DTN-21-11-18

Digital switch-over: Plans to tarnish NBC boss, Kawu uncovered

We’re unaware of any ICPC probe against DG – NBC spokeswoman

Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The raging media report over alleged fraud in the award of the Federal Government’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) project has been described as a deliberate attempt https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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targeted at tarnishing the good reputation of the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mallam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu.

The attack, The Daily Times gathered, might have been Continued on page 3

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2018

Book launch on ‘My Transition Hours’

VOL. 3

NO. 809

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In blaze of glory, Buhari, Gowon, others salute Jonathan @ 61

Important personalities, 3 former African leaders grace occasion Nigeria not at war today because Jonathan concede defeat – Abdulsalami

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd); former Ghanaian President, Mr. John Mahama; former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan; Author of the book and former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; former Benin Republic President, Boni Yayi and former Sierria Leone President, Mr. Ernest Koroma, during the launch/presentation of a book titled: My Transition Hours, Jonathan in Abuja...on Tuesday.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

2019: South West will gain more by re-electing Buhari g 3 – Fashola

AGF seeks g5 stakeholders’ collaboration for smooth ACJA implementation

Illegal haulage: Dangote woos Nigerians with reward to arrest erring drivers g13

Ekiti Bank g 6 robbery: Police mourn death of 3 colleagues

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

‘Plans to tarnish NBC boss Kawu uncovered’ Continued from page 1 sponsored against Kawu whose profile has been on the rise on account of his role in ensuring the smooth migration of the country from analogue television broadcasting to digital broadcasting.

It was alleged that the NBC boss recommended a private firm, Pinnacle Communications Limited to the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, for the award of the DSO contract to the firm as well as the release of N2.5 billion contract sum.

The report further alleged that Pinnacle Communications was not qualified to handle the project which is being spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

But contrary to these unfounded allegations, investigation has revealed that the firm won the competitive bid conducted by the then Director General of the NBC, Emeka Mba, while the said money was approved by the Presidency, and not the NBC boss.

Investigation further revealed that the Presidency had in 2016 released N10bn to the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to implement the digital switch over programme and a White Paper was issued directing that the process be specifically handled by two firms – Pinnacle Communications and ITS, an affiliate of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) – as winners of the bid to handle the project.

A credible source, who spoke in confidence, told The Daily Times that, “Monies were released to these two firms by the Federal

Ministry of Information and Culture on the orders of the Presidency after the contracts were carried out”.

The source further absolved Kawu and Pinnacle Communications of any wrong doing, insisting that the alleged fraud was sponsored by an aggrieved rival company that lost out of the contract.

But the NBC in a swift reaction to the allegation, stated that it was not aware of any investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) of its Director General, Mallam Kawu.

The commission’s spokesperson, Hajia Maimuna Jimada, said the NBC “is not aware of any fraud case involving the DG, and therefore not aware of any ICPC investigation on the DG.” Jimada added that the commission had been carrying out the Digital Switch-Over scheme with utmost diligence and transparency, and would continue to do that till the project was completed nationwide.

The Daily Times recalls that Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo commissioned the Abuja project while that of the Kaduna was done by Governor Nasiru el Rufai.

But, fifth columnists recently accused the current NBC boss, Kawu and Pinnacle Communications of allegedly embezzling N2.5 billion meant to execute the DSO project, an allegation that has been dismissed as untrue.

2019: South West will gain more by re-electing Buhari – Fashola

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PHOTO TIMES

Chairman, Pinnacle Broadcast Limited, the signal distributor in Abuja, Sir Lucky Omoluwa (third left); Chairman, Digiteam Nigeria, Engr Edward Amana; Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mallam Is’haq Kawu; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Otunba Niyi Adebayo and others during launch of Abuja Digital Switch Over (DSO) in Abuja.

L-R: Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah and his wife; Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel; Chairman of the occasion, Anxillary Catholic Bishop of Abuja Dioceses, Rev. Dr. Anselem Umoren; during the book launch of Attah to mark his 80th birthday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja... on Tuesday.

Group pledges to give President 90% of Ondo votes

Patrick Okohue, Lagos and Adewale Momoh, Akure

The Minister for Power, Works and Housing and former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, has said that the people of South-West Nigeria has more to gain by re-electing President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 presidential election.

Fashola, who was in Lagos on Tuesday for the inauguration of 5000 campaigners for Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said that the SouthWest already had high stakes and appointments in the current administration.

He said that the promise of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) slot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not enough for the South-West to lose the positions it is currently occupying.

It would be recalled that Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, had said that the position of the SGF would be given to the South-West, if Alhaji Abubakar emerges as president in 2019.

But for Fashola, “As a South-West indigene, I will vote for the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket, because my people stand to gain more from it.”

He reiterated his earlier statement that the re-election of Buhari would guarantee that power would come to the South-West in 2023.

“The South-West is presently occupying the position of the vice president.

We have three sitting ministers and many different federal appointments from the present administration which we cannot afford to lose,” he said.

The minister said that although the APC promised change in 2014, the party did not promise to do it in four years.

“The APC has done more in three years than 16 years of PDP administration, yet they say President Buhari is too slow. President Buhari is taking Nigeria to the next level. We are going to the next level.

“The 2019 presidential election is a choice between going back and moving forward to the next level and also a choice of whom Nigerians can trust with their money,” he said.

He noted that the APCBuhari-led administration

has done more in three years with less money than the PDP with all the monies that accrued to the nation in 16 years.

“Buhari has inaugurated a structural infrastructure fund for road construction. N15 billion has been released for the continued construction of Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“There is need for the progress to continue. Dubai was built with oil-money, Nigeria can be built with it too. The past administration squandered oil revenue.

“Federal Government is constructing at least one road in every state in Nigeria. We are also constructing houses in 34 states in Nigeria.

“We have collected 690 containers for the construction of 90 transmission stations and through our policy of mini grids, our markets now have uninterrupted power supply.”

Meanwhile, the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO), on Tuesday, urged its newly inaugurated Executives in Ondo State to work tirelessly so as to deliver at least 90 per cent of votes in the 2019 general election for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

National Coordinator

Continued on page 6

L-R: Group Executive Customer Development, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Garba EL-Suleiman; Group Marketing Executive Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Funmi Bolarinwa; Executive Director Commercial Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Halima Dangote, Dangote Flour Mills Plc; Head of Sales South Division, Mojisola; President Oyo State Canteen Worker Union, Amudalat Lawal; Director Blue House Foods Canteen, Adebiyi Rukayat, at the unveiling of Dangote Semolina/Whole Wheat Meal, Ibadan, Oyo State.

L-R: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Justice Moshood Abass and guest lecturer, Sheikh Muhideen Bello, at this year’s Mualid Nabiyy (celebration of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s birth), at the Remembrance Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan...on Tuesday.

Photo: Governor’s Office

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

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Book launch on Transition Hours: In a blaze of glory, Buhari, Gowon, Obasanjo, others salute Jonathan @ 61 Tunde Opalana, Abuja Tuesday was a day of glory for the immediate past president of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as three former African leaders, former Nigerian leaders, leaders of both leading political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), captains of industries stormed the nation’s capital city of Abuja to launch a book written by Jonathan in commemoration of his 61st birthday.

The Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton venue of the launch of the book ‘My Transition Hours’ was turned to a political gathering as leaders of opposing parties embraced and exchanged pleasantries.

President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, while former Presidents of Ghana, Benin and Sierra Leone were also present.

Also present were former

President Olusegun Obasanjo, the national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, and Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar Other notable persons at the event were the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, former Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, and former Senate President, David Mark.

In a brief remark, former Military Head of State, Abdulasalmi Abubakar, said Nigeria is not at war today because of the decision

by Jonathan to concede defeat during the 2015 election.

“We cannot thank you enough for the peace we are having in the country today; for the peaceful transition we had when you freely and voluntarily conceded defeat,” Abubakar said.

The former military head of state said: “By your decision, you have shown that you love your country

more than you love power”.

Former President of Ghana, John Mahama, said Jonathan was more of an academic who found himself in politics. “He is not your typical politician,” he said.

Mahama said Jonathan approached leadership with a “relaxed approach” which was why he succeeded as a leader.

He said he shared similarities with Jonathan and they became close when as vice presidents, they often met at the African Union summits and other meetings representing their principals.

Mahama described Jonathan as “not talkative, reasonable and level headed in politics”.

“For him, politics was not a matter of life and death. His decision in 2015 was not surprising to me at all,” he said.

The former Ghanaian leader also recalled that at the height of vote counting after the 2015 election and because of his closeness to Jonathan, he received lots of calls from members of the international community especially from the UK and USA “asking me to speak to

AGF seeks stakeholders’ collaboration for smooth ACJA implementation Andrew Orolua, Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Tuesday, called for closer collaboration among critical stakeholders of the justice sector to ensure that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) facilitate access to justice and promote human rights.

Malami made this known at the National Workshop on the Implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 for critical stakeholders in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Minister, who spoke through the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, at opening of the National Workshop on the Implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, observed that the participants were drawn from high echelon of the critical stakeholders in criminal justice administration in the country to enrich discussion.

He also spoke of the validation and adoption of the templates, adding that it will ensure ACJA general application by those charged with the implementation of the Act. He stressed the import of the workshop, adding that it attests to the determination of the Federal Ministry of Justice through the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee to continue to galvanise justice sector stakeholders in the collective efforts

in reforming the justice system for effective and efficient justice delivery and promotion of the rule.

On his part, the Solicitor General of the federation and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dayo Apata, whose speech was read by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr. Muhammad Etsu, thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Samuel Onnoghen and the AGF for their unflinching support to the reform of the Justice system in Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, affirmed that the police is a critical stakeholder and one of the principal institutions in the criminal justice system with its key role to support the successful implementation of the ACJA. Idris, represented by the Commissioner of Police in-charge of the Legal Department, Austin Salome, disclosed that ”it is pertinent to observe that Section 1 (2) of the Act imposes a duty on all criminal justice institutions to ensure compliance with the provisions of this law”.

He explained further that police is committed and has taken steps at addressing these challenges associated with meeting the provisions of not just the above highlighted Sections of the Act as it relates to policing functions.

According to him, Section 29, 33 and 34 of the Act provide a mechanism for the needed interface between the judiciary and security agencies empowered by law to arrest and detain suspects in their cells and detention facilities in line with the provisions of the 1999

constitution.

The Inspector General of Police further pointed out that many states of the Federation are yet to domesticate the Act, to create the needed synergy amongst the agencies tasked with its successful implementation.

“Also the dichotomy arising from this development has slowed down efforts to achieve a uniform application of this novel legislation nationwide, as Criminal Justice Institutions within States yet to domesticate the Act are forced to rely on the old procedural Laws which the Act seeks to replace”, he observed.

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), opined that the workshop will indeed consolidate the synergy between the judiciary and security agencies as envisaged by the ACJA to build capacity at the institutional level.

The Comptroller-General, who was represented by the Head of Legal, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Wudapba Tampi, said it is in the area of their anti-smuggling activities that they come in full contact with criminal activities of the underworld.

“The NCS battles with smugglers and merchants of illegal and illicit trade in prohibited goods. The Nigeria Customs Service strongly supports this initiative and I know it will be a worthwhile experience for all participants present today.

I assure you of the support of the Nigeria Customs Service and I also solicit the support of all participants for robust deliberations and achievement of the goals of this workshop.”

Jonathan my friend to accept defeat”.

“They were afraid that like a typical African leader, he would try to hold on to power.

“But I told them there was no need, Jonathan is a good man and he would do the right thing,” he said.

Former Vice President Namadi Sambo said Jonathan helped greatly in consolidating Nigerian democracy.

He also said Jonathan as president made appointments purely based on merit.

Sambo gave an example by saying he was selected as a vice president by Jonathan at a time he was campaigning for someone else to be selected.

He also said Jonathan appointed former national chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, “whom he never met”.

However, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Uche Secondus, stole the show at the public presentation as Oshiomhole shook hands with, and embraced Secondus.

The APC National Chairman was also seen exchanging pleasantries with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which attracted attention in view of his fierce criticisms of the former president.

Oshiomhole arrived the venue at the same time with a former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, who were both coming from another book launch in honour of former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, at the Shehu Muda Yar’Adua Centre also in Abuja.

Also present at the book launch was President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina and some governors elected on the platform of the PDP.

Dignitaries that attended the event include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); and former CJN Alfa Belgore.

Other dignitaries include former Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu; Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Diskson; Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; former Governor of Kastina State, Ibrahim Shema; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, among others.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the former President as an icon and pillar of contemporary Nigeria democracy, whose patriotism and personal sacrifices ensured the unity, stability and corporate existence of the nation, particularly given the circumstances of the 2015 general election.

The party said: “Dr. Jonathan remains a true Nigerian leader, whose administration is known, not only for good governance and landmark development projects across the nation, but also for the entrenchment of democratic values, rule of law, equity and justice, respect for separation of power and constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens as well as engendering harmonious coexistence of all interests in our nation.

“In all, President Jonathan amply demonstrated that the true essence of leadership and statesmanship is the application of the virtues, opportunities and authority therein for the good of others rather than self, and for that our party and indeed Nigerians celebrate him”.

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Ekiti Bank robbery: Police mourn death of 3 colleagues Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State police Command on Tuesday expressed sadness over the death of three of their colleagues during a bank robbery that took place at Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday.

Meanwhile, the command on Tuesday recovered a vehicle reportedly stolen by bandits during the robbery incident.

During the bloody operation, three policemen and a civilian were killed by the daredevil armed robbers who invaded the old generation bank at about 6pm.

Reliable sources

confirmed that the robbers, who blew the security door with explosive material, came to the bank with an ambulance laced with a coffin carrying large cache of rifles.

They were said to have killed the policemen at the nearby police station and within the premises of the bank.

Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti command, Mr. Caleb Ikechukwu, said the families of the deceased would be contacted before publicly revealing their identities.

The police spokesman expressed sadness over the rampancy of bank robbery in recent time, urging the

public to always provide them with information that could help them prevent attacks on people and institutions in the state.

“We are contacting their families to express our grief over the death.

The police will not be deterred or shy away from the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the people, no matter what happens.

“Our men are really working.

We are stepping up our intelligence gathering mechanism with the public and other sister agencies to ensure that Ekiti is safe.

“We have even recovered the Toyota Car that was stolen by the bandits

during the robbery. The bandits had abandoned the vehicle along AramokoIjero road and fled into the bush upon realising that the police were closing in on them.

“We are not stopping at that, our men from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) are combing the bush we suspected they ran into.

We are chasing them and the long arm of the law shall catch up with them.

“We are particularly pleased because the members of the pubic are cooperating. They are giving us useful information that will automatically help us in tracking down the robbers”, the PPRO said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a handshake with the Ayangbure of Ikorodu,HRM Oba Kabir Shotobi, during the grand finale of the 2018 Ikorodu Oga Day, at the Palace of the monarch, with them are some executive members of the event planning committee and some campaign coordinator for Sanwo-Olu

‘South West will gain more by re-electing Buhari’ Continued from page 3 of BCO, Alhaji Danladi Pasali, stated this during the inauguration of the Ondo State chapter of the organisation in Akure.

Pasali said that President Muhammadu Buhari, being a sincere and honest man, is who the country needs at this period in order for the good work he has embarked upon to continue.

He also maintained that the insurgency crisis in the North East inherited from the past administration has been critically tackled by the Buhari’s administration and reduced to the lowest level.

“Buhari will come back in 2019, it has become history already. In those days, people were afraid to go to their churches and mosques due to insurgency, it has now become thing of the past now because we have stopped it tactically.

“Imagine, money that is for security is being used to prosecute election under PDP, over one million people lost their lives under PDP, Buhari made insurgency to become history in Nigeria.

“Those clamouring for former Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, to be released are very wicked. We know the masses of this country are behind Buhari, no vacancy in Aso rock,” he said.

Pasali also stated that Buhari’s administration has improve the economy of the nation through empowerment programmes for youths and market women, adding that PDP made Nigerians lose over 10 million jobs through the sale of government properties.

He added that the administration of the President Buhari had done excellently well in its fight to end the scourge of corruption and insurgence in the country.

“Nigerians should not allow the PDP to come back to power because they are the source of our problem.

“The presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was in the news few days ago and was a quoted to have said he would sell the NNPC which is the government assent if given the chance to as the next President

of the country.

“We can’t believe that. Mr. Atiku only wants to sell the refinery to himself and that is why our people should not support him for this 2019 presidential general election.

“I know their target is to take over all the structure of oil economy. It is what we know that the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cannot be trusted to our collective wealth.

“I can assure you that Atiku will and cannot be the next President of this nation. We all know his antecedents during the eights regime of him and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.”

Also speaking, Director of Communication and Strategic Planning, Alhaji Gidado Ibrahim, said APC is only interested in issued based campaign.

