DTN-12-1-2019

We’ll end illegal tax with proactive steps – Buhari g 5

2 suspects in hot soup over N50m bribe https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019

VOL. 3

NO. 849

N100

As EFCC docks lawyer for N38.8m money laundering, Banker over N6m fraud

Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, arraigned Dandy Eze and Solomon Johnson before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit a felony and acceptance of bribe to the tune of N50 million.

They were alleged to have demanded for the said sum as bribe from a company, WAHUM Nigeria Limited, claiming that they could facilitate the withdrawal of a petition written against it, which they claimed was being investigated by the EFCC. The sum of N1 million had already been collected by them as part payment of the bribe through an account operated by Johnson.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Dandy Eze, being the president of Path of Peace Initiatives and Solomon Johnson, on or about the 23rd November 2018, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, solicited for the sum of N50, 000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) only as bribe, in order to facilitate the withdrawal of a petition written against Wahum Nigeria Limited from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission”.

They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

In view of their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, George Chia-Yakua, asked the court for a trial date

and also prayed that they be remanded in prison custody.

However, counsel for the defendants, Terry Adeniji, told the court that he had just been briefed about the case.

Adeniji, therefore, asked the court for a short date to enable him file a proper bail application.

He also prayed the court to remand the defendants in the EFCC custody.

In his response, Chia-Yakua, urged the court to refuse the prayer of the defence counsel to remand the defendants in the EFCC custody.

Consequently, Justice Dada adjourned the matter to February 14 and 15, 2019 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.

The suspects were remanded in prison custody.

Meanwhile, EFCC Lagos Zonal office, on Friday, arraigned one Folawunmi Awonusi before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N38, 800, 000.

The defendant, who is a legal practitioner, was said to have allegedly made cash payments of the sum of money in tranches of N22, 300, 000 and N16, 500, 000 to one Olakanye Olalekan.

The offence is contrary to Sections 1(a) and 16(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section (16)(2)(b) of CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Pursue, neutralise Boko Haram terrorists to eternity, Buratai charges troops g 3

Polls: INEC, Amina Zakari, security agencies our concern, PDP tells EU observers g 5

My life is in danger, Saraki raises the alarm g 15

A stronger, more focused Ohaneze Ndigbo emerging Why I want to portray my brand as a g11 – Nwodo g 5 versatile actor – Nkechi Blessing Sunday

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

2 suspects in hot soup over N50m bribe

Continued from page 1

the same Act. One of the counts reads: “That you, Folawunmi Awonusi, on or about the 16th day of January 2018, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without going through a financial institution, made cash payment of the sum of N22,300,000 to one Olakanye Olalekan, which sum exceeded the amount authorized by law”.

Another count reads: “That you, Folawunmi Awonusi, on or about the 11th day of January 2018, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without going through a financial institution, made cash payment of the sum of N16,500,000 to one Olakanye Olalekan, which sum exceeded the amount authorized by law”.

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, Idris Mohammed, asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody pending the determination of the case.

Counsel to the defendant, M. Onaha, informed the court that application for bail had been filed and served on the

prosecution.

He, therefore, urged the court to admit his client to bail.

Mohammed, however, opposed the bail application, which he said was served on him on January 9, 2019.

He further submitted that the prosecution was still within the time frame, as provided by the law, to file a counter-affidavit.

He, therefore, asked the court for a date to hear the bail application.

Justice Ajoku adjourned the matter to Wednesday, January 16, 2019 for hearing of the bail application, and February 5, 2019 for commencement of trial.

The defendant was remanded in Agodi Prison pending the determination of his bail application.

Also, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Office, has on arraigned one Momojimoh Abdumalik on a one-count charge of fraud before Justice Abdu Dogo of the Federal High Court, Akure, Ondo State.

Abdulmalik, a cashier with First Bank of Nigeria, is alleged to have fraudulently withdrawn the sum of N6, 963,929 from the Ondo State Revenue Collection account with the bank.

The charge reads: “That you

Momojimoh Abdulmalik while being a cashier in First Bank Plc, Owo Branch, between January to July 2018 in Owo, Ondo State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fraudulently withdraw the aggregate sum of N6, 963,929.61 only from Ondo State Revenue collection account domicile at First Bank Plc, Owo Branch, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 390(6) of the Criminal Code Act CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004”.

Abdumalik pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, Immaculate Elody, prayed the court to fix a date for trial.

Defence counsel, Idedayo Olanipekun, however, informed the court that he had filed an application for bail before the court. He pleaded with the court to grant his client bail as he was a first time offender and that he will attend his trial and not jump bail as he has been on administrative bail granted by the EFCC. Justice Abdu Dogo after listening to both counsel, adjourned to January 17, 2019 for “ruling on bail application” and ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: Ooni of Ife, Oba OAdeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, presenting a plaque to President Muhammadu Buhari when the Yoruba traditional rulers paid the President a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...on Friday.

Senate President and Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Bukola Saraki; former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and the National Woman Leader of the PDP, Hajiya Mariya Waziri, during the party’s National Women Conference in Abuja...on Friday.

Pursue, neutralise Boko Haram terrorists to eternity, Buratai charges troops The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Friday, charged troops in the North East to pursue and neutralise Boko Haram terrorists to “eternity.’’

Buratai gave the charge in a message of commendation to the troops.

He said he was delighted “to receive the good news of their “triumphant entry, clearing of the strategic town of Baga and neutralising the terrorists that tested our might some days back.’’

“Your efforts and open display of gallantry, as well as patriotism that brought about this unprecedented feat, gladdened my heart, all Nigerians and indeed, peace loving people around the world.

“I am very proud of you all.

“I would like to enjoin you to consolidate on these gains by continuous pursuit of these criminal terrorists and neutralise them to eternity.

“You should be more proactive and continue with the clearance operations on any known Boko Haram terrorists hideouts in your respective areas of responsibilities,’’ the army chief further charged.

He assured them that the army would continue to provide all the needed support to ensure that they succeed in

“this noble task.

“I have directed for more replenishment and special welfare packages for you all which will be made known by your various Commanders.

“I want you to invoke the spirit of courage and bravery that the Nigerian military is noted for the world over.

Victory is very near.

“Definitely, you are the ones that will make it nearer and sweeter,’’ he said.

Buratai expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support, political will and guidance which made the modest accomplishment (routing of terrorists from Baga and other areas) possible.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery.

“Once more, I am proud of you all, you should continue to be motivated, maintain the momentum and the fight against the criminal terrorists until you clear them out anywhere they are hibernating on our territory.

“Well done our gallant troops, sustain the offensive and be assured of our total support.’’

The army chief specifically commended the Theatre Commander, Operation

Lafiya Dole, Maj,-Gen. Benson Akinroluyo, Commander, newly created Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Maj,Gen. M.G. Alli and Commander Sector 3 Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. O.T. Akinjobi.

Others, who received his commendation are Commander 707 Special Forces Brigade, Brig.-Gen. D.O. Donibo, Commander of Integrated Fire Support Centre, Brig.Gen. B.R. Sinjen, Chief of Staff, Nigerian Army Special Forces Command (ASFC), Brig.-Gen. M.L.D. Saraso and Commander of NASFC Military Intelligence Brig.-Col. A.A. Idris, Also, he commended Commander, Integrated Logistic, Col. C. Ochimana, Commander of the Armed Forces Special Forces, Commander (Nigerian Navy) G.B Osuobeni and Commanding Officer of 123 Battalion, Maj. L.A. Balogun.

Buratai also commended Commanding Officer of Army Headquarters Strike Group, Maj. M.T. Nasiru.

“My special commendation goes to all the gallant officers and soldiers, ratings, airmen and the Civilian JTF that fought tirelessly and supported in liberating all those areas infested by the criminal Boko Haram terrorists,’’ he said.

Cross-section of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women stalwarts during the the party’s National Women Conference in Abuja...on Friday.

L-R: Managing Director of The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Medicals, Dr. Musa Shuaibu; Head Sustainability Access Bank PLC, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan; Manager, Health & CSR, Total Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited, Uche Ujomo; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCCA), Gbenga Alabi, during the NiBUCCA High Impact CEO Dinner held in Lagos.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

5 News

We’ll end illegal tax with A stronger, more proactive steps - Buhari focused Ohaneze Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that the Federal Government will look into the issue of illegal tax collections with a view to encouraging more private sector businesses to thrive in the country.

Buhari gave the assurance on Friday when he received the leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers Association of Nigeria (AUFCDN), led by Alhaji Ali Tahir.

He told them his administration had genuine intentions to eliminate illegal taxes in the country, despite the fact that ‘‘old habits die hard.’’

The President, who was responding to a request by the association on the need for the Federal Government to rein in on the unhealthy practice of illegal tax collections, said: ‘‘I am appalled to learn that these illegal tax collections still persist. Bad habits are not easily dropped. ‘‘But let me assure you that relevant security agencies will be reminded of their duties in

preventing these bad practices and safeguarding people like you who go about their legitimate businesses. ‘‘I will take up all your appeals and complaints in due course and together with State Governments, we will attend to your proposals.’’

Describing the association as very important and strategic to the nation’s economy, the President told the delegation: ‘‘The merchandise and products you trade in are basic to any economy. The real wealth of this country lies in agriculture and livestock rearing.’’

He, therefore, pledged that his administration would continue to do its best to assist the sector, noting that some of the more advanced countries like Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark built their economies primarily on agriculture and livestock trade.

On the 2019 elections, President Buhari welcomed the associations’ support for his administration, recalling that they also demonstrated their solidarity for his candidacy in the build-up to the 2015 elections.

In his remarks, the General Secretary of the union, Alhaji Ahmed Alarama, declared that they will work for the reelection of President Buhari because of the great strides his administration has taken to put the country on the path of sustainable growth.

To play the campaign role effectively, Alarama appealed to the President to ensure that the organisation is represented on the national campaign teams for the Buhari/Osinbajo re-election movement.

On the issue of illegal tax collections, Alarama said: ‘‘Roadblocks are mounted by unknown persons on several highways including those in Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Imo and Bayelsa states and these continue to constitute a hindrance to our businesses.’’

Commending the Buhari Administration for the progress of work on the Lagos-Ibadan rail project, the group urged the Federal Government to establish a food and livestock market with close proximity to road and rail around LagosOgun State expressway.

Polls: INEC, Amina Zakari, security agencies our concern, PDP tells EU observers Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday, informed the European Union Election Observation Group that the party is deeply worried that certain decisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), unconstitutional roles of security agencies and the body language of the Presidency might fraught the credibility of the coming general elections.

The party said it is still not convinced that the Presidency is totally sincere in ensuring free, fair and credible election because of government’s many inactions.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, petitioned the European Union Election Observation Mission Nigeria 2019, who were at the party’s National secretariat, Abuja on Friday.

Ologbondiyan expressed concern over the presence of Amina Zakari in the Commission, the role of security agencies and the INEC itself.

The party spokesman said that apart from the PDP, majority of the 91 political parties are concerned with the dangerous trend of having Mrs. Amina Zakari as Chairman of INEC National Election Collation Centre.

He said: “Amina Zakari should not be found anywhere near the process. We have made our position known to INEC because there will be a direct conflict of interest.”

Ologbondiyan expressed concern about the use of security agents in the past elections conducted under this administration.

He said: “We believe that election should be free and fair. PDP subscribed to all the tenets of democracy. President Muhammadu Buhari is paying lip service to free, fair and transparent election.

“He refused to assent to the electoral amendment bill. We are convinced that the President was never prepared for free and fair election. PDP as a party does not believe in violence, but would like presidency and INEC to conduct free and fair election, outside of this, we will not agree.”

He pointed out that the mistake PDP made was to have allowed All Progressives Congress (APC) that has no business in governance to take over government.

Hannah Roberts, Deputy Chief Observer, European Union Election Observation Mission Nigeria 2019, who led the team, said the group is committed to transparent and unbiased

monitoring of the 2019 general election.

As part of pre- election responsibilities, she said the group has been having discussions with range of people, and other contenders and stakeholders.

She said though the group was invited into the country by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), they will meet stakeholders vital to the success of the poll to assess the level of their preparations, their concerns and suggestions.

“We have contact with key person in the party, we hope you will make yourself available, so that we can know what is going on. As you know we are invited into the country by INEC. “We have observers as we have in the past spread around the country. In different parts so that they can see the reality on ground. The Chief observer will be coming in to observe the election”, she said.

Roberts, however, assured of the neutrality of the observers in the electoral process.

She said: “We can’t control anything, our mandate is to observe and make recommendations and issue statement, particularly after the election.

And finally recommendations after the election, in order to make future election better”.

Ndigbo emerging – Nwodo The President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief John Nwodo, says the group has been able to positively and vigorously discharge its responsibilities in the last two years.

Nwodo said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

“Within these two years, we have, to the glory of God, made moderate contributions to the re-jigging of Igbo leadership and the leveraging of Igbo issues in Nigeria,” he said.

Some of these achievements, he said, included the restoration of the dignity of the Igbo race across the world.

“We have injected a new impetus into the promotion of Igbo language, culture and heritage.

“We have also embarked on the establishment and promotion of Ohaneze Ndigbo activities at local, national and diaspora levels,’’ he said.

The president-general also said that the body had built synergy with affiliate groups such as the Igbo Delegates Assembly, the Igbo World Assembly, the World Igbo Congress,Aka Ikenga, Izu Umunna, Njiko Umunna, Igbo Media Forum, among others.

He said that the group had engaged in building of bridges with other ethnic nationalities

Nwodo

in Nigeria.

“The deft and diplomatic handling of potentially explosive issues that could have snowballed into national conflagrations is also testimony to our service to Igboland.

“These include the Quit Notice to Ndigbo by Northern Youths, the Pro-Biafra agitation, the Fulani Herdsmen/Farmers crisis in Igboland, the Python Dance issue and others.

“This leadership has also encouraged unity and synergy among Igbo governors and leading political actors in the overall interest of Ndigbo.

“We have also put in place formidable Youth and Women’s Wings for the organisation’’.

According to him, “our intervention led to the military dismantling the proliferation of checkpoints in the South-East.

“This allowed for smooth vehicular movement in the region, especially during the recent festive season.

“We have also lent our voice to the call for the restructuring of Nigeria – a drive which has gathered momentum apace, and is almost becoming a national mantra,” he said.

Nwodo, therefore, encouraged Ndigbo to identify with candidates that support restructuring, noting that soon the group would take a holistic position on the forthcoming elections.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Court remands man for N2.7m land scam Short News Andrew Orolua, Abuja

Justice Hassan Dikko of the Federal High Court, Bauchi State on Friday remanded one Umar Isa in prison custody for an alleged land fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Gombe zonal office had arraigned Isa, on a five-count charge bordering on forgery, altering and obtaining money by false pretence.

Umar is alleged to have swindled Emeka Ezeh in a land scam. The crime was unearthed after the EFCC investigated Ezeh’s petition, in which he alleged that sometimes in March 2016, he jointly purchased a land with a woman, Donna Musa, from the defendant, but was given forged documents.

