Dtn 10 2 18 by Dailytimes

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Buhari okays removal of Justices Ademola, Tokode 7

Troops arrest arms supplier as Buratai loses father 13

ƕƆƋ ë Koluama residents flee community over gas leak 5

Suspected thieves open cargo hold of Air Peace aircraft at Lagos runway 7

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 574

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`ƆƒƆ ƋƆƗë ‘Research can end farmers, herdsmen clashes’

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ƐƑ ƐƆƗ Ə ƓƐ Ladesope Ladelokun, Lagos

ÏÏÏFor many citizens of Benue State and

Nigerians, it was a day they would not forget in a hurry. They trooped out in their thousands to pay their last respect to the 73 Nigerians sentenced to early graves by the lethal weapons marauding herdsmen recently. They were locked in mourning. Like a damaged pipe, tears flowed freely. Grief stood boldly on their faces. But, it wasn’t the first time the purveyors of death, sorrow and tears unleashed terror on fellow compatriots. Prior to the killing of the over 70 citizens by the merchants of death, communities had been leveled, children had been orphaned, wives had been widowed with generations and dreams condemned to the graveyard by gun-trotting herdsmen across the country. According to Benue State Governor Sam-

uel Ortom, 1,878 people in the state alone were killed by herdsmen between 2013 and 2016, and in 12 Local Government Areas, over 99,242 households were affected by the attacks of herdsmen in the state. Also, a 2015 Global Terrorism Index put Fulani militants in the fourth position on the list of deadliest militant groups with a record killing of 1,229 people in 2014 alone. In the same vein, a 2017 research by SBM Intelligence revealed that 5,000 people had died from pastoral conflicts. But, herdsmen also have their stories. They claim the society has not been fair to them as they are also victims of violence orchestrated by farmers. A Fulani herdsman in Zungeru, Niger State, Mallam Usman Muhammed, for example, told The Daily Times that, “The farmers also are to blame by the way we are Continued on page 6

Being a celebrity has deprived me of street experience L2 –Bash ‘D’ Cash

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

5 News

N400m fraud: You have a case to answer, Supreme Court tells Metuh Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Supreme Court on

Friday held that a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Chief Olisa Metuh and his firm, Destra Investment Limited, have case to answer in the seven-count charge before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Metuh and his firm) (Destra Investment), following their alleged involvement in about N400million and $2million money laundering charge. Dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal decision, Metuh and his firm had lodged separate appeals at

the Supreme Court, asking the apex court to overturn both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court pronouncements on the matter. But a five-man panel of the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision on Friday, struck out the two separate appeals fby Metuh and Destra Investments and affirmed the May 25, 2016 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The Supreme Court agreed with the lower court decision that both appeals were incompetent. The apex court further upheld the March 9, 2016 ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja who dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission. The judgment of the Court of Appeal which was affirmed by the apex court

on Friday had held that the appeals by Metuh and his firm failed to comply with constitutional requirement. According to the Court of Appeal, Metuh and his company failed to first obtain the leave of either the trial court or the appellate court before filing a notice of appeal as required by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) when filing an appeal against an interlocutory decision, on the grounds of mixed law and facts. The Court of Appeal had held that Metuh and his firm, having failed in that regard, their appeals were incompetent and the court lacked jurisdiction to hear them. Justice Dattijo Mohammed headed the five-man panel of the apex court and prepared the lead judgment of the Supreme Court which

affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal on Friday. In Justice Mohammed’s judgment which was read on his behalf by Justice Ejembi Eko, the apex court resolved all the three issues raised in the appeals against Metuh and his firm. The apex court also held that as much as the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to hear the appeals, the Supreme Court too could not entertain the appeal arising from the incompetent appeals before the court below. Affirming the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court held that, “By section 233 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), appeals from the Court of Appeal to this court lies only against the decisions of that court. “Such decisions evolve

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike receiving an award of Excellence from the President of United World Wrestling (Africa), Fouad Meskout at the Government House Port Harcourt on Friday.

Bayelsa: Koluama residents flee community over gas leak Chris Eze, Yenagoa The gas leak from Conoil facility at Agulo oilfield in Koluama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has forced the residents to flee the community. A resident at Koluama 1, James Epigo in a telephone interview on Friday said the gas leak, which occurred on February, 4, 2018 has forced residents to flee the area. Epigo said, “As at Mon-

day, the whole community was deserted because the gas leak was choking people as it polluted the air so well all left the community for our safety. “The oil company officials battled for more than a day between Sunday and Monday to stop the gas leak before we returned back to the community and the place is now calm. The incident caused a lot of inconvenience to the entire community” The Daily Times recalls

that the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, has threatened to disrupt operations at the oilfield over the company’s alleged failure to address the gas explosion. The Chairman Central Zone of IYC, Porri had during a press conference lamented that since the explosion occurred on Monday, nothing had been done to tackle the explosion which spills had spread to other communities near Koluama, Tamazo area of

the state. He said, “Today, we are very pained and Ijaw youths, especially Koluama clan, have mobilised massively to invade the Conoil facilities in that domain. “We are, therefore, using this forum to call on the authorities of the oil company that we are giving them within the next 24 hours to send their officials to address the issue that is currently going on at oilfield, Well 4 and 5 gas explosion”.

from the Court of Appeal upon the exercise of jurisdiction over appeals from the court below. “Where the Court of Appeal lacks the necessary jurisdiction, in the first place, to hear and determine the appeal before it, such as in the instant case, no decision of the court against the competent appeal lies to this court. “It is for that reason I strike out the incompetent appeal and affirm the judgment of the lower court below.” Other members of the panel - Justices Kudirat Kekeree-Ekun, John Okoro, Chima Nweze and Ejembi Eko - concurred with the lead judgment. The EFCC is prosecuting Metuh and his firm, Destra Investments Limited, on seven counts of money laundering involving allegations of receiving N400m fraudulently from the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2014. They were also accused of transacting with $2m cash said to be above the threshold of cash transactions prescribed by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Metuh, who had been complaining of ill health as he continued his defence before the Federal High Court, was brought to court on a stretcher on February 5, 2018. Justice Abang, on the grounds of Metuh’s ill health adjourned till March 14 for continuation of trial to enable him to recover. The judge had in his March 29, 2016 ruling, dismissed the no-case submission which Metuh and his company filed after the prosecution closed its case after calling eight witnesses. After the ruling of the Federal High Court, Metuh had commenced his defence and had since called a number of witnesses while he and his company continued to pursue their appeals against Justice Abang’s ruling. After upholding the notices of preliminary objection filed by EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, the Court of Appeal had proceeded to decide the appeals on merits. The appellate court ruled that the trial judge, Justice Abang, was right to have dismissed the appellant’s no-case submission. The appeal court also

affirmed the order of Justice Abang directing them to enter their defence as there was prima facie case against them. In his ruling ,Justice Abang also stated that entering their defence would enable them to offer explanations about the allegations levelled against him. The judge had explained in the opening of his ruling that the court was not expected at the stage to make findings on the guilt or otherwise of the accused. He added that the court could also not make pronouncement on the credibility of the prosecution witnesses that had testified. After the prosecution closed its case with eight witnesses, Metuh and his firm through their lawyers, filed a no-case submission, asking the court to discharge and acquit them on the grounds that the prosecution failed to make any prima facie case against them. But the judge ruled against Metuh and his firm , holding that the prosecution’s case had raised so many questions, which the defendants needed “to urgently answer”. He held that the evidence given by the prosecution’s third and seventh witnesses as well as Exhibits D1 and E6(1) to (4) linked Metuh and his company to the alleged crime. He added, “It is only the first defendant (Metuh) that can answer the questions. The first defendant admitted in his statement that the the second defendant (Destra) received N400m on November 24, 2014. “Did the first defendant inquire from the bank the source of this money? If he did, what did he do? “If he did not ask from the bank why did he not report to the police or even the EFCC to investigate it. If he did not why did he disburse the fund to the 5th and 7th prosecution witnesses? Did he also disburse part of the money to Chief Anenih as contained in count seven. “If he answer this question it will be clear if the defendants knew or reasonably ought to have know that the fund represented proceeds of corrupt and criminal breach of trust by Col. Sambo Dasuki, while being the National Security Adviser.”

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

‘Research can end farmers, herdsmen clashes within one year’s Continued from page 1 provoked even when our cattle are not entering their farmland and just passing by. Yet, they fight us without provocation. Let us have the ranching and let government provide us with security.’’ For decades, herdsmen/ farmers clashes have become a recurring decimal. The recent spate of killings have brought back the discourse about the nagging problem to the front burner. With blame flying in different directions, observers say there is no end in sight to herdsmen/farmers clashes as it appears to have defied solutions. Beyond buck-passing and blame game, researchers in Nigeria’s research institution through the National Secretary General of Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI), Dr. Ndubuaku Theophilus, have disclosed that they could bring an end to the perennial problem of herdsmen/farmers clashes within one year. Ndubuaku told The Daily Times in an exclusive interview that, “The hope of this government is not in propaganda, politics, and military. Even all these military activities to check Boko Haram, herdsmen crisis, IPOB are not the solution. The solution is

putting money in research. Look at what is happening now, Fulani herdsmen/farmers clashes, this and that, what is it all about? Research! All these problems you see is because there is no research.’’ He added: “You will be surprised that there is a research institute for peace and conflict resolution. There is a research institute for policy and strategic studies. But if you go to the Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and ask them if they have been consulted over Fulani herdsmen problem, they will ask you “do you give us money for research?’’ If we have research funding, the peace and conflict resolution people will come up with a solution to this problem. They will link up with other research institutes in the world to get solution.’’ On the method to apply to end the problem, he said “If all research institutes put heads together because we are all linked to one another, and apply interdisciplinary approach, within one year, they will come up with a solution.’’ Ndubuaku, however, traced Nigeria’s stunted growth to the neglect of research. He said: “There is a research institute for virtually every sector of the economy. This Nigeria you are seeing today is a product of neglect of research. I can tell anybody that, give us funds for research, and if in one year, Nigeria does not wit-

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, (middle); his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo (left) and the Hon. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun during the launch of Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) in Enugu .....on Thursday

case submission, “because it amounts to contesting the obvious.” According to Oyedepo, Tarfa misconstrued the no-case submission. He said: “The prosecution is not expected to establish the guilt of the defendant, only to show that there is a prima facie case against the defendant.” However, yesterday, Justice Akintoye upheld the prosecution’s argument that a prima facie case had been made against the defendant. “What is expected of this court at this stage of no case submission is to look at the evidence adduced so far and determine whether a prima facie case has been disclosed against the defendant. “At this stage also the prosecution is not required to have established its case beyond reasonable doubt against the defendant as the guilt of the defendant is not in issue at this stage. “I have carefully evaluated the evidence so far, with the totality of evidence adduced before this honourable court, it is my opinion that the pros-

ecution has established the essential elements of the alleged offences with which the defendant is charged”, She said. Justice Akintoye also ruled that: “The evidence of the prosecution witnesses has not been discredited by the cross- examination of the defence counsel to the extent that no reasonable tribunal will simply convict based on it. “I therefore hold that a prima facie case of failing and refusing to declare his assests, making false information to an officer of the EFCC, and offering gratification to a public official as stated in the amended information filed before this court has been made against the defendant. “Therefore the defendant is called upon to enter his defence and the no case submission filed on his behalf is hereby dismissed.” She added: “With regard to the defendant/applicant’s claim for exemplary damages for malicious prosecution against the EFCC, I find no merit in this claim of N520 million damages and same is refused.”

ness physical change in development, lock me up in a room in SSS headquarters.’’ Commenting on the spate of killings arising from farmers/ herders clashes on the floor of the Senate, Senator Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna Central), urged Nigerian leaders to shun eth-

Court to Rickey Tarfa: You have a case to answer Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏHe was accused

of alleged willful obstruction of authorised EFCC officials, refusal to declare assets and giving false information to a public officer, by lying about his age. The agency also alleged, among others, that the lawyer offered N5.3million gratification to Justice Nganjiwa in order to compromise the judge. Tarfa pleaded not guilty. Last month, the Silk, through his counsel Abiodun Owonikoko SAN made a no-case submission asking the court to dismiss the charge because it was malicious. He prayed the court to make an example of the anti-graft agency and “slam the hammer” on it with a N500m damages award. “The specific ingredients were not proven. It is not as if the prosecution did not make an attempt, but that the attempt was so woeful,” Owonikoko submitted. But EFCC counsel Mr Rotimi Oyedepo opposed Tarfa’s no-

nic and religious sentiments in their search for a lasting solution to the nagging problem. Sani said: “If you are faced with a crisis and you use ethnic lenses to view at it, you will see a religious, ethnic or sectional image. This is not the time for diplomacy and courtesy.

“This is the time to provide leadership for a nation that is in national emergency and national distress. “Let the president wake up and protect the country. We are living in a country where there is complicit reward for violence.’’

CBN intervenes in Retail SMIS with $325.64m Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again intervened in the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) to the tune of $325.64 million. Figures obtained from the CBN on Friday indicated that the amount released was for requests in the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products and raw materials and machinery sectors. The figures were confirmed by the Banks Acting Director Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, who noted that the continued intervention were in line with the assurances made by the Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to sustain market liquidity in order to boost production and trade. According to Okorafor, the feedback from the wholesale and retail segments of the Nigerian Forex markets showed that customers were satisfied with their level of access to foreign exchange. He said the degree of optimism displayed by all play-

ers underscored the fact that everyone was happy with the level of transparency in the market. Speaking further, Okorafor assured that, with the recession now over and foreign reserves now standing at $42 billion, the CBN had enough in its arsenal to maintain the international value of the Naira as well as guarantee access to forex by those requiring it to meet genuine needs. He also reiterated that the desire of the CBN to ensure that all, particularly low end users, had access to foreign exchange to meet genuine needs prompted the Bankers Committee, in its first meeting of 2018, to agree to sell United States dollars to those requiring it for invisibles at the rate of N360/$1, without any commission whatsoever. The Daily Times recalls that the CBN in its last SMIS, in January 2018, injected the sum of $304.4 million in the inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market. Meanwhile, the naira exchanged at N361/$1 in the BDC segment of the market on Friday.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

7 News

Suspected thieves open cargo hold of Air Peace aircraft at Lagos runway Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe

menace of Lagos Airport runway thieves is becoming alarming as suspected thieves on Thursday at about 7.35pm, opened the cargo hold of Air Peace Flight 7138 holding for departure on Runway 18R (A1) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. The development came just as the passengers praised the pilot-incommand for insisting on thorough security screening of the Abujabound flight after the incident. The Corporate Communications Manager of Air Peace, Mr. Chris Iwarah, confirmed the incident, saying that the carrier’s crew acted in line with the high safety standards of the airline. In a statement issued on Friday, Iwarah said: “We are sincerely grateful to all our wonderful guests on board Flight 7138 for their support, patience and cooperation throughout the precautionary security checks conducted by Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) squad, Federal Airport Authorities of Nigeria Aviation Security and our security team after suspected thieves opened the cargo hold of our aircraft holding for departure on Runway 18R (A1) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at about 7.35pm on Thursday, February 08, 2018. “Pilot-in-Command, Capt. Adesola Arasi, had to contact control tower when he was alerted by the light that came on in the cockpit suggesting that the cargo hold was opened for about 15 seconds and im-

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (M), flanked by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd)(R), and the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr. Ibarakumo Otobotekere, shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa. mediately shut. “In line with our high security standards and the huge value we place on the lives of our guests and crew, Capt. Arasi insisted on having EOD squad check Flight APK 7138 before takeoff to be doubly sure nothing was deposited in the cargo hold by the sus-

pected thieves to endanger the lives of our guests and crew. “Our guests, who were fully briefed of the development by the pilot-in-command, were advised to disembark from the aircraft and board an Air Peace bus while the joint security operation by EOD, FAAN AVSEC and

our security team lasted. “The Lagos-Abuja flight was cleared by the security experts after exhaustive screening of the aircraft lasting about 30 minutes. “The flight eventually took off at 9.30pm and safely landed in Abuja at about 10.23pm. Our sat-

isfied guests commended the professionalism of Capt. Arasi and his team as well as the high safety standards of Air Peace.” The airline, he assured, would continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its guests, crew and equipment.

duties. The NJC had at its meeting of December 6, 2017 recommended the compulsory retirement of Ademola and Tokode for professional misconducts. The NJC said Justice Ademola who had forwarded his notice of retirement on October 10, 2017 to the Council against April 9, 2018, when he will attain the mandatory retirement age of 65 years was recommended for compulsory retirement from office pursuant to the findings by the Council on the allegation contained in the petition written against him by a group of eight persons under the name of Committee of Anambra State PDP House of Representatives members-elect alleging the following: that His Lordship heard their Suit No. FHC/ABJ/ CS/177/2015 which was adjourned for judgement on March 25, 2015; that on the adjourned date, His Lordship did not deliver the judgement but adjourned the case sine die, to await the decision of the Supreme Court on another matter on the same issue, on the list of PDP candidates for Anambra State for the General Elections of 2015; that His Lord-

ship speedily heard and delivered judgement in another case in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2015 filed later on the same issues, with intent to confer undue advantage on the Plaintiff who is from a family with which the Respondent has relationship; that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement ultimately given to the petitioners contained a paragraph that was not read in open court by the Hon. Judge and that a phrase was altered, all to address an issue raised in the appeal that had already been filed by the petitioner before the issuance of Certified True Copy (C T C); that some of the reasoning and conclusions of the Hon. Judge were summersaults; that the Respondent finally delivered judgement in the case on 8th July, 2016, five (5) months after the Supreme Court delivered the judgement he was awaiting contrary to the Constitutional provisions that judgements should be delivered within a period of 90 days. Though the Petitioners withdrew their petitions in accordance with Regulation 16 of the NJC Judicial Discipline Regulations of 9th March, 2017, Council

viewed His Lordship’s action of non-delivery of judgement within the stipulated time as misconduct contrary to Section 292 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended and Rules 1.3 and 3.7 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Regarding Justice Tokode, the NJC said he was recommended for compulsory retirement from office with immediate effect sequel to the findings of Council on the allegation contained in petitions forwarded by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Abimbola Awogboro. The NJC said, “The petitioners accused the Judge of misleading the Federal Judicial Service Commission and the National Judicial Council, by submitting six judgements he claimed to have personally conducted while practising as a lawyer; a pre-requisite for his application for appointment as a Judicial Officer, and was so appointed. “The Investigation Committee of Council however found that the Judge personally conducted

only one of the six cases submitted. “Therefore, Council decided to recommend his compulsory retirement and the refund of all salaries and allowances he earned since his purported appointment to the position of a judge to the coffers of the judiciary Meanwhile, President Buhari has commenced the process of ensuring that persons, judges and justices recommended by the NJC for appointment into various courts of record in the instant are fit and proper, and are not under any disability to function as judicial officers. Garba Shehu also stated in a separate statement on Friday that the President’s position is in furtherance of the executive powers vested in him under Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows him as the appointing authority to exercise same reasonably, taking all relevant factors into consideration. The statement reads in part, “Nigerians are assured that President Buhari will issue his approval or otherwise as soon as the process of the background verification is completed.

Buhari okays dismissal of Justices Ademola, Tokode

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari has approved the compulsory retirement of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja and the dismissal from office of Justice O.O Tokode of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The President’s action was sequel to the recommendations from the National Judicial Council (NJC), asking him to the needful on the two errant judges. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, stated that the President took the disciplinary actions against the two judges in pursuance with section 292 (1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Justice Tokode is also directed to refund all salaries and allowances earned illegally from 2nd December, 2015 when he was sworn-in as a Judge of the Federal High Court to date. The President urged judicial officers to be alive to their responsibilities and eschew corruption in the discharge of their

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

We’re committed to making democracy work Saraki ÏÏÏSenate

President, Senator Bukola Saraki on Friday gave assurance that the National Assembly would ever be committed to making democracy work, saying that Nigeria and Nigerians would be better served under democracy. This is coming just as Speaker of the House of Representatives; Hon Yakubu Dogara said that State Houses of Assembly which are excessively dependent on governors cannot deliver dividends of democracy to the people. The duo spoke at the ninth meeting of clerks of the National Assembly and State legislatures in Abuja. According to Saraki, “Let me assure you that we are committed to making this legislative democracy work, not only because we have the opportunity and the people’s mandate to be here, but more importantly because our people and the country will be better off for it. “It is quite impressive that between 1999 to date, the National Assembly has recorded remarkable achievements, not only in performing its legislative responsibilities but also in the administration of parliament and managing political representatives. It is my expectation that we can build upon these achievements by replicating the best practices – the things that have been done well – in the State Houses of Assembly.

“After 17 years of legislative democracy, we ought to have started organising a National Conference of Nigerian Legislatures (NCNL) akin to the National Conference of State Assemblies (NCSA) in the United States of America. This would be a platform for senior administrative and legislative officers of Nigerian parliaments to come together to share experience, and deliberate on ways of improving support services rendered to legislators. “While this might seem new in the Nigerian political terrain, I assure you that it is a fairly common practice in developed democracies. It would be perfectly in order, therefore, for us to aspire to that level of democratic leverage in our environment. “I am aware that there are serious complaints of political intrusion in administrative matters. This is an anomaly that we as politicians discuss continually during legislative workshops and seminars, including meetings of Presiding Officers. “I believe that with time, such distractions will be a thing of the past. Let me assure you that we are committed to making this legislative democracy work, not only because we have the opportunity and the people’s mandate to be here, but more importantly because our people and the country will be better off for it. “I should not fail to mention that, in as much as we

are striving to achieve independence for Nigerian legislatures, there is compelling and complementary need for the independence of the administrative structure of the legislature. “All the more reason why the bureaucracy will have to develop its own resource centres manned by professionals from divergent fields, who would be able to provide reliable information and data as may be required by parliament and parliamentarians, in order to adequately and effectively perform their legislative responsibilities”, he hinted. The Speaker on his part pledged the commitment of the National Assembly to deepening democracy and stressed the importance of

capacity building for parliamentary staff, especially due to the high turn over rate of legislators. He added that “The National Assembly is more than committed to deepening our democracy and the independence of the Legislature at the State level is key to this effort. Although negative responses from State Legislatures on this subject in the past have been a source of disappointment, it must be understood that even this is a consequence of the dependency virus. “You cannot have an effective Legislature without an informed, experienced and strong bureaucracy more so that the turn-over rate of members of the Legislature in Nigeria is too high while the same cannot be said of the

8 News

Saraki

bureaucracy. As a corollary, an underperforming parliament must necessarily have an underperforming bureaucracy at its base. That is why it is absolutely important to regularly bring yourselves together in this kind of atmosphere to help sharpen each other, push the frontiers and invent new vistas of Legislative governance.”, he maintained.

CBN intervenes in Retail SMIS with $325.64m

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again intervened in the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) to the tune of $325.64 million. Figures obtained from the Bank on Friday, indicated that the amount released was for requests in the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products and raw materials and machinery sectors. The figures were confirmed by the Banks Acting Director Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, who noted that the continued intervention were in line with the assurances made by the Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to sustain market liquidity in order to boost production and trade. According to Okorafor, the feedback from the wholesale and retail segments of the Nigerian Forex markets showed that customers were satisfied with their level of access to foreign exchange. He said the degree of optimism displayed

by all players underscored the fact that everyone was happy with the level of transparency in the market. Speaking further, Okorafor assured that, with the recession now over and foreign reserves now standing at $42 billion, the CBN had enough in its arsenal to maintain the international value of the Naira as well as guarantee access to forex by those requiring it to meet genuine needs. He also reiterated that the desire of the Bank to ensure that all, particularly low end users, had access to foreign exchange to meet genuine needs prompted the Bankers Committee, in its first meeting of 2018, to agree to sell United States dollars to those requiring it for invisibles at the rate of N360/$1, without any commission whatsoever. It will be recalled that the CBN in its last SMIS, in January 2018, injected the sum of $304.4 million in the interbank Foreign Exchange Market. Meanwhile, the naira exchanged at N361/$1 in the BDC segment of the market on Friday.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki consoling Ruth, wife of late David Okoniba, during the governor’s visit to the families of the deceased in Urora community, Benin City, Edo State. Okoniba’s death was allegedly caused by an exchange with a police officer in Benin City.

