Daily Times of Nigeria Newspaper - Thursday 22th of January 2015

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.29

No proof of plot to hack into our data base – Jega

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CERTIFICATE

School releases Buhari’s certificate 6

INSIDE

Life&

TIMES Thursday January 22, 2015

Ï Alleged perjury: PDP asks APC candidate to withdraw from race

Sean Tizzle’s

Loke Loke stands the test

I have over 50 perfumes -Bimbo Thomas

Shekau dares Niger, Chad, Cameroon leaders

Eat your way to headachefree life L7

Satchel-push-lock bags back and L6 better

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L4

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

At Acorn Petroleum, we remain committed to delivering unrivaled products and services to our customers. Acorn Petroleum Plc., your new energy

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Politics Page Three

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Editorial

FG’s new textile policy

T

he newly launched National Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) policy by the Federal Government is a welcome development. If all goes to plan, the industry would be generating $3billion from export annually.

Also, it is expected to lead to increase in seed cotton production, from the present 200,000 metric tons to 500,000. According to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, the policy is a major component of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan(NIPR),aimed at revamping the textile sector. There was no denying the fact that the textile industry is closely associated with Nigeria’s nationahood.

Before now, the industry was known to have employed the largest labour force in the private sector. At a time, the labour force stood at more than one million strong,working in more than 2,000 mills spread across the length and breadth of the country. It was also a fact that the industry accounted for 60 percent of the textile capacity in West Africa.The collapse of the industry was driven largely by smuggling at the borders,failed government policies,high costs of doing business arising from prohibitive raw materials,energy costs and a welter of challenges that plagued the investment climate in Nigeria. Also, the government made a fundamental mistake by pushing Nigeria into the World Trade

Organisation(WTO), at a time when the country’s industrial base at a time when the country’s industrial base was still weak.

The industry starting witnessing hard times in the 1980-90’s when the cheap textiles from China and other developing economies flooded the country’s markets. This led to closures of hundreds of textile mills due to high labour costs and the uncompetitiveness of the manufactured products.

During the Obasanjo administration the Federal Government , made promises to resuscitate the near comatose sector, including a commitment to bail out the sector with N70 billion at that time. Sadly, all ended up as mere charade and political statements.

However, since Olusegun Aganga took over as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, there has been a rebound in the sector. But the situation is still far from its past glory. But it cannot be denied that a steady ascension has become noticeable in the sector.At a time that government is making efforts to massively create jobs for the teeming millions of unemployed Nigerians, it is pertinent that it gives every encouragement to the sector in order to achieve the objective. As the minister has noted, the government is targeting a rise in direct employment from the current level of 24,000 to a 100,000 people by 2017. That would have brought back the preeminent position of the industry.

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Yinka Olujimi

ÎÎÎ

The lion has been moved to Lagos and Ogun States. All leopards in that area better beware.

Yes, the lion in the Nigerian Police force, Mbu Joseph Mbu, has been redeployed as Assistant Inspector General in charge of Zone 7 in Abuja to Zone 2, covering Lagos and Ogun States.

Mbu, in September 2014, boasted that he tamed the “lion” of Rivers State, Governor Rotimi Amaechi when he was there a Com-

missioner of Police. Many will easily remember the many open skirmishes the Police chief had with Amaechi, the putative Chief Security Officer of the state who had at that time been removed from the good books of some “oga at the top”.

Soon after, he was rewarded with a promotion to the position of AIG. In a moment many will regard as unguarded, he boastfully told his successor as Commissioner of Police of the Federal Capital Territory: “I advise you (CP) to carry the senior officers along in your administration. It is only a lion that can tame a leopard. I tamed the leopard

Words On Marble :

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The leopard and the lions in Port Harcourt, each time he remembers my face, he would remember how I tamed him”.

Many who know Mbu say he is much loved by juniors as a Police officer who will not condone any financial maltreatment of the rank and file. Even if that claim is true – and I fervently pray it is, for his sake and of those to be deployed to monitor the coming elections – Mbu must guard his loins, and tongue, because this may be the toughest assignment of his Police career. He is in Lagos and Ogun where fire must not meet fire. The leopard and the lions should find a way to cohabit peacefully, please.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Deputy Editors

Sports Editor

Head, Sales & Marketing

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head of Operations

Head ICT (Shared Services)

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Noel Anosike

Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Managing Editor

Bisi Abidoye

Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects Tunji Okegbola

Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Moses Ebong

Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

Deputy Head Graphics Afeez Odeseye

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.

Adams Oshiomhole

Ayo Fasanmi

Debo Adeniran

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!

Have you ever heard where you do interview in a stadium?

Nigeria has been a blessed nation but our leaders 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.

The redeployment of Officer Mbu to Lagos sure raises some suspicions. This is an officer that has been associated with series of controversies and had shown his partisanship in Rivers State.

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

5 News

Customs generate N15bn from excise duties in two states Funmi Coker

ÏÏÏ

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated a total of N15,205,286,408.63, between January and December 2014.

The amount was generated from excise duties and duty from fairly used imported vehicles.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Richard Oteri, explained that excise collection amounted to N14,561,262,542.43, while N644,023,866.20 was raked in from the fairly used vehicles.

He said that the revenue achievement showed

2015: INEC makes case for PLWDs Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ

Following agitations by people living with disabilities, that they should be given preferential treatment during the 2015 general elections for smooth participation in the electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that those with all forms of visual defects will vote with the aid of ‘Tattered Ballot

a 10 per cent increase above the revenue generated in 2013, which was N12,139,122,324.50.

He added that the command’s anti-smuggling units recorded 453 seizures; confiscated 30,000 rounds of live cartridges concealed with yam and dry cassava flour; 14,636 bags of 50-kilogramme rice, 23 bags of the 25-kilogramme and 20 bags of the 10-kilogramme bags of rice.

The command similarly impounded 125 bags of Indian hemp, 60 wraps of hemp, in addition to 28,343 cartons of imported frozen poultry products, particularly, turkey.

Papers’.

The commission made the clarification in Ado Ekiti during an interactive session with the members of the National Association of People Living With Disabilities (NAPLWD).

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, Mr Sam Olumekun, told the participants that nobody would be disenfranchised on account of disabilities in the forthcoming elections.

Olumekun, who was represented by the commission’s Administrative Secretary, Mr Femi Agboola, added that the special ballot papers were made for the blinds and had been unveiled by INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, during a visit of the group to his office in Abuja.

L-R: National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu; President Goodluck Jonathan; Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and VicePresident Namadi Sambo, during a courtesy visit to the Emir in Kano on …

Wednesday

Disagreement over festival dates threatens Anambra community Okey Chris Awka

ÏÏÏ

Combined security agents, comprising the Army, the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) yesterday foiled what would have degenerated into a 2015 scene of horror in Anambra State, as the Amichi masquerade group planned to unleash mayhem on Anglican worshipers during their Sunday outreach at Eke Amichi village square, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The clash was sequel to the venue and time of the Ezumezu cultural festival, which holds once in a

month on any Eke market Sunday which, incidentally, is a day Anglican Diocese of Amichi holds its monthly outreach.

When our reporter visited the scene, the battle line between both parties had already been drawn, as irate youths were sighted wielding dangerous weapons, including machetes and local guns, while the defenceless Christians remained calm under the canopy mounted at the village square for the outreach.

This reporter reliably gathered that this is the third time the youths, who are being sponsored by the undercover elders and stakeholders in the town, are disrupting religious ac-

tivities in the area.

It was also learnt that some clergy and other church workers had earlier been attacked and their vehicles vandalized, while a police officer on investigation also suffered the same fate as he was brutalised and assaulted.

The leader of the masquerade group, Mr. Amichi Okonkwo, said they had warned the Anglican Bishop of Amichi, Rt. Rev E.O Ikeakor, and the entire Anglican community to stay clear from the market square, especially on Sundays that fall on Eke, while the archdeacon and Cathedral administrator, Ven. Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka, insisted that Sun-

Boko Haram: Nigeria military ill-equipped – Kingibe Flu has claimed Sunday Isuwa

ÏÏÏ

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, Pakistan and vice presidential candidate of the botched 1993 election, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, has said that the Nigerian military are ill-equipped, adding that the present leadership cannot dispute that fact.

Kingibe also said there is no sign that the Boko Haram insurgency is as a result of any external aggression, but the military is inadequately or ill equipped to face the insurgents.

Presenting a paper titled: ‘Understanding Nigeria’s National Interest’ at the National Defense Policy Review Interactive session in Kaduna yesterday, where he added that the major concern presently was the growing suspicion and disharmony among our people and the threat of disruption to the nation’s oil region, which he said were internal threats, Kingibe, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation under Yar’adua’s government, stressed that the need for the Nigerian military to make serious internal self-

appraisal to win the campaign against insurgency is paramount.

According to him, “that our troops are not suitably or adequately equipped and motivated cannot be disputed. That there is problem of indiscipline in the ranks is manifest, going by the incidence of mutiny and the spate of court-marshals, disertions and dismissals reported by the military themselves.

“The last five years or so have been testing times for even our military. Their well merited reputation for professionalism and disci-

over 22,000 birds - FG Augustine Aminu

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Kingibe pline, through their gallant participation in numerous peacekeeping operations since independence, has been put to the test in their campaign against the insurgency ravaging the North East since 2009,” he observed.

The Federal Government on Wednesday disclosed that the incidence of bird flu in some parts of the country have left about 140,000 birds exposed to the deadly disease and a record of more than 22,000 dead birds.

This revelation was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi

days that fall on Eke market day is used by the Anglican communion as ‘Ozioma Okeke’, which, according to him, is not domiciled in Amichi alone but cut across the Niger region.

Ven. Chukwuebuka said that “the church agrees that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of worship and expression but our position is that they should allow us to worship our God, because we have never disturbed them and we did not even say that they should not hold their festival. But telling us not to go for outreach on certain Sundays is what we disagree with. Everybody knows that Christians worship their God on Sundays.

Adesina, while briefing newsmen in Abuja.

“I wish to formally inform the public of the incidence of Bird Flu (avian influenza) on some poultry farms in Nigeria. The initial case of Bird Flu was reported and confirmed on a commercial farm and in a live bird market in Kano and Lagos states, respectively, on January 8, 2015,” he said.

He confirmed that the cases were due to the H5N1 virus, stressing that although Bird Flu is a disease primarily of poultry, it also has the ability to affect humans if not properly handled within poultry populations.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

‘No proof of plot to hack into our data base’ Kayode Adelowokan and Tunde Atobatele

ÏÏÏThe

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that its data base is “not hackable”.

Chairman of the commission, Professor Attairu Jega, while speaking on a national television on Wednesday, declared that the system could

be hacked only with the collusion of an “insider”. But he quickly added that all security measures had been put in place by the commission to make hacking “virtually impossible”.

According to Jega, in the event that hacking happens at all, whichever insider does it will be easily identified.

Jega said, “As I speak with you, we feel very confident that our data base cannot be hacked in the normal way people know how to hack.

“Hacking takes place if you are on the network, although we may have security challenges, but our data base is not on the network (internet).

“It is not hackable as far

as I know in terms of network connection.

“If our data base is hacked, it means that people in-house have compromised.

“I can confirm to you that we have put in place, proper checks and balances to prevent incidents like this so that if it happens, we can easily identify who must have done that.”

On the possibility of cloning voters cards, Jega said it was not impossible for the attempt to be made, but according to him, such cards will be useless because they cannot be read by INEC’s card readers. Only cards

At last, school releases Buhari’s results Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏThe

controversy surrounding the academic credentials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the February 14 election, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) was temporarily doused Wednesday as Government College, formerly Provincial Secondary School, Katsina, released his secondary school certificate examination results.

The results showed that Buhari undertook the University of Cambridge West African School Certificate Examinations and obtained five credits in English Language, Geography, Hausa Language, History, and Health Science.

The statement of result was signed by the current principal of Katsina College, dated January 21, 2015.

The results also shows that

the APC presidential candidate failed in Mathematics and Woodwork and had a pass in Literature in English.

The examination centre number was 8280, while Buhari’s candidate number was 002.

The statement of results printed on the letter head paper of the Katsina State Ministry of Education also shows that the examination took place in 1961.

The computer printout from University of Cambridge also shows the result of 17 other candidates at the centre, including Shehu Yar’Adua, a former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters.

Recall that the Nigerian Army had earlier admitted on Tuesday said it did not have the original true copies of Buhari’s certificate.

Meanwhile, Buhari at a press briefing in Kano expressed surprise at the controversy generated by the

issue, adding that he only consented to speak on the issue because of the genuine concern expressed by many supporters and other wellmeaning Nigerians.

He said: “I had assumed all along that all my records were in the custody of the Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army. Much to my surprise, we are now told that although a record of the result is available, there are no copies of the certificates in my personal file. This is why I formally requested my old school the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina (which is now known as Government College, Katsina) to make available the school’s copy of the result of the Cambridge/ West African School Certificate”.

The APC presidential standard bearer disclosed that he not only attended Provincial Secondary School, Katsina but graduated in 1961 with

many prominent Nigerians, including General Shehu Yar’adua, former chief of staff at the Supreme Headquarters, and Justice Umaru Abdullahi, a former President of the Court of Appeal.

“We sat for the University of Cambridge/WASC Examination together in 1961, the year we graduated. My examination number was 8280002, and I passed the examination in the Second Division,”Buhari added.

He said the issue in the forthcoming campaign cannot be his certificate which he obtained 53 years ago, noting that the issues in the election “are the scandalous level of unemployment of millions of our young people, the state of insecurity, the pervasive official corruption which has impoverished our people and the lack of concern of the government for anything Continued on page 7

Continued on page 7

Shekau dares Niger, Chad, Cameroon leaders ÏÏÏHead

Labour Party governorship candidate, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala addressing a rally in Apete, Ido Local Governorment of Oyo State in Ibadan... on Wednesday

produced by INEC can be read by the IINEC card reader.

“It is possible some people might be planning to clone the cards, but the fact

of Boko Haram insurgents, Abubakar Shekau, has openly taunted the countries planning a united effort to crush the group.

In a video, where he claimed responsibility for the bloody attack on the Nigerian town of Baga on January 3, Shekau scorned the presidents of Chad, Cameroon and Niger, taunting Chad’s Idriss Deby with the message: “African kings...I challenge you to attack me now. I am ready”.

The Baga attack, in which hundreds of people were killed, was called a crime against humanity by Washington and Paris.

In the video, just emerged on YouTube, Shekau also accused Cameroon President, Paul Biya, of being too afraid to ask for help in the face of the group’s everincreasing belligerence.

Cameroon also suffered repeated attacks recently, including the kidnapping of dozens of people, mostly women and children, during a deadly attack on Sunday.

To Niger’s president, Mahamadou Issoufou, whom Shekau noted, commiserated with France after the

Shekau

recent Islamist attacks in Paris, said: “Muhammad Yusuf (Mahamadou Issoufou), is that your job? Ah, ah, ah! Muhammad Yusuf, you will see. President of Niger, you will see”, he said.

Shekau’s provocative video came as a regional summit opened in Nigeria on Tuesday, aimed at stopping Boko Haram, whose insurgency had left 13,000 people dead and forced 1.5 million others from their homes since 2009.

Leaders from Ghana and Chad have called for a unified effort against the Islamist militants.

Chad sent a convoy of troops and 400 military vehicles on Saturday into neighbouring Cameroon to fight Boko Haram, as Nigeria’s neighbours appeared to be losing patience with the efforts of the Nigerian Army.

Little is known of “Shekau”, with some experts and Nigerian security officials insisting that he is, in fact, a composite character, whose role is taken by a rotating cast of different militant fighters.

According to security services, the original Abubakar Shekau was the son of poor farmers, became radicalised while attending theological schools and took over Boko Haram in 2010.

The Nigerian military said, last September, that a man, posing as Shekau in videos posted online, had, in fact, been killed after fighting with troops in the far northeast.

The United States and other experts, however, questioned the credibility of that claim, while Shekau denied it outright in a video obtained by AFP last October.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

7 News

Stakeholders fault Ngilari’s call for election shift Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏThe views expressed by Governor of Adamawa State, Bala James Ngilari suggesting to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to suspend the February 14 general election in the state is receiving much condemnation and rejection from stakeholders.

Ngilari, while speaking at a workshop in Abuja on the Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) had called on INEC to suspend all elections in the state until April, for what he termed ‘security reasons’.

Major stakeholders, however, reacted, promptly, and described his suggestion as unfortunate, reckless,

unwarranted and unexpected of a sitting Governor.

A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Umar Duhu was dismayed that, despite the fact that troubled states like Borno and Yobe, that are worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgents, agreed to hold elections, the reverse was the case with Ngilari, indicating that the governor must be up to something mischievous.

One of the founding members of Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Dr Umar Ardo said if the call by the governor was heeded, it would lead to a constitutional breach adding that there was no basis for such calls as “it portends

danger to the polity”.

“If there is no election in the state, we are going to have problems.

It means the government of the day will have to continue in office. It will result in a constitutional mess,” he

said.

Ardo noted that INEC had assured that an enabling environment would be created for the IDPs to cast their votes adding that with such situation, there was no need for the

call.

He similarly faulted the governor over his choice of April for the conduct of the election asking him if he was sure whether the situation would have normalized then.

School releases Buhari’s results Continued from page 6 other than the retention of power at all costs”.

Meanwhile, the campaign organisation of President Goodluck Jonathan insisted that Gen. Buhari had failed to discharge the duties imposed on him by the Electoral Act and that the APC candidate should withdraw from the race.

A statement by the organisation, signed by Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, accused Buhari of perjury.

It also decried the reported attack on President Jonathan’s convoy in Katsina State.

The campaign organization said that the action of the “miscreants” had threatened the recent peace pact that Jonathan, Buhari and other political leaders signed in Abuja.

On perjury, which the campaign tagged as: “And Buhari lies on oath”, the campaign group noted that Buhari in Kano explained his controversial affidavit that his credentials were with the military by saying that his deposition was based on assumption.

On Tuesday, the Army denied being in the custody of any credential

of the Army General, whether original or certified true copy.

The campaign organisation stated: “The implication of the action of this so-called “Mr Clean” is nothing but perjury and we all know that this is a grave criminal offence under our laws and constitution.”

It urged Buhari and the APC “to do the right thing and tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian people, throw in the towel and report to the nearest police station for interrogation and prosecution.”

The Jonathan campaign organisation added: “Anything less than that would be an insult to the collective intelligence and integrity of the Nigerian people.”

It also urged “the Nigerian Armed Forces to consider the possibility of stripping him (Buhari) of his rank and privileges given the fact that he was never qualified to join the Nigerian army as a commissioned officer in the first place because he never had the prerequisite qualifications which was a school certificate. Given this, at best Buhari should never have been anything more than a non-commissioned officer.”

The certificates of Gen. Buhari as released by the school

Continued from page 6

‘No proof of plot to hack into our data base’ Jega

is that the card reader will only read cards produced by INEC. …

Anything is conceivable, but they cannot successfully clone a card that will be read by the card reader,” Jega declared.

On whether INEC had discovered any cloned card, Jega said it had not.

The DSS, Jega said, had the duty to investigate any suspected crime but added that it had not allowed

the DSS access to its data base.

“We know we are expected to protect the secrecy of the voters and we have a lot of information on our data base and we cannot make our data base accessible to anybody. Whenever they want to come to us for information, we are willing to provide them any information that may be available to us,” the INEC chairman declared.

On the eligibility of the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General

Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), to contest in the February 2015 general election, the INEC boss said it is not part of the commission’s duty to determine if a candidate is eligible according to Section 31 of the Electoral Act. “Although INEC has power to deregister a political party, it does not have the power to disqualify a candidate submitted by a political party, so far it has met all the requirements as required,” Jega said.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Importers flay Jonathan, Obi, Okonjo-Iweala over Onitsha seaport Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÏÏÏ

The economic liability of Onitsha Seaport posed by the inability of the Federal Government to put the port to effective use has been attributed to sabotage by various major stakeholders in the Transport Ministry.

However, South-East importers and traders who heaved a sigh of relief when the port was completed by the contractor that handled the project, following its commissioning by President Goodluck Jonathan are now pointing accusing fingers on the

President, the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the nonrealization of the dream for which the port project was initiated.

Some of the importers interviewed blamed the President for condoning corruption and inaction among his cabinet. For instance they claimed that Mr. Obi who is a member of the president’s economic team with Okonjo-Iweala, coordinating should have advised the president on the need to activate economic activities at the port which would propel high scale

Okonjo-Iweala direct and indirect employment to the people.

Mr. Chuma Ikediora an importer at the Onitsha Main Market reminded Nigerians the President’s pronouncement during the commissioning of the project a few years back that the former state gov-

ernor, Mr. Peter Obi, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is a prominent member in his cabinet, including some Anambra State politicians should be held responsible if the dream of setting-up the port was not actualized as they were key figures on economy serving in his government.

Another importer, Comrade Stephen Asobundu, who claimed to have also witnessed the president’s assertion during the port’s commissioning described the non-functionality of Onitsha Seaport as a national embarrassment and insult on the sensibilities of the Igbos.

Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (on a bus roof top) ushering him into Igangan, Ibarapa area by a tumultuous crowd on… Wednesday. Photo: OYO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Federal health workers to Jonathan: No negotiation, no vote Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏHundreds of health

workers of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bayelsa State, on Wednesday, stormed the streets to stage a protest over the refusal of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss and approve the demands of the Joint Health Sector Union and Assembly of Health Care Professionals.

The aggrieved Federal

Health Workers Union,led by the Chairman of University Teaching Hospital Research and other Allied Institution (SSAUTHRIAI), Comrade Save Nubani, said the strike action called in November 2014 has resulted in the deaths of an estimated 100 patients in the state including a Nursing Staff of the FMC, Mrs. Theresa Edet.

According to Nubani, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan after series of meetings

through the Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity and the Minister of Health have failed to fulfill the demands of the Union, “it is sad that in the President’s home state, the effect is worrisome and has resulted in a rise in deaths of patients due to the strike action and resulting high expenses paid in private hospital for health care.”

The protesting health workers, who were carrying placards with inscrip-

tions such “Jonathan save the health sector”,”2015: No proper health care, No vote,” Jonathan: “Our health or your second term, choose”, asked the President to immediately take a break from his campaign schedule and approve the demands of the health workers, “if the people are not healthy, how can you tell them to vote for you. Out of those dying due to the Federal Government indifference, there are registered voters.

