fayulu from the opposition party Engagement for the Citizenry and Develop-

will swiftly extradite a 33-year-old Algerian man who may be linked to a foiled Islamist militant plot to attack police in Belgium, court officials said on Tuesday, after Brussels issued an arrest warrant.

The man appeared before a Greek prosecutor on Tuesday but did not contest the extradition request. Police and court officials said he would be transferred to Belgium “immediately”, without providing further details.

ment (Ecide) told dpa.

He said the fatalities included seven students. Several people were reported injured and several arrested.

“The situation is very tense here. I have just taken a young person who had been hit by a bullet to hospital,” Fayulu said.

The protests followed the adoption by parliament of a measure requiring a census before presidential elections scheduled for 2016. Critics say the move is aimed at allowing Kabila to extend his rule beyond the two terms allowed by the constitution.

Kabila

13 13

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 21 2015 Wednesday, January 21, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

OGBARU BROTHERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 Trustees: 1. Oputa Charles Uchenna 2. Egbunike Ignatius Emeka 3. Nwagbo Christian Okechukwu 4. Oduma Emmanuel Eloka 5. Odogwu Henry Chigbo 6. Ifenacho Amos Azuka 7. Oduah Augustine Ikechukwu 8. Odozie Emmanuel Kaine 9. Uzoka John Onyeka 10. Mbanude Anthony Iweka AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote mutual understanding and co-operation among members.

2. To foster the spirit of oneness among members 3. To promote good relationship between the club and other organizations.

4. To render unreserved support to members of the club where and when necessary or otherwise the protection and enhancement of the welfare of the members of the club.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General.

Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Akudinobi Rex T. Esq.

COLONELS ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OF BOGIJE, IBEJU LEKKI LAGOS STATE

PUBLIC NOTICE SUPERBIKE CLUBS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990

The Trustees:

Trustees Are:

1. Col. Abidemi Oladapo Dawodu (rtd) 2. Col. Samuel Enibukun Oyewole (rtd) 3. Maj. Adebayo Aderemi Adediran (rtd) 4. Mrs. Christine Ossai Nzeli 5. Dr. Babatunde Ogunbiyi Ogunbanjo

1) Adeyi Ameh 3) Mustapha Aliyu 5) Benjamin Okelue 7) Ibrahim Shehu

Aims And Objectives:

1. To harmonize Peaceful existence among all members in the estate.

2. To promote peace and love among resident members.

3. Established and sustain community growth.

4. To help members protect/ retrieve their land from family land owner’s encroachment.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

2) Edward Oseni 4) Ishaq John 6) Ogbonnaya Kanu 8) Martin Isoje

Aims & Objectives: A) To assist superbike clubs’ in promoting safety.

B) To foster a healthy culture of mutual understanding amongst riders.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: REX U. ERAMEH ESQ (Solicitor)

PUBLIC NOTICE

IGBOBEAYI FOUNDATION.

THE KING’S INTERNATIONAL WORSHIP CENTRE.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no.

1 Of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no.

1 Of 1990.

Trustee 1. Dr. Godwin Ariguzo.

2. Mr. Vincent Chito Mmeje.

3. Joe Zulu Adigwe 4. Mr. Walter Ogadimma Mmeje.

5. Promise Mbani. - Esq.

The Trustees:

Aim and Objectives 1 To employ human and financial resources to enhance, support, promote and advance the teaching learning and advancement of igbo language and culture.

2. To promote and support Igbo language and culture through movies, seminars festivals, carnivals and attires Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Promise Mbani. ESQ. Promise Mbani and association. Graki. II Abuja.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE GOD’S GRACE MOTHERLESS BABIES HOME This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no.

1 Of 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Olori Morisola Sijuwade (Chairperson) 2. Hon. Justice Olayinka Afolabi 3. Prince Adegbite A. Sijuwade 4. Princess (Dr) Teniade Sijuwade 5. Prince (Barr) Gbenga Omiwole

1. Pastor Dennis Osarinmwiam Paul.

2. Mrs. Ethel Bariyema Dennis.

3. Pastor Ikuvbogie Osarenren.

4. Evangelist Moses Edobor.

5. Mrs. Joan Moses Edobor.

6. Pastor Great A.M Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Pastor Dennis Osarinmwiam Paul.

Aims and Objectives: 1. To cater for the orphans 2. To cater for the abandoned children 3. To cater for the less privileged in the society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Osaretin Ogbebor Esq. (Solicitor); Osaretin Ogbebor & Co. 20, Mojidi Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos State

PUBLIC NOTICE

AFENIFERE FARMERS ASSOCIATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Sunday Olubukola 2. Tajudeen Morantiola 3. Mr Moshood Kasali 4. Mr. Ahmmed Oladimeji 5. Ayoade Oke 6. Elijah Adigun

GLOBA FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE FAMILY AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990.

Trustees; 1. Dr Muhammad Muhammad Saleh.

2. DR. MARIYA SALEH. 3. Abdullahi Salihu.

Aim and Objective To promote unity among members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990.

Aim and Objective: Reaching out to the world with god’s love Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: TRUSTEES

Trustees; 1. Obioma Elemba.

2. Jacqueline Obioma- Elemba

1. To provide humanitarian assistance to the less privileged.

2. To provide social services to rural communities.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Secretary

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss.

Oluwakemi Oluwabukola Erinle now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Victoria Oluwakemi Oluwabukola Ekeh General Public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Oluwole Fayomi, Now wish to be Known and addressed as Mr. Oluwole Fayomi Amos. All former documents remain valid.

The general public take note.

Aims & Objectives: To foster unity amongst the members.

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

SIGNED: BARR. LUCY M. SUBERU (Solicitor)

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

THE FRIENDS SOUP KITCHEN INITIATIVE

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990.

Trustees Are: 1. Abisola Atitebi-Chairman 2. Adetutu Adekunle

The Trustees: 1. Mr. Adedeji Gabriel Adebanjo 2. Mrs. Victoria Afolayan 3. Mr. Fagbemigun Adediran 4. Mr. Goke Adedeji 5. Mr. Adeojo Segun

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990.

Signed; Mohammed Ahmed. (Esq.).

08068709350.

PUBLIC NOTICE

HOUSE OF LOVE CHRISTIAN CENTRE

UGWUMBA EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE.

Aim and Objective ;

Aim and Objective ; To promote safe motherhood by empowering women with relevant information on productive health services and its application

Signed: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Education

s

Federal Polytechnic Kazaure

Matriculation ceremony of the students of Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State on the 20th of Jaunary 2015

Tools for effective discipline in the classroom Joseph Ali

ÏÏÏ

Effective classroom Discipline can be described as a series of management procedures for dealing with classroom disruptions of almost any shape and size. These procedures have been presented as an integrated management system: a technology based on fundaments which are simple, powerful, and adaptable to the wide range of management dilemmas that characterize a typical day in the classroom.

-

2015 JAMB for 1.4M candidates

action to a problem situation. consists of the collection of as many remedies for as many problem situations as possible. tions about what to do that can be tion.

Such a simplistic view of discipline dooms teachers to be perpetually overwhelmed by the of students will always have more

ÏÏÏ the computer base test (CBT) Public Relation Officer Fabian Benjamin told news men in Lagos; he said that the board has no fewer than 1.4m candidates to

Unfortunately the term bag of odology for discipline managerepresents to me the antithesis of a modern profession with an empirically based technology of promost simply, is a person with

job that is far beyond the capability of untrained lay people. For having these much-needed and -

and this is the first migration by the board to computer based mode of examination.

Before this period candidates have been writing either by the CBT as the paper pencil test(PPT) or the Dual Based Test (DBT) mode of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exami-

sionals charge and receive a high price for their services. Teachers refer to each other as professionals, until teachers are masters of a repertoire of specialized, professional-level management petencies apart from those of the average parent, teachers will be neither regarded highly nor paid highly by the general public.

Levels of management

Differential reinforcement Most effective behavior management programs must deal CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

is impressed by the number of candidate that have registered for the March examination.

“I want to say that we are expecting no fewer than 1.4m candidates to attempt the examination in all computer based mode of examination. We are

Three Prison inmates get varsity degrees ÏÏÏ

Three inmates of the Nigerian prison were among the students graduating at the fourth convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Vincent Tenebe, disclosed this at the preconvocation press conference in Lagos, noting that the three inmates were found worthy in learning and in character.

The Vice Chancellor said though their imprisonment was a punitive measure to reform them, the prison programme was part of NOUN contribution to reformation in the country. The university, he said, has special duty centres in prisons across the country with police, army and paramilitary forces.

also happy to announce that we have enough centres to accommodate the candidates. We have gone round the centres to assess the level of preparedness.

examination as all logistics are in place”.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

15 Education

‘Tools for classroom discipline’ Each level of discipline management, therefore, should ideally have both reward and penalty components. The more explicit the reward component, the more predictably positive will be the outcome of an intervention

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

with pairs of behaviors. You must systematically strengthen the behavior you want while systematically weakening the competing behaviors that you do not want.

A discipline program, for example, should not only eliminate problem behavior, but it should also systematically build the positive behaviors that you want to replace the problems. If problem behaviors are simply eliminated, whatever replaces them will be left to chance. It could be dawdling, or it could be another discipline problem. Discipline management, therefore, is more appropriately viewed not as the simple suppression of problems but rather as the differential reinforcement of appropriate behaviors, often in conjunction with suppression of the problem.

Since most problem behaviors in the classroom are self-rewarding, some suppression is usually needed to eliminate the reinforcement generated by the problem itself, which then competes with the differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior.

Each level of discipline management, therefore, should ideally have both reward and penalty components. The more explicit the reward component, the more predictably positive will be the outcome of an intervention.

The Three-Tiered Management System Effective Classroom Discipline is composed of three different management methodologies which are integrated to form a

Shekarau, Minister of Education three-tier approach to discipline management.

Each of these three methodologies, however, can be properly understood only within the context of the differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior. mild social punishment, and as such it is incomplete. For limit-setting to be in balance, there must be reward. The reward would, of course, be social reward-the positive social interactions between teacher and student that create an informal incentive system.

The natural counterpart of limitsetting, therefore, is relationship.

Together, limit-setting and relationship building form a tier of

the management system which we might best describe as the interpersonal-interactive level of management.

In the interpersonal-interactive level all sanctions, both positive and negative, are delivered as part of the fleeting interpersonal interactions between teacher and student. The teacher’s success at the interpersonal- interactional level depends on the social competence of the teacher - his or her accurate assessment of interpersonal situations and spontaneous and effective use of a broad range of social skills and emotions with students of all kinds moment by moment throughout the day.

The effective juxtaposition of positive and negative sanctions during the social exchanges of teacher and student requires a

Nine-year-curriculum monitoring

by NERDC begins ÏÏÏ

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Prof Godswill Obioma, said the council has commenced a nationwide tour to schools to make sure they successfully implement the nine

he said the result of the exercise would be used for planning interventions and future improvements of the curriculum.

He noted that curriculum implementation is a complex exercise that requires strategic and sustainability plans. He said that the council has trained a number of master trainers on the use of

the curriculum and teachers’ guides and has posted them to the 36 states and FCT. He said the next step in the proper implementation of the curriculum include the printing and dissemination of primary 4-6 booklets of the curriculum, capacity building of teachers, review and development of textual materials and other teaching aids and development of ecurriculum recourse portal for teachers and learners. Obioma said the monitoring team will visit three primary schools, three JSS schools and one federal government college in each state. He said the implementation of the curriculum has already started

much higher level of precision than we have any right to expect from an untrained teacher. And they require the consistently supportive and successful helping interactions to be described in Positive Classroom Instruction.

Incentive Systems Incentive systems make the exchange of positive and negative sanctions prearranged, explicit, concrete, and public. It is the formalized counterpart of the interpersonalinteractive level of management with positive and negative sanctions being juxtaposed in an analogous fashion.

Incentive systems can be so formalized as to be written in the form of a contract. “Contingency contracting” is a type of individualized behavior modification program in which the quid pro quo of

TETFUND Act needs review – VC ÏÏÏ

Obioma at the primary one and JSS1 classes since September 2014 while primary 2-3 and JSS2 and 3 will start by September 2015 and 2016 respectively.

The vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Minna, Prof Musbau Akanji has said that the TETFUND act needs to be reviewed. He said the review has become necessary in other to allow private universities to benefit.

Speaking with news men in Ilorin, Akanji, who is the pioneer VC of the Al-Hikmah University said the review is to enable private universities draw from the fund since they are also in the business of training Nigerian manpower. “I am of the opinion that privately owned university should benefit from TETFUND because TET-

the behavioral exchange is both negotiated and set down in writing. Incentives in business and industry are typically negotiated and written down in the form of a contract, but in education the cost of the negotiation and the giving of individualized reinforcement limits their use to special settings in most cases.

One might, therefore, consider incentive systems as the incentive-contractual level of management. Training in the proper use of incentives can be more “bookish” than training at the interpersonal- interactive level. Yet a basic technical understanding of incentive systems is indispensable for teachers, along with a thorough familiarity with the mechanics of some of the more important classroom management procedures. Social skills for implementing responsibility training focus primarily on relaxation and the issue of having fun - especially fun with learning. tems break the pattern of differresponses are negative sanctions, and the reinforcement of appropriate behavior is left to chance.

The smaller the back-up responses, the more likely it is that differential reinforcement will take place. In the classroom of a nurturant teacher, for example, the use of a small back-up response might be juxtaposed and balanced with warmth and approval for good behavior. Relationship therefore provides the balance for small back-up responses just as it does for limit-setting.

FUND is contribution of companies operating in Nigeria and private universities are training Nigerian children for the Nigerian economy. I think that government should have another look at the act enabling TETFUND so that private universities will benefit from it” he said. When asked that the private universities were out to make money, he dismissed it by saying “to provide university education is cost intensive. I don’t know how they will make the type of profit some people think because of high school fees”.

He said the cost of training one student in a private university cannot be paid by that student alone and since private universities do not get subvention from government their fees has to go up. The VC advised Nigerian universities to imbibe the correct university culture of October to July.

Opinion 16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Jonathan’s fouled air

H

Lauretta Onochie

ow can we forget how millions of jobless Nigerians were lured with promises of jobs with the immigration authorities in Nigeria?

How stadia across the nation were used as death traps for some unsuspecting young job seekers who had paid for application forms but ended up being killed.

Till date, no one has been brought to books. But they were Nigerians and those of us who survived that ordeal must not forget it. We must get our pound of flesh by voting for those who can bring justice and closure to Nigerians.

How can we forget how we woke up one morning to find, floating on Ezu River, decomposing bodies of nearly 60 Igbo youths! And what was their crime? They, as members of MASSOB, had staged a peaceful protest. The massive cover up and deliberately bungled investigations must always come to mind. The inability of the Nigerian police

to serve justice remains a dark spot for Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo and the immediate families of these youngsters.

We must remember that his name is Ebele (Mercy)!

President Jonathan has not shown any mercy in our land, he cannot reap any mercy now.

How can we forget the massacre of innocent Nigerians in the North East who were caught in a war of supremacy within the PDP hierarchy?

Those who survived are now refugees in Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic. Others are now called Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s).

These set of Nigerians may not be voting in the forthcoming general elections. Not only do they not have a home, there are chances that they are about to be disenfranchised. All Nigerians who can vote must speak with their votes for these Nigerians.

We cannot forget that this government that promised to revive our nation and pump in some fresh air to sanitise the environment, has done nothing but loot our common wealth.

We cannot forget this

government that prefers to hire attack dogs for the purpose of forging documents and churning out fake stories aimed at dividing Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.

The truth is that President Jonathan has no plans to tackle the issues that are important to Nigerians. He has the authority but no control over the looting gang he hired to run a nation of intelligent people.

Under the watch of President Jonathan, women and girls, men and boys, Nigerians, are being abducted regularly, taken away from their families and familiar environment. Apathy greets these occurrences and consequently, we do not know of any plans to look for or recover them.

This PDP-led government has shown apathy towards issues concerning Nigerians.

They have turned deaf ears to the cries of Nigerians.

They have served us doses of poverty, injustice and have rendered mediocre or no services at all. They have served their greed, satisfying their inordinate desire for

primitive accumulation of ill-gotten wealth rather than serve Nigerians.

The British Prime Minister said that if the amount stolen from Nigerians was stolen from the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom would cease to exist. His defence minister added that a failed nation allows insurgency to fester.

But we have an obstinate government that has refused to heed the voice of reason from at home and abroad.

You are all invited to a new Nigeria where there will be rule of law, where every man will be equal in the eyes of the law in a judicious system that is both independent and fair.

Welcome to a new Nigeria where job opportunities and work skills acquisition will be given the attention it deserves.

Welcome to a new Nigeria with constant and stable electricity and where Nigerians will no longer die from common Malaria.

Welcome to the new Nigeria of General Mohammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo, President and Vice President respectively come May 29th, 2015.

What has become of Buhari’s scary history?

T

Shaka Momodu

hirty years ago, he faced the cruel and ignominious fate of being tied to the stake and a hail of bullets from marksmen ended his life. That person was Bartholomew Owoh (26) who alongside others, Bernard Ogedengbe (29) and Lawal Ojuolape (30), was executed by firing squad after being arrested and tried for drug trafficking. The case of Bartholomew Owoh, the youngest of them all, was particularly tragic.

