Dtn 22 12 15

NERC unveils new tariff regime, removes fixed charges Augustine Okezie Abuja and Opeoluwani Akintayo

ÎÎÎNigerian

Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Monday in

Abuja unveiled a new electricity tariff regime while removing fixed charges for all classes of electricity consumers.

A statement from the Public Relations department of the commission

which was made available to newsmen, said from the next billing period, distribution companies will no longer charge their customers monthly fixed charges. The statement further

disclosed that under the new tariff regime, electricity consumers will now only pay for what they consume from Continued on page 2

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2015 VOL. 2. NO. 6

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 21st December 2015.

DANGCEM

150.01

152.05

2.04%

ETI

16

16.7

0.7%

NESTLE

800

790

-10%

FLOURMILL

21

19.95

-1.05%

GUARANTY

19.05

20

0.95%

UBN

5.7

5.98

0.28%

MOBIL

125.84

120

-5.84%

UACN

19

18.75

-0.25%

Arms deals caused our current crisis – Buhari

Ï ƑƏƐ Ə Ɛ # ƑƊƈè Ƒ ƑƗ è d Ƌƈ Ƒè Ƈ Ə Ɠ è d ƈƏ Ƅ ƈƋ Ï Ɗ 6 Ə ƌ Ɨ ƈƐ Ɠ ƕ Ƈ ƋƈƇƆ ƌƑ Ɛ ƄƆ ƗƆƇƆ ƐƆƗè ƕ ƏƈƐƈ #ƆƇƆ ƅƆ dƆƅê Ƈ dƐ ƐƆ Egena Egena, Abuja and Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident

Muhammadu Bu-

hari on Monday declared that the procurement of arms for the nation’s armed forces by the immediate past administration was

compromised as due process was not followed.

He said, however, that his administration was taking urgent

and appropriate actions to restore order, due process and probity to the processes.

Buhari spoke at a meeting with

the British Secretary of State for Defence, Mr. Michael Fallon at the Continued on page 2

British Secretary of State for Defence, Rt. Hon. Michael Fallon (fourth from left); President Muhammadu Buhari; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Dan-Ali; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari and other members of Fallon’s delegation when he paid a courtesy visit to Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… yesterday

Fuel scarcity: Nigerians paying for sins of Jonathan’s administration – FG g2 Micro gB1 finance banks face financing, market challenges

Fredrick SLeonard: EMIT From g L1 modelling to stardom

KOGI 2015: g 8 Provision for free, fair, credible poll led to supplementary election – Okoye

ISIS’ figures on Boko Haram killings false – FG g6

News 2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Arms deals caused Nigeria’s current crisis – Buhari Continued from page 1 Presidential Villa, Abuja, just as a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court granted the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.); former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa; ex-Minister of Finance, Bashir Yuguda; a former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Mr. Shuaibu Salisu and two others bail in the sum of N250 million each and a surety in like sum.

Dasuki and the five accused, who are facing a 22-count criminal charge bordering on diversion, misappropriation and breach of trust in respect of N13.6 billion meant for the purchase of arms, brought against them by the federal

government, were granted bail by Justice Peter Affen.

Speaking at the Villa, Buhari told Fallon that the process of procurement of arms under immediate past administration was open to corruption and shady deals.

His words: “They just put foreign exchange in a briefcase and travelled to procure equipment for the military. That is why we have found ourselves in the crisis we are now facing.”

The President said Nigeria was excited at the offer by the British Government to assist in defence procurement, intelligence gathering and training.

Buhari restated his conviction that the international community must collaborate more and work with greater unity of purpose to overcome global terrorism.

He added: “Terrorism has become very sophisticated now. If developed nations can be attacked, and hundreds of lives lost, how much more developing countries?

“In the West African subregion, Nigeria is the main battleground of the Boko Haram insurgency. We have made a lot of progress against the terrorists, but we will welcome more assistance from our friends and the international community.”

In his remark, Mr. Fallon said he was in the country to see what more Britain could do to support Nigeria in battling terrorism and violent extremism.

“Groups like Boko Haram don’t believe in democracy and freedom of choice, so it’s a common fight for us

all.”

In an interview with State House correspondents after the meeting, the British Secretary of State for Defence, explained that he and the president discussed what could be done to help Nigeria to deal with the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said: “Boko Haram and its way of life needed to be defeated. So, we have been discussing today what probably we can do to step up Nigeria in the area of full training on how to deal with improvised explosive devices ...and what can be done to improve the intelligence you need to deal with terrorism.”

He noted that Britain which already had about 130 military personnel in Nigeria helping to train the Nigerian Army, would more

than double the number to offer training and particularly to improve the army’s resilience to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) left behind by Boko Haram.

On the rehabilitation programme for the areas affected by insurgents activities, he said: “We want to do more to help stabilize those areas once the terrorists have been driven out. That means sustaining them with not only reconciliation but economic development, providing security for this place for them to go back to their villages, with the knowledge that they need

NERC unveils new tariff regime, removes fixed charges Continued from page 1 month to month.

The statement further quoted the Chairman of the commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, as saying: “This is good news for electricity consumers who have long asked for a just and fair pricing of electricity.

The regulatory commission had promised to address all the complaints against fixed charges through a regulatory process that promotes investments in the electricity industry without unfairly burdening electricity con-

sumers. This is in line with NERC’s mandate to be fair in all its regulatory interventions”.

The chairman further argued that although the new tariff regimes comes with an increase in energy charges, all electricity consumers (residential as well as commercial) will no longer pay fixed charges, so their total bills will depend on the electricity they actually consume and may be reduced when they conserve electricity. ‘’Consumers will no longer be spending money ev-

ery month to pay for fixed charges even when they do not receive electricity in their homes and business.

According to the chairman of NERC, “the objective of the new tariff is to enable prudent consumers to save money on electricity bill as they can now control their consumption and not pay monthly fixed charges”.

The new tariff for commercial consumers also implies commercial customers’ classifications C2 in Ibadan and Enugu will no longer pay fixed charges of N17, 010. 00 and N22, 141. 00. Their ener-

gy charge will also increase

by N12.08 and N13.35 respectively.

Consequently under the new metering policy, every distribution company is expected to meter all its customers as the metering policy will be strictly enforced.

Electricity customers who paid for meters under the Cash Advance Payment Metering Initiative (CAPMI) but are yet to be metered within the allowable 60 days would no longer be billed by the electricity distribution companies under the new tariff regime.

Continued on page 6

Fuel scarcity: Nigerians paying for sins of Jonathan’s administration – FG Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

L-R: Coordinator, ARA Bone Marrow Drive, Aisha Babalakin; Volunteer Coordinator, Priye Anga; and Founder, Ibironke Babalakin, at the launch of the drive to get 30, 000 donors in Lagos…yesterday.

to be protected and the infrastructure there to be repaired.”

Also speaking to correspondents after the meeting, Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen Mansur Dan Ali (retd) said the December deadline given to the military was only a time line as the campaign against the Boko Haram insurgency could last for years.

Asked whether the deadline given by President Buhari would be extended, he responded: “Time line is for those in the military. We

Federal Government said Monday that the lingering fuel scarcity in the country was a direct consequence of the failure of the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to make adequate provision for subsidy payment to oil marketers.

Answering questions from newsmen at a press briefing after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Layi Mohammed, disclosed that the over N500 billion that was recently paid by government to oil marketers as subsidy claim was part of the backlog owed them since August last year by the immediate past administration.

Accordingly, Mohammed declared that Nigerians were merely paying for the sins committed by the Jonathan administration.

The Information Minister who was joined at the briefing by his Budget and Planning counterpart, Udoma Udo Udoma, said however, that the situation was already showing improvement as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had taken full charge of fuel importation and had shipped in enough quantity to arrest the perennial scarcity.

According to him, the only issue being tackled at the moment was distribution of the product, saying that the securing of Mosinmi pipeline a few days back kad put paid to the problem.

He said: “What I will be telling Nigerians is that what we met on ground is such that we are paying for the sins of the last administration.

“I am being very serious.

You remember that about two weeks ago, we had to go to the National Assembly for a supplementary budget of N674 billion. Of that figure, N522 billion was for arrears of fuel subsidy which was incurred as far back as August last year.

“One of the reasons for the fuel scarcity was the inability of the last government to make adequate provision for fuel subsidy. We do face some other logistic problems but majorly we are paying for the sins of the last administration.

“The solution is what you have seen us doing. The first thing we have done now is to make sure that unlike before when the marketers used to import the major percentage of the fuel. NNPC has been involved in importation, because some of the marketers had stopped importing for a couple of months.

“If you see any fuel anywhere today, it is imported by the NNPC. “We also inherited the Continued on page 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Return of fuel scarcity

L

ike a recurring curse, the era of fuel scarcity has returned to an unusual extent in Nigeria. Incidentally, the problem continues to get more complicated by the day, especially as Nigerians prepare to celebrate the Christmas. From Lagos to Enugu and from Calabar to Sokoto, the scenes of people struggling to buy fuel at filling stations have become all too reminiscent.

While most filling stations sell between N150-N200 per litre of petrol, the same product sells as high as N300 per litre in the black market. What started, as a manageable irritant just, a month ago has now become a major problem for both individuals and corporate organisations. In fact, no other issue occupies a major spot in national discourse than the prevailing intractable fuel scarcity.

Each day now turns to gruelling search, as motorists and other consumers form interminable queues at filling stations waiting to buy petrol.

In the process, the country loses thousands of man-hours that would have been utilised for productive ventures.

Incidentally, the government has not been able to tell Nigerians what is responsible for the current fuel scarcity.

Everyday brings a new twist to the saga. However, no matter the cause, the present petrol scarcity is not different from previous ones when marketers, importers and associated cartels claimed that the Federal Government owed them for products importation.

It is such claims and counter claims that have added to an already knotty conundrum. Despite the hide and seek game, Nigerians are only interested in the availability of petroleum products at affordable prices. We have

always stated the fact that Nigeria has no reason importing refined petroleum products from other countries. It is perplexingly disgusting that Nigeria should be importing fuel in the first place when we have four refineries in the country.

Sadly, of all the four refineries none is producing at 60 percent installed capacity. With a population of 170 million, the quantity of daily fuel consumption stands at about 38.4million litres. This means that even if the four refineries are working at optimal installed capacity, they will only produce about 18.2million litres of petrol. It therefore means that Nigeria will still need more products to complement local consumption. Until we stop importation and build more refineries, the fuel scarcity genie would be difficult to put back into the bottle.

It is an irony that most of the countries from where Nigeria imports refined petroleum products do not produce crude oil. Rather, they have dozens of refineries to refine the crude for anyone capable of paying.

Why is Nigeria not doing the same to proffer a lasting solution to the problem of fuel scarcity in the country?

The price Nigeria has been paying for failure to meet demand of internal fuel consumption through sustainable supplies from the existing local four refineries is what has been playing out in the recurring fuel scarcity and high costs being visited upon the country. In all, the blame for the present scarcity should be placed at the doors of President Muhammadu Buhari who doubles as Minister of Petroleum. How the administration handles the persistent petroleum shortage in the country would go a long way in determining whether it has or lacks vision.

Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Army came close to defending the indefensible on Sunday when it explained that troops acted in self-defence when they shot dead some jubilating members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Onitsha, Anambra State last Thursday.

Soldiers attached to the 302 Artillery Regiment in the commercial town shot at the IPOB members, who were celebrating the decision of a Federal High Court in Abuja to unconditionally release the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, killing no fewer than 10 instantly and injuring many others.

Explaining the Army’s position, Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division, Enugu, Col. Hamza Gambo, denied that the

IPOB members were celebrating peacefully, adding that troops were attacked first by those he described as an “irate mob”.

He said: “At 1335 hours on December 17, 2015, an unknown rowdy mob numbering about 200, whose identity is yet-to-be ascertained, attacked troops of 302 Artillery Regiment deployed in River Niger Bridge in Onitsha.

“The irate mob was intent on disarming the troops and blocking the bridge.

On sensing the imminent danger of taking over the bridge by the unknown assailants and the threat of being mobbed, necessitated the troops’ action of defending the key national installation (River Niger Bridge) and themselves.”

“The troops had no option than to open fire in self-defence in line with Nigerian Army rules of engagement.

While the military’s role in defending the territo-

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rial integrity of Nigeria including quelling agitations likely to lead to chaos is appreciated, nothing in either the Army’s Rule of Engagement as well as the nation’s constitution justifies killing unarmed citizens by troops.

The Army’s description of the IPOB members as criminals is also unfortunate.

Even if the IPOB members refused to heed the order of the Army not to march towards the Onitsha head bridge, still that does not justify troops opening fire on them especially as they were not armed.

Rather than justifying actions of its personnel, the Army authorities must impress on troops the need to exercise restraints during confrontations with IPOB members and others who in future may have one reason or the other to engage in protests. Life is sacred and troops must learn to preserve it even in the face of provocation.

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Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye

Onitsha killings: Is the Army defending the indefensible?

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Goodluck Jonathan

Buruji Kashamu

Oladipo Diya

“The most important thing is that the nation, Nigeria, belongs to all of us and we must strive to protect and give our best to what belongs to all of us”.

“If truly politics is about the people and a contest of ideas, I cannot understand why any politician that is worth the name would see an idea that will benefit the people and not support it”.

“When you choose a thing to do, face it and do it well.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

ISIS’ figures on Boko Haram killings false – FG Ï LƈƋƈƐ Əƕ ƅ ƇƈƏƌ ƗƆ Ɛ Ƈ ƈ Ɔ ƈ Ə ƑƈƅƈƗƆ Ƅ ƌƄƈ Tom Okpe, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe

Federal Government has described as a hoax and untrue the figures being bandied by ISIS concerning the number of attacks carried out by Boko Haram terrorists and the number of people killed by the terrorists in Nigeria in the last two months.

This is even as the Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of nine persons in a suicide bombing in Benisheikh, Borno State, on Monday, carried out by three minors between ages 10 and

15.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the imaginary figures were part of the ISIS’s strategy to shore up the morale of its dispersed and defeated fellow-terrorists in Nigeria.

He said: ‘’Apart from these fake figures, we are aware of the planned release of old videos of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria through the terrorists’ preferred channel to give the impression that they have continued to carry out spectacular attacks.

Those videos are neither recent nor genuine. ‘’The ISIS/Boko Haram propaganda is being deliberately timed to coincide with the December 31, 2015 deadline issued to the military by the President to decimate the terrorists, and is also aimed at distracting the military and striking at its all-time high morale. ‘’But the truth of the matter is that the capability of the military has improved drastically, and there is a higher level of awareness among Nigerians concerning the war against terror-

ism, which has led them (Nigerians) to increase their support for the troops on the front line and to also own the war. ‘’Therefore, the figures being pushed out by ISIS on behalf of Boko Haram represent nothing but a figment of the terrorists’ imagination. We recently visited Bama, from where they once ran their phony Caliphate, but all we saw were gallant troops holding sway. We even shared a delicious lunch of ‘balango’ (a kind of suya) and soft drinks with the troops”.

Arms deals caused Nigeria’s current crisis – Buhari Continued from page 2 had a time line in December, but December is not the end of the operation. It is a campaign. Campaign lasts for years, not dates.”

Meanwhile, the bail granted to Dasuki and the other accused on Monday

by Justice Peter Affen is different from the one granted last week Thursday to three accused persons including Dasuki by Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf.

Justice Affen’s ruling yesterday, was based on bail application in respect of the 22-count money laundering charges to the tune of N13 billion.

The judge also rehashed the conditions for bail given by his colleague last week, directed the six accused to produce sureties, one must

be a serving or retired Director in the Federal Civil Service.

“The sureties must provide property worth N250 million within Abuja, and an evidence of means.

“The defendants are also expected to deposit their travel passports and their counsels must notify the court of any intention by the defendants to travel out of Abuja.”

Justice Affen ordered that the six accused persons who were put on trial by the Federal government for allegedly squandering of the huge sum meant for purchase of security equipment, are to be remanded in Kuje Prison until they perfected their bail conditions.

He adjourned the matter for trial till February 02 and 03, 2016.

Fuel scarcity: Mƈ ƆƏƈ ƍ ƕƈ Ƈ Ə ƈ Ƈ C Ɛ ô Ɨƌƈ ƈ ƐƏ Ɛƈ – FG Continued from page 2

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`ƈ Ɛ ƌƌƈ ƈ ƈ Ƒ ƑƏ ƐƆ ƍ ƆƋ Ɛ ƈ ƒƆ Ɛƈ ƐƆ Əƌƕè d ƈƈƐƆ ƅƋ ÎÎÎThe

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has inaugurated a five-man panel to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Shiite Islamic sect in Zaria.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof.

Bem Angwe, who inaugurated the panel in Abuja on Monday, said that the investigation became necessary following a complaint tendered before the commission by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. ``On the Dec. 14, 2015 the Chief of Army Staff pre-

sented a petition to the National Human Rights Commission on allegations of attempt on the life of the Chief of Army Staff and attack on his convoy on his way to Zaria, which eventually led to a vicious clash between the military and some members of the Shiite Sect in Zaria, leading to the loss of several lives and property. ``Pursuant to the receipt of this complaint from the military, the commission, in line with its mandate to receive complaints on human rights violations, to monitor and to investigate such allegations, with a view to making appropriate determination in the circumstances,

has decided to constitute an investigation panel with a view to carrying out a holistic investigation into the alleged violations of human rights.’’

According to Angwe, the panel is expected to make recommendations to the commission on how to forestall a recurrence.

He stated that the panel will investigate to determine violations of human rights on any of the parties during the clash, recommend remedies, and restitution if necessary.

The five-man panel has Mr Tony Ojukwu as its Chairman, and Mr Kabiru Elayo as Secretary.

Other members of the committee include Mr Abdulrahman Yakubu; Mr Halilu Adamu; and Mr Babangida Labaran.

Responding on behalf of the panel, Ojukwu promised that it will do its best to justify the confidence reposed in it.

The panel has two months within which to submit its report.

It could be recalled that a clash between the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff and members of the Shiite Islamic sect led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky which occurred on Dec. 13 along the Kaduna-Zaria road left a number of people dead.

vandalisation of the pipelines which has made it impossible for us to even transport the fuel. In tanks today we have 14 days reserve and off tank we have 10 days reserve. The issue is not nonavailability of the product it is the distribution, because of pipelines that have been vandalised and the gridlock in Lagos. It takes about 5 days for anybody to take fuel with tanker in Lagos.

“As at two days ago this matter has been resolved.

The Mosinmi pipeline has been secured and it has led to the improvement in the distribution.”

On what transpired at the FEC meeting which was the second after its inauguration in Novemebr, the Information and Culture Minister disclosed that two major memos were presented at the meeting.

“The first was the memo by the Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, for a review of the extant taxation laws in order to improve the legal framework and enhance compliance. This was duly approved.

“The second memo was the memo presented by the Minister of Budget and National Planing , seeking for

approval of the 2016 budget which was also approved.

“As you know the President would be presenting the budget before the national assembly tomorrow (today) morning.”

He explained further: “we have noticed some inadequacies in the current tax regime and that these inadequacies have been exploited by both individuals and corporate organisations to evade tax which has led to lose of revenue to the government. The review aims at plugging these loopholes” Answering questions at the briefing also, Udoma explained that the memo on taxation law was basically looking at the policies behind the taxation laws to see whether any of them needed to be strengthened.

“It is a review to see whether there are any gaps,” he stated.

Asked whether the laws would give reprieve to low income earners, Udoma responded, “ It is a little premature to talk about what exactly the reviews are, am sure they would be consulting very widely and definitely any review will not aim at those who can’t afford it.

It would be aimed more at the affluent rather than the poor.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Taraba Gov election: Appeal Court reserves judgment Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Court of

Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Monday, reserved its judgement on four appeals challenging the decision of Taraba Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that declared Senator Aisha Jummia Al-Hassan winner of the April 11, 2015 governorship election until a date yet unknown.

Presiding Justice, Justice Abdul Aboki, reserved the judgements after counsel representing Governor Darius Ishaku, the Independent National Elec-

toral Commission (INEC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Senator Ishia Alhassan; Godwin Agabi (SAN), Joseph Daudu (SAN), Solomon Akama and Abiodu Owonikoko (SAN), respectively had made their addresses and briefs of arguments.

Ishaku, whom the tribunal had ousted from office, urged the court to allow his appeal and to hold that Al-Hassan’s petition was incompetent. He said the petition ought to have been dismissed by the tribunal after it had admitted that an error in its filing was made

by the court’s clerk.

He said the petitioners (Al-Hassan) cannot claim victory in an election her deposition claimed were marred by irregularities and malpractices.

Agabi (SAN) also urged the court to hold that Ishaku was sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party contrary to the claim of the petitioner and the decision of the tribunal that he did not emerged through the party’s primary.

Arguing the appeal filed

by INEC, Daudu maintained that the Al-Hassan petition had an incurable

defect that terminated it based on the preliminary objection.

He also urged the court to discountenance the issue of Ishaku’s disqualification because the provision of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) referred to by the tribunal had nothing to do with disqualification.

On his part, the PDP, through Solomon Akuma (SAN), asked the court to hold that the petition was filed out of time and that primary election was an internal affairs of political parties.

Miss Rofiat Alagbe, and SS2 student of Asakanraan Grammar School (left), receiving award from Olu of Imasayi, Yewaland, Oba Gbedebo Adesola Oni; while General Manager, HR Projects, Dangote Cement Plc, Fola Ali (right); Acting Plant Director, Dangote Cement Ibese, Luis K. Raji ( 3rd right); General Manager, Dangote Cement Ibese; Abdulmalik Shehu (2nd left) and HR Manager Ibese, Abu Yussuf Sufyan (left) looks on during the presentation of Scholarship Awards for 2014/2015 session to Ibese Community, Ogun State… on Monday.

Aregbesola plans to name cabinet one year after re-election Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏAfter

emerging winner for the second time since August 2014, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has revealed that he would name his cabinet before end of January 2016.

Aregbesola dropped the hint at a reception and thanksgiving service held for Minister for Health, Professor Isaac Folorunsho Adewole in Osogbo on Monday.

According to him, the

commissioners had not been named for over a year, since he was re-elected because of the financial constraint faced by the state.

He lamented that nonconstitution of cabinet might have affected the growth of the state, which he alleged was getting meagre allocation.

He said, “A new cabinet will be constituted in January 2106. We deliberately did it (appointment of cabinet members) because of lack of fund. We have conserved a lot because if you appoint a commissioner, you must pay his salary, he

Aregbesola

would appoint his personal assistant; you will accommodate him and so on.”

He emphasised that he was in politics to serve humanity and not for selfish interest, assuring the people of the state that Ad-

ewole would give the state honour at the Federal Executive Council.

He said that with the present economic austerity, there was a need for youths to embrace agriculture.

He added, “Between 2011 and 2013, the three tiers of government shared N1.1trillion on a monthly basis, while Osun State collects at least N4.6billion.

Since the economic crisis, the highest that the three tier levels of government distributed has been N400 billion which is one quarter of what was being shared in the past.

7 News

Orji fetes constituents on Xmas, donates 60 scholarships Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe former governor

of Abia state and now a senator representing Abia central, Sen. Theodore Ahamefule Orji, has concluded arrangements for the award of scholarship to his Abia Central Constituency.

The constituency is made up of six local government areas of Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma.

Speaking, on Monday, while extending bags of rice, other condiments and cash to the people of Ikwuano and Isiala North, Orji said he owed an obligation of thanks to his constituents for voting for him massively and standing behind

Kogi: Faleke drags INEC to tribunal ÏÏÏThe All Progressives

Congress’ running mate in the November 21 Governorship Election in Kogi State, Honourable James Abiodun Faleke has filed a petition at the state Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal challenging the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in declaring the election inconclusive.

Faleke, who came with Mohammed Audu, the son of the late Governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu and other party

him during the last April elections.

He disclosed that at the Senate he and other Abia senators were working hard to look at federal roads in the state, disclosing that he had also sponsored seven bills that had passed first reading, expressing his assurance that the bills would soon become laws.

He disclosed that he had set up a scholarship scheme that would accommodate ten students from each of the six LGAs that made up his constituency, while in each constituency, five students would be selected based on academic intelligence, while five others would be based on indigent disposition of the students, stating that before the end of this month, the names would be published. stalwarts, as well as his lawyers, filed his petition at about 12:20 p.m., on Monday, in Lokoja.

Faleke who the running mate to late Prince Abubarka Audu, the APC gubernatorial candidate signed all the necessary papers as required by law in filing a petition.

The tribunal secretary, Mr. Akanji Akinlabi, stated that he could not disclose the grounds and prayers of the petition now as it was yet to become public document.

Thousands of All Progressives Congress (APC) party members and supporters thronged the premises of the state High Court premises, venue of the tribunal to witness the occasion.