RSUST expels 366 students for poor performance Dan Bassey P/Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

Rivers State owned University of Science and Technology, RSUST, Port Harcourt has said that it has expelled about 366 students due to their inability to meet the school’s high academic standard.

This disclosure was made by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.

Barineme Fakae during the 33rd Matriculation of the institution in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Eight best performing students in the seven faculties of the university dur-

Moses Ikyaa-Gba Jos

ÏÏÏ

The Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jibril Bancirem has announced that workers in the state will soon embark on a fresh strike to press home their demands.

Bancir, who spoke on behalf of the Organized Labour in Plateau state comprising of over 41 Associations including NLC, TUC and JCN, has vowed that they will withdraw their services should government of Governor Jang failed to address some contending issues affecting workers in the state with 14 days of working hours.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other affiliates of the Trade Union Congress, TUC disclosed this Wednesay at a press conference in Jos, while raising

Monarch advises parties’ ahead Feb polls Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏ

The Owa of Idanre Kingdom, Oba Federick Adegunle Aroloye has charged political parties in the community to eschew violence and maintained peace as the February general election approaches.

Oba Aroloye gave the charge in his palace in Idanre Wednesday while

ing the 2013/2014 academic session were rewarded with a laptop each, in a bid to encourage healthy academic competition amongst fresh student yearly.

Fakae said a total of 12, 904 applicants who scored above the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME cut-off score of 180 percent, applied to RSUST. Of that number, he said only 3, 322 (25.74 percent) were admitted based on merit and the National Universities Commission, NUC approved carrying capacity.

Plateau NLC, govt on collision course alarm over the state government’s upright refusal to implement agreement reached with Organized Labour on the issues of six month’s salary arrears.

Bancir said if government failed to open discussion on the issue with the Organized Labour, they would be left with no option than to down tolls.

According to Bancir, “the Organized Labour has kept faith with history knowing full well that the collective bargaining approach machinery embarked upon by the union has never yielded any positive result hence these gestures are always meant with resistance from the state government”. playing host to Chairmen and leaders of major political parties ahead of the election.

He said the electioneering period should not be seen as an opportunity to unleashed terror on perceived enemy in politics adding that total abstinence from character assassination and politics of hatred and should be imbibe.

The monarch revealed that going about campaigns in a peaceful manner would also help strengthen the democratic process of the election and advise the political parties participating in the elections to have the interest of the community at heart.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

9 News

Stop playing God, Rep tells Fayose over Buhari advert

40-yr-old man found dead in Ondo bush

Gbenga Sodeinde

ÏÏÏA

Ado-Ekiti

ÏÏÏA member of

the House of Representatives from Ekiti State, Dr. Ife Arowosoge, has accused Governor Ayo Fayose of blasphemy on the controversial advert suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, might die in office if elected.

Arowosoge, who represents Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, said in Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday, expressed disgust that Fayose could descend so low to wishing a political opponent dead in what is

supposed to be a contest of ideas.

He also condemned some sympathizers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for forging medical documents of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in a desperate bid to hang a phony medical case of prostate cancer on the APC presidential standardbearer.

The federal law-maker said Fayose’s twisting of the contents of the Holy Bible in the Book of Deuteronomy chapter 30 verse 19 for selfish political ends amounted to a blasphemy.

Arowosoge advised the governor to seek the face of God for

forgiveness for quoting the Scriptures out of context, warning him to stop playing God whom he said has the final say on the time of death of every mortal.

He said: “The character of the person of Fayose has been revealed by the advert. He is from a Christian home, his late father was a pastor and his mother established a church during his first tenure.

“Can you imagine Fayose even going to the Bible to extract a quote in a desperate bid to malign another person? This is blasphemy, twisting the word of God to suit your mischievous opinion.

L-R. Supreme Head (Olori) C&S Unification Church of Nigeria, His Most Eminence Dr. Solomon Adegboyega Alao (Jp); widow of late prophet Fakeye, Grace Fakeye; His Eminence Dr. Lekan Akintayo and Secretary General C&S Unification Church of Nigeria, Special Apostle Akin Owolabi during the visit of a delegation of the church to the Fakeye family in Lagos ...on Wednesday. Photo: Olawale Rotimi

Why S’East sings Buhari’s praises APC Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏThe

spokesman of All Progressives Congress, (APC), in the South-East, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has said that what has given rise to the support that Gen. Muhammadu Buhari now gets in the South-East is his transparency.

He cited the spate at which corruption is growing in the country and the failure of President Goodluck Jonathan to address corruption, insecurity, unemployment, dilapidation of infrastructure and welfare as the reason why the zone has decided not to put all its eggs in one basket as they did in 2011, when they gave the presi-

dent block votes.

Okechukwu told the Daily Times in Enugu in an interview on Wednesday that no magic will make Jonathan get 25% in either North or South- West zones of the country, adding that even in the South-South and South-East he may not get more than 40%.

Buhari

Aliyu denies begging IBB over defectors ÏÏÏNiger

State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has denied a report alleging he has asked former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, to beg his deputy and others that dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to return.

Aliyu, who debunked the report during a courtesy visit by Federation of Advocates for Fair, Credible and Peaceful Election led by elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, noted: “It is not unusual to see politicians decamping during electioneering period, adding that those who have defected have a right to do so.”

He explained that presently, he

“Fayose should remember that he is not the giver of life. God is, and age does not dictate death.

A one-year-old can die while a 120-year-old might be spared of death.

“The import of that advert is that he (Fayose) is planning death and our party must not take it lightly.

“The PDP cannot dissociate itself from Fayose’s advert, the agents of the party had been spreading false information that Buhari has prostate cancer and they have gone to the extent of forging ABUTH documents and we thank God that ABUTH has denied issuing such a medical report.

“I believe this publication is an affront on the North-west suggesting that all their leaders will be dying in office. Fayose is not the giver of life and he must be told that he has no power to take life.”

Arowosoge deplored the growing intolerance and attacks on opposition figures in Ekiti under Fayose, while revealing that many APC leaders and members had been attacked in their homes on account of their political beliefs.

He expressed fears that killings witnessed during Fayose’s first tenure might happen again saying the politically-motivated murder of Tunde Omojola in Ifaki-Ekiti and Dr. Ayo Daramola in Ijan-Ekiti are still fresh in memory.

’Tosin Ajuwon Akure

40-year-old man and resident of Oniparaga in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr. Akeem Idowu, has been found dead in a bush in the locality.

His body, according to Daily Times findings, was discovered on Wednesday with severe wounds on his back.

Residents suspected that the wound is a gunshot.

It was gathered from the residents that the daughter of the deceased,Waliat, reported the incident to the police at the AraromiObu Division in Odigbo.

Spokesman of the Ondo State Police Command, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident to Daily Times, adding that his men who visited the scene of the incident found the body of the deceased with face his down as a result of gunshot on his back.

Ogodo said the incident was unfortunate and disclosed that police is already investigating it with a vow to bring the actor to book.

The corpse of the deceased had been deposited at the Ore General Hospital’s morgue for autopsy.

Agbaje laments Lagos govt’s housing policy Abisola Oyewole

ÏÏÏThe has passed the level of going to beg IBB or any one on such issue, saying every politician is free to decide on which party they want to associate to.

The governor, however called on politicians not to discriminate or victimize any one for making any decision, arguing that politics must be played without bitterness.

“Fighting within and outside party platforms should be discouraged, regardless of who wins, Nigerians must understand that the unity of the country remains sacrosanct.” He said there was a need for violence-free elections and maintaining peace as the political terrain is getting very volatile.

Speaking earlier, Yakassa told Aliyu that the group was in the state to stress the need for peaceful conduct of election in the north as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF).

Lagos State Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Jimi Agbaje, has indicted the state government in the past 16 years for not building for the poor but only 25,000 housing units for elites in the state.

Agbaje, who made the indictment at a town hall meeting in Ifako Ijaiye, indicted the state for failing to come up with low cost housing units for the masses in the state.

“I disagree with the excuses by the Lagos State Government that it is not easy to build for low income earners in the state. Former Gov Lateef Jakande did it and I will do it.

“The excuse the government has given is that the cost of cement is high and had used tax payers’ money to build for the themselves, their cronies and the rich. “Lagos State is ranked 36th in World Bank ratings of places where it is very difficult to get approval to build” Agbaje said.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

A’Ibom teachers groan over unpaid salaries Eno-Obong Okon Uyo

ÏÏÏ

About 547 teachers of community secondary schools, absorbed by the Akwa Ibom State Government following a take-over of such schools, have continued to groan and lament over unpaid salaries.

Twenty-four months after the state government took over some of the community and mission secondary schools in the state in

2012, the inherited teachers, many of who are bread winners for their families, are yet be paid.

Saddened by this negative development considered to be alien to the Akabio’s administration, the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), in a letter signed by its state Chairman, Mr Clifford Thomas considered this a dark spot and a blemish on the government and appealed for urgent intervention.

“May we remind you of the about 547 personnel of the community secondary schools taken over by the Akwa Ibom State Government in 2012, whose salaries, emoluments and entitlements have not been paid for these past 23 months despite the fact that they go to work every working day of the academic sessions.

“These persons are parents, husbands, wives, uncles, aunties etc, and breadwinners for several families

spread across the state and beyond. Your Excellency, the Civil Liberty Organisation has watched with interest, your interventions in various human-centered issues, and admired the very bold life-saving moves you made to improve lives. We therefore appeal for your intervention on their behalf” Thomas said.

The CLO recalls that the Head of Civil Service in the state had in a letter no.

HCS/AKS/S/17/S.2/VOL.

XV/310 dated 12th of April, 2013, approved the absorption of these personnel into the State Secondary Education Board with effect from 1st January, 2013.

Thirteen months after their appointments letters were issued, according to CLO, the absorbed staff were invited as part of their documentation in February 2014 to appear at the state treasury headquarters at the state secretariat for their biometric data capturing.

Yobe ranks highest in IDPs Sunday Isuwa Abuja

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governorship aspirant for Bauchi State, Alhaji Auwal Jatau; governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda and Bauchi State, PDP Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaroyaro during PDP governorship campaign rally in Darazo LGA of Bauchi State on… Tuesday

Rivers destroys hundreds of birds over flu Dan Bassey P/Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

The Rivers State government has destroyed hundreds of birds in a private poultry farm in Port Harcourt, the state capital, as bird flu resurfaced in the state again. The birds were destroyed after a laboratory test outside the state confirming positive symptoms of Avian Influenza, otherwise known as bird flu.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Emma Chinda,

who confirmed the outbreak to journalists, in Port Harcourt, said that the privately owned poultry farm where the virus manifested in the state has been quarantined and decontaminated.

“Samples that were taken from a private poultry farm for a laboratory test outside Port Harcourt turned out positive to the Bird Flu virus. To forestall the virus from spreading, we have destroyed hundreds of birds.

The poultry farm has also been quarantined and de-

Amaechi contaminated” Chinda disclosed.

Chinda assured the citizenry that “We have no record of any human infection. There is no need for

people to panic because the state government has taken appropriate measures to contain its spread.

“We advise that members of the public who want to eat animals and eggs should thoroughly boil them before they are eaten”.

The Commissioner for Agriculture stated that the federal ministry of agriculture had notified the state government of the outbreak of Avian Influenza in Kano and a bird’s market in Lagos.

International Organisation for Migration (IOM), on Wednesday ranked Yobe state with the highest number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), put at 125,991 as a result of the insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria.

The report, which was made available to journalist in Abuja at a National Humanitarian Coordination Forum, also indicated that Adamawa State is second with 123,601 IDPs, and Taraba came third with 81,790.

According to the report, the IDPs come mainly from Adamawa state with 37.7%, Borno 20.3% and 205% in Yobe. Also the report shows that 92.4% of IDPs live with host communities while 7.6% live in the camps.

Giving the presentation on behalf of IOM, the project officer, Stephanie Daviot said the report is aimed at supporting Nigeria in establishing a comprehensive system to collect and disseminate data on IDPs by strengthening the capacities of all stakeholders to undertake IDP assessment in a unified manner.

The report indicated

Ajimobi kicks off re-election campaign in Ibarapa ÏÏÏ

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Wednesday started his governorship re-election campaign outside the state capital in the Ibarapa zone, with a kick-off in Igangan, Tapa, Ayete, Idere and IgboOra area of the state.

The campaign, which witnessed a tumultuous crowd of party faithful and supporters, began with a visit to the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Abdulazeez Olawuyi, Gbadewole 1.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said Ajimobi deliberately chose to begin the campaign in the area because of his love and respect for the people Ibarapa zone of the state.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to changing the policy of violence hitherto inflicted on the state by previous governments and said that his government deliberately and consciously embarked on a policy of bringing back peace to the state since it is the foundation of development in any society.

Kaduna Councillors threaten govt over unpaid wages Sunday Isuwa Kaduna

ÏÏÏ

Kaduna State former Councillors Forum has threatened to embark on a protest if the state government failed to pay their entitlements within seven days.

Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Danyaro told Daily Times shortly after a congress that the state government owed the councillors their severance gratuities and other entitlements that were supposed to be paid at the inception of their tenure.

“Unfortunately, when we came on-board, the state government failed to pay our entitlements. Only nine local government areas of Igabi, Ikara, Kagarko, Zango Kataf, Soba, Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Kachia were able to get part of the entitlements to Councillors,” Danyaro said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday January 22, 2015

11 News

Niger gov donates N5m to fire victims Pita Chikwem, Minna

ÏÏÏWorried by the fire disaster that destroyed the Kaffin Koro yam market in Paikoro Local Government Council in Niger State, Governor Babangida Aliyu has donated N5million to the victims.

Aliyu announced the donation during an inspection visit to the market on Wednesday, noting that the donation was the first phase of government intervention to help those whose merchan-

Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji (middle) Rt. Rev. John Charlmers, Moderator of General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland (right); when he led some other top ministers from the church in Scotland on a courtesy visit to the governor in Umuahia. With them Rt. Rev. Agwu Ibeabuch, Moderator, South Central Synod of the Presbyterian Church Nigeria (right).

Don’t vote APC, Falae urges Ondo electorate ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏEligible voters in Ondo

State have been urged not to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February general election, if they want corruption out of Nigeria’s democratic system.

National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and chieftain of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Chief Olu Falae, made the plea on Wednesday at the Akure City Town Hall, where a large crowd of supporters and candidates gathered for the campaign rally for the national assembly and state house of assembly candidates.

Falae, in his address, alleged that leaders of APC were corrupt and worked against the people of the South West when “Bola Tinubu and his party, by their activities, worked against the interest of the South West when the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives was zoned to the region”.

He disclosed that APC

leaders were not interested in the progress of Nigeria, stressing that “the blueprint proposed by its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari is just ‘an acted script’ full of political propaganda.

He noted that if many of the recommendations of the national conference, like decentralisation of control of railways, seaport establishment and control of

mineral resources were implemented, the South West and, Ondo State, in particular, would have benefitted immensely.

While urging the people to support SDP candidates in the forthcoming general election, Falae said many employment opportunities would be created for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.

Earlier, SDP gubernato-

rial candidate for Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, said the people of the South West would benefit a lot if the party’s candidates were voted into power.

Makinde, who narrated the history of how the South West was well governed by Yoruba leaders in the First to Third Republic, maintained that much progress would be witnessed if the people voted for SDP.

2015: Ondo APC inaugurates committees ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure In preparation towards the general election in February, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has inaugurated committees to ensure the party’s victory.

The committees are: FaithBased Committee, Campaign Committee, Planning & Strategy Committee, Mobilization Committee, Media Committee, Research & Documentation Committee, Intelligence and Security Committee.

State Chairman of the party, Mr. Isaacs Kekemeke, who

Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, has warned officers and men of the force and all members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to be of good conduct and operate within the realm of the electoral law before, during and after next month’s elections or risk sanctions.

Abba said that policemen and transport workers play security roles during elections, urging them to avoid partisan politics.

Abba, while speaking

when he received executive members of the NURTW on Wednesday in Abuja, also launched 400, 000 copies of a pocket-sized booklet on guidelines for policemen on electoral duties.

He said the police had a partnership with the NURTW ahead of the elections, because as they transport people and luggage, they were, likely, to have criminals as passengers with harmful products or explosives on their person, urging them to report such cases, immediately, to law en-

forcement agencies.

While he promised to ensure that every policeman obtained a copy of the booklet, Abba said the publication was part of the police’s contribution towards having a free, fair and credible general election.

The booklet, entitled The Nigeria Police Force Standard Operational Guidelines or Rules for Police Officers on Electoral Duty, is a guide to all police officers on their legal responsibilities and ethical expectations of the public from the police.

inaugurated the committees at the party’s secretariat on Oyemekun road in Akure, the state capital, on Wednesday said the goodwill enjoyed by the party in the state must be translated to electoral success and victory in the coming election.

Kekemeke disclosed that the members of the committees should work hard for the party’s success adding that the “APC is a party of destination for those who are interested in the nation’s project and to rescue the nation from corruption.

Call UPU to order - Okowa group Monday Osayande, Asaba

ÏÏÏDirector,

Media and Publicity, Okowa Campaign

Polls: IGP reads riot act to policemen, NURTW ÏÏÏInspector General of

dise was razed to get back to business.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, Aliyu who was on an assessment visit to the market, was told that the fire started in the evening on Sunday and took several hours before it was put out.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Traders Association, Mallam Ibrahim Nasir commended Aliyu for his timely intervention. He, however, called for government continuous assistance to make business much easier for them.

Suileman Abba

Organization, (OCO), Dr Festus Okunbor, has asked that Delta people should call the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) to order as the body is heating up the polity in the state.

Speaking during an interview, he maintained that it was mischievous of UPU to be misleading the Urhobo land, who he claimed, did the same thing in 2007 and 1999 but lost out to Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) candidates.

“It is mischievous for them to deceive the innocent people that they have a platform to deliver anybody. It does not mean anything. ‘’In all fairness, I believe that UPU should be building bridges and be advancing the rights and opportunities for her people. It cannot be acting anti-democratically and expect everybody to applaud it.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

LRA commander arrives at ICJ ÏÏÏTop

Ugandan rebel commander Dominic Ongwen has arrived in The Hague to stand trial on war crime charges. Ongwen, a feared commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), was taken into custody at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on arrival.

He was arrested in the Central African Republic (CAR) earlier this month.

His trial will be the first time that a member of the LRA, led by the notorious warlord Joseph Kony, has faced international justice.

Uganda agreed that he should be

tried by the ICC despite being a fierce critic of The Hague-based court.

US and African forces had been searching for Mr Ongwen since 2011.

Dominic Ongwen (centre right) in the Central African Republic accompanied by Ugandan Contingent Commander to the African Union Regional Task Force Col Michael Kabango (right) Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Bangui David Brown (left) and other unidentified military officials Mr Ongwen (in a blue shirt) appeared before journalists at an

undisclosed location in the Central African Republic on 17 January before flying from Bangui to The Hague He is said to be the deputy to LRA commander Joseph Kony, who is still on the run.

The ICC said in a statement that Mr Ongwen will be held in a detention centre in the Netherlands until his trial.

He will undergo a medical visit and a date will soon be set for his first court appearance, the statement added.

The UN Security Council and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

People on the queue while it rained heavily across most of Zambia on polling day

both issued statements welcoming Mr Ongwen’s transfer from the Central African Republic.

Mr Ban called it “a step forward in efforts to bring justice to the thousands of victims of LRA violence”.

His transfer from the CAR to The Hague “is a welcome development in the international community’s campaign to counter the LRA’s dehumanising violence, and to bring perpetrators to justice after more than two decades of the LRA’s brutal campaign of torture, rape and murder”, US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said.

The US is not a signatory to the Rome Statute that set up the ICC, but it facilitated his transfer to the ICC. It offered a $5m (£3.3m) reward in 2013 for information leading to Mr Ongwen’s arrest.

Aerial view of the town of Obo in the Central African Republic The Lord’s Resistance Army fighters are now based in the forests of the Central African Republic Mr Ongwen is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including enslavement, after surrendering on 6 January in the CAR. He said that after years of hiding in the forests it was time to face the charges against him.

His extradition comes nearly 10 years after he and four other LRA top commanders were charged.

Three have since died and only Mr Kony remains at large.

burn tyres to set up barricades during a protest in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital Kinshasa on 20 January 2015 The opposition accuses the president of trying to stage a “constitutional coup” The Roman Catholic Church has shut its schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, as protests against President Joseph Kabila continue for a third day.

Church head Cardinal Monsengwo Pasinya called on people to peacefully oppose government moves to delay presidential elections until a census is held.

The highly influential Catholic Church runs many schools in the country.

At least 11 people have so far been been killed in the protests.

Demonstrators say government plans for a census are a

ploy to delay next year’s elections so that Mr Kabila can hang on to power.

Mr Kabila, who has won two disputed elections, is constitutionally barred from running for a third term.

The government admits the election could be delayed, but says the census is vital to ensure polls are free and fair.

A car burns in Kinshasa on 20 January 2015 The government says it will not tolerate violence Police detain a protester in Goma, DR Congo, on 19 January 2015 The clashes are the some of the worst seen in Kinshasa since Mr Kabila was re-elected in 2011 The Catholic Church is the largest religious group in DR Congo, and its intervention on the side of the opposition is significant, correspondents say.

Schools in Kinshasa would re-

main shut until Monday, Cardinal Pasinya said.

Shots rang out as protests continued in the city on Wednesday, AFP news agency reports.

The security forces had sealed off the government-run University of Kinshasa, the focal point of protests, correspondents say.

Kinshasa has a population of more than nine million, and is seen as an opposition stronghold.

Opposition supporters protest in Kinshasa on 19 January 2015 Protesters think the census plan is a ploy to extend Mr Kabila’s rule.A man walks past a tyre set alight during a nation-wide protest as opposition parties tried to block a change in the law that may delay elections, in Goma eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (19 January 2015) Many shops were looted as the protest turned violent.

ÏÏÏThree

people died when a grenade went off at a bar in the Guinean capital Conakry where football fans were celebrating their team’s goal in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations game against Ivory Coast, police said.

A spokesperson for the police, Mamadou Alpha Barry, said “it was an accidental explosion” and that the man who set off the hand grenade had himself been badly injured. The explosion occurred late Tuesday as Guinea opened the scoring in what ended as a 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast.

Barry said “three bodies are at the morgue”, but General Ibrahima Balde, the head of police, said he could “confirm at least one death” and that the casualty reports “varied between one and three.”

First UN airstrike on Mali rebels kills seven ÏÏÏResidents

and a Malian Army official said UN forces carried out an airstrike for the first time against rebels in northern Mali, killing seven people.