At the time of his arrest, the crime did not carry capital forfeiture -the punishment was six months imprisonment. But Decree No. 20 was hurriedly promulgated and back-dated by one whole year to take effect from when he and others committed the crime.

The man responsible for that is today the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. He has sought no re-

mission or restitution for that act. He is the same man being daily burnished in the media as the new face of “change.”

Before the promulgation of Decree 20, drug offences were bailable and it is instructive that Bartholomew Owoh was even on bail when it was promulgated. My personal investigation reveals that immediately the decree was promulgated, the young man expressed his desire to escape from the country. But his father prevailed on him to stay back, promising that he would protect him from the grave injustice. The young Owoh heeded his father’s advice and stayed.

I can imagine the last few moments of Bartholomew’s earthly life as he watched soldiers march around in a choreographic and synchronised parade to carry out the orders to execute him. He must have been too shocked by what was about to happen. What were the last word(s) he heard on this earth before the hail of

bullets hit and silenced him forever? Have any of Buhari’s supporters bothered to ask or imagine?

If Bartholomew Owoh, was still alive today, he would have been 56 years old – about the same age as Buhari’s runningmate, Yemi Osinbajo. He would have been married with children. But he died in his prime, as his life was brutally cut short by no less a brutal regime.

I can imagine the eternal guilt Owoh’s father must have felt and probably still feels, that’s if he is still alive for prevailing on his son not to escape.

The irony here is that Bartholomew Owoh and his co- travellers were no saints; just as Buhari who ordered their execution is no saint. But the difference is that while the supporters of Buhari tell us that he has changed and are willing to forgive and give him a second chance, the same Buhari never gave Bartholomew

and his co-travellers the opportunity for a second chance – to change and be good citizens of the society.

The frenzied campaign to dress Buhari in borrowed robes and foist him on Nigerians must be interrogated without let. Buahari’s critics must never allow themselves to be intimidated into silence by those who attack them for daring to interrogate the past and present and acts of the general.

For God sake! How can a man who, according to Professor Wole Soyinka, “Built a career out of human rights abuses” suddenly become the change agent for the New Nigeria? He has become the man who will cure Nigeria of all afflictions such as corruption, insecurity, etc. The only message coming out from Buhari is: “I will fight corruption and insecurity,” but he has been short on details on how he plans to achieve these twin objectives.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Politics

s OBAZE

Dubem Obaze

17

PDP has no candidate in Anambra

Former Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Dubem Obaze, now Senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), for Anambra North District, in this interview with DORIS NNABUENYI spoke on the politics of the state, his relationship with former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, his former boss and other contentious issues. Excerpts: How would you assess the primary election for the

Senate in the state?

Just like any other contest, it was conducted decently. It was free and fair, in my own opinion, and I must say that it was also tough. But, I never, at any point, felt that I was not going to win the ticket. I won a total of 226 votes which is over 50 percent of the entire vote out of the 450 votes cast.

I guess it is a result of the feelings of the people. There were five of us and the other four shared the rest of the 50 percent of the votes.

What is your view about

multiple candidates of the PDP in your zone?

As we are speaking today, PDP does not have a candidate. So I am not worried about people that do not have a candidate. It is not Stella Odua, it is not Okadigbo and it is not John Emeka. I am waiting to know who the All Progressives Congress (APC) or other political parties are fielding. This game plan of PDP having more than one candidate and winning elections, and after which the party CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

FASANMI

At 54, dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers yet to be realised Michael Bamigbola, Osogbo At 89, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, politician, nationalist, elder statesman and Afenifere leader, still has a brighter and colourful hope for Nigeria. His major hope for the country is to see a nation free of corruption and bad leadership. He has seen it all on the nation’s political scene, having served as a councillor in his native Ijero Local Government, in Ekiti state, before independence, member, House of Representatives in the first republic and senator in the Second Republic on the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria

(UPN), led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He believes in Awoism and vowed to die as an Awoist, saying nothing can change his believe in Awoism.

In spite of the current security and other challenges, he feels Nigeria still has a brighter hope but which can only be realised when a progressive minded politician takes over the helm of affairs of the country. This, he said, would be made possible with the emergence of an All Progressive Congress (APC) President, who will take over from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In this heart-to-heart exclusive interview with MICHAEL

Buhari

Ndigbo group to Buhari: You are unfit to govern a local council

BAMIGBOLA, Chief Fasanmi, a renowned pharmacist, x-rayed the nation’s political situation since the colonial era and made projections for the country’s future. Excerpts: Nigeria has celebrated its 54th independence anniversary as an independent nation; as an elder statesman how would you describe the journey so far?

We thank God for the journey of Nigeria from its independence to date. Nigeria has been a blessed nation but our leaders CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Bisola Oyewole Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN), has urged the electorate not to waste their time, money and votes on General Muhammadu Buhari’s candidacy arguing that he is not fit to govern a local council let alone a nation.

In a statement signed by its

Fasanmi

President, Chief Udo Udeogaranya, he said Northerners should look beyond the surface and realise that the same All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Lagos State that brutally confiscated motorcycles, hounded and drove out their enterprising sons, who were doing very well with Okada business is now the

one giving them a fake promise of presidency.

“Northern leaders should count their blessings and thank President Goodluck Jonathan, who has refused to use the insurgency issue to embark on a negative mission, but rather have ensured that the North has the best of his government,” the group said.

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

‘PDP should back APGA as compensation’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

presents a candidate can no longer work. It cannot be tolerated again. That situation is undemocratic and it is anti-people. It does not help our democracy, at all.

The idea of running against three people is funny. Maybe Stella gets the votes from Ogbaru axis, John Emeka will get from Anambra East and West and combine it with Okadigbo from Oyi or Ayamelum. I consider it funny. But that shows that the PDP is not in the state. But since we in APGA are supporting Mr. President, I urge them to support us and all our candidates, as well, in Anambra for the 2015 general election.

How do you see the alleged symbiotic relationship or Alliance of APGA and PDP; is it possible?

If my opinion is sought, I will ask them to allow us (those of us in APGA) 100 percent representation in the senatorial seats, the 11 House of Representatives seats and the 30 state House of Assembly seats. I am sure if they give us all, that it would be close to the presidency that we are not running for.

Can you speak about your tenure as Commissioner for Local Government in the state?

It is a question of knowing what your people want and acting on them. We have a very poor community as you can see. So when you are called to serve, you first of all know what the people want and not what you want or what you are to impose on them.

You must appreciate their needs and try to meet those needs. That is what we did at the local government area level in Anambra state. We did a need assessment to find out what the people needed.

These things range from roads, to primary health care, to housing and education. Those are things that our people want. They want poverty alleviation. So, when you work on programmes that would

help those four or five things areas, then you are on the right path. Those were the things that we did at the local government level. The policy of giving money to the fourth tier of government, which is the town unions and elevating the traditional rulers’ status were planned clearly and also implemented. I am glad that they are still being implemented today. I am very grateful to God for allowing me the opportunity to serve our people. I am also grateful to our former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, for giving me the opportunity to serve and I am equally grateful to our present governor, Chief Willie Obiano for continuing these good works that Obi did.

As a former Commissioner Local Government, do you think the Bill on Local Government Autonomy is worth it?

It is good, but we must encourage active participation at the local government level. The autonomy is a fantastic idea, but we must, as a people, hold our local government chairmen responsible. By so doing, you hold the governor, as well, responsible. At some point, if you go back a few years back in 2008 and 2009, some of our local governments, had like N200 million in their account. All we said is that this is your money, but you must tell us what you are doing with the money or what you want to do with the money.

That was why you saw that some council areas that did repaired or constructed roads worth N100 million. The state government is there to supervise and not, necessarily, spend the money on their behalf. They can spend the money themselves and we make sure that they use it for the greater good of the people; but you cannot spend 50 percent of your capital expenditure on frivolous matters.

How would you describe the representation of Anambra North in the past?

Our senators have tried and you can only give what you have.

“That situation is undemocratic and it is anti people. It does not help our democracy at all” Obaze

Obaze

“...PDP is not in the state. The party is not on ground here. But since we in APGA are supporting Mr. President, I urge them to just support us and all our candidates in Anambra for the 2015 general election”

I am not criticising anybody, but you must understand that I come from a different background. I have lived in Anambra consistently and constantly for the past eight years and I know the state very well. I had the opportunity to serve as a commissioner and I know our people and their needs.

So, I will approach it differently.

Some of them live in Abuja. When you are elected and you move back to Abuja. It might be difficult to come home, almost frequently, but is assumed that they know the issues that they are supposed to address. With the exception of late Chuba Okadigbo, who was a Senate President, I know that I will do better than other senators.

What are your views about the lamentations of deprivation by Anambra North?

Well, the senate is basically a

“I am equally grateful to our present governor Willie Obiano for continuing these good works that Obi did

legislative arm of government.

However, you must have followups. What the governor is doing in agriculture is good. If you have a senator, who is supporting the governor, he would be doing a follow-up at the national level to assist the governor in that sector.

There are funds out there and if you see what is happening in other states, with the fantastic works the Minister for Agriculture is doing, the question then is ‘how much of it have come to Anambra state’? It is not the governor’s work alone, but also the duty of the senator. It is the work of the members of House of Representatives to go and ensure that some of the benefits of politics and government get to us. We have to do something to ensure that our people are geared towards agriculture. If you come to my community everybody wants to move to Onitsha.

Everybody wants to move to the urban areas. But I am assuring you that if you create the enabling environment, the air here is cleaner, people would rather live here, eat here, work here than go to Onitsha and pay house rent that they cannot afford. So, it is to create the much needed enabling environment, legislatively, with constituency projects with whatever you have to support the governor. Take a look at what they are doing in Kwara state; mechanized agriculture is on there. Now Coscharis is doing something here and we have millions of such people in Anambra state and if they come down here and invest heavily, there will be no need for our people to move to the urban areas.

How would you react to the protest over APGA primaries?

Yes, there were areas where we had issues, but even the worst APGA primary is better than what happened in PDP, where they had three or four locations and nobody showed up. They wrote names and submitted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Peter Obi

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

have been the major problems of this country. If you look at various aspects of our national life, especially economy and politics, one will feel very much disappointed.

Talk of education, employment, security, social infrastructures, they are all comatose.

The most worrisome of all the aspects of our national life is security. There is insecurity in the country, especially the northern part of the country. Any leader or political party that cannot guarantee the security of the people is not fit to be in power. Our infrastructure has gone into ruins and our educational system is nothing to write home about. We have a lot of university, over a hundred of them, but the education standard is falling each day. The standard of education is very low now compared with what it used to be.

Now, a graduate cannot speak or write correct English. If you ask a graduate of accountancy to multiply seven by five, he will be silent for a long time before he gives a wrong answer.

We all know what is happening in the country, especially in the South-South, South-East and the North. We are fortunate in the South-West in terms of security.

There is crime in the society now and criminals roam the streets of our cities every day.

There is massive corruption at the top. The issue of corruption in Nigeria has taken a terrible dimension. However, in our own active days, there was nothing like this high level corruption. I could remember when I was a councillor in Ijero Local Government Area of the then Western region and now Ekiti state, we were doing very well. We didn’t allow money to entice us. Also, when I was at the House of Representatives and the Senate, we were doing very well. Of course, as of that time, we were operating parliamentary system of government and later we went to presidential system of government, which is the most expensive system of government in any country. Today, we get so much money for development but some people pocket it.

The judiciary, which is supposed to be the last hope of the

‘Why Yoruba leaders must unite’

Fasanmi common man, is another corrupt area. The whole system is corrupt now and that is why a single person could take away money meant for the pensioners. Any system that creates a gap between a few microscopic people and the masses is not helping the course of democracy by any way, and that is the exact thing we are experiencing in the country today.

Any government that encourages mass unemployment of people is not helping the society and that

“There is massive corruption at the top. The issue of corruption in Nigeria has taken a terrible dimension”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

‘No APC in Anambra’

19 Politics

The worst APGA primary is better than what happened in APC where the winner was certain.

In terms of internal democracy, we still have about 70-80 percent.

You can see the gap and we have the edge and come next month, APGA would emerge victorious.

How about Ogbaru Federal

is why there are so many criminals in the society. Nobody is safe again in Nigeria, even in broad day light we are not safe.

The issue of power is another challenge confronting the nation and the leaders at the centre are not doing anything on it. There is epileptic power supply in all parts of the country. There are places where there is no electricity for a whole month. In some places, there is no potable water and some children do not have access to education. The journey has been so terrible and no one feels happy with the situation of things in the country.

However, with the development in the South-West geo political zone, by the coming on board of those I will describe as political Daniels, one feel elated and happy.

I’m saying this not because I am a member of the APC, because the APC governors in the South-West are revolutionists, who have come to give us hope and also tell us that the country still has hope. Look at what is happening in Lagos state.

Anyone, who gets to Lagos now, will see the wonders Governor

Babatunde Fashola is performing. The Governors of Ogun, Oyo, Osun and until recently Ekiti states are also doing similar things. They are all performing wonders and there is a wonderful transformation in these states, hence the need to commend them.

One thing that gladdens my heart since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was founded is that there is no governor of the APC-controlled states that has been prosecuted by this anti-graft agency. This is because of their transparency and accountability.

Constituency, where the incumbent Afam Ogene was allegedly short changed?

Ogbaru is an APGA local government and this is the most successful local government in the nation and it happens to be my local government. It is unfortunate that we lost our brother Afam Ogene. But it was a contest and somebody must win. Unfortunately, it did not work out that

way. We shall try to approach him because APC is not here, Ogene is a good Igbo man. We need him in APGA. I do not think that anybody in APC would leave APC for APGA in Lagos. There is no ward chairman, woman leader or youth leader for APC.

What will you identify as the cause(s) of the problems confronting the country?

The simple answer is poor leadership. Once the leadership is corrupt and those at the top cannot do what is right, then there will be a problem. Our leaders lack transparency and they are not ready to serve the people, but they are in office to enrich themselves, they only want to pocket what is meant for the generality of the people.

Also, the presidential system

Is your relationship with Peter Obi still intact since his defection to PDP?

of government being practised in the country cannot help us. We should also ask ourselves if truly we are operating a federal system of government. There are certain things the federal government should not look into, if we are operating a true federal system of government. The federal government should only be concerned with the concurrent lists. Must we continue to make the police force a federal agency, in a federal system of government, that we claim to operate and deny the states the opportunity to have their own police force? The system has to be re-examined. We put so much prominence on money in Nigeria and people don’t care where you get the money. What do you expect from a country that gives state pardon to a criminally-minded person? Honesty and dedication do not matter again in Nigeria.

You will see people in party ‘A’ today, tomorrow they are in party ‘B’, all because they want to make money. This country has to be redeemed, especially at this crucial time, when we want to transit to another democratic government.

Do you think the different interest groups in the APC will not affect the chances of the party in the forthcoming election?

One day during the days of the late sage, the only political hero that Yoruba people worship and that we shall continue to worship, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, we were at the leaders conference in his home town, Ikene, Ogun state and it was agreed that all progressive folks in the country must come together, if this country must progress.

Today, we are doing a similar thing. The progressive elements must come together to salvage this country from political marauders. That is the best way to take over the government of this country from the PDP. As a strategically important country in Africa, everyone in this continent look forward to seeing this country setting the pace for others and that can only take place when the progressives take over. Those CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Well, I am an APGA man and our oga, Peter Obi, is an APGA man.

He is just in PDP, as far as I am concerned, on sojourn and he did it in a very decent manner. He never called anybody or a meeting to say: come and follow me, let us join PDP. If he had done that, may be there would have been a problem. This is an APGA state and APGA is a South-East- based party and when it comes to elections, it is APGA.

Politics 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Wale Akintunde Former Political Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Barrister A. A. Gulak, has criticized the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu, over the crisis rocking the party in Adamawa State.

He alleged that Muazu was responsible for the disquiet in the party, stressing that over 180 litigations are in court against the party by its state chapters and exonerated President Jonathan from the crisis.

He alleged that most of the anti-democratic antics were perpetrated by Muazu and his cohorts.

“See what is happening in Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Adamawa, Taraba and other states of the federation. There is nowhere you will go all over the federation that you will not find crisis within the PDP. The PDP is lucky because it is well grounded; if not, it would have exploded,” Gulak said.

According to him: “If the PDP loses the general elections, Muazu should be held responsible for perpetrating evil in the party and not Jonathan, but appealed to the president or his vice to wade into the matter to reconcile aggrieved members before it is too late.

“When Muazu stated, last week, at the inauguration of Jonathan Campaign Organisation that there were injustices in the party; that Baboon de chop, Monkey de work, I was taken aback! Who is talking?

Is it Muazu, the national chairman talking? Who is perpetrating the injustice? Did he want to blame the president? That was what he did. He pulled it from himself and hanged it on the president.

“Unfortunately, the president did not file any paper with INEC, it’s the chairman by hanging the gown of injustice on the president and I expected him the following day to tender

Gulak

Mu’azu responsible for crisis in PDP- Gulak “...If the PDP loses the general elections, Mua’zu should be held responsible for perpetrating evil in the party and not President Jonathan” his resignation. If I were him, that’s what I would have done, having accused the party of injustice that he is perpetrating”, he added.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

‘Why APC should take over from PDP’

who love this country should pray for APC to come on board. Those who prefer darkness to light are those who do not want APC to be in power, but I can see light at the end of the day.

I am happy that the leadership of the party are men of integrity.

They are principled men, who cannot sell their conscience for a plate of porridge. My wish is that the revolution in the South-West can also happen in all parts of the country.