“We are not fighting any political party; we have taken up the presidential campaign here from Ondo. Those corrupt politicians fighting the president will meet their waterloo. They should campaign on issues and not attack our president.

“We want the people of Ondo State to assist us from the nooks and crannies of the state to ensure that Buhari come back in 2019.

“We want assure you that those corrupt politicians fighting the President will meet their waterloo in 2019 as we would return President Muhammadu Buhari back to power.

“The other political parties should campaign with issues and shun all form of propaganda. The president is very much happy with the people of Ondo State” he added.

Earlier, the Ondo State Coordinator of the BCO, Muyiwa Ogunyemi, said the APC in the state remained a big family and will work hard to ensure President Buhari is re-elected.

“We would go to the nooks and crannies of Ondo State to campaign and mobilise for all the candidates of the party ahead of the 2019 poll.

“We are going to support our people and deliver Ondo State for President Buhari come 2019 general election”.

NDLEA arrests 6, seizes 104 kg of Indian hemp in Kogi The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kogi State says it has arrested six persons and seized 104.150 kg of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp between October 25 and Saturday.

The Commander of NDLEA in Kogi State, Alhaji Idris Bello, said this while parading the suspects and the illicit substances on Tuesday in Lokoja, the state capital.

He said the arrests and seizures were made in different locations in the state.

Bello said that a 65-yearold from Kaura Namoda in Zamfara State was arrested with 90.7 kg of the illegal substance on the Okene-Lokoja highway on October 25.

He said another 19-year-old from Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State was arrested with 400 grams of Indian hemp

and a bottle of banned codeine cough syrup at Central Hotel in Lokoja on November 13.

Two suspects, both aged 25 and from Kano, were arrested on November 16 at KasuwanRuwa area of Lokoja with 500 grams of Indian hemp.

A 19-year-old Nigeriene and 36-year-old Nigerian were also arrested on the OkeneLokoja highway with 11.6 kg of Indian hemp and 80 grams of

Tramadol.

The sixth suspect, a 36-yearold, was also caught with 450 grams of Indian hemp.

Bello said the suspects would be prosecuted after due investigation, adding that the command would continue to map out strategies to ensure that the rate of illicit drugs in circulation was reduced.

The commander urged parents and guardians to be

alive to their responsibility by monitoring the activities of their children and wards.

He also urged parents to send in their children and wards suspected to be involved in the use of hard drugs for counselling and rehabilitation.

The NDLEA boss commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his efforts at providing a rehabilitation centre for the command.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

A’Ibom govt rallies political gladiators for Victor Attah’s book launch Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Akwa Ibom State government on Tuesday in Abuja brought together gladiators across political divide to celebrate the 80th birthday of the first Executive Governor of the state, Arc. Obong Victor Attah.

The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre venue of the official launch of a book titled ‘It is well with my soul’ authored by Arc. Attah to commemorate his birthday was turned to political Mecca as leaders of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Party (APC) paid glowing tributes to the celebrant.

Akwa Ibom State governor, Emmanuel Udom said the government deemed it fit to celebrate the life of a man who paved the way for the development of the state with series of activities which will culminate in thanksgiving service on Sunday.

The governor described the man he called ‘architect of modern Akwa Ibom State’ as a great asset to the state, the Niger Delta region and to the nation at large.

According to Governor Udom, Obong Victor Attah is “a very visionary Leader who never arrogated to himself the power of the Almighty; a courageous fighter who stands and defends what is just; a man who fights doggedly and tenaciously for a purpose”.

The governor said whatever success that Akwa Ibom has today would not have been

possible without Obong Attah.

President Muhammadu Buhari while felicitating with Obong Attah, commended his obvious leadership style as a foremost architect of international reputation.

Represented by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Buhari said “as a politician, I commended him for laying the foundation of infrastructural development of Akwa Ibom State which has made the state a tourist destination with remarkable development upon which subsequent administrations build.

Speaking in his own capacity, the Minister said Obong Attah fought for what the entire states in the Niger Delta region is enjoying in resource allocation from federal government with the struggle for resource control.

He relayed the struggle for the offshore/ onshore dichotomy with the Obasanjo administration and how Obong Attah as the then governor of the state work together with former federal lawmakers from the state to bargain better deal with government.

Udoma said Obong Attah “is a man of strong character, a doggedly fighter for the common right of his people; a man of vision, an accomplished architect”.

The review of the book, seasoned journalist and publisher, Mr. Ray Ekpu said Attah’s achievements in governance in the state are yet to be rivalled.

While eulogising Attah for commencing the struggle for financial emancipation of the Niger Delta, he said true proponents of

restructuring should pick up the struggle for resource control from where Attah stopped.

In his very brief remark, Obong Attah appreciated the Akwa Ibom State government for putting together series of activities to celebrate his 80th birthday anniversary, while he was full of thanks to everyone that graced the occasion.

He promised to continue to stand and be identified with the betterment of the people of Niger Delta and a better Nigeria.

Obong Attah said the Federal system remains the best form of government for the country and that any course that will make federalism work is worth fighting for.

He said the book is not his biography but a book on good governance as exemplified by his administration as governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The All Progressives Congress stole the show at the occasion with the attendant of its leadership which include the immediate past national chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, incumbent national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy national chairman, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani and his deputy, Ibrahim Mantu.

Former governors at hand to celebrate one of the their own were; Aremo Olusegun Osoba of Ogun, Achike Udenwa of Imo, Bukar Abba Ibrahim of Yobe John Nnia Nwodo of Enugu, and Ogbonnaya Onu of Abia.

7 News

Short News Military lauds Zamfara civilian JTF Umar Faruk, Gusau The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria Army has lauded the recruitment of Civilian Joint Tax Force to supplement the efforts of the security agents in the fight against banditry.

Acting Director of the Defence Information, Brigadier General John Ajim who announced this in Gusau, Zamfara state capital during press briefing said that, the military was fully involved in the screening and recruitment of the Civilian JTF. He expressed the commitment of the military in the Operation Sharan Daji in fighting banditry.

Agim said that Operation Sharan Daji (OPSD) has been reinvigorated through the support from the Defence Headquarters to perform maximally, raid operations, robust patrols, ambushes and surveillance.

He stressed that the Air Task Force (ATF) in support of this operation has also continued to strike at the bandits as well as destroying their enclaves in the forests.

“The air bombardment on bandits’ camps and hideout has kept them constantly on the run, disorganized and incapable of launching coordinated attacks on communities like before, and this will continue to be sustained”, he added.

‘Journalists should promote women politicians ahead of 2019 elections’ Dan Garba, Yola During a two days capacity building workshop in Kano, media men were charged to encourage women participation in politics by giving them balance reportage.

A veteran journalist and one of the resource persons during the training, Mrs Moji Mokanjuola harped on journalists to support women politicians by giving them good coverage.

The workshop which was organised by international Press centre (IPC), aims at equipping the northern journalists with the necessary journalism skills on how to report the 2019 general elections.

Moji, a gender sensitivity expert presented a paper in a topic:”Promoting gender and women issues in election reporting ahead of 2019” “As we proceed to vigorously encourage women to actively participate in political activities in Nigeria, it has become very important to further sensitize and galvanize the media to use their various platforms to encourage women by generous inclusion in political reporting coverage. Luckily some media organizations have already embarked on this for example Women’s radio.

“The media should continue pushing the cause of the woman in the stake of inclusive governance and power.

Lagos guber: PRP promises Lagosians new lease of life if…

L-R: Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Foster Ogola; Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Mary Uduk; Member, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Shaaba Lafiagi; Acting Executive Commissioner, Operations, SEC, Mr Isyaku Tilde, and SEC, Acting Executive Commissioner Cooperate Services, Mr Henry Rolands during the Senate Committee on Capital Market Oversights visit to SEC in Abuja ... on Monday.

Ezekwesili kicks against security chiefs’ presence at APC rally Patrick Okohue, Lagos Hope 2019, the Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili for President Organisation, has frowned at the presence of top military and security officers at the unveiling of the All Progressive Congress (APC)’s promotional event for 2019 presidential election.

The campaign organisation said on Tuesday that the presence of security chiefs at the event was similar to cases in previous administrations, saying such only succeeded in compromising

agents and officers of security parastatals in the country.

It, therefore, called on Nigerians to henceforth resist such actions and any attempt to continue with their failed system.

“We are confident in the ability of suffering Nigerian masses to stop the shenanigans of enemies of true democracy.

“A lot of Nigerians have commented on the likelihood that the retention of the service chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari is part of a well oiled plot to rig the 2019 election. However, as a mass oriented

purposeful political grouping, we can only continue to mobilise citizens towards the exercise of their franchise and civic responsibility,” a statement from Hope 2019 read.

It added, “We are also confident that no gang up can defeat the social forces arrayed against the decadent leadership that has impoverished our people and extinguished hope in the country.

“Our presidential candidate, Obiageli Ezekwesili, is committed to lifting 80 million Nigerians out of abject poverty and undoing the economic downturn imposed on the nation,” the statement said.

The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in Lagos State on Tuesday pledged to give Lagosians a new lease of life if voted into power in the 2019 general elections.

The Chairman of the party, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, told journalists in Lagos that the governorship, National Assembly and House of Assembly’s candidates of the party would only prioritise the interests of the people.

According to him, the party will not loot the state treasury but concentrate on improving the lives of the downtrodden.

Adekunle said: “If PRP is allowed into power, we will bring a different change to the lives of the people, not the one people are facing now. We intend to install a change everybody will enjoy.

“We are determined to bring a new lease of life to the people in the area of quality education and good rewards for our teachers.

“Our infrastructural development will be in line with the needs of the people, not the ones people do not need.

“We will look at housing, power and empowerment.

Bayelsa APC accuses PDP of inciting public against police Akam James, Yenagoa The leadership of the Bayelsa State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the recent position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state as a serial show of irrationality and fear since the recent posting of a new Commissioner of Police to the state.

The party in a statement issued via email by its state Publicity Secretary, Sofie Buokoribo, on Tuesday in Yenagoa, noted that PDP had taken its phobia to an alarming extent of now creating frightening scenarios and plotting “low level fiction” all in an attempt to incite the populace against the police.

The party noted that the statement was in response to a release by PDP alleging that the state police commissioner’s office had become APC’s “operational political base”.

APC said it considered it indecent and reprehensible that a party in control of government and power in the state could be so frightened by a lawful routine security posting, with no evidence of infraction that it would begin to provoke unlawful behaviour among the population.

The opposition party in the state recalled that not long ago, under the Governor Seriake Dickson government, his personal friend and member of his party, PDP, was posted to the state as Commissioner of Police, and despite apparent injustices, APC never resorted to PDP’s current attempt to provoke public anger against the police and cause anarchy, the statement said.

Opinion 8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Ezekwesili and new generation presidential hopefuls

Niran Adedokun

Even by the sheer reason of venture, the number and quality of aspirations to Nigeria’s Presidency in the 2019 elections should excite and give a sense of satisfaction that democracy is gradually taking roots in the country.

Democracy is after all a mark of liberalisation of political power, the ability of every constitutionallyenabled national to aspire to rule their country regardless of their situation in life. There are at least 31 persons, some of whom have never been in politics, currently vying for Nigeria’s top job next year and that is unprecedented.

But it is not just about the numbers. In the crowd of these contenders is a significant quantum of youthfulness that Nigeria has been unable to boast of since the First Republic. There is the 35-year-old United States of America based Chike Ukaegbu; the 47-year-old motivational speaker, Fela Durotoye; 46-year-old publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, and a number of 50-year-olds including former Vice President of the World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili; a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu and a host of others.

Now, for a country with over 60% of its population between the ages of 18 and 35, the idea of a generational shift in governance is surely desirable. That is even by the acquiesce of the incumbent septuagenarian who, earlier this year, assented to a law that gives people of Ukaegbu’s age grade the leeway to the contest.

There is this seemingly everlasting, albeit valid argument, about Nigeria’s queer yet unwritten gerontocratic order and the irony that those leading the country into the future are essentially bereft of even a working knowledge of the issues and ideas that currently drive the world. And as a result, they can, predictably, only deliver a stunted future to generations to come. So, even if just by the need to avoid the looming misnomer, the current generational awakening is welcome.

But far beyond the issue of age, which, when the strict requirements of effective leadership are discussed, is really extraneous to effectiveness, is

the fact that a substantial number of these youthful aspirants come to the table with verifiable if not already tested qualification and competence. Quite a number of them have played influential roles in the Nigerian project over the past few decades and are quite conversant with the most urgent challenges the country faces.

On their individual steam, these gentlemen and ladies are full of ideas on how to reverse the increasingly diminishing prospect that Nigeria will ever be a country of pride. Ezekwesili and Moghalu have not surprisingly displayed a consoling grasp of the issues that cripple the Nigerian economy and the possible solutions. Virtually all these contestants have spoken about the need for the fundamentals of unifying the people of Nigeria to the extent that there is a general idea of what a Nigerian is, the urgency for a revolution in the education and health sectors as well as the challenges of human capital development. It is therefore possible to say that if any of these members of this “fresh blood” group is voted into power, Nigeria could finally be on its way out of its legendary failures.

A very important question to ask however is how many of these contestants do plan to win an election that is barely 100 days away when they clearly lack the structure and resources that deliver victory in the circumstance? How many of their political parties can boast of membership in a quarter of the 8,809 wards in the 774 Local Government Areas of the 36 states that constitute Nigeria? If their parties are not represented in these remote but critical electoral posts, how do they intend to win elections as they have confidently boasted? Is it possible that this is a strategy to test the waters by each of these contestants and launch more serious campaigns in the future?

But what worries more about this new crop of purposeful politicians is not so much the immediately unrealistic nature of their aspirations but the fact that each of them seems to have been caught up in some of the tendencies that make Nigerian politicians notoriously unique.

The most discernible of these unhelpful inclinations is the incurable inability to collaborate for the common good. The Nigerian politician likes to do it alone and even when they seem to value co-operation, it is merely to attain the ends they desire, thereafter, they dump their collaborators while, the winner takes it all.

Sometimes, when the motive is not so patently selfish and pecuniary as for the one who wins in the circumstance to mainly appropriate the plunder of war to himself and his cronies, leaders are gripped by a deluding messianic sense that makes them see themselves as the only ones sent to deliver the country from its travails. When leaders, especially in government, are bound by the error of a distrust for the ability of others to sharpen and execute their visions, what you have is a strangulating environment where creativity is stifled, where attainment is meagre and where leaders are disconnected from reality. A tragedy that Nigeria, even if its leaders deny it, is currently saddled with. It is the same danger that Nigerians should forbid in the individual smoothness of the eminently qualified patriots aspiring to lead from 2019 through 2023.

One question to ask is whether these aspirants see any urgent need to deliver Nigeria from their publicly stated unanimous conclusion that none of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party has the potential to change the country in the required way, why has it been impossible for a number of them to form a critical mass, which might give them a fighting chance in the upcoming election?

It is obvious that ego and personal aggrandisement are not too distant from each of this new group of politicians. It is evident in the way the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together alliance they proposed collapsed like a pack of cards. Although Durotoye was said to have emerged as a consensus candidate at an election held at the end of August, those who signed on to the mission of the platform including Moghalu, Sowore, Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, Ahmed Buhari,

Tope Fasua, Sina Fagbenro-Byron, Eragbe Anslem, Jaye Gaskia, Mathias Tsado, Victor AniLaju, Alistair Soyode, Godstime Sidney Iroabuchi, Clement Jimbo, and Elishama Ideh failed to respect the outcome for various reasons which ultimately boil down to not having emerged.

The comedy of it all is that Ezekwesili, who was an observer at the PACT consensus meeting, has thereafter realised that she may lead Nigeria better than any of the aspirants who subscribed to PACT and has gone on to declare and pursue her own ambition.

The truth is that beyond the essential ingredients of competence and integrity, which many of these candidates evidently possess and have continued to flaunt as time permits, an equally irreducible pre-requisite for the high office they are gunning for is the ability to sacrifice everything, including that overwhelming ambition for office for the common good. If none of them is willing to do that at the moment, you can wonder how much they would be willing to sacrifice for Nigeria in the event of an unlikely election. How does any of them hope to win this election when the votes of the demography of youths, the young at heart and women whom they may claim to have a hold on, will be split between all of them?

Nothing summarises the need for caution in the hope placed on any of these candidates by the following quote attributed to Ezekwesili on her assessment of the others: “When we were asked by a group of aspirants to monitor their process for agreeing amongst them through the PACT initiative who they would all rally behind and I have to say it was one of the most depressing things that I ever saw. You saw a situation where young people also were reflecting the behaviour of the old that we want to take out.” This disappointing failure apparently inspired her own aspiration for office but then you wonder, how is it possible that anyone of these people who cannot agree on a consensus candidate can, entirely by themselves, be the messiah Nigeria needs?