They said on Wednesday in Bamako, that the helicopter strike was on Tabankort, a village about 200 kilometres north of the city of Gao. The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), an ethnic Tuareg rebel group, admitted having suffered “losses” but gave no casualty count.

The group said later that it would halt security cooperation with the UN peacekeeping force.

Shabaab urges more jihadi attacks in Europe

Kinshasa Catholic schools shut over protests ÏÏÏDemonstrators

Grenade kills three at Guinea bar

ÏÏÏSomalia’s Shabaab militants,

Kabila Democratic Republic of Congo protesters block a street in Kinshasa, on 19 January 2015 The protesters have vowed to force Mr Kabila to step down next year Government spokesman Lambert Mende said the 11 dead included a policeman shot by a sniper and 10 civilians killed by security guards while attempting to loot private properties.

al-Qaeda’s main affiliate in Africa, on Wednesday urged supporters in Europe to follow the example of Islamist gunmen who carried out attacks in Paris.

The Shabaab, who called the attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical weekly in Paris a “heroic operation” against a “lair of evil and centre of disbelief”, offered specific warnings to France.

“We warn France and those who tread her course about the implications of their hostility towards Islam and the consequences of their oppression and belligerence against Muslims,” the statement read.

The Islamists said the attacks, in which 17 people died in three days of bloodshed, were “worthy of being emulated”.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

13 World Philippines, US oppose China over disputed islands

ÏÏÏThe Philippines is looking to Many people have been killed or injured in bus bombings carried out by extremists.

France budgets $500m for security against extremism ÏÏÏ

Prime Minister Manuel Valls says France will create 2,680 new security positions over the next three years to help counter the threat of Islamic extremism.

Valls announced the new measure Wednesday after his weekly cabinet meeting, saying Paris will spend nearly $500 million on the effort to boost the fight against terrorism, in the wake of the deadly attacks earlier this month.

Also on 5Wednesday, French

investigators said they have charged four people in connection with the attack on a kosher supermarket in eastern Paris that resulted in four deaths.

Prosecutors said that the men charged have ties to Amedy Coulibaly, who killed four people in a hostage standoff at a Jewish supermarket January 9. The day before, he killed a policewoman.

The four men are suspected of having provided support for Coulibaly, who was later killed by police.

The Associated Press names the charge as “association with terrorism.”

The shootings were part of three days of terror attacks on Paris that started with the killing of 12 people at the Paris headquarters of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday January 7.

Valls told reporters Tuesday that the recent attacks in Paris have exposed a “geographic, social and ethnic apartheid’’ in France.

Japan PM frantic to free ISIS detainees ÏÏÏJapanese

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe admitted on Wednesday it was a “race against time” to free two hostages snatched by Islamist militants who are demanding $200m for their lives.

A defiant Abe said he would not bow to “terrorism” as he took charge of the crisis that Japan was thrust into with the release of a chilling video apparently showing two Japanese men kneeling in the desert of Syria or Iraq.

“This is a very tough race against time, but the government will do its utmost,” he told reporters. “I have ordered the government to use all diplomatic channels and routes possible... to ensure the release of the two people.”

Abe, who rushed home from a tour of the Middle East, said he had sought help from Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, as well

as from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Japan will never yield to terrorism. Japan will do its best in the battle against the cowardice of terrorism, hand in hand with the international community,” Abe said.

Speaking while on a visit to London, Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida described the hostage situation - and the attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo - as “deplorable acts of terrorism”.Japan has been “greatly contributing to world peace, stability and prosperity, and our path will remain the same as a peaceloving nation”, he added.

The self-styled Islamic State group (ISIS) has murdered five Western hostages since August last year, but this is the first time it

France has been on high alert since the terror attacks in early January.

Charlie Hebdo, which is known for mocking religion, became the focus of worldwide sympathy after the terror attacks. Its first edition after the attacks sold out three million copies -- many times the magazine’s usual circulation -- within minutes. The run was later increased to five million, despite a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed on the cover.

Palestinian stabs nine on Tel Aviv bus ÏÏÏIsraeli police say a Palestin-

Shinzo Abe has threatened Japanese captives.

In footage posted on extremist websites on Tuesday, a black-clad militant brandishing a knife addresses the camera in English, standing between two hostages wearing orange jumpsuits identified as journalist Kenji Goto and military contractor Haruna Yukawa.

ian man has stabbed at least nine people on a bus in Tel Aviv, leaving several with serious wounds.

Authorities said the attack Wednesday began with the man stabbing the bus driver and then several passengers.

They said he then fled the bus, but was tracked down by prison officers who were nearby at the time. Officials said the officers shot the 23-year-old suspect in the leg and arrested him.

Police spokesmen identified the man as being from the West Bank and called him a “terrorist.”

The violence is the latest in a string of attacks in recent months

by Palestinians in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, some of them deadly, as the Israeli-Palestinian tensions remain high.

its alliance with the United States to try to keep up with China’s reclamation activities in disputed islands in the South China Sea. Senior officials from both countries strengthened their strategic alliance during two days of bilateral talks on trade and defense that ended Wednesday in Manila.

High on the agenda was maritime security, as well as concerns about China’s ongoing reclamation work on reefs and shoals in the Spratly Islands that the Philippines claims.

Last month the Philippine military’s chief of staff said based on intelligence information, facilities at one of the larger outcroppings, Fiery Cross Reef, could be completed soon.

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino calls development at the reef, which in November appeared to be expanding to accommodate an airstrip, “a very serious concern.” But the Philippines, with one of the smallest military budgets in Asia, is powerless to stop any of it.

Bangladesh arrests 7,000 opposition activists ÏÏÏBangladesh

has arrested more than 7,000 opposition activists since the start of nationwide protests two weeks ago, ministers have said.

The authorities are struggling to deal with unrest in which activists have bombed vehicles and blockaded roads, and 29 people have died.

They have alternated in power for most of the past two decades, but analysts say Ms Hasina now has the upper hand.

Onlookers surround the wreckage of a burnt bus allegedly set on fire by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters during a blockade in Rangpur on January 14 Many people have been killed or injured in bus bombings Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu said 7,015 activists and leaders of opposition groups have been arrested so far.

Abdul-Hamid

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Nigeria military and war against insurgency

W

John Oshodi

hether it is 150 or as many as 2,000 people who were killed in the town of Baga and within its surrounding areas, it matters not; one reality stands clear--these are our brothers and sisters.

This attack by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, like all others, is heartbreaking to all Nigerians, and this is not the time to start blaming the military.

In fact, even if our military were armed with the newest and the best war equipment from the world’s superpowers, America especially, and even if the personal quality of Nigerian soldiers and intelligence informants were to become remarkably improved, the insurgents will continue getting more emboldened because of the open disunity among Nigerians.

The Boko Haram violence and terrorist attacks are increasing due to the people’s silence, and deep sectarian tension, chronic ethnic divide and the ruthless

politicisation around the sect’s extremism.

Now that Boko Haram is using our children as suicide bombers, where is the loud voice and collective protest in the Muslim North and the Christian South areas of the country?

Insecurity has become so pervasive in Nigeria, in the North particularly,due to possible cooperation between internally angry political persons/groups, politically toxic persons and internal security traitors. These have strengthened the ability of Boko Haram to know where to focus their terrorist attacks.

The world does not see a demonstration of military support

by Nigerian citizens in the form of mass protestors. What the world see are does politicians acting seemingly indifferent and complaining about the military, a form of collective dissonance, and, as such, collective crisis and internal disunity will continue to wrap around the military, no matter their best leadership efforts.

We saw how Americans became united and unified in the months following 9/11, and recently we saw in France the massive gath-

Our military needs to see an atmosphere of unity and a sense of community by Muslim northerners and Christian southerners ering in response to the Charlie Hebdo attack with the anti-terrorism rally in Paris. We need the same for our military now Our military needs to see an atmosphere of unity and a sense of community by Muslim northerners and Christian southerners.

This would also serve to remind the Boko Haram insurgents that underneath our tribal, religious and class divisions, the nation is in support of our men and women in uniform, dead or alive. We must make it clear that Nigerians will not allow our differences to define us when it comes to our

stand against the vicious acts of insurgency, which sole aim is to create a repugnant, poisonous and divisive environment in Nigeria to the benefit of all those who want to see our nation in perpetual crisis, something they see as reactively beneficial for them.

As the election get closer, no matter its outcome, the Nigerian military is for all of us and we must always rush to their side as they fight to secure the nation, no matter how long it takes to bring full freedom to the entire North, since a free north is a win for the south and ultimately a safer life for all of us in our movements and for our properties across the nation.

We should remember the war our military is fighting now is the wrong war, happening in the wrong place, and at the wrong time. Instead, they should be preparing for and waging war against our real enemies, not against our vulnerable youths and children who are being mentally and physically misused by the Islamist militant group whose sole purpose is to bleed Nigeria to the point of national bankruptcy and disunity.

2015: The easy choice before Nigerians

I

Chido Onumah

do not think Nigerians have a difficult choice to make when they go to the polls on Valentine’s Day. It’s either they return the incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan, or replace him with candidate of the main opposition party, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). I think it is an easy choice because either way the fundamental problem remains. I believe in change which is the mantra of the opposition All ProgressivesCongress (APC), but the change I envisage is fundamental; one that touchesthe very core of the heart and soul of Nigeria. It is the change that deals withwhy Nigeria – a nation blessed with abundant natural and human resources –remains a fourthrate country more than five decades after independence;one that will interrogate why political power and elections in the countryhave become a zero-sum game, “a do-or-die” affair as one incorrigible ex-president once described his party’s quest to retain power.

Evidently, political power and elections in Nigeria are not about love forcountry or service to the motherland because that motherland is an illusion.And for some strange reasons, we have perfected how to avoid confrontingthis issue.

That is much more troubling, for me, than who occupies Aso Rock,the seat of government, come May 29. In this regard, Nigerians mustcontinue to remain vigilant and to demand (regardless of who emergesvictorious on February 14) that we go back to fundamentals.Clearly, this is not the Nigeria the anticolonialists envisioned, fought anddied for. Years of political brinkmanship, reprehensible military dictatorship,corruption and irresponsible leadership have served to make nonsense of thetrue meaning of nationhood. Today, ours is a nation on the brink and no amount of rhetoric or wishful thinking can obviate this reality. So, the ultimate agenda really ought to be how to reclaim Nigeria, if it is stillreclaimable, to negotiate its terms of existence. It is a task genuinedemocrats and pa-

triots, partisan affiliation notwithstanding, must pursuewith all seriousness considering the “clear and present danger”.

In the end, what this particular election is really about is the opportunity andability of Nigerians to retain or change a government through the ballot.

Thatin itself is “progress” con-

Nigeria’s political class, as currently constituted, does not have the desire or capacity to confront the country’s greatest challenge sidering our unflattering history of electoral politics.

It is gratifying to know that it is a choice we can make, except that it is hard to gauge the preparedness of the election umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

For an agency that has had four years to learn from its mistakes and prepare for this election, I don’t think INEC has acquitted itself well so far. That in itself is disconcerting because INEC’s conduct can, to a great extent, determine the post-election narrative. Nigeria’s political class, as currently constituted, does not have the desire or capacity to confront the country’s greatest challenge: its structural distortions. Therefore, for an election whose outcome would have little or no impact moving forward, the least Nigerians owe themselves and the country is to ensure a peaceful and “free and fair” election where the votes an A great deal of that responsibility rests on the government with its unrestrained control of the instruments of coercion and the political parties whose rhetoric in the name of campaign does nothing but provoke discord.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

15 Opinion

Mbaka and his politico-prophetic hoopla

I

Ahanonu Kingsley

have listened as issues and more issues are drawn from the alleged ‘prophetic’ denunciation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid for a second term by the Enugu priest, Rev. Fr Ejike Mbaka. The issues raised, their mannerisms and the surrounding controversies have got me disconcerted that I felt it expedient to throw in my view.

Nominally and by deep conviction of faith, I am a Christian and a Roman Catholic faithful. As a practising believer, I am not anachronistic to the ecclesiastical extraneous engagements, which may appear inexplicable and dupliticious to those who are not given to such excitations.

I believe in prophecies and the feasibility of an interplay between the humanitydivinity dichotomies as obtained in visions, and mystic unraveling.

Prophecies as one of the media through which divine intents are made known to mortals, are sacred

instruments and should be so seen for its sacrosanctity by both the human medium and the recipients. The more reason also it should be made with restraint and respect, for it is the defining path for as many of the people, who by belief have resorted to its projections.

It’s in this light that the recent ballyhoos by the renowned Catholic priest became an issue that should not be waved; not for the issues so outlined therein but basically for the (violation of) sacredness of the process through which it’ is adduced to have emanated.

Opinions we all know are stuffs to which all have the right to express; regardless of the fact or otherwise of the constructions, one is entitled to its expression without any hindrance. Mbaka would have easily been spared the ensuing vituperations that have stirred since his declarations if he had made it in the vase of a personal opinion to which he is legitimately entitled to.

But then, by his appendage of a super-human oracle to what would have innocuously

passed for a personal expression, it became a deep conflict- and rightly so- to verify and ascertain the authenticity of such claims.

Subjective opinions are incoherent to religious postulations; and as such should be inconceivable in churches and other centres of worship.

It might be acceptable to rationalise scriptural citations by way of sermons, however, when the perception is from prophecy, it must be circumscribed to what it is, without presumptions.

The December 31st night subjective postulations were gravely misrepresented; and this is because the people received the message from the perspective of a prophetic declaration for the incoming year. Fr Mbaka shouldn’t have feigned ignorance of this; he should have known the evangelical norms better.

But here, the people once again were taken for whimsical ride. Considering the drunk-like obsession of the most religious people on earth to matters of prophecies and futurism, many ecclesiastical

agents have forcefully assumed the status of divine oracles, who could decipher the heartbeats of the divine.

So blinded as to give thoughts to reason, the throng that beseech these selfacclaimed prophets at their capacious arenas, swallow hook, line and sinker the gibberish pronouncements of their mediator-lords.

They have no reason to disbelieve; it would be sacrilegious, a sin to doubt what the ‘Lord hath said’.

As obtainable, the people must have had expectations for their lives, families and nation. And to realise that the political process is so crucial for the national life in 2015, the hilarious ride on it taken by the man of God would have been but unexpected.

The ride was so intense that it nudged him into making fiery expression of his political view centred on the most exciting process of the political year- the presidential poll. Though striking and incongruous to religious principles, it was accepted for what it was by a people hungry for prophecy; for revelations.

2015: Sharing election bounties equally

I

Benjamin Aduba

t has been alleged that the expenditures for the 2015 Nigerian elections would be about N21 billion. This is a significant amount however one looks at it. But are all parts of the country getting the benefits of this expenditure? The more important question is why is the North’s vote not being asked? Why is the election fever not being felt in the North?

When a presidential candidate visits a state or city, business men and women, small and big make out rather well. It is tourist bonanza.

Hotel rooms are sold out; taxi drivers increase their fare; restaurants get big boosts; even street walkers walk with swagger as they cart away their loot. The biggest winners may be the politicians whose supports are traded. APC buys their

support and PDP tries to outbid the APC offer and vice versa. Even traditional rulers get big rewards for an honourary chieftaincy title.

This is happening in the Southwest, South south and South east zones. Curiously, it is taking time to happen in the North. If all the N21 billion is spent in the South it will make a big difference in the economy. Nigerian politicians must find out a way to spread the goodies in both the North and the South.

APC’s national convention was held in Lagos, and that made the commerce sizzle even more than it used to.

PDP’s convention was held in Abuja which is technically north but is actually a neutral ground, as it is a meeting place for the North and South. Abuja like Lagos was a beneficiary of this large gathering of politicians. One can therefore conclude that up to this time the North has not seen a kobo of the election

expenditure.

As big as N21 billion is, the bigger thing is the awareness that new rulers are about to be chosen for Nigeria. Every Nigerian ought to know about it and where possible express their views either by showing up at the rallies or by doing a hefty business that would remind him of 2015. I advise politicians to take their campaigns up north also. Both may eventually head north but I am sure that the candidates are aware of the risk of assembling a large crowd for campaigns.

A door-to-door campaign might be the way out.

Canvassers could be asked to knock on every northern door and pass out literature mostly in Hausa language. Lesser known politicians like bosses of local governments could act as surrogates to Jonathan and Buhari and campaign in small local areas. They could campaign on matters that affect the local areas only.

TV and radio could become the media for reaching urban populations and discussing national issues. A few public debates could be another means of reaching northern voters in the absence of town hall type campaigns. These suggestions are not exhaustive but could point out to the candidates that they must ask for the votes of our northern compatriots and not take them for granted. A no campaign possibility in the North would benefit Buhari more because it appears he may be seen in a more favorable light than Jonathan.

It is important that the spending for the elections be shared fairly among the states and that our politicians seek the votes of all Nigerians.

There are obstacles but serious efforts ought to be made to include the north in the mood of the country. This effort should be made before a second round of campaigns in the south.

16

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Politics Ambode Akinwunmi

APC Lagos governorship candidate

17

s APATIRA

Ambode will continue where Fashola stopped

Akeem Apatira, is a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an associate of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. In this interview, he expressed confidence that APC candidate, Akin Ambode will beat his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimi Agbaje in next month’s election to continue the good works started by Tinubu, the baton of which was passed to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. Excerpts: Governor Fashola is be-

lieved to have done very well for Lagos in the last eight years, what new things do Akin Ambode hopes to do?

The legacy of succession instituted by Asiwaju is legendary because it is structured to foster continued progression of unprecedented growth and meaningful development. If Asiwaju had not handed over to an enigmatic and credible person like Fashola, continuity of excellent service would have been a mirage, thus a

professional of repute like Mr. Ambode will continue with the trend of excellent service/output inherent in the APC. Lagos has been under the APC, ACN, AC, AD in the last 16years and some people led by the PDP are clamouring for a change? Can the APC prevent that change?

The philosophy of APC is that peoples’ interest is the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

AMAO ABDULHAKEEM

I have been cheated Opeoluwani Akintayo Kwara State governorship candidate of Labour Party, Amao Abdulhakeem, has cried out against the injustice allegedly meted on him by leaders of Labour Party in the state.

Abdulhakeem who spoke in Lagos, said he had been shortchanged by party leaders after building the party.

According to him, he joined the party some 25 months ago and single-handedly used his own money to fund the party by providing office and furniture for the party office in the state, purchase of cars and houses for party leaders as well as payment of allowances till the time of its primaries held in November 2014.

He regretted that the governorship ticket of the party which he won during the primaries was suddenly with-

Amao: LP dumped candidate

ALIYU

Despite decamping, Ibeto remains my deputy

Despite the decamping of Niger State deputy governor, Alhaji Musa Ibeto to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), he still remains his deputy, Dr. Babangida Aliyu has said.

This is coming as there are indications that four out of the five children of Governor Aliyu may

not vote in the forthcoming election. Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Nasir Ayilara who disclosed in Minna told newsmen that the children of the Governor did not take advantage of the opportunity provided for them by the law to ensure they registered during the just concluded registration exercise.

drawn and given to another person, one Mr. Mike Omotosho without his consent.

Amao alleged that” “Omotosho whom the party leaders gave the ticket to, was formerly a card carrying member of the PDP in the state who had lost out in the House of Representatives primaries before cross carpeting to Labour Party.

His words: “As at the time I joined the party, it wasn’t a functional group and it was really bad that it wasn’t recognised in the state. And singlehandedly, I funded the party, furnished the office, bought the cars they use, I give the party leaders monthly allowances and even funded everything up to the primaries which was held in November,2014.”

Speaking further, he said: “The governorship primaries was held and the candidacy was solely given to me after an elec-

‘The time for them to make any correction has passed’ Alhaji Ayilara said while commenting on the observation by the governor that the names of his children were not found on the register. He counted all his children but did not say which did not find his or name on the register.

The Commissioner made the

tion witnessed by INEC officers led by Barr Tunde. And on the day of the primaries, over 200 party members were present.

Suddenly, I was in my house when I heard the announcement over the TV that my candidacy had been transferred to Mr. Omtosho who came from PDP. The party leaders did it without my consent”.

Amao further said aside funding the party, he also paid N1 million for the party’s recommendation form. The N6.5 million for nomination and expression of interest was not yet paid when the candidacy was snatched from him.

According to him, “Omotosho does not have the true interest of the party at heart and is not fit to contest for the governorship seat in Kwara State.

“I know Mr.Omotosho doesn’t CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

remarks at the Tunga Primary school where the governor collected his permanent voters’ card.

The Wife of the Governor Hajia Jumai Babangida who had earlier misplaced her voters card filled the necessary form for the card to be replaced.

Governor Aliyu after collecting CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

‘Federal power can’t influence Lagos polls’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

vanquished.

cornerstone of our continued existence as a dynamic party that is reputable in delivering on our campaign promises and responding to citizens’ welfare and comfort. Our interest is about meeting up with the demands, yearnings, desires and expectation of the populace, at all times. PDP cannot force undesirable change in Lagos state. APC have been faring well in the state and we hope to sustain and better our improvement in the next dispensation.

Perhaps, what the opposition means is that it is the Central Government that is needed to be changed.

There are allegations that all the 57 councils have been mandated to donate funds to finance Ambode’s campaign; how far is this true?

This is another uninformed opinion; it is mere propaganda coming from the camp of our opponent, the PDP. This statement is weaved in lies. The credibility of APC is unmatched particularly in Lagos and Nigeria in general.

Asiwaju Tinubu is seen as the backbone behind Ambode from the onset and the APC primaries as a mere window dressing; is that true?

The primaries was televised and witnessed by reputable media houses both local and foreign. The proceedings were open and transparent. There was nothing like obscurant motive throughout the exercise.

APC as party has a track record of integrity and laudable internal democracy.

How has the wounds created by the primaries been healed?

What you are saying is a matter of opinion and not a fact. I am bold to say that there was no wound created following the party primaries, the outcome of the primaries did not irk any rancour amongst the contestants/aspirants. It is an inhouse procedure, no victor, no

Ambode

Jimi Agbaje used to be in AD and a strong politician in Lagos; can Ambode, who is a technocrat, defeat him?

Ambode is both a technocrat and politician and that stands him out above other contestants. Above all, it is the voting public that would decide come next month. But judging from our APC enviable/sterling performances in the state, electioneering victories are assured at both state and federal levels.

Most importantly, Agbaje is a wrong candidate, in a wrong party and when we have that kind of chemistry what do you expect from the electorate?