He alleged that the national chairman had been speaking with the two sides of his mouth, by saying a different thing and doing another thing at the det-

What can you suggest as solution to the activities of the Boko Haram sect in Nigeria?

As a Christian, I believe so much in forgiveness after repentance. If these people can repent, the President can give them amnesty. If a sinner repents, God teaches us to forgive such a sinner. However, we need to ask what these people are fighting for and who they are. Some people say they are faceless, but I don’t believe that because some political leaders in the country

riment, growth and development of the party across the country, like the substitution of many names with those who never vied.

Gulak also alleged that Muazu is the brain behind the multitude of unresolved crises that have bedeviled over 19 state chapters of the party, related to primaries, and causing discomfort to Jonathan as the leader of the party aside over 180 litigations in court against the party.

The former political adviser,

and members of the Senate have been arrested for allegedly sponsoring them.

The question we now need to ask ourselves is: ‘are these people repentant and are they ready to come out from their hidden places’? If they are repentant, the idea of amnesty can now be taken seriously.

These people have destroyed many lives. Churches have been burnt and lives have been lost to their nefarious acts. Are these people prepared to lay

whose name was substituted with Governor Bala James Ngilari of Adamawa State, as the Adamawa North Senatorial candidate with the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), frowned at a statement credited to Muazu at a PDP rally that it was only those that had not suffered that had been enjoying political patronage of the party.

He advised Jonathan to change the trend, if re-elected in next month’s election.

down their arms and attend a round table conference to express their grievances? Do they want to continue to use religion as instrument of war?

The insecurity has affected our economy as a nation, because it has driven investors away.

Nigeria would have been better than this, economically, but for the problem of insecurity. Nigeria is a very beautiful country and we need to maintain our beauty and return to God as the prodigal son did.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Inside Niger Delta JUSUN Strike: Justice is delayed…

The nationwide strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) is already taking its toll in all states of the federation, as justice is now delayed. In this report, Daily Times Correspondent in Akure, ‘TOSIN AJUWON, takes a look at how the strike is causing delay in justice.

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike is to demand for better

welfare of judiciary workers from the government but their two-week old action is now causing delay in the dispense of justice for the common man awaiting trial in most of the states of the federation where the strike had taken effect.

The delay had resulted to the boycott of courts and suspension of judicial activities by legal professionals and workers.

Under the aegis of JUSUN, the judiciary workers had on January 2, 2015 embarked on

21

s an indefinite strike action to demand for the implementation of the January 13, 2014 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja that ordered the Accountant-General of the Federation to make deductions of amount standing to the credit of state judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The failure of government to address the demands, made JUSUN to lock up all the doors CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

An entrance to the Judiciary

DELTA: $16b

project at the mercy of ethnic warlords That the proposed $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project in Delta State would flare up ethnic tempers between the Itsekiri and Ijaw was inevitable. JOE OGBODU examines the events that led to the botched groundbreaking of the controversial mega project.

Uduaghan

THE GENESIS Bickering over who should call the shots on local content brought into the open the simmering conflict between the Chief Ayiri Emami faction of the Ugborodo Community Trust and Hon.David Tonweled wing. This cold war in the ‘armed’ struggle between these rival groups had split the Itsekiri nationality down the middle. Bewildered Itsekiri elite can hardly believe the cruel turn of their fate.

Those in the David Tonwe wing stuck to their guns that the Ayiri Emami faction had desecrated the land and needed to appease the gods before the latter faction, whose members were sacked from the communities during previous skirmishes, would be allowed home. But the law abhors that no individual should be forced to stay away from his ancestral home because of traditional beliefs.

The issues, however, had been simmering for a long time because of the interests involved. The Delta State Gov-

ernor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan waded in because the project was key to his Delta Beyond Oil initiative, which would galvanise the state’s economy, the South-South region and the industrial base of the en-

“Gemu issued an ultimatum to the concerned groups to put their house in order and allow peace to reign” tire country. Thus, he set up a committee to reconcile the factions. A peace deal was struck after the committee, alongside the key actors, met at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

At the meeting were prominent lawyers, Festus Keyomo for the Ayiri/Chief Thomas Eriyitome faction and Chief Efe Akpofure on the Tonwe side.

They did not agree to a collective deal with the Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Commodore Musa Gemu, who anchored the peace initiative.

Gemu and the committee set up by Uduaghan, held several

peace meetings on NNS Delta in Warri. At each meeting, the key players came up with peace deals but reneged on the execution. The smooth return of the over 1000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), sent into exile from the Ayiri and Thomas camps, became the crux of the matter.

Gemu issued an ultimatum to the concerned groups to put their house in order and allow peace to reign, but none of the camps was ready to shift ground. At a time, Tonwe and Ayiri factions met with the governor and agreed to a ceasefire.

The media was agog with the news that the factions in Ugborodo had fused into one indivisible group. However, one of the factions attacked the other and hostilities resumed.

Uduaghan has always been perceived by the Tonwe faction as being biased towards the Ayiri camp which had support at the federal level and was feted by the Gbaramatu Ijaws, who couldn’t forgive Uduaghan and Ayiri for the deep wounds inflicted on them during the war.

ENTER IJAW FURORE The alleged sidelining of the Ijaw in the Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) project was still fresh, although, the Itsekiri alleged that the Ijaw were involved in the EGTL project. For CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Inside Niger Delta 22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Ethnic bickering stalls project

implementation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

the Federal Government, led by their kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, to sanction another regime of multibillion dollar largesse for the Itsekiri at their expense, was surely not going to be allowed to happen by the Ijaw.

The intra-Ugborodo community crisis soon became an inter-ethnic grumbling. The Ijaw of Gbaramatu suddenly realised the mega nature of the project and agitated for equal stakes in the project with the Itsekiri.

First, the Federated Niger Delta Ijaw Communities (FNDIC) which midwifed the release of foreign hostages seized by outlawed Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in 2006, decried the alleged sidelining of its ethnic nationality, citing the case of Kpokpo/Okpeleama, both Ijaw communities which were said to be less than 335.554 hectares of land but situated on the Escravos EPZ land.

Even before the cancellation of the groundbreaking ceremony, owing to the browbeating of the President by an influential and former militant warlord, Chief Government Ekpemuopolo (a.k.a Tompolo); a chieftain of the FNDIC, Oboko Bello had warned that

JUSUN strike: ‘No retreat again’

“if the vexed issues were not addressed before the project was flagged off.

Oboko warned that the President’s visit to Escravos would only infuriate the ‘stakeholders” it could be counter-productive if the vexed issues were not addressed before the project was flagged off.

Oboko warned that the President’s visit to Escravos would only infuriate the ‘stakeholders’ who had complained of neglect in the execution of the project.

Soon, Tompolo and his clan started their own agitation.

Bello also wanted the recognition of his people of Kpokpo/ Okpeleama as stakeholders to the project, because, according to him, following the revocation of their land, his people were displaced from their local economies.

For Tompolo, the EPZ project cannot solely belong to the Itsekiri, although, it is a Delta/ Federal Government initiative.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

and gates of the courts in protest against the non-compliance with the order of the court for financial autonomy and independence of the judiciary.

Although, members of the union are claiming that their protest was meant to enhance access to justice and strengthen the democratic process of the country but the government

Views of the EPZ site, equipment on ground and stages of ongoing work in the site in Ogidigben. Photos: By Joe Ogbodu.

For him, the Ijaw must have a stake and some of their communities were on hand to justify the agitation that their land formed part of the EPZ land mass.

While Oboko Bello was crusading for recognition of his Ijaw enclave, Tompolo craved for a bigger picture --- the project to bear Ogidigben/Gbaramatu as part of its names. Ogidigben is an Itsekiri enclave, which, in the original proposal, was to host the entire EPZ project. The contention of the Ijaw, however, is that the gas processing zone of the project should be named after Ogidigben, while the deep sea port which is also part of the project

should be named after Gbaramatu. The difference between the two is that Ogidigben is a community within UgborodoItsekiri while Gbaramatu is a kingdom in Ijaw land. The result is that the Itsekiri, disagreed while the Ijaw refused to bend.

The governor, realizing the enormity of the deadlock, smartly changed the name of the project to Delta Gas City Project and assured the President and the Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke that a harmonious inter-community relationship had been negotiated and established.

seems not to be looking in their direction.

President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu had said that the strike is a fight-to-the-finish stressing that government was fond of paying lip service to issues relating to industrial harmony.

Adamu said the strike was the union’s last card to agitate for its members’ demands,

stressing that it was a total action that would continue till their demands were met.

He noted that the strike was also meant to ensure total independence of the judiciary from its current dependence on the Executive adding that the independence of the judiciary would also help guarantee access to justice for all citizens of the country.

$16b project

Uduaghan

The JUSUN president also took a swipe at the state governments for the non-implementation of the union’s demands adding that it was obvious that the state governors were deliberately disobeying and frustrating the independence of the judiciary.

“We went to court for the interpretation of Sections 121 (3), CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

23 Inside Niger Delta

The actors, the foes The dramatis personae in the crisis are, diametrically, aligned as far as the EPZ project is concerned. The two personalities now at the centre of the crisis, Ayiri and Tompolo who defined the conflict with their continued dominance of their localities, have turned into political cornerstones that cannot be ignored, more so, with the general elections in sight.

AYIRI EMAMI On the Itsekiri side, the young and former militant commander, Ayiri Emami, secured respite for the battered Itsekiri in Warri and its refugees from Ogidigben, Madangho, Ode-Itsekiri and other Itsekiri enclaves from the marauding Ijaw, from their anchor point in Okenrenkoko with the former Oporoza warlord and militant commander, Tompolo, directing the genocidal tidal wave on and offshore.

Emerging from the theatre of war, Emami was instantly rewarded with a juicy security contract with Chevron to guard the company’s facilities in Escravos --- an Itsekiri locality, essentially, for himself and his boys, who had earlier been idle. The deal was sealed after they laid siege on the Escravos Terminal and Tank Farm to force the company to cancel a subsisting contract with another security firm that had performed the tasks for the company for decades.

Chevron sources recalled the dramatic blockage, which resulted in a major international incident for the multinational company, requiring it to declare a force majeure to its global customers.

Furthermore, the Chevron Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) project was onstream and became a money-spinning contract for the Ayiri Emami camp with its arrowhead, Chief Eyiritomi Thomas and the Governor’s brother-in-law, who is the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, to the chagrin of rival Itsekiri ‘General’, David Tonwe, who waged a battle of attrition

over the headship of the Ugborodo council with Ayiri to a stalemate.

TOMPOLO Chief Government Ekpemuopolo (a.k.a Tompolo) a field mobiliser of FNDIC raised to become a ‘Field Commander’ of MEND and then ‘Grand Commander’, was not as, immediately, fortunate as his arch-enemy on the Itsekiri side.

Although, equally favoured by Chief James Ibori, former governor of Delta State, in a precarious balancing act to manage the aftermath of the Ijaw/Itsekiri crisis, it was Ibori’s Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and cousin, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan – an Itsekiri – who managed the resolution of the war and the payment plan for peace. He also emerged the State Governor in 2007 and his kinsman, Emami, was a bigger beneficiary of the peace deal.

Tompolo was forced to retreat into the creeks after the Nigerian Army’s revenge attack on Odi, an Ijaw town in neighbouring Bayelsa State, multiple assaults on his Camp 5 and the destruction of Oporoza, his hometown in Gbaramatu.

The crisis finally led to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua’s amnesty programme, which then ensured that compensations were paid to the Ijaw ‘Generals’, including Tompolo in Delta; Boyloaf in Bayelsa; with Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom in Rivers, to mention a few. The peace process, brokered by Prof. Wole Soyinka, amongst others, led to the immediate government patronage of the militants in form of oil pipeline security contracts as well as the amnesty largesse.

Just like Emami benefited from the elevation of Uduaghan to become a state governor, Tompolo was even more favoured, with the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as President. He, immediately, took firm hold of a key federal government agency, Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and installed Akpobolokemi, his Ijaw kinsman as Director-

“A major waterways protection contract, worth $1 billion, was, controversially, awarded to a company, allegedly backed by Tompolo because he took over the patrolling of the Nigerian waterways on behalf of NIMASA” General to succeed an Itsekiri, Omatseye, who was hounded out.

A major waterways protection contract, worth $1 billion, was, controversially, awarded to a company, allegedly backed by Tompolo because he took over the patrolling of the Nigerian waterways on behalf of NIMASA. His company also started collecting cabotage fees and other revenues as well as the maintenance and tracking of oil tankers and anti-bunkering operations on behalf of the agency.

Tompolo, widely regarded as a traditionalist and priest of his local Egbesu (Big Satan) deity, was tight-fisted with the proceeds from the amnesty largesse, which led to a rumbling from his former commanders, including ‘General’ Michael Johnny, who could point to Ayiri Emami’s famed generosity to his inner circle, while Tompolo was not so inclined.

But with the pipelines and security contracts as well as the NIMASA bonanza, Tompolo changed and splashed money on a private jet in 2013. His closeness to the NIMASA boss, who is a favoured ‘son’ of the President, elevated him to the respectable society as a near-permanent resident in the presidential suite of the Abuja Transcorp Hilton.

Tompolo

Ayiri Emami

Alison Maduekwe, Petroleum Minister

Commanding Officer NNS Delta,Commodore Musa Gemu

James Ibori

JUSUN STRIKE: AGF is compromised CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

81(3), and 163 (9) and judgment was given in January, 2014. The judgment and court decision was in our favour and, till date, none of the 36 state governors has appeal against the judgment. They were served with the court order but they refused

to implement the decision”.

He also alleged that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) was suspected to have compromised his position and authority imposed on him by the Court order.

While the union blames the state governments for some

woes in the implementation, the Federal Government, through the AGF, Mohammed Bello Adoke said it had complied with the judgment stressing that the state governments should also be held responsible for the continuous lingering industrial action of the union.

Adoke, who spoke through a statement signed by his Director of Information, Charles Nwodo said, “The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice notes with concern the ongoing strike embarked upon by the CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Inside Niger Delta 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Autonomous state judiciary necessary CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to press for the implementation of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered on January 13, 2014.

“The Federal High Court, among other things, ordered that the amount standing to the credit of the states’ judiciary in the Federation/Consolidated Revenue Fund be paid directly to the heads of courts in the various states’ judiciary, in compliance with the provisions of sections 81(3), 121 (3) and 162 (9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“This strike is unfortunate and has paralysed the activities of the judiciary throughout the federation. The Attorney General of the Federation is, however, constrained to issue this statement, in view of the misconceptions and insinuations in the print and electronic media.” the part of the statement read.

A group, the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Right (CDWR) had earlier thrown its weight behind the industrial action of the judiciary workers across the states.

Its publicity secretary, Mr. Chinedu Bosah, through an electronic statement sent to Daily Times at the weekend, called for the independent running of the state judiciary adding that the Federal High Court, Abuja judgment be implemented with compliance with the financial independence of the state judiciary.

“The judgment of the court delivered by Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in January, 2014, had directed that funds meant for state judiciary as allocations from the Federation/Consolidated Revenue Fund should be paid directly to heads of the state courts.

“The court declared as unconstitutional, null and void the piece-meal payments/allocations of funds through the Ministry of Finance in the states to the state judiciary at the pleasure of State Governors”, it read.

Daily Times inquiry into the ongoing battle revealed that the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu had on March 17, 2014, intervened in the crisis when the judiciary workers issued a 21-day ultima-

Locked court offices tum to the government.

In line with the court judgment, the Accountant-General of the Federation is to make deductions of the amount standing to the credit of state judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund and remit it to the National Judicial Council (NJC), which would disburse same to the various heads of court.

The union had, in July, 2014, embarked on a three-week industrial action but it was suspended after stakeholders held a meeting with the executive members of the striking union with a promise to ensure that the union got their demands met by the government.

Daily Times can authoritatively report that the discussion

at the meeting transformed into a MoU and an agreement was signed with the union.

But the stakeholders flouted the MoU who attended the meeting on November 27, 2014, on how to resolve the matter and that a financial autonomy of the judiciary as ordered by the court take effect from last year December, 2014.

Sources had told Daily Times that, at the November meeting, it was agreed that as from the next Federal Accounts Allocation Committee meeting, the judgment would be implemented.

Following this strike, Daily Times Correspondent who had been monitoring the industrial action revealed that nonworkers in the courts were allowed into the court premises in the states by members of the union’s task force mandated to enforce compliance with the union’s leadership directives.

Our correspondent was told at the gate to one court that “You are aware that there is a strike and nobody is allowed to come in here, not even you as a journalist. This is the instruction they gave us by the union”, the watchful security man said.

Navy, Army still on watertight security measure CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

WHY THE CRISIS LINGERS With the general elections approaching and Uduaghan’s tenure coming to an end, as well as the conclusion of the EGTL project, Ayiri Emami and his Itsekiri clan have become really rattled about the lack of federal patronage and the fear of Ijaw’s continued domination at the Presidency if Jonathan wins a re-election.

Uduaghan was to embark on a clever measure to ensure the continued flow of largesse to the Itsekiri clan with the establishment of the Delta Gas Revolution Project on a 25,000-hectare land located in Ogidigben, the Itsekiri-owned part of the oil creeks.