We made N12m from kidnap of Okonjo-Iweala’s mother ÏÏÏA

27-year-old man, Peter Nweke, on Monday, admitted that his gang received a ransom of N12 million when they abducted Kamene Okonjo, the mother of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Co-coordinating Minister of the Economy, in 2013.

A statement from the police in Enugu State said Nweke, who hails from Umumba Ndiagu in Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state, made the disclosure during interrogation.

The suspect said he was contacted by one Ifeanyi

Chukwuemeka from Iselle Uku in Delta State, who linked him to one of the Okonjo’s family members that helped them to perfect the kidnap.

He said Chukwuemeka disguised as a corps member seeking for assistance and entered the compound and made away with their victim. Nweke also told the police that in October last year, his gang abducted a pastor’s wife and her friend, as well as their driver in Ugwuoba, Oji River in Enugu state.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Politics

Æs

Military/Shiites clash: Northern governors fear repeat of Boko Haram Northern States Governors at the weekend in Kaduna, expressed fears that the recent bloody clash between the Army and members of the Shiite sect in Zaria, could become another mistake for

the Boko Haram crisis to repeat itself.

At the meeting of the governors held at the General Hassan Usman Katsina House Kaduna, Chairman of the Northern State Governors’

Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima said although they are not comparing the violent Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic Movement, “but we are here to analyze and ensure that we take measures that will close any avenue which some people may want to seize to create violence in the imCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Shettima

El-rufai

El-zak Zakky

Shekau

KOGI 2015: Provision for free, fair, credible poll led to supplementary election – Okoye FESTUS OKOYE is a Kaduna based human rights activist and constitutional lawyer. In this interview with VICTOR JIBRIN, he took a look at the November 2015 governorship election in Kogi State and opined that FALEKE, the running mate of late Prince Abubakar Audu, the candidate of APC, should have stepped into the shoes of his principal giving constitutional provisions in section 187 sub sections 1 and 2 of the nation’s constitution. EXCERPTS:

Okoye

Audu

Faleke

Wada

Bello

The controversy over Kogi Governorship election arising from the death of Prince Audu Abubakar, the APC candidate lingers even at the conclusion of the exercise, what is your reaction?

The issue in Kogi reflects the fact that no constitution is infallible. It also speaks of the fact that the framers of the constitution realised the fact that they cannot make constitution for all times and that is why they instituted section 6 of the constitution and gave judicial powers of the federation to the courts to interpret constitutional provisions; look at where lacunas exists, look at where ambiguity exists and help the Nigerian people to clear those ambiguities. That is also why the framers of our own constitutions inserted in the constitution itself the power of the national assembly to alter the constitution itself. So, section 9 of the constitution gives the national assembly the power to alter the constitution, the chal-

lenges of the times. This is because the society is dynamic and no constitution can respond to every issue and every challenge in the society.

So when there is a challenge in the society which the framers of the constitution did not envisage, you have two options. The first option is to go to the institution created by the constitution itself for the purpose of interpreting those difficult sections. The second is for you to go to the constitution itself and alter

the provisions of the constitution itself to meet the challenges of that particular issue or to meet the challenges of the time. The Kogi election reflects these challenges. Now, there are two basic problems with the election in Kogi. The first is that section 36 of the electoral acts envisages a situation where a candidate dies before the commencement of poll in which case the National Electoral Commissioner or the Resident Electoral Commis-

sioner shall, if satisfied of the fact of death, countermand the poll in which the decease candidate was to participate and thereafter appoint other convenient date for the holding of the election and that convenient date shall be within a period of 14 days after the death of the said candidate. That is one. The second is that section 181 of the constitution also envisaged a situation where a candidate duly elected as governor dies before subscribing to the oath

of office and oath of allegiance or he is for one reason or the other unable to present himself to be sworn in, in which case the Deputy Governor shall be sworn in as a Governor and he shall thereafter nominate a Deputy Governor who shall be appointed by the Governor with the approval of a simple majority of the House of Assembly of the state.

Section 36 of the electoral acts and CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Drama at Ambode’s 2016 budget presentation

Ambode

Obasa

Last Thursday December 17, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode presented the 2016 budget for the state amidst some dramatic moments. ALADE TASMA was there.

SPEAKER’s LATENESS CAUSES RIPPLES The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashıru Obasa who doubled as the chıef host at the budget presentatıon ceremony

stunned hıs colleagues, members of the State executıve councıl and ınvıted personalıtıes when he was stıll being awaıted as at 11:34am at an event strıctly slatCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

9 Politics

KOGI 2015: Provision for free, fair, credible poll led to supplementary election – Okoye CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

section 181of the constitution did not envisage a situation a candidate will die in the process of election or where a candidate will die when an election is inconclusive. That is the dilemma in relation to the issue of Kogi. All the critical stakeholders realized that there is a lacuna in the constitution and when there is a lacuna in the constitution, trust your own institutions of democracy to resolve that particular lacuna.

What this period requires is that we must have confidence in our judiciary and in our constitution to give us guidance, show us the way and the part towards the resolution of this particular matter. Now, coterminous to the issues I have raised is the fact that some of the candidates in the election claimed that there was no need for any supplementary election because the candidate that worn the primary vote in the election was no more. That was one.

Secondly, the Deputy Gubernatorial candidate in the election has also claimed that a combined reading of section 181 of the constitution and section 187 of the constitution makes it mandatory that he should succeed the candidate on grounds that section 187 voids the nomination of a Gubernatorial candidate who has not nominated another candidate as his associate to run with him as his Deputy and also that a combined reading of 187 sub sections 1 and 2 give the impression that any reference to the Governor is also a reference to the Deputy Governor in relation to the election. But the truth of the matter is that INEC had to take a decision and they took a decision that 1, no matter the challenge, no matter the problems, the supplementary election must go on because the supplementary election is only to supplement what had already taken place. The point of controversy is whether the electoral commission had the mandate to ask the APC to substitute its candidate that died.

Some people said no, they cannot do that, some people said yes they can do that under the doctrine of necessity. The truth of the matter is that they have done that. The issue now is that it is now left to the courts – the electoral petition tribunal to give us guidance and show us the way on what should happen and what should not happen. Both the incumbent governor who was defeated in the election, so to say, has gone to election tribunal to say that he should be declared winner of the election. The Deputy Governor or Deputy Governor elect, because Falake is Deputy Governor elect, has gone to court to say that a com-

Audu

Faleke

Bello

Wada

bined reading of section 181 and 187 makes him the Governor elect and therefore he should be given certificate of return and be returned as duly elected.

terms of gubernatorial elections, the Supreme Court is the final arbiter. It goes from elections petition tribunal and it can go to the court of appeal and up to the Supreme Court which is the highest constitutional court in the land. Secondly, having recognized that there has been lacuna in terms of this particular process, one of the things we can do is also to look at section 36 of the constitution and also section 181 of the constitution and close the lacuna through a process of con-

By your stands as a constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, you are wearing two caps in this case. What is your position therefore?

My own position is that 1, we must allow the courts to give us guidance and show us the way because in

stitutional alteration and amending the 2010 electoral act. But more fundamentally, one of the biggest issues is that there are still people in this country who do not believe in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. There are also people who are still resisting Permanent Voters Card and smart card reader in our elections. It was the actions and inactions of these people that led to supplementary elections in Kogi State. It was also the actions of people who wanted to subvert the electoral process through acts of violence, through the snatching of ballot boxes and ballot papers that led to the supplementary elections in Kogi State. But for me, both the constitution and electoral acts recognize the fact that an election can be inconclusive. This is not the first time in the history of this country that we are having supplementary election. We had supplementary elections in Imo State involving Rochas Okorocha. We had supplementary elections in Anambra State involving Chris Ingige – a senatorial bid. So there is nothing magical and there is nothing mystical about inconclusive and supplementary elections. They are part of the challenges of our electoral processes and we must approach it as such.

El-rufai

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

mediate or long run”.

His words: “let me start by making one thing very clear, the North-

El-zak Zakky ern Governors ’ Forum is not here to do the job of the Kaduna State Government or because there is anything missing in the measures taken by the Kaduna State Government.

Drama at Ambode’s 2016 budget presentation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

In some weeks to come, January 2016, the sitting governor will be vacating his office. What will happen?

There is nothing. Both the constitution and electoral acts have taken a position in relation to what will

ed for 10am when Honourable members and ınvıted guests were already seated even when Governor Ambode was saıd to be ready to make entry ınto the chamber but was asked to stay back by hıs protocol offıcers who ınformed the Governor that the Speaker was stıll being expected.

The sıtuatıon got members of the House and other personalıtıes worrıed and they were seen makıng frantıc calls to know the whereabouts of the Speaker and when the chıef lawmaker fınally showed up he was

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Military/Shiites clash: Northern governors fear repeat of Boko Haram

Shettima

Ambode

“We are very confident in the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, his competence and character have never come under any doubt. Soon after the Zaria crisis, the Governor was at the scene and he spoke with leader of the Islamic Movement and met the Chief of Army Staff. He addressed the people of Kaduna State on Thursday, December 17, 2015 and the Government took some firm far reaching measures it considers necessary.

“Malam El-Rufai is the man on ground, he knows the subject matter more than us and he knows the steps he deems most suitable after his extensive consultations. So, we are not here to do his job. However,

we are here in connection with what happened in Zaria, first because the issue has to do with an Islamic group that has membership across the 19 states in the north and beyond.

“We want to look how to ensure that the incident does not provide room for anyone or group to perpetuate violence in any of the 19 northern states. We already have the serious problems of Boko Haram to contend with. We are not in any way comparing the Islamic Movement with Boko Haram, no. But we don’t want the same mistake that happened over the Boko Haram crisis to repeat itself. When Boko Haram went wild in July, 2009 with clashes between them and the police in Bauchi on 25th and 26th in Maiduguri, most Nigerians saw the issues as the problems of Bauchi and Borno.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Rumpus in Ondo APC over alleged missing fund Tosin Ajuwon, Akure The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State whichfor some time has broken into factions has now been embroiled in a crisis over alleged misappropriation of fund.

The wrangling among members extended to the youths of the party who engaged in an open exchange of blow over a sum of money donated for a Youth Summit Programme allegedly squandered by their leader.

The brawl caused pandemonium at the party’s secretariat along Oyemekun road, Akure, as visitors to the building located on the major road scampered for safety amidst fear of being caught up and injured in the web of the fight.

Sponsored thugs numbering about 10 and armed with dangerous weapons invaded the party’s secretariat and engaged some factions of the youths wing of the party in serious scrimmage leading to pandemonium and unease.

The Daily Times gathered that the youths were at loggerheads with the party’s state youth leader, Olutayo Babalayo, known as “Olutee” over allegation of squandering the sum of over One million naira deposited in his care for the summit.

Odigie-Oyegun Our correspondent findings revealed that the money was given by the leadership of the party to the youth leader to support the programme where youths drawn from the 18 local governments areas of the state were billed to participate but the summit flopped.

An eyewitness told the Daily Times that trouble started when some protesting youths stormed the party secretariat and started hurling abuses on its leadership with name-calling and threatened to attack any member who dares to confront them.

The witness said the youths and sponsored thugs were sympathetic to the party’s youth leader, Babalayo, who were protesting over rumored that he might likely be suspended from his position as he could not account for the money meant for the flopped programme. ‘‘The youth leader could not account for the One million naira fund given to him by the party’s leadership and other money sourced from philanthropic members of the party.

“He knew that he might be suspended from the party after embezzling such fund and led some thugs to disrupt the activities of the party but our unrelenting youth at the secretariat fought and overwhelmed them before they were chased away.

“After he had been chased away with his group who came to attack us, he went ahead to bring the police and alleged that he was beaten mercilessly by the youths at the secretariat.

“It was the intervention of the party’s state secretary, Rahman Rotimi, that salvaged the situation who pleaded with the police not to arrest anyone including the youth leader who had gone to the station to report the fracas”, the source CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Military/ Shiites clash: Northern governors fear repeat of Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

“When they continued to attack Borno and Yobe, it became the affairs of Borno and Yobe States.

All of a sudden, there was suicide attack in Abuja in 2012 and then everything went out of control and we are where are today. So, like I said, we do not make any comparison between the murderously violent Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic Movement but we are here to analyze and ensure that we take measures that will close any avenue which some people may want to seize to create violence in the immediate or long run.

“Moreover, Kaduna is the sociopolitical heart of the northern Nigeria. Kaduna is to us, what Lagos is to the South West. What affects Kaduna State invariably affects the whole north. If you notice, we make it a duty to travel to Kaduna to hold our meeting instead of holding it in Abuja. Kaduna is the headquarters of the northern Nigeria but it will have that significance if we accord it the relevance it deserves. We have a duty to preserve history and our values by coming here.

KOGI 2015: Provision for free, fair, credible poll led to supplementary election – Okoye CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

happen immediately after the conduct of an election. For instance, the INEC has already given Yahaya Bello a certificate of return. What that means is that immediately the incumbent’s tenure expires by a fruition of time, the person who has been elected would be sworn-in as the duly elected Governor of the state. Now, all the aggrieved parties have a period of 31 days from the date of the declaration of the result to file their petitions and election petition tribunal has 180 days from the day of filing the petitions to deliver its judgment. Any person who is aggrieved by the decision of the election petition tribunal has the right to go to the Court of Appeal and the appeal shall be heard and disposed off within a period of 60 days from the date of delivery of judgment of the tribunal.

Any person who is also aggrieved in relation to this governorship election has another 60 days to go

Bello

Faleke

Wada

to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court shall deliver its judgment within a period of 60 days.

It is after all these periods that we will now know the winner. If the election petition tribunal says that Falake should have been sworn-in and the incumbent files an appeal within a period of 21 days, nothing will happen until the appeal is disposed off. So, I think that what this period requires is for us to be

patient and have fate in our democratic institution to resolve some of these matters that the framers of the constitution did not envisage may happen.

progress?

Well, as I said, no law and no constitution can response to every human challenge. The electoral reform committee only made recommendation in relation to issues in electoral acts. Some of those recommendations have been implemented and some of them have not been implemented. Since this one has arisen, it is now left for the lawmakers to deal with that

You were one of those that put the electoral laws together. Will you say it was an oversight when you were deliberating, to think of the possibility of a candidate dying while an election is in

particular issue. Not only this issue, you will also see that while section 36 says that if a candidate of an election dies before the commencement of poll that chairman of INEC or the resident electoral commissioner shall, if satisfied of the death, countermand the poll in which the deceased was to participate and the commission shall appoint some other convenience date for the election within a period of 14 days. Now, section 36 has not answered the question on the process and procedure through which the party should replace the candidate because the process and procedure for the nomination of candidates for elections is governed by section 87 of the electoral acts and in relation to section 87 of the electoral acts, before a political party can organize party primary elections where it will nominate candidates.

Under section 85 it has to give the independent national electoral CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

11 Politics Gani Adams to Biafra agitators:

Rumpus in Ondo APC over alleged missing fund CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

said.

An impeccable source within the party told Daily Times that the youth leader has been suspended at an emergency meeting over his indiscipline and unbecoming attitude which has brought disrepute to the image of the party and its leadership.

“We have suspended him for financial misappropriation, bridging hooliganism, thuggery, indisicpline, and disregard for the party’s leadership and constitution while the State Deputy youth leader would now serve as the acting person”, the source said.

The source added that the case had already gotten to the State Working Committee (SEC), the highest decision making body of the party where an investigation panel would be set-up to look into all the circumstances that triggered the brawl among the youths.

In a swift reaction, the youth leader, described his suspension as a joke and stated that he was ready to pursue the case to a logical conclusion.

Babalayo who said he did not need APC to be relevant in Ondo State alleged that he was maltreated and thoroughly beaten while his clothes were torn by thugs saying” until those who masterminded the attack were punished I will continue the case.

“Even if I have done anything wrong, which is not the case because the allegations were not true, that does not warrant the violence and maltreatment against me”, he said.

He told Daily Times that the idea to organize the summit was his initiative sold it to the party leadership.

“We had to source for fund and at the end, the leadership gave us one

Odigie-Oyegun million; 500,000 on two occasions , so where did three or four million come from, we paid for hall, food for 700 people and so many other things as well as transportation to mobilise people to the venue”, he explained.

He alleged that those querrying him were only fighting him because they wanted him to share the money meant for the program with them.” APC is a dead party in the state” he said.

“When the State secretary, Mr Rotimi Raheem called me on Thusday, I went there alone, not with thugs as they claimed because I dindt know they were waiting to attack me, when I got to the Secretary’s office we were talking when we heard noise downstairs somebody said I should go and talk to my boys, when I got there, they started beating me like a criminal, tore my cloth and dragged me to the road.”

He said when he escaped he went to the police station to report and eight policemen followed him to effect the arrest of some of the people but the party leadership begged the police that it is a party affair and they will handle it.

Avoid violent protests Gani Adams Remi Oladoye The National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani has called on those rooting for a Biafra state to pursue their demands in a violence-free manner.

Otunba Adams made the plea in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital while addressing hundreds of OPC members at a programme tagged “Interactive Session with Gani Adams and the Committee

KOGI 2015: Provision for free, fair, credible poll led to supplementary election – Okoye CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

commission at least 21 days notice that it intends to organize convention or congress for the purpose of electing or selecting candidates for elective positions. While section 85 of the electoral acts also talks of 21 days, section 36 gives the commission 14 days within which to conduct the elections. It is important to also response to 14 days notice in section 36 and the 21 days notice in section 21 and make consequential provisions that will response to these issues specifically. So it is not only the issue of a candidate dying during the commencement of a poll

that is in issue, what also is in issue is the time frame within which the political parties will replace the candidate that has died and the procedure for the replacement of such a candidate since section 85 talks of 21 days while section 36 talks of 14 days. So I think that within the period we have acted, we responded to the issues that were evident but there is no doubt that there is still a lacuna in relation to section 36 of the electoral acts and section 81 of the constitution.

Some of the recommendations you made are yet to be implemented as you said. In the case

of a candidate died just as it happened in Kogi State, will you say that issue is part of the things you recommended and was not acted upon?

No. I will not say this. The only thing I am ready to concede is that there have been other recommendations made after we have submitted the report of the electoral reform committee in 2008. There have been recommendations that this whole issue of 14 days within which to replace a candidate should be looked into but specifically on this particular section 36, I am not too sure that we made any specific recommendation.

Chairmen and leaders of OPC”.

His words: “they have the right to stage their demand under the United Nations charter but not in a violent manner that will be consuming lives of innocent people and valuables.

“I am not saying I am supporting the agitation for BIAFRA and I am not against it, our demands differ as a region, what we want is physical federalism, so that our region or our state can develop at their own phase, without relying on Federal allocation according to the recommendations of the 2014 national conference.

“For President Muhammadu Buhari to save this country, he must re-structure this country, if he does not re-structure this country, another region will stand up for the secession, so we need re-structuring to save this country, as I am talking, we read it on the internet that there is a group coming up with another secession plan”, he said.

Otunba Adams reiterated that the Federal Government still owes his organization, OPC about N1.9 billon over the pipelines surveillance contract, an agreement which he said was signed during the tenure of former President Jonathan to protect oil pipelines.

He disclosed that though he had borrowed about N800 million to finance the project, he is still awaiting the present administration to pay for the contract sum.

Drama at Ambode’s 2016 budget presentation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

greated wıth a cold receptıon.

SPEAKER BREACHES PROTOCOL, ROSE TO WELCOME AMBODE The actıon of the Speaker to rıse from hıs seat whıle the Governor was makıng hıs entry ınto the chamber was receıved wıth shocked and mıxed feelıngs by

many ın attendance especıally the career offıcers and top cıvıl servants who saw the unconscious actıon of the Speaker as a sharp breach of protocol and openly expressed dısmay at the Speaker’s actıon.

AMBODE TURNS SPEAKER’s INSTRUCTOR Though ıt appears as a normal correctıon but to many at the ceremony who have keenly ob-

served the Speaker’s composıtıon and dısposıtıon sınce he arrıved the chamber, it was more of a dısappoıntment. The Speaker whose poor observance of protocol at the ceremony was loudly noted by all at the chamber erred by steppıng far outsıde the confınes of hıs seat and off the natıonal and Lagos State flags that symbolıses the authorıty of hıs offıce as the number three cıtızen ın the State as he proceeded to offıcıally

receıve the document from Gov Ambode who had just fınıshed the presentatıon of the budget.

The Gov who appeared not to be at ease wıth the Speaker’s poor grasp of the situation so far, sıgnaled by the use of his hand to the Speaker to move back to hıs seat and ensure that the flags are rıght behınd hım before a proper handover could be saıd to have taken place.

SPEAKER AS UNCELEBRAT-

ED COMEDIAN As much as the Speaker trıed to ınject lıfe ınto the chamber through hıs sense of humour, the more he trıed the more he got loud knocks from those ın attendance who appeared not to be ımpressed by the his poor performance at a State functıon such as budget presentatıon as the chıef lawmaker appears unco-ordınated throughout the ceremony, perhaps, due to his lateness.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Nigerians urged to see merit in Buhari’s anti-graft war Tom Okpe Abuja

ÏÏÏThe National Chairman of

the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has urged Nigerians to see merit in the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s war against corruption and not to be distracted by the ploy of some agents to discredit the fight.

In a press statement, released at the party secretariat on Monday, in response to an interview published in the Nigeria Tribune of Sunday, December 20th, 2015,

credited to respected legal luminary, Professor Itse Sagay (SAN), where he reportedly dismissed President Buhari’s anti-corruption fight as “selective and cosmetic”, the chairman said, “We are mindful of the axiom. When you fight corruption, it fights back”.

The chairman said, “President Buhari in his May 29 inaugural speech declared, I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”, that position remains unchanged. The syndicated and sponsored campaign suggesting a “selective” and “cosmetic”

anti-corruption fight by the present administration should be seen as a plot meant to distract the citizenry from the successful ongoing war to catch looters and recover Nigeria’s stolen common wealth.

According to Oyegun, Itse Sagay, a professor of law, well known constitutional lawyer and head of President Buhari’s Advisory Committee on anti-corruption, the newspaper’s interview credited to him is concocted and represents a desperate attempt to discredit President Buhari’s anticorruption war. He challenged

the reporter and the Newspaper’s editors to provide the public with a tape recording of the so-called interview.

“Allegations made by the sponsors of the concocted interview that members of the APC are corrupt, the burden of proof is on the sponsors, Nigerians and the international community are still reeling in shock over the looting and diversion of public funds meant to purchase badly needed arms and ammunition for Nigeria’s Armed Forces to fight insurgents and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.

L-R: Chairman, Conference 57 of Local Government/Local Council Development Area, Hon. Alabi Kolade; Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Community Affairs, Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri; Special Adviser on Community and Communication, Mr. Kehinde Bamgbetan and Executive Secretary, Mosan-Okunola LCDA, Hon. Aadunni Opeyemi Akindele, during a workshop on project ownership

by Community Development Associations, held at Lagos House, Ikeja…on Monday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Ondo PDP unfazed by stalwarts’ defection to APC ...We salutes their courage – APC Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state has said that the defection of the erstwhile Senator Ayo Akinyelure, who represented Ondo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and Pius Osunyikanmi, DIrector of Technical AIDS Corps to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was because the duo believed that they must be part of the “curious change” agenda of the opposition party in the state.

In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, to journalists in Akure, said the action of the two former members of the PDP in the state was propelled by their personal goal and desperate individual ambition.

Oyegun

Court remands alleged NSTIF receives killers of MD LTZ massive ÏÏÏ enrollment Four people arrested in connection with the death of the former Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr Tajudeen Disu, have been remanded in prison custody by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused -- Dele Jaiye (40), Tunde Ismaila (27), Shakirat Agbaje (40), and Olalekan Oshinowo (30), are facing a 12-count charge bordering on assault, murder, conspiracy, attempted murder and unlawful gathering.

Magistrate (Mrs) Folashade Botoku had ordered that the accused be remanded, pending legal advice from the Office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

She then adjourned the case to

Feb. 15, for the DPP’s advice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Disu was allegedly killed on Oct.12, during an uproar between the management of the Zone and the indigenes of one of its host communities.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, alleged that accused persons had on Oct.12, at about 9: 00 a.m., at Dangote Refinery Company, Lekki Trade Zone, conspired to commit the offences.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 44, 45, 409 and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has said that about 33,900 employers and seven million employees have joined the Employees Compensation Scheme.

The Managing director of the Fund, Umar Munir Abubakar disclosed this in Port Harcourt recently at the NSITF-Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP).

He added: “There are about 33,900 employers that are partici-

pating in the Scheme. There are also about seven million employees now on the Scheme. The increment of employers on the Scheme is influenced by the fact that now they see the Scheme as a move by government to promote safety in the workplace and a step to show concrete commitment to ensure that injured workers are not only treated but are rehabilitated.