The PDP with its power of incumbency has threatened to capture Lagos; how can APC thwart this move especially with the possible use of the newly created Federal Task Force?

Lagos State is not the first place where task force would be deployed, even hooded SSS operatives were deployed to Osun and Edo states, yet the voting public was not intimidated, they voted massively for the

Ambode is both a technocrat and politician and that stands him out above other contestants.

Fashola

“Agbaje is a wrong candidate, in a wrong party and when we have that kind of chemistry what do you expect from the electorate?” candidates of their choice defying their harassments. No any federal influence can railroad our enlightened voting public in Lagos. The voters have conscience, “conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it”- UthmanDanfodio.

It is believed that Ambode’s candidacy is being championed by the Oba of Lagos and the Asiwaju, would he be allowed to function if he wins and not be impaired through external control as he who pays the piper dictates the tune?

That is a figment of imagination and wrong notion. Ambode

is a free Nigeria, who has the constitutional right to identify with anybody he desires. Oba of Lagos is the royal father of the state. President Goodluck and his entourage also paid homage to the Oba in his palace during his last campaign, at the TBS in Lagos. On a similar token, it is also natural for Ambode to identify with Asiwaju being the national leader of APC. The Lekki toll gate has been enmeshed in controversy; if he wins, how would he address the issue?

Lekki toll gate has not been embroiled in any controversy; it is just a political statement to score cheap publicity. People using this highway on a regular basis appreciate the value of this world class facility.

As an accountant, how does he hope to increase IGR considering the fact that price of oil is at an all time low?

The fact that Ambode is an icon in the accounting profession would make his job seamless in the area of shoring up the IGR of the state. Lagos State is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and economic hub of West Africa. Lagos state does not benefit from oil producing states derivation funds, yet the economy of the state is buoyant.

Lagos state does not benefit from oil producing states derivation funds, yet the economy of the state is buoyant.

I want you to cast your memory down the lane that Mr. Ambode was the Accountant-General of the state when the OBJ led Federal Government withheld the state LGs’ statutory allocations.

The Supreme Court gave its judgment in the case on December 10th, 2004, eight months after the President had ordered the withholding of the statutory allocation to Lagos State.

The Supreme Court vindicated Lagos State. In a unanimous decision of the seven justices, the Court held that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had no constitutional power to withhold the federal statutory allocations to the Lagos State Government, according the judgment read by the Chief Justice of the Federation.

The foregoing clearly painted one of the challenges faced by Asiwaju administration during the era of OBJ. The withholding of LG fund notwithstanding, Lagos waxed stronger in economic prosperity, courtesy the dexterity, ingenuity, dynamism, and financial wizardry of Mr. Akinwumi Ambode who was the primus inter pares in that struggle. He has vowed to introduce a 24/7 economy that is typical of a mega city like Lagos, among his various campaign promises.

Fashola

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

19 Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

have the interest of the party at heart because he didn’t start with us. Where was he when I toiled to build the party from the scratch and gave it a face in Kwara State? I know the plight of Kwara people and that’s why I went into the party to give them a better life,” Amao said.

Asked whether or not he has documents to validate his claims he affirmed that he has all legal documents to prove he actually won the primaries.

“Yes. I have all necessary legal documents showing I truly won the election. They are with my lawyer in Abuja and I’ve told him to bring them for me here in Lagos. And when the time is right, I’m going to present everything in court,” he added.

Asked whether he wants peace to reign, he said: “I would have gone to court but the courts are still on strike. I will still file the case after court resumes. But, I want redress.

I’ve grown with the party, spent my money from the scratch because I have their best interest at heart.”

Reacting to the allegations, Kwara State’s Labour Party Secretary, Mr. Onagun Abdulkadir, said on the 7th of December, 2014, Mr Amao called Kwara State’s LP Chairman, and appealed that the primaries and screening should be carried out on trust, after which he would pay his outstanding levies.

According to him, Amao then went ahead without the knowledge of the party leaders, to obtain the party’s governorship form at the national secretariat, Abuja. He said the party would have frowned at his action but decided to wave it in consideration of all the things Amao had done for the party.

However, according to him, “Amao failed to make do his promises of paying the outstanding N6.5m until directives came in from the National headquarters, informing them of the closure date for all payments. In order that the party

‘Ibeto has right to belong to any party’

the guts to lie that I couldn’t pay the N6.5m. God has blessed me and I have enough money to pay for it. The closing date for the payment was 12th of January. I left Ilorin on Jan 6th only to hear the announcement on NTA that the party had adopted Omotosho. Why will Onagun say I didn’t want to pay when I could afford to send him and 16 others to Hajj. I spent over N65m on their trip. I bought at least 10 cars for the officials of the party,” he said.

On ongoing discussion about compensation, he said: “I haven’t got any call from any one of them. I didn’t speak with any youth leader neither did any youth leader call me for compensation. I have been cheated and what I want is for them to uphold my mandate which I must get even at the expiration of the elections.

“It must be on record that

Amao

‘Kwara LP leaders fleeced and dumped me’ does not lose the candidacy, it had to look for someone else who could pay the money, in the person of Mr. Omotosho.

“We saw the seriousness in Mr. Omotosho, that’s why we chose him. He paid all the expenses”.

On the allegation that the party gave out Amao’s candidacy before the deadline to pay the N6.5m, Onagun said “this is not true”. His words: “Amao, few days to filing this report, has even been with the Chair-

man, Mr. Babalola Johnson, including the party’s youth leader, that he does not have the N6.5m.”

He disclosed that the party has been meeting with him to see how he can be compensated. “Nobody is fighting with him because we don’t want to lose any of our members. We are ready for negotiation and in fact, we acknowledge everything he’s done for the party.

What made us look for someone else was because time was

running out and we didn’t want to lose the governorship position,” he said.

In his reaction, Mr. Amao said it wasn’t true that he refused to pay the N6.5m.

According to him, he left Ilorin on the 6th of January for the break. On the 7th of January, it was announced on NTA that the party had adopted Mr. Omotosho before the deadline which was on the 12th of January.

“I’m shocked Onagun had

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Working Committee to entertain his petition after the Governorship primary election which he lost to former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Nasko.

Governor Aliyu told newsmen that Ibeto remains the deputy governor of the state and will continue to enjoy all rights and privileges due to his office.

According to the Governor, Alhaji Ibeto reserves the right to de-

termine who and what groups he will want to belong to so his defection does not make any difference.

Everybody has the right to decide which group to belong to he is a deputy governor he will continue to enjoy all rights and privileges of his office’.

Dr Aliyu after collecting his voter’s card urged the people of the state to ensure they received their voter’s cards which he said is the only instrument that can

his PVC said despite his defection to the opposition APC last Monday, his deputy, Alhaji Ibeto remains the deputy governor of the state.

Ibeto joined the APC at the presidential rally addressed by the standard bearer of the party for next month’s election General Mohammadu Buhari claiming that his defection was informed by the refusal of the National

“Amao failed to make do his promises of paying the outstanding N6.5m until directives came in from the National headquarters, informing them of the closure date for all payments” they are cheap political sycophants whose trade is to fleece and rob unsuspecting aspirants of their wealth. The new guy has not offended me in any manner because the same situation I found myself is awaiting him. I’m sure he will lose the election and when he does, he will leave the party for the bonafide members,” he stressed.

enable them to vote during next months elections.

‘I want to urge all eligible voters to go and collect their voters cards this is the only way you can vote if you don’t vote you have cheated yourself ’.

He asked those who have problems with the collection of the PVC to go to the nearest INEC office to them or seek the assistance of government officials who will direct them on the steps to take.

Politics 20 Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe is Africa’s oldest president and has been in power since 1980 As part of the BBC’s Democracy Day, Maud Jullien considers the African leaders who have refused to give up power and those who have been forced out by popular protests.

The principle of government by the people for the people has been subsumed by the will of some African leaders to cling to power.

Well-established examples of this tendency are Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe and Equatorial Guinea’s TeodoroObiangNguema.

A number of other leaders including Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila and Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza also seem keen on the idea of extending their stay in power.

At the same time, several countries, including Senegal and Burkina Faso, have seen popular uprisings in recent years, forcing long-time leaders to step down.

This has raised hopes that other presidents might be deterred from holding on to their positions beyond the time allowed by their constitutions.

Joseph Kabila

ÏÏÏ Democratic

Republic of Congo - President Joseph Kabila has been in power since his father, Laurent, was assassinated in 2001.

He is serving his second term, and the country’s constitution does not allow him to run for a third in the 2016 elections. But government spokesman Lambert Mende has said that the poll could be delayed because of a nationwide census that could start this year and take three years.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

African leaders who choose power before the people

Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe - Africa’s oldest president, Robert Mugabe, has been in power in Zimbabwe for 34 years. Aged 90, he is nearing the end of his rule, but his wife Grace is increasingly being seen as a possible successor. She was recently elected head of the ruling ZanuPF party’s women’s league and was a key figure in a campaign to discredit Joyce Mujuru, a Mugabe loyalist previously thought to be a contender to succeed him. The new constitution in 2013 set a two five-year term limit to the presidency, but this does not apply retrospectively to

President C Ɔƍ E ƄƈƋ (Democratic Republic of Congo), President jƆ Ɨ Ə RƄƈ M ƑƆƌ (Equatorial Guinea), ƄƗ ƑƋ ƕƆ z ƗƆ (Senegal Former leader), President Ƌ ƈ Ɔ ƌƍ ƏƆ (Burkina Faso), ^ƈƆƏƏƆ MƊƑƏƑ ƖƈƖ ( Burundi), ` ƄƆƏƐ LƑ ƄƆ (Zimbabwe)

Teodoro Nguema

Abdoulaye Wade

Blaise Compaore

Pierre Nkurunziza

ÏÏÏ Equatorial Guinea - Af-

ÏÏÏ Senegal - Former leader

ÏÏÏ Burkina Faso - President

ÏÏÏ Burundi - 2015 sees the small

rica’s longest-serving president is Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema, 72, a former soldier who has been leading the oilrich nation for 36 years. He took power in a 1979 coup against his uncle Francisco Macias Nguema, whom he had executed. It is not clear whether he will run in the next election, but he has made no move to dismiss the idea. His son, TeodorinNguemaObiang, is the vice-president and a likely successor.

Abdoulaye Wade managed to run for a third term even though Senegal’s constitution limits the number of mandates for a president to two. The constitutional court ruled that since the constitution was written after the end of his first mandate, he could run again in the 2012 poll.

But the announcement prompted riots, which continued until election day. President Wade finally admitted his defeat in the polls.

Blaise Compaore, 63, had been in power for 27 years when he attempted to change the constitution in October 2014 in order to run again in November 2015.

As the country’s MPs were debating a bill to change the constitution, thousands stormed the parliament, the ruling party’s headquarters and the presidential palace. The president resigned after four days of riots, making way for a transitional government.

central African nation of Burundi go to the polls for what is already set to be a controversial election.

Pierre Nkurunziza was elected president of Burundi after the end of the country’s civil war in 2005.

A decade later, opposition parties say the president is threatening to violate the principles that brought him to power. While he has been in power for 10 years, his allies say the first five years do not count as he was elected for that term by parliament, not in a popular vote.

Propaganda can’t stop Nigerians from voting Buhari, Oyo lawmaker

Buhari

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency, Hon. Temitope Olatoye (a.k.a Sugar) has declared that no amount of propaganda will stop Nigerians from voting for the party’s presidential candidate in next month’s election, Gen. MuhammaduBuhari.

Olatoye, who is currently representing Lagelu State con-

stituency in the state House of Assembly, said this at Monatan community in Ibadan, where he donated electricity transformer.

Addressing thousands of residents of the community, he noted that Nigerians are in dare need of a positive change, and that they had realized that Buhari and APC would bring about the desired change.

He donated 40 electricity transformers to different communities in Ibadan last year in line with the on-going transformation agenda of the Governor AbiolaAjimobi led APC administration in the state.

APC leader in Lagelu local government area of the state, Chief KunleSanda, commended the lawmaker for the kind gesture, describing him as one

of the shinning stars of the Oyo APC. Chief Sanda maintained that in the last three and half years, Olatoye, as a state lawmaker has brought smile and succor to many individuals and communities in different parts of the state, expressing optimism that he will perform better if elected into the National Assembly.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Features Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr

I live for spirits –33 years old dwarf

Pint size, Nkwo Akataka is 33 years old. In this exclusive interview held at the famous Universal Temple of Absolute God in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State, the dwarf told Daily Times his affinity with spirits, the gains and pains of his pint size, his marriage, etc.

Born in Lokanster village in Umunnochi Local Government Area of Abia State, his real name is Sunday Okeke, “But my

21

s people prefer to call me Nkwo because I was born on the third market day in our native calendar which we call Nkwo. When I started my spiritual work with my master, Ezeoba Akajiofor, Prophet Ramas Asuzu, he gave me the name Akataka, Ezemmor which means king of spirits.”

Sunday admitted he is not exactly a spirit, but buttressed he is something relatively close to that by virtue of his work. Hear him: “Well, I work with spirits and I serve spirits every day. At least,

with normal people, you can call me king of spirits.’

He did not stumble into the spiritual business, he told our correspondent.

“My father was serving spirits before I was born. In fact I was called s spirit because of my kind of person and I learnt the process of working with spirits as a growing child under my father.”

Would he had learnt another trade if his father was a carpenCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Dwarf dancing ‘Skelewu’

NWANNE CAMPO

Europeans still believe Africans hang on trees Nwanne Campo in a tour The marriage of this boisterous Nigerian lady to a Spanish engineer started with fight at first sight! 25 years and two graduate daughters down the road, Mrs. Nwanne Campo relishes the challenge of blending two cultures as a teenager among other experiences. Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr reports.

A graduate of sociology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the drama started after Nwanne’s second semester.

There is just one building between her family home (then 22 Savage Crescent) and 16a, in the Government Reservation Area, Enugu. Expatriates on special projects for the state govern-

ment reside at 16a and leave after their assignments were over, but the domestic staff always remained the same. This love drama started after a Spanish engineer arrived house No. 16a; he had problems with the staff so he promptly fired everybody and found his own staff; but for people in the neighborhood, who didn’t know the true story,

this white guy was a racist.

‘I matched up and asked him what he thought he was doing sacking everybody in the house, but he squinted at me a moment and asked, ‘Small girl, what is your business?’ He even spoke very pidgin, and that got me angry: I hollered at him: ‘So it’s true! You fired everyone working here for ages and

just look at you, cutting grass by yourself. Look, if you think you can come here and do whatever you like, you’d better go back to your country!’

But an unpleasant surprise greeted her as her mom welcomed her home with the news: ‘Do you know we have a new neighbour now? After you reCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Features 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

‘I serve God and spirits’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

ter, or a blacksmith? he shook his head vigorously, “Mba, I don’t think so; I was linked with spirits when I was born, so I was very familiar with spirits and spiritual things as I was growing up’ He shrugged his little shoulders, “So it is impossible for me to have learnt anything outside spiritual work. I just like the work.”

Sunday said he was allowed to finished his primary education before he took up apprenticeship under his father. He disclosed there was a period he had to leave the village for greener pastures.

‘I was serving under Ufor Nnabuchi, a building materials merchant at Awka; I followed other apprentices to come deliver floor tiles to this place and from there, Oga Ramas saw me and said he likes me; he offered me apprenticeship in his palace and I jumped at it. I have been serving him and the spirits of his great temple for about five years now.”

Though the lady of the temple (Ramas’s wife) is a serving officer in a big Church in Uruofolo, Nri kingdom, Sunday said the Church is not a barrier to his work.

“I don’t go to any Church, but before I serve kola to the spirits, I call God and Jesus Christ, and when I do that, the Almighty God I call just opens my way. I serve God and I serve spirits. I know God likes me because He CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Another dance

‘Our marriage started with At home in Awka, Nwanne Campo spreads out!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

fresh and rest, be a darling and organize a welcome party for him this evening.’

Nwanne quite forgot her mom was always asking her to organize welcome parties for new neighbors before she went to school.

‘I was taken aback; I couldn’t tell her I just clashed with the guy, so I went ahead and organized the party. As I went up to give him the invitation I noticed his security man saw me coming and ran inside the house.

I wondered what he was up to, but as I approached the gate, the white guy came out and we just stood there, glaring at each other, for a moment, then I told him my mom is throwing a party in his honour and here’s his card, but of course he refused the invitation!

‘I found myself pleading with him because my mom must not hear I clashed with him. Finally he gave me a pen and spelt out his name: ‘Engr. Ignacio

Campo’. I wrote it before he collected the card and he attended the party later. I found out much later that after our first clash in the afternoon we first met, he had told his driver that he was going to ‘marry that girl’; it was when we were finally married that the driver told me.’

Looking back to those teenage years, Nwanne could not say when precisely she fell in love with the Spaniard. ‘I don’t know exactly when I fell in love because I can’t say I really liked him under the circumstances we met; though he kept coming over to the house and I didn’t like that either. I noticed he spoke French and Spanish and his English was very poor. He understood when you speak but he was only able to communicate with signs and gestures.’

Nwanne recalls the storm that almost broke up her young marriage in 1993 following the June 12 political unrest.

‘Because of the cancellation of that presidential election the Federal Government closed all

borders and imposed a flight ban which caused foreign embassies to call back their nationals. My husband had to go and I found myself with a tough decision to make: ‘I had just matriculated for my final year and we hadn’t resumed because of the unrest; also my first baby Julia was only a few months old. My husband decided he will leave with the baby and I, and if I won’t go, he will go with the baby. I had to decide whether to stay back until things calmed down and finish my studies then join him and my baby later, or follow him to Spain.’

It was her decision to make, and for a 19 year old Ibo girl of that time, it was indeed a tough decision.

‘I was quite apprehensive at the time because though they say love is blind, we get to hear about foreigners who married Nigerian girls and later it was found that their husbands were not really who they claimed to be; they were not from the coun-

tries they claimed, and when you later try to reach them, you find that many didn’t exist; so that fear was in me because I had never left my country before and I was only 19, but in the end I decided to go with my husband and my baby.’

A NEW LIFE IN SPAIN ‘I felt like I just stepped into a new world; I didn’t speak Spanish then so I was totally lost; not understanding a word of what they were saying made me feel like I was in prison! Though my husband helped when he was around but of course he wasn’t always around. Oh, I felt miserable.’

But with great determination Nwanne learnt the language in six months. ‘I had the best teachers – my parent in-laws, but my main teacher was my father in-law who is late now. He was such a strict teacher that, if he spoke a word I didn’t understand, he would still repeat the same word with signs slowly CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

fight at first sight’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

and clearly as if I was deaf. He didn’t speak English and didn’t even want to learn; and because my husband was working in another state, I had no choice but to be a very attentive pupil, and that did it: in six months I was at home with Spanish language. Also in those six months I learnt to cook their kinds of meals.’

DOMESTIC LIFE IN SPAIN Adapting to Spanish domestic life was both upsetting and instructive for the young Ibo mom.

‘Every day I learnt something new, and the funny part of it was that I never noticed the difference until I would have done something we consider normal in Nigeria only to find I have made a blunder!

‘For example, back home in Nigeria, we hang washed collared shirts with the middle over the line and you clip it; or you simply use a hanger; but Spaniards

clip both bottom tips of the shirt to the line so the sleeves and collar are hanging upside down. Everything they washed they hang upside down and I didn’t know that, so after I had washed and hung the clothes, before I turn back they’ll remove everything and hang them upside down!

That upset me in the beginning, and it took me some time to adjust to it.’

But she found other culture and habits she delighted in.

‘The way they dress their beds is just as you see in top hotels; then their home decoy is light and simple; they don’t stuff it with lots of things like we do in Nigeria. Also they use a lot of electro-domestic gadgets we didn’t have or use in Anambra of that time. For example, I never had a vacuum cleaner, never used a microwave or a washing machine before leaving in 1993; all those I had to learn; I never used the heater before because in Nigeria we use air conditioners, so everything was completely different: the foods, their

bread, oh, it was a completely new world.’

A peep at her boisterous life shows Nwanne swinging on the extreme end of social pendulum. Apart from chairing a group called ‘Nigerians living in Spain’ with over 300 membership for now, Nwanne is a personal shopper, an events planner across Spain, an interpreter in seven languages though her French, Portuguese, Italia and German are only on a basic level while still studying foreign languages at the Escuela Official de Idiomas en Santander.

In the midst of these, Nwanne still finds time as a voluntary worker in Cadis where she is a lifeline, assisting African immigrants coming into Spain through the sea from Moroko.

‘Under an NGO called Tartessos, we bail immigrants from the police and help them, especially the ladies with children, and those that are pregnant we keep in apartments, feed and clothe them and help procure their legal documents. I did that

23 Features

The Campos at home in Spain

“Every day I learnt something new, and the funny part of it was that I never noticed the difference until I would have done something we consider normal in Nigeria only to find I have made a blunder!”

for one year and while there I also organized conferences, lots of shows for people to get to know about us and change some of the prejudices they have about us Africans and all that.’

Also, this busy bee works hand in hand with the local authorities of the State of Vialago, in Northern Spain where she participates in intercultural projects where participants from other nations work to get Spaniards closer to their respective cultures. ‘I represent Nigeria while my other colleagues represent their respective countries, like Abdul who represent Pakistan, Abiba from Moroko, Bella from Azadvejile; Mariokenia from Venezuela, and a lot more.’

Of Nigerians living in Spain she said it’s a forum where ‘We feel at home, announce and discuss our businesses, our problems and remind ourselves of the necessity to be ambassadors of our country in Spain by keepCONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Features 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

‘I was called spirit before I was born’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

is blessing me in my work.”

What are his plans for the future?

“In the future, this thing I am doing can help me because I know there are people who will need my services in the future.

My Oga will settle me after serving him and I will start my own work.”

Confirming a rumour to Daily Times that he is a father and a husband, Sunday nodded in affirmation.

‘Yes, I am already married with one daughter. My wife’s name is Chibuzor Okeke from Umuchi village in Aguata Local Government Area. She sells in the neighboring village. My daughter is five years old now.”

At the close of the chat with Daily Times, Sunday engaged himself in a spiritual dance recorded both in video and still photographs for your pleasure.

Dwarfs in Ancient Nri kingdom According to records in Nri kingdom, the acclaimed ancestral home of Ndigbo, dwarfs and twins were rejected and slain by natives in the days of old, until a decree was passed by their founding fathers, forbidding the rejection of twins and dwarfs.

Indeed the dwarf was given a place of honour as priest in the ruling house of any reigning king over Nri land and it has been so to date.

