Dtn 11 2 16

Telcos warn of forex ‘time bomb’, poor service

Ï Dangote Group hard hit, turns to credit agencies, cement operations abroad ÎÎÎ Telecommunication

Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

providers in Nigeria have alleged unfair treatment in

Opeoluwani Akintayo, Lagos

the allocation of foreign exchange for their operations and hence warned that if the trend continues, the

quality of GSM services would be grossly affected.

Representatives of the operators made this known

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

on Wednesday during an interactive session with the Continued on page 6

dailytimesng

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N150

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 42

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 10 February 2016.

SEPLAT

250

260

10%

DANGCEM

133.96

135.99

2.03%

7UP

183.98 174.79

-9.19%

UNILEVER

33.43

31.76

-1.67%

MOBIL

152

159.6

7.6%

OKOMUOIL

27.99

29.4

1.41%

NESTLE

705.02 700

-5.02%

CONOIL

20.25

19.24

-1.01%

Jonathan’s ADC arrested ÎÎÎColonel

Ojogbane Adegbe, a former Aidede-Camp (ADC) to former President Goodluck Jonathan has been arrested by federal authorities.

News of his arrest was broken on Wednesday evening by an online publication, The Will, and independently confirmed to the Daily Times by reliable sources. However, it could not

be ascertained as to why he was arrested or where he was being held.

In a similar development, Mr Ibrahim Magu, the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to join hands with the Commission in the fight against corruption.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mr Wilson Uwujaren ,EFCC’s Head, Media and Publicity.

It said that Magu made the call when the national executive of the NBA paid him a courtesy visit.

Magu said that some members of the association had given it a bad

name as a result of their unprofessional conducts.

He said that some lawyers were aiding some individuals and corporate bodies to perpetrate economic and financial crimes. ``Society is not served when prominent members of the Bar not only take clearly tainted briefs, but even facilitate the commission of

crimes by knowingly supplying the technical know-how and later helping in the dispersal of the proceeds of crime. ``There are lawyers within the fold of the NBA who ought not to be among your noble ranks. ``Those people are not fit to be called ministers; rather, they are vandals of the temple of justice’’, the statement said.

Colonel Adegbe

Reps uncover N180m 6 ‘double’ allocation in NIMET budget

Okorocha bows to labour, recalls 3,000 sacked workers 12 8 Use of PVC by INEC

unconstitutional

–Lawyers

9ice:

On originality and true L1 music

Rev.Fr. Lawrence Abanobi applying ash on Rev. Sisters at The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gwagwalada to mark the beginning of Lent in Abuja… on Wednesday.

ÏPDP removes Bello, appoints Sen. Walid Jubrin as acting BoT Chair

5

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Page Three

s

3

Editorial Time to end gas flaring

R

ecently, the Director of Health of the Mother Earth Foundation, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, expressed misgivings on the Federal Government’s reported commitment to ending gas flaring by 2020. According to him, successive governments have been shifting the deadline for this all-important milestone from year to year. It is disheartening that debates on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has been going on for more than a decade, has said nothing on when gas flaring would end.

We are also alarmed at the development, with the attendant health hazards. Figure shows that Nigeria exceeds over 40 percent of the gas flared annually across Africa, which amounts to about $7 billion in waste.

Aside the economic waste, flared gas is also known to contain toxic substances which cause respiratory diseases and air pollution, leading to depletion of the ozone layer, ultimately having an adverse effect on weather and climate. In addition, the release of oxides of Nitrogen and Sulfur into the atmosphere is responsible for the formation of acid rain, which destroys vegetation and damages structures and buildings while reducing visibility.

Whilst many countries have been re-injecting gas into the fields and converting same into liquefied natural gas, domestic cooking gas, plastic production and other uses, the problem of gas flaring has remained unresolved in Nigeria many decades after.

We recall that the first regulatory framework at stopping gas flaring was the Associated Gas Reinjection Act, 1979. It required every oil and gas producing company to submit to the minister for petroleum, detailed

programmes in relation to the reinjection of produced associated gas.

It is doubtful whether the Federal Government is enforcing this policy.

It is a fact that the government’s main interest is to maximise its monetary profits from oil production.

Therefore, the oil companies find it more economically expedient to flare the natural gas and pay the insignificant fine than to re-inject the gas back into the oil wells. Moreover, since there is an insufficient energy market especially in rural areas, these companies do not see an economic incentive to collect the gas.

Therefore, the environment and human health consideration is seen as secondary for oil companies and the Nigerian government. We believe the Federal Government can impress upon the oil companies to stop gas flaring if there is the political will.

First, there should be firm commitment from the government to encourage gas utilisation and flaring reduction with petroleum companies through introduction of fiscal incentives.

The World Bank proposal urging oil and gas producers to stop gas flaring by 2030 is achievable and to achieve this, there should be a wellco-ordinated alliance between the government and various energy subsectors to ensure compliance with protocols on gas flaring.

It bears repeating that gas flaring should be brought to an end because of the monumental waste of resources especially in a country like Nigeria where energy demand surpasses supply and where over 70 percent of the population still live in abject poverty. In addition, the extent of environmental degradation that gas-flaring causes is enormous and therefore stopping the practice will reduce the environmental and health effects.

Daily/ Online Editor Biodun Durojaiye Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

ÏÏÏWhy

do some Nigerians wait until they fall out of favour with their benefactors before coming out to ‘blow the whistle’?

Again, how come many Nigerians wait until they are forced before they admit to have violated the law or were accessories to crimes?

Answers to these questions have become pertinent in view the confession of a former Secretary of the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Temitope Aluko, as well as Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) witnesses in the ongoing trial of individuals accused of corruption.

Aluko, for instance, recently while speaking with reporters in Abuja, among others alleged that former President Goodluck Jona-

than gave Governor Ayo Fayose N4.7 billion cash to prosecute the June 21, 2014 governorship election in the state.

Also, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi and six others, Uche Obilor, recently admitted before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos that his three companies were paid N905.8 million by NIMASA under Akpobolokemi for a contract he did not execute.

Recall that other prosecution witnesses had earlier confessed the roles they played in the N400 million allegedly collected from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh.