“In case of death, NSITF pays the survivors of the deceased worker. This Scheme does not only ensure the safety of workers but also promote efficiency and enhance productivity because workers now know that they can work without inhibition because they would be looked after in even of injury or death. Any employer that fails to enroll its workers on the Scheme shows such employer does not care for its workers.”

He also hinted that the Fund will begin the prosecution of employers that have not enrolled their staff on the scheme.

Kwara promotes community participation in Projects Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏKwara State government is to secure a N20billion bond to finance the development of infrastructure as part of efforts to reduce infrastructure deficit in the state.

The state governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, who announced this during a two day interactive session with a cross section of Kwarans on the proposed N20b bond said that the move became necessary in view of dwindling earnings from the federation account.

Governor Ahmed listed the new projects as including the construction of roads such as Kishi-Kaiama road, dualisation of two federal government roads; Zango-University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Road and Michael Imoudu Road.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

13 Foreign News

China searches for 91 missing in ‘worst’ urban landslide ÏÏÏRescue workers in southern

China are still digging through rubble from an enormous urban mudslide, searching for 91 people missing in Sunday’s disaster at an industrial park in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

Authorities said a huge pile of construction debris had collapsed at a former stone quarry, sending tons of material hurtling toward more than 30 buildings in the park below. There have been no confirmed deaths, while more than 14 people have been reported injured.

The mudslide occurred at

around 11:40 a.m. Sunday and covered more than 60,000 square meters at the Hengtaiyu Industrial Park in the city’s Guangming New District. Making matters worse, a nearby section of the arterial West-East Gas Pipeline exploded, state-run China Central Television reported.

Liu Guonan, a researcher from China Academy of Railway Science, told a media briefing Monday afternoon there is no precedent in China for Sunday’s devastation.

“This has been the worst landslide I’ve ever seen in the past

three decades after I entered the profession. The disaster, triggered by such a large scale of landslide, has been rare in the country’s history.”

According to state media, 14 factories, two office buildings, 13 low-rise buildings and three dormitories were among the buildings flattened. And by Sunday evening more than 900 people had been evacuated from the site, official Xinhua reported.

Although the site was too muddy for rescue workers to enter on the first day, teams of rescue workers have managed to detect

Rescuers look for survivors after a landslide hit an industrial park in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province on Dec. 20, 2015

Sudanese refugees recounts forced deportation from Jordan ÏÏÏAhmed Doury and his wife

had fled their home in Sudan’s Darfur region for safety in Jordan. But after Jordanian security forces violently rounded up and deported them and other Sudanese asylum seekers, the 32-yearold says he’s now more determined than ever to go to Europe.

“I will take the sea ... I will get out of here by any means necessary,” he said on Sunday, adding that it was the only thing he could think about on the flight back to Sudan.

Speaking by telephone from the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, he recounted the deportation to The Associated Press with a solemn voice.

Doury had gone to Jordan in 2014, fleeing death threats for his tribal and ethnic ties in the wardevastated Darfur region. He registered as a refugee with the

United Nations and worked intermittent menial jobs in the Jordanian capital, Amman, to support himself and his wife.

Feeling discriminated against by authorities, the two joined a makeshift camp outside the UN headquarters where other Sudanese were living. On Wednesday, Jordanian security forces stormed the camp, tore it down and forced the asylum seekers onto vans headed to the airport.

The camp’s proximity to the UN headquarters had given the group a false sense of safety, he explained.

“We have no trust in the UN anymore after what happened.

No one did anything to help us,” Doury said, echoing a view widely held among Sudanese refugees in Jordan.

“Everyone was beaten ... they stepped on the people who

signs of life in several spots, Yang Shengjun, director of the city’s housing and construction bureau, told a media briefing Monday afternoon.

“As of 12 p.m. [Monday], we’ve set up 172 heavy machines on site with sufficient rescue resources in place. And in some spots, we’re now rushing to rescue those buried alive after signs of life have been detected,” Yang said.

President Xi Jinping has instructed the local government to do whatever it can to minimize casualties, the official added.

A witness, who fled the site

unharmed on Sunday, told local media that the damage to his company’s building would have been worse “if it weren’t for a big fish pond nearby, which worked as a buffer to absorb mounds of mud.”

An 8-year-old survivor told the CCTV that she and her father had to jump off their building to survive the mudslide.

“When the mountain collapsed, me and my father…. After my father threw me down, he had to jump off the building himself and hurt his back badly at that time,” Xiao Qi said from her hospital bed.

ÏÏÏSuspected

Russian airstrikes kill 36 in Syria

Russian airstrikes killed at least 36 people Sunday in the rebel-held city of Idlib in northwest Syria, rescue workers and a monitoring group in the country reported.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said most of those killed were fighters in the Army of Conquest rebel group fighting forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But rescue workers reported that six strikes had hit a busy marketplace in the city, several government buildings and residential area.

More than 150 people were injured in the attacks, with some of the wounded transported to hospitals across the border into Turkey.

Moscow began an aerial bombardment of what it calls

AU awaits Burundi’s response on troops ÏÏÏ

Doury

fell down,” he said. The troops marched in early in the morning, swearing and indiscriminately beating its inhabitants with rubber and electric batons, he said.

They fired tear gas and rubber bullets and at one point shoved a pregnant woman to the ground.

She fell, broke a leg and went into labour, he said.

An African Union official says the continental body and the rest of the international community will not sit by and watch the escalation of violence and human rights violations and abuses continue in Burundi.

Erastus Mwencha, deputy chairman of the African Union Commission said the peacekeepers, approved Saturday by the African Union Peace and Security Council are meant to prevent further violence and protect the citizens.

He was reacting to news reports that a Burundian government official said Sunday that

“terrorist” organizations on September 30, but the West and rebel movements say the attacks have focused on antiAssad groups, not Islamic State insurgents that the United States and its allies have been bombing.

Sunday’s attack came as the New York-based Human Rights Watch group accused Russian and Syrian forces of “extensive use of cluster munitions” in the Syrian war that now has gone on for nearly five years and killed more than 200,000 people.

his country will not agree to the deployment of African Union peacekeepers.

Deputy presidential spokesman Jean-Claude Karerwa told the French News Agency the AU peacekeepers would be considered “an invasion and occupation force.”

Mwencha said the AU is still waiting for a formal response from the Burundian government.

But if news reports are true that Bujumbura has rejected an offer to deploy troops, it would be “a very sad development.”

“That is a very sad development because when the decision was taken Saturday, Burundi itself was given an opportunity to put across its case, and the decision was taken after due consideration of Burundi’s point of view,” he said.

The mandate of the 5,000 strong force known as the African Prevention and Protection Mission in Burundi is to create the enabling environment for dialogue among Burundian stakeholders to take place.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Igbo group warns against plan to break Buhari, Rev. Mbaka relationship

Yakubu Salisu

ÏÏÏA cultural and pres-

sure group known as Igbo Renaissance Movement has expressed its displeasure with what it called activities of some undesirable persons, who always want to cause division in the country, by working against the cordial relationship between the President Muhammadu Buhari and Rev. Father Mbaka.

According to the movement, some disgruntled politicians and their collaborators in the SouthEast to are making efforts to turn Ndigbo, especially the uninformed youths against their revered priest, Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka for always standing for the truth. The attempt to blackmail Mbaka started shortly before the 2015 general election and had continued unabated after-

wards. Mbaka is a leading light for Ndigbo. The Igbo Renaissance Movement, therefore, wish to call for an end to attacks against Father Mbaka. We wish to state as follows: That they want to make it abundantly clear that Father Mbaka and President Buhari are not the problem of Ndigbo. The major problem of Ndigbo over the years remains her greedy, unrepentant and corrupt leaders, who

always place their pockets above the collective aspirations and well-being of their own people. And that while it is true that Ndigbo have been marginalised in Nigeria, the marginalization of the Igbo nation, over these years, could not have been so deep without the evil collaboration of her selfseeking and dishonourable politicians.

The Igbo nation has never felt so abandoned,

under-rated and foolish as was the case under President Jonathan’s Administration – despite the pain and sacrifices which Ndigbo made to help Jonathan ascend to power – we have absolutely nothing to show for it.

Today, all federal roads in the South East are deathtraps, Second Niger Bridge that should have been completed within his first three years in office has now entered a ‘voice-

Ambode to transform EbuteMeta to tourist haven

ÏÏÏLagos State Governor,

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday, unveiled plans to transform Ebute-Meta into a tourist haven by establishing a recreation park on the stretch of land overlooking the lagoon, adjacent to the Adekunle axis of the Third Mainland Bridge.

He said this during the commissioning of IpajaAyobo and Ikotun-Ejigbo Roads as well as an inspection tour of on-going projects across the state, but lamented the state of the piece of land, which he described as an eye sore from the bridge.

He, therefore, gave the auto mechanics under the bridge seven days ultima-

tum to vacate the site and remove all abandoned vehicles for the development project to commence in earnest.

He said all things being equal, the project would be completed before the end of May in 2016 when Lagos State would be 50 years-old.

Governor Ambode, who expressed dissatisfaction about the refusal of the mechanics to vacate the site despite repeated notice, said it was important for them to appreciate that the land was needed for overall public interest of the State.

He also ordered traders in the area to move to the special site prepared for them in Agbowa by January 2016.

Strike: FUOYE VC warns union leaders against unruly behaviour Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe

Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof Isaac Asuzu, has warned the union leaders against stoking the embers of crisis that could pit the management against the entire workforce, saying the university authority would not hesitate to wield the big stick against unruly staff.

The unions were: Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, NonAcademic Staff Union and National Association of Technologists, which had gone on strike over nonpayment of the allowances

to the 1,469 workers in the university.

Asuzu, who was reacting to the sit-down strike embarked on by the three major unions in the university, in recent times, described the agitations for immediate payment of hazard and relocation allowances as practically impossible as of now, in view of paucity of funds in the four-year old university.

Asuzu also dispelled the impression by striking union leaders that the hazard allowance could be defrayed through the funds from pre-degree programme, saying that university realises a sum of N21 million annually from the programme.

mail’, no sea port nor dry port, no clean water, no power station etc., after six years of the Jonathan administration.

The fact that Mr. Jonathan repainted the smallest airport in Nigeria named it Enugu International Airport even without redeveloping it or the strategic appointments he gave to some self-centred Igbo politicians cannot make up for these inadequacies.

FCTA staff protest unpaid salaries Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏResidents of the Fed-

Brewery Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Ibadan, Mr. Goke Adeyemi (2nd right) being presented with an appreciation plaque by Barri. Segun Adebayo (2nd left) when the company hosted the end of the year meeting of the NIPR, Oyo State Chapter. With them are, Chairman, NIPR, Mr. Henry Adegbuyi (left) and Public Affairs Manager West/Midwest of NB Plc, Mr. Tayo Adelaja (right).

eral Capital Territory, is currently at the mercy of casual staff of the administration, who are saddled with the responsibility of applying chlorine for water treatments, and have gone on strike in protest against unpaid salaries.

The protest started on Monday morning from the maintenance and facilities secretariat, involving the casual staff of water treatment in the water board.

A casual worker for five years said that the FCT Administration had done nothing to salvage the plights of the casual staff.

Taraba guber: Appeal Court reserves judgment on Ishaku’s election

ÏÏÏThe Court of Appeal,

in Abuja, on Monday, reserved judgment in an appeal filed by Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba against the nullification of his electoral victory by a tribunal.

Justice Abdul Aboki said the court would later announce the date for the judgment in the appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the appeal by Ishaku followed the judgment of the Taraba Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on November 7, and awarded victory to Mrs. Aisha Alhassan of the All Progres-

Saraki

sives Congress (APC).

Counsel to Ishaku, Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN), raised four issues in the appeal.

He said the petition was

not accompanied by valid statements as the respondents claimed that it was the fault of the registry.

Agabi said the respondents claimed that the election was marred with corruption yet claimed victory in the election.

He said the respondents also pleaded that Ishaku was not sponsored by the party but later agreed that his sponsorship was not supported by any fact.

He complained that 51 witnesses of the appellant were not reviewed by the tribunal and urged their lordships to allow the ap-

peal.

Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Solo Akuma (SAN), and Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN), counsel to the Independent Nationalm Electoral Commission (INEC) urged the court to allow Ishaku’s appeal.

However, Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), counsel to Alhassan, filed a cross appeal, saying INEC had no right to clear a candidate for election.

He urged the court to dismiss Ishaku’s appeal and uphold the tribunal’s judgment.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

15 Opinion

Buhari: Idiocy of “Change” and conspiracy of watchdogs

W Jude Ndukwe

ith the recent and continued killing of innocent, harmless, hapless and helpless Nigerians by the Buhari administration, Nigerians are beginning to wonder if there was any real meaning in the “Change” mantra of the, APC. This is in addition to the regular invasion of private homes, corporate offices, and the relentless flagrant disobedience of court orders just to satisfy the whims of a dictator, as his agents wage terror on powerless citizens.

Nigerians had a glimpse of what was to come when on Thursday, September 3, 2015; the DSS invaded the Akwa Ibom State government house alongside the guesthouses in searching for alleged stockpile of arms and ammunition and stacks of dollars.

Except for the PDP, every other person saw this unholy invasion as normal. However, those blessed with the uncommon gift of clairvoyance

cried out against this. Rather than prevail on government and its agents to tread softly, those who dared raise their voice were called names.

Expectedly, this emboldened the DSS as they went ahead to not only stop Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd), from travelling to seek medical attention as ordered by a competent court, they also laid siege to his house for one month thereby effectively placing him under house arrest.

As if that was not bad enough, the DSS and the military treated us to a double-barrelled macabre dance when on December 2, 2015, the DSS were busy forcefully evicting Col Kayode Are (rtd), former DG from his house on the orders of, Lawal Daura, in defiance of a subsisting court order. The manner in which the DSS executed the eviction was not only shameful but also disgraceful. As that was going on, the military were busy mowing down peaceful IPOB/MASSOB protesters in Onitsha, killing nine persons in the process.

It was very shocking that in spite

of all these atrocities perpetrated by security, the traditional watchdogs have suddenly gone quiet. In the past, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)/ Trade Union Congress (TUC) would have declared, “war” on government. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) would have put up strong protests by boycotting the courts, because of the obvious intimidation of judges by security agents who work to stampede the judiciary to give blanket judgments that would favour the “Emperor”.

The NBA would have organised protests to drive home the point that never would they allow the executive to keep disobeying court orders. The religious leaders would have given stern warnings against such wickedness in the land; the civil rights groups would have marched to Aso Rock or the National Assembly to register their displeasure at the way things are going. Nevertheless, no one seems to be interested because Buhari is President while APC is the ruling party. It does not matter if they both drag Nigeria into intermi-

nable crises. Both Buhari and APC are determined to kill Nigerians and our institutions.

The recent massacre in Zaria where Shia Muslims is the climax of the needless hounding and killing of citizens but is certainly not going to be the last. What would have been wrong if the COAS avoided that confrontation and took another route to his engagement that day? Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan while as Commander-in-Chief had his own convoy attacked twice in Katsina and Bauchi. Yet, no one was shot or killed.

It would have been bearable if the massacre ended on the spot but for the military to go to El Zakzaky’s house and shot him and his wife and even put him in a wheel barrow while drenched in a pool of his own blood is the height of man’s inhumanity to man.

This is why I am surprised at those now shouting against the massacre in Zaria, including the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (SCIA).

Imperatives of war against indiscipline

S

Bolaji Kazeem

ince inception of the present democracy, ineptitude, corruption and indiscipline gradually crept into our ways of life eroding the cultural values we held in high esteem such as morality and discipline. The tendency to accumulate wealth through any means has been foisted on the young ones and everybody is scrambling to get their share of the national cake.

The penchant for easy money has beclouded our creativity and innovative capacity.

In all facets, economic, political, social and religious, corruption had found ways to permeate our daily endeavours. The traffic gridlock that Lagos State is experiencing now is due to indiscipline of motorists and this has extended to Abuja. Aso Villa Drive which is within precinct of government area experiences early morning and evening rush due to indiscipline of civil servants, armed forces, police and other citizens.

Such attitude by some Nigerians portray us as citizens lacking in orderliness and respect for simple rules. Recently, the police and road safety officers were drafted to maintain orderliness. This has led to free flow of traffic in the area.

This scenario justified the clamour for imposition of sanctions on Nigerians that break the laws of the land.

The desirability of imposing sanctions on those that broke the law can draw reference on what the government of former governor Fashola of Lagos State did to motorists to create orderliness on the road. Lagosians then started to imbibe the culture of queueing at bus terminals, thereby maintaining orderliness to the extent that those always be in hurry started abiding by the rules. This has been replicated in other areas in the state. However, when the new governor, Akinwunmi Ambode came on board, his pronouncement on LASTMA, which was misconstrued, created avenue for some Nigerians to go back to their former ways of indiscipline.

An observation depicted that the following attitudes constitute act of indiscipline, like rushing into buses; driving against traffic; littering the streets, jumping the queue; taking undue advantage of scarcity to inflate prices; public nuisance; lack of commitment to duty; absenteeism; forgery; impersonation; and lack of care for children and elderly to mention a few.

In retrospect, the military regime of Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbo in 1983-84 supported the argument by public commentators that effective execution and imposition of sanctions on those that breach the rules would curb the desire of Nigerians to go against law. During that period,

Nigerians imbibed the spirit of queueing and taking their turn while carrying out their daily activities.

WAI was inaugurated on March 20, 1984 to address the lack of public morality and civil responsibility in the society. The Federal Ministry of Information ensured the message of orderliness was taken to all Nigerians.

The beauty of the period was that the “WAI Brigade” ensured that rules and regulations were observed in collaboration with security agencies.

It is common among Nigerians traveling outside the country to be miffed with attitude of our elites who abide with rules and regulations of other countries but refuse to comply with the rules in Nigeria. The inability of successive governments from 1999-2015 to sanction erring Nigerians and organisations involved in acts of indiscipline has encouraged impunity to continue in the country.

Not only that, past governments continue to choose judgments of the court they would comply with without knowing that their action is eroding rule of law in the country.

With the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, things have started looking up. It is no more business as usual. It is a reality that this government will not condone indiscipline and corruption.

It is imperative for government agencies such Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and Education to charge their various departments to take the message of “Change” to all nooks and corners of Nigeria. Inculcation of civil responsibilities and public morality should be one of learning foundations for our children in educational institutions.

Government should support institutions that will sustain the tempo of discipline and change through effective funding. The appointment, deployment and termination of appointment of institutions such as Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau should reside with the National Assembly so they would be able to perform their duties without fear or favour.

There is need to change the attitude of Nigerians to work and core values such as orderliness; meritocracy; political neutrality; integrity; discipline; professionalism; patriotism; impartiality; anonymity; accountability and transparency.

For Nigerians to enjoy dividends of democracy, the act of indiscipline has to be jettisoned. We should also embrace “Change”.

Once everyone embraces discipline, we would have the courage to challenge unpopular governments at local, state and federal level.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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Panthers G hit camp ahead of CHAN 2016

abon’s locally-based national team have entered a five-day training camp this Monday, as they are preparing for the 2016 African Nations Championship that will take place between January 16 and February 7.

Local Panthers head-coach Stéphane Bounguendza has named a 22-player pre-squad for the camp.

They will battle DR Congo side AS Vita Club in a warm-up friendly in Kinshasa on December 27, with Bounguedza set to announce his final 23-man squad at a press conference on January 4.

Gabon will then resume their preparation during a second camp between January 5 and 12, with another warm-up friendly against Uganda in Kampala on January 10.

Ajayi

tips U-23 Eagles for greatness

Page 17

g 18

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Arokoyo, Chibuike outshine Oboabona in Turkey N igerian duo of Gbenga Arokoyo and John Chibuike outshone fellow countryman Godfrey Oboabona when their clubs Gaziantepspor and Rizespor clashed in a Turkish Super League game at the weekend.

Arokoyo and Chibuike assisted their mates for both goals as Gaziantepspor

beat Rizespor 2-0.

Gaziantepspor are eighth on the league table with 22 points from 16 games, while Rizespor are ninth on the league table with 21 points from 16 games.

The former Kwara United defender Arokoyo assisted Daniel Larsson for the first goal in the fifth minute, while

John Chibuike assisted Orkan Cinar for the second goal in the 13th minute.

Oboabona was cautioned by the referee in the 27th minute.

Chibuike was substituted with Demba Camara in the 87th minute, while Arokoyo lasted for 59 minutes before he gave way for Abuda.

Lulu

German club chase red-hot

cautions on grassroots football development

F

ormer Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, has insisted that for the country to sustain the successes recorded at the FIFA U-17 World Cup that genuine attention should be on the development of the game at the grassroots level.

Lulu who was the President of the Federation from 2006-2010 said if the game is properly developed at the grassroots level, with emphasis on those in the primary and secondary schools, that the chances of the country winning the senior World Cup in the nearest future becomes brighter.

According to Omachi Atah of Igala land who spoke in Anyigba, Kogi State at the weekend, during the preliminaries of the 2015/2016 edition of the Kogi Zone of the FOSLA U-13 Football Competition, he said: “We are blessed with abundant of talented footballers at the grassroots, all we need is to put the necessary mercenaries together to identify these talents and harness them properly, and the country would be better for it in future.

Gbenga Arokoyo (left) and John Chibuike (right) celebrate after their club’s victory.

A

Fatai Fatai

Ibenegbu delighted with Supersand

Eagles

Fatai

n unnamed German Bundesliga side are interested in signing Nigeria striker Kehinde Fatai when the January transfer window opens.

A close confidant of the Sparta Prague striker revealed that the Jos-born forward has been contacted by an agent for the deal and he directed them to his Czech Republic club.

“Kehinde Fatai has attracted interest from a German Bundesliga team for a possible move in January,” disclosed the confidant.

“He has been contacted by an agent who said the German team watched him against Schalke

N

igeria’s Supersand Eagles captain, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu has said the side performed creditably well at the just concluded 2015 Copa Lagos.

Eagles missed the services of its key experienced players like Ibenegbu, Isiaka Olawale, among others but still finished second behind winners, Ivory Coast.

Ibenegbu said Coach Adamu Audu Ejo’s decision to include rookies in the squad paid off handsomely as they proved their qualities in the annual beach soccer showdown.

“I’m not disappointed at all with the Supersand Eagles’ performance at the just concluded 2015 Copa Lagos even though they finished second behind winners, Ivory Coast.

in the UEFA Europa League and they were convinced enough to have him, but Kehinde asked them to go and talk to his club because he is under contract with them.”

Fatai has been a consistent goal scorer right from his days in JUTH FC of Jos to Romania before he joined Sparta Prague this summer.

He also posted a brief stint at Belgian side Club Brugge on loan.

The 25-year-old forward has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season - eight in the league, two in UEFA Champions League and two in UEFA Europa League.

“The coach said right from start that he will use the 2015 Copa Lagos to test new players and I think it paid off quite well as the rookies proved themselves creditably.

“That decision was key to the exclusion of some notable experienced players from the championship.

“So there is no cause for alarm as Nigeria will very shortly reclaim their dominance in Africa.

“I’m sure some of us the old and new ones will be available for the next edition’s qualifier which will speed up the process to reclaim the title,” said the Warri Wolves attacking midfielder.

18

Tuesay, December 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

Pinnick talks of big plans for beach soccer, futsal ANDREW EKEJIUBA

N

FF President Amaju Pinnick says the Federation is planning to launch a robust Beach Soccer and Futsal League in the country, in appreciation of the efforts of the Supersand Eagles in major tournaments across the globe.

The NFF supremo spoke on Sunday at the finale of the COPA Lagos 2015, where the Supersand Eagles finished second behind the Ivorian Elephants.

“The Supersand Eagles have shown great patriotic fervour and the typical Nigerian spirit over the years, and brought honour to this country a number of times. We appreciate their efforts.

“The performances of the Supersand Eagles have not gone unnoticed, as the NFF has commenced in earnest arrangements for the launching of a vibrant Beach Soccer and Futsal League in the country.”

The Supersand Eagles are on record to have won the first three editions of the COPA Lagos Invitational Beach Soccer Tournament, before finishing as runners-up to Cote d’Ivoire last year and this year.

Mike Otanwa

N

igeria U-23 striker, Oluwafemi Junior Ajayi, has tipped the team to offer a big surprise at the 2016 Olympics football event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Dream Team VI defeated Algeria 2-1 to win the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in early December.

“We are happy that we have qualified for the Olympics. I am also sure that by the time our technical crew works on this team and finalizes on the team for the Olympics we will not only be raring to go, but will be dangerous to play against in the competition,” Ajayi said.

The striker also reflected on his performance at the tournament where he scored two goals in Nigeria’s opening 3-2 win over Egypt.