Tompolo, who now wields much influence in the Villa and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is set to block the Ayiri Emami interest in the EPZ. It was later discovered that the rivalry for the Senate ticket is also a factor at play

in the Ogidigben EPZ drama with James Manager and Tompolo as parties who influenced the President against performing the groundbreaking ceremony, to humiliate Uduaghan.

JOURNALISTS AS VICTIMS The night, preceding the cancellation, Tompolo’s media aide, Paul Bebenimibo had cleverly organised a protest by the Ijaw clans in the Escravos river and Oporoza. The media was awashed with reports that Tompolo had deployed ex-militants into the riverine areas to intimidate the President to abort his visit. The trip, by the selected media men, was sponsored by Bebenimibo to let the President know the area was not safe.

As if that was not enough, the media was again filled with reports of kidnapping and beating of reporters by Tompolo’s loyalists when another set of media men set out to report from the offshore location on an Ayiri Emami-sponsored trip. The clever use of the media by the Itseki-

“The clever use of the media by the Itsekiris led by Chief Ayiri to project the President as a tribalist and railroaded by Tompolo, was so unsettling that the Villa was forced to release a televised statement”

ri, led by Ayiri Emami to project the President as a tribalist and railroaded by Tompolo, was so unsettling that the Presidency was forced to release a televised statement by the President’s spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati to denounce the denigration of the President as a result of the fiasco by same evening.

THREATS TO RELOCATE THE PROJECT Worried that the parties in the crisis were not prepared to shift ground, the Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Allison-Maduekwe was later said to have threatened that the project could be relocated to a more peaceful state like Akwa-Ibom that has the same territorial waters like Delta State.

The EPZ was, initially, planned by the Delta State government to be sited in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Council but because of the shallow nature of the Koko river, coupled with the huge money to dredge it, the state government,

reportedly, decided to move the project to a more suitable location and that was how Ogidigben became the proposed site for the project.

Informed sources said that the security agencies were still on red alert to ensure watertight protection of the waterways as well as the EPZ site. This time, a combined Army and Navy patrol teams were deployed to the five communities in Ugborodo against the allegation that some security agents (Navy) were allegedly working for Ayiri Emami, while another group (soldiers) were for Tonwe.

The taskforce comprises the Navy, Army, Police and the SSS have played a major role to ensure that peace reigns in the troubled communities in Ugborodo. However, the security agencies are not only contending with the intra-community crisis in Ugborodo but how to return the IDPs to their homeland and secure the EPZ project, which is already on the initial stage, is another contending issue.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Today in History

25

s

1924 Vladimir Ilyich Lenin dies

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1924 Vladimir Ilyich Lenin dies In Moscow on the evening of January 21, 1924, shock and near-hysterical grief greets the news that Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, leader of the radical

1959

1959 Switzer of Our Gang murdered Carl Dean Switzer, the actor who as a child played “Alfalfa” in the Our Gang comedy film series, died at age 31 in a fight, allegedly about money, in a Mission Hills, California, home. Alfalfa, the freckle-faced boy with a warbling singing voice and a cowlick protruding from the top of his head, was Switzer’s bestknown role.

As a child, Switzer, who was born August 7, 1927, entertained people in his hometown of

socialist Bolshevik movement that toppled the czarist regime in 1917 and head of the first government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.), had died of a massive cerebral haemorrhage.

Influenced early on by Karl Marx s seminal text Das Kapital, Lenin was radicalized further by the execution of his older brother, Alexander, for conspir-

Switzer of Our Gang murdered Paris, Illinois, with his singing.

On a trip to California to visit relatives, Switzer’s mother took Carl and his brother to the Hal Roach Studios, a film and television production company that launched the careers of comedy legends like Laurel and Hardy.

The Switzer brothers were signed by Hal Roach and Carl was cast as Alfalfa in the Our Gang series, which Roach began producing as silent films in the early 1920s.

ing to kill Czar Alexander III in 1887. The brooding, fiercely intellectual Lenin married the principles of Marxist thought to his own theory of organization and the reality of Russian demographics, envisioning a group of elite professional revolutionaries, or a “vanguard of the proletariat,” who would first lead the agrarian masses of Russia to victory over the tyran-

1996

nical czarist regime and eventually incite a worldwide revolution. He laid out this theory in his most famous treatise, What Is To Be Done?, in 1902. Lenin s insistence on the necessity of this vanguard led to a split in Russia s Social Democratic Labour Party in 1903 between his supporters small majority that was thereafter known as the Bolsheviks? And his opponents, the Mensheviks.

After the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Lenin? Then living in Switzerland? Urged his Bolshevik supporters in Russia to turn the “imperialist” conflict into a civil war that would liberate the working classes from the yoke of the bourgeoisie and monarchy. With the success of the February Revolution and the abdication of Czar Nicholas II in March 1917, Lenin managed, with German help, to travel back to Russia, where he worked with his deputy, Léon Trotsky, to orchestrate the Bolshevik seizure of power from the unsteady provisional government that November. Lenin declared an immediate armistice with the Central Powers and acted quickly to consolidate the power of the new Soviet state under his newly named Communist Party; to that end, in a brutal civil war, his supporters, the “Reds,” had to combat “White” rebellions that sprung up all over Russia.

1950 Alger Hiss convicted of

perjury In the conclusion to one of the most spectacular trials in U.S. history, former State Department official Alger Hiss is convicted of perjury. He was convicted of having perjured himself in regards to testimony about his alleged involvement in a Soviet spy ring before and during World War II. Hiss served nearly four years in jail, but steadfastly protested his innocence during and after his incarceration.

The case against Hiss began in 1948, when Whittaker Chambers, an admitted ex-communist and an editor with Time magazine, testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee and charged that Hiss was a communist in the 1930s and 1940s. Chambers also declared that Hiss, during his work in the Department of State during the 1930s, had passed him top secret reports.

Hiss appeared before HUAC and vehemently denied the charges, stating that he did not even know Chambers. Later, after confronting Chambers face to face, Hiss admitted that he knew him, but that Chambers had been using another name at the time. In short order, Chambers produced the famous “Pumpkin Papers”—copies of the documents he said Hiss passed him during the 1930s.

They were dubbed the “Pumpkin Papers” because Chambers kept them hidden in a pumpkin in his pumpkin patch.

Ferry sinks off Indonesian coast

1996 Ferry sinks off Indonesian coast On this day in 1996, an overloaded ferry sank in an unexpected storm off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, killing 340 people.

The 555-ton Gurita was typically used to ferry passengers between Indonesia’s islands. On January 21, it was scheduled to make the short trip from Jakarta to Sabang, which is in northern Indonesia on the island of Weh. Although exact numbers are impossible to determine, ap-

proximately 400 people were on board when the ship left Jakarta, well in excess of the Gurita’s official capacity.

While there is no indication that the excess passengers contributed to the Gurita’s troubles when it encountered a strong storm just six miles from Sabang, the overload did exacerbate the disaster. As the ship began to sway and lurch violently, people began to panic and fight over life jackets, as there were not enough for everyone on board.

Margaret Crotty, an employee of Save the Children in Indonesia who was a passenger on the

ferry, later reported that she and others were forced to jump ship without a life jacket. She survived by fashioning her pants into a floatation device and witnessed the few rafts that made it into the water refuse to pull up survivors from the water for fear of overcrowding the rafts.

The Gurita sank quickly, and the surrounding waters quickly filled with bodies. Sharks then preyed on the bodies of the dead and those still living. Crotty stayed afloat for 16 hours before she was able to make her way to a lighthouse.

She was one of only 47 survivors.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Our heritage

s Yahoo! honours Omotola as Nollywood’s cornerstone

E-mail Please do not hesitate to send us your feed back: agozinoagozino@yahoo.com

Goethe-Institut hosts Ryman

ÏÏÏThis

ÏÏÏAward-winning

international science fiction writer, Geoffrey Ryman, will be the guest writer of Goethe-Institut on Wednesday (today) January 21, 2015.

Ryman is a writer and promoter of science fiction, fantasy and surrealistic fiction. Ryman lectures in creative writing at the University of Manchester’s English Department. His most recent full-length novel, The King’s Last Song, is set in Cambodia, both at the time of Angkorean emperor, Jayavarman VII, and in the present period.

He is currently at work on a new historical novel set in the United States before the Civil War. Khalilah Rose

Khalilah Rose, Tuface

Channels boss, Tu Face, Pasuma, others for voters’ gig ÏÏÏChairman/CEO, Channels TV,

John Momoh, and award-winning singer, Tu Face Idibia are expected to grace the first voter education concerts in four cities across the country in preparation for the February 14, 2015 elections.

Other personalities include: Fuji star, Pasuma, MI, Ice Prince, Reminisce and Burna Boy. Organised by an advocacy group, Enough Is Enough Nigeria, the voter education concerts will hold in Kaduna, Jos, Owerri and Lagos, with the aim of using muContinued on page 27

preaching peace through free shows Moses Kadiri She has been consistent around the world preaching peace, love, unity through conscious reggae music. Khalilah Rose is again taking the gospel of reggae music to Africa.

Unlike many international artistes who charge millions of Naira to perform in shows in Africa, Khalilah Rose prefers not to charge any fee but to perform free of charge in Africa. This is the second time the Jamaica-born reggae artiste, influenced by the late reggae icon, Bob Marley, her fellow countryman, would be coming to Africa to perform. Last year, she

left a lasting impression with her Nigerian fans when she thrilled several dignitaries at the Musa Yar’A’dua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna State.

Indeed, she is a living example of practice what you preach. “Some artistes sing about Africa, talk about their love for Africa, but how many, actually, will travel to Africa for free shows?” she asked. “It is about standing up and building a strong foundation as an artiste with no borders.”

The international artiste, who is from the Maroon Tribe in Jamaica, made the shocking revelation that she is an African.”Many individuals do not study or try to learn their history and as an African, our his-

Nollywood icon and beauty, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, is celebrating her 20 years in the entertainment industry. The veteran actress, who has featured in over 200 reputable movies, has been listed as one of the ‘‘highest-grossing movie stars, fans, probably, never heard of ”, by Yahoo! Omotola also happens to be the only Nigerian and African on the list.

Omotola is listed alongside Bollywood star, Shah Rukh Khan, Frank Welker, Bob Bergen, Jack Angel, Mickie McGowan, Michael Papajohn, Martin Klebba, Clint Howard and Chris Ellis.

Omotola was likened to Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashian, and also qualified as ‘Nollywood’s cornerstone’.’‘In her homeland she’s like a cross between Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashan, with her own reality TV series.

Although, it’s near impossible to determine what her box office total is, given that the Nigerian film industry is, mostly, one that distributes through market stalls and street corners, it is estimated to be worth upwards of £320 million a year – and Omosexy is a Nollywood cornerstone”, according to Yahoo!

While sharing the news on her official Instagram page, the award winning actress wrote “Hopefully, someday this could be a thing of the past. #gratefulstill #omosexy@20 #20yrsanniversary”.

tory is hidden and if we don’t seek, we will not find,” she said. “The oppressors did a good job at putting us down and if one artiste, with a microphone, can start with a vision to educate people about who or what they are or where they came from, then that makes them powerful.”

Although, her management is still working on the dates for her tour of Africa, but bookings and ticket reservations are secured for 2015 when Khalilah Rose would continue her propagation of peace and unity in Africa. “Music is not a destination, it is a journey an artiste has to make and reggae music is universal, it is more than anyContinued on page 27

Omotola

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

27

With Ben 7, we’ll redefine music industry – Jebon Moses Kadiri Music label outfit, Jebon Records, is out to harness young talented artistes and turn them into super stars in the Nigerian music industry.

“We want to redefine Nigerian music as an art and business,” according to Mr. Umebulue Johnpaul, MD/CEO of the outfit, adding that “ Jebon Records is driven by divine principles and untainted ideology in grooming and encouraging young artistic talents with penchant for synergy”.

He disclosed that he had signed on a young artiste; Benjamin Olawepo (a.k.a Ben 7), who, he said, “has abundant talent.”When we wanted to launch the label, Ben 7 dropped a hit single entitled Kilode, featuring Akpako Master, Terry G. But we could not follow it up because he had to write his West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE). Since he is through, we decided to drop another single entitled, Leave Am Like Dat, and the song has been enjoying favourable airtime on radio stations across the country.”

With more music labels springing up in the country, Johnpaul said his outfit was ready to take over the music scene. “We have done underground study before we launched the label four years back; we have seen record labels that have come and gone the reason is because they did not have the raw talents. For instance, EME has young talents on its label and it has been holding in there. Although, Wizkid had left the label, Banky W had been signing young artistes.

When you sign someone that is not talented, with just one hit song, you will not hear the artiste any-

Johnpaul

Tu Face, Pasuma, others for voters’ gig Continued from page 26 sic to educate voters on the need to participate in the forthcoming elections. During the show 15-minute interludes will also be used to promote the RSVP campaign. Entry will be free to those with valid voter’s cards while others will pay a token fee.

EiE Nigeria has also organised a presidential and governorship

Continued from page 26

Khalilah Rose, preaching peace through free shows

more, when the artiste goes down the record label goes down. If you sign another new artiste you need to start all over once again to reach the top. But when you have that talent such can always be there.”

Apart from the two singles, Ben 7 has several songs lined up, awaiting release. “Songs have already been lined up; the problem is how to release them. If this industry was like what it used to be in the past, when artistes released albums, we have two albums ready and all the songs are hit songs.

That is why I said I am proud of him, and anyone that thinks he can match him should come on stage; with just a beat, freestyle you will see the stuff he is made of; when you are talking about talent, he is the youngest and most creative talent in town,” he said.

“The good thing about him is that he is different from others, some artistes will tell you they are into rap, hip hop, R&B, but Ben 7 is into everything. Anything you want, he is ready to give it to you.

He is a talent to watch in the country”, Johnpaul added.

thing anyone can imagine, it is life itself and the power to bring people together is limitless with reggae music and I am using that power.

Reggae music is not my music, it is the music of the people, l am just a voice to deliver it to the souls that seek it,” she added.

Many people classify this genre of music as old fashion, but Khalilah Rose thinks otherwise. “Reggae music will never be classified as “old”, young people are vibrant towards more commercial sounds on radio and TV, so if Hip Hop, which is getting all the commercial sup-

election debate series called The Peoples’ Debate, and it would hold in Lagos, Plateau, Kaduna, Imo, Rivers and Taraba as well as a presidential debate in Abuja.

Through its pre-election and post-election voter education strategies, under its flagship RSVP Campaign, EiE Nigeria hopes to increase the participation of young people between 18 – 35 (62.5% of those registered to vote in 2011) in Nigeria’s growing democracy.

port than reggae has the crown, but the crowd is more loyal and full of maturity, if you look at the average established reggae artiste’s concert attendees, most are in mid 30s and beyond, you can see the joy and excitement on their faces when they come to shows. Reggae music is food to the soul; it makes you to think deep when you are listening to the songs.”

The artiste who has been described as the new face of Jamaican Rasta reggae had released her latest work entitled New World, “this and many more will be performed live in Africa,” she disclosed.

Our heritage

Time Search

With Sarah Odede

What’s delaying my pension?

Umar, Transport Minister

ÏÏÏI would be grateful if

the TIMESEARCH could help find out from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Lagos, why the processing of my pension is yet to be forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Establishments to enable me receive my pension.

I was a driver for 21 years with the transport ministry before my retirement. I did not obtain any loan from the ministry and I was never indebted to it before my retirement.

To my surprise, I was meant to understand that my entitlements would not be paid until the ministry is satisfied that I was not indebted to them during my years of service.

I have waited for almost a year for the outcome of the processing.

I am beginning to sense something funny.

Please let me know what is responsible for the delay in the payment of my entitlements and the next line of action to take.

Anu Filani 75 Hawley Street Lagos Island Lagos The complaint of Mr. Anu Filani could not be handled with the Federal Ministry of Transport, Lagos, as the official who was contacted directed TIMESEARCH to the Federal Ministry of Establishments Abuja (FEDESTAB), being the headquarters of the ministry and thus in a better position to comment on the issue.

Getting to FEDESTAB, Abuja (Pensions and Gratuity Section,) the official contacted said she could not comment on the issue because the complainant failed to produce his file number while in service, and without his file number, the ministry would be unable to trace his file to ascertain if or not the department where he last served had forwarded his file for processing.

The official advised the complainant to contact his last place of work, and find out if or not his file had been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Establishments for processing, and if yes, provide his file number and the date of dispatch to the ministry.

Filani is also advised to provide the date of his retirement, his designation while in service, the department he last served in and his file number to enhance investigation.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Money

s

Estimated billing: Consumers’ pain, Discos’ gain Tony Nwakaegho The provision of pre-paid meters was meant to cushion the effect of the incessant complaints of electricity customers in the country, Consumers’ complaints persistently inundating the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), over metering and ‘crazy bill’ culminated in the commission engaging in consultation with other stakeholders to bring about the scheme called Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI).

However, the success of CAPMI introduced in May 2013, may remain a mirage, as long as the Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) keep smiling to the banks with the monies they rip off customers through the estimated billing tariff.

CAPMI provides a platform for willing customers to pay the cost of the meter into a dedicated account jointly managed by the Disco and meter vendor/ installer. Under the scheme, once payment has been effected, the customers would have their meters installed within 45 days by a NERC-accredited vendor/ installer.

Indeed, industry watchers have noted that the intrigues playing itself out in the power sector is that the non-provisions of the pre-paid meter and outrageous bills had subsisted

because it has in no small way helped to boost the Discos revenue base.