Trouble started when he was about to develop the plot and he

was arrested by the owner of the plot for “illegal encroachment” on the property located at DP 42, Plot No.217 New GRA, Bauchi. It turned out that after collecting the money, Umar gave him a forged Certificate of Occupancy, and was in fact, not the owner of the land.

Further inquiry at the Bauchi State’s Ministry of Land and Survey, revealed that the owner of the plot was one Abdulkadir Babayo, and not Umar.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Umar Isa sometimes in March 2016 at Bauchi, Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently obtain the sum of N2, 700,000 only by false pretence from Emeka Ezeh and Donna Musa that the said sum is for the purchase of landed property with Certificate of Occupancy No. BA/23126 Bauchi State, which sum

you diverted to your personal use and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(1)(a) and Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 respectively”.

He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges.

Prosecuting counsel, Ndeh Godspower, thereafter applied for a date for “hearing” and prayed the Court to remand the defendant in prison, pending the hearing date.

Defence counsel, Hassan Umar, moved the motion for the bail of his client.

Godspower, however, told the Court that he only got the application and will need time to respond to it.

Justice Dikko, thereafter adjourned to January 25, 2019 and remanded the defendant in prison custody.

President Buhari congratulates Gen Abbe @70 Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former military Governor, Maj Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd) on the occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary.

The President rejoices with the family, former military colleagues, associates and the government and people the Edo State as the former minister of interior and defence reaches the remarkable biblical age.

He recalls the outstanding 32-year military career of Gen. Abbe during which he served as military governor of Akwa Ibom State and held several top command positions.

“Gen. Abbe’s commitment to the unity and development of the country is not in doubt,” the President notes in reference not only to the elder statesman’s military life, but also his public service career as minister even after his retirement from the military in 1999.

Buhari particularly applauds Gen. Abbe’s role as the pioneer Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of the Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta.

He prays God Almighty to grant the septuagenarian many more years of robust health and wisdom to continue to serve his fatherland and humanity.

NSCDC to deploy over 2,500 personnel for 2019 polls in C/River

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it will deploy over 2,500 personnel in Cross River to monitor the forthcoming elections in the state.

NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Stephen Lar, disclosed this on Friday during a meeting with Heads of Units and Divisional Officers of the Corps at the State Command headquarters in Calabar.

Lar explained that officers and men of the corps had been adequately trained and educated for the 2019 polls.

He said that NSCDC was also saddled with the responsibility of monitoring elections alongside other security agencies in the country.

According to him, the divisional officer and commanders operate at the grassroots level; hence they will play a vital role in the supervision of the polls in their respective local government areas.

“As we prepare for the 2019 polls, NSCDC in Cross River is going to deploy over 2,500 personnel to monitor the election in February and March.

“To this end, all hands must be on deck to ensure that we work hand in hand with other security agencies to ensure crisis free 2019 polls.

Buhari condoles with CAN on death of Archbishop Atilade Two suspects, Dandy Eze and Solomon Johnson, during their arraignment before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja ... on Friday

Gov Lalong commends Army for launching Operation Egwu Eke III, describes it as timely Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau has commended the Nigeria Army for launching Operation Egwu Eke III which is aimed at ensuring a successful 2019 general elections.

Lalong gave the commendation on Friday at the flag-off of Exercise Egwu Eke 111 by the 3 Division Nigeria Army Rukuba, near Jos. The governor who was represented by Mr Ezekiel Daju, the state Commissioner for Mineral Development, described the exercise as timely, considering the security challenges bedevilling the country.

He said: “I want to assure you that the Plateau Government will do everything possible to support and facilitate the smooth conduct of the elections. ”The exercise is considered timely now that our dear nation is faced with numerous security challenges ranging from terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping to ethno-religious conflicts. ”It is our belief that with the

exercise and other security-related operations that are taking place across the country, peace and order will thrive not only on the Plateau but the entire country.

Maj.-Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, said that the unique exercise was aimed at reassuring the public of Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Angbazo said it was also aimed at building confidence in the minds of Nigerians and creating an enabling environment for them to go about their legitimate activities before, during and after the 2019 polls. ”The exercise is aimed at sharpening the skills of personnel in the conduct of internal security operations in flash points across the country in preparation for 2019 general elections. ”The exercise is also planned to have operational edge based on actual intelligence. Exercise Egwu Eke III is conceptualised to combat

real time prevailing security challenges as observed. ”Such challenges include stockpiling of arms by criminal groups, formation of militias and violence induced by political activities. ”It is also to checkmate other threats across the country such as terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities of dissident groups,” he stated.

The GOC added that the exercise would be conducted in collaboration with sister services and para-military agencies who undertook statutory roles.

According to him, it is believed that the exercise would foster cordial relationship between the military and the people of Plateau.

He assured the public that the division had put in place measures that would enable troops carry out the assignment professionally and according to rules of engagement.

Heads of security agencies in Plateau witnessed the flag off.

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has extended sincere condolences to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the passing of its Chairman (Southwest Region), Archbishop Magnus Atilade.

Buhari also commiserates with the family of Atilade and members of the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) as they mourn the demise of their loved one and pacesetter in alternative medicine.

As a cleric and renowned chiropractor, President Buhari believes that the doggedness, vision and strength of character of the late Archbishop inspired those who came in direct contact with him.

Acknowledging Archbishop Atilade’s dedication and commitment to the service of humanity, the President affirms that the cleric will be fondly remembered for his landmark contributions to the evolution of traditional medicine and for spirited advocacy for practitioners to be legally recognized in the country.

The President prayed to God Almighty to comfort all who mourn the late cleric and grant the soul of the departed eternal repose.

Borno Govt disburses N200m bursary to students The Borno Government on Friday says it has commenced disbursement of N200 million education allowance to over 14, 000 students in tertiary institutions in the country.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Abubakar Hassan, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the bursaries would be paid to the students through the state Scholarship Board in 20 institutions across the country.

He explained that the disbursement was made to settle accumulated outstanding allowances since 2013.

“The gesture is to motivate youths and women to further their education and encourage academic excellence,” he said.

Hassan said that a verification committee had been set up to facilitate smooth running of the exercise.

According to him, the government will pay a minimum of N30,000 to each student depending on their discipline.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to reinvigorating the education sector through execution of viable projects.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

7 News

Short News Enugu guber poll: People’s support for Ugwuanyi overwhelming - PFN Chairman Adamawa govt gets $ 7,105m Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Enugu State, Bishop Godwin Madu, has described the gale of endorsements for the re-election of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi by the people from various facets of the society as overwhelming and a sign of good leadership.

Bishop Madu who spoke during the New Year prayer rally organized by Enugu State workers, yesterday at the new state secretariat, thanked God for the New Year and appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for entrusting the state to the hands of God. Describing Ugwuanyi as “a kindhearted governor and a man we know for his dividends of democracy”, the PFN chairman commended him for making the welfare of the workers one of his administration’s priorities, stating that “we no longer thank the governor for payment of salaries regularly, but for paying the 13th month salary every year”.

The cleric told Gov. Ugwuanyi that it was

because of the peace and good governance he has entrenched that “the labour force in Enugu State is standing behind you; the social community and the religious community are standing with you”, proclaiming that “your tenure as governor is eight years”.

Bishop Madu who agreed with the theme of the prayer rally that “All Power Belongs to God”, noted that “everywhere he (Ugwuanyi) went it is endorsement”. He added that Gov. Ugwuanyi has enjoyed such tremendous goodwill and support from the people because of his humility and uncommon style of leadership and prayed fervently for the governor’s victory at the March governorship election and more God’s blessings in his life and family.

Prayers were also offered by other clergymen for the progress of the state, Nigeria, workers/ pensioners/union leaders, and successful and hitch-free general election.

In his address, Gov. Ugwuanyi applauded the organized labour in the state for initiating and sustaining the inspiring and highly uplifting religious event, “to give God praise

and glory for the love and compassion He showered on us in the previous years and to seek His grace, guidance, protection and all round favour in this New Year”.

The governor, who pointed out that his administration committed Enugu State into the hands of God at its inception “because He alone was the reason why we are here”, stated that “we will therefore continue to seek His face in prayer at all times and in all circumstances”.

According to him, “prayer is the key to all things that are good and it has certainly been the key to our survival and progress as a state and as a people, especially in these challenging times”.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to things of God, the governor thanked workers in Enugu State and indeed all the people of the state for their unrelenting prayers, overwhelming solidarity, cooperation, support and endorsements, saying: “It has been a journey of praise and everything shall surely end in praise because Enugu State is truly in the hands of God”.

for effective health care delivery Dan Garba, Yola

The Adamawa State Government is to benefit from the federal government’s grant of Seven million, one hundred and five thousand United States Dollars for effective Health Care Delivery in Adamawa State.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Comrade Ahmad Ibrahim Sajoh alongside Commissioners of Health, Dr. Fatima Atiku Abubakar and Barriste Suleiman Aliyu Zumo stated this while addressing journalists at the end of the second weekly state executive council meeting presided over by Governor Muhammad Umar Jibrilla at the Council chambers of the Government House Yola.

According to the Information Commissioner, the EXCO had received some fruitful and meaningful decisions which include the provision of democracy dividends to the people of Adamawa State.

The Council also resolved that government will continue to operate despite of the electioneering campaigns, explaining that the Governor is relaying on the performance as a Governor not necessarily on politics along.

Freedom Radio partners Kaduna govt to promote transparency in procurement

The Open Kaduna Radio Programme of Freedom Radio, Kaduna, on Friday partnered with the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA) to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement in the state.

The Executive Producer of the programme, Mrs Joshua James explained that it was supported by BudgIT Foundation Nigeria, to encourage citizens’ participation in budgeting, procurement and monitoring of project implementation.

James said during a visit to the authority in Kaduna that the partnership became necessary following citizens right to know how their taxes were put to use, particularly in the delivery of public infrastructure and services.

He said that establishment of KADPPA had given credence to the Kaduna State Government’s quest to promote transparency and accountability, especially in public procurement. ”There is much more about KADPPA that citizens need to know. Our goal is to bridge the gap.

Plateau VIO to automate service - Director

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, fecilitates with the leader of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Akpe, while the Chief of Staff Government House, Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo, looks on with delight, during the December, 2018, State Monthly Praise Night, at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

Suspected commercial sex worker charged with stabbing friend A 21-year-old suspected commercial sex worker, Charity Emmanuel, who allegedly stabbed her friend with a knife, was on Friday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

Emmanuel, who resides at Ikeja area of Lagos, is facing a charge of assault, occasioning harm.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec. 27, 2018 at 5.00 p.m. along Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Emuerhi, the accused stabbed her friend, Joy Emezie, on her body causing her bodily harm.

“A serious fight ensued between the accused and the complainant who had earlier been having misunderstandings. Suddenly, the accused brought out a sharp object suspected to be a knife and stabbed the complainant.

“Emezie was rushed to the hospital because of the serious injury she sustained,’’ he said.

The prosecutor said that the case was reported at the police station and the accused was arrested for questioning.

The offence contravened Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) reports that the section stipulates three years imprisonment for offenders.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Olufunke Sule-Amzat, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one responsible surety in like sum.

Sule-Amzat said that the surety should be gainfully employed with an evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government and in addition, the surety must be a blood relation of the accused.

She, however, adjourned the case until Feb. 28 for mention.

Plans are underway to automate the operations of the Plateau Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), according to the Director, Mr John Dayah.

Dayah told the newsmen on Friday in Jos that the upgrade was long overdue as the state was losing huge amount of revenue by the day.

According to him, the new method will require the training of officers to equip them to discharges their duties more efficiently.

He promised to sensitise the public on the upgrade, adding that it would enable VIO personnel to track offenders.

The director noted that safety was of priority to the VIO and as such, it could not be compromised it in any way during inspection.

“Our officers will not be chasing offenders on the road to risk their lives any longer as it will become very easy to track down offenders on the road,” he said.

He commended the effort of the state government for approving the upgrade.

FRSC recruitment: 4,650 successful candidates currently undergoing training – Official

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Friday said that the 4,650 successfully screened candidates are currently undergoing six-month training in three locations across the country.

The commission’s Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Friday.

Kazeem said training for the Officers was taking place at FRSC Academy, Udi, Enugu State; for Inspectorate cadre at Training School, Jos, Plateau; and for Marshals’ cadre at Nigeria Army Training Centre, Kontagora, Niger.

He said the training commenced on Tuesday and the candidates would go through a one-month internship inbetween the duration of the training.

Kazeem said the commission recruited the number of candidates approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that they were contacted as expected.

The agency did the recruitment between Sept. 24 and 29, last year, with physical screening of no fewer than 324,000 applicants.

The exercise was for various the various cadres: officers, Marshal Inspectors and Road Marshal Assistants.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

NAU undergraduate gets Chinese musical endorsement deal Moses Oyediran, Enugu

An undergraduate student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Precious Chioma Nweke has emerged winner of a music talent hunt organised by a Chinese group with support from Ify blackchina Entertainment.

The organisers while announcing Nweke as winner at Nsukka, Enugu state applauded her performance and promised to work with her to ensure she realize her dream of becoming a top musician.

Dai Chun Yuan, Liang Gui and Ifeanyi Ogbogbe who are the organizers also presented cash gifts to all top three emerging musical artists and certificate of participation to Nweke.

Yuan who spoke through an interpreter explained that the original plan was to pick only the winner of the music talent hunt but according to him, “the stage performance of the first runner up has now left us dumbfounded prompting us into thinking of how we will factor them into our programme.

“We are in Nigeria to discover potential talents in music; we are impressed at the performance of all the entrants.

“We are short of words especially for the person who emerged winner. We will work out modalities to help this emerging musical artist

to purse her dreams in music.

“We will sign a musical contract with Precious in the presence of her lawyer”, they said.

The group stated further that contrary to their plan to pick only the best presentation that they will think on something best to do for the second best presentation.

“The array of budding stars here today has made us to deviate from our original plan of picking only the best; we have decided to get something greater for the first runner up whose stage performance was also superb”, he said.

A promoter of the talent hunt, Ifeanyi Ogbobe James who resides in China said he came with his friends from China discover promising young music talents from his home country.

“I am in Nigeria with some Chinese people who are desirous of investing in young talented musicians from this part of the world.

“When I was approached by some of my friends in China that they want to discover more people like me, I was elated and I felt for them to think towards this direction it means the Chinese people are proud of what Ify blackchina Entertainment is doing over there in their country.

“They asked me whether there are still people like me. I was thrilled; I jumped at their

request and told them there are yet untapped talents waiting to be discovered from my area.

“There and then we agreed to come to Nigeria to hold a singing competition.

“This is what we have done today and I am happy we were able to select the best three from the over twenty who registered for the competition.

Ogbogbe who is a native of Alor Unor community in Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State said he was happy to be an ambassador of his people in China.

“I am so excited that this competition took place in my home town; I plan to bring more of this to encourage upcoming talents from my area.

“My prayer is that these ideals will foster development and encourage upcoming artists”, he said.

He noted that, “The Chinese people are elated at the performances and have promised to sign the best singer on a record label aside the prize money giving to the best three winners.

Our correspondent gathered that Ify blackchina is a household name in China. He is said an actor, dancer and musician.

