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National Peace C’ttee panel meets Buhari over Atiku’s grievances We’ll challenge presidential poll results in court, PDP insists

Mathew Dadiya and Tunde Opalana, Abuja The National Peace Committee (NPC) led by former Head of State, General Absulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has met with President

My second term’ll be tough, Buhari tells Nigerians https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja where it tabled the concerns raised by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, over the results of last week Saturday’s presidential election.

Continued on page 3

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019

VOL. 3

NO. 886

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Says he’s physically fit to deliver on campaign promises

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Contrary to criticism that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration has not delivered on its campaign promises, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his next four year term in office will be tough, as he would be expected to justify the reasons for which he was re-elected by Nigerians.

According to the President, Nigerians would be expecting to see results concerning some of the campaign promises which bothered on securing the country, revamping the economy and taming corruption.

Buhari said this on Friday when members of the Federal Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, paid him a congratulatory visit at the State House,

Abuja.

President Buhari was re-elected for a second term, having polled 15,191,847 million votes, winning 19 states to defeat 72 other candidates including the Presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who polled 11,255,978 million votes.

He said: “My last lap of four years, I think it is going to be tough because people are being forgetful.

That was why wherever I went, I reminded them of the campaign promise of our party, particularly security, as I kept on saying that you have to secure the country well and manage institutions. If you do not secure the country, you cannot achieve anything no matter how many programmes you put in place”.

On the economic front, the President said something has to be done on addressing the indices CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Political campaigns: NBC sanctions 45 broadcast stations g 5 Boko Haram g 5 Again, NEMA prevented me from receives another g 11 going to my village 326 Nigerians Nollywood is one of the worst places for 4yrs – Sheriff from Libya g 5 to have female friends – Nazo Ekezie g 5 Anti-party activities: APC NWC suspends Amosun, Okorocha, Usani, Okechukwu

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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My second term ’ll be tough, Buhari tells Nigerians

Continued from page 1

of unemployment, especially when 60 percent of the population had nothing to do.

The President also revealed that he decided to tour the entire country during his campaign programmes to prove to the opposition that he was physically fit to govern the country for another term.

While making his remarks, the President said: “First, I am pleased that members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) are collectively meeting here today where we play our weekly role to congratulate me.

I think if I have lost the election, I don’t know how many of them will be here.

“Secondly, during the campaigns, I tried to visit the 36 states and Abuja, firstly, to prove to the other side that I’m fit. I tried to cover two states per day and secondly, not to make anybody feel that any state had been left out.

“So, I thank God that He gave me the strength and health to see through my plan and I think it is appreciated.

“Secondly, on the economy, unemployment is a problem of this country as a whole. More than 60 per cent of the youths, they need to be kept busy. I realised that God heard our prayers. It had been two good rainy seasons and we had the foresight to get the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Central Bank to try and give soft loans to farmers so that everybody that is educated and looking for white collar jobs and cannot get it, can go back to the land.

We are lucky the rainy season had been good”.

He acknowledged the

roles played by Lagos, Ogun, Kebbi, Jigawa and Ebonyi state governments in the first four year term, which he noted contributed to food sufficiency, especially rice production.

According to him, prospects of early rainy season in the country may prove to be a blessing in the next four year term.

“I think we are also lucky that through the governors in some states like Lagos, Ogun, Kebbi, Jigawa, Ebonyi, in particular, we don’t import rice but we have savings from rice in terms of foreign exchange which we put in the budget and use for infrastructure.

“That is a very good thing because the oil sector is becoming very difficult to predict. It is becoming unpredictable and depending on it makes us materially insecure but thank goodness, agriculture has come to save it and people are appreciating it”.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha said the votes garnered by Buhari which enabled him to win the election was a referendum on his honesty, integrity and uprightness.

The SGF spoke glowingly of the President, saying the change he promised four years ago to put the Nigerian economy on a sustainable development path; restore security of lives and property; and to fight corruption has laid the firm foundation for growth.

He said: “I am delighted to speak on behalf of members of the Federal Executive Council and the Leadership of the Public Service of Nigeria on the courtesy visit, to congratulate Your Excellency on the historic re-election as the President

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your victory with a huge majority of votes cast is indeed a well-deserved success because it was a referendum on honesty, integrity uprightness and sincerity.

“Members of the Federal Executive Council are particularly delighted because Nigerians have validated and rewarded the long rigorous hours we spent in this Council Chamber to deliberate on matters of national importance.

You led us with assured calmness, understanding and ensured that we gave account of our stewardship openly.

“Your commitment, dedication and purposeful leadership has indeed become the springboard that has taken us to the next level.

In a further remark, the SGF said: “The leadership of the Public Service is happy because this re-election will deepen the on-going reforms aimed at strengthening its capacity for the delivery of good governance.

“For the records, we recall your reform achievements signposted by the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Bank Verification Number (BVN), Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), the Open “Government Partnership (0GP) the whistle blower policy, the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2017-2020, your commitment to the implementation of the Minimum Wage as well as to the welfare of the Nigerian workers. All of these have combined to transform the Public Service into an effective and productive machinery”.

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PHOTO TIMES

R-L: Cardinal John Onaiyekan; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; Catholic Bishop, Rev Father Matthew Hassan Kukah and Sani Atsu during an audience with members of the National Peace Committee at the State House in Abuja...on Friday.

President Muhammadu Buhari (Fourth right) in a handshake with the leader of the delegation, Senator Kabiru Gaya (Fourth left); others are Chief of Staff Mallam Abba Kyari; APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Alh Bala Abdu Makanwa; Hon Nasiru Indabawa; Halifa Musa Danagundi and Hon Mende Rogo, Personal Assistant to the President on Broadcast Media and House of Representative-elect, Shaba’an Sharidan during a congratulatory visit at the State House, Abuja...on Friday.

National Peace C’ttee panel meets Buhari over Atiku’s grievances

Continued from page 1

This is even as the PDP insisted on Friday that it will challenge the results of the presidential election in court, adding that and nobody can stop it from doing so.

President Buhari was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling 15,191,847 votes to defeat the candidate of the PDP, Atiku, who scored 11, 262, 978 votes.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting which lasted for about an hour, General Abdulsalami acknowledged that the results of the elections have raised a lot of dust with divergent grievances across the polity.

The former Head of State, however, said he was pleased with the news that the PDP has decided to approach the court to seek redress.

“As much as we have grievances, l am glad that the PDP say they are going to court to challenge the process. l think this is the right way to go about it, and l hope and pray that we will maintain this,” he said.

General Abdulsalami confirmed that members of his panel had met with the presidential candidate of the PDP who raised concerns contrary to the reported conditions as being speculated.

He said: “The Presidential election

result has raised a lot of dust and the people feel aggrieved. Yesterday (Thursday) l met the PDP Presidential candidate and his party in order to ensure that this peace committee ensures that really, our concern is about Nigeria.

“Atiku presented his grievances and his observations, he did not present any conditions, he gave his complaints, which we have come to present and discuss with Mr. President to see what can be done.

“And in order to listen to their grievances and what they think has gone wrong and we are here today to see his Excellency, the President in order to relay the fears and concerns of the PDP and Mr. President he listened to us and has taken note of what we have told him.”

Abdulsalami, who was in the Villa with John Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah, urged Nigerians to always explore peaceful means regardless of the outcome of elections.

“Nigerians should please on behalf of this country and all of us, regardless, we need peace. This country is very, very important to all of us. We are not talking about self-interest, we are talking about the interest of the country.

“I keep saying, whenever there is violence, we are not going to see violence in Ikoyi, in the Villa and you will not find violence in the various

government houses in this country.

It is always the poor man that get to kill themselves and so on,” he added.

Meanwhile, contrary to media report of being prevailed upon by the National Peace Committee, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday, insisted that it will challenge the results of the Presidential election in court and nobody can stop it from doing so.

The PDP also said it had no agreement with the Gen. Abdudalamled Committee during a meeting on Friday.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said the position of the party has not changed and cannot be changed by any negotiation with anybody or institution.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the chairman said the party stated its grievances as requested by the Committee which promised to listen to the All Progressives Congress (APC) without arm-twisting the party to drop its intended legal action.

Explaining the details of the meeting between PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the party leadership and members of the Peace Committee; Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar (rtd), Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, he said: “When they

Continued on page 5

L-R: Director, Media & Publicity, Independence Campaign Group, Comrade Olusesan Daini; Hon. Jimi Benson; Director General, ICG, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Deputy DG, ICG, Cardinal James Odunbaku; Chief of Staff, Hon. (Mrs.) Rasheedat Essien; Director, Legal, Barr. Lawal Pedro; and Chairman, Lagos State, All Progressive Congress, UK, Hon. Tayo Sodeinde, at the presentation of the wheel chairs and other items to the Sanyoolu Independent Campaign Group in Lagos.

L-R: Wole Famurewa, Market Editor, West Africa, CNBC/Moderator; Dr. Doyin Salami, Senior Lecturer, Lagos Business School (LBS); Abosede Alimi, Director, Strategy, Partnerships and Stakeholder Management, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF); Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Group Chief, Sustainability and Governance, Dangote Industries Limited, and Mr. Kola Aina, Founding Partner, Ventures Platform Limited, at the official report presentation of LSETF impact, progress with support from Ford Foundation in Lagos State.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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Anti-party activities: APC NWC suspends Amosun, Okorocha, Usani, Okechukwu Queries Akeredolu

Tom Okpe, Abuja The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All P,rogressives Congress (APC) has suspended the Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and his Imo State counterpart, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for anti-party activities.

Also suspended by the APC NWC over same offence are the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani and the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu.

This decision was reached on Friday at a meeting of the party’s NWC, presided by the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, at the APC National Secretariat.

The NWC also took a decision to recommend the expulsion of the suspended individuals to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

The NWC has also issued a query to the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, over his glaring anti-party activities, which greatly affected the fortunes of its candidates in the recently-conducted Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

Recall that the NWC had earlier written to the suspended governors on their anti-party activities, and several other steps were taken to ensure they desist from taking actions that are inimical to the interests of the party and candidates. Notably, these individuals have not shown any remorse and have actually stepped up their actions.

The party reviewed the serial anti-party activities of the concerned individuals before

As DG VON says Oshiomhole caused APC defeat in Enugu

and during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections in their respective states and resolved to enforce party discipline in line with our constitution.

The NWC led by Oshiomhole noted how the suspended members have continued to campaign openly for other parties and candidates that are unknown to our great party, even while they have constituted themselves as opposition to APC candidates in their respective states.

The APC Chairman said: “Importantly, the NWC is closely monitoring the activities of our members across the country, and particularly, in the states these suspended members belong to. We wish to reiterate that any member of our party who takes any action solely or in line with the directives of the suspended members to undermine our party’s candidates in the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections would face disciplinary actions.

“We wish to congratulate our members nationwide for the victories we recorded across the country in the last elections and particularly, the renewal of our party’s mandate to pilot the affairs of this country for the next four years.

This could not have happened if not for the hard work and commitment of our members.

“We therefore urge all our members to unite and work ever harder to ensure victory for our candidates across the states in the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections”.

The NWC called on party members to disregard directives and actions of the suspended individuals as APC would continue to live by the dictate of its constitution.

Meanwhile, the Director General, Voice of Nigeria, Dr. Osita Okechukwu, in reaction to his suspension by the party on Friday, said he has not got the suspension letter but if actually a press statement is issued, “it may not be unconnected with those who want to sideline their enemies in this season of contestation.

He said: “Remember that Femi Adesina, spokesman for Mr. President had opened window for gruesome struggle.

“Otherwise, one had taken time and resources to campaign vigorously for my great party and even set up the ZikistBuharist-Movement (ZBM), an offshoot of Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) of which am a foundation member.

“It is on record that with ZBM we toured the nooks and crannies of Enugu and indeed the South East, canvassing for votes for our great party.

“Am also instrumental to the most consistent advert placed in several media in the South East, on behalf of our great party.

“Accordingly, one should not be blamed for the triumph of Bigotry in Enugu State and South East in general.

“Our Comrade Chairman should not blame me for hoisting some unpopular National Assembly candidates for the APC in our zone. For, I am at loss how one contributed to the failure of his darling candidate, Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku Nwagu in Egede, her home town and Udi local government her primary local council in the five that make up the senatorial district”.

Okechukwu said he will give detailed reply when officially contacted.

Political campaigns: NBC sanctions 45 broadcast stations

Threatens to shut down some after paying N500,000 fine

Tom Okpe, Abuja No fewer than forty-five broadcast stations have been sanctioned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over some infractions that violated its code during political campaigns before last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Director-General of NBC, Mallam Isi’aq Kawu Modibbo, who disclosed this in Abuja at a press briefing on Friday, said these stations have been asked to pay N500,000 each for the offences committed ranging from hate speeches, fake news among others.

He stressed that the commission will not hesitate to shut down any station which continues to violate already slated ethics and etiquettes of the profession, insisting that the broadcasters need to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Code, especially on the need

for compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

The NBC boss lamented how some stations were so adamant in flouting rules despite the commission’s efforts to train, organise seminars, and orientate all stations across the country.

He explained: “The Commission embarked on a deliberate training and sensitisation programme before the elections.

The Commission organised training sessions in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Enugu, Sokoto and Abuja to remind stations of the provisions of the broadcasting Code and to warn about the dangers of hate speech.

“The Commission also visited broadcast stations across the country in preparation for the elections. The Commission partnered with several agencies including the EU SDGN Project to train broadcasters across the country “We organised a one day workshop on

Hate Speech, Fake news, Vote & PVC buying.

We similarly set up an election coverage monitoring process across the country. And that involved all the members of the NBC management. It was a 24 hours operation.

Staff of the Commission also attended several training sessions.

“Despite the above interventions, at the end of the Presidential elections held on the 23rd of February, 2019, the following stations were found culpable of infractions of the provisions of the Code and have been sanctioned, accordingly. They violated Sections 5.2.12, 7.6.6 and 7.6.7 of the Code.”

Modibbo also revealed that the Commission also sanctioned stations who allowed politicians to make abusive, inciting and provocative statements during rallies.

He said this happened on several radio and television stations particularly on the four national networks such as NTA, AIT, Channels TV and TVC News.

Again, NEMA receives another 326 Nigerians from Libya Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 326 newly repatriated stranded Nigerian from Libya back to Nigeria.

The Coordinator of Lagos NEMA Territorial office, Alhaji Idris Muhammed, received the voluntary Returnees on arrival in two different flights at the Cargo Wing of MMIA, Ikeja.

The first flight arrived Nigeria with 143 returnees aboard Al Buraq Air Boeing 737-800 with flight number UZ189 and registration number 5A-DMG which landed at 10:20 pm on Thursday while the second flight arrived with Nouvelair Air flight UZ 175 and Registration number TS-INA with 183 Returnees aboard.

The repatriated Nigerians were brought back by International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in its Assisted Voluntary Returnees (AVR) initiative with funding

from European Union for reintegration of the Returnees back in into their community.

At the end of profiling, the breakdown of whole Returnees show that 291 adults were brought back with 8 children and 27 infants.

The NEMA Coordinator assured the youths of a better and prosperous life in the country.

“The country of our dream is unfolding, as you are struggling to travel outside country, many foreign nationals are also struggling to come into Nigeria as well.

“Movement of people are naturally divine and no one is saying you should not travel but travelling across the desert does not worth it.

“The Federal Government is desirous to make every Nigerian to make his quota in developing the country to the level we want it to be.

“Let us all stay back and support the government in its efforts at refocusing the country.

“We all have trust and confidence in this

government that it will lead us to the promised land with the present leadership but the youths are the engine room in building a virile and developed nation.

“Travelling out for greener pastures outside will not enable our needed collective efforts that are very vital at this stage of the country’s progressive history,” he stated.

Muhammed admonished them to be ready for reintegration process that would follow the arrival stage that has just been completed.

Meanwhile, the Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Daniel Atokolo, has assured Nigerians that volunteering information that could lead to identification and arrest of traffickers would be treated with utmost secrecy with the protection of the source of information as priority.

He said trafficking is evil but “we must root it out of the country, we can’t do it alone if Nigerians do not see it as their tasks that must be collectively dealt with”.

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National Peace C’ttee panel meets Buhari over Atiku’s grievances Continued from page 3

came, they met with us and they requested us to please state our grievances.

“There was no condition. Initially, we were not to talk with them because a decision had been taken to go to court. But because of the personalities involved, we said okay, let’s just talk.

“It was no condition. There was no request of any condition.

“We made it clear that unless the injustices are addressed, there is no room for peace. It is only when you address the injustice that you can now sit down for peace.

“So, whatever interpretation that was done by anybody, let it be clear to anybody that we did not give condition, they did not request for it. It was like, look, state what really happened in the election and we told them how the military took over the election and conducted the election in favour of APC and INEC collusion”.