According to the chairman, Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) Atedo Peterside, “based on the proposals submitted by the core investors in the Discos, 6.52 million new meters would be installed over the course of the next five years, meaning more than one million would be installed yearly.”

Essentially, the committee on metering set up by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), disclosed that the metering gap in the market is very huge, with about 50 percent of consumers being without meters.

Despite the privatisation of the electricity sector by the Federal Government in November 2013, The Chairman, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Government and Consumers Affair, Dr. Abba Ibrahim stated at a metering consultation forum in Port Harcourt recently that “the over 50 per cent electricity consumers were not metered and therefore subjected to estimated billings, popularly known as crazy billings in Nigeria.”

CONSUMERS’ GROUSE The Consumer Rights Advancement Organisation (CRADO), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, at a consultation forum organised recently by NERC for the South West Discos in Lagos condemned

Amadi, NERC chairman the non-supply of electricity meters, very high estimated bills being served on monthly basis, while insisting that he has drawn the attention of the Federal Executive Council, the National As-

sembly, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) on these trends without any positive outcome.

PPPRA crashes ex-depot price of fuel to N77.66 per litre Joy Ekeke

Fuel pump

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) announced reduction in the ex-depot price of fuel from N81.51 to N77.66 per litre.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Executive Secretary, PPPRA, Mr Farouk Ahmed.

Ahmed said the reduction in ex depot price was sequel to the reduction in the Premium Mo-

tor Spirit otherwise known as petrol from N97 to N87 per litre by the Federal Government. ``The announcement, which was made by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, is in consonance with Section 6, Clause 1, of the Nigerian Petroleum Act. ``The announcement is necessitated by the prevailing volatility in the international oil market and the drop in crude

oil price. ``Consequent upon this announcement, the PPPRA, in exercise of its mandate of determining the pricing policy and setting benchmark prices of petroleum products, hereby further announces the new ExDepot price of PMS as N77.66 per litre,” he said.

According to him, in view of the foregoing, oil marketers are hereby advised to adhere strictly to this new price regime.

LCCI urges FG to benchmark crude price at $45 per barrel Charles Okonji The Lagos Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has recently advised the Federal Government to peg the crude oil benchmark at $45 per barrel as the fundamentals of demand and supply in the oil market cannot support the $65 due to the continuous dwindling of global oil prices.

Mr Remi Bello, President, LCCI, who made this call in Lagos at the Chamber’s press conference on the 2015 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Government and the Current economic situation, noted that the benchmark should significantly be brought below the actual price.

“We note the benchmark of $65 per barrel proposed by the Executive. We submit that given the current reality of the global oil market, this benchmark assumption is too optimistic. The fundamentals of supply and demand in the oil market cannot support this benchmark in the short to medium term; currently it is at less than $50 per barrel.”

“The benchmark therefore should be brought close to current global oil market reality, somewhere between $40 -$45 per barrel. Ideally, the benchmark should be significantly below the actual price in other to create room for possible savings and adjustments for volatility shocks.” He said Bello faulted the crude oil production benchmark of 2.278million barrels per day in the appropriation bill, stressing that oil theft in recent years have been estimated at about 400,000 barrels per day.

Bello, LCCI president

29 Aviation

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Ebola: Arik Air resumes Douala, Benin routes

Arik planes at MMIA ikeja, Lagos

Aviation expert differs on fleet recapitalisation Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo An Aviation expert, Mr. Olu Ohunayo, has disagreed with the ministerial committee set up by the aviation minister to look into the operations of domestic airlines in the country.

Ohunayo who commended the committee for doing a good job said it brought to the fore some of the issues that has been raised in the past by industry watchers which included but not limited to the dubious fuel surcharge hidden in tickets by airline operators in order to

avoid tax.

The committee also recommended the unnecessary retention of agency funds by operators while the poor performance in quality service and operations was hinged on poor capitalisation and a need to urgently recapitalise the airlines.

Ohunayo disagreed with the committee on the issue of recapitalisation as a panacea to the problem of Nigeria airlines.

He said it will only give room for duet and error as their managers and bankers will prefer to see the struggling to services them pump fund into it.

Ohunayo explained that the recommendation will only create recapitalisation for lawyers and bankers.

He noted that former Aviation Minister, Fani Kayode also gave the same directive to a committee he set up in the wake of air mishaps in the country.

The aviation expert explained that all operating domestic airlines capitalised then and presented documents to the government but noted that among all the recapitalised airlines, it was only Arik air that has increased to fleet while others have gone under.

Airline fleet

IATA environmental assessment programme gathers momentum

Tony Tyler, IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that five airlines have recently successfully completed stages of the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme. IEnvA is an innovative, voluntary, two-stage evaluation process designed to drive airline environmental performance improvements through independent assessment.

Finnair and South African Airways have completed the IEnvA Stage 2 assessment, the highest level of IEnvA achievement. This ensures that an airline has implemented all of the IEnvA Program Standards, identified and mitigated its significant environmental impacts, and has set performance targets.

Stage 2 also certifies that an

airline has developed processes for monitoring and reviewing its performance against its environmental targets and objectives.

Icelandair, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines have completed IEnvA Stage 1 which ensures an airline has established a foundation and framework for its environmental management system.

Arik Air, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier on January 19, 2015 resumed flight services to Cotonou, Benin Republic and Douala, Cameroon.

Flight services between Lagos, Nigeria and Cotonou/Douala were suspended last year in the wake of the outbreak of Ebola Virus in some parts of West Africa.

Arik Air will be operating four weekly flights from Lagos to Cotonou and Douala on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Arik Air’s Managing Director, Mr Chris Ndulue noted: “We are pleased to return to Cotonou and Douala after the brief period of suspension of flights. We thank our guests for their loyalty and promise that we shall not renege on our pledge to provide worldclass experiences and services which are safe, reliable and continually contribute towards the quality of life in the region.”

Virgin Atlantic Airways’ ‘world’ offer falls short Earlier this month, Virgin Atlantic Airways launched a new global brand campaign. Its central message is “the world doesn’t come to you, so go to it”.

The campaign plays to the enduring qualities associated with the brand’s strengths, such as aspiration, service, passion for travel and innovation.

However, under its new ownership, it coincides with network changes that are necessary to improve Virgin’s profitability, but which reduce the airline’s ability to take its customers to “the world”.

Virgin Atlantic still offers international destinations in five continents (excluding Europe) and remains the UK’s number two intercontinental airline, but in 2015 it will withdraw from Tokyo, Mumbai and Cape Town, while increasing its capacity to the US. In its 2015 summer’s schedule, 72 per cent of Virgin Atlantic’s international seat capacity will be deployed to North America, compared with 58 per cent two years ago. The word ‘Atlantic’ in the airline’s name is more appropriate now than for many years.

Maritime 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

NPA, VIO to partner on truck breakdowns

A broken down truck causing traffic

Stories by Funmi Coker The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has resolved to engage the expertise of the Lagos State Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO) and Federal Road Safety Corps, as part of efforts to trim down the rising of container laden trucks breakdown on the nation’s highways.

The Port manager at Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Nasir Mohammed, explained that the NPA was tired of trucks dropping containers on the highways, instead of warehouses.

He said that the authority would strictly enforce the implementation of minimum standard for trucks coming into the ports from this month.

Mohammed added: “We will stop rickety looking trucks that do not meet the standard required of them, from entering the ports”, the Port Manager stated, explaining that the need to bring in the duo of FRSC and VIO was to ensure the entrenchment of professional counsel in the whole implementation exercise.

“We are worried that trucks come into the ports to pick consignments and then breakdown on roads. But, we at NPA are in-

terested that you do not only pick from the ports but also take it safely to the owners’ warehouse or end users conveniently.

“We are not happy seeing trucks breaking down on the roads everywhere around the country.

The implementation of the minimum standard ought to have begun last year, but for the interventions and pleas from some critical stakeholders which pleaded that they needed more time to comply.

“We had set out to achieve full implementation last year, but along the line, we had request and complaints from critical stakeholders like the shipping companies, clearing agents, haulage companies who argued that they needed minimum time to comply and it was the last quarter of the year when importation was much.

Mohammed noted that the stakeholders had agreed collectively to minimise full implementation of the policy to about five issues from 2015.

He said: “The same complaint was given to us in the first quarter of 2014. We are not ready to listen to that anymore. We will turn a blind eye, because we need to improve our haulage and logistics sector The port manager emphasised the importance of the professionals to the implementation, adding that they would ensure objectivity and neutrality of the authority.

“When this implementation commences, we will involve VIO, FRSC. They are the critical stakeholders and we realised that we have not engaged them but now, they must be carried along because they are the one expected to regulate the activities of the truckers and their trucks,” he added.

Customs records 104 arrests, N1.8bn smuggled goods

Dikko, CGC The Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) anti-smuggling, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’ in Owerri,

Rough times ahead for offshore marine sector For those in the offshore marine industry, the falling oil price which is currently hovering around just $45 per barrel portends a gloomy financial outlook.

Cosco Corp’s latest profit warning related to a $90m one off charge after it decided to discontinue an Octobuoy at Cosco Nantong project for ATP Oil & Gas in the UK which had failed to pay its debt claims. “The steep fall in crude oil prices over recent months has had an adverse impact on the global offshore marine industry. This has made it even more difficult to secure a buyer for the Octabuoy as

Offshore facility industry players have cut back even further on new orders,” Cosco Corp said.

This could be just the tip of the iceberg. In an effort to gain a foothold in the offshore mar-

ket many Chinese yards offered extremely back end payment heavy contracts. This was particularly prevalent in the jackup rig sector where yards took orders from speculative buyers with 5% or less upfront and the remainder on delivery.

Speaking to an offshore marine lawyer last week expectation was that many of these contracts will at best be renegotiated for delivery delays and at worst simply walked away from as the buyer has so little to lose.

It was a very similar situation to that that played out in general shipping post the 2008 collapse of shipping markets.

Imo State capital, said that it recorded a total of 363 seizures of illegally imported items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of

N1,805,843,064 in 2014, as against the 199 seizures recorded in the preceding year of 2013.

The unit also recovered an underpayment of N71,762,029, totaling N1,877,605,093 for the year 2014.

Its Area Controller, Mr Victor Dimka explained that 104 arrests were made, saying 134 cases remained pending in the court during the year under review, in contrast to that of only 31 arrests recorded in the year 2013 with 20 cases in court.

He stressed that vehicles topped the list of the items totaling 237, of which 209 vehicles were with fake documents while 28 were abandoned.

Dimka added: “The highest numbers of seizures were recorded in April, September and December, apparently due to increased desperation of the smugglers during the months; just as the highest DPV were made in the months of April and September precisely.

“We recorded a harvest of seizures in 2014. Thanks to the CGC, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde, CFR who spurred, motivated and encouraged us all, in the discharge of our anti-smuggling activities which culminated into a harvest of seizures.”

NPA tasks workers on safety, acquires multi-purpose fire equipment The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has acquired some multi-purpose fire equipment to secure the port’s facility and cargo.

The equipment are: six rapid response mini fire engines, ten fire water tankers and two Bronco Sky lift (Hydraulic Platform).

The Managing Director of the authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, who disclosed this recently in Lagos, also assured stakeholders in port sector of their safety and security.

He reiterated his commitment to the transformation agenda of President Goodluck

Jonathan especially in the area of safety of life and property in the maritime sector.

Abdullahi explained that the procurement of the equipment was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the authority.

Abdullahi, NPA MD

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

31 Real estate

Missing civic sense, maintenance culture telling on Lagos public trees Stories by Akintunde Ogoh For a city as highly developed and densely populated as Lagos, it would be easy to imagine there would be no surprises left to discover. Yet, along the road, across the city stand trees, few metres apart from one another. These arboreal beings form a woodland of more than 200,000 trees that have been largely visible to the public since Governor Babatunde Fashola’s first tenure in 2011.

Expectedly, the planting of the trees at that time drew mixed comments from members of the public. But soon people began to appreciate it, though some saw it as an unnecessary arboricultural thing, something that would run out of gas when those behind it would have been frustrated. That did not happen.

This unexpected arboriculture gradually crept in to become part of the established culture, creating a sense of community. Trees were planted in road medians, on sides of the road tucked between the slabsided, mid-rise concrete blocks in Lagos city. The emergence of this passion for trees brought about the excitement of the return of once a lost “urban forest”, known to residents of Lagos in the late 1970s but seemingly off the grid to everyone else.

And Fashola pursued the tree planting campaign with so much vigour and determination. This came about not just as result of global warming and the need to protect people against green house effects, not just about the issue of simply beautifying the streets as part of the megacity development plans, but as a result of the need to protect the heart of the people.

The trees are planted to reduce the impact of smoke com-

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi (middle), Permanent Secretary in the ministry, George Ossi (right) and MD FMBN, Gimba Ya’ uKumo, at the inauguration of Executive Management of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in Abuja recently. ing from the exhaust of vehicles on Lagos road. They eat up the carbon dioxide and help clean up the air to remove harmful gases. In this regard, the trees are helping to prevent a situation where a large number of people succumb to diseases.

Inspired by Fashola, the tree planting culture and environmental hygiene were employed to effect not just a rehousing exercise, but a completely new philosophy for living. The tree planting campaign was an experiment in regeneration and social engineering that, eight years on, still attracts wildly conflicting opinions from so many people. Of course from public health experts, it is one of the greatest investments in preventive health.

And as a result of this, Fasho-

la’s government is appreciated

by Lagos residents. The successful planting of different species of trees across Lagos shows how successful something can be when high quality policy is faithfully carried through to execution.

These trees planted as a project of social re-engineering need to be protected with listed status- with heavy fines for anybody who cuts any of them down. Why is this necessary?

It is observed that some individuals’ have begun wreaking havoc that threaten the survival of these trees and the scenery of urban wood. This may soon lead to continuing problems of damp, decay and eventually to premature disintegration Today the issue of maintenance of these trees stare us in

the face. They have been abandoned, and are being abused.

Already there are traces of history being repeated, with many of the trees being cut down by some individuals out of sheer lack of social responsibility.

A town planner, Mr Soji Egbetokun, is of the opinion that finding solution to the problem of maintenance of these trees requires a careful but not an overly critical eyes by residents and a need for taking responsibility.

“They have to filter out the belief that the tree belongs to government. Rather they have to assume responsibility about the trees being their own. When a property sings to the people around- that’s it. There’s an emotional connection. That is the case of these trees,” he said.

The palm trees, tall plane trees and other types of trees around make the space feel natural and human, such that the much taller blocks that form the boundaries of the estates recede almost completely. It feels more like a tree-lined mountain valley and quiet too.

A proper plan to ensure maintenance of the tree planted areas was supposed to have been chalked out by the Lagos state Ministry of environment, but it has not happened so far. “ But according to officials at both LASEPA and Lagos Ministry of Environment, a major problem is the lack of civic sense among people.

“People also need to be proactive in ensuring that the areas are maintained properly and the trees protected.

Housing Loans Board sets up repayment panel

Housing loan

The Executive Secretary, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB), Mrs Hannatu Fika, has inaugurated a Loan Repayment, Reconciliation Committee.

The committee is charged with the responsibility of recovering housing loans from civil

servants.

Speaking at the occasion in Abuja, Fika noted that it had become necessary to revive the loans repayment drive in order to strengthen the capacity of the board.

She said the measure became imperative in view of the pres-

ent economic situation in the country occasioned by the slide in the global oil price and its implication on capital allocation to the board.

The executive secretary stressed the need to look at various areas to generate money for the smooth running of the

board. ``This year, we will not be allocated capital unless the Ministry of Finance changes its mind, due to the global oil price. ``What we are left with is to look inward to ensure that those who collected loan are identified and made to pay, she said’.

21

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Education

Three Prison inmates get 14 varsity degrees Education Ps 14 Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.28

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Inside Niger Delta

Features

JUSUN Strike: Justice is delayed…

dailytimesng Matriculation ceremony of the students of Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State on the 20th of Jaunary 2015

Tools for effective discipline in the classroom Uduaghan

News

an indefinite strike action to demand for the implementation of the January 13, 2014 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja that ordered the Accountant-General of the Federation to make deductions of amount standing to the credit of state judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The failure of government to address the demands, made JUSUN to lock up all the doors

That the proposed $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project in Delta State would flare up ethnic tempers between the Itsekiri and Ijaw was inevitable. JOE OGBODU examines the events that led to the botched groundbreaking of the controversial mega project.

ernor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan waded in because the project was key to his Delta Beyond Oil initiative, which would galvanise the state’s economy, the South-South region and the industrial base of the en-

Three Prison inmates get varsity degrees ÏÏÏ

Three inmates of the Nigerian prison were among the students graduating at the fourth convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Vincent Tenebe, disclosed this at the preconvocation press conference in Lagos, noting that the three inmates were found worthy in learning and in character.

The Vice Chancellor said though their imprisonment was a punitive measure to reform them, the prison programme was part of NOUN contribution to reformation in the country. The university, he said, has special duty centres in prisons across the country with police, army and paramilitary forces.

THE GENESIS Bickering over who should call the shots on local content brought into the open the simmering conflict between the Chief Ayiri Emami faction of the Ugborodo Community Trust and Hon.David Tonweled wing. This cold war in the ‘armed’ struggle between these rival groups had split the Itsekiri nationality down the middle. Bewildered Itsekiri elite can hardly believe the cruel turn of their fate.