Dwarf goes into competition

‘It is not all rosy for non-Spaniards here’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

ing our lives and businesses within the bounds of the law because in Spain, we have great Nigerian based artistes, entertainers and comedians and they all belong to this forum. Then of course we share jokes and generally have fun.’

But it is not all rosy for nonSpaniards in areas of economy and business.

‘True, cost of living in Spain is very high; as I’m talking to you, unemployment is extremely high up to the five million figure. There are busts of protests from citizens now and then and we don’t even know when things will get better because authorities are not promising

anything.’

‘There’s is this belief in Spain that we Africans are extremely poor; that we can’t feed or clothe ourselves and especially that some of us hang on trees, we ride on lions, and strange stuffs like that. In fact I had this riding on lions from the mouth of my late father in-law that used to ask my husband when he got a job in the former Enugu State.

He would ask him how come he loved living in Africa; that he has been told that there, we have to use sticks to wade off lions to be able to move about, so how can they pay him if the people live on trees, no house and animals everywhere and all that?

‘Also, I was in Cadis in the South of Spain, reading under

a tree; then came one elderly woman who had been observing me out of sight and asked to know if that book is a pictorial story book. I demanded to know why, and she said she’s been watching me, looking at a page for a long time, then flipping it over to another page and continue to stare; that they heard we Africans are illiterates and don’t know how to read, so what was I doing with a book?

‘I sat up and let her see the book and she got the surprise of her life because it was a novel written in Spanish language; and that’s one thing I pride myself: I taught myself to read and write Spanish without going to their school; so I told her in Spanish that I read and write their lan-

“I taught myself to read and write Spanish without going to their school; so I told her in Spanish that I read and write their language”

guage and she felt ashamed of herself. She apologized and said that was what they were made to believe hence she wanted to confirm this for herself.’

On the lighter side, Nwanne mirrors some 26 years into her marriage that started with fight at first sight and laughed merrily.

‘Oh, first of all I love that guy, my husband that made me to know that country. He’s the best thing that has ever happened to me; and like I say and he always say the same, if there is another world to come, we’ll marry ourselves over and over again.’

The Spanish Nigerian has since returned back to her married country and family in Spain after six breezy weeks in Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Today in History

25

s

1973: Plane crashes at Aminu Kano International Airport Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

ÏÏÏOn this day in 1973, a plane

returning Muslim pilgrims from Mecca crashed in Kano, Nigeria, killing 176 people. It was the deadliest air disaster of its time.

The Royal Jordanian Boeing 707-300 was chartered by Nigeria Airways to take Muslims in Nigeria on a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. There were 198 passengers and 11 crew members on board as the plane approached Kano’s airport.

In winter, flying in and out of Kano can be difficult for pilots.

The city is on the edge of the Sahara and harmattan, the hot dusty winds of the desert, can suddenly reduce visibility without warning. As the 707’s American pilot, John Waterman, brought the plane in to Kano, there was a sud-

den sandstorm. The blinding conditions forced Waterman to abandon the landing and try again.

On the second attempt, the landing gear collapsed as the plane hit the runway and the 707 burst into flames. It was never determined exactly what caused the landing gear to fail. Some believed that the runway was in poor shape and that it caused the gear to crumple on contact. Others suggested that the plane had been loaded too heavily with extra fuel.

In total, 170 passengers and six crew members lost their lives in the crash. Most of the dead were consigned to a common grave.

The crash also led indirectly to another death when a local boy was caught stealing from the dead bodies. Relatives of the victims beat the boy to death on the spot.

Two days later, another charter jet from Mecca nearly crashed when it clipped a tree while landing at an airport in Lagos, Nigeria.

2009 ‘Gran Torino’ opens Down Under 1927 Rebel General John 1982 Reagan links arms

ÏÏÏOn this day in 2009, “Gran To-

rino,” a movie named for the 1972 Ford muscle car, opens in Australia and New Zealand. The critically acclaimed film, which starred Clint Eastwood as a retired Detroit autoworker, had opened across the U.S. earlier that month and later premiered around the rest of the world, eventually grossing more than $263 million, making it among Eastwood’s most commercially successful movies.

In “Gran Torino,” Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran who spent his life working at a Ford assembly plant. Walt, a recent widower with strong racist tendencies, spends his days caring for his home (in a once middle-class, now run-down Detroit neighbourhood) and his prized possession, a mintcondition Gran Torino. The movie follows the story of what happens when Walt’s teenage neighbour, who

comes from an immigrant Hmong family, attempts to steal the car and later tries to make amends.

Ford built the Gran Torino, which had a long hood and short deck, a “fish mouth” grille design and optional laser stripes along its sides, from 1972 to 1976. The two-door car was an iteration of the Torino nameplate, which launched in 1968 as a mid-sized sedan. Although the Gran Torino sold well, it was bulky and not especially fast. The car launched at a time when the mighty American auto industry was beginning to experience problems that would lead to a long decline and the eventual bankruptcy, in 2009, of Big Three automakers General Motors and Chrysler. The oil crisis of the 1970s helped open the door to competition from foreign imports, and Japanese automakers, who produced smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, gained a foothold in the U.S. market.

McCausland dies

ÏÏÏOn this day in 1927, Confederate General John A.

McCausland died at age 90 in West Virginia. He lived for over 50 years after the war and remained an unreconstructed Rebel at the time of his death.

Nicknamed “Tiger John,” McCausland was born to Irish immigrants in 1836 in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Virginia as an adolescent. He attended the Virginia Military Institute and graduated in 1857.

When the Civil War began, he organized an artillery regiment and formed the 36th Virginia from the western part of the state. McCausland spent most of the war in the mountainous region of western Virginia.

On May 9, 1864, he distinguished himself at the Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain. For the victory, he was promoted to brigadier general.

Two bold actions defined McCausland’s career. First, in June 1864, he drove a larger Union force commanded

by General David Hunter from Lynchburg, Virginia, earning him the city’s gratitude. He then joined General Jubal Earl’s invasion of Maryland in July. Early dispatched McCausland and his cavalry to Hagerstown to exact a $200,000 ransom from city officials.

talks with Soviets to oppression in Poland

ÏÏÏIn a revival of the diplomacy “linkages” that were

made famous by Henry Kissinger during the Nixon years, the administration of President Ronald Reagan announced that further progress on arms talks will be linked to a reduction of Soviet oppression in Poland.

The U.S. ploy was but one more piece of the increasingly complex jigsaw puzzle of nuclear arms reduction.

Faced with a growing anti-nuke movement in the United States and abroad, and having drawn criticism for some off-the-cuff remarks about “winning” a nuclear war, President Reagan called for negotiations on reducing intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) in Europe.

These talks began in November 1981 but quickly bogged down as both the U.S. and Soviet negotiators charged each other with acting in bad faith. Almost immediately, both nations began to increase their nuclear arsenals in Europe. Some speculated that neither side was truly seeking arms control, and the reaction of building up arms as a result caused a firestorm of protest in several western European nations.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thusday, January 22, 2015

Money

s Heritage Bank MD bags unity school alumni award Ugochukwu Onyeocha

L-R: Group Head, Cowry Banking, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Davidson Regha, President, Old Girls of Federal Girls Government College, Benin City, (FGGC) 1984 set, Mrs Abosede Ozah Osho and Group Managing Director/CEO, BGL Securities Limited, Mr. Albert Okumagba, during the presentation of award to Managing Director, Heritage Bank Limited,Mr. Ifie Sekibo by FGGC in Lagos recently.

Fabrics maker signs pact with FG to boost value chain Charles Okonji

The Dutch textile and design company, Vlisco Group, Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government, creating a platform for significant expansion in Africa’s largest economy.

The Federal Government in December 2014 approved a major revitalisation and reform of its Cotton, Textiles and Gar-

ment (CTG) sector. This will catalyse growth and jobs in Nigeria across the entire value-chain from cotton to fashion.

The Memorandum of Understanding between Vlisco Group and the Nigerian government details wide-ranging collaboration and support. Vlisco Group intends to offer Nigeria’s 188m consumers it’s four brands (Woodin, Vlisco, Uniwax and GTP).

The group will participate across the sector value chain from sourcing of cotton, textile printing, wholesale, retail and e-commerce distribution, garment manufacturing and supporting and promoting Nigerian fashion designers.

The MoU is expected to yield benefits for the Nigerian economy in terms of economic diversification and job creation in line with Government’s Indus-

trial Revolution strategy. Vlisco Group’s activities are expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs in Nigeria in the medium term.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, commenting on the MoU stated: “The Government of Nigeria is delighted to welcome this investment and partnership from the Vlisco Group into Nigeria.

Africa’s first Polycarbonate eID and EMV plant opens in Lagos Tony Nwakaegho SecureID Limited, a frontline Nigerian company in smart card supply and personalisation business, has opened its new and first polycarbonate plant in Africa called SecureCard Manufacturing.

The ultra-modern plant focuses on the polycarbonate card body production and high secu-

rity designs which confirms a successful fulfillment of another milestone in the backward integration of smartcard manufacturing process.

The company disclosed that SecureID built its first personalisation plant in 2006 using advanced technology equipment to personalise imported smartcards for various purposes across different sector of the

jonathan

economy.

In 2008, SecureID took the lead to backward integrate into “Milling and embedding”; a core aspect of personalization, also referred to as “Sub-assembly”.

SecureCard Manufacturing plant is the first polycarbonate smartcard manufacturing plant in Africa capable of producing large supplies of cards to the tune of 200 million cards per year in line with global standards.

In recognition of their contribution to the infrastructural development of Unity schools and growth of education across the country, the Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo and other distinguished Nigerians have been honoured by the Alumni Association of Federal Government Girls College, Benin City at a special event in Lagos over the weekend.

Other recipients of the award include the Principal of Federal Government College, Odi, Mrs. Gladys Ekata Ekhabafe; President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Albert Okumagba and the first female director of the Lagos Business School, Dr. Enase Okonedo, among others.

In her welcome remark at the event, President of the association, Mrs. Abosede Ozah Osho, said the event was organised as a mark of honour for distinguished organisations and individuals who have been relentless in promoting the survival of education and, in particular, the Unity schools, through various initiatives.

Osho noted that the event was informed by the need to offer a unique opportunity for old students to reunite with a view to engender more synergy while also providing time for them to associate, network as well as pass along the great tradition which the school was known for.

She particularly singled out the Heritage Bank CEO, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, for praise over his sterling contributions to the development of unity schools across the country over the years as well as Heritage Bank’s commitment to the cause of girl-child education since it started operations.

She said: “Our Association is particularly pleased to state that Mr. Ifie Sekibo is a distinguished Nigerian who has traversed every major sector of the economy, such as oil and gas, insurance and banking. He is known to have resuscitated many moribund entities in Nigeria among which are Moni Pulo, RIM Merchant Bank and Global Assurance.

Daily Times Nigeria Thusday, January 22, 2015

27 Ict

PATCH provides platform for collaboration among bloggers

A cross section of beneficiaries of free eye surgeries at the MTNF EyeRIS commencement ceremony recently at the Imo State Specialist hospital, Umuguma, Owerri.

ICT stakeholders clamour for agency on RoW, infrastructure protection Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Stakeholders in the information communication technology (ICT) industry are clamouring for an agency to manage ‘right of way’ (RoW) and protect the nation’s critical IT infrastructure to be set up by the federal government.

‘Right of way’ is a legal instrument allowing operators to deploy infrastructure on federal or state roads at a fee while critical IT infrastructure is the backbone of the nation’s economy, security and health.

Stakeholders are unhappy with the way critical IT infrastructures are left unprotected by the government that still benefits from the promising sector.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications

Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, said that government must go beyond granting of licenses to eliminating those barriers such as bottlenecks in securing ‘right of way’, impediments to smooth network operations- where operators are forced to pay levies that are not legalized, and vandalisation.

He revealed that operators that secured licenses to roll out broadband services are yet to invest in provision of infrastructure because of awkward process of securing ‘right of way’ from various government agencies.

He noted that until these barriers are removed, it may be difficult for operators to invest in infrastructure that will enable provision of broadband.

Adebayo On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Internet Solutions, Olusola Teniola, said that already the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has been on the front line in seeking solutions to issues related to right of way, adding that the 2003 Communications Act has to be finetuned to confer more powers on NCC to cater for such matter.

He urged the National Assembly to work towards enacting an all inclusive law that will bestow telecom infrastructures with the status of such sectors as NNPC, electricity and so on.

Also speaking on this, the Executive Director, Broadbased Communications (BBC) Limited, Chris Erewele said: “We pay ‘right of way’ either to the federal or the state government; it depends on the road we are operating at. On the infrastructure, we have sought for an understanding with the Lagos state government, because the digging of the ground has become something; everybody is digging and laying separate fiber. What we are asking is for a structured system where if you were there first the rest can lease capacity from you.

NCS to host conference on IT for inclusive development July

Prof Adewumi

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the nation’s foremost network of IT practitioners and stakeholders, said that it will be organising its 12th international conference in July, 2015 based on the theme “Information Technology for Inclusive Development”.

President of NCS, Professor David Adewumi, made this known while speaking on using

IT to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges and strengthening the local IT sector, adding that these are strategic initiatives for global competitiveness.

Adewumi declared that 2015 is the year of Innovative and Inclusive Development, “in line with NCS’s advocacy role of ensuring that the nation receives the very best in processes, tech-

nologies and people”.

He lamented that although the IT Industry and Profession, in 2014, witnessed increased presence of IT in various sectors of the economy and society, however, a significant challenge is the persisting climate of unproductive consumption and digital exclusion in rural/urban, gender, among other trajectories.

Pan-African Association of Online technology Publishers (PATCH), a non-profit organisation said the association aims to provide a suitable platform to foster learning and development, initiating and building partnerships among the members.

Speaking on the association, Vice President of PATCH, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata said it is committed to supporting Africa’s fledging tech community through information sharing, collaboration, and advocacy, serve as a platform to propagate further collaboration among bloggers.

He explained that the organisation will train members and interested members of the public on various aspects of blogging, online publishing, digital media, social media marketing, content development and mobile marketing.

Phase 3 Telecom plans to connect more cities this year Phase3 Telecom, West Africa’s largest independent fibre optic infrastructure and telecommunications services provider said it would connect more cities to its network this year and ensure that West Africa enjoys full access to reliable, high-speed and affordable broadband connectivity.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Stanley Jegede, said it is a great professional boost for Phase3 family to kick-off 2015 with renewed vigour to connect more cities.

“It reinstates the team’s drive to offer strong, trustworthy and seamless communications solutions to clients all over West Africa.

Jegede

Insurance 28

Daily Times Nigeria Thusday, January 22, 2015

PenCom delays approval of pension e-collection system Stories by Kayode Adelowokan

PenCom said though there is no clear indication why the Commission is yet to approve the full operation of the system, but declined to speak further on the matter.

The Chairman, Committee on EPCCOS, who is also the Managing Director of UBA Pension Custodian said: “We are still working tirelessly to ensure that the platform is launched this month (January) as planned, but we are waiting on PenCom to resolve some issues before it is officially unveiled. We are optimistic the electronic platform will start operation this month.”

He explained further that if the electronic platform is approved, “it will drive seamless pension contribution remittances and scheduled collection in the country.”

Yusuf said operators are still test-running the system, as about 500 employers are currently using it while plans are at an advanced stage to ensure the platform commences full operation in a couple of weeks.

The initiative, Yusuf said, came into existence following huge unverified and unclaimed pensions, as operators could not reconcile the owners with the pensions remitted.

Claims defaults: NAICOM maintains stan on zero tolerance

Following the introduction of Electronic Pension Contribution Collection System (EPCCOS) in 2014, it is now clear that National Pension Commission (PenCom) is yet to approve its full operation.

The Chairman, Committee on EPCCOS, Bayo Yusuf, said the plan of the operators to unveil the scheme this month was still intact, adding that operators are just waiting on the regulator to do certain things before the initiative is officially unveiled.

In a telephone conversation with Daily Times, a staff of

National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to the general public on the duties and functions of the Complaint Bureau established to handle issues of claims default by operators.

The Commission in a circular said Section 8(a) of the NAICOM Act 1997 mandates it to establish a Bureau to which complaint against any Insurance Institution may be submitted by members of the insuring public and beneficiaries.

It said in view of the above, the general public is reminded to forward to the Commission any complain of unsettled Insurance claim.

The commission said any

L-R Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Fatai Adegbenro; NCRIB President, Ayodapo Shoderu; Consultant, ANN Plc Pastor Segun Olatunji, and Deputy President of NCRIB, Kayode Okunnore at an event recently.

Chibudom Nwuche, NAICOM chairman

policy holder or beneficiary that feels aggrieved by the operations of any Insurance Institution. Brokers and Agents may complain on behalf of their Principal.

It said the letter of complaint should contain name of complainant/policy holder, phone number, address and e-mail address of complainant/policy holder, name of Insurance institution being complained against, nature of complain, type of policy with policy number and claim number and amount of claim.

The commission also said the services rendered by the Complaints Bureau of NAICOM are free of charge.

EAIPN set to enhance local capacity in oil & gas business Efforts by the Nigerian insurance industry to retain capacity in Oil & gas underwriting, curb capital flight and grow the local market in energy and allied risks underwriting has received a major boost with the inauguration of the Technical Management Board of the Energy and Allied Risks Insurance Pool of Nigeria (EAIPN) by the Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel.

The Pool is being promoted by member companies of the Nigerian Insurers Association.

The Commissioner for Insurance in Abuja at the Commission’s corporate head office

during a brief but eventful ceremony to signpost the commencement of the pool, congratulated the Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association, Mr. Godwin Wiggle for bringing to fruition his desire for a pool that will address some of the challenges faced by insurance companies in oil and gas underwriting in Nigeria.

Presenting the Technical Board of the Pool to the Commissioner for Insurance, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Wole Oshin, stated that the Pool currently has 14 subscribers, who have contributed 40 per cent of their subscribed lines amounting to

Daniel,Commissioner for Insurance, USD 4,000,000.00. He expressed optimism that other insurance companies that have expressed their interest in the Pool will subscribe to the Pool after the

launching of the EAIPN. The fourteen companies are: Leadway Assurance Company limited, Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc, Aiico Insurance Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Royal Exchange Insurance Co. Ltd, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Linkage Assurance Plc, and Industrial And General Insurance Plc, Nigerian Agric Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Sterling Assurance Company Limited, Prestige Assurance Plc, NEM Insurance Plc and NSIA Insurance Oshin informed the CFI that Africa Re emerged as the Manag-

er of the Pool after a rigorous selection process, adding that the company is expected to use its global outreach and experience to manage the pool profitably and build the requisite capacity.

“The Technical Management Board went through a rigorous process in selecting Africa Re as the Manager of the Pool.

They have a very strong pedigree and an excellent track record in the management of Pools.” We are really counting on their expertise to build capacity and grow the local market and we trust that they will deliver on this mandate,” Oshin enthused.

Labour 29

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Pensioners plead for payment of 33% arrears increase Stories Joy Ekeke The Pensioners in the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) are calling on to the Federal Government to provide funds to enable Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) pay the 33 per cent arrears increase due to them from 2009 to 2013.

The Eastern district secretary, Nigeria Union of Railway Pensioners(NURP), Mr. Obi Uyanne, said his members are dying every day and that the paltry amount paid to them as pensions does not reflect the present economic realities.

“Federal Government should quickly make funds available to PTAD to offset the arrears of 33 per cent owed to us since 2009.

Most of our members have been short-paid during retirement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director-General,

CACOL condemns Jonathan’s statement on jailing corrupt people The Coalition Against Corrupt Leader (CACOL) has condemned President Goodluck Jonathan’s stand that jailing corrupt people could not curb corruption in the country.

Jonathan had reiterated in his speech at the 2015 Elections Sensitization Workshop on NonViolence in Abuja recently, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser and SA to Mr. President on inter-party affairs that jailing corrupt individuals is not an appropriate solution to curb corruption in the country.

Reacting to the President’s statement on behalf of the Coalition, Executive Chairman Mr.

Debo Adeniran, said any presidential candidate that is not confident enough that he is going to fight corruption should be rejected by the populace.

He said: “Corruption is what has brought Nigeria into comatose and the future of our dear country seems to be bleak because corruption is now the garbs of honor, and the culture of impunity is now the order of the day, so any presidential candidate that must be voted by the people must be committed to reduce it to the barest minimum, if not, eradicate corruption totally in the country.

NDAN swears in new executives The newly elected chairman of NDAN Lagos Island Zone, Mr. Folorunsho Bolanle told Daily Times that, “The most important duties of a chairman is to improve the life of its members and to make sure that there are good relationship between the media houses and agents.

He further said, “We need to thank members of the association who made this inauguration ceremony possible and voting for the right choice.

Anthony Udeozor, General Secretary, NDAN, said, “We need to put in more efforts to the association so that we can be able to impact the life of our members.

The Vice chairman of NDAN, Mr. Kenneth Ikediuba, who also spoke with Daily Times said “We want all media houses to lend their support to this great association and media houses are existing today because we distributes their newspapers and magazine, we are also existing because of the media houses so we can move the nation forward.

Association urges hotel operators to employ qualified managers

The Newspaper and Magazine Distributors Association of Nigeria (NDAN) Lagos Island zone has sworn-in new executives.

The executives are ; Folorunsho .A. Bolanle, Chairman, Kenneth Ikediuba, Vice Chairman , Prince Anthony Udeozor , General Secretary, Akubueni Kenneth, Treasurer, Adeshina Mukaila, Financial Secretary, Prince Eleberi Peter, public relation officer(PRO), Giwa Idowu, Chief Welfare officer, Salisu Mofoof, Welfare officer, Ajayi Oluwaseun, Provost 1and Paul Isreal Emenimadu Provost.

While addressing the executives, the electoral committee chairman, Mr. Zubby Ejere, expressed gratitude to God for the election which was held on December 2014. He said: “We thank God it was free and fair and everybody in the association was satisfied with voting.’’ adding that the association election has been practicing democracy in selecting their leaders.

The Hotel and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria advised hoteliers to employ qualified managers to improve the hospitality industry.

Mr Lanre Awoseyin, Financial Secretary of the assou told journalist in Lagos that, the hospitality industry was becoming sub-standard as a result of quacks operating in most hotels. ``The quality of services of most hotels is poor. ``Every hotel manager ought to have at least a minimum of a Higher National Diploma in either tourism or hotel management. ``This qualification enables them to manage a hotel properly

L-R: Keneth Akubuenyi, treasurer; Peter Eleberi, PRO; Anthony Udeozor, general secretary; Keneth Ikediuba, vice chairman; Bolanle Folorunsho, chairman, and Zubby Ejere, chairman, Electoral Committee, Newspapers and Magazines Distributors Association of Nigeria, Lagos Island Zone (NDAN), during the association’s swearing in and inauguration of newly elected executives in Lagos recently.