Secondus further insisted on the party’s position, saying “We will go to court. Nobody will stop us from going to court and bring all of the facts both the international observers and some people have not seen.

“We will unearth them at the courts and I believe that justice will be done at the courts.

“Because if we continue to suppress injustice and go sentimental, the country will continue to pile on gun powder that will explode one day.

“So much injustices have been done in this country and if we allow it and it continues to pile, nobody knows what will happen.

“So, that’s why we decided as good citizens and law-abiding and people who believe in rule of law that we will go,” he added.

Commenting on reports of the election observers that the February 23 election was peacefully conducted, the chairman said the observers probably were frightened by threat by the Kano State governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

He said: “We are not going to depend on approaching the courts on the comments of observers that were threatened.

“They were threatened and so, what do you expect them to say? They have to go home with their lives. They were threatened and silenced”.

He said militarisation of the election accounted for low turnout of voters in the South South where there was killing and suppression of voters.

He said: “The military were dragged into the election to suppress and scare away voters and facilitate rigging. That is how you hear ridiculously that war-torn Borno and Yobe states recorded higher percentage in voter turnout than some states in the South South geo- political zone.

“Shamelessly, they have again started mobilising to use the same military to forcefully take over for APC two PDP states in the South South and one state in the South East.

“Credible intelligence available to the party showed that the ruling party’s main link in INEC met with party’s leadership as well as the military to review the planned strategy to take over these states.

He added that while the military was suppressing voters in PDP stronghold areas in the South, a different abracadabra was going on in some northern states particularly in Kano, Yobe, Borno and Zamfara states where numbers refuse to add up.

“In Borno, Yobe and Zamfara states, confirmed report shows that there was noncompliance in the use of Smart card reader as approved by INEC rules.

“The same applies to cancelled votes. In Nasarawa State, over 115,000 votes cancelled, Kogi 79,000 votes, Plateau 30,000 votes indicating that these high incidence of vote cancellation were designed to suppress the margin of victory in PDP strong holds,” the PDP national chairman stated.

Boko Haram prevented me from going to my village for 4yrs - Sheriff Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Former factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two-term governor of Borno State, Senator AliModu Sheriff, has disclosed that he was prevented from accessing his hometown in the state for four straight years, due to the activities of Boko Haram insurgents.

Sheriff, who is now a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC), also said that the evil antics of the terrorists group prevented the state from delivering more than two million votes to President Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s presidential election.

The former governor made the revelation on Friday at the State House, Abuja, after observing Jumat prayers and a closed-door meeting with the President.

The Daily Times recalls that Buhari garnered a total of 836,496 votes to beat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party who scored 71,788 votes in Borno State.

“I did not go to my village for four years before the 2015 elections. Boko Haram had occupied all our local government areas in Borno but today, you can drive to any part of Borno. So whatever the people of Borno did for Mr. President last Saturday, we are only saying thank you for what he has done. If the atmosphere was clearer, Borno would have produced two million votes.”

When asked that the opposition doesn’t share similar views of the election being transparent, Sheriff said: “Why didn’t they complain when they won all southeastern states? The South East came out to vote for their son who is the vice presidential candidate in that election, but you don’t blame them. Northern Nigeria, we have our father, brother, and son as a candidate and we also came out

en masse to support him; there is no issue about it. If they don’t accept it, they can go to court.”

Sheriff, while speaking to State House correspondents, on his impression of the election, said: “I don’t know why the PDP is grumbling where the registered voters are more than two million and we only gave the President 830,000.

“As a governor, the President got over a million votes in Borno; why didn’t they complain then? They are just crying foul for nothing. This election was the most transparent election that ever took place in the history of Nigeria and I stand to be corrected. They should just embrace peace. The president has said that he is going to carry everyone along; they should accept their defeat and re-plan for 2023 if we are all alive. But this election has been won and won transparently.”

He noted that Buhari’s victory robs off on all Nigerians. “President Muhammadu Buhari within the last four years has done more than what any other president has done in this country.

“He came into power when the oil price was less than $30 at a stage. I am not surprised about the victory because Nigerians are very smart people; we know what is good for our country; we know the right thing to do at any given point in time.

“If you look at the antecedents of all the people that contested elections with President Buhari, none has ten percent of his credibility. This is a man that is not interested in what every Nigerian is interested in, to grab wealth and enrich themselves. He is there for the Nigerian people; he believes Nigeria should be better than where we are. He had a very simple message at the campaigns: that we have started fighting corruption, building the economy and lives of Nigerians need to be improved.”

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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INEC to hold supplementary polls on Short News March 9 to conclude NASS elections Rivers APC, Accord Party accuse Wike of using courts The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed March 9 for supplementary elections into areas where elections did not hold or returns could not be made in the February 23 national election.

A statement issued by Mr Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner, said that the supplementary elections would hold in affected areas alongside the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly and the FCT Area Council Elections on March 9.

Okoye, who is also Chairman of INEC Information and Voter Education Committee, said that the decision was reached at the commission’s meeting with its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Thursday in Abuja.

“Consequently, the meeting decided that supplementary elections will be conducted in all areas where elections did not take place and/or where returns could not be made on Saturday March 9 alongside the governorship and state houses of assembly elections,” he said Okoye said that the meeting reviewed the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly Elections and assessed its preparations for the state and the FCT Area Council Elections.

“The meeting acknowledged the delays in the commencement of elections in a number of polling units which necessitated the extension of the closing of polls in the affected areas.

“The Commission is determined to rectify the identified challenges before the elections on March 9.

“The meeting noted a number of cancellations in certain areas due to violence, which prevented the Commission from deploying personnel and materials for the elections.

“In a number of locations, it could not conclude the elections due to disruptions and deliberate noncompliance with the use of the Smart Card Reader (SCRs) contrary to lNEC regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections,” he said.

Okoye said that the meeting also assessed the role of security agencies in the elections.

He said that while acknowledging their professionalism in the deployment of election personnel and materials in a safe and timely manner, the conduct of certain members of the security agencies in some states was a matter of serious concern to the Commission.

Okoye added that the matter would be further discussed directly with the lnspector-General of Police within the ambit of the lnter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in preparation for the governorship, state houses of assembly and the FCT area council elections.

Okoye said that although the elections were generally peaceful, the meeting observed and decried the high level of violence in some places.

This, according to the INEC commissioner, regrettably led to fatalities in some states, in addition to the subjugation of some of INEC electoral officials to threats, harassment, intimidation, assault, abduction and even rape.

“The Commission condoles with the families of its ad hoc staff who lost their lives while on this national assignment, as well as other Nigerians who died in the course of the elections.

“It also expresses its deep regrets to and sympathy for all victims of this mindless violence. We stand with them in these difficult times,” he added.

Okoye said that the RECs had been directed to submit comprehensive reports of those incidents to the Commission for appropriate action.

Okoye said that the meeting also considered and received updates on preparations for the elections slated for state and the FCT. “The commission expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and the deployments of sensitive and non-sensitive materials scheduled for delivery to the Registration Area Centres (RACS) on Friday, March 8 and noted that this was on course.

“Going forward, RECs are further directed to engage with and provide regular updates to stakeholders on the state of preparations for the elections, ” he said.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrests 19 suspected internet fraudster

Feb 23 polls: FG commends security agencies for professionalism Minister of Interior, Lt.Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), has commended security agencies and the electorate on the peaceful conduct of the February 23, Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Dambazau gave the commendation in a statement issued on Friday by Mr. Mohammed Manga, Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry.

He thanked security agencies for their professionalism and conduct before, during and after the elections.

The minister also applauded Nigerians for coming out en-mass to exercise their civic responsibility, the outcome of which had been adjudged free, fair and credible.

He noted that the elections were overwhelmingly peaceful, condemned reported cases of violence in few areas and condoled with families of those who lost their loved ones in such circumstances.

He said that government had avowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and assured Nigerians of peaceful governorship and state

Assembly elections.

Dambwzau directed security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property during the March 9 elections.

The minister re-emphasised government’s resolve to deal with any person, or group of persons in possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons or persons engaging in electoral violence/ thuggery and other acts of threats to internal security, in accordance with the laws.

to stop PDP opponents in guber election Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

The All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Accord Party (AC), in Rivers State have accused the governor of the state Barrister Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike of using the court to stop his political opponents from participating in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Spokesman for the APC in Rivers State, Mr. Chris Finebone, told journalists in Port Harcourt that the party was not surprised at the outcome of the ruling of the State High Court which disqualified the AC candidate, Dumo Lulu Briggs, from participating in the governorship race of March 9, 2019 in the state.

According to Finebone, “We are not surprised that Wike has once again purchased a curious ruling of the court from the judicial supermarket.

“This is exactly the agenda he pursued against the APC; first directly, then later he came out in the open to do so. Yesterday, it was the APC; today it is the Accord Party. But just watch and see how his downfall will come. It will defy all known logic and expectations,” the Rivers State APC spokesman declared.

In the same vein, the Dumo Lulu Briggs Campaign Organisation also accused Governor Wike of sponsoring the court case to remove its governorship candidate, Mr. Dump Lulu Briggs, from contesting in the election.

A statement issued by the Director of Communicatios of the Dumo Lulu Briggs Campaign Organisation, Mr. Sotonye Ijuye-Dagogo, said the campaign organisation has filed an appeal and a stay of execution on the matter.

APGA seeks overhaul of INEC Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia One week after the conduct of the National Assembly election in Abia State, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has called for the sensitisation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) describing just concluded election in the state as fraudulent.

Addressing newsmen in his office, the state chairman of the party, Rev Augustine Ehiemere strongly expressed his disapproval of the election which he said “was characterized by high level fraud that casts serious aspersions on the competence and integrity of those that conducted the election”.

He highlighted the major concern of APGA to include “fraudulent actions that ranged from building of fake INEC registration data base, fraudulent purchase/seizure of PVCs belonging to innocent voters, corruption of many INEC staff like the EOs through the payment of monthly stipends with the intent of using them to rig election”.

“Just last Saturday, the PDP-led government despicably succeeded once again in unleashing psychological violence against millions suffering Abians by imposing, through crook and means, majority of the same people holding them down. Sadly, this was done through the criminal connivance of the majority of the highly compromised INEC officials in different parts of the state”, he further said.

He also called for an urgent prosecution of an INEC staff arrested with about ten thousand PVCs, who he said has since been linked to the state government.

Meanwhile, the Abia governortorial candidate of Accord Party, Barr Emeka Uwakolam has collapsed his governortorial ambition into the APGA by stepping down for APGA’s guber candidate, Dr. Alex Otti.

Women protest Gov.Okorocha’s election as senator in Imo Prince Nwankwo, Owerri

Hundreds of women in Imo State on Friday staged a peaceful protest against the announcement of Governor Rochas Okorocha as senator elect of his Senatorial District in Imo State The women who took to the street to express their grievance marched to the Army barracks, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, to register their protest against what they described as “the involvement of the Army in the controversial declaration of governor Rochas Okorocha, as Imo west senator-elect”.

Dressed in their black attires, the women who came from the twelve local government areas of Imo west senatorial district asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to declare the election inconclusive or cancel it entirely.

One of the soldiers at Obinze who refused to say his name addressed the women and promised them that their protest has been noted, that they will get positive reply from their head in no distant time.

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U.S, China congratulate Buhari on re-election

Short News

The United States government has congratulated the people of Nigeria on a successful presidential election, and President Buhari on his reelection for a four years term in office.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, in a letter to the President on Friday, commended all Nigerians who participated peacefully in the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections and condemned those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process. ‘‘We note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities. ‘‘We also congratulate all the

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday received more congratulatory and goodwill messages from world leaders following his convincing victory in the February 23 presidential election.

The Nigerian President received separate telephone calls from UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, congratulating him on his reelection and wishing the Nigerian people progress and prosperity.

President Buhari thanked the two leaders for their unflinching support to Nigeria and her people, pledging commitment to continue working with them to advance various areas of cooperation.

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process.

We call on all Nigerians to ensure successful state elections next week.

Going forward, the United States remains committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations,’’ Secretary Pompeo said.

Also, the Chinese President, Xi Jinping on Friday extended heartfelt congratulations to President Muhammadu Buhari on his decisive win in the February 23 presidential election in Nigeria.

In his congratulatory message, President Xi said: ‘‘On the occasion, of your re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would like to, on behalf of the government and people of China and in my own name, extend to Your

Excellency warmest congratulations and best wishes. I wish you continued success in fulfilling the lofty mission.’’

President Xi said, through joints efforts with President Buhari, Nigeria and China in recent years have significantly enhanced political mutual trust and secured fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation, which have delivered tangible benefits to both countries. ‘‘I highly value China’s relations with Nigeria and stand ready to join hands with you to follow through on the outcome of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and take the ChinaNigeria strategic partnership to a new height, to the greater benefits of the two countries and two peoples,’’ President Xi said.

UK Prime Minister, Turkish Leader congratulate Buhari on election victory Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Plateau: Finally, INEC announces National Assembly results for Jos North LGA Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The controversial results for House of Representative and Senate in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state, has finally been announced by the collation officer engaged by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), after five days of intensive pressure mounted by the public.

The February 23rd Presidential and National Assembly elections held last Saturday, left everyone guessing the outcome of the Jos North LGA results, as INEC said the collation officers in the area muddled up the process hence delayed the result until grey areas be sorted out.

However, on Thursday, Professor Christopher Vande, collation officer for Plateau North Senatorial District, announced the result for the House of Representative excluding two wards, Tudun-Wada/Kabong.

The results announced showed that the All Progressive Congress (APC), scored 87,321 while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), polled 53,416 votes.

The elections for House of Representative consequently was declared inconclusive because Tudun- Wada/Kabong ward result was cancelled, hence a re-run will be scheduled

by INEC on a later date.

However, for the Senate result announced, APC scored 171,233 will the PDP, secured 269,555 votes.

By this result, Istifanus Gyang of the PDP was declared winner of the Plateau North Senatorial zone.

Gyang is the current lawmaker representing Barkin-Ladi Riyom federal constituency at the National Assembly.

2019 General Election: Remain apolitical, NYSC DG urges Corps members L-R; Director Political Section Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Du Sheng, The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjin, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina and Deputy Director, Media State House, Mr Abiodun Oladunjiye during the presentation of Congratulatory letter of the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the Re-Election of President Buhari Friday at the State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.

Embrace everyone despite party affiliations, TUC urges Buhari Ukpono Ukpong Trade Union Congress (TUC), has called on President Buhari to be magnanimous with his victory and carry everyone.

In a statement signed by TUC Secretary General, Comr. MusaLawal Ozigi, and made available to Daily Times on Friday, the Congress congratulated President Buhari for what it termed a resounding and well deserved victory at the pools.

We write to congratulate you for your resounding and well deserved victory at the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly Elections held on February 23rd,

2019. We equally rejoice with your party and of course the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a free and fair election. For once, we are not derided by observers for incompetence in the electoral process.

“Your victory for our esteemed organization is an eloquent testimony to the fact that Nigerians believe in you and have resolved to be taken to the Next Level’’.

The statement reads in part: While expressing optimism that the outcome of the election which was keenly contested election will give President Buhari the opportunity to consolidate on the socio-economic progress he commenced in the past four years.

“Last Saturday election was not a case of winners and losers. There was no loser in the election. We were not in a war. We are brothers and sisters. As such, we appeal to you to be magnanimous in victory; embrace everyone irrespective of party affiliations, bring in good hands from across the parties to build a country we shall all be proud of.

“Now sir, you are the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Therefore as president, you are elevated above partisanship. Once again we congratulate you and wish you a sound health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of the country in another four years.” The statement reads

Ukpono Ukpong The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Suleiman Kazaure, has reiterated its call on Corps Members enlisted as INEC ad hoc personnel in the 2019 General Elections to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act as they participate in the conduct of the elections.

While commending the performance of Corps Members during the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly Elections, the DG in a statement sent to Daily Times, stressed that, as electoral umpires, they are expected to remain apolitical.

“Management wishes to warn that any Corps Member who directly engages in, aid or abets electoral malpractices will face prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

“As the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections approach, Management expects Corps Members to once again demonstrate high sense of responsibility and neutrality.

Gen. Kazaure noted that the call became necessary as the entire nation looks up to them for the credibility of the elections, adding that they are, therefore, expected to uphold the trust and resist any temptation to compromise the integrity of the exercise.

“In particular, all Corps Members must resist attempt by politicians, their agents, or other individuals or groups to corruptly induce them to commit any form of electoral fraud. We expect them to be good ambassadors of NYSC and their respective families’’, He said.