Those in the David Tonwe wing stuck to their guns that the Ayiri Emami faction had desecrated the land and needed to appease the gods before the latter faction, whose members were sacked from the communities during previous skirmishes, would be allowed home. But the law abhors that no individual should be forced to stay away from his ancestral home because of traditional beliefs.

The issues, however, had been simmering for a long time because of the interests involved. The Delta State Gov-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

“Gemu issued an ultimatum to the concerned groups to put their house in order and allow peace to reign”

tire country. Thus, he set up a committee to reconcile the factions. A peace deal was struck after the committee, alongside the key actors, met at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

At the meeting were prominent lawyers, Festus Keyomo for the Ayiri/Chief Thomas Eriyitome faction and Chief Efe Akpofure on the Tonwe side.

They did not agree to a collective deal with the Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Commodore Musa Gemu, who anchored the peace initiative.

Gemu and the committee set up by Uduaghan, held several

An entrance to the Judiciary

Business

Customs records 104 arrests, N1.8bn smuggled P 30 goods

peace meetings on NNS Delta in Warri. At each meeting, the key players came up with peace deals but reneged on the execution. The smooth return of the over 1000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), sent into exile from the Ayiri and Thomas camps, became the crux of the matter.

Gemu issued an ultimatum to the concerned groups to put their house in order and allow peace to reign, but none of the camps was ready to shift ground. At a time, Tonwe and Ayiri factions met with the governor and agreed to a ceasefire.

The media was agog with the news that the factions in Ugborodo had fused into one indivisible group. However, one of the factions attacked the other and hostilities resumed.

Uduaghan has always been perceived by the Tonwe faction as being biased towards the Ayiri camp which had support at the federal level and was feted by the Gbaramatu Ijaws, who couldn’t forgive Uduaghan and Ayiri for the deep wounds inflicted on them during the war.

ENTER IJAW FURORE The alleged sidelining of the Ijaw in the Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) project was still fresh, although, the Itsekiri alleged that the Ijaw were involved in the EGTL project. For CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Why it should still be Jonathan Joseph Ali

ÏÏÏ

Effective classroom Discipline can be described as a series of management procedures for dealing with classroom disruptions of almost any shape and size. These procedures have been presented as an integrated management system: a technology based on fundaments which are simple, powerful, and adaptable to the wide range of management dilemmas that characterize a typical day in the classroom.

-

2015 JAMB for 1.4M candidates

ÎÎÎIt is true that Goodluck

The most significant reason Jonathan should be re-elected is perhaps the need to allow him complete ongoing projects as well as implement policies initiated by his administration.

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike is to demand for better

Price: N150

Federal Polytechnic Kazaure

s

welfare of judiciary workers from the government but their two-week old action is now causing delay in the dispense of justice for the common man awaiting trial in most of the states of the federation where the strike had taken effect.

The delay had resulted to the boycott of courts and suspension of judicial activities by legal professionals and workers.

Under the aegis of JUSUN, the judiciary workers had on January 2, 2015 embarked on

DELTA: $16b Kenyan leader project at apologises to the mercy tear-gassed DELTA: $16b project at the 21 of ethnic school kidsP12 mercy of ethnic warlords warlords

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Bonaventure Melah

The nationwide strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) is already taking its toll in all states of the federation, as justice is now delayed. In this report, Daily Times Correspondent in Akure, ‘TOSIN AJUWON, takes a look at how the strike is causing delay in justice.

Jonathan has not done everything expected of him by the people since he was sworn in as the 14th President and Commander-InChief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. A large army of employable but unemployed youths still roam the streets; government has not yet made provisions for the aged and other vulnerable people to live decent lives; power supply is still epileptic; corruption is still the order of the day in both government and even private businesses; armed robbery and violent crimes are still being perpetrated in the country as well the raging insurgency threatening the peace and even unity of the country.

In spite of the above, Jonathan is still the best to govern Nigeria in the next four years when compared with the other candidates that are contesting against him in the forthcoming presidential election. Educationally, Jonathan comes first, same with age. Politically; Jonathan is the most experienced having served as deputy governor, governor, vice president, acting president and

elected president for four years; his track record of achievements in office dwarfs those of his opponents in addition to his sterling credentials as a true democrat. Jonathan’s signing of the Freedom of Information Law which his predecessors ran away from and the fact that there is no single political prisoner makes Jonathan best fit to govern a modern democracy. Under Jonathan, Nigeria’s electoral system has been reformed with poll results reflecting more of the wishes and aspirations of the people.

The most significant reason Jonathan should be re-elected is perhaps the need to allow him complete on-going projects as well as implement policies initiated by his administration. This cannot be truer in view of the fact that Nigerian leaders are notorious for abandoning projects started by their predecessors, and looking at the basic instincts of the strongest contender against Jonathan, it would amount to disaster to put Nigeria in the hands of such an unapologetic hardliner and his spon-

action to a problem situation.

consists of the collection of as many remedies for as many problem situations as possible. tions about what to do that can be tion.

Such a simplistic view of discipline dooms teachers to be perpetually overwhelmed by the of students will always have more

ÏÏÏ

the computer base test (CBT)

Public Relation Officer Fabian Benjamin told news men in Lagos; he said that the board has no fewer than 1.4m candidates to

Unfortunately the term bag of

odology for discipline managerepresents to me the antithesis of a modern profession with an empirically based technology of promost simply, is a person with

sionals charge and receive a high price for their services. Teachers refer to each other as professionals, until teachers are masters of a repertoire of specialized, professional-level management petencies apart from those of the average parent, teachers will be neither regarded highly nor paid highly by the general public.

Levels of management

job that is far beyond the capability of untrained lay people. For having these much-needed and -

and this is the first migration by the board to computer based mode of examination.

Before this period candidates have been writing either by the CBT as the paper pencil test(PPT) or the Dual Based Test (DBT) mode of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exami-

Differential reinforcement Most effective behavior management programs must deal CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

is impressed by the number of candidate that have registered for the March examination.

“I want to say that we are expecting no fewer than 1.4m candidates to attempt the examination in all computer based mode of examination. We are

sors who have shown open disdain and even outright hatred for the person of the President. Abandoning Jonathan’s projects and starting a new leadership experiment at a time the world economy is in shambles would drag the nation down the pit.

Give it to Jonathan- his administration has done quite well in several areas even though it could have been better. The successful unbundling of PHCN and through a transparent process that was applauded by the entire world is not a mean feat. Bringing in a new president that would obviously return the system to status quo ante should not be considered at all. Jonathan established 14 universities and 156 Almajiri schools within a record 20 months and these schools are all running. For the first time in decades Nigerians are now travelling by train following the rehabilitation of the railways. The trains are also of international standard unlike in the past when rickety locomotives were bought by government. Through a very vibrant locomotive policy by

also happy to announce that we have enough centres to accommodate the candidates. We have gone round the centres to assess the level of preparedness.

examination as all logistics are in place”.

Jonathan, Nigeria is now manufacturing state of the art vehicles at Innoson Motors while airports have been made to look like what obtains elsewhere.

The Lokoja-Abuja road that hitherto was a slaughter route has been fixed.

You can now drive on the road with ‘your eyes closed.’ The successful tackling of the Kano- Maiduguri highway which is the longest stretch of road in the country is highly commendable, in addition to the Benin Ore, LagosIbadan and several other road projects completed while others are on-going.

Under Jonathan, availability of petroleum products is now stable. The victory Nigeria had over Ebola Virus Disease was due to better medical facilities following government’s intervention in the health sector which can also be attested to by the total eradication of polio from the country as well as the increase in life expectancy from 49 years in 2009 to 54years in 2013. Through the YouWin programme, government has made over 40,000 young Nigerians become entrepreneurs while

millions of direct agriculture jobs have been created in addition to Sure-P which is empowering millions of poor citizens and helping to improve mother and child care.

In the last one year alone, Nigeria has emerged the largest economy in Africa, one of the fastest growing economies in the world at 6.7 percent annual growth rate. Nigeria is currently rated the best investment destination in the continent. As a result of the above and in reflection to the favourable business environment deliberately created by government, a Nigerian, Aliko Dangote emerged as the richest black person on earth; a Nigerian Folorunsho Alakija is the richest woman in Africa; six Nigerians are now among the 100 richest people in the world; a Nigerian is now the youngest billionaire in Africa while a Nigerian is the first OPEC president in history. Jonathan appointed the first Nigerian female president of the Supreme Court.

It is for these and many more reasons that the mouthing of ‘change’ is not yet necessary.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

Life&

TIMES Wednesday January 21, 2015

D’banj on 10th year on state L4 P

Take a trip South Africa L5 P

Critics Choice Award PL4

Ice Prince, Mwafreek Mwaf in battle of truth

Details behind Muna Obiekwe’s demise L2 P

L3

P

Life & Times L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday January 21, 2015

How Muna Obiekwe died Mutiat Alli Last Sunday, the movie industry was thrown into another shock with the death of one of its talent, Muna Obiekwe, who passed away due to alleged kidney related disease.

However, fresh facts have emerged over the real cause of his death.

According to information made available to Daily Times Life & Style, the late actor’s predicament, which led to his untimely death started a long while ago, but the actor thought he could manage it. He ignored the pains and continued working without paying much attention.

According to the source, he only took his drugs and medication once in a while as ‘Muna never believed the ailment could lead to his death. He believed he would survive it, like he did when he was shot, and the shock he went through when his parents died in a motor accident on same day.

We learnt that the kidney problem persisted and Muna was eventually forced to seek help from a Lagos doctor, who gave him a ray of hope. He assured Muna that his worst fears, kidney transplant, might not happen if only he could do up to 20 dialyses.

Vera Kanu, a mother figure to him at Nollywood, confirmed our findings: “I was with him to the last hour. He was to do up to 20 dialyses. The doctor said if the dialysis improved his condition, the worst would certainly be over. He would be okay only if he stays away from alcohol, but you know our artistes,” she concluded.

It was also revealed that the dialysis was expensive for Muna as he sometimes did two in a week, which included blood injection on each occasion. Each appointment cost N250,000 to N300,000. His health was eating deep into his purse, yet Muna refused to go cap-in-hand begging for financial help. He was a private guy who didn’t want the Press, or his colleagues to feast on his pain and cast aspersions

on Nollywood as an industry of beggars.

However, not many also know that the late actor was married with two kids. He knew if some Nollywood people got to know about it, it would also attract the Press. He refused to beg because he wanted to save Nollywood’s image, hence he lost his life.

Despite his health challenges, Muna took to heavy smoking and drinking shortly after he lost his parents in a ghastly auto accident. He saw happiness in liquor but that never affected his job.

He was just like Sam Loco; he could drink the brewery dry but, when he hears the director shout ‘action’, he gets into character. Muna was a method character, despite his flaws our source reveals.

The late Muna was one of the three busiest actors, who featured in over 50 movies like Dirty Secret, Great Betrayal, BlackBerry Babes, Zara, Men in Love, amongst others.

The actor, who died on arrival at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo, Lagos, was rushed in after he collapse at his house. It was further disclosed that the late Muna stopped taking his drugs 14 days to the sad incident. His remains has been deposited at the Nigerian Navy Mortuary.

Late Muna

Colleagues pays tribute John Dumelo: Words can’t explain how I feeling at this point. You were a great actor. When we worked together four years ago in Lagos, You played your role so well and professionally that I was hoping we would work together again soon. God knows best. Rest in peace Muna. #RIP Jim Iyke: Candle in the wind…. Adieu Bro. Find rest on God’s bosom. Words fail me.

Genevieve Nnaji: My heart goes out to Muna’s family and loved ones. He was a gifted actor with a good heart.

Rest in Peace Muna Obiekewe. You will be missed Ini Edo: Oh lord, I am heartbroken, to say the least. I know we ain’t supposed to question God, I just can’t help this one…’his little kids and young wife, where do they go from here?’ RIP Muna Obiekwe, you were a jolly good fellow. ‘…worked with you on several projects and I sincerely can’t remember you having issues with anyone. You will be missed. I still can’t believe this.

Mike Ezuoronye: So sad, Muna. Why, oh why. RIP Bro…Nollywood loses

another…why!

Chika Ike: RIP to my dear colleague.

Muna Obiekwe. You will live in our hearts forever.

Uduak Isong: I wish there was no sickness in the world. RIP Muna.

Van Vicker: OMG! When death strikes Nollywood or the African film industry stars ‘I Shake’, but I know He is in control. Muna, my brother, I had the opportunity to work with you twice in my career. You did inspire me to be at my best. RIP.

Dumelo

Genevieve

Vicker

Chika

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday January 21, 2015

L3 Issue

Ice Prince VS Mwafreeka Mwaf: Mwafreeka need not apologise to Ice!

Opeoluwani Akintayo

o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng

Talking about masters of living fake lifestyles, everyone knows entertainers should earn a standing ovation for that.

For God’s sake, it comes with the terrain and should we say we are sick of it?

You know, that moment when you see an artiste who has just started life, still struggling to make ends meet, yet he sings and raps about spending dollars and pounds sterling, popping champaigns with many girls flocking around him...well, he’s already living the life, even before it started!

And then we begin to wonder about the reasons for the deteriorating quality in lyrics - singing and rapping about almost nothing in a 3-4 mins video; money wasted, time gone - and then we dance and shake our butts. That’s it?

These days music is hardly educating, but it’s filled with slangy and perverted words. Music now, is actually where the youths and innocent children learn dirty words, so sad.

Back to the reason for my headache, the social media rant by a South African rapper, Mwafreeka Mwaf. He actually came for our very own rapper, Ice Prince, and the reason for Mwaf’s rant, I swear, makes a lot of sense if we think of it the right way. But you know the way some Nigerian youths think when they owe allegiance to their favourite act - they can go nuts for them, even when they are doing or saying the wrong things.

So, Mwaf came for Ice Prince, dishing the rapper’s ‘fake’ lyrics in his new video, ‘N Word’, featuring South African AKA, produced by Don Jazzy.

The Kenyan rapper took to Facebook saying; ‘Just watched a video by some Nigerian cat called ‘Ice Prince’ and the song is called ‘N Word’. And am actually sad. Hip-Hop to me has always been

the avenue for self expression and as it was said (although misused too) in the 90s ‘Keeping It Real’. What’s up with Third World rappers acting like they

New single alert!

from America, talking about Bugattis etc. Call me a hater, but what’s The f..k?

‘Understand the culture punks and stop embarrassing yourselves.

‘Jay Z, Beyoncé and Lil Wayne can afford Bugattis, and you can’t. F..k your UNREALISTIC dream, am shitting on your dream. Use Hip-Hop to represent

Dubre Perekeme, aka PKD, has finally launched a career with the release of his first official solo single, tagged: ‘Where Am From’.

The song is about the lure of street life faced by many youths from his state of origin, Delta, and Nigeria in a larger context. The song has a conscious undertone in the layered verses that depict the street life.

The song is produced by Spyke, an in-house producer for Now Muzik.

The song ‘Where Am From’ is the first single from the soon to be released LP ‘Its ‘Bout Time’.

Africa not to portray us as clowns,’ he wrote.

Once his post hit the air, bingo, the social media became immediately hot with fans of Ice spitting fire.

And then what happened next will make you cry. Mwaf again took to same Facebook to apologise.

‘Just realized in the past few days that Ice Prince is a MEGA superstar. No disrespect, but I didn’t know. Anyway my comment on him seems to have made headlines in Nigeria. Funny shit is they describing my songs as chart topping, heheheeheh....

‘Anyway, to make things clear, I respect Ice Prince’s hustle as a rapper. One million people must be following him for a reason. What I meant by realistic dreams is I would understand if he rapped about cars like Range Rovers, Audis, Benzes, BMWs. Am sure he can easily afford those and be able to drive them in Nigeria.

‘I just feel the Bugatti dream is far fetched. With its very low centre of gravity, does Nigeria have the roads to drive that shit on? No disrespect to Nigeria but I think only South Africa has the infrastructure for such cars.

Also with 1 million followers, I think Ice Prince has earned enough mandate to TRULY express himself on other stuff other than girls and cars. (There’s nothing wrong with rhyming about girls BTW;)...’

Seriously, did you get that? Mwaf said, and I quote, ‘Also with 1 million followers, I think Ice Prince has earned enough mandate to TRULY express himself on other stuff other than girls and cars’.

That’s an epic confession, which is the truth!

I’m glad an African artiste is thinking in the right direction. For that, Ice Prince and other acts like him who feed us with lies don’t deserve any apology.

Ice Prince may be a Nigerian and Mwaf a Kenyan but, sorry dude, I gotta say the truth.

Buzz Byte L4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday January 21, 2015

Funmi Iyanda, storm EiE Nigeria’s 2face, others press conference Opeoluwani Akintayo On Monday, the advocacy group, Enough Is Enough Nigeria, in partnership with Google, Channels, Facebook, GemStone, GenVoices, MTV Base and Global Shapers officially announced plans for The Peoples’ Debate, which will hold ahead of the 2015

governorship and Presidential election.

The announcement was made at a Press conference held at Protea Hotel in Ikeja GRA, with partners and advocates including Funmi Iyanda, 2Face Idibia and wife, Annie Idibia, Kemi Lala among others.

Guests present at the

announcement include Ihotu Amuta, GemStone, Executive Director, EiE Nigeria, Yemi Adamolekun, Content Partner, NigeriansAsk, Zeal Akaraiwe, GenVoices, RSVP Ambassador, Content Partner, NigeriansAsk, Kayode Akintemi, and Channels TV.