Clearly, Aluko and the

Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714 Head Finance/Shared services Simpa Ajayi

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EFCC witnesses do not qualify as whistle blowers. Aluko, for instance, resorted to the confession because he had fallen out of favour with Gov. Fayose.

The anti-graft witnesses on the other hand were compelled to confess the roles they played in the ongoing trials of individuals accused of graft and they did so as a means to given soft-landing. So, Aluko, the prosecution witnesses should not expect sympathy of Nigerians. They should bury their heads in shame for knowingly doing what is wrong and hiding it only to come out to spill the beans when the going had gone sour.

Nigerians should realise that for the country to move forward, we must all resolve to blow the whistle whenever the law is being compromised. We must not wait until we fall out of favour with our benefactors before blowing the whistle.

Anything short of this is not whistle blowing in its true sense.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Business Dev. Manager Bello Ganiyu 08037272933 Sales & Marketing Manager Tunde Dosumu Technical Adviser To Publisher Innocent Nwankwo Adverts/Partnerships/ Corporate Subscription Ifeanyi Emefu 08086296714 Konnie Agu 09033765031

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Sam Nzeh

Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Managing Editor Yinka Olujimi

How not to be a whistleblower

dailytimesng www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

Chinua Achebe

Ben Okri

Wole Soyinka

“One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.”

“The magician and the politician have much in common: they both have to draw our attention away from what they are really doing.”

“The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Opeoluwani Akintayo

ÏÏÏ

A Nigerian Senator, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, has condemned the Federal Government’s plan to feed students under the recently introduced National School Feeding Programme.

A recent report said the FG, over the weekend, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASCO Food Limited, Jos, Plateau State, on commercial production of high nutrient density biscuits to feed about 30 million school children below the age of 13.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who spoke at the ceremony, in Abuja, said that the MoU was to advance the implementing process of government’s desire to enhance a healthy development of its children

5 News

Don’t feed students, pay teachers, Ben Bruce tells FG through the programme.

Bruce reacted through his social media, Twitter account, saying feeding students was not the solution to the educational challenges in the country. He proposed that teachers should rather be paid.

“If we really want to improve education, Nigeria’s immediate priority should be to pay teachers well before giving Nasco biscuits to pupils,” he wrote.

He tweeted, besides, that when teachers were not paid good salaries, the

whole essence of the national feeding programme would end in shambles, as the teachers would end up being beneficiaries of the feeding programme rather than the pupils.

“Even if you give students all the NASCO biscuits in the world and you don’t pay teachers well, you’ll still end up with biscuit illiterates.”

“If we don’t pay teachers well, and we give them Nasco biscuits to their students, guess whose belly the biscuits is going to end

up in?,” he wrote.

Speaking further about the project, Onu said it would address the lack of vital vitamins in children’s food, and that the programme was conceived out of a need to tackle the increasing food challenges facing children in primary school between the ages of five and 13 years.

“This is surely the best way to go as the nation is giving serious attention to utilisation of indigenous technologies as a potent strategy to diversify the

economy to provide alternative revenue sources.

“In this process, jobs will be created, wealth will be generated and the

Gross Domestic Product (GDP), will be enhanced through the productive sector of the economy,” he said.

Saraki greets Christians at Lent

ÏÏÏ

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, felicitated with the Christian faithful as they commence fasting to mark the 40-day Lenten season, and urged them to use the period to pray for the peace and stability of the nation.

Saraki, who made the call in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, specifically enjoined the Christian faithful to seek the face of God most especially on the way out of the present socio-economic and security challenges confronting the country.

He thanked all Nigerians for their unflinching support for the Federal Government in the fight against insurgency, and said that their invaluable contributions had in no small way aided the success recorded so far in the fight against Boko Haram.

Saraki said: “I heartily congratulate all Christians as they commence Lent, which is a season dedicated to fasting and prayers. Prayers, no doubt, are very key to achieving our socio-economic objectives as they bring the hand of God to intervene in areas human strength and wisdom cannot prevail.

PDP removes Bello, appoints Sen. Walid Jubrin acting BoT Chair ÏÏÏ

L-R: President of VDMA, German Engineering Federation, Dr. Reinhold Festge; Executive Director, Dangote Industries Limited, Halima Dangote; President/CEO, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Germany Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michael Zenner at the signing of MoU between Dangote Industries Ltd and VDMA in Lagos… on Wednesday.

Sen. Orji slams Apugo over derogatory comment Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ

A former governor and Senator representing Abia central, Chief Theodore Orji has described the remarks against him by one Chief Benjamin Apugo as a ranting of an illiterate with clandestine motive to get Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s attention.

In a press release signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Don Norman Obinna, and made available to newsmen, in Lagos, Wednesday, Orji who was reacting to an interview that Apugo granted one of the national dailies wondered why a man who never supported Ikpeazu throughout

the campaign down to his eight months administration would suddenly wake up after a Supreme Court judgment.

Orji said that Apugo was a political subversive, whose selfish interest had alienated him from almost all Abia State elder statesmen, reputable politicians and family members, adding that despite the financial support given to him by the All Progressive Congress (APC), as the leader of the party in Abia State, he worked against the APC gubernatorial candidate, Anyim Nyerere, in the 2015 elections.

He accused Apugo of contributing immensely

to the impoverishment of his kinsmen, and said that, over the years, he had dubiously and coercively taken their landed properties.

“Since the creation of Abia State, tell me one politician that is in good terms with Apugo? There is none.

Is there any development project or achievement, which the people have benefitted from Apugo? There is none. Instead, he takes from them. He is scared of my status and achievements, which have changed the status quo in Abia State and especially Abia Central where he made himself a thin god,” Orji said He also said that Apugo, who not only has a pend-

Orji ing case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), instituted against him by the people he defrauded, had no moral justification to make uncharitable comments against him or advise Ikpeazu on how to govern Abia State.

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed its acting Secretary, Sen. Walid Jubrin as the new acting chairman of the board.

This is contained in a communiqué issued by the Board after its meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

The communiqué was read by Jubrin, who said he would act till the election of a new BoT chairman.

He said that the meeting unanimously appointed him to replace its acting National Chairman, Haliru Mohammed, adding that he still remain the secretary to the board.

Asked why the board decided to relieve Mohammed of his appointment, the new acting chairman said the tenure of Mohammed had already expired.

“On May 25, 2015, we appointed the outgoing acting chairman, Mohammed to act for three months, when the three months expired, we decided to extend the tenure that has also expired.

“Very soon we are going to hold a meeting to elect a substantive chairman, probably the next meeting of BoT, we

will do it properly and elect a substantive chairman,” he said.

He added that the BoT was in full support of the current initiatives by major stakeholders and all organs of the party towards restructuring the party to the part of internal democracy.

Also asked why the BoT decided to hold its meeting against the directive of National Working Committee to postpone the party’s organs meetings to next week, Jubrin said the board took it decision as a special organ of the party.

“The BoT has already called for this meeting. BoT is a special organ that regulates its activities. We can take our own decision.’’

He added that the board would also attend next week’s meeting as scheduled by the party NWC. NAN recalled that the PDP NWC had on Monday in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh shifted the National Caucus meeting of the party to Feb. 15.

It also shifted the Board of Trustees and the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings to Fe. 16.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Telcos warn of forex ‘time bomb’, poor service Continued from page 1 Senate Committee on Communications headed by Senator Gilbert Nnaji.

To resolve the crisis, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Senator Solomon Olamilekan hinted of the resolve by the Senate to summon the Minister of Communications, Finance Minister, National Communications Commission and others for clarification.

This development came as indications emerged

that the Dangote Group, owned by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, is presently struggling with a constricted supply of foreign exchange and is relying on its international cement operations and export-credit agencies to get around the shortage.

The company’s Group Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin, told Bloomberg on Wednesday that the company is in short of forex and is planning on

relying on financing arrangement through exportcredit agencies.

The Managing Director of Airtel, Mr Segun Ogunbanjo, in his presentation at the interactive session with the Senate Committee on Communications, lamented that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not been according the telecoms providers in Nigeria preference in allocation of foreign exchange.

He said. “If we are not included in priority sector,

it will affect the services we are providing.

“We do not enjoy priority in the allocation of foreign exchange. This is a time bomb because the problem might begin to affect the quality of service.”

Ogunbanjo also lamented cases of multiple taxation in Nigeria as another problem facing the providers, alluding to the harassments they have been suffering at all tiers of government as a major concern.

L-R: First Bank GMD/CEO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Inspector General Of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase and First Bank Executive Director, Public Sector, Mr. Dauda Lawal during a courtesy visit by First Bank Executives to Arase in Abuja… on Wednesday.

He told the Committee that while the Telecoms Providers are forced to pay multiple tax to the Federal Government, and are equally forced to do same to the states and local government areas.

He disclose also that the problem has always been complicated when area boys in different localities in Nigeria mount pressures on the providers to part with money, a situation he described as lamentable.

He, however, canvassed for the creation of Communication Treasury Account (CTA) meant for all Telecoms Providers to pay their taxes directly to the government.

Such account, he stressed, would bail out the providers from multiple taxations to enhance their operations.

In his presentation, the representative of Etisalat, Mr Mathew Willsher lamented the lack of transparency in the allocation of Spectrum to providers.

He told the Committee that the business of telecommunication in Nigeria is not as lucrative as being perceived by a large section of the populace.

The Committee’s Vice Chairman, Senator Solomon Olamilakan expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of Globacom at the interactive session, averring that Senate remains the highest legislative body

in Nigeria which no agency should override.

Dangote’s Group Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin said “The forex situation is extremely tight in Nigeria,” Group Executive Director Devakumar Edwin said in an e-mailed response to questions from Bloomberg on Wednesday.

“But Dangote Cement is already generating income in foreign exchange in Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal and Cameroon. Further, we are also making financing arrangements through export-credit agencies for the first time.”

Edwin said the company will build two new plants in Nigeria within three years that will add nine million metric tons annually, increasing total capacity to 38 million tons.

Dangote Cement Plc has also received all regulatory approvals to start building a 3 million-ton capacity plant in Nepal, Edwin said.

“We are checking the impact of the altitude on the capacity,” he said.

“Ethiopia is a 3 millionton per annum plant but can deliver only 2.5 million tons due to the altitude. It is the only plant outside Africa which has been announced by us.”

A cement plant in the Republic of Congo and an import terminal in Sierra Leone will also be commissioned this year, Edwin said.

Suicide bombers attack Dikwa Reps uncover N180m ‘double’ allocation in NIMET budget IDPs camp, kill 56 ÎÎÎTwo

female suicide bombers blew themselves up in a in a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State, killing at least 56 people, health and rescue officials said Wednesday.

A third woman bomber was arrested and has given officials information about other planned bombings that helped them increase security at the camp, said an official of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency.

Some 78 people are being treated for wounds from the twin explosions that occurred Tuesday

Henry Omunu,

morning in a camp of some 50,000 people driven from their homes by the Boko Haram Islamic uprising according to health workers in Maiduguri, the biggest city in northeastern Nigeria and birthplace of Boko Haram. They spoke on condition of anonymity as did rescue officials who said they were not authorized to speak to reporters.

According to the Associated Press, the emergency management official said 51 bodies were buried Wednesday in Dikwa, the scene of the carnage 85 kilometers (53 miles) northeast of Maiduguri. Health workers said five bodies

were brought to the main hospital in Maiduguri.

The officials said poor cell phone service delayed news of the attack.

Boko Haram’s 6-yearold Islamic insurgency has killed 20,000 people, made 2.5 million homeless and spread across Nigeria’s borders.

Gov. Midjiyawa Bakari of neighboring Cameroon’s Far North province said two suicide bombers believed to have come from Nigeria on Wednesday killed 10 people and injured 40 attending a wake in a border village, including children. Attacks in Chad and Niger also are blamed on Boko Haram.

Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

House of Representatives Committee on Aviation on Wednesday uncovered a staggering N180 million double allocation in the capital budget for the Nigeria Metreological Agency (NIMET) in the 2016 Appropriation Bill.

The committee also queried the agency over its practice of generating revenues in dollars and remitting the naira equivalent to the federal government without disclosing how much foreign exchange it earned and what exchange rate was used in calculating amount remitted to the government.

A member of the com-

mittee, Rep. Magaji DauAliyu had raised the query as to why the agency would propose a capital allocation of N85million in the budget and then N95million as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) under the same sub-head in the 2016 budget.

Responding, the Director of Finance and Administration of NIMET, Mr. Rueben Jiya said: “If we make allocation for capital in the budget and it doesn’t come, the double provision in IGR would have taken care of it without letting the agency suffer”.

However, asked what happens when the government approves and releases the requested amount, he said there would be reconciliation, but failed to convince the lawmakers how

such reconciliation is done and what will happen to the surplus.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha told the agency that the committee would not entertain a situation were projects initiated and started by the past administration would be discontinued and abandoned.

She also queried the agency’s decision to make provision for new projects in the 2016 budget when there were still ongoing and uncompleted projects needing attention.

The lawmaker said the committee desires a functional and efficient aviation sector that would be the envy of all around the world.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

7 News

Group urges Buhari to state reason for ‘sudden’ vacation Femi Fasipe

ÏÏÏ

A human rights group, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare his present state of health as stipulated by the rules

Buhari

and regulations guiding democratic tenets in Nigeria.

According to the group, the President should be ready to comply with the Chapter (VI), Part 1 of section 144 of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pointing out that the emergency vacation being undertaken by the Mr. President was a great testimony that President Buhari was hiding his state of health from the Nigeria Public.

The rights group also urged President Buhari to tender an unreserved apology to the people of Nigeria at home and abroad for his recent utterances and attacks against the Nigerian citizens, which has brought great stigma on the people in the international community.

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha (2nd Right) welcoming APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun (2nd left) during the visit of APC national officers to the governor in Owerri… on Wednesday. With them are Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere (left); National Secretary of APC, Mr. Mala Buru (right) and others.

Olubadan: Seriki lineage files fresh Movie stars mourn as family suit to stop Adetunji’s installation buries Arakangudu Remi Oladoye Ibadan

ÏÏÏIn pursuit of his ascendancy

to the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadan after the demise of Oba Damuel Odulana Odugade 1, the Seriki Chiefs of Ibadanland have filed another fresh suit to forestall the installation of the Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Saliu Adetunji, as the successor to the late monarch.

The suit was filed by four chiefs in the Seriki Chieftaincy Line: Adebayo Oyediji, Olalekan Fakunle, Rashidi Abinupagun and Gabriel Amoo, through their legal counsel, Mr. Abideen Adeniran.

The defendants are: the Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Attorney General of the state;

and nine members of the present Olubadan-in-Council, including the Olubadan-designate, Chief Adetunji; the Otun Olubadan, Chief Lekan Balogun; the Osi Olubadan, Chief Rashidi Ladoja; Ashipa Olubadan, Chief Eddy Oyewole; the Ekerin Olubadan, Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Otun Balogun, Chief Owolabi Olakuleyin; Osi Balogun, Chief Olufemi Olaifa; Ashipa Balogun, Chief Tajudeen Ajibola; and Ekerin Balogun, Chief Solomon Adabale.

According to the prayers of the Plaintiffs, there is already in force an order of interlocutory injunction restraining Governor Ajimobi, the Attorney General of the state and Chief Adetunji, who are the first to third defendants, from filling any vacancy in the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy.

The Seriki chiefs in a suit with number I/149/16 and dated February 8, 2016, dragged the 11 defendants to the High Court of the state and sought 21 reliefs, such as declaration that first claimant, Oyediji, is the person entitled to be appointed as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland after the death of Oba Odulana.

The second relief being sought before the court is an order that will direct the first defendant, Governor Ajimobi, to set the machinery in motion to appoint Oyediji as the next Olubadan and the third relief is a declaration that at present there is “no Ekerin Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, Otun Olubadan, Ekerin Balogun, Ashipa Balogun, Osi Balogun, Otun Balogun and Balogun chieftains in Ibadan.”

FG says ‘No’ to job loss in oil & gas Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has reiterated the zero tolerance of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to job losses in the oil and gas and other sectors of the economy.

Ngige assured that any threat to industrial harmony must be nipped in the bud.

“We all know that the backbone of the Nigerian economy for now is still the oil and gas. As the Minister of Labour and Employment, I am committed to forestalling any issue that could

bring industrial unrest in the sector or threaten job security in the country.

“I wish to put on record that the Buhari administration has zero tolerance for any form of job loss. If the oil and gas sector or any other sector for that matter cannot create new jobs, they must go the extra mile to retain the existing ones. Any job loss has multiple adverse effects on the population” Ngige said.

The Minister stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing a crucial meeting with National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUNPENG),

Petroleum & National Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the contractors in the oil and gas sector.

“I have before me, petitions which border on industrial and employment relations – retrenchment, casualisation, redundancy as well as unfair treatment of Nigerians in the employ of the oil majors. I have therefore summoned this meeting for us to properly ventilate the issues and make a way for a speedy resolution, after which we shall hold stakeholders’ summit,” Sen. Ngige said.

Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏ

Top Yoruba actor, Sikiru Adesina, popularly called Arakangudu, was on Wednesday, buried at his family house at Mubarakah Street in Osogbo, Osun State.

Arakangudu reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday, in Kaduna while shooting a movie.

During his burial on Tuesday, the family members and movie stars in Osogbo expressed displeasure over his sudden death.

His first son, Luqman Omotolani, said, “It sadden my heart when I heard the death of my fa-

ther, before his demise, he spoke with me on Monday.”

Some of the movie stars eulogised the deceased, describing him as a veteran actor who devoted himself to theatre work.

One of them, Mrs. Toyin Adegbola, popularly known as ‘Ashewo to re Mecca’, described Arakangudu as someone who is talented, and always contented.

Earlier, popular comedian, Bolaji Amusan, a.k.a Mr. Latin, said, “Arakangudu was a talented actor and a wonderful person.

Like him, I belong to Osun Arts Council since I am from Osun state. He spoke Hausa fluently because he lived in the North.”

IBEDC needs N30b to procure pre-paid meters Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has said it would need about N30 billion to procure pre-paid meters for electricity consumers in its area of business operation.

Speaking after meeting with Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on advocacy visit on planned tariff increase by the electricity company, the chairman, IBEDC, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, enjoined electricity consumers to ensure regular payment of bills to ensure provision of more pre-paid meters in its area of coverage.

Mr. Ayeni, who called for public understanding and cooperation,

said that the company needed more resources to stabilise the company for future quality service delivery.

He also appealed to consumers to be patient with the company in its efforts to reposition the electricity company, saying that the business transactions with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) was based on 30 per cent equity and 70 per cent debt acquisition.

He said the existing transaction between the company and the BPE could not allow the company to source for such huge fund to buy meters for its consumers from banks, adding that the company required resource base to match up with the current trend in business.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Politics

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Abia: The untold story of Alex Otti’s failed bid - Orji’s aide Don Norman Obinna, is media adviser to the immediate past governor of Abia State and a senator representing Abia Central constituency, Theodore Orji. In this interview with CHUKS IWELUNMO, Obinna unveils all that transpired during and after the Abia general elections and the need for ‘prodigal sons’ in Abia politics to repent and embrace the government of Okezie Ikpeazu. Excerpts: The Supreme Court just affirmed the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), setting aside the Appeal Court verdict; what’s your view and your advice for the governor on how to bring Abians together and forge ahead?

On the Supreme Court judgment, I

want to say it is a verdict well deserved in the sense that prior to the ruling by the apex court, there was so much propaganda that Dr Alex Otti actually won the election. They tried to manipulate the psyche of the people into believing that Otti was the winner of the election but I ask: If everybody voted for Otti according to the insinuation, how come

he never won the election? The election in Abia State was free; it was also fair, people voted, there was no intimidation whatsoever and people made their choice because they know that the state is a PDP state. There is no way Otti would just come from nowhere and beCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Ikpeazu

Obinna

Use of PVC by INEC unconstitutional - Lawyers Iniobong Iwok As reactions continue to trail the judgments of the Supreme Court in upholding the elections of some state governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in spite of earlier contrary judgment by the Court of Appeal, some legal practitioners have described the use of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) as unconstitutional.

According to some legal experts spoken with, the use of the PVC for the conduct of elections in the country was not recognised by the Nigerian Constitution, pointing out that the Constitution was yet to be amended to that effect.

Speaking in separate interviews with Daily Times, they stressed that the INEC only issued guidelines that enable the PVC to be used in the last general election.

According to them, the Constitution only recognised the use of manual voting for elections, stressing that in cases where the PVC failed and card readers were used, the result of the election were valid except proven otherwise.

A former Chairman Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Barrister Tony Ubani noted that in spite of com-

Mohammed plaints of irregularity in the use of card readers in several states during the last general elections, the result of such election was valid until substantial evidence of irregularity was proven, adding that PVC was not recognised by the constitution.

His words: “INEC only issued guidelines for the use of PVC in the last general election, the Constitution was not amended

Bulkachuwa to recognise the use of PVC or card reader, our constitution recognises manual voting, there is no way you would replace a substantive law with a guideline”.

Speaking further, Ubani called for the immediate amendment of the constitution for the recognition of PVC, adding that only electoral reform could eliminate confusion and make political of-

Yakubu fice less attractive which would aid free and fair elections in Nigeria.

In his view, Barrister Billy Dawodu stated that the resort to manual voting when there was malfunctioning of the card reader was within the law, except in case where proven that the process was manipulated.

He said: “You would recall that INEC PVC failed in several

states, so when people resorted to manual voting, it is in order except when a case of manipulation is proven. But you cannot fault the Supreme Court for the judgment” Dawodu disclosed.

Already, the Supreme Court has explained why its rulings on the 2015 governorship elections failed to accord any probative CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

9 Politics

Supreme Court Judgment: APGA is dead in Abia State — Obinna CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

come the governor of Abia State.

Like I always say, for you to govern or aspire to govern, we should look at what you have done in the past. Until that is determined and proven, we cannot be sure of what you will do in future and Okezie Ikpeazu, I would say, is the right man for the job. Look at just 100 days in office, look at what he is doing in Aba right now, Aba is taking a new shape. People love him and you could see the euphoria immediately the judgment was announced, there was peaceful celebration in Aba because people voted for him because they wanted him to be the governor.

He is a man that listens and who understands the nitty gritty of this job, he is a PhD holder. He is a common man, he has been with the people, don’t forget he started from the cadre, apart from being a lecturer, he served as Deputy Director of ASEPPA. He knows the problem of Aba and apart from that, he knows the state. If you look at Abia State critically, you’d notice it is the only state has about five or six boundaries with other states so it is a blessed state.

There is something we have that other states crave to have and that

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simply means we are the centre of attraction and people come and once you are able to develop Aba, the economy of Abia State will grow and that is what the governor is doing right now and I believe he will achieve it.

Prior to the ruling by the Su-

preme Court, there was apprehension that it would go against the governor since the Court of Appeal had ruled against the election of the governor. How did his camp envisage the judgment that has now affirmed his election?

Most of us with Okezie Ikpeazu know there was no reason to be afraid because when the Appeal Court passed that judgment in Owerri, they never followed precedents; because there was a judgment in Lagos State: Jimi Agbaje versus Ambode where the Appeal Court ruled that the candidate has no life of its own and cannot be used to nullify election. So it was just propaganda in the media and like I said before, they wanted to use that to create tension, anxiety probably to influence the decision of the Supreme Court because they know from day one that they lost.

The truth of the matter is that I don’t want to say the Appeal Court was compromised, I want to believe that probably, they were not well informed. Being a judge does not mean that you would know the whole law like when we were in school, people used to say a good lawyer is that who knows where to find the law. So probably they were under pressure to declare Otti winner, knowing his background and where he is coming from but words like anxiety and apprehension existed only outside our caucus because we knew he was the rightful winner of the election and that judgment would be delivered when we got to the Supreme Court and

that is what happened.

Now that the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the governor, what is your counsel to him on how to bring Abians, either those in APGA and other parties, together so they can contribute to the development of the state?

I want to shock you, what you saw during the election was unreal as APGA was never the real APGA in Abia State. APGA in Abia State was not even active; they had elected their gubernatorial and House of Assembly candidates before Otti crashed in; I wouldn’t want to say he bribed them but he knows what he did. The APGA State Chairman was also removed because of this.

In fact, before the election, Megan Ufumba was also campaigning, so was Ude Ahahiwe and as at that time, they had three governorship candidates, so you cannot say who contested election with PDP eventually; it was a faction of the PDP which did not understand the word, loyalty. They felt they could easily catch into the situation because if you look at some of those that contested, somebody like Ahandi Nweke, many of them whose names I don’t want to mention, are from PDP and were never APGA CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Use of PVC by INEC unconstitutional — Lawyers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

value on reports relating to the Card Reader Machines deployed by the INEC, in the conduct of last year’s general elections.

It averred that while provision was made for the use of the Electronic Card Reader Machine for accreditation of voters in the Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the conduct of the 2015 general elections, the device was never “intended to supplant, displace or supersede” the Voters’ Register.

A seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, who made this position known, while adducing reasons why the election of Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State was upheld, observed that the issue caused various Divisions of the Court of Appeal to give divergent interpretations on election disputes that were brought before them by appellants.

According to the apex court, “True, indeed, the Card Reader

Machine traces its paternity to the above Guidelines and Regulations. Regrettably, its probative pedestal in the vocabulary of electoral jurisprudence has generated conflicting interpretations from Their Lordships of the different Divisions of the Court of Appeal.”

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Chima Centus Nweze held that, “With the intervention of this court, in its recent decision in Shinkafi v Yari (supra), it is hoped that practitioners and all other courts will begin to appreciate the position of the said Card Reader Machine, and the Reports generated there from, in election litigation.

“Prior to the authorisation of its use by the Guidelines and Manual (supra), the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), in sections 49 (1) and (2), had ordained an analogue procedure for the accreditation process.

As a corollary to the procedure outline above, section 53(2) of the said Act (that is, the Electoral Act) enshrined the conse-

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quences for the breach, negation or violation of the sanctity of the actual poll sequel to the consummation of the accreditation procedure in section 49 (supra).

“With the advantage of hindsight, INEC, pursuant to its powers under the said Electoral Act, authorised the deployment

of the said Card Readers. “Even with the introduction of the said device, that is the Card Reader Machine, the National Assembly, in its wisdom, did not deem it necessary to bowdlerise the said analogue procedure in section 49 from the Act so that the Card Reader procedure would be

the sole determinant of a valid accreditation process.

“Contrariwise, from the Corrigendum No 2, made on March 28, 2015, amending paragraph 13(b) of the Approved Guidelines, it stands to reason that the Card Reader was meant to supplement the Voter’ Register and was never designed or intended to supplant, displace or supersede it.

“Indeed, since the Guidelines and Manual, which authorised the use and deployment of the electronic Card Reader Machine, were made in exercise of the powers conferred by the Electoral Act, the said Card Reader cannot, logically, depose or dethrone the Voters’ Register whose judicial roots are, firmly, embedded or entrenched in the selfsame Electoral Act from which it (the Voters’ Register) directly, derives its sustenance and currency.

“Thus, any attempt to invest it (the Card Reader Machine procedure) with such overreaching pre-eminence or superiority

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

‘Abia: The untold story of Alex Otti’s failed bid’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

members. And as I speak to you, especially based on the Supreme Court judgment, APGA has died a natural death. It is not about reconciliation; it is about people coming back to say “we are sorry for what we have done, probably we were misled by somebody, let us work together.” Abia State has always been a PDP state, we are one family and there is no problem anywhere.

So you are calling on those guys to come back and rebuild PDP? Let me put it this way. They never left PDP, they were just opportunists and tried to see if they could actually realise whatever ambition they have through another party because they saw Otti as a man who has money and can throw money around. They forget the fact that in a set up, everybody cannot be appointed at the same time. What actually happened when Okezie Ikpeazu emerged winner of the PDP primaries, Otti contested along with others but the delegates voted for Ikpeazu and this propaganda that T.A Orji actually influenced the outcome of that primary was not true. It is not true but I call those things some of the ingredients of democracy where people say all sorts of things just to woo the electorate.

But that T.A Orji influenced the primary is the view of the founding chairman of PDP in Abia State. Ukasanya who says the former governor just brought Ikpeazu from nowhere and anointed him candidate against the dictates of the party?

Let me start by saying naturally I wouldn’t want to join issues with Ukasanya because when you talk about T.A Orji as a person, he is an

Ikpeazu

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Orji

institution in Abia State. Just allow me to say any politician that has gone into oblivion and is looking for something to revive his career would look for an institution to lay his blames on. The truth is: it was T.A Orji that revived Ukasanya when he kept disturbing him with phone calls but he never told the masses that T.A Orji bought him a brand new Prado jeep, made the same man his adviser and he was being paid N1 million every month. At a stage, he was also given a contract, an electricity contract at Onyia, Umuahia and that money was paid in full as we have evidence of that payment.

Ukasanya is a fair weather politician who always picthes his tent with a party that is making waves.

The reason he left PDP is simple, when the caucus members of the party agreed to present Okezie Ikpeazu as candidate, Ukasanya went behind and was fronting another man, which name I don’t want to mention here so when he never

succeeded with that, he resorted to causing confusion but a consensus had been agreed. So when Otti came and started throwing money about, he quickly jumped boat and went to Otti’s camp, but he contradicted himself. If you say Abia State people became disenchanted, at what point did you realize that and when you were in government, what did you do to alleviate the people’s suffering if indeed they were suffering? Talking about Ukasanya would make it look like I am comparing him with Senator T.A Orji and that is not possible.

Now that the Supreme Court has affirmed the election of the governor, what areas would you advice him to focus on for the remaining years so as to consolidate on where T.A Orji left off?

As you know, Abia people are industrial people and he has started well by building access roads to Aba. Without roads, you can’t talk about industrial development,

you can’t build a mansion in a forest, so Aba must be accessible and that is what he is doing. The main problem of Aba is not even roads but arbitrariness of the people who decide to build illegal structures on the drainages and he has also taken the right step by destroying those structures and he is trying to create a roadmap for development. Secondly, the civil service needs to be reengineered, don’t forget he recently carried out validation whereby he weeded out ghost workers and that is bringing the needed fiscal stability. He is also not going about as Governor of Aba but just flagged off about eight roads in all Senatorial Districts so there is no problem at all in Abia State. What you read in the newspapers is a contrived situation where people want the world to believe there is problem in the state. I urge him to focus on his plans because he is not walking but he is running and in the next two years, people will see the benefit.

Abia Senatorial Rerun: APGA candidate writes Kalu on peaceful poll Chief David OnuohaBourdex, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the Abia North Senatorial rerun has written to an opponent, Dr. Orji Kalu of Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) on peaceful polls.

In the letter addressed to Kalu, a former governor of the state, Onuoha-Bourdex underscored the need for all parties to the rerun to play the game according to rules.

The letter dated Feb. 5 and copies made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, the APGA candidate said that the peace of the state should be the primary concern of candidates in the rerun.

“We must desist from practices that could cause confusion, undermine transparency or precipitate crisis in the senatorial zone.

Candidates should exercise caution and show less despera-

tion in the senatorial election.

“The era of winning elections by hook or crook is gone and as leaders, we should endeavour to leave good examples for the younger generation. ``We have to remember that these young ones are watching us and we have to do only those things that would encourage them to toe the path of moral rectitude, honesty and good conscience,’’ he said

The APGA candidate frowned at the development where the logo of an opposition party was allegedly superimposed on his campaign posters and dibunked the rumour making the round that he was disqualified and had stepped down from the rerun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rerun will hold in less than three weeks as ordered by the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division.

Why women participation in politics is dwindling A multifaceted study team has been set up by the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) to account for the rather poor and declining participation of Nigerian women in politics from 1999-2015.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Centre’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Sadeeq Omar and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

Inaugurating the team at the centre in Abuja, the Director General of NCWD, Onyeka Onwenu said that the poor representation and participation of women at both political and appointive positions at all levels of governance in Nigeria since 1999 should not only be discussed but also evidence based.

She said the development has become necessary, hence the setting up of the team on the collation of data in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Onwenu noted that for gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls to be achieved in line with the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is need for adequate data to provide impartial and comparable basis for evaluating progress towards the goals agreed upon at various world conferences to improve the situation of women.

She further stressed that the project is informed by the reality that today’s world is driven by evidence especially derived from data, noting that there cannot be real development without the representation and utilization of the skills and resources of half of Nigeria’s population.

The key objective of the project is to provide evidence and baseline for the implementation of the new SDGs and the promotion of women’s involvement in governance.

It is expected that the project will create a comprehensive and up to date data on women in politics and governance and improve evidence based planning and programming for the involvement of women in decision making in Nigeria.

Tinubu

11 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

No way APC could have won Taraba - Group A group, the Taraba Mandate Group has slammed the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, over comments it termed as unsavoury and unwarranted.

TMG is aggrieved that Oyegun in a recent interview on a local television station said the APC has lost Taraba State along side others to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insisting that there was no way the APC could have won in Taraba.

Oyegun was lamenting the loss of the APC at the courts in the flurry of recent verdicts that saw the opposition losing some states to the opposition PDP. But reacting, TMG in a press statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Gani Bako, said Oyegun was engaging in deceit.

The statement reads in part “how can he (Oyegun) say APC lost Taraba when the APC never got the state in the first place?

Oyegun is giving the impression the APC even had a good showing in Taraba at the polls

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

over the Voters’ Register is like converting an auxiliary procedure- into the dominant procedure- of proof, that is, proof of accreditation.

“This is a logical impossibility.

Indeed, only recently, this court in Shinkafi vs Yari, confirmed the position that the Card Reader Machine has not supplanted the statement of results in appropriate forms; hence, the appellant still had the obligation to prove petition relating to accreditation of voters and over-voting as enunciated in several decisions of this court,” he added.

The apex court panel, while citing an example with the Ebonyi State gubernatorial dispute as an instance, noted that the Head of Unit, ICT Data Management at INEC headquarters, who testified as the PW-8 before the tribunal, explained that the Card Reader performed two roles, namely, the verification of the PVC, and the authentication of fingerprint.

It observed that the witness, who generated a Card Reader Machines Report for Ebonyi State Governorship Election, had admitted that it was not a complete report covering all the details of Polling Units in the state as some Polling Units were

or even won but nothing could be farther from the reality.

“Yes, APC lost Taraba but not in the way Oyegun is saying it. APC lost because it was never on ground in Taraba in the first place and the party’s governorship ambition came in dead on arrival. APC had no structure or support base to win any major poll. Apart from a sprinkling of dubious wins here and there, the APC found itself in the swamp of the PDP and suffered a defining defeat”, it stressed The group added that Taraba has continued to remain a PDP state through out its association with the former ruling party. It said “any cursory look at the state showed that historically, culturally and by sociological inclination, Taraba is PDP. And our commitment to the party is not like a case of fair weather friends. We can’t stop being PDP now because of some spurious wind of change. So APC claiming to lose the state in the way Oyegun puts it is deception.

You don’t lose what you don’t have in the first place. Oyegun

Al-Hassan

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shouldn’t have added Taraba state to his list. APC, we repeat did not win, couldn’t have won Taraba in any major polls. At the governorship election, we can grudgingly concede that it did well in four or five local governments areas which are traditionally opposition sites in the state. But beyond that, PDP did tremendously well in all the other eleven local government areas. In fact, today, both at the

state and national assemblies, PDP has produced a majority of members. Oyegun should therefore not soap over anybody with his old man’s crocodile tears.”

The group also lambasted those calling on the Supreme Court to handover the governorship to APC, noting that they want to stage a civilian coup in Taraba state. “We were bemused by a recent call by one Lagos based, NGO, that said the

Supreme Court should just dash the APC the governorship in our state. Well, the NGO, must justify the monies paid to it. But we can’t understand that type of desperation. The NGO almost insulted their Lordships, the justices of the Supreme Court, accusing them of passing fake verdicts. The NGO then sternly “warned” their Lordship to ensure they dash Taraba to APC. “This is amazing. A matter before the highest court in the land and this funny group is asking it to just announce APC winner? In some places, this sort of outburst by the APC sponsored NGO is enough to get the party sanctioned by the court because it is prejudice of the highest type.

As for us, we wont arm twist and blackmail the Judiciary. The apex court in the land knows what it is doing and does not need any rebuke. Rather, we join the rest of the civilised world in congratulating the Judiciary for a job well done in restoring the stolen mandate of many voters in many states. The courts are indeed the last hope of the common man.“, it added.

‘Use of PVC by INEC unconstitutional’

Bulkachuwa

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not uploaded and thus not included in the report.

The witness said the report she tendered before the tribunal represented data that were successfully uploaded before the chairman of INEC gave an instruction for the server to be shut down. According to the Supreme Court, “Her trenchant responses, clearly, demonstrate that the Card Reader Machine Reports were neither inviolable nor sacrosanct as a host of intervening mischievous human variables could impinge on their

reliability.

“Against the background of the testimonies of PW8, it is, actually, surprising, that learned counsel to the appellant chose not to utilise the Voter’ Register, to show the entire gamut of the voters, but rather built his case on what, in the unanswerable words of the lower court was an exhibit that was not accurate, sufficient and comprehensive enough to be relied upon in proof of the allegation of noncompliance with the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended.

“That is to say that the appellant (as Petitioner) failed to weave his case on the Voters ‘Registers and a fortiori did not produce such registers because if he had produced them, their contents would have been unfavourable to the allegations he made in the petition and hence his decision to withhold them.

“Thus, the appellant laboured in vain in the spirited attempt he made before this court to have the findings of the lower court vacated. He was, in-

deed, attempting the impossible given the anaemic evidence he adduced. In my view, the lower court, rightly, affirmed the findings of the trial tribunal in this regard”. Besides, the apex court held that the appellant, Edward Nkwegu Okereke, who was the candidate of the Labour Party during the April 11, 2015, governorship election in Ebonyi State, could not lay credible evidence to support his case against Governor Umahi of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The Supreme Court then ruled that the case of the petitioner failed owing to “irreparable damage of the testimony of witnesses” that testified for him at the lower tribunal, who it said were “thoroughly discredited in cross-examination”.

Aside the CJN, other members of the apex court panel that also agreed with the lead judgment were Justices Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, Kudirat KekereEkun, John Inyang Okoro and Amiru Sanusi.

It would be recalled that the apex court dismissed Okereke’s appeal against Umahi’s victory on January 27, but reserved February 5 as date when it will adduce reasons for doing so.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Okorocha bows to labour, recalls 3000 sacked workers

Ï Labour shuts airport, banks, ministries Ï Oyegun’s plane diverted to Port Harcourt Val Okara, Owerri

ÎÎÎGovernor

Rochas Okorocha of Imo state on Wednesday finally back down on the sack of 3,000 workers from 19 parastatals, agencies and health sector, asking them to return to work.

Okorocha also suspended the concessioning policy of the state government.

This followed the recommendation of the Joint Government, Labour negotiation committee that all the sacked workers in affected parastatals should be recalled with immediate effect.

The committee recom-

mended that the state government would retain and run all its affairs with not more than 30 percent of the verified revenue for the month, while the committee will apply the balance of 70 percent in the settlement of salaries of public servants and pensioners.

It further recommended that no public servant

would be victimized in any way as a result of the actions or in-actions leading to the dispute and resolutions.

The recommendations jointly signed by the state government representatives led by the Special Adviser to the Governor (Technical), Chief Ikenna Emeh and three others

Barr. Mohammed Fawehimi (3rd left); Widow, Bose Ransome Kuti (4th right); NADECO Chieftain, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), (2nd right) and others during the 10th anniversary of Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti held in Lagos...on Wednesday.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI

while the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Austin Chilakpu, Secretary, Comrade Ken Onwuemedo signed for Labour. They agreed that the negotiations will continue with a view to fully assessing the wage bill of every ministry, Department and Agency (MDAs) and to determine the funding modalities of parastatals within the agreed percentage sharing framework.

They also agreed that the gross revenue of Government from all sources will be verified every month by the Joint Committee of Government/ Labour.

Meanwhile, socio-economic activities in the state came to a halt on Wednesday as organised labour shut down offices including Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport thereby forcing aircraft carrying members of All Progressives Congress, APC, and National Chairman of the party, Chief John-Odige Oyegun, to be diverted to the Port Harcourt Airport.

Oyegun, former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni and some chieftains of the party were in the state to mediate in the lingering

labour crisis which led to sacking of over 3000 workers and concessioning of 19 parastatals and agencies including health facilities in the state.

The workers led by the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Ayuba Wabba barricaded Okigwe Roundabout preventing human and vehicular movements from going and coming out of the Government House.

However, armed police men provided adequate security by cordoning off the Government House while preventing the workers from being violence.

Stating their grouse with Governor Rochas Okorocha, Wabba observed that inflation had pushed cost of living to the ceiling thereby making basic needs of life such as food, shelter and clothing increasingly beyond the reach of the poor while facilities like good education, health and transport have become luxury items reserved for the rich.

“Unemployment rate is threatening the peace and development of the country as even those in employment are barely managing to make end meet,” he said.

Again, APC writes Justice Minister, demands review of Ekiti guber poll Ï Demand, a futile exercise, says Fayose Ï Aluko moves to quash arrest warrant

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÎÎÎThe

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has for the third time on Wednesday petitioned the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), asking him to review June 21, 2014 governorship election and prosecute suspects in the alleged “criminal” manipulation of the electoral process that returned the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, as the governor of Ekiti State.

In a petition entitled “Request for the prosecution of persons involved in conspiring and perpetrating acts of electoral fraud and malfeasance in the gover-

norship election of June 21, 2014 in a manner other than that envisaged by the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended,” the party said the review of the matter had become imperative in national interest to avoid a cycle of politicians that could seize the reins of government through treason.

But is a swift reaction, Gov. Fayose described the demand as another comedy because “it is a futile exercise,” saying the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has no such power to review the election.

This is even as the embattled former Secretary of the PDP in Ekiti State, Dr, Tope Aluko, on Wednesday moved to vacate the Warrant of Arrest issued

against him by a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti last week.

According to the petition by the Ekiti State APC chairman, Olajide Awe, the party said its present petition arose from the recent confessions on a national television by the former State Secretary of PDP in Ekiti State, Dr. Temitope Aluko, published and broadcast on other electric and print media.

Aluko had spilled the beans two weeks ago, alleging that Fayose gave Ekiti State INEC