ASUU, FG Negotiators and matters arising

Moses Ochonu

Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), the chairman of the federal government (FG) negotiating team on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, says ASUU wants funds but does not want to be held accountable. While this is true and consistent with what I have been arguing for years, is this not self-indictment on the part of Mr. Babalakin? Anyway, as the FG and ASUU reportedly get ready for a fresh round of negotiation, Mr. Babalakin would do well to heed the following reflections.

The FG has been making fantastical promises to ASUU and has been acquiescing to ASUU’s demands over the years. You can fault ASUU for repeatedly extracting promises and deals from the FG that are either unimplementable or can only be implemented if there is a fundamental or revolutionary change in our polity, an elusive prospect at this time.

That’s a bad strategy in negotiation — shoddily crafting an agreement that both sides know will not be implemented. I studied negotiation as part of my graduate certificate course in conflict management. One thing I learnt is that, if you insist on having your way in a negotiation without giving any concessions in return, simply because you have the leverage, which ASUU has in its ability to shut all public universities down, you’d be the loser in the long term despite your short term domination of the negotiation. This is because the unhappy negotiating partner you browbeat into conceding to your demands has no incentive to follow through and therefore will not implement the agreement, or will only do so half-heartedly.

That has been ASUU’s problem for years, and it never learns from experience. Negotiation is or should be a give-and-take exercise. A good negotiation is one in which each party leaves the table with something, a concession. A good outcome is one that leaves both parties happy but not completely satisfied because they both secured only some of their demands and priorities. This is what makes implementation possible.

A bad negotiation is one in which one party gets all the concessions and the other party leaves the table with nothing. Another bad negotiation scenario is one in which one party comes to the table without doing its homework and therefore shows up without an agenda, that is, without any demands — only hoping to minimise the concession it has to make to the other party.

This last category covers ASUU-FG negotiations of the last decade-and-a-half. The FG usually comes to the table to minimise its exposure and concessions but not to make demands of ASUU in exchange for making these concessions and promises. That is the problem.

It is not ASUU’s fault that the FG always comes to these negotiations without a plan to hold ASUU accountable, without demanding anything in return for the promises it makes to ASUU. In this, Babalakin is to blame for what he is lamenting, not ASUU. It is true that ASUU can make life politically

difficult for the FG with its leverage of shutting down the public university system. However, once a shutdown occurs, ASUU members are as exposed and vulnerable to public criticism as the FG is, so the leverage disappears in the moment of negotiation.

It’s possible that the FG negotiating team’s failure to engage in a two-way, give-and-take negotiation is strategic on the part of Babalakin’s team, since ASUU-FG negotiations are a farce anyway, and the FG never intends to implement the overwrought agreements it routinely signs. The negotiations are merely face-saving charades for both sides, and the resulting agreements are largely aspirational bullet points.

It is also possible that the failure to articulate any demand or condition for ASUU to consider and possibly accept is sheer incompetence on the part of Babalakin and his team of FG negotiators.

No matter, now that Babalakin seems to realise his error, one hopes that the looming round of negotiations will be carried out in good faith and that the FG will insist on a two-way, mutually rewarding process.

For starters, let Babalakin and his team demand the following in exchange for making concessions to ASUU: 1. The formulation by each university, but following a broad outline supplied by the National Universities Commission (NUC), of a students’ bill of rights. This binding document should outline and protect the rights of students as stakeholders in the university, give them a voice in their own education and in their relationship with lecturers and supervisors, and finally, appoint a studentcentered ombudsman council to shield students from harassment, abuse, and victimisation; 2. A mechanism for enforcing minimum class attendance for lecturers. We insist on attendance for students; we should do the same for their lecturers. Lecturers should not be allowed, as is currently the case, to come to class only a few times in a semester and then show up to administer an examination at the end; 3. A system that makes rigorous, multilevel independent interviews mandatory for recruitment into the academic ranks of public universities and toughens promotion criteria; 4. A system to delegitimise and bar predatory and incestuous publications from being used for promotion purposes; 5. A system of merit pay in addition to or as a replacement for the current system of fixed salary structures; 6. The implementation of student teaching evaluation in all public universities in the country.

Some of these measures have to be implemented through the regulator, NUC, but ASUU has to agree not to stand in the way, hence the need to include it in agreements that give or promise ASUU some of the goodies they’re demanding.

The corrective intervention needed in the perennial strike-and-negotiate culture is for ASUU

to be made to realise that most problems of the Nigerian higher education system cannot be solved by merely throwing more money are them. In fact, one could argue that greater funding in the last twoand-a-half decades has contributed to the problem by creating unforeseen issues of corruption, poor ethics, and absence of accountability.

Speaking of accountability, there is now none in the university system. One of the issues in contention in the current strikes is a demand by ASUU for the records of the disbursement of needs assessment funds to universities to be made public.

The unstated subtext in this demand is a credible belief on the part of ASUU members that their universities’ vice chancellors, abetted by governing boards, are either sitting on or misappropriating the funds meant for paying some of their earned allowances.

The depth and breadth of the problem vary from university to university, but vice chancellors are implicated everywhere. This is both an internal and external issue, so blaming the FG alone is not going to cut it. It is true that vice chancellors are appointed by the federal government, but the process that throws up finalists for the position from among the rank of senior academics — ASUU members — is controlled by lecturers and superintended by ASUU. Similarly, it is true that university board members and VCs are political appointees beholden to political godfathers. It is also true that the lobbying that precedes the appointments of VCs and boards mirrors the politics of patronage in the larger body politic, and that as a result, VCs and boards see their positions as conduits for patronage and tools for amassing illicit wealth. Nonetheless, there is no rule that prevents ASUU and lecturers from confronting these VCs, localising the struggle by fighting against the corruption of proximate university administrators.

It seems that this local corruption, rather than inadequate funding, is the problem. It is what prevents funds released by the FG from getting to lecturers and their projects for which they are meant. There may also be a problem of the FG not releasing certain promised funds. This should be fought at the central level. This way, both internal and external culprits are held accountable.

In any case, if, as ASUU suspects, the problem is largely one of local university administrators gobbling up released funds through the connivance of governing boards, then a localised struggle against these forces would seem to be more effective than a centralised one focused on securing yet more funding that would be funneled through this corrupt cesspool of university administrative structures. Sometimes, identifying the problem or the culprit of a problem is half the battle. The vice chancellors escape ASUU’s wrath but it’s not clear if that is because they are or were academic comrades or because they are appointees of the FG and so the logic is to battle the appointer rather than the appointee.

Either way, VC’s have become a part of the problem of higher education and must be confronted. ASUU would do well to fight for internal transparency in universities, which should not be limited to funding issues. Today, sometimes with the active collusion of governing boards, and in a move replicative of what goes on in the political arena, VCs routinely offer academic jobs to grossly unqualified candidates who happen to be their friends, family members, or members of their political orbit. Heads of Departments routinely get phone calls from VCs telling them that to accommodate a newly employed lecturer in their departments. Some come to their offices to find a newly hired member of the department with an appointment letter asking to be given an office and assigned courses.

This rampant corruption of irregular recruitment into the academic ranks is at the heart of the deteriorating standards in teaching, research, and supervision. Thousands of lecturers who do not have the ability, temperament, or discipline for academia got their jobs this way and are doing pedagogical damage in university classrooms across the country.

Why is ASUU not fighting against this menace, this abuse of power and process by VCs? This is the reason why the massive fund injection into universities in the last 18 years or so have, rather than improve standards and quality of instruction, done the opposite and impoverished the quality of graduates.

Increasingly, unqualified but connected people are joining the ranks of lecturers and then enjoying the protection that ASUU offers to dues-paying members. Instead of fighting VCs to rectify this problem and helping to craft rigorous recruiting processes, ASUU has been subsidising and protecting mediocre beneficiaries of a corrupt recruitment system tied to VCs, only to then turn around to routinely blame the resulting problem of falling standards on “funding” — that nebulous, all-purpose culprit of ASUU propaganda.

Again, universities are not only about buildings and increased remunerations. They are about the quality of instruction and research. If ASUU cares about these two indicators, it has not shown it and has been blaming the wrong factors and sparing the culprits. It needs to redirect some of its ire to the local university administrators who are clearly frustrating transparency and due process in the university system, leaving a trail of disgruntled lecturers and poorly educated graduates.

As for the FG, it’s incompetent negotiating team must begin making demands on ASUU in exchange for the concessions it makes to the union.

There is also no point making concessions that cannot be implemented, unless one is acting in bad faith. A realistic set of concessions that converges with ASUU’s own acceptance of FG demands modeled on the listed points above should make the implementation of agreements more plausible and less painful.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

9

Editorial Commentary ‘Transition Hours’:

Jonathan writes back

Times Guest Columnist Reuben Abati

“There was no bitterness in him after he left power. He did not look back. He did not look down. Instead he looked up and after looking up, he looked forward and went on pressing ahead. That forward movement has resulted in this work of statecraft and statesmanship of which I am privileged to write the foreword. Though there are many themes in this book, My Transition Hours, the theme that most excites me is the one on youth and the next generation” – John Dramani Mahama, President, Republic of Ghana, 2012 -2017.

Those are some of the words with which former Ghanaian President John Mahama introduces the longawaited and much-anticipated book by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. President Mahama is President Jonathan’s close friend. In a way they both share a similar destiny. Their bosses died and they both went on to become President.

They also both won election as President and later lost their re-election bids. But they are perhaps more united by the shared affinities between Nigeria and Ghana. President Mahama is eminently well-qualified to write the evenhanded, thoughtful foreword to President Jonathan’s first book, out of office.

Jonathan is Nigeria’s first President from the South South, first Ph.D holder in Nigeria to become President, first Nigerian President to rise through the ranks from the position of Deputy Governor to Acting Governor, Governor, first Gubernatorial candidate nominee to become Vice President, Acting President and eventually President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No other Nigerian, dead or alive, has gone through such trajectory, or rite of passage.

President Jonathan was Acting President 2010-2011, following the death of his principal, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, in circumstances that threw the country into a quandary and raised issues about Nigeria’s geo-politics and the matters of ethnicity and geography, indeed more importantly the right of minorities to also “rule” Nigeria, and if and when they are allowed to do so, whether or not they will be treated fairly.

I have enjoyed the privilege of reading President Jonathan’s first memoir out of office, which will be publicly presented today in the nation’s capital, Abuja, and I can report that it is a book about how Nigeria and vested interests treated him badly. He is the villain in the book: badly treated by entrenched interest groups, treacherous party members, a propaganda and hate-driven opposition and a badly constructed political ecosystem. The book is titled “My Transition Hours.”

The book is defensive and reactive on the vexed issues of fuel subsidy, Boko Haram, “stealing is not corruption,” governance and so on. President Jonathan takes on the major criticisms of his administration. He doesn’t quite provide hard facts but he talks back. The key issues that the book addresses are noteworthy. This is a book that every Nigerian should pay attention to. In this book, a former President of Nigeria is saying that he was badly treated and he became a villain, because he came from a minority part of the country. He states that “people (are) working against our interest”. In this book, a former President of the country tells us that the idea of “one Nigeria” does not exist because we are a divided country. My boss insists: that “there is no patriotism in Nigerian politics”.

He refuses to pull punches. Nobody is spared. In Chapter 3 titled “Politics and Patriotism: The Fuel Subsidy Dilemma”, he argues that “politics in Nigeria and some other African nations is conducted like primitive war”. His major reference is the battle over fuel subsidy in 2012. He argues that the protests over the fuel subsidy proposals were “politically motivated.” Donald Duke should read this chapter. There are some references to him here.

Chapter Four is titled “The Chibok School Girls Affair.”

The Governor of Borno state needs to read this chapter.

He is accused of seizing an “opportunity to politicize an unfortunate incident”. The APC also allegedly indulged in “psychological programming”, making President Jonathan look like a “villain”. President Jonathan rejects the labels.

He pointedly accuses the Barack Obama administration in the United States of working against his administration and he provides evidence to back his claims. He accuses President Obama thus: “For some strange reason, the Obama administration had tactically penciled Nigeria and

my administration down for failure”.

Hadiza Bala Usman, now in charge of Nigerian Ports Authority, should also read Chapter Four of this book.

President Jonathan is convinced that the Chibok girls matter is an act of grand conspiracy, because whereas he took every necessary step, the Governor of Borno State had a different agenda. In Chapter Five, he deals with the question of stealing and corruption. He provides an explanation on that particular matter. The irony is that many of the initiatives now being adopted by the Buhari administration– Treasury Single Account, IPPIS and the BVN were all Jonathan’s initiatives. Jonathan discloses that his government did better on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index. Chapter Six is focused on “Power Struggle in Nigeria”. Here, Pr5esidnet Jonathan talks about he “strayed into power” and the attack of he majorities on the minorities.

In Chapter 7, he offers an account of his “Presidential election campaign”.

He goes further to describe what happened during the 2015 presidential election and how he personally took the decision to save Nigeria from a descent into imminent chaos. Too many persons have tried to write the story of that significant moment in Nigerian history. I am glad that President Jonathan has now given his own account to correct the many lies that may have been told. He records the responses from the international community. It is a rich and detailed account. In this book, ,President Jonathan puts on the table his credentials as an internationals statesman and the goodwill he enjoyed among his peers before and after the election of 2015.

To be fair to him, making Nigeria look good in the international community was one of his major achievements. But President Barack Obama of the United States did not help him, and he refers to this more than once in this book. In Chapter Ten, President Jonathan talks about what he and his team did with the 2014 National Political Conference and his personal commitment to the peace and stability of Nigeria. Needless to remind us that the Buhari administration upon assuming office threw away the report of that conference. In Chapters 11 to 13, President Jonathan takes on other interesting subjects including the youth bulge, private sector reform and the African Renaissance.

This must be a book close to his heart. He uses it to settle scores and to explain the main issues of his era as President.

I consider this a must read for all Nigerians and students of the Nigerian process. President Jonathan offers a personal portrait of his own politics, career and achievements. I may have read the book through the prism of a man who was his staff and who was involved, but I can tell that this is a honest and forthright reportage of what transpired. President Jonathan gave to Nigeria his very best. He was conscious of his humble beginnings and he wanted to make a statement.

He was a poor man’s son who made it to the highest level in Nigeria. He was an embodiment of the Nigerian dream.

But Nigerian politics is vicious and dirty. You will find a sense of that in this book. He projects himself as a “victim”, but he probably does not tell the full story, which is okay. It means he can tell more stories. There are persons who will read this book and throw tantrums, but may such persons, like Nasir el-Rufai and the Governor of Borno state and all the deceitful associates who fooled the President during the 2015 elections, for reasons of religion and ethnicity, be reminded that this is all told a very kind book. President Jonathan playing the statesman has refused to tell it all. He has held back much more than he has given away. Some of us who were part of his “Main Body” may have now been unwittingly empowered to tell more stories.

I know that my boss is excited by this book. He wants to be remembered for the right reasons and not for the fake news that his opponents reported about his Presidency.

President Goodluck Jonathan was President at a unique moment in Nigerian history. His emergence and experience both mark a special moment in Nigerian history. I urge you to read this book, his first one, on what he encountered as Nigeria’s President, before, during and after. Despite the travails of his post-office experience, Goodluck Jonathan, his legacy and value, will survive beyond his “transition hours”. He will, beyond everything else, find a good place in Nigerian history.

OUR POSITION

Justice delivery and rule of law

I

n an effort to speed up the dispensation of justice, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, recently directed that any case fixed for hearing before the Supreme Court must be heard and determined one way or the other on that date.

The policy, as announced by the CJN, is deliberately targeted at the speedy dispensation of justice while a new apex court publication is to encourage lawyers to take advantage of the initiative and ensure they adequately prepare ahead of hearings to avoid any delays.

Appeals would be heard and judgements delivered as necessary and in accordance with the Rules of the Court. Consequently, the situation would leave no room for unnecessary adjournments arising from lack of diligent prosecution, poor preparations or nonappearance by lawyers.

What this indicates, according to the CJN, is “that any matter that is assigned a date must be heard and determined one way or the other on that date”, ‘’For appeals that may be discovered to have defects, Counsel is advised to take necessary steps to amend such defects before the due hearing date while everyone must come to the court fully prepared for the business of the day,’’ the CJN added.

We wish to submit that the policy will help utilise man hours lost to incessant adjournments of cases and probably clear the backlog of pending appeal cases. There are no available data indicating how many cases suffer adjournment on daily basis at the apex court, but an adjournment of a single case has multiple adverse effects on the judiciary.

First, it frustrates speedy dispensation of justice the country has been craving for. Secondly, adjournment help lawyers to frustrate cases for their clients who desperately want to hang a bad

cases. In essence, this policy would arrest this ugly trend that have become a clog in the wheel of justice.

With thousands of pending appeal cases that filled the Supreme Court diary to the brim and appeals set down for hearing up to the year 2021, no measure should be spare in addressing the issue of delay.

We are of the opinion that the CJN has done the right things because the delay in justice delivery has become a major problem of the judiciary that has continue to rob it of public confidence.