D’banj

to celebrate 10th year on stage How time flies!

Kokomaster, D’banj, will be celebrating his 10th year in the Nigerian music industry and it’s going to be partying all the way Titled ‘10th Anniversary Movement’, the groove takes the singer and his crew to different cities, different parties, different concerts in Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom, UAE and others.

It kicks off in Lagos on January 31, at Ocean View, V.I, Lagos.

The Wedding Ringer Showing from Jan.16th- 22nd 2014 in all cinemas across the state

Socially awkward Doug Harris (Josh Gad) is two weeks from marrying the gal (Kaley CuocoSweeting) of his dreams, but he has a problem; he doesn’t have a groomsman for the occasion.

Desperate and running out of time, Doug calls upon Jimmy Callaghan (Kevin Hart), owner and operator of Best Man Inc., a company that provides attendants for grooms in need of them. As Doug tries to pull-off the con, a romance unexpectedly blossoms between Jimmy and himself.

Director: Jeremy Garelick Running time: 101 minutes Music composed by: Christopher Lennertz Cast: Kevin Hart, Kaley Cuoco

Timaya kicks off Australia tour Omowunmi Dada

shares tourism shot Mutiat Alli Fast rising actress-cum-presenter, Omowunmi Dada, is currently on location with co-presenter Henry Arnold on another episode of the popular TV programme, tagged: ‘Grove on Tourism’.

Omowunmi, who is excited about her first time experience at paddling a canoe, noted that “I paddled for the first time, and I must say the mystery behind the body of water is…hmmm, and fishermen dey try oo,” she noted.

Opeoluwani Akintayo Timaya has announced that his first tour in the year is about to commence.

The singer kicks off his Australia tour this month, with a concert at Perth.

From there, his next stop will be Sydney, Melbourne and other cities in Australia.

He then returns to Nigeria in the first week of February.

According to him, this tour is to promote his 6th album, ‘Ephiphany’.

His new video making waves right now is ‘Sanko’.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday January 21, 2015

L5 Travels & Recreation

Iyanu Omi-Orisan

South Africa

North Beach (Durban)

Ever traveled to South Africa before? If you have, then you can tell that South Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. There are more than 10 beaches in South Africa. Some of them are:

Boulders Beach

Atlantic Seaboard ...is one of the main beaches in Durban and is cared for by the Durban Surf Lifesaving Club. The clubhouse features prominently on the Marine Parade. The beach itself is flanked by two large piers and is accessible from the Marine Parade that stretches along the Golden Mile.

Sandy Bay

...which is made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. It is located in the Cape Peninsula, near Simon’s Town towards Cape Point, near Cape Town in the Western Cape Province.

Cape St. Francis ...is the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula which faces West, and thus popular for expensive homes facing the sunset views. There are many beautiful beaches below the mountains of the peninsula.

...is a nudist beach situated along the road between Cape Town to Cape Point and adjacent to Llandudno, Cape Town.

La Campagne Tropicana

...It is now known as one of the best surfing locations. Given its geological location, it is susceptible to swell year round from large low pressure systems that form between Antarctica and the southern tip of Africa.

False Bay

...A long sandy beach that runs more or less uninterrupted for the complete width of False Bay from Gordon’s Bay to Muizenberg, forming the coast of the Cape Flats. Along the rocky Cape Peninsula.

There are frequent beautiful beaches in between the mountains of the peninsula.

La Campagne Tropicana is a beach resort in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State. It’s a lovely hour’s drive from Victoria Island along the Lekki/Epe Expressway, preferably early in the morning.

This resort offers a unique blend of natural environments, which include fresh water lake, accessible mangrove forest, a savannah, extensive sandy beach and the warm Atlantic sea. The resort provides world class accommodation and a variety of activities to ensure an experience like no other on your visit.

The staff are professional and friendly and the cuisine is second to none with 24 hours security. Care has always been taken to ensure that the infrastructure at the resort blends in perfectly with the surroundings, so that the spectacular ambiance of the tropical

countryside is not lost.

It also has luxuriously furnished holiday/investment homes with highly cosmopolitan African Decor. All rooms are fitted with ultramodern appliances. It is also located within 2 minutes’ drive of a 27hole golf course currently under construction. Awaiting you there are Spa treatments, massage therapy, fully equipped cardiovascular gym with personal trainers.

Cultural dance displays for guests/residents, fresh palm wine bar with an excellent ocean view, fine dining in elegant restaurants and much more. Other activities include hiking, hunting, horse riding, canoeing, ocean water fishing, aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, and soccer.

Nutrition L6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday January 21, 2015

Foods to Detox the Body (2) Judith Frank-Edet

We will continue from our topic on detox from the last edition. Like I said, to lose weight, one of the first things to do is to detox. We live in an increasingly toxic world so, it’s a good idea to cleanse once or twice a year. It will help to increase your energy levels, balance your hormones, improve digestion, help break cravings, not to mention beautiful glowing skin. You don’t have to spend money on multivitamins to detox because the ingredients you need are just in your home, or a grocery store nearby. So, let’s discuss.

Green Tea

Grapefruit+ Carrot Juice Bitter Leaf -Spinach Juice

Green tea is often thought of as a great addition to any detox program because of its high antioxidant value. It is the least processed tea and thus provides the most antioxidant polyphenols, notably a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits linked to green tea. When taking your green tea, avoid adding sugar, take it raw or with honey every morning.

Grapefruits can prevent weight gain, treat diabetes, lower cholesterol, fight cancer, heal stomach ulcers, reduce gum disease and even keep stroke and metabolic syndrome. The yellow colours of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient. The big takeaway on grapefruit is that it gets your liver fired up and ready for action, while infusing the rest of your organs with nutrient-laden fruit juice. All you have to do is to chop grapefruits (peel and pith removed) and carrots an inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped.

Press grapefruits, carrots, and ginger through a juice extractor. Stir and serve immediately.

Cucumber Lemon Detox Water

Cucumbers are one of the most hydrating vegetables because they’re mostly made up of water. Many detox programs include cucumbers on them for this very reason, and adding them to your water pulls out their minerals so you’re getting an added benefit. Mix in the lemon juice and you’re getting the cleansing effect of citric acid and helping to clear out the digestive system.

Bitter leaf remains one of the oldest ways to detox. It’s something your mother probably told you. The Bitter leaves are used for culinary, medicinal and curative purposes. Vitamins in Bitter leaf includes; Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vit.B1 and Vit.B2.

To extract the juice, you will need a juicer or blender. As the name implies, it’s very bitter and the taste might be unbearable for a lot of people.

So to reduce the bitterness of the bitter leaf juice, simply blend it with spinach or fluted pumpkin. If you still find it bitter, add some sweet fruits like apples oranges or pineapples.

Golden Quote

”What you eat in private is eventually what you wear in public. Eat clean to look lean” -unknown

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday January 21, 2015

CapricioLos Angeles, California

Glamorous Fashion of the Critics’ Choice Awards StyleCreator-Sterling

Getting gussied up for an award show is about more than the perfect dress or a killer pair of heels (though those are important too), it’s about glamour and confidence. And, judging by the stunning style moments straight from the red carpet, the stars at the Critics Choice Awards were destined to shine Hollywood trendsetters like Marion Cotillard and Angelina Jolie brought their fashion ‘A’ game, and they weren’t alone. Read on to see the chic looks you won’t want to miss.

Critics gave the awards tonight, but now it’s your turn. After seeing the stars turn out a line-up of all-star glamour, we’re zeroing in on the five that deserve a little extra attention. Diane Kruger came ready to make a statement in a gorgeous Naeem Khan gown. Jennifer Aniston turned up the sultry factor with her Gucci suit. Jessica Chastain turned heads in her embellished Antonio Berardi dress, while Angelina Jolie channeled her inner siren in a liquid-silver gown. And Emily Blunt lit up the carpet with her fiery Pucci number. No one played by the same rules, but they’re all fabulous in their own right. The question is, who is your best dressed?

L7 Fashion

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday January 21, 2015

L8 Television

Showing on 135 BET

Showing on 134 CBS drama

03:10

18:00

Wed, 21 Jan| PG 13

Wed, 21 Jan| PG 13

‘S2/E8- Labryths’. A boy becomes lost within the tunnels.

The tunnel’s residents must choose what to do before a search party threatens to uncover its residents. (1998)

‘S1/E147075- 1/147075’. New York DJ, syndicated radio host, TV personality and best selling author Wendy Williams discusses celebrity gossips and news events

140 AMC

00:00 Exterminator 2 00:05 Terrorvision 02:15 RoboCop3 04:00 The Happy Ending 05:50 An American Rhapsody 07:35 Benny & Joon 09:10 Slow Dancing In The Big City 11:00 Man Of La Mancha 13:05 The Boyfriend School 14:45 Game Of Arms 15:40 Maxie 17:20 The Dust Factory 19:00 Tune In Tomorrow 20:45 More Dead Than Alive 22:25 Count Yoga, Vampire

130 MTV 161 MAISHA MAGIC 00:00 Quierto Amartel/Loving You Is All 01:00 Kona 01:30 Mr And Mrs Singh 02:00 Tujuane Plus 03:00 The Wild 03:30 Nose Of Gold 04:00 Mkasi 04:30 Prem 05:00 Sumu La Penzi 05:30 Beyond The Beat 06:00 Wakilisha 07:00 Sparkling Girls 08:00 Quierto/Amartel/Loving You Is All 09:00 Kona 09:30 Mr And Mrs Singh 10:00 Tujuane Plus 11:00 The Wild 11:30 Noose Of Gold 12:00 Mkasi 12:30 Prem 13:00 Sumu La Penzi 13:30 Beyond The Beat 14:00 Wakilisha 15:00 Sparkling Girls 16:00 Quierto Amartel/Loving You Is All 17:00 Kona 17:30 Kanuni 18:00 La Majer Del Vandavel/The Lady 19:00 The Wild

190 ED

00:00 Create 00:30 Behind The Headlines 01:00 AfriDocs Presents: Sundays 02:00 AfriDocsa Presents: With Kinshasa 2.0 02:30 Earth Beat 03:00 Cosmic Vista 03:30 Authentik Adeventures 04:00 Still In Shadows 04:30 Earned 05:00 Corner Talks 06:00 Create

252 STV

00:00 Brights 01:00 Music Africa 02:00 Music Africa 02:00 Boom Town 02:30 STV Sports Cafe 03:00 Local Movie 05:00 Gospel Rhythms 06:30 Insights For Living 07:00 STV AM News 07:30 Today On STV 09:30 Health Monitor 10:30 STV Sports Cafe 11:00 Edak Willie Show 11:30 Joy Beauty Clinic

12:05 Music Africa 14:05 Papa Ajasco 14:30 Artiste Zone 15:00 Daddy’s Girls 15:30 Brights 16:05 Nickelodeon 17:00 Lies That Bind 17:30 In My Closet 18:02 MTV Base 19:00 STV News @ 7 19:30 Taste Of Love 20:00 Dream Movie 21:30 Boom Town 22:00 STV News @ 10

06:30 Behind The Headlines 07:00 AfriDocs Presents: Sundays 08:00 AfriDocs Presents: With Kinshsa 2.0 08:30 Earth Beat 09:00 Cosmic Vista 09:30 Authentik Adventures 10:00 Still In Shadows 10:30 Earned 11:00 Corner Talks 12:00 Create 12:30 Behind The Headlines 13:00 AfriDocs Presents: Sundays

14:00 AfriDocs Presents: With Kinshasa 2.0 14:30 Earth Beat 15:00 Super Factories 16:00 Eye Of Africa 17:00 Corner Talks 18:00 Edge 18;30 Behind The Headlines 19:00 Rockey Street 20:00 Contact 21:00 Super Factories 22:00 Eye On Africa

254 Channels

00:00 News Track 00:30 Movie 02:00 Sunrise Daily 04:00 News Track 04:30 One Cubed 05:00 News Track 05:30 Earth File 06:00 News Track 06:30 Turning Point 07:00 Sunrise Daily 09:00 News Track

09:30 Sports This Morning 10:00 Business Morning 11:00 News Track 11:30 The Beam 12:00 News Track 12:30 Diplomatics Channel 13:00 News Track 13:30 Walk The Talk 14:00 News Track 15:00 News Track 15:30 Dateline Lagos

16:00 News Track 16:30 Aviation This Week 17:00 News Track 17:30 The World Today 18:00 Sports News 18:30 Arthouse 19:15 Straight Talk 20:15 Face-Off 21:00 Sports Tonight 22:00 News @ Ten

XT Exclusive

X8

face-off

” —Tiger Woods

X7

MESSI

OPENS UP ON ‘KIDNAP’ SAGA

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ALLENBY

ENRIQUE

One of the things my dad kept instilling in me was the joy of playing golf. He made it fun for me. A lot of the times I see a lot of the kids, they don’t enjoy being out there and that’s a shame, you’re supposed to enjoy the game.

“It’s never a relief when you miss a cut. I’ve missed two of them so far in my career, and neither of them feel very good, especially when you bogey the last hole on both of them. It’s disappointing any time you miss the cut because you’re here for four rounds to try to compete to win account and now I don’t get that opportunity to win the golf tournament.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

X3

Glo League

Nasarawa set for glorious outing

POOR G N I T A I C I F OF

X2

X2

ROCKS AFCON

TIGER WOODS

X4,5

S D O O W“ ER G I T

QUOTES ON

TIGER WOODS

TASKS GHANA ON REMAINING MATCHES

Poster!

WAKASO

X2

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

EXTRATIME

AFCON CONTROVERSY! HOSTS PROTEST TO CAF OVER CANCELLED H GOAL Equatorial Guinea skipper, Emilio Nsue, 74th minute goal against Congo was ruled offside.

osts of the 2015 AFCON Equatorial Guinea have lodged an official protest to CAF over a cancelled goal in Saturday’s opening Group A match against Congo.

Skipper Emilio Nsue’s lobbed effort in the 74th minute was ruled for offside

by African Referee of the Year 2013 and 2014 Bakary Papa Gassama from Gambia.

Television replays showed it was a poor

decision and the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) alleged on the government official website that this was a gang-up by the referee to stop the home country from reaching the last-eight of the tournament.

The statement said experts have reviewed several times the video of that goal and said it should have stood.

Spain-based striker Thievy Bifouma went on to draw level for Congo with Nza-

lang Nacional in the dying minutes of the game.

Interestingly, Congo coach Claude Le Roy alleged their performance against Equatorial Guinea was affected because they were deliberately held up in traffic on their way to the stadium hours to the kick-off.

Today, Equatorial Guinea will take on Burkina Faso, who lost 2-0 to Gabon at the weekend, in continuation of action in Group A.

Glo League: PGAN admits 22

Nasarawa to challenge for title –Ganaru

N Ganaru

asarawa United technical adviser, Mohammed Baba Ganaru has said his side will be serious contender for the Nigerian top flight title in the upcoming league season.

The former Kano Pillars tactician guided the Lafia-based side to a fifthplace finish on 59 points in the out gone 2013/14 Glo Premier League season.

Ganaru said his side are determined to make up for the shortcomings of last season that robbed them of dreamed ticket at the continent.

“Nasarawa United will be a serious contender for the league crown in the upcoming 2014/15 Glo Premier League season.

“We’re still pained to have missed a continental ticket in the out gone season

after a concerted fight.

“We’ll come up strongly this term to challenge for all the available titles in the land both league and Federation Cup trophies.

“We’re already on the right path with an early commencement of training and other preparations for the new season.

“Right now we’re still working with our regular players who did it for the side in the out gone season before we consider bringing in new players. The consideration for new players will be in the area of great need and it must be quality players with value to add to the side stock.

“Nasarawa United will certainly be the team to beat when football hostilities start in the Nigerian top flight,” said Ganaru to supersport.com.

new pros Mike Otanwa

T

he Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria (PGAN) has absorbed 22 former amateur players into the elite class after five days of rigorous test for 93 applicants that ended at the Kaduna Golf Club over the weekend.

Festus Makelemi, Director of the PGA said that the just concluded ‘Qualifying School’ was the most transparent in the association’s history.

Izang Ayuba a multiple medal winner in golf at the National Sports Festival for Plateau state finished atop of the players seeking professional membership at the Qualifying School.

He is a protégé of Samson Lawal Lamingo Golf Club’s resident professional.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

EXTRATIME

X3

AFCON 2015 Wakaso

M

ubarak Wakaso wants Ghana to win their next two games following an opening AFCON defeat to

Senegal.

The Black Stars surrendered a first half lead to be beaten 2-1 at the Estadio de Mongomo and must now win their remaining games or at least secure four points against Algeria and South Africa to stand the chance of advancing from Group C. Algeria defeated South Africa 3-1 in the other opening group game and will now face Ghana on Friday.

The combative midfielder admits the difficulty of the task ahead but demands the team must work hard to remain in the competition.

“Algeria are a really good team and we need to work hard in order to get all six points from the next two games,” Wakaso, who came on as a second half substitute against Senegal, said.

Wakaso also acknowledged the absence of malaria-hit captain and reliable scorer Asamoah Gyan and the new tactics of Coach Avram Grant as having affected on the team.

“Gyan’s absence affected us of course and also the change of formation affected us; we’re now getting used to the 3-5-2 system,” he added.

The Black Stars will have to record favourable results against Algeria and South Africa on January 23 and 27 respectively to advance to the quarterfinals of the AFCON.