News 8

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NBA President, Usoro admitted to N250m bail As Court orders arrest of 4 Akwa Ibom State officials Andrew Orolua, Abuja A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has admitted the president of Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro (SAN), to bail in the sum of N 250 m, with one surety in like sum.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday re - arraigned Usoro in the Federal High Court Lagos division on 10 counts charge over an alleged of N1. 4bn fraud.

The court also ordered the arrest of the Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State, Nsikan Nkan; as well as the state’s Accountant General, Mfon Udomah, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uwemedimo Nwoko ; and the cashier at the Akwa Ibom

State Government House, Margaret Ukpe .

Justice Rilwan Aikawa issued a bench warrant against the four Akwa Ibom State officials on Friday following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The names of the four officials had appeared in the N1 .4bn fraud charges filed by the anti-graft agency against the NBA President Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN).

Justice Aikawa said the four state officials must be produced before him on March 18 by security agents.

The arrest order against the officials came after Usoro had been re -arraigned on 10 counts charges to which he pleaded not guilty.

Justice Aikawa is the third judge to handle the case after both Justices

Muslim Hassan and Chuka Obiozor, of the same court had withdrawn.

Usoro had objected to being tried before Justice Hassan and urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdul – Kafarati, to assign the case to another judge.

Based on this request, the Chief Judge withdrew the case file from Justice Hassan and re - assigned it to Justice Obiozor; but Justice Obiozor declined presiding over the case, citing “personal reasons.”

In the charges, the EFCC accused the NBA President of converting N1.4 bn belonging to Akwa Ibom State Government to his own.

Counsel for the EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo ,said Usoro acted contrary to Section 18 ( a ) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition ) Act , 2011.

Short News Police arrests 3 suspects in connection with DCP Kola Okunola attack Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Police said on Friday that it has arrested Hon. Sunny Adi, the alleged mastermind and ringleader of the unprovoked and unwarranted attack on a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Kola Okunola in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State, on Sunday, 24th February, 2019.

Also arrested in connection with the incident were two other suspects identified as Tamarapreye Victor, ‘m’ 34yrs and Azi Newton ‘m’ 34yrs.

Hon. Sunny Adi, a candidate of one of the major political parties in the House of Representatives Elections in Brass Constituency, Bayelsa State, was arrested in his hideout somewhere in Abuja yesterday morning in a well-coordinated covert operation, the police added.

His arrest is in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu for the immediate arrest, comprehensive investigation and diligent prosecution of all persons involved in the attack on the DCP in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State.

It would be recalled that while leading the team providing protection for INEC officials, voters and materials, DCP Kola Okunola was brutally attacked and molested by thugs led by Hon. Sunny Adi.

NSCDC boss harps on children’s safety Ukpono Ukpong

The Commandant General, NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has called on all Nigerians to increase their commitment towards maintaining a healthy Nation devoid of conflicts and instabilities which has a catastrophic consequences and immeasurable effect on human lives especially women and children.

He made this call yesterday in Abuja while addressing the rank and file of the Corps in a commemoration “The World Civil Defence Day” which is always celebrated on March 1.

This year’s edition had the theme; “Children’s safety, our responsibility” to Raise Awareness on Self-Defence, Rescue Work and Crisis-Volunteership.

While delivering the message of the Interim Secretary General, ICDO, Belkacem Elketroussi; the CG reiterated that since the lives and dignities of human beings ought to be both preserved and protected, children’s lives and safety should be at the forefront of this concern.

“It is, therefore, regrettable to see the heaviest and most anguishing price for instability and non-safety paid by the children circle more than any other age segment in a given society as latest statistics indicates an increase, and at times, a domination of young kids in the number of dead and wounded persons among casualties during conflicts and natural disasters.”

Kebbi NLC felicitates with Buhari, urges implementation of new minimum wage Haruna Aliyu usman, Birnin kebbi

Elder Silas Eke, Chairman, BOT, Christian Mission School for the Deaf, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, International Breweries, Otunba Michael Daramola, Corporate Affairs Manager, International Breweries, Ilesha Plant, Mrs. Folashade Omole and Pastor Johnson Olalekan, Principal, Christian Mission School for the Deaf, Ibadan, at the handing over of a solar-powered borehole, donated by International Breweries, to the school in Ibadan.

Anambra gets first female CJ John Ndu Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano has sworn in the new Acting Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu.

Justice Onwuamaegbu who is the first female (Acting) Judge in Anambra state would take over from the former Chief Judge of the state, Hon Justice Peter Umeadi who retired voluntarily.

Swearing-in the Acting Judge at the Exco Chamber, Government

House Awka, Governor Obiano said the appointment would further re-position the state judiciary to effectively address the problem of delayed dispensation of justice in the State.

While assuring the new CJ of his support to enable her deliver on her new mandate, governor Obiano further presented her with logistics vis-a-vis her status vehicle and other two escorts.

On his part, the Attorney General of the State, Dr Mrs Uju Nworgu emphasized that the 1999

Constitution under Section 2714 empowers the state Governor to appoint and swear in an Acting Chief Judge when there is vacancy.

She said that the new Acting Chief Judge was the most senior among the Judges of the state High Court adding that with her wealth of experience, she will be able to transform the state judiciary to greater heights.

Responding, the newly sworn-in CJ promised to promote the welfare of State judicial officers as well as ensure proper administration of justice.

The kebbi state chairman of the Nigerian labour congress comrade Umar halidu in a press release made available to journalists described the last week presidential and national assembly polls as peaceful and credible.

The statement further said that the sacrifices of civil servants before and during the elections should not go unnoticed by the president and other politicians.

He added that the union contributed to peace and success of the polls by shifting its grounds on nationwide strike which gave INEC the opportunity to conduct elections in the country, he urged the federal government to do its bit by fastracking the implementation of the national minimum wage adding that poor renumeration of workers will fuel poverty and hunger.

In kebbi state the labour chief said that the union is confident that as soon as the federal government implement minimum wage,his excellency the governor of kebbi state will follow suit, he thanked kebbi electorates for their patience at the polling units and for exhibiting highest morals standards during the exercise the statement added.

Electronic voting, possible in Nigeria – LASU VC Vice -Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewajun Fagbohun, says the conduct of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through Electronic voting is possible in Nigeria.

Fagbohun made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sidelines of a maiden political debate for the executive aspirants of the LASU Students Union (LASUSU) on Friday in Lagos.

The debate was organised by Soyiga Media Platform in conjunction with the LASU Centre for Information Press and Public Relations (CIPPR).

He said all that was required was timely preparation, a sincerity of purpose and a desire by all stakeholders to make it work.

“After the 2019 election for instance, INEC should not wait for another for four years. We should start planning for the 2023 election now.

“If we make up our mind and have the political will to conduct an E-voting, we will, though it may not be perfect the first time we try, but we would have started,’’ he said.

According to him, the electronic voting is not a rocket science and so is achievable, as long as it is very well prepared for.

Fagbohun noted that many other countries have been conducting their elections through electronic voting, adding that it was not difficult or impossible for the country to do.

He said that once there was proper monitoring and enforcement in place, the E -voting would work well.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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9 News

We’re not surprised by PDP’s rejection Short News of Buhari’s victory - Sen Marafa

Rivers gov’ship race: 58 governorship candidates reaffirm endorsement of Wike’s re-election

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Chairman of Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Kabiru Marafa has said it was not surprising that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the declaration of Muhammadu Buhari as President elect in the February 23 presidential election.

Senator Marafa said this on Friday, after he met with the President to congratulate him on his electoral victory at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to Marafa, rather than bickering over the victory of the President, Nigerians should be prayerful to God to give the President better health and the will power to continue his developmental

policies.

“It is an inherent human behavior to always reject failure, so there is nothing new about the opposition’s rejection of President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory.

“The most important thing is that success has been recorded and accepted

by Nigerians including the international community. We just pray to God almighty to give the President abundant health and the will power to continue to logical conclusion his fight against corruption because it is a serious problem in Nigeria,” the senator said.

Reacting to grievances by the PDP that the figures churned out from Zamfara state electorate for the APC was massive, he said, “I don’t think there is anything to worry about it. If you ask me I will tell you that

I am not even pleased with the votes that came from my state because I believe we could have done much more.

“We have 1.4million registered voters and we recorded only about 650,000 votes, so what is the big deal about it? If you look at all the states, I think the overall performance is below 60 percent. African leaders congratulate Buhari on his re-election in most of the states.

“We have more than 80 million registered voters and out of this figure, how many voted? In fact we are supposed to lament because the situation ought to be much more than that. Nigerians are supposed to be more politically aware and they are supposed to turnout in their numbers to vote much more than we saw. So I don’t see anything unusual about that”.

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

No fewer than 58 governorship candidates in Rivers State on Friday reaffirmed their endorsement of the re-election of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, declaring that they would work for his success during the Governorship Election on 9 March, 2019.

The 58 governorship candidates condemned the alleged ongoing plots by the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to disrupt the March 9, 2019 Governorship Election in the state.

Speaking through their chairman, Pastor Samuel Ihunwo, during a solidarity visit to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, the candidates condemned the alleged killings by the military during the Presidential and National Assembly elections, stating that immediate steps must be taken to avert using the military against Rivers people during the governorship/state Assembly elections.

“We observed that our people were killed by the military. We have come for a solidarity visit because as the father of the State, you are pained on what is happening. We condemn in totality, the unwarranted killings by the military.

Ibom Airline will be strictly managed for profit -Akan Okon Isaac Job, Uyo The Commissioner for Special Duties in Akwa Ibom State, Hon.Akan Okon has said that newly inaugurated Ibom airline with three aircraft in its fleet will be professionally managed to ensure profitability.

The profit according to Okon will help the sector play a key role in the economic development of the State.

Expected to grow its fleet to 10 aircraft in 2023, Okon said apart from creating over 400 jobs directly and about 4000 or indirectly, the airport will be a ‘success story’ given the commitment of the state government towards transparency in the management of resources.

Okon gave the assurance while conducting correspondents around the Ibom airport to inspect the aircraft and disclosed that flight operations were expected to commence as soon as the regulatory agencies give the approval.

‘When you operate a new airline, it is expected that you will do what is called patrol flight on the routes and you are going to fly. Once that is done, they will sign off for the airline to commence operations,’’ he said.

I will pay above N30, 000 minimum wages if elected- Sanwo-Olu Benjamin Omoike

L-R: National President National Union of Road Transport Workers , Alh. Najeem Yasin; Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu; Deputy National President, NURTW Bayesla State, Mr. Elijah Uwumoko; Member NURTW, Mr. Joseph Alunya; Chairman NURTW Lagos state, Alh. AgbedeTajudeen; and a Member, National Trustee NURTW, Alh. Imam Karshi, during the NUTRW visit to the IGP on credible election in Abuja... on Friday.

Photo Temitope Balogun

Buhari’s re-election, good omen for Oil and Gas sector – Stakeholders

Stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas sector says the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari is good omen for the oil and gas sector.

Some of the stakeholders including staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Friday that the sector would witness massive growth with the reelection of the president.

Mr Musa Danjuma, a staff of the NNPC said that there would be continuity with the happenings in the corporation and by extension the industry.

“I am happy that the president won this election; for us in NNPC, it would have been a disaster if he had lost.

“With him as the president, ongoing projects will continue and which will be a good lead in the industry.

“You know people have been apprehensive about investing in capital projects in the sector because of the election and with the proposal of the opposition party to sell the NNPC if they

win.

“Right now, with President Buhari on board, most of them will invest and it will help to heat the ground running,” he said.

Danjuma Further said that the president should try and ensure speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

This, he said, would help bring about change, growth and development in the sector.

Also, another staff who spoke on condition of anonymity told NAN that the best has happened to the sector with the reelection of President Buhari.

“As the president, he was the Minister of Petroleum and there has been great difference with the way things has been going on in the sector.

“His coming back will help to solidify the good things already existing in the sector. ” You can see that there is transparency in everything happening in the corporation right now.

“This is what Buhari signifies and that is what we want. I am happy that he has been

reelected, “he said.

Also, another staff who wants to be identified as Benjamin said that with Buhari as the president, refinery rehabilitation, pipelines vandalism and other issues would be dealt with.

“He has promised to give NNPC all the support and I am sure he will do it and Nigerians will see results.

“His administration is keen with sustaining NNPC as National oil company which is very important than those who wants to sell to friends.

“Nigeria deserves a good leader like him,” he said.

Also, Mr Osagie Mustapha, an independent marketer said that there would be relative peace in the sector with the reelection of Buhari.

“I will want the president to ensure transparency in everything concerning the sector especially in payments of oil marketers their outstanding debts.

“He has done well in his first term but there is much that is expected of him, like the

Ahead of the gubernatorial election in Lagos, All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured the state’s civil servants that if elected, his administration will pay above the N30,000 minimum wage benchmark, adding that policies to improve their welfare will be introduced.

Sanwo-Olu also said that the worker’s benefits that existed before now but had been denied during the present administration will be reinstated by his administration if elected on March 9, 2019.

The APC governorship candidate gave the assurance while addressing civil servants along with his deputy, Dr, Obafemi Hamzat noted that his administration will consider the civil servants’ welfare because they will drive his vision for the state which is targeted at building an enviable smart city.

He further assured civil servants that his administration will operate an all inclusive government, he stated that workers would be engaged, trained and motivated to work effectively for Lagos’ development.

Niger water works 95% complete - Commissioner Saka Bolaji, Minna Ninety five percent of work had been achieved in the water restoration agenda of the present administration in Niger state.

This was made known by the Commissioner of Water Resources and Dams Development, Alhaji Mamman Musa during a World Press Briefing in Minna the state capital Friday.

The Commissioner unveiled the State water master plan into three categories which are Urban, Semi Urban and Rural water works.

Alhaji Musa said the urban water works in Minna, Bida, Suleja and Kontagora are in their 50 percent, 30 percent, 55 percent and 66 percent respectively through upgrade from zero percent when the present government met them.

He further stated that a total overhauled of water works was embarked by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello’s administration as a long term investment as equipment had to be manufactured in Germany to suit the water system of the state.

News 10

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March 9 polls: Voters urge INEC to enhance smart card effectiveness

Ahead of the March 9 Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections, voters in Bauchi have urged INEC to ensure that its smart card readers function effectively.

They made the call in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday against the backdrop of several incidents when the card readers malfunctioned in polling stations across the country.

A voter, Malam Aliyu Manga, decried the failure of the gadget in the just concluded presidential and national assembly polls when it was his turn to get accredited at a polling unit.

He also witnessed similar situations in Misau at a polling station.

“I witnessed many cases that posed set back during the election where the card reader had rejected fingerprints, and consequently delayed the entire process ,” he said.

He urged INEC to tackle the challenges of card readers before the next elections to ensure a free and fair election.

A politician, Alhaji Yusuf Garba, said cases of malfunctioning of card readers were worrisome during the last elections, stressing that such a device needed to guarantee the credibility of the exercise.

He said that manual verification of voters could pave the way for electoral fraud, leading to compromise of results.

“Nigeria should have gone beyond cases of failed card readers to achieve credible elections process.

“Voters are concerned that the card readers are not working; that might cause delay and unpalatable voting process in the country,” he said.

Malam Hashimu Mohammed, a public commentator, said the card readers were meant to be configured for specific polling units.

He said that no two polling units would have the same card reader during an election for the purpose of credibility.

“That means PVCs could not be used in multiple polling units.

“Beside that, INEC officials and adhoc staff had issues in some of the poling

Units, which is too bad for the system.

“In Polling Unit I visited as an observer at the last elections, voting did not begin until 11:10 a.m as a result of smart card readers’ failure,” Mohammed said.

Another voter, Hajiya Lami Gambo, recalled her experience in the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections.

“We started voting at our poling unit by 11.55 a.m. due to a faulty card reader which delayed voting in the area.

“I came out by 7:30 a.m to vote but the card reader was not functioning; so, I went back to my house and came out by 11:00 a.m. to vote,” she said.

She, however, appealed to INEC to sort out the hitches before the next Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the card reader was initiated as an anti-electoral fraud device and was introduced to enhance the integrity of voting process and dissuade multiple voting.

Short News Leah’s mother congratulates Buhari, asks him to free her daughter

Mrs Rebecca Sharibu, the mother of Leah, the only Christian Dapchi Girl still in the hands of Boko Haram has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election by Nigerians on the 23rd February, 2019.

Mrs. Sharibu called on the President Buhari not to forget her daughter as he celebrates his victory.

Rebecca Sharibu has also appealed to Boko Haram insurgents who are still holding her daughter in captivity to release her unconditionally, just as she reminded Mr. President to fulfil his promise to rescue her daughter from the insurgents.

“I am grateful to all Nigeria who participated in the election. We are also happy that the President won the election. On behalf of myself and my family, we congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and pray for God to give him the desired wisdom to rule the country.

“I want to remind the President that, as he celebrates his victory, he should not forget that Leah is still in the hands of Boko Haram. As for me, my heart is heavy because I have not seen my daughter for more than one year now. I am calling on the President to fulfill his promise of freeing my daughter from the hands of Boko Haram. My cry is still the same, today and tomorrow until I see my daughter.

Leah, along with other over 100 girls were whisked away from their hostel at Government Girls Science Technical College Dapchi by Boko Haram on the 16th Febuary, 2018. While her mates were released a month later and other died, Leah was however held back by the insurgents on the allegations that she refused to denounce her Christian fate.

Man kills wife for sexual starvation

A father of five, Muhammed Manu from New Bussa in Niger state has been arrested by the Niger state Police Command for killing his wife who he alleged starved him of sex on a daily basis.

According to the 35 year old husband from Barusa Village in New Bussa Local Government Area, his wife, Hassana Bulo, was fond of giving excuses each time he approaches her for sex adding that she had no right to deny him his fundamental marriage right.

“How can my wife refuse me making love to her, it is an abomination where I come from. She does not have the right to do that.”

Manu confessed that he killed her with pistols after she provoked him several times and constantly denied him of sex adding that he had warned her of the danger of starving him sex daily.

“Time without number, I have been warning my wife to stop refusing me sex which is one of the fundamentals of any marriage, each time I demanded sex from she will treat me like a leper, which is unacceptable’’, he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Muhammad confirmed the arrest saying the suspect was arrested on Thursday by a team of policemen attached to New Bussa Division.

40-yr-old man loses leg- in car accident

Hosea in a makeshift after fire have gutted their thatch house.

A’ Ibom Inferno: Homeless family of 7 recount ordeals Isaac Job, Uyo A family of seven in Ikot Edor village, Oniong West in Onna local government area of Akwa Ibom state who was rendered homeless following fire outbreak that razed a thatched house has recounted his ordeals two months after the sad experience.

Narrating his ordeals to the Daily Times when they visited the family on Thursday, Mr Joseph Hosea who could not hide his tears lamented that his family have been through a lot of discomfort and hardship since the ugly experience.

According to Hosea, apart from sleeping in a make shift apartment, the family have been living at the

mercy of concerned neighbours.

Weeping uncontrollably, Hosea said, ‘’Everything I have struggled to acquire in life has been destroyed in that fire. My wife and children don’t have clothes to wear again apart from what you see on their bodies. My only hope for survival and help come from concern neighbours. ‘’ We stay in this makeshift hut you see here. Anytime there is a heavy downpour, myself and myself are usually soaked since it is the only alternative we have. ‘’We are calling on the government to come to our aid since we do bot have any one else to seek help from’’ he added.

On his part, Hosea’s wife, patience told our correspondent that before the fire incident, she was trading on

cow skin locally known as “Kpomo” with borrowed funds but since the ugly incident, the people she borrowed the money from have been coming to harass her.

“I don’t know what to do now. We are helpless; no house, no clothes yet I am been chased everywhere by my debtors .Life is unbearable for me’’, she said.

Daily Times recalls that the inferno which occurred on January 5, 2019 in the wake of New Year celebrations burnt down everything in the thatch house including clothes, kitchen utensils other household properties.

Though the cause of inferno could not be ascertained, eye witnesses said the incident happened after Hosea and the wife left for their farm, leaving the children behind.

Prince Nwankwo, Owerri A 40-year-old man simply identified as Anthony has lost one of his legs in a car accident along Awo nma mma road, Oru East Local Government Area (L.G.A), Imo state, on Friday.

Anthony was on his way to Ihiala, Anambra state when the ugly incident occurred. The accident which involved a brown colour Toyota Camry (tiny light) was coming from Onitsha road towards Owerri collided with a tricycle, popularly known as ‘’KEKE NAPEP’’ which had four passengers on board.

When Daily Times visited the scene of the accident, Mr. Anthony, who lost one of his legs in the accident and was in severe pains said that he is from Amuzi Ikenanzizi, Obowo L.G.A, Imo state, but he lives at Nkwere L.G.A. At the time the rep[ort was filed, a good Samaritan rushed immediately, after seeing how painful and bad the injuries was, took them in his own car to the nearest hospital in Awo nma mma, Oru East L.G.A, for treatment.

Both drivers of the cars equally sustained serious degrees of injuries, but no life was lost. An eye witness at the scene, Chidera, said the Camry driver was on a high speed but lost control of his car, before it hit the tricycle head on.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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Nollywood is one of the worst places to have female friends - Nazo Ekezie Fast-rising actress and filmmaker, Nazo Ekezie has sure cut her onion in the entertainment industry having featured in numerous movies and still counting. The Ozubulu, Anambra State-born thespian spoke about her journey in the industry, and challenges amongst others in this tell it all interview. Enjoy…

What are your plans for the year?

I have plans mapped out but that would kick off after this election. We can’t wait for the next person to make lives better for all of us.

How long have you been acting?

I have been here professionally since 2010.

Which was your first shot?

They were couple of movies I did. Two or three scenes, sometimes 5 then I go back to school but THANKS FOR COMING produced by Uche Nancy brought me to limelight. After than I did another one titled Assassins with the likes of Mike Ezuruonye, Chacha Eke, and other. They were couple of other ones, but these were the movies that made people take me seriously as an actor.

Recently, you went into movie production, what inspired that move?

As some point I wanted to try something new. I developed this love for filmmaking.

It has been there for a while. So, in 2018, I produced my first film. It’s titled Flawed.

Featuring Ebere Okaro, More Duncan, my humble self, and other amazing actors.

How do you choose your cast?

There were no particular criteria before I choose my cast because I am that kind of person that watches movies a lot. So, if I see new faces that know their onions well, I take note of them. I have this producer eye. So, it wasn’t really difficult for me to know who and who would be in my film. I had taken mental note of those that I wanted. I called them up negotiated with them and that was it.

What plans do you have for the movies, is it a cinema movie or YouTube?

This particular production would be on CD and for the internet.

What were the challenges you passed through as first time producer?

I think doing a movie as a producer and also acting in same movie should be for only superheroes, because it was not easy at all. I had to think for everyone to make sure that the production goes well. It was not funny at all. I had to think from every angle to make sure everything was okay. I had a very good production manager, but I really got myself worked up. Well, some people said it’s because it was my first time, that soon, I’d get used to it.

Another big challenge, I had was location issue. I paid for an office space in Lekki, then like a day before the shoot, the man in charge of the space called and said we can’t move in that the office was locked. Some government officials locked the place up. Then, he wouldn’t refund my money on time to get another office space. It was very tough, but

I refused to be discouraged. We just changed plans and moved on. The good thing is, I have learned my lessons. Now I know what those other producers face. What they pass through. Now I understand them better. I have learned anything can go wrong during production. And most times, some mistakes or lapses are not entirely their faults.

What location did you shoot?

I shot in Lagos, Lekki phase 1 and its axis.

That’s why the production was hectic. But I won’t back down. I can’t find myself doing any other stuff aside acting. I’ll act movies till I age. Once in a while, I could do other businesses but acting is the love of my life.

I can never stop making films. Never. The stress was fun. I love it. I enjoyed it.

How much did it cost you to put all these through?

I don’t think I can figure but it’s not above 10 million because it’s not a cinema movie, but I can say it cost me a lot of money.

Shooting in Lagos wasn’t easy and I tried as much as possible not to limit myself. Where they was need for extras. I got them and paid for it. I made sure, there was no lapses.

What message is the movie passing?

Flawed the movie, is trying to say that people have reasons for doing what they do.

We all are not perfect. No matter how good and perfect we seem to look from the outside, there are lots of issues we still have to deal with on the inside. There are certain actions that people take and nobody would truly understand why, until he or she gets close to realise the reason behind that action. Nobody, male nor female should sit in one corner and criticize anybody’s actions without knowing what prompted it.

Everybody struggles with something.

No matter how popular you are, no matter how great you look, there’s a demon you’re fighting within. Nobody everyone around you would understand. The movie also teaches that love concurs. That love would make everything right again.

These days everyone, especially celebrities are always online showing off different lifestyle, what’s your take on?

I can only say that it depends on who and what you want for yourself. I think my biggest problem is realness. I don’t know how to fake it or pretend. I can’t even snap besides someone’s car because there is no gain in it. I’m so real to a fault. Although the society would expect more from us as a celebrities. A lot of actors are pressured by the society.

Nigerians are conflicted, they want you to be humble, then the next minute, the complain you are too humble. These problems are often created by women. So, if people tend to live fake lifestyles, I won’t

Nazo Ekezie blame them. They have to meet up.

Sadly, now it’s like women against each other?

Women don’t like each other. Please, quote me, Nollywood is one of the worst places to have female friends. Because most female actresses see genuine compliments as something else. The worst are those who are doing better and well paid, endorsements and all, with the fame, yet they still say rubbish about other actress in the industry. Every battle I had faced in Nollywood is surrounded around women. It’s that bad. They believe once they have made it, nobody else should. These big actresses (the A-List). They are scary. Seriously. You would be in your corner, thinking they are all made and won’t stress it again. But they are the ones that are more jealous. Even on set.

I have heard from someone in the industry that some of the actresses use juju to knock someone off the way to get a role. Is it true?

Although I’ve heard stuffs like that but I don’t think I’ve come in contact with such.

Those that can’t provide are now going for females underwear, how do you secure your pants these days?

(Laughs). It might sound cliché but I don’t wear pants anymore. Because I’m not going to joke with my destiny and if there’s anywhere that I’m taking my clothes off, my underwear are going straight to my bag.

If you don’t wear panties, what do you replace them with, especially when you wear gowns?

(Laughs)There are other things you can wear.

You don’t have to go out naked. At first I took it as a joke but now it’s very serious matter. So, no more pants.

Following the first movie you produced, do you still plan on doing more movies?

Yes. Of course. As it stands now I’m reading another script for my next movie production.

Who do you wish to feature in your movies?

There are people I really want to work with.

Bisola of Big Brother Naija is one of them. She is so special. Very real to the core. She make films very relative that you think it’s happening for real. I will do something good with her. I haven’t come across that script that would suit her but till then. Also I still hope to have my greatest role model, Bimbo Akintola in my movie.

Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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250 filmmakers benefit from NFVCB grant in Ogun

Paul Okoye

One Africa Music Fest’ gets Interswitch as headline sponsor One Africa Music Fest has announced its first ever headline sponsorship with Africa’s leading integrated digital payments and commerce platform, Interswitch, highlighting a shared commitment of taking the best of Africa to the world.

The multi-faceted partnership between the two organizations was solidified on Wednesday, 13th February 2019. One Africa Music Fest and Interswitch have come together to engage customers through entertainment and lifestyle.

Speaking on Interswitch’s partnership with One Africa Global, Mitchell Elegbe, Group CEO of Interswitch remarked that “Africa is a youthful population and we are extremely proud of the renaissance that has been witnessed, notably in the entertainment sector, particularly with

our music, which has boomed and garnered global acclaim in recent years on the strength of sheer resilience and a spirit of enterprise. This is mirrored by the growing influence of the One Africa Music platform, and as an integrated payment brand focused on enabling commerce and wealth-creation in African markets, we remain relentless in our quest to actively engage and reward our consumers across the continent, leveraging platforms that best resonate with their identified passion-points, such as the One Africa Music Fest”.

Similarly commenting on the development, Paul Okoye, CEO, One Africa Global/One Africa Music Fest said “It’s been my life’s mission to showcase Africa to the World, I am excited and equally proud to announce this partnership! As two proudly African brands united by a common

vision to showcase the very best of what Africa has got to offer, we are on a journey to take Africa to the world and I am happy it is with Interswitch and its flagship consumer brand, Quickteller” This year, the Interswitch One Africa Music Fest will take place in New York on the 10th of August at The Ford Amphitheatre, in London on the 24th of August at The SSE Arena, Wembley, and in Dubai on the 15th of November at the Festival Arena, Festival city Dubai.

Interswitch, through its consumer brands specifically Quickteller, an ecommerce and electronic payment platform, will be running promotional campaigns for new customers to stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to any of the Interswitch One Africa Music Fest events happening in New York, London and Dubai.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie receives 2019 Everett Rogers Award Stories Mutiat Alli Internationally-acclaimed author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has been awarded the 2019 USC Annenberg Everett Rogers Award. Adichie was honoured for her influence in reframing the global conversations on race, gender and identity.

The Dean of the school, Willow Bay, said that Adichie was the unanimous choice as this year’s recipient because of “her singular voice and power to inspire”.

The author of the criticallyacclaimed novels, Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, has said “Your feminist premise should be: I matter. I matter equally. Not “if only.” Not “as long as.” I matter equally. Full stop.”

The award has been presented since 2005 in honor of achievements in the fields pioneered by scholar

and teacher Everett Rogers, a former Associate Dean of the USC Annenberg School.

Previous award honorees include Kathleen Hall Jamieson (2018), professor of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania and Sherry Turkle (2017), professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Adichie was introduced by Award-winning actress and playwright, Danai Gurira. Gurira who hailed Adichie as “my author” is best known for her roles as Michonne from the show The Walking Dead and Okoye from the film, Black Panther.

Her presentation gave honor to Adichie’s work and credited it for being able to make black women feel seen, heard and understood.

Director of the school’s Norman Lear Center and Professor of Entertainment, Media and Society, Marty Kaplan, presented the award

to Adichie for “her gifts, as a storyteller, to inspire and empower and for summoning us (in her words) to ‘counter lies with facts repeatedly and unflaggingly while also proclaiming the greater truths of our equal humanity of decency, and of compassion’”

In its empowerment programme across the country, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has extended a start-up grant to 250 young film entrepreneurs in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The two-day event which held recently at the Rontex Hall, Imowo Road, with a training session by seasoned industry practitioners and theatre arts lecturers offered participants insights into a successful career in filmmaking.

Anchored by Associate Professor Tunji Azeez of the Lagos State University (LASU), facilitators include Professor Olu Obafemi of the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, University of Ilorin; Professor Shola Fosudo of the Department of Theatre and Music, Lagos State University; Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; and Professor Ayo Akinwale of the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, University of Ilorin.

In his opening remarks, Executive Director of NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, said that the initiative was a deliberate effort by the NFVCB to bridge the gap between established industry players and upcoming ones across Nigeria.

He noted that all similar interventions and support efforts by either government or investors had been directed more at established names in the industry, with little or no support for new entrants.

“As the key regulator of the Nigerian motion picture industry, the board has decided to bring practical knowledge of how to be successful in the sector to these passionate youths.

“As part of the empowerment initiative, we have brought experts from the academia and seasoned practitioners in the industry, to train these youths to enable them build a successful career in the sector.

“We do not only train them but we are also giving grants to 250 selected ones, as part of our efforts at assisting stakeholders in the industry, especially the young ones.

“This is to enable them start something or go for more practical training in filmmaking business, by attending filmmaking courses in acting, script writing, directing and production,” he said.

The training in Ijebu-Ode was the fifth in the series, following previous outings in Amuwo-Odofin, and Oshodi in Lagos; Port Harcourt in Rivers State, and Nnewi in Anambra State.

Adedayo explained that the board,

under his watch would ensure that every Nigerian film-stakeholder got motivated, irrespective of geographical divide.

“The NFVCB has operational offices in the six geo-political zones of our country, and from January we began this empowerment programme for all the zones.

“We decided to come to Ijebu-Ode, a town in the South-West for inclusiveness, outside the usual focus on state capitals.

“From that point, we shall follow-up on these beneficiaries to ensure they are well guided and mentored,” he said.

Professor Obafemi who spoke on Why Film is Key Aspect of Development advocated infrastructural and resource development of the industry, urging government to take seriously, its economic diversification agenda, by enabling the creative industry to the degree of providing 30 percent of the country’s workforce.

Ojo-Bakare, while speaking on Exploring Dance and Music for a More Effective Film Industry in Nigeria, emphasise the need to use more kinetic energy to generate interest of film lovers, averring that verbal narratives, being a cultural attitude, is the problem of most Nigerian films. He decried situations whereby dialogues override actions, just as soundtracks also break suspense, adding that dance and music, could be injected to break unnecessary dialogues, using the Bollywood example.

Akinwale, whose talk at the event was centered on motivation, explore the theme: Film and My Life. The veteran artiste who disclosed that his children and cousins are also doing well in the film industry, noted that he had maintained passion and self-discipline on the job. He urged beneficiaries of the NFVCB grant to utilise the fund judiciously.

The seminar which was attended by several other film practitioners had the president of Theatre Art and Movie Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, aka Mr. Latin as rapporteur.

Mr. Latin who was full of praise for the Executive Director of NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas wanted the seminar extended to film associations, confessing that he learnt new things from the session, and that he was not ashamed to admit this despite his years of experience in the film industry.

The Don speaking on how oil ruined the creative industry

Interview Times g Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 2, 2019

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I help emotionally unstable adults gain emotional stability - Oyinkansola Alabi Oyinkansola Alabi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emotions City, is a trained Human Resource Executive, certified life coach, cognitive behavioural specialist and licensed emotional intelligence practitioner. She has developed over 14 best-selling audio and video products, which have benefited thousands of entities across the globe. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, she spoke about emotion related issues amongst others.

Enjoy…

How has the journey been since you started and have you been able to achieve your purpose?

The journey has been a progressive learning curve at Emotions City. Infact we have never had a better last year so we are achieving our goal and I am fulfilled.

Did you have any former training on emotional intelligence?

Of course I do. I was trained and licensed

by Six Seconds Network, the largest emotional intelligence network in the world. Then I proceeded to Cornell University New York, Becks Cognitive Behavioral Institute Philadelphia, Albert Ellis Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy Institute New York, and Arden University for my MSc Psychology.

What are the names of some of the organisations you have worked with?

Guinness, Interswitch, Stanbic IBTC, FCMB, First bank, to mention a few.

Why are you called the emotional doctor?

I am reputed as The Emotions Doctor because I help emotionally unstable adults gain emotional stability. Infact as a result of what I do, in year 2018 alone, we helped a total of 3635 adults attain a state of emotional stability.

What stirred the interest in educating people on emotional intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence changed my life, so I am consumed by the passion to help others experience the deep peace, happiness, productivity and profitability Emotional Intelligence launched me into.

Can you shed more lights on some of the platforms you have created to help people emotionally?

We are the first emotional intelligence academy and MENTAL HEALTH facility who launched a free round the clock online and offline coaching and therapy service. Every year, we host about a thousand professionals at the first ever Emotional Intelligence Week in Nigeria and arguably in Africa. We train these professionals for free daily on how to use emotional intelligence to deepen their peace, happiness, increase their productivity and ultimately profitability. We also host 50 professionals quarterly for free at our prestigious EQ Cafe’s. It’s a free training platform too.

Do you think that a lot of Nigerians are emotionally stable?

There is always room for improvement so Nigerians should definitely ensure they enroll for an emotionally intelligence training certification this year because emotional intelligence is not a soft or hard skill, it’s not even just a life skill, emotional intelligence is life.

Some people are of the opinion that some leaders need to be checked emotionally before attaining their positions. What is your take on this?

Even the earth cannot sustain perfect so definitely no leader is perfect. We however cannot ignore their impact and contributions to the mental health industry in Nigeria.

Do you think that the present state of the country has left Nigerians emotionally drained?

Environment has the capacity to influence your mental health so definitely Nigeria gets to all of us. Our leaders need to develop their self - awareness and social awareness skills.

Both competencies are embedded in emotional intelligence.

What sets of people call for your services regularly?

Emotionally disturbed professionals, couples, parents, religious leaders, homosexuals, sexually abused, traumatized, depressed and suicidal souls.

What advice can you give to Nigerians when it comes to dealing with their emotions?

Ensure you attend an emotional training immediately. Emotional Intelligence is not an option, it’s life. In fact the world economic forum categorically States that by 2020, emotionally intelligence skills will be the 6th most important skill in the world.

Why do you think that a lot of youth are emotionally troubled?

Most youths have been trained and graded on I.Q but not on E.Q which is emotionally intelligence but the society are expecting them to excel at what they haven’t been trained on.

So the realization that they aren’t meeting up with their blueprint and societal expectations precipitates frustration.

How do you unwind?

I have a tribe. My tribe consists of my closest friends. We hang out weekly to connect, detox and declutter. I also exercise almost daily, listen to music. Then travel out of the country quite often.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2015

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Society Gist

The soaring image of Surakat Olorunkemi Isaac Oguntoye A mind that is not fully prepared cannot make the best use of opportunity, so says Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. It is also a

trite that only those that are given to hard work can appreciate the outputs of hard work. This maxim is aptly connected to the hardworking disposition and preparedness of Surakat Semiu Olorunkemi for future and imminent higher responsibilities. He is

Surakat

presently the current Executive Chairman of Ibeju Lekki Local Government area of Lagos State. Perhaps, this explains why the profile of the respected politician cum socialite to be on the rise each passing day. Surakat is also said to be enjoying the support of the indigenes and residents of the community due to his contributions to the development of the area. Sequel to his love for his people, he has been honored with awards and laurels in the area for his community development strides.

Surakat is a very loyal and most reliable personality. He is always prepared to go the extra mile for the sake of his people.

He has indeed learned the curves of responsible leadership and has thoroughly acquainted himself with the dictates of higher responsibilities. He was born into the prominent family of the late Chief Surakat Shafari Awolowo from Epe area of Lagos state. After his secondary education, he proceeded to the Federal College of Education, Osiele Abeokuta, Ogun State, before he went to Lagos State University to bag his BSc in Business Management.

Worked at Iwopin Pulp and Paper Company and also had a stint with the service of Lagos State House of Assembly before his present job as two chairmen of Ibeju Lekki Surakat is a devout Muslim who is happily married with children. He loves to help humanity and read during his leisure time.

Sanwo-Olu has awe-inspiring manifesto for Educational development in Lagos- Orisadare Bilkis Wonuola A Lagos based social critic, Orisadare Bilkis Wonuola has shared her view about the educational policy of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for 2019 gubernatorial election in Lagos State.

In her words, Orisadare Bilkis Wonuola, said she is pleased with the captivating manifesto of the APC governorship candidate with regards to the development of education in Lagos state.

“The importance of education cannot be over-emphasized and it takes an administrator with foresight, a person of virtue and substance, a competent individual with integrity, knowledge and focus, to drive the development of education in Lagos to a higher height. One distinguished personality that has these attributes is Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He is capable, forward-thinking, knowledgeable and reliable. It is not a surprise at all that APC fields him as the party gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State.

Speaking further, the lady said, she had no doubt at the back of her mind that Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government, when elected, will adopt a globally recognized modern STEM system of educational in its curriculum. STEM, according to her is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. “This is the best way to facilitate practical education and develop students’ talents and potentials. STEM teachers, i am sure will be employed across the state and will be equipped with adequate teaching materials.”

She said in Sanwo-Olu’s effort to ensure practical education, he promised to make available three hundred fully equipped and functional computer laboratories to be established in all the secondary schools in Lagos. He also plans to establish AfterSchool Study Halls across the state where volunteer tutors will prepare students for

Sanwo-Olu major exams such as JSSCE, WAEC, and JAMB. What else could be more practical than this gesture, said Orisadare Bilkis.

Commenting further on Babajide SanwoOlu’s promise to increase Lagos State budgetary allocation of education from 12.07% to 18% when elected. This, she said is what to expect from someone who truly values education and therefore knows that the sector needs improved financial attention. “It is therefore, also not surprising that his educational policy also includes facilitating school rehabilitation programs to revive dilapidated schools and provide necessary learning tools for the public schools in Lagos.”

She reiterated that in order to ensure sustainability and continuity in the state; the government of Babajide SanwoOlu will adopt an efficient long term

maintenance culture on all the educational infrastructures provided in the entire fiftyseven LCDAs of the state. “In the next few years, I am sure that many other states in Nigeria will emulate Lagos State STEM system of education.

“It is so evident that globally recognized practical approach to education is well captured in the manifesto of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. That is why it attracts appraisal and thus earns endorsement. His plans are not mere political promises; they are proposed educational development policies of a trusted individual to make Lagos state re-defines its trademark as the true centre of excellence. For this reason and many more, I wish him victory in the gubernatorial race as well as successful implementation of his manifesto when he becomes the Lagos State Governor”, said Orisadare Bilkis Wonuola.

OSMAK

OSMAK speaks on Buhari’s re-election Prince Nureni Ayinde Akinsanya, a.k.a OSMAK, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mushin Constituency 1, has described the re- election of President Muhammadu Buhari for a fresh 4 year term as a sign of good things to come for Nigeria as a nation and the Africa continent.

Reacting to the declaration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Buhari as the winner of the recently held presidential election, Akinsanya said the victory is well deserved.

According to the popular Mushin based Lagos politician and businessman, Buhari’s re-election would enable for the consolidation of the intense fight against corruption that the Buhari-led APC Federal Government has been fighting with great vigor.

He offered further that the “government’s giant strands in the area of infrastructure will be further boosted with Buhari’s four more years in office”

In a statement issued by the grassroots politician, Akinsanya registered that “The Buhari led government has been able to establish its seriousness in fighting corruption and creating infrastructure. ”These are areas where, even the worse of the government’s enemies cannot fault its achievements. ”It is an established fact that for a more improved change to be effected in these areas, the government needs more time which the electorates have graciously offered with the renewed mandate” Akinsanya thus called on the electorate to extend the same gesture to the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as well as candidates vying for seats in the state Assembly under the same platform, because, according to him, only a renewed APC mandate in Lagos with a firm control of the state Assembly will guarantee the continuation of the good governance being enjoyed by Lagosians from the APC government in the state.

CMETV set to transform African continent CMETV NG is a leading online TV station that showcases African contents and talents.

Oghenetega Efedede, who is seen spotted on a group photo above said the station focuses on local contents and is about to revolutionise the African continent.

With amazing unique programmes, CMETV NG will touch on Fashion, Music, Sports, Lifestyle among other programmes.

The revolution is about to begin as CMETV is set to change the face of African Television.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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Olaleye Babatunde heads Afreximbank’s IT department Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has named Olaleye Babatunde as director of its Information Technology Department, following an upgrade of the function from its former unit status.

Afreximbank’s global director for communication and marketing, Obi Emekekwue, on Friday, stated that Mr Babatunde had headed the Information Technology Unit as a Senior Manager, starting in February 2014 when he joined the Bank.

Prior to that, he was the Chief Information Officer/Deputy General Manager at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Nigeria.

Babatunde holds an MBA received from the Lagos Business School in 2004.

He also received an M.Sc. in computer science from the University of Lagos in 1998 and a B.Sc., also in computer science, from the University of Ibadan in1995.

In his new position, he will be responsible for leading Afreximbank’s strategy on information technology in support of the Bank’s mandate and medium-term strategy.

This includes leading a comprehensive strategy to build, develop and standardize technology solutions throughout the Bank in direct support of its strategic priorities.

NSE: Market indices rebound by 0.34% growth Temitope Adebayo Trading activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rebounded positively after three days consecutive declines, as crucial market indices appreciated by 0.34 per cen.

At the end of the first trading day in March, All-Share Index (ASI) inched 108.54 pointed or 0.34 per cent to close at 31,827.24 compared with 31,718.70 recorded on Thursday.

Also, the market capitalisation which opened at N11.828 trillion rose by N40 billion or 0.34 per cent to close at N11.868 trillion.

Nestle recorded the highest price gain to lead the gainers’ table, gaining N40 to close at N1,510 per share.

Total followed with a gain of N10 to close at N200, while Dangote Cement added N1.30 to close at N196.60 per share.

C &I Leasing improved by 66k to close at N7.27, while Nigerian Breweries increased by 50k to close at N80 per share.

Conversely, Unilever topped the losers’ chart, dropping by N2.30 to close at N38.70 per share.

International Breweries trailed with a loss of N1.25 to close at N25, while Dangote Flour shed N1 to close at N9.90 per share.

Dangote Sugar declined by 35k to close at N14.65, while Union Bank of Nigeria was down by 30k to close at N6.70 per share.

However, the volume of shares exchanged stood at 341.95 million shares valued at N3.75 billion transacted in 4,513 deals.

This was in contrast with a turnover of 411.69 million shares worth N5.27 billion traded in 5,320 deals on Thursday.

Zenith Bank was the most active stock, exchanging 64.51 million shares valued at N1.55 billion.

Diamond Bank followed with an account of 44.27 million shares worth N102.09 million, while Transcorp traded 43.39 million shares worth N54.53 million.

Access Bank exchanged 37.89 million shares valued at N220.74 million, while Fidelity Bank sold 21.57 million shares worth N47.87 million.

L- R: Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney; GMD, FBNHoldings, Mr. UK Eke MFR; Group Chairman, FBN Holdings, Dr. Oba Otudeko CFR; Chairman, FirstBank, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; and CEO, FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan raising their flags to the next 125 years of FirstBank at the 125th anniversary flag hoisting/press conference of the Bank, held at the FirstBank Head Quarters, Lagos...on Friday.

How LSETF’s interventions created 89,678 jobs in 3 years Motolani Oseni, Lagos The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has presented a social impact assessment report of its entrepreneurship programmes, which showed that its interventions have created not less than 89,678 jobs in the last three years.

The Impact Assessment Exercise carried out with support from Ford Foundation, measured the achievements of the Fund’s interventions, documented the lessons learnt, and made recommendations on how to enhance the Fund’s performance in future.

The report titled, ‘LSETF Impact: Progress and Lessons’, was presented during the week in Lagos State, indicated that 7,817 MSMEs have been funded by the LSETF under its MSME Loan Programme.

The breakdown of the report also showed that 89per cent of

businesses have been able to pay back loans solely from business income and profits, while 70 per cent of beneficiaries who were unable to access funding before the LSETF intervention recorded positive improvement.

The social impact assessment further indicated that 70 per cent of the beneficiaries hired at least one person, even as 89 per cent of small businesses which benefited from the LSETF loans have been able to pay back the loans chiefly from the business income and profits.

It is, however, worthy of note that 72 per cent of the MSMEs who benefited from the LSETF loans reported a positive impact on their business growth and personal life.

For instance, female beneficiaries are able to support an average of five dependents each, while their male counterparts support an average of four, which means that about 8,000 loan beneficiaries are

responsible for at least 40,000 persons.

The report further revealed that 75 entrepreneurs in the technology and innovation space were impacted by the LSETF’s Lagos Innovates workspace voucher programme which led to the creation of 2,125 direct and indirect jobs.

Meanwhile, 76 per cent of the Lagos Innovates beneficiaries are ready to pitch to investors for additional funding.

Commenting on the results of the report, the Executive Secretary of the LSETF, Mr Akintunde Oyebode said; “I am very pleased that Ford Foundation partnered with us to carry out this independent assessment of the impact of the LSETF initiative and its operations. The outcome has been very insightful and has thrown up indicators to areas that need improvement. At LSETF, we believe it is important to measure impact, to ensure we improve the benefit received from the public

and private capital entrusted to us. By providing this body of work, we also hope that other institutions within and outside Nigeria, learn from our experience, and are able to design even better programmes to put people in jobs.”

In his remarks at the forum, the Regional Director, Ford Foundation, Mr Innocent Chukwuma said; “It is impressive that the LSETF as an agency of the Government has done a laudable job even in the face of growing scepticism of the impact of special programmes by the government to solve social problems. It is important that an agency created few years ago has decided to embark on what is usually not the norm, to check how it has performed and the lessons learnt in other to make future plans. This should be a model for other states and government agencies across the federation”, Mr Chukwuma said.

Finance Minister congratulates Buhari on re-election Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed on Thursday congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari over his re-election, describing it as ‘impressive success’.

Mrs Ahmed, who stated this in a congratulatory message

addressed to the President noted that his victory shows his acceptability across the length and breath of the country.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, Mr Paul Ella Abechi, the minister said, the victory was a testimony to the fact that the solid foundation laid in the last three and half years

was appreciated by the majority of Nigerians.

The message reads in part: “I am pleased to congratulate you and the entire campaign team on this impressive success.

“Your victory with acceptability across the length and breadth of our country fills me with immense joy.

“By this vote, Nigerians trust

and believe in your ability to lead the country to sustainable growth and development.

“This victory is a testimony to the fact that the solid foundation laid in the last three and a half years is appreciated by Nigerians and this will inspire you to do more to lead our dear country to the path of sustainable prosperity.”

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Telephone subscribers hike by 1.14m in one month–NCC Ladesope Ladesope The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said that subscribers on the telecommunication networks increased by 1,141,042 in January 2019, as active subscribers now 174,012,136, against 172,871,094 recorded in December 2018.

The telecommunications regulator disclosed this in its Monthly Subscriber and Operator Data made available on its website on Friday.

According to the data, 173,625,306 of the 174,012,136 active numbers subscribe to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network services.

The GSM operators’ active customers’ figure increased by 1,139,501 in January, after the 172,485,805 subscribers recorded in December 2018.

The reports stated that out of the GSM operators, MTN had 66,665,378 users in January,

showing a decrease of 467,631 from the 67,133,009 it recorded in December 2018.

Globacom’s figure increased in January by 348,341 with 45,603,638 customers, as against 45,255,297 in December 2018.

Airtel had 44,970,973 subscribers in the month under review, which showed an increase of 790,489 users, from the 44,180,484 recorded in December 2018. 9mobile recorded 16,385,317 customers in January, having an increase of 468,302 subscribers, against 15,917,015 in December 2018.

The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators recorded 124,257 subscribers in the month under review, indicating a decrease of 165, from 124,092 users in December 2018.

Visafone, which is one of the two surviving CDMA operators had 119,797 customers in January 2019, showing an increase of 165 from the 119,632 recorded in December 2018.

On the other hand, Multi-Links had 4,460 in the month under

review, same with the record of December 2018. The monthly subscriber/operator data showed that the Fixed Wireless Network (landline) consumers remained at 26,865 in January 2019.

One of the two landline networks, Visafone had 26,437 subscribers, while Multi-Links maintained its record of 428 customers in the month under review.

It also revealed that the Fixed Wired operators (landline) subscriber base decreased by 5,677; reducing to 107,949 users in January, as against 113,626 recorded in December 2018. In the Fixed Wired arena, MTN Fixed moved from 5,450 users in December 2018 to 5,480 users in January 2019, thereby increasing by 30 customers. Glo Fixed had 2,896 users in January, increasing by 17 customers from the December 2018 record of 2,879.

IpNX network moved from 2,281 subscriber base in December 2018 to 2,248 in January 2019, hence, its customers decreased by 33.

Ntel had 6,498 consumers

subscribing to its products and services in January, showing a decrease of 1,007 users to the December 2018 record of 7,505.

The regulatory body said that Section 89, Subsection 3(c) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 mandated it to monitor and report the state of the telecommunications industry.

“The commission is mandated to provide statistical analyses and identify industry trends with regard to services, tariffs, operators, technology, subscribers, issues of competition and dominance.

“This is to identify areas where regulatory intervention will be needed.

“The commission regularly conducts studies, surveys and produces reports on the telecommunications industry.

“Therefore, telecommunications operators are obligated, under the terms of their licenses, to provide NCC with such data on a regular basis for analytical review and publishing”, NCC said.

FirstBank restates commitment to industry growth, Nigeria’s economic development Motolani Oseni, Lagos First Bank of Nigeria Limited on Friday said that it would remain committed to the development and growth of Nigeria as well as the financial industry through enhanced service delivery. Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, stated this at its 125 years anniversary flag hoisting in Lagos.

Adeduntan said that the bank, a long-standing institution, had impacted the nation and the world through various financial products and services. “From that very modest beginning in 1894, First Bank has traversed an incredible journey of delivering impeccable financial services to its customers and supporting the building of modernday Nigeria and indeed, West Africa,

including our early pivotal role as the monetary and fiscal policy regulator for the entire West African region,” he said.

He said the bank had provided top-class financial services to the country and citizenry and had supported in the past 125 years and would continue in that direction in the future.

“As a long-standing institution, which even predates Nigeria as a unified entity, FirstBank is entrenched in the nation’s development; woven into the very fabric of society, with our involvement in every stage of national growth and development.

“At the amalgamation, independence and through the seasons ever after, we have been here marching hand-in-hand with you and our dear nation. We have enabled financial, technological,

industrial and societal advancements, achieving very many firsts over time”, Adeduntan said.

He noted that the institution was celebrating 125 years of unbroken business operations in Nigeria; 125 years of supporting and enabling dreams; 125 years of resilience and relevance.

Adeduntan added that it was celebrating 125 years of trust, safety and security as well as 125 years of long term value to all stakeholders.

He said that the bank was now building for the next 125 years and beyond and would continue to maintain its leadership position.

The chief executive officer said that hoisting of the flag symbolises the identity, impact, permanence and reverence of an institution. He said that the bank was among the few companies in the world that

survived over 100 years of existence.

Also speaking, Mr Dipo Fatokun of the Central Bank of Nigeria, lauded the bank for its achievement in the development of the financial sector and Nigeria as a whole.

Fatoku said that integrity was very important in the banking industry, adding that First Bank had remained a major player both in human capital development and financial service delivery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the dignitaries at the event were the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, former CBN Governor, Mr Joseph Sanusi, Mrs Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Dr Omobola Johnson, former Minister of Communication Technology and Mrs Nike Akande, among others.

L-R: Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, (NICE) Engr. (Mrs.) Lola Adetona; ex, National Chairman, NICE, Engr. (Dr.) Tunde Olatunji; Guest Speaker, Engr. Andrew Ezekwe; and Vice Chairman, Lagos State, NICE, Engr. Emeka Ibeh, during a seminar organized for members in Lagos.

Why Nigeria’s excess crude account may decline further Steady at $249m Joy Obakeye The Nigerian government has further depleted the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to $249 million between January and February this year in an apparent last-minute scamper for funds to fund its election activities.

The balance in the ECA dropped significantly from $2.45 billion at the end of November 2018 to just $631 million at the end of December, a period of one month.

A communiqué issued at the end of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting for February indicated that the new balance in the ECA is $249m, signalling further depletion.

Ahmed Idris, Accountant General of the Federation, who represented the Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance at the meeting, however, did not explain for what purpose the withdrawal was made.

Meanwhile, FAAC disbursed to the three tiers of government a total of N610.368 billion federal revenue generated in the month of January 2019 but shared in February 2019.

Ahmed said approval is being awaited from the minister of finance for additional N50 billion from the Foreign Exchange Equalization Account, which will be distributed accordingly.

Fraud: NERC justifies N2bn payment by NBET MD to 2 firms Godwin Anyebe The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says the N2 billion paid to two power firms by Marilyn Amobi, Managing Director of the Nigeria Bulk Electricity trading Plc (NBET), was lawful.

The commission, in a statement, said its investigation revealed that the payments to Olorunsogo and Omotosho power plants by NBET are in line with the power purchase agreement; while the allegation of fraud raised by the petitioners could not be substantiated.

Documents obtained by Leaks NG had revealed how Amobi, who was made the substantive MD of NBET in July 2016, was also involved in a series of corruption allegations such as subversion of board approvals and infraction of procurement laws.

But NERC said Amobi did not commit any act of illegality.

“The attention of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (“NERC” or the “Commission”) has been drawn to the allegations of fraudulent payments to the Olorunsogo and Omotosho power plants by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (“NBET”) as widely reported in the press and other news media,” NERC said.

“The Commission initiated the conduct of an investigation of the alleged N2Billion overpayment

by NBET to Oloronsogo and Omotosho power plants pursuant to the powers of the regulator to approve Power Purchase Agreements NBET executes with generation companies and the imperative to maintain the integrity of the electricity market.

“In conducting the investigation, the Commission interviewed top management of NBET who are involved with the management of PPAs, as well as the petitioners, Mallam Waziri Bintube and Mallam Abdullahi Sambo over a period of two days.

The findings of the Commission’s investigation are as follows. Payments made by NBET to the 2 power plants were done in compliance with the NERC TEM Order pursuant to the provision that sanctity of existing agreements is maintained.

“Mallam Waziri Bintube and Mallam Abdullahi Sambo were unable to substantiate any claims of over-invoicing to the tune of N2Billion each month

by NBET in the payments to these 2 power plants constituted a crime during their interviews; and could also not provide further evidence to substantiate any form of inappropriate payments being made to these two power plants as they had alleged.”

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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Lagos, ‘A no man’s land’ and its political realities Alade Tasma It is said that “Lagos affairs have been left in the hands of non indigenes for too long and they obviously cannot offer 100℅ allegiance because they have nothing at stake.”

It is further expressed that the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos as a state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the open mindedness and liberality of the original owners of the state have probably remained the reasons for which the non indigenes have continued to shortchange themselves especially, in politics and political offices in the state.

History and available records have shown that the ‘Aworis’ are the original ‘owners’ of Lagos, having been the first inhabitants of what is known as Lagos today.

According to the unwritten history, the Aworis have been the inhabitants of the present day Lagos well over a 100 years before the invasion of the Benin Kingdom of the present day Lagos.

The history also had it that the Oba of Benin at a time sent an expedition to engage with the Awori people who were the inhabitants of Lagos as a result of complaints of alleged maltreatment of the monarch’s traders by the Aworis.

The expedition team was led by a Benin Prince named Ado. However, the Aworis known to be peaceful people and not known for war expedition were not prepared to engage and attack the Ado led team, rather, they welcomed them and urged Prince Ado to stay back and become their leader.

Ado however, agreed with their proposal on the condition that they surrender their sovereignty to the Oba of Benin and to this, the Aworis agreed.

The Oba of Benin later gave his permission for the Ado led team to remain in Eko with the Awori. Eko was the name at which Lagos was originally known and called. The Benin monarch later sent some of his chiefs among whom were; the Eletu Odibo, Obanikoro among others to assist Prince Ado in the running of the affairs of the settlement.

With the proposal of the Aworis to Prince Ado and the consequent approval and blessing of the Oba of Benin, Ado

became the first King of today Lagos in 1630 and reigned until 1704.

Lagos was said to serve as a major centre for slave trade which enjoys the support of the Benin monarch, Prince Ado who was the first Oba of Lagos and all his successors until 1841 when Oba Akitoye became the king of Lagos and attempted to stop the slave trade.

This however, became his undoing as the local merchants strongly opposed the move; he was deposed and exiled while his brother, Kosoko was installed as his successor.

While in exile in Europe, Akintoye was said to have signed off Lagos to the British for his throne when he met with the British authorities who have no tolerance for slave trade, having banned slave trading in 1807 and therefore, decided to support Akintoye to regain his throne. The British intervention however, brought the deposed king back on the throne in 1851.

The British were to later annex Lagos after enjoying a dominant influence and in 1861, Lagos formally become British colony.

With this development, the remnants of the Benin empire was seized by the British in 1887 and when the British finally established the colony and the Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914, Lagos was declared its capital.

Again, Lagos maintained its capital status when Nigeria obtained independence from the British in 1960 and remained the nation’s capital until 1991 when the General Ibrahim Babangida led administration moved the nation’s capital to Abuja.

History also has it that Aworis, the original owners of Lagos migrated to the present day Lagos from Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yorubaland.

Awori, history has it that Ogunfunminire, the founder of Aworis and his followers left the palace of King Oduduwa at Ile-Ife and migrated to the South along a river. Oduduwa was said to have given Ogunfunminire, (Olofin) a mud plate and instructed him to place it on the water and follow it until it sank to the river.

Several days after leaving Ile-Ife, the plate was said to have suddenly stopped near Olokemeji very close to the present

If either of the two accounts is to be adopted, it therefore, means the common phrase “Lagos is no man’s land” is nothing but a reckless expression, since Lagos belongs to the Aworis or an extension of the Benin Kingdom. Therefore, the indigenes of the state should get fair share of what statutorily belongs to them

Bola Tinubu day Abeokuta.

After 17 days again, it began to move again and this time, only to stop at One for another 17 days while at the end of another 17 days the plate began another journey only to stop again at the outskirts of modern day Abeokuta where it again stopped for another 17 days. At this location, some of Olofin followers led by a man named “Osho Arobi Ologbo Egan” decided to stay back.

However, the plate was said to continued moving again, this time, down river and stopped again at Isheri where history recorded that it stayed much longer a period of time.

Olofin was said to have instructed his followers to begin to set up permanent settlement, but after 289 days which is 17×17 days, the plate began to move again. Olofin and few of his followers were said to have followed the plate while the rest stayed back. After two days, the plate was said to have stopped briefly at Iddo in Lagos.

It moved again until at Idumota in Central Lagos where it whirled around in the water before it finally sank and when Olofin returned to his people at Iddo and they asked him about the plate, Olofin was said to have answered them that “Awo Ti Ri” which translated to mean the plate has sank. This is how the name Awori was said to have come about.

Several unwritten accounts support the ownership of the present day Lagos by the Aworis as they were the earliest settlers, inhabitants and dominant tribes of the present day Lagos close to a century before

the invasion of Benin.

However, the reigning monarch of Lagos, Oba Rildwan Osuolale Akiolu in agreement with the Erelu Kuti of Lagos, Chief Abiola Dosumu is sharply in disagreement with proponents of the ownership of Lagos by the Aworis.

According to them, Lagos was an extension of Benin Kingdom. While this issue has remained highly controversial, the slang “Lagos, a no man’s land” has become a common phrase among the generality of the residents of the state.

Kings who reigned after Prince Ado, the first Oba of Lagos who reigned between 1630 and 1669 includes; *King Gabaro (1669 - 1704), King Akinsemoyin (1704 1749), King Ologun Kutere (1749 -1775), King Adele Ajosun (1775 - 1780 & 1832 1834), King Eshinlokun (1780 - 1819), King Idewu Ojulari (1819 - 1832), King Oluwole (1836 - 1841), King Akintoye (1841 - 1845 & 1851 - 1853), King Kosoko (1845 - 1851), King Dosumu (Docemo: 1853 - 1885), King Oyekan 1, (1885 - 1900), King Esugbayi (1901 - 1925 & 1932), King Ibikunle Akitoye (1925 - 1928), King Sanusi Olusi (1928 - 1931), King Falolu Dosumu (1932 - 1949), King Adeniji Adele (1949 - 1964), Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, (1965 - 2003) and the reigning Oba Rilwan Akiolu who ascended the throne after Oyekan II in 2003.

However, if the version of Oba Akiolu and that of the respected Erelu is to be adopted as the true original ownership of the present day Lagos, the question posted here therefore, was that, does it mean all

the ruling houses and the Kings that have reigned in Lagos including the incumbent, Oba Rilwan Akiolu have their roots in Benin Kingdom?

Again, if either of the two accounts is to be adopted, it therefore, means the common phrase “Lagos is no man’s land” is nothing but a reckless expression, since Lagos belongs to the Aworis or an extension of the Benin Kingdom. Therefore, the indigenes of the state should get fair share of what statutorily belongs to them.

A critical look and analysis of politics and governance in the state especially, since the current democratic dispensation began in 1999 have continued to give credence to the growing assumption of Lagos as a no man’s land.

First, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who is alleged to be rooted at Iragbiji, a community in Osun State, South West, Nigeria emerged victorious in a governorship election that involved a notable Lagos born and “son of the soil” from Epe, one of the five areas into which the state was divided, Chief Dapo Sarumi in 1999. Having been chosen above Chief Funsho William, another notable indigene of the state as the candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Tinubu ruled the state with three deputies in his eight year rule as the governor of the state. First, Senator Kofo Akerele Bucknor, Otunba Femi Pedro and later Prince Abiodun Ogunleye who was in office for two weeks as deputy governor.

Tinubu, as governor was alleged to have caused Bucknor and Pedro to be removed from office by the State House of Assembly over political disagreements at different times. Although, the three deputies were known to be indigenes of the state but record has it that the state cabinet under Tinubu was populated with over 70℅ non indigenes of the state.

With some of them occupying more ‘juicy’ ministries and held important portfolios. Rauf Aregbesola, Opeyemi Bamideles, Yemi Osinbajo, Ben Akabueze (a non Yoruba), Femi Lanlehin, Dele Alake are among other names of non-indigenes that readily comes to mind.

Tinubu who had already become the political godfather and kingmaker in the state before his eight year rule came to an end was said to have single handedly brought Babatunde Raji Fashola who had served as his Chief of Staff to succeed him.

Fashola whose claim to the state indigeneship remains unconfirmed as some people believe he is not an indigene of the state also governed the state with two deputies in his eight year rule, courtesy of his godfather.

First, it was Adebisi Sarah Sosan and then Adejoke Orelope Adefulire. Although both are indigenes of the state from Awori tribe, but the state executive members under Fashola were again populated with over 60℅ non indigenes of the state. These cabinet members were said to be nominated into the state executive council by Bola Tinubu, the political godfather of the state who himself is believed to be a non indigene.

Same could also be said of the current administration led by Akinwumi Ambode who had just been humiliated by his party in the state.

Tinubu, Ambode’s political godfather was fingered in the political misfortune of the governor. Ambode himself a non

Continued on page 18

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ADC candidate, GNI pledges better deal for Ogun residents Stories by Patrick Okohue The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka has promised that if elected, he would run a government with a good heart to build legacies that future generations will be proud of.

At an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, Isiaka said his administration would make the people of Ogun to feel real sense of belonging by ensuring that state resources are distributed fairly and infrastructure are provided across the different parts to boost economic activities and enhance the social life of the residents.

“The ADC has a responsibility and plan to develop all nooks and crannies of Ogun State. No part will be neglected or feel neglected. The ADC administration will make its

impact felt across the state and unite the people to collectively develop Ogun.”

Isiaka, who for years was in charge of the management of the government’s investments, decried the state of infrastructure in Ogun, and said if elected, his administration would quickly move to execute a transformation agenda in the education and health sectors, empower women and youths, create jobs and rehabilitate the bad rural roads.

On what the ADC plans to achieve in the first two years in office, he said: “We hope to make remarkable impact in the education sector which is crucial to human capital development required to transform our state. Ogun is now number 19 in WAEC, it is very sad, it indicates backwardness.

We need to build confidence and encourage the teachers. There will an education summit to look at the curriculum. There is need for a

special and efficient unit to manage the schools.

“In the health sector, we observed that a lot of facilities have been locked up. Not many of them are functional, many are operating below capacity.

We need to ensure that these facilities optimally provide their services to better the lot of our people. The problems in other sectors will be fixed so that our people can really enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Isiaka said.

On the chances of his party winning the governorship election in the era of vote buying, he said the assurances were very good.

“With the people, there is no much problem, but the vote buying is very worrisome. However, with that darkness, there is still light. No matter what anybody will spend, we should still be able to achieve our ambition. The larger parties are split and this may present a good chance for us,” he said.

Lagos, ‘A no man’s land’ and its political realities Continued from page 17 indigene, like his party may want residents of the state to believe for political reason.

Indigenes of the state are also said not to have had a fair share in the state cabinet.

His administration is said to parade more non indigenes in the state cabinet than his two predecessors. Apart from the deputy governor, Idiat Adebule an Awori lady, Gbolahan Lawal, Oluwatoyin Suarau, Babajide Idris, Babatunde Durosinmi Etti, Adeniji Kazeem, Bank Olemoh, Babatunde Hunpe, Anofiu Elegushi, Muslim Folami and the newly appointed Head of Service, Hakeem Muri Okunola who are said to be indigenes, non-indigenes are said to be holding the other notable portfolios in the 42 member state cabinet.

Again, the spread of public office in the state controlled by the All Progressive Congress (APC) in firm grip of Bola Tinubu, the non indigenes of the state unlike any other state in the South West and entire country, have dominated the political offices constitutionally accrued to the state.

For instance, of the three Senatorial seat in the state, Senator Bariyu Ashafa an indigene of the state is currently occupying one, the Lagos East while the wife of Tinubu, Oluremi and Solomon Adeola Olamilekan both non indigenes occupy the seats of Lagos Central and West respectively.

Ironically, Ashafa, the only indigene among the three Senators representing Lagos State at the upper House of the National Assembly has just been eased out of the race paving way for another non indigene, Hon. Bayo Sikiru Osinowo from Ijebuland, Ogun State to emerge as the Senator thereby, ceding the three Senatorial seats in the state to non indigenes.

The three Senatorial candidates of the ruling APC in the state are the incumbent Senator and wife of the political godfather in the state, Bola Tinubu, Oluremi representing Lagos Central who who was only last weekend re-elected and will be serving her third consecutive terms in office.

Olamilekan Adeola Solomon aka Yayi, the Yewa, Ogun State born politician will be serving his second term in office as Senator representing Lagos West after his two terms and a single term of four years in office as member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the House of representatives respectively, while Bayo Sikiru Osinowo who has been a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly in the last 16 years having won election into the House for four consecutive terms representing Kosofe constituency 1 has just been elected, thus displacing Ashafa, the only indigene among the three.

Also a look at the current representation of the State at both House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly reveals that the seats are currently occupied by over 60℅ non indigenes of the state. For instance, the State House of Assembly is led by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, a non indigene from Itori, a community in Ewekoro, in Ogun State, South West region of the country as the Speaker with over 25 other non Lagos indigenes as member including two non Yorubas in the 40 member State House of Assembly.

Same could also be noted of members of the lower House of the National Assembly where only nine can be said to be indigenes of the state among 24 members currently representing the state at the House of Representatives in Abuja.

APC, the ruling party in the state also presented not more than nine indigenes of the state which amounts to just about 38% to contest the 24 House of Representatives seats meant for the state.

A good look at the lists of APC flag bearers for the February and March elections in the state shows the non indigenes of the state have taken over 80% contestable seats in the state and the consequence is that if the APC emerges victorious which is most likely, going by the record of electoral victories in the state in the recent past, the first three top offices in the state would therefore, be occupied by non indigenes

of the state, since the party’s governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Babafemi Kadri Hamzat are rooted in Ogun State. While Sanwo-Olu is said to be rooted in Ijebu Mushin, Hamzat is a known Prince of Afowowa, a community very close to Abeokuta, Ogun State where his father is the sitting monarch.

The state number three seat is currently occupied by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa who is rooted in Itori, another community within Ewekoro Local government in Ogun State same as that of the deputy governorship candidate, Femi Hamzat.

Obasa has again secured the APC ticket to return to the Assembly for the fifth consecutive term and with the ambition to ‘Speak again’ and continue to give his best as the Speaker of the House in the next Assembly.

If all these political mapping and permutations turn out as staked, the states number 1,2 and 3 positions would be occupied by indigenes of neighbouring Ogun State, thereby fourth rated the indigenes, who by the way do not even have the opportunity of occupying any of the three senatorial seats in the state, thus giving credence to the claim of ‘Lagos, a no man’s land’ since no such political arrangements and realities could be made to manifest in any other state and indigenous communities in the country.

The national leader of the ruling APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has remained the state’s political godfather and the ‘Oracle of Lagos’ (IFA EKO) which translates to mean, the former governor an alleged non indigene has remained the one giving direction in every aspect of life engagements in the state, from political to business, while his influence is also said to be loudly rooted in the traditional institutions in the state.

However, if Lagos is truly a ‘no man’s land’ going by the emerging realities in both political and other life engagements in the state, time as well as further occurrences will surely tell.

Gboyega Nasir Isiaka

Presidential/NASS election: Bayelsa Commission of Inquiry into Violence seeks memoranda The Bayelsa State Commission of Inquiry into the Violence, Mayhem, and Breach Of Peace in Parts of The State, Before, During And After The Presidential And National Assembly Elections held on the 23rd of February, 2019, has sent out a call for memoranda to anyone who may have useful information to help it achieve success in its assigned work.

The Commission in an open memoranda signed by its secretary, Dr. Richard Ogbe, the call has become necessary to help achieve its set goals.

The memoranda reads as follows; “THIS is to inform all residents and citizens of the state and the general public that the Commission of Inquiry set up by the state government to inquire into the violence, mayhem, and breach of peace in parts of Bayelsa State, before, during and after the presidential and National Assembly elections held on the 23rd

of February, 2019, that interested persons can submit 10 copies of their memoranda to the Commission from Friday, 1ST of March, 2019.

“Such memoranda should be in hard and soft copies, double spaces, 14 font, not more than 50 pages, addressed to the chairman of the Commission and should be submitted at the office of the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ministry Of Justice, Main Secretariat Complex, Yenagoa between the hours of 9.00am to 4.00pm daily starting from Friday, 1st March, 2019.

“The first sitting of the Commission is on Monday, 4TH MARCH, 2019 at 9:00am at the Multi-Door Court Complex, Ovom-Yenagoa.

“Furthermore, persons who have information, but do not want their identities to be known can call the toll free line 08001230123 to give evidence. Note that, calls to 08001230123 are free of charge,” the Commission said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE BELOW MENTIONED TITLE DOCUMENTS BELONG TO MR CYPRIAN. O. UTAH AND WAS RECENTLY DECLARED STOLEN ON THE 3RD OF JANUARY,2019. NAMELY; 1 DEED OF ASSIGNMENT IN RESPECT OF SHOPS AT TRADE FAIR COMPLEX, APT ZONE OJO, LAGOS. 2 CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IN RESPECT OF PROPERTY AT SATELITE TOWN, LAGOS,OJO BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY. 3 PURCHASE RECEIPT IN RESPECT OF 6 PLOTS OF LAND AT BADAGRY LAGOS. 4.PURCHASE RECEIPT IN RESPECT OF LAND AT IGANDO LAGOS. 5 DEED OF ASSIGNMENT IN RESPECT OF PROPERTY SITUATED AT NO 17 ANAMBRA STREET,.FEGGE ONITSHA. 6 DEED OF ASSIGNMENT IN RESPECT OF PROPERTY AT R2/19C AND G 87 MAIN MARKET,ONITSHA. 7 DEED OF ASSIGNMENT IN RESPECT OF PROPERTIES AT IMO STATE, ORLU LOCAL GOVERMENT AREA. 8 DEED OF ASSIGNMENT IN RESPECT OF SHOP AT RED GATE LINE, HEAD BRIDGE MARKET, ONITSHA. 9 ORIGINAL CAR DOCUMENTS. ANY TRANSACTION PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE MENTIONED DOCUMENTS ARE INVALID.

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FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

Pakistan hands over captured pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India Pakistan has handed over a captured pilot to Indianauthorities at the Wagah border, a move aimed at de-escalating tensions after days of hostilities between the South Asian neighbours.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman crossed the Wagah-Attari border at around 9pm local time (1600 GMT) on Friday, hours later than expected and sporting a black eye from his ordeal.

His release came two days after he was captured following a rare aerial engagement between the nucleararmed rivals over the disputed region of Kashmir, divided between the two countries since 1947.

A press statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Varthaman has been returned to India and that he was treated “with dignity” during his custody.

“While in captivity, he was treated with dignity and in line with international law. Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr Imran Khan announced his return as a goodwill gesture aimed at de-escalating rising tensions with India,” said the statement.

On Thursday, Khan had announced his decision to return Varthaman back to India as a “peace gesture” during a joint sitting of the parliament in capital, Islamabad.

In a tweet, Khan’s Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcomed the pilot home, saying “the nation is proud of his exemplary courage”.

Varthaman had become a national hero after purported footage that went viral showed him being beaten by locals after being shot down before Pakistani soldiers intervened, with social media

abuzz with #GivebackAbhinandan and #Abhinandanmyhero hashtags.

His polite refusal to proffer more details than necessary - “I am sorry major, I am not supposed to tell you this” - won the handlebar-moustached pilot particular sympathy in India.

The pilot’s parents travelled to Amritsar town near Wagah via India’s capital New Delhi on Thursday night and received a standing ovation by copassengers as they boarded their flight.

At the famous Wagah border crossing, thousands of Indians, waving flags, singing and dancing with patriotic fervour, had gathered to welcome Varthaman home. But the crowd dwindled after his release was delayed inexplicably by hours.

Al Jazeera’s Sohail Rahman, reporting from New Delhi, said the processing of Varthaman’s return at the Wagah border crossing had gone “according to plan, though the Pakistanis delayed the release of the Wing Commander at least three times during the day”.

“We don’t know why there has been a delay, but it seems that the wing commander … is now on his way home,” said Rahman.

Rahman also said the pilot’s release was unlikely to end the ongoing row between India and Pakistan.

“As far as India is concerned, the situation is still very tense. Indiaadministered Kashmir is still under curfew ... there has been an ongoing gun battle in Handwara [in Indiaadministered Kashmir],” he said.

Gun battles in India-administered Kashmir on Friday left two rebels and four members of the Indian security services dead, while a civilian was killed in later protests, police said.

“Regardless of what’s going on with

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman stands under armed escort near Pakistan-India border in Wagah the wing commander and him being “The Pakistani military is on full red transferred back to India, the situation alert, they are flying constant air patrols in terms of any semblance of peace and all over Pakistan and although the tranquility is certainly far from it,” said airspace has been open, the movement Rahman. of aircraft between India and Pakistan, On Wednesday, Pakistani military especially commercial aircraft is still said it shot down two Indian air force under restrictions,” said Hyder. fighter jets that entered its airspace in “What we are being told here in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Pakistan is that the Indians are still in a took the pilot in custody belligerent mood, that Modi is trying to The Pakistani attack came a day after capitalise on this crisis for the elections Indian warplanes launched raids inside coming up within the next two months,” the Pakistani territory, claiming to have he added. hit a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp.

“So the ball, as far as Pakistan is Tensions between the archrivals concerned, is in India’s court.” escalated after a suicide bombing Mona Alam, an Islamabad-based in India-administered Kashmir on defence and security analyst, told Al February 14 that killed at least 42 Indian Jazeera the move was unlikely to be soldiers, the worst such attack in three followed by “any sort of de-escalation” decades of the conflict. from India.

Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder, reporting “As soon as the announcement was from Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, made by Prime Minister Imran Khan, said the situation remained “critical” we saw that Modi kept on repeating following Varthaman’s release amid the same lines … which spoke about concerns over how to “defuse this war and never spoke about peace,” said escalating crisis”.

Alam.

Hope for Tanzania’s top opposition leader detained since Nov Tanzania’s Court of Appeal has rejected a legal challenge by prosecutors questioning last year’s High Court decision to hear the bail application filed by detained opposition leaders.

The Court of Appeal, also referred to as the country’s Supreme Court, ruled on Friday that the argument presented by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has no merit, and that the High Court can proceed with the bail hearing of Freeman Mbowe and his co-accused and fellow parliament member, Esther Matiko.

Mbowe, the national chairman of Chadema party, and Matiko, who serves as treasurer of the party’s women’s wing, are both under detention since November last year.

Prosecutors led by state attorney, Faraja Nchimbi, argued before the appeals court that High Court Judge Sam Rumanyika had erred when he quashed their objection against the bail hearing in November.

They challenged the judge’s interpretation of a section of the Criminal Procedures Act 1985 which governs the appeals against a

Freeman Mbowe is the national chairman of the opposition Chadema party

subordinate court’s decisions.

Judge Rumanyika ruled that prosecutors had no valid arguments and summoned all relevant files on the case proceedings form the subordinated court in order to carry on the hearing.

The hearing was put on hold following the prosecutors’ appeal, until the three-judge bench at the superior court ruled on the matter on Friday.

Under Tanzania’s constitution and judicial system, a ruling by the Court of Appeal cannot be challenged.

When hearing resumes, the court will be able to determine whether Mbowe and Matiko are entitled to a bail.

Safari said he was thankful to the court of appeal for its decision and that his panel of lawyers were going to write to the high court to request a hearing date.

Opposition leader Mbowe has been involved in a legal battle with the prosecutors for bail since the Dar es Salaam resident magistrate court cancelled it.

The Kisutu court’s decision on November 23 was based on allegations that Mbowe and Matiko had contravened the bail conditions by travelling outside the country without the court’s approval.

As a result, the prosecutors asked the court to cancel Mbowe’s bail after

he failed to appear in court on two occasions.

By travelling outside the country, the duo also failed to honour the mandatory reporting to the Ilala district police station in Dar es Salaam.

Mbowe and eight other eight opposition leaders, including Vincent Mashinji, Salum Mwalim, are facing 13 counts, including sedition and unlawful assembly, allegedly committed in Dar es Salaam in February last year.

The hearing on other politicians charged in the case is still on at Kisutu court.

Apart from this case, other key opposition leaders are also facing various charges, mainly sedition and incitement to violence.

Recently, two opposition legislators, Suzan Kiwanga and Peter Lijualikali, were remanded for several days in custody after their bails were denied.

Lijualikali was release in March, 2017 after the leader successfully appealed against a six-month jail sentence by the district court in Morogoro.

Another opposition legislator, Joseph Mbilinyi, stayed in prison for nearly three months between February and May, 2018 following a five-month sentence in jail for insulting President Joseph Magufuli.

g 20 Thousands march in Algeria against president’s bid for fifth term

Tens of thousands of protesters marched through Algeria on Friday against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term, the largest demonstrations in years.

Police helicopters circled overhead as protesters gathered in streets and parks of the capital, Algiers after midday Muslim prayer services.

Riot police vans lined the boulevard leading to the presidential headquarters and deployed around the march route.

Security forces fired tear gas at protesters in the Belcourt neighbourhood on the city’s Mediterranean shore.

Protesters hoped the demonstration would send a loud signal of public discontent to the gas-rich North African country’s secretive leadership before the April 18 presidential election.

“Look at the Algerian youth, all it is demanding is a valid president who can talk to the people,” Hamdane Salim, a 45-year-old public sector worker, said.

Among the crowd was Djamila Bouhired, 83, a heroine of the 1954-1962 independence war against France, who told reporters: “I’m happy to be here.”

There were also demonstrations in other cities such as Oran, Constantine, Setif, Tizi Ouzou and Bouira drawing in thousands, according to residents.

Since last Friday thousands have taken part in anti-government protests seldom seen in the country.

“To come out onto the streets in such huge numbers is an act of courage by the Algerian people. In a sense they have got rid of their fear of the repressive regime.

This could be a tipping point in Algeria,” Jeremy Keenan of the Queen Mary University of London, told Al Jazeera.

Keenan said Algerians youth are not only calling for Bouteflika to not run in the upcoming election but are demanding a change in the way their oil-rich country is governed.