“I think I am pleased with

Rio 2016:

Ajayi3

tips U-2 Eagles for greatness

my performance because I was playing off position and as a footballer you are expected to play anywhere if the need arises.

I will not say I am happy or fulfilled but rather relieved that after the tournament every player’s effort

Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony holds March 23

was worth it,” he disclosed.

The CS Sfaxien of Tunisia man said Coach Samson Siasia is like a father to the players and they loved playing for him in order to get results that made him happy.

“Coach Samson Siasia is not only

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

Ajayi

he annual, showpiece Nigeria Pitch Awards, which is endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation, will take place in the city of Kaduna on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

Shina Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Matchmakers Consult International, organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, said on Monday that the event will come up hours after the Nigeria, Egypt 2017 Africa Cup of Nations

qualifying match taking place same day at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

“We want to assure that voting for the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards would begin before the Christmas break, and that all other necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the Awards process and everything around it remains transparent and credible, as always.

“We have waited this long to ensure that the domestic League season was concluded, in order

a coach to us but a father and the rest of the technical crew has been the reason behind the success of the team so far,” he stated.

“He treats us like his own sons and that magic to make you as a player not only to be fond of him, but to also want to play and win matches for him and to be happy.

“You could see the way we were able to win some difficult matches in the competition in Senegal. We always doubled our efforts in matches in order not to let him down.

“I am happy that God eventually crowned our efforts by winning the competition and being crowned African champions,” he disclosed.

Ajayi started playing in the U-23 side from his time at Shooting Stars and was glad that the clause to participate in the U-23 Afcon was included in his contract with Sfaxien. for voters to have enough time to assess all the players fairly and equally.”

General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed the NFF’s continued support for the awards, saying that the Federation was satisfied with the organization of previous editions of the Nigeria Pitch Awards and that the Awards have been motivating Nigerian players to better performances around the globe.

Tuesay, December 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

B

Suarez hails Barca teammates after Golden Ball award Frontzeck quits as Hannover boss

M

ichael Frontzeck has resigned as Hannover head coach after a poor first half of the Bundesliga season.

The 51-year-old only took charge back in April of this year, initially on an interim basis, as he ensured the club’s top-flight survival.

That meant Frontzeck penned a two-year contract in May, but Hannover have struggled in 2015-16, winning just four of 17 league matches to sit second from bottom with 14 points heading into the mid-season break.

“Solidarity and confidence in our situation are necessary conditions to work successfully,” he said in the statement announcing his resignation.

“Right now, I no longer feel that faith from the Hannover management.”

Hannover confirmed they have accepted the coach’s decision to resign and thanked him for the work he has done during his eight months at the helm.

Frontzeck’s last match in charge was a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of champions Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Rummenigge confident over

Guardiola´s next move

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ayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has hinted that he knows who will be the future employers of outgoing coach Pep Guardiola.

On Sunday, Rummenigge confirmed sought-after former Barcelona boss Guardiola would leave Bayern when his contract expires at the end of the season to be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, ending weeks of mounting speculation.

The 44-year-old has been heavily tipped to move to the Premier League, with Manchester City viewed as favourites on account of former Barcelona board members Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano serving as director of football and chief executive respectively at the Etihad Stadium.

But City boss Manuel Pellegrini is under contract until the end of the 2016-17 campaign and Jose Mourinho’s departure from Chelsea, along with Manchester United’s ailing form under Louis van Gaal, has

I Melo ruins

Inter’s Christmas –Mancini

arcelona striker Luis Suarez paid tribute to his team-mates after winning the Golden Ball award for best player at the Club World Cup. Luis Enrique’s men thumped River Plate 3-0 in the final on Sunday with the Uruguay striker scoring twice after Lionel Messi had broken the deadlock.

Suarez scored five goals across his team’s two games and hailed the contribution of his colleagues after being named as player of the tournament.

“This award is not just for me, it is for the whole team,” he said.

“I am looking on it as recognition for all the hard work the team has put in to get this far, for all the sacrifice they have made.

“I am very happy to have helped out with my goals, but the most important thing is to come away with the trophy. That is what makes me happy.

“I think it also had a lot to do with the fact that Messi and Neymar did not play in the first game! They are both match-winners and it is great to have them by my side, to know that they are there.”

Suarez

nter head coach Roberto Mancini was left to rue Felipe Melo’s “stupidity” after his needless foul in the dying minutes saw Lazio claim a 2-1 victory at the Serie A leaders.

The Brazilian midfielder jumped into Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s back with just three minutes left, leaving the referee no other choice but to award Lazio a penalty.

Antonio Candreva - who had

BRIEFS

Osimhen set to join Wolfsburg

A

n adviser to FIFA U-17 World Cup sensation, Victor Osimhen, has given by far the strongest indication yet that the youngster is headed for Wolfsburg after he said it is now “90% certain” he will join the German club. Osimhen has sparked off a multiple of offers since his record-breaking 10 goals at the U-17 World Cup in Chile in November with his handlers narrowing their choices to two – Wolfsburg and Arsenal. And now Liameed Gafaar, who has acted as adviser in where Osimhen will play next, has disclosed that the first choice is now Wolfsburg because with his speed and techniques the Bundesliga will best suit him.

Sacchi: Ancelotti will give Bayern strong identity

C

arlo Ancelotti will give Bayern Munich a strong identity when he takes over from Pep Guardiola next year, according to Arrigo Sacchi. The 69-year-old coached Ancelotti, who will start work at the German champions in July, at AC Milan between 1987 and 1991 and added him to his backroom staff during his time with the Italy national team. Sacchi feels his compatriot and Jose Mourinho, who parted company with Chelsea last week, were the only suitable candidates to replace the Spaniard and is in no doubt Ancelotti will make his mark at the Allianz Arena.

Pardew aims for Europe

E

Guardiola prompted links between Guardiola and the latter two clubs.

With the intrigue set to build over the coming months, Rummenigge believes he has already seen Guardiola’s hand.

“I think I know where he is going,” Rummenigge said. “But I want to leave the announcement to him or his new employer.

“At the Christmas party two weeks ago he came to me, he told me that he was looking for a new challenge

and almost apologised. It was clearly difficult for him, I’m not disappointed in him.

“I could see that Pep Guardiola had really grown to love FC Bayern and its fans.”

Bayern are on course to claim a third Bundesliga title in three seasons under Guardiola, but Rummenigge harbours high hopes for the future under three-time Champions League-winning coach Ancelotti.

scored the opener before Mauro Icardi levelled - saw his initial attempt kept out by Samir Handanovic, but tapped home the rebound to down the table-toppers in their last match before the mid-season break.

Fiorentina and Napoli are now just a point behind Inter, with Juventus and Roma three and four adrift respectively.

“We knew that it would be a difficult game, but we did nothing

different than in other games. I am disappointed because we gave away the match,” Mancini said at a news conference.

“We levelled the scoring and then threw away the game again. Lazio’s winning goal was the result of stupidity.

“We did not play very well, but Lazio did not do much and sometimes you can win even though you play badly.

19

uropean football is on the radar for Crystal Palace after a tremendous start to the Premier League season, and manager Alan Pardew is daring to dream. Palace scored a huge win over Stoke City when Lee Chung-yong scored a delightful effort to seal a 2-1 win at the Britannia Stadium, moving level on points with Manchester United who occupy fifth in the table. Pardew said it was pleasing to see clubs like his own and Leicester City destabilising the established order in the Premier League, adding that it had been a great feature of this season.

Pardew

20

Tuesay, December 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS Ozil lauds Arsenal´s desire, confidence esut Ozil has hailed Arsenal’s improvement this term, insisting an increase in confidence has made them more dominant. Arsene Wenger’s side occupy second position in the Premier League. Germany playmaker Ozil believes Arsenal have a new-found hunger and belief this term which could see them overcome any opponent.

M

Flores dismisses Ake foul atford manager Quique Sanchez Flores dismissed claims from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp that Nathan Ake’s opening goal in Watford’s 3-0 win should have been a foul. Klopp felt goalkeeper Adam Bogdan had been fouled as he dropped a corner, allowing Ake to tuck home an easy opener. But Flores defended Ake, saying the ball was there to be played.

W

Ranieri: No pressure on Leicester laudio Ranieri said there is no pressure on Leicester City to maintain their Premier League bid. Rather, it is a lack of pressure that is getting the best out of his team, who remarkably sit atop the table heading into Christmas after Saturday’s 3-2 win at Everton, without the star quality of some of his previous teams. Ranieri has called for cool heads from his players, who he believes can now play without any pressure.

C

Terry,

C

helsea captain John Terry believes interim manager Guus Hiddink can help lead his team near the Premier League’s top four.

Just days after Jose Mourinho had his contract terminated by mutual consent, the defending champions claimed a 3-1 win over Sunderland.

The win pulled Chelsea three points clear of the relegation zone after just their fifth victory in 17 league games this season.

Terry feels there is still hope for his team, who are 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham in what has been an unpredictable campaign.

“I think from the first-half performance, who knows?” he said.

“It is going to be difficult to

Terry

Chelsea still eye top four

win every game, we know that, but step by step there are a lot of games over Christmas. If we can go on a good run and climb the table over Christmas, then who knows?

“But look at the likes of Leicester.

You expect them to drop off, but they haven’t. Teams are doing well above us, so that’s even more reason why we have to keep winning.”

Terry said the players

needed to take responsibility for Mourinho’s sacking after their dreadful start to the season.

The 35-year-old defender said he was “gutted” by the Portuguese tactician’s exit.

Leicester star,

Mahrez going nowhere

L

Silva

Silva: City experience crucial in title race!

D

avid Silva believes Manchester City’s Premier Leaguewinning experience could be crucial in deciding the fate of this season’s title.

City are currently locked in a three-way battle with Arsenal and unlikely leaders Leicester City, who confirmed top spot for Christmas with a 3-2 win at Everton on Saturday.

“You can’t discount Leicester because they are producing great performances every week.

They are confident and winning their games.

“Perhaps Arsenal’s players have the edge over Leicester in experience, they have everything they need to challenge for the title and they have some players coming back from injury, too,” he said.”

scoring 13 times in 16 league appearances, including a double from the penalty spot in his side’s 3-2 win at Everton on Saturday.

That result guaranteed Leicester will sit top of the Premier League at Christmas, with five of the last six teams to hold that status going on to win the title.

And the Foxes look likely

to hold on to one of their key assets for the second half of the campaign after Mahrez’s representative spoke of his confidence that the 24-yearold will remain at the King Power Stadium.

“I think he will stay in January,” Bengougam said.

“I don’t think Leicester want to sell him and he is focused on doing well with them.”

Van Gaal is reportedly facing a race against time to save his job after United suffered a third consecutive defeat in all competitions, surprisingly beaten 2-1 at home to Norwich City on Saturday.

Axed Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move to Old Trafford amid United’s six-match winless run.

However, Jones is sticking by Van Gaal after Moyes’ forgettable stint in charge, which lasted just nine months when he was sacked in April 2014 as United eventually finished seventh.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the lowest moment. I think it became pretty glum, if you like, under David

Moyes and it was unfortunate.

We weren’t playing well at the time,” Jones said.

“There’s no point saying we’ve played some good football this season because ultimately we’ve lost three games in a row - but we have in patches. We need to stick together, there’s nothing else you can do.”

Jones added: “The manager is doing all he can and is doing a terrific job. It’s not even questionable in the dressing room. The lads are absolutely fully focused on performing well for the manager, the fans, ourselves week-in, week-out.

eicester City star Riyad Mahrez is set to stay with the surprise Premier League leaders during the upcoming January transfer window, according to his agent Kamel Bengougam.

The Algeria international has enjoyed a stunning 2015-16 campaign,

United

not as bad as Moyes ledaaa side, says Jones

L Mahrez

ife is better under embattled Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal than what it was under former boss David Moyes, according to defender Phil Jones.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

21

22 Public Notice NEW EARTH FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above Foundation has Applied to the Corporation Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “c” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. EMMANUEL GODMAN AMACHUKWU 2. MR. DIVINE AMECHI AZODO 3. MR. FREDRICK OGAMBA 4. MR. IKECHUKWU NWACHUKWU 5. MR. KENECHUKWU DAVID 6. BARR. UGO BEN CHIGOZIE

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

FAITHFUL BASE UNCOMPROMISING BELIEF IN GOD MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ARIAWEHENU FRIDAY. 2. FRIDAY ROSELINE. 3. ODJEGBA CLEMENT OHWOFASA. 4. MANNIE ELVIS AKELE.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.

The Recovery and restoration of MAN, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY, for the evolution of a new EARTH built on the foundation of LOVE, PEACE, JOY and RIGHTEOUSNESS, where God recovers his purpose for creating mankind, which is an eternal and divine relationship between God and man Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama , Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: MR EMMANUEL GODMAN AMACHUKWU CHAIRMAN

LEARN AND PRAISE CHURCH This is to inform the General Public that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended).

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. PASTOR OLURINDE DAVID OLUWATUYI 2. JOHNSON VICTOR KAYODE 3 FAGBIRE TAIWO JACOB AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1 To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ 2 To win souls for Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28)days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (a). To preach and teach the gospel of Lord Jesus Christ to all nations. (b). To bring hope and succour to the less privileged in the society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended).

TRUSTEES; 1. MRAKPOR IGHO 2. FASANMADE OLUFEMI ADETOLA

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28)days of this publication.

WINDING UP

At the extra-ordinary general meeting of the above named company held on the 14th day of December, 2015 at the company’s registered Office, the following special resolutions were duly passed: 1. RESOLUTION TO VOLUNTARILY WIND UP That VAMED HEALTHCARE CONSUMABLES LTD be and is hereby Voluntarily wound up.

2. APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR That MobolaBada& Associates of Suites 111/113, Theodak Plaza, Central Area ,Abuja be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of VAMED HEALTHCARE CONSUMABLES LTD for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the company.

Dated this 14th day of December, 2015 SIGNEDSIGNED PRINCE ALBERT AWOFISAYO Director

This is to inform the General Public that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended).

This is to inform the General Public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended).

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. ABDUL MOMOH 2. PETER OLALEKAN OGUNSADE 3. OLUKOLADE TAIWO FALADE 4 MUSEDIQ ODEMUYIWA 5 ELDER OLAYIWOLA SAMUEL OLIYIDE

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. BANKOLE KAYODE BABATUNDE - PRESIDENT 2. IBE MONDAY CHUKWUKA ANTHONY - SECRETARY 3. TOWOLANI ANDREW OYEKANMI 4. ANTHONY EMMANUEL 5. BALOGUN AKANNI ISMAILA 6. AGHOGHO EDITH ASINI

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To promote moral discipline among the members.

2 To maintain peace and order among the members

AIM AND OBJECTIVE To encourage and foster the interest of the old students in the president day activities and aspiration of the school.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28)days of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28)days of this publication.

Signed: PRESIDENT

AJAYI NIYI SUNDAY

WINDING UP

WINDING UP

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 A MED PHARMACEUTICALS INDUSTRIES LTD RC N0. 623381 SPECIAL RESOLUTION MEMBER’S VOLUNTARY WINDING UP

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 VAMED BIO-MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS & MAINTENANCE LTD RC N0. 614804 SPECIAL RESOLUTION MEMBER`S VOLUNTARY WINDING UP

1. RESOLUTION TO VOLUNTARILY WIND UP That VAMED PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD be and is hereby Voluntarily wound up.

2. APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR That MobolaBada& Associates of Suites 111/113, Theodak Plaza, Central Area,Abuja be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of VAMED PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the company.

At the extra-ordinary general meeting of the above named company held on the 14th day of December, 2015 at the company’s registered Office, the following special resolutions were duly passed: 1. RESOLUTION TO VOLUNTARILY WIND UP That VAMED BIO-MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS & MAINTENANCE LTD be and is hereby Voluntarily wound up.

2. APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR That MobolaBada& Associates of Suites 111/113, Theodak Plaza, Central Area,Abuja be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of VAMED BIO-MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS & MAINTENANCE LTD for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the company.

Dated this 14th day of December, 2015

Dated this 14th day of December, 2015 SIGNED EDWIN ABUBOKHA Director

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 VAMED HOSPITAL PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT LTD RC N0. 614810 SPECIAL RESOLUTION MEMBER’S VOLUNTARY WINDING UP At the extra-ordinary general meeting of the above named company held on the 14th day of December, 2015 at the company’s registered Office, the following special resolutions were duly passed: 1. RESOLUTION TO VOLUNTARILY WIND UP That VAMED HOSPITAL PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT LTD be and is hereby Voluntarily wound up.

2. APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR That MobolaBada& Associates of Suites 111/113, Theodak Plaza, Central Area,Abuja be and is hereby appointed Liquidator ofVAMED HOSPITAL PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT LTD for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the company.

MRS YUSUF TAWAKALITU MORENIKE

I formerly known and addressed as FOLAHAN KAYODE ABAYOMI, now wish to be Known and addressed as AJAYI NIYI SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS GBADAMOSI MORENIKE TAWAKALITU, now wish to be Known and addressed as MRS YUSUF TAWAKALITU MORENIKE. All former documents remain valid. The

CHANGE OF NAME

LOSS OF DOCUMENT:

I formerly known and addressed as Miss YASMIN AMINU WANKA, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. YASMIN WANKAABBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to notify the general public of the loss of original certificate of occupancy of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Obisesan dated the 30th July, 2015 registered as Number 4 Page 4 Volume 3697 at the land registry, Ibadan.

SIGNED PRINCE ALBERT AWOFISAYO Director

SIGNED PRINCE ALBERT AWOFISAYO Director

SIGNED AYO OTEGBOLA Director

CHRIST ELECT ABUNDANT GRACE MINISTRY

Dated this 14th day of December, 2015 AYO OTEGBOLA Director

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

WAHAB FOLAWIYO HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LAGOS

WINDING UP

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 VAMED HEALTHCARE CONSUMABLES LTD RC N0. 614793 SPECIAL RESOLUTION MEMBER’S VOLUNTARY WINDING UP

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (a) To provide free legal services to Nigerians, who are due to circumstances beyond their control, are unable to financially retain the services of counsels to represent them on legal matters. (b) Visiting prisons and other governmental bodies to ensuring that no one is held in chains due to lack of legal representation. (c) Organizing workshop to educating Nigerians on their right as contained in Nigeria legal books. (d) Engaging in research work and making recommendations to government agencies on issues that bother on ways of bringing quick administration of justice in Nigeria.

SELECTIVE CLUB 2015 OF IBADAN

SIGNED PRINCE ALBERT AWOFISAYO Director

SIGNED: SECRETARY

TRUSTEES 1. Barrister Sylvester Okosodo 2. Barrister Sylvester U. Okoihue 3. Barrister Evans Okoeko Emankhu

SIGNED: BARR. SYLVESTER OKOSODO.

At the extra-ordinary general meeting of the above named company held on the 14th day of December, 2015 at the company’s registered Office, the following special resolutions were duly passed:

AIMS; To propagate and spread the word of God

The general public is hereby noticed that the above named organization has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Act 1 of 1990.

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

DECLARE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

DEVOTED PRO BONO PRACTITIONERS OF NIGERIA

SIGNED AYO OTEGBOLA Director

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. SUNDAY ECHACHOMA. - Founder/ G. O. 2.AKPOBOME ECHACHOMA. - Deputy General Overseer. - (Deputy G.O.) 3. ELIZABETH AGBELOGODE. - Treasurer 4. CARING OMOVUDU GEGHE. - Secretary 5. RACHEL ECHACHOMA. - Member AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To preach the gospel of the lord Jesus christ ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed ; SUNDAY ECHACHOMA. - Founder/ G. O.

MRS AKHILE OSEGBE PATIENCE

UCHUNOR MICHAEL AFAMEFUNE

MRS JOY FAVOUR OLISEMEDUA

I formerly known and addressed as NWONU CHIKA REGINA, now wish to be Known and addressed as CHIOMA VICTORIA ONWUNALI. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MOSES OSEGBE PATIENCE, now wish to be Known and addressed as MRS AKHILE OSEGBE PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL AFAM, now wish to be Known and addressed as UCHUNOR MICHAEL AFAMEFUNE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JOY FAVOUR OSAZUWA, now wish to be Known and addressed as MRS JOY FAVOUR OLISEMEDUA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINYINMINU FLORENCE OMONIYI (MRS)

NKEM AUSTIN OBINNA (MR)

ONYIRIUKA CHIJIOKE CYRIL

1. I formerly known and addressed as IMMANUEL GODSON IYAMAH, now wish to be known and addressed as IMMANUEL GODSON SUCCESS JACOBS. All documents bearing former name remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AJIGBOYE FLORENCE OMONIYI (MRS), now wish to be Known and addressed as AKINYINMINU FLORENCE OMONIYI (MRS). All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as IKE OBINNA (MR) now wish to be Known and addressed as NKEM AUSTIN OBINNA (MR). All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as ONYERIUKA CHIJIOKE CYRIL, now wish to be Known and addressed as ONYIRIUKA CHIJIOKE CYRIL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CHIOMA VICTORIA ONWUNALI

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Ladder crisis: Aero indicts Bauchi airport manager Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe

Accountable Manager and Managing Director, Aero, Capt Russel Lee Foon, has said that the airline was assured of adequate ground handling services by the Bauchi Airport Manager before the airline embarked on a flight with B737—500 series with registration 5NBLG. Lee Foon, who disclosed this while briefing aviation correspondents, on Monday, on what happened at Bauchi Airport, at the weekend, added that the charter was booked by

a group of young people, who were to attend a wedding party and that the groom was also on board.

The Accountable Manager explained that on December 18, 2015, the airline Head of Ground Operations, Mr. Peter Omata, confirmed the handling of the flight through the Airport Manager of Bauchi, Mr. Abubakar, and that he, also, confirmed, on many occasions, the availability of the air stairs and cost.

He further explained that prior to leaving Abuja, the Flight dispatcher contacted the Airport Manager to advise that

the aircraft was taxing out and he confirmed that they were ready to receive the flight.

According to him, “At 10:42 the aircraft touched down on Runway 35 at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport.

The controller advised the crew that due the absence of marshallers and ramp officials of any sort, that parking would be at their own discretion.”

He continued, “At 10:44 the flight dispatcher on board contacted the Airport Manager to advise him that they were on the ground, to which he con-

firmed that he was seeing the aircraft on taxi and that they were waiting.

After parking, the captain reported that they waited for up to 10 minutes for the stairs to be brought to the aircraft but no assistance or stairs came to the aircraft. The captain reported that he informed the passengers of the situation as they were beginning to get agitated. What was not known to the crew, at the beginning of the flight, was that the groom of the wedding was on board the flight. The wedding was to start in another 20 minutes.”

23 News

UNILORIN vows to set pace in research, devt Kehinde Akinpelu. Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe authorities of the

University of Ilorin have expressed their commitment to continue setting the pace for other universities to emulate in the area of quality research, innovation, as well as uninterrupted academic programmes.

Its Deputy-Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, stated this, on Monday, when he received delegations from the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA), Aliero, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The team was led by the Head of the Department of Pure and Applied Chem-

istry of the university, Dr. Haruna Yusuf, Staff Adviser, Mrs. Misitura Lawal and SIWES Co-ordinator, Mr. Cosmas Elinge, with over 40 students, who were on a-three day excursion to Kwara State.

Akogun, who assured the team that UNILORIN would not relent in its endeavours to continue as the “University of Choice” for applicants across the country, noted that the strides by the university was honoured by the federal government by conferring national honour on both its immediate past and current Vice Chancellors, Professors Ishaq Oloyede and Abdulgaiyu Ambali, respectively.

Iwo Oba-elect laments neglect of ancestral root Oluwaseyi fadoro

ÏÏÏThe Oluwo of Iwo, Oba

L-R: Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Adeyemo; General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Oyo State Governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, during the state’s Christmas Carol and Thanksgiving Service, held at the Agodi Gardens, Ibadan... on Sunday.

Court Registrar jailed 10-yrs for defrauding Gen. Bamaiyi Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏA Lagos High Court,

sitting in Ikeja, on Monday, convicted a court registrar, Mrs Oluronke Idowu Rosulu, for aiding Fred Ajudua to defraud former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi of $330,000.

Justice Lateef LawalAkapo sentenced the Rosulu to 10 years’ imprisonment based on two-counts of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences and obtaining money by false pretences brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While sentencing Rosulu, the judge held that,

Gen. Bamaiyi

“The representation that she never collected $330,000 from the complainant is deceptive.

“I find the accused guilty as charged. On count one, I sentence the accused to 10 years’ imprisonment, and on count two, I sentence the accused to 10 years imprisonment. Both sentences are

to run concurrently.”

Before the sentence was pronounced, the defence counsel, Mr. Bamidele Ogundele, during the allocutus pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

Bamidele pleaded before the court that Rosulu was a first time offender without any criminal record and that she was a widow with four children as her dependants.