O S A K A W DEMANDS RESPONSE A N A H G M O R F

Toure relishing

skipper’s role

I

vory Coast captain Yaya Toure, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, admits he is enjoying the responsibility that comes with leading the Elephants’ new generation into this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Yaya Toure

Shorn of the great Didier Drogba after his retirement from international football last year, the Ivoirians are now looking more than ever to the younger of the Toure brothers for inspiration.

“Responsibility is something I’ve been dealing with every day for years, as a father and now as captain of the Ivory Coast, and I am very proud,” the Manchester City star said at a press conference on Monday in Equatorial Guinea.

With other veterans of the sides that

reached the 2006 and 2012 finals having retired, such as midfielder Didier Zokora, Coach Herve Renard was eager to point out that only 13 members of his squad went to the World Cup in Brazil last year.

“Two or three years ago we had a strong team with a strong character.

Now it’s a new generation and my objective is to help and give this young team more experience,” added Toure, who is the only man in the current squad along with his elder brother Kolo who featured in the 2006 Cup of Nations final defeat to Egypt.

“Every day that passes is good because I used to listen to the old heads and learn things from them. Now it’s my turn to pass on my experience.”

GIREASLSSHEO:WED

SENEG R GREAT CHARACTE

S

enegal coach Alain Giresse toasted a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Ghana in CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group C cracker, but called for his team not to get carried away.

“It is always better to take three points, but it doesn’t mean we are guaranteed to qualify, just as the defeat for Ghana does not mean they are eliminated,” Giresse said after Moussa Sow’s stoppage-time goal clinched victory in Mongomo.

“There are still two matches to play. The efforts we put in during the second half are an encouraging sign. At half-time I said to the players that nothing was lost. At 1-0 down with 45 minutes left, there was no doubts. We went back out onto the field with conviction,” added the 62-year-old Frenchman, who is an experienced Africa-hand having also coached the Gabon and Mali national teams as well as a Moroccan club side.

Giresse saw his side fall behind to a 14th-minute Andre Ayew penalty before opting to change formation at half-time as Nantes defender Papy Djilobodji was withdrawn. That alteration helped the Lions of Teranga equalise through Mame Biram Diouf before Sow’s last-gasp winner.

“The change at half-time was purely tactical. We switched to four at the back because we needed to rebalance the team, but that does not call into question Djilobodji’s first-half display.”

Meanwhile, the hero of the hour Sow said: “I was disappointed to not be in the starting line-up, which is normal because I am a competitor. I want to play and to win. The coach’s decisions need to be respected but it’s true that it was me who came on and scored, so there you go,” added the 29-year-old.

Senegal, who have never won the AFCON title battles South Africa on Friday, with Algeria their other opponents in an extremely testing group.

Giresse

AFCON RESULTS Equatorial Guinea 1-1 Congo Burkina Faso 0-2 Gabon Zambia 1-1 RD Congo Tunisia 1-1 Cape Verde Ghana 1 - 2 Senegal Algeria 3 - 1 South Africa

TODAY’S MATCHES Equatorial Guinea v Burkina Faso 17:00 Gabon v Congo 20:00 Thursday, January 22, 2015 Zambia v Tunisia 17:00 Cape Verde v RD Congo

20:00

Friday, January 23, 2015 Ghana v Algeria 17:00 South Africa v Senegal 20:00 Saturday, January 24, 2015 Cote d’Ivoire v Mali 17:00 Cameroun v Guinea 20:00 Sunday, January 25, 2015 Congo v Burkina Faso 19:00 Gabon v Equatorial Guinea 19:00 Monday, January 26, 2015 RD Congo v Tunisia 19:00 Cape Verde v Zambia 19:00 Tuesday, January 27, 2015 South Africa v Ghana 19:00 Senegal v Algeria 19:00 Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Cameroun v Cote d’Ivoire 19:00 Guinea v Mali 19:00

X4

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

EXTRATIME

R E O G I T O

W“

QUOTES ON

TIGER WOODS

One of the things my dad kept instilling in me was the joy of playing golf. He made it fun for me. A lot of the times I see a lot of the kids, they don’t enjoy being out there and that’s a shame, you’re supposed to enjoy the game.

“It’s never a relief when you miss a cut. I’ve missed two of them so far in my career, and neither of them feel very good, especially when you bogey the last hole on both of them. It’s disappointing any time you miss the cut because you’re here for four rounds to try to compete to win account and now I don’t get that opportunity to win the golf tournament.

—Tiger Woods

”

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S D O

X5 Wednesday, January 21, 2015

EXTRATIME

X6

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

EXTRATIME

Interview

BEST JUJU IN FOOTBALL IS HARD WORK –KALOU What is the atmosphere like across Cote d’Ivoire as the Elephants battle for glory at the ongoing 2015 AFCON? People talk about nothing else than AFCON; they get together and check the TV works. People decorate their homes and everyone wears orange capes and orange shirts. They always do everything they can from home to push our country towards victory. It’s a huge party, and you see everyone in the streets dressed in orange, white and green. People organise evenings to watch games together, and there are parties and music. It’s a bit like a huge carnival across the whole country every time the competition is going on.

Has that enthusiasm faded for you a little since you became part of the squad?

Yes, I miss that a lot. When you become a professional player, you lose a bit of that passion and you see the tournament differently – we’re focused and have objectives. You lose the fun and festive side of the Cup of Nations. When you’re a fan, you feel that passion and you can feel the temperature rising little by little until kick-off in the first match.

After that, you live every second of the competition very passionately. I used to love that atmosphere.

Along with Guinea and Mali, you will face Cameroon in Group D – a game that will not feature international retirees Drogba and Eto’o. That will feel a little like Real Madrid against Barcelona without Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?

(Laughs) Yes, it’s true you could describe it like that. It’s difficult to imagine.

But it’s a little like if you tried a few years ago to imagine Barça without Ronaldinho and Real without Zinedine Zidane, and yet today we have Messi and Ronaldo. Both teams always have new players who come in and take over. Even if the two teams will miss Didier and Samuel greatly, a match between Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon is always huge and it’s been that way for a while.

Are Drogba and Eto’o models for a whole generation of African youngsters?

Both players pushed African football beyond its limits. Today, Eto’o and Drogba represent not just Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon but the success of an entire continent, and they’ve set an example for youngsters across the whole of Africa, and not just in football. The fact that they experienced success with their countries and also the big clubs they’ve played for has opened doors for all of us. Thanks to them, when an African player joins a club, people respect him more. They’ve set the best possible example of what you can expect from an African player.

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire had Drogba, Cameroon had Eto’o, Argentina had Messi, Brazil had Neymar and Portugal had Ronaldo – but Germany won with more of a team approach.

Does that prove that success comes from collective effort?

Having the best players isn’t enough to win. You need to be organised and balanced to win a tournament. When you look at the records of all the biggest teams in history, Germany and Italy always go very far, and often all the way,

because they always have good organisation and a winning mentality. And yet, neither of them has really had the kind of immense players Argentina and Brazil have had. It helps to have a great player, but it’s not an automatic guarantee that you’ll win tournaments.

Because of that, do you think the Elephants can be even stronger and win a tournament without Didier Drogba?

It’s clear that, when you lose a major asset like Didier, people don’t see you as favourites so much because they reckon you’re less strong without him. But we’re still a solid side and we can be even better collectively and win the tournament.

At certain times in the past, perhaps we relied too much on our individual players to the detriment of the team. In a few of the easier games, that was enough for us to win, but each time we faced better organised sides like Egypt or Zambia, we had trouble getting through. They were well organised and had a strong team, and we tried to respond to that with the talent of our individual players. It caused us a lot of problems.

You spent six seasons at Chelsea without ever being an automatic starter. Might you have had a better career as a starter for a smaller club rather than a substitute at a big one?

I joined Chelsea very young. I was 20 and there were great players of quality and experience who’d been there a long time. I learned from being around them every day and they helped me improve. But

I also won titles there, and it wasn’t just by staying on the bench. I scored 60 goals in six years, and for someone who was young and not a first-choice starter, I’d say those are good figures. To spend six years at a club like that, who had the means to buy great forwards every year, and manage to keep my place is something I’m proud of and which helped me mature.

According to one rumour, you went to your first training session at Chelsea armed with a camera. Was it true?

(Laughs) No, it didn’t happen like

Salomon Kalou

that! When I joined, we were about to leave for a training camp in the United States. I’d never been before, so it was my first time. We were going to Los Angeles, so I brought my camera with me. People distorted that, saying I’d come with a camera to take photos of the big players and I got teased for that.

But I knew Didier well and some of the others too a long time before I signed for Chelsea, so it was just to take photos and keep some souvenirs of the United States. I need to set the record straight!

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

EXTRATIME

Golf:

MAKES CASE FOR GOLF AT RIO 2016 cake.”

Inclusion in the 2016 Olympics is not the only reason why the game has the chance to harness a new approach.

Fresh personnel will occupy key leadership roles this year when Martin Slumbers takes over from Peter Dawson as boss at golf’s governing body the R&A, while the European Tour appoint a successor to George O’Grady as chief executive.

“I don’t think the sport is in trouble, but I do think that those who are in charge of the game need to be brave,” Morgan added. “They need to take some risks.”

Giles Morgan

Golf:

ALLENBY

OPENS UP ON HAWAII ‘KIDNAP’

A

ustralian golfer Robert Allenby says he was kidnapped from a bar in Hawaii, robbed and beaten, before being dumped in a park.

Allenby, 43, says he may have been drugged before he was taken from the

The military veteran paid for a taxi for him back to the hotel, he said.

Pictures shown in the media showed Allenby with cuts on

bar on Friday. He was helped back to his hotel by a retired military man.

“I didn’t think I was going to survive this one,” he said.

The golfer had been planning to fly out of Hawaii after missing the cut at the US PGA Tour’s Sony Open.

Local television said the incident was being investigated as seconddegree robbery.

“I was separated from my friend in the bar after we had paid the tab at 22:48 (08:48 GMT) and he went to the bathroom and next thing you know I’m being dumped in a park miles away,” he said.

He said a homeless woman spotted him being dumped from a car, after being robbed of his phone and wallet.

his nose and forehead and bruising around his eye.

His caddie Mick Middlemo revealed Allenby woke up groggy with no initial recollection of what happened to him.

He is ranked 271 in the world and has won four titles on the elite PGA Tour.

Gareth Warburton

areth Warburton and Rhys Williams say they are not cheats after being banned for failing drugs tests.

The Welsh athletes were “at fault or negligent” but had not knowingly taken anything containing the prohibited substances, says an official national antidoping report published on Monday.

Williams, 30, was banned for four months and Warburton, 31, for six.

Warburton said: “I’m not a cheat... I’m a clean athlete... It’s a contaminated substance case.”

The independent tribunal found neither athlete took enough advice before consuming Mountain Fuel supplements, some of which were contaminated with an anabolic steroid.

Both athletes, who have now served their bans, have urged other athletes not to take sporting supplements after their experience with the contaminated blackcurrant-flavour energy drink.

“My advice is not to take supplements at all and if you do take them, do the right checks,” said Warburton, who vowed to never again use such products.

“There’s no way of knowing 100% that they’re safe so if you’re not 100% sure, don’t take them.”

Asked if he felt his punishment was fair, Warburton replied: “Yeah, I think it is.”

Warburton says he and Williams were “just unlucky” and that his ban has been accompanied by a £10,000 financial loss, plus sponsors withdrawing their support.

The pair have both said they are looking forward to returning to competition and Williams has targeted qualifying for the 2015 World Championships in Beijing.

WE’RE , S T A E NO CH D E N N A SAY B R I A P H S WELMarussia Motorsport

G

olf returns to the Olympics next year and Giles Morgan, the head of sponsorship for HSBC, believes this provides an opportunity that cannot be squandered.

Morgan’s company spends millions of pounds on golf, backing several tournaments including the Open, the WGC Champions event in Shanghai, the women’s matchplay and last week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, won so dramatically by Frenchman Gary Stal.

All of HSBC’s golf contracts are up for renewal in 2015 and Morgan is concerned that the game is not moving with the times.

“It’s a crossroads moment,” Morgan said. “I think that we will look back over this period and see where golf has gone.

“There are lots of positives about golf but the world, particularly with digital communications and people’s time, has changed in the last 15 years beyond anybody’s wildest dreams.

“I’m not sure that golf has kept up with that change.

“And therefore I think, because it attracts high investment, has famous superstars, its men and women, its old and young and it’s relatively healthy, there are lots of good reasons it can look at all of the ingredients and then re-bake the

G

Athletics

MORGAN

X7

F1 team ‘close to rescue deal’

M Robert Allenby

arussia boss John Booth is hopeful the team can put together a rescue deal in time for them to take part in the first race of the new season.

The team have been in administration since last October and missed the final three grands prix of 2014.

But Booth said the team were “at a fairly advanced stage with a new inves-

tor - a credible investor”.

A planned auction of the team’s 2014 cars, which they would need to race in Australia on March 15, has been halted.

The auction was due to take place on January 21 but has been called off indefinitely while Marussia try to finalise their plans.

Administrators FRP Advisory confirmed Wednesday’s auction was cancelled “to allow for discussions to continue with a third party”.

“Postponing the auction gives us a bit more time to explore it,” Booth added.

He admitted, however, that the deal was “very complicated” and that “time is of the essence”.

He said an agreement needed to be completed “in the next couple of weeks” if the team were to race in Melbourne.

X8

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME BRIEFS Agent plays down Okaka’s incident

ENRIQUE mum on MESSI debate

B

arcelona boss Luis Enrique is keen to put his reported row with Lionel Messi behind him as his side prepares to face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. It had been reported that the Argentine requested the coach be fired after he was left on the bench for the recent Liga loss to Real Sociedad, and has scored

a flurry of goals since being restored to the starting XI. However, Enrique does not want to talk about his star forward and wants to put the issue to one side.

“I’m not going to add to the debate, I’ve said this on many occasions,” he told reporters when asked about Messi.

“People can think what they what.”

ANCELOTTI thumbs up RONALDO

R

eal Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo “the most prolific player he has ever seen”, while declaring he has an easy job at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Portugal international has already

Ronaldo

Ronaldo

netted 36 goals in 30 appearances in official competitions this season and won his Ballon d’Or last week.

The 29-year-old netted once in the 2-2 cup draw with Atletico Madrid last week, before scoring a double against Getafe at the weekend and Ancelotti believes he no longer has anything to prove.

“Nobody can doubt Ronaldo,” Ancelotti said. “He’s the most prolific player I’ve ever seen. There’s nobody like him.”

The Italian then spoke of his happiness in Madrid and rather than dwell on the pressures of the job, instead revealed he couldn’t have things any easier.

“Coaching Madrid’s the easiest thing in the world, really easy,” he added. “I have a team brimming with talent, an extremely well organised club, amazing fans...”

Ancelotti also had his say on Madrid’s transfer plans this January and ruled out any new signings, while pointing to the impending return of Luka Modric as the equivalent of a new signing.

Barca beat Atletico 3-1 nine days ago at Camp Nou in La Liga but Enrique is expecting the two-legged Copa del Rey clash to be a far tougher encounter.

“Atletico are a very difficult opponent in a tie over two legs and they’ll serve as a reference for what we must improve and how we can do more damage than our opponents,” he told reporters.

THOMPSON backs BALOTELLI’S sale P hil Thompson believes Liverpool will sell Mario Balotelli before the end of the transfer window, if Daniel Sturridge is ready for the first team.

The Italy international has not scored in the Premier League since joining the club in August from AC Milan, and he has only netted two goals in his 18 total appearances.

Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is reported to be interested in taking him to Inter Milan, and former Liverpool captain Thompson feels that could be an option as long as fellow striker Sturridge is match fit.

“I think they need to change things up

and we need a bit more experience.

“We still need another striker. If you pin me down regarding Balotelli, he’s been in and out of squads - sometimes not even making the substitutes’ bench.

“To me, I would think if there’s an offer there for him from another club, then they will take it, as long as Sturridge is ready to come back.”

England striker Sturridge has only played four times for Liverpool this season after injuring his thigh in September but he is back in training.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has used the likes of Raheem Sterling and Rickie Lambert up front in his absence and Thompson says his return will need to be managed carefully.

The agent of Sampdoria striker Stefano Okaka has played down a row that saw the Italy international ordered to leave training on Monday. Okaka was dismissed from the session due to his “inappropriate behaviour” towards Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, before becoming involved in an altercation with sporting director Carlo Osti.

Enrique

Enrique coy over future Luis Enrique has offered no guarantees he will still be Barcelona coach next season and says he rarely celebrates goals. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has refused to commit his future to the club, instead insisting he is “living in the present”. The former Roma boss has had to endure a turbulent stint at the helm since taking charge at Camp Nou last year, with persistent question marks over his support from both players and fans.

Ryan open to Liverpool switch

Liverpool target Mat Ryan will consider his options in the summer but is unlikely to make the move to Anfield in January, according to his agent.

The Merseyside club are thought to have targeted a move for highly rated Club Brugge goalkeeper as they eye a long-term solution to their goalkeeping problems, with Brendan Rodgers having dropped Simon Mignolet earlier this season.

Spurs accept Swansea’s £5m Naughton bid

Swansea City have agreed a £5 million deal with Tottenham for Kyle Naughton. The Swans had seen an initial offer for the 26-year-old rejected at the start of January, and a host of other clubs have also made enquiries, however, Swansea have upped their proposal in a bid to see off rival interest.