We therefore appeal to stakeholders particularly lawyers, litigants and heads of other courts to embrace the laudable initiative of the CJN and ensure that the policy works.

CJN Onnoghen has earned our commendation for the remarkable steps being taken to guarantee speedy dispensation of justice and no stone should be left unturned in implementing the policy.

S I G N AT U R E Publisher

Folio Communications Plc

The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Ondo Assembly crisis: APC leaders fault Short News lawmaker’s comment on re-ordered Budget Adewale Momoh, Akure Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Akoko North West Constituency 2 have dissociated themselves from the recent comment by lawmaker representing them in the state house of assembly, Mr Gbenga Araoyinbo on the reordered Budget recently presented by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to the legislators.

They made their intentions known at a press conference organised by concerned leaders in Akoko North West on Monday in Irun-Akoko.

They noted that Araoyinbo is not working in the interest of the people he represents.

The chairman of the party in the constituency, Alhaji Abdul Bello, condemned Honourable Araoyinbo for not seeking the advice of his constituents and leaders of the party in the area before taking decisions that could hamper the progress of the region.

It would be recalled that Araoyinbo had made some comments in the National dailies that 2018 reordered budget exercise by the state government was unconstitutional and an attempt to cover up ‘shady deals’ by the governor.

Bello, who is also a party leader in the constituency, said it was imperative for the lawmaker to retrace his steps for his own integrity and benefit of his constituents to also benefit in the dividends of democracy as

promised by Gov. Akeredolu.

“What has he done for us in the constituency?

He has done nothing for us. We have not felt any impact of his presence in the legislative representation.

“Had his trip to Abuja been successful, hoping to be confirmed by the party as the house of representative candidate of the region, would he be abusing the governor? No. “He should know that he was not the only person affected by the primary issues. This is not the first time such things will be happening, it had happened during the period Awolowo was leading us and we knew how we went about it then.

“But for him to now be involving himself in such activities that are not palatable to us, we won’t condone it, it is totally rejected by the constituency that is our position.

“All he is doing will not affect the governor, it is his constituents that would bear the brunt of his actions, so we are rejecting his actions,” he said.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman of APC in Akoko North West Local Government Area, Alhaji Akindele Oloruntoba wondered why state government’s effort to effect transformation of the state and especially after years of neglects in the region could be prevented by someone who is supposed to work in the interest of the people.

Oloruntoba said the lawmaker had never consulted the leaders of the party in the region

on any decision which had never gone down well with people in the area.

He noted that in the past, Assembly members always consult their constituents and leaders before taking ‘grave’ positions on matters of interests.

In the same vein, another leader, Mr Esan Owolabi condemned Araoyinbo, emphasizing that though there should be independence of the three arms of government, noting that stakeholders should however work towards what would impart positively on the lives of their people.

Owolabi commended the various steps being taken by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his efforts at transforming the state.

“He is on his own, I am emphatic about it, we are with the governor. The senate committee on works just commended Akeredolu because of what he has been doing in our region; all we ask Araoyinbo to do is to support the governor.

“We are not saying there should be no independence of legislators, but they should work with executive for the progress of the state.

Also, Alhaji Saliu Aro called on Mr Gbenga Araoyinbo to focus on his primary assignment rather than creating confusion among followers.

Aro stressed that statement he had earlier made was carried out without consultation with the people he represents.

Man, 58, defiles 2 little boys, father, 2-year-daughter Joy Anyim, Lagos

The Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command is investigating one Abdullahi Garuba, 58, a security man attached to Oshodi Isolo Local Government Secretariat for allegedly defiling two minors.

It was gathered that troubled started for Abdullahi Garuba, when concerned citizens who couldn’t understand what business he had with little boys that trooped in and out of his security post which also doubled as his residence, leaked information to the mothers of two little boys, ages 13 and 11, when they saw them coming out of his abode, at 2pm on Saturday, November 10.

The children were questioned by their respective mums and they confessed that the suspect had been having anal sex with them. The matter was thereafter reported for investigation at the Gender Section of the Command.

In a related development, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Langbasa Police Station, SP Ada Okafor on 17/11/2018, arrested Peter Adida of No.9 Oyetayo Olafisoye Street, Westwood estate, Badore, Ajah, Lagos for allegedly defiling his 2-year-old daughter.

The Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Chike Oti said, “Preliminary medical report indicated that there was penetration and that the baby is infected.

Emir of Daura turbans Gobir as Wazirin Hausa

The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar, has turbaned Malam Yakubu Gobir as the Wazirin Hausa-the Chief Adviser of the entire Hausa land.

Gobir was turbaned by the emir at a ceremony on Tuesday in Daura town of Katsina state which was attended by individuals from different parts of the country.

Umar urged the newly turbaned Waziri to be upright and avoid anything that would tarnish the image of Daura Emirate and the entire Northern Nigeria.

“I have been given the mandate by emirs in the Northern Nigeria to confer on you the title of Wazirin Hausa.

“Daura Emirate council is the only council that can give a traditional title that covers the entire Northern Nigeria based on its historical background,” he said.

The emir cautioned some historians who are attempting to distort the historical facts of the Daura town especially regarding the emergence of Bayajidda to stop.

“We in Daura are aware that some disgruntled historians are desperately trying to destroy evidences about Daura history.

Be neutral, impartial on Nigeria’s affairs, Christian group tells CAN

Representative of Edo State Governor and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Community Matters, Chief Osaro Idah (2nd left); Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero (right); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare (2nd right); and Facilitator of the Skills Acquisition Centre, Mrs. Bemigho Momoh (left); during the unveiling of multi-skills acquisitions centre, in Ukpato Community, Orhionmwon LGA, Edo State.

Kwara re-run election: Minister visits families of deceased APC members Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Monday visited the families of the Kwara All Progressives Congress (APC) members who died in a road crash between Omu-Aran and Oro local government of Kwara State on Sunday.

The deceased were on their way to Oro local government after casting their votes in the last Saturday National Assembly rerun election when they met their death in a ghastly motor accident. .

The Minister, who was accompanied by the State Chairman of the party Bashir Bolarinwa, House of Representatives Member-elect Tunji Olawuyi, Kwara South Senatorial candidate Lola Ashiru and other state party officials, visited the families of the five deceased members in Arandun, Agbonda, Omu-Aran, Oko and Odo Owa, all in the Ekiti/ Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, where the APC won a Land-mark victory at the polls on Saturday.

According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Media Segun

Adeyemi, the Minister visited the two hospitals in Omu-Aran, where those injured in the accident are being treated and attended the funeral service for one of the five deceased members, Chief Ayobami Adekeye, an official of the party in Ajase Ward 2.

While visiting the homes of the deceased, the Minister commiserated with their families, commended the members for their supreme sacrifice for the emancipation of the people of Kwara State, promising that; “the party will not abandon their dependants”.

Christians Without Border (CWB) on Tuesday called on the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to be neutral and impartial in the affairs of the country.

The President of CWB, Elder Simon Ainoko, gave the charge in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja. ”CAN is expected to be neutral and impartial on the affairs of Nigeria, especially sensitive issues. ”We suffered greatly in recent history, when the immediate past leadership of CAN dragged the body of Christ into partisan politics. ”One of the repercussions was that the Roman Catholic Church, a major bloc, suspended its membership of CAN because of the apparent embarrassment the partisan indulgence caused Christians in Nigeria. ”We cannot afford a relapse into this era of disunity and lack of cohesion within the body of Christ, hence the need for caution,” he said Ainoko said the group was uncomfortable with the recent demand for the removal of service chiefs by the leadership of CAN led by its National President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle during a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Kano PDP guber candidate promises all-inclusive government

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Kano state, Mr Abba Kabir-Yusuf, has promised an all-inclusive government for people living with disabilities.

This was announced in a statement signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the spokesperson to the PDP gubernatorial candidate, in Kano on Tuesday.

According to Dawakin Tofa, the PDP gubernatorial flag bearer made the promise when he received the leadership of the Joint Association of People Living with disabilities (PWDs), who paid him a courtesy visit at his campaign office in Kano on Monday.

Kabir-Yusuf said good governance would an instrumental to curtailing the challenges of people living with disabilities and their immediate families, for them to be productive and self-reliant.

“The PDP gubernatorial candidate has also promised an allinclusive leadership to reposition the state to provide such persons some social protection through implementation of free education, with school feeding, uniform and instructional materials.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

11 News

Food preservation: Nigeria in Short News serious trouble – Minister

Amaechi condoles late Abubakar family Idu Jude, Abuja

Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe has revealed that Nigeria is in serious trouble for the use of harmful chemicals by farmers and dealers in preserving agricultural produce.

This is as a result of the recent discovery video clip of the deadly poisonous sniper chemical being used by a certain trader to preserve beans, a staple food in the country.

Addressing this development in his office in Abuja on Monday in a meeting with heads of agencies of the Ministry and stakeholders to forge a way forward against

this ugly trend, the Minister said: “You have heard the details; it is now Sniper. But there are other problems we have. There are food sellers in Nigeria who use calcium carbide to ripen bananas, mangoes and avocado pears which are not good for our health.

“We are really in a crisis, but the big problem is how do we get people to know that this is bad? We here will understand very easily.

Downstream where the farmers and small buyers are, they just don’t know.

“What we see now is the use of Sniper and they say it damages the lungs if it is put in your food.

We also have weevil control in beans and people use aluminium phosphate.

We have other

challenges like the preservation of chicken with formaldehyde, particularly smuggled chicken from across the borders.

“No human being is safe in an environment like this, when they cook the beans you don’t know where it came from and what chemical had been used for its preservation.

Chief Ogbe urges his guests to work together, educating Nigerians on why deadly poisonous chemicals must not be used for the preservation of agricultural produce adding; “At the end of this meeting, we have to develop a very strong strategy and committee for reaching farmers and dealers on how to preserve these products before it gets to the final consumer”.

Minister of Transportation Rt. Honourable Chibuike Amaechi, has said that Nigeria railway industry will forever miss the expertise of Engineer Usman Abubakar.

Amaechi stated that Abubakar zeal to deliver the federal government mandate of ensuring that the project is executed was pronounced on the monthly inspection exercise, making him the most committed, as he was always present for inspections.

The minister of transportation let this out while paying a condolence visit to the family of Late Engr. Usman Abubakar, the Board Chairman of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), whose death was announced October 11.

Amaechi visited the family at their residence in Unguwan Dosa in Kaduna State.

The minister, during the visit also stated that the Lagos-Ibadan rail project was a pet project of the deceased, adding that it was his wish for the project to be completed.

He said that the deceased was the chairman of the technical committee adding that he always ensured that every complaint on the project was resolved.

2019: Engage candidates on issue-based campaigns – NGO Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Mr Benson Olugbuo has called on Nigerians to engage candidates seeking election in 2019 polls on issue based campaigns devoid of hate speeches and inflammatory languages.

The Executive Director gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing newsmen at a news conference commemorating the 20th anniversary of the foundation.

He said that it was important for citizens to engage candidates in fruitful dialogues as it was the only means to having an inclusive and violent free election.

“A fair, transparent, inclusive and violent free election is possible when citizens engage candidates in fruitful dialogues and campaigns are issue based.

“Priority must be given to people centered policies that will directly affect the lives of every citizen positively.

“Nigerians also expect the Federal Government to create an enabling environment where citizens will freely exercise their rights to vote candidates of their choice without fear of retribution,’’ he said.

Olugbuo added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies must work together to ensure that the 2019 elections were successful.

Gunmen kidnap Plateau traditional ruler

Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN(2nd left), former Chief Judge of Lagos State and Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe(middle), Rector , Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe(left) and others during the 32nd Convocation Lecture of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos delivered by the Hon. Minister on the theme, “Sustainability of Technological Advancement - A Key to Industrial Growth” on Monday .

NECO extends Nov/Dec registration deadline for walk-in-candidates Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced an extension of time for applicants wishing to register as walk-in candidates for its November/December 2018 SSCE examination.

This is the first time an examination body in Africa is implementing the initiative.

In a statement made available to the Daily Times, Acting Registrar of NECO, Mr Abubakar Gana, stated that the extension became necessary following the expiration of registration deadline of Saturday

November 17, 2018.

Gana advised all candidates who failed to meet the registration deadline to take advantage of the window of opportunity provided by the management and register for the examination as walk-in candidates.

The NECO boss however urged candidates registering after the closing date to adhere to guidelines governing the process, warning that such candidates must complete their registration within 24 hours to the scheduled time of the paper(s) that they intend to sit for.

He further noted that a non refundable fee of N20, 000 would be paid per candidate as registration

fee to NECO TSA and evidence of payment presented at the NECO State Office.

“Candidates are to collect activated registration scratch cards from NECO State Office. Biometrics enrolment is mandatory for this examination. Candidates are to report to the examination centre on the date and time of the scheduled examination with evidence of registration (Photocard)”, he said.

The Council has scheduled its November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to commence on Monday, November19, and would end on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped Mr David Dongbam, a second class traditional ruler of Dorock Kingdom in Shandam Local Government Area of Plateau, the Police have said.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Terna Tyopev, who stated this on Tuesday Police, said that Dongbam abducted at his residence in Shandam on Monday night.

“Yesterday, at about 10 p.m., we received information that unknown gunmen stormed the residence of the Longdorock, Mr David Dongbam, a second-class chief of Dorock Kingdom of Shandam LGA and took him to unknown destination.

“On receipt of the information, we immediately formed a search and rescue team which is working assiduously to rescue the traditional ruler unhurt,” Tyopev told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos. The PPRO said the command would update members of the public on developments on the issue, adding that efforts were on to rescue the monarch.

LASU: Rule of law responsible for dismissal of 20 staff - Governing Council Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos State University (LASU) Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, has said that the recent dismissal of 20 staff of the university is in accordance with rule of law.

Ninalowo made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the university’s maiden long service award held in Lagos on Tuesday.

He was reacting to the Sept. 8, 2017 ratification by the council dismissing 20 staff of the university over various alleged malpractices.

The sacked staff include 15 academic staff and two nonacademic staff, while two others were demoted.

Others were three academic staff dismissed over alleged sexual misconducts as approved by the council on Oct. 4.

Ninalowo said “The recent dismissal is something that has to do with the law of university.

“It is not something that has to do with the governing council or anybody, but something to do with, if you are law abiding there is no way allegations will be levelled against you.

“Where allegations are levelled against anyone in relation to the extant regulations of the university and in conformity with best practices, we investigate.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

2019: Gov Ugwuanyi, Uzodinma guber candidates we know in Enugu – Ohaneze Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, an apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has revealed that it only knows Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr Ekele Uzodinma of United Progressive Party (UPP) as the only two candidates contesting governorship election in Enugu State for now.

The President of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Enugu State Chapter, Chief Alex Ogbonna, said this while receiving the Governorship Candidate of United Progressive Party (UPP), Mr Ekele Uzodinma, in Ohaneze National Secretariat, Enugu on Tuesday.

“For now, Ohaneze only knows that two candidates are contesting the governorship seat in Enugu State; and they are Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of PDP and Mr Ekele Uzodinma of UPP. “It is only these two candidates that have deem it fit to notify us of their ambitions and seek our prayers as an apex body and highest Igbo collective authority, with the `offor Ndi-Igbo’ (staff of prayer and authority of all Igbo-land),’’ he said.

Ogbonna, however, called on youths to

shun violence and hooliganism throughout this campaign and electioneering season in the country.

He noted that the body wanted youths to embrace tolerance and peace in this period, adding that political parties must stick to issue-based campaigns and ``not campaign of character assassination and hatred’’.

“We are appealing to all candidates especially their youthful followers to conduct themselves with dignity and shun violence, thuggery and hooliganism in all forms.

“We are working towards a peaceful and development-oriented electioneering in the entire South-East,’’ he said.

Ogbonna noted that he was impressed with Uzodinma’s articulated programmes to revamp and reposition Enugu State, adding; “I can see you have good layout programmes, which can be followed practically’’.

“You should publicise your programmes the more so that other people and Ndi Enugu can learn and borrow ideas from it for the collective betterment and development of the state,’’ he advised.

Earlier, Uzodinma said that he came to Ohaneze to make know his ambition and intention to the body as well as seek their advice and prayers in reposition Enugu

State, when elected.

The UPP candidate noted that he would resuscitate all abandoned projects especially those that can generate income, create jobs and provide essential services to the people.

He noted that he had well-thought-out plans to engage youths in agriculture and agro-allied businesses to further create jobs in the state.

“We are having huge unemployment challenge. Over 60 per cent of youths are unemployed in the state and in the next 20 years, they will turn to be jobless adults, with a lot of attendant social problems emanating from this development.

“As we are already observing, there is no laid down plan to solve this challenge; even as we have churn out about 10,000 fresh graduates from over 15 higher institutions in Enugu State yearly.