PTAD, Mrs. Nellie Mayshak, has promised that Federal Government was set to implement the 33 per cent pension increase from October, 2014, following series of pressure from pensioners, mandating government to do so.

The increase, according to her, will count from 2010 when the increase was expected to have taken effect.

Director General Pension Trans tional Arrangement Department, Mrs. Nellie Mayshak “The issue of arrears is a much bigger one and the federal government has a committee in place, headed by the secretary to government and the National Union of Pensioners (NUP) to craft out modalities for addressing the arrears of that 33 per cent. That is quite large.

The pension increase is similar

with the knowledge acquired in schools,’’ Awoseyin said.

He noted that having qualified hands managing hotels in the country would also improve the quality and standard of hotel hospitality as a profession. ``Like every other professional like medical doctors lawyers engineers and others with set standards, the association is determined to set an academic qualification standard for the profession. ``This would improve the standard of the profession and would also accord it the command and respect it deserves. ``Leaving the profession in the

to the salary increase that took place between 2009 and 2010.

So, the salary increase is of 2010. If we are paying any arrears, because it scattered, it is not the same for everybody, it will take effect from around June, 2010. It is almost four years of arrears we are talking about,” she stressed.

hands of every Dick and Harry is dangerous for its future and may also force us out of business, ’’ he said.

According to him, the association is planning to bulldoze inexperienced persons out of the system. ``The association is working on a joint collaboration with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria to ensure that the non-qualified hands are chased away from the business. ``We will all ensure that hotel operators who are not having the required qualification are kicked out the system,’’ he said.

30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Health

s

N3.6bn cancer centres will save 22 women daily Cervical cancer is one of the world’s deadliest but most easily preventable forms of cancer. It is responsible for over 270,000 deaths annually, 85 per cent of which occur in developing countries.

The number of overweight and obese children aged under five years is predicted to increase from more than 42 million in 2013 to 70 million by 2025-----WHO

LASUTH in dire need of resident doctors -Medical Guild Chairman of the Lagos State Medical Guild, Dr Biyi Kufo has said that the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja is in dire need of resident doctors.

Speaking at a press conference recently in Lagos, Kufo said, “The residency training programme in the Lagos State University Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, had been truncated, with the hospital in dire need of resident doctors.”

He added that there is an extension of LASUTH at Gbagada and these facilities need doctors.

He also said, doctors were being employed as casual workers by the administration, with no apparent career path.

By Lara Adejoro o.adejoro@dailytimes.com.ng In Nigeria, over 15,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually while 8,030 deaths occur every year which translates to 22 women daily. However, the disease is preventable.

Cervical cancer arises from the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

The death rate in the country used to be 26 per day but with advocacy, awareness, communitybased mass screening, the rate has dropped to 22.

However, the Executive Secretary of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), Dr Abia Nzelu, in an interview with Daily Times said, even with the reduction in the number of deaths, the figure is still unacceptable.

Nzelu said screening cervical cancer is simple and can be done within five minutes while the pre-cancer stage can be done in a 15-minute out-patient procedure.

Yet, people still die from the silent killer.

According to her, “The World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics released in 2010 for 2008 shows that 26 women died of cervical cancer every day but now, with the campaign and awareness of the National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP), instead of 26 women dying every day of cervical cancer, it is now 22 women.

“The NCPP started by carrying out mass community-based screening. You don’t have to go to the hospital now, the NCPP will come to you, to the church, mosque, market and carry out screening directly.

Between 2008 and 2009, the awareness was increased and the statistics has reduced from 26 to 22 in

Briefs

Jigawa begins environmental sanitation Cervical cancer screning process Nigeria,”Nzelu said.

However, in a bid to further reduce the number of deaths, she said, the NCPP was working with CECP, an initiative co-promoted by six of the core bodies of the organised private sector in Nigeria, with the goal of having a national cancer centre.

The six private sectors involved in the CECP are the Institute of Directors (IoD), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and industry (LCCI), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Nzelu said, with at least a Mobile Cancer Centre (MCC) in each state, the death rate will drop

With just N3.6billion, we can have this facility going to every state to screen, detect and prevent people from dying from cancer

drastically.

MCC, she explained, is a clinic on wheels, in which screening, follow-up and several forms of treatment (including surgeries), can take place. It includes facilities for mammography, sonology (or ultrasonogaphy) and colonoscopy (a test that allows a look into the inner lining of your large intestine --rectum and colon).

Explaining further, she said, “With the mobile cancer centre, it will have the facilities you need both for screening and treatment.

If we have mobile cancer centre in Lagos, all we need do is to divide Lagos into smaller segment and you make a routine so that over the years, every local government will be reached at least once a year and in doing that, almost every Nigerian will have the opportunity of being screened.”

Continued on page 31

In its bid to enhance sanitation in Jigawa State, the Malammadori Local Government Council of Jigawa has embarked on waste clearance exercise.

The environmental sanitation is being conducted in two towns of Malammadori and GarinGabas.

Head of Department, Water and Sanitation in the council, Malam Yusuf Maigari, said that environmental sanitation was being conducted in two towns of Malammadori and Garin-Gabas.

He said that the council had deployed environmental sanitation workers and also mobilised communities to participate in drains clearance and waste evacuation.

Lamido

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

31 Health

Urgent action urged on reducing non-communicable diseases A recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown that noncommunicable diseases prematurely take 16 million lives annually.

Calling for urgent action by the government, WHO said, there is need to prevent the annual toll of 16 million people dying prematurely before the age of 70 from heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes.

“The global community has the chance to change the course of the NCD epidemic,” says WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, who today launched the Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2014.

“By investing just US$ 1 to 3 dollars per person per year, countries can dramatically reduce illness and death from NCDs. In 2015, every country needs to set national targets and implement cost-effective actions. If they do not, millions of lives will continue to be lost too soon.”

“The global community has the chance to change the course of the NCD epidemic.”

The report states that most premature NCD deaths are preventable. Of the 38 million lives lost to NCDs in 2012, 16 million or 42 per cent were premature and avoidable – up from 14.6 million in 2000.

The report says, premature NCD deaths can be significantly

The MCC will also have a side laboratory for prostate and colorectal cancer screening and other basic tests for hepatitis, malaria, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

Thus the MCC takes care of the double burden of disease (communicable & non-communicable diseases).

Lamenting the lack of cancer screening centres in the country, Nzelu said, “We should have dedicated centres for cancer, a comprehensive cancer centre which will be like a teaching hospital where every department will be on cancer. In India, they have over 120 centres; in the United States, they have about 1,500 com-

Experts task Nigerians on healthy living Dr Moronkeji Komolafe at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) Ile-Ife, has urged Nigerians to engage in sporting activities, especially walking, to enhance healthy living.

Komolafe in an interview with NAN said, walking is good for everyone’s health.

“For us to be healthy, we need to walk at least 30 minutes per day and everybody must exercise thrice a week,” Komolafe said.

The neurologist said, “walking increases the intake of oxygen, promotes healthy cell growth and enhances the release of toxins; going for a walk is both invigorating and relaxing.”

Women undergoing medical test reduced through government policies reducing tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, and delivering universal health care. For example, in Brazil the NCD mortality rate is dropping 1.8 per cent per year due in part to the expansion of primary health care.

But the report calls for more action to be taken to curb the epidemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where deaths due to NCDs are overtaking those from infectious diseases. Almost three quarters of all NCD deaths (28 million), and 82 per cent of the 16 million pre-

mature deaths, occur in low- and middle-income countries.

The report provides “best buy” or cost-effective, high-impact interventions recommended by WHO, including banning all forms of tobacco advertising, replacing trans fats with polyunsaturated fats, restricting or banning alcohol advertising, preventing heart attacks and strokes, promoting breastfeeding, implementing public awareness programmes on diet and physical activity, and preventing cervical cancer through screening.

NCDs impede efforts to alleviate poverty and threaten the

achievement of international development goals. When people fall sick and die in the prime of their lives, productivity suffers.

And the cost of treating diseases can be devastating – both to the individual and to the country’s health system.

High rates of death and disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are a reflection of inadequate investment in cost-effective NCD interventions. WHO recommends all countries move from commitment to action, by setting national targets and implementing the “best buy” interventions starting in 2015.

N3.6bn cancer centres will save 22 women daily Continued from page 30

Briefs

prehensive cancer centres.

“If we consider the amount of money people use to travel abroad for cancer care, we can use it to build comprehensive cancer care centres in Nigeria. One MCC (Mobile Cancer Centre) costs N95 million. With just N3.6billion, we can have this facility going to every state to screen, detect and prevent people from dying from cancer,” she said.

Fact box In the early stages, there are typically no symptoms for cervical cancer. Advanced symptoms may include: abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, back pain, leg pain, swollen legs, bone

fractures, and/or (rarely) leakage of urine or faeces from the vagina.

Infection with some types of human papilloma virus (HPV) is the greatest risk factor for cervical cancer, followed by smoking.

Other risk factors include human immunodeficiency virus.

It can affect any woman who has had vaginal sexual intercourse.

A cervical screening test can be done to determine the risk of developing cervical cancer. The procedure is not painful and can be done within five minutes.

With Pap smear, the number of cases of and mortality from cervical cancer in developed coun-

tries can be reduced. Pap smear screening every three to five years with appropriate follow-up can reduce cervical cancer incidence by up to 80 per cent.

There are two HPV vaccines --- Gardasil and Cervarix --- which reduce the risk of cancerous or precancerous changes of the cervix and perineum by about 93% and 62%, respectively.

HPV vaccines are typically given to women aged nine to 26 as the vaccine is only effective if given before infection occurs.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of female specific cancer after breast cancer accounting for around 8 per cent of both total cancer cases and total cancer deaths in women.

Plateau unveils children protection policy The Plateau Government has launched a policy for the protection of children tagged: “Children Safeguarding Policy.”

The policy, launched by the Plateau Ministry of Women Affairs, was to augment the implementation of child rights at community and local government’s levels.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Sarah Yusuf, said the policy provided a standard for development of effective measures to care givers and parents to be able to respond positively to the needs and protection of children.

Jang

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Politics

17

s Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, January 22, 2015

Ambode Akinwunmi

APATIRA

Features s Features Politics APC Lagos governorship candidate

God in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State, the dwarf told Daily Times his affinity with spirits, the gains and pains of his pint size, his marriage, etc.

Born in Lokanster village in Umunnochi Local Government Area of Abia State, his real name is Sunday Okeke, “But my

VOL. 1. NO.29

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Prophet Ramas Asuzu, he gave me the name Akataka, Ezemmor which means king of spirits.”

Sunday admitted he is not exactly a spirit, but buttressed he is something relatively close to that by virtue of his work. Hear him: “Well, I work with spirits and I serve spirits every day. At least,

Price: N150

Opeoluwani Akintayo

dailytimesng

Kwara State governorship candidate of Labour Party, Amao Abdulhakeem, has cried out against the injustice allegedly meted on him by leaders of Labour Party in the state.

Abdulhakeem who spoke in Lagos, said he had been shortchanged by party leaders after building the party.

According to him, he joined the party some 25 months ago and single-handedly used his own money to fund the party by providing office and furniture for the party office in the state, purchase of cars and houses for party leaders as well as payment of allowances till the time of its primaries held in November 2014.

He regretted that the governorship ticket of the party which he won during the primaries was suddenly with-

NWANNE CAMPO

Amao: LP dumped candidate

drawn and given to another person, one Mr. Mike Omotosho without his consent.

Amao alleged that” “Omotosho whom the party leaders gave the ticket to, was formerly a card carrying member of the PDP in the state who had lost out in the House of Representatives primaries before cross carpeting to Labour Party.

His words: “As at the time I joined the party, it wasn’t a functional group and it was really bad that it wasn’t recognised in the state. And singlehandedly, I funded the party, furnished the office, bought the cars they use, I give the party leaders monthly allowances and even funded everything up to the primaries which was held in November,2014.”

Speaking further, he said: “The governorship primaries was held and the candidacy was solely given to me after an elec-

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Kinshasa P12 Pensioners plead for Catholic Pensioners plead payment schools shut for payment ofof33% 33% arrearsP 29 over protests arrears increase increase

before I was born. In fact I was called s spirit because of my kind of person and I learnt the process of working with spirits as a growing child under my father.”

Would he had learnt another trade if his father was a carpen-

I have been cheated

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News Labour 29 Business

Ambode will continue where Fashola I live for stopped

Amao Europeans Abdulhakeem:spiritsstill believe years Africans AMAO ABDULHAKEEM I have been –33 old dwarf 21 hang on P 17 cheated trees THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

21

Akeem Apatira, is a lieved to have done very well professional of repute like Mr. prominent member of the All Pro- for Lagos in the last eight Ambode will continue with the gressives Congress (APC) and an years, what new things do trend of excellent service/outassociate of Asiwaju Bola Tinu- Akin Ambode hopes to do? put inherent in the APC. bu. In this interview, he expressed The legacy of succession inconfidence that APC candidate, stituted by Asiwaju is legendLagos has been under the Akin Ambode will beat his Peoples ary because it is structured to APC, ACN, AC, AD in the last Democratic Party (PDP) candi- foster continued progression 16years and some people led date, Jimi Agbaje in next month’s of unprecedented growth and by the PDP are clamouring election to continue the good works meaningful development. If for a change? Can the APC people prefer to call me Nkwo with normal people, you can call Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr started by Tinubu, the baton of Asiwaju had not Ihanded over prevent change? because was born on the third that me king of spirits.’ which was passed to Governor Ba- to an enigmatic and credible The philosophy of APC is into the He did not stumble Pint size, Nkwo Akataka market day in our native calenbatunde Raji Fashola. person like peoples’ interest is the dar Fashola, which wecontinucall Nkwo.that When spiritual business, he told our is 33 years Excerpts: old. In this exclusive of excellent wouldwork with correspondent.

I startedservice my spiritual interview held at the ity famous ON PAGE 18 Governor Fashola is behave been mirage, Ezeoba thus aAkajiofor, CONTINUED mya master, “My father was serving spirits Universal Temple of Absolute

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Dwarf dancing ‘Skelewu’

Stories Joy Ekeke

Europeans still believe Africans hang on trees CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Meanwhile, Director-General, PTAD, Mrs. Nellie Mayshak, has promised that Federal Government was set to implement the 33 per cent pension increase from October, 2014, following series of pressure from pensioners, mandating government to do so.

The increase, according to her, will count from 2010 when the increase was expected to have taken effect.

that jailing corrupt individuals is not an appropriate solution to curb corruption in the country.

Reacting to the President’s statement on behalf of the Coalition, Executive Chairman Mr.

NDAN swears in n

Director General Pension Trans tional Arrangement Department, Mrs. Nellie Mayshak “The issue of arrears is a much bigger one and the federal government has a committee in place, headed by the secretary to government and the National Union of Pensioners (NUP) to craft out modalities for addressing the arrears of that 33 per cent. That is quite large.

The pension increase is similar

to the salary increase that took place between 2009 and 2010.

So, the salary increase is of 2010. If we are paying any arrears, because it scattered, it is not the same for everybody, it will take effect from around June, 2010. It is almost four years of arrears we are talking about,” she stressed.

Why should we give a damn?

ALIYU

Despite decamping, Ibeto remains my deputy

Ayopo Apesin

‘The time for them to make any remarks at the Tunga Primary not vote in the forthcoming elecDespite the decamping of Niger State deputy gov- tion. Resident Electoral Commis- correction has passed’ Alhaji Ay- school where the governor colernor, Alhaji Musa Ibeto to the sioner in the state, Alhaji Nasir ilara said while commenting on lected his permanent voters’ card.

The Wife of the Governor Hajia opposition All Progressives Con- Ayilara who disclosed in Minna the observation by the governor that the names of his children Jumai Babangida who had earligress (APC), he still remains his told newsmen that the children of Nwanne Campo in ahas tour the Governor did not take advan- were not found on the register. He er misplaced her voters card filled deputy, Dr. Babangida Aliyu tage of the opportunity provided counted all his children but did the necessary form for the card to said. graduate sociology at which mentdid reside at 16a af- this white guy was a racist. be replaced. not say not find hisand or leave to ensureofthey This is coming as there are in- for them by theAlaw The marriage of this boisterous the University of Nigeria, terregister. their assignments were over, ‘I matched up and asked him Governor Aliyu after collecting name on the the just condications that four out of the five registered during Nigerian lady to a Spanish enNsukka, the drama started but the domestic The Commissioner made staff the always what he thought he was doing exercise. children of Governor Aliyu may cluded registration gineer started with fight at first CONTINUED ON PAGE after Nwanne’s second semes- remained the same. This love sacking everybody in18 the house, sight! 25 years and two graduter. drama started after a Spanish but he squinted at me a moment ate daughters down the road, There is just one building be- engineer arrived house No. 16a; and asked, ‘Small girl, what is Mrs. Nwanne Campo relishes tween her family home (then 22 he had problems with the staff your business?’ He even spoke the challenge of blending two Savage Crescent) and 16a, in the so he promptly fired everybody very pidgin, and that got me ancultures as a teenager among Government Reservation Area, and found his own staff; but for gry: I hollered at him: other experiences. Gbubemi Enugu. Expatriates on special people in the neighborhood, ‘So it’s true! You fired everyGod’s Covenant Snr reports. projects for the state govern- who didn’t know the true story, one working here for ages and

just look at you, cutting grass by yourself. Look, if you think you can come here and do whatever you like, you’d better go back to The Hotel and Tourism your country!’

Management Association of NiBut an unpleasant surprise geria advised hoteliers to emgreeted her as her mom welploy qualified managers to imcomed her home with the news: prove the hospitality industry.

‘Do you know we have a new Mr reLanre Awoseyin, Finanneighbour now? After you

Association urges hotel operators to employ qualified managers

ÎÎÎIf

We saw how the Jewish leader left the comfort of his state house and travelled hundreds of miles to mourn the death of FOUR of his citizens in France.

you have not witnessed how things are done in other places, there is the tendency that you believe the way you are doing it is the proper one.

Although, only diehard loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would agree that the way our government has handled the Boko Haram menace in Nigeria is the right way, seeing recent events in Paris, even they will have a rethink.

We saw how the French leader led the world to mourn the crazy killing of 17 of his compatriots. We saw how the Jewish leader left the comfort of his state house and travelled hundreds of miles to mourn the death of FOUR of his citizens in France.

You begin to wonder why our president didn’t seem to give a damn that over 200 Nigerian girls have been kidnapped for donkey months by terrorists. You begin to scratch your head in confusion as per why our president thinks it is business as usual when 2000 Nigerians were killed by terrorists. The explanation his spin doctors gave us was that ONLY 150 people were

killed and that we should not believe the lies of the foreign press. M’ lord, in sane climates, 150 citizens killed by terrorists’ strike that ONE person killed by terrorists is one death too many.

In decent countries, a leader faced with such helplessness in protecting his citizens from a band of crazies would have held up his hands and said, ‘folks, I have failed you therefore, I resign.’ What did our commander in chief do? He came out campaigning for

more years.

For over six years, we never asked our president to walk to the moon. We never demanded that he walk through the Atlantic Ocean. We didn’t say show you love us by jumping from the top of Cocoa House. All we asked for was that “Mr President, face your work”. .All we needed was for him to keep the promises he made while campaigning in 2011.

All we wanted were functional hospitals and not mortuaries. We wanted se-

cial Secretary of the assou told journalist in Lagos that, the hospitality industry was becoming sub-standard as a result of quacks operating in most hotels. ``The quality of services of most hotels is poor. ``Every hotel manager ought to have at least a minimum of a Higher National Diploma in either tourism or hotel management. ``This qualification enables them to manage a hotel properly

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

curity for our women and children. We wanted jobs.

Instead, we got leaders who were wining and dining at our expense while we continued to whine and die slowly. What we got were leaders who showed us and TOLD us they didn’t give a damn.

Now they are trying to seduce us again so we can vote for them. Typically, they are even doing a very bad job of it.

Instead of them letting their achievements in the last years they have been

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leader (CACOL) has condemned President Goodluck Jonathan’s stand that jailing corrupt people could not curb corruption in the country.

Jonathan had reiterated in his speech at the 2015 Elections Sensitization Workshop on NonViolence in Abuja recently, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser and SA to Mr.

President on inter-party affairs

The Pensioners in the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) are calling on to the Federal Government to provide funds to enable Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) pay the 33 per cent arrears increase due to them from 2009 to 2013.

The Eastern district secretary, Nigeria Union of Railway Pensioners(NURP), Mr. Obi Uyanne, said his members are dying every day and that the paltry amount paid to them as pensions does not reflect the present economic realities.

“Federal Government should quickly make funds available to PTAD to offset the arrears of 33 per cent owed to us since 2009.

Most of our members have been short-paid during retirement,” he said.

tion witnessed by INEC officers led by Barr Tunde. And on the day of the primaries, over 200 party members were present.

Suddenly, I was in my house when I heard the announcement over the TV that my candidacy had been transferred to Mr. Omtosho who came from PDP. The party leaders did it without my consent”.

Amao further said aside funding the party, he also paid N1 million for the party’s recommendation form. The N6.5 million for nomination and expression of interest was not yet paid when the candidacy was snatched from him.

According to him, “Omotosho does not have the true interest of the party at heart and is not fit to contest for the governorship seat in Kwara State.

“I know Mr.Omotosho doesn’t

CACOL condemns Jo on jailing corrupt pe

with the knowledge acquired in schools,’’ Awoseyin said.

He noted that having qualified hands managing hotels in the country would also improve the quality and standard of hotel hospitality as a profession. ``Like every other professional like medical doctors lawyers engineers and others with set standards, the association is determined to set an academic qualification standard for the profession. ``This would improve the standard of the profession and would also accord it the command and respect it deserves.

``Leaving the profession in the

The Newspaper and Magazine Distributors Association of Nigeria (NDAN) Lagos Island zone has sworn-in new executives.

The executives are ; Folorunsho .A. Bolanle, Chairman, Kenneth Ikediuba, Vice Chairman , Prince Anthony Udeozor , General Secretary, Akubueni Kenneth, Treasurer, Adeshina Mukaila, Financial Secretary, Prince Eleberi Peter, public relation officer(PRO), Giwa Idowu, Chief Welfare officer, Salisu Mofoof, Welfare officer, Ajayi Oluwaseun, Provost 1and Paul Isreal Emenimadu Provost.

While addressing the execu-

tives, the electoral committee chairman, Mr. Zubby Ejere, expressed gratitude to God for the election which was held on December 2014. He said: “We thank God it was free and fair and everybody in the association was satisfied with voting.’’ adding that the association election has been practicing democracy in selecting their leaders.

hands of every Dick and Harry is dangerous for its future and may also force us out of business, ’’ he said.

According to him, the association is planning to bulldoze inexperienced persons out of the system. ``The association is working on a joint collaboration with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria to ensure that the non-qualified hands are chased away from the business. ``We will all ensure that hotel operators who are not having the required qualification are kicked out the system,’’ he said.

L-R: Keneth Akubuenyi, treasurer; P general secretary; Keneth Ikediuba, chairman, and Zubby Ejere, chairma and Magazines Distributors Associa (NDAN), during the association’s sw elected executives in Lagos recently

in power to speak for them, they are attacking opponents’ personalities. That’s what happens when you don’t seize the day. If you had done what was expected of you when you had the chance, you wouldn’t be blaming someone who left government over 30 years ago for your inability to tackle Boko Haram. You wouldn’t be saying someone is not fit enough to rule and may die in office giving his vice the chance to rule, conveniently forgetting you benefitted from a similar scenario.

One thing I learnt from a very tender age is that no condition is permanent. Another one is that revenge is best served cold.

While not campaigning for ANYBODY, I believe the best thing that can happen to Nigeria is that we vote out the under-performing incumbents. We have discovered our power, let’s use it to rescue our great nation from the hands of oppressors. This will teach them all that we can no longer, we will no longer, be taken for granted. They showed us they didn’t give a toss about us, why should we give a damn about them now?

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 Thursday January 22, 2015

Sean Tizzle’s

I have over 50 Loke Loke stands the test perfumes -Bimbo Thomas

Eat your way to headachefree life L7 P

L4

P

Satchel-push-lock bags back and L6 better P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday January 22, 2015

Bimbo Thomas is one of Nollywood’s finest, wave-making artistes.

Aside her acting prowess, she has always been stylish. In this brief, yet interesting chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Bimbo takes us into her fashion world.

BIMBO THOMAS

Shoes First, I don’t joke with my shoes.

They must complement whatever I’m wearing. And most times, I do peep toes/flat shoes. I don’t have a favourite designer, but, I have shoes by Gucci, Christian Louboutin and Alexander McQueen. My favourite shoe colour is any shade of brown Bag I have lots of bags, but, I prefer those

by Miu Miu and Chloe, because they make quality bags and their products are very unique. You can’t find them everywhere, like those other popular designers. I have actually lost count of how many bags I own.

Wristwatches My cool collection of wristwatches is my favourite fashion piece. But if it is not Louis Vuitton, count me out.

Although, I get designers like Swatch, Rolex, Buvgari and others as gifts, but, I still prefer my Louis Vuitton any day.

Earring (Chandeliers or studs) Chandeliers, definitely, because I don’t really wear necklace.

Car I don’t want to disclose the car I’m driving now, but, I love FJ Cruiser. It’s one of my dream cars.

I don’t know how it sounds, but I’m a car freak.

Perfume I wear several perfumes, but I am in love with 212 Sexy and Fantasy by Britney Spears. I have over 50 perfumes.

Underwear I love La Senza and Victoria Secret underwear. But whenever I have a dinner date, I go for Oscar Delarenta Casual Wears Most times, I wear D&G, but, that does not mean I don’t do other designers. Sometimes, I rock Gucci, Next, Jeans and Ralph.

Sunglasses When it comes to my sunglasses, I do Michael Kors, Gucci, and Versace. I have about 60 sunglasses at home that I no longer wear because I change them every day. The one I have on is a new one. I’ve also used Bespoke by Tommy Hilfiger.

Drink My favourite drink is Snapp and Lemonade. I’m not a heavy drinker like that.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday January 22, 2015

Style tips for short curvy ladies

1

Try tucking in your shirt.

2

Try an asymmetrical dress with heels to give you height.

Fashion

L3

3

Whenever you wear a short dress, add a belt to elongate your legs and bring out your waist.

5

4

Pull in your waist with a dress or skirt.

MANIA

Skip pants that bunch at the bottom.

Those bright boxy shoulder bags!

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Remember those satchel-push-lock bags that dominated personal style blogs in 2009?

7

If your shirts or tops are too big, tailor them!

Yes, they are back, better and chic!

New collections are out that take a turn for the ladylike outlook. So it’s bye-bye to those kinda boring bags in 2014.

There are different makers of the satchel push-locks, and this being a new year, feel free to bag your way through it with beautiful push-lock bags!

6

If you’re going to wear cuffed jeans or shorts, skip sandals with ankle straps.

8

Always cuff or fold long shirts.

Music Review L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday January 22, 2015

Timaya’s Sanko:

A perfect street groove!

Opeoluwani Akintayo

o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng

I love the opening scene -- those legs rocking that old school pair of shoes, and then comes the funnylooking guy dressed in a complete yellow suit, dabbing his face and lips with a yellow face towel, and swinging his huge briefcase!

Enough to get you cracking from the beginning.

The reggae beat is quite catchy, something different from the kind of music Timaya has been known for, and it’s a nice try.

The galala dancing steps are just on point --- those guys and babes killed it.

The 3:24 secs “Sanko” official music video, produced by Orbeat is a clean one, plus the locations, like the roof tops, was dope.

Don’t forget, ‘Sanko’ is off his new album “Epiphany” with other songs like, Bow Down, Lai Lai ft.

Terry G, Love (My Baby), Gbagam

ft. Deetii and Phyno, Bad Man Tin, Girls Dem ft. Patoranking, Happy ft. Sir Shina Peters, Dance Hall King, Bother Me, Pain, Overflow ft. Olamide, Behind Me, Eshe, Appreciation ft. 2Baba, Hold Me Now, Ukwu, Ekolomba Demba and Bom Bom Remix ft. Sean Paul.

Back to the song. I love Timaya’s costume too, a multi-coloured tee-shirt, black knee-length shorts and an ankle boot and then his dark sunshades are just perfect enough to make him look like a street dude.

Timaya killed the song with his voice ranges and then, the drama in the video could serve as a comic relief any day any time.

Of course, the intention of the song was met- a blend of street groove and then comedy.

And then since it was published on Sep 17, 2014, the video has gathered a whooping sum of 1,647,247 views on You Tube!

Wow, that’s a lot!

Sean Tizzle’s

Loke Loke gets a nod In just a couple of weeks after he dropped his ‘Perfect Gentleman’ video and his UK tour dates drew closer, Sean Tizzle hits us all with a new video, ‘Loke Loke’. And guess what, singerturned politician, 9ice, made a comeback of sort after his defeat in politics, and we were like, wow!

In a video which combines Sean Tizzle’s singing and acting skills, the singer obviously delivered his scenes like a professional actor.

If you care to know, this is the first video the star act would feature anyone since his debut in February 2013.

The video portrays the hustle and challenges of an upcoming artiste and what he faces before fame/stardom.

First of all, the video directed

by MSAYC Unlimited LA and was shot in Ramburg, South Africa, is a clean one. The different locations used was perfect, not to talk of the acting professionalism shown by Tizzle, the star actress, 9ice inclusive. The attitude in the video was on point.

Jekwu D stylist also did well with their costumes, simple yet classy enough to tell the story.

The voice quality matches perfectly with the tempo, giving it that soft high life feel anyone can rock to. Nice combination of 9ice and Tizzle’s voice qualities simply corroborated each other.

Beautiful girls who were not excessively dressed and did all in moderacy, moderate booze which preaches morality.

As at press time, the 4:47 secs. video had 132,579 views on

You Tube since its publishing on Sep 26, 2014.

Nice one there.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday January 22, 2015

UNWIND Alpha-Cross 01

L5 Unwind

SODOKU Sudoku mp1 The first letter of each answer is written next to its clue in alphabetical order. One letter has already been entered. Can you find the words then fit them correctly into the grid?

A. Sharp (5) A. Remedied (7) A. Protective garment (5) C. Hoard (5) C. Tapers (7) C. Group of bovines (6) C. Fake (11) E. Epoch (3) E. No longer in existence (7) G. Chivalrous (7) I. Lit up (11) L. Terse (7) L. Lackadaisical (7) L. Prevarication (3) M. Award (5) N. Pleasant (4) N. Observed (5) O. Sumptuous (7) R. Send payment (5) S. Short tail (4) S. Begin (5) S. Powerful (6) S. Proposed (9) T. Rising current of warm air (7) W. Bet (5) W. Capricious (9)

Jarmeu comes to town with ‘Ileke’ Isaac Oguntoye New kid on the bloc, Jarmeu has stormed town with new single, Ileke.

As you well know, the Nigerian entertainment industry is one of the versatile sectors of the economy which keeps growing in leaps and bounds.

Right now, his name might not ring a bell yet we can tell you that the handsome and talented Adisa developed passion for music as a teenager while growing up in Ilorin.

This led him to set up a ministudio with the name Drum Dealarz. Under Drum Dealarz, he recorded songs for upcoming artists like him and worked on many radio jingles.

He was one of the founding members of Defunct NCS clan in Ilorin. Venturing into music at an age where common-play and generic rhythms are the

order of the day, has challenged Jarmeu to evaluate where he stands.

Jarmeu has two sides to his style of music- the philosophical/motivation aland the sex appeal /commercial style for the ladies and Party Marshals.

After staying off the radar for a while and renewing his contract with U.K label, DeeRS Tunes, Jarmeu is now back with a highlife filled afro-pop tune “Ileke”.

From the snippet of “ILEKE” produced by Kiddominant, the versatile song writer, singer, sound engineer and produce,r shows that he is geared up deliver quality content like he did on “E no Easy” released in 2013. With the full audio of “Ileke” and a video directed by ace video conceptualize AJE Filmworks, set to be released next week, you may as well watch out for Jarmeu in 2015.

A DOG’S LIFE Can you find the dogs hidden in the box? They may be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, forwards or backwards.

AIREDALE, ALSATIAN, APPENZELLER, BASSET, BEAGLE, BEDLINGTON, BLOODHOUND, BORZOI, BOXER, BULLDOG, CHIHUAHUA, CHINOOK, CHOW CHOW, COLLIE, CORGI, DACHSHUND, DALMATIAN, DOBERMAN, GREAT DANE, GREYHOUND, HUSKY, JACK RUSSELL, LABRADOR, LANDSEER, MAGYAR, MASTIFF, PEKINGESE, POINTER, POMERANIAN, POODLE, PUG, ROTTWEILER, SAMOYED, SANSHU, SETTER, SHEEPDOG, SPANIEL, TERRIER, WHIPPET.

Relationship & Us L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday January 22, 2015

Good relationships feel great

Ngozi Ndubisi Happy New Year All! And Welcome to My Page From here on, it’s about relationships, relationships and more relationships. We will write on relationships with friends, co-workers, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, children/parents and more.

Like you know, relationships are important components of our lives and mean different things to different people. As we go through life, we meet a variety of people we build relationships with, whether they are good or bad, they will be with us as long as we live.

So it is of great importance that we make these relationships lasting and good. A good relationship is

Communication as a key to meaningful and long lasting relationship takes practice.

It’s never perfect, Sometimes not Patient, and Sometimes Not Kind, but it breeds a successful relationships.

FYI that which you can depend on and know that it’s here to stay, no matter what. If relationships formed with animals are dependable and lifelong; consider the ones with humans and, carefully, reflect, before going in headlong into this venture called RELATIONSHIP!

PONDER:

In good relationships, you trust and tell all and you are trusted and told all in return. In good relationships you hope for truths to be told you at all costs and they demand same from you.

In good relationships you give and do things without expecting anything in return. In good relationships you

need to work continuously in order to keep it viable.

In good workplace or school relationships, you must work on for your success in your job or life.

In good intimate relationships controversies or not, you must be focus on the right things to make it work. True love, spouse, children does not come cheap.

Most times our insecurities, mistrusts, misgivings lead us to fail to reveal our real selves and when we do, deep into a relationship, we come out as fakes, liars, cheats...

Decide today to be totally open in all of your relationships, its either you are rejected or accepted. In all, only your honesty will get you your true relationship.

I saw this poem like letter and thought I should share it with you.

You Invaded My Private World With Your Beautiful And I Wondered To Me, You Were Different You Listened Without Judgment To What I Had Even After I Was Done With, Telling You The Good, The Bad, The Ugly You Still Did Not Run Smile And Understanding Heart.

Right From The Very Start.

About Me To Say. Away.

Thank You!

Relationships play important roles in our lives, so it’s important and necessary we look for and build quality relationships. To help you achieve one, we will on this page give life building tips, advices, subjections and all it will takes you to have a

blissful life-long relationships. Will have talks like: Look before you leap into that marriage: need to know tips before choosing your intended...

Handle your cries worthily: miscarriages, job loss, dysfunctions...

The juicy part of your relationships: keep it up and going; easy entering; it’s your first... And of course, we will take your questions and turn them into right choices...

It’s all about you and making you as happy and joyous as possible.

Understand-What-aRelationship-Means- last picture at bottom

Understand what a relationship means. Handshakes are for trusting relationships

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday January 22, 2015

Judith Frank-Edet

L7 Nutrition

Bread

Kick out that headache with FOOD! Yes, I’m excited to share this topic with you because I know not too many of us know that headaches can be cured by eating some of the yummy everyday dishes you love.

Whole grain bread is a great food for people suffering with headaches or migraines. The unprocessed grains release carbohydrates slower than white bread, which can replenish your physical energy.

Potatoes

If you want to cure your headache with potatoes, make sure you cook them with their skin on. Yes, don’t peel their skin. That’s because the skin of a large potato is packed with potassium. Potassium deficiencies are very common, with the majority of people never reaching their daily recommended levels of the vitamin. A diet with excess salt can further exacerbate the problem. Enjoy potatoes, with their skin, as a potassium rich food for easy headache care.

Salad

Bananas

Yogurt

Your headache might be as a result of last night partying or dehydration.

A good way to rehydrate yourself is salad. Lettuce and spinach leaves are high in water and fiber, which will make your body feel great. Iceberg lettuce has a high water content but low level of nutrients, so, you can mix different lettuce types like butter lettuce, spinach, arugula, romaine, or escarole to give you that rich taste.

Bananas are high in magnesium which can relax your blood vessels and ease head pain. They are also high in potassium, an essential part of your electrolyte balance. If you have headache as a result of a night of heavy drinking, you may need to replace your lost electrolytes due to dehydration.

S, take some bananas.

Yogurt is a delicious way to get a boost of calcium. Look for 0% fat Greek yoghurt to eat. Yogurt with berries for breakfast would be an ideal way to start battling a tough hangover.

Coffee

Spicy Foods

When taken in moderation, coffee can be a great relief from headache.

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it can reduce the size of blood vessels. In excess, this can cause a headache. One cup of coffee could help tame a difficult migraine. If your headache is caused by seasonal allergies, coffee will have an even greater effect.

If your headache is as a result of seasonal allergies or the flu, try eating spicy foods. Eating spicy foods can relieve congestion, which will reduce sinus pressure and open up your airways. Chili powder is also packed with vitamin E. This nutrient can relax your blood vessels, helping give relief to a sore head.

Vitamin E supplements pills can cause headaches, so consult with your doctor before taking high doses of this vitamin.

6 ways you can eat healthy at fast food restaurants!

1. Portion Control 2. Water will be your best bet 3. Order for single patty burgers instead of double patty burgers 4. When selecting any chicken sandwich, always choose grilled over crispy 5. Salads are good but watch the dressing. Always check if they have reduced calorie versions and if they do, use half of what they give you.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday January 22, 2015

Showing on 154 Africa Magic

09:00

Meet The Adebanjos 101 M-Net West

00:00 The Mentalist 00:30 Mind Games 01:30 Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit 03:30 Young Hollywood’s Greatest 04:00 Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones 06:05 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 Masterchef Junior USA 08:00 The Middle 08:30 The Real Housewives Of Atlanta 09:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 White House Down 12:40 Mom 13:05 Masterchef Junior USA 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 The Millers 16:00 Olive Kitteridge 17:00 The Fixer 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 About A Boy 19:30 Masterchef Junior USA 20:30 The Fixer 21:30 Blue Bloods 22:30 The Mentalist

Thu, 22 Jan | Family

‘S2/E9- The Washing Machine’. A larger-than-life dad struggles to instill his old fashioned African values in his black British household.

118 Telemundo 00:00 The Queen Of The South 00:30 Aurora 01:20 Fearless Heart 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 My Heart Beats For Lola 03:50 Broken Angel 05:20 Where Is Elisa?

06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 My Heart Beats For Lola 08:40 Broken Angel 09:30 Where Is Elisa?

10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 My Heart Beats For Lola 12:50 Broken Angel 13:40 Where Is Elisa?

14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 My Heart Beats For Lola 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Where Is Elisa?

18:40 Aurora 19:30 Fearless Heart 20:20 My Heart Beats For Lola 21:10 The Queen Of The South 22:00 Broken Angel 22:50 Where Is Elisa?

11:05 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

12:00 Cheaters 12:55 World’s Most Amazing Videos 13:50 World’s Wildest Police Videos 14:50 Confessions Of An Action Star 16:10 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

17:05 World’s Most Amazing Videos 18:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 19:00 Killer Karaoke 20:00 Guy Code 20:30 Guy Code 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 World’s Most Amazing Videos

Showing on 124 E!

03:10

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)

120 BBC Entertainment

00:00 My Family 00:21 Top Gear 01:14 New Tricks 02:06 Come Dine With Me 02:54 EastEnders 03:23 The Weakest Link 04:09 Top Gear 05:00 Fool Britannia 05:25 QI 05:55 Spy

128 SONY MAX

00:00 Cheaters 00:15 Unbeatable Banzuke 00:40 Unbeatable Banzuke 01:05 Rude Tube 01:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 02:00 The Treasure Hunters 03:45 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

04:35 Unbeatable Banzuke 05:00 Code Name: Pheonix 06:25 Cheaters 07:15 World’s Most Amazing Videos 08:00 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

08:50 I Bet You Will 09:15 Killer Karaoke 10:10 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

L8 Television

06:25 EastEnders 06:55 Antiques Roadshow 07:50 The Weakest Link 08:40 The Cube 09:25 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

10:15 Deal Or No Deal 10:50 My Family 11:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA 12:15 Top Gear 13:10 Come Dine With Me

14:10 Top Gear’s Top 41 15:05 The Weakest Link 16:00 EastEnders 16:35 Deal Or No Deal 17:15 QI 17:50 Would I Lie To You? 18:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA 19:15 Downton Abbey 20:15 The Michael McIntyre Chat Show 21:15 Top Gear’s Top 41 22:15 Live At The Apollo

252 Silverbird

00:00 Princess Halliday Show 01:00 Music Africa 02:00 Boom Town 02:30 STV Sports Café 03:00 Local Movie 05:00 Symphony 06:30 Insights For Living 07:00 STV AM News 07:30 Today On Stv 09:30 Heart Of The Matter

10:30 STV Sports Café 11:00 E.O.M Business 11:30 Almond Finance & Wealth Show 12:05 Music Africa 14:05 Boom Town 14:30 Seekers 15:00 Dormitory 8 15:30 Brights 16:05 Nickelodeon 17:00 The KKB Show

17:30 Video Wheels Lifestyle 18:02 MTV Base 19:00 STV News @ 7 19:30 Taste of Love 20:00 Delta In And Out 20:30 Uncommon Transformation Of Akwa Ibom 21:00 Head To Head 21:30 Security File

XT Exclusive

X4

FEDERER

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Thursday, January 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

Poster!

secures win after initial challenge

JOHN OBI MIKEL

John Obi

QUOTES ON

“

MIKEL OBI

I have always said in my nine years here that I am a team player.

I am not one who wants to take glory just for myself, I’ve gone out of my way to do things whereby I have limited my game but for the good of the team, for the team to succeed. My joy and my happiness is to come away week in and week out knowing that we have won a game. I will always continue to do that and my job is to make sure I keep the balance of the team. Every week that I manage to do it I am very proud of myself.

Mikel

“Sometimes in football you try your best and it doesn’t work out but I’ll keep trying, I’ll keep doing my best and if the team keeps winning I am very happy.

—Mikel Obi

”

X4,5

X3

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (Mikel Obi) April 22, 1987 (age 27) Jos, Nigeria 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Midfielder Chelsea 12

Youth career: 2002–2004

Plateau United

Senior career: 2004–2006

Lyn, Oslo

2006–till date:

Chelsea

National team 2006–till date:

Nigeria

Thursday, January 22, 2015

: 5 1 0 2 N O C AF

NFF: Keshi to work under conditions

X5

’ S E L G A E E C N E S AB S N I PA

X2

I L A G A X2

Australian Open

Interview

NADAL

FOOTBALL COACHING NOT FOR

ESSIEN

X6

REACHES THIRD ROUND X7

X2

Thursday, January 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

AFCON 2015: AGALI

SADDENED

BY EAGLES’ ABSENCE

Kalu Kalu

F

ormer Super Eagles dare-devil striker, Victor Agali, has described Nigeria’s absence at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea as sad.

Agali revealed on Tuesday in a radio programme monitored in Lagos that the absence of the Super Eagles in Equatorial Guinea is a sad development, particularly as it affects the younger players

who would have used the opportunity to launch their international career.

“They have lost the opportunity and you can’t quantify such loss in material terms. There is no gainsaying the fact that the absence of the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations is a big blow to Nigeria’s football development and the championship itself,” Agali began.

“It is even more pathetic for our young players who would have used this championship to launch their international career

in a major tournament of this magnitude.

“As I speak, these young lads are not happy because they have missed the opportunity, since there is no guarantee that in the next two years when the championship would hold again that they are going to be part of it.

“Aside the aforementioned, the host country, Equatorial Guinea is not happy that Nigeria is not taking part in the tournament.

“They are aware of the money they

are going to lose in tourism as a result of Nigeria’s absence. The hotels, airlines and other ancillary services that they ought to have rendered to earn money have been missed.

“CAF President, Issa Hayatou, has since declared that Nigeria’s absence in this year’s AFCON will be negatively felt because of what Nigeria brings to the party.

“Moreover, it does not portray us in good light as defending champions because we couldn’t qualify to participate at

the AFCON. It would have been more honourable if Eagles had qualified and failed to retain the trophy.

“The lessons that the team would have learnt from participating in the championship has been lost totally.

“Even the technical crew are not left out of the negative effect of Eagles’ inability to qualify for the tournament and I believe we should learn from this and ensure that it does not repeat itself,” Agali concluded with a tinge of regret.

NFF insists Keshi must work under conditions

Coach Stephen Keshi as Super Eagles gaffer, the soccer body has emphasized that the former national team captain would have to work under stringent measures in the new dispensation.

The contract of Keshi, who took charge of the Super Eagles in 2011, expired during the 2014 World Cup, but the leadership crisis that bedevilled the NFF ensured he continued with the job, supervising Nigeria’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

However, Keshi was sacked from the job in October 2014 by the then newlyreconstituted Executive Committee of the NFF led by Amaju Pinnick following Super Eagles unimpressive performance at the AFCON qualifiers.

Keshi was promptly reinstated by the

Presidency, but attempts by both the coach and the NFF at signing a new contract have suffered several setbacks amid fissure over wages and terms of agreements.

Speaking on why the NFF has resolved to allow Keshi to continue as Eagles’ coach despite having failed to secure a berth at the competition in Equatorial Guinea, the NFF President, Pinnick, said certain things hitherto unconsidered came into play.

“Keshi has won everything; he just needs to be strengthened in terms of building his capacity and that is exactly what we intend to do.

“It’s like when you are building a house and you feel that the house needs to be enhanced, so you put other structures for

enhancement and that’s what we are going to do,” said Pinnick.

Some of the major reasons why the NFF initially took the decision to sack Keshi, it was learnt, were the coach’s alleged unwillingness to work with the federation’s technical department and taciturn posture on the issue of players’ invitation.

Pinnick, whose administration has moved to strengthen the technical arm of the soccer body, said Keshi would have to abide by certain working terms this time around.

He said: “Keshi is going to be offered a new contract. But in the contract we are going to have certain clauses for him to work with the technical study group, technical committee and the technical department of NFF.”

Mike Otanwa

Keshi

Agali

A

s the nation continues to wait on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to finalise agreement for

Thursday, January 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

AFCON 2015 Cape Verde line up before a match.

A F-OAR-N A B DIE IN DO ENCOUNTER

S

, O G N O C DR CAPE VERDE BATTLE FOR POINTS

D

R Congo will battle tricky Cape Verde in Ebebiyin today as they search for a win that will take them one step closer to the 2015 Africa Cup quarterfinals.

DR Congo and Cape Verde are tied on one point following opening day 1-1 draws against Zambia and Tunisia respectively on January 18 in Ebebiyin.

The Leopards head into their penultimate Group B match seeking a stepping stone to their first quarterfinal appearance since

2006.

Cape Verde on the other hand are targeting to continue on their current high-flying pace that fueled them to their first AFCON appearance two years ago that they capped with a memorable quarterfinal debut at the 2013 tournament in South Africa.

The Blue Sharks have never beaten DR Congo who defeated The Blue Sharks 2-1 and drew 1-1 in a 2006 FIFA World Cup Group Two qualifier ten years ago.

Cape Verde coach Rui Aguas

said his side must improve after earning a rugged draw against Tunisia last Sunday.

“We are paying all the attention on this match against Congo. We know it will be difficult because they are a very good side,” Aguas began. “The first game against Tunisia was difficult but I think we should have won had we taken our chances in the first half. I hope this time we can utilise our chances.”

Meanwhile, DR Congo know they must now turn their dominating show they produced against Zambia into three points today ahead of an even bigger fish to catch on January 26 against Tunisia in their final Group B match.

HAILS AMBITIOUS MALI

M

goal was correctly disallowed for offside.

The result sees all four teams level on one point in Group D after Ivory Coast and Guinea also drew 1-1 on Tuesday.

“It was a full game with intensity and a good rhythm. Mali showed a lot of focus with a good organisation,” said Kasperczak after the match.

Mali’s next AFCON match is against Ivory Coast on Saturday evening.

Rantie

takes responsibility for penalty miss

T

KASPERCZAK ali coach Henryk Kasperczak praised his side for a 1-1 draw with Cameroon in their opening Group D match at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Malabo on Tuesday night.

Sambou Yatabare put the Eagles ahead in the 71st minute, but the Indomitable Lions struck back through Ambroise Oyongo just over 10 minutes later to force a share of the spoils.

Yatabare thought he had scored a winner early in extra time, but the

outh Africa faces a do-ordie clash against Senegal in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night at Estadio de Mongomo.

Bafana Bafana came into the tournament full of confidence after putting together a strong qualifying campaign and a 10-match unbeaten streak under Coach Shakes Mashaba.

But in their opening game against top-ranked African side Algeria on Monday night they were ultimately made to pay for both a failure to capitalise on their opportunities and some slack defending, with the Fennec Foxes running out 3-1 victors.

Now coming up against a Senegal side which claimed a last-gasp 2-1 win over Ghana, South Africa must claim a positive result to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals alive.

Captain Dean Furman has called on Bafana Bafana to be more ruthless in attack and put the defeat behind them with a stronger showing in their next

Kasperczak

okelo Rantie says he “takes full responsibility” for missing Bafana Bafana’s crucial penalty against Algeria in their opening fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.

Leading 1-0, thanks to Thuso Phala’s neat finish after 51 minutes, Rantie could have given South Africa a two-goal advantage with 35 minutes left to play, but hit the crossbar from the penalty spot.

Bafana will now have to win their next game against Senegal on Friday to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds.

Rantie admitted it would be difficult for him to move on from the incident, but thanked his teammates for their support throughout.

AFCON 2015 action between Ghana and South Africa. match.

Meanwhile, Senegal coach, Alain Giresse, believes South Africa were “unlucky” to lose against Algeria and has praised the team’s attacking abilities: “It’s a great team that has great offensive potential and has a great ability to play in small spaces,” explained the Frenchman at a press conference on Tuesday.

“In the spaces they can make individual raids,” added Giresse, who also noted that Bafana “can develop on the sides (flanks) and end up in the centre of the goal.”

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 Cote d’Ivoire 1-1 Guinea Mali 1-1 Cameroun

TODAY’S MATCHES 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

X3

X4

Thursday, January 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

QUOTES ON

“

MIKEL OBI

I have always said in my nine years here that I am a team player.

I am not one who wants to take glory just for myself, I’ve gone out of my way to do things whereby I have limited my game but for the good of the team, for the team to succeed. My joy and my happiness is to come away week in and week out knowing that we have won a game. I will always continue to do that and my job is to make sure I keep the balance of the team. Every week that I manage to do it I am very proud of myself.

“Sometimes in football you try your best and it doesn’t work out but I’ll keep trying, I’ll keep doing my best and if the team keeps winning I am very happy.

—Mikel Obi

”

Jo

Mi

ohn Obi

ikel

Thursday, January 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (Mikel Obi) April 22, 1987 (age 27) Jos, Nigeria 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Midfielder Chelsea 12

Youth career: 2002–2004

Plateau United

Senior career: 2004–2006

Lyn, Oslo

2006–till date:

Chelsea

National team 2006–till date:

Nigeria

X5

X6

Thursday, January 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

Interview

ESSIEN: FOOTBALL

COACHING IS NOT FOR ME! lling consciousness have been in the footba Michael Essien seems to tly. The concluding a legend turned 32 recen for an eternity. The Ghan in Italy, with Essien career seemingly comes chapter of his glittering ve to the San Siro Milan. He made the mo swapping Chelsea for AC to gaining full level Cup last year, with a view ahead of the FIFA World though, with Essien zil 2014. It was not to be, of fitness to take into Bra er from injury. Since as he struggled to recov playing just 19 minutes his role as coach afes Kwesi Appiah has left that disappointment, Jam opening qualifying and beating Togo in their ter drawing with Uganda sien was not in the F Africa Cup of Nations. Es matches for the 2015 CA rt in AC Milan’s posiader, but has played a pa squad for that double-he ive chat with FIFA. rie A season. In an exclus tive start to the Italian Se ernational future and dfielder discusses his int com, the enthusiastic mi cerpts: el Essien Foundation. Ex his most cherished Micha

I imagine you didn’t play as many minutes as you would have hoped in Brazil. How do you assess Ghana’s performance at the 2014 World Cup? You’re right. I hardly played in Brazil, which was disappointing for me personally and as a whole we didn’t do well based on our performances and experience at past World Cups. 2014 didn’t live up to expectations and overall it was a poor campaign.

Ahead of the tournament, you tipped Ghana as potential semifinalists. Why do you think they did not achieve that goal?

The semi-finals prediction was an ambitious one, but it’s always good to have high ambitions and we certainly set out to do better than 2010. Unfortunately we didn’t get anywhere near that because we didn’t win games. Apart from the Germany game, which we could have even won, the rest of the games were just not sufficient to see us advance from the group stages.

You saw the eventual winners up close when Ghana played Germany in the group phase. Did you think at that time they could go on and win the World Cup? At the group stages it’s always difficult to tell who the eventual winner will be, so I can’t say I could see them as winners at that point. They are a very good tournament team, so I always knew they would be there or thereabouts. I am not surprised they won it though because they combined experience with youth very well, and any team that can do that always has a chance.

What does the future hold for your own international career?

At the moment, I haven’t decided what I want to do next in regards to my international career.

What are your hopes for AC Milan?

I am hoping to contribute to Milan’s success in any way I can and hoping we can finish in the top two or three. We have high hopes of doing well and my job like any other Milan player is to fight for

the club when called upon so we can succeed as a group.

Do you think Milan could benefit from not playing in European competition this season, as Liverpool did last season in the English Premier League?

Yes, I’m sure it will help us although we still would like to have been in Europe. We have to look ahead but we mustn’t forget we need to work hard to be able to do well in Serie A. Not being in Europe doesn’t automatically mean you’ll do well. It means fewer games and good recovery times compared to those in Europe but we still have to work hard and take our opportunities as they come throughout the season What is Filippo Inzaghi like as a coach?

He’s a good person first and foremost and is doing a good job as a coach too. He’s relatively young as a full-time Serie A coach but I have no doubt he’ll do well if he carries on in this way.

It’s not easy to Essien coach and manage football clubs, let alone a great club like Milan, so I have a lot of respect for him for taking up the challenge and he is giving it everything he has.

Fernando Torres has recently signed on loan for Milan. How do

you think he will do at the club?

I really hope he does well for Milan and for himself because he’s a top striker and we’ll benefit from his goals. He’s a hard worker both in games and in training and that can also serve him well at Milan. One thing Milan can expect to see is 100 per cent all the time from him. I am convinced we’ll see lots of goals from Fernando.

You, Torres and Alex are reunited at the club after playing together at Chelsea. Does it feel good to be among familiar faces?

Of course it’s nice to have them all here, and also Marco Van Ginkel, who joined on the last day of the transfer window. They are some of the nicest people you will meet in football and we always talk about our days at Chelsea. Hopefully we can bring some of the Chelsea glory days to Milan.

You obviously have a special relationship with Chelsea as a club and Jose Mourinho as a coach.

How do you think they finish this season in the Premier League?

I think they’ll do well as always. Jose has rebuilt the team in his own image now and they’ll fight for everything this season. They have the ability to win things and that’s what they’ll be doing. Chelsea have become a football force in Europe in the last ten years and I can see that carrying on for the next ten years or more.

Another familiar face from your time at Chelsea is Claude Makelele,

Essien

who is now manager at Bastia.

After your own time in France, do you still keep up with the action in Ligue 1?

Yes I look out for the results of all the clubs I played for in France. Incidentally, Bastia was my first club in Europe so I have a double incentive now to check out their results both for the club and for my good friend Claude. He was a top player and I’m sure he will be a top coach as well. He has the experience, having been Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at Paris SaintGermain for a few years.

Obviously you are quite a way from hanging up your boots yet, but would you think about following Makelele into coaching one day?

I have always said no to coaching, as I don’t think it’s for me. Coaching is a whole new ball game and not for the faint-hearted, which rules me out! But you never know and stranger things have happened in football.

You are the founder of the Michael Essien Foundation, can you tell us a little bit about that?

The foundation was set up to help the people in my village in Ghana with basic amenities like water, toilets, books and anything that will help them. We also try to place kids in vocations so they can learn a trade. We’ve recently moved it on to the wider Ghanaian community by trying to raise funds for charities that deserve it.

So for instance, the last Game of Hope in Ghana raised funds for four charities.

We’re here to help where we can and it’s my way of giving back to the community and people who helped me achieve my aims. We’re planning another game of Hope in London in 2015 and planning is in its infancy but we’ll see if we can pull it off.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

X7

Australian Open

NADAL DIGS DEEP TO

AVOID SHOCK EXIT A

n ailing Rafael Nadal battled past qualifier Tim Smyczek in five sets to reach the Australian Open third round.

The Spaniard fought back to win 6-2 3-6 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 7-5 and avoid his earliest ever defeat in Melbourne.

Nadal, seeded third, required treat-

ment from the doctor for stomach cramps in the third set and repeatedly doubled over in distress.

The 28-year-old was playing just his 10th match since Wimbledon because of injury and illness in 2014.

“At the end of the first set, I started to feel my body was very bad, very tired,”

said Nadal. “I was worrying like crazy.

Then I was serving for the third and almost threw up. It was a terrible feeling.

“I was close to not continuing because I felt that I was very dizzy.

“I was suffering a lot. Too much. Obviously it’s a very positive thing that finally I have the chance to win, but I hope to recover myself.”

Hampered by his physical issues, the usually miserly Nadal made 53 unforced errors over the course of four hours and 12 minutes on a humid evening in Melbourne.

The 2009 champion had arrived in Australia playing down his chances of winning the tournament, but few expected him to

struggle against his unheralded American opponent.

The world number 112 from Milwaukee came through qualifying and had only once before reached the third round of a Grand Slam.

His previous best performance was a victory over world number 19 Jurgen Melzer in Delray Beach three years ago - a far cry from facing Nadal at a Slam.

However, it was the Smyczek forehand and not Nadal’s fearsome topspin on that wing that proved the key shot for much of the contest.

FEDERER wins

Roger Federer (middle) suffered from a mysterious finger problem before dismissing Italy’s Simone Bolelli at the Australian Open.

R

oger Federer needed four sets to get past Italy’s Simone Bolelli at the Australian Open after a mystery problem with his finger hampered the Swiss.

The four-time champion required medical treatment after losing the first set but came back to win 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Rafael Nadal beat Tim Smyczek 6-2 3-6 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 7-5 and Andy Murray

saw off Marinko Matosevic 6-1 6-3 6-2.

Second seed Maria Sharapova saved two match points before beating qualifier Alexandra Panova 6-1 4-6 7-5.

Federer was at a loss to explain exactly what the issue with his hand was, but thought the local wildlife might have been behind the problem.

“I was looking at it and it felt like a bee stung me,” said the Swiss. “I thought: ‘It

With 16 five-set wins to just two for Smyczek, there was not much doubt that Nadal had the benefit of experience on his side going into the decider.

The Spaniard saw three break points slip by, with Smyczek remarkably calm given the situation, but brilliant backhand and forehand strikes helped Nadal to the decisive break in game 11.

A generous let from Smyczek and three missed match points ensured drama until the very end, but a relieved Nadal sank to his knees after sealing victory at the fourth attempt.

MURRAY eases into round three

despite finger problem can’t be possible.’ I’ve never had this pain before.

He later added: “I don’t know if it’s a blister. I don’t know what that thing is. It’s the weirdest thing. I don’t know. I feel it on the tip of my finger. I feel like it’s numb and swollen.

“I knew we couldn’t tape it up because then it would be even bigger and more weird. I just said: ‘I hope it doesn’t get worse or stay like this.’ Actually it went away, but now I feel it again.”

The first match of the night session might have taken four hours and 12 minutes but that didn’t stop them pressing on with the second.

Meanwhile, Aussie teenagers Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have captured the imagination over the first few days at Melbourne Park, but only one of the ‘Special Ks’ will return in round three.

Kyrgios, 19, saw off 6ft 10in Ivo Karlovic 7-5 6-4 5-7 6-4 on a raucous court three, but 18-year-old Kokkinakis could not follow suit as he went down to compatriot Sam Groth 3-6 6-3 7-5 3-6 6-1 on Hisense Arena.

There is no doubt that Kyrgios, who beat Nadal at Wimbledon last year, is relishing the spotlight once again.

Relieved Rafael Nadal sank to his knees after sealing victory at the fourth attempt at the Australian Open.

Andy Murray in action at the Australian Open.

A

ndy Murray made short work of local hope Marinko Matosevic on the hottest day so far at this year’s Australian Open.

The sixth seed won their second-round contest 6-1 6-3 6-2 in one hour and 42 minutes as the temperature broke 30C. The Briton, 27, took his record against Australians to 10-0 and will play Portugal’s Joao Sousa in the last 32.

“I’m pumped to be into the third round.

Thankfully it was quite quick because it was warm out there,” he said.

As expected, there was plenty of support for Melbourne’s Matosevic on Margaret Court Arena, with his friends and supporters shouting down the Murray

fans courtside.

The contest off court was not quite matched on it, as Murray came out timing the ball beautifully and firing down some heavy serves.

Murray would end the match with just 12 unforced errors to 49 from his opponent, a clear indication of how sharp he remained throughout.

The former Wimbledon champion swept into a 5-0 lead in just 14 minutes and saw out the set soon after, with just one error and one point against serve to his name.

In contrast, Matosevic - a friend and regular practice partner of the Scot - was simply going for too much and racking up the mistakes.

The Australian’s supporters were greeting his every winner as though it were a match point after he dropped serve at the start of the second, leaving them little hope of seeing a victory.

Murray cracked down a 130mph ace to see off a hint of resistance in the middle of the second set and was annoyed when he dropped serve for the first time at 4-1.

Matosevic was not consistent enough to apply any real pressure, however, a double fault giving Murray two set points, the second of which was converted.

X8

Thursday, January 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

MOURINHO CALLS FOR NOISY BRIDGE

BRIEFS Silva earns Monaco’s permanent deal

Monaco have completed the permanent signing of midfielder Bernardo Silva from Portuguese champions Benfica for a fee of €15.75million to keep him at Stade Louis II until June 2019.

Silva initially joined the Ligue 1 club on a season-long loan in August and has been a regular under former Sporting Lisbon coach Leonardo Jardim.

Benteke

Mourinho

J

ose Mourinho has repeated his plea to Chelsea fans for a partisan Stamford Bridge when his side play Liverpool next week for a place in the Capital One Cup final.

The Chelsea boss, who won the League Cup twice in his first spell at the club, was critical of the club’s supporters following a victory over QPR in November, saying the team felt they

were playing in an ‘empty stadium’.

The Portuguese believes a partisan crowd can make a big difference next week as they aim to build on Tuesday’s 1-1 first-leg draw at Anfield.

“It was a two-leg semi-final, now it’s a one-leg semi-final. That says a lot,” Mourinho said.

“Two legs is difficult, Anfield is diffi-

cult and with this result we transform a two-leg semi-final into a one-leg semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

“If Stamford Bridge can give us 25 per cent of the emotion Anfield gives Liverpool, I think we can do it.

“Liverpool, instead of 40,000 fans, they will have five or 10 thousand.

Chelsea, instead of 1,000, will have 40,000. I hope that can make a differ-

ARSENAL wraps up Bielik’s deal A

rsenal have completed the signing of teenage midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw for an undisclosed fee.

The Gunners beat a number of clubs, including Bundesliga side Hamburg, to the signature of the 17-year-old.

The versatile Poland youth international, who can play in holding midfield and at centre-back, has made just six first-team appearances for Legia in his inaugural season as a professional.

Bielik is expected to work initially within Arsenal’s Under-21s side, with a view to a swift progression through to the senior squad.

Wenger said: “He’s a defensive midfielder, he is 6ft 2ins, and he has a good energy level with a good technical level. Is £2m a lot of money? It is less than that but yes, it is a lot of money for a player if he doesn’t succeed. If he does succeed, it’s cheap.

“Of course, it’s a gamble. But on what we saw, it’s a gamble worth taking.”

Warsaw manager Henning Berg revealed that Bielik is an exceptional prospect.

“He’s a physical player with good skills,” he said. “He has very good understanding of the game and match mentality. Krystian is quite far ahead of other players at his age.

“He’s a talented boy, at his age he is further forward than a lot of kids. He’s got high potential and that is why Arsenal are buying him.

“He will join a club with good players and good coaches - I really hope they look after him really well and don’t send him on loan to too many places because he needs to be among players.

“He has a lot to improve

Bielik

but he has got big potential - Arsenal has a good record with kids and I am sure Arsenal will get the best out of him. Ideally we would like to have kept him for a couple m o re years. If they look after him he will be a good player. If everything doesn’t go according to plan he can always come back to us.”

ence in the atmosphere.”

Chelsea have only once failed to win at home this season - when drawing with Schalke in the Champions League - and won all 10 of their Premier League games at the Bridge.

Like Mourinho, Eden Hazard, who converted a penalty at Anfield, called for the home support to create an intimidating atmosphere.

Benteke is going nowhere –Lambert Aston Villa will flatly reject bids for striker Christian Benteke in a bid to solve their scoring crisis, according to Paul Lambert. Lambert’s side have not netted in their last five Premier League encounters and their lack of goals means Benteke - often the subject of interest from other clubs - will not be going anywhere in the January transfer window.

Atletico confirms Wanda Group investment A tletico Madrid have confirmed that Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group has agreed to purchase a 20 per cent stake in the Liga champions.

The agreement was announced in Beijing, with the company making a €45million investment in order to secure their shares.

Wanda Group operates in areas such as entertainment, hotels and real estate and has long been involved in Chinese football, sponsoring the Chinese Super League for several seasons.

The firm has also been involved in China’s Future Stars project, which helps develop grassroots football in the country and is a programme that Atletico have actively participated in.

And Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil

Marin is confident the investment from the Far East will have a positive impact on the club.

He said: “This is a major step for the club in its efforts to build a leading global brand that will provide the financial resources to remain competitive in Europe and provide riveting experiences for our fans.”

Wang Jianlin, chairman of Wanda Group, added: “Wanda’s investment in Atletico de Madrid is another step in our efforts to build a comprehensive entertainment portfolio for our domestic and international clients.

“We are delighted with the possibility of contributing to the growth of Atletico de Madrid with its solid fan base and a brand that is rapidly expanding internationally.”