“She has been in suspension from the judiciary for over a year and she is on the verge of retiring next year after 34-years of active service in the judiciary,” Bamidele said.

However, counsel for the

EFCC, Mr. E.E Iheanacho, requested that Rosulu received the maximum sentence.

“The crime for which the accused is being charged carries a mandatory sentence of 10-years’ imprisonment and we urge the court to sentence her accordingly,” he said.

Rosulu, who was a former court registrar to Justice Joseph Oyewole, was tried and convicted for aiding Mr. Fred Ajudua, a one-time Lagos socialite to defraud Bamaiyi at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison between November 2004 and June 2005, while Ajudua and Bamaiyi were remanded in Kirikiri prison.

AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi has lamented what he called “neglect” of the town history over the years.

The monarch made the remarks while speaking with newsmen in his palace on his choice and appointment as the 16th Oluwo of Iwo. He expressed displeasure with the development and, therefore, called on Iwo indigenes both at home and in Diaspora to come and invest in the town, in order to develop and put the town in its rightful position in the country.

Akanbi, who is scheduled to be presented with Staff of Office on January 16, 2016, recalled that the earliest settlement initiated by Adekola Telu, a prince from Ife, was the son of the 21st Ooni of Ife, a female called Luwo Gbagida.

His words, “You can imagine how strong she was to have emerged a female Ooni. That is the spirit with which Iwo was founded.”

He, however, assured the people of his plans to work in partnership with the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), to improve the living condition of Iwo people and the people of Osun in general during his reign.

The monarch also expressed appreciation to God and to the people of the town for their support during his three years litigation in court. Adegunodo, one of the ruling houses had taken the Gbase ruling house where Oba Akanbi emerged to court for determination of who becomes the next Oluwo. Subsequently, the court ruled in favour of ’Gbase ruling house.

Akwa Ibom Assembly elects Luke new Speaker ÏÏÏThe Akwa Ibom House

of Assembly, on Monday, elected Hon. Onofiok Luke as its new Speaker. Luke, who represents Nsit Ubium Constituency, emerged as Speaker, following the nullification of the election of Aniekan Uko, the former Speaker. Last week, the appeal court sitting in Abuja nullified Uko’s election.

Luke was nominated by

Nse Essien, member representing Onna and seconded

by Mark Esset, member representing Nsit Atai.

Mandu Umoren, clerk of the House, administered the oath of office on the new speaker. In his acceptance speech, Luke promised to work with the executive to bring development to the state and ensure that the dividends of democracy reached the grassroots.

News 24 Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏEkiti

state governor, Ayo Fayose, on Monday, sworn in the newly elected council chairmen across the 16 Local Government Areas in the state with a declaration that there is no money in the council again for them to run it as it should be.

Fayose equally warned their wives against extravagant way of life that could jeopardise the interest of the people at the grassroots, but charged them to support their spouses to work and ensure that the people enjoy the dividend of democracy.

He specifically urged the newly sworn in chairmen to take Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) serious, saying that it was the only way out to manage the present economic situation.

Fayose, who spoke during the swearing in ceremony of the new council chiefs, which took place at the governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti, advised the

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Fayose declares Ekiti councils broke, swears in new chairs newly sworn in local government chairmen not to make money as their focus as they are assuming office, but to make the welfare of their people a priority.

The governor who said the economy of Nigeria as a whole is currently in serious trouble, challenged President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to stop paying lip service to fighting corruption.

“If anyone of you have the intention of going to steal in the council you should erase that immediately from your mind.

There is no money now.

The economy is seriously in trouble in Nigeria. The huge debt left by APC government is still there now for this government. I advise you to cut your coat according to your size.

“You must have love for the people, you must

be available to be seen and spoken to, visit them in times of distress, everything is not all about money, even if you don’t have money to give them, show love to them. Don’t just pass by and wave to them.

“Local government election is a promise kept. I am the first governor to conduct local government election. Make sure you carry the civil servants

and councilors along when you get to office. Work with them and ensure things are right” Fayose said.

Fayose, however, described the conduct of the local government election as a landmark achievement in the history of Ekiti state.

“After seven years, Ekiti is now a democratic local council. No matter where Engineer Segun Oni is lost now, one day he will be

Kano Hisbah Board repatriates beggars to 4 states, other countries Yakubu Salisu

ÏÏÏKano

Yuletide: Travelers bemoan hike in transport fare Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏAs the Christmas and

New Year festivities hit up, Nigerians have blamed the hike in transport fares to the government insensitivity to the plight of the people.

The persisting fuel scarcity in the country, according to passengers traveling to several parts of the country, has added more financial burden on intending holiday seekers and those visiting their homes to see their loved ones.

Daily Times discovered across motor packs operating in Abuja that scanty travelers decried the one hundred per cent increase in transport fare.

Mr. Titus Ugwu, a passenger from Nsukka, bemoaned the hike in fuel price, which he said has also orchestrated the hike in transport fare and this has coincided with the Christmas and New Year celebration.

found. I believe he will still come back. Whatever APC say about the election, that is their problem.

“We did not have inconclusive election or bring someone who did not participate in primary to take over. The fact remains that there is no APC in Ekiti state again. We prepare for 2018 everyday. They cannot come and force election on people again” Fayose added.

L-R: Divisional Head, Operations, Fidelity Bank Plc (FBP), Martins Izuogbe; Treasurer, National Association of Business and Management Students, Lagos City Polytechnic, Ikeja, Adeyemi Adedokun; President, Raimot Laminot; Chief Risk Officer, FBP) Kevin Ugwuoke and Divisional Head, Retail Bankinf, FBP, Richard Madiebo at the Prize Presentation ceremony of the Rent Support category of the Fidelity Save4 Shelter Savings Promo in Lagos… on Monday.

I won’t be part to muzzle media, says Saraki ÏÏÏSenate President, Dr.

Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Monday, said he would never support any attempt for the government to regulate media activities in the country as he believes strongly in a self-regulated media.

Saraki, while receiving the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Waheed Odusile, and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on a visit to his office, said the 8th Senate would support all programmes of the NUJ aimed at repositioning the media to perform its constitutional duties responsibly.

Saraki said: “The things you have said this afternoon are the things that are very important which we must address if we are

Saraki

serious about the role that journalism and the press play in our society because the change we want to bring to the country is not just on the economic or social aspect, but even in the moral and ethical structure of our democracy. The press has a key role to play.

And if the press has not got their own house in order, it

is very unlikely that they can play that role.

“For the first time, I am hearing an NUJ President saying that they have problems which we have always known that you did but nobody was ready to say you had problems.

“The first thing you talked about is for a law to recognise that journalism is a profession. You are indeed professionals, but unfortunately as you said many people have joined this profession and in the process they have done more harm than good to the profession.

“In my own profession, if you are a quack doctor, you cannot last because the system would get rid of you, but unfortunately in your profession the quacks even last more. What are those laws that we need

to pass to make the press more efficient? I am happy with what you said that there must be laws to help journalists to regulate journalism practice and I want to say one thing, I will not support any government regulation.

“I think you should be self-regulated. You should self-regulate yourself but I agree with you entirely that we must have those laws that will provide that enabling environment for self-regulation and also to ensure that only professionals come into your profession and not anybody that is looking for money”, he said, while urging the NUJ to quickly forward a comprehensive proposal on the areas they want the National Assembly to help them legislate upon.

State Hisbah Board has revealed that the board has repatriated about 60, 822 beggars to their respective states of origin and other countries between 2014 and 2015. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the board, Alh. Muhammad Yusuf Yola, made this known to Daily Times on Monday during a telephone interview.

According to him, the beggars made up of male and female as well as children were arrested at different locations within the state, while some of the beggars whom have records of arrests with the board were taken to court for prosecution.

Yola said some of them were sentenced to months of imprisonment so as to serve as a deterrent to those who want to join in the act, and also to discourage those already into it.

JOSEPH OLUGBENGA EMMANUEL I formerly known and addressed as OTUNBA JOE OVIE, now wish to be Known and addressed as JOSEPH OLUGBENGA EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note CHUKWUNALU GEORGE GODWIN I formerly known and addressed as ANDREW CUKWUWALU ENUBIAKA, now wish to be Known and addressed as CHUKWUNALU GEORGE GODWIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

25 Opinion

Buhari: Seven months after inauguration Jideofor Adibe ÏÏÏ It is almost seven months since Buhari was sworn in as President and 10 months since he defeated President Jonathan in the March 28 presidential election. It is also more than a month since the retired army general inaugurated his ministers – after ruling the country as a sole administrator for nearly six months.

I have previously argued that Buhari’s stuttering; if not disappointing start, is not unusual for a new regime. I thought one year after inauguration will be a reasonable length of time to start drawing conclusions from our observations and call out the government.

This however does not mean we should abandon our role as public individuals to help keep the government on its toes. The difference is that whatever lapses we observe now we are willing to attribute to mistakes of the head, not of the heart.

In the nearly seven months that Buhari has been in power, a number of observations could be made: One, the man is a bundle of energy that belies his age. At 73, he walks spritely.

Buhari’s energy mocks those who made mockery of his age during the campaigns. At the same time, it raises concerns in some quarters on whether he can sustain this energy level. I have lost count of his globetrotting since he became President.

Two, more than a month after his ministers were inaugurated, several of

them appear to thread as cautiously as possible – as if they want to take all the time in the world to decode Buhari’s body language.

Under Obasanjo, arguably the most self-assured of the country’s presidents – ministers had the room to take risks and would receive political cover when they inevitably come under public criticisms or when the owners of the toes they stepped upon decide to fight back. Under Yar’Adua and Jonathan, political covers seem to be quickly withdrawn from many loyalists who come under public criticisms. It is doubtful if the likes of El-Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu and Chukwuma Soludo who stepped on powerful toes in the course of their jobs would have been able to keep their jobs under any other leader but Obasanjo. Will Buhari be willing to provide enough political cover for his ministers?

Three, how willing is Buhari to learn from history. Take Boko Haram for example. There is fairly a consensus that until 2009 the group more or less went about its business peacefully, even if a little unruly.

On June 11, 2009 following a row with the police over the members’ refusal to wear crash helmets in Maiduguri, several sect members were killed. Yusuf was said to have avowed revenge, which he allegedly did three days later. The chain of events led to the death of some 800-sect members. Yusuf died in police custody and what was meant to be a ‘final solution’ for Boko Haram ironically ended up radicalising the group.

Fat forward to December 2015. There were reports that several Shiites (some reports quoted figures as high as 1000) were killed

Buhari

in Kaduna in clashes with soldiers over claims that the group had planned to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai . Their leader of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky was also arrested.

Before the reported massacre of Shiites in Kaduna, the government had also detained Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and director of Radio Biafra. That action alone turned an otherwise innocuous individual into a mythical figure that spurred days of protests across many parts of the South- east, south- south and even beyond the borders of the country. The more things change the more they remain the same.

Four, the pattern of political alliances in the country may be undergoing some imperceptible changes. Given the North-South political dichotomy, the President

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and Vice President do not come from the same side of the political divide. The common assumption was that in the south, the southeast and the south south are the North’s (essentially the so-called natural) allies while the South-west are masters in playing opposition politics. For the first time in Nigeria’s political history, Igbo political elites appear to have swapped roles with their Yoruba counterparts – and surprisingly seem to be enjoying it. Before now, the Igbo elites were known for their doctrine of “the goat follows the man with the palm fronds”. With the pattern of alliances among regions likely to become more fluid now than ever, it is hoped that this will goad the different regional factions of the elites into cultivating traits that will make them beautiful brides in the “political game”. Such qualities will include reliability, loyalty

and ability to deliver block vote. The fact that smart alliances can neutralise population advantages and disadvantages may become open political cards.

Five, related to the above is the puzzle of how some Igbo elites and ‘Internet Warriors’ have become former President Jonathan’s greatest defenders since he lost power – more than his Ijaw brethren. What made several Igbo elites and ‘lumpen proletariat’ to develop a sense of coownership of the Jonathan Presidency despite the fact that Jonathan is not Igbo and the argument in some quarters that the Southeast in fact received the least capital projects under his presidency than other zones of the country? How come that the Igbo political elites never had a similar sense of co-ownership of the Obasanjo regime despite that fact Obasanjo appointed probably more Igbos to influential positions than Jonathan did? I believe that knowing how this sense of co-ownership was developed could be useful to regimes trying to build critical support.

Dasukigate The reported admission by Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser that he disbursed money (in both local and hard currency) to sundry individuals appears to be undermining the public sympathy he had enjoyed over his arrest and detention. There is however, the danger that the almost daily revelations of the humongous sums disbursed without appropriation will quickly lose their shock value as people start craving for new storylines. The bottom line is that revelations

of possible embezzlement or diversion of mind-boggling sums of money cannot be effective substitutes for policies that will fix problems, create wealth for the country and jobs for the army of the unemployed.

The revelations may at best satisfy some people’s baying for blood and provide entertainment to others.

N5, 000 stipend for unemployed graduates President Muhammadu Buhari is reportedly proposing a budget of about N8 trillion for 2016 – twice the size of last year’s budget of N4.4 trillion. This is another contradiction of the Buhari regime, which is supposed to be an austere regime. A good chunk of this huge sum at a time of dwindling oil revenue – will be to pay unemployed graduates N5, 000 per month. Ordinarily the idea of unemployment benefit should be a welcome idea but one would have thought that the first step would be to develop the necessary framework, including the exact number of potential beneficiaries, how leakages should be avoided and where the money will come from. Just as the government chose to continue paying billions of naira in subsidies to oil marketers (while reporting to the world that the country is broke), this will become another hole draining the country’s meagre resources at a time many state government are owing their workers several months’ arrears in salary. Would more not be accomplished by simply investing in schemes that will help the unemployed to create jobs for themselves – and hopefully employ others?

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Law Æ s AGF must address problem of undue delay in administration of justice — Daramola Olu Daramola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is the deputy head of chambers of the Afe Babalola & Co (SAN). In this interview with PETER FOWOYO, Olu, who was called to the Nigerian Bar over two decades ago speaks on the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) Law, misapplication of Rules in Pre-Trail Conference, the Supreme Court pronouncement in the case of the Senate President, Olusola Saraki and other sundry issues.

Daramola

How do you see the decision of the Supreme Court that halted Saraki’s case before the Code of Conduct of Tribunal (CCT) despite the existence of Administration of Criminal Justice Law that abolished stay of proceedings in any criminal case instituted in a federal court in the country?

I was surprised by the decision of the Apex Court. The proceedings before the Code of Conduct Tribunal are governed by the Administration of Justice Act 2015. As you rightly noted, that law expressly abolished stay of proceedings in criminal cases. Since the duty of a court is to interpret and not to invent law, the Supreme Court should have dismissed the application for stay. Unless the provision of the law, which abolishes stay of proceedings is upheld it may be difficult in this country to prosecute criminal cases because all you need to do as a defence counsel is to challenge the charge and then file an appeal and an application for stay of proceedings if the challenge fails. Given the perennial delay in the administration of justice in this country, it may take up to 10 years before the challenge travels up to the

Supreme Court. By the time the challenge is resolved in favour of the state, witnesses may no longer be available and as such the accused may escape justice.

I hope the Supreme Court will seize the opportunity of the substantive matter to make a clear pronouncement on the issue. The provision in the Administration of Justice Act abolishing stay of proceedings was deliberately inserted by the legislature to address the problem of using application for stay to frustrate criminal trials. The Supreme Court is bound to uphold the law.

What agenda will you set for the new AGF especially as it affects the administration of justice system in the country?

The greatest problem facing the administration of justice in the country is the undue delay in the determination of cases in the various courts. It is not unusual for a case to take up to five years to be determined at the High Court. In some instances, it took up to 20 years for a case to be finally laid to rest at the Supreme Court. The AG must address this problem

I believe one of the reasons why Nigeria is not attractive to foreign investors is that they lack faith in our judicial system due to delay.

No foreign investor would want to invest his money in a country where it will take up to 15 years to resolve a commercial dispute in court. by initiating legislations that will ensure speedy and efficient dispensation of justice. He can look up to some countries like Singapore, Malaysia and United Kingdom where the problem of delay has been effectively dealt with. A situation where a civil or criminal case takes up to five years to be decided by the High Court is not good for the country. It will scare away genuine foreign investors from coming to the country to do business.

Therefore, this problem must be squarely addressed.

He must also ensure that the Federal Government obeys court orders. Government must lay good example in this regard because a government that

fails to obey court orders made against it lacks the moral right to enforce law and court judgements on its citizens. He must ensure that government briefs are properly handled. To achieve this, he needs to strengthen the prosecutorial capacity of the DPP’s office. The Civil Litigation department must also be staffed by competent lawyers.

He must address the ugly situation where government briefs are farmed out to external lawyers. This constitutes a serious drain on government lean resources because they have to pay the lawyers. In the past, the ministry of justice and not external solicitors handled most if not all government briefs. It is cheaper for the government to recruit good lawyers into the Ministry of Justice who can handle all its briefs.

Do you support the suggestion that the office of Attorney-General should be separated from that of Minister for Justice?

To me separating the two offices is not really the main issue. After all when you separate them you will still assign human beings to the offices. If you like, fragment the office into 10 and put 10 persons, if they are not doing the right thing, it will still not work. In this country, we always like to experiment with all kinds of things. If there are problems associated with that office, what they should do is to address the problem. For instance, look at the war against corruption, as we speak there are so many laws dealing with corruption to the extent that we have some laws conflicting with

other laws and this is impeding smooth prosecution of cases.

For instance, if you look at the Criminal Code all issues that relate to corruption are there. So, making new laws at times is not what is needed but enforcing the existing laws to serve the people. For me, it is a distraction to separate the office of the AGF from that of the Minister for justice. Most of the people are not coming from the moon and those that have the power to appoint them are the politicians.

And the resultant effect of this is that government will now be paying two persons doing the job of one person and in term of service delivery, nothing would have really changed.

Election Petition Tribunal nullified the election of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on the grounds of widespread violence that took place during the election. Are you comfortable that no person has been charged to court with electoral violence?

I am deeply concerned that none of the perpetrators of the violence has been brought to book. This is clear indication that the law enforcement agents are not doing their work properly. The election of Rivers State was nullified not on the ground of widespread violence alone but also for irregularities. It is rather unfortunate that elections which should be seen as festivals of democracy always turn out to be marked by violence and killings. This is scaring good people away from politics. The security officers

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Continued from page 26 deployed to maintain peace and order during the election ought to be held accountable for the violence because they ought to have foreseen and made adequate preparation to forestall it. Violence is a criminal offence and as such the perpetrators ought to have been arrested and prosecuted. There is no way a free and fair election can be conducted in an atmosphere of violence.

Is it constitutional for the President to assign more than a ministry to a Minister?

There is nothing unlawful in the President assigning more than a ministry to a minister.

There is no law that says that a Minister cannot hold more than one portfolio in the Federal Executive Council. The President has the prerogative to determine the number of ministries.

The constitution only requires him to appoint ministers from all the states of the federation but he has the prerogative to determine the sharing of the portfolios.

Some have suggested that Federal Character should be expunged from the constitution. Do you agree?

I do not agree that the Federal Character should be expunged, as Nigeria is not ripe for that.

Even in America, there is what is called Affirmative Action through which the government ensures that all the races are represented in public schools and appointments. A multi-ethnic society like Nigeria cannot do away with federal character.

Even with federal character, people are talking about marginalisation. Removal of federal character from the constitution at this time will create further problems for the country.

There is a general disrespect in the international community, especially the United Kingdom for our maritime administration. Why is this so?

England is the hub of international commercial litigation and arbitration. The reason is simple. Many people around the world go to London to settle their commercial disputes because England has facilities for quick and efficient resolution of disputes. In Nigeria, we have good Judges but the reason why many will not come to Nigeria to resolve their disputes is because of inordinate delay in the dispensation of justice. No commercial man would like to spend 10 years pursuing a case that should not take more than six months. You may then ask, why

27 Law

Conflicting laws often impede speedy prosecution of cases— Daramola can’t such people do arbitration in Nigeria? The reason again is that arbitration being a private dispute resolution mechanism needs the support of the court in many areas like appointment of arbitrators, where the parties are not cooperating in making the appointment, challenge of arbitrators, summoning witnesses who may not want to appear etc.

I was involved in an arbitration that lasted over 10 years.

After the first sitting, the respondent challenged the composition of the arbitral panel even though it appointed one of the three arbitrators. The challenge was refused and he proceeded to court and sought an order of court for stay of proceedings.

The sitting of the arbitrators had to be postponed to await the decision of court in the matter.

It took four years for the matter to be disposed.

The arbitration resumed immediately and again he filed another suit which took five years in court. The arbitration again was suspended for the five years. We eventually concluded the arbitration in 2010 and an award was rendered.

The respondent again filed a suit to challenge the award and it was only after the suit was dismissed that they entered into negotiation with us. We then filed the terms of settlement in court and adopted it as the judgment of the court. As I am talking to you, my clients are yet to reap the benefit of the judgment as the respondent for no just cause has refused to pay.

We are again in court seeking to enforce the consent judgment.

You will agree with me that no commercial person, if he has other options will want to take his matter into a jurisdiction where it will take eternity to resolve. The challenge before us in Nigeria is to remove the causes of delay in the administration of justice.

As a senior member of the Bar, how would you assess the standard of the legal profession in Nigeria?

The standard of legal practice in Nigeria is very good and indeed comparable with what obtains in the Western World. The only thing that is just evolving is partnership. In Nigeria, the prevalence of one -man firm is the only draw-back in the profession. The reason is that many seniors in the profession do not

Daramola

want to share their income with their juniors and many juniors do not want to be under any person. In this era of globalisation, Nigerians need to tap the benefits of partnership where you have lawyers specialising in different areas of law within the same firm.

Despite the fast track procedure introduced to speedup hearing of cases in Lagos courts, cases are still being delayed. What do you think is responsible for this?

What is responsible for delay in Lagos is the misapplication of the Rules with respect to pre-trial conference. It is rather unfortunate that some Judges insist that all cases must go through the pre-trial conference procedure including matters commenced by originating summons or under summary judgment procedure. The Rule as to pre-trial conference should only apply to cases commenced by writ of summons and which require trial. Apart from this, the other cause of delay is frivolous applications usually filed by lawyers who know that their clients are not likely to win on the merit. Once the application is refused, he proceeds to appeal and then file a motion for stay of proceedings.

There is a need for all the stakeholders; that is the judges, lawyers, and litigants to recog-

nise that justice delayed is justice denied. Courts should sit on time and should refuse frivolous applications for adjournment.

The government must create enabling environment for the judges to work. By this, I am referring to regular supply of electricity to the court rooms, provision of air conditioners in the court rooms, recording facilities and judicial assistants should be appointed to assist judges in conducting research. I believe one of the reasons why Nigeria is not attractive to foreign investors is that they lack faith in our judicial system due to delay. No foreign investor would want to invest his money in a country where it will take up to 15 years to resolve a commercial dispute in court.

In Singapore, it takes just about six months to conclude the hearing and determination of a case in the high court. The appeal will also not last for more than six months. If the case turns out to be frivolous, heavy cost is usually awarded. But in Nigeria, a person who owes billions will rush to court knowing that if he eventually loses the case, he will pay little or no cost.

One of the reasons why corruption is very rampart in the country is the delay in adjudication of cases. Most of the cases of corruption preferred against governors who served between 1999 and 2007 are still in court.

In many, trials have not even commenced.

What role should lawyers play in creating a better Nigeria or more specifically, a corruption- free Nigeria?

Honestly, there is very little lawyers can do to stem the tide of corruption in Nigeria. Mind you, a lawyer is a professional plying his trade to make a living. Corruption affects all strata of the society and there is very little lawyers alone can do to stem the tide. You need political will to fight corruption. I doubt if you can point to any country in the world where lawyers alone stopped corruption. What lawyers can do is to aid the government in the fight by supporting measures put in place to attack the menace.

I am aware that many lawyers have been involved in campaigns against corruption but unless the government takes the battle seriously, nothing can be achieved. Imagine a school where the principal and most of the senior teachers are very corrupt, one teacher shouting against corruption in that school cannot achieve anything.

He may even be framed up and victimized. If you have a government that has zero tolerance for corruption, everybody would sit up and toe the line including public servants, lawyers, doctors, engineers and so on.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Tech Times Æ s

28

Inye Kemabonta, Editor, Tech Times inye@technologylaw.com.ng

Shittu commends NITDA on projects, solicits speedy delivery Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Barr.

Adebayo Shittu, minister of Communications, has commended National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA’s) on its projects, pledges to support the Agency’s programmes and solicit for speedy delivery of them.

