Daily Times e-Newspaper Issue 15

Consolidated Breweries To Hold Merger Talks With Nigerian Breweries

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DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 - 9 2014

2015: Jonathan Will Win On Merit - Group

Stella Damasus Turns Seminar Coach In US! P18

Nigeria: Fresh Crisis Looms As Oil Prices Drop

We Are Not Free From Ebola Yet –Prof. Omilabu P14

How Body Clock Can Prevent Female Infertility

How To Rock Denim Jeans

VOL. 1, NO 15

Kenyans Cart Away NYC Marathon titles

Those Behind Keshi’s Dramatic P 16 Recall

What Jonathan Told Lagos PDP –Bode George P2

INEC And The Burden Of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Ahead Of 2015 P 8

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NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

news

What Jonathan Told Lagos PDP – Bode George

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chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Chief Olabode George, has revealed what President Goodluck Jonathan told party members when he visited the state recently.

The former chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority spoke with selected journalists in Lagos that President Jonathan had warned PDP elders in the state to ensure that the candidate the party would filed in next year’s election was one that would appeal to all Lagosians.

On the rumours making

the rounds that the president already anointed Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as the party’s candidate in the state, Chief George claimed that the President did not have a preferred candidate.

In the words of Chief George, “He (President) does not have any preferred candidate, but he did say that if there is one name that is ricocheting all over the place including the other side, that kind of person would be his own preferred candidate.”

Chief George claimed that the President asked all aspirants in the state to think, saying he up with a consensus

candidate.

Chief George also denied the rumour making the rounds that Sen. Obanikoro left the federal cabinet because he was already anoint-

ed by the President. George continued, “Presidency never endorsed Obanikoro. These are little talks from unserious elements. This is the season of rumours. That Obanikoro

Ogun PDP Debunks Sacking Of Exco

By Mu’sodiq Adekunle

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he Ogun State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Waliu Oladipupo, has denied reports that the State Executive Committee of the party has been dissolved.

Oladipupo said this on Sunday in a statement made available to our correspondent in Abeokuta.

He said state executive of the party, headed by Mr. Adebayo Dayo was still intact.

According to Oladipupo, “The Adebayo Dayo-led state executive is intact.

They (members) were not just elected but validated by several judicial interventions and pronouncements from

the High Court to the Appeal Court.

“The executives, from the ward to local government and state levels were not just elected at validly conducted congresses, they were refined through the crucible of the party constitution and the laws of the land and endorsed by the electoral umpire – the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

He said any attempt to tinker with the party structure in the state would not just be an invitation to avoidable lawlessness but also illegal and a direct affront on the judiciary.

He noted that those fuelling the rumour were those who abandoned the party when it faced challenges some years back.

George

resigned from the cabinet because the president endorsed him to be governor of Lagos.

That is the greatest lie. The president is still much alive to confirm what I say. He never endorsed him. That is a blatant lie. The president would never had said he endorsed him.”

Speaking on the criteria of the party for the governorship candidate for the state, Chief George says, “Because Lagos is too strategic to the government of this country not only just South West. Lagos is the economic nerve centre of West Africa and not only that of Nigeria. So who governs Lagos is not be the business of Lagosians themselves, it has to be the business of the whole country.

“We have to have someone with the right attitude; we need to get the right candidate with the right mien, the right attitude; the right educational background. Those are the defined areas that we are look-

ing at.

“At the close of the day we will see how many still remain on the line. We want to be transparent here in our primaries. It is not a matter of doing any untoward methodology; Not just to hijacking those coming from Abuja and you think you put them in your pocket. There will be no Chicago certificate; no Toronto certificate; no dirty tricks here.

“So those with some blemish we will not touch those ones. Whoever will come as a governor of Lagos must reflect what we expect from leaders of this country. Remember the saying ‘vox populi, vox dei’ We will follow that and we will not make any mistake. We want somebody that is marketable to the people; we want somebody who has had a track record of responsible behaviour and style.

That is what the people want.

Who that will be, we will find out.”

Plateau PDP To Conduct Fresh Ward Congresses In Pankshin

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he Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to conduct a fresh ward congress in Pankshin Local Government Area of the state, after it failed to carry out the exercise last Saturday.

This was disclosed by the party’s organising secretary, Mr Michael Dachom.

The congresses are expected to produce delegates to form the Electoral College

to conduct the party’s primary elections-- preparatory to the general elections in 2015.

Dachom told reporters in Jos, the state capital, that the ward congresses could not hold in Pankshin because of some disagreements among stakeholders over the officials posted to conduct the exercise.

Said he, ``The disagreements dragged on till late into the night and we had to postpone because of the terrain in

Pankshin, coupled with the fact that the electoral panel had to move to all the wards.’’

He said that the congresses would soon be conducted in the area and promised that the party would be fair to all prospective delegates and aspirants to political offices.

Dachom explained, however, that the other 16 local governments had ``very peaceful and orderly congresses’’ on Saturday.

Dachom continued,``The

congresses were very smooth; the national headquarters did well and sent in materials and personnel on time. ``Most areas had consensus arrangements and already had their delegates before the date of the congresses, so the exercise was just an affirmation of such agreements,’’ he said.

Dachom called on PDP members to remain committed and disciplined, and promised that the party would ensure a level playing ground for all.

Tambuwal: Only Judiciary Can Interpret Law, Says Gov. Ahmed

Mu’sodiq Adekunle

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wara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has said that it was the business of the judiciary and not that of any order organ of government to interpret laws and legal implication of political actions.

The governor spoke against the backdrop of the uproar generated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Governor Ahmed also questioned the constitutionality of

the unilateral reduction in the allocations to states and local government councils by the federal government ,adding that it needed to be subjected to examination by the judiciary.

Ahmed made these observations during the swearing-in of members of the reconstituted Kwara State Judicial Service Commission, stressing that, Said he, “It is the business of the judiciary and not that of any other arm or organ of government to interpret laws of the land and the legal implication of political action such as cross carpeting at the National Assembly and indeed the Executive”.

He stressed that the unilateral reduction in the allocations due to states from the federation account, allegedly due to fluctuations in global oil prices and oil theft, were gradually impoverishing states and local governments, adding that the development could have dire consequences on the two tiers of government.

According to the governor, “If this situation is not addressed unequivocally and quickly, the next few months will prove even more difficult for our state and indeed all others that are burdened by the unsubstantiated cuts in the federation account allocation.

In the event that these cuts

in allocation are politically motivated, those behind it must be reminded that Kwara State is still part of Nigeria and our people, who are bearing the brunt of these draconian cuts are bonafide Nigerians”.

Governor Ahmed, however, assured the state civil servants that the government would continue to explore all constitutional means to meet obligations such as payment of salaries, even in the face of reduction in the state’s entitlement from the federal accounts by the federal government.

The governor described the state judiciary as one imbued with integrity, incorruptibility, commitment and resilience.

Tambuwal

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

news 2015: Jonathan Will Win On Merit - Group Mu’sodiq Adekunle

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s President Goodluck Jonathan finally declares to contest the 2015 presidential election, one of the major partners in the reelection campaign, Goodluck Voters Forum ( GVF) says the President would win the elections on merit.

Rising from the Forum’s national executive meeting

in Abuja, the group said in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Esanerovo Agbodo, and the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Udo Silas, that the achievements of the President would endear him to the electorate and would give him another mandate.

The statement read in part, “Nigerian voters will vote for President Goodluck Jonathan because of his current

achievements and also due to the vision he has been pursuing to enthrone a better future for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious background.”

Also speaking at the venue of the meeting, Alhaji Ahmed Salisiu, the National Secretary of the group stated that “gone are the days when ethnicity and religion were promoted above good governance. What we need is good

leadership and any qualified Nigerian who has a good agenda should be supported without any form of sentiment. What Nigerians need is food on their tables, good jobs, good health and good infrastructures and other good projects to drive the economy positively. President Goodluck Jonathan is doing all these as well as driving Nigeria in the right direction, so let us come together and re-elect him come 2015.”

The group therefore enjoined Nigerian voters to put sentiments aside and assess the achievements and vision of Mr. President since he assumed office, stating that “it is very clear that the he is building a new Nigeria of prosperity and abundance for all.”

“The President has demonstrated over and over again that he is committed to build-

ing a new Nigeria in terms of economic development as well as in evolving a sustainable democratic culture. His policies and programmes are people oriented. Moreover, he is building a new election culture devoid of election rigging and imposition of candidates in Nigeria.”

In the past, most Nigerian Presidents and Heads of State had overwhelming influence in the outcomes of elections either within their parties or in the general elections, but President Jonathan has demonstrated that he is committed to evolving a Nigeria where anybody can aspire and win elections if popular. Within his first tenure, Governors of opposition parties have been elected in different States without interference from the presidency, even in an era where a Governor in an op-

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position party in the SouthSouth gave the go ahead for the announcement of a Chairmanship election result in favour of his party’s candidate when votes were still being counted at polling units.

“The recent gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States further proves that Mr. President is more interested in strengthening democratic values than just winning elections,” the statement noted.

“This is the kind civilized leadership that Nigerians deserve, so Nigerian voters from all walks of life should rally around President Jonathan to re-elect him come 2015.”

Our resolve is that Mr. President has done well and let anyone doubting this claim prove otherwise through records and not through whipping unnecessary sentiments, the statement concluded.

Boko Haram: Adamawa Govt Warns Against False Alarm, Reviews Curfew

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damawa State Government has cautioned the people of the state against rumour mongering which is capable of raising tension in the state.

A statement by the Press

Jonathan

2015: Kebbi APC To Adopt Consensus Governorship Candidate

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State says it is working towards a consensus governorship candidate for the 2015 polls.

The party said each of the three senatorial districts would present an aspirant for screening before zeroing in on one candidate.

Chairman of the Resolution Committee of the party, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, told journalists in Birnin-Kebbi on Sunday that whoever emerged of the three would be the party’s flagbearer in the election.

According to Argungu, ``The resolution committee will ensure each of the Senatorial Districts presents an aspirant out of

the many aspirants,’’ he said.

Argungu said the 10 aspirants who had indicated interest to contest the governorship seat were expected to agree on only one. ``This will enable the party to avoid distractions and pool resources to defeat other parties’ candidates.’’

According to him, Kebbi

North Senatorial District had adopted Alhaji Ahmad Sama out of three other aspirants.

Kebbi South and Kebbi Central are expected to follow suit, he added.

Argungu said in spite of the arrangements the party was still committed to internal democracy, transparency and collective action.

Secretary to the Governor, Mr Maxwell Dukku, said the state government’s attention had been drawn to rumours making rounds that part of Yola, the state capital, was under attack.

The statement read in part, ``This is mere false alarm and unfounded. The government appeals to all citizens to remain calm and go about their legitimate activities. ``Government and the security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure peace and the safety of all and sundry in the state,” it said.

It urged the people to report any suspicious move-

ment or activity to the nearest security outpost in their locality.

It also urged all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) including those staying with their relations to endeavour to register at the camps for proper identification and easy contact.

Meanwhile, the state government also reviewed the initial 11.00 pm to 5.00 am curfew in the state to 9.00 pm to 5.00am.

A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ibrahim Welye, also said the development was due to ``current security situation in the state”.

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NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

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news

2015: Yobe APC Picks Gaidam As Consensus Candidate

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he adoption of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State as the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 poll has united party members, the party has said.

State Secretary of the party,

Alhaji Abubakar Bakabe, said this in Damaturu, at the weekend. The Yobe APC scribe said that the emergence of Governor Gaidam was a good fortune for the party.

The party had last Saturday adopted Governor Gaidam as its governorship candidate for

the 2015 election.

In the words of Bakabe, “The collective decision of all stakeholders to speak with one voice by endorsing the governor as their candidate in 2015 has strengthened the party. ``Stakeholders including federal and state legislators,

ward and local government party executives and elders endorsed Governor Gaidam on Saturday without any objection.” Bakabe, who commended the stakeholders for the endorsement, expressed the hope that the party would win next year’s election in the

state.

He continued, ``The party appreciates the support and cooperation our supporters and the people of Yobe have extended to the Gaidam administration. ``APC is assuring the people of the sate that government

will continue to provide good governance, service delivery including provision of infrastructure to improve their lives.’’

The party secretary described APC as a party on a mission to better the lot of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Borno Governor’s Wife Distributes N5m Intervention Fund Women

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ife of Borno State governor, Mrs Nana Shettima, on Sunday, in Maiduguri, disbursed N5 million to 500 women as an intervention in the fight against poverty in the state.

She said the gesture was aimed at providing some takeoff capital for women who engage in petty trading.

Each of the traders got N10, 000, while a 25-litre jerry can

of cooking oil each was also given to the women.

The governor’s wife lamented that several women had lost their means to livelihood because of the prevailing security challenges facing the state.

Her words, ``The situation has forced many to engage in street begging to feed their families.’’

Mrs. Shettima also expressed the hope that the cash donations would help them to start small businesses and quit

street begging.

She also prayed that the lingering security challenges would end soon so that the state’s economy would also jack back to life.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Sera Mamza, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the governor’s wife for the donations.

Mrs.Mamza expressed the hope that the money would be utilised well to restart their businesses.

PDP Ward Congress Shows Unity Of Party - Gov. Dickson’s Aide

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enior Special Assistant to Bayelsa Governor on Youth Development, Mr Jonathan Asueni, has said last Saturday’s PDP ward congresses nationwide were true examples of a united party.

Asueni said this Yenagoa while speaking to journalists on the congresses of the party held across the country.

The governor’s aide maintained that the exercise was hitch-free and party guidelines were strictly adhered to in the area in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

His words, “PDP is not a small party; the concluded ward congress is a good plus to the party; here in centres across Yenagoa council in Bayelsa, it was peaceful.

“We are under Yenagoa Constituency 1 and we have six wards; in total, Yenagoa LGA has 15 wards and all wards were fully represented.

“Three delegates are to represent every ward at the party primaries; well, the number of delegates if well calculated by me, we will have 45 delegates for the council and the committees.

“The women were represented because the three representatives included the women; so, PDP has given respect to gender equality in the congress,” he said.

Asueni said that the ward congress in the area attracted a large number of party faithful in preparation to elect the party’s candidates during the primaries.

“I urge the delegates to elect credible candidates at the primaries, to move the party forward for the betterment of Nigerians.’’

Okocha Joins Delta Gov Race

By Mu’sodiq Adekunle

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chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Mr. Peter Okocha, has declared his ambition to govern the oil rich state next year. He has therefore thrown himself into the gubernatorial contest of the state.

A statement on Sunday by his Campaign Organisation said the business magnate

made the promise at WADATA Plaza, National Secretariat PDP in Abuja, when he returned his Expression of Interest Form for the governorship race in Delta State.

Okocha assured the people of the state that he would introduce the private-sector mentality into the business of governance.

He also promised to utilise the 13 per cent derivation fund to develop the oil-producing communities in Delta

PDP Promises Free, Fair Primaries In Kwara

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he Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured its aspirants for various elective offices in 2015 in the state of free, fair and transparent primaries.

The state Chairman of the party, Mr. Iyiola Oyedepo, gave the assurance in Ilorin while speaking with journalists.

He promised not to manipulate the electoral process in favour of any aspirant.

Oyedepo said the multiplic-

ity in the number of aspirants in the party showed that vibrancy and potency existed in the state PDP. He added that such development was good and healthy in a democratic process.

Oyedepo said that currently, 14 gubernatorial aspirants had indicated interest in vying for the governorship position while 11 of them had paid for the nomination forms.

He said the party had five cardinal programmes, including agriculture, education,

health, infrastructure development and empowerment of youths.

Oyedepo said that PDP would come out stronger, vibrant and more united after the party’s primaries.

The chairman said that the party had not zoned the governorship slot to any senatorial district. ``Any of the aspirants that would ensure our victory would be supported, irrespective of his ethno-religious background,” he said.

He added that the party would avert a repeat of the incident of thuggery during the last congress.

Oyedepo said security operatives had assured the party of their presence at all its activities.

He dismissed claims in some quarters that some powers that be had an anointed gubernatorial candidate for the state.

The PDP chairman, who was a one-time Commissioner in the state and former member of the House of Assembly, said

the fee being paid by aspirants was too high.

He said that such would not allow for best candidates to emerge. According to him, the defection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, to the APC will not affect the winning chances of the party.

Oyedepo announced that the date for the collection of intent or nomination forms in the party had been extended by one week and expected to close on November 6, 2014.

State.

Said he, “It is my intention to introduce the private sector mentality into the business of governance. In fact, good corporate governance would be the driving force of my government. Civil servants must deliver efficient services and appropriately remunerated.

“Furthermore, if elected, I will use the 13 per cent derivation fund to develop the oilproducing areas of the state because the people in these areas suffer environmental degradation, untold health hazards as well as economic deprivation resulting from oil exploration activities.

“My government would be pan-Deltan. No part of the state would feel abandoned and I assuredly declare that it is my intention to build on the legacy of the present administration.”

Present at the event were leaders of various interest groups from Delta State among which were Delta State PDP Youth Solidarity Group, National Congress of Anioma Youths and the Delta State Multi-Ethnic Coalition.

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

africa news Egyptians Barred From Entering Libya

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undreds of Egyptians have been barred from entering Libya through the airport in the capital Tripoli.

Staff at the capital’s Maitiga airport told the BBC they have been ordered by immigration officials not to allow any Egyptians into the coun-

try until further notice.

The Islamist-affiliated militias in control of Tripoli have accused Egypt of bombing their allies, who hold power in the eastern city of Benghazi.

The BBC’s Rana Jawad in Tripoli says that the decision to introduce visa restrictions is likely to be a politically

motivated move to put pressure on Cairo.

Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians live and work in Libya, and in recent weeks some have alleged that they have been intimidated by armed groups.

Nearly 800 Egyptians arriving in Libya have been sent back since Thursday, of-

ficials said.

Several passengers still stranded at Maitiga airport said they had valid visas but airport staff had told them they could not enter because Cairo was bombing Libya.

Since the uprising in 2011, Libya has been gripped by a power struggle between the militias who drove out

Muammar Gaddafi.

The interim government, recognised internationally, has fled to the city of Tobruk because of unrest in Tripoli.

However, Islamist-affiliated militias who control Tripoli and Benghazi have announced the formation of their own government.

Soldiers took control of state TV offices shortly after the gunfire

Soldiers Attack Burkina Faso Media

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nrest in Burkina Faso has led to state-run TV going off air for several hours after soldiers fired gunshots at its offices to force protesters and journalists to disperse.

Elsewhere, soldiers cleared thousands of demonstrators from a square in the capital and barricaded the area.

The army seized power on Friday after long-time leader Blaise Compaore quit following days of protests.

The UN has condemned the military takeover and threatened sanctions.

West Africa envoy Mohamed Ibn Chambas said the military must allow a civilian transfer of power.

The army named Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida as the leader of a transitional government on Saturday.

On Sunday evening, Lt Col Zida met opposition leaders for talks.

People gather at the podium of the state TV headquarters in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 2 November 2014 Protesters had gathered at state TV headquarters in ex-

pectation of an announcement from opposition figures Opposition leader Saran Sereme adjusts her headscarf as she visits the national television headquarters in Ouagadougou on November 2 Opposition figure Saran Sereme arrived at state TV just before gunshots were heard Journalists flee the national television headquarters as gunshots are fired around the premises in Ouagadougou on November 2 Dozens fled, some later complaining that soldiers had beaten them Thousands of protesters gathered on Sunday at various places around Ouagadougou, the Burkinabe capital, to demonstrate against the army.

There were chaotic scenes as both opposition leader Saran Sereme and former defence minister Kwame Lougue turned up at the state TV headquarters.

The crowds believed Ms Sereme was about to announce that she was willing to lead the transition, the BBC’s Laeila Adjovi in Ouagadougou reports.

Reports suggest retired

General Lougue also intended to announce that he could lead the country.

However, shortly after they arrived, gunfire broke out and staff and protesters fled.

National television resumed broadcasting a few hours later.

Witnesses told the BBC that soldiers fired in the air to disperse protesters before forcing journalists to leave.

“We went to the national TV [station] to try to understand what is going to happen, and while a colonel was reassuring us, some troops arrived and started to shoot,” protester Amadou Yamiro told the BBC. “We don’t want the army to be in power, especially the special presidential regiment,” he added.

Troops also barricaded the capital’s main square, Place de la Nation.

On Sunday evening, key opposition figures met Col Zida for talks.

Those present included party leader Zephirin Diabre, former Foreign Minister Ablasse Ouedraogo, ex-Prime Minister Roch Marc Christian Kabore and party leader Be-

newende Sankara.

However, Ms Sereme reportedly left before the talks began and there were no details on what was discussed.

Mass protests first erupted last week when long-time leader Mr Compaore attempted to extend his 27-year rule.

Parts of the parliament building were set on fire, and the president fled to Ivory Coast.

The army quickly stepped in to fill the power vacuum, declaring that Lt Col Isaac Zida would be the country’s transitional leader.

Troops stand guard outside the national television headquarters in Ouagadougou on November 2 Soldiers took control of state TV offices shortly after the gunfire.

The army declared Lt Col Isaac Zida interim leader after a power struggle Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.

Adam Kanazoe, opposition leader: ‘Transition needs to be headed by a civilian’ He was second-in-com-

mand of the presidential guard, and his selection apparently came after a power struggle with the overall army chief, Gen Honore Traore.

Many protesters had called for Gen Lougue to lead a transitional government instead.

However, in an interview with BBC Afrique (in French), the retired general said he had been marginalised by his military colleagues.

He was forced to leave military negotiations after the atmosphere became tense and he began to fear for his life, he said.

Under Burkina Faso’s constitution, the president of the Senate should take over after the national president resigns and an election should take place between 60 and 90 days afterwards.

The African Union, the US and regional economic bloc Ecowas have all condemned the military takeover.

While Mr Compaore’s attempt to extend his time in office was the immediate trigger for the protests, analysts say high prices, low wages and persistent poverty have also fuelled discontent.

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Kenya Police Killed In Ambush

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t least seven police officers have been killed and 17 are missing after an attack in Kenya, reports say.

The officers were ambushed by local tribesmen in Turkana County during a security operation on Friday.

Those missing include police reservists. Local newspaper Standard Digital says a military helicopter has been dispatched to look for them.

Turkana, in the country’s north, is the poorest county in Kenya and its second largest.

Sources within the local police force told Kenyan radio station Capital FM that “the ground is still volatile” and the inspector general of police has been told not to visit.

Last week local newspapers reported that five people, including some police officers, had been killed close to where Friday’s attacks occurred.

Thousands Storm Burkina Faso’s Capital Denounce Army’s Takeover

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housands gathered on Sunday in the centre of Burkina Faso’s capital to denounce what they called a military coup, two days after mass protests forced President Blaise Compaore to resign.

Compaore’s 27 years in charge of the landlocked West African country ended on Friday when his bid to change the constitution to extend his rule was thwarted.

A power struggle ensued and on Saturday Presidential Guard commander Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida was appointed as transitional leader, superseding an earlier claim by the army chief of staff.

In Ouagadougou’s Place de La Nation on Sunday, opposition leaders denounced the power grab to the assembled crowds, while a U.N. official warned of possible sanctions if Zida obstructed a return to civilian rule.

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

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world news

Ukraine Rebels Vote In Controversial Election

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ro-Russian rebels elected a separatist leadership in eastern Ukraine on Sunday in a vote President Petro Poroshenko called “a farce”.

The separatists who control parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions are held elections for leadership and legislative bodies in the areas they control.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military says there is “intensive” movement of troops and weapons from Russia into separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine where the voting is occurring, although the report could not be immediately verified.

News agencies reported seeing columns of unmarked military trucks, some with antiaircraft guns, heading toward the government-held airport in

rebel-held Donetsk, but it was unclear whether they were new or existing forces in the rebelheld region.

People stand in line to vote at a polling station during supreme council and presidential elections in the city of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, Nov. 2, 2014.

People stand in line to vote at a polling station during supreme council and presidential elections in the city of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, Nov. 2, 2014.

The election in eastern Ukraine comes a week after parliamentary elections were held throughout the remainder of Ukraine, with candidates favoring closer ties with other European countries winning a significant plurality of the seats.

People living in the east did not vote in the October 26 balloting.

The United Nations, the European Union and the United States have called the rebel vote illegal, saying it violates Ukraine’s constitution and the cease-fire agreement reached September 5 between separatists and Ukraine’s government.

Russia has said it will recognize the results of the separatist elections. EU leaders have urged Russia to ignore those results.

Western officials say the vote could further complicate efforts to end the crisis in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Moscow rebels want to join Russia.

Even with the two-month-old cease-fire, there have been daily outbreaks of fighting in some parts of eastern Ukraine.

Alexander Zakharchenko holds his ballot papers before voting at a polling station in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, Nov.

2, 2014.

Alexander Zakharchenko holds his ballot papers before voting at a polling station in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, Nov. 2, 2014.

After casting his vote Sunday, Donetsk rebel chief Alexander Zakharchenko said if Kyiv would recognize the proRussian separatist region, an economic relationship could be normalized.

Bangladeshi Power Outage Left Millions In Darkness

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Argentina Seeks Extradition Of Franco-Era Officials From Spain

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n Argentine judge has asked Spain to arrest and extradite 20 former officials accused of abuses during the military rule of General Franco.

They cannot be tried in Spain because of an amnesty law but the officials could be prosecuted in Argentina.

The families of alleged victims asked Argentina for help because it has an extradition treaty with Spain.

In April, Spain’s high court refused to extradite to Argentina a former policemen accused of torture.

Judge Maria Servini de Cubria issued the arrest and extradition warrants for two former ministers of General Franco’s regime, and 18 other officials, invoking “universal jurisdiction” - a legal doctrine that authorises judges to try serious rights abused committed in other countries.

Using the doctrine, Spain briefly detained Chile’s former dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1998.

The two most prominent suspects in Judge Servini’s investigation are Rodolfo Martin Villa, 79, who was Franco’s interior minister, and Jose Uteri Molina, 86, who was housing minister.

After Franco’s death in 1975, the amnesty agreement was seen as essential to avoid scoresettling as the country moved towards democracy.

The United Nations has asked Spain to revoke the amnesty law but the Spanish authorities have so far refused.

Last year, Judge Servini issued warrants for a Spanish policemen, Antonio Gonzalez Pacheco, accused of torture, but the Spanish High Court refused arguing that the statute of limitations had run out on the accusations against him.

A Pakistani woman cries while looking for the body of a relative who was killed in suicide bomb attack in Wagah border near Lahore November 2, 2014. At least 45 people were killed on Sunday when a suicide bomber blew himself up on the Pakistani-Indian border, police said, just after a daily ceremony when troops from both sides simultaneously lower the two nations’ flags. (REUTERS/Mani Rana)

55 Dead In Pakistan Bombing

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bomb attack in the Lahore region of Pakistan has killed at least 55 people, and more than 100 are wounded.

The attack took place near the Wagah border crossing with India where a “lowering of the flags” ceremony is held every evening.

The ceremony starts just before sunset and hundreds of people, including foreign tourists, normally gather on both sides of the border to witness it.

A Pakistani militant faction called ‘Jamaat ul Ahrar’ claimed responsibility for the

suicide bombing in a statement sent to media outlets via email.

The statement said the attack was revenge for deaths caused

by Pakistan’s army during counter-insurgency operations in the tribal region of North Waziristan.

The faction used to be part of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, referred to generally as the Pakistani Taliban, and claims it now represents the Islamic State jihadist group.

The head of Pakistan’s security forces on the eastern border, Major-General Khan Tahir Javed Khan, told reporters the bomber apparently wanted to

Uruguay Registers Cannabis Growers

U

ruguay has started registering cannabis growers’ clubs as part of the government’s plan to legalise the drug.

Licensed clubs of up to 45 members will be allowed to grow a maximum of 99 plants each year.

In August, growing up to six plants of cannabis at home became legal.

Uruguay legalised the pro-

duction and sale of cannabis last December and the government hopes to sell it from pharmacies in the new year.

A man waits to register as a marijuana home grower at a postal office in Montevideo August 27, 2014 The new law allowed citizens and legal residents of Uruguay to register to legally grow marijuana at home, with a limit of six plants per home and 480 grams per year.

“If they recognize us [Donetsk People’s Republic] and return our lost land without a fight, then we will restore normal economic ties [with Ukraine] and will live like equal economic partners,” he said.

The United Nations says more than 4,000 people have died in the fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russia rebels.

Under the legislation, each club member can produce no more than 480g of cannabis home each year and the club’s growing fields cannot be within 150m of a school, college or a drug rehabilitation centre.

Legalising cannabis has been a sensitive issue in Uruguay, where voters will be going to the polls in a second round of presidential elections on 30 November.

Both presidential candidates

have said they will tinker with the new laws if elected.

The legislation has been the brainchild of the outgoing and outspoken President Jose Mujica, who has argued that if the state controls the growth and sale of cannabis production, it can weaken and disarm an illegal drug trade which damages lives across Latin America.

The government estimates there are 150,000 frequent users of cannabis in Uruguay.

strike the flag ceremony but a security cordon stopped him about 500 meters away. The man detonated the explosives at a place where families had stopped to buy food after witnessing the ceremony.

“It was a suicide blast. We have found body parts including arms and legs,” he said.

“Investigation is in progress and I will inform you when we complete our investigation.”

Punjab Province Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Sukera said no one had expected an attack would target civilians.

“Last reports reaching to me shows around 55 people killed and some 118 injured in the blast. Nobody could have imagined that innocent people will be targeted,” he said. “In Punjab there are no ‘no go’ areas or any hideouts. It’s a populous province and whenever there is an intelligence report, we take action and I must say we have arrested numerous terrorists recently.”

Sunday’s violence was the first near the flag ceremony, which has been taking place since 1959.

Wagah is the only road border crossing between Pakistan and India.

huge power cut in Bangladesh left tens of millions of people nationwide without electricity for hours on Saturday.

The blackout hit the entire South Asian country after a failure on a line that imports power from neighboring India, authorities said.

It began around 11 a.m.

Saturday, causing widespread disruption across the nation of more than 160 million people.

Shops were forced to close, hospitals resorted to backup generators to keep providing emergency services and people had to watch food spoil in their powerless refrigerators.

The blackout lasted into the night, plunging streets in the capital of Dhaka into darkness as people used candles and flashlights to find their way.

Power started to come back around 11 p.m. Saturday. And government officials said at a news conference Sunday morning that the electricity supply had been fully restored.

An eight-member team has been set up to investigate exactly what caused the massive outage.

Smaller-scale power cuts are frequent in Bangladesh, a poor nation that struggles to generate enough electricity to meet its needs.

But the country hadn’t experienced a nationwide blackout since the aftermath of a powerful cyclone in 2007.

A significant proportion of the population wouldn’t have been affected by Saturday’s outage, though. Around 40% of Bangladeshis don’t have access to electricity from the national grid, according to the Bangladesh Power Development Board.

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

7

politics

Enugu 2015: Chime, Ekweremadu, Others Prepare For Battle Ugochukwu Onyeocha

W

hen the national leadership of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as its consensus presidential candidate, little did it know that the wave of endorsements would spiral out of control in the PDP controlled states as it has currently done. One would recall that the party leadership at the time issued a stern warning to the states that it would not accept any form of endorsements like the one in Abuja but it was only a matter of time for the states to begin flexing muscles with the leadership at the national headquarters.

The once peaceful Enugu State is now set for a showdown between the leadership of the party in the state on one hand and a group of aggrieved aspirants backed by the national leadership of the party on the other and the bone of contention is the adoption of a House of Representatives member, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for next year’s election.

The endorsement has not gone down well with some aggrieved members of the party who feel short changed. It would be recalled that prior to Ugwuanyi’s endorsement, no fewer than 14 aspirants were jostling for the position of governor in the state under the platform of the PDP. Each of them considered himself a worthy successor to Governor Sullivan Chime.

Another issue that has polarized the party in the state is the zoning of the position of governor to Enugu North Senatorial Zone by stakeholders most notably Governor Chime.

While the governor has based his argument on the need for fairness to all the zones in the state, some persons have stated that the governor was acting on a plot hatched by him to ensure that his main political rival and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, is zoned out of contention.

While Chime has continually disassociated himself from having a hand in the adoption of Ugwuanyi, aggrieved aspirants continue to maintain that the whole consensus candidate drama has his name written all over it.

Ugwuanyi

However, irrespective of the endorsement of Ugwuanyi by stakeholders, the PDP will still hold primaries for those interested in the race.

The PDP in Enugu has always had its fair share of problems whenever a governorship candidate is set emerge. In 1999 for instance, many vied for the position of governor and in the end it was Dr Chimaraoke Nnamani, who emerged as the flag bearer, governed the state for eight years. After a while, other contestants, after grumbling for some time, accepted their fate and moved on.

Also, in 2007, notable candidates like Chief Okey Itanyi, Chief Okey Ezea, Chief Ugochukwu Agballa, Chief Anayo Onwuegbu and Dr Alex Obiechina were in the race to succeed Nnamani who handpicked and anointed Chime as his successor. The decision was not an easy one but Nnamani stuck to his gun and Chime got the nod.

When the PDP zoned the slot to the Enugu North Senatorial Zone (Nsukka), many indigenes from the area indicated interest and unfolded their ambition to rule the state. However, in its bid to avoid a violent struggle for power, the Enugu State PDP decided to emulate its national leadership, which after deep reflection, adopted the President as its consensus candidate.

One of the aggrieved governorship aspirants in the state is Senator Eze Ayogu. Ayogu has

Ekweremadu

Chime

not hidden his anger and disappointment in the adoption of Ugwuanyi. He has consistently condemned and distanced himself from the process that produced Ugwuanyi, and declared that, “I am still in the race.”

However, Ugwuanyi’s endorsement has not precluded other aspirants. Among those who have indicated interest with their billboards and posters are: Chinedu Onu from the same council as Ugwuanyi, Anayo Onwuegbu from Oji River, Enugu West, three term House of Reps member Dr. Patrick Asadu from Uzo Uwani in Enugu North, Chief Samuel Onyishi, the notable transporter and owner of the Peace Mass Transit transportation company, who until recently was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While it is believed that the forthcoming governorship primaries in the state would be a mere formality, surprises might still occur in the race to who succeeds Sullivan Chime as Governor of Enugu State.

Another notable cause of concern in Enugu State is the race for the National Assembly. As a matter of fact, most analysts and onlookers have tipped the battle to the national assembly in the state as the major battle of 2015. Almost all the incumbents are seeking a return ticket, in obvious defiance of a pronouncement by Chime that all federal lawmakers who have spent two terms should retire with him in 2015.

Chime doesn’t look like he will retire after all, as he has moved to replace the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in the Senate.

With the attention in the North focused solely on producing the next governor, Enugu West is poised on the anticipated contest between Chime and Ekweremadu. In Enugu East, Chime’s former Chief of Staff Ifeoma Nwobodo is stepping out from the corridors of power, where she wielded tremendous influence to do battle with the incumbent, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, former Governor Dr. Chimaraoke Nnamani and former Information Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke.

Chime’s “retire with me” announcement had tried to set a tone for the contest for the National Assembly seats. If most of the present incumbents retire, Enugu might not have a ranking senator in 2015. It would mean the loss of Ekweremadu (Enugu West), who has been in the Senate since 2003; the two-term Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) and Senator Gilbert Nnaji, (Enugu East) a first term senator, who had spent two terms in the House of Representatives.

But with incumbents purchasing the declaration of intent forms and Chime’s pronouncement not regarded as the position of the party, among the factors that will influence the election include; how the PDP handles the face-off be-

tween the governor and the deputy Senate president. There are fears that the brewing contest has the potential to lead to parallel congresses or a “winner takes all” scenario. “We anticipate that every other seat including even the governor’s choice of successor will be factored into the negotiation at the end of the day. We expect a healthy contest between the governor and Ekweremadu, knowing that neither of them will be ready to destroy what has been built. Also, it is going to be consensual despite the desire to protect ego,” said a PDP party chieftain who prefers anonymity. He explained that, “most of the names coming up in this election are just going to be bargaining chips. We know the serious ones. For example, we are still seeing governorship aspirants even from Enugu North, in spite of the position of the party on Ugwuanyi.”

At the PDP secretariat, there is a crowd of aspirants, daily purchasing the show of interest forms, which confirm their interest. A member of the state executive said, “many of them already have their posters while others are likely to start printing after purchasing their forms.”

A senior aide to the governor and a former member of the House of Assembly said, “there is a need to be cautious right now because nothing is straightforward or defined. Let them just buy forms and let’s see how it goes.”

Enugu East

The battle in this zone promises to be a huge one as the zone boasts of a certain pedigree. Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former governor Senator Jim Nwobodo, and recently, Chimaraoke Nnamani have at various times represented this zone in the Senate. The incumbent, Nnaji, who took the mantle from Chimaraoke is up against Ifeoma Nwobodo and Nwabueze Okafor, the National President of Association of Local Government Of Nigeria (ALGON) and one time Minister of Information Frank Nweke.

Enugu West In the anticipatedw contest in Enugu West, many questions are bound to arise. One concern is how Chime and Ekweremadu will navigate the primary. How will Chime pit his control of the state party structure against Ekweremadu’s well documented affinity with the PDP power base in Abuja? Who will lose out in this contest between the two most powerful and influential politicians in Enugu West?

Will President Goodluck Jonathan pitch his tent with a principal officer of the Senate or with an outgoing governor?

The import of the contest obviously is beyond the Senate seat; it is about political relevance after 2015. Whoever wins the seat will remain in the limelight for at least another four years, while the other drifts into irrelevance in Enugu politics.

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

8

politics INEC And The Burden Of Internally

Ugochukwu Onyeocha

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s Nigerians eagerly await the conduct of the 2015 general elections across the country, security challenges in the North East mainly orchestrated by members of the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram, have created fresh fears over the possible exclusion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the forthcoming electoral process. This precarious situation poses a unique and new challenge to the quest for free, fair and credible elections in 2105.

From the scourge of insurgency propagated by Boko Haram, to the devastating effects of natural disasters, post 2011 elections, a large number of eligible voters have been displaced from their homes and electoral enclaves. Also, the latest incidents of town takeover by the sect and the hoisting of new flags alien to the Nigerian constitution raises fears if the residents of the affected villages would be opportune to carry out their civic duties of voting come 2015.

Since the killing of former leader of the Boko Haram sect, Mohammed Yusuf in 2009, sections of the northeast region, with particular reference to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, have remained battlefields as the military struggles to crush the insurgents, causing mass migration from those areas. State of emergency has been slammed on parts of the states since 2013 with the Nigerian military forces recording little success in eradicating the terrorists and calming frightened Nigerians.

Also, spates of attacks in some parts of Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Benue, Gombe and Nasarawa states, have also caused unsettlements and mass migrations.

More so, the 2012 heavy floods which affected states along the Rivers Benue and Niger have also caused displacement of persons.

Sometime this year, United Nations High Commission for Refugees representative in Nigeria, Angele Dikongue-Atangana, put the figure of internally displaced persons in northeast Nigeria at 650,000.

UNHCR further revealed that there were 258, 252 babies and minors, 207, 583 women and 147, 894 men in various camps for internally displaced persons across the federation.

However, statistics by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFMIDS), indicate that internal conflicts have displaced about 470, 565 people while 143,164 people were displaced because of natural disasters across the country within the last one year.

The statistics, which captures the period of January 2013 to February 24, 2014, indicated that Borno State leads with 196, 337 internally dis-

placed persons. Nasarawa followed with 24, 947.

The commission also stated that 24 states in Nigeria have IDPs; of which 470, 565 of the IDPs in 21 states was caused by conflict situation; and a total of 143, 164 displaced persons in 14 states was caused by natureinduced disasters.

It further showed that Borno and Akwa Ibom states have the highest number of IDPs for conflict and nature-induced situations with a total of 189, 318 and 37, 609 respectively.

However, the statistics do not include persons displaced in the months of March and April 2014 that have witnessed lots of conflicts in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Taraba, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.

In yet another report, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently indicated that, between January and March 2014, more than three million Nigerians faced humanitarian crisis arising from the problem of insurgency in three states in the north-east of Nigeria (Borno, Yobe and Adamawa) resulting in many deaths and displacement of about 250, 000 people who are now scattered in various camps or reside with family members outside the danger zones.

NEMA said Borno State has the highest figure with 1, 304, 393 per-

sons, followed by Adamawa with 1, 086, 126 and Yobe 771, 368, most of whom are women, children and the aged.

However, when newsmen contacted the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for clarification, the commission said Nigeria had about 725,977 displaced

persons living in various camps across the country, with Borno and Taraba States having 257, 694 and 108, 515 IDPs respectively.

The statistics from NCFRMI further indicated that Anambra State has the lowest number of such cases in the country, with 2, 318 people.

About 12 Nigerian states are currently with IDP camps.

The figure of IDPs released by the commission shows that more Nigerians are being forced into displaced camps as more conflicts erupt in various parts of the country. The commission noted that in February, Nigeria had a total of 613, 729 IDPs in 21 states of the federation, with states in the north leading.

Current statistics by the commis-

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

politics Displaced Persons (IDPs) Ahead Of 2015

sion show that Nigeria has recorded an increase of over 100, 000 persons dislodged from their homes owing to the insecurity in various parts of the country in the last six months. Borno State alone has seen about 61, 357 persons displaced into camps due to frequent attacks by insurgents in the state.

These figures are however put against the number 70, 383, 427 registered voters recorded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Yet, the cacophony of statistics on the number of displaced person seems to aggravate concerns over the possibility of the exclusion of displaced person from the electoral process, vis-a-vis whether or not that will alter the entire process.

The current Minister of Youth and Development, Mr Boni Haruna, nursed such concerns, coming from Michika local government area, Adamawa State, which has been ravaged by insurgents. The minister’s family residence in Kuborshosho was razed during an attack by terrorists.

The minister, who is a former Governor of Adamawa State, argued that Internally Displaced Persons should not be denied their right to vote and exercise their civic respon-

sibility regardless of whether “their condition was caused by insurgency or natural disaster like flood or any other circumstance.”

But beyond fears of the inability of displaced persons to vote, are the implications for the declaration of results after the elections.

Haruna stated, “In some of the local elections, some results cannot be conclusive because elections cannot be held in certain places.”

However, while the serious need to ensure that displaced persons participate in the electoral process is being emphasised, some analysts are of the opinion that the percentage of displaced person s is not significant enough to affect the presidential election as much as it would affect the governorship elections in the states.

Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, (IPAC), Dr Tanko Yinusa, concurs, noting that what should be guarded against is illegitimacy of the elections.

He cited that if the situation was not properly handled, it will lead to legal suits. “The truth of the matter with this displaced person is that we are trying to hide away from issues of legitimacy. We don’t want a situation where people will go to court and say after the election a good number of people were not able to vote so the

election is not legitimate.”

In any case, concerns that the non-inclusion of displaced persons in the electoral system could possibly impact the outcome of the polls, is drawn from the provisions of the constitution with regards to declaration of electoral winners.

This much was hinted by the director of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, at the height of the uncertainties over the conduct of the halted Adamawa byelection.

Asked whether or not cancellation of results from two local governments as speculated then due to insurgency, could affect the results, he said, “Anything can affect the results of the election, but we cannot determine until after the election, the constitution is clear on this.”

The 2010 Electoral Act as amended, provides that “In an election to the office of the president or governor whether or not contested in any contested election in any other elective office, the results shall be ascertained by counting the votes cast for each candidate and subject to the provisions of sections 133, 134 and 179 of the constitution, the candidate that receives the highest number of votes shall be declared elected by the appropriate returning officer.”

Section 133 of the constitution states: “A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected to such office where, being the only candidate nominated for the election – (a) he has a majority of YES votes over NO votes cast at the election; and “(b) He has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja “134. (1) A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have be been duly elected, where, there being only two candidates for the election “(a) He has the majority of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least twothirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Section 179 which focuses on declaration for governor states: “179 (1) A candidate for an election to the office of Governor of a State shall be deemed to have been duly elected to such office where, being the only candidate nominated for the election“(a) he has a majority of YES

9

votes over NO votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than onequarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the local government areas in the State, but where the only candidate fails to be elected in accordance with this subsection, then there shall be fresh nominations.”

However, in a recent compilation of voters register ahead of 2015 by INEC, Borno has 2,570,349; Adamawa, 1,682,907 and Yobe, 1,203,324.

Taraba state has 1,279,394; Plateau has 2,082,725; Kaduna has 3,743,815; Benue has 2,340,718 and Nasarawa has 1,291,876.

Despite the uncertain scenario, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has consistently declared the intent of the electoral commission to conduct “much better” elections than the 2011 elections.

Nevertheless, the commission had come under fire when its position on holding elections in states under state of emergency was misconstrued to mean it would not hold elections there.

The commission quickly clarified its position that it would hold elections in those areas even though it predicated the conduct of elections there on the return of a favourable environment.

The possibility of having elections in those areas was however reinforced with the successful conduct of local government area elections in Yobe State, early this year, which recorded little or no violence throughout the election cycle.

However, INEC appears to have resolved to conduct elections in those areas as it moves to ascertain the number of internally displaced persons in those areas.

The commission has engaged the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) on how to enable Nigerians who have moved from their original locations to other places to vote during the elections.

Prof. Jega, who made the request when the director general of the institute, Professor Oshita Oshita and the management team paid him a courtesy call at the commission’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, lamented that internally displaced persons stand the risk of being denied the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights.

He therefore requested the institute to undertake a study on the issue to determine their number, especially in states under emergency rule.

He said the aim is to “to see how the commission can reach those people, register them so they can vote in the elections.”

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

10

business

Nigeria: Fresh Crisis Looms As Oil Prices Drop Ugochukwu Onyeocha

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ot many Nigerians were surprised when the announcement came in that oil prices around the globe were witnessing a tremendous fall due to renewed quest for renewable energy sources among others and that the Nigerian economy would be in dire straits sooner than later.

Efforts by the federal government to douse the tension that the economy isn’t suffering has made little or no impact as the state governors have continued to bemoan the drop in their allocation from the federation account.

The crisis once again renewed the call for alternative sources of revenue for the Nigerian economy as living with and depending on the volatility of oil prices was to live dangerously.

Despite passionate appeals made by stakeholders in the Nigerian economic project, many, including the government failed to heed to this warning and now the risk of unlearned lessons with its nervous implications is almost upon us.

In Nigeria, the plummeting price of oil has worsened the dwindling oil revenue occasioned by rising oil theft the country is battling with. This has resulted in a decline in what accrues to all the tiers of governments from the Federation Account and already some states are at their wits’ end on how to pay salaries.

Oil prices have been in a free fall since June. Reaching the peak at $115 per barrel that month, the price has steadily and consistently declined over the last four months to about $86 per barrel on Friday and analysts are of the view that the likelihood of the prices tumbling further to about $80 per barrel before enjoying some semblance of stability is high.

As the prices of crude oil continue to decline, there is anxiety over the impact of this development on the nation’s economy.

Reacting to the situation recently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, after a meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, declared that the governors had decided to meet President Goodluck Jonathan over the consistent decline in revenue allocated to the states.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, said: “We looked at the dwindling resources of the state coming from FAAC (Federal Account Allocation Committee) on our monthly allocation, which has made it imperative that most states may not afford to pay salaries as a result of the dwindling resources.

“This has become a very serious

concern to us as governors and we felt that issues that affect the lives of our people must never be politicised.

We refuse to accept that this nation is broke. I thank God that the Federal Government is not broke, if the nation is not broke, what is due to states as revenue should be paid to the states.

This idea of cutting down what should go to states does not in any way promote democracy and democratic dividends and so we, as progressive governors, do call on the Federal Government to look into the issue of dwindling resources or convince us as to why the states should not get what is due to them.”

Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala however, has assured Nigerians that the country was not broke. The minister, who admitted that the country was facing a temporary challenge caused by the fluctuation in both price and quantity of oil produced, said this had had limited impact on the nation because it had been able to meet its obligations.

To be candid, the demand for oil has witnessed a consistent drop in recent years. The United States, Europe and Japan have reduced their consumption of oil since 2008 by around 10 per

cent or four million bpd, due to improvements in energy efficiency and low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

Economic experts believe that the continuous drop in the price of crude oil would affect Nigeria’s 2014 budget benchmark price of $77.50 per barrel.

They believe that for an economy that is 95 per cent dependent on oil for its foreign exchange earnings, and 85 per cent dependent for revenue, this development should be a cause for concern.

The experts say that the current trend with oil price poses major downside risks to some key macroeconomic variables and the general economic conditions.

As Nigerians continue to understand the impact of the sharp fall in oil prices and revenue, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), hinted that current drop in oil price would impact negatively on government fiscal operations, naira exchange rate, capital flow reversals, stock market, foreign reserves, inflation and interest rate.

Causes of oil price crash There are two different schools of thought on the causes of the fall of

crude oil prices. While one school regards this as a normal situation sequel to excess supply of crude oil, the other group believes that the crash of oil prices was a consequence of political manipulation.

Boom and bust cycle According to some economists, when the price of a commodity is high, it attracts investors and resources are mobilized to the production of that commodity. Consequently, there will be a glut and when supply exceeds demand, prices begin to fall. The crash of prices is referred to as a bust.

When there is a price crash, the number of buyers will definitely increase. In addition to that, players who had hitherto been producing at suboptimal cost would be forced to withdraw from the market because their products are no longer competitive. When this happens, there would be a decline in supply with demand outstripping supply and prices would begin to pick up again. This is the boom era.

Some economists are of the opinion that the current slide in oil prices is occasioned by a decline in global demand and a rise in global oil production. The crises in Libya, Iraq and

South Sudan which hindered them from oil production were partly responsible for the phenomenal rise in the price of crude oil. But the return of these countries to oil production and an increase in oil output from Russia have shot up the quantity of oil supply in the world with the unavoidable consequence of a decline in price.

Conspiracy theory Some observers have also argued that the increase in oil production had little to do with the current fall in the price of crude oil. Rather, they believe that the West, especially the United States of America, has manipulated the current price crash to deal with Russia.

It is believed in some quarters that the West is convinced that the wars being prosecuted by Russia is a consequence of the boom currently experienced by its economy occasioned by high crude oil price. So, to checkmate Russia, which has been funding the Assad regime in Syria and is embarking on an expansionist agenda in Ukraine, the prices of oil have to crash.

This is especially so because RusCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

11

business

Consolidated Breweries To Meet Over Proposed Merger with Nigerian Breweries Ugochukwu Onyeocha

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ollowing a court order mandating the Board of Directors of Consolidated Breweries Plc, to convene a strategic meeting with shareholders to discuss among other issues the proposed merger with Nigerian Breweries Plc, the board has confirmed that it will hold the mandated meeting on December 4, 2014, where shareholders of the company will review, and if deemed fit, approve resolutions for its proposed merger with Nigerian Breweries Plc. The Board of Directors in a press release signed by

its Managing Director, Mr. Boudewijn Haarsma, and made available to Daily Times Nigeria, stated that the Court Ordered Meeting will be held at the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos from 11.00am.

This decision according to the statement follows the recent approval of the Scheme Document by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the receipt of an order from the Federal High Court to convene a Court Ordered Meeting.

The company also confirmed that it has “concluded plans to commence the dispatch to all its Shareholders,

of the Scheme of Merger document, which contains amongst other things, the Notice of Meeting, the consideration and other terms of the proposed merger.”

The MD further explained that the proposed merger, which was announced on 9 May, 2014, is premised on a compelling strategic rationale as the proposed merger will enable the combined businesses to capitalise on the future growth potential of the Nigerian beer and malt market. The proposed merger is also expected to be beneficial to employees, customers, distributors and suppliers as well as the Nigerian economy as a

whole.

Speaking on the proposed meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Consolidated Breweries, Prof (Mrs) Oyin Odutola- Olurin, also stated that “It is expected that the Proposed Merger will create significant value for shareholders as the broader product offerings, and the robust operating and marketing capabilities of the enlarged entity will create operational efficiencies and boost revenue and profitability.”

Going further on the terms of the merger, the statement states that “Under the terms of the Scheme of Merger, each Consolidated Brewer-

ies shareholder will receive shares in Nigerian Breweries in exchange of shares held in Consolidated Breweries or, alternatively, can elect for a cash alternative. For the proposed merger to be approved, 75% of the shareholders present and voting at the meeting will need to vote in favour of the resolutions”.

“Although entitled to vote at the Court Ordered Meeting under the existing laws and regulations of Nigeria, Heineken NV (“HEINEKEN”), the majority shareholder in Consolidated Breweries Plc, has informed the company that it will not vote at the Court Ordered Meeting, giv-

ing the minority shareholders of the company the sole discretion to decide on the merger”.

“HEINEKEN has further informed the company that it is convinced that the economic and strategic rationale for the proposed merger is compelling for all shareholders and strongly recommends that the minority shareholders approve the proposed merger”.

In conclusion, the Board of Directors revealed that until all statutory processes are completed, Consolidated Breweries will continue to operate independently as usual.

Nigeria: Fresh Crisis Looms As Oil Prices Drop sia’s budget for 2014 is predicated on an average price of $97 per barrel even as some experts believe that for the Russian economy to continue to be strong, oil price has to be around $100 per barrel. Thus, the crash of oil prices is already affecting Russian economy.

Although it has been argued that Russia’s large financial reserves could cushion the effect of the shortfall, it can only be in the short term. If the fall is prolonged, it would have a telling effect on the economy.

Proponent of this theory say the Soviet Union’s death knell was sounded largely by oil price crash of the 1980s which drove the country first into bankruptcy and eventually into disintegration.

Those of this school of thought buttress their point with the fact that Saudi Arabia’s effort to arrest the slide was effective. In August, Saudi Arabia reduced its daily oil production by 400,000 barrels with a view to stopping the price crash but the oil market did not respond positively as the fall continued unabated. They argued that if the price crash had been due to in-

creased production, reducing output by as much as 400,000 barrels per day should have had a positive effect on oil prices.

So, if the price crash is indeed a response to Western manipulation, then the free fall may continue for a long while to have the intended effect on Russia.

Implications of oil price fall on Nigeria However, despite neither being responsible for the increase in global oil production nor entrenched in the politics of price manipulation, Nigeria remains immensely affected by the changes in oil prices.

Speaking on the implications of the oil price slide on Nigerian economy, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, Director, Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, University of Ibadan, said this would impact negatively on the nation’s foreign reserves, the naira’s exchange rate value, money in circulation as well as infrastructure development.

According to him, “The falling prices of crude oil in the world market will

have a significant impact on our economy. The trend will result in negative balance of payment which will require financing with the reserve which may lead to fiscal shock. Unfortunately for us, we import a lot of our consumables; we may get to a point that we have no money to pay for the imports.”

The professor of Economics added that the oil price fall would affect the funds at the disposal of the government, adding that “When revenue drops, there will be a cut down on discretionary expenditure, which will affect capital expenditure. When this is done, two things happen; real sector will suffer, level of unemployment will rise because infrastructure development contributes greatly to employment creation.”

Adenikinju added that the slide would also affect the buoyancy of state governments. “Already, some states owe their workers. This is because of the drop in the allocation they get on monthly basis.”

The drop in oil prices would not only affect the government but all Nigerians. The government is a major player

in the economy. That means whatever affects the government will affect all sectors; it will affect the banks because they won’t have as much money as they use to have to give out to businesses and industries, this, in turn, will affect trading, manufacturing and other economic activities.”

It must be pointed out that whenever the government is broke and the private sector is not operating optimally, poverty would increase in the country because of the slowdown in economic activities.

Solution However, some experts have posited solutions to the current crisis in the oil sector which is impacting on the nation’s economy. The solutions are short and long term solutions.

According to Adenikinju, the Federal Government should resort to the excess crude account as a short term measure. “The government should use money from the excess crude account; that is what it is meant for. Rather than allowing the economy to become comatose, money from excess crude

account should be used to bridge the shortfall.”

Also, the government must as a matter of urgency to do away with unnecessary expenditure. “This is very important so that the available money could be put to use for the good of the people of the country,” he said.

On long term measures, Professor Adenikinju said the government would need to diversify the economy.

He said: “This is a lesson for us to diversify our economy and reduce our vulnerability to oil price shocks.

We must start developing other sectors. Non-oil sector has overtaken oil in terms of contribution to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), but it has not performed well in terms of contributing to the economy. We have to work on this to make the non-oil sector contribute in real terms to the economy.

“We also have to improve our tax revenue and block loopholes in the economy. We have to devise a means of making every taxable Nigerian pay regularly and accurately. If we do all of these, we shall develop an immunity to oil price shocks.”

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

12

fashion

o T w Ho k c o R m i n e D s n a Je

By Aderonke Akinola

Fashion is always recycling itself, and when it comes to fashion, nothing defines us better than denim .

Denim Jeans which has become a modern-day closet staple for everyone, all started as men’s simple work wears.

Denim jeans have emerged as wear-anywhere essentials, as opposed to the basic, casual, anti-establishment staples they once were. From shorts and skirts, to coloured and artfully-printed styles, not to mention jackets, vests, and overalls, we’ve taken denim to a whole new, staggeringly broad level.

Here Are Different Ways to Wear Your Denim Jeans Double Denim The best way to wear double denim is to go for contrasting shades. The real trick with the double denim look is to make sure there is a contrast between the top and bottom piece. The only way this look works is when one piece is dark denim and the other is light. As for me, I like it best when the bottom half is the darker part. For instance darker blue for your jacket and couple with lighter wash jeans for the trouser. Pairing a denim jacket with jeans often works better than using a shirt. Combing denim shirt with jeans has become quite trendy lately. The double-denim look is the best, helps to

create the dad-look. Bravo to fashion-forward people that helps making to work.

Denim Shirt & Jeans Try to risk you fashion with your foray into double denim by replacing the jacket with a shirt. Less traditional and slightly more difficult to pull off, make sure you keep one of the washes unconventional.

For example combining grey jeans teamed with a standard blue shirt. Again, contrasting shades make the concept an easier one.

Layer a bomber or leather jacket over the top to play on the rugged, masculine nature of the aesthetic before finishing with some Chelsea boots to create an ideal look for a night out An Injection of Colour of Denim We all know colour has established itself as a key part of the modern man’s wardrobe,with differing shades as an essential part of a well-curated double denim outfit.

Get creative with your layering by wearing your standard indigo denim jacket underneath a singlebreasted overcoat, with a casual shirt providing the base. For the colder season, your denim jacket is important to be used as either a top or middle layer. nt staples they once were. From shorts and skirts, to coloured and artfully-printed styles, not to mention jackets, vests, and overalls, we’ve taken denim to a whole new, staggeringly broad level.

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

arts & culture

13

Alluring Benin Bronze Heritage Faces Decline

By Desola Akindele

“I

love my babies; they are my wonderfully crafted creations and I would do anything to keep them in perfect condition” Osas, a sculptor who hails from the Ancient City of Benin in Nigeria enthused, when asked how much his crafts meant to him.

Beaming a huge smile from his gap toothed mouth while rolling a piece of cloth in rotating motion, in an attempt to fan himself in a humid workshop tucked away in a corner of Jakande estate, Lagos, which holds many of his well sculpted and beautiful artefacts, Osas looked every bit satisfied in his profession .

I explained to Osas how I found his shop through a referral and would love to speak with him about the stories of the intriguing Benin Bronzes, with its interesting cultural history and values surrounding its origin.

What do you think of the legendary Benin bronzes I asked him, and how did you come across this unique talent of yours?

Osas was quick to make me comfortable in his dainty shop and explained how he came across sculpting through images displayed in his social studies textbook in school.

He described how he would use his math set divider to carve look alike of these images into his wooden locker and improve on them daily.

The discovery of an innate desire to learn more spurred him on and helped him make the decision to travel from Lagos to Benin to learn more from an uncle that was into sculpting.

He narrated how he would accompany his uncle to go purchase copper from the local market and start the sculpting process, before using the melted iron to form different materials ranging from cultural dance materials to traditional symbols, leaving the scrap for kids in the neighbourhood, to create other items such as cock openers, or little animals and figurines, to be sold at the market for little amounts of naira.

Osas further explained that contrary to the belief that the white men brought civilization to the Benin people through the Portuguese traders, civilization and communication has long been established in the Benin Kingdom even before the advent of the Europeans.

Indeed a statement has since been made by the Benin Sculptors through their unique methods of carving bronze which have been handed from their forefathers till this date.

Even though the white man has

a more advanced technology, the pride of these skilful craftsmen is seen in the undiluted and pure nature of their works of art.

“The Benin bronzes have always been a source of inspiration to me” he said. “I have always longed to sit in the grand palace of the Oba and sculpt his face or the face of a chief or at least an authoritative symbol of the Benin Kingdom.”

Ancient Cul-de-sac However this dream of Osas is not to be, as there is a peculiar

tradition of the Benin people that permits only descendants from a particular lineage i.e. the Igun Family the privilege of sculpting with bronze for the Oba and people of Benin.

The Benin Bronzes are artefacts often made to portray the qualities and beauty of a ruler long gone and buried and are produced mainly for the Oba of Benin and often fixed to pillars in the Oba’s palace for the depiction of history.

This is indeed a thing of pride and a cultural heritage for the Igun

Family as it solely gives them the authority to freely create the beauties of the rich Benin Empire in such glorious artistic forms.

With Africa known to have a very rich culture; a culture that would be incomplete without the mention of the Benin Bronzes, it is sad to note that the craft is on the decline and may soon die off mainly because of this queer traditional laws surrounding the creation of these artefacts.

Osas does not come from the Igun lineage but has an innate flair and talent for sculpting exquisite works

of art, however a strict restriction has been placed on his aspirations to grow in this endowment of his using bronze.

The liberal practice of art should be encouraged in all its forms.

These inspirational artifacts for dear Osas and other sculptors like him have unfortunately been looted away by the British.

It was however a remarkable day when the 6th month of the year 2014 witnessed the return of two Bronze works looted from the palace during the invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897.

Only recently, Dr. Adrian Mark Walker, the great grandson of Capt. Phillip Walker, one of the soldiers who participated in the looting, returned the bronze works to the Oba of Benin whose great grandfather, Oba Ovonramwen, was the Oba of Benin during the British invasion.

He stated that Dr. Adrian confessed that most of the looted artworks were in private hands overseas and in Nigeria.

The extent of the Benin Monarch’s excitement was evident as he mentioned the returning of the two artifacts as the best birthday gift he had ever received; just this historic event took place a few days before the Oba’s birthday.

Following the excitement at the return of these two precious artefacts to the Benin palace and its people, it is sad to note that many of them still lie in various museums in Britain and across the globe.

These works have been around since the 18th century and as of today their existence is fast becoming history. It is important that efforts are intensified to bring these artefacts back home as people such as Osas even if prevented from entering the grand palace can physically relate with these antiques and extract deep satisfaction from their cultural existence.

What steps are being taken in preserving these rare carvings, in fighting and bringing back works that were created for memory and documentation purposes?

In what ways are we imbibing the liberality of artistic practice, is this traditional law of a particular family bearing the sole responsibility of creating these artefacts a little farfetched or can the Iguns sustain this cultural heritage, furthermore should talent be restricted by tradition?

Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts and drop your comments. They are deeply appreciated.

health

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

14

We Are Not Free From Ebola Yet –Prof. Omilabu

By Lara Adejoro

A

renowned authority in medical virology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, Professor Sunday Omilabu has said that Nigeria is yet to be free from Ebola Virus Disease.

Professor Omilabu in a chat with a Daily Times reporter said that though the Ministries of Health and Interior are working together to screen people coming into Nigeria, the country is not free from the highly contagious disease.

On efforts to ensure that the borders are monitored, he said, “the Ministries of Health and Interior are working together

screening people coming into the country. The airports and seaports are also being monitored and people are being screened.

“But we have a good number of borders that are not manned. And then we have unofficial land borders. Meanwhile, we’ve gone round to educate communities to be monitoring any illegal routes and we made them to realise that if they allow people to bring disease to their backyards, they will be the first to be affected.

“We educated them and told them to be at alert, they should be up and doing and they should be reporting anything they suspect,” he said.

Adding, the don said, “We

told them that once they see people coming in, they should monitor them, know where they go and give report. There are lots of activities ongoing, so people know where to come in case of any suspicion.”

Despite being declared Ebola-free by the body concerned with international public health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the expert said, “We are not free.

Who says we are free? We are not free because one singular Ebola case somewhere can go viral. We know how the virus spread; nobody can say we are free because the disease is easily imported. It can be imported the way late Sawyer, the index case came into the country.”

The virologist however advised that, “We need to make sure we maintain our surveillance and continue the jingles and awareness.”

The highly contagious and often fatal disease spreads by direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids or organs, or indirectly through contact with contaminated environments. Even funerals of Ebola victims can be a risk, if mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased.

It will be recalled that eight people died out of 20 confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria, with all infections traced back to the index case, the LiberianAmerican, Patrick Sawyer, who arrived in Lagos on July 20.

Experts Call For More Research On Genetic Disorders

By Lara Adejoro

C

hairman, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Professor Olu Akinyanju has said that the bane of sickle cell programming in Africa was the paucity of funds allocated to the health sector.

He stated this recently at the Closing/Certificate Award Ceremony of the 17th Genetic Counselling Training Course on Sickle Cell Disorder in conjunction with MTN Foundation at the National Sickle Cell Centre, Lagos.

According to Professor Akinyanju, money was needed for research, capacity building, for equipment and for programmes, particularly for supporting the poorer citizens.

“America, by allocating millions of dollars to sickle cell disorder from 1972, has increased the average life expectancy of its citizens with sickle cell anaemia from seven years in 1974 to about 60 years in 2012. In fact, all the modern interventions we now have for improving the health and longevity of Nigerians with sickle cell anaemia were introduced from research carried out in the United States of America.

“It is now established that with continual research, sickle cell can be converted from a deadly childhood dis-

order some decades ago, to a disorder that, like hypertension, can be compatible with a normal quality and duration of life.

Speaking further, Akinyanju said, capacity building for the management and control of sickle cell disorder is a crucial goal of the Sickle Cell Foundation and genetic counselling has been widely identified as the most cost effective intervention for initiating sickle cell programming, particularly in resource poor countries.

On the essence of genetic counselling, he said it is for persons who have genetic disorders or are their significant relatives or who themselves, are healthy carriers of genetic disorders.

Reeling out the roles of a genetic counsellor, he said a genetic counsellor is to ensure that his clients (affected persons, their parents/carriers or healthy carriers) are provided with all the information necessary to assist them understand and/or cope with sickle cell disorder, thus assuring that these clients can make informed decisions on any course of action including marriage.

“Trained counsellors also help form and run support and advocacy associations such as Sickle Cell Clubs and promote the development of dedicated Sickle Cell Clinics and other beneficial facilities

in their communities.”

Speaking with Daily Times, one of the trained genetic counsellors, Dr. Motunrayo Adekunle of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH), Ikeja, said, the need for more research on genetic disorders cannot be overemphasised as Nigeria has the highest burden of the disorder.

Dr Adekunle said, “There is need for more research on genetic disorders because Nigeria has the highest burden of the disorder and surprisingly most of the researches we have been using to manage the people who have sickle cell

anaemia come from overseas and this is our own disease.

“So there is actually need for more research on genetic counselling especially when it comes to sickle cell disorder.”

In his address, Director MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro said, “For us at the MTN Foundation, this graduation is another milestone in our collective efforts to provide a bulwark against the scourge of sickle cell disorder in our society. Indeed, with today’s ceremony, the MTN Foundation has trained a total of 336 sickle cell counsellors nationwide.”

Mr. Okoro said the MTN Foundation supports sickle cell clinics in Lagos, Edo, Delta and Kano States by providing free drugs and counselling services.

“So far, over 7730 people have benefited from the services provided by these clinics.”

In sheer numbers, Nigeria has the largest burden of sickle cell disorder (SCD) in the whole world. Carriers of the sickle cell gene (Hb AS) have, over the past centuries, flourished and multiplied in tropical sub-Saharan Africa because their carrier status

protected them from succumbing to the deadly falciparum malaria prevalent in the Region.

Sickle cell disorder is by far the commonest inherited disorder in the world and three quarters of cases occur in Africa. In Nigeria, where it affects two out of every hundred children born, it causes suffering for innumerable patients and their families.

In sheer numbers, Nigeria has the largest burden of sickle cell disorder (SCD) in the whole world. Carriers of the sickle cell gene (Hb AS) have over the past centuries, flourished and multiplied in tropical sub-Saharan Africa because their carrier status protected them from succumbing to the deadly falciparum malaria prevalent in the Region.

Although countries around Nigeria also have an S gene carrier frequency of about 1 in 4 of their populations, Nigeria’s large population has ensured that over 40 million Nigerians are healthy carriers of the S gene.

This number of carriers far exceeds the total population of every other affected African country and indeed, of several of them put together.

Consequently, about 150,000 Nigerian children are born each year with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS), the prevailing type of sickle cell disorder (SCD) in this Region.

health news

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

15

Fresh Facts Connect Sexual Activity And Prostate Cancer

A

new study has claimed that having more than 20 female sexual partners in a lifetime may significantly reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer while men sleeping with more than 20 men in a lifetime, however, is associated with increased risk of the disease, Medical News Today reports.

The research team, from the University of Montreal’s School of Public Health in

Canada, published their findings in the journal Cancer Epidemiology.

According to the researchers, the link between sexual activity and prostate cancer risk remains controversial.

Some studies have associated high sexual activity with a greater risk of the disease, while others have suggested the opposite.

Hypothesising the reasons behind this finding, study co-author Marie-Élise Parent

says: “It is possible that having many female sexual partners results in a higher frequency of ejaculations, whose protective effect against prostate cancer has been previously observed in cohort studies.”

The researchers explained that some studies had suggested that the more a man ejaculates, the lower the concentrations of cancer-causing substances in his prostatic fluid. Other studies have indicat-

ed that a higher frequency of ejaculations may also reduce the production of intraluminal crystalloids in the prostate, which have been linked to higher risks of cancer.

The number of sexually transmitted infections (STI) participants contracted in their lifetime, did not appear to influence the risk of prostate cancer, the researchers say, noting that only 12 per cent of men reported having at least one STI in their lives.

First Vaccine Against Meningitis Gets Approval

T

he first vaccine to protect against a type of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, HealthDay News reports.

When Neisseria meningitidis bacteria infect the bloodstream or lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, it can cause life-threatening illness. The bacteria typically are transmitted by coughing, kissing or sharing utensils, especially in close living quarters such as college dormitories.

Trumenba protects against four strains in serogroup B. If a person develops an infection, antibiotics may help reduce the risk of death or permanent complications, but

treatment must begin immediately, the agency said.

The newly approved Trumenba vaccine is sanctioned for people aged 10 through 25, the FDA said.

Trumenba was evaluated in

clinical studies among more than 6,000 participants in the U.S., Europe and Australia.

The most common side effects were injection-site pain and swelling, headache, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain,

fatigue and chills.

The new meningitis vaccine, granted accelerated approval, will be further evaluated by the manufacturer against additional serotype B strains, the FDA said.

How Body Clock Can Prevent Female Infertility

R

eports by the Zee News has claimed that treating infertility in women may soon have a new approach as researchers have now identified the biological clock that governs female fertility.

The granulosa cells of the primary follicle that nourish and support eggs in the uterus

may serve as the biological clock that monitors the onset of menopause, a study showed.

The onset of menopause is influenced by the point at which the uterus runs out of eggs to release.

A signalling pathway in the granulosa cells plays a key role in enabling immature eggs to survive, the research-

ers noted.

“This mechanism permits the granulosa cells to decide when eggs will begin to grow and when they will die,” said Kui Liu from University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

“In that sense, they serve as a kind of biological clock that monitors the onset of menopause,” Liu explained.

The study could shed light on why some women can have successful pregnancies at the age of 50, whereas others are unable to get pregnant when they are 30.

The discovery will point the way to interventions that stimulate the growth of eggs that have been unable to mature, the researchers stressed.

In addition, the team found no association between the age at which the men first had sexual intercourse and prostate cancer risk.

Furthermore, men who had slept with more than 20 male partners had a 500 per cent increased risk of developing a less aggressive prostate cancer, compared with those who had only slept with one man.

The researchers are unable to accurately identify the reasons behind these findings, but they speculate that it could be a result of higher exposure to STIs among this group.

They note that physical trauma to the prostate may be caused by anal intercourse, which could raise the risk of prostate cancer.

Maintaining Mental Fitness

S

taying mentally fit is having a sense of wellbeing and being able to function effectively every day.

Here are some ways to stay mentally fit: Get Rid Of Stress: To stay mentally fit at any age one should get rid of stress. The stress level should be kept at a minimum as it reduces the risk of potential strokes, heart attacks and other stress-related diseases and conditions that can ultimately become debilitating and life-threatening.

Exercise: Exercise is a good form of releasing many beneficial neurotransmitters into your body. It also increases your general feeling of well being. It also helps relieve stress, and releases protective hormones in your brain.

Playing Games Or Do-

ing Puzzles: Memory can be improved by doing simple activities like logic puzzles, crosswords, or word searches. It also sharpens language and reasoning skills. It can open new pathways in your brain.

Socialize: Socialising is very good way to stay mentally fit. Being out with friends will keep you from feeling isolated, and it will also keep you mentally fit.

You get to learn and exercise your brain, when you are discussing things with friends.

Get Plenty Of Sleep: Sleep restores both your mind and body. Getting enough sleep is very necessary to stay mentally healthy. Feelings of fatigue can still set in if you feel constantly rushed and overwhelmed when you are awake. So in order to stay mentally fit one should get plenty of sleep.

sports

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

16

Dramatic Return Of Keshi T

his is the first time a coach would be sacked and recalled in the history of Nigerian football. No coach sacked by the defunct Nigerian Football Association NFA or by the Nigeria Football Federation NFF ever got a quick recall like Stephen Keshi. MU’SODIQ ADEKUNLE trails the intrigues behind the strange occurrence.

Few weeks after the Coach of the Nigeria National Team, Stephen Keshi was fired by the Nigeria Football Federation NFF he got a recall from the same board following the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan and a secret letter by sports statesman, Shuaibu Amodu.

NFF confirmed Keshi’s recall after report surfaced that Nigeria may be banned from participating in World Soccer if it does not resolve the crisis rocking its regulatory body, NFF. It will be recalled that Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa had split NFF into factions through separate court rulings.

Keshi led the Super Eagles to the African title in 2013 but was sent packing on October 16 2014 after a string of poor performances, including a surprise defeat away to Sudan.

But many analysts believe that protracted political battles inside the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) were behind his dismissal and his eventual reinstatement.

The new NFF boss Amaju Pinnick, who emerged on top after an extended power struggle within the NFF, is seen as a Keshi’s antagonist, while the sports minister Tammy Danagogo is known to be a supporter of the outspoken coach.

It was learnt that the NFF was told what to do when President Jonathan met with the Federation president Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa who was in court against the election of Pinnick. Giwa had to discontinue with the case at the Jos court on Thursday as part of the agreement/ decisions reached at the Presidential

Villa.

A source said, “It is not a question of if he is truly coming back to the Eagles but a matter of when he is resuming and how much he is going to earn. This is not an FA decision; this was passed down directly to them from far above and the message was not passed through a third party in the name of special adviser but a direct mouth to ear briefing.”

Another savior for Big Boss was a letter written by Amodu, where he pleaded passionately with the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation to allow Stephen Keshi handle the Super Eagles for the two remaining matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

In the letter dated October 27, 2014 and addressed to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, through the Chairman of NFF Technical Committee, the 56-year-old tactician, who was named as new Head Coach penultimate week, said he wanted Keshi reconsidered for the two matches as the time frame is too short to tinker with the fabric of the squad or start to build a new one altogether.

The letter by Amodu read in part: “Following wide consultations that I have carefully made within the past two weeks since the appointment, and for the sake of professionalism, I want to specially appeal to you to reconsider the matter and allow Stephen Keshi to finish the project that he has started – the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying race.

“Sir, my opinion also is that the time frame is too short to start tinkering with the fabric of the team or attempt to build a new team altogether. As Technical Director of the NFF, I am ready and willing to help build a better relationship among Keshi (with whom I have enjoyed good working relationship in the past and who is still very close to me), the players and the NFF Technical Committee.

“I am assuring you, Mr. President

that I will offer whatever assistance required by Keshi and his crew for the remaining two matches, and also be there to offer advice, suggestions and efforts towards building a stronger Super Eagles’ team after the qualifying race.”

Nigeria plays Congo Brazzaville in Pointe Noire on November 15 before taking on South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State four days later.

It needs to win both matches and defeat Congo by a margin of two goals away to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2015 finals.

Reacting to Keshi’s recall, the NFF technical committee said it had “decided to accept” Amodu’s proposal for Keshi to be re-instated for Nigeria’s next Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo and South Africa in November.

NFF President Pinnick said he will not oppose Keshi’s return, saying, “I have never had anything against Keshi as a person. Amodu is someone we all respect and since that is his opinion and the technical committee has approved, so be it. I am also assuring Nigerians at home and abroad that the NFF will give Keshi all the necessary support to successfully prosecute the two very crucial final matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.”

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Tammy Danagogo has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his timely intervention in the crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation.

Danagogo, who is also the Chairman, National Sports Commission, made the commendation at the commencement of a retreat for the President Cup Competition in Abuja.

He said he was sure the crisis would be resolved following President Jonathan’s intervention, before the Friday expiration of the latest deadline given by FIFA. “The interest of President Jonathan in the sport which unifies the country led to the invitation of the warring factions in the NFF for a truce meeting which will lead to true reconciliation of the parties.

I am sure Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief as the President, who is a strong supporter of our national teams, met with the warring parties and everything to ensure that Nigeria is not banned by FIFA will be done,” Danagogo said.

However, Big Boss seems to have learnt lessons from his unsavory experiences by recalling some old boys whom, he had vowed not to feature in his games. Among them is Spainbased striker Ikechukwu Uche who was called up for the first time in nearly two years.

In a statement by Ademola Olajire, the Assistant Director (Communications), Nigeria Football Federation, Spain-based striker Ikechukwu Uche was called up for the first time in nearly two years. Nasarawa United midfielder Tony Edjomari is also getting his first senior team opportunity, while home-based defender Solomon Kwambe is also making a

return.

Aaron Samuel, a scorer in the 3-1 win against Sudan in Abuja on Oct. 15, was also called up, as well as Hope Akpan, Sunday Emmanuel and home-boy Emem Eduok.

The full Nigeria squad for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo and South Africa: Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC/FRA), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva/ISR), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco/FRA), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC/ISR), Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC/SCO), Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC/TUR), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough/ ENG), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves) Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio/ITA), Hope Akpan (Reading/ENG), Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor/TUR), Omatsone Aluko (Hull City/ENG); Tony Edjomari (Nasarawa United) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce/TUR), Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves), Osaguona Ighodaro (Enugu Rangers), Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal/SPA), Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R&F/CHN), Sunday Emmanuel (SV Scholz Grodig/AUS), Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk/UKR), Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC).

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

17

sports

Hamilton Clinches US Grand Prix Title

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ormula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton chalked up his 10th victory of the season in a US Grand Prix that saw his Mercedes team equal the record for one-two finishes.

The Briton stretched his lead over teammate Nico Rosberg to 24 points with two races and 75 points remaining. Australian Daniel Riccardo finished third for Red Bull.

The Mercedes drivers finished 4.3 seconds apart to equal McLaren’s 1988 record, set by Alain Prost and the late Ayrton Senna, of 10 one-two finishes in a season.

US GP Top-10: 1. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mer-

cedes 2. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 3. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams-Mercedes 4. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes 5. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) RedBull - Renault 6. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Ferrari 7. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) McLaren 8. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 9. Adrian Sutil (Germany) Sauber - Ferrari 10. Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela) Lotus - Renault

Djokovic retains Paris Masters title

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ovak Djokovic chances of finishing the season as world number one was given a significant boost when he became the first player to retain his Paris Masters title with a 6-2, 6-3 win over big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic in the final.

The top-seeded Serb, who did not drop a set in Bercy to clinch his

third title here, perfectly read the seventh-seeded Raonic’s serve to prevail in a one-sided encounter.

His 600th career win extended Djokovic’s unbeaten indoors run to 27 and gave him his 20th Masters title while Raonic, who will have to do more than serve big if to climb up the ladder, lost his second final at Masters level in as many attempts.

Both players will be taking part in the ATP World Tour Finals from November 9 in London, where Djokovic will be favourite to secure the world number one spot for 2014 after he more than doubled his lead over second-ranked Roger Federer. If he plays at the O2 like he has been playing in Paris, he will finish the year on top of the world rankings for the third time.

Kenyans Cart Away NYC Marathon titles

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ilson Kipsang won a lucrative duel to the finish to join compatriot Mary Keitany in a Kenyan sweep of exciting men’s and women’s races at a cold, windy New York City Marathon.

Kipsang, the London Marathon champion running the New York race for the first time, ran shoulder to shoulder with Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia over the last two miles.

In the last half mile in Central Park, Desisa snuck ahead of Kipsang, who turned on a final burst to claim a victory in the 42.2-km race that was worth $600,000 to the Kenyan.

Kipsang crossed the finish line in an unofficial time of two hours 10 min-

utes 59 seconds to win the $100,000 top prize and catapult past compatriot Dennis Kimetto to claim $500,000 as the World Marathon Majors champion.

Desisa, the 2013 Boston Marathon winner, finished seven seconds behind Kipsang, with fellow Ethiopian Gebre Gebremariam, the 2010 New York champion, taking third place in 2:12:13.

Keitany, winner of the 2012 London Marathon, also won an exhilarating duel to claim the women’s crown.

The Kenyan took over the lead on Central Park South and widened her advantage during the last mile on her way to the Central Park finish.

Real Madrid win as Barcelona slip

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eal Madrid turned up the heat on their La Liga title rivals with James Rodriguez scoring twice, including a stunning volley, in a 4-0 win at Granada.

However, Barcelona followed up last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Real with another reverse on Saturday that cost them the lead in La Liga, squandering a host of chances to lose

1-0 at home to Celta Vigo.

Barca forward Neymar hit the crossbar twice and teammate Lionel Messi did likewise once before hesitation in the defence let in forward Joaquin Larrivey to score 10 minutes after halftime at the Nou Camp.

Champions Atletico Madrid stayed hot on the heels of their neighbours thanks to an Antoine Griezmann double and goals from

Mario Mandzukic and Raul Garcia which secured a 4-2 win at home to Cordoba.

Real are top on 24 points from 10 matches, two ahead of Barcelona and Sevilla, who have played one game fewer.

Atletico are second on 23 points from 10 games, and Valencia have 20 in fifth before their match at Villarreal on Sunday.

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NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

leisure

Stella Damasus Turns Seminar Coach In US!

Toni Payne Silent Over 9ice’s Political Ambition

By Isaac Oguntoye

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ontrary to the popular saying that there’s no permanent enemy in politics, the ex wife of 9ice, Toni Payne, has refused to make any comment, campaign or tweet in support of 9ice’s political ambition.

By Opeoluwani Akintayo

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efore now, no one knew exactly what Stella Damasus was up to after relocating to the United States of America with Doris Simeon’s ex husband, Daniel Ademinokan.

The actress is obviously not acting anymore and we are not exactly sure whether or not Daniel still produces movies anymore.

Sometime ago, we heard she’d gone back to movie school in the US to learn the

What astonished showbiz

Oronto Douglas Unstable Health Baffles Associate art of movie making.

And now, the latest is that she’s now into seminar coaching and training. More like mentoring and grooming aspiring actors and actresses on how to be the best in the movie world.

So, you’re not far from the truth to say she’d crossed over to the quiet side of cam-

By Isaac Oguntoye

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eras and lights!

Stella isn’t the only actress who’d dumped acting for another profession after relocating from Nigeria.

The likes of screen diva, Regina Askia left acting for nursing in the US and Sola Sobowale also dumped the stage to take up a social worker’s job in London.

Irony of Ayo Fayose’s OldSchool Mercedes Benz Isaac Oguntoye

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or most nouveau riche owning an antique vehicle or an ancient work of art helps to create that much longed for connect with the old money class, especially given that such collector’s items don’t come easy through conventional markets but usually attract premium prices at exclusive auctions.

For the newly re-elected Governor of Ekiti State Mr Ayo Fayose what better way to make a symbolic statement than to ride in an antique and newly delivered 1957 Mercedes Benz -230 vehicle to the venue of his inauguration, as that will at least let his critics and fans alike know that he cannot be written off as a spent or used-to-be politician.

And so like a Nollywood drama when the newly reelected governor appeared in the antique vehicle on the day of swearing-in, it immediately conveyed the message in a symbolic manner to the crowd that had gathered to witness the ceremony, but no sooner had the vehicle made its appearance that it ironical-

punters is that, ever since the Alapomeji Record label boss declared his ambition to run for the House of Representative in Ogbomosho, there’s not been even a single tweet from Payne despite the fact that she runs an online radio and a PR outfit, instead she’s been busy tweeting about how one should love his/herself in order to gain the love of his/her partner.

eading Human Rights Attorney and Author, Oronto Douglas is said to be in a bad state of health right now.

Information has it that his schedule hasn’t been stable since he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

At the moment, Douglas goes from one American

Much Ado About Toolz Curves!

BY Opeoluwani Akintayo

ly developed engine hiccups at Ijigbo in Ekiti and could not continue in the symbolic show.

And so a disappointed Fayose alighted from his newly ordered and delivered 1957 230-Mercedes Benz to join another convoy Jeep bearing the public disgrace in dignified silence.

The funny truth is that, the 1957 Benz has been in and out of mechanic workshop ever since it was brought into the country.

According to a reliable source, it has never walked a mile without developing a fault. The source said that a day after the swearing in, we were told that the car was left at Oja Oba as the engine eventually knocked down.

On Tuesday 20th of October, 2014, we gathered that the Governor was riding in the Benz on his way to an ap-

pointment when the car broke down. He had to leave it in police custody at Ikere , after which he joined one of the jeeps in his convoy to meet up with his appointment.

Sources also has it that the car was bought in from Germany as a ‘non-tested’ from an old man who has been looking for a way to dispose the outdated Benz. The governor was said to have bought the car to enable him to be closer to the people of Ekiti rather than use a tinted glass automobile cars with full air condition that will distance him from those that voted him as the governor.

The governor now cruises around in his newly acquired and reliable Range Rover Sport Autobiography and has said good-bye to old-school for good because change is a permanent constant in the world we live in!

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n Air Personality, Toolz has become a force to be reckoned with in the media not only because of the fluency and mastery of what she delivers on the job, but more for her curvy body capable of making heads turn in her direction.

Her hot body has become, most often than not, a frequent topic of discussion and debate, especially among the male folks.

No wonder a fan of the OAP who stems from the Oniru clan, made a joke out of it Sunday, Nov.2, asking if the beauty thinks she will make heaven with those curves-they must have tempted him enough to want to commit sin.

It was a joke anyway.

And you could imagine Toolz’ soft and loving response to the young man’s question, “Wow! Lol. I will In Jesus name”.

Amen sister!

hospital to the other seeking treatment. It has gotten so bad that his normal schedule falls under two weeks in Nigeria, two weeks in America.

According to a source the situation has been causing sleepless night for some of his close associate.

OND as the radical lawyer is fondly called by close friends is the senior special adviser to the president on documentation.

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

19

tourism

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n extended family among others from Long Island, New York, who had booked an African safari for July 2015 that cost $197,000 had to call it off and delay the trip until 2016 due to the news of Ebola in the continent, even though the spread of the deadly disease had been isolated and resticted to only few countries in the West African sub-region.

In West Africa, Ebola has killed more than 4,900 people, with more than 13,700 cases reported, almost all in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO warns that there could be as many as 10,000 new cases a week in the region by year’s end.

Fortunately for Nigeria the WHO has officially declared it Ebola free, praising the efforts of the government to have successfully combated the dreaded Ebola disease which was brought into the country by the index case a Liberian.

Most prospective tourists even though their destination is South Africa, which is more than 3,000 miles from West Africa’s Ebola zone and are being charged a $20,500 fee for rescheduling in 2016 have refused to embark on prescheduled trips for now.

“People are being a little bit unreasonable, they’re treating Ebola like the modern version of the plague,” says Julia Jacobo of Cook Travel, the New York-based agency that booked the trip. “People don’t want to go to Africa at all. They don’t distinguish East Africa from West Africa, even though it’s a gigantic continent.”

But there have been no confirmed Ebola cases in East Africa, or in most of the continent.

A map on the website SafariBookings.com, the largest online booking site for African safaris, shows distances from the Ebola outbreak area to other parts of the world, noting that “East and southern Africa, where most safaris are conducted, are just as far from the outbreak area as Europe or South America.”

Not to mention that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies have repeatedly said that Ebola is not an

Ebola:Decapitating a Continent’s Booming Tourist Sector

airborne disease and that only those who come in contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person can catch it.

But such messages don’t appear to be swaying thousands of leisure and business travellers who were planning or considering travel to Africa anywhere in Africa and who are now postponing or cancelling their trips.

About half of the more than 500 safari operators surveyed

by SafariBookings.com in late September reported declines in bookings of 20 to 70 per cent.

Small Risk, Big Continent Trip cancellations and new flight restrictions couldn’t have come at a worse time for Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa welcomed a record 33.8 million tourists in 2012, according to the first World Bank regional report on the industry, issued last year.

The World Tourism Organization’s 2014 global travel report said tourism to Africa

rose six per cent in 2013 and had predicted a 4 to 6 per cent bump this year, though no one is expecting that anymore.

The world’s second largest continent is bigger than Europe, the United States, and China combined, but since the virus was declared a global health threat in August, business and leisure travellers have tended to view Africa as a single country that they are determined to avoid.

“It’s very serious,” said Wouter Verger, founder and managing director of SafariBookings.com. “We have seen impacts like this, but it’s usually confined to a single country.”

Kenya, for instance, saw a drop-off in tourism after last year’s terrorist attack in a Nairobi shopping mall that left at least 67 dead.

A WHO warning in August that Kenya was a “high-risk” country for the disease was enough to convince Korean Air to suspend flights there.

Kenya’s Indian Ocean

beaches, meanwhile, are deserted and high-end safari operators report sluggish reservations.

“Some people are saying, ‘I need to figure out whether in three months’ time, is it going to be spreading? Will it be in Tanzania or Kenya by the time I get there?’” said Edwin Gayla, a managing partner at Asia to Africa Safaris.

Tanzania’s hotels have reported a 30 per cent drop in business, while 2015 bookings have plummeted 50 per cent.

“August was projected to be our best month ever, but it became the worst of the last two years,” wrote João Oliveira, whose company runs tours in Tanzania, in East Africa, in a comment on SafariBooking.com.

A report last month by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa found that 55 per cent of tour operators, travel agents, and other tourist-dependent companies have seen a negative impact on their

business.

In North Africa, Cook Travel reports cancelled trips to Egypt and Morocco, which has asked to put off the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament scheduled there for early 2015. Moroccan organizers cite Ebola fears among the hundreds of thousands of soccer fans expected to attend.

Warnings, Restrictions, Fear The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings about non-essential trips to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Many other countries have instituted travel bans into and out of West African nations, even though the WHO has said that travellers are at low risk for infection.

A poll conducted by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives at a recent global conference in Copenhagen found that 41 per cent of attendees said their companies had restricted travel to Sierra

Leone, Guinea, Senegal, or Nigeria. Nearly half supported a travel ban to Ebola-hit countries in West Africa.

“Companies are liable for the welfare of business travellers, to the point of minimizing every practical risk,” said Greeley Koch, the group’s executive director.

At Asia to Africa Safaris, which counts Hong Kong and Singapore as its biggest markets, 10 per cent of clients have cancelled or put off travel to Africa. Many are couples walking away from $2,000 deposits for trips to southern and eastern Africa, far from the affected region.

Asia to Africa Safaris’s Gayla says that he’s never seen anything like it. Diseases such as malaria and yellow fever may be more widespread in Africa, but “people are not really concerned about those things because you’re able to get shots or malaria tablets.

With this disease, it spooks people because there’s no found cure yet,” he says.

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

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news people

You Need More Than Talent To Succeed In The Industry-TY Mix TY Mix Is a notable producer who has contributed immensely to the success of some major artistes in Nigeria. His magical touch endears him to many music punters. The humble, agile and industrious producer stands out amidst his contemporaries especially when it comes to doing what he knows how to do best which is music production. He has worked with virtually all the major artistes both in Nigeria and Diaspora.

In this interview with Isaac Oguntoye the talented cool dude who is part of the foremost Reality TV Show, Project Fame spoke on his grass to grace story.

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Y mix is a big producer in the industry and you’ve been there for over a decade now. What will you say is the secret of your relevance?

I really can’t place my hand on one particular thing but I believe some of us started this business based on passion. I’m passionate about music. I still feel excited about music as I was 10 years ago, so I think that’s one of the things that kept me up to this point and obviously, God’s mercy.

whether you’re a producer, an artiste or a songwriter because we want things to be exactly the way we see it.

And most times communication is always a problem because you hear and feel that thing in your head but you don’t know how to tell that guy to say okay this is how I want it. So, I’ve learnt over the years to master the act of communicating with my artistes.

Once that is done, every other thing is peaceful.

For those moments when you feel very low on the profession, what stands as the driving force that keeps you going?

Just like everything in life that has its up and low moment. In music, there are high and low points as well.

But for me as I said earlier on, this is one of the things that give me joy, so my reward is not only monetary. Music keeps me in the right state of mind.

So, even if I am in my lowest time, music is still that thing that brings me up. It might not be my own production, probably someone else’s

No doubt Nigerian music has improved tremendously and some have said we are losing that our African touch. What are you as a producer doing to make sure that the African touch remains relevant?

Music is a reflection of society.

It’s a reflection of our culture. It’s a reflection of who we are. And if you are in a particular environment, some of the things you have as inspiration are things that happen around you. So, it’s easy to be able to maintain originality especially if you live here, you see what happens here, every now and again.

When music lovers listen to your beat, they wonder what you were thinking of while making the beat, what usually comes to your mind while making your beats?

It could be anything. It could be the conversation I had with the artiste in terms of direction. It could be my environment or probably the way I’m feeling. Anything can inspire my production. It’s never one thing. It’s always a different thing at different times.

We also have a listening audience that likes originality. People like to listen to songs that reflect our culture either in terms of the beat or rhythm, even in terms of the message that is being passed across. So, for me I’m just sensitive to my environment.

Sensitive to what I think people want to hear. But sometimes people don’t know what they want until you serve it to them, so I’m more sensitive to my environment and also stay in tune with my creative side.

They say, artistes are the most difficult people to work with. How do you handle the difficult ones in terms of directing them on how to go about their music?

While working with an artiste; there is something that unifies both of you which is creativity- the process of creating music. And once you guys have that understanding, there is less friction because you guys are working towards the same goal. Creative people are not exactly easy to work with,

How long does it take you to produce one beat?

It’s very easy. I’ve produced beats in an hour before. I’ve produced beats in 45 minute before. And have produced beats in five hours before and sometimes in 10 hours. So, it varies.

Which of your beats can you pinpoint as your fastest production and source of unexpected success so far?

Maybe ‘Ki ni Big deal’. Although it wasn’t as if it was fast because we

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

21

people

You Need More Than Talent To Succeed In The Industry-TY Mix were in the studio for over seven to eight hours and I wasn’t just comfortable with what we were doing at that time. I had done several samples and ideals of beats but it didn’t just click.

So, Naeto C and I left the studio and as soon as we came back to the studio, in like 30 to 45 minutes, I had at least eight bars of ‘Ki ni big deal’ ready.

thing that will last long.

What will you consider as your greatest fear in life?

The fear of not succeeding, then again, I’ve grown to overcome my fears. Now, I don’t even have a choice, I have to succeed.

Is there any point in your career that you felt like quitting this profession maybe because of a particular challenge?

I’ve never had any time that I felt like quitting

Recently, you launched your own record label and some people were asking why you had to wait this long or is it because others are doing?

Yes, I just launched my record label and the name of my record label is VIVACE Records. I don’t believe there is a wrong timing for anything. It depends on when you feel you’re ready.

I just feel I’m ready for it now. I feel I’m well equipped and I understand the industry better. I know how things work. It’s just the time that I feel I’m ready for it.

They say life is not a bed of roses as there must be challenges. Which of those challenges is the toughest one?

There have always been challenges but because I’m driven by passion not money or what my environment dictates, so it has helped me to overcome most of the challenges. For instance, someone said there are two ways to look perceive a glass of water- it’s either you see it as half full or half empty.

So, even when those challenges come, it depends on how I look at them. So, I’ve never treated any challenge as a challenge, I just treat them like normal things.

Why did you launch the record label with a Project Fame ex-contestant?

Well, the truth is that, it’s on Project Fame that I have seen the highest number of talented individuals, that’s the truth. It’s just like marriage, if you want to marry, you marry someone around you. So, these are the people I’ve seen over the years. It’s not as if I’ve not seen other people but I’ve seen these ones and I’ve watched them grow. So, it could have been anybody.

Your happiest moment on this job?

This is one of my happiest moments, a moment when you do something and it’s being appreciated

Was it part of your childhood ambition to become a producer when you grew up?

It wasn’t my plan to do music for a living. I just did music for fun. But the truth is that, I never got any resistance from my parents. They were very supportive. But I never thought of doing music for a living.

Where do you see the record label in few years to come?

We are going global. We are going to be one of the best record labels I see passion, I see zeal, talents and the willingness to learn. And I see humility in them.

Can you tell us what you see in Immaculate Edache and Oyinkanade? .

Did you think you would be this successful?

To be honest, at the very beginning, No! But it got to a point where I started having better understanding of what I am doing. I started seeing the possibility. I started seen potential.

How do you feel when you see raw talent yet to be discovered on the road?

To be honest with you that was one of the major reasons I decided to start up a label because I see lots of talents every day. To me, they are helpless because for you to succeed in the industry, you need more than talent. So, that’s one of the reasons why I decided to start up a record label.

We have seen several producers who started well but before we know it, they are nowhere to be found,

what do you think is the cause?

I really don’t know. I can’t speak for them.

How did you feel when you were first called to be one of the judges on Project Fame and did you envisage it will last this long?

The way Project Fame started, I

knew it was going to be a force to be reckoned with because the production quality was on point. And we are getting better over the years. The production quality is on point, the content is also on point, and it was not just about the show, Project Fame is that platform that invests in lives- either you win or not there is something you are

leaving with.

We don’t have music schools in Nigeria. Even the ones we have are not affordable. So, Project Fame is where you come to learn how to do things properly in terms of vocal lessons.

Beside the money, it’s a platform that invests in individuals. When I saw all of that, I was positive that it’s some-

What’s your advice for the young ones who have the talent but they don’t know how to go about it?

Like I always say, believe in you but be very honest to yourself. Whatever field you wanted to enter into either as a musician or as a producer, you must be honest with yourself. Are you ready to take up the challenges? If you’re not ready, get some training to develop whatever gift God has given to you.

There are some talents that see Gold in rough. You still need to go through the refining process. And a lot of people just feel that because they are talented then they’ve arrived but, they still need to go through some training to get things done properly. So, believe in yourself and be honest to yourself.

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metro (south)

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

Social Media; Taking A Toll on Print Media

By Joy Ekeke

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he migration of newspaper readers to digital platforms (social media) and the progresses in today’s technology which is changing so rapidly has made many news media companies and industries to simply give out information through the social media platforms and people would read and consume it by reading or looking at it is the The social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, You-Tube and online news media helps the younger audiences or readers to get involved in journalism like web forums, debates, blogs and incorporating comments within any website particularly on news stories or latest trending topics.

News media efforts have thrown up new issues in evaluating news capacity. Digital brings with it a host of novel newsroom job descriptions – aggregator, coordinator of community conversations, technologist just to name a few.

Depending on your viewpoint, one could argue these are low-impact substitutes for the thinned ranks of traditional reporters, editors and visual journalists. Some may even argue that the new jobs are making newspaper content more relevant and deepening connection with readers as preferences change about how to get news, share it and talk about it.

Several studies already have shown that younger readers spend more time online than reading the traditional print newspaper.

Olawale Adeoye, an undergraduate who explained why he does not buy a newspaper said, “I only subscribe my blackberry phone for one month. If I want to get the latest news, I go to any online media or social media to read the news instead of going to any newspaper stand to buy the paper.

He noted that today’s readers expect to choose what they read, most people believe that they should be able to contribute content and place their opinion on the site if the topic was interesting.

For many years, a great advantage for digital news reports has been that their production was inexpensive and broadcasting is close to free.

Plus, they are available whenever and wherever the user wants and can be up-to-the-moment in a timely way that a once-a-day print report never can.

Yinka Abayomi said, if you want to get the latest gist or learn what’s trending in the world, the best place is through social media most espe-

cially on Twitter, Facebook and other social media sources. ‘’I think for the young generation they don’t buy newspaper to read, but they can stand at the newspaper stand to read and argue about the major headlines since most people have phones that can browse.

It has become apparent that producing newspapers in any platform

clearly requires some big investments and huge human effort. Even most newspaper companies have the online platforms for their readers who can’t buy the newspaper but can easily go to their online site to read.

Now, with various Android-based devices, most people can get information on their phones without any stress. The online media frequently

update news. Some news consumers also receive breaking news through via social media before getting the news on a hard copy (Newspaper).

“Newspapers are for the old fashion people because youths don’t buy newspaper, the only thing they do is to go online and read the latest news. For me it’s been long I bought a newspaper since I know I

can browse anywhere and get news on my facebook, Twitter, You-tube so what is the essence of getting a newspaper since I can read news even in the mid-night on my phone,” Chidi Okoye quipped.

Emeka Wisdom, a graduate of University of Benin said, “I prefer the social media for news compared to more traditional sources (Newspapers) because even the online news media rush to be the first to report a story and when it comes to breaking news you get it through the online media or social media before the newspapers companies published it.”

The internet or social media is also an irresistible medium for companies to advertise their goods and services most especially classified adverts in particular are quickly moving to the online platform.

A banker, Ibrahim Babatunde, said, these days most companies, industries, marketers, businessmen and women prefer the online adverts because it attracts the younger generation to shop online without stress.

Even many Internet bloggers are also trying to attract younger readers by shifting and combining their stories towards entertainment, lifestyle, relationship and subjects that may be more relevant to people’s daily life.

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

metro (north)

Living In Tears In Abuja Augustine Aminu

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he insecurity in the northern part of Nigeria has inadvertently encouraged the influx of people into Abuja the federal capital territory thereby increasing the population in the federal city.

It can be estimated that over five million people are residing in Abuja as confirmed by Senator Bala Mohammed Minister of federal capital territory recently.

It is not the rapid growth of the population that is worrisome, but the way of life of a large percentage of this population which encroach on the sort of sanity that the city was built to have.

Thousands of Nigerians troop into the city daily in search of livelihood. As they storm the city, they lack access to shelter and, obviously, they don’t give a hoot about it.

Because of hardship in the city, some of them eventually settle for all sorts of menial jobs that barely fetch them money for sustenance.

These groups of people make shanties, squatter settlements and slums just to have a place to lay their head after toiling for the day.

Some of them that cannot even

afford the shanties, squatters or slums take refuge in uncompleted buildings especially in the city centre, under bridges especially along Mararaba, Karu, stationery cars especially in Apo mechanic village, frontage of shops and dilapidated buildings in most estates.

Despite the vigilance of the authorities, under bridges in the city centre are not completely safe from this crop of people, but places like Nyanya, Karu, Mabushi, etc are their hotbeds.

A cab driver who pleaded anonymity said most of the people who live in these uncompleted buildings are people who just came into the town and don’t have anyone. “Most of them are people who just come to Abuja to struggle. Life for these kinds of people is not fair. Even women live in the uncompleted buildings” One of the homeless people in Dutse Baupma, Malam Musa Abdullahi a KEKE NAPEP driver said he came to FCT from a village near Saminaka, Kaduna state and has been sleeping in a mosque since he came to Abuja three years ago.

He was trained as a bricklayer in his village and came to Abuja in search of better life leaving his wife

and five children back home.

He said he never came to Abuja with any intention of living in a mosque, but poor finances forced him into the predicament. Musa admits that where he found himself was not by choice and, of course, nobody chooses to live that way but he had to adapt to the situation he found himself.

He said at cold nights, they wear as much as five clothes to beat cold and mosquitoes.

Another of such persons, Johnson Dauda from lafia, Nasarawa state told Daily Times that he has been sleeping in a stationery car for nine months and depends on one of his townsmen for daily meal, as he has not got anything to do for a living yet. “I have been sleeping in this car for the past nine months that I came.

However, a social analyst, Comrade Tosin Olajide said government needed to urgently address the situation because such persons could cause nuisance in the society.

“The government needs to find solution to the menace because, apart from being a nuisance in the society, they also pose a security threat.

Their types are easily recruited to commit crimes,” he suggested.

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NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

relationship

Rekindle The Flames I

By Ngozi Ndubisi

t should not always be same old style, we should learn to spark up the fire and rekindle the flames in us, I mean (wives).

Give him a run for his bride price; give him some extra sugar, once in a while. It keeps the fire burning.

Want to know how to get your spouse’s attention, rekindle the flames and have him or her love it?

Initiate, and fine-tune your technique as follows.

Set The Mood Create a sexy atmosphere. If your spouse is romantic, then put out all the stops. Don’t let them come back to a home dirtied with kid’s socks, used plates, empty water bottles or ties and shirts thrown about. But don’t overdo it though.

Look ready. This means your spouse should see that you’ve put some effort into your appearance and not looking like what the cat dragged in from the gutter. You should smell good too. What you wear is irrelevant; just make sure you look eatable and decent.

Find A Comfortable Couch. Just bear in mind it will be awkward if the kids or the help walk in on you, so make sure everyone is either sleeping or in bed and not going to happen on you guys. The bedroom is a good spot, but too obvious, let the outcome take you both there.

Don’t forget the music. Let the music playing softly at the background set the mood and pace. Have the songs queued up and ready to go, so you don’t waste time going back and forth.

Shift To Base Two. Flirt & Tease a little: Touch or steal a peck or two and you could even ask for a dance. Waltz round a bit, or pretend to dance with an invisible partner to show how serious you are.

Initiate a kiss: Most times wives fear to start sex play of any sort. You have become one with your spouse, so do it and you’ll be surprised at his reaction. It took awhile but, I got there and it’s glorious.

For you husbands, go and kiss her but lightly at first until she gets into it and changes the tempo, then…

Take a moment to compliment: Long as you keep it romantic, it’ll put your spouse at ease. Do this in between kisses. In your passionate moment, take a little break to look him/her in the eyes and say how you love him or her. Your spouse will forgive you anything. But never use

sex as a bribe.

Base Three: Turn Up The Heat At this stage ‘touchry’of any kind is allowed. Touching is another way of showing affection and affirming it. But do this in the lightest way possible; allow your spouse feel your touch more of a dream than reality and a hunger for more touch will grow.

Playfully get your spouse to sit on your laps: As long as you are the initiator, get your spouse to sit on your laps, let the seat bear most of the weight, if you can’t. Chose a good support chair amongst what you have.

Whisper into his/her ear: Say sweet things into the ear while teasingly nibble at the edges of the ear, especially the ear lobe. Give a little bite too, it will send the blood rushing to the needful areas.

Just when things are really getting hot and heavy, pull back and look into his or her eyes as you caress the face or hair. This is guaranteed to drive your spouse wild as you pull away just when he wants more of you than ever.

Finally Allow the enticed to lead the way, either where you are or up in your bedroom, whichever place, make it memorable. Don’t forget to keep touching as you decide and move venues. It’s a reminder ‘we are still on.’

Remember, it’s private, keep it so.

Keep the children and all the housemates away and secure your perimeter, no intruder allowed.

Happy trying out! Tell us know the outcome, send your emails to ngozindubisi2013@yahoo.com

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

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relationship

Dysfunctional Bedmatics (Bedmate) 2

By Ngozi Ndubisi

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urprisingly, we got many mails on this topic. We replied some, still researching some and the ones we have not replied to, will be answered within 48hrs. But here are some questions we needed to treat because of their urgency: First off, is not really a question, but a suggestion, which has been tried by four of my readers and according to them, it worked for them. I hope it will work for you too.

The next question is on staphylococcus infection Most of you that wrote in have had this for no less than 5years.

Which is serious because Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, types of germs commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or result in relatively minor skin infections.

But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart. A growing number of otherwise healthy people are developing

life-threatening staph infections.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics and drainage of the infected area. However, some staph infections no longer respond to common antibiotics, Frightening but true and some confessed to have had it for over 15yrs.

For example, only about 10 percent of today’s staph infections can be cured with penicillin. Always make sure you finish your medications and not stop half way, this may cause the drugs not to be effective next time.

Please Get Proper Medical Care because, the Staph you cure, may Very Well save your Life and those of yours Unborn.

The Last Question Is On Masturbation We got an alarming number of emails on this subject and from different age groups. YES, masturbators can experience some side effects, whether they are short-term, long-term or related to chronic masturbation habits like: FATIGUE & TIREDNESS The feeling of exhaustion, weakness and low energy may present itself all day if you do it 3-4time a

day.

UNWANTED FAMILIARITY Because your hands have become too used to it, one side effect of masturbation is that subsequent ejaculations will take longer because a strange hand (a wife’s) is touching it now. Then again, if you masturbate a few times before having sex with your spouse, you’ll probably have difficulty reaching climax or even getting a hard-on (men).

PREMATURE EJACULATION Prolonged masturbation results in dysfunctional ejaculation that is not being able to delay gratification both for your spouse and yourself, so you finish before you even start.

DIFFICULTY OF HAVING SATISFACTION FROM SPOUSE When you have developed a routine for yourself on how to stimulate yourself, you will find it difficult to find the same stimulation from your spouse. Most times its prolonged agony for the spouse, without you having to do yourself first to get started.

ISSUES WITH VISION Some hormonal imbalance in the

body occurs as a result of habitual masturbation and one of such imbalance is blurred vision. It affects the body chemistry because it can overproduce sex hormones and neurotransmitters. This overproduction impacts each person differently, and can range from fatigue, pelvic pain, vision changes, lower back pain, testicular pain, or hair loss.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION One of the side effects of masturbation for men is weak penis that leads to weak and soft erection.

This could be why there are many men out there that cannot now perform with their wives, after many years of masturbating.

PAINS Masturbation could be associated with pains in the following regions: Lower back, the pelvic region, also testicular pain, etc. this is one side effect you have to find out if it’s what is affecting you.

ABRASIONS OR AND SWELLING OF THE PENIS Dr. Chaves discusses the possible negative side effects of masturbation to cause grazes, or cuts on

your manhood, which might cause it to swell up. This is because many of you have rough hands, calluses, or and your use of vigorous strokes.

GUILT TRIP There is also the psychological problem on the person who masturbates. Many feel ashamed and guilty because of this habit, (whether it’s a cultural, religious or moral issue), and there is a tug of war between what gives naught pleasure as against what they know as wrong and have been told to refrain from. This guilt trip can have lasting harmful effects on ones selfesteem, confidence and self-love.

Psychosomatic effects can also occur, where physical symptoms are the result of psychological factors (feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety can manifest into things like headaches, back pain, chronic pain, etc).

It is easier to email a total stranger and tell it all, than face your family doctor, but I will advice you see another very good doctor outside your circle and get a proper check up and treatment.

For this could destroy many things for you, including a promiscuous spouse, separation or total marital breakdown.

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dtn early beginnings

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

CASE STUDY No. l PRESS LAW 1964

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n Tuesday, September 8, 1974, the Daily Times carried a front page story on a new law which would tighten control of the Nigerian press.

In a front page comment on Thursday, September 10, 1964, the Daily Times opened its attack on the new law.

It stated: “The Newspaper Amendment Bill (1964) we are told is designed to sustain peace. Order and good government in the state and protect the freedom and rights of the individual against newspaper recklessness. Therefore, the new law will punish proprietors, managing directors, chairmen and editors of newspapers if they publish ...‘any statement, rumour or report which is known to be false, or suspected to be false and which… (a) Discloses or affects adversely any right, reputation or freedom of a person which is entitled to protection; (b) Discloses confidential information, or (c) Attacks or is likely to jeopardise the authority and independence of the courts or (d) Is likely to be prejudicial to the defence of Nigeria, or to public safety, public order, public morality or public health.

This newspaper”, the Daily Times said, “does not defend recklessness in any form and we are the first to admit that newspapers cannot demand unlimited freedom at the expense of state security and individual liberty.” “Notwithstanding this, however,” it continued, “we hold most strongly that there are already adequate provisions in our statute books sufficient to provide the restraint which the new law purports to seek.”

The paper cited the Defamation Act and the official Secrets Act 1962 which protect both the individual and the state from adverse publications.

“In a democracy”, the paper pointed out “where the much vaunted free press is a guaranteed right, the government’s proposed law is a violation of its pledges to the people.

For, the freedom of the press is the freedom of the people. It is not a right exclusive to the few journal-

ists who earn their living on newspapers.”

The paper called on politicians, Trade Unions Ministers and the people to be vigilant so as to ensure a free press.

“Let there be no mistaking the fact.” the paper concluded, “that if the new law is passed in its proposed form, those politicians and the Trade Unionists who have ventilated their points of view, sometimes to the irritation of government, will find no media, either to make their views known or to champion their causes.

This is the brink,” it said, “on which we are hovering the brink of helplessness.”

The day before Wednesday, September 9 the Daily Times carried a front page interview with Chief C. O. Ogunbanjo, a Lagos lawyer and chairman of “Liberty”, the Nigerian branch of the International Commission of Jurists. Chief Ogunbanjo felt that “if the bill is passed into law it could fetter the proper exercise by the press of the fundamental right of expression entrenched in our constitution.”

Another attack on the Press Law was published alongside the Daily Times front page commentary discussed earlier. Chief G. B. A. Akinyede, a respected Lagos Constitutional lawyer described it as “a dangerous inroad.” Mr. Michael Imoudu, the veteran labour leader had this to say: “No honest and progressive government will even introduce such a bill, much more embark upon passing it into law.”

Another labour leader Alhaji Haruna Adebola was quoted as saying “Those ministers and Parliamentarians who are heavily indebted to some foreign firms must be exposed from time to time......... THE PRESS SHOULD NOT BE GAGGED.” Mr. Adeoye Adisa, a former Western Nigeria Minister of information described the law as “the height of dictatorial tendencies and the first red signal of the exit of freedom in all its ramifications.” The Daily Times devoted an entire inner page to such views as mentioned above. The pressure kept mounting.

On Friday, September 11, the Daily Times published another Front page comment

entitled Government by Surprise”.

The most disagreeable part of the proposed law according to the paper was that dealing with non-publication of confidential matter.

It cited the case of the Preventive Detention Act which at the time the press started criticising it was confidential.

The press mobilized the action and the proposal was finally shelved.

Under the proposed law,” said the paper “the press would not dare inform the nation about an impending obnoxious law. Because the law officers will say that the matter is confidential.”

The paper warned that “if we allow this bill to go through parliament successfully, we would seal our doom. We would give authority to government by surprise.

Just in case the generally apathetic public thinks that the Press Law concerned only the newspapers alone, the Daily Times said: “There may arise the unfortunate impression in the minds of certain persons, that this law is the business of newspaper men alone. THAT WOULD BE RIDICULOUSLY UNTRUE.” “The new law,” according to the paper, “en-compasses the publication of views that may “agitate the authorities: Views of dissident politicians; views of ministers resigning from government; views of the Union and views of the common people.

Newspapers will not dare champion any causes for fear that one minor aspect of their contention may be wrong.”

Concluding the paper noted that “It is for the people to decide which way they will be ruled. But let us assure those politicians, trade unionists, all and sundry that a frightened press is the beginning of the end of Democracy.”

Two influential columnists, Peter Pan (Peter Enahoro) and ALLAH-DE (Alhaji Alade Odunewu) waded knee-deep into the press Law controversy. In his contribution, Peter Pan warned that “our freedom is threatened.” “Democracy,” he said, “is walking a tight rope secured at one end and on the cliff of freedom and at the other end on the cliff of autocracy.

Between the deep, dark gorge is the horrible valley of dictatorship.” Even a government sponsored newspaper, The Morning Post, registered its protest when it wrote: “Let as not pretend that we like the pro-posed law. We DO NOT. “Let us admit it, that the proposed law has made it more difficult to earn a living by the pen, and without fear, The public will suffer by this law ......”

ALLAH-DE had this to say. “About two years ago, the Federal Minister of information, Chief T. 0. S. Benson, told a Journalism seminar in Lagos: ‘The freedom of selfexpression, the freedom to criticize, the magnificent and almost holy freedom of the press is like an undying flame and one which we intend never to see extinguished in Nigeria.’

“It is ironical,” ALLAHDE said, “that it was the same TOS Benson who made the above plausible contribution on this vital subject whose name adorns the retrogade Act aimed at quenching the undying flame of freedom of expression which his government INTEND NEVER TO SEE EXTINGUISH IN NIGERIA.” As the protest over the newspaper Bill mounted, political parties began to pass the buck. The Daily Times of Monday September 14 reported Dr. Kalu Ezera, an NCNC MP, as having said that the NCNC had no hand in the matter, but the party was a junior partner in the NPC/ NCNC coalition administration.

The same issue of the paper also reported that Newspaper editors and members of the executive committee of the Nigerian Union of Journalists held a five hour meeting in which they selected a committee to meet Federal Information Minister Chief TOS Benson, that day.

The Minister promised the editors that he would “look most carefully” into any representations they might wish to make — against the proposed amendment to the Newspaper Act. On page 7 of its issue of September 16, the Daily Times carried two features, “Padlocking Mouth of The

DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014

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dtn early beginnings

CASE STUDY No. l PRESS LAW 1964 morning with its formal presentation in Parliament by Press”, and “An End to Dethe Minister of Information. mocracy”. Pictures of padWhether the Bill becomes law locked mouths were used and is now the responsibility of in this same issue, the paper members who represent the published a communiqué of people. the meeting between Editors, “It is these elected legislaJournalists and the Minister tors of the nation—Ministers, of Information. The comfront line members and the muniqué provided details of back-benchers to whom the the Editors ‘and journalists’ “Daily Times” in the national objection and amendments to interest, for the preservation the Bill. of democracy in Africa’s lead“Under the proposed Bill,” ing state, addresses itself tothe journalists wrote, “a Minday. ister is to be classified into “We stand in the corridor special class of protected that divides darkness and persons. We submit that the light. Exhaustive arguments Bill is, or likely to, convert have been advanced sufficient ordinary civil libel cases into to show abundantly that if the criminal libel cases for the Bill is passed, the freedom of benefit of a few people. Only the press and therefore the in dictatorships do we have freedom of the people will such protection offered to have been withdrawn. those in public office.

It is inescapable to feel “But this is not the case in some emotion on this day. some parts of the country. The Since October 1, 1960, NigePenal Code of Northern Nigeria has stood out as the leadria makes it an offence only ing spirit of Africa. to publish matters which may Nigerians, when they go cause … abroad have held their heads (a) Disaffection high with the justified pride, that in the midst of the encir(b) Excite hatred or concling gloom which threatens tempt to engulf Africa, our nation has remained the one hope, (c) Offend public peace the surviving glory and testimony that democracy can (d) Or cause fear or alarm; yet survive in this continent. offences against these laws Beset with dictatorships and refer specifically to the Govplagued by intolerance the ernor-General, Governor of a continent of Africa has looked Region, or the Government of fervently to Nigeria for exthe Federation.” ample.

“It is true,” they went on, “There was a proposed Bill “that the law mentions “a which could perish this basclass of persons and although tion, which could erase for we do not wish to defend the ever, all that we have stood Penal Code, we would make for; which could crush for this observation — that in eternity our passion and aspispite of the protection which ration to remain a democracy. the Penal Code may afford to “The tragedy of it all is that the Council of Ministers or to this Bill should come at the the Executive body of a politiend of a regime led by a world cal party in the guise of a class states-man. Alhaji Abubakar of persons, IT IS PROVIDED Tafawa Balewa, has earned IN BLACK AND WHITE praise even from his political THAT THE PUBLICATION opponents as a level-headed, MUST BE ONE THAT WILL tolerant leader. His name is a EN-DANGER PUBLIC by-word for tempered justice PEACE. and leaders of older nations “On September 23, the day have acclaimed him a leader Parliament opened to discuss who can match the best of the among other things the press world beyond.

Bill, the Daily Times pub“It will cause pain, rightlished a front page comment, fully, across the entire world the third in a series. Because this morning that it is Alhaji of the timing and its pungenAbubakar’s administration cy, it is worth reproducing in which proposes this Bill. full: “For the politicians who THE controversial Newsmay still be in doubt as to the paper (Amendment) Act extent of the Bill and those 1964, reaches its climax this CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

who may suffer by it, the “Daily Times” will once again emphasise that the politicians stand to lose most by the Bill.

“We are on the eve of vital elections. Let the politicians make no mistake about it, that if the Bill is passed into law, a great deal of their electioneering speeches and statements will end up in wastepaper baskets. Their views will be blacked out.

“Chief Theophilus Benson, who is to move the Bill, has strained to point out that the Bill is an all-party proposal.

In a sense the Minister is right. For no Bill of such farreaching consequences can be proposed without the blessing of the Cabinet - in which the majority of parties are now represented.

“Furthermore, the “Daily Times” holds the view that this is not an issue for party rivalry; that it is too vital to the basic tenets of our freedom for anyone to seek to score party points or prestige.

“WHAT SHOULD BE HELD FIRMLY IN THE MINDS OF ALL MPS TODAY IS THAT POWER CAN CHANGE HANDS. There is sometimes the wrong attitude among our legislators when confronted with vital Bills to act in the short-sighted interest.

“It may be true that the present Government will not misuse its power; but can we vouch for the next, and the next and the next? As Alhaji Abubakar said when the Preventive Detention Act was proposed, he as Prime Minister could give no guarantee that the law will not be misused. He was obviously looking beyond the immediate horizon.

“Representatives of the press yesterday offered concrete plans for the establishment of a Press Council. The broad outlines are published in this newspaper today. We commend it for serious and sincere deliberations to all MPS. “Government should withdraw its own Bill and give this alternative careful study.

There is time. There is the need for a little tarry. Freedom is not a matter to be dealt with in haste. Nigeria has so much to lose by hurried decision.

“As we tread the fearful brink of totalitarianism today,

as we stand uncertain on the threshold that distinguishes gloom from glory; fear and intimidation from liberty and free expression, let us concede that the Nigerian Parliament has until now borne aloft the flame of democracy.

“Each MP should count himself as having helped to enkindle that flame; also that as at this moment Nigeria recognises him as a torch bearer of the freedom which has made us proud.

“The burning faith of a freedom-loving people should not be swept aside at will such as today’s Bill threatens to do.

Nor should the MPs stain their own record by assenting to a Bill which does not reflect the spirit which they have represented for five years.

In the name of the people let the leaders pause and ponder. Why do we need this Bill? Let them look beyond their immediate surroundings.

Laws should not be enacted merely to fulfil temporary whims, to quell transient irritations and anger, or to satisfy expediencies.

“This terrible weapon which we design today could fall into the wrong hands tomorrow! Then what happens?

“Neither the people, nor their leaders can afford this Bill.

The skies are heavily laden today with dark clouds, because the voice of freedom is held in a death-grip.

“Shall the people elected to protect our freedom themselves throttle the baby they were entrusted to nurse?

“Shall all the promises, pledges and public avowals, at home and abroad, that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, come to nought for this mere reasons: That once in a while there have been ruptures between some of the press and some of the leaders?

“May God guide those whose heavy responsibility it is to determine today whether the banner of freedom shall continue to flourish in Nigeria.

“OR WHETHER THE LIGHTS WILL BE SWITCHED OFF” On the day of the first meeting of the House of Representatives, the proposed Bill was not mentioned. However,

NOVEMBER 3 – 9, 2014 DAILTY TIMES

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for the records

Shrewd Tambuwal And The Non-Consequence of Decamping

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ome months back, I wrote a commentary on the incessant and annoying decamping by politicians. Some self-censoring publications refused to publish it because it apparently described some lawmakers in their jurisdiction. However, the bitter truth is that in the last couple of years, elected officials have been changing political parties to suit their own ambitions. It is only our President that we can say has not changed party so far and probably won’t because he has been chosen as the only flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Those decamping include Senators, House of Reps members, Governors and House of Assembly member.

Even when courts issue orders for the seats to be declared vacant, the orders are flouted.

Nigerian should accept that the issue of decamping from a political party is now irrelevant.

Just this past week, Hon, Aminu Tambuwal, representing he Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, showed his colleagues another deft move, when he did not inform them that he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), until the end of the

legislative session. Whether you consider it cleverness or dishonesty, the point is that the “honorable” knew what he was going to do when he entered the hallowed lower chambers that morning. At the beginning of the day, when sitting commenced, he probably was laughing within himself and saying internally, “if only they know what I am going to do.”

Anyway, I am sure it was not a surprise to some of his confidants. There is an Urhobo proverb that states, “between the hunter and the bush meat in the bush, only the hunter knows what is on his mind.” The biblical equivalent in Proverbs 29:11 is that “A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.”

In fact, I will not be surprised if he dumps APC should they make the mistake of not giving him the governorship ticket. It appears that he is the anointed candidate of the out-going governor, who he has followed in the many decamping escapades.

For months, there have been speculations about Tambuwal’s loyalty. Which camp did he belong? Initially, he was rumored to be nursing ambitions for presi-

Let’s Think

&

Talk

By Alex O. Atawa Akpodiete dency. When his ambitions started to crystalize, it was obvious that he will be running for governorship of his home Sokoto State. In all the discussions, the unequivocal fact was that he will join the APC. In other words, although his body was in PDP, his mind and heart were al-

ready in APC. Americans say “if it quacks like a duck and looks like a duck, it must be a duck.” You can translate it to mean, if the person sounds like APC, mingles with APC, looks like APC, he must be APC. The adage that “show me your friends and I will tell you who you

are” is very appropriate here.

Hon. Tambuwal has exercised his constitutional right of Freedom of Association.

What most Nigerians do not want to accept is that although the party owns the ticket, we are a nation of lawless people. The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accepted decampees without encouraging them to resign their elective position. APGA has done it, along with LP, APC and other defunct parties. If you commit adultery with your neighbor’s wife, why will you complain if your wife cheats on you with your neighbor’s husband? When you go and complain to the community, those who believe in justice will laugh at you.

There was a woman caught in adultery and she was brought to Jesus for judgment. His reply in John 8:7 was “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” In other words, only a political party that has never accepted a decampee from another party without encouraging them to resign deserves to raise issues of morality by demanding the resignation of another unscrupulous politician.

Only a political neophyte or someone under the illusion of an altruistic democracy in Nigeria will continue to be bothered about whether a politician betrays the party that “made” him.

During last year’s PDP Special convention on August 31, 2013 in Abuja, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, CON of Akwa Ibom State, quipped that “PDP is Nigeria. Anything that happens to PDP happens to Nigeria.” Now that the number four citizen of the country has decamped to the opposition APC, it is now clear that what happens to PDP happens to Nigeria.

Decamping is now a normal thing that should be accepted as part of our politics.

As Tambuwal has shown, it is probably inconsequential and we should consider amending our laws to allow politicians to change political parties like they change mistresses.

Think about it! *Rev. Akpodiete, a public affairs analyst writes from Asaba. He is also an aspirant for Udu/Ughelli North/ Ughelli South Federal Constituency in Delta State. Contact him on 08138391661 or Profatawa@gmail.com

nors. When people who have had success in their careers turn to elective office with the goal of serving or saving the people, the arena is elevated, whether they win or not. This kind of citizen duty will make for healthy doses of passion and reason.

Unfortunately the new mercantilism we are faced with throws up a private sector of indigenous and nearakin business people who instead of creating the civil society push for better governance to advance the cause of enterprise bank roll power for the transactional purpose of better access to economic rent, thus perpetuating weak institutions, arbitrariness and impunity. Rescuing Nigeria

from the paradox of passion is not likely to come from these interested stakeholders in the way people like Douglas North have argued in their writings on institutions and economic development. It is understandable that revolutions are the answer for some people.

Whatever works, the bottom line is that Africa lost so much ground to the West during the course of the twentieth century that we cannot afford to leave governing to those not given to passion, reason and rigor.

Pat Utomi, Political Economist, and Professor of Entrepreneurship, is founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership.

The Paradox of Passion – Pat Utomi

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assion matters.

Many great powers equipped beyond the capacity of weaker adversaries have failed to defeat those less advantaged ones. The case of the Americans in Vietnam shaped American policies for a generation. In commercial enterprise small-under resourced but passionate teams have outperformed hitherto dominant partners, the example of Canon versus Rank Xerox have stirred us in the face.

So the big question is do we lack the passion required to climb out of the rot? Some will tell you the problem in Africa is there is too much passion, too little rigor in how

to do things right. So like the matter of faith and reason too much passion without the reason portion creates the paradox of much passion resulting in negative outcomes.

So where do we go if we are going to tap into the demographic dividend possibilities of now and make this Africa’s century?

Some call for a revolution. One of such people is the grand old man from the nationalist struggle days, the early days’ minister and later Ambassador to the United Nations Alhaji Maitama Sule.

Each time we meet, he never fails to say ‘Pat, your destiny is to be Gandhi or Mao. Do not betray your destiny. This country needs a revolution

and you should lead.

In my last reflection I referred to the American Revolution and Niall Ferguson’s reference to the US constitution of 1787 as, the most remarkable effort at institution building and wondered the factors that helped it evolve.

In many ways it is still about the burden of a generation. In the Franz Fanon sense of every generation having to discover its mission and fulfill or betray it, we need to construct a sense of Nigeria going back to the promise of the 1950s and the founding fathers and then locate this generation in a vision of the realization of that new Nigeria.

It ought to be a passionate

enterprise but it should be fed by knowledge and commitment to the common good.

In that lies a vision of man which recognises our shared humanity which should be something that saves us from politicians who try to divide us on lines of ethnicity, religion and class.

If this generation can catch that vision it would give Nigeria the moral stature to pull Africa together and pull the continent race out of its poor location in that world.

This is why I feel buoyed by the news of a few people getting ready to contest gubernatorial seats in states like Abia which has been extremely unlucky with its elected gover-