NiMet predicts cloudy, sunny weather on Saturday ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted partly cloudy weather conditions over the central States of the county on Saturday. The agency said that the states would record 33 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius day and night temperatures. In the Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Friday, it also predicted chances of thundery activities over Nassarawa, Ilorin, Minna, Bida, Abuja, Lokoja, Makurdi, and Lafia in the afternoon and evening. The agency predicted that southern States would experience partly cloudy conditions in the morning, with day and night temperatures in the range of 34 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. It also stated that localised thunderstorms were probable over Shaki, Ado-Ekiti, Awka, Owerri, Umuahia, Oshogbo, Akure, Enugu and the coastal cities during the afternoon and evening. According to NiMet, Northern States will experience sunny and hazy conditions throughout the period with day and night temperatures in the range of 36 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. NiMet predicted: “Sunny and hazy conditions are expected over the north with increase cloudiness over the central cities and prospects of thunderstorms activities over the south and part of central cities within the next 24 hours.”

Kaduna fixes date, fees for LG polls ÏÏÏThe

Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) has announced 12th May 2018 as the date it will conduct the local government elections in the state. This was even as it announced fees for the LG polls. C h a i r m a n KADSIECOM, Mrs Saratu Binta Dikko-Audu announced this, while unveiling the timetable of

the election at the State Independent Electoral Commission on Friday. According to her, “We have not increased the charges for the candidates; the council chairman candidates will each pay N200, 000, while councillorship aspirants will pay N50, 000 each,” Commenting further, she clarified that the commission will use the register from the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) while advising those who registered newly and have not been captured to be patient till the 2019 general elections. Also, she said ad-hoc staff had been screened, saying, the commission is ready to conduct a free, fair and credible election. Dikko also dispelled the fear of network failure during the LG polls in remote areas on Elec-

tion Day, saying, “Voting doesn’t rely on the network. “On election day we are deploying transponders to boost network. But don’t worry about the network, because the machines work without the network. The network is only needed when transmitting the results. That can be done when they get back to where there is a network,” she said.

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

Fresh PDP was not intended to kill the main PDP – Akindele ≥≥10&11

Governor Ortom hints on possible return to PDP ≥≥ 12

Negative stories about my empowerment coming from mischief makers, says Sen Ohunabunwa Stories by Patrick Okohue A member of the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly, the Senate, representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, has denied reports that he empowered his constituents with frying pans and camp gas. Ohuabunwa described the report making the rounds on social media as mischievous and deliberate spread of falsehood. In a statement through his Special Assistant, Uche Okoli, the lawmaker said the report was a misrepresentation of what happened. According to the statement, the Senator conducted a skill acquisition training programme in 2017 which was handled by Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN), after which each person was equipped with the necessary tools needed in the area of training with a financial support of up to N50,000. He said, “Politics of lies and falsehood only makes a mockery of the individuals involved, the picture being peddled around only tells a part of the story. “In 2017, the Distinguished Senator Mao Ohuabunwa in line with his commitment to teaching Ndi Abia North to fish instead of giving them fish, embarked on Skill Acquisition Training programme for Abia North Women and Youths in Partnership with Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) and part of the skills included making pastries; the beneficiaries chose the skills themselves.

OHUABUNWA “After the training they were given working tools and grant to start up the business with a firm commitment from Senator Mao Ohuabunwa to facilitate access to SMEs loans as the business grows from subsistent stage to SME,” Okoli further noted that the picture trending on social media is only an edited part of the story to suit the narrative from the usual suspects to achieve an agenda best known to them.

“We are not bothered about the narrative these individuals are pushing, the distinguished senator cannot be distracted, his focus on empowering the people of Abia North is already paying off as the women empowered with these equipment are very grateful and they are already impacting positively to their families. “Other youths who were also trained in Solar Power and other skills are bringing in results,” he said.

INEC says double registration could lead to jail term for offenders The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that Nigerians who engaged in double voters’ registration will be liable to one year imprisonment. The Head, Voter Education and Publicity, Gender and Civil Society Liaison (INEC), FCT, Mrs. Ndidi Okafor, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Okafor, who quoted from section 117 of the Electoral Act, said “it is an offence for people to register twice.” She said that anyone caught on account of double registration would be prosecuted and if found guilty, would be convicted to one year in prison or a fine of N100, 000 or both. Okafor said that other consequence of double registration was that the names of offenders would be deleted from Voters’ Register, “meaning they would not have a Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).” Speaking on the long queues at registration centres in the FCT, the INEC official cautioned that “it is not everyone that is qualified to come out to register.” “The reason for the long queues being experienced at the registration centres is because some people who have no

YAKUBU business going out to register are coming out. “There are those who had registered but only need to appear before the officer in charge of transfer or corrections. “We learnt that some people in this category claimed that it takes longer time to do transfer or correct their registration and they go for re-registration. “This act will result in double registration and anyone caught will be prosecuted,’’ she said Okafor explained that there were

only three categories of Nigerians that should come for registration, those who had just turned 18 years; those who had not registered before; those who had registered, had Temporary Voter Cards, but their names were not on the register. “If you just relocate to a town and you had registered where you were living before, please do not register again. “Just write a letter to the Resident Electoral Commission in your new place and attach a photocopy of your PVC and then come to the centre to transfer your registration. “If you just got married and you would want your husband’s name to reflect on the PVC, please do not register a second time, go to the relevant officers and they will do the correction. “They will give you an incidence form and guide you through the processes of having that correction done,’’ she said. Okafor said those who lost their PVC needed to get a police report and then go to the centre, get an incidence form that will be used to process another one. She said that anyone not too sure of his or her registration status, should check the INEC’s website.

APC begins registration of new members in Ebonyi The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has said that it will set up a 6-member committee in each of the 13 local government areas, to monitor the registration of new members. APC State Chairman, Mr. Eze Nwachukwu, who announced this on Friday in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, said the state was given waiver to register new members. He spoke at a sensitisation rally on the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), organised by the party. Nwachukwu said the registration waiver was granted to the state to enable it admit defectors who joined the party since 2015. He said though the membership registration would take place at ward levels, the 6-member registration committee would supervise the exercise. Nwachukwu said the registration would last for 10 days, and urged all party members without official registration to seize the opportunity to formalise their membership. “The membership registration is designed to enable decampees who joined the party since 2015 who are yet to officially register with the party to do so. “The exercise is to take place at ward levels and open to interested members of the public, wishing to register with the party. “This is a special waiver granted to Ebonyi, and any member who misses the opportunity will wait till 2020, and will not participate in our elective congresses and primary elections,” Nwachukwu said. Nwachukwu also urged eligible electorate to participate fully in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and described the exercise as crucial for the general elections in 2019. He said the State Working Committee (SWC) came to educate, sensitise, and mobilise the people for the all important exercise. “We have visited 10 out of the 13 local government areas of the state preaching the good news of the importance of participating in the CVR and we are here for the exercise. “Please do not ignore this good message. If you have not registered, go and register and safeguard your card. “Your voter’s card is your property and the only power and right you have to participate in choosing your leaders.” An APC chieftain, Mr. Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo, who also spoke, urged the people to resist those who would come to entice them with money and promises of employment into the civil service in exchange for their PVCs. Chibueze-Agbo, a former Commissioner for Education, said the sensitisation was aimed at mobilising support for the ongoing voter registration. He commended those who attended the rally, and tasked the people of the area to actively participate in the registration and other electoral activities. He appealed to voters who had lost their PVCs or had changed residency to visit Independent National Electoral Commission office nearest to them to update their PVCs.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

Chief Olukayode Akindele is a founding member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman of the defunct Fresh PDP. In this interview with MYKE UZENDU, Akindele speaks on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third force, the imperfections in the PDP and how ready the party is for the 2019 general elections

AKINDELE

Fresh PDP was not intended to kill the main PDP – Akindele What is the present status of the factional Fresh PDP which you were the Chairman? Fresh PDP was something that came in order to fight impunity, imposition and abuse of electoral processes. In PDP which I am a founding member, we have rules and we have ways of reconciling ourselves when we have disputes. But what we don’t have in PDP is measures for addressing impunity and crime. For some of us, what happened at the Eagle square on the 9th of December was a crime, electoral crime and the party hasn’t got the mechanism for it and it shouldn’t really have because we are not a law enforcement agency. If it has been done elsewhere, the EFCC or other bodies could have come in. And it is about time that we stood up and some of us speak against it so that we find a way to ensure that it doesn’t happen because people do it because they know nothing will happen, if they can get away with it, all well and good. I was very disappointed by what happened, but a few others who felt the same way, said we wait and see, you go we come to join you. I got millions of calls but that did not deter us. However, when that group came together, the first thing I insisted on was our exit position. It was not intended to kill PDP. However if PDP wants to die, we will help it to die. What is our exit position, what are we looking at? We were looking for a party to accept that they have done wrong and commit themselves to correcting it, that was our exit position. We also mentioned that we shall not do any anti party activities, we shall not allow the opposition to use us and we shall do our best not to affect the fortunes of the party come 2019. This thing can be resolved as quickly as possible but if we don’t do it now, it will happen during the presidential primaries and we shall be in the worst position. Fortunately, the party took us seriously, they sent people of high caliber to us. They had meetings where this matter was discussed, they were disturbed about the bandwagon effect it was having on those who were trying to decamp, and they sent people like Dr. Nwodo who was the first secretary of the party and former National Chairman, a former governor. They sent the party’s Spokesman Kola to us and a few other people. That was the main purpose, to recognise that they

have done wrong. Immediately they did that, we need also to accept that we can live by that. Whether they are going to keep to their word is another issue. Before that, we had one or two issues about the infiltration of the enemy camp. I tried very hard as the chairman to make sure that we did not get carried away by inducement, by greed and by avarice shenanigans. I can say that we succeeded to a point, only one or two people refused to fall in line and of course, they are human beings, they can choose to do what they like. If you notice the day we called a halt to it, everybody was there. Every member of the Fresh PDP apart from just two people, and we know that they were not really going to be there and it did not really matter because anything after that day does not really matter but they have the right to do what they are doing. One can notice that you were not very visible in the group but on the day that the reconciliation was made, you were very visible. Why was Obi Nwosu speaking for the group? You see, we are all members of the party (PDP). It is not everybody that is a governor, it is not everybody that is the President, it is not everybody that is a Senator. It is a mistake we are making in Nigerian politics. Membership is more important than office holders and people when they become office holders, they become uncontrollable. When Fresh PDP was conceived, I was the Chairman from day one, I put the whole thing together from the idea that came up. Nwosu was chosen as the Spokesman because he has a flair for it. When you

When that group came together, the first thing I insisted on was our exit position. It was not intended to kill PDP. However if PDP wants to die, we will help it to die. What is our exit position, what are we looking at? We were looking for a party to accept that they have done wrong and commit themselves to correcting it, that was our exit position. We also mentioned that we shall not do any anti party activities, we shall not allow the opposition to use us and we shall do our best not to affect the fortunes of the party come 2019.

have executive council meeting it is not the President that speaks, they pick the Spokesperson, they pick Lai Mohammed or a minister. PDP has a spokesperson Kola, Nwosu was made the spokesperson. He is not different from any other person. There was no time that Nwosu addressed the press that I was not seated by his side. Every day I was in that Secretariat, I managed it until we collapsed into the main PDP. There is nothing strange that he is the spokesperson of the group. Do you see the PDP living up to the agreement you made with them? The Bible says ‘he who trusts man, woe be unto him’. We are human beings, it is not what we have done that will make PDP live up to its commitment. It is the support of the broad based party. We have spoken for a very large number of persons who would not like to show their face. Some of us, we want to leave a legacy, some of us must speak. We have senators, we have people that are with us, but they don’t want to show their face. These are the people that will ensure that PDP actually meets their commitments and I can assure you that we are privy to a lot of meetings held at very high levels where some who were saying forget about them were told, no no no, don’t try that. In fact it went to the extent that not only us, they had to start meeting members of the BoT who used to be very active and because of this thing, they stopped being active. I won’t mention names, but they had to pay them a visit and say, well are sorry. PDP as far as we know, they never rejected the claims of impunity and imposition and electoral abuse and therefore, the circumstances around us in Nigeria today means that they themselves will address it. Look at all those aspiring to be Presidents today, am sorry if they don’t address it, there is going to be war, they will address it. The narratives out there is that some of you especially the aspirants have been settled. How much were you paid to collapse into the main PDP? I will tell you categorically, nobody has given me or the Fresh PDP that I know, a kobo. It was financed CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

11 Politics

‘Fresh PDP was not intended to kill the main PDP’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

I am so disappointed and taken aback because a man of his caliber of training, a gentleman, a trained soldier, a general. Are you going to tell me that if a battalion does something wrong, you will dismember the battalion and start another battalion? No, a general should know that. Obasanjo in particular and his immediate lieutenants like Oyinlola and Donald Duke are people who have benefited most from PDP, they have been Presidents, they have been governors. Are you telling me that as you are no longer President or governor, you must kill the goose that laid the golden eggs for you?

solely by us. However, if aspirants are compensated, why not? I am not aware of any body being compensated yet, am not aware of any aspirant being compensated yet. If Fresh PDP is compensated, why not? We spent a lot of money to prove a point and that money has been well spent. It is a sign of recognition and humility if they say, ‘fine we will offset part of your expenses and costs’. But right now nobody has offered us, we did not demand for it, we did not ask for it. They are still talking to us on various issues, let us not get into that shenanigan of money, money, money, it is not the issue. Was there any disagreement between your group and Nwosu’s group that led to his absence at the reconciliation meetings and made him to continue with the Fresh PDP agenda and even to constitute a National Working Committee for his group? People don’t have to agree 100 percent, intentions may exist that you don’t know. But what is important is that everybody except two fell in line. I will not speak for those who did not fall in line and today in my opinion, the so called Fresh PDP only exists in the media. Go to their secretariat if they have one, who are those on the Working Committee, it is not even an issue for me. I don’t speak for the PDP, we came up publicly, you talked about the time it took before the meeting commenced, negotiations take time. I will have to give a lot of Kudos to Dr. Nwodo, a very experienced party man, because at every point, he spoke to the chairman of the party, he spoke to the Chairman of the BoT in order to carry them along, even when they were not present, they were carried along. It is not something you will rush and that is where our assurances were. As presently constituted, do you think PDP is ready for the 2019 elections? PDP will not be ready, there are so many committee reports that have been made, one was led by Prof. Jerry Gana that its implementation has not been done. It is our hope that the leadership of PDP will call all the stakeholder’s and ensure that we get ourselves prepared. It is lack of our preparation or seriousness that is bringing about the so called third force. What do you think the PDP can do so that what transpired in the last convention will not repeat itself ? Don’t think that what we did and by the grace of God because we were bold enough to do it has died down, it has sent messages to people. That is why people like Obasanjo are speaking today. Because we collapsed quickly to PDP, I want to believe that there are people who are not happy. Those who want to shred PDP are not happy, but those who want to sustain PDP know that this is an opportunity to correct issues and am sure we shall do that.

AKINDELE

But this issue of writing letters, we saw former President Obasanjo writing one and now former Military President Babangida. Is that the right way to grow our democracy? To the best of my knowledge, General Babangida has not written any letter, his Spokesman spoke on his behalf. He is not the type of person to do that, he is a very disciplined and a very forthright leader. He is bold enough to talk to anybody, at the same time, his Spokesman can speak for him. As far as President Obasanjo is concerned, he is an elder statesman, someone I respect so much, not just because of his age but because of the offices he held. But he is someone I disagree with totally in his methodology of doing things. Letters, letters, letters, you are strong enough, you are accomplished enough to meet anybody, to knock the door and they will open the door for you, but if he chooses to write letters, let it be it. However, there is nothing he said in his letter that is strange to any of us. Even a secondary school student knows what has been going on in the country, it is all over social media. One thing I will give him kudos for is that he is bold enough to speak out. If our elders, if our leaders can speak out, we will not have all these problems that we are having. They keep quiet until everything collapses on their head, Obasanjo speaks, it is a good thing. However, I disagree with his conclusion. I am so disappointed and taken aback because a man of his caliber of training, a gentleman, a trained soldier, a general. Are you going to tell me that if a battalion does something wrong, you will dismember the battalion and start another battalion? No, a general should know that. Obasanjo in particular and his immediate lieutenants like Oyinlola and Donald Duke are people who have benefited most from PDP, they have been Presidents, they have been governors. Are you telling me that as you are no longer President or governor, you must kill the goose that laid the

golden eggs for you? In fact all of them should have put their hands together and said, the party that brought us up must not die. The party is a creation of man, it cannot be perfect. People like him that have occupied a place of authority, of honour and respect should use that position even after office to repair what is wrong. I am not saying that there is nothing wrong with PDP, what have they done since the left office for PDP? If President Obasanjo did not tear his card, attended PDP BoT meeting or NEC meeting, will he speak and people not hear? Will any body shout him down, will anybody tell him to shut up? Could he not have gone there and corrected it? He was the first beneficiary of those who fought against military tyranny, he wasn’t a founding member of PDP, he was retrieved from his homes and brought to lime light. That was enough all the days of his life to ensure that PDP does not die, that is why I disagree with him, similarly with Oyinlola and Donald Duke. For me, any patriotic PDP member that joins the third force or the fourth force, that is anti-party, is disloyalty. A Yoruba adage says, when your son is bad, are you going to give him to the lion to eat? Therefore, I want to appeal to my elder, to President Obasanjo, to reconsider his position, to come back to PDP and join hands. If Obasanjo was in PDP to fight the impunity, those rascals we are talking about will not have the guts to stand up to him. Do you see any ulterior motives in what they are doing? We are all human beings, we all have ulterior motives, I don’t read the mind. However, it is clear from his antecedents that whenever his cronies are not placed in positions, it is not good enough. It happened in Jonathan’s time, it happened in Shagari’s time, if his cronies are placed well, he doesn’t know how to step back. That is why I have a lot of respect for President Babangida, he allowed all those who succeeded him to

have a free hand in my opinion and he keeps on doing that. Even the comments by his Spokesman yesterday, if it was his own, it was very mild, it was very welcoming; he is an elder, he should be able to speak at any point. I welcome them speaking. On the just concluded meeting by the party’s NWC with the forum of PDP governors, why was it held in the states? I don’t know what you call governors forum. As far as I am concerned, our constitution does not recognise governors forum, it is a misnomer. That is one of the things Fresh PDP stood against, that is one of the impunities of the party. There is nothing like governors forum in our constitution. If they want to give recognition to anybody, there are women forum and all that, why particular attention to the governors forum. The privilege of being a governor has been conferred on them by the members of the party. Therefore that should not bring about superiority to other members of the party. That should not make them dictatorial. So to me, any meeting the NWC has with the governors forum is a nonentity, it doesn’t exist. And the sooner we realise that it doesn’t exist the better for our party and our nation. It was a mechanism Obasanjo devised at that time to divide and rule. Will you say that Secondus is under the tutelage of these governors? I don’t want to speak for Secondus, he is the Chairman of my party, however, show me your friends and I will show you who you are. He knows them they have been friends all these years, we all have friends among the governors, but he needs to be careful and do things according to the constitution of our party. I will appeal to my chairman, Mr. Secondus to please hold unto that. He is in a delicate position and he needs to do something. In 2015, he was the National Chairman of the party; we lost an election while we were the ruling party. So this time that we are not the ruling party, he needs to be more careful. I don’t know what he can do now that he did not do in 2015 but however, he must have an agenda and that agenda must be all encompassing.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

I may dump APC for PDP if...-Gov Ortom Stories by Patrick Okohue The Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, has said that he will defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other political party if his people so wish. Ortom said this when he received the Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose who paid him a condolence visit over the killing of 73 persons by suspected herdsmen in January. Governor Fayose in his speech, called on Governor Ortom to leave APC and move over to PDP where he will be well catered for. He accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government and the APC of neglecting one of their own states. In his response, Governor Ortom said he will defect to any other party if his people so wish him to. “I am a member of the APC but I cannot keep quiet when my people are being annihilated, I will not accept that because I cannot be governor over dead people. I’m not a dead man either. “The responsibility of enforcing the law is that of the Federal Government. That is why I have joined the voices calling for the restructuring of the country. Because we cannot have an IGP who is the mouthpiece of Miyetti Allah and we cannot have a minister who should be protecting the territorial integrity of this country coming out to say it is foreigners that are respon-

ORTOM

FAYOSE

sible for the killings. “We cannot have a security architecture that is not ready to protect lives and property. That allows herdsmen carry guns and displaying it openly. “Today herdsmen have also taken over kidnapping in the country from North to South because they have guns and are being protected by the IGP and when you talk they start calling you names. I must send a message that Samuel Ortom is not a drowning man. “I was a nobody but God lifted me to several important position in life, so I know

where I’m coming from, I’m not a drowning man. I dropped out of school in 1979, but I hold a Doctorate Degree today. After passing through several leadership positions in this country, today I am a governor and I’m doing my job. Now it is clear that our country must be restructured for the tenets of rule of law to be respected. “Any herdsman that is not comfortable with the grazing law should go to Kano where the governor has requested that they come. Today because of the activities of herdsmen in Benue State over 60,000 of our children can no longer go to school and

are residing in seven IDPs camps across the state. They have truncated the education of our children. It is very painful. “To compound the problem the crisis in Cameroon has spilled to Kwande and we have opened two camps where 7,000 persons are being housed, so on the whole we have nine IDPs camps in Benue State. “After the killing of the 73 people, the killings are still continuing almost on a daily basis and more people are coming into the IDPs camps. “Though I read that Mr. President has approved the deployment of the military, I thank the President though I have not been communicated officially, but I hope it will help in restoring peace and normalcy. Regrettably his directive to the IGP to relocate to Benue was not obeyed and he also failed to do his job. We are calling for his resignation. “Such people cannot work for Mr. President, he needs better people to assist him including the Minister of Defence. These are bare footed people who have nothing to offer. I commend the National Assembly for rejecting the biased report of the IGP which portrayed him as the mouthpiece of Miyetti. “I am a member of the APC and about the issue of joining another vehicle, Benue people are here and they are hearing you. I cannot decide for Benue people, the people will decide, it is what they want that I will want. Anything Benue people say I should do, I will do,” he said.

Ambode, greatest gift to Ajara kingdom, says monarch

Plateau APC elders endorse Buhari, Lalong for second term

The Aholu of Ajara Agamathen, Agano Toniyon I has described Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as the greatest gift to Ajara Kingdom. He stated this while expressing his joy over his elevation by the state governor from Baaleship to kingship. Speaking further, he said, Governor Ambode has really demonstrated that he is a God fearing and loving leader. He said, “The Ajara kingdom asked for a king but our amiable governor approved three kings.” “He has really surprised us in Ajara kingdom, with this gesture am thanking the governor on behalf of all the other kings, Aholu of Ajara Vetho, Ahoha of Ajara Torpa, our governor is a forthright, honest, courageous, transparent, a caring leader and a great legend of our time.” Aholu Agano Toniyon I also described Governor Ambode as a brilliant, excellent and enterprising technocrat, a great leader with love of Ajara people in his heart, his personality is exemplary based on his distinctive achievement, passion of development, generosity and services to humanity in general. “If we look at the infrastructure development in Ajara (Togbe-Ewhe, Sunny Ajose Road, Ajara Agamathen) and Lagos at large, Governor Ambode has recently put in place critical infrastructure that has really helped Ajara and also putting it on a world map. “Look at the street light projects in

A former Commissioner for Public Transportation in Lagos State, Chief Lanre Razak has commended the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for his performance in transforming the state since he assumed office. Elders in the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Plateau State on Friday unanimously asked President Muhammadu Buhari to seek a second term in the 2019 general elections. According to report they also endorsed Governor Simon Lalong, saying he has made them “proud.” The elders, under the aegis of APC Elders Advisory Council of Plateau State, noted that when Buhari took over the reins of governance, he did not promise Nigerians that it was going to be rosy all through. Rather, they said, the President admitted that Nigerians would face challenges in the short term and then rejoice in the long run. The Chairman of APC EAC-Plateau State, Capt. Joseph Din, stated this in Jos, during a press conference attended by key actors in the Plateau State APC. “We hereby unanimously endorse President Muhammadu Buhari as President of Nigeria come 2019 and Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong as governor of Plateau State come 2019,” Din said. He said Buhari had done very well in tackling insecurity, corruption and poverty; while he has also “improved the economy by battling recession, brought youth empowerment and created jobs.” Reeling off Mr. President’s achievements, Din said, “We all know that this country was heading into economic recession already when Buhari took over in 2015. “It was largely due to the falling prices of crude oil in the international market and the long-term mismanagement of the

Ajara, we appreciate the governor for the street light projects and also for providing adequate security for us. “He has donated security equipment worth billions of naira to Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies on the zero crime rate. “In truth, there is no enough space to express the people’s admiration for our amiable governor. Also, appreciation goes to almighty God for giving us Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a governor emeritus and a gem of unquantifiable value. However, the staff of office will be presented to the newly elevated kings on Sunday, February 11, 2018.