“So, my government will solve the pathetic unemployment issue of youths in the state through workable employment plans,’’ he said.

Uzodinma, however, appealed to Ohaneze to organize a debate for the various political parties’ candidates for them to come and tell the residents of the state how they plan to solve their socio-economic, education and health challenges.

Short News Yuletide: Avoid alcohol, reckless driving, FRSC urges drivers Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Enugu State Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) sector Commander, Mr. Ogbonnaya Kalu has advised drivers in the country to avoid reckless driving and intake of alcohol while driving before during and after the yuletide period.

Kalu gave the advice during the flag-off of 2018 Ember months campaign rally titled “Safe Drive, Safe Arrival” in Nsukka on Tuesday.

He said majority of accidents on the roads were as a result of influence of alcohol and drugs which makes driver to resort to overspending and reckless driving.

“Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or engaged in overspending usually end up in fatal road accidents.

“Also some drivers do not maintain their vehicles, while most drivers who travel long distance journey do so with worn-out tyres.

“Some other drivers make and answer phone calls while driving which result in accident.

“Drivers that drive safely must surely arrive their destinations safely,” he said.

The sector commander noted that the FRSC had been doing its best to reduce road accidents in the state.

“I urge road users to at all times obey traffic rules and regulations.

Kogi Gov urges youths to accept skills acquisition Idris Ahmed, Lokoja Youth across the country have been advised to accept skills acquisition as a reliable means of getting self employed.

Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, gave the advise on Saturday at Koton Karfe headquarters of Kogi local government area of Kogi state while commissioning three skills acquisition centres established by Hon. Zakari Mohammed Osewu as part of his constituency projects..

Governor Bello holds that in view of the global economic downturn which has affected production and services, the option remains the acquisition of skills and innovations that could lead to industrial revolution.

The governor who was represented by the Speaker of Kogi state House of Assembly, Hon, Mathew Kolawole urged Nigerians not to despair, but see the past hardship as personal sacrifice to redeem the nation that was plundered, raped and looted by the few people that mismanaged the affairs of the country for 16 years.

He urged the people of the area to be focused and disregard any negative campaigns by the opposition against President Muhammad Buhari that will lure them back to the bad days when leaders carted away the resources and money to foreign countries and rendered the remaining people helpless.

The governor therefore appealed to be people of Koton Karfe to remain solidly behind President Buhari being the only one now that can salvage the country from the mess the PDP has thrown the country into.

2019: Buhari Campaign Organisation to embark on ward-to-ward mobilisation in Bayelsa

Air Officer Commanding (AOC), NAF Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu, AVM Idi Amin who is being represented by the Chief of Staff, GTC Command, Air Commodore Noah Oyibo flanked by senior officers of the command, speaks to newsmen after the 4th quarter marched through Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Abakaliki Roads for about 12 kilometres on Saturday.

Rivers APC: Appeal panel adjourns to Dec 12 *Tonye Cole, others seek to join suit

Memoye Oghu, Port Harcourt The Special Appeal Panel set up by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa to handle the protracted legal tussle of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), now before the Port Harcourt Division of the Appeal Court has given all parties in the case till December 12, to file their responses and written addresses.

The Panel, headed by Justice Abubakar Yahaya on Monday adjourned the matter to December 12, for moving of applications and responses.

Arch Tonye Dele Cole, the governorship flag bearer of the party in the state and other party officials, including ticket holders voided by the lower court’s ruling are also seeking to join the matter which is an appeal against a Port Harcourt High Court ruling setting aside the processes and

congresses that led to the emergence of the Ojukaiye Flag-Amachree led executives of the party in the state and Tonye Cole as its candidate.

The Panel gave respondent counsel Henry Bello 24 hours to regularize his application before the court and three and five days respectively to counsels of Ojukaiye Flag-Amachree and Tonye Cole to do same.

APC Counsel, Emenike Ebete told newsmen outside the court that his clients were seeking to join the suit because some sections of the High Court Judgment affected them. “After the High Court of Rivers State delivered its judgment on the 10th of October, 2018, we got a copy of the judgment, perused it and discovered that the judgment touched on the rights of the candidates of the party.

“Against that decision, the candidates of the party (APC) have filed an application before the Court of Appeal to grant them leave to appeal as interested persons, interested in the outcome of the judgment because they were not initially party to the suit. And the only way to

appeal such a judgment is to seek the leave of the Court of Appeal to join.”

Respondent Counsel Henry Bello said one of the suits entertained by the Court was adjourned to December 12, 2018 for argument while another was adjourned sine die, pending the Supreme Court decision on a matter before it which affects it.

“A suit involving APC, Ibrahim Umar and 22 others was adjourned sine die to await the outcome of the matter in the Supreme Court. Two other applications

by Tonye Cole, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree and others were adjourned to 12th December, 2018. We have been asked to file written addresses before the adjourned date for arguments.”

It would be recalled that the 23 aggrieved members of the Senator Magnus Abe led faction of the state APC who are the respondents in the appeal before the Appellate Court had requested President of the Appeal Court to set up a special panel to handle the matter, an appeal that was granted by the President of the Appeal Court.

The Buhari Campaign Organisation and Empowerment (BCO) in Bayelsa says plan is underway to embark on ward-to-ward mobilisation for the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Bayelsa Liaison Officer of BCO, Mr Ezekiel Ogbianko, told newsmen on Tuesday in Yenagoa that over 20, 000 committed persons have so far been registered as members to promote the good governance of the APC led administration.

On the inauguration of the Rivers-Bayelsa Liaison Office of BCO on Nov. 14, in Port Harcourt, Ogbianko said the event was a welcome development and called for more support for President Buhari.

Ogbianko, who is also the Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) in Bayelsa, said the support for Buhari was necessary due to his numerous achievements not only in the area of agriculture but in all sectors.

“The Anchor Borrower Programme is one of them and every farmer across the country has benefitted from it; we must support President Buhari to finish his good work.

Police foil robbery attempt in Lagos, arrests one Joy Anyim, Lagos The Lagos State Police Command on November 15, foiled a robbery attempt at a shop in the Maya area at Ijebu-Ode road, Ikorodu and arrested one suspect.

Information gathered revealed that a gang of robbers had alleged stormed the area in a Mazda bus with registration number KRD 783 XW at about 2:40am and started breaking the shop.

Police operatives on pin-down duty near the scene alerted the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Shagamu road Police station, CSP Adekunle Omisakin who quickly mobilised to the scene with a team of anti crime policemen and engaged the robbers in a shootout.

Confirming the incident, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti said the robbers fled the scene and while the police gave them a hot chase, they pushed out one of them who had sustained a gunshot wound Oti said, “When the robbers could take no more of the fire exchange, they jumped into their car and drove off as quickly as they could. The police team chased them; along the way, the robbers pushed one of their colleagues with bullet injury whom they mistook for dead, out of a moving vehicle.

“The team recovered the man, revived him and he gave his name as Yusuf Nasiru, aged 34 years. He was searched and a knife and some charms were recovered from him.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

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Glo enhances customer’s experience with new Gloworld outlet Ladesope Ladelokun, Lagos

L-R: Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer, Binkabi; Managing Director/CEO, Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman; Founder/CEO, Binkabi, Quan Le; Country Manager, AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited, Ayodeji Balogun and Chief Information Officer, Sterling Bank, Yinka Oni during the launch of the world’s first digital commodity market place in Lagos

Illegal haulage: Dangote woos Nigerians with reward to arrest erring drivers Motolani Oseni, Lagos In an effort aimed at ridding the organization of unscrupulous drivers, the management of the Dangote Group has solicited the help of members of the public to assist in apprehending persons engaging in illegal haulage activities with the organization’s trucks.

The company subsequently announced a mouth-watering monetary reward for any member of the public who offered information that would lead to the arrest of such persons by the law enforcement agents.

The management disclosed that a sum of N250,000.00 would be given as a reward for any persons who help in tracking unscrupulous drivers and confiscation of the illegal goods.

Dangote Industries Limited also warned those who illegally transport

materials on Dangote trucks that such unauthorised goods shall be confiscated and such drivers and owners would face the full extent of the law.

In a statement issued by the Dangote Industries Limited and signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, the company said “The Management of Dangote Industries Limited wishes to solicit the assistance of the general public in the fight to rid the organisation of illegal haulage activities being perpetrated by some unscrupulous persons.

“In pursuit of this objective, anyone with verifiable information which will lead to the arrest of such person(s) or goods will be rewarded with the sum of N250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only).”

To clarify its position, the management went on to list its products

and goods which its over 10,000 trucks operating across the country and the neighbouring West African countries could convey.

It stated “Dangote Trucks are permitted to transport only the following materials: Dangote Cement Plc – Dangote Cement, Limestone, High Grade Gypsum and Coal; Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc- Dangote Sugar; Nascon Allied Industries Plc – Dangote Salt & DanQ Seasoning; Agrosacks Industries Limited – Bags; Dangote Flour Mills Plc – (Dangote Wheat, Flour and Danvita) “We hereby alert the public to report any suspected Dangote Truck driver involved in illegal haulage supported with credible evidence of such act.”

While the Police and other law enforcement agents have been authorised to arrest any Dangote Truck driver involved in such illegal act, it

urged members of the public while making their report to remember to include the Truck Type; Truck Plate Number; Truck Cab No.; Location of the Truck, Contents of the Truck, Colour of the Truck and Photographs of the Truck and goods if possible.

Dangote Group has devised various means in the past to rid the company of unscrupulous drivers who engaged in illegal haulage activities and others who constituted themselves into a menace to other road users.

Recently the company had to arrest some of its drivers on illegal haulage business and handed them over to the authorities. The authorities commended the gesture of the company management and urged other organisations to borrow a leaf from Dangote Group management by doing self-cleansing of their drivers’ rank and file.

Ensure consumers get value for money, others, SON tells Guinness Joy Obakeye, Lagos Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Osita Aboloma Esq. has challenged the Management of Guinness Nigeria Plc to ensure that Nigerian Consumers get value for money at all times while also ensuring their safety.

This admonition was given at the end of a facility tour of Guinness Breweries factory in Ogba, Lagos by a SON team led by the Chief Executive.

He reminded the company of SON’s presence at all times to ensure diligent implementation and enforcement of standards in the collective interest of Consumers, Manufacturers and the Nation’s economic development.

Aboloma acknowledged the company as one of the largest and renowned Standards bearers in the manufacture of alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverage and spirits in the African continent.

According to him, the company’s adherence to good manufacturing practices was exemplified by the successful certification of 24 of its products to the SON Mandatory Conformity Assessment Scheme (MANCAP) to provide assurance to consumers and guarantee compliance with the relevant standards.

He commended the company’s consistency in maintaining its certification to the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) Environmental Management

Systems (EMS) Standards (ISO 14001), describing it as a proud ambassador of products and systems quality.

The SON DG admonished Guinness Nigeria PLC Management not to relent in providing technical and institutional support for standards development and harmonization activities in Nigeria and across the African continent through active participation in working group and technical committee meetings.

Welcoming the SON team, Guinness Managing Director/Chief Executive, Baker Magunda acknowledged the invaluable support and guidance of SON to the company over many decades, in ensuring the steady growth and expansion of its equity through diligent standards application and promotion of international best

practices.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to continual improvement in its products and service offerings, stressing that Guinness Nigeria PLC cherishes its partnership with SON and other regulatory agencies.

Also addressing the SON delegation, Director, Corporate Relations, Mrs. Viola Graham-Douglas went down memory lane on the establishment of the first Guinness brewery in Nigeria, stating that Nigeria is the largest stout market in the world after Ireland.

She commended SON for its efforts in ensuring the ease of doing business through the automation of its processes, primarily relating to products and management systems certifications.

As part of efforts in improving its customers’ experience, Globacom, has opened a brand new Gloworld outlet on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

The architectural masterpiece is strategically located on Plot 95 of the vibrant Allen Avenue, the commercial nerve-center of Ikeja.

It was conceptualised to enhance seamless customer service operations, quick turnaround time and customer accessibility to the network’s product offerings.

Speaking while commissioning the complex, Hakeem Popoola Fahm, Lagos commissioner for science and technology, congratulated Globacom for opening a state-of-the-art customer service centre in Ikeja Business District, adding that the company had from onset led the way with innovative product and services He also gave kudos to Globacom for its unalloyed commitment to the development of the nation’s telecommunication industry.

Globacom’s Group Executive Director, Mrs. Bella Disu, leading a team of top executives of the company to the launch, also conducted a guided tour of the extensive complex with guests and customers who graced the occasion, including Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal; Managing Director, Ibile Holdings, Mr. Ganiyu Oseni; Ovation Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu; Director of Traffic Management & Survey, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, Mr. Ositimehin Abimbola, and Mr. Ganiyu Lasisi of Polaris Bank.

Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Globacom, Mr. Michael Toluhi, said in his speech at the event that the Allen Gloworld shop is the first in a generation of new and exquisitely designed contact centres, specially built to warm the hearts of the company’s subscribers in Ikeja and environs.

“We are bringing our products and services to Allen Avenue, which for a long time has been the melting pot for go-to business ventures in Ikeja”, Mr. Toluhi further explained while describing the new shop as “an archetypal customer service and sales shop designed to offer Globacom’s products and services to subscribers in a well-equipped and highly conducive ambience.

He further said the outlet would soon be replicated in other major markets across the country including Victoria Island, Abuja, Ibadan and Benin, among others.

Business Times 14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Hollandia unveils new pack size Godwin Anyebe, Lagos Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink, a ready-to-drink chocolate drink, has launched a new pack size. The new pack is intended to provide an entry point for adults and upsize for kids, while building on the success of the brand.

Speaking on this development in a statement made available to Journalists recently in Lagos, the Managing Director, Chi Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy said; “the growing popularity of Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink reflects how its ready-to-drink convenience and quality instant nutrition is driving consumer demand for packaging sizes tailored ever more precisely to their specific lifestyle needs in an increasingly dynamic market.”

According to him, “We are aware of consumer expectations from us, and the new Hollandia Choco Malt Drink 180ml pack is a great example of how we are innovating with pack sizes to satisfy consumers’ demand.”

The new pack size is expected to consolidate the growth and rising market appeal of the brand, as well as make the product available to a wider spectrum of young consumers who desire a satisfying and functional beverage that can be consumed at any time.

NDLEA seizes N58m Tramadol at Apapa Port Temitope Adebayo, Lagos Again, the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized no fewer than 581 million tablets of tramadol, during search operations at Apapa Port in Lagos.

Principal Staff Officer, Public Affairs, NDLEA, Jonah Achema, for the anti-narcotic agency, in a press statement made available to Ngerian NewsDirect on Monday said, the search of the 11 new containers impounded by the Nigeria Customs Service, yielded result as 241 million tablets of tramadol, weighing 118 metric tons, were discovered.

According to our correspondent findings in November 12, customs operatives impounded 12 containers at Apapa Port and handed them over to NDLEA and when searched, 340 million tablets of tramadol were discovered.

This brings to 581 million tablets of tramadol so far discovered within the two days of the search operations at the port.

According to Achema, the tablets are in various dosages ranging from 120 to 250 milligrams and above and the permissible threshold of 50 and 100 milligrams.

He further explained that the containers, originating from India have been on the watch-list of NDLEA since November 2017 and have just been positioned for search by Nigeria Customs Service.

His words:“There are 39 more containers to be searched which the Agency strongly believes to contain tramadol.”

It could be recalled that NDLEA about this time in 2017 intercepted 160 million tablets of tramadol at the same port and these tablets were imported from India, using false documents from an unregistered company.

L – R: General M.A.O Amolegbe, Captain, Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section; Gbenga Shobo, Deputy Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Samuel Njoroge from Kenya and Winner of the 57th FirstBank Lagos Amateur Golf Open Championship; Babatunde Akinleye, Chairman Ikoyi Club 1938; Candy Agu, Lady Captain Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section and Tunde Johnson, Vice Captain Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section during the Prize presentation at the final of the 57th FirstBank Lagos Amateur Golf Open Championship held in Ikoyi Club, Lagos

SMEDAN lauds FG’s buy Made in Nigeria policy Motolnai Oseni, Lagos Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, has lauded the buy Made in Nigeria policy of the federal government, even as he said the fashion industry in Nigeria is one of the critical sectors that will play a vital role in the resurgence of the nation’s economy, due to its current performance results.

Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue on the Fashion industry held recently, the Director-General said the government and the private sector must form a synergy that would help create a conducive operating environment that enhances the capacity of practitioners to unlock the benefits that are currently woven into the fabrics of the industry.

He, however, believed that the buy Made in Nigeria policy has boosted visibility and patronage for traditional clothes and textiles.

Although, he lamented that the policy remains cosmetic and grossly inadequate to address the need for a codified roadmap for an industry that is projected to grow to 25 billion dollars over the next 5 years.

According to him, the Nigerian Clothing and fashion industry remain mostly fragmented and underdeveloped, despite efforts and commitment of the Federal Government to promote Made in Nigeria goods.

He said the sector still suffers from inadequate patronage, including a myriad of structural difficulties.

Dr. Radda also posited that the industry has struggled to build a sustainable local market and to keep up with the global fashion industry.

He, however, lamented that lack of structure in skills acquisition and mentorship creates weaknesses in all aspect of the value chain: from business development to access to finance: from access to raw materials to marketing and public relations.

He said no statutory national body exists to supervise curriculum development or facilitate funding for garment manufacturers, while poor infrastructure slows down production and raises costs. Dr. Radda added that Nigeria’s textiles market, once known as the third largest in Africa is now redundant and virtually dependent on imports as current data from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) indicates that Nigeria spent 4 Billion dollars on Importation of textiles in2017.

Dr Radda said the policy dialogue would envision the key and strategic roles the fashion industry must play in reviving the economy of the country given the promise it holds against the backdrop of its over 2 million practitioners spread across a national population estimated to be over 180 million. He added that the opportunities are infinite as over 2 million and 3 million indirect jobs would be created.

Earlier the founder and chief executive of Makulu Clothing Brand, Mr John Oke said the Policy Dialogue was a public intervention of SMEDAN and his company to facilitate , focused broad-based discourse which will translate in developing a road map of forward actions which are first steps toward synergizing the efforts of industry practitioners and stakeholders on one hand and the federal government of Nigeria on another to develop suitable policy frameworks that will stimulate growth across the fashion and clothing industry value chain.

Mr Oke noted that the primary objective was to critically examine Nigeria’s fashion and clothing ecosystem and proffer solutions to the myriad of challenges that are making it impossible for the country to explore to its benefit, the natural advantages that it has in the 14 billion dollars industry.

Unity Bank leads other stocks in NSE top gainers Although the benchmark index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed in the red last week, Unity Bank Plc emerged as the best performing stock, appreciating by 30.99 per cent.

Market information from the NSE showed that the Unity Bank stock opened at N0.71 and closed at N0.93, representing an increase of N0.22.

With the stock rising by 75 per cent, a herd of analysts have adjudged it one of the best performing banking stocks year to date.

This according to dealers is attributable to the bank’s efficiency in curtailing cost, better market focus, revamp of electronic channels and increasing customer centricity which are beginning to restore market confidence in the brand.

The bank recently posted ratio of its nonperforming loans which stood at zero per cent, describing it as a clear indication of management’s excellent risk assessment.

In its 2017 annual report, Unity Bank took some corporate actions resulting in the writing off N16 billion goodwill that arose from legacy merger and de-risking of toxic assets that strategically cleaned up the bank’s loan books.

It temporarily impacted the bottom line as was the case in 2017 but again returning to profit in the third quarter (Q3) of 2018.

Unity Bank’s financial statement, made available to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, showed that its profit for the nine-month period to September 2018, stood at N585.84million.

According to a leading Lagos-based

independent investment banking firm, Afrinvest ((West) Africa Limited, trading activity level was mixed in the week as average volume traded expanded 19.1 per cent to 256.9 million units while average value traded reduced by 36.6per cent to N2.3 billion.

Although 36 equities depreciated in price, lower than 39 of the previous week, traders observed that 109 equities remained unchanged, higher than 103 equities recorded in the preceding week. Analysis of market movement during the week according to Afrinvest, showed a largely negative trend as the benchmark index declined on 3 of 5 trading days. 24 equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than the 27 in the previous week.

POLITICS TIMES g Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

15

2019: ‘Buhari’ll get 2nd term despite Atiku’s desperation’ Emmanuel Umohinyang, a social commentator and political analyst is the convener, Re–elect Buhari Movement (RBM).

He speaks on contemporary national issues, insisting that President Muhammadu Buhari will get a second term despite opposition to his bid. PATRICK OKOHUE met him.

What is your reaction to allegation by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is harboring corrupt elements?

Naturally, CAN is the umbrella body for all Christians and they are there not only to protect the interest of Christians, but also to provide leadership when the affairs of the country is being threatened. CAN is a noble organisation, but I am afraid, one may not be able to say the same judging by it’s activities in the recent past. The way the organisation is being run and managed, the characters that have taken over the organisation has left some of us, Christians with so much to desire. It’s not a bad thing if a noble organisation like CAN raises concern on any issue that affects the common man on the street, but my worry is, where was this CAN during the days of the locust, where was the CAN during the last administration? Where was this CAN when billions of Dollars was looted from the country? Where was CAN when humongous amount of money was shared by the elite, money meant for the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram in the North – East? If not for the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari, we would not have known how humongous amounts of money developed wings and flew out of our coffers. Where was this CAN? CAN was not making any reference to the government. It looks to me that CAN will always come out

especially during election periods.

You will recall that around this time in 2014, it was reported that about 9 billion naira was released by that administration to some clergy men under CAN umbrella, and that the money was shared somewhere in Lagos. I remember a renowned clergy warning those who collected the money to return same. I stand to be corrected. CAN never came out with any position on that issue, so the people know where to cast their votes, whether Christians, Muslims or Traditional worshippers.

If CAN were mute under the last administration where corruption had developed legs and worn clothes, walking around the country, how come they are now talking under a President that has showed zero tolerance for corruption?

Umohinyang

to speak only when it is convenient for them to, not when it is necessary.

I was taken aback when CAN made that wild allegation that the political party of the President was a safe haven for corrupt politicians. I don’t think CAN, with recent developments still enjoys good support of the people they represent. A lot of Christians including myself have completely lost faith in CAN as an organisation because as clergy men, they are duty bound to say the truth to any government no matter who is there.

I think Christians should watch and not be misled. We should know when

people are representing our interest and when people are representing their personal interest.

Don’t you think the damning allegation may affect the President’s electoral fortunes in 2019?

I have said before that our democracy is growing and the country is dynamic and I have equally said we are not running a democracy where people are called to the village square to share kola nut, and begin to apportion who takes what. The country is governed by rules and the people are discerning,

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed major economic policies of this administration as unworkable, what are your thoughts?

I have listened to Atiku Abubakar recently. I have also heard him propose what I will call voodoo economics. He said he is going to take the risk of allowing inflation in our economy to woo foreign investors.

As funny as Atiku’s economic magic may look, I think Atiku is trying to take Nigeria back to Zimbabwe of the recent past, where a loaf of bread was sold for Ten Thousand Zimbabwean Dollars. Atiku should know that such an economy seriously affects the

Atiku will unseat Buhari in 2019, says Williams Patrick Okohue Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar has been described as a man with a good understanding of governance and will unseat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

The description was made by the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1, Hon Violet Olaitan Williams.

Williams said, “Atiku Abubakar has basic understanding of what the people need. He is the man to beat. His chances are growing by the day”.

Williams told newsmen in Lagos on Monday that Atiku

would revamp the nation’s economy, restructure the country and create jobs for Nigerians.

The PDP House of Representatives flag bearer also commended the Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode for de-marketing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. “I watched Governor Akinwumi Ambode talking about Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu having a mental issue. That is a minus for a governorship candidate. How can someone that has an ailment govern us? People will capitalise on it once they know his flaw. Jimi Agbaje is a better material any day.

He stands a better chance. The people want him,” she said.

She also spoke on robust

representation, her agenda for the people of Lagos Island and the performance of some elected officials.

Describing Governor Akinwumi Ambode as a failure, she said, “2019 goes beyond ending the era of Bola Tinubu in Lagos State. It is about the people.

They are tired of poor governance.

Ambode is a minus. All the sectors are crying for attention. The government cannot do anything on the issue of traffic. Jimi Agbaje, an indigene of Lagos, is the next governor of Lagos State” Emphasising that experience and gender mark her as a sure asset in the eyes of the Lagos Island electorate, Williams said It would be impossible for the ruling party to win the 2019 elections in Lagos State.

The PDP candidate sees the crisis in the ruling party, as a result of deceit and the poor performance of Mr. President, APC governors and lawmakers as against for the opposition party.

“We have House of Representative members. They are contesting in 2019. We have House of Assembly members before and we still have one standing. How can they say PDP will not win in Lagos State? I want to win. Our chances are bright.

APC is at war with itself. The people are tired of lies and empty promises.”

The PDP candidate also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of manipulating the electoral processes in the country.

poor. From what he is proposing, it shows Atiku is only concerned about the elite. Atiku is trying to take us back to where the miracle of survival was only in the hands of a few. Buhari’s government has come in to break the walls between the rich and the poor, but what Atiku is proposing is to take Nigeria back to the era where we ate the crumbs from the master’s table, and the people will not allow that in 2019. I also heard him say he is going to allow the Niger–Delta take control of their resources. Atiku cannot deceive Nigerians with his ridiculous promises, because it was under the watchful eyes of Atiku that the people of the South – South took the issue up to the level of the Supreme Court to fight for 13 percent derivation. He also talked about disobedience to court orders. Under the administration he was VP, the allocation of Lagos State was withheld for months even after the Supreme Court judgment ordering them to pay the money to Lagos state under former Governor Tinubu. So, Atiku is not qualified morally to talk about disobedience to court orders because he was an active player in a government that relied more on the rule of the thumb. I think he is only showing desperation as a man desperate to come into power not for the benefit of the people but for themselves.

Don’t you see his recent endorsement in the South – East as a plus for his aspiration?

If endorsement wins election, former President Goodluck Jonathan would have won re– election in 2015, because during that era, we saw how humongous amounts of money was used to acquire endorsements.

Endorsement does not win votes; it’s the people, with their PVC’s who will determine the President of Nigeria in 2019. What happened in the South – East, the Enugu declaration is not unexpected.

We are going to see more of it in the coming days, especially with the kick-off of the campaigns.

That endorsement will count for nothing because under this administration, the government has done so much for the people of the South –East. The people will not allow themselves to be used again by the so–called leaders. Development wise, this government has done more for the people of the South – East compared to the sixteen years of the PDP.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

The Law Times

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Law prohibits registration of same sex associations, meetings, societies – Court The Applicant, Pamela Adie, had sometime in October 2017 founded “Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives” whose objective was primarily to advocate for the rights of same sex sexual orientation people.

In her quest to register the association, she applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission through her counsel,Fajenyo‎ Kayode for the reservation of the name “Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives”.

However, the Commission declined to approve the proposed name on the ground that it was misleading and contrary to public policy.

Irked by the decision, the applicant, through her lawyer Mike Enahoro-Ebah petitioned, albeit unsuccessfully, the Registrar General of the Commission to rescind its earlier decision rejecting the name.

Based on the refusal of the Respondent to approve the proposed name Adie approached the Court for redress.

ISSUES In an originating summons marked FHC /ABJ/ CS/827/2018, the applicant sought an order for the enforcement of her fundamental human rights to freedom of association and expression.

She formulated the following issues for the determination of the court: “Whether having regard to the express provisions of sections 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Article 10 (1) of the African Charter on Human And Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation on Nigeria 2004, the Respondent’s rejection of the registration/ reservation of the Applicant’s proposed name of an Association- Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives” is a violation of the Applicant’s right to Freedom of Association.

“Whether having regard to the express provisions of Sections 39 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), and Article 9 (2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the Respondent’s rejection of the registration/ reservation of the Applicant’s proposed name of an Association- “Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives”, is a violation of the Applicant’s rights to freedom of expression. “ Whether upon proper consideration of Section 39 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), and Article 9 (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, visà-vis Section 30 (1) (c) of the Companies And Allied Matters Act (CAMA) Cap C20 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004, the Applicant’s proposed name of an Association- “Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives” can be said to be misleading and contrary to public policy.

The applicant further asked the court to grant the following reliefs: “ a declaration that by the express provisions of Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), and Article 10 (1) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the Respondent’s rejection of the registration/reservation of the Applicant’s proposed name of an Association“Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives”, is a violation of the Applicant’s rights to Freedom of Expression.

“A declaration that by the express provisions of Section 39 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), and Article 9 (2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the Respondent’s proposed name of an Association“Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives”, is a violation of the Applicant’s rights to Freedom of Expression.

“A declaration that by the express provisions of Section 39 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), and Article 9(2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, visavis Section 30 (1) (c) of the Companies And Allied Matters Act (CAMA) Cap C20 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004, the Applicant’s proposed name of an Association-“Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives”, is not misleading and contrary to public policy. “A declaration that the Applicant is entitled to Assemble and Associate under the name “Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives” as well as to be registered as an organization under the same name.

“An order of court setting aside the Respondent’s “Notice of Denial” dated the 27/10/2017 as a violation of the Applicants rights to Freedom of Association and Expression provided in Section 40 and 39 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) and Article 10 (1) and 9 (2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Respondent counsel formulated and argued four issues for determination to wit: “Whether the name “Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives” is registrable within the purview of relevant legal frameworks and international instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“Whether the Respondent has discretionary power to determine registration of names under the law in which it was established; and therefore rightly declined the above name.

“Whether the denial of the name “Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives” by the Respondent can be classified as an infringement of

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba

ARGUMENT She urged the court to grant an order of mandamus, compelling the CAC to forthwith issue notice of approval for her proposed name of an Association“Lesbian Equality and Empowerment Initiatives” for onward registration with the Commission.

THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA IN THE ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT ABUJA ON FRIDAY, THE 16th DAY OF NOVEMBER,2018 BEFORE HIS LORDSHIP THE HON. JUSTICE DR. NNAMDI DIMGBA Suit No. FHC /ABJ/CS/827/2018, BETWEEN 1. PAMELA ADIE AND 1. THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC)

the Applicant’s fundamental rights to freedom of association and expression and the right procedure to file this suit was followed.

“Whether an order of mandamus can be invoked by the court to compel the Respondent to carry out an action prohibited by law.

It could not have been the intention of the legislature to prohibit the registration of gay associations while allowing lesbian associations

But counsel to Commission, Dr. Femi ‎Ogunlade‎, contended before the court that the name sought to be registered by the Applicant cannot be approved because it is misleading, offensive, contrary to public policy and violates an existing law that prohibits same-sex marriage in Nigeria.

DECISION Although I have already set out the various issues formulated and argued by each of the parties in thir written addresses, I believe that all the arguments made by the respective parties’ counsel in respect of the issues that they formulated can conveniently be accommodated under this harmonized single issue which I propose, to wit: Whether in the circumstance of this case, the Applicant is entitled to the reliefs sought.

The Court held that the decision of CAC refusing to register the group was in compliance with 30 (1) (c) of the Companies And Allied Matters Act (CAMA) Cap C20 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“It is my view that where either the proposed

name of the company or its aims and objectives are caught by the provisions of Section 30 (1) (c) of CAMA, the Respondent is duly empowered to reject such an application for reservation of name or registration as it has done in this case.

“Section 30(1) (c) of CAMA reads; ‎”No ‎company shall be registered under this Act by a name which(c) in the opinion of the Commission is capable of being misleading as to the nature or extent of its activities or is undesirable, offensive or otherwise contrary to public policy.”

Though, the court conceded that the applicant has the right to form or belong to any association of her choice as provided by section 40 of the 1999 constitution, it however held that the rights are not absolute as they are to be exercised and enjoyed within the precincts of the law. ”There is no doubt that the Applicant has the right to form or belong to any association of her choice as provided by Section 40 of the 1999, in so far as the enjoyment of such a right is not limited by section 45 of the same constitution which provides the basis for the limitation of the enjoyment of the rights guaranteed by section 40 above.

“Instances where the right to form and belong to an association can be limited as provided in section 45 (1) (a) of the 1999 includes situations where such a right is in conflict with public safety, public order, public morality. As such, the rights of the Applicant to form and register an association are not absolute.

They are to be exercised and enjoyed within the precincts of the law.” ”Strictly speaking, it is on the basis of the protection of public morality as provided by section 45 (1) of the 1999 CFRN that some laws were enacted by the National Assembly to safeguard same. The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2013 is an example of one of these laws. Section 4 (1) of the Same Sex Marriage Act prohibits the registration of same sex associations. It provides as follows: The Registration organizations, of their meetings is prohibited. gay clubs, societies and sustenance, processions and ‎meetings is prohibited.”

“It could not have been the intention of the legislature to prohibit the registration of gay associations while allowing lesbian associations, as learned counsel appears to be advocating with this distinction. The court being a court of law and justice must give effect not just to the literal meaning of words, but also give effect to the real intention of the legislature in the construction of statutes. Moreover, it is common knowledge that in recent times, the word “gay” is used to denote homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders.”

“On the contention that the rejection of the reservation of the Applicant’s proposed name of an association is a violation of the Applicant’s right to freedom of expression, it is my view that such an argument merits a summary dismissal as the arguments in support of this contention are similar to the one earlier dismissed.

The Court also agreed that the applicant undoubtedly, has the right to freedom of expression, “however, in exercising its discretion to reject the name sought to be reserved, the Respondent has not violated the right to freedom of expression since the proposed name itself is in collision with an existing and operational law.

“The Respondent being a regulator was established to carry out functions as listed in Section 7 of CAMA which includes the regulation and supervision of the formation, incorporation, registration, management, and winding-up of companies. It is also empowered under Section 30 to exercise its discretion in the approval of names for registration.

“So far as the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act is still much operative in Nigeria and has not been repealed, the case of the Applicant must fail.” It is therefore accordingly dismissed.

Delivered by Justice Dr. Nnamdi Dimgba Judge of Federal High Court APPEARANCES 1. Mike Enahoro-Ebah for APPLICANT And 1. Luqman Salman Esq with C. Bassey Esq for RESPONDENT

Classified 18 ADEWUSI OLUFUNMILOLA

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABIMBOLA OLUFUNMILOLA ELIZABETH, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEWUSI OLUFUNMILOLA ELIZABETH DUE TO CHANGE IN MY MARITAL STATUS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

ABDULLAHI BASHIR I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUHAMMED BASHIR ISAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABDULLAHI BASHIR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE MISS ADEBAMBO ADEYINKA

MRS EZENAGU EDITH

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ISAAC EDITH NWANYIURE , NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS EZENAGU EDITH NWANYIURE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MRS OLAKUNLE AMINAT

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS RAHEEM AMINAT OLUWAKEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OLAKUNLE AMINAT OLUWAKEMI.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

INNOCENT CHIOMA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MRS OLOWU ADEYINKA ABOSEDE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADEBAMBO ADEYINKA ABOSEDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UGWUMBA DEBORAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS INNOCENT CHIOMA MIRABEL.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

AYOBAMI OLAMILEHIN I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DENNIS ABIANDO EDET, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AYOBAMI OLAMILEHIN DENNIS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AFOLAKEMI ABIODUN DANIEL, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. AFOLAKEMI ABIODUN SOWEMIMO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS OBILEYE ADEBOLA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEYEMI ADEBOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OBILEYE ADEBOLA.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

IBEABUCHI DORCAS

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IBEABUCHI THERESA DORCAS , NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IBEABUCHI DORCAS OLUEBUBE .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ADDITION OF NAME

MRS. AFOLAKEMI ABIODUN

KAREEM RAYMOND

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AMINOBI ESSEOGHENE

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018 OKOH MARTHA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGBENI MARTHA OWAJAJEMHE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OKOH MARTHA OWAJAJEMEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID THAT I WAS BORN ON THE 13TH MAY 1990.

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FOLASHADE OLUWAKEMI

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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MRS OBANYA VERONICA

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AFOLABI VINCENT

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NJOKU EVANS

NOR NGUVAN DORCAS

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MRS EZEUDE FAVOUR

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EMEKA ALEX

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FORUM OF WOMEN AND YOUTH LEADERS THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FORUM HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1) PRINCESS NIKKY ONYERI 2) NNAMDI UDOH 3) KANAYO CHINEDU NWOSU 4) VERONICA ADIZA JUBRIN 5) IFEOMA ODUMODU 6) NGOZI OKOYE 7) TEMITOPE ADEKEYE 8) HELEN NKECHI IDEOZU 9) ANDY IDEOZU 10) MICHELLE OVWARIAVWOSE

MRS EGBOH FRANCISCA

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ALBERT FAUSAT I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ADEBOWALE FAUSAT AJOKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALBERT FAUSAT AJOKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE OYOLOLA OLAYIWOLA

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MRS UZONDU ANTHONIA

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SOLIU OLADOKUN

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DR . OROBATOR EHIZOGIE

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OSHEWEAKOR CHINENYE

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MAMAH IKENNA

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ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONIS STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: UYI WOGHIREN,ESQ. SOLICITOR

HABITABLE EARTH INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. HEALTH AFFAIRS (INTERNATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH, SENSITISATION, VACCINE, AWARENESS, MEDICAL CHECK-UP AND SERVICES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

MRS OLALEYE CECILIA

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AMBALI ALAO

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EJIKEUGO EMEKA

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CORRECTION OF NAME:

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MY NAME WAS WRITTEN AS OLAGUNJOYE ABOSEDE WUNMI, INSTEAD OF OLADUNJOYE ABOSEDE WUNMI, NOW:OLADUNJOYE ABOSEDE WUNMI GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

LAWAL SULAIMON

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CHINYERE ROSE

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AROH EUCHARIA

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CORRECTION OF NAME

MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN ON MY BANK/ OTHER DOCUMENTS AS ARIYO AJOKE FATIMO INSTEAD OF ARIYO FATIMA YEWANDE. THAT MY CORRECT NAME ARIYO FATIMA YEWANDE. THAT I WAS BORN ON 13 MAY 1990. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

MISS ADEBAMBO ADEYINKA

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MRS. ESAN

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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ABDULKEREEM ABDULLETEEF

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UKAMAKA AMAKA

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MRS JOHN VICTORIA

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MRS. WALI CHINENYE

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AJAYI JUSTINE AKINTOYE - CHAIRMAN 2. AIBUKI SULAIMON - SECRETARY 3. OLADIPUPO MICHAEL OLAMILEKAN 4. AJAYI JAMES AKINWALE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUTHS IN THE COUNTRY. 2) TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIGENT STUDENTS.

OLADEJI OLAWALE

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FREE SPACE

FREE SPACE

DEVELOPMENT PLUS INITIATIVE

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

TRUSTESS: 1) IROH ENYINNAYA .A.BRIDGET 2) CALEB OLUBUSAYO FAGADE 3) OLUWA SEUN FADEYI 4) SAMSON YISA GANA 5) DAMIAN ODIMEGWU 6) YUSUF GBOLAHAN 7) NICHOLAS OBITTE 8) ENGR. KEHINDE STEPHEN AWOYELE AIM TO OFFER KNOWLEDGE ,DELIVER HOLISITIC, UNIQUE AND EXCELLENT SOLUTION TO THE NEED OF MANKIND ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR BOLUWAJI

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

19

Classified

Ajimobi attributed administration’s success, second term to mercy of God Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has attributed the “unprecedented achievements” of his seven-and-a-half-years administration, especially his historic second term in office, to the mercy of God and the strong backing of the stakeholders.

He disclosed this in his address at this year’s Maulid Nabiyy (celebration of the birth of Holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW), held at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

In spite of his failings, as common with every mortal, the governor said that God had seen him through good and bad times and had always granted his heart desires.

Against this backdrop, he said he was confident that the ruling All Progressives Congress would retain power in the state, as well as at the federal level in 2019, notwithstanding the desperation of the major opposition parties to unseat the APC. Ajimobi said, “I cannot thank God enough for helping me and my administration this far. I have no doubts that it has been through the mercy of God that we have recorded our modest unprecedented achievements.

“Breaking the second term jinx was through the mercy of God and the strong backing and support of the stakeholders, including traditional rulers. If you trust in God like I do nobody can intimidate or threaten your position.

“Before the APC governorship primary I prayed fervently that a Godfearing candidate should emerge and He has given us one. I can confidently say that we have endorsed him (Chief Adebayo Adelabu) and he will win by the grace of God. “I’m happy to inform the whole people of Oyo State that our state will be left in the hands of a competent man of conscience; a man that also loves peace and above all, a religious man.”

Speaking on the essence of the celebration, the governor urged the people to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence and to be their brother’s keepers, irrespective of their religious affiliation to emulate the Holy Prophet.

As the campaign for the 2019 general election gets underway, he admonished politicians to shun hate speech and violent tendencies, and to always remember that it was only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that the country could progress.

The Guest Lecturer, Sheikh Muideen Bello, used the occasion to drum support for the re-election of President

Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said deserved to complete eight years in office like his predecessor.

He also called on the people of Oyo State to support the governorship candidate of the APC in the state in order for him to sustain what he called the good works of Ajimobi.

The popular preacher, however, advised the candidate to constantly seek advice from Ajimobi, whose almost eight years experience as a governor, he said, would be an asset to him as his successor.

In the middle of his sermon, Bello called out Adelabu to clarify his religious affiliation, with Adelabu informing the

predominantly Muslim gathering that he “was born a Muslim and has not converted to another religion till date.”

Bello said, “A Christian President (Chief Olusegun Obasanjo) spent eight years in office. Now that it is the turn of Buhari, a Muslim, we should support him for a second term for him to also spend eight years.

“No matter the campaign of calumny against him from the camp of the opposition, the president is trying his best and he deserves another term. Adelabu has confirmed to us that he is a Muslim and this should end the speculation about where he belongs. Let us support him too.”

Obaseki unveils multi-skills centre with 150 youth to be trained in pilot phase The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged youth to take advantage of the growing number of skills acquisition centres across the state to groom their skills for entrepreneurship and paid employment.

Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political and Community Matters, Chief Osaro Idah said this while unveiling a multi-skill acquisition center at Ukpato Ward in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

He said the state government will host 150 youth in the first phase of training, who will be trained in various skill areas, adding that the establishment of the centre at Ukpato and other towns across the state is a demonstration of his promise to create jobs.

He urged Edo people and residents to remain confident in his administration, urging parents to encourage their children to acquire useful skills, so they can be useful to themselves and the society.

“We have fulfilled a number of our promises; you can see the enthusiasm of the people here

PILLAR OF HOPE FOUNDATION

today. We want to urge the people to keep faith in our government. We encourage parents to tell their children to partake of the training.

“This is the second skills centre we are unveiling. We were at Uhunmwode earlier to inaugurate the agric cluster. Both schools have been oversubscribed, we are already thinking of expansion,” Obaseki said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation and Skill Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said the opening of the centre was in line with the job creation drive of the state government.

She noted that the centre, has several training components such as welding and fabrication, accessories and bead making, fashion design, among others, and will provide gainful employment opportunities for the trainees.

She noted, “We are happy this has come to reality today. The governor has said that we should create jobs and develop skills in each community in every local government in the state. What we have done here is to build a skill acquisition centre that has so many traits. The

WE- CARE WITHOUT BORDERS CHARITY FOUNDATION.

young people are going to be making unique items and many of the things that are going to be made here will be exported.”

According to her, the first batch of 150 trainees will commence training immediately with many youths coming in to register to be trained here. “The persons who will be trained here are going to be working here and will earn money that will be useful to them and their families.”

Chairman, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Hon. Sylvester Okoro, said the centre will engage youth and discourage them from falling prey to human traffickers, noting, “EdoJobs in my local government will create jobs and reduce the trend of illegal migration.”

The center was set up by the Edo State Government through the EdoJobs initiative and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs. Other partners on the project include a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) operated by Princess Bemigho Momoh, while the building was donated by Marcus Igbinovia, an indigene of the community.

CATHY FOR JESUS FOUNDATION

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THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE 1. UMOH ENAMIDEM NNANAH 2. BAMIWUYE KOLAWOLE OGBOYE 3. UMOH GRACE ENAMIDEM 4. NNANAH UMOH IKPONU 5. UMOH IDORENYIN NNANAH

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 OBI CHUKWUEBUKA ECHEZONA - CHAIRMAN 2 KINGSLEY CHIMELUE IDEMILI - SECRETARY 3. ONWUKA CHUKWUDALU ONYEKACHUKWU 4. CHIBUZO OBI 5. NWOKOYE ONYINYE CHINWE

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) OWODO CATHERINE ODIRI (2) OWODO REAGAN JOSEPH

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. TO IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE CHARITY PROGRAMMERS’ THAT WILL MAKE AN ETERNAL DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE LESS- PRIVILEGED. 2. TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO THE DEJECTED IN THE SOCIETY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPÓRÀTÉ AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSÍ STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

LAWYERS FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS. THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. GBENGA AUSTEN OLADAPO - CHAIRMAN. 2. UMUNNA OPHELIA OBIAGELI - SECRETARY. 3. DAVID EMMANUEL URANTA. 4. MODILYNE ADA OLOWU. 5. DOGUBO OWEISI STANLEY. 6. DONPEDRO DIKIO NGOGO. AIMS/OBJECTIVES; 1. TO PROTEST, LITIGATE AND FIGHT AGAINST ALL FORMS OF INJUSTICE AGAINST PEOPLE AT NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; CHAIRMAN .

MARY’S UNITY CARE FOUNDATION

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:TO PROCLAIM THE GLORY OF CHRIST ALL THE WAY , TO ORGANIZE WORSHIP CONCERT, MOTIVATIONAL CHATS & SPEECHES, DISTRIBUTION OF BOOKS, PALM FRONTS, IDEA CHARTS, CUTIE NOTES, E-BROADCAST, ETC AND BLESS HUMANITY SIGNIFICANTLY VIA HIGH-IMPACT TACTICS THAT CUT ACROSS AGE AND ETHNIC RESTRICTION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA DISTRICT, P.M.B. 198 GARKI, FCT, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

STELLA SOLVE ROYAL FOUNDATION

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

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT,1990.

TRUSTEES THERESA ALLAGOA MARY ALLAGOA JENNIFER ALLAGOA MARY ALLAGOA JNR

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. ISRAEL CHIDIEBERE ONYEBUCHI CHAIRMAN 2. MRS. STELLA ASHINEDU ONYEBUCHI SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES A. CREATE AWARENESS FOR PREVALENT DISEASES IN COMMUNITIES. B. EDUCATE COMMUNITIES ON BASICS PREVENTIVE MEASURES C. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ON SKILLS ACQUISITION D. PROVIDE BASIC HEALTH SERVICES TO COMMUNITIES E. ENLIGHTEN WOMEN ON MATERNAL MORTALITY AND NEED FOR EARLY TREATMENT F. PROVIDE FINANCIALLY TO SINGLE MOTHERS AND LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN G. EDUCATE ON ADOLESCENT HEALTH

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO REACH OUT TO THE DESTITUTE/ORPHANAGES HOMES/LESS PRIVILEGED. 2. TO GUARD THE RIGHTS OF EVERY CHILD. 3. FOR CHARITY/FREE SKILL ACQUISITION TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT FOR EVERY CHILD.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENTS, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MALTAIMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

g20

Libya uses tear gas, rubber bullets to force migrants off ship

Trump said the US relationship ‘is with Saudi Arabia’

Trump not taking punitive measures against Saudis over Khashoggi President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States intends to remain a “steadfast partner” of Saudi Arabia even though “it could very well be” that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had knowledge of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

“We may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Trump said in a statement issued by the White House.

Defying pressure from US lawmakers to impose tougher sanctions on Saudi Arabia, the president indicated he

had no intention of cancelling military contracts with the kingdom.

“If we foolishly cancel these contracts, Russia and China would be the enormous beneficiaries,” the president said.

Trump’s comments come just days after US media reported that the CIA concludedPrince Mohammed, also known as MBS, ordered Khashoggi’s murder.

Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 when he went there to pick up documents needed for his planned marriage.

A critic of the Saudi government,

Khashoggi had resisted pressure from Riyadh for him to return home.

Saudi Arabia initially rejected its nationals were behind the killing, but as Turkish authorities continued to leak evidence of high-level involvement, Riyadh eventually admitted its agents carried out the killing with a series of contradictory explanations.

Saudi Arabia’s deputy public prosecutor has said he was seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in Khashoggi’s killing. Al-Shaalan told reporters the Saudi crown prince knew nothing of the operation, in which Khashoggi’s body was dismembered and removed from the consulate.

Libyan authorities have used rubber bullets and tear gas to forcibly disembark more than 90 refugeesand migrants who had refused to leave a cargo ship docked in the port of Misrata.

The Panama-flagged ship rescued them off the Libyan coast 10 days ago, as their boat began sinking, and brought them to Misrata. Once there, 14 disembarked willingly but, in the first documented case of its kind, the other 92 refused to leave.

“A joint force raided the cargo ship and used rubber bullets and tear gas to force [them off the ship],” the commander of the central region coastguards, Tawfiq Esskair, told the Reuters news agency by phone on Tuesday.

Some of those on board were wounded during disembarkation but were now “in good condition” after treatment in hospital, and all had been taken to a detention centre in the city, said Esskair.

During the 10-day standoff, the migrants pleaded to be taken to Europe, saying they are prepared to die than be returned to detention in the North African country.

Two of those on board - Kai, 18, and Daniel, 16, both from South Sudan - told Al Jazeera earlier this week that it was too dangerous to go back to the centres, where they risk being abused and sold to

people smugglers while having little hope of being evacuated.

The group was brought to Misrata on November 10, four days after setting sail in a rubber boat with the hope of reaching Italy.

Daniel said that the rubber boat had travelled almost 200km before the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, The Nivin, crossed its path.

Both Daniel and Kai said the crew on board The Nivin told them they would be taken to Italy, but instead brought them to Misrata.

While many on board said they survived torture by human traffickers in Libya, others had stories about serious abuses in official detention centres.

Al Jazeera has previously heard reports of deaths in detention centres run by the Libyan Department for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM) which has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Libya’s western coast has been a main departure point for refugees and migrants fleeing wars and poverty and hoping for new lives in Europe.

But since last year, heavy pressure from Italy - which had been bearing the brunt of arrivals - resulted in the disruption of coastal smuggling networks and the withdrawal of charity rescue ships.

India court hands death sentence over deadly 1984 anti-Sikh riots

A court in India has sentenced to death a man convicted of murder during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that left nearly 3,000 people dead, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The 1984 carnage erupted just hours after Prime Minister Gandhi was killed by her Sikh bodyguards.

The violence, which occurred mostly in the capital New Delhi, lasted three days when Sikhs were raped, murdered and burned alive, while their homes and businesses were torched.

Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey on Tuesday handed the death sentence to Yashpal Singh and a life

sentence to Naresh Sherawat, both for murder, rioting and other charges.

The pair were convicted last week of killing Hardev Singh and Avtar Singh, two men in their 20s, during the riots.

The verdict was pronounced in the high-security Tihar Jail due to security concerns after the convicts were attacked on a New Delhi court’s premises last week.

Singh and Sherawat “took out the victims, who were hiding inside a room, injured them with dangerous weapons with the intention to kill and threw them down from the first floor”, causing their deaths, the judge

said while delivering the punishment, according to The Hindu newspaper.

Relatives of victims rejoiced after the judge announced the ruling, the first since 1996, which follows the setting up of a special probe in 2015.

They said they were relieved that “justice has been finally served” and hoped that next up would be two former Congress ministers, Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar.

Government-appointed commissions in the past failed to prosecute more than a handful in minor cases.

India’s top investigating agency blamed Kumar for inciting the mobs, but he was acquitted by a court in 2013.

Refugees and migrants said they were prepared to die than be returned to detention in Libya

‘Enrage Republicans, Democrats, US intelligence’

Recent intelligence reports have re-energised efforts of members of Congress to hold Prince Mohammed responsible for Khashoggi’s murder.

On Thursday, a bipartisan group of US senators introduced legislation seeking to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi’s killing and for its role in the devastating war in Yemen.

The move came not longer after the US imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudisallegedly involved in the journalist’s murder. Many senators expressed

disappointment that those sanctions did not include the crown prince himself, and called on the US to take tougher action.

In Tuesday’s statement, Trump said he was aware that some members of Congress “would like to go in a different direction” and they are “free to do so”.

“I will consider whatever ideas are presented to me, but only if they are consistent with the absolute security and safety of America,” he said.

“They (Saudi Arabia) have been a great ally in our very

important fight against Iran. The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed Trump’s statement, saying, “It is the president’s obligation and the State Department’s duty to ensure we adopt policies that further America’s national security.”

Earlier on Tuesday, a State Department official told ABC News that it was “blindingly

obvious” that the crown prince order Khashoggi’s killing. Pompeo said he could not comment on matters of intelligence.

Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett, reporting from outside the White House, said Trump comments are going to enrage both Democrats and Republicans, as well as members of the intelligence community.

“This is not going to play well for the president,” Halkett said.

She added that the president will likely be pressured to explain how he reached the conclusion

that the facts may never been known, considering his was briefed by the CIA director on the agency’s findings.

Randa Slim, an analyst with the Middle East Institute, said she believes Congress may try to take action on weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and on its role in Yemen.

“I think it will be tougher and tougher going forward for the administration to be able to spend and rationalise a future cooperation on a number of spheres between the United States and Saudi Arabia,” Slim said.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

21 Photo Times

Scenes from book launch on ‘My Transition Hours’ by former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja... on Tuesday.

Photos by Temitope Balogun

22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

H o t e l s - L e i s u r e -To u r s - R e s t a u r a n t s Grand Cubana Hotel No. 6 Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja

SPACE FOR SALE

HOTEL INFORMATION Grand Cubana Hotel offers a budget friendly accommodation in a very scenic environment at No. 6 Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria. It is appropriate for both business and leisure travellers.

O’neal Centre (1.1km) Rock of Ages Mall (2.6km)

Terms and Conditions Check In: From 3:00 PM Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children are allowed to Interesting Places To Visit Near stay for free.

Grand Cubana Hotel Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Utako Motor Park (0.7km) Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard Patsy Plaza (0.35km) are accepted here.

Grand Cubana Hotel is a budget hotel in Jabi, Abuja

Kryxtal Suites

120, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2

HOTEL INFORMATION

Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2, is an exclusive boutique hotel located opposite GLOBACOM Headquarters in Abuja and a few seconds from KFC. This hotel is very well appointed and its one of the reference points in the Wuse area of Abuja for visitors and Abuja residents. It is situated at 120, Aminu Kano Crescent, Opposite Glo Office, Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria.

Ecowas Court (0.7 km) City Park (0.6 km) Globacom Office KFC

Terms and Conditions Check In: From 12:00 PM (ID Required) Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children not older than 12 are allowed to stay for free.

Interesting Places near Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Cameroon Embassy (2 km) Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are Afro-Asia Garden (0.4 km) accepted here.

Kryxtal Suites is a budget hotel in Wuse 2, Abuja

House 14

14 Kudang Street, Off Moronvia Street, Wuse 2, Abuja

HOTEL INFORMATION House 14 has a total of 27 uniquely well-furnished and comfortable rooms which are of different categories.

Terms and Conditions Check-In: From 1:00 PM (ID Required) Check-Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Interesting Places To Visit Near Children: All children are allowed House 14 (Max. Age: 18).

JD Leisure park (900m) Pets: Pets are not allowed with Federal High Court (1.6km) exception of service dogs.

4U Supermarket (3.6km) Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, IBB Golf Club (9.1km) and AMEX accepted here.

House 14 is a budget hotel in Wuse 2, Abuja

Kryxtal Lounge, Apo Beside AP Filling Station, Near Apo Legislative Quarters Apo.

HOTEL INFORMATION Kryxtal Suites and Lounge Apo is an exclusive hotel located near the popular Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja. The hotel is tastefully finished to create a home away from home for visitors and Abuja residents.

At Kryxtal Suites Apo we have 26 exclusive room types on 2 floors to cater for our guests.

Facilities Spacious suites and rooms

Uninterrupted power supply Banquet hall 24 hours internet service Numerous satellite TV channels Standby car hire service Laundry service Restaurant and bush bar, niteclub, sharwarma, barbeque and conference hall.

CHECK – IN is at Anytime CHECK – OUT is from 12.00 Noon.

Kryxtal Lounge is a budget hotel in Apo, Garki District, Abuja

Treasures Suites

Plot 66, 1st Avenue by Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Opp Federal High Court, Abuja

HOTEL INFORMATION

With facilities uniquely designed to cater to guests comfort at every level, Treasure Suites is located at Plot 66, 1st Avenue by Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Opposite Federal High Court, Abuja, Nigeria. It boasts business related amenities such as a business centre and 2 meeting rooms.

Turf Arena (1.5 km) Durban Neighbourhood Park (0.95 km) Silverbird Cinemas (2.0 km) DHL Express (1.8 km)

Terms and Conditions Check In: From 12:00 PM (ID Required) Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children are allowed to Interesting Places to Visit near stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Treasure Suites Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard Federal High Court (1.1 km) are accepted here.

Harrow Park (1.8 km)

TREASURES SUITES is a budget hotel in CBD, Abuja

Barcelona Hotels, Abuja

23 Blantyre Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II HOTEL INFORMATION Barcelona Hotels, Abuja is a 4-Star hotel. It is situated in the heart of town and enjoys proximity to a number of public and private owned institutions.

Barcelona Hotels, Abuja offers a number of spacious and tastefully designed rooms which come in the categories: Standard, Superior, Executive, Executive Twin, Diplomatic, Ambassadorial, Ministerial, Barcelona, Senatorial and a Presidential Suite. Each of these rooms comes with top quality facilities such as flat-screen television with a full cable subscription, sofas, luxurious bed, wireless internet connection, luggage storage and en-suite bathroom with shower facilities.

Barcelona Hotels Abuja also offers guests banquet, event and conference halls; a rooftop sit-out with a breathtaking view of the environs; a restaurant that offers a wide range of tasty dishes plus continental breakfast; an adequate parking space; a 24-hour power supply; gym facilities; a swimming pool and guaranteed security.

Barcelona Hotels is a budget hotel in Wuse 2, Abuja

Caledonian Suites, Abuja 21 Usuma Street, off Gana Street, Abuja

HOTEL INFORMATION Hotel size: This hotel has 34 rooms Arriving/leaving: Check-out time is noon Required at check in: Credit card or cash deposit required Government-issued photo ID required Minimum check-in age is 18 Travelling with others Children: No cribs (infant beds) Internet Free WiFi in public areas Free WiFi in rooms Transport

Parking Free self parking What’s around Caledonian Suites Landmarks Federal Secretariat Millennium Park Nigerian National Mosque National Assembly Aso Villa Ecowas Secretariat World Bank National Hospital Abuja

Caledonian Suites is a budget hotel in Maitama, Abuja

Kapino Suite

128 Aminu Kano Cres, Wuse, Abuja

HOTEL INFORMATION Kapino Suites is a hotel brand created with the client in mind. Our aim is to provide the most comfortable, memorable and delightful stay for our customers. Kapino Suites was established in 2014 and is located in the heart of Nigeria

O’neal Centre (1.1km) Rock of Ages Mall (2.6km)

Terms and Conditions Check In: From 3:00 PM Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children are allowed to Interesting Places To Visit Near stay for free.

Grand Cubana Hotel Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Utako Motor Park (0.7km) Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard Patsy Plaza (0.35km) are accepted here.

Kapino Suite is a budget hotel in Wuse, Abuja

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Micheal Obafemi snubs Super Eagles, debut for Ireland

Southampton striker Michael Obafemi has made his international debut for Ireland, snubbing both Nigeria and England.

Dublin-born Obafemi was raised in London and has Nigerian parents, thus, making the Super Eagles and England national team options for the 18-year old striker.

Although he had represented Ireland’s U19 side four times with a goal to his name,

he won his first senior debut when he came off the bench in the 80th minute against Denmark in Monday’s Uefa Nations League.

“It’s an amazing feeling to get my first cap for my country. I’m very proud tonight, absolutely buzzing,” said Obafemi.

“I’ll be getting this shirt framed to put it in my house. Obviously my career is still young, but this is definitely a major moment in it.

“There was no doubt in my head about

g23

playing for Ireland. I’ve represented Ireland in youth ages. I never had any doubts at all,” added Obafemi.

Obafemi made his professional debut as a substitute in the 82nd minute of a 1–1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on 21 January 2018.

Aged 17 years and 199 days, Obafemi became the second youngest player to make a Premier League appearance for Southampton after Luke Shaw, who was 17 years and 116 days old.

Ahmed Musa forgives ref for disallowed goals

Super Eagles’ Ahmed Musa has criticised the criteria used in the selection of the BBC African Player of the Year nominees and has termed it all politics.

No Nigerian player was deemed good enough to make the cut of the five players nominated for the award which included Sadio Mane and Mohammed Sallah both of Liverpool of England.

Musa while reacting to the BBC snub of Nigerian players disclosed that he

was unhappy at the list of players nominated whom he reckoned didn’t do much to be picked ahead of Nigerian players based on the World Cup performance.

“I saw the list and I felt unhappy because when I saw those in the list I believe they were not up to our standards at the World Cup,” Musa told journalists.

“It is all politics and I don’t have to bother myself thinking about it. I am confident that we have some young players coming

up in the Nigerian team and if they are consistent, they will make it in the near future.”

The Al Nasr of Saudi Arabia striker also stressed that he has no problems with the two goals incorrectly ruled out as offside against South Africa in as much as the Eagles qualified for the AFCON for the first time since 2013.

He pointed out that humans are prone to error and that it was no big deal what the referee did.

AWCON: Thomas Dennerby optimistic of World Cup ticket Super Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby says he remains optimistic that the eight-time African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) champions would secure a ticket to the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

The coach made this known in a conference ahead of the team’s game against Zambia on Wednesday at the ongoing 2018 AWCON in Ghana.

After an uncovincing performance in their 0-1 loss to Bayana Bayana of South Africa in

their Group B opener on Sunday, the defending champions hope for a victory against the Shepolopolo who thrashed Equatorial Guniea 5-0 in their first game.

“I remain optimistic, the aim has not changed and we are definitely securing a ticket to the World Cup in France. We hope to go all the way to the final in this tournament again.

“And of course we need to win against Zambia,” he said and quoted by @CAF_ AWCON, a twitter handle created by CAF for

the tournament.

One of the players admitted that the game against Zambia was crucial.

“It was a difficult result for us in the first game but we are putting that behind us.

We learnt a lot from the game and we are working hard to make sure we put things in order and correct our mistakes against Zambia.

“We know the game is a crucial one,” she added.

Meanwhile Mary Mwakapila, a Shepolopolo player says the team was sure of victory against Falcons.

“Beating Equatorial Guinea is not the main target. We have come to make it to France, so we are going to do our best and also work as a team to make sure we beat Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana,” Mwakapila concluded.

Mwakapila’s coach Bruce Mwape also said: “We won the opening game and that is now history, it is water under the bridge.

“That is past and gone. Our focus is on the next game against Nigeria.”

Three top teams from the tournament, which began on Saturday, will book tickets to the world stage in France next year.

Christian Chukwu: Include more home-based Super Eagles players in AFCON team Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has restated his call for the massive inclusion of home-based players in the Super Eagles, especially now that the country has qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chukwu told the News Agency of Nigeria that Nigeria-based players have the energy and resilience required for the African tournament.

He said that a mixture of the national team with considerable number of players from Nigerian clubs would stimulate excellence in all faculties of the team.

“Our Nigeria-based players are very good and their combination with the foreign-based will yield results.

“Moreover, we know them by their actions in our

premier league, but some of those foreign-based players play in lower division clubs,” Chukwu said.

The coach, who expressed confidence in the capability of home-based players, said some of them in the Super Eagles were better than the foreign-based.

He urged Gernot Rohr to give home-based players a chance which, he said, would galvanise the team for greater glory in Cameroon.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Super Eagles goalkeeper in their last crackers against South Africa plies his trade with Enyimba FC of Aba. Nigeria on Saturday, November 17, qualified for the Nations Cup by drawing 1-1 with South Africa in Johannesburg.

Manny Pacquiao teases Floyd Mayweather rematch after January bout Filipino veteran Manny Pacquiao revealed Monday he has spoken with Floyd Mayweather about a possible sequel to their 2015 super fight, but said no decision would be taken on a rematch until the New Year.

Speaking in New York to confirm details of his January 19 fight against Adrien Broner, Pacquiao said he had discussed a rematch with Mayweather during a recent trip to Japan.

“When I met up with Floyd in Japan, we talked and he said he wants to come out of retirement to challenge me,” Pacquiao said.

“All I know is fighting in the ring and entertaining people. That’s my job.

Floyd has come out of retirement and we’ll see after this fight.”

Mayweather scored a unanimous victory over Pacquiao in 2015’s “Fight of the Century”, which was largely regarded as a let-down despite being the highest-grossing fight of all time.

Since then, speculation about a possible rematch between the two welterweights has flickered, with Mayweather saying in September he was ready to fight Pacquiao.

“I’m coming back to fight Manny Pacquiao this year another 9 figure pay day on the way,” Mayweather wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile Pacquiao, who will be fighting in the United States for the first time in two years in January’s bout, said Monday he remained solely focused on Broner before any return with Mayweather.

“We cannot underestimate Broner and this fight,” Pacquiao said. “We will discuss anything with Floyd Mayweather after that.”

Pacquiao, 39, will face Broner at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao holds the World Boxing Association’s regular welterweight crown, a step below US unbeaten WBA ‘super champion’ Keith Thurman, after stopping Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse in July at Kuala Lumpur.

“I have missed fighting in Las

Vegas. It has been a second home to me,” Pacquiao said. “Returning to the MGM Grand Garden Arena to defend my world title against Adrien Broner is an exciting way to stage my homecoming.”

Pacquiao, 60-7 with two drawn and 39 knockouts in a career that began in 1995, turns 40 in December while American Broner is 33-3 with one drawn and 24 knockouts.

Pacquiao, the only fighter to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, has continued fighting after reversing a decision to retire in 2016.

Early Manny retirement?

Broner, however, said Monday he planned to send Pacquiao into permanent retirement.

“I have paid my dues in this sport, and now it’s time for me to get mine,” Broner said. “I get more views than everybody when I fight. A lot of people are going to see me pack off Pacquiao into retirement, and without his belt.”

Last month, Pacquiao signed with adviser Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions group after being promoted by Top Rank’s Bob Arum, Haymon’s main rival, for the past 14 years.

The move ensures Pacquiao will have chances to fight the best in the welterweight division as Haymon’s fighters include Americans Thurman, 28-0 with 22 knockouts; World Boxing Council champion Shawn Porter, 29-2 with one drawn and 17 knockouts, and International Boxing Federation champion Errol Spence Jr., 24-0 with 21 knockouts.

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