In her reaction, Nweke Chioma Precious from Enugu state said she was happy to have emerged the best from the pool of participants at the singing competition.

Short News Family dispute: Help! My life is in danger, civil servant cries out Ladesope Ladelokun, Lagos A Port Harcourt based civil servant, Mr. Kayode Awolesu, has lamented threat to his life following an attack allegedly carried out by some thugs at his Adebesin family house on Apara Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The hoodlums, numbering about eight, according to Awolesu, broke in through the window owing to his refusal to allow them access to the house through the door, asking for one Mrs Bisi Akindele , who was not at home at the time.

Awolesu, narrating his ordeal, said the attackers thought his cousin was boarding with him having left his Ijebu, Ogun State residence due to threat to her life by her in-laws who wanted her to provide her granddaughter, Zahra Adekunle , and her daughter, Toyin Akindele, or lose her life.

Owing to threat to his life,Awolesu says he has temporarily relocated his family from his Port Harcourt home since the attackers have promised to launch another round of attacks, adding that he has no idea where his cousin is ,or have anything to do with their family dispute.

2019: ‘Don’t pay attention to sentiment, re-elect Dogara’ Samuel Luka, Bauchi Ahead next month’s general elections, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has admonished the people of Dass, Tafawa and Bogoro local government areas not to succumb to the antics of those who do not want the progress and development of the area.

The Speaker’s aid, Mr Iliya Habila who gave the advice in an interview with Daily Times in Bauchi said the sentiment is being carried out by those who are hell-bend to draw the constituency backward in terms of progress, development, women and youth empowerment scheme, amongst others as being executed by Speaker Dogara.

“In recent years, the hitherto remote communities of Bogoro/Dass/ Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in Bauchi state have been connected to each other by the Speaker through construction of roads, bridges and culverts”. Mr Habila said.

Adding that, “these infrastructures were absent hence communities across the constituency were locked up in their respective closets. Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara stood his ground to ensure that from 2007 to 2015 when he was a floor member of the House of Representatives, about N9.6 billion that was appropriated for the Bauchi-Kabwir road was executed”.

Kebbi: Nigerian Legion gets N30m donation Haruna Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties, Hon. Mika Amanokha (right); representative of the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service and Deputy Controller Officer, South-South Zonal Command, Njoku Chika (2nd left); and Edo State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Makinde Iskilu (left), during the courtesy visit by officials of the Federal Fire Service, at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Governor Bagudu of Kebbi State has donated the sum of N30 million to the state branch of the Nigerian Legion in a symbolic 2019 armed forces Remembrance Day. The Governor announced the donation at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi when the leadership of the Legion visited him.

“We can’t pay them for securing the country and unity achieved so far,” Governor Bagudu has said.

In his remarks, the State Chairman, Alhaji Umar Garba thanked the Governor for the gesture; he also urged the government to assist them to complete their state secretariat under construction.

The Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Mr, Jimi Agbaje, on Friday, differed on infrastructure, health and other issues that would spur the development of the state.

The candidates spoke during the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Private Sector Interactive Forum with Governorship candidates in Lagos.

Addressing issues of traffic and transport management, Sanwo-Olu said that government was continuum and vowed to continue all projects started by his predecessor for the benefit of citizens.

He said that his plan for traffic was holistic, from road repairs and construction to opening up more means of transportation through waterways and rail, to training and empowerment of traffic officials.

Gov Yari promises peaceful elections in Zamfara despite security threats

Election: Sanwo-Olu, Agbaje disagree on infrastructure, health Responding, Agbaje said that for 20 years of APC governance in the state, residents were still grappling with traffic congestion; especially issues with trailers parked on bridges along Costain to Apapa.

“Lagos is one of the two mega-cities of the world that does not have a multi-modal transportation system. It is time we start thinking of multi-tiered roads; the world is moving, we cannot afford to be different.

“The rail project has been on for too long. We need to have big ideas to address problems that are peculiar to Lagos.

“The way things are presently is not sustainable and it has failed to deliver the sort of impact in the lives of ordinary citizens that should be expected from an economy of Lagos’ magnitude,” he said.

Agbaje said that the sort of development that Lagos requires should be anchored on improving

liveability, expanding the economy and retooling it for the 21st century.

On the issue of power, Sanwo-olu pledged to take Lagos out of the national grid within six months and provide additional 1000 megawatts to its current level.

He said that he would partner with distribution companies to ensure they upscale their power supply to the state, noting that prepaid meters would be provided to residents to ensure accountability and transparency.

However, Agbaje said he would improve power by 1000 megawatts within his first 18 months, and encourage investment in embedded power projects toward enhancing power supply.

Speaking on health, Sanwo-olu noted that the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme would ensure access to affordable healthcare and help build a health care structure to be proud of.

Dan Garba, Yola Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state said the security challenges in Zamfara is not going to mar the coming elections in the State.

According to him, it is because both federal and state government are committed to stepping up the security situation in the State.

Gov Yari revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is working hard to improve the security which was under serious threats to the people of the state some few months ago.

According to him his government is working tireless with the federal government to bring the security threats to total halt before the 2019 elections.

The Chairman of the Governor’s Forum of Nigeria while briefing some journalists at the Yola International Airport said there is going to be peaceful elections in the State that have never been witnessed.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

9 News

Dass, Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro stakeholders petition Short News INEC, kick against relocation of collation centre Samuel Luka, Bauchi Stakeholders from Dass,Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Federal constituency have protested alleged attempt to relocate their collation centre from Zwall to Dass local government area of Bauchi state.

The protesters, mostly supporters of Speaker Yakubu Dogara alongside stakeholders of other political parties that have fielded candidates for Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Federal constituency in the forth coming general election besieged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Bauchi on Thursday to present the letter of protest.

Presenting their Protest letter to the INEC Bauchi State Office, on behalf of the coalition of Political Parties contesting from Dass, Tafawa Balewa Bogoro LGAs, Honourable Isa Babayo Tilde who is the Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bauchi South said, “we want INEC to sustain the status quo, it should not

relocate the collation center from Zwall to Dass in the best interest of peace, justice and fairness to all in the area”.

Tilde explained that, “the Federal constituency was established for the three local Government areas of Dass Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro in 1979, the headquarters of Tafawa Balewa was moved to Bununu in 2013 but collation center remain in Tafawa Balewa until 2015 when attempt was made to relocate the collation center to Dajin due to the crisis that bedevilled the area at the time but there was fierce resistance from the Political stakeholders who opposed in writing which led to several meetings by INEC, security agencies and stakeholders.

And at end of the meetings, the matter was resolved amicably to collate election results in Zwall”.

The Head of Public enlightenment and Public Affairs Officer of the electoral body Mohammed Yahaya Salihu who received the protest letter on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bauchi said the electoral body will look into their complains and will be fair to all according to the laws

guiding their operations.

Also speaking, a one time member of the National Assembly,Honourable Dauda Garba Bundot said initially the collation center was once moved from Tafawa Balewa to Zwall in the best interest of Peace during the Isa Yuguda administration.

“When Yuguda attempted to relocate the collation center to his farm, Dogara took the case to court and the court ordered them to settle the matter. A meeting of all stakeholders was held where it was resolved that both Yuguda and Dogara should be patient, collation centre will leave Tafawa Balewa where Dogara wanted it to remain, and Yuguda should be patient also as the centre will not be cited at the place he want but it will be cited at the center which was Zwall, that’s how they settled the matter in 2015”.

According to him, when Dogara went to court he obtained a court order on 25 March 2013 before Justice ES Chukwu of the Federal High court Abuja which restrained INEC from relocating the collation center.

Early morning inferno razes building with goods worth millions of Naira Titus Akhigbe, Benin-City

Goods worth millions of naira were at the weekend razed down by an early morning inferno at house No. 82, Sokponba Road, by 1st Junction, Benin City.

The fire which was said to have started at 6am gutted five shops before it was eventually put off by men of the Edo State Fire Service.

It was learnt that the fire was caused by electrical surge.

As at the time The Daily Times got there, sympathizers were seen in clusters apparently discussing what could have caused the fire and the pains and anguish the shop owners could possibly be going through especially now that the year has just begun.

Narrating her ordeal, one of the shop owners who runs a patent medicine store, Mrs. Helen Ngwu, said all her hope had been dashed and that she needed the help of the state government and well spirited individuals to come to her rescue because she does not want to go into prostitution.

“When I got to this place, I saw that the chemist is burnt down. So I really do not know what happened.

Bayelsa communities cry out over alleged harassment of fishermen by security firm Akam James, Yenagoa About 12 Bayelsa communities across Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas under the Shell EA Field have accused security firm working for a multinational company operating in the area of alleged harassment and intimidation of local fishermen in the areas.

It was learnt that the local fishermen are allegedly being restricted from carrying out their fishing occupation in the rivers where the security firm is located, a situation the communities insist was affecting the peoples’ means of livelihood as they depend on fishing for survival.

In a statement issued in Yenagoa yesterday, the leaders of the communities represented by the chairman of the Shell EA host Communities Development Committee, CDC, Chairmen Forum, Mr Ebimobowei Deboh, and the Paramount Ruler of Beseigbene community His Royal Highness Chief Jonathan Ibe, the people call on the state government to call the company to order to avoid confrontation between the communities and the company.

The leaders of the community said: “We are calling on the Bayelsa State government to prevail on Ocean Marine Solutions, the security firm operating under Shell EA Field to stop harassing and intimidating our local fishermen from carrying out their occupation.

Community leader urges youths to shun violence during elections L-R: Beneficial of gift items, Miss Fatimah Garba; Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya and Celebrant, Chief Rasak Okoya, sharing gift items to the needies to mark his 79th birthday in Lagos...on Friday.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

Gov Ishaku, Danladi, Alhassan absent as guber candidates sign peace accord in Taraba Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

Three major contenders in the March 2nd governorship election in Taraba State, incumbent Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan of the United Democratic Party (UDP) were absent during a Peace Accord signed between the Police and the Gubernatorial Candidates in the State.

This was observed by the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP. David Akinremi during the signing of the Peace Accord held yesterday at the Police Command Headquarters, Jalingo.

Our Correspondent reports that individual signing of the Peace Accord is imperative with a view to proving a Candidate’s eagerness for for a peaceful polls.

Though the Absentees were represented at the event by the leadership of their various political Parties but such was not allowed as

there shouldn’t be any signing by proxy.

“Those who are not around Even though, they were represented will come and sign later.

Before signing of the Peace Accord Forms

by Political Party Candidates present, the Commissioner of Police, CP, David Akinremi read the Peace Accord which signified their readiness to comply with the electoral governing rules and regulations towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections as enshrined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

With that, the Gubernatorial Candidates have pledged their loyalty for a Peaceful conduct of March 2, Governorship Elections in the State.

They were, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan of the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Speaking earlier, in an address of welcome, the Commissioner of Police, CP, Dave Akinremi said the Peace Accord was to ensure the gubernatorial readiness towards complying

with the electoral process devoid of rancour and tranquillity.

The CP, who further called on them to caution their supporters against acts of thuggery and lawlessness appealed that they should shun electoral violence, as violence will not do anyone any good.

He said, one does not need to engage in any act of violence before winning elections.

Dave Akinremi, who reiterated that the blood of anyone does not worth anybody’s political aspirations, charged all to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after elections.

He disclosed that, as Security Agencies, they are committed to their responsibilities to provide a level playing ground for all Political Parties and their Candidates.

In his remarks, the Resident Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the State, Alhaji Abba Baba Yusuf assured that the Commission was ready to provide a level playing ground for all Political Parties to ensure a peaceful conduct of the elections.

The head of Ilasamaja community in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Chief Fatai Abereijo, on Friday, advised youths in the country to shun violence during the forthcoming elections.

Abereijo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that youths should aspire to be agents of positive change in the nation’s democratic dispensation.

He said that they would achieve this by using their permanent voter cards (PVCs) to vote for candidates of their choices during the forthcoming general elections.

“As the elections draw near, I advise youths to stay away from violence and avoid being used by unscrupulous politicians as weapons of destruction.

“Politicians have their children studying in the best schools abroad while they rely on youths back home to fight and die for them.

Emir of Lafia buried amid tears

The 16th Emir of Lafia, the late Isa Mustapha Agwai I, was buried on Friday in the Emir’s Palace in Lafia, Nasarawa State, amid tears.

He died on Thursday at the age of 84 in Abuja after a protracted illness.

The Chief Imam of Lafia, Malam Dalhatu Mohammed Dahiru, conducted the funeral prayer at about 3:15 p.m. wit faamilies, friends and well-wishers in attendance.

Dignitaries present included Gov. Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu as well as traditional and religious leaders within and outside the State.

After the funeral prayer, the body of the deceased was taken to the ancestral home of late Mamman Ari Agwai in Kofar Kaura for burial.

He is survived by two children — Alhaji Musa Isa Mustapha Agwai and Hajiya Hauwa Isa Mustapha Agwai.

The late emir was born in 1935 at kofar kaura in Lafia town to the family of Muhammad Al-Mustapha Marafa and Hajiya Halimatu.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Feb poll: We’ll campaign vigorously Short News for Buhari in South-West — Oke Provision of clean water in Edo: Group

South-West Director-General, Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), has declared the organisation’s readiness to campaign vigorously for President Muhammadu Buhari in the region.

Oke made the disclosure at a news conference held in Ibadan on Friday after the organisation’s meeting.

Oke is a former governorship candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Ondo State.

He said that the organisation would run issue-based campaign across the south-west, which had its hope and strength in the APC. “The south-west is very unique and significant in this transition, and those who care know that the region has never had it so good like this.

“APC is our hope and strength in the south-west. We are going to kick-start our campaign very soon and it is going to be

whirlwind,” he said.

Oke said that the Buhari administration in the country had in the last three and a half years laid solid foundation for the building of a super structure.

He said that the efforts of the Buhari administration had secured the confidence of the international community as well as investment for Nigeria.

“The damage of the past is not what can be repaired overnight. Buhari inherited a system that is decadent. There was total decay in infrastructure, psyche and orientation.

“Today, we are fixing the economy; it may not be clearly seen, but the economy is growing. Buhari had since assumption of office been laying solid foundation for national growth and development.

“The nation has gained the confidence of international communities with these efforts. This is why he deserves our support

to lead Nigeria to the next level,” Oke said.

He said that successive administrations in the country lacked integrity until the assumption of Buhari, whose integrity is internationally recognized.

Oke said that no nation could progress with grand corruption, massive treasury looting and infrastructure decay.

According to him, the anti-corruption crusade is already going into the psyche of everybody.

“Anybody, no matter how daring today, will think twice before looting the treasury because the mention of Buhari’s name.”

Oke assured Nigerians that the economy was being fixed, anti-corruption crusade ongoing and vital infrastructure being put in place.

He said that the campaign committee would roll out the time-table for the presidential campaign in the region next week.

collaborates with Gov Obaseki Titus Akhigbe, Benin-City

A group, Latter Day Saint Charities (LDS) and Edo state government, have commissioned the completed five thousand liter- boreholes water in Efosa and Ugbegun communities, Edo state, to advance the rights to clean water for the people.