TONIYON I

LALONG

economy by previous governments. “Nevertheless, this government has been able to steer us away from recession within the shortest possible time. “When President Buhari was taking over, he did not promise Nigerians that it was going to be rosy all through. He admitted that Nigerians were going to face challenges in the short term and then rejoice for a long time. “Due to his economic policies, we have started seeing the difference. For instance, Nigeria produced 15 million metric tonnes of rice in 2017 alone. We are the highest exporter of yams the world over and we are the largest producer of cassava the world over. This has reduced the country’s food importation bill. “We in the Plateau State APC Elders Advisory Council call on President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Simon Bako Lalong to run for a second term in 2019 in order to complete the good work they have started.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

13 News

My life is in danger, says IBB’s spokesman ÏÏÏSpokesman

of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, Kassim Afegbua, has said that his life is under threat. Afegbua, who has been in and out of the offices of the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) since Sunday when he issued a statement on behalf of his principal, said the last six days have been traumatic. He said on Wednesday, after spending seven

hours without being told why he was summoned to the DSS headquarters, he was asked to return on Friday, and that an operative interrogated him over the statement after he had spent two hours. He said at the end of the interrogation, his personal details were taken. Afegbua added that he had been receiving strange calls since the controversy began. “In the last six days, I have gone through trau-

matic experience when I was declared wanted by the Nigeria Police. By the strength of that unprofessional declaration, I was treated like a common criminal and fugitive until I showed up at the police headquarters, Abuja to physically present myself,” he said. “After what the police termed a no case issue, they were apologetic and I took my leave. In the evening of that day, Wednesday 7th February, 2018 I

got a phone call inviting me to the headquarters of the Directorate of State Security (DSS). “I honoured the invitation on Thursday and spent 7 hours waiting for attention. I left the office at 6.50pm when it became clear nobody was ready to tell me what the invitation was meant for. I was informed to report back on Friday 9th February, 2018 at 11am. On arrival on Friday, having spent 2 hours, I was attended to

by the Director of Operations and two others who interrogated me on the said statement I issued. My interrogation was recorded electronically and was made to write a statement affirming the issued statement, having collected all my personal details; house address, account number, international passport number and other information. “I find this whole episode quite nauseating and utterly condemnable.

I cannot rationalise why just a statement would amount to subjecting me to rigorous interrogation especially when there was no complainant. The action of the Nigeria Police coupled with that of the State Security Service is at best that of a meddlesome interloper and sheer bullying, leaving serious developmental issues to chasing shadows with a view to intimidate, harass and embarrass me.

Troops nab arms supplier in Mararaba ...Gen Buratai loses father

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏTroops

L-R: Wife of former military Head of State, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar (rtd); former Head of State and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Pamo University, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd); Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike; former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Dr Peter Odili and other members of the board of trustees of Pamo University arrive the Rivers State Government House during a courtesy visit to Wike...on Friday.

NDIC strengthens anti-graft partnership with ICPC Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Deposit

Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Thursday said it has zero tolerance for all forms of malpractices within the Corporation and in all the initiatives it has taken to fully implement its mandate. The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Corporation, Umaru Ibrahim, mni, FCIB, made the remark during the inauguration of the re-constituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Corporation by the Acting Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) who

was represented by the Head of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, Mr. Justin Kuatsea. Ibrahim stated that based on its mandate and supervisory activities, the NDIC is at the forefront of the fight against corruption through the enforcement of good corporate governance, transparency and accountability to minimise the risk of bank failure in order to protect depositors and ensure safety and soundness of the financial system. He described the inauguration of the NDIC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) as good development as it will further strengthen the Corporation’s resolve

and its partnership with other government agencies involved in the anticorruption fight towards promoting credible and effective service delivery in the public sector. The NDIC boss further noted that the NDIC has been organising annual capacity building seminars for strategic stakeholders such as the ICPC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Special Fraud Unit and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in the area of financial crime investigation. He also expressed the readiness of NDIC to sustain its participation in the capacity building pro-

grammes organised by the ICPC Training Academy. Responding, the Acting Chairman of ICPC Alh. Abdullahi Bako, said ACTU was created by the ICPC in 2001 in all government agencies to curb corrupt practices and to establish transparent processes and procedures in the public sector. He commended the NDIC for its commitment to transparency and accountability in the discharge of its regulatory responsibilities. He concluded his remarks by expressing the hope that the inauguration of the unit would create synergy for effective collaboration between the

of Guards Brigade Nigerian Army, deployed at Mararaba, Nasarawa state for Internal Security Operations have arrested a man with arms and ammunitions during a stop and search operation at the checkpoint on Thursday. The Suspect who gave his name as Mr Peter Iorlaha was apprehended with a bag containing 2 locally made pistols, 1 locally made short gun, 2 rounds of 7.62mm (Special), 5 live cartridges, 2 torch lights, a screw driver, charms and a Tecno mobile handset. A statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman said the suspect revealed that the weapons

and other items were handed over to him by his uncle for safe keeping. He said the suspect is currently undergoing interrogation. In another development, Sani Kukasheka has confirmed the death of Alhaji Yusuf Buratai. Yusuf Buratai was the father of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai. Kukasheka in a statement issued in Maiduguri stated that Yusuf Buratai, an ex-serviceman, died on Friday morning. The statement read in part, “This is to inform you of the passing away of the father of the Chief of Army Staff, Alhaji Yusuf Buratai, this morning (Friday) in Maiduguri”. Buratai, a veteran of World War II, joined the West African Army in 1942.

Nigeria, Niger republic to partner to tackle herdsmen, farmers’ crises ÏÏÏThe Minister of Interi-

or, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, has assured the republic of Niger that Nigeria will partner with its government to tackle herdsmen/farmers’ conflict. Dambazau stated this when Nigerien lawmakers paid him a visit on Friday in Abuja. The minister disabused the lawmakers’ minds of the misconception that herdsmen from Niger were responsible for the herdsmen and farmers conflict in Nigeria. Dambazau told the lawmakers that the two countries had close relationship in religion and ethnicity. He said: “Our relationship is historic; we have very close relationship in ethnicity and religion that it is difficult to know who comes from Nigeria and Niger. We consider ourselves as one family. “There is no insinuation anywhere that the herdsmen

are only from Niger republic. We have other movements across the sub-region, even from Nigeria.” The leader of the Niger parliamentarians’ delegation, Sanusi Mareini, told the minister that there was insinuation that herdsmen from Niger were responsible for the herdsmen and farmers conflict. In another development, Damabazau assured the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Petter Kjemprud, that the government of Nigeria would support Norway on the establishment of more off shore companies in Nigeria. The minister gave the assurance when Kjemprud paid him a visit in Abuja. The ambassador told the minister that he was on a visit to solicit the support of the Federal Government to enable Norway to set up more multinational companies in Nigeria.

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

You have case to answer, court tells Rickey Tarfa Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏ

Participants at the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) held in Lagos

N400m fraud: You have case to answer, Supreme Court tells Metuh

Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

ÏÏÏThe Supreme Court on

Friday held that a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Chief Olisa Metuh and his company Destra Investment limited have case to answer in the seven count charge before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja. Metuh and his company who are standing trial on money laundering charges involving the sums of N400m and $2m filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Dissatisfied with Court of Appeal decision the defendants had lodged separate appeals at apex court praying to overturn both the Court of Appeal and the trial court verdicts. A five-man panel of the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision struck out the two separate appeals filed by Metuh and his company, Destra Investments Limited, and affirmed the May 25, 2016 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. The Supreme Court agreed with the lower court decision that both appeals were incompetent. It upheld the March 9, 2016 ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja who dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission. The judgment of the Court of Appeal which was affirmed by the apex court on Friday had held that the appeals by the appellants failed to comply with constitutional requirement. According to the Court of Appeal, Metuh and his company failed to first obtain the leave of either the trial court or the appellate court before filing a notice of appeal as required by the Constitution

when filing an appeal against an interlocutory decision, on the grounds of mixed law and facts. The Court of Appeal had held that the appellants having failed in that regard their appeals were incompetent and the court lacked jurisdiction to hear them. Justice Dattijo Mohammed headed the five-man panel of the apex court and prepared the leading judgment of the Supreme Court which affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal on Friday. In Justice Mohammed’s judgment which was read on his behalf by Justice Ejembi Eko, the apex court resolved all the three issues raised in the appeals against the appellants. The apex court held that as much as the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to hear the appeals, the Supreme Court too could not entertain the appeal arising from the incompetent appeals before the court below. Affirming the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court ruled, “By section 233 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), appeals from the Court of Appeal to this court lies only against the decisions of that court. “Such decisions evolve from the Court of Appeal upon the exercise of jurisdiction over appeals from the court below. “Where the Court of Appeal lacks the necessary jurisdiction, in the first place, to hear and determine the appeal before it, such as in the instant case, no decision of the court against the competent appeal lies to this court. “It is for that reason I strike out the incompetent appeal and affirm the judgment of the lower court below.” Other members of the panel - Justices Kudirat KekereeEkun, John Okoro, Chima

Nweze and Ejembi Eko agreed with the leading judgment. The EFCC is prosecuting Metuh and his firm, Destra Investments Limited, on seven counts of money laundering involving allegations of receiving N400m fraudulently from the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2014. They were also accused of transacting with $2m cash said to be above the threshold of cash transactions prescribed by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Metuh, who had been complaining of ill health as he continued his defence before the Federal High Court, was brought to court on a stretcher on February 5, 2018. Justice Abang, on the grounds of Metuh’s ill health adjourned till March 14 for continuation of trial to enable the defendant to recover. The judge had in his March 29, 2016 ruling dismissed the no-case submission which Metuh and his company filed after the prosecution closed its case with eight witnesses. After the ruling of the Federal High Court, Metuh had commenced his defence and had since called a number of witnesses while he and his company continued to pursue their appeals against Justice Abang’s ruling. After upholding the notices of preliminary objection filed by EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, the Court of Appeal had proceeded to decide the appeals on merits. The appeal court ruled that the trial judge, Justice Abang, was right to have dismissed the appellant’s no-case submission. The appeal court also affirmed the order of Justice Abang directing them to enter their defence as there was prima facie case against them. In his ruling, Justice Abang

also stated that entering their defence would enable them to offer explanations about the allegations levelled against him. The judge had explained in the opening of his ruling that the court was not expected at the stage to make findings on the guilt or otherwise of the accused. He added that the court could also not make pronouncement on the credibility of the prosecution witnesses that had testified. After the prosecution closed its case with eight witnesses, the defendants through their lawyers, filed a no-case submission, asking the court to discharge and acquit them on the grounds that the prosecution failed to make any prima facie case against them. But the judge ruled against the defendants, holding that the prosecution’s case had raised so many questions, which the defendants needed “to urgently answer”. He held that the evidence given by the prosecution’s third and seventh witnesses as well as Exhibits D1 and E6(1) to (4) linked Metuh and his company to the alleged crime. He added, “It is only the first defendant (Metuh) that can answer the questions. The first defendant admitted in his statement that the second defendant (Destra) received N400m on November 24, 2014. “Did the first defendant inquire from the bank the source of this money? If he did, what did he do? “If he did not ask from the bank why did he not report to the police or even the EFCC to investigate it? If he did not why did he disburse the fund to the 5th and 7th prosecution witnesses? Did he also disburse part of the money to Chief Anenih as contained in count seven.

A Lagos High Court, Igbosere on Friday dismissed a no case submission made by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rickey Tarfa, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Adedayo Akintoye ruled that the prosecution had established essential elements of the offences it brought against the senior lawyer. The court noted that the justice of the case thus requires that it should demand some explanation from the defendant in respect of the charge. She ordered Tarfa to enter his defence on the next adjourned date, March 13, 2018. Justice Akintoye also dismissed a claim filed by the Learned Silk seeking N500 million from the EFCC as damages for alleged malicious prosecution. The judge described it as unmeritorious. The EFCC arraigned Tarfa on March 10, 2016 on a 27-count charge which was subsequently amended to 26 counts. He was accused of alleged willful obstruction of authorised EFCC officials, refusal to declare assets and giving false information to a public officer, by lying about his age. The agency also alleged, among others, that the lawyer offered N5.3million gratification to Justice Nganjiwa in order to compromise the judge. Tarfa pleaded not guilty. Last month, the Silk, through his counsel Abiodun Owonikoko SAN made a no-case submission asking the court to dismiss the charge because it was malicious. He prayed the court to make an example of the anti-graft agency and “slam the hammer” on it with a N500m damages award. “The specific ingredients were not proven. It is not as if the prosecution did not make an attempt, but that the attempt was so woeful,” Owonikoko submitted. But EFCC counsel Mr Rotimi Oyedepo opposed Tarfa’s no-case submission, “because it amounts

to contesting the obvious.” According to Oyedepo, Tarfa misconstrued the no-case submission. He said: “The prosecution is not expected to establish the guilt of the defendant, only to show that there is a prima facie case against the defendant.” However, yesterday, Justice Akintoye upheld the prosecution’s argument that a prima facie case had been made against the defendant. “What is expected of this court at this stage of no case submission is to look at the evidence adduced so far and determine whether a prima facie case has been disclosed against the defendant. “At this stage also the prosecution is not required to have established its case beyond reasonable doubt against the defendant as the guilt of the defendant is not in issue at this stage. “I have carefully evaluated the evidence so far, with the totality of evidence adduced before this honourable court, it is my opinion that the prosecution has established the essential elements of the alleged offences with which the defendant is charged”, She said. Justice Akintoye also ruled that: “The evidence of the prosecution witnesses has not been discredited by the cross- examination of the defence counsel to the extent that no reasonable tribunal will simply convict based on it. “I therefore hold that a prima facie case of failing and refusing to declare his assests, making false information to an officer of the EFCC, and offering gratification to a public official as stated in the amended information filed before this court has been made against the defendant. “Therefore the defendant is called upon to enter his defence and the no case submission filed on his behalf is hereby dismissed.” She added: “With regard to the defendant/applicant’s claim for exemplary damages for malicious prosecution against the EFCC, I find no merit in this claim of N520 million damages and same is refused.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

15Column

Obasanjo: The open sore of a nation Guest Columnist FEMI ODERE

T ‘

Obasanjo was at one time or another at the apex of the two most popular systems of government in a contemporary world: military and democratic governments. It is therefore on the basis of this “lice of poor performance” which Obasanjo had brought into the doorsteps of Buhari’s presidency that this piece will attempt to interrogate.

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he title of this piece was borrowed, I should say, from the book “The Open Sore of a Continent” written by Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s playwright and Nobel laureate for Literature except that the Nigerian nation may have ceased being the continent’s “open sore” in many ways since the emergence of the present government. Subtitled “A Personal Narrative of the Nigerian Crisis” this book essentially interrogates the military jackboot of Nigeria’s former head of state Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s brazen annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election at the instruction of Gen. Sanni Abacha who would later succeed him, based on certain agreements between the duo. Gen. Abacha was to later preside over the most repressive government in the country’s history to such extent that anyone of substance who called himself as having the audacity and courage to criticise the “maximum ruler” was fair game for murder and assassination, including Soyinka himself. The June 12 presidential election annulment became the “open sore” of the African continent because it was the most brazen truncation of the people’s wish that unanimously elected who they wanted to lead them in the freest, fairest and transparent election ever. For those who understands his character, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s so-called Special Press Statement to President Muhammadu Buhari which he titled “THE WAY OUT: A CLARION CALL FOR COALITION FOR NIGERIA MOVEMENT” was long overdue. It was late in coming because Obasanjo has not succeeded in influencing the Buhari government in any way, shape or form. After almost three years, he has not succeeded in ingratiating any of his cronies in the likes of Dele Momodu and Oby Ezekwesili into the Buhari government. This turn of event he simply cannot stomach because he’s used to having his way with any government. He in fact unilaterally installed our governments for us even in democratic dispensations except the Buhari government. So, those who are familiar with his modus operandi knew that it was just a matter of time for him to make his next move of pulling down this government----literally. As expected, Nigerians from all walks of life have reacted----and will continue to react----either way to Obasanjo’s press statement not only because of the allegations contained therein (which are scathing enough but largely without basis), but also the contradictions inherent in the allegations when they’re juxtaposed with the antecedents of the writer as a Nigerian leader who had affected the country’s political and economic wellbeing more than any anyone. The open letter, which

Obasanjo the media had inappropriately dubbed a “Letter Bomb” to the egotistic, vainglorious and vacuous self-satisfaction of the writer was essentially nothing, but an empty barrel that makes the loudest noise as we shall see presently. The kernel of his special press statement----it seems to me----was what he referred to as “The lice of poor performance” in which “poverty, insecurity, poor economic management, nepotism, gross dereliction of duty, condonation of misdeed – if not outright encouragement of it, lack of progress and hope for the future, lack of national cohesion and poor management of internal political dynamics and widening inequality” still holds sway in the present government. Otherwise, the rest of his missive was nothing but his predilection for grandstanding, self-glorification and his well-known grand strategy of tearing everything apart in order to arrive at a pre-determined, self-serving destination. And Nigerians now know that his “Coalition of Nigerians,” his socalled “Third Force” which had since birthed, is that destination. One must thank God for little mercies that the one (Obasanjo) who made the aforementioned sweeping and negative generalization of what he believes characterized the Buhari administration is not an unknown quantity. Obasanjo was at one time or another at the apex of the two most popular systems of government in a contemporary world: military and democratic governments. It is therefore on the basis of this “lice of poor performance” which Obasanjo had brought into the doorsteps of Buhari’s presidency that this piece will attempt to interrogate. Granted the intrusion of the military into governance of any nation has always been an aberration in civilized societies because the institution is never structured nor trained for political/ administrative experience but to prosecute wars against the enemies of the society in which it is domiciled. But the world had also witnessed military despots who transformed their countries beyond expectations to the eternal graciousness of their own people. There are quite a few examples in the

African continent before the interventions of external forces through the collusion of internal reactionary elements snuffed life out of them. These are Eqypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser, Burkina Faso’s Thomas Sankara and yes, Libya’s Moammer Gadhafi just to name a few. History will never record Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to be among the pantheon of military despots who transformed their countries for the greatest good of the greatest number. As a military ruler, one would have thought that Obasanjo would have gifted the country to someone with sound mind and the best leadership credential when he knew intrinsically, that he had not what it took to transform his society. But Obasanjo superintended the country’s first blatant and egregious election rigging that bequeathed (and deliberately) the country to an incompetent and clueless president in the person of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and his addicted-to-unearned-money members of his party. Obasanjo it was, before the presidential election who declared that the best candidate may not win; a veiled reference to Chief Obafemi Awolowo whom he had determined must be prevented from winning the election despite his sterling leadership qualities. That was the beginning of his vice political grip on the nation that he became so addicted to that he declared in the 21st century that elections in a representative democracy are “do or die” affairs. Obasanjo’s laundry list contained in his “lice of poor performance” levelled against Buhari were not only another opportunistic and diabolical (although these two traits are among his trademarks) attempt to call the proverbial dog a bad name in order to hang it, but it beggars belief that he could not even see the hypocrisy in his allegations that most of what he attempted to hang on Buhari’s neck actually found their ways into Nigeria’s governance lexicon when he was a military ruler as well as a civilian president, if not exacerbated by him. Much has been said that Obasanjo’s “poor performance” indices are not peculiar to Buhari and his administration. On his allegation that poverty still stalks the land on Buhari’s watch, it should be pointed

out here that in the year 2000, according to the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) “Nigeria’s relative poverty measurement stood at 54.4 per cent but increased to 69 per cent or 112.518 million Nigerians by 2008. Using the absolute poverty measure of this organization, what this means is that “54.7 per cent of Nigerians were living in poverty in 2000 but this increased to 60.9 per cent in 2008.” What the UNDP statistics also tells us is that income distribution became more skewed towards a lesser percentage of the Nigerian population. From the foregoing, one then wonders if Obasanjo still remembers who was Nigeria’s president from 1999 until 2007? Perhaps Obasanjo has been able to get away with his self-righteousness and inflated ego knowing full well that Nigerians are largely gullible and they can be bamboozled because they’re largely devoid of independent thoughts or critical thinking on issues of national importance. One may have to ask him where in the insecurity column the Niger Delta militancy that first reared its ugly head under his watch should be placed. The fact remains that Nigeria witnessed the highest internal insecurity during Obasanjo’s tenure than at any time in its history. What is more, a leader whose country is far behind in all indicators of human development such as poverty, insecurity and infrastructural development so glaringly present in his administration and desirous of lifting his country from this human development abyss wouldn’t have thought it fit that the best economic policy that could only guarantee growth was to have a zero debt overhang. As president, Obasanjo implemented an economic model in modern times that financial experts around world had since described as the “largest transfer of wealth by a relatively poor nation (Nigeria) to nations and agencies that are already affluent by any standards.” In 2006, Obasanjo paid almost $20 billion to two giant international syndicates: Paris Club and London Club of Creditors to settle the nation’s foreign debts. The former president was all too willing to sacrifice national interests on the altar of his own personal interest to have gifted the international creditors this incredible amount because he wanted to become the UN Secretary-General after the expiration of his tenure. Obasanjo is probably too far gone in his self-conceit and evil machinations to see, let alone acknowledge the four fingers that readily points at him whenever he points an accusing finger at someone else. His rap sheet of egregiousness and criminal acts as an erstwhile chief of state is probably as long as the road from his Ota farm to the Lagos heartland. Rather than waste too much time and energy to enumerate his many sins against the Nigerian state----most of which are patently criminal----perhaps it is better to draw the readers’ attention to what Biodun Jeyifo, a professor in Harvard said about Obasanjo in his No. 258 article in The Nation on Sunday on February 4, 2018. Hear him: “In power, Obasanjo hated workers’ unions and their leaders with passion, especially the most radical and genuine among them. He hated student activists, especially the most courageous and outspoken among them. He couldn’t stand civil and human rights organizations and their spokespersons.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

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FEATURES

1 è d ƆƋƋ è ƅƏƈƆ Ɛ ƅ ƌƌƑ ƈƐƈƆ Ïd ƆƋƋë zƆôƒƆ ƅ ƏƏƈƆƗ ƑƐ Ƒ Ɛ ƈ ƄƋƆ ƅ ƌƌƑ ƈƐƕ ƗƆƒôƐ ƍƏ ƉƆƅƐ ƈ Ɛ ƅ ƌƌƑ ƈƐƈƆ Memoye Oghu, Port Harcourt The agitation against Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria limited (SPDC), the oil giant that has explored and exploited hydrocarbon resources in Nigeria in the last 60 years, seem to be mounting daily in Rivers State. From Ogoni land in the Rivers South East Senatorial District where the company was chased away in the last 25 years to the Kula people in Rivers West Senatorial District, the chorus is ‘Go, Shell, Go.’ The Ogoni people, led by the Ken Saro Wiwa Associates (KSWA) are currently agitating against the planned return of the company to the area for oil operations. The body wants the Federal Government to revoke the renewal of its license on oil mining lease 11 (OML11). The Kula people in Akuku Toru LGA of the state have stepped up their own agitation against the multi international oil company. Six months ago, the women of the kingdom occupied the Belema Flow Station in the area, a Shell facility that processes over 200,000 barrels of oil and over two million cubic feet of gas per day. The current impasse at the Belema flow station, where several millions of Dollars in oil and gas revenues are lost daily is not only a concern to the Federal Government but also to other stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). At its emergency general assembly in Kiagbodo, Delta State, the body constituted a fact finding team to submit a report on the impasse to it for further engagements with relevant authorities to resolve it amicably and avert further losses of revenues. Placards carrying men, women and youths greeted members of the team when it visited the affected communities last Friday to see things for themselves and to interact with members of the communities. Some of the placards carried by the youths bore inscriptions like, “We don’t want Shell again,” “Shell go and leave us alone” and “Shell is killing us” among others. The PANDEF fact finding team led by Elder T. K. Ogoriba, a foundation member of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and member of the Presidential Committee on the Niger Delta with Chief Anabs Sara Igbe, a Niger Delta Activist; Mrs. Vivien Ere-Imananagha, former state lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from 1999 – 2003 and Mr. Olorogun Vincent, a Special Assistant to the Delta State governor as well as Ken Robinson and Don Ben as members were shocked at the level of utter neglect of the communities by the oil companies that had operated in the area in the last four decades. They however expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of members of the communities who rather than vent their anger on oil facilities have so far protested peacefully and protected them. The team urged them to continue to maintain the peace and ensure that the facilities were safe and promised that PANDEF would quickly resolve the matter. At the Belema Oil Flow Station where the community women have successfully chased away Shell and occupied the facility, the women danced and sang solidarity songs to welcome the PANDEF team. Daily Times gathered that six months ago in August 2017, the entire women of Kula kingdom rose in anger and shut in the flow station in protest against Shell atrocities. Our correspondent learnt that the flow station facility operated by Shell processes over 200,000 barrels of oil and two million cubic feet of gas every day. At the current exchange rate of N360 to a Dollar, that translates to over N72 million per day and N2.16 Billion in a month. That means that the federal government and the oil companies have lost over N12 Billion since the flow station was shut down. And the figure is still counting by the day. Giving reasons why the women shut down the facility, Chief Ibiosa Nathaniel Sukubo, a paramount chief in the community, said their land is flowing with milk and honey but its inhabitants were living like beggars seated on the fence of gold. Chief Sukubo, who spoke on behalf of Offoinya Ama community, said: “Offoinya Ama is a co-host to the Belema flow station. Offoinya Ama also host the gas injection plant and its booster stations. Offoinya Ama bellies myriads of oil wells; we bellies the 6 and 8 inches delivery pipelines. We also have the eastern gathering lines and the Trans Niger Delta/Nembe trunk line in

RƈƋ ƍƈƋ

this great community . . . we are living in squalor. “We are totally devastated; we suffer environmental and aquatic devastations imposed on us by oil and gas explorations. These are colossal and quite astronomical to what we have as compensation from our oil companies”. He added that “these are the igniting factors that had propelled the action that we took in the early period of August, 2017 resulting to the shutting down of the Belema flow station and its adjoining activities. SPDC has operated here for over 37 years and there is nothing to write home about. We lack all basic amenities. Life is practically unbearable in this environment.” At Belema community, a spokesman of the chiefs, Mr. Walter Akuboboye, told the team that, “this is the Belema community that you have been hearing about. The community that host OML 25, Belema flow station where you just came from and as you can see for yourselves for over 37 years, this community has hosted Shell facility and you can see for yourselves that there is nothing to show for it in this community. Everybody here is living below the poverty line. We have had series of meetings with Shell concerning the development of this community but Shell has been adamant over the years.” The community chief however reiterated their demands. His words: “We are telling the Federal Government not to renew Shell license to them again. If they renew, that is, they are supporting Shell to kill us. “A demand that was articulated by the entire Kula people when they received the fact finding team at Kula town, headquarters of the Kula Kingdom. In an address of welcome, the kingdom said that they were demanding among other things a strong meeting or parley with the federal government and that rather than renew the license for OML 25 to Shell again, it should be given to an indigenous oil firm from the area, Belema Oil company because “we have seen what he has done in OML 55.” When contacted, Shell’s General Manager for External Affairs, Mr. Igo Weli responded that his company has always recognised Belema and Offoin-ama as its host communities and that they had carried out sustainable community development projects within the limit of available resources. His words: “A high point of the commitment was the negotiation of a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) that has not been implemented because of continuing intra-commu-

nity disagreements, including a leadership tussle. For example, as at 2015, there were a total of 11 court cases involving different groups with SPDC as a co-defendant in all of them. “The Rivers State Government initiated a mediation process for the resolution of the disagreements in the community, which resulted in the creation of the Kula Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee (PIMC) in 2012. The PIMC served as an interim platform for the delivery of social investment initiatives and programmes worth N263 million in the Soku-San Berth Project. “Notwithstanding that SPDC has divested its equity in OML 24, which covers most of the communities in Kula and Belema, the SPDC JV has continued to implement agreed social investment programmes such as scholarship and entrepreneurship schemes for the communities there. “Despite the challenging environment, the SPDC JV set aside more than N600 million for a five-year period beginning 2014 for development initiatives at Kula and the satellite communities of Belema, Offoin-ama and Boro. SPDC JV has also invested over N352 million in Improvement of school infrastructure, sanitation and health outreach programmes, construction of walkway for the community and electricity supply in Kula Kingdom in the past 10 years,” he went on. According to Mr. Weli, the company has worked tirelessly with regulatory and community stakeholders to bring about a peaceful resolution to this dispute. For instance, he said that SPDC took part in a meeting called by NNPC on August 21, 2017 in Abuja. “On 5th September, SPDC met with the leaders of Belema led by the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Chief Ibinabo Kaloriye in Port Harcourt. The community confirmed it had no issue with SPDC and condemned the illegal occupation of Belema Flow Station and Gas Plant. On September 21, NAPIMS invited SPDC, Belema community and representatives of the occupiers to a meeting in Port Harcourt. Only SPDC and Belema community led by HRH Chief Kaloriye honoured the invitation. The occupiers stayed away. Another meeting summoned by NAPIMS (NNPC) for November 9, 2017 was attended by SPDC only. The illegal occupiers also stayed away,” he stated in his response. On the way forward, the General Manager said: “SPDC encourages all parties to return to dialogue to protect the safety and security of all concerned, including those who have occupied the facility, community members, SPDC staff and contractors.”

19 Features

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

At BAF lecture, experts bemoan absence of synergy in the nation’s healthcare

BAF BoT Chairman, Prof. E. Anagba congratulating the Lecturer, Professor Michel C. Asuzu

Cross section of guests listening to Engr. Olu Anda as he appreciates guests

Bassey Edem, Calabar

everything from primary to secondary and tertiary health provisions even when they know too well that it is unprofessional since they lack the skills required for the roles they play. This has been a major undoing of the nation’s healthcare system. The sector lacks proper synergy. Moreso, the diversity of health challenges have accentuated the magnitude of healthcare delivery hence the importance of needful synergy by practitioners. By so doing, the sector has lost benefits from intra and inter sectoral medical collaborations to arrogance and selfishness hence the lost glories of the sector. The rate of loss opportunities for the sector to plan and implement with other relevant sectors to tackle healthcare delivery frontally and jointly cannot be over emphasized. It is apparent the nation lacks the necessary understanding of the disciplines and dynamics of practical integrated health services which are prerequisites for an ideal healthcare system. Funding has also been fingered as one of the major undoing of the sector which depends heavily on foreign support and donors that come with their conditions. These phenomena cannot guarantee expected growth in the sector. However, there is no doubt different administrations and leaders have made efforts towards the overhaul of the health sector to the best of their abilities, but corruption and insincerity has not permitted impacts of the efforts to be felt. This is why to many including Professor Asuzu, the national health system has failed to deliver on either the Public Health or the social trauma suffered by communities of all ages. On its part, Governments and their agents in self defence claim to have put effective policies and programmes in place for the establishment of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities and institutions, but claims that it is overwhelmed by a rapidly growing population which is disproportionate to available resources to provide needed infrastructure.

It is not yet anything near uhuru for Healthcare delivery in Nigeria. This is the very expression used by the guest lecturer, Professor Michel C. Asuzu to describe the health sector in Nigeria at the 19th Bassey Anda Foundation (BAF) lecture series which took place at University of Calabar, Cross River State recently. Prof. Asuzu is a Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and this is to say, he must be speaking from the point of knowledge. Professor Asuzu is not alone, various reactions following theme of the 2018 lecture: The challenges of healthcare delivery for all ages, berated the nation’s health sector. That the nation’s health care system is characterised by high infant and maternal mortality rates, or short life expectancy is no more news. Current life expectancy is put at 50 for all. In the same vein, medical tourism has also become an experience the country must have to live with no thanks to medical experiments in the guise of medical attention. Simple headache compel citizens who can afford the bill to jet out of the country for proper diagnosis and interventions having lost hope in the nation’s health system. The layman can only resign to fate many a time ignorant when medical errors take its toll on patients. Only medical practitioners can tell which deaths are indeed deaths and which are occasioned by their errors not to think of how many simple ailments they have compounded through error diagnosis and other unsafe acts for their patients. Naturally, every human endeavour tilts towards achieving good health, happiness, wellness and fulfillment of the human person. In practice however, it is only those in the business of healthcare provisions that are seen and acknowledged as healthcare providers. Hence all citizens the law says are entitled to sources of good healthcare and other necessities of life.

In essence, we have to hold medical practitioners accountable for what happens in that sector and government responsible for the availability or unavailability of adequate or proper healthcare supplies. Therefore, it behooves on a nation to ensure that its people are healthy through the provision of adequate and affordable healthcare and services using its three tier regime like in the case of Nigeria: Local government, State government and the Federal Government. In the medical parlance, this is what is referred to as the healthcare pyramid in the following manner of division: Primary healthcare delivery, Secondary healthcare provisions and Tertiary healthcare provisions for multidisciplinary or super specialist care. In 1978, at the Alma Ata Conference on primary healthcare, the world agreed that the purpose of all healthcare services must be to achieve health for all the people in that given locality. To achieve this, it further agreed that, it has to be based on a proper primary healthcare system that is properly linked up and supported by all the higher levels in the 3-tier health system. In this light, all related health persons and organs are expected to be linked through a programme of inter-sectoral collaboration and integration for Public Healthcare and Health for all. Unfortunately, though the nation has in theory three tier governance, in practice what we have is a two tier: state and federal, as the Local Government where ideally the action for real progress or development in any given area, is partially or totally missing in the link. Primary healthcare is the in-thing but they are available only in some states of the federation. In fact, some states embraced it very recently when the Federal Government passed the Health Act because they saw it as another avenue to share money. In the few places where they exist, most of them lack necessary Medicare paraphernalia, whereas where they have some of them, the centers assume

This claim has been roundly faulted because an ideal nation should be guided by data in planning and policy making. Experts say absence of synergy among all health related groups and persons has remained an untapped resource towards a sustainable health care delivery. Though gloomy the sector looks, but, if the nation takes pragmatic steps towards revitalising the sector, the future could be made green. To this effect experts maintain that real federated units which will allow for a functional three tier administration is important in revitalizing the health sector hence the need to make our local government councils to be reckoned with in the scheme of things. In addition, if corruption is removed from our national life, every sector will bounce back to life including the health sector which is said to be enmeshed in corrupt practices. Furthermore, Nigerian healthcare related policies formulators should endeavour to make workable policies capable of touching the very essence of the nation’s health needs. While practitioners are expected to play according to professional standards knowing their limitations and making referrals when necessary, it should be noted that WHO has stipulated that there must be health in every policy just as the world is heading towards preventive medicine. We must not fold our arms to watch but to move along with the world by first getting it right internally. Professor Bassey Anda died as Deputy Vice-chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan and was the first African President of World Archeology Congress. He died on December 22, 1997 but he has continued to live in the minds of people who revered his ideals which is every year captured in each edition of the Bassey Anda Foundation lecture put together by his family since his demise. He had the reputation of versatility in his chosen Archeology and Anthropology. The dept and breath of his pursuit is no doubt the very essence of health and its pursuit for humankind. Little wonder then, why the 2018 BAF lecture chose to x-ray the health sector.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

Rwanda to probe pastor who branded women ‘source of all evil’

Weah withdraws nominee for Liberia’s justice ministry Bonny Amadi with Agency Report

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The Rwandan Media Commission (RMC) is set to deliberate on antiwomen comments made by a preacher on a local radio station. RMC said it will sit early next week following a complaint filed by a women’s civil society Pro – Femmes Twese Hamwe. According to Africanwes,a former Seventh Day Adventist priest in late January 2017 is quoted to have said that women were the source of all evil. ‘Women are out of God’s favour, there is nothing good you can find in women. If you have read the Bible, who brought sin into the world, it was not a man, Nicolas Niyibikora tld listeners on Amazing Grace radio. Apart from being contradictory to the laws of our country starting with the Constitution, the sermon is also at odds with inter-

national principles against discrimination and undermining human beings. But Chairperson Jeanne d’arc Kanakuze of the pro-women group said the comments were discriminatory and could incite hate against women. “Apart from being contradictory to the laws of our country starting with the Constitution, the sermon is also at odds with international principles against discrimination and undermining human beings,” Kanakuze said. They are demanding that the pastor and station must be made to publicly apologize to all Rwandans and to women in particular. The pastor and the management of the station will thus have to appear before the regulator to explain the incident, executive secretary of the RMC confirmed

20 Foreign News

Liberia’s new president George Weah has appointed a new justice minister following media reports and criticism that the one he had originally chosen, Charles Gibson, had his lawyer’s licence revoked for embezzling a client’s money. Africanews report said that Gibson was one of the appointees named on a list of ministers released by the presidency a few hours after George Weah became president on January 22. The nomination was met with criticism by the media and activists who pointed out that Gibson’s appointment in the sensitive justice docket would send a wrong message as far as rule of law and the fight against corruption are concerned. The local press revealed that Gibson’s lawyer’s licence had been suspended by the Supreme Court for embezzling $25,000 from a client, which he had been ordered to repay. His credentials were further damaged when it was revealed that he had ig-

nored the Supreme Court order to repay his client until a week before his name surfaced on the nomination list of ministers. President George #Weah’s Minister of Justicedesignate, Cllr. Charles Gibson recently completed the payment of the client’s funds he misapplied and petitioned the Supreme Court to allow him resume active law practice again in #Liberia after being suspended #integrity

While Gibson argued that he had been too broke to pay the money and seek the lifting the ban on his legal practice, many in the media and general public interpreted his actions as impunity and urged the senate which approves presidential nominees, not to confirm this particular appointment. According to the Executive Mansion release, the decision to withdraw the nomination of the dis-

Weah

graced advocate as made

on Feb 7, in an official communication to the Senate Pro-Temp, Hon. Albert Chie, and Justice Minister-designate Cllr. Charles Gibson. Gibson will be replaced in the Ministry of Justice by Musa Dean, formerly a lawyer for the National Electoral Commission (NEC), who led the fight against allegations of electoral fraud made by George Weah’s opponent in the second round of the presidential election, Joseph Boakai. As with the previous one, this new appointment must be approved by the Senate. In his first government, the former football star nominated a majority of his party’s members, as well as close relations with outgoing president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In his first weeks in office, Weah has issued financial directives capping expenditure by ministries and also announced a 25% cut in his remuneration. The ex-football star has vowed to fight corruption and establish a pro-people governance system as he strives to deliver on the high expectations of the people of Liberia.

Kurdish Fighters Capture 2 Ghanaians mourn rising female artiste killed in auto crash British IS converts known ÏÏÏ for Western Beheadings ÏÏÏ

U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters have captured two fugitive British Islamic State converts — part of a group of four terrorists known for torturing and beheading Westerners, U.S. officials say. VOA news report said that the officials identify the two as Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee el-Sheikh. Kotey “likely engaged in the group’s executions and exceptionally cruel torture methods, including electric shock and waterboarding,” the State Department has said. It also said el-Sheikh “earned a reputation for waterboarding, mock executions and crucifixions while serving as an ISIS jailer.” ISIS is an acronym

for the militant group. U.S. officials said the Syrian Democratic Forces captured the two in eastern Syria in January. The wanted men were part of a group of four Islamic State terrorists dubbed “The Beatles” because of their British accents. They operated out of Raqqa, the former selfdeclared IS capital in Syria. The four became notorious for beheading their Western hostages and posting the grisly videos on social media. The ringleader, known has “Jihadi John,” was killed in a 2015 coalition airstrike. A fourth member, Aine Davis, is in a Turkish prison.

Ghanaians and showbiz exponents have been thrown into deep mourning following the death through a fatal auto accident, a 21 – year – old female artiste. Known by her stage name Ebony Reigns, Priscilla Opoku-Kwarteng, died in an accident in the country’s middle belt. Two other occupants of the car she was travelling in also died. According to agency report, police in the town of Mankranso in the Ashanti region confirmed that a Jeep she was travelling in run into a popular mass transport, the VIP bus. Born on February 16, 1997, the artiste whose songs have been popular over the past two years was only a week shy of her 21st birthday. Her name Ebony, reigns have been on top of Ghana’s twitter trends with

people expressing shock at her death. It has also brought into focus the issue of deadly road accidents. Ghana has in the past lost young entertainers to road crashes.

Ghana Ebonyreigns

The artist’s’ father, Nana Poku Kwarteng in July 2017, disclosed that a local media that he chooses what his daughter wears on stage. She dropped out of

school to pursue her music career at the age of 19. Last December, she was reported to have slammed prophet, known as Kumchacha, for condemning her dress style.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

Recover land occupied by Fulani herdsmen, Lawmaker tells FG By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Istifanus Gyang, has called on the Federal Government to urgently recover lands being occupied by Fulani Herdsmen in Nigeria. Hon. Gyang while speaking at Plenary during Thursday’s seating of the House of Representatives also charged the FG to undertake the reconstruction of the communities displaced and destroyed by violent Herdsmen attacks. According to him, any effort aimed at bringing the “senseless and barbaric” killings to an end would aide socioeconomic development in the country. Gyang speaking on a motion by Hon. Sunday Katung, Member representing Zango Kataf/Jaba

Federal Constituency of Kaduna State on the need to include Kaduna and Plateau among states affected by Herdsmen/Farmer crisis to be visited by the National Economic Council Working Group Sub Committee disclosed that over 44 villages in his constituency are currently under forceful occupation by the Herdsmen. He submitted that the NEC committee visit French President would bringEmmanuel Macron the government face to face with the “lamentable” situation in the Constituency and other communities in Plateau State. The Rep Member drew the attention of the House to the continuing attacks on Irigwe and Manguna communities in Bassa and Bokkos LGs respectively, a situation he said calls for decisive actions by security agencies toward arresting the killings.

22 News

UNMIL: 200 Nigerian peacekeepers return from Liberia Myke Uzendu, Abuja The last batch of 200 Nigerian peacekeepers deployed in Liberia since 2003 under the UN Mission in Liberia have been withdrawn after five years following the conclusion of their mission in the country. The military troupe left Liberia on Thursday as part of the termination of the mission’s mandate, scheduled on March 30. The International Peace keeping mission was established in September 2003 to implement and monitor the ceasefire agreement in Liberia following the resignation

of President Charles Taylor and the conclusion of the Second Liberian Civil War. The Nigerian troupe played strategic role and often served as commanders in the mission. An official farewell ceremony was held on Monday in honour of the departing Police and Military personnel who have served in the Mission. One of the officials of the United Nation while addressing the press said, “This symbolised the end of UNMIL’s military and police operations in Liberia, more than 14 years after they were deployed in compliance with Security Council resolution 1509 (2003).”

The Mission began in 2003 with 16,475 uniformed personnel and the farewell ceremony was in honour of the last departing 689 uniformed personnel (404 military and 285 police). The event was graced by The Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Salihu Uba as well as head of UNMIL’s Military component of men and women from various countries including: Nigeria, Pakistan and Ukraine. Since the end of the civil war Liberia has enjoyed uninterrupted military transition culminating in a seamless transition hand over to George Weah from a different party.

National Committee Of Buhari Support Groups Commission Office In Delta Nosa AKenzua, Asaba One of the signs that President Muhammadu Buhari will seek a second term in office played out Friday with the commissioning of an office of Buhari Support Group, Council For New Nigeria, in Warri, Delta State. The imposing building, accommodating the Council for New Nigeria, was commissioned by Senator Ita Enang, Special Adviser to President Buhari on Legislatives Matters and assisted by Chairman, Board of Trustee (BOT) National Committee of Buhari Support Groups, Senator Abu Ibrahim. Addressing hundreds of supporters that thronged the venue, Senator Enang reeled out the achievements of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the past three years under President Muhammadu Buhari. He said President Buhari had

succeeded in tackling the hydra headed problem of corruption as well as turning the economy around with his various policies noting that his achievement on area of agriculture is obvious to Nigerians. Senator Enang said government meant well with the introduction of ranching in states but that opposition politicians were the ones kicking against the policy to derail the plan and put government in bad light. Chairman BOT of National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (NCBSG), Senator Abu Ibrahim commended Council of New Nigeria for opening the office in support of the re-election of President Buhari in 2019. He aknowledged that the Council of New Nigeria is the first of over 200 Buhari Support Groups under NCBSG that will open an office for its operations to garner support for President Buhari and commended the leadership of the group led by Chief Emma Aworoh.

L-R:Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and National Vice Chairman (South East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Emma Eneukwu, during the funeral ceremony of the latter’s mother-inlaw, late Deaconess Dorothy Ahanonu at Achi, Oji River Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

2019 Imo guber: the era of rascality is over - Prof. Njoku Val Okara, Owerri

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A Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) governship aspirant in Imo state Prof. Jude Njoku, has said that he would bring to an end the era of rascality in government if he emerges as the governor of the State in 2019. Prof. Njoku, who is the former Vice Chancellor of thé Fédéral University of of Technology Owerri (FUTO) said as a person well groomed in administration, there

are plenty things he has to offer to the state that others who are angling to succeed Governor Rochas Okorocha do not posse. According to him, his administration would embrace due process because he was in the governorship race with a determination to bring sanity to the governance of the state. The former Vice Chancellor stated that politicians who were not conversant with public administration had been allowed to

run the affairs of the State, saying the situation had drawn the state backward and below other South-East states like Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi. He assured that he would win the governorship election in 2019 if given the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party. “You know that we have experienced some level of rascality in Imo State. Things are not done the way they should be done. Urban water system is not running, our

hospitals are not functioning. We need to bring in people who are well bred in the art of governance. “In Imo State, come 2019, we need somebody we know very well, somebody whose track record of performance we know and somebody who knows that the resources of Imo belong to Imo people. “This is why I have decided to run for the position of the governor of Imo State. As a former vice chancellor, I don’t think I am ready

to destroy a name I have built for over 30 years. We need change in Imo State and I am offering myself to bring the required change to the people. According to him, “I don’t have doubts as to my capability to change Imo State for the better. I’m trained to be satisfied with so little. To me, service, credibility and performance is the main issue because I’m not a carrear politician, but like a retired military general who came into politices”,

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10 , 2018

23 News

Enugu commences rehabilitation of 103.48km-rural roads By Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ

The Enugu State Government has flagged off the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads in different parts of the state under the auspices of the Enugu State Rural Access and Mobility Project (Enugu RAMP-2). In a speech before the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, and secretary to the state government, Dr. Gabriel Ajah, said that Enugu State is one of four states implementing RAMP-2 in the country, noting that it comes as a complement to the rural, agricultural and other socio-economic development initiatives of the state government. “This administration has always maintained an unreserved commitment towards the successful and satisfactory implementation of World Bank and other donor-assisted projects and progammes in the state,” he said. He therefore assured the people of the state that his administration would continue to do its utmost to ensure the full realization and timely delivery of RAMP-2. Earlier in an address, RAMP’s national co-ordinator, Engr. Uba Ndoma, noted that his office has embarked on the rehabilitation and construction of some rural roads which, when complete, will help rural dwellers to transfer their commodities to the

market. He appealed to all the benefiting communities to take full ownership of the project and ensure that the machineries, equipment and personnel of contractors are well secured and that nothing is done by them to truncate the laudable project. Also speaking, the state co-odinator, Engr. Chinedu Ugwu commended the governor’s contribution, adding that the state government released the sum of N75m to the project as part payment of the 2017 counterpart fund, last December. He assured the governor that they would do whatever it takes to finish their work at the targeted schedule. In their separate goodwill messages, the local government chairmen of the local government areas visited comprising Isi-Izo, Hon Benjamin Edeoga; Udi, Hon. Nestor Ochin and Uzo-Uwani, Hon. Fidelis Ani, all appreciated the good works of Governor Ugwuanyi and also reiterated their determination to collaborate with his administration to achieve its developmental goals in the state. The roads flagged off included 3.76km Abor road; Egede – Awhum road (6.5 km); Neke – Mbu – Ogbodo Aba – Obollo Etiti road – (6.25 km); Ukpabi-Nimbo – Ugbene Ajima – Eziani road – (26.275 km); Ikwoka – Amagu – Ajuona – Akabuiyi Obimo road – 5.45 km and Adani – Asaba – Igga – Ojo road – (9.94 km

Chairman of the occasion/Managing Director, Fumman Nigeria Ltd, Juice Drink, Engr. Olayiwola Adeyemi(third left), Acting President, Periodontologist Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr. Elizabeth Dosunmu (middle), Secretary General (PAN), Dr. Omomwunmi Ayanbadejo (second left), Guest Speaker, Dr. Soyombo Ademola, (right), Prof. Arowojola Modupe(left), Prof. Patrick Ojehanon(second right), Prof. Micheal Isiekwe (third right) and others, during PAN 2018 annual conference, Theme; Contemporal Surgical Techniques in the Management of Periodontal Disease, held in Lagos

Alleged N9.7 bn fraud: No receipt for N558m monthly payments to ex-NAF boss - witness Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

ÏÏÏ

A former director, Finance and Accounts, Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Salisu Yaushau (rtd) has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that receipts were not issued by the Nigerian Air Force in respect of the alleged N558, 200 million monthly upkeep he gave to former chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Dikko Umar. Yaushau, a star witness in ongoing trial of former CAS, Air Marshal Dikko Umar, maintained that he gave the ex- NAF boss the dollar equivalent of N558.200 every month throughout the duration of Umar’s tenure as the Chief of the Air Staff. The witness who was being cross-examined

by Ibrahim Bawa (SAN), counsel to Air Marshal Umar, said the payments made to defendant were not captured in the cash and votes books of the Nigerian Air force. Yaushau had told the court that Air Marshal Umar had allegedly collected over N13.3 billion spread across two years for office maintenance from Nigerian Airforce treasury. But under cross- examination, the witness told the trial judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba that he personally handed the money to the retired Air Force boss and no receipt was issued in respect of the transaction. Before Friday’s proceedings, Yaushau had testified to the effect that the Nigerian Air Force was receiv-

ing a budget of about N4 billion monthly. According to him, out of the amount, the actual figure used for payment of salary and allowances was between N2.3 to N2.4 billion, while the balance of about N1.6 billion was made, out of which the sum of N558,200 million was usually set aside for the upkeep of the Chief of Air Force. The witness further stated that after the payment of staff salaries from the monthly N4 billion, the exCAS, deployed the balance of N1billion to training and “maintenance of NAF assets, fleets and other private projects which include barrack construction and renovation. He said, “Out of the N1 billion, funds was dis-

bursed to heads of units and commands for operational cost. “NAF hospitals in Kaduna, Kano, Jos and Makurdi were equipped from the money. A comprehensive NAF school in Kano was also constructed during Umar’s stay in office. “Land for the construction of NAF Conference Centre at Kado, Abuja was also acquired during the defendant’s tenure as CAS,” the witness told the court. When asked by the defence lawyer about the annual audit report of the Air Force which was conducted by the AuditorGeneral of the Federation, Yishau disclosed that there queries but were resolved by Umar.

2019 : Ex –deputy gov, APC elders endorse Buhari, Lalong By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The immediate past deputy governor of Plateau State, Ignatius Longjang, alongside members of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Elders Advisory Council in the State, on Friday called on the Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong and President Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2019 governorship and presidential elections respectively. Longjang, in company of the Chairman of the APC Elders Advisory Council, Captain Joseph Din Rtd and other members of the forum, made this known Friday, while addressing journalists in Jos. He said, “members of the APC Elders

Forum in Plateau State have been following the antecedent of President Muhammadu Buhari with interest since he came into power in May 2015, especially his vision and mission in the key areas of poverty, economy, anti corruption war, energy and agriculture. “As far as we are concerned, security is the bedrock of development as one can not undertake any meaningful development without adequate security and this government has done well in that area, considering that it came into power when insurgents were holding 13 local government areas in the North East as their territory; we were devastated but our Armed Forces with the support of gov-

ernment have decimated the insurgents and have reclaimed our territory, this is so because Buhari,s government has the Political will to defeat the insurgency, no president can say throughout his tenure that there is no skirmishes, so Buhari can not exempt himself, we support Buhari because he has shown us beyond reasonable doubt that he has the will power to curtail insurgency. “Also President Muhammadu Buhari stands out as the first president of Nigeria to openly take the fight against corruption as his agenda, this attack on corruption has today attracted commendation all over the world to the effect that the African Union has appointed him the first

chairman of fight against corruption in Africa”. On why they want Governor Lalong back to office, the elders said Lalong has restored peace to the state, more also through institutionalizing the peace and reconciliation agency through the establishment of the Peace Building Agency. “He has also continued with the uncompleted projects of his predecessors, which has made him carve a niche for himself as this is an effort aimed at uniting the Plateau people as no project can be carried out successfully without peace”, the elders said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

No agreement to establish cattle colonies in Edo State –Obaseki’s Aide insists Ï^#^ Ƌ Ɗƈ Ƈ Ə ƐƏ ƑƄƋƆ Ɠ ƆƏƆ Ɛ ƆƏƆ ƈ Ɔ

ÏÏÏThe Special Adviser to Gover-

nor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, has declared as frivolous, comments by the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the strategic steps the Edo State government has taken in bringing the clashes between cattle herders and farmers to an end, in the state. Osagie cautioned the opposition party not to trivialise a sensitive subject matter that requires a great deal of expertise to comprehend, a requirement he said, the PDP lacks and urged the party to know where to draw the line of propaganda. “We want to state as we did before that there is no agreement to establish cattle colonies in Edo State. Our decision was based on expert finding after a scientific research on the herdsmen/farmers clashes in the state. The Obaseki administration subjects every issue to critical thinking, wide consultation and research. “But unlike us, we have noticed that the Edo PDP’s decisions and declarations are never thought through and are self-serving. As we expect, because of the learning challenges of members of the Edo PDP, it seems to be an uphill task for them to comprehend the position of the state government despite the repeated declaration that there is no agreement to establish cattle colonies in Edo State. “Or is the Edo PDP subtly pushing for the establishment of cattle colonies?” He asked. He maintained that “A study of this matter has shown that an overwhelming majority of the nefarious activities of herdsmen happen

at night. We are taking our decision based on the findings of a scientific research and not some knee-jerk reactions that are characteristic of the Edo PDP.” He asked the chairman of Edo PDP, Dan Orbih, to honestly tell Edo people and Nigerians if the total ban

on cattle movement in any part of the country, be it at night or day, has stopped herdsmen from rearing their cattle across the country. “In the states where cattle rearing have been banned from moving in the day and night, are there no herdsmen activities or cattle in those states?”

Oyo State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Odude parading suspected fraudsters Gang during the Press Briefing held at Police Headquarter Eleyele Ibadan...on Thursday.

Police/Youth clash: Obaseki sets up N10m education fund for victim’s children Ï ƏƍƄ ƍƄƉ ƎƆƐƄ ƅ Ƌƍ ƋƄƍ Ɔ ƐƄ ƎƆ ƎƆ è ƇƏ ƎƆƃƄ

ÏÏÏEdo

State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has set up a N10 million education fund for the training of two children of late David Okoniba, whose death was allegedly caused by an exchange with a police officer at Upper Igun, Third Junction area of Benin City, the Edo State capital. Obaseki disclosed this when he led some members of his cabinet on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at Urora community, in Benin city. The governor said he was at the victim’s home to assure his relatives that the government of Edo State share in their grief, assuring them that those culpable in the killing will be brought to book. “I am here today to get the details of what happened. Listening to you, I am heartbroken. I can feel your pain and appreciate your pain and anger. I want to assure the family that the case will not be swept under the carpet. “It will be followed to a logical conclusion as a reputable retired Judge of Edo State High Court, Justice Olubo has been selected to head the panel of enquiry which will investigate

The governor’s aide stressed that “to make declarations that are not realistic and sustainable for the sake of talking is not the style of this administration.” He explained that “the ban on night-grazing and armed herdsmen are steps in the right direction in addition to the setting up of two committees that will monitor the activi-

what truly happened on the said date of the incident that led to the death and consequent fracas between the youths and the police,” he said. According to him, “I learnt that the deceased has two children. I have released N10 million fund to be used for their education, to reduce the pain of the absence of their father and ensure their education does not suffer much because of this incident.” Obaseki also assured the family that government will support in the burial of late David Okoniba and advised the family to take the wife of the deceased to the hospital for medical attention at government expense, as she was still traumatised from the incident. Earlier, Spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Aremu Roseline, expressed appreciation to the governor and the state for the visit to the family, noting that the presence of the governor has given them hope for justice. She also thanked the Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, who visited the family and showed concern over the death of David, thanking him for promising to get to the root of the mater. “We appeal to the governor Mr.

By Idu Jude

ÏÏÏThe

Godwin Obaseki to help the family ensure David gets Justice. His death must not be in vain as he was the pillar of the family. He had two children and his formal wedding was to be in two-weeks’ time. His wife who was an eyewitness of the incident is psychologically affected and seriously traumatised,” she added.

ties of herdsmen in all parts of the state.” Edo State Government on Thursday after a crucial meeting with representatives of the various Fulani communities in the state and security officials, announced a ban on night grazing and the carrying of guns and other dangerous weapons by herdsmen in the state. He also announced a seven-man committee in each of the 18 Local Government Areas in the state to check clashes between herdsmen and farmers. “The seven-man committee will include the chairmen or heads of the LGAs, the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), representatives of State Security Service and four representatives from the communities in the state. At the stakeholders’ meeting with the Serikis Hausa/Fulani from the 18 LGAs in the state, Obaseki charged the committee to “review all cases of herdsmen/farmer clashes in all the local government areas.” He said the State Government would release the report of clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state to the committees for review. He explained: “The committees will ensure the registration of all the Serikis Fulani in every community across all the local government areas and the Seriki Fulani will liaise with everyone rearing cattle in the area.” According to the governor, there will be another committee that will be headed by him and members of the committee will include the State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service in the state, the Commander of 4 Brigade with other members drawn from the communities across the three senatorial districts in the state.

Ɠ Əƈ ƅƏƈ ƈ ë 0 j ƄƆ ƈ ƏƆƅ ƅƈƋƈ Ɛƈ process, demands action Abuja

1 ƗƓƈ RƄ ƆƊƈ

24 News

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced series of meetings aimed reconciling feuding communities in Bwari, Bwari Area Council. Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello while addressing Bwari stakeholders at Sarkin Bwari Palace, last week, commended them for maintaining peace thus far, noting that what were needed were more visible acts of settlement. “We want to see action. We may have preached peace, and talked peace enough. We want you to act peace. Sustain and maintain the current peace we have in Bwari. Malam Bello who was represented by Secretary, Area Councils Services Secretariat, Adamu Abubakar Bappah recalled how residents could not celebrate Christmas because of the incident, while lamenting the huge losses suffered by the people because of the crisis. According to him, “Community stakeholders would also meet next week Tuesday in Esu Bwari’s palace; after which another meeting would take place with the traders, shop owners and tenants, possibly in the market place, while the final meeting will

be held at a neutral venue within the council area.” The Minister therefore urged the security agencies to maintain maximum alert, even as he tasked the village heads to report all unusual activities around their environment to the security agencies. Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Hon. Musa Diko while addressing the people, ascribed the return of peace to the series of meetings conducted by his Council and the unflinching support of the FCT Minister. He noted that Bwari was the most peaceful in the FCT, because of the mutual understanding between the people which enabled it play its role effectively as the food basket of the FCT. Diko also disclosed that his Council was “ensuring that the traditional institutions are properly funded to enable them handle their responsibilities effectively.” According him, the salaries of Chiefs have been upgraded by 100 percent, while there are other measures being considered to improve their welfare. The youthful Bwari Chair, however warned against incisive and provocative messages, adding that his council was doing its best in the area of providing relief for the affected traders in line with directives from the FCT Minister.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

INTERVIEW

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY Dr. Oni-Okpaku was born on January 25, 1932 in Eme-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State. He started his education at the St. John’s School, Sabongida-Ora in 1942. He proceeded to the prestigious King’s College, Lagos in 1946. He had his Cambridge School Certificate in 1950. He was at Egbatson Science School, Birmingham in 1951-1952; Bristol University (Advanced Level); Birmingham University Medical School 1952-1958. He started his medical career at Hallam Hospital, West Bromwich, England in 1958. He was with the Midwestern Region Hospital Management Board where he served in Sapele and Warri General Hospitals from 1964-1969. He set up the defunct Benoni Clinic/Hospital in 1975. Dr. Oni-Okpaku has been married to Justice Abigail Olufunmilayo Oni-Okpaku (nee Dixon) since 1960 and the union is blessed with a son and three daughters. BIRTH AND GROWING UP I was the first child to survive as a motherless baby in Eme-Ora at that time because my mother died at the point of giving birth to me. My late grandmother played a divine role in my survival because she let me be contrary to what was the norm then. It was when the crying and mourning of my late mum had subsided three days later that people were alerted to my baby cry. ‘That terrible child who killed his mother is he still alive?’ they asked. Noticing that I am a male child(my mum had two daughters before I was born) my grandmother stated that she will not lose her first daughter and her first grandson at the same time and that anybody who intends to harm me will have to kill her first. That was how I survived what would have been a terrible ordeal. Growing up was memorable as my father played a dual role in my upbringing - as a father and a mother. My grandfather died when my father was 8 years old. My father was brought up by some relatives in the police barracks and that influenced his decision to join the police force. He was posted to Onitsha and a few years later (then I was 4 years old) he was posted to Lagos. He was among the pioneer set of policemen to be promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP). He ended up as a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) before his retirement. I recall that the first indigenous Inspector General of Police (IGP), Louis Edet, was one of the clerks in my father’s office when he was still in service. HOW I DISOBEYED MY FATHER ON MY CAREER CHOICE My father actually wanted me to become a lawyer. He must have been impressed with what went on in court. He once told me a story that an English judge - Mr. Egerton Shyngle - was once listening to a Nigerian lawyer (a Yoruba man) in court. The Nigerian lawyer was asking the judge ‘in your country do they spell Water with a double T?’ The judge responded that ‘no in my country we spell Manner with a double N’. So, my father was impressed with the Europeans in the judiciary. I did my school certificate in 1950 at the King’s College, Lagos. When the result was released I had a credit in Biology, a pass in Physics and a pass in Chemistry which was converted to credit in Physics with Chemistry, whereas in the arts subjects I scored credits in all of them. So, instead of nine subjects it became eight subjects. When my father saw my result he said that though I insist on doing Medicine but my result has shown that

Alex Ekwueme and I were college mates-Oni-Okpaku Dr. Benjamin Aigbobasimi Oni-Okpaku, the former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the defunct Benoni Clinic/Hospital, Benin, is a reporter’s delight any day. He answers questions, no matter how sensitive, with a gentle mien. In this interview, which according to him is his first in decades, the octogenarian, who among several life accomplishments is a Fellow Royal Society of Medicine of England, talked extensively to TITUS AKHIGBE on sundry issues affecting the polity.

ONI-OKPAKU

I am better in the arts than in the sciences. Then I responded that ‘Daddy, you want me to read Law. I will do it just to please you. But what I want to do is Medicine’ I found out later that a cousin of mine, Samuel Idowu in 1937, we were sleeping next to each other and my father woke us up. He first asked my cousin ‘Idowu, when you grow up what would you want to be?’ Idowu responded that he doesn’t know. Then my father asked me ‘what of you Benji, what do you want to be?’ I replied that I wanted to be a doctor. The fact was that I had never met a doctor before and I don’t know what they do. I feel that at that time my father must have thought that there must be something unknown to me that was propelling me to want to become a doctor. In July 1951, he sent me to Edgbaston School of Science in England. I discovered that they were doing the Advanced (A) Levels in two years. I told them that I want to do it in a year. The Head of the Science department interviewed me. After the interview he told the Principal of the school that as far as the science subjects are concerned there are large areas of non knowledge. They were not even sure whether I would pass the A levels in two years. So, the principal wrote a letter to my father to tell him that I was still insisting that I would do the A level in a year. They would see what they could do to make me achieve my dream. He has to do

three hours in each of the subjects - Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology, three extra hours of private tuition in a private school. I was doing twelve hours a week i.e. 48 hours in a month. They were charging my father one pound per hour for those extra lessons. Then the students sponsored by the government were getting £25 a month. That’s why I said my father also played the role of my mother to me, he accepted the proposal. The school management said by Christmas Eve of 1951 they would let me know if I would be able to do the A levels or not. By the promised day they called me to confirm that I was capable of doing the A levels. That I had done well so far. However, they advised that I should do the last GCE A level examination of 1952 which was organised by Bristol University. That was in August, 1952 and the result came out in September. I passed the four subjects I registered for. I was invited to Birmingham University for an interview. Before then my brother-in-law, Mr. Imoukhuede introduced me to the college he attended in Cambridge. When they saw my A level result they said they were sorry as they have done all their admission for that year but that I could defer my admission to the following year. Oxford and Cambridge Universities do not really train doctors but they do the first year training (pre-clinical). I was interviewed by Birmingham and got admitted. But I was

admitted for the first year programme as the institution does not admit foreigners into the second year programme. I was a little disappointed. Then I said ‘it’s okay’. The English man asked if I wanted to be admitted or not. I said ‘yes’ because it suddenly occurred to me that if I don’t get admitted that year and I wait for the promise from Cambridge the following year anything could happen to me. It turned out that it was a good thing that happened to me because I didn’t have to study in my first year as I have done all the subjects before. I only did one week serious study before I did my examination. I went through the whole of the medical school in Cambridge never failing even a class test. I got a Grade 2 in the school certificate at King’s College against some classmates like (Philip) Asiodu, Ayida, Duncan, Tugbobor, Oyewole, Sola Onajobi who all got Grade 1 but I gained admission into the university before any of them. This is because they did not do their examination until the next year. They were in Nigeria while I had already done it in overseas. I even welcomed Asiodu and Ayida when they came in 1953 to attend Oxford University. They did PPA in Oxford University. MY RELATIONSHIP ALEX EKWUEME

WITH

DR.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

27 Interview

‘Ekwueme and I were college mates’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Alex Ekwueme was a year my senior at King’s College. We were in the boarding house. King’s College started on a temporary site at King George V Road in Onikan. My father’s residence was almost opposite the school so I didn’t need to stay in the boarding house. But by 1948, King’s College had moved to its permanent site which is opposite Race Course. I and Alex were in the same house. Students who stayed in the boarding house from outside Lagos were in a house called Hyde Johnson House. While those of us who stayed in Lagos but are not in the boarding house belonged to McCrae House. The different houses wore different colours of jerseys. Hyde Johnson’s House wore red, McRae wore yellow, Payne’s House wore blue while Hamma’s House wore green. Alex was a friendly person. By the time we left the school we were mates. The interesting thing is that people only recall that he was a Vice President. Very few people remembered that he was an Architect. Not only had he got degrees in other disciplines. He was a brilliant mind. He was one of the founders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I will want people to be aware that it’s not only politics that they should know others for. If I was in politics I wouldn’t have wanted to be known as a politician but as a surgeon. After our school years and even as he became a respected politician we still retained our relationship. In fact, anytime he came to Benin I invited him to join me in whatever I am doing. I would not say we were that close but as college mates we still got on easily. THE STORY OF BENONI HOSPITAL Benoni Hospital was a memorial hospital. I have always had it in my mind that when I leave government work I will establish a private hospital. That was why I left government work at the age of 43 years in 1975. I started to receive pension in 1977. And do you know how much my pension was? N249.80. My last salary as somebody on Grade Level 16 step 1; as a Chief Consultant Surgeon and Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Specialist Hospital, Benin was N750. But before you say ‘hey’ you are a young man, one naira was one pound then. To build Benoni Hospital I got loan from the Nigeria Bank for Commerce and Industry. Do you know how much the loan was? N500, 000(Five hundred thousand naira). I added other money I could get from the private practice I was doing to complete the project. I ran a clinic - Benoni Clinic - in my house from 1973-78. I will always remember a good friend; one gentleman called Hope Harriman, his brother was in the Foreign Service. He said to me once ‘Benji’ I said, ‘what’s wrong?’ and he responded ‘why don’t you get out of this place and build a hospital for the sick?’ I replied: ‘My dear, hopeless hope. I am not surprised the way you talk.’ But after sometime I started thinking ‘hospital or hotel, guests or patients?’ I was deliberating on the fact that if I build a hotel and there comes a time I sell it then the new owner can turn it to a hotel. That was why I built the Benoni Hospital the way I did. Four bedded, three bedded, double bedded and single bedded. Every room was equipped with air condition unit. The four bedded and three bedded rooms also had fans. The hospital also had a lift. It was the first private hospital in Nigeria to have an elevator. The theatre was on the first floor and I didn’t want the patients to be carried through the staircase. Even on their sick bed they can be carried through the elevator into the theatre. When I closed down the hospital in 2005, I did so because

ONI-OKPAKU

I felt that there was no person nearby to hand over to. I have four children - a boy and three daughters - my first daughter is an Architect, my second daughter is a medical doctor, my third daughter is a lawyer and my only son read Agric Economics. He was not interested in medicine. The doctor is married and has been abroad for quite some time. The lawyer...when I owed New Nigerian Bank NNB) so much money, I said ‘you people I owe should be able to do something for me’. So, when my daughter, the lawyer, finished from school and she wanted to do the her youth service I went to see the General Manager but I saw the Personnel Manager and I told him I wanted my daughter to serve with them in their head office in Lagos. Funny enough, she decided she did not want to be a lawyer but that she would rather be a banker. Until recently she was a General Manager at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) in Lagos. The Architect is married to a Yoruba man, Soetan, who was in the Foreign Service. They’re now in the UK. My son is the only one who stays with me here. I asked myself what do I want for the Benoni Hospital? The response was ‘I want the name and image of the hospital to be retained forever.’ Thus, I promised that I will sell it to a group that would retain it as a hospital and also keep the dream alive. After eight years, I sold it to those that I felt are the right people - the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) - who will know it’s worth. The NNPC had been our patients on retainer ship for twenty years. So, they are abreast of the facilities therein. Till date, in the whole of Benin City I have not heard of any hospital being talked about in positive terms the way people talk about Benoni Hospital. I refused to lease it out because I didn’t want its reputation to be tainted. I didn’t want the hospital to be turned to where people come and do abortion or treat armed robbery suspects with gunshot wound. The road on which it’s situated is called Benoni Hospital Road. So, even as it has now been acquired by the NNPC the Benoni Hospital signpost is still

noticeable around the area. From time to time I go there to see what’s happening and I am happy that they are giving the hospital a good face lift in line with what is obtainable in the present day. Not only that I hope the equipment they will acquire would be such that would attract people from all over the country apart from their staff so as to curb capital flight in the medical sector. Medicine has advanced a lot and this was what I had in mind when I built the hospital in my desire to make it the best. HOW TO CURB BRAIN DRAIN AND CAPITAL FLIGHT IN THE HEALTH SECTOR Now, we hear of people going to India to get treatment. That is rubbish! There are lots of top class doctors from Nigeria who are in these hospitals abroad. That’s a brain drain syndrome. If we have the right equipment in the hospitals and a good welfare package for them I am certain that these doctors will not leave our shores. People will come to Nigeria for quality service and not the other way round. When Nigerians go abroad for treatment the doctors that handle their case are Nigerians. Is that not absurd? I OFFERED FREE SERVICE TO THE ARMY Many people will be hearing this may be for the first time. I was a surgeon to the Nigerian Army for nine years. While I was in Warri I was the surgeon treating the Nigeria Army. Also while I was at the Specialist Hospital, Benin, even though there was a military person there everyone knew that I was the one who could handle surgical cases. The army had their people. But I was with them. At one stage they wanted me to wear army uniform and maybe I will be getting something. But I declined. I don’t need to get anything from my country. I am serving. So, I remained in government service and I did part time work for the military. Throughout this period I did not charge the military any money. I was doing it free.

THE TREND IN THE HEALTH SECTOR NOW IS ABSURD In our time, you did not serve as a doctor because you want to make money. That’s the fact. In colonial times, they knew they could not pay doctors adequately enough so those who are practicing in government service where allowed to have private clinics. But those clinics were in their homes. When you close from government work your patients could come and see you at home where you attend to them and you are paid a little bit. But as you know now things are different. It’s not for me to say how different they are. My word of advice is that you cannot take anything with you when you die. You can have billions stack everywhere but when you die you go six feet under unless you say they should bury the money in the coffin which is rubbish. I am a typical example. You are here to interview me. But you can see where I am living. You can see the garden, the car park etc. The house was built almost 48 years ago. It’s all right. What do I need? Luckily, I have moved on to build a hospital and then sold it. Those days we used to encourage patients to come and see us in the government hospital. When you come to the government hospital you pay all the dues that is meant for the government. I will give you an example. When I was in Warri, a gentleman came to see me (probably a Urhobo man) one day. As he entered my parlour he lifted the wrapper he had on his waist. I noticed two spots where I had operated on him. He said he came to thank me. He put his hand in his pocket and brought out four freshly laid eggs which he gave to me in appreciation of the successful operation I had carried out on him. He also gave me prayers. My cook then ate one of the eggs which nearly earned him a sack. What I am saying is that there are many ways of showing appreciation not necessarily by giving money. I left Warri in 1969 but they still have good things to say about me. The young ones (children) still talk about what they heard about me from their parents. You benefit in many ways when you genuinely offer service to people. You are even blessed with long life. You achieve nothing meaningful when you charge people excessively for services you render. You may end up not living long. You can ask people about me and they will tell you that I do things correctly. NO NATIONAL RECOGNITION I don’t need it. I have narrated how I picked my career choice against my father’s wish. You know what happened? In England, I married a young lady who was just starting life. She did law. When we came back to Nigeria she practiced in Lagos. Later, we relocated to Warri she was the only female lawyer of repute practising in the Midwest region. We had a terrible accident on the 5th of July, 1966. We were admitted in the hospital. My wife was unconscious she had to be resuscitated. She was unconscious for 13 days and 13 nights. I remember one night when we were in the hospital I woke up, held her hand and prayed that if my wife was going to be paralysed when she recovers I will look after her for the rest of my life. She got better. The Chief Judge at that time was my senior at the King’s College, Lagos. He advised me to let my wife join the magistrate court. She joined the magistrate and rose through the hierarchy. She later became the Chief Judge of Edo State in 2005. She took over from Justice Constance Momoh. The point I am trying to make is that the plan my father had for me was actually actualized in my wife’s life.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

Anxiety in Nasarawa LG, as government moves to restructure IGR circle Augustine Kuza, Lafia

ÏÏÏAnxiety has gripped

local government chairmen in Nasarawa State, as the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs Mallam Haruna Osegba, has announced moves to abolish collection of revenue by tax force in various local government and be replaced with Cascada, an electronic platform to take charge of internally generated revenue IGR across the local councils. The announcement though greeted with ovation from some quarters caused other chairmen to

call for a fair and transparent move in the intervention process planned by the Local government and chieftaincy affair commission. At a joint account meetings held at the ministry in Lafia last week, Mallam Osegba affirmed that the IGR in the Local Government Area was in shambles hence the need for Cascada which was unanimously agreed upon by various LG chairmen in 2016 to come on board in order to improve the revenue base in their localities. “Yes the idea of Cascada to take over collection of IGR in our various lo-

cal government and development areas is to generate revenue to provide services and improve the living condition of residents in the various local government areas”. The marathon meetings featured various discussion in the likes of Assert declaration by each local government chairman of the 13 local governments and their overseer of the Development Areas which was detailed by the state director, Code of Conduct Bureau, Yahaya Sanni, the need for Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC) to organise twoday workshop

for local government boss to stem corruption at the councils. Other items discussed were the need for Local Government chairmen to support primary health care in the state to carry out various immunizations among others. On the issue of salary, the local government employees are to receive 100 percent salary for the month of January. Osegba disclosed this to newsmen after the Joint Account Allocation Committee JACC meeting held in the ministry in Lafia the state capital. In his remarks the

commissioner said there was an increment in the month of January which led to full payment of the salaries of local government workers. “There is an increase in the inflow from the federation account this month compared to what we got last month. “We had barely N1.1 billion to share last month. But this month we have N1.3 billion to pay salaries which is an improvement

from what we got in December. “And because of this the Joint Account Allocation Committee has agreed that all salaries will be paid fully to all workers of local government in the state. “The Joint Account Allocation Committee haven taken this decision agreed that the shortfall of about N49.6 million should be augmented to pay 100 percent salaries.”

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ministration would continue to take steps aimed at making academic activities in these schools conducive. Speaking further the education commissioner, Mr. Ebie emphasised that Governor Okowa is determined to make renovation/upgrade of schools in Delta State a Continuous process. He urged the Contractors handling the Ministry Projects to keep to the contract specification in their bills of quantities in other to deliver quality Jobs, that would stand the test of time as the state Government would not tolerate shoddy Jobs done by the Contractors and that anyone found wanting would be sanctioned. At the Government Secondary School Ughelii, the Commissioner expressed his satisfaction at the level of work done so far, while commending the contractor for doing a good Job, At Urhobo College and Chude Girls Model Schools where renovation works was being carried out. Mr. Ebie urged the contractors to expedite action, so that the renovation work can be completed within the shortest possible time.

We will continue to give attention to education - Okowa ÏÏÏDelta

Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (centre) and his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah rtd, (left) pose with the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 5, Mr.Rasheed Olatunde Akintunde (right) during a courtesy call at Government House Yenagoa.

State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said that his administration would continue to give priority attention to education in the state. The Governor stated this when he inspected the ongoing construction of the new Government Secondary School in Ughelli, and the renovation works being carried out in Uhrobo College, Effurun and also Chude Girls Model School, Sapele and the ongoing construction of modern classroom blocks at Ijorugu Primary School Oku-Ijorugu in Okpe Local Government Area. Represented by the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Governor Okowa reiterated the commitment of his administration in the development of the Basic and Secondary Education subsector. While noting that emphasis in the year 2018 would be placed on construction of Infrastructure and Equipping of the new schools established by his administration, the Governor stressed that his ad-

Creation of grazing colonies is a misconception- Femi Okunnu Subair Mohammed

ÏÏÏFollowing the frequent

clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country particularly, Benue state and recently, Taraba state and some part of Southwest, a former minister for Works and Housing, Chief Femi Okunnu (SAN) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has shown lack of concern for the safety of the citizenry. While calling for the abolition of the feudal system of cattle herding, Chief Okunnu condemned the incessant killings by the herdsmen militia just as he described the creation of grazing colonies as total misconception. The legal Icon stated this

at an interaction with journalists on the state of the nation recently in Lagos. He said, “President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal government has shown lack of concern for the safety of the citizenry. Obviously, with the herdsmen/ farmers’ rampage and carnage recorded in Benue and Taraba state and other parts of the country; the president has failed in adequately providing the needed protection for the citizenry.” Commenting on the federal government anti-grazing law which seeks to create grazing colonies in states of the federation, Okunnu said that creation of grazing colonies in any part of the country is a total misconception. According to him, “Federal Government of Nigeria

is not an imperial power and as such should not create a colony in any state”. He added that, “Nigeria had been under the British colonial rule and for anybody in his right senses to think of creating a grazing colony is total misconception. You don’t create a colony in any state. What does it mean to create a grazing colony for instance in Oyo state? Colony means a superior power over your own land. Was that what we fought for before our independence in 1960?” He continued, “Land is a state matter. Under the land use act, the owner of every inch of land in any given state is the governor in that state. Therefore, the Federal Government has no land anywhere in the country

apart from the FCT, Abuja which it controls. So, the government at the centre cannot grant any piece of land as a grazing colony because land issues are state matters. “Meanwhile, I don’t want us to condemn the herdsmen to perpetual mystery and poverty because they are not the owners of the herds. What the owners should do is to buy or apply for land from the state government for grazing in any part of the country, if the state government would grant such wish. It is not the business of the Federal Government to grant or apportion lands. The government is for all of us and not only for the herdsmen; therefore, should herdsmen have no special protection or preference un-

der the law. They have the freedom to engage in their businesses but they should not go to private lands to graze their cattle.” On the Fulani socio-cultural association, Miyetti Allah, Okunnu said, “Miyetti Allah is a group of influential business oriented people but they are not doing anything to mitigate the herdsmen menace. Herdsmen menace should not be treated with kids’ glove. Herdsmen are not above the law. They need not be exempted from facing the wrath of the law for any violation of the laws of the land. However, I don’t approve of self-help to addressing the situation. It is nothing but an act of desperation. “I identified the herdsmen/farmers clash as a com-

mercial issue. It therefore has no political undertone but the politicians are trying to turn it into a national political issue. Herds do not have ethnicity. There are no Fulani or Yoruba cattle. Those who have them should create ranches for them any where the governor of the state allows them. The FG has no business creating a grazing colony for some herders because doing so would amount to protecting the interest of some class of businessmen”. As a solution to the herdsmen menace, Okunnu who doubles as the president of Ansar-ud-deen society of Nigeria advocates educating the herdsmen and the abolition of the feudal system of cattle herding.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10,2018

29 News

Mace disappears, Juju Scare in Offices, trouble brews Nosa Akenzua - Asaba

ÏÏÏPolitical

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian (right) presenting a scholarship award to one of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) students in Zaria.... on Thursday

Police assault Guardian correspondent in Bayelsa Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏJulius

Osahon, correspondent of The Guardian newspaper in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State narrowly escaped death when he was brutalized by a Police sergeant attached to the state security outfit, codenamed ‘Operation DOO AKPO’ at the Igbogene end of the Bayelsa gateway. According to Osahon, the police sergeant by the name, Idus Emmanuel, with DOO AKPO vehicle number 082, rained slaps and blows on him and thereafter corked his service riffle and threatened to shoot him. Osahon, who has undergone treatment at a private hospital on Tuesday, is responding to treatment and has petitioned the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Boma Spero-Jack

and the Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, urging them to bring the Sergeant to book. In the petition made available to Newsmen in Yenagoa on Friday, Osahon narrated how he was molested and brutalized by the power drunk police sergeant at about 1:30 pm on Tuesday. He said, “I was coming from Benin city where I had gone to see my family when the incident took place and it was in the full glare of passengers in the same bus we boarded belonging to Sunny Eru Motors from Warri, Delta State. The Sergeant corked his service rifle and threatened to shoot me. “He pointed the gun at me and ordered me to lie down. I tried to find out why he asked me to lie down and he angrily barked at me that I was refusing a lawful order.

“It was at that point that he started giving me some slaps. As I write this letter, I am still nursing the injury he inflicted on my right ear at a private hospital. “Up until now, I still cannot fathom what warranted Sgt Emmanuel to batter me or threaten to kill me because I never exchanged words with him or any member of his team. “From observation, some passengers on the bus we were in had a little friction with an NDLEA official and a policewoman, Eunice Omuero, over their molestation of a student of the Niger Delta University. “I only alighted from the bus to ask the officers what was happening and that they should allow the student to go since they did not find anything incriminating on him after a thorough search on his

body, bag, including his inner pockets. “When the bus was about to move, Sgt Emmanuel crossed over from the opposite checkpoint because he thought I was about to make a call and ordered me to lie down. “He ‘corked’ his rifle and pointed it at me, saying he would kill me and nothing would happen. I tried to explain to him that I was not making any call, but he refused to listen and thereafter, he slapped me several times. I was humiliated like a common criminal. “The passengers in the bus were surprised at the inhuman treatment meted to me by Sgt Emmanuel, a situation that almost triggered a mini protest there. As if that was not enough, he (Sgt Emmanuel) and other security operatives ordered all of us to get back into our bus at a gun point”.

Stay off critical assets- Air Force warns criminals Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Lagos has warned criminals to stay off critical assets while reiterating its commitment to secure the country and citizenry. The Chief of air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar gave the warning during the inauguration of the renovated Paul Dike Hall at 055 Nigerian Air Force Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos. Abubakar was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air vice Marshal Nnamdi

Ekeh. According to Abubakar, our presence has brought hope and relief to the despaired and a source of worry to the criminally minded. “Let me use this medium to remind you of the nation’s expectation at this time of heightened security challenges across the country. “Much is expected of us as an institution and as individuals in ensuring the protection of citizenry and other critical assets of the Nigerian state,” he said. He urged all officers and men to continue to discharge

its constitutional responsibilities remain steadfast and committed to military professionalism. On the renovated hall, Abubakar said it was part of NAF’s effort to improve the wellbeing of personnel to contribute meaningfully towards the collective efforts at meeting the demands of national security. “The NAF has always been and will remain in the forefront of providing excellent service delivery to its personnel. “The renovated hall is definitely conducive for the unit’s training day lectures,

monthly durbars, medical sensitisation programmes and other family enlightenment programs,” he said. Abubakar commended the efforts and sacrifices of the team who took part in the accomplishment process of the renovation. Earlier, the commander, 055 NAF Camp, Air commodore Kabiru Aliyu, thanked everyone that participated in the achievement of the renovated hall. He added that the idea was conceived in concert with chief of air staff ’s visionary ideology of value addition to facilities in NAF’s units.

indifference and its related acts have continued to unsettle the relative peace and working activities at the Aniocha North Local Government council in Delta State few weeks after new leadership assumed office. As it were, the council widely adjudged by Deltans to be one of the leading councils in the State currently enveloped in political leadership tussle even though strong indications are that the tussle may not be unconnected with the emergence of Chuks Oseme as the council Boss. It was reliably gathered that Oseme under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) umbrella have allegedly been engaged in cold war with one Engr. Emeka Nwobi, lawmaker representing Aniocha North Constituency over inexplicable political issues which may soon escalate into open war if steps are not taken by the leaders of the Party to resolve their seeming differences. While the ugly trend of leadership tussle at the council persists, it was gathered that the council has been divided into factions of aggrieved bodies, one of such claiming to be effectively mobilized than the other but our informed sources said that Aniocha North Local Government Council are controlled by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have never had it easy in the area of leadership, rather it has been battles of the titans. Investigation reviewed that trouble started recently when a group of the party chieftains allegedly sworn in 2/3 of the councillors who won the recently concluded Local Government Election without the Council’s Chairman Mr. Chuks Oseme in attendance, a situation which was described as the violations of the Local Government rules and regulations. Expectedly, the 2/3 councillors were alleged to have been induced by the Party’s Chieftain and a Lawmaker ( Name

Withheld) but this was not to be when the Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa ordered that the Status quo remain, thereby indicating the Swearing in of the 2/3 councillor as null and void but the chief Press secretary to the Council’s Boss, Mr. Matthew Ochei in a swift reaction confirmed that the trouble started with the alleged ambitious of the Lawmaker representing Aniocha North Constituency and his cohort after they had acted in errors to have sworn in 2/3 councillors unconstitutionally. He said: ‘We thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for reversing the unconstitutional swearing in of 2/3 councillors orchestrated by the lawmakers and his co hurts and this had brought the political situation of this Council Polarized’ Only last Thursday, the council was reported to have been enveloped in fresh crisis of confidence when the House leader (Name Withheld) allegedly engaged in a messy fight that left some persons wounded in the melee. The fight which was however resolved by security operatives was said to have brought the Council’s activities to a standstill especially in the alleged disappearance of the house mace by unknown persons Since then, there has been tension and palpable fear of the unknown as the situation had continued to deepen the political landscape of the area and the Council. Further investigation review that strange substance suspected to be Juju materials were allegedly found in various offices at the Council: a ploy believed to have been orchestrated by the aggrieved group of the law maker and his co hurt, but the Chief Press secretary to the Council Board Mr. Matthew Ochei who confirmed the fight between the house leader and the clerk, dispelled as untrue the suspected Juju substance allegedly found in various offices of the council, adding that the current political impasse at the council will soon be over.

ÏÏ

News 30

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 10 , 2018

2019: Wike alleges plot by INEC to print illegal ballot papers for rigging elections Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

The National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been accused of plotting to print illegal gubernatorial ballot papers for Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States that would exclude some newly registered political parties as a premise for the nullification of elections in the three states. Speaking when he received a letter of nomination as “Independent News-

papers Political Icon of the Year 2017”, Governor Wike said that credible intelligence available to the Rivers State Government indicated that an alleged indiscriminate registration of new political parties by INEC was for that purpose. The governor said: “All the mass registration of new political parties is a deliberate plan by INEC to manipulate elections in three states. “Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States have been earmarked for the printing of

ballot papers where some newly registered political parties will be excluded as a ground for the nullification of the elections by the tribunal,” he said. He alleged: “After the nullification by the tribunal as planned, EFCC will be used by the APC Federal Government to arrest the three governors, so that they will not be around during the repeat elections.” The governor said that the second strategy of the APC Federal Government was allegedly to use security

agencies to unleash vicious violence on the day of the governorship elections in the three states to facilitate cancellation by INEC. According to the governor, the entire struggle to hold the Presidential election ahead of other elections was one of the schemes at rigging the polls. Governor Wike said that the APC Federal Government has performed woefully, and had nothing on ground to campaign with, except, allegedly, to use INEC and Security Agencies

to rig. “APC is not a political party in the true sense of the word. It is a congregation of people who did not want Former President Goodluck Jonathan to continue in office for personal reasons. “The fight against Jonathan was not in the interest of Nigeria. They have realised their mistakes, but they lack the courage to apologise because of their ego. If you move around, you will see that things are bad, “Governor Wike said. The governor urged

journalists to take up the responsibility of explaining to Nigerians the need to elect a credible Federal Government in 2019. Earlier, the Managing Director of Independent Newspaper, Mr. Ade Adigun, said that the newspaper nominated the governor as the Political Icon of the Year 2017 because of his commitment to the development of true democracy. He commended the governor for his contributions to the revival of PDP as a viable opposition in the country.

Assemblies of God: Prof. Paul Emeka drags lawyer to NBA, AGF By Moses Oyediran, Enugua

ÏÏÏ

Wife of the Governor of Ondo state, Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu - Akeredolu (middle), during the Oyo State Chapter of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) launch and marking of 2018 World Cancer Day at Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Ibadan, Oyo state.

Appeal Court Acquits Ada Ugo-Ngali, M.D. Ontario Oil Peter Fowoyo Twenty - eight days after an Ikeja High Court sentenced the Managing Director, Ontario Oil and Gas, Mrs Ada Ugo-Ngali, to 10 years imprisonment, a Lagos Division of the Appeal Court, on Friday, upturned the judgment Justice Lateefat Okunnu, of the lower court had in January 13, 2017 convicted and sentenced Mrs. UgoNgali, to 10 years imprisonment for fuel subsidy fraud of N754m, alongside the company chairman, Walter Wagbatsoma, who is currently serving a jail term in United Kingdom. The judge had also ordered the refund of N754m

to the Federal Government. Both the company’s managing director and chairman were charged and arraigned before Justice Okunnu led-court on eight counts charge, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC had on August 1, 2013 arraigned Ugo-Ngali, Wagbatsoma and their company, accusing them of defrauding the Federal Government a sum of N1.9 billion which they fraudulently obtained as subsidy sum for purportedly importing Premium Motor Spirit into the country. Also charged with the three convicts was an official of the Petroleum Products Price and Regula-

tory Agency, Mr. Babafemi Fakuade, who was, however, discharged and acquitted by the judge on January 13. Dissatisfied with the lower court, Ugo-Ngali through her lawyer, Chief George Uwechue (SAN), approached the appeal court to upturn the judgment, in appeal marked CA/L/348C/17, dated February 9, 2017. The appellant had urged the upper court to discharge her of the conviction on the ground that she cannot be sentenced in the absence of her co-accused. Delivering lead judgment in the suit, the presiding judge, Justice M. L. Garba, held that: “upon reading the record of appeal and respec-

tive briefs of argument filed on behalf of both parties. “It is ordered that for being a nullity the proceedings by High Court, in the Court of Appeal trial of the appellant and others appellants in appeal CA/L/348c/17, and CA/L/389c/17, including the judgment delivered on January 13, 2017 convincing them of the offences they were tried for and the sentenced passed on them on January 13, 2017 in the absence of appellant in CA/L/348c/17, are hereby set aside. “That in consequence, the conviction and sentenced of the appellant in the said judgment are quashed, and the appellant discharged and acquitted accordingly”.

The factional General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria, Rev (Prof.) Paul Emeka, has dragged a legal practitioner, Eleazar C.N Igbokwe, of “Mastersons Solicitors”, Port-Harcourt, to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The Pastor has also taken his grievances against the lawyer to the Attorney General of the Federation over alleged professional misconduct and felony. Rev. Emeka accused Igbokwe of deliberately misquoting the content of a court ruling, thereby misinforming the public against him in a publication he carried out in a national newspaper. The embattled General Superintendent has been in a protracted legal battle

since 2014 to upturn his suspension by some leaders of the church. In a petition to the NBA and the Attorney General of the Federation, dated 7th February, 2018, Emeka, through his attorney, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, accused Igbokwe of fragrantly violating Rule 32(3) (F) Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007. The petition, a copy of which was made available to Daily Times in Enugu, also urged the legal authorities to investigate and discipline Igbokwe for allegedly violating Rule 32(1) with regard to “CANDID AND FAIR DEALING”, which according to him required that, “In appearing in his professional capacity before a Court of Tribunal, a lawyer shall not deal with the Court otherwise than candidly and fairly”.

Justice Olubor heads Edo 5-man panel on Youth/Police clash The Edo State Government has appointed a fiveman administrative panel of inquiry headed by Justice J. O. Olubor to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the death of one David Okinabo, which consequently led to a clash between some Police officers and youths in Upper Igun area in Oredo Local Government Area of the state which occurred on Tuesday, February 6. Besides, another panel to investigate a gas explosion in Ugbor Road axis of Be-

nin City, has also been constituted. In a statement on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, explained that the administrative panel of inquiry on the clash between police officers and youths in Upper Igun will be chaired by Hon. Justice J. O. Olubor. Other members of the panel include, “former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Joseph Okpoloa (Rtd); Osagie Obayuwana, Colonel David Imuse (rtd) and Mr. Dupe Ojo.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

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Ngige advocates permanent solution to fight unemployment By Idu Jude Abuja The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige had advocated for a shift from reactive and temporary measures to curbing the menace of rising unemployment as job creation policies and programme must anticipate future labour market requirements rather than reacting to it. The Minister expressed this position while inaugurating the National Employment Council and unveiling the revised National Employment Policy. According to him, “in coordinating implementation of strategies to fast-track employment creation, we must bear in mind that such strategies are most likely to be successful if it anticipates future labour market requirement rather than reacting to them. We have to move away from past approaches where strategies for employment creation and poverty alleviation were a response to a crisis or a temporary measure to mitigate the impact.” While noting that unemployment is a global challenge, Ngige observed that Nigeria like other nations need to make concerted efforts towards curbing the menace adding that the concern is even more urgent due to the association of youth idleness to perennial violent crimes in the different parts of the country which poses a threat to socio-economic stability. Inaugurating the council, Ngige said the task before it is formidable; he, however, expressed confidence in the ability of the Council to come up with the solution that will in the medium and long-term reverse the current alarming trend of unemployment. “The task before this council is formidable. However, with the calibre of members of this Council, which is made up of renowned experts, practitioners and policymakers in the field of development CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Page B7

NDIC strengthens anti-graft partnership with ICPC

Ïy Ɠ Ɛ Ɔ Ƈ ƏƅƆ ƖƆƏ éƐ ƋƆƏ ƅƆ ƈ Ɛ ƅ ƏƏƑƍƐƈ Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on Thursday said it has zero -toler-

Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu

Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi Money Market Correspondent Motolani Oseni

ance for all forms of malpractices within the Corporation and in all the initiatives it has taken to fully implement its mandate. The Managing Director/Chief Execu-

L-R : Obeahon Ohiwerei, MD/CEO Keystone Bank Limited, His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki during a business meeting at the governor’s office in Benin... on Friday.

tive of the Corporation, Umaru Ibrahim, made the remark during the inauguration of the re-constituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Corporation by the Acting Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), who was represented by the Head of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, Mr. Justin Kuatsea. Ibrahim stated that based on its mandate and supervisory activities, the NDIC is at the forefront of the fight against corruption through the enforcement of good corporate governance, transparency and accountability to minimise the risk of bank failure in order to protect depositors and ensure safety and soundness of the financial system. He described the inauguration of the NDIC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) as good development as it will further strengthen the Corporation’s resolve and its partnership with other government agencies involved in the anticorruption fight towards promoting credible and effective service delivery

in the public sector. The NDIC boss further noted that the corporation has been organising annual capacity building seminars for strategic stakeholders such as the ICPC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Special Fraud Unit and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in the area of financial crime investigation. He also expressed the readiness of NDIC to sustain its participation in the capacity building programmes organised by the ICPC Training Academy. Responding, the Acting Chairman of ICPC Alh. Abdullahi Bako, said ACTU was created by the ICPC in 2001 in all government agencies to curb corrupt practices and to establish transparent processes and procedures in the public sector. He commended the NDIC for its commitment to transparency and accountability in the discharge of its regulatory responsibilities. He expressed the hope that the inauguration of the unit would create synergy for effective collaboration between the two agencies.

Quality education: NNPC pledges support for Unity Schools By Idu Jude Abuja

BUSINESS TIMES

Why investors need to understand money and capital Page B8 markets

NEXIM bank urges SMEs in South-east and Delta to access N550bn export facilities

FCTA to recoup over N3bn from advertising , others

Saturday, January 10, 2018

In keeping with its mission of touching lives in many positive ways, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has promised to support the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) and the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, in their ob-

jectives of promoting quality education in Nigeria. The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated this when the National Executive of USOSA led by its President General, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, and the Vice Chancellor of the Usman Dan Fodio University, Professor Abdullahi

Abdu Zuru, paid him a courtesy call. Addressing the executive of USOSA, Dr. Baru lauded the lofty objectives behind the establishment of the unity schools, stating that NNPC would always support any genuine effort to promote the unity of the country. He called for the restoration of citizenship and leadership train-

ing in the schools as it was in his days to prepare the students for leadership in the larger society. He particularly expressed interest in the Mentorship and Transition Programme of USOSA which affords old students the opportunity to connect with current students in the schools CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 10, 2018

Quality Education: NNPC Pledges Support for Unity Schools CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

to offer guidance and help. Speaking earlier, President General of USOSA, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, who described the GMD as an “outstanding ambassador of USOSA”, said the association was on a mission to correct the declining trajectory of the educational system. He called on the GMD and other well-meaning Nigerians to support USOSA in the onerous task of restoring the past glory of the Unity Schools. Speaking in similar vein during his visit, the Vice Chancellor of the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, called for the corporation’s support in the establishment of a School of Energy Studies. The Vice Chancellor who expressed gratitude to the GMD for the role he played at the Knowledge Sharing Workshop organized by the school

recently and the exploration work in the Sokoto Basin said he was looking forward to a partnership with the NNPC Renewable Energy Division in the proposed School of Energy Studies. Responding, the GMD said NNPC would continue to tap into the huge resources of the Ivory Towers in furtherance of the exploratory work in the inland basins, stressing that it was his belief in the university system that informed the decision to secure the services of Usman Dan Fodio University and the IBB University, Lapai, to carry out the preliminary geological surveys of the Sokoto and Bida Basins respectively. He said NNPC would support in whatever way, adding that NNPC was expecting the results of the preliminary geological studies by the middle of the year and that further

Ngige advocates permanent solution to fight unemployment CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

and employment promotion, I have no doubt in my mind that you have what it takes to proffer solutions that will ultimately halt and in the medium and long-term reverse the current unemployment situation in the country.” He said Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Bolaji Adebiyi affirmed that unemployment, underemployment and poverty are critical challenges that will require the concerted efforts of all stakeholders to address. Speaking further, Adebiyi emphasized that it was in a bid to holistically address the unemployment crisis that the National Employment Policy was formulated with the aim of consolidating into an integrated and coherent document, a beacon for the attainment of full employment for all Nigerians, particularly the youths. The National Employment Council Members whose membership was provided for in the National Employ-

ment Policy comprises of representatives of Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sport Development, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Central Bank of Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics, National Universities Commission, Nigerian Institute for Social and Economic Research, Industrial Training Fund, National Directorate of Employment, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Special Assistant to President/Vice President on Job Creation, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria.

L - R: Pai Gamde, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Asisat Oshoala, MON, African Female Footballer of the Year; Tinuade Awe, Executive Director, Regulation Division, NSE; Mojisola Adeola, Head, Council Secretariat, NSE during Closing Gong ceremony held in her honour at The Exchange on Friday.

FCTA to recoup over N3 bn from advertising , others By Idu Jude, Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration in Nigeria said it is set to recoup over N3billion annually through the Department Outdoor Advertising and Signage ( DOAS). The Deputy Director of DOAS, Mr. Hassan Abubakar, disclosed this to journalists during a tour of some shopping malls and sign poles within the territory late on Thursday. Abubakar noted that the revenue generating project was initiated to cub the disorderly manner in handling the outdoor advertisement system in the FCT. He explained that with the public compliance in tax

payment, the administration, through the Outdoor Advertisement and Signage System has the capacity to hit the target annually. While lamenting on the illegal mounting of billboards and signage in some strategy positions within the city, Abubakar stressed that such act is capable of defacing the right of ways and streets of the territory , which is most lacking in aesthetics. According to him, the immediate consequences of these were severe dangers to the environment, traffic and pedestrians. “Long range visibility was impaired with resultant accidents at major junctions due to sight blockages by billboards and outdoor ad-

vertisement posts. ‘Painfully, we found that the existing administrative structure charged with the duty of regulating these practices was weak and in some cases there were multiple standards as well as conflicting administering agencies,” he added He said that the development was unacceptable for a capital city that aspired to join the ranks of the best 20 capital cities in the world by the year 2020, adding that the administration was therefore set to arrest the ugly trend from degenerating. The Deputy Director also noted that the mandate given to the body was to provide a standard template for the control and regulation of adver-

tisement and signage practice in FCT by ensuring global best practice, improving internal revenue and stemming the observed chaos. He expressed delight for the collaboration of all stakeholders, especially the six area councils and the FCT business community, adding that the chairmen of the area councils had shown high level of cooperation to the FCT Administration throughout the conceptualization of the project. Abubakar further warned that, staff of the department must be honest, diligent and resourceful as the administration would not condone any act that ran contrary to the good intentions for setting up this department.

Ambode signs Lagos electricity Reform Bill into Law By Simon Ugwu Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday signed an important bill into law which will serve to guarantee 24-hour power supply in line with the vision to attain a 24-hour economy and make the state globally competitive. The Law is called the Lagos State Electric Power Reform Law. Giving details on the benefits of the Power Sector Reform Law, the State’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Olawale Oluwo said the law would allow the State Government to intervene in major areas of the power value chain to the overall benefit of the

people. He said the law puts the government in a position to be able to extend a guarantee to private sector participants who want to come and generate power and would also help the distribution companies to upgrade their infrastructure. Finally, it would also serve to empower the government to be able to open up the gas market in Lagos. Speaking further, Oluwo said the law would also enable the State Government to collaborate with the distribution companies to collect tariff from customers efficiently in a way that the said guarantee would not crystallize, while in the area of enforcement, the law will prevent power

theft In a related development, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has commenced the construction of 2x 150, 330/132kV and 2x 60MVA, 132/33kV injection sub-station power transformer projects in Akruba, Lafia, Nassarawa state. The Managing Director at NDPHC, Joseph Chiedu Ugbo, stated that the source of power currently in use at the Lafia environs is 33KV, obtained from Akwanga which is 93km away from the state capital. Ugbo said this is however, unable to meet with the increasing demand of the Lafia population. This project is estimated to cost $18 million, funded

by both the Federal, State and Local government and would serve to supply both Lafia and its envisions. The substation is a 330KV power station and would serve to add up as a back-feed supply of power in the FCT in addition to the power sources from Gerogu and Shiroro plants. The two 7.5 MVA (330/132) power transformers at the station would inject 13MW of electricity to the existing supply to Lafia and surroundings, it will supply 15 units of 50KV distribution transformers. Ugbo the project is being handled by a German company AK – AY Elektrik and gave assurance that the project will be completed before 31 December, 2018.

Tours&Travels

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

Southern Sun Ikoyi’s Romantic Valentine offering Stories By Simon Ugwu

AS the Valentine Day celebration draws near, Southern Sun Ikoyi is promising its regular guests and visitors bumper packages as the hotel has designed enthralling and memorable packages for lovers. Speaking about the special offer for this year’s romantic celebrations, the hotel’s Sales and PR Manager, Ubong Nseobot, stated that “this year’s offer is designed to encourage individuals to spend valuable and quality time with their partners,” adding that “in today’s busy world, this is one of the best gifts one can give and receive Renowned for its scrumptious culinary delights, Southern Sun Ikoyi’s award-winning chef will be offering several dining options including the grill for succulent meat, fish and seafood choices all accompanied by freshly picked vegetables and the finest choice in wine and cocktails. She added that the room include compli-

mentary breakfast for two and a special Valentine’s buffet dinner with a set menu covering over 10 meal courses and

chef ’s special offer for the day. Also on the bill are delightsome night treats and live entertainment while guests can

explore the richness of the hotel’s contemporary lounge and well stocked bar, the outdoor terrace and pool area.

For couples who are fitness enthusiasts, the hotel’s gym is also well-equipped to meet their needs.

‘Why we are recreating our meal’ Mr. Bigg’s, the flagship brand of UAC Restaurants, is set to recreate itself to meet the increasing demands of consumers with Food Fest Campaign themed project reIgnite. Speaking with journalists at its Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos outlet, Managing Executive, UAC Restaurants, Joan Ihekwaba, promised that consumers will experience firsthand, the new meals that will become the norm in all their restaurants. She said despite the challenging business terrain, escalating costs and pressured consumer disposable income, they still need to constantly refresh and sustain their brand. “Project re-Ignite was born out of the need to meet and exceed consumers’ needs with respect to great meal offering leading to great eating experience, ambience and personalised services. “The Food fest is an event billed to converge both lapsed, potential and current consumers of Mr. Bigg’s brand. It is aimed at breaking down the wall of biases for a great din-

ing experience by converging consumers outside the confines of the Mr. Bigg’s restaurants.” Joan Ihekwaba noted that the platform for the connection will be Mr Bigg’s array of sumptuous

meals comprising both existing and new meals, adding that the brand is collaborating with a renowned Chef, Renee Chuks, for recipe improvement and meal re-engineering process. Chef Re-

nee Chuks, according to her, will be bringing her creativity and innovation to bear on Mr. Bigg’s menu. Ihekwaba said the focus for the twoday Food Fest event billed for next month in Lagos as they

happy with the huge interest shown so far through online registration. “We are happy to announce that we have already achieved 65 per cent of total estimated participation in less than one week

Ambode

Tours & Travels

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

Minister sets up committee for UNWTO hosting Simon Ugwu The Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has inaugurated a committee for hosting of the 61st meeting of the United Nations World Tourism organizations (UNWTO). The inauguration marked the beginning of preparations towards the event that is scheduled to take place between June 4 and 6. With the theme, Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development, the Minister stressed that the success of the meeting would depend on the effectiveness and commitment of the committee. The committee comprised staff of the Ministry of Information and Culture and several agencies under it, including Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). The Minister heads the committee, while the Permanent Secretary, Grace Gekpe will serve in the capacity of Vice Chairman. Meanwhile, director, International Tourism, Ronke Fasanya, heads the secretariat. The Minister noted that the hosting right for the meeting

Lai Mohammed was unanimously awarded to Nigeria by the member states and endorsed by the UNWTO. “The confidence of the member states and UNTWO in Nigeria clearly highlights

Nigeria’s relevance and importance by the organization, after embarking on a period of absence.” The meeting will serve to consolidate on the on going

technical assistance by the UNTWO in the implementation of Nigerian Tourism Development Master Plan. He listed some of the gains of hosting the meeting to in-

clude projection of Nigeria as a safe destination for business and leisure; interaction with tourism stakeholders on best practices as well as generation of foreign exchange through hotel accommodation, airfare and souvenirs purchased by foreign delegates In accordance with the rules of procedure of the organization, some of the programmes include meeting of the African Ministries of Tourism, high-level technical seminar on tourism statistics as well as packaged tours. The Commission is currently under the chairmanship of the Kenyan Minister of Tourism, assisted by the Gambian Minister of Tourism as the Vice Chairman, both of whom were elected during the 22nd Session of UNTWO General Assembly in Chengdu, China, in September 2017 for the period o The meeting of the Commission for Africa (CAF), is principally a meeting of African Ministers of Tourism with delegates from the 51 member states, executives of UNWTO, international organizations, local and international media, experts as well as stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

Yobe to rebuild Birnin Ngazargamu, Kanem Borno Empire The Yobe Government says it is rebuilding the 15th century Birnin Ngazargamu, the last headquarters of the

Ibrahim Gaidam

Kanem Borno Empire under the ‘Mai’ Dynasty, to boost tourism and academic research. The Secretary to the State

Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali, disclosed this to newsmen in Damaturu on Friday. The ruins of the ancient

city which was the capital of Kanem Borno Empire between 1460 and 1809, are still visible in its site. Malam-Wali said the state government had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the SSG with the Vice- Chancellor and the Registrar of the State’s University, historians, archeologists and Islamic scholars as members. He said the committee was collecting archives on the history of Ngazargamu at the Arewa House, Kaduna, and Ibadan Museum, while the University of Maiduguri was commissioned to create a model of the city. “Some scholars in Germany have already indicated

interest to work in the project,” he said. According to the SSG, the state government is partnering with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to excavate the sites. “We have also communicated to UNESCO for consideration of the city as a world Heritage site,” he said. Malam-Wali also said that the site would showcase life in Ngazargamu, administrative skills, commerce and the rich Islamic knowledge the capital city was known for. “The city has huge tourism potential which will be exploited by the state government to attract scholars, research

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

Tours & Travels

Senegal moves measure to end tension with Mauritania Simon Ugwu with Agency report

Senegalese President Macky Sall is in Nouakchott, Mauritania, for a two-day official visit against the backdrop of tensions between Dakar and Nouakchott over a fisheries dispute. Tensions between the two neighbours followed the killing last month of a 19-year-old Senegalese fisherman by Mauritanian coastguards. According to the Senegalese presidency, Sall’s talks with his Mauritanian counterpart underlined “the will of the two heads of state to strengthen long-standing and deep relations between the two countries, based on fruitful historical and cultural links.”

Sall said his talks with President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz will revolve around conditions for exploiting fisheries resources and the issuance of fishing licenses. President Sall’s visit to Nouakchott comes on the heels of a 29 January demonstration in SaintLouis over the killing of a young fisherman, shot dead by coastguards as he was fishing in Mauritanian waters. President Sall confirmed his trip to Mauritania during his visit to Saint Louis with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron last Saturday. Dakar and Nouakchott are slow to finding common ground for new fisheries agreements after their expiry in 2015.

Macky Sall

North, South Korea heads of state meet, shake hands South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the North’s ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam met and shook hands Friday ahead of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Kim Yong Nam, who is officially leading Pyongyang’s diplomatic delegation to the Games, met Moon at a leaders’ reception ahead of the opening ceremony in Pyeongchang. Moon and his wife received their guests one by one and the two men smiled as they shook hands in a relaxed manner. There was no sign of Kim Yo Jong, the influenMoon Jae

tial sister of the North’s leader Kim Jong Un, who is part of Pyongyang’s delegation. Kim Yong Nam is the highest-level Northern official ever to visit the South, and was meeting his third South Korean president after participating in North-South summits in Pyongyang in 2000 and 2007. On his left lapel Kim wore a badge depicting the North’s founder Kim Il Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un’s father. Moon and his wife Kim Jung-sook both wore lapel badges of Soohorang, the dancing white tiger mascot of the Winter Games.

Business Review

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

At BAF lecture, experts bemoan absence of synergy in the nation’s healthcare Bassey Edem, Calabar It is not yet anything near uhuru for Healthcare delivery in Nigeria. This is the very expression used by the guest lecturer, Professor Michel C. Asuzu to describe the health sector in Nigeria at the 19th Bassey Anda Foundation (BAF) lecture series which took place at University of Calabar, Cross River State recently. Prof. Asuzu is a Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and this is to say, he must be speaking from the point of knowledge. Professor Asuzu is not alone, various reactions following theme of the 2018 lecture: The challenges of healthcare delivery for all ages, berated the nation’s health sector. That the nation’s health care system is characterised by high infant and maternal mortality rates, or short life expectancy is no more news. Current life expectancy is put at 50 for all. In the same vein, medical tourism has also become an experience the country must have to live with no thanks to medical experiments in the guise of medical attention. Simple headache compel citizens who can afford the bill to jet out of the country for proper diagnosis and interventions having lost hope in the nation’s health system. The layman can only resign to fate many a time ignorant when medical errors take its toll on patients. Only medical practitioners can tell which deaths are indeed deaths and which are occasioned by their errors not to think of how many simple ailments they have compounded through error diagnosis and other unsafe acts for their patients. Naturally, every human endeavour tilts towards achieving good health, happiness, wellness and fulfillment of the human person. In practice however, it is only those in the business of healthcare provisions that are seen and acknowledged as healthcare providers. Hence all citizens the law says are entitled to sources of good healthcare and other necessities of life. In essence, we have to hold medical practitioners accountable for what happens in that sector and government responsible for the availability or unavailability of adequate or proper healthcare supplies. Therefore, it behooves on a nation to ensure that its people

Cross section of guests listening to Engr. Olu Anda as he appreciates guests are healthy through the provision of adequate and affordable healthcare and services using its three tier regime like in the case of Nigeria: Local government, State government and the Federal Government. In the medical parlance, this is what is referred to as the healthcare pyramid in the following manner of division: Primary healthcare delivery, Secondary healthcare provisions and Tertiary healthcare provisions for multidisciplinary or super specialist care. In 1978, at the Alma Ata Conference on primary healthcare, the world agreed that the purpose of all healthcare services must be to achieve health for all the people in that given locality. To achieve this, it further agreed that, it has to be based on a proper primary healthcare system that is properly linked up and supported by all the higher levels in the 3-tier health system. In this light, all related health persons and organs are expected to be linked through a programme of inter-sectoral collaboration and integration for Public Healthcare and Health for all. Unfortunately, though the nation has in theory three tier governance, in practice what we have is a two tier: state and federal, as the Local Government where ideally the action for real progress or development in any given area, is partially or totally missing in the link. Primary healthcare is the inthing but they are available only in some states of the federation. In fact, some states embraced it

very recently when the Federal Government passed the Health Act because they saw it as another avenue to share money. In the few places where they exist, most of them lack necessary Medicare paraphernalia, whereas where they have some of them, the centers assume everything from primary to secondary and tertiary health provisions even when they know too well that it is unprofessional since they lack the skills required for the roles they play. This has been a major undoing of the nation’s healthcare system. The sector lacks proper synergy. Moreso, the diversity of health challenges have accentuated the magnitude of healthcare delivery hence the importance of needful synergy by practitioners. By so doing, the sector has lost benefits from intra and inter sectoral medical collaborations to arrogance and selfishness hence the lost glories of the sector. The rate of loss opportunities for the sector to plan and implement with other relevant sectors to tackle healthcare delivery frontally and jointly cannot be over emphasized. It is apparent the nation lacks the necessary understanding of the disciplines and dynamics of practical integrated health services which are prerequisites for an ideal healthcare system. Funding has also been fingered as one of the major undoing of the sector which depends heavily on foreign support and donors that come with their conditions. These phenomena cannot guarantee expected growth

in the sector. However, there is no doubt different administrations and leaders have made efforts towards the overhaul of the health sector to the best of their abilities, but corruption and insincerity has not permitted impacts of the efforts to be felt. This is why to many including Professor Asuzu, the national health system has failed to deliver on either the Public Health or the social trauma suffered by communities of all ages. On its part, Governments and their agents in self defence claim to have put effective policies and programmes in place for the establishment of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities and institutions, but claims that it is overwhelmed by a rapidly growing population which is disproportionate to available resources to provide needed infrastructure. This claim has been roundly faulted because an ideal nation should be guided by data in planning and policy making. Experts say absence of synergy among all health related groups and persons has remained an untapped resource towards a sustainable health care delivery. Though gloomy the sector looks, but, if the nation takes pragmatic steps towards revitalising the sector, the future could be made green. To this effect experts maintain that real federated units which will allow for a functional three tier administration is important in revitalizing the health sector hence the need to make our local government

councils to be reckoned with in the scheme of things. In addition, if corruption is removed from our national life, every sector will bounce back to life including the health sector which is said to be enmeshed in corrupt practices. Furthermore, Nigerian healthcare related policies formulators should endeavour to make workable policies capable of touching the very essence of the nation’s health needs. While practitioners are expected to play according to professional standards knowing their limitations and making referrals when necessary, it should be noted that WHO has stipulated that there must be health in every policy just as the world is heading towards preventive medicine. We must not fold our arms to watch but to move along with the world by first getting it right internally. Professor Bassey Anda died as Deputy Vice-chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan and was the first African President of World Archeology Congress. He died on December 22, 1997 but he has continued to live in the minds of people who revered his ideals which is every year captured in each edition of the Bassey Anda Foundation lecture put together by his family since his demise. He had the reputation of versatility in his chosen Archeology and Anthropology. The dept and breath of his pursuit is no doubt the very essence of health and its pursuit for humankind. Little wonder then, why the 2018 BAF lecture chose to x-ray the health sector.

Business Features

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 10, 2018

NEXIM bank urges SMEs in South-East and Delta to access N550bn export facilities Simon Ugwu The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has called onexport-oriented Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in the Southeast and Delta States to access the N500 billion Export Stimulation Facility (ESF), and the N50 billion Export Development Fund being managed by the Bank to boost their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute to the foreign exchange revenue earnings of the country. This call was madein a statement by the Managing Director and CEO of NEXIM, Mr. Abba Bello, and made available by the Bank’s Enugu Regional Office after a one-day seminar on “Leveraging Nexim Bank Facilities to unleash your Export Potential.” The seminar held at the Oaklands Centre, Enugu, organised by the Bank and the SME Centre, Enugu. The facilities were made available to NEXIM Bank last December and will lend at a maximum of 9% interest rate. Theyfunds weredesigned to redress the declining export credit to SMEs and reposition the non-oil sector to increase its contribution to the country’s revenue generation and economic development. The improved export financing for non-oil exporters will enable them to upscale and expand their businesses and improve their competiveness. Speaking on behalf of the Bank’s MD/CEO, the Head of the Bank’s Enugu Regional Office, Mr. Chinedu Moghalu stated that the funds are being made available to the NEXIM by the Central Bank of Nigeriaat a time the Bank has decentralized its operations to all the regions of the country for easier accessibility of its products and servicestomaximize theirimpacts. According to him,“NEXIM Bank is determined to ensure these funds achieve the desired impact of triggering non-oil export development, growth and economic progress in line with its mandate as the Trade Policy Bank of the Federal Governmentandthe applicable CBN guidelines for the implementation of the facilities.” The representative of the Enugu State Governor and Special Assistant on SME Development, Honourable AnayoAgu, stated that the programme has come at the right time. According to him, «the opening of NEXIM Bank Regional Office for the Southeast and Delta States in Enugu, and

the invitation to the SMEs to access affordable non-oil export facilities,had been the missing link in the efforts of various Governments in the region to derive maximum benefits from their investments in the SME value chain, especially in the agriculture and other nonoil sectors. It provides us the platform to reach heights we could only dream about before now.” Theobjectives of the ESF as contained in theCBN guidelines are to: a) Improve access of exporters to concessionary finance to expand and diversify the non-oil export baskets; b) Attract new investments and encourage re-investments in value-added non-oil exports production and non-traditional exports; c) Shore up non-oil export sector productivity and create more jobs; d) Support export oriented companies to upscale and expand their export operations as well as capabilities; e) Diversify and increase the level of contribution of non-oil exports revenue towards sustainable economic development; and f) Broaden the scope of export financing instruments. The transactions permissible for funding under the ESF include, export of goods wholly or partly processed

or manufactured in Nigeria; export of commodities and services, which are permissible and excluded under existing export prohibition list; imports of plant and machinery, spare parts and packaging materials, required for export oriented production that cannot be produced locally. Other businesses eligible under the ESF are export value chain support services such as transportation, warehousing and quality assurance infrastructure; resuscitation, expansion, modernization and technology upgrade of non-oil exports industries. Stocking facility and working capital can also qualify for funding under the ESF. Potential applicants to the ESF can either send their requests through their local commercial banks or directly to NEXIM as the revised CBN guidelines assigns the Bank a dual role of both manager and participating financial institution. The N50 Billion Export Development Fund will be managed by NEXIM and implemented in collaboration with the State governments. NEXIM has earmarked at least N1 billion for each State under the State Export Development Programme component aimed to catalyse and

incentivize export investment to promote diversification and industrialization. Through the Programme, NEXIM Bank will also have a programme for Women/Youth Development,especially to provide support to industries that are involved in Apparel/ Garmenting, Cashew, Shea, etc. The Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had stated at the announcing of the funds in December 2017 that the ESF can also be implemented by adapting the Anchor Borrowers Programme framework while promoting the PAVE initiative. According to Moghalu, “The overall aim of the ESF and EDF is to lower the costs of Nigerian exporters so that their products can be priced at a level where they can compete with other products around the world.” The NEXIM Bank Regional head urged eligible exportoriented companies in the Southeast and Delta States with permissible transactions under the schemes to participate in the funding scheme by submitting proposals for consideration through the financial institutions of their choice or directly to NEXIM Bank. He emphasised that as Nigeria’s sole export credit agency, NEXIM Bank remains the only window

through which the Government can provide export financing for non-oil products and services. Thanking the participants and other stakeholders on behalf of the NEXIM MD, Mr. Moghalu gave assurance that the Bank is committed to working assiduously, in line with its mandate, to fully realise the objectives of the schemes and stated a readiness to provide the necessary advice, additional information or clarifications as may be required. He thanked the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), the commodity associations and other organised private sector for their relentless technical support, partnership and collaboration as well as the commitment to work with the Government and private sector in Nigeria to diversify the economy, create jobs, boost industrial production and exports. Other participants at the seminar were Southeast Government officials; representatives from the members of various chambers of commerce and industries; SME professionals in the banking sector; as well as the media.

Personal Finance B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 9, 2017

Why investors need to understand money and capital markets There are differences and similarities between capital and money markets. From the issuer or seller›s standpoint, both markets provide a necessary business function: maintaining adequate levels of funding. The goal for which sellers access each market varies depending on their liquidity needs and time horizon. Similarly, investors or buyers have unique reasons for going to each market: capital markets offer higherrisk investments, while money markets offer safer assets; money market returns are often low, but steady, while capital markets offer higher returns. The magnitude of capital market returns often has a direct correlation to the level of risk, but that›s not always the case A financial market brings buyers and sellers together to trade in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities, derivatives and currencies. The purpose of a financial market is to set prices for global trade, raise capital, and transfer liquidity and risk. Although there are many components to a financial market, two of the most commonly used are money markets and capital markets. Kristina Zucchi, writing for Investopadia pointed that Money markets are used by government and corporate entities as a means for borrowing and lending in the short term, usually for assets being held for up to a year. Conversely, capital markets are more frequently used for long-term assets, which are those with maturities of greater than one year. Capital markets include the equity (stock) market and debt (bond) market. Together, money markets and capital markets comprise a large portion of the financial market and are often used together to manage liquidity and risks for companies, governments and individuals. Capital markets Capital markets are perhaps the most widely followed markets. Both the stock and bond markets are closely followed, and their daily

Adeosun movements are analyzed as proxies for the general economic condition of the world markets. As a result, the institutions operating in capital markets – stock exchanges, commercial banks and all types of corporations, including nonbank institutions such as insurance companies and mortgage banks – are carefully scrutinized. The institutions operating in the capital markets access them to raise capital for longterm purposes, such as for a merger or acquisition, to expand a line of business or enter into a new business, or for other capital projects. Entities that are raising money for these long-term purposes come to one or more capital markets. In the bond market, companies may issue debt in the form of corporate bonds, while both local and Federal Governments may issue debt in the form of government bonds. Similarly, companies may decide to raise money by issuing equity on the stock market. Government entities are typically not publicly held and, therefore, do not usually

NSE DG, Oscar Onyema issue equity. Companies and government entities that issue equity or debt are considered the sellers in these markets. The buyers (or the investors) buy the stocks or bonds of the sellers and trade them. If the seller (or issuer) is placing the securities on the market for the first time, then the market is known as the primary market. Conversely, if the securities have already been issued and are now being traded among buyers, this is done on the secondary market. Sellers make money off the sale in the primary market, not in the secondary market, although they do have a stake in the outcome (pricing) of their securities in the secondary market. The buyers of securities in the capital market tend to use funds that are targeted for longer-term investment. Capital markets are risky markets and are not usually used to invest short-term funds. Many investors access the capital markets to save for

retirement or education, as long as the investors have lengthy time horizons. Money market The money market is often accessed alongside the capital markets. While investors are willing to take on more risk and have patience to invest in capital markets, money markets are a good place to «park» funds that are needed in a shorter time period – usually one year or less. The financial instruments used in capital markets include stocks and bonds, but the instruments used in the money markets include deposits, collateral loans, acceptances and bills of exchange. Institutions operating in money markets are central banks, commercial banks and acceptance houses, among others. Money markets provide a variety of functions for either individual, corporate or government entities. Liquidity is often the main purpose for accessing money markets. When short-term debt

is issued, it›s often for the purpose of covering operating expenses or working capital for a company or government and not for capital improvements or large-scale projects. Companies may want to invest funds overnight and look to the money market to accomplish this, or they may need to cover payroll and look to the money market to help. The money market plays a key role assuring companies and governments maintain the appropriate level of liquidity on a daily basis, without falling short and needing a more expensive loan or without holding excess funds and missing the opportunity of gaining interest on funds. (See also: Money Market Instruments.) Investors, on the other hand, use money markets to invest funds in a safe manner. Unlike capital markets, money markets are considered low risk; risk-averse investors are willing to access them with the anticipation that liquidity is readily available. Those individuals living on a fixed income often use money markets because of the safety associated with these types of investments.

Life&

TIMES Saturday, February 10, 2018

BASH ‘D’ CASH ready for international exploit L P

2, 3

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Being a celebrity has deprived me of street experience-Bash â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cash

person;

remember

You are musician, standup comedian, compeer handling too much?

What is your advice to budding comedians who look up to you?

expecting such from you soon?

private life on social media?

What do you have in stock for 2018? 2018 is going to be a busy, more performance outside the Growing up days to always standup for myself from the street and my society

At what point did you notice the threat of a being a comedian?

How have you been able to curb scandals as it is mostly attached to celebrities?

You once shared same music group with 9ice and Cabasa, why did it take you so long show off your

affect your comedy brand because of your depth and use long to come out of my shell in terms of music but at the

point to where it is now and by the special grace of God, the You stand out among your peers in the industry, what do you think you are doing differently? Well, one of my policies in life is to always remain being

What is that one thing a fan once did to you?

Have you ever had heartbreak; if yes, how did you take it?

What has being a celeb deprived you of?

Life&

fans

moment?

opportunity to do so now!

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Veteran saxophonist, Mike Aremu unveils new single, ‘Akowoba’ featuring Mike Abdul

Society Gist L3

Actress Funmi Awelewa set to release Omo Ibadan, 3 other movies her plans to release the

Mike Aremu

Nigerian international saxo-

Maintaining his pioneering role as a Nigerian tourism

La Campagne Tropicana introduces Sea Bike

the history of hospitality in

Like T-Boss, Big Brother Housemate, Cee-C says she can make N45m in a week

tourism business trip to

“It is the sole aim of Talking on the preparation the numero uno resort in

make stunts as if you are on

Society Circle L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Isaac Oguntoye

Honeywell Boss, Oba Otudeko in debt drama Oba Otudeko is one of the Nigeria renowned businessmen who have investment scattered all over the country. Oba Otudeko is a fun loving socialite that works so hard to attain greatness but despite his socialise. Those close to him have described him as a philanthropist who derives joy in helping the less privileged. His hotel, Radisson Blu the country can boast of. Meanwhile, aside his role in ceasing every opportunity to create employment, he is a corporate guru. Oba Otudeko is among the board of directors of First Bank Plc. With that he has been exposed to all the tricks in the banking sector especially when it comes to bad debt. The embattled billionaire is pres-

Oba Otudeko

ently in court over a N5.5 billion debt allegedly owed Ecobank Nigeria Plc. The billionaire, who is also alleged to owe First Bank Plc, will have to appear before Justice Idris on February 14, 2018 to know his faith.

Pastor Adefarasin praises Gospel icons, De-Covenants Gospel Music Icons, De-Covenants led by Lawrence are the talk of the town presently. Their performances at the annual gospel concert, Experience 2017 has made lots of fans and Nigeria ace Pastor, Paul Adefarasin to shower encomium on the talented gospel musicians. Even one of the invited international guest gospel artistes, Frank Edwards praised De–Covenants group for showing immense dexterity above other artistes at the concert. Pastor Paul Adefarasin, House On The Rock General Overseer revealed

Pastor Paul Adefarasin

that since the beginning of the concert in Nigeria, he has not seen a group that are very passionate, skillful and well behaved gospel group artistes like De-Covenants. “De-Covenants are Experience 2017 gospel music group artiste of the year. Their talents will make them go far as far in the world. This annual concert is well known all over the world. The organisers hire best artistes to perform at the concert stick speaks for us. For an artiste to get on this platform, you must be talent-

ed, skillful, loyal and play at least three instruments on stage. And each member of this talented gospel group exhibited this at the concert. This made me overwhelmed and delighted that we still have a team that is very coordinated like this in gospel music world. As they are performing a very unique christens religion music presentation, they speak in tongue, this is another spiritual realm that Pastor like us respect so much. De-Covenants future is very bright”, the pastor said while addressing pressmen at the Church headquarters during Happy New Year 2018 welcome dance at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos on January 1st 2018. He also attested to De-Covenants gospel group performance and how wonderful and ed Kingdom where they shared insight about the Christian religion music. The audience was so emotional and also De-Covenants unique contribution which gave the audience exclusive access to gospel songs experience that few gospel artistes today ever get to experience. “De Covenants, they are full of talents. They will go a long way”, Frank Edwards said.

Zinox boss, Leo Stan Ekeh spreads wings The Chairman of one of the leading indigenous technology companies in Nigeria, Zinox Computer Ltd, is leaving no stone unturned when it comes e-commerce business. He has been described as a master strategist who knows when to attack and defend. And despite the harsh business economy in Nigeria, the young dynamic and industrious tycoon is still busy spreading his wings in the Ecommerce sector. One his mission to take over from his competitors was achieved recently after years of strategising on how to widen his business empire most especially Yudala.com he pioneered e-commerce in Nigeria over 12 years ago, with the launch of BuyRightAfrica.com though the busiof e-payment infrastructure and credit card. However, the good news here is that the billionaire businessman has acquired Konga.com online store,

tiers, in line with his lofty desire to rebrand ecommerce industry in Nigeria and Africa.

Senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhomes take on corruption fight One of the top priorities of this adtion which has been attracting lots of negative impact on the country according to information. Presirecover every penny looted from government treasury. To some, the while to others, it is just a mere political gimmick. hammadu Buhari, describing his hoodwink innocent members of the society.

the reinstatement of the Executive Yusuf, by President Buhari. According to the senior lawyer, it was very clear that the current ruption was selective. “That is why a whole minister will remove a person after a panel of enquiry has found the person culpable and the President will reinstate that person. “It shows again and again the issue of corruption being fought is a ruse to hoodwink the unwary and ignorant members of the society. No corruption is being fought at

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Ajibade Alabi

Bishop Tom Samson defends luxury lifestyle The General Overseer of Christ Royal Family International Church, Bishop Tom Samson is one of the revered pastors whose taste for exotic cars attracts controversy here and there. The success story of Bishop Tom Samson has left many pondering over the secret. Today, he has a Royal City reportedly worth about N4 billion. His 1000 acres at Iyana-Iyesi, Ota, Ogun State, boasts of a thousand chalets, hospital, vocational training centre, publishunder construction, college of education which had its He also has a 5,000 seater auditorium, fully furnished male and female hostels. Meanwhile, many have condemned his opulent lifestyle while some are of

the opinion that he deserves to enjoy every bit of his wealth. However, the man of God has taken his time to tell those who care to listen that God has richly given us all things to enjoy, saying: “The controversy now is that why should a man of God use good things? ture that condemns that. Are we now saying that good things are for the agents of Satan? Bible says God created all things in this world. Every good thing you see, God created it. Bible says all these good things God created, He has empowered us to enjoy them. If those who are criticizing me want to be mediocre, to be poor, I am Tom Samson, my God says He giveth the power to get wealth.”

Society Gist L5

Gospel singer, Bunmi Bamidele debuts with ‘This Year’ Saying that Nigerian praise and worship songs are the most refreshing songs in the society today is like stating the obvious. They are songs of hope, love and thanksgiving to God. And musically, this year has been amazing with new and exciting releases from Nigerian gospel artistes, making impact locally and globally. The new embodiment of talent who is using her God- given talent for glorious work of God is Bunmi Bamidele. Bunmi is a fast rising Gospel/Inspirational artiste with a breathtaking voice. She is a worship leader with years of experience. At the moment, Bunmi is ready to take the bull by the horn as she debuts of goodwill, wishing you success and the song was produced by Nigerian foremost producer, Mene Jazz.

Bunmi Bamidele

What’s next for Dayo Adeneye?

Bishop Tom Samson

Hon. Desmond Olusola’s political dreams Desmond Olusola Elliot is a Nollywood actor cum politician. The Lagos House of Assembly member is leaving no stone unturned in making sure the people of his constituency enjoy the dividend of democracy. The Surulere Constituency 1 representative wished for one thing in life which is ruling the people of Lagos State someday. This kind-hearted politician divulged this in a brief

“My choice as a representative of the good people of Surulere constituency 1 is an added advantage for me to utilise my humanitarian service to my people. ,To me it is a bold step and a stepping stone; and I promise never to disappoint my constituents.” the cool dude added.

looking forward to becoming the elected Governor of Lagos State in not too distant future. I want to serve the people of Lagos and I know I can do it. “People say politics is exactly how dirty it can get but my intention basically is to serve humanity.

Desmond Elliot

The story of Nigerian entertainment industry will not be complete without mentioning Dayo Adeneye, popularly known as D1 and Kenny Ogungbe. Kennis Music half hour on Raypower FM is no doubt a household name in the entertainment industry. Dayo Adeneye took the bull by the horn when he announced his interest in politics. Not many people took him serious the entire Ogun State. D1 contested for the House of Representatives election coming out under Odogbolu Local Government of Ogun State on APC platform before he was told to step down for another candidate. Though many arto Ogun state as his state of origin, but he was able to prove that beyond

Dayo Adeneye

reasonable doubt. After the election, he was made the commissioner for Information. Meanwhile, the story is that many media guys including entertainers have been

complaining about his long silence towards entertainment industry. Prior to that, some of the stakeholders, musicians, actors and actresses have been asking if after his ten-

ure he will come back to the industry he has neglected since he became the commissioner or contest for

Decor L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Spice up your home with loveable curtains ing curtains poles with a clip-on rings.

Do you know that curtains are the very vital details in the room; whether it is bedroom, kitchen or living room?

are made with narrow straps that loop or tie at the top edge, which are threaded through poles

Curtains are among the

style is often designed as two stationary panels at the sides of a window. · Grommet Curtains are the type of curtains where the rings are inserted into a hole- hem which hangs from the cur-

dramatic focal point when you enter a room or home; there are nearly twenty different styles of curtains, draperies and blinds which can be used in window treatment. A curtain usually makes room look warm and creates a pleasant atmosphere and on the other side they are incredible room décor. What then do you want for window coverings? Most people think of shades or blinds for household but could your windows accommodate is another fun way to make your home feel a lot less like an ordinary apartment and more like a lounge. ent designs ranging from the pleated blind to vertical blind and Venetian as the case may be depending on your taste. Usage of window covers and Blinds · For purely decorative purposes

For security

· Vertical Blind: Unlike horizontal blinds, vertical blinds are less likely to collect dust because they stand vertically. Since they draw to the side rather than lifting and lowering, they operate better on doors and windows that also slide from side to side. Generally they require less muscle strength, and are faster to

operate. · Persian or slat Blind: which consist of many horizontal slats, usually of metal or vinyl, connected with string such that they can be rotated to allow light to pass between the slats, rotated up to about 170 degrees to hide the light, or pulled up so that the entire window is clear · Venetian Blind: Venetian blind has horizontal slats, one above another. Venetian blinds are basic

slatted blinds made of metal or plastic · Roller Solar Blind: Solar shades offer lightdimming options great for open living spaces and also help protect the room from harmful UV rays. instead of using a rope to pull them up. Some roller shades are on rollers and move from side to side instead of up and down. However, Blinds can be made in a variety of mate-

rials, some expensive, and some less so. Cheaper blinds are usually made in vinyl, polyester, aluminium, pensive materials that are all easily accessible and durable at the same time. ·

Flat panel curtains:

versatile curtains, where just pieces of fabric are boarded on all four edges and hung from the decorat-

can be made with small grommet as well as large grommets. · Sash curtains are mostly sheer fabric material used to cover the lower sash of the windows Rod Pocket are the stylish and easy to sew curtains, where stitched pocket at the top of the curtain is shirred onto a curtain rod. out curtains: use very tightly woven fabric, usually in multiple layers. lights, but also serve as an acoustic controller Hence, fabrics used make the difference to the curtains style. When working with any of these types of curtain styles, ensure to measure the windows dimension and determine the length of the curtain.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Health L7

Dealing with worry There will always be something to worry about, all the time. Truly, life is full of ups and downs, unexpected disappointments and tragedies, and honestly a lot of things that just refuse to go according to our optimistic plans. Anyone who has lived a good number of years on earth would have some experience of this and if we look at it honestly, this might be a legitimate basis for worry and anxiety. And so we find ourselves confronted regularly with the temptation to worry about how things work out; will our plan turn out well? Will the good become better or worse? Or will the not-so-good things become better in our relationships, finances, health or any other area of our lives, there are possibilities which are beyond our control. This throws up some legitimate fears which then become the object of our worries. The problem with worry, however, is that it often takes things that are mere negatives possibilities (and have alternative possibilities which are positive) and treats it as if they are inevitable. Worry treats things that could happen and treat them as if they have happened or will certainly happen. This kind of anxiety and unease makes people miserable and sucks the energy out of them. It is dangerous, if left unchecked, because it magnifies negativity in such a way that eventually leads people to act desperate and often times ruin things that could have been better. While legitimate fears and possibilities that may cause us to have some worry and anxiety may come up, we must deal with them in such a way that we overcome such feelings of worry quickly, because it is better to be (reasonably) optimistic than to worry. Here are some important reasons why you must not tolerate worry in Your Life and we must confront worry as it comes up in our lives and not allow it to fester. 1. Worry makes our thinking problem-oriented lems or negative prospects of a situation; our logical reasoning does that. Worry simply comes to make it our main or only focus and when our thinking becomes problemoriented, we may find it hard to come up with prevention or solutions, even though it may be right on the tip of our fingers. Worry causes an imbalance in the mind. In order to be or remain a problem-solver, one cannot live in worry. 2. Worry robs us of the ability to live in the present Worry is mainly about projections; negative projections that may never happen. This makes it a torment that robs people of the ability to enjoy and engage with life in the present. Many relationships suffer badly when one or both parties are prone to worry, as they find it hard to emotionally (and/or physically) present for other parties. Life comes in three phases. The Past, the present and the future. You should be able to reminisce and enjoy the moments of the past. Enjoy the moments of the present as they come and anticipate the moments of the future to come; so that when they do, you can enjoy them. Many people who make a habit of worry may find life and people moving on without them but the worst part is that many despite having robbed them of so much. So

people, they give their money to people they danger to make decisions from a place of worry; it can be really damaging; not only to you, but to your immediate circle. You could hurt people around you due to the fact that you lacked a little bit of patience. It could be your child, your fiancĂŠ, your wife, your best friend, whoever. Just try to learn to master the Art of being patient.

3. Worry creates a negative attitude If a person is worrying, they are ruminating over negative possibilities and eventually it comes up in their speech, their attitude and disposition to life. Nobody wants to be around a negative person. And when you begin to start thinking negative, you tend to loose in a job, a task, or a project before you begin them. You should not allow yourself to develop a negative attitude because you have consistently built up a life of worrying. As a Man, your lady might not tell you but it can drive her away from you. Your children might you anything that concerns the, because they know you will worry. Also to women, try and be 25 or 26 and be looking 50 because you consistently want to worry about something that you think will happen. Life is a gift. Enjoy it. 4. Worry can lead to wrong decisions Many times, worry and anxiety make people make wrong decisions; they run when

5. Worry can lead to controlling behaviour When we allow our fears and insecurities to take over us, the tendency is that we will want to control things in order to prevent what we are afraid of from happening. This is bad for our relationships. Trying to control everything around us often spirals into manipulative and abusive behavior; we may tell lies, threaten people and do other desperate things just because we believe we are trying to prevent bad things from happening. Nobody in their right mind will stick around such behavior for long. As a parent, worrying can drive you to being over protective of them. You send a guide everywhere you kids go, you lock them inside the house to attend a party of go see a friend because as a guy in a relationship, you begin to stalk your lady where ever she goes, on you knowing. You begin having different thoughts of things that would never happen and you develop distrust and your relationship fail and you start blaming her or him, whichever the case maybe. 6. being

Worry affects health and well-

constant worry supplies will create stress, deplete energy, make people unable to rest and properly take care of themselves. All of this will eventually show up as poor health; physical and mental. Amongst these, you could age quickly; you could get an high blood pressure, an heart attack. So please. Prevention they say, is better than cure.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Daniel Nwaokocha

5 healthy eating tips to maintain your figure The statement “See, I am fat!” is what most

is very obsessed with their weight and there is a lot of confusion regarding what to eat and what not to. With thousands of varieties of food containing nutrients, minerals and

desired result but never follow the path and that is where we lack. “Dieting these days has become a fad. Following a particular diet has become a status symbol. It gives you results too but at the cost of your inner body system and the moment you stop doing it, the weight usually bounces back. The focus should be on a healthy approach with a balanced diet to have long-term results. A simple way to put Tomar, Cinical nutritionist, yoga expert and She further adds, “The most common and unfortunate myth which has become a belief, that eating less will make a person weigh less. Right food at right time and in right quantity is the only effective and long-term solution. Today you might not feed your body, and it might not demand for food but ill effects like hair loss, fatigue, loss of concentration will

in a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. A balanced diet is when it has 60-70% of Carbohydrates, 15-20% of Proteins and 1015% of Fats. Therefore, skipping these meals can result in poor digestion capacity, stress, fatigue and a disturbed immune system.

ourselves to provide 5 simple, yet effective healthy eating tips that you can follow every out that they become less productive at work. 5. Five servings of fruits and vegetables:

various colors of fruits and vegetables in your diet, which is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. A human body needs a certain Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals, which is considered as essential micronutrients. In addition, it is a forerunner of many vital functions such as for the maintenance of skin, hair and heart health. So the next time you sit down to have lunch, be sure to include some vegetables in the menu. 4. Four pints (2 liters) of water: A lot of you ladies want the glow on your important component of healthy eating tips is to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water every day. A human body contains 55 per cent to

i.e. breakfast, should be a taboo to you. Make sure you look forward to having all meals to have a healthy productive day. 2. Two hours of gap: If you are in the habit of eating your dinner and immediately going off to sleep, then you should stop that right now. As the day passes by, the metabolism decreases and your body needs at least two hours of gap between your last meal of the day and sleeping time. Moreover, if the meal you had is left undigested then it can lead to toxin accumulation, weight gain and bloating. Most people tend to get back home from work very late and they still end up eating heavy. It is not right. You should stop over somewhere and eat before getting home or better still, have fruits for dinner instead of eating heavy. 1.

the toxins and adds in weight loss. Moreover, it balances the immune system, maintains brain, blood functioning, and helps in carriage of nutrients throughout the body. So after eating, walking, working, be sure to drick a good glass of water. 3. Three major meals: The foundation of health consists of the three major meals that one should not skip

One hour of physical activity: Whether you are young or old, one hour of physical activity that keeps you charged is absolutely necessary. A proper workout should be a combination of strength training and cardio but if you do not have so much time to spare, then 30 – 35 minutes of brisk walking and stretching will also do. It will help you keep your weight under control and reduce stress and lifestyle disorders to a great extent. Do not neglect getting involved

in physical activities. Even at an old age, you could still look younger and stronger than your age. We do hope that these tips have been useful to help you your dreams. If you have any more questions or contributions or issues you need to discuss, feel free to hit us up on our