Shittu expressed his delight with the Agency during the ministerial briefing of the Ministry of Communications held at the minster’s conference room featuring National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) led by Mr. Peter Jack, the director general, and his management team.

The Agency, according to the minister, has to put more efforts in the delivery of its programmes and services especially to the local communities for empowerment and economic growth of the nation, adding that IT penetration in the country will make the impact of governance felt among the people.

The Communications Minister however, advised that virtual library can be deployed to schools swiftly by tasking schools to provide the building where these equipments can

Shittu, Minister of Communications

be deployed and in doing so; the schools will be encouraged to key into the programme.

He said, a schedule should be drawn for him to visit some of the Rural Information Technology Centres (RITCs), noting that their presence there will awaken the people’s attention about the centre.

Earlier, the DG NITDA in his presentation highlighted the activities of the Agency to the minister stating that, NITDA was established by the approval of the National Information Technology Policy in March 2001 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) while the enabling act was passed into law in April 2007.

Essentially, he added that NITDA was created to set standards, guidelines, regulate, monitor, evaluate and verify progress of Information Technology sector in Nigeria which made it the clearing house of IT products and services in the country.

He affirmed that, Information

and Communication Technology 4 Development (ICT4D) is the development plan driving the activities of the Agency, focusing on the strategic plans namely: e-government, e-agriculture, e-commerce and e-learning which will create a platform for each sector to monitor and organise its activities.

He unfolded the various developmental programmes for growth and national development, which ranges from Rural Information Technology Centre (RITC) now Public Access Venues (PAV) in 300 Local Government Area across the country; 194 IT Infrastructure in schools, now Knowledge Access Venue (KAV); award of scholarship to 296 for master degree and 30 for PhD; pilot solar kiosk and establishment of virtual libraries in schools among others.

He buttressed that as part of NITDA’s mandate on capacity building, it has trained unemployed youths, NYSC members, ICT Directors from Ministry, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and security personnel.

Jack solicited that the ministry give NITDA the necessary support to enable it deliver more of its mandate.

IDC Offers Solutions To Africa’s Failing MVNO Environment

By Tony Nwakaegho

Kore, IDC East Africa

Leonard Kore, a research analyst for telecommunications and media at IDC East Africa (picture) There is strong indication that the growth of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) globally, the majority of MVNO efforts in Africa to date have been unsuccessful despite happening in countries offering

favourable market conditions and plentiful opportunities.

That’s according to new insights from global IT market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC), whose latest report shows that while the number of MVNOs has increased globally in recent years, the trend remains in its infancy in Africa, with the continent playing host to less than 1% of the world’s 1,000 MVNOs.

“The MVNO situation is different in Africa because of several challenges such as a lack of regulatory support, poor business models and strategies, low ARPUs, market saturation in some countries, fear of competition, and resistance from incumbent mobile telcos.

“Despite this, opportunities do exist, and a number of MVNOs have been launched on the continent, especially in Kenya and South

Africa.

Fast-developing telecommunications markets such as South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco exhibit high mobile penetration rates and oligopolistic market structures, necessitating the need for MVNOs that focus on niche market segments,” Leonard Kore, a research analyst for telecommunications and media at IDC East Africa CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Tech Times 29

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

NITDA hosts Al-Qualam University, pledges IT intervention in Katsina

By Tony Nwakaegho Mr. Peter Jack, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said that the Agency will soon embark on IT intervention in the Katsina State, as a result of the Agency realisation that the people of state are ready for the IT intervention.

The DG NITDA made this assertion when the Vice chancellor of AlQalam University Katsina Prof. Shehu G. Ado and his team paid him a courtesy visit at NITDA Headquarter in Abuja.

Jack informed the University about the agency scholarship

scheme for Masters programme and PhD, which was confirmed by a member of the VC’s team who said, he is a beneficiary of NITDA’s master and PhD scholarship programmes.

The NITDA boss also asked the VC to engage in setting problems for final year students, adding that the solutions to the problems can become marketable.

The final year students, he said, can be grouped into teams and the best team wins a price.

Jack promised to write to the University on capacity building, once the Agency embarks on training.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Shehu G. Ado stated that the

Jack, DG NITDA University seeks to partner with the Agency and requested for assistance in providing the University with Equipment for Standard Laboratories for virtual learning and simulations and Network Upgrade to campus-wide intranet.

The Prof. Ado said the University was licensed to

operate by National University Commission (NUC) in June 2005 as Katsina University with the aim of bridging the large gap of the status of educationally disadvantaged in far Northern states especially north-west region where the university is located.

According to the VC, the

University started with just four programmes among which was computer science up to 2013 when eighteen programmes was added.

He revealed that of the total of over four thousand students cutting across all programmes, the students in computer science out weight all the other courses.

IDC Offers Solutions To MVNO Environment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

said.

IDC believes some of the key factors driving the potential for MVNO growth in Africa are the existence of strong local brands, low barriers to entry, decreasing interconnection rates, emerging niche segments and the ability to generate alternative revenue streams for host telcos.

The rise of MVNOs across the continent is likely to bring a number of advantages, including greater competition.

This will drive improved quality of service (QoS) levels courtesy of increased network infrastructure investments, increased innovation, improved customer experience, and competitive pricing in some markets.

“IDC is seeing a trend where subscribers in some African countries are seeking many

value propositions from their operators, including mobile money services, low pricing, extended network coverage, 3G or 4G services, affordable data packages, and unlimited plans, among others.

“We are now seeing customers purchasing dual-SIM phones to accommodate more than one operator. A multi-SIM environment lowers the cost of customer acquisition in a market where users rarely change operators; this provides hope for new MVNO entrants that offer the right services. The best example of this is in Kenya where Equitel, a new MVNO, is trying to challenge the status quo by offering thin SIM card technology.

“The key opportunities for MVNOs looking to operate in Africa include mobile money, discount services, triple-play

services, OTT and VAS, roaming solutions, and public WiFi. “There will also be opportunities in the future for those offering M2M/IoT solutions. For MVNOs to take advantage, they need to leverage partnerships with strong local brands and distribution networks, negotiate the right wholesale agreement, ensure operational excellence and avoid sparking price wars. MVNOs should adapt to local market dynamics and needs, and aim to host and control in-house critical elements (e.g., business intelligence/analytics, customer relationship management, and the billing platform) as this will enable them to access vital customer and market information in a timely fashion.

At the same time, regulators are also urged to create a supportive regulatory environment that

will help position African countries as possible MVNO destinations,” Kore commented.

IDC’s report ‘The MVNO Opportunity in Africa’ (IDC #CEMA23487) provides an insight into the MVNO landscape in Africa. It assesses the key drivers and inhibitors of MVNO growth, while looking at the key opportunities for MVNOs in the future. The report also provides some key strategic recommendations for current and potential entrants in the MVNO ecosystem.

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets.

IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and

the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide.

For more than 50 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading technology media, research, and Events Company.

IDC in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey For the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey region, IDC retains a coordinated network of offices in Riyadh, Casablanca, Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, and Istanbul, with a regional centre in Dubai.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

30 Tech Times

NITDA awards ICT innovation prizes to outstanding NYSC members in Abuja

By Tony Nwakaegho The office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), a subsidiary under National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in order to deepen its work of supporting innovations in the ecosystem in Nigeria has awarded prizes for ICT innovation to outstanding National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members in Abuja who have excelled in its inaugural Idea Sprint under its multiyear ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme.

Established in line with NITDA Act 2007 and National ICT Policy, the OIIE is setup to nurture, cultivate and expand the ICT innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Among the winners at the inaugural edition of the programme who got cash prizes as idea development grants are Opaluwa John and Awulona Obinna with “MyDriver”, Temiloluwa Adesina with “A School in A Box” and Gorah Ayodele and Aluko Fikunayomi with “HIV Diagnosticare”.

Consolation prizes and certificates of participation were issued to 13 teams of corp members who were shortlisted for the final round of the competition.

However, the top five winners that received the Idea Development Grant would use the funds to produce the prototype of the ideas they have committed to NITDA OIIE. Besides, some NYSC members that presented creative ideas to OIIE would observe their one-year mandatory service with OIIE in Abuja, as OIIE

L-R: Camp Director, FCT NYSC Orientation Camp, Mrs. Iruma Blessing, Opaluwa Ojochogwu (corps member and joint first prize winner), Deputy Director, Multi Stakeholders partnership, National Information Technology Development Agency [NITDA], John Chima, Awulonu Stephen (corps member and joint first prize winner) of N250,000 in the NITDA NYSC ICT Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programme for Corp Member, Chinyere Ekwe and National Coordinator, Office of ICT Innovation& Entrepreneurship of NITDA, Bunmi Okunowo during the presentation ceremony held at the parade ground in Abuja, recently. has sent a formal request to the management of the NYSC to that effect.

Addressing the audience, the Director General of NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack stressed the importance of ICT as an enabler for creating jobs and wealth.

“The top two richest men in the world (Bill Gates and Carlos Slim) derived their wealth from ICT. We are committed with new zeal to accelerate IT development across the country, especially ICT innovation and entrepreneurship. To spearhead

Experts tackle gov’t to develop infrastructure for mobile economy

the innovation, we established the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship. We are pleased at the pace of work and programmes emerging from this subsidiary,” DG NITDA said.

He further expressed satisfaction at the level of collaboration with the leadership of NYSC, especially the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Johnson Bamidele Olawumi, who has expressed full support for the programme.

By Tony Nwakaegho The Federal Government has been tackled with request by experts in the media, telecom and information technology asking government to make as a priority effort to develop infrastructure that would easily accommodate the burgeoning uptake of mobile services in the country.

The experts took this position at the just concluded Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit and Award organised by Transatlantic Media Company.

They lauded the contribution of

Speaking at the just concluded ICT Idea Sprint at the Abuja National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) orientation camp in Kubwa, the National Coordinator of OIIE, Bunmi Okunowo said, “OIIE will leverage on its network of incubators to monitor, support and encourage the corp members to build their ideas into prototype and then begin to build a product out of it.

The programme, which kicked off in November 2015, is to attract corp members who have

the mobile devices to the growth of the Nigerian economy today, where its upsurge in the growth of online service delivery cutting across financial services, online media, tourism, eCommerce and confectioneries is unarguably unprecedented.

The mobile phone as at today is not just a talking tool; it has transited to a device with multiple functionalities.

This is due to the availability of affordable smartphone, driven mainly by the Chinese vendor.

As of August this year, the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) put the number of smartphones in

innovative ICT ideas or ICTdriven businesses that can become a successful business within one to two years”.

“Under this programme, we are fostering the creation of new ICT businesses by corp members thereby reducing the high rate of unemployment amongst them. This is a conveyor belttype of program for the corp members; supporting them from an ideation to a prototype CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

the country at 12 million.

In his summation, Mr. Bayero Agabi, President of Transatlantic Media Company, said never in the history of the Africa continent has technology, especially the mobile phone and society get so close as we see it today.

Agabi explained that the activities of citizens, companies and governments continue to create social and business networks, create information and data at a rate unforeseen in human history.

“From hotel booking to airline CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Tech Times 31

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Experts tackle gov’t to develop IT infrastructure CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

services, banking transactions, education, health and many others the growing trend today is the eSyndrome, which simply encapsulates the emergence of the Mobile Economy,” he stressed He added that the mobile technology industry in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and other sub-Saharan African countries are expected to contribute about $166 billion in value to the region by 2020, which will translates to about 8 per cent of the region’s expected Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The figures accessible on the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) website of the shows that the country currently has over 170million connected lines with over 60 per cent of those propelled by smart phone. This is a figure nobody, including the network operators envisaged when the licenses for Global Systems for Mobile service were issued in 2001.

A situation where tasks such as cash transfer, insurance businesses, agriculture and health are carried out using the mobile phone has proved that it’s safe to attribute the rapid growth of the nation’s economy to the fast pace of the mobile economy, On her part, Mrs Juliet Ehimuan, country Manager for Google, said that Nigeria has proven to be the most active

nation online, adding that over 97 million Nigerians are online, which represent tremendous growth since 2005.

“Nigeria remained the largest nation in Africa, where citizens use their mobile phones to do several things,” she said.

Mrs Ehimuan appealed to the government to help unlock the potentials of the Nigerian economy because of the huge growth in mobile uptake, adding that about 65 per cent of Nigerians access the Google Search and Youtube through their mobile phones.

The Managing Director of Jovago Nigeria Limited, Kushal Dutta said that mobile device has changed the landscape of the hospitality industry in Africa, especially Nigeria, where the company provide 8,000 hotels.

“We at Jovago with the aid of the mobile phone are providing 8,000 hotels in Nigeria and over 200,000 hotels around the world at the best prices possible,” Dutta said.

Dutta urged the government to assist in enhancing telecoms infrastructure in the country Earlier in his keynote address, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo said the government is responsive of the notable contribution of the mobile economy to the country’s GDP.

Ojobo said the government is working hard to provide telecoms infrastructure that are needed for the growth of the mobile economy, stressing that despite some challenges, the government will continue to encourage investment in

infrastructure that will allow the mobile uptake to thrive.

One of such investment, according to him is the availability of broadband service, which he posited is the bedrock of any economy.

By Tony Nwakaegho

Agabi, Transatlantic Media

NITDA awards ICT prizes to outstanding NYSC members CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

development to an earliest version of the ICT product or service. We are doing all these for them during their service year in partnership with our network of incubators, angel investors, talent developers, NYSC skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development (SAED) department of NYSC,” Okunowo said.

He added that the idea is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in the corp members who would indicate interest, stressing that “We would ignite enough passion in them to continue in that line. In this programme, we will nurture them through a structured semi-mentorship and development management programme.

Should they want to pursue their ICT entrepreneurial dreams after service year, we will place them in incubators and accelerators

and bankroll the incubation cost”.

Okunowo hinted that the incubation programme would run for about eight months with the expectation that the ideas would have fully developed into ICT products or ICT businesses, which would be ready for commercial takeoff.

“Then we will take them to technology platforms such as DEMO Africa, GITEX to mention a few so that they can showcase their products and launch them. And in the process of their incubation and after incubation, they will have access to a number of mentors, investors and technology buyers along the way. We are not doing this alone. We have built our relationship with the ecosystem over the last few years and we will continue to work with them to accomplish the ultimate goals,” he said.

ITU issues regulatory guidance on mobile roaming tariffs

He assured that the scheme would move to Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano and other parts of the country in 2016 and beyond. “We want to create, grow and deepen ICT innovation in the country. We know ICT can create jobs and wealth. We want to continue to stimulate it so that our youths will not only be seeking white collar jobs but rather thinking of how to become entrepreneurs, as it is the case in the United States, China, India and other countries that are really thriving in this area”, he added.

NYSC Camp Director, Mrs. Blessing Iruma, representing the State Coordinator, commended NITDA for the initiative and advised the agency to sustain the programme for the benefit of the country’s development.

She expressed joy at the partnership attained by NITDA

and NYSC, adding that the corp members have imbibed the skill acquisition programme.

Also, the Assistant Director, NYSC SAED, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe, commended the Corp members for their zeal and determination during the participation at the idea sprint; and charged them to continue in that spirit to see that the ideas become products for commercial purposes.

She disclosed further that NYSC members who participated in the competition submitted 35 entries and some of these ICT-based ideas cover such industry as agriculture, education, health and telecom.

One of the winners, Watti Oluwafisayo, commended the programme and its initiator, saying that it was an opportunity for the Corp members to display their ideas and be rewarded.

A new ITU-T technical guide for National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) will assist regulators in their efforts to create an enabling environment for fair and affordable tariffs for international mobile-roaming voice services.

The new technical guide is accompanied by an online tool which provides a model to calculate the costs to operators of providing mobile-roaming voice services.

The new technical guide and companion online tool were developed in response to calls from ITU members for greater clarity on the degree to which the prices that consumers pay for roaming services are commensurate with their costs.

Following a trial of a basic version of the online cost model, it was expanded to provide regulators with a more comprehensive tool to guide analyses of potential introductions of caps on mobile roaming tariffs.

“ITU has a unique publicprivate partnership (PPP) of members. Our members are working together to ensure that operators see fair return from the investments that enable their customers to roam, and that end users pay a fair price for roaming services,” ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao said.

“Mobile roaming continues to receive much attention at the national, regional and international level.”

Lee, Director ITU

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tuESdaY, dEcEmBER 22, 2015

VOL. 2. NO.6

Price: n150

r!

Game ovie ni Blatter, Plat

d e n n a b for 8 years

Sepp Blatter (middle) arrived for a news conference in Zurich on Monday sporting a large plaster on his face.

ANDREW EKEJIUBA WITH AGENCY REPORT

S

epp Blatter and Michel Platini have been banned from football for eight years.

The pair have been punished for the £1.35m FIFA president Blatter gave to Platini in February 2011 as a salary for unofficial work he undertook as a presidential adviser from 1999-2002.

Ethics judges ruled that Blatter broke FIFA Code of Ethics rules on conflicts of interest, breach of loyalty and offering gifts, and UEFA president Platini broke rules on conflict of interest and loyalty.

Blatter’s spokesman has confirmed the 79-year-old will appeal and will take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. And Platini has also confirmed he will appeal calling the ruling “a true mockery.”

In a statement, FIFA’s ethics committee said: “Mr Blatter, in his position as President of FIFA, authorised the payment to Mr Platini which had no legal basis in the written agreement signed between both officials on August 25, 1999.

“Neither in his written statement nor in his personal hearing was Mr Blatter able to demonstrate another legal basis for this payment. His assertion of an oral agreement was determined as not convincing and was rejected by the chamber.”

The committee’s statement on Platini went on to add: “Mr Platini failed to act with complete credibility and integrity, showing unawareness of the importance of his duties and concomitant obligations and responsibilities.

“His actions did not show commitment to an ethical attitude, failing to respect all applicable laws and regulations as well as FIFA’s regulatory framework to the extent applicable to him and demonstrating an abusive execution of his position as VicePresident of FIFA and member of the FIFA Executive Committee.”

The decision appears to spell the end of Platini’s bid to replace Blatter as FIFA president - elections take place in February - subject to his appeal.

The bans - from all football-related activities on a national and international level - come into force immediately, and

in addition, Blatter has been fined £33,700 and Platini £54,000.

UEFA released a statement which read: “UEFA has taken note of the decision of the FIFA Ethics Committee to suspend Michel Platini for eight years from all football-related activities.

“Naturally, UEFA is extremely disappointed with this decision, which nevertheless is subject to appeal. Once again, UEFA supports Michel Platini’s right to a due process and the opportunity to clear his name.”

The ethics inquiry began in the wake of the Swiss attorney general’s decision to open criminal proceedings against Blatter over the payment to Platini. The office is also investigating the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals to Russia and Qatar.

In the United States, prosecutors have indicted 27 current or former football officials, including eight former FIFA executive committee members, over allegations that they ran bribery schemes connected to the sale of television rights for football competitions. Twelve people and two sports marketing companies have

been convicted.

Meanwhile, disgraced FIFA president Sepp Blatter has vowed to fight his eightyear ban from football.

Blatter held a news conference in Zurich shortly after FIFA’s ethics committee announced he, and UEFA president Michel Platini, had been banned from all footballrelated activity for eight years.

But he insisted he remains the FIFA president and said: “I will fight. I will fight for me and I will fight for FIFA. I am suspended eight years - for what?”

Blatter defiantly added: “I am still the president. I am not ashamed. I regret, but I am not ashamed. I am ashamed about the committee’s decision - and that they don’t go to the evidence. I tell you they have no right to go against the president. The president of FIFA can only be relieved of his activities by the FIFA congress.

“To suspend the president of FIFA, or high-level functionaries, and to not let them go to the football match - it is not applied to this person,” he said.

He final words to the news conference were: “I’ll be back.”

Business Times Page B3 Naira exchanges at N265/$1

SEC Page B4 delists 84 CMOs

Kaduna Page B2 refinery resumes production

NIPOST Workshop Service to boost economic diversification

Coscharis CEO advises youth to focus on their future

Tony Nwakaegho Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) Workshop Service has organised its maiden Customers’ Forum showcasing its capabilities as outstanding venture for the Service’s transformation and a call to the Federal Government to grant autonomy for the Workshop.

Stakeholders at the occasion held in Lagos commended the management for taking the steps in setting up the workshop deCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Dr.Enelamahbeing welcome by the Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta at the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the ongoing summit in Nairobi, Kenyan on Monday.

Micro finance banks face financing, market challenges National Association of Micro Finance Banks (NAMB) on Monday said lack of access to finance and market were some of the challenges affecting the operation of the sub-sector.

The President of NAMB, Mr Valentine Whensu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. ``The major problem which this country should be addressing in the years to come is the problem of access to finance and access to the market,’’ Whensu said.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria

He said that there were many challenges surrounding access to finance. ``If a bank does not have fund, it will not be able to lend to customers,’’ Whensu said.

He, however, said that government had earmarked N220 billion to Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs), which micro finance banks were encouraged to access and pass on to their customers.

He said that collateral was another major challenge in accessing fund in the sub-sector, adding that the association was

working to address the problem.

Whensu said that the association was also planning to set up a National Collateral Registry to resolve the issue of collateral. ``The issue of collateral is a major challenge in accessing fund but those things are going to be addressed with the invention of the National Collateral Registry. ``This is of two things- credit reporting and movable collateral. ``The training is ongoing now for our members so that we can start using that collateral that

nobody is looking at instead of the conventional land, building or Treasury Bills,’’ he said.

Whensu said movable collateral such as generator or bicycle could be used to access loan.

He said the sector also faced the challenge of serial borrowing by customers, which credit reporting would resolve.

Whensu said that with credit reporting, the name of the borrower is registered. ``If he tries to access loan from another bank and a check is conducted, his name will appear,’’ he said.

Mr Cosmas Maduka, the Chairman/CEO of Coscharis Group of Companies has advised Nigerian youth to use their time productively and to focus on making their future lives better.

Maduka, who was speaking against the backdrop of the protest embarked upon by youths in the South East zone of the country, urged them not to waste their time on frivolities.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the end of a three-day First Business Conference of Igbo Leaders in Enugu on Monday that it was important for the youth to acquire Western education as it would help them live better lives in the future. ``The message (I have for) the youths is to remain focused and understand that time is very valuable. ``If they waste time and do not make good use of their lives they would pay dearly for it because old age is one thing that comes to us no matter what we do. ``If you remain idle and you don’t do anything, but waste your time, it is going to catch-up with you. ``But if you are focused, face your education, come out, get a job or start doing something and put all your mind in it, then there is a great future for anyCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Enelamah harps on economic diversification for structural transformation Charles Okonji Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okoechukwu Enelamah has told the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the ongoing summit in Nairobi, Kenyan, that deeper economic diversification is an urgent necessity to undertake structural transformation, and to shield the Nigerian economy from externally transmitted shocks and acceler-

ate growth accompanied by job creation in Africa.

He stated that the task of economic diversification was enormous, pointing out that Nigeria shall be strategic about economic diversification.

Dr. Enelamah in a speech titled, “Diversifying Africa’s largest economy” briefed the world body on some of the country’s strategic steps on economic diversification in the telecommunications

sector where Nigeria witnessed a phenomenal rise of 400,000 lines in 2001 to 140,000, 000 lines to date and attributed this to the deregulation policy of the government.

He announced that operators of the sectors have created over a million – direct and indirect jobs, helping to attract over $25 billion as the success of the telecom sector, especially mobile telephony has helped develop other ancillary sectors as e-commerce, en-

tertainment (Nollywood) among others.

The Minister expressed Nigeria’s pleasure that the World Trade Organization recognized the standards being set by the Nigerian entertainment industry (Nollywood) and had reflected it on the programme cover for the Round Table, during the summit.

He stated; “We have seen the strong growth of the financial services sector since the liberal-

ization exercise that started in the 90s, and that the exercise had continued in 2005 with the guidance of the financial regulatory body the Central Bank of Nigeria and that there were market led mergers and acquisitions that reduced the number of banks from 89 to 24.”

“The banks came out of the exercise bigger, with better corporate governance and have now CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Enelamah harps on economic diversification

NIPOST Workshop Service to boost economic diversification

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

cades ago.

Architect Enoch Ogun, acting postmaster-general and chief executive officer of NIPOST represented by Malam Bala Wamba, deputy postmaster general, Mail Operations, said that over time, and in response to prevailing global economic recessions, captains of industry were adopting strategies to keep afloat and remain in business, hence NIPOST has queued into the trends.

“We at NIPOST took the initiative by restructuring some of our traditional products and services into strategic business development (SBD). I am proud to tell you that the Workshop service so created in now one of the key ventures of the organisation.

“Most recently, we have also repositioned and empowered the Workshop to reach out to the public with excess capacity of the installed machineries by providing quality products and services at competitive prices,” Architect Ogun said.