“Fifty percent of the Algerian population, we are talking about 42 million people, is under the age of 27 and 30 percent of those are unemployed.

You have a country that is potentially extremely rich. The revenues from oil in the last 20 years have been at least a trillion dollars. Of that at least 300 million is unaccounted for. People know this and are sick of it.” he added.

Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013 and has rarely appeared in public since then. The ailing leader has also not given any known speeches since he suffered the stroke.

For years, many Algerians have avoided public political activity fearing trouble from the omnipresent security services or becoming disillusioned as the country has been run by the same group of veterans since the 1954-1962 independence war with France.

There appeared to be few such inhibitions on Friday.

“People want to overthrow the regime,” some chanted, using a slogan from the 2011 Arab Spring turmoil which toppled leaders in Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia.

Bouteflika himself has ruled Algeria since 1999 and stamped out a decade-long rebellion early in his rule.

Many Algerians have long tolerated a political system with little space for dissent as a price to pay for peace and stability.

But the new protest waves appear to have broken the long taboo on public discussion of politics.

Bouteflika’s opponents say there is no evidence he is fit enough to lead the country and allege it is being ruled in his name by advisers. Authorities say he retains a firm grip on public affairs despite the rarity of his appearances.

A weak and divided opposition faces high hurdles in mounting an electoral challenge. Since the long-ruling FLN party again picked Bouteflika as its presidential candidate, several parties, trade unions and business groups have endorsed him.

Lower oil prices in recent years have damaged Algeria’s economy, rekindling discontent.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 2, 2019

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SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 2, 2019

ITTF Championship: Olufunke Oshonaike eyes final appearance in Hungary

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Since making her debut as a teenager at the ITTF World Championship in Chiba, Japan, Olufunke Oshonaike may be making her last appearance at the global showpiece when the 2019 ITTF World Championship.

The five-time Olympian said from her base in Hamburg, Germany, that she would not give up on featuring in her seventh Olympic Games but said: “I think this might be last world championship in the singles because my aim is to play at the next Olympic Games where I will then call it quit. But I must admit it would not be easy leaving a sport that you have played for more than four decades. Table tennis has impacted my life positively and everything I had achieved in life majority of them has been through the

sport,” he said.

“My first outing was in Chiba, Japan, in 1991 when I played alongside great African players like Atanda Musa. I was so small and I would forget every moment in Japan that year being a teenager then. But my cherished moment was at the 2015 edition in China where I played against the eventual champion – Ning Ding in the first round. That day was my birthday and I enjoyed playing against the best player in the moment. This was a rare experience that not every player will have but I played against Ning Ding which is one of the excitements of playing at the World Championship,” the former African champion said.

Oshonaike who is regarded as the most

g22

successful female table tennis player in Africa said she hopes to advance to the main draw in Hungary as this would decide her outing in the competition. “I want to first of all qualify from the group and see what next I can do in the competition,” she added.

Oshonaike described the world championship as a unique competition that gives players the ample chance to play against some of the world’s best. “World Championship is a unique competition because it allows players to play against one another in same competition unlike the Olympic Games and World Cup where only the best compete. So every moment in the competition is cherish and that is why it s the dream of every player to compete at the world championship,” Oshonaike said.

Super Eagles, Seychelles AFCON qualifier gets new date Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) have changed the date of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Seychelles billed to hold on March 23 at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium,

Asaba Delta state.

It was gathered that the dead rubber match will now hold on March 22 at the same venue.

A source close to the Eagles camp informed Sportinglife.ng that the new date is to allow the Eagles recover before their

friendly match against Egypt on March 26.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to release the list of players expected for both matches.

Rohr has promised to invite only fit and in form players for both matches.

Cyprus Women’s Cup: Falcons promise to bounce back after defeat against Austria Nigeria’s Super Falcons have assured that all hope is not lost despite losing their opening group match against Austria at the on-going Cyprus Women’s Invitational Tournament.

They have promised to redeem their image as Africa Champions in today’s group match against Slovakia this afternoon The Falcons who are making their debut in the competition lost to the Euro 2017 semi finalists 4-1 at the AEK Arena on Wednesday.

Unfortunately for the Africa champions

they will be without first choice keeper, Tochukwu Oluehi who was red carded in the first game.

“No hope lost yet, we will fight to bounce back against Slovakia on Friday,” read a tweet on the team’s Twitter handle.

Slovakia whom they face in today’s encounter also lost their opening match against Belgium 3-0.

Nigeria are in the tournament as part of preparations for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

Kenny Dalglish to manage Liverpool legends in charity game Kenny Dalglish will manage a team of Liverpool legends in a charity match against former AC Milan stars next month.

Reds great Dalglish made 515 appearances for the club between 1977 and 1990, scoring 172 goals, and enjoyed two spells as manager, first between 1985 and 1991 and then again between 2011 and 2012.

He lifted six league titles and three European Cups as a Liverpool player, before winning the top flight three times while in the dugout.

Proceeds from the game against Milan Glorie, which will be played at Anfield on March 23, will go to the LFC Foundation and AC Milan’s official charity, Fondazione

Milan.

Players confirmed to appear include Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Paolo Maldini, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman.

“I certainly didn’t expect to be taking on a manger role again, but it’s all for such a great cause,” Dalglish told Liverpool’s official website.

“Like myself, the boys are happy to turn up and support the LFC Foundation, which helps thousands of less fortunate children and young people every year.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for young fans, the future generation of the club, to enjoy the famous atmosphere of Anfield, which many won’t have had the pleasure of before.”

D’Tigers coach Alex Nwora threatens to sue Cameroon basketball federation Head Coach of Nigeria Senior Men’s Basketball team, Alex Nwora, has threatened to sue the Cameroon Basketball Federation (FECABASKET) for their matchfixing allegation against the D’Tigers.

According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Basketball Federation, Nwora slammed the FECABASKET and Cameroonians for allegedly blaming D’Tigers for wilfully losing to Côte d’Ivoire to aide the hosts qualification for the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup. D’Tigers lost two of their three FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier to Cote D’Ivoire and Senegal prompting talks of the games been fixed.

Nwora said such careless statement from the borne FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier out of frustration capable of bringing the sport into disrepute should not be taken lightly by the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA).

“If such is coming from Cameroon that is hypocrisy.

Instead of employing average coaches, they should have gone for the best. They have a very good coach who I know very well, he is one of the best coaches and I learn most of the stuff from him.”

“I wanted to go undefeated, make history for my country. Do you how much Nigeria has for Cameroon to insinuate that we came here to sell a game? How much are they going to pay us? Who will pay us to sell

a game?”

“These are professional players who make money. If they want to do something right, they should not blame their stupidity on these kids and Nigeria because these guys are professional.”

“If anybody is trying to question my integrity, my country and the people that I represent, that is an insult and this is the last time I want to hear that. If my name comes in, I will sue Cameroon or whoever does that.”

Crystal Palace defender Sakho facing spell out after knee surgery Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho has had a knee operation and is set for a spell on the sidelines, manager Roy Hodgson said on Friday.

French centre back Sakho picked up the injury in Crystal Palace’s 4-1 win over Leicester City last month and missed their 3-1 defeat by Manchester United on Wednesday.

“Mamadou Sakho had an operation in Paris yesterday and will need time to recover. We hope to get him back as soon as we can,” Hodgson told a news conference ahead of Saturday’s English Premier League (EPL) trip to Burnley.

Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has shaken off a hamstring injury and is available while Pape Souare is also making progress after dislocating his shoulder.

“Wan-Bissaka is fit again, which is a boost for us. Souare is close to returning,” Hodgson added.

“It’s been a fantastic year for Aaron. I like how hard he works and how firmly he’s been able to keep his feet on the ground. His consistency, work-rate and humility to learn and grow are all wonderful assets.”

Crystal Palace are 14th in the table with 30 points from 28 matches.(Reuters/NAN)

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 9, 2019

23 Sports Times

La Liga to end Monday games from next season, Spanish football federation says La Liga’s Monday night games, which have provoked long-running mass protests from supporters, will be discontinued from next season, Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales announced on Friday.

“There will be no more football on Mondays. As of next season, football will be on Saturdays and Sundays.

Business is important, but fans are more important,” Rubiales said in a post on his personal Twitter account.

Spanish top-flight games have been played on Mondays since 2010 and while the league’s organising body says the matches have large television audiences, they have led to a fall in attendances.

Alaves supporters staged a highprofile demonstration against Monday games last month at their match at home to Levante, keeping the stadium empty until five minutes after kick off.

A small group meanwhile held a mock funeral inside the ground marking “the death of modern football”.

Rubiales said the federation was also in discussions about ending games on Fridays, although he did not confirm whether they would also be discontinued.

“We’ll see what happens with games on Fridays. Perhaps we can come to an agreement that is good for everyone,” he added.

Spain’s biggest clubs such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are not required to play on Mondays or Fridays due to being involved in European competitions.

The rule has led to some clubs playing a disproportionate number of times on Mondays, such as Athletic Bilbao, who have played eight out of 25 fixtures this campaign on Mondays.

(Reuters/NAN)

Improved defence crucial to D’Tigers’ World Cup campaign, NBBF Technical Director admits

Germany to take on Argentina in October friendly Germany will host Argentina in a football friendly on Oct. 9 in Dortmund, the national federation DFB said on Friday.

The DFB said it met a request from coach Joachim Loew who had asked for top opponents in the year’s two friendlies, the other being a March 20 match against Serbia.

“It is important to measure yourself against the best teams on the way back to the top. Players and fans are looking forward to a match against Argentina,” Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff said.

Germany’s eight other games this year are Euro 2020 qualifiers, starting with a tough March 24 trip to the Netherlands where they lost 3-0 last year in the UEFA Nations League.

The other opponents are Belarus, Estonia and Northern Ireland.

Germany went out in the FIFA World Cup group stage as holders and were then relegated from Nations League A in a bad year 2018.

Loew has started to rebuild the team as Germany aim to return to the top.

Governing bodies need to adapt to changes in world sports, report says International sports federations must adapt to the rapid transformation in world sports, including growing athlete autonomy, or risk losing control of the industry, a report said on Thursday.

The report, titled “The Future of Sport’’, was conducted by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), which groups the games’ governing bodies.

It is primarily based on an aggregation of opinions from direct interviews with influential people and leaders from a variety of backgrounds related to sports, business and public authorities, ASOIF said.

It said world sports, affected by rapid urbanisation, population growth and scarce resources among others, was also being reshaped.

This development is by an increase in athletes’ autonomy, private investment and digital media, as well as powerful athletes operating almost as commercial entities.

“The motivation is to understand a

bit better what will happen in the future of global sports,” ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said on a conference call on Thursday.

“We believe the results (of this report) will help international federations better understand, anticipate and react to the changes and trends confronting them. In fact, some of the outlined future scenarios may serve as a wake-up call.”

Recent doping and corruption scandals have hit major federations, including that of football (FIFA) and athletics (IAAF) among others.

Russia saw its own major doping affair following the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, compromising the credibility of anti-doping efforts.

Athletes in several countries are also demanding more rights and a bigger share of profits from major competitions while also seeking to set up organisations that rival international federations.

This is as in the case of swimming or basketball.

On Wednesday, German athletes scored a major victory over the International Olympic Committee (IOC), earning more advertising rights during the Olympic Games following a German Cartel Office decision.

That decision could now be replicated in other countries in the European Union and possibly beyond, cutting deeper into the revenue streams of federations and the IOC during the Games.

Among the things federations must do, the report said, is to “demonstrate an exemplary standard of governance throughout their structures and processes in order to maintain the confidence of all stakeholders”.

With many young people turning to other forms of recreation and entertainment such as electronic games, federations must invest in grassroots.

This will help to boost participation levels while also utilising new technology to engage with their fan base.

They must also be more commerciallydriven, it said.(Reuters/NAN)

Barca extend Alba’s contract, include release clause FC Barcelona have agreed to extend left full-back Jordi Alba’s contract until 2024, the La Liga leaders said in a statement on Thursday.

The club also said they have included an eye-watering buy-out clause of 500 million euros (428 million pounds).

Spain international Alba has played 282 games for Barca since re-joining from Valencia in 2012 after being released by the club as a teenager.

He has won 14 trophies, including

four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys and the 2015 UEFA Champions League.

The 29-year-old Alba has been capped 67 times by Spain and was part of the side that won the 2012 European Championship.

The full-back has grown in importance to the team since Ernesto Valverde took over as coach in 2017 and has a good understanding with Lionel Messi.

He has provided 20 assists for the Argentine forward.(Reuters/NAN)

Technical Director of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Adamu Deshi, says D’Tigers have to improve their defence to have a chance of success at the FIBA World Cup in China.

The senior national men’s basketball team were at the final round of qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup where they won one and lost two of their three matches.

“Technically, we have realised that we need to work on our defence. We have sharp shooters, good scorers and outstanding rebounders, but we need to be more compact defensively.

“We also need to improve upon our oncourt communication. The basic problem going to the World Cup, however, is our defence and I can assure you that the coaching crew is working on it.

“In basketball, you cannot afford to be poor defensively even when you score many points. You need to recover fast to defend in order to go and score again.

“An improved defence will help our performance at the World Cup,” Deshi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

He however insisted that D’Tigers should not be assessed on the strength of their performance in Cote d’Ivoire recently.

The D’Tigers suffered defeats in the final window of the FIBA qualifiers in Cote d’Ivoire, losing 46-72 points to the hosts in their opening game and 63-84 to Senegal in their final game.

The team however managed to record a 75-59 points win against the Central African Republic (CAR) inbetween their defeats.

It was a far cry from their previous performances, when they became the first team in the world to qualify for the

finals, winning nine straight games.

But Deshi downplayed the poor showing in Cote d’Ivoire, saying it was part of a team-building process.

“We are building for the World Cup finals. So, what the coaching crew did was to assemble players so that we can select from a large pool of those who played during the qualifiers.

“We are still building our team. It was more or less a fresh team in Abidjan and it was part of the team-building process,” he assured.

Two home-based players, Ibe Agu of Gombe Bulls and Buchi Nwaiwu of Rivers Hoopers, were belatedly invited to replace Ike Nwamu and Christopher Obekpa.

The duo of Nwamu and Obekpa had opted out of the qualifiers due to administrative issues and club commitment.

Also, Deshi said the decision was a deliberate attempt by Coach Alex Nwora to offer opportunities to home-based players.

“In spite of the fact that we had already qualified for the World Cup, we tried to expand our pool of players to select for the finals. The coaches used the last window to test fresh players and returning players.

“You can also see that we selected home-based players too in Abidjan to offer them the opportunity to fight for a place in the World Cup team.’’

The D’Tigers had hoped to finish the qualifiers on a high to boost the team’s rating before the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China in August.

However, the two defeats in three games will not help the team and may see them drawn alongside basketball heavyweights in March.(NAN)

IOC urges India isolation after Pakistani athletes denied visas The International Olympic Committee has suspended all Indian applications to host future events and urged international sports federations not to stage competitions in the country after two Pakistanis were denied visas to compete in New Delhi.

The denial of entry visas for two shooters due to take part in a World Cup event in the Indian capital this weekend followed last week’s attack by a Pakistan-based militant group in the disputed region of Kashmir, which killed at least 40 paramilitary police.

India has accused its neighbour of not doing enough to control the armed groups responsible for the Kashmir attacks.

Pakistan has denied any involvement.

The IOC said the refusal of visas for competitors went against the principles of the Olympic charter relating to discrimination and political interference from the host country.

“Since becoming aware of the issue, and in spite of intense last-minute … efforts … and discussions with the Indian government authorities, no solution has been found to allow the Pakistani delegation to enter India in time to compete,” the IOC statement said.

“As a result, the IOC Executive Board also decided to suspend all discussions with the Indian NOC and government regarding the potential applications for hosting future

sports and Olympic-related events in India,” it said.

The body also urged all international sports federations not to hold events in India, or grant hosting rights to the country for future competitions, until the government had provided “clear written guarantees” to ensure access for all athletes.

The Indian Olympic Association last year laid out an ambitious plan to host the Youth Olympics in 2026, the Asian Games in 2030 and the Summer Olympics for the first time in 2032.

The shooters were scheduled to take part in the 25m pistol event and the IOC said two spots at next year’s Tokyo Olympics that had been up for grabs in that competition had been revoked.

The International Shooting Sport Federation said on Wednesday it faced “an urgent situation as Pakistani athletes cannot get entry visas to participate in the competition” because of the Kashmir attack.

The IOC said Olympic berths would still be up for grabs in other events.

“The IOC restricted the withdrawal of recognition as an Olympic qualification event to the 25m rapid fire pistol competition in which the two Pakistani athletes were supposed to participate,” it said.

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