The Borehole water project, which was drilled and donated by LDS in collaboration with the state government for domestic use, is part of its humanitarian interventions to provide quality access to healthy consumption of clean water in the rural communities and beyond.

Speaking while commissioning the water project, Governor Godwin Obaseki who was represented by Engineer Emmanuel ofoedu of the ministry of Energy and water resources said, governor Obaseki is very interested about giving water to the rural dwellers and the state at large.

“The Governor is so passionate about water and you will soon have more. The governor is always ready to make everybody happy.

That is his own believe and idea. This is why we are here to support the donors on the water project, “he stated.

FCTA pledges commitment to sports development Idu Jude, Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to support sporting activities aimed at developing sports in the territory.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who made the pledge, Wednesday when he received a delegation of the FCT Golf Association led by its chairman, Oladapo Rotimi Mohammed, appreciated the Association for demonstrating the capacity to host a tournament on its own, albeit with private partners.

Represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyaka Ohaa, the Minister expressed delight that of the 27 sports associations inaugurated in FCT in 2018, the Golf Association was taking the lead in initiating programmes that would further revive sports in the FCT, calling on other sports associations to emulate the FCT Golf Association.

The Minister supported the claim by the Association that one golf course was not adequate for the FCT, acknowledging that Abuja has grown and in need of more golf courses to service the Abuja Golf community and the training of new golfers.

APC broom revolution re-assures PMB of re-election

L-R: Managing Director, Afrinvest (West Africa), Mr Ike Chioke; Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Mary Uduk and Managing Director, Syntaxis Capital Africa, Mrs. Adesuwa Okunbo during the official launch of the Syntaxis Nigeria Growth Fund in Abuja ... on Thursday.

Buhari administration’s achievement rattles Atiku - Minster Tom Okpe, Abuja The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the massive achievements of the Buhari Administration have rattled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Reacting to the statement from Atiku- Abubakar’s media aide, over the widely-circulated testimony series of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to showcase the Administration’s achievements, the Minister said the action of the PDP candidate amounts to an acknowledgement of the Administration’s impressive

achievements.

The Minister dismissed as ‘acute paranoia’ the allegation by the former Vice President that the APCled federal government is using state resources for electioneering campaign.

Alhaji Mohammed however said, in a statement issued in Ilorin on Friday that it is up to those who made the accusation on the use of state resources for electioneering campaign to prove it, in line with the maxim that he who alleges must prove. ‘’In publicising the activities and achievements of the federal government, the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture is only carrying out its statutory role. Long

before the elections, the Ministry has used various platforms including Town Hall Meetings to showcase the activities and achievements of the Administration. ‘’We understand that the PDP and the Atiku Campaign Organization have been rattled by the achievements as well as the effectiveness of the campaign to showcase them. We are sorry we can’t help them”, Alhaji Mohammed said.

He however expressed surprise that the PDP that said the Buhari Administration has not achieved anything has now turned around to admit that the media is awash with video testimonies from Nigerians on the Administration’s achievements.

The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Broom Revolution, Mohammed Abubakar, has expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari would be re-elected on the strength of his performance and achievements.

Abubakar, who disclosed this at a news conference in Lokoja on Friday, said the successes recorded in the fight against corruption and other achievements of the President had placed him in good stead against other candidates.

“The scorecard of President Muhammadu Buhari shows that people no longer have a field day at the National Treasury.

“Having tamed the thieves, the next efforts by the President would be development of infrastructure,” he said.

According to Abubakar, under the present administration, roads are being fixed, the railways are now working, decayed and abandoned projects are now functional, among several other ongoing and completed projects.

“President Buhari has done well and deserves a re-election in the February election to enable him to continue the good works he has started,” he said.

Plateau VIO to automate service — Director Plans are underway to automate the operations of the Plateau State Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), according to the Director, Mr. John Dayah.

Dayah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Jos that the upgrade was long overdue as the state was losing huge amount of revenue by the day.

According to him, the new method will require the training of officers to equip them to discharges their duties more efficiently.

He promised to sensitise the public on the upgrade, adding that it would enable VIO personnel to track offenders.

The director noted that safety was of priority to the VIO and as such, it could not be compromised it in any way during inspection.

“Our officers will not be chasing offenders on the road to risk their lives any longer as it will become very easy to track down offenders on the road,” he said.

He commended the effort of the state government for approving the upgrade.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, January 12, 2019

11

Why I want to portray my brand as a versatile actor - Nkechi Blessing Beautifully endowed Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has sure carved a niche for herself in the movie industry as an actor and producer with several jobs to her credit. Often time tagged drama queen, Nkechi in this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, reveals how it all started in the industry, why she is comfortable in her size, and dream role amongst others.

A lot of people a times consider you as upcoming artiste; how do you when such comments are passed towards you?

I get that a lot but am not actually moved by that because as long as people appreciate my creative process, I am good to go as I won’t allow such compliment to deprive me of giving my best at all time. I have been in the industry for quite sometimes now, precisely between 2008-2009. I have been in the industry for say 10 years, so if you are in that category of people that still tag me upcoming that mean you have not been watching well.

It took me a lot of hardwork to be where I am today and I appreciate God almighty for his immense grace.

It took you seven years to be known after your movie ‘Omoge Lekki’ pushed your face out, what do you think you did right now?

For me, I think social media really helped my career a lot most especially the instagram platform because I talk a lot on social media and maybe that is more the reason a lot of people have tagged me drama queen which I don’t care as long as I am getting the attention that I need.

They say when a lady is been tagged a drama queen and when she eventually gets into a serious relationship, she tend to mellow down; are you emotional?

I am drama queen when it comes to everywhere that is when I am on set or off set because I don’t like to be cheated but that does not mean I am not submissive or I can’t be tamed.

So what can someone do to tame a person like Nkechi?

Maybe 500Million naira You are blessed physically, how do you feel when you walk around and people tend to complement

you based on your back side?

The honest truth is that I am used to such complement because even while we were filming a street scene and I was required to walk around; a lot of passer’s by was just screaming but because such is already part of me I did not mind because I won’t remove that part of my body.

Don’t you sometimes feel embarrassed when the compliment is too getting too much?

Never!! Because I know I have got a beautiful behind and I can’t be unhappy with what God gave me.

How do you feel when people tend to appreciate your curves more than the beauty itself?

They have no choice than to see the curves before the beauty because it is obvious and cannot be hidden; you cannot hide God’s blessings and I am very comfortable with it at all time. I have always been comfortable with my body from day one. While I was growing up, I was very skinny but a very big ass and now while growing up, I have a bigger body and all my body parts rhyme together and the fact is God gave me a perfect fat leg to carry the big behind.

Do you still have a dream role you want to play?

Yes and that is the role of a mad woman because I want to portray myself as a versatile actor; I have played quite a lot of roles and also I look forward to playing a ghetto kind of role where I will showcase the rough side of me.

What will you consider the most interesting part of your job?

There are a lot but the one I appreciate more was when I paid in dollars in the movie ‘Ghost and the Tout’ as produced by Toyin Abraham.

Nkechi Blessing

Society Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Popular lawyer, Kayode Ajulo pays tribute to late Frederick Fasheun Human rights lawyer, Olu kayode Ajulo, has mourned the exit of founding leader of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) which occurred on Friday, 30th November, 2018. Below is his tribute made available to us?

“The name of Dr. Frederick Faseun would often spring up shades of thoughts and of course, various definitions. That’s because he’s a Nigerian whose figure and fingers have laid enduring foundations and legacies. Legacies so profound and robust that they have markedly shaped or reshaped the nation’s standing.

He carried with him, all life-long the carriage, conducts and courage that define a huge hero. He is, in many ways than one a legend who made indelible marks on the sand of time and whose time on this side would reverberate long after him.

Pa Fasehun, who founded the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), is a first rated Nigerian whose training and moulding was superlative by any rating. Studied science at Blackburn College and furthered his education at Aberdeen University College of Medicine. He also attended the Liverpool Postgraduate School after which he had a Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Fasehun studied acupuncture in China under a joint World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Development Scholarship Program.

He would always be in the nation’s evocation and would be well remembered for setting up an Acupuncture Unit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and setting up the Besthope Hospital and Acupuncture Centre in Lagos, a Centre that once earned a reputation as Africa’s first for the Chinese medical practice.

Dr. Fasehun would later form a Yoruba-based organization to actualize the annulled mandate of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a Yoruba who won the presidential election of 12 June 1993 but was barred from office. Dr. Fasehun was imprisoned for 19 months from December 1996 to June 1998 during the military rule of Sani Abacha, ending 18 days after Abacha’s death.

All these and more he did leaving his comfort zone as a wealthy medical doctor to join the commoners and the streets’ pro-democratic groups to talk and walk against the military misadventures and to pressure it to cede power to civilians. He suffered all kinds of assaults and detentions from the oppressors, yet he remained undeterred and unbending.

He touched lives, profoundly. He touched mine in robust ways too. I met this distinguished Nigerian in the course of my duty as a lawyer, and I was privileged to handle some briefs for him many years ago, particularly when he was charged with offence of treason and detained by the Obasanjo led federal government alongside the some OPC

chieftains which included Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Abiodun Ganiyu Adams. He shaped my view on certain beliefs, particularly championing the cause of collective good, and other great ideas.

The story of my agitation for civil rights, particularly my career would not be complete without a mention of his name and other patriots. To the glory of God, handling a brief for him and the Aare Ona kakanfo well over a decade ago significantly shaped the mileage of my career as Rights Activist and legal practitioner, and those moments remain for me very special and dear.

Smart, doggedness and grounded, Baba made outstanding contributions to the progress of the nation in many capacities, particularly the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large, the passing away of Pa Fasehun remains a major blow for obvious reasons. He stood for, making the Yoruba nation stronger was major, that settles the fact that there were natural links.

Elsewhere, he’s described as a historical figure and a foremost father of the country’s Fourth Republic democracy.

I dare add that he’s is a darling of Nigeria’s Democratic existence. He would also be remembered for his fearless nature that made him fought tirelessly for survival of Yoruba people as a true pan Africanist.

Your legacy is etched on our minds. The nation Nigeria carries your creations. We all will miss you greatly. Adieu Papa!”

Kayobe

Eli Adewole Foundation empowers young entrepreneurs Stories Mutiat Alli Eli Adewole Foundation, an NGO, is aimed at rendering services to humanity by empowering young entrepreneurs to achieve a sustainable future.

According to the youthful Executive Director honorable Adewole Olanrewaju, beyond the foundation it also drives its expectations and impacts alongside other platforms such as the ‘’project Help’ initiative, project feeds among others.

“The platform of the Eli Adewole initiative is to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with good business idea the necessary support, and funds for the actualization of their business ideas.

The latest held last month, where we achieved our initiative’s aim by sponsoring at least 50 entrepreneurs with successful capital grants.”

It further noted her support to individuals and organizations.

“In recent times, we have been able

to reach 300 less privileged living in Ijora Badia axis of Lagos Island on 21ST AUGUST 2018 and carried out another program on 19th day of OCTOBER, 2018 at Agege Pen-cinema Mainland axis with food items.

Food items during the first and second “PROJECT FEED” which is set to run monthly to achieve the goal “ZERO HUNGER” of the United Nations Sustainable development goal with “PROJECT FEED” and also empowering youths with the skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs”.

If you have a wing, we will help you to fly, though it comes with support from partners for the goals sets to be achieved.”

While appealing to the public for greater support and partnership to achieve its goals, Adewole urged young entrepreneurs to carve their niche by striving towards providing excellent products and services.

“Let’s strive for excellence, in our imperfections; the greatest resources you can give to your businesses are in improving your creativity using all

Popular Telenovela ‘Wildflower’ returns with season 2 on StarTimes Wildflower is back on StarTimes.

The second season of the acclaimed Filipino telenovelas will be aired from January 20th exclusive on ST Novela E Plus.

Wildflower is one of the most watched series on primetime in Philippines and was a real success in Africa when premiered by StarTimes last spring.

“We knew Wildflower had a lot of potential but we did not expect it to become our most popular drama. Fans have been craving for season 2 since the end of the first season” explains Echo Zhao, ST Novela E Plus Channel Manager. “We are very happy to start 2019 by broadcasting this amazing show. And believe me, if you liked the first season, you will love the second one.”

Lead actress Maja Salvador is grateful for the support viewers have given the program.

“We would like thank our viewers for the love and support they have given us in our first season. This second season, we promise to give your wilder revelations and wilder plot twists. We hope you continue

Apostle Aderemi Awode: A man of character Show me a man who has learned the value of hard work by working hard and being working hard in silence has loudly rang the bell of his success and I will tell you his name is Apostle Aderemi Emmanuel Awode.

Awode, like other great people, stands out from others by his vision and intelligence; he has helped many people to turn their visions into reality, men and women, old, young from diverse entity. Many have wondered how he has been able to turn around his Chemstar Manufacturing companies, makers of Fine coat Paints, Shilled Paints and other allied products to a conglomerate, the reason is not far-fetched, his ability to empower others.

The substantiation of this fact was confirmed a few months back during his 54th birthday shindig marked by his over 1000 staff at his Fine coat Official Complex, Casso, Alagbado area of Lagos, when they were all pouring accolades on him and talking about his good virtue. The gesture of the staff from the senior level to the last one, it’s evident that, they are working with a man who understands the plight of his staff This might have been one of the reasons he increased the Staff salaries with 20% across all boards during his birthday soiree,

our available resources to produce a winning culture, which is why it’s our mandate to work with young minds and vibrant youth, empowering them to be the solution, using simple, low tech and innovative solutions.”

“ELI ADEWOLE FOUNDATION”, we are passionate and hardworking, but we also have fun, meanwhile we don’t deviate from our mission.

Adewole

loving and supporting us,” Maja said in an interview.

Wildflower, produced by ABS-CBN, is a story of a woman’s courage, determination, and resilience to find justice for her family and for the people of one town. Driven by hope and love, main protagonist Lily/Ivy fights for what is right without putting the law in her hands.

Things will definitely get wilder as tension rises even higher. With Nay Carlota’s death, Ivy is further motivated to put the Ardientes down. What will Ivy do to give justice to Carlota? There is also no stopping Diego from running for governor of Poblacion Ardiente against his brother Arnaldo. Will he win this battle or will he get played by his own family? When it comes to love, will Arnaldo finally fall into Ivy’s bait? Will Diego set aside his feeling for Ivy to heed the call of service?

All these questions will get answers on ST Novela E Plus from Friday to Sunday 19:50 CAT, two episodes per day starting from January 20th.

Awode

at a time some companies are shutting down operation and sacking people en-mass. No doubt, he perfectly fit in in the maxim of People of character.

People of character, as they say, do the right thing even if no one else does, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world. In all things, his character, his style and manner, his supreme excellence is simplicity; this, friends and family know him for.

It’s practically next to impossible to spend an hour with Apostle Aderemi Awode and not learn something new from him. He loves to impact lives; he’s knowledgably intelligent, humble and gives even to a fault.

He will always share his experiences and stories with others on how beliefs in God and tenacity of purpose bring wealth. Awode is a very experienced personality who has a piece of wisdom or a sound advice on hand to give to anyone that comes to seek for his professional idea on this and that.

For Remi, a dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, hard work and fate to bring it to reality. He’s a great leader who fulfils his vision from passion and not position.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

13

Home Affairs

How to set up your kitchen and maintain orderliness

By Mutiat Alli

The kitchen is an area of your home that gets used more often than most other areas. You’re setting up and arrangement determines how you flow smoothly when it comes to meal preparation.

In most kitchens the primary area for cleanup is the kitchen sink. It is sensible position your dishwasher or your dish drier to one side and perhaps the trash or recycling area on the other if the sink doubles as a cooking area.

An innovative sink design has a cutting board that sits directly on top of the sink so that scraps can be channeled directly to the disposal.

Otherwise, you should purchase one to aid cutting of large and harder edibles The home’s kitchen includes useful storage to keep counters free from clutter. Sections like the pullout rack for spices, cooking oils and more. Talking of space and management, take seriously these procedures and elements;

Cabinets To begin transformation, Pull everything out of each cabinet and go through it. Discard things that are not frequently used, duplicate items or broken items. Do this with each cabinet and drawer as most kitchens are short on storage space, so the goal is to only have things need and love to use. There are various cabinets to suit your taste in terms of storage space, shape and texture.

Grouping After your cabinets are all empty, consider what is best for you in terms of how to group items. Sort all your cooking, dishing and cutting items and pile them together. Group the dishes you eat from, glassware, holiday or other seasonal items that only get used once in a while, as well as those special entertaining or serving pieces that are only used occasionally.

After grouping, decide where each item should be stored. Cooking and baking pieces should be kept close to where you do food preparation.

Utensils should be in the drawer

nearest to the prep area as well.

Glassware might be best near the sink or refrigerator.

Dining You may choose to modernize your kitchen by setting up a dining in it with 2 or more (depending on available space) light but tall and thin chairs. The table if in square may pass as a coffee or tea station that includes sugar, mugs and filters, and place it near the water source, if possible. By doing this, you avoid going back and forth across the kitchen for the things you need just to make your morning beverage.

Make use of Vertical Space You may decide to place hooks underneath cabinets to hold mugs above the countertop, or hang a stemware rack in the same spot for wine glasses. This will free up considerable cabinet space. You could also hang adhesive hooks on the inside of cabinet doors or pantry doors to hold tools such as measuring cups, oven mitts or other kitchen gadgets.

Consider using wall space or a ceiling rack to hang pots and pans.

Colouring Color is the easiest way to turn a kitchen or indeed any room around.

Pick up a paintbrush and instantly transform the mood your kitchen speaks. Think outside the box and experiment if possible. Reserved and classy colors include; grey and rose madder, charcoal and tan, blue with grey and gold with forest green to mention a few choice of mixtures.

Simply go for what makes you happy and welcome.

Accessories are another great way to add color. You may choose to lamps on counters, low hanging chandeliers over the island, mirrors, and oodles of plants and greenery, all of which add interesting layers of color There is such a movement these days for creating kitchens that are warm and inviting, making them cool hang out places in their own right. Your arrangement and color is essential for this! It can excite, inspire, tantalize, and so much more.

Home Affairs 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Common phrases you don’t realise are actually abusive

By Mutiat Alli

Books and movies from “Twilight” to “50 Shades of Grey” teach society to buy into the idea that dependent and harmful relationships are the epitome of love. Because of these complicated versions of romance, it can be challenging for people to recognize emotional abuse.

However, anything that causes the victim to feel degraded, guilty, invalidated or humiliated may be a result of emotional abuse. While this list does not include every form of emotional abuse, nor indicate a partner is abusive, the following list may help you evaluate whether your relationship is suffering from emotional abuse.

“Get over it”

Rather than validating feelings, this phrase implies that the person who needs to “get over it” is overreacting. This is a form of gaslighting_a type of abuse where the abuser makes the victim feel like they are crazy.

You are entitled to your feelings and to express them. Your partner should not disregard them.

“You don’t need to know” Communication in an exclusive relationship is definitely on a need to know basis—meaning, if you feel you have a need to know you should know. Your partner shouldn’t define that for you because, really, healthy relationships are not built on secrets.

“I love you, but …”

If your partner expresses love

to you but tacks on a caveat, they don’t really love you. Rather than building you up as expression of love should, it decreases your selfesteem, leading you to believe that your abuser is the only person who could “put up’ with you.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” Another form of gaslighting, this form of abuse makes it seem like you don’t what you are talking about. Someone who loves you will try to your point of view instead of disregarding it.

“It’s for your own good” Abusers may try to make you feel as though they’re trying to help you. However, what they’re doing is really for their own good.

It also places the abuser in the

place of authority, which can make the victim feel dependent on the abuser.

“Your problem is …”

This phrase masquerades as constructive criticism, alerting you to your issues so that you can improve. However, abusers use this phrase repeatedly to destroy the victim’s self-esteem by making hyper-aware of their flaws.

“It’s your fault” While at times you need to accept responsibility for your actions, you shouldn’t feel persistently guilty.

No matter what, your partner is responsible for his or her own actions. You are not the cause of their actions. They should not make you feel guilty for things that they did.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

15 News

My life is in danger, Saraki raises the alarm Senate President’s statement incorrect, misleading and false – Police

Tunde Opalana, Abuja President of the Senate. Dr. Bukola Saraki, has raised alarm over his safety and those of members of his family while he alleged thick machinations to subvert his security details.

He alerted the nation to hold the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, responsible should anything untold happen to him or any member of his family.

He also accused security agencies of giving cover to thugs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who have been unleashing terror on supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across Kwara State.

Saraki expressed this concern while addressing the press on Friday in Abuja on recent political developments in Kwara State.

The Director General of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation said police have continued to show undisguised hostility to him and his supporters in Kwara State, claiming that this latest round of violence is part of efforts to jeopardise and undermine his personal security and that of his immediate and larger family.

Saraki buttressed his claim with illustrations, saying: “Yesterday (Thurday), after the APC concluded their campaigns in Ilorin, some of their supporters and thugs moved around town and in areas like Adewole/Adeta, Ile Otan and Ubandawaki/Pakata where they saw our people gathered holding their weekly ward meetings, they disrupted the meetings by shouting their party slogan and when our people responded by mentioning our own slogan, they fired gun shots into their midst in Adewole/Adeta.

They also inflicted matchete cuts on some of them. As a result of this attack, two people suffered bullet wounds.

“Also yesterday (Thursday), these same APC thugs shielded by policemen went to my family quarters in Agbaji in Ilorin, and vandalised houses, shops and inflicted wounds with matchete on three people. All these destructions took place in the presence of policemen who came with them but watched without any care, as the APC thugs and supporters unleashed violence on our people.

“For me, personally, I believe the decision to attack people and properties in my family ancestral compound is a direct affront and attack on my person.

And whatever signal these APC elements with support from the police believe they are sending is definitely sinister, uncivilized and unfortunate.

He expressed fear his safety and those of his supporters as the ward to ward campaigns begin in the state and he is set to participate in that grassroots campaign.

“Nobody is sure what instructions Mr. Idris has given to the police command in the state. Thus, the entire world should hold the IGP responsible if anything untoward happens to members of my family and myself”.

Narrating his running battle with the Police boss, Saraki said: “Do not forget that before now, this same IGP has tried several tricks to implicate me in some criminal charges.

“First, he arrested some cultists and

Saraki

was about to compel them to claim they worked for me. We exposed the trick early enough and the media also pointed out holes in his story. He quickly withdrew that.

“Later, he went on to the Offa robbery case and politicized the investigation in order to rope me. In the process of forcing suspects to implicate me, the principal suspect died in their custody.

He has also not succeeded with that plot. Who knows what else he may have planned.

“Now, that full campaign is on, which requires my going round, I want the world to hold him personally responsible if anything happens to me.

“It is important for Nigerians and members of the international community to note that this IGP, Idris Ibrahim does not believe his job is to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, irrespective of political, religious and cultural belief.

“A situation where political thugs and operatives attack opponents of the APC under the watch and protection of law enforcement agents does not present Nigeria well in the comity of nation”, he said.

Saraki accused the IGP further of plot to play ignoble role in the elections in Kwara State, saying: “The same Police under the directive of Inspector

General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotum Idris yesterday commenced the transfer of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) out of Kwara State. While the police are free to take decisions on the deployment of their personnel, we found the postings in Kwara State strange and more than a mere coincidence.

“It should also be noted that IGP has posted three different Commissioners of Police to Kwara State in the last six months. In fact, the previous and current Commissioner of Police in the State got strict instructions from the IGP not to relate or engage with the Senate President.

“The usual practice has been that the Commissioner of Police personally ensures the security of the Senate President whenever he visits his home state. That was the practice during the period of my predecessor and in my first year in office.

Reacting to Saraki’s allegation, the Police High Command in a statement on Friday signed by Force spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood, said all the Police personnel attached to the person of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, his office and family are intact and all the statutory security protection on the person of the Senate President are also accorded him all the time and there was no complaint from

the Senate President before now to the Police on this.

The Police therefore categorically stated that all the allegations in the statement of the Senate President are incorrect, misleading and false and should be disregarded and discountenanced by the general Public.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a statement in the media credited to the Senate President on the recent political development in Kwara State where he raised allegations that “… the entire world to hold the IGP responsible if anything untoward happens to members of my family and myself”.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that all the allegations in the statement of the Senate President are incorrect, misleading and false and should be disregarded and discountenanced by the general Public. The Nigeria Police Force did not give any protection to any political thug or shield any APC thug to go to family quarters of the Senate President in Agbaji, Ilorin and vandalise houses, shops and inflict wounds with machete on three (3) people as claimed by the Senate President. The Police did not receive any complaint or report of gunshot and wounding as claimed by the Senate President in other areas he mentioned such as Adewole/Adeta, Ile-otan and ubandawaki/pakata.

“For avoidance of doubt, there was no complaint reported at any Police division within Ilorin metropolis or any other Police Division on the 10th January, 2019 to today 11th January 2019 of any attack, wounding, shooting and destruction

of any property by any individual(s) or any political party on their members.

However, Security within Ilorin metropolis and other locations in Kwara State has beefed-up to ensure security of all Nigerians living in the state.

“It is pertinent to state that all Police personnel attached to the person of the Senate President, his office and family are intact and all the statutory security protection on the person of the Senate President are also accorded him all the time and there was no complaint from the Senate President before now to the Police on this.

“It is incumbent on the Force to set the record straight and correct the wrong impressions that must have been created in the minds of the general Public and the International Community from the misinformation and misleading account from the Senate President.

The Inspector General of Police did not try any trick to implicate the Senate President in some criminal charges; the facts are in the public domain about the suspects of the Offa Bank Robbery now being prosecuted who implicated the Senate President in the matter.

“The Nigeria Police Force is hereby assuring all Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force has no any undisguised hostility to the Senate President or his supporters in Kwara State or to jeopardise or undermine his personal security and that of his immediate and larger family. The Force will continue to be apolitical and will ensure adequate security throughout the Country for all political parties, their members and supporters before, during and after the 2019 General Election”.

Police moves Senator Melaye to DSS Medical clinic Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Police has moved Senator Dino Melaye from Police Hospital, Abuja where he initially as being detained to DSS Medical Facility in Abuja for further medical attention.

Force spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood, said that the clarification on the whereabouts of Melaye movement was necessary following misleading report that his whereabouts is unknown.

Melaye is currently under investigation for the offence

of criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide alleged committed on 19th July, 2018, when his alleged armed thugs shot and wounded SGT Danjuma Saliu who was on stop and search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State, The Police had obtained a 14-day remand warrant on 9th January, 2019, which it claimed would enable it retain the Senator in custody until he is arraigned.

Jimoh said: Senator Dino Melaye was taken for medical attention at the Police Clinic, Abuja, after he surrendered himself for arrest on 4th January, 2019.

The Police medical team at the Police Hospital, Abuja certified that Senator Dino Melaye is well and healthy to stand trial after treating him.

“However, due to the complaint from Senator Dino Melaye that he is not well, the Police Investigation Team has taken him this afternoon to another government hospital, DSS Medical Facility in Abuja for further medical attention.”

The Police planned to keep Senator Melaye in Police Custody for investigation into the case of criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide against him till 23rd January,

2019.

The Police said “it is incorrect as reported in some sections of the media that Senator Dino Melaye was moved by masked armed policemen to an undisclosed location and that his whereabouts is unknown.”

“The Police Officer, Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, is yet to recover from the gunshot injury he sustained during the attack and still under intensive medical care in the hospital,” Jimoh stated, adding that Senator Melaye will be prosecuted along with other suspects on completion of investigation.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

16

NNPC moves to crash prices of cooking gas Idu Jude The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it is working to crash the price of cooking gas in the country.

It said this would be done through the implementation of an effective commercial framework that would halt the export of propane and butane from the country.

Mele Kyari, NNPC’s group general manager, crude oil marketing division (COMD), made this known in a statement issued by the corporation in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that propane and butane were major components in the production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas.

He said the move to stop the export of propane and butane which was anchored by the crude oil marketing division would enable the corporation to boost supply of LPG to the domestic market.

This, he said would lead to a natural downward slide in the price of the product in the country.

“Currently some of our butane and propane entitlements are exported largely due to lack of vessels to make sure that these things come into the domestic markets and the absence of a commercial framework,” “What we are going to do is to make sure we put the right commercial framework in place so that those exports are converted into domestic consumption.”

MasterCard removes name in logo makeover Godwin Anyebe Due to the rise of digital banking and a future where there will be less reliance on card payments, Mastercard has taken the bold step by removing the name from its logo.

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Raja Rajamannar, told the Wall Street Journal that the company underwent two years of research to ensure that its logo of two interlocking red and orange circles was familiar enough to consumers without words, thereby putting MasterCard in the same wordless branding category as the likes of Apple and Nike.

“Reinvention in the digital age calls for modern simplicity,” stated Rajamannar.

“And with more than 80 percent of people spontaneously recognizing the MasterCard symbol without the word ‘mastercard,’ we felt ready to take this next step into our brand evolution.”

Michael Beirut, a partner at the design firm Pentagram, responsible for the new logo, told the WSJ that the change was also designed to make the MasterCard logo look better on smaller digital devices.

Meanwhile, others have suggested that the rebrand could be an attempt for MasterCard to drop the word ‘card’ without actually changing its name.

L-R: Cluster Head, Ajose Adeogun, Heritage Bank Plc, Kufretido Etim; Managing Director/CEO, Novo Health, Dr. DorothyJeff-Nnnamani; Cluster Head, Lago Mainland 1, Heritage Bank Plc, Betty Eriyo; Convener, The Women More Series/Lead Consultant, Prinsult Global Consulting Limited, Raliat Oyetunde; President, Believe in Africa, Angelle Kwemo and Experience Center Manager, Toyin Street, Heritage Bank Plc, Bolanle Ashiru, at the WomenMore Seminar held in Lagos

How infrastructure development gulped N2.7trn in 3 years Temitope Adebayo Fresh facts have emerged that a whopping N2.7 trillion has been spent on infrastructure developments in the last three years.

This was disclosed at the HighLevel Stakeholders Retreat on Public Private Partnership (PPP), held in Uyo on Friday, where Ms. Imeh Okon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Infrastructure, added that the sum of N100 billion has been injected into rail projects.

According to her, “What we have done as a government is to go back to the 25year Master Plan in the rail sector. All that you are seeing right now is in terms of rail infrastructure as a result of the Master plan that was on the ground.”

She said that the essence of the retreat

was to bring stakeholders together to deliberate and develop on policies that would be suitable for the country. PostOPEC Deal: Oil price stability raises hope for the budget benchmark.

She said that the Federal Government was committed to the development of infrastructure in the country, adding that infrastructural development would enhance growth.

The Presidential Aide, however, said that revenue generation was a major challenge since the country depended on oil for revenue and the price of oil was not stable in the international market.

“The challenge we have seen is revenue; because we are largely dependent on oil to generate revenue and the price of oil has affected government spending.

“So, we are going to partner with the private sector to develop most of our priority infrastructure projects.”

Mr. Chidi Izuwah, the Acting DirectorGeneral, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), noted that infrastructure deficit was the major challenge to the nation’s development.

According to him, the increase in infrastructure will boost prosperity, growth, and peace in the country. Izuwah said that the Ibom Deep Seaport being a PPP project would come to reality on or before April 2019.

DPR, others urge govt to tackle illegal refining “Ibom Deep Seaport is a PPP project that is going to bring 2.5 billion dollars of investment and change the landscape of infrastructure in the country.

“It will have solutions to traffic congestion in Lagos port because those goods that normally go to Lagos will come here.

“I can assure you before April, the contract for Ibom Deep Seaport will be

signed and the approved consortium will start immediately.

“The President is committed to developing infrastructure, without infrastructure, we cannot have inclusive growth and development.

“The stakeholders’ conference is to re-define our strategies and create investment to develop infrastructure across all parts of Nigeria,” Izuwah said.

SEC targets e-IPO next year for Capital Market Master Plan In his opening remarks, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, said that the retreat was organised to discuss infrastructure improvement delivery framework in Nigeria.

Aduda added that the retreat was also put together to examine the legal and operational framework for infrastructure development in the country.

CBN boosts forex market with fresh injections of $263m, CNY 39m Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected the sum of $263m into the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS), being its first intervention in that sector this year.

This was in addition to the sum CNY 39 million consummated through a combination of spot and short-tenored forwards, arising from bids received from authorized dealers.

The figures obtained from the CBN on Friday revealed that the US dollardenominated interventions were for requests in the agricultural and raw materials sectors while the Yuan sale was for payment of Renminbi-denominated Letters of Credit for agriculture as well as raw materials.

Mr. Isaac Okorafor, the Director, Corporate Communications at the CBN, said the move was in furtherance of the Governor’s avowed commitment to ensuring foreign exchange liquidity in the system as well as boosting trade and

production.

With the rates closing at N359/$1 on Friday, January 11, 2019, Mr. Okorafor, expressed confidence that the CBN, in the weeks ahead, will sustain its intervention through the sale of foreign exchange to all segments of the market to meet all legitimate foreign exchange demand in the market while also striving to achieve exchange rate stability in the market.

Okorafor also disclosed that the Governor, Godwin Emefiele, will further unfold the Bank’s plans for the year during

the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for the year scheduled for January 21 to 22, 2019.

Meanwhile, the Naira on Friday closed trading on a positive note by reversing the marginal loss made on Thursday, with the naira gaining 50 kobo to exchange at N360.5 to the dollar at the parallel market.

The Pound Sterling was sold at N408.

At the Bureau De Change window, the dollar was sold at N360, while the Pound Sterling closed at N408.

Trading at the investors’ window saw the dollar closing at N364.94.

Business Times 17

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Customs arrests 21 persons over rice smuggling Temitope Adebayo The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit (FOU), Zone B, says it has arrested 21 suspects for allegedly smuggling over 4,000 bags of foreign rice into the country in December 2018.

The Controller in charge of the unit, Mr. Mohammed Sarkin-Kebbi, made the disclosure

on Friday while inspecting smuggled items in Katsina on Friday.

He said that 15 of the suspects were arrested in Kaduna, four in Kano while the remaining two were apprehended in Katsina state during the period under review.

Sarkin-Kebbi disclosed that the suspects allegedly used about 53 vehicles to bring the commodity into the country.

According to him, some of the suspects

concealed the rice inside local sponge to deceive Customs officers.

He said that other items seized from the suspects included some Jerry cans of vegetable oil, cartons of spaghetti and bales of secondhand clothes.

Sarkin-Kebbi further disclosed that the seized items had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of about N208 million.

He commended officers and men of the unit

for the feat and urged them not to relent in their efforts at ensuring that activities of smugglers were nipped in the bud within the zone.

“I urge the officers and men of the unit to continue to be more patriotic and committed to duty in curtailing smuggling activities,” he said.

He also called on the media to continue to sensitise the public, particularly border communities on the dangers associated with smuggling activities.

Dana Air introduces ‘mega miles’ promo Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Dana Air has launched a Mega Miles promo which encourages its guests to book a return ticket and get miles good enough to get an upgrade from economy class to business class at no cost or pay for excess luggage using miles.

According to a statement by the airline’s Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, the offer is only for Dana miles members and the promo will run from 1st of February to 31st of March

2019.

The promo entails guests to book return tickets on the same reference within the period, quote their membership numbers when booking for miles to be credited within 24 hours.

“We are pleased to announce the introduction of Mega Miles promo. It is strictly a promo to encourage members of our frequent flyer program, to book return tickets to get Mega Miles, which can be explored for an upgrade, exchanged for free tickets, pay for excess, and lots of other cash-saving benefits.’’

“This offer is also to encourage our

guests to plan their trips, book return tickets to get massively rewarded for their membership and participation. Guests are advised to quote their membership numbers when booking.”

“We have also started rewarding our guests with N5,000 tickets in the ongoing Dana Air/ MMA2 travelers reward promo. This promo has seen the terminal record huge traffic and has also proven its capability to process good number of passengers with its ultra-modern facilities.’’

“To take advantage of the MMA2/ Dana Air travelers promo which is valid

till August 2019, our esteemed guests are advised to fly Dana Air just four times from MMA2 to any of our destinations to get the 5th ticket at N5000 only. We believe in offering more for less and rewarding loyalty and this promo is just one of the ways to demonstrate our commitment.’’

Dana Air recently bagged an award from an Akwa Ibom based group for its efficient service delivery, timely departures and for operating in accordance with global best practices. The airline is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri.

Pension arrears: Edo Govt invites pensioners in batch 47 for The Edo State Government has invited

Ladesope Ladelokun pensioners in batch 47 for physical and documentary verification in order to process payment of their pension arrears.

In a statement issued in Benin City, Permanent Secretary and Chairman, Pension Bureau, I.D.S. Juwobor, said the exercise is in continuation of payment of pension arrears by the state government, as the affected

pensioners will be paid their arrears after the exercise.

He said, “In continuation of the ongoing payment of pension arrears for state government pensioners, all pensioners in batch 47 are hereby invited to present themselves for physical and documentary verification at the Imaguero Hall, Benin City, on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th January 2019 at 9.00am each day.”

He urged that pensioners in batches 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46, who failed to participate in previous verification

exercises should “take advantage of the scheduled forthcoming screening exercise alongside pensioners in Batch 47.”

Juwobor advised pensioners in batch 47 and the spill-over batches of 37-46 “to check the list of pensioners scheduled for the screening on the notice board in the Pensions Bureau’s Office at the former Ethiope Building, Ring Road, Benin City on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th January 2019.

“In furtherance of this, affected pensioners are advised to come to the

venue of the verification exercise with the following documents on the scheduled dates of 14th and 15th January 2019: Pension Authority, Retirement Letter, Letter of First Appointment, Pension Identity Card, Biometric Slip and bank details including bank name and account number”, he said.

Juwobor said that “Upon conclusion of the verification exercise, the outstanding pension arrears will be credited into the pension account of each pensioner after necessary documentation by relevant agencies involved in the payment process.”

L-R: Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Uaboi Agbebaku; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema and Reporting and Accounting Manager, Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Marcus Duarte Alves at the presentation of the 2018 NSE CEO’s award as the Most Compliant Listed Company on the NSE to Nigerian Breweries in Lagos

MultiChoice excites DStv, GOtv subscribers with step up campaign Godwin Anyebe Pay TV Company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has kicked of the New Year for DStv and GOtv customers with a brandnew offer tagged ‘Step Up’.

From Tuesday, 15 January till Monday, 15 April 2019 the Step-Up campaign offer will give all active and disconnected DStv Compact, Family and Access customers the opportunity to pay for an upgrade package and get a boost to view programming on an even higher package within 48 hours.

DStv customers on the Access package can pay N4,000 for Family package and then get a boost to view programmes on the Compact package, while customers on the Family package can pay N6,800 for Compact package and instead view Compact Plus package programming.

Likewise, Compact customers can also pay N10,650 for Compact Plus package and in turn get Premium package programming.

Customers on the GOtv platform are also not left out of this offer. GOtv Plus, Value and Lite customers will get upgraded to GOtv Max when they pay a reduced fee of N2,500 while GOtv ‘tops up’ with N700. Active and disconnected GOtv Max customers can also take advantage of this limited time offer to renew their subscription for N2,500. This campaign will give GOtv customers on Plus, Value and Lite an opportunity to experience the exciting premium content available on GOtv Max including La Liga, Serie A, FA Cup, BET, Fox Entertainment, StarLife, ROK 2 and CBS Reality and more.

Speaking on this development recently in Lagos, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho said; the offer reiterates the company’s commitment to giving more value for money to loyal customers as they will enjoy content on a higher package than what they paid for while encouraging them to remain active to enjoy quality entertainment lined up for the year.

“We are pleased to launch this first-ofits-kind offer that will give our customers the opportunity to experience the exciting programming available across higher packages at the price of a lower package. With this offer, we are giving a boost and topping up on what our customers pay for to enjoy more on our DStv and GOtv platforms. It’s our desire to make great content more accessible and we encourage our customers to take advantage of this special offer, ” he said.

Mabutho added that the offer will enable more Nigerians to stay connected and keep up to date with the latest news, sports, local content and general entertainment this first quarter.

Some of the exciting programming to look forward to starting from January includes matches of the 2018/19 Emirates FA Cup. This boosts MultiChoice’s major football title acquisitions, which include the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and Champions League. There is also UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation. With over 40 live events a year and 100 hours of magazine programming, DStv and GOtv fans will see the world’s best mixed martial artists regularly appearing on their screens starting Monday, 28 January. For local content, there are the critically acclaimed telenovela, Ajoche, and hilarious comedy series, Flatmates, which will debut on GOtv this month on Africa Magic.

The Step-Up offer is open to both active and disconnected DStv Access, Family and Compact customers while subscribers on GOtv Lite, Value, Plus and Max are also eligible for participation.

POLITICS TIMES g Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

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Ajegunle needs a big, better voice to speak for them in Reps -Taiwo Hon Kolawole Taiwo, popularly called HKT is a former Deputy Speakerof the Lagos House of Assembly and currently the Chairman, Ibile Microfinance Bank. He is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency for the House of Representatives seat in the 2019 election. In this interview, Taiwo frowned at the wrong impression created about Ajegunle, saying on the contrary Ajegunle remains the best constituency to portray Nigeria’s rich culture and tourism potentials to the World; he also spoke on his ambition among other issues. PATRICK OKOHUE reports.

What is your attraction about Ajegunle I represent a local government that has a lot to be talked about and we want people to say it as it is, so we need somebody that comes from that place that can say it as it is. I have represented them for quite some time and know their do’s and don’ts, in the last four years I have been in the local government, played their politics even the social aspect of it, trying to see how I can bring people closer than even when I was in the House of assembly.

I feel that it is one local government in Lagos State being misjudged and misrepresented because it represents the entire nation, even beyond there is practically no tribe in Nigeria that you cannot find one of their relative in my local government, therefore it suppose to be a Nigeria local government.

They need a big voice, somebody that can come out and say this is the way to do it. That is why I felt I should go to the National Assembly.

All these while, people we Taiwo have been sending to National You intend to represent the Assembly are individuals who did not rise through the ranks in Ajegunle people, but that is the legislative business, for the first same area you were defeated last time if you have a person that has risen from being an ordinary floor member to lead the house of forty members as a majority leader and also rise to be the deputy speaker, I am going there to do some things; for instance I was talking about a law that would affect the entire citizenry of my local government, talking about the antitrust act, we need antitrust commission in Nigeria, we need an act that would be like police of the corporate people.

Something like that is what I am going to fight for, they need it now than before because one, it is easier now to bring people together through this our social media, therefore the government needs to be doing things the right way, because the whole world is moving away from quality control, to quality assurance.

We must assure the people that this thing we are doing is in line with standard and the only way you can do that is to have some agency that would be like a check.

time, is power of incumbency of APC an avenue you plan to explore?

During this campaign I have told them I am going to give them a youth centre and part of which would be an Ajegunle radio, because we want to be telling our story ourselves, let me tell you something, when they were talking about new Lagos and were premising it on culture and tourism, I said that they are saying Ajegunle is the new Lagos, because our diverse culture is enough to sell Lagos to the world.

Our diversity is supposed to be our strength not the weakness

You know the last time I lost election in an area I felt I can never lose election. When you become complacent, when you are not serious with the campaign and feel everybody will need to vote for HKT because HKT is an household name even till today, I was out of elective position for close to three years but people still come to me. If they need something they still channel it through me, but I am a professional statistician and I make use of all those things that I have been taught in school and I am not an average student of statistics, I hold a masters degree with PhD in process, and even in undergraduate class I was second class upper, so I am not an average student. I also know the tools I am having to check some things, I told some of the people few minutes ago that the reason why we loss was not because of any individual, they are just one small group of people they are about fifty, I met with them in 2015 they are group of people who are seriously against our party. I tried to beg them they said no, so I just felt fifty people, let them go jaree, it cannot affect us but later, I realised that they are controlling a huge number of people in some parts of our local government and that in my own local government they have eight booths and that their community was divided by just one connector with just one plank made bridge to get to the other constituency and unfortunately for me that other part of the local government belongs to my constituency, they have influence on the other side too, that particular area has four booths, we lost in all the ones with eight booths. We lost badly in that particular ward, it was the only one I lost in my local government, therefore when you are saying I lost election, I lost only one ward in the local government and I lost one ward in the other local government and that put paid to it. The side they came from the result was so bad that it affected the second one because it has 27 wards, but when you come the second one where it is just 20 it affected it because of that long stretch of ward and I lost by only 1700 votes and I was given an analysis of it all.

I was defeated with 1000 votes which means they would add that 1000 to my vote and remove it from that of PDP the difference is 2000, therefore this time around we are not taking anything for granted, I have been meeting people, I was with

some people yesterday, naturally we would not go to those people we would say let’s leave them alone, but I was with them and they were happy that they said for my coming alone I would see what would happen in this election and yes we have members as my opponent I know even in her backyard now she is afraid of HKT, because they started attacking me even before I picked the nomination, they say so many things HKT will carry thugs but my campaign has been devoid of thugs because I told my people if I hear a sound of gunshot once I will just drop the race, that was two days to the primaries, I thank them and throughout our campaign there was no acrimony.

What are you doing to ensure you reconcile the aggrieved contenders in your constituency?

That is at the primary level because within the party too when people see you rise they will not feel comfortable.

Since I was given the nomination I have been trying to reach out and we have been talking and even something that they would naturally do and I would complain before, I no longer complain now, rather I would just tell you this thing you did was somehow and we just laugh it off, you know it is always very difficult to mend fence but we have been trying, I have met with one of the people I contested with twice and we have had meaningful discussions and his people have started calling me and asking when am I coming to meet them. Kalejaiye felt so bad because he is the establishment candidate and we fought establishment and we won, because I was also part of the establishment and in a way or the other our paths have crossed and done one or two things together positively, I called him I think two days ago and he picked my calls, prior to which I have called over eleven times that he did not pick until I had to confront him over it, he was just laughing, he returned my missed calls now, we have started talking.

How do you plan to tackle ultism especially among the youths that is prevalent in Ajegunle?

My brother we have been campaigning, that is why I said we want people that would tell our story the way it is, we want to tell our story ourselves, during this campaign I have told them I am

Continued on 19

Politics Times 19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Monsignor Ukah gives damning verdict on 2019 polls, says your votes may still not count Patrick Okohue Conflict resolution and situations analyst and clergyman, The Very Reverend Monsignor Livinus Ukah of the Catholic Archdiocese in Lagos, has looked into the forthcoming presidential election in the country and declared that political warlords have devised a scheme that will makesthe much sort after Permanent Voters Card (PVC) irrelevant.

In a chat with The Daily Times the Cleric said, “Don’t let them deceive you. They are wasting our time with all the elaborate preparations to fool the electorate and the world that they are conducting free and fair election, “With all the efforts of stakeholders, the votes of Nigerian still don’t count. Did you not see the news recently that politicians are buying up the PVC for cash?

Doesn’t that tell you that our individual votes doesn’t count?

“Except God intervenes, politicians have already decided among themselves who is going to be the next president. They are wasting our time by spending huge sums of money pretending to be conducting legitimate elections while they have negotiated among themselves and have decided behind the scene who the winner is going to be.”

The Canadian trained journalist and psychologist was speaking at his parish house, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Aboru, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos over the weekend of the volatile campaign strategies

adopted by the major players.

Ukah said: “The drums of political war we are hearing now before the February presidential election is not the answer. If the Nigeria I see now continues in the hands of politicians, I fear there would be no positive future, because ruling politicians don’t want to confront the reality of the times; therefore they feed Nigerians with lies: Nigerians are living on lies.

“Another virus in the Nigerian polity is ethnicity: it is our biggest obstacle against progress; the mentality is, ‘My brother is there, my in-law is the governor and I don’t care whether he is doing well or not’. Nigerian leaders are not prepared to look for a credible president. I also observe that state and federal governments are not even prepared to work together with many Nigerians who are equipped to make the country better.”

He sighs, “The whole drama is like the modus operandi you see at the motor parks; there they use touts to run their opponents down in order to rise; and leaders who emerge through such politicking don’t have answers to Nigeria’s many woes. Time has not come when Nigerians will have a legitimate election; what they are doing now is patch it up here and there, wasting the peoples’ time,” he asserted.

Monsgr Ukah mourns the inability of the Church to give divine direction to government.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is supposed to be the voice of the people, but

the body has become corrupt. I saw some group of people going to Mr. President recently and the so-called men of God were addressing Buhari as though they were talking to God. The church has lost relevance.

“Money has always been the problem; money has taken away the voice of the Lord from the body of Christ, so much that the church in Nigeria cannot see the hand of God; they have become so materialistic that they cannot influence the right person to lead the country out of this economic and political dogma.”

So, come February date, is the radical priest going to the poll?

“I have my PVC of course, but I have not decided whether I will vote or not.”

Why is that?

“Excuse me! What’s the point of wasting your time? Voting doesn’t matter in this country; politicians and the umpire body know how to alter figures.”

Asked what Nigerians should expect at the February 2019 presidential election, the clergy man said prophetically: “All I am seeing is chaos: I see chaos in the election because the leaders are forcing themselves on us; and when they use their own power to win the election there will be chaos; there will be many causalities; the poor and innocent members of the electorate are going to die.”

“Man proposes, but God disposes. If God motivates the people in the coming election, a sincere person will emerge,” he said.

Ajegunle needs a big, better voice to speak for them in Reps -Taiwo Continued from 17

going to give them a youth centre and part of which would be an Ajegunle radio, because we want to be telling our story ourselves, let me tell you something, when they were talking about new Lagos and were premising it on culture and tourism, I said that they are saying Ajegunle is the new Lagos, because our diverse culture is enough to sell Lagos to the world. Our diversity is supposed to be our strength not the weakness, that is why you see in some of my posters, it says HKT is coming to represent all the tribes not Yoruba, Ibo or Hausa alone, I am representing the Ibibios, the SouthSouth, everybody, they have been discussing with me, they know me and my effect while in the House of Assembly, they know what I was able to bring to the local government and that since I left nothing is happening in the local government again, the only happening now is to drink ‘shepe’, alomo’ and scuches and start making trouble, but I know those boys and they know me.

What are your plans for mentorship of youths in your area?

This particular race of mine is youth driven, some days ago we were looking for the daughter’s of Ajegunle support HKT for House Of Reps, if you look at our own media it is full of young guys who are coming into politics newly because I am aware I am getting old and someone was telling me are you going to spend another 15years in the house? I said no it is not possible, my children are now grown ups they are men too, I don’t have a baby in my house, they are grown men and I also need to create time to guide them on what they want and try to encourage them to stay on the positive line, therefore I cannot spend all my life as a public officer, I would still spend some time with them, because I

still feel I am young, I’m under 60, immediately I cross that 60 I will start thinking of retirement, because I know that retirement year is 60 in Nigeria. That is why I have been addressing it since 2006, my next line of action as a public officer is to be able to leave people that can take over from us and reason like us, having the interest of our local government at heart, not people that are thinking of going to make money, because it is not until when I got out of government that people get to know that I don’t have money, they feel I have alot of money. This because I spend money, I want to satisfy everybody, but not until when I left government, that I got to know I don’t have much and had to run around to fend for my family, that is the kind of culture I want to leave behind, the culture of service, trying to do things for the people, when I was talking of doing three high streets for our local government, we were to deliver one, people don’t know how, I said go to Lagos State and check you will not see it inside their budget, I was not a speaker but while I was a majority leader I did something, as the chairman of intervention fund I took money from there and that was the beginning of development in our area, when you enter Badia now compare its present state with what it used to be in those days, you will not know you are in Badia until you get to Badagry Expressway, we are turning our area around, we are now doing it in conjunction with them, we have the same community, if you are not careful you will not know the difference between Badia and Amukoko, Badia is in Apapa and Amukoko is Ajegunle. Those are the things I want my young one to have in mind; I told them do you need to ask for what is yours?

Because my first election I was 37 years old, also a young man you don’t need to ask for it but strive and ensure you achieve it.

ANN to Nigerians: Beware of Atiku and his promises Patrick Okohue The Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) has said that the so called mega parties in the country are one and the same and can at best be described as different sides of a bad coin, urging Nigerians not to look towards them if indeed they have a desire for a better nation.

Whilst reviewing the process that it said has brought Nigeria to its knees and how the priced assets of Nigeria have been sold at different times to a few Nigerians at the detriment of the majority of Nigerians, the party in a statement signed by the Director General of the ANN 2019 Presidential Campaign, Mr Lanre Oyegbola noted that NigerDock was once the largest ship fabrication yard in West Africa sub region when it was sold to Atiku’s preferred bidder, ‘Global Energy’.

ANN argued that though the preferred bidder agreed to increase NigerDock’s workforce from 4,800 to 6,000 as part of the privatisation

agreement, it however dismissed 2,200 immediately it took ownership. Jagal Group that took over after Global Energy lost out on power play also sacked 1,400.

“In the same manner the so called reform of the Nigeria Ports Authority reform was purely aimed at grabbing the landed properties. The NPA properties consisting of 68 properties in Apapa, 28 houses in Ikoyi were the target as they claimed to reform the port that today we all can see and be witness of the pitiable situation the port is and the level of resource waste that goes on due to the non functioning port.

“Yet the mega parties who have had actors at different times in destroying the port can debate about how the port is either not working or not doing enough whilst their principal was the chief of the plunders and gainers of the properties.”

Oyegbola further argued that, “when they destroyed the Nigeria Railway in 2007 when Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was

leaving in 2007, their party did not only leave a huge unpaid N5 Billion Railway pension arrears, they also sacked a total of 8,260 railway workers between 2005 and 2006 without compensation, and now they have come with lies of privatising or reforming the NNPC to create more jobs and all.”

Warning Nigerians to be weary of promises of people with record of not keeping their words, the ANN Presidential Campaign DG said, “Let’s we forget that like the port and railways, Atiku also supervised the selling of many other assets of Nigeria and all were sold with the intention of making them work better and create opportunities for all, but it was all a lie, just like his running mate lied so much during the debate quoting figures that were at best falsehood and without any empirical backing.

“They sold Nigeria in the past and made it so poor even it’s so blessed. Now they’re are back to sell what’s left of Nigeria, and chief amongst them is the NNPC.”

Atiku

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FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

US-led coalition says Syria withdrawal has begun The United States-led coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) has started the process of withdrawing from Syria, its spokesperson has said.

The coalition “has begun the process of our deliberate withdrawal from Syria”, Colonel Sean Ryan said on Friday. “Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific timelines, locations or troop movements.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the coalition had started scaling down its presence at Rmeilan airfield in the northeastern province of Hasakeh.

“On Thursday, some American forces withdrew from the Rmeilan military base in Hasakeh province,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based monitoring organisation.

“This is the first such pullout of American forces since the US president’s announcement” of a full troop withdrawal from Syria last month, he said.

The withdrawal of troops also coincided with a trip to the Middle

East by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reassure allies about the US plans to withdraw troops from Syria.

In his keynote speech at the American University in Cairo on Thursday, Pompeo described the US as a “force for good” and said it remained committed to the “complete dismantling” of the threat posed by the ISIL group.

The US-led coalition, which includes countries such as France and Britain, was formed in mid2014 to counter ISIL’s expansion after it proclaimed its self-styled “caliphate”.

The coalition supported the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against the ISIL. Last month, US President Donald Trump said he had ordered the withdrawal of all US forces in Syria, which are believed to number around 2,000.

Trump said the ISIL had been completely defeated and that the US troops could therefore come home.

His announcement, which came after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan,

US Marines fire mortars from an undisclosed location in Syria was criticised even within his own camp and is already having major repercussions on the nearly eightyear-old conflict.

Washington’s Kurdish allies in northern Syria fear the withdrawal will open the way for Turkey to mount a long-threatened offensive against their area.

Turkey, which views the dominant Syrian Kurdish groups as a national security threat, indicated it may attack Syria.

On Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara will go ahead with an offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters in Syria if the US delays the withdrawal of its troops.

US National Security Adviser John Bolton suggested on Tuesday that protecting the Kurds would be a pre-condition of the US withdrawal, drawing a rebuke from Erdogan who called his comments “a serious mistake”.

In Cairo, Pompeo delivers Trump’s vision: Confrontation with Iran US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has launched a scathing broadside against Iran, laying out the Trump administration’s vision for the Middle East in a keynote speech at the American University in Cairo.

Pompeo on Thursday called for an end to Middle East rivalries to roll back Tehran’s influence and vowed to “expel every last Iranian boot” from Syria.

“It’s time for old rivalries to end, for the sake of the greater good of the region,” Pompeo said. He is on a Middle East tour to reassure allies about US plans to withdraw troops from Syria.

The United States “will use diplomacy and work with our partners to expel every last Iranian boot” from Syria and will bolster efforts “to bring peace and stability to the long-suffering Syrian people,” he said.

Pompeo rebuked the administration of former US President Barack Obama for their “misguided” and “wishful” thinking that diminished the US’s role

in the region and emboldened its main foe: Iran.

The top US diplomat also criticised Obama for being naive and timid when confronted with challenges posed by the revolts that convulsed the Middle East, including Egypt, beginning in 2011.

He blamed the previous administration for the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and Iran’s increasing assertiveness, which he said was a direct result of sanctions relief, granted to it under the 2015 nuclear deal.

Describing the US as a “force for good” in the Middle East, Pompeo sought to reassure allies that it remained committed to the “complete dismantling” of the threat posed by the ISIL group despite Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria.

Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara said that Pompeo’s speech failed to resonate with Arab audiences.

Pompeo accused former US President Barack Obama of sowing chaos in the Middle East

His speech, which began with “America is a force of good in the Middle East”, is a marked departure from Obama’s humble speech which started with an apology, Bishara said.

“I think that’s an arrogant approach to the Middle East, telling its people who suffered millions of casualties since America’s wars in 1980,” Bishara said.

“That does not strike people in the Middle East as a humble and engaging approach.”

In the speech entitled “A Force for Good: America’s Reinvigorated Role in the Middle East,” Pompeo extolled the Trump administration’s actions across the region cementing ties with traditional, albeit authoritarian governments, taking on ISIL and imposing tough new sanctions on Iran.

“President Trump has reversed our willful blindness to the danger of the regime and withdrew from the failed nuclear deal, with its false promises,” Pompeo said.

Iran’s foreign minister was quick to mock the US Secretary of State’s speech in which he said “when America retreats, chaos follows,” by asserting the opposite was true.

“Whenever/wherever US interferes, chaos, repression and resentment follow,” Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter.

Since withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran last May, the Trump administration has steadily ratcheted up pressure on Tehran and routinely accuses the nation of being the most destabilising influence in the region.

It has vowed to increase the pressure

until Iran halts what US officials describe as its “malign activities” throughout the Middle East and elsewhere, including support for rebels in Yemen, anti-Israel groups and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

While the Obama administration made the landmark nuclear deal with Iran a priority, the Trump administration is taking the opposite approach, Al Jazeera’s Bishara said.

“The Trump administration is making Iran a priority not for engagement but for conflict... sacrificing a lot of things in the region in order to make sure that they have the Middle East strategic alliance against Iran.”

According to Bishara, Pompeo’s approach set a low bar, with scant mention of Yemen - just half a line - despite the war in Yemen being a key issue in the Middle East. The occupied Palestinian territories weren’t mentioned at all, Bishara noted.

With the UN and human rights organisations repeatedly condemning the tragedy in Yemen, the US should be looking at wrapping up the war, Bishara said.

The Al Jazeera analyst added that Pompeo is “pushing Arab leaders to normalise relations with Israel while it is and continues to be an occupying power.”

In a rebuttal to the speech, a group of mainly former Obama administration foreign policy officials rejected Pompeo’s assertions as petty and weak.

Pompeo’s speech came on the third leg of a nine-nation Middle East tour aimed at reassuring US allies against threats from Iran and ISIL.

g 21 Sudan: Police fire tear gas as hundreds protest against al-Bashir Sudanese security forces have fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters in the capital Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman as organisers urge nationwide demonstrations over the next week calling for the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir.

Crowds chanting “Freedom, Peace, Justice” demonstrated on Friday in two areas of Khartoum and in Omdurman just across the Nile, witnesses said.

They were quickly confronted by volleys of tear gas from riot police.

The demonstrations, which first erupted on December 19 over a government decision to triple the price of bread, have swiftly escalated into broader protests that are widely seen as the biggest threat to al-Bashir’s threedecade rule.

Friday’s protests came after organisers called for nationwide demonstrations over the next week demanding that alBashir resign.

“We will launch a week of uprising with demonstrations in every Sudanese town and village,” the Sudanese Professionals’ Association said.

At least 22 people have been killed since the protests began, according to the authorities.

Human Rights Watch, however, said on Monday that at least 40 people had been killed, including children and medical staff.

Reporting from Khartoum, Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan said that while al-Bashir has remained defiant regarding the protests against him, so have the protesters.

“They say they will continue to come out into the streets, they will continue to make their voices heard, and they will continue to demand that he step down, something that [al-Bashir] said he’s not going to do until elections in 2020,” Morgan said.

“Even then, his party says they are going to try to re-elect him so that he can be nominated for presidency next year. So it’s not clear if these protests will ever end.

“People are saying that they’re fed up with his 29-year rule and that his promises to try to reform the economy, to try to improve the living situation for people is something that they’ve heard over and over again and only him stepping down would be the solution.”

Although the immediate trigger for the protests was the increase in the price of bread, Sudan has been facing a mounting economic crisis over the past year, partially caused by an acute shortage of foreign currency.

Repeated shortages of food and fuel have been reported in several cities, including the capital Khartoum, while the cost of food and medicine has more than doubled.

Al-Bashir and other officials have blamed Washington for Sudan’s economic woes, having imposed a trade embargo on Khartoum in 1997 that was lifted only in October 2017.

The president has remained defiant, telling thousands of loyalists at a Khartoum rally on Wednesday that his government would not give in to economic pressure.

“Those who tried to destroy Sudan... put conditions on us to solve our problems, I tell them that our dignity is more than the price of dollars,” al-Bashir said.

Across the Nile in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman, three demonstrators were killed on Wednesday as police fired tear gas to disperse the protest, the authorities said.

Morgan said that there are concerns among the protesters that the government will escalate its use of force in an attempt to put down the protests.

“People are saying that the force used against them by the government is brutal and that it increases day by day,” Morgan said.

Human rights groups say more than 1,000 people have been arrested since the protests began, including opposition leaders, activists and journalists as well as demonstrators.

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

Nigeria to field 60 athletes as Lagos hosts parapowerlifting championships

Nigeria will be represented by 60 athletes at the International Para Powerlifting Championships billed to hold in Lagos.

Queen Uboh, president of Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), says the competition will take place from January 24 to 31.

Uboh said Nigeria has the best para powerlifters in the world and will cart home most of the medals from the competition.

“The Nigerian athletes, considered the best para powerlifters all over the world reported to camp on the 3rd of January and are in serious training,” Uboh said.

“The other day in camp they were training vigorously and I asked why they were so bent on winning and they said because the world was coming to Nigeria,

g22

our soil. My people are ready to make Nigeria proud.

“So far, 10 countries are attending the competition.”

One of the para powerlifters expected to do Nigeria proud is Lucy Ejike, who is touted as one of the top five stars to watch out for in 2019.

Ejike currently holds the world mark of 142kg which she set at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.

She also cleared the bar at 131kg to win gold at the 2018 African Championships.

The competition has the backing of FrieslandCampina Wamco, makers of Peak milk, Heritage Bank, Total Nigeria Plc, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), AirFrance, KLM Airline, Ginklat Capsule, and the Lagos state government.

Alloy Agu: We’ll always invite the best hands to Super Eagles Super Eagles goalkeeper’s trainer and former national team goalkeeper, Alloy Agu, has promised Nigerians that the technical crew of the Eagles will continue to invite the best players to the national team.

Speaking, Agu said that

every Nigeria is eligible to play for the country and as such, the best legs and hands will be called upon. ” I have always said it before and I will say it again that every Nigerian player who is eligible to play for the national team”.

“As such, the technical crew

is always working hard to see that they invite the best hands and legs to represent the country and I believe that is how it should be”.

“So we will continue working hard and do our best to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” he concluded.

Nigeria women’s Super Four kicks off Jan 24th The Nigerian Football Women’s League have announced that 2017/18 Super Four tournament scheduled for the 23rd to the 26th of January will hold at the Agege stadium.

The tournament is expected to bring the NFWL season to an end.

Bayelsa Queens FC, Rivers Angels, Nasarawa Amazons, and Sunshine Queens will all battle for the coveted trophy.

According to a letter signed by the Chief Operating Officer Ayo Abdulrahman, all four teams from the are expected to arrive on the 23rd of January r pre-match meetings.

Bayelsa Queens will take on Sunshine Queens by 2pm in the opening game of the Super Four tournament on the 24th of January.

The second game of the day will be between Nasarawa Amazons and Rivers Angels.

January 25th has been reserved for rest day with hostilities resuming on the 26th.

Losers of matchday one will battle for the third-place finish by 2 pm with the winners taking to the pitch by 44 pm

AFCON: John Ogu confident of Super Eagles success Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu has submitted that the national team has a bunch of players who are hungry for success as well as ready to do the nation proud ahead of the AFCON 2019 in Egypt later this year.

In a chat, Ogu also thanked the NFF for their support to the players, while he strongly believes they will continue to do everything to make Nigerians happy.

“We have surely got the quality, that am certain of, I also want to thank the NFF who have been doing enough to ensure things go well”. ” We have a squad, and we will do everything to help our country to continue to excel, and we have a good chance of doing well by God’s grace “.

Bendel Insurance: Fans hail Obaseki, Shaibu for team’s return to NPFL, charge them on title

Fans of Bendel Insurance Football Club have hailed Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, for initiating reforms which spurred the club’s resurgence and eventual return to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), after 11 years.

Bendel Insurance gained promotion to the elite league after an excellent outing with three wins at the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Playoffs, which held in Aba. A cross-section of fans of the club, who spoke with journalists, hailed Governor Obaseki’s clear vision for the club which brought about the impressive outings during the NNL season as well as during the playoffs.

Mr. Ovbiosa Charles, said the club’s promotion came as

remarkable as it is emotional for anyone who knew the club in its heydays, noting “I sincerely thank the Edo State Government for responding speedily to the cries of our people for the return of Bendel Insurance to the NPFL.” “This promotion has been long overdue. Bendel Insurance is one of the first set of clubs to play in the Nigerian topflight division in the 1970s. So, I was wondering where we got it all wrong that the club had to be in relegation for 11 years. For spearheading the campaign that returned the team to the professional league, Governor Obaseki and his team have done us proud,” Ovbiosa added.

Another fan, Mr. Barnabas Efosa, hailed Governor Obaseki for his role in returning the club to its past glory, noting that the impressive performance of the team after its rebranding by the

governor, showed that the state government really does have good plans for sports development in the state.

He said it would be delightful to watch the team take on opponents in the topflight division at the home ground in Benin City.

“As we await the completion of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, I can’t wait to see Bendel Insurance play on home ground.

For allowing the deputy governor to spearhead the rebranding of the team, Governor Obaseki has proven to us that he is a leader who is interested in things that will benefit the people.”

Peter Odion, a sports analysist said the return of Bendel Insurance to the professional football league will put Edo State back on the spotlight in sports and boost the state’s economy, as it will attract more investors, sponsors and development.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki addressing supporters of Bendel Insurance Football Club, when the governor received them at Government House, in Benin City, after their qualification to Nigeria’s topflight division, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), after 11 years in relegation...on Friday.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 12, 2019

23 Sports Times

Super Eagles’ Odion Ighalo wants Premier League return Former Watford striker, Odion Ighalo, has told Sky Sports News he wants to return to the Premier League this month.

Chinese club Changchun Yatai want to recoup the £20 million they spent to sign him from Watford in January 2017, if they are to sell.

Shortly after joining Changchun Yatai, Ighalo claimed his preference was to remain in England.

He said at the time Crystal Palace

and West Brom were interested but the figure Watford were asking for was too high.

Ighalo has scored 36 goals in 55 games for Chanchung Yatai.

But he is expected to fly into the UK this week to discuss his future.

The Nigerian joined Watford in 2014 and scored 16 goals in 55 appearances in the Premier League for the Hornets, forming a successful partnership with Troy Deeney.

Police request Cristiano Ronaldo’s DNA in alleged rape case

Mohamed Salah wins Liverpool Goal of the Month One of Mohamed Salah’s efforts against Bournemouth has won Liverpool Goal of the Month for December.

Having scored twice against Eddie Howe’s men, the 26-yearold completed his hat-trick in a scintillating manner, dribbling past his markers including goalkeeper Asmir Begovic before he calmly slotted in the ball to help the Reds to a 4-0 emphatic victory.

The effort has been massively voted for as the best ahead of the Egypt international’s winning goal against Napoli in a decisive Champions League tie at Anfield.

Roberto Firmino’s goal against Arsenal came third; Divock

Origi’s stoppage-time winner against Everton was voted fourth while Salah’s second strike against the Cherries was fifth.

The former Roma player who recently won the 2018 African Player of the Year prize will add the individual accolade to his numerous collections.

This season, the versatile forward has scored 16 goals in all competitions, including 13 in the Premier League and provided seven assists.

Liverpool travel to the Amex Stadium on Saturday to take on Brighton and Hove Albion and the fleet-footed forward will hope to continue his sparkling form in the tie.

Heartland FC unveils 15 new players Nigeria professional football league side Heartland Football Club of Owerri unveiled 15 new players ahead of the coming 2018/2019 NPFL season which is expected to start on Sunday, January 13th, 2019.

The new players were unveiled to the Club fans on Thursday morning inside the main bowl of Dan Anyawu Stadium, Owerri

with was club President, Chibuzor Etuemena Goodfaith alias Bash in attendance.

Among the new players recruited are the duo of FC Ifeanyi Ubah Felix Osia and Gabriel Adeboye, Efe Yarhere also joined from Aiteo Cup champions Enugu Rangers, Akhabue Joshua was signed from Delta Force.

Others are Segun Fatunwase,

Uche Michael, Harrison Chukwuji, Chukwudi Nwaodu, and Samuel Nnoshiri.

The Naze millionaires President Chibuzor Etuemena said the Club will have a good season with the quality of players at their disposal and urged the players to defend the club’s badge on and off the pitch.

Molde: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer staying at Manchester United has not been discussed Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to return to his role at Molde in May and there is no provision for him to take the job full-time, the Norwegian club have told the Daily Mail.

Solskjaer arrived at Old Trafford on a short-term deal last month after Jose Mourinho was sacked and United have paid compensation to the Norwegian club, where the manager recently signed a new contract that runs until 2021.

“The deal is until May 12,” Molde managing director Oystein Neerland told the Daily Mail. “That is our Plan A and our Plan B. We have no Plan C. “We have only spoken with United about this period January to May. Nothing else. I’m staying with this plan.

“I think Ole will be back in May. I think.”

Sources have told ESPN that United will continue to conduct a thorough process in the search for a new manager despite Solskjaer winning all five of his matches in charge so far.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is the leading candidate

to become Mourinho’s permanent successor, although Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is also being considered by the United hierarchy.

Pochettino and Allegri are ranked seventh and fourth respectively among the world’s managers in the ESPN FC 100.

Solskjaer and Pochettino will go head-to-head at Wembley on Sunday

when United take on Tottenham and the Norwegian said he can understand why his opposite number is favourite to land the role at Old Trafford.

“He’s done a very good job,” Solskjaer told a news conference on Thursday. “The speculation is there for a reason because he’s done well but it’s not my job to rate different managers.

My focus is on me and my team.”

Las Vegas police have asked soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo to submit a DNA sample as part of their investigation into rape allegations made against him.

The Juventus forward has vehemently denied the accusations — with his lawyer, Peter Christiansen, telling AFP the request was standard procedure.

“Mr Ronaldo has always maintained, as he does today, that what occurred in Las Vegas in 2009 was consensual in nature, so it is not surprising that DNA would be present, nor that the police would make this very standard request as part of their investigation,” he said in a statement.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said it had made an official request to Italian authorities, adding it is “taking the same steps in this case as in any other sexual assault to facilitate the collection of DNA evidence.”

Former model Kathryn Mayorga, 34, of Las Vegas, accused Ronaldo in a complaint filed last year in the state of Nevada.

She claims after meeting him at a Las Vegas nightclub, he raped her at his hotel suite on June 13, 2009 — just before he joined Real Madrid from Manchester United.

Mayorga alleges she was paid $375,000 to keep quiet.

Ronaldo’s lawyers have said that the non-disclosure agreement signed with the former model is “by no means a confession of guilt.”

Mayorga’s attorney has previously said that the model agreed to an out-of-court settlement to keep her name from going public, but was inspired to speak out by the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment.

Mayorga’s attorney could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.

Tochukwu Oluehi expresses delight over Super Falcons’ World Cup plans Super Falcons goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi has expressed delight at what could turn out to be Super Falcons best preparation plan for a major tournament as the team commenced plans for the 2019 FIFA women’s world cup in France.

The Rivers Angels shot-stopper said that the plan on ground will really be of great help to the team as they get down to business with the first assignment coming up in China where the team will participate in the Four-Nation Invitational Tournament from the 17th – 20th of January which will be followed by the Cyprus women’s cup in February.

Tochukwu thereafter said the more the team stays together with all the tournament ahead, the more the team strike chemistry and the better for the women national team.

Nigeria to field 60 athletes as Lagos hosts para-powerlifting championships Nigeria will be represented by 60 athletes at the International Para Powerlifting Championships billed to hold in Lagos.

Queen Uboh, president of Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), says the competition will take place from January 24 to 31.

Uboh said Nigeria has the best para powerlifters in the world and will cart home most of the medals from the competition.

“The Nigerian athletes, considered the best para powerlifters all over the world reported to camp on the 3rd of January and are in serious training,” Uboh said.

“The other day in camp they were training vigorously and I asked why they were so bent on winning and they said because the world was coming to

Nigeria, our soil. My people are ready to make Nigeria proud.

“So far, 10 countries are attending the competition.”

One of the para powerlifters expected to do Nigeria proud is Lucy Ejike, who is touted as one of the top five stars to watch out for in 2019.

Ejike currently holds the world mark of 142kg which she set at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.

She also cleared the bar at 131kg to win gold at the 2018 African Championships.

The competition has the backing of FrieslandCampina Wamco, makers of Peak milk, Heritage Bank, Total Nigeria Plc, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), AirFrance, KLM Airline, Ginklat Capsule, and the Lagos state government.

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FLASHBACK in Times: January 12, 1950

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019

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