He pointed out that although it has not been rosy for the Service, they are working assiduously to been in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s change mantra by contributing to the national GDP growth.

According to Engineer John Ayodele, guest speaker at the occasion, said that restructuring NIPOST and the postal/courier sector in Nigeria is largely dependent on the Postal Reform Bill lying at the floor of the National Assembly since 2004.

Ayodele who spoke on the topic: Global Recession- Necessity for Diversification and Synergy: NIPOST Workshop in Perspective , said that although NIPOST management are not to blame for the steady decline in businesses associated with the Service, however, failure to diversify spells a doom for the national postal agency.

He said that before now, NIPOST boasted of surplus mails and other parcels for deliveries, but the advent of technology brought greater challenge to players in the industry.

“A situation where even ‘bus conductors’ at Jibowu and other places are now courier operators is not good for the economy. We need this Bill to be passed to enable an Independent Regulator and endear fresh impetus in NIPOST operations as it would become the national postal agency and not a regulator-player as being practiced now,” he said.

Refinery

Kaduna refinery resumes production Opeoluwani Akintayo Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company has resumed production of petrol four months after it was closed for repairs.

Managing Director of the company, Saidu Mohammed, who disclosed this in Kaduna, said that the plant, which was closed in September, came back on stream last Saturday ahead of the December deadline for Nigeria’s four refineries to return to full production.

The restart of production at the Kaduna refinery should be a cheering news for Nigerians, who have endured months of scarcity of petrol.

Mohammed explained that the plant, which is getting supply of crude oil from Escravos in Warri, is currently producing at an average 1.5 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit per day.

The MD said that with the resumption of production, the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) is expected to commence trucking of refined products within the week. He added that at least 50 trucks are expected to be loading the substance for supply to the northern part of the nation and beyond on daily basis.

Mohammed further explained that the Kaduna refinery is working in collaboration with the PPMC and Department of Petroluem Resources (DPR) to ensure that products are properly supplied across the region, to cushion the effect of the scarcity of petrol.

While appealing to the public to exercise patience, he gave the assurance that the long queues across the country would soon disappear as soon as the PPMC commences trucking.

Prior to its closure in Septem-

ber, Kaduna refinery had stopped working for most part of the year, except briefly in July and August, when its utilisation capacity dropped to about 2.6 per cent and 10.5 per cent respectively, according the NNPC monthly operational report for October.

Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had issued a 90-day ultimatum to the managements of the four refineries shortly after his appointment in August.

In a related development, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has ordered the deployment of NNPC staff to filling stations across the country for effective monitoring of the distribution system.

Speaking at an emergency meeting with senior staff of the corporation at the NNPC Towers, Dr. Kachikwu said though there were a number of challenges in the supply and distribution system that hamper efficient distribution of products across the country, it was time for NNPC to rise above the challenges by ensuring that the special intervention supplies are not diverted or hoarded.

“This calls for effective monitoring of the supply system, especially at the end points, to ascertain that what is trucked out from the depots is delivered at the designated fuel stations and dispensed to the public in the most efficient manner. We need you to be out there to help achieve this; we can’t be at ease while Nigerians are going through so much pain to get fuel”, Dr. Kachikwu stated.

He challenged staff to volunteer for the monitoring exercise, adding that standing up to provide creative solutions to challenges was what the new NNPC is all about.

started to operate across Africa, financing larger transactions while the market-led business combinations served as a catalyst for the stock exchange growth, which he revealed has grown to a market capitalization of over fifty (50) billion dollars.”

Dr. Enelamah noted that the at some point, Nigeria primarily imported cement for the nations’ building needs despite the abundant limestone in the country, stressing that the implementation of backward integration agenda has now translated the country to a net exporter of cement.

He said that the success recorded in the three growing three sectors (Telecoms, Financial and Cement sectors) were possible because of the right enabling environment, appropriate regulation, policy consistency as well as fostering competitions among the industry operators.

He stated; “Further diversification of the country’s economy is herculean but Nigeria’s short and medium term prospects remain favourable (driven by strong fundamental advantages), strong demographics, a large domestic market and labour force, bundant natural resources and favourable

climate as well as a developing financial sector with strong management teams.”

He added that a growing democratic institution with the political will to build the foundation for the future was great.

The Minister revealed the Nigerian government’s plan for continuing to foster the diversification of the economy, which he said is predicated on three major underlying elements viz-a-viz – implementing the country’s industrialization plan, improving the ease of doing business and building of both hard and soft infrastructure.

He insisted that modern and efficient infrastructure is key to promoting diversification and economic growth, pointing out that industries require a steady supply of electricity to function optimally, saying that agricultural and mining products require robust, efficient and cost – effective transport networks to reach markets.

He stated that Nigeria was creating an ambitious natural infrastructure fund to complement the existing infrastructure component of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, adding that national infrastructure master-plan is aimed at catalyzing economic activity.

Enelamah

Coscharis CEO advises youth to focus on their future CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

one. ``If you are a mechanic, do it better than any other person around you and you will write your success story in repairing cars or repairing motorbikes or anything that you put your hands into.’’

He, however, advised government at all levels to create an environment for steady economic growth to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Maduka criticised some state governments for spending so much money buying armoured

cars at the expense of the unemployed young men and women in the country. ``They are sitting on a keg of gunpowder since it will not be long the prisons will be filled up,’’ he said.

He called on the Federal Government to check capital flight outside the country by promoting the real sector of the economy.

The three-day conference, which was organised by Alaigbo Development Foundation, had the theme: `Rebuilding and Development of Igbo Nation: Think Home, Invest Home’.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

B3 Money Market

Naira exchanges at N265/$1 Ï d M ƏƎ 90&L ƑƆ ƕ Ƒ ƎƆƉƉ C Ə ƍƓ Stories by Motolani Oseni As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continued its bid to boost the nation’s economy and safe the nation’s currency. The naira has continued to depeciate value at the parallel market recently hit all time low of N280 per dollar and fell by 1.5 per cent to exchange at new low of 265 to a dollar at the parallel market.

This is happening after the apex bank rationed dollar supplies to Bureaux de Change (BDC), and just closed the Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange Market(IFEM) till 4th of January, 2016, traders said.

The apex bank cut the amount it sold to each of the 2,270 retail money exchange brokers that participated in weekly sale to $10,000, down from the $30,000 each it sold last week, Aminu Gwadabe, the head of Nigeria’s

Mrs. Laja Adedoyin (middle), founder, Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice; to her right, Mr. Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications Department, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); to her left, Ms Pai Gamde, Head Human Resources, NSE and other Staff of The NSE during a recent visit to the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, Lagos as part of the activities for the annual NSE Employees Give Back.

bureaux de change association said.

Commenting on the IFEM window closure, Chairman of Autonomouse Dealers Association, Trade Fair Complex, Mr. Mathew Eze, said : ‘‘Normally, CBN usually close IFEM by this time of every year.

Naturally, it will have effect

the price of naira against the dollar at the parallel market, couple with the fact that there is no other means of getting dollar now.’’

Eze explained that if it were the time when other source of getting dollar apart from CBN were available, it would have been better but now that there

are restricted means of getthing dollar, the effect would be much higher and the price is going to be very high.

However, the Managing Director/CEO, High Cap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri, told Daily Times in a telephone conversation that CBN is taking all measures to revive the

naira and prevent circulation of the naira. ‘‘So, they belief in order to prevent speculation at this moment it is neccessary the window is closed.’’

Though, the naira on Monday continued to exchange at N265 to the dollar amidst expectations that the apex bank would inject 90 million dollars to stimulate the parallel market.

The Naira which had on Friday rebounded after weeks of record low at the market, exchanging for N270 to the dollar at the parallel market.

Meanwhile, CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele had earlier pointed that the apex regulator is drafting new measures which will boost the economy and stabilise the naira, adding that the nation’s currency depreciation is reasonable when compared with other emerging economies adversely affected by global economic recession.

His word : ‘‘Zambia, for example, has depreciated its currency by about 48 per cent, Angola by 25 per cent while Brazil depreciated its currency by about 48 per cent from October last year till now. ‘‘Our situation is not as bad as people think.

ƃƃƄ ƈ Ƌƍ Ɗ ƎƄ Ƅ ƎƍƄƋƍƄ ƄƏƍ ƆƋ Winners have emerged in maiden edition of Access Bank W awards in honour of Nigerian of women who have done exceptionally well in developing the Nigerian’s economy and in their different fields.

The Access Leadership Conference 2015 which held in Lagos, recognized women who emerged winners under the

NIBOR as @ Dec. 21, 2015 Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

1M

1.0068

-0.01 ?

2M

1.4111

0.30 ?

3M

2.9132

-0.41 ?

6M

4.7512

-0.05 ?

9M

7.2261

-0.34 ?

12M

8.5042

0.06 ?

four categories of the W awards.

These are the ‘W Entrepreneur of the Year’, ‘W Young professional of the Year, W Seasoned Professional of the Year and ‘W Amazon of the Year’.

In a brief statement before delivering the awards to the recipients, former Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mrs. Evelyn Oputu said that Access Bank sought for Nigerian women who, despite their contributions to sustainable socioeconomic development not only in Nigeria, but across the globe still pay special attention to whom they really are; the home maker.

“The women that are being honoured today are those who

CBN Exchange Rates

despite the challenges we face in this part of the world, still hold their heads high. These are women who have built excellent career in their various fields of endeavour, women who have impacted the world and remained feminine,” Oputu said.

According to her, women play important roles in the economy through trading, labour, and employment. Indeed, the role of women in the family unit has made them indispensable entities in the struggle to survive against the harsh realities of time and tended to endow them with significant influence in the society Oputu noted.

Lucy Alexander, Journalist and Newsreader at Skye News London, who anchored the conference announced the winners as Iquo Ukoh, the first female Executive Director at Nestle Nigeria Plc clinched the ‘W Seasoned Professional’ of the year award. With a career spanning over 34 years, Iquo is a keen advocate of youth empowerment.

A professional with a passion for challenges, Rashidat Adebisi received the “W Young Professional” award. Adebisi was part of the team that grew AXA Mansard Insurance from a one-time small business to an undisputed industry leader.

Wigwe

External Reserves

Money Market Indicators (%) -2015

Before:

Month

January

February

March

Date

Gross

Liquid

Blocked

Inter-Bank Call Rate

10.21

23.5

12.59

12/18/15

29,419,149,848

28,709,443,250

709,706,599

29,423,270,612

28,713,117,395

710,153,216

29,447,372,512

28,736,775,400

710,597,113

29,463,262,183

28,752,227,389

711,034,794

29,477,970,778

28,766,477,825

711,492,953

Date

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

12/9/15

US DOLLAR

195.97

196.47

196.97

POUNDS STERLING

295.4444

296.1982

296.952

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR)

EURO

214.058

214.6042

215.1503

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

13

13

13

SWISS FRANC

197.6102

198.1143

198.6185

12/17/15

Treasury Bill Rate

11.2

10.88

10.77

YEN

1.5982

1.6023

1.6063

2.41%

Savings Deposit Rate

3.48

3.47

3.76

CFA

0.3057

0.3157

0.3257

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.61

8.47

8.42

WAUA

270.5555

271.2458

271.9361

12/16/15

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.64

9.54

9.02

YUAN/RENMINBI

30.4813

30.5595

30.6377

2.41%

6 Months Deposit Rate

9.74

9.46

9.88

RIYAL

52.2197

52.3529

52.4861

12 Months Deposit Rate

9.51

9.37

9.52

DANISH KRONA

28.6904

28.7636

28.8368

12/15/15

Prime Lending rate

16.86

16.77

16.9

SDR

272.026

272.72

273.4141

2.41%

Maximum Lending Rate

25.97

26.33

26.61

12/14/15

Go!

2.41%

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

NASCON reconstitutes board as Dangotes resign appointments Stories by Adesola Akindele

Ayeni

A former Finance Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Mrs. Yemisi Ayeni, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of NASCON Allied Industries Plc. Ayeni, who is also currently Council Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), emerged Chairman of NASCON at the Company’s board meeting held on 15th December 2015.

Meanwhile, the following have resigned their appointment as Directors of NASCON with effect from 15th December 2015: Aliko Dangote, Sani Dangote and

Suleiman Ola ride.

Also appointed to the board of NASCON as Non-Executive Directors are Dr. Chris Ogbechie, who is the current Chairman of Diamond Bank Plc and Facilitator at the Lagos Business School (LBS), and Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, an architect and a board member of Oando Foundation.

The other Directors of the newly composed Board of NASCON, which has Mr. Paul Farrer as Managing Director, include Olakunle Alake, Halima Aliko Dangote, Knut Ulvmoen, Sada Ladan-Baki, and Abdu Dantata.

According to a statement from NASCON signed by Mr. Adedayo

Samuel, the Company Secretary, Ayeni started her career as an Audit Assistant with Price Waterhouse London, before she joined Price Waterhouse Lagos.

She later joined SNEPCo and earned the distinction of being the first Nigerian woman ever to be appointed to the Board of a Shell company in Nigeria. She is a graduate of Economics from the University of Manchester, UK, and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Ogbechie holds a First Class degree in Mechanical Engineering also from the University of Manchester. In addition, he obtained his MBA from Manches-

ter Business School, England and a PhD from Brunel University, England. He has almost four decades of working experience spanning across the media, manufacturing, banking and the academia.

Wali-Abdurrahman has a BA in Architecture and Urban Studies, from the University of Minnesota, United States, and an MSc in Economics and Management of Construction, from the University College London, UK. She is currently CEO of Filmo Group of Companies, a key player in the Nigerian real estate sector. She was a former member of the Lagos State University Governing Council.

Stock market report GTB, Dangote Cement raise stocks value The Nigerian equities market closed yesterday on a positive note as NSE All share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.72 per cent to close at 26,728.64 points as against the 1.54 per cent depreciation recorded previously to close at 26,537.36 points.

Market capitalization likewise grew by N65.8 billion to close at N9.29 trillion compared to a decline of N142.9 billion recorded previously to close at N9.124 trillion.

At the end of the day’s trading, the Banking sector index appreciated the most (+2.4%) against the backdrop of bargain hunting in top banking counters such as Guaranty which increased by approximately 5 per cent, in the same vein, gains recorded in DANGCEM (+1.4%) buoyed the Industrial Goods index which appreciated 0.8%, while the Insurance and Consumer Goods indices fell 0.5 per cent respectively due to sell-offs in MANSARD

(-1.5%) and NESTLE (-1.3%).

Gainers chart recorded 18 gainers against 17 losers. Unity Bank Plc., led 18 gainers with an increase of 8.22 per cent or 6 kobo to close at 79 kobo per share followed by Guaranty Plc., which added 4.99 per cent or 95 kobo to close at N20.00 per share, while Union Bank Nigeria Plc., gained 4.91 per cent or 28 kobo to close at N5.98 per share.

Diamond Bank Plc appreciated 4.72 per cent or 11 kobo to close at N2.44 per share, while E-Tranzact Plc., increased by 4.66 per cent or 13 kobo to close at N2.92 per share. On the other hand, Flourmill Plc led the day’s 17 losers with a decline of 5.00 per cent or N1.05 kobo to close at N19.95 per share, trailed by Champion Breweries Plc., which depreciated by 4.87 per cent or 17 kobo to close at N3.32 per share, while Fidson Healthcare Plc., dropped 4.85 per cent or 13 kobo to close at N2.55 per share.

L-R: Regional Manager, Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Mr. Olubusayo Akinwale; Managing Director, Mr. Larry Ademeso; Regional Manager, Mr. Chris Uzor; Regional Manager, Mr. Oyeniran Ibrahim and Executive Director, Mr. Ngozi Nlebemuo, at the Company’s 2015 Agency End-of Year Party in Lagos recently.

SEC delists 84 CMOs

ÏÏÏSet to compensate 580 investors under NIPF Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delisted 84 Capital market Operators (CMOs) license from all capital market activities, for failure to comply with statutory regulations.

The apex capital market regulatory body had on November 20th listed 94 CMOs registered under SEC for consistently failure to render their statutory returns to the Commission, noting that these CMOs were unable to comply with the new minimum capital requirements before the deadline stipulated by the Com-

mission which expired on September 30, 2015.

In this regard, the Commission directed the affected CMOs to make presentations to the Commission, on or before 4th December, 2015, giving reasons why their registration as CMOS should not be cancelled, following which the SEC hence released the list of 84 CMO’s whose registration have been revoked. Their List can be found on the apex regulator’s website.

Meanwhile, following the inauguration of the National Investor Protection Fund (NIPF) on 26th

November, 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission has announced the official takeoff of the Fund, listing 580 complainants/investors to be compensated pending approvals.

The apex regulator made this known through a statement made available on their site. The statement says; “The Verification Committee of the NIPF has concluded a rigorous verification of investors’ claims against Mega Asset Managers Limited and subsequently recommended approval of appropriate compensation to the affected investors.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

B5 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 21-12-2015

Labour B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Fayose urges labour to resist FG’s anti-people’s policies Stories by Joy Ekeke Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has urged labour leaders in the country to protect the interests of Nigerians, especially their members against government’s anti-people policies.

The governor stated this in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday by his special assistant on public communication and new media, Mr. Lere Olayinka According to the governor, labour leaders must not allow the welfare of the people to be compromised.

Fayose, who was speaking against the backdrop of the plan by the federal government to increase petrol pump price from N87 to N97 per litre, remove fuel subsidy, increase electricity tariffs, retrench thousands of workers, reduce N18, 000 minimum wage, introduce toll gate, among others, said, “If labour leaders do not stand up for the people at this time as they have done in the past, posterity will not forgive them.”

Governor Fayose said he was particularly worried over the silence of labour leaders on the two months fuel scarcity in the country, which the federal government appeared not to have any ready solution to.

The governor, who reminded the labour leaders of how they led their members to protest

Kachikwu

NUPENG blasts Kachikwu over plan to sack NNPC workers

L-R, Former President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; newly inaugurated President of NACC and his wife, Mr. & Mrs. Olabintan Famutimi; immediate past President, NACC, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa with Manager, SME Enterprise Business, Airtel Nigeria, Gboyega Fadowole-Aje at the NACC Presidential/Board Inauguration and Dinner held in Victoria Island, Lagos on Monday.

when fuel price was increased by the Dr Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2012, added that, “No matter the political party in government, labour unions must stand by their members in particular and the people in general.”

He said: “When they were seeking for votes from Nigerians, they promised to reduce petrol pump price to from N87 to N45 per litre, they promised to create three million jobs per year, they said $1 will be equal to N1 and above all, they promised to pay unemployed youths N5,000 stipend and provide one meal a day to pupils nationwide.

“However, thousands of Nigerians have lost their jobs in the last six months, while millions of jobs are to be lost next year, particularly in the construction sector and banking sector where mergers and acquisitions of banks have become imminent.

“Even the federal government that promised three million employments per year is already sacking workers with over 2,000 university workers retrenched.

“Most importantly, President Muhammadu Buhari himself is telling Nigerians to prepare for hardships in year 2016, with no effort being made by the federal

government to mitigate the effects of the impending hardships.

“The labour movement must therefore be prepared to stand up for the people, making sure that the welfare of the workers is not compromised by the government.”

While maintaining that democracy was being threatened under the APC government of President Buhari, Governor Fayose said “a lot of infringements are being done to our democratic process and all lovers of democracy must be worried, especially about the inconclusive elections held under the present government.”

Aregbesola threatens to sack striking doctors Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has ordered striking medical doctors in the state to return to work in their own interest or risk the loss of their jobs.

The doctors who have been on strike since September 28, 2015, were subsequently given a seven-day ultimatum from the 18th of December to comply with the resumption order from the governor.

The government stressed that any doctor that faied to return to work on or before expiration of the seven-day ultimatum, would be considered to have voluntarily resigned his or her appointment.

According to a statement signed by permanent secretary, human resources and capacity building, Mr. Sunday Festus Olajide, government condemns

action of the doctors, saying they did not show understanding like other labour unions in the face of the present national challenge on public finance.

It added: “In the interest of the health of the generality of the people of Osun State and to put paid to this unwholesome situation, Governor Aregbesola has directed that all medical doctors on strike should resume work in their various health centres and institutions without further delay.

The statement said, “Despite series of appeals from the government to medical doctors in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, the Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and other government health institutions, to show understanding during this period of national challenges on public finance,

the striking doctors have remained adamant.”

It lamented that the doctors have continued to draw their salaries in the last two months and still remain at home, thus eating their cake and still having it.

The statement declared as “illegal,” the strike embarked on by doctors in the state’s public service, saying it did not follow due process, thereby breaching their professional Hippocratic Oath.

“It is sad to note that while all other professional workers in the public service of Osun State have been showing understanding and are offering useful solutions through their leadership in several ongoing meetings of the Government/ Labour Unions’ Committee on Revenue and Payment of Sala-

ries/Critical Expenditures of Government, medical doctors in Osun State have chosen to remain on strike for more than two months, thereby paralysing government policy on health services to the people of our dear state,” the statement said.

Aregbesola

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have faulted the Minister of state, Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu over plans to relieve 1,100 workers of their duties in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

NUPENG cautioned the management of the NNPC to tread with caution and jettison its plans on the impending mass sack.

In a statement signed by NUPENG President Comrade (Dr.) Igwe Achese, the union said it was surprised and embarrassed that the minister made such a statement without consultation or recourse to the two unions in the oil and gas sector, NUPENG and PENGASSAN. The union warned that it would resist such a move, as the cardinal policy of the Buhari government is job creation and not job losses.

NUPENG stated that the union could not watch and see its members who have served for years to be thrown into the unemployment market because of inconsistent policies of the federal government.

The union commended the NNPC workers for continuing to keep the oil and gas sector moving even when they have to work with obsolete equipment and indecent work environment.

According to NUPENG the unbundling of the corporation into four companies and intended restructuring should not have anything to do with sack of 1,100 workers which the Union say is one sack, too many.

The union further urged the Federal Government to convene a major stakeholders meeting to x-ray the challenges facing the sector and proffer solutions, rather than chasing the shadows, stressing that the stakeholders meeting look at the Petroleum Industry Bill together before it is represented.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

B7 Energy Chevron starts first production offshore Republic of Congo

Power Plant distribution capacity

Stories by Opeoluwani Akintayo A Chinese company – SKY Run International Electricity Meter has assured Nigerians of its readiness to bring in smart meters that would address the lingering problem of shortage, thus helping the sector to capture loose liquidity badly needed to strengthen it.

Speaking on the recent development, the permanent secretary, (Power) Engr. Louis Edozien commended the company for the informative presentation in which it has also expressed her willingness to embark on projects that would endear development especially in the Power sector.

He identified the interest shown in metering, saying that

Ministry of Power to introduce smart meters “it is exciting to us that the development will enable many customers access to meters.”

He said the engagement with the 11 Discos, would give Sky Run the opportunity to spread adequate meters across the country.

The permanent secretary also commended the capacity building initiative embedded in the presentation, saying the benefits are enormous for Nigeria as a way of reducing youth unemployment He acknowledged the role of Nigerian Investment Pro-

motion Commission (NIPC) in ensuring that the Chinese company surmounts the obstacles along the line, saying that the commission should continue to assist until SKY Run is fully on ground.

Engr. Edozien promised that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would be willing to partner with the Chinese company in their renewed efforts at expanding the nation’s transmission network.

In the realization of this task,

Lafarge secures 260mw electricity license from NERC Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has licensed eight companies with a combined capacity to generate 1,648.25 Megawatts of electricity and distribution in the country.

The licenses were a mixture of on-grid, off-grid, embedded generation and distribution of electricity.

The companies are Lafarge Africa Plc with 260 megawatts in Ewekoro, Ossiomo Offistes and Utilities/ Ossiomo Power &Infrastructure, based in Edo state with capacity to generate 55 Megawatts gas power electricity.

Others are Anambra State Independent Power Generation Company Limited, located

in Onitsha, an on-grid gas-fired plant has the capacity for 528mw capacity, Cummins Power Generation, Nigeria Limited (NBC) Ikeja with a capacity for a 3.5mw capacity, off- grid. The company also has license for a 1.7mw to serve A&P Foods, in Agege, Lagos.

NERC’s license to Sinosun Investment Limited, based in Jibiya, Kastina state, is for an on-grid, solar power generation of 100mw capacity. In the same vein, LR-Aaron Power Limited, located in Gwagalada has license for 100mw solar powered electricity generation.

For Azikel Power Limited, the on–grid license is for 500MW pow-

er plant, located in Obunagha in Bayelsa state. While Middle Band Solar One Limited from Kogi State, was granted an on-grid license for 100mw.

The license falls into three category namely embedded generation (55MW), two off –grid generation(525 MW) and six on-grid generation (1,588 MW).

Amadi

the director in charge of Transmission will be on guard to ensure smooth and seamless relationship with TCN, adding that TCN is at the threshold of undertaking a number of key projects that will align with the expansion plan.

“Our concern is to ensure that all other government agencies that would be required will be bought to interface with SKYRun, including Nigerian Electricity Regulatory commission, (NERC).”

Located approximately 46 miles (75 km) off the coast of Pointe-Noire in water depths ranging from 2,400 to 4,000 feet (750 to 1,200 meters), Moho Bilondo Phase 1b is part of the Moho Nord joint development project, the largest-ever oil and gas project undertaken in the Republic of Congo.

The Moho Bilondo Phase 1b project includes 11 wells tied back to an existing floating production unit and is expected to produce a total of 40,000 barrels of oil per day.

“First oil from the Moho Bilondo Phase 1b development is the latest successful start-up in our diverse portfolio of deepwater projects, which we expect to generate value for years to come,” said Jay Johnson, executive vice president Upstream, Chevron Corporation.

The phase 1b development targeted reserves in the southern portion of the Moho Bilondo permit area. The Moho Nord subsea development, which will be the second phase of the Moho Nord joint development project, is in the northern part of the area.

The Moho Nord development project involves a tension-leg platform, a floating production unit with a processing capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil per day, and a 50-mile (80-kilometer) pipeline to the onshore Djeno Terminal.

Chevron Overseas (Congo) Limited has a 31.5 percent working interest in the Moho Bilondo permit area, along with Total E&P Congo (53.5 percent working interest and operator) and the national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (15 percent working interest).

Nigerian weekly energy watch 6-12 Dec.2015 (Avg)

Last Week(Avg)

13-19 Dec.2015 *

Energy Generated (MWh)

93189

93729

*

Energy Sent Out (MWh)

91269

91682

*

Peak (MW)

4241

4223

*

Off-Peak (MW)

3532

3633

*

Spinning Reserve (MW)

116

48

*

Constrained (MW)

1702

1993

*

Units (Available)

65

65

*

Units (On Bars)

49

46

Courtesy: Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC

Features B8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Nigeria’s unemployment rate, stimulus for skill acquisition schemes As latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) spell out the grim reality of the unemployment situation in Nigeria, it is hoped that efforts will be intensified by relevant government agencies to drive and sustain policies and programmes that are capable of stemming the myriad of problems associated with it. Joy Ekeke writes….

It is indeed not cheering news for Nigeria right now, as latest statistics from NBS indicate that unemployment rate in Nigeria is spiraling out of control to nearly two digits, snowballing from 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2015 to 9.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2015, a figure that stood at 7.5 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

This means that the number of unemployed persons in the labour force increased 1, 454,620 during the third quarter. According to the document on Job creation which is also available from the NBS 427,000 new jobs were created within this period.

However, the report indicates that the new jobs created were inadequate to match the over 1.9 million new entrants into the labour market within the period.

Further analysis of the labour productivity summary shows that there were a total of 20.7 million persons in the labour force that were either unemployed or underemployed compared to 19.6 million in Q2 2015, and 17.7 million in Q1 2015.

In the third quarter, the labour force population increased to 75.9 million from 74.0 million in Q2 2015, representing 2.6 per cent increase in the labour force.

A number of analysts have attributed the cause of unemployment in the country to factors including the security situation in the north-east which has given rise to the displacement of a large number of the working population and the lack of requisite skills by many unemployed persons further making them unsuitable for available jobs.

It could also be said that over the years, lack of requisite technical skills has led to massive job exports, especially in areas of engineering, and other highly skilled professions notably in

Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, DG ITF

the industrial sector.

Sustainability of the ITF initiative In a fresh bid to closing the unemployment gap in Nigeria, the Federal Government said it will take skills acquisition and development to the interior and rural areas of the country.

The government also pledged to ensure that training and development opportunities are provided to internally displaced persons in their various communities across the country, using its most relevant agency, the Industrial Trust Fund (ITF).

Speaking when the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF) commissioned the mobile training units/truck, alongside the unveiling of training programmes for internally displaced persons, (IDPs) in Abuja, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha

Abubakar, said the Federal Government will work through the ITF to achieve its job creation and youth empowerment programmes.

According to the minister, President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that all internally displaced persons be returned to their communities next year will receive greater impetus and will be successfully executed, given the fact that the mobile training units acquired and commissioned by the ITF is capable of penetrating all the nooks and crannies of the country.

The minister said with the mobile training units capable of providing skills acquisition in various trade areas, that it was only a matter of time before all the internally displaced persons start rebuilding lives with skills acquired, thereby

contributing to the growth of the nation’s economy.

According to her, what the ITF has done by the acquisition, commissioning of the mobile training units, and flag off of training programmes for the IDPs in the country was fully in line with the vision of the Federal Government and that of President Muhammadu Buhari, who has consistently stated his administration’s commitment to the creation of jobs in millions for the nation’s youths.

Lauding the leadership of the fund for the initiative, she added that the move by the ITF will also create entrepreneurs, and sustainably empower women and youths who are the major victims of conflicts and internal disputes.

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of the House of Rep-

resentatives Committee on Industry, Trade and Investments, Hon. Abubakar Moriki, said the choice of the IDPs in the flag off of the mobile training units by ITF is the right step in the right direction, because the majority of the affected people are mostly farmers who do not have the needed skills to survive in their new environment.

“It is gratifying to note that ITF is already taking the initiative to address the plight of these internally displaced Nigerians by empowering them with requisite skills and knowledge which will enable them earn a decent living. This gesture is not only commendable, but is consistent with the core mandate of the Fund,” Moriki said.

He said as partners in progress that the House Committee on Industry Trade and Investment will do all within its constitutional powers to give necessary support to ITF in achieving its mandate.

According to the directorgeneral/chief executive of the ITF, Dr. Mrs. Juliet Chukkas Onaeko, ITF has been positioned to become the foremost skills training development organization in Nigeria and around the world.

She said the fund would continue to promote and encourage the acquisition of skills in industry and commerce with a view to generating a pool of indigenous trained manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the private and public sectors of the economy.

According to her, ITF will soon commence the Brain Gain Initiative where Nigerian experts and professionals from around the world will provide skills acquisition, mentoring and entrepreneurial knowledge for Nigerian youths at no cost.

The initiative is expected to save the Federal Government about N180 billion annually and hopefully checkmate the menace of unemployment which includes youth restiveness and crime among others.

The long-term impact of these well thought-out initiatives of the ITF will be felt in the economy provided that they are sustained beyond mere rhetoric and solve the country’s unemployment rate, which if anything, is quite gloomy as it stands.

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Fredrick

Leonard: From modelling to stardom

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

I don’t think any African actor is rich yet — Frederick Leonard

Light skinned actor, Fredrick Leonard, is one of the fast rising Nollywood actors. The Nollywood star has been nominated for several awards, has featured in movies like Deadly Plot, Stubborn Vengeance, Beautiful grave, Haunted love, Target, Accident and other movies too numerous to mention. In this interview with ABIMBOLA OBATAYO, he shares his experience on happenings in the movie industry and how to make the industry move forward among other issues. Excerpts:

Life&

T E A M

There’s this rumour that you are gay, can you clarify it?

I don’t have anything against homosexuals because I don’t have a right as a human being who is imperfect to judge them and I am not a homosexual. As much as I don’t have anything against them,

it’s their life and they have a right to live anyhow they want; mind you punishment for that is 14 years imprisonment in Nigeria, and so if you are caught, you are in for it. I am not part of them and I will never be part of them. I love women anytime anyway so I don’t see a rea-

A woman who knows God. I am not asking for an ugly woman, but I am not also looking for a beautiful one. She must have a good family background because being with a woman goes beyond looks, it goes beyond physical compatibility, it goes beyond a lot of things.

I am looking at how industrious a woman is because ideas turn into money; she might not be the type that goes out every day but what ideas do you have so when we share ideas, we can come up with something. A woman who understands the value of what I call family unit, a woman who understands that divorce is not an option, a woman who believes that when she comes into my life, that we are going to work hard to make it work. I don’t want to have kids from various women.

With a million dollar, will you act nude?

Even with more than a million dollar, I can

son why I will look the other way round and me loving women doesn’t mean that I am loose, I just appreciate them a lot.

If truly you are not gay, what then do you look out for in a woman?

never act nude; I am an African man who has African morals.

As an experienced actor, how long does it take you to interpret a script?

People are very gifted in so many ways. I read through my script once

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

and I am good to go. When I did ‘India doctor,’ I was pretty young then in 2008. I read the script about four to five times but as you know, as you grow older, you improve on whatever you are doing. The most difficult of script like ‘Dejavu’ which will be shown on Africa Magic soon, I read that script about three times.

Sometimes as an actor, the first thing you do is to read the story and look into the character and see who you are in the story, if you are relevant to the plot and what is the moral lesson. That’s how I go about my script, it’s not about just sitting down and running lines because you’ll just have what we call ‘talking heads’ on TV. What was growing up like for you?

Growing up was a mix up, it was fun but then also had its tedious part because I grew up under a strict man who ensured that I didn’t get someone pregnant in secondary school, who ensured that I did not stray away from the religion that has formed the bedrock my family represents which is Christianity.

Do you think you are fulfilled now?

Yes I am much fulfilled. I’m a happy man, I love my job. You are the luckiest person when your passion becomes your job because that way you are not working.

Talking about being lucky, how rich are you?

Well, I am not rich yet and I don’t think any African actor not just Nollywood actor is rich yet but just comfortable because Nollywood itself is not rich yet.

What does it take to be comfortable as an actor?

Well, it takes a holistic approach, it comes down to structuring of the industry in a way that everyone becomes a beneficiary of the dividends of their sector and that obviously starts from we the prac-

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

titioners, actors, producers, and others making sure that we have proper distribution. Only then can Nollywood make more money than we can now think of how to get rich, but for now, we are just comfortable people, law abiding citizens and in a couple of years, I hope we get rich. So, it’s work in progress. The business for now hasn’t gotten us rich, what it has done so far is make us consistent and comfortable.

What do you think needs to be done in the movie industry to improve the financial aspect and then improve movie quality?

The financial situation of Nollywood and the quality of movies we have are both married. I think it’s a problem when one is solved, the other one solves itself automatically in the sense that we cannot have quality production if we don’t have good distribution and then somebody will also tell you, oh you cannot get fantastic distribution deals if you don’t have quality production. But I tell them, I’d rather start with creating proper distribution network. Most times, people say the government should come into Nollywood but I think they should come in with helping us stipulate laws that protect our materials. Piracy is killing people every day, it’s destroying investments. As an investor, you want return of your investment and if you make a movie and it is pirated, how do you make money? So I will urge that the government stipulate laws that protect filmmakers. I am not interested in government giving us money. That is not our headache for now. Even if I have to go and sell my land in the village, I want to be sure that I put in money into

CONTINUED ON

L3

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

1ne Attending social events during the festive season does not solely involve looking the part. Often overlooked is alcohol etiquette and how one should serve, taste, drink and hold alcoholic beverages. It is perfectly acceptable to refuse alcohol, as long as you decline in a polite and graceful manner.

2wo If you are given the honorable task of opening a bottle of champagne, don’t be intimated. Make sure that the chilled champagne bottle hasn’t been shaken before removing the foil and metal cage around the cork. Point the bottle away from you and guests, hold the cork in one hand and the bottle in the other and twist only the bottle aiming for a quiet sigh, not a loud pop. After the first serving, and in between refills, champagne should sit in a chilled ice bucket.

3hree Like champagne, white wine is best served chilled. Hold your champagne (and wine glass) by the stem of the glass, pinched between your thumb and index finger. When serving champagne and sparkling wine, fill the glass - or flute – three-quarters full.

Flutes have a long tulip shape that helps retain the bubbles and the aroma, making them the best choice of glass when serving champagne.

4our The correct way to pour alcohol into the

Interview

L3 Eyola

Drink Alcohol,

Fashionably glass is by using the pour-twist action - twisting the bottle slightly after pouring it into the glass, to prevent any spillage. Wine expert Joanna Simon reveals that wine serving must be done in the following order: white wine served before red, light before heavy, young before old.

5ive It is important that red wine is left to breath for some time after it has been uncorked and before it is served, to enjoy the wine to its full potential. Best served a little cooler than room temperature, it is customary to hold the glass by the stem to prevent fingerprints stains. When served, red wine should only fill one-third of the glass.

6ix At times you may be offered the chance to select a bottle of wine. Don’t be intimidated by this challenge. Wait for the waiter to show

CONTINUED FROM

L2

a structured environment and I am going to get returns in investment. In Rwanda, for example, if you are found with a pirated CD, you have a fine of $10,000 or you go to jail, nobody cares how you got it as long as it’s a pirated copy. I think that is the law that will prepare to ensure materials of film makers are not pirated. It is not easy to provide content as a filmmaker, it is not easy to call people together and pay them because you are a movie producer. You go through all that, through post production, put your movie in the cinemas and before you know, it’s been sold in traffic by some pirates. If the government ensures that we have proper distribution network, not just the government, it’s a team work. We would involve the government because we are also

you each bottle with its cork. Don’t smell the cork, its sole purpose is for you to read the information printed on it. The next step is to taste the wine.

7even There is an art to tasting wine. The waiter should serve a small amount of wine into a glass. Hold the glass up against a white background (napkin or tablecloth) to evaluate its color and clarity. Red wine should range in color from deep purple to brickred. White wine should range in color from lemon gold to golden amber. The next step is to slightly swirl the glass in a slow circular motion to aerate the wine. Smell the wine by putting your nose into the glass and taking a deep breath. Older wines should have subtler aromas than younger ones. To taste the wine, fill your mouth (about half full) and subtly swish the wine around.

8ight While traditionally it is the role of the host or hostess to make a toast, on informal occasions a guest can propose a toast. It is customary, but not mandatory, to make a toast before the dessert course. Make sure each guest has a full glass (which can contain alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages).

To attract the crowd’s attention before making a toast, stand up and raise your glass. Tapping the glass with cutlery is not acceptable in formal settings, no matter how large and noisy the crowd. A more appropriate option is repeating the words “May I have your attention”. Your toast should be short and sweet.

•Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

‘I don’t think any African actor is rich yet’ making money for this country. Nollywood employs nothing less than five million people annually and then, we are creating employment and if the sector is that viable, I think that just the kind of attention the government gives to the oil sector should be given to Nollywood as well. This will help cut down piracy and enable us have proper distribution network. Once we have that, we can then begin to say let’s up the quality of the movies that we do so that the audience can get good value for their money. It’s not that we don’t want to make better movies, but we are also

restricted by a lot of factors which is piracy and proper distribution. When all these are put in place, actors can get rich, producers can get rich and live in their homes and do other things they want to.

How do you cope with modelling and your career?

I did active modelling for about eight to nine years of my life, during my days in the higher institution. But for now, in terms of showbiz, I am focusing on acting, film making. That is not to say that I won’t model. I model for people that can pay me.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

L5

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Teens world Patience Ekanem

L6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Gifts for

Teenagers love fancy things, anything thing that is beautiful to behold.

Teenager’s love it when they are been presented with gifts especially during a period of celebration, it gives them more joy. Parents should have the habit of showering their teens with gifts at least to show them that they care. Christmas season is a period where lots of things happen; you get to see your loved ones and most especially a season where lots of gifts are shared.

During Christmas, teens expect lots of presents from their parents and family. Getting your teen gift may be a little bit difficult because teenagers of nowadays are so unpredictable you can never know what they want. People are different and so are the teenagers, one person’s taste may not be the other person’s taste, their taste vary.

There are various things parents can get for their teens as Christmas gifts.

Buying gifts for teens can be tricky.

These young adults usually have very specific tastes. Choosing a personalised gift that matches their style or hobbies will hit the mark, though.

Christmas

Things parents can get their teens as Christmas gifts: Smart phones: You can get your teen smart phone as a Christmas present especially if they have been pressurizing you for one. You can give it to them as a Christmas present. You can also get a very good gadget for your boy, because boys love gadgets a lot and it will really make them happy.

Wrist watch: This may sound odd but you can also get your teen a wrist watch as a Christmas present. Even if they can get it

on a normal day, they will appreciate it if you give to them from your heart.

Dresses: This one goes for the girls. You can get them flashy dresses to rock it out with their friends for an outing. You can also get them nice shoes to blend the outfit.

Jewelries: Girls love jewelries a lot especially earrings and neck lace. It adds more beauty to their accessories, and sparkles their outfit. So it is also a nice gift for Christmas.

Christmas cards: Christmas cards can also be given to teenagers as part of Christmas gifts. To me, it’s one of the best things to give to someone as a Christmas gift aside other gifts. It express your feelings, it makes them feel your love and affection towards them.

Christmas is a season of love where we come together to have fun. Parents should give their teens gifts to make their Christmas fulfilled.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

L7 Relationship

Abdullahi Zaheenab and Hammed Oyindamola

Better ways to build relationship

with everyone

Humans are social beings. We enjoy being understood and accepted; feeling that we belong. Maybe that’s why our friends, family and romantic partners are so important to us.

Unfortunately, Western culture values individual achievements over personal relationships. We are good at finding career success but less than stellar at connecting with other people. As a result, our relationships often suffer. But wouldn’t you love to rekindle the spark you once had with your significant other? Be respected and understood by your friends? Admired for who you are by your family? If you want to make all these things happen, this write-up is for you.

Here are some ways to build better relationships with everyone: Ò Learn to listen and understand “You never listen.” “You just don’t get me.”

Children say it to parents; wives to husbands; friends to each other. And they’re probably right – people are always too busy thinking about themselves.

Everybody wants to share the newest story, the great idea they just had, their thoughts and advice. Most of us are either talking or waiting for our turn to talk. This doesn’t make for good conversation – or strong relationships. The solution is simple: connect

with people by listening and understanding.

When talking to someone, hear them out without judgment or interruption. Focus on what’s being said and do your best to understand. Your attention and empathy will be appreciated by others. Ò Trust other people Ò We often find it hard to trust because we’ve been hurt in the past. People coming out of romantic relationships are especially wary of opening their hearts again.

But the truth is, ALL relationships –family, business, platonic – require trust. Having no trust means worrying about what others are doing, thinking and saying when you’re not around. It means monitoring and controlling someone instead of enjoying them. Doesn’t sound fun, right? At the end of the day, you can never know whether someone’s going to hurt you or not. There are no guarantees in life. You can try to protect yourself – but unless you make it a full-time job, you’re more likely to drive yourself crazy. Ò Be honest about your wants Ò Have you ever felt disappointed because someone didn’t act as expected?

Maybe your parents said something hurtful; maybe your boyfriend didn’t realise you were mad at him. You probably felt let down at the

time. But if you think about it, you set yourself up for disappointment so often. We fail to tell others what we want and then blame them for not reading our minds. Give back something of equal or greater value, there’s no reason for other people to stay around you. That’s why investing yourself into relationships works so well. Make people feel good; give them your undivided attention; make time for those who really matter. Giving value is the best way to be appreciated by the people around you. Ò Let go of the need to be right If we disagree with a person, we get angry.

If we disapprove of something, we judge. If we feel we know best, we give unsolicited advice. In short, being right feels good; being wrong feels bad. But when you think about it, nobody likes being told what to do.

Unless a person explicitly asks for advice, they want to be understood – not lectured.

When dealing with other people, let go of the need to be right. That means you don’t force your opinion on other people. Don’t be

pushy, self-righteous and judgmental– no matter how you might feel. Even when you think you’re right, understand that different people have different opinions! Accept other people for what they are, right or wrong, and they’ll love you for it.

Conclusion In today’s world, it’s always about “me, me, me.” This is why our relationships with friends, family and romantic partners are weak. You can’t connect with other people if you’re thinking about yourself all the time!

The best way to build better relationships with everyone is through positivity. From listening to other people to letting go of the temptation to judge, the tips above are all based on being a good person.

Now apply these techniques to your life and build better relationships with everyone.

Did you find any of these tips useful? Do you have more ideas on building better relationships with people? Leave a comment; We’ld love to hear from you!

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December 22, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

152 Africa Magic Epic

20:58

140 Eva Channel

13:05

Tue, 22 Dec | PG 16

Tue, 22 Dec | PG16

While exploring a cave, two skiers find the body of a 400-year-old samurai warrior entombed in ice. He is brought to the United States and revived through cryosurgery. John Calvin, Charles Lampkin, Frank Schuller, Hiroshi Fujioka, Janet Julian. (1985) J. Larry Carroll

101 M-Net West

00:15 3 Days To Kill 02:15 All Is Lost 04:01 Britain’s Got Talent 04:47 Behind The Scenes: Beatenberg 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Big Bang Theory 06:30 Proof 07:30 Idols SA 09:13 Behind The Scenes: Delivery Boys 09:30 Resurrection 10:30 The McCarthys 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 Britain’s Got Talent 13:00 State Of Affairs 14:00 Revenge 15:00 Madam Secretary 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Odd Couple 17:30 Britain’s Got Talent 18:30 Chicago PD 19:30 Mr. Robot 20:30 Battle Creek 21:30 State Of Affairs 22:30 Secrets & Lies

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo 00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 Cruel Love 02:10 For Love And Justice 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Husband For Hire 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 For Love And Justice 09:30 Cruel Love 10:20 Husband For Hire 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 For Love And Justice 13:40 Cruel Love 14:30 Husband For Hire 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 For Love And Justice 17:50 Cruel Love 18:40 Husband For Hire 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 For Love And Justice 22:00 Cruel Love 22:50 Husband For Hire

00:40 The Weakest Link

11:35 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:26 Luther

12:24 Top Gear

02:20 Come Dine With Me

13:20 Come Dine With Me

03:10 EastEnders

14:14 Live At The Apollo

03:39 QI

15:06 The Weakest Link

04:10 Top Gear

15:59 EastEnders

05:00 Only Fools And Horses

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

05:31 QI

17:10 Pointless

06:04 My Family 06:36 EastEnders

18:02 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

07:05 Antiques Roadshow

18:59 QI

07:57 The Weakest Link

19:34 QI

08:47 Pointless

20:08 Would I Lie To You?

09:36 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

20:42 Mr Sloane

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

21:13 Miranda Special Xmas 2014

11:01 My Family

21:53 Mrs Brown’s Boys 22:27 Mrs Brown’s Boys

154 Africa Magic Family 00:06 Star Gist 00:37 At Home With Michelle Attoh 01:37 Good Morning Africa 02:37 Good Morning Africa 03:15 Music Block 04:12 Filler: Entertainment 04:37 At Home With Michelle Attoh 05:30 Behind The Scenes: When Love Happens 06:00 Good Morning Africa 06:36 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Jonzing 08:45 Coco Bill

Aka Amaka The Village Girl. Falsely accused of a crime, a girl suffers the fate of the poor. But in a bid to clear her name, things spiral out of control for the worse. Ngozi Ezeonu, Queen Nwokoye. (2014) NonsoEkene Okonkwo

09:00 Katemba Mu Kkooti 09:18 Behind The Scenes: Nemesis 09:30 Kumwesu 10:00 Good Morning Africa 10:34 Behind The Scenes: When Love Happens 11:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 12:00 Music Block 13:00 Tinsel 13:30 Star Gist 14:00 Nowhere To Be Found 14:30 Rolling With Faith History 15:04 Lies That Bind 15:30 Lies That Bind 15:49 Behind The Scenes: Nemesis

155 Africa Magic World 16:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 17:00 Kumwesu 17:30 Mashariki Mix 18:00 Katemba Mu Kkooti 18:18 Behind The Scenes: Enitan 18:30 Kakibe Ki 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Karma 20:30 Rolling With Faith History 21:00 Jara 21:33 Playing Victim 22:38 Behind The Scenes: The Kingdom

00:25 Jara 01:00 Good Morning Africa 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 04:00 Jacob’s Cross 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 Soul On Fire 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 Prem 11:00 Jacob’s Cross 12:00 Jacob’s Cross 13:00 Music Block 14:00 Music Block 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Star Gist 16:00 Star Gist 16:30 Star Gist 17:00 Jacob’s Cross 18:00 Jacob’s Cross

128 SONY MAX

00:00 Caught On Camera 00:50 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 01:15 1000 Ways To Die 01:40 1000 Ways To Die 02:05 Lock Up 03:45 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 04:35 Extreme Reality Clips 05:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 05:50 World’s Wildest Police Videos 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 Whaddyado 07:30 Caught On Camera 08:30 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:30 Extreme Reality Clips 10:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 11:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 11:55 Video Zonkers 12:25 Whaddyado 12:55 Caught On Camera 13:50 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:45 Extreme Reality Clips 15:15 Stunts Unlimited 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Caught On Camera 18:00 Whaddyado 18:30 Extreme Reality Clips 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Bad Ink 20:30 Guy Code 21:00 Online Dating Rituals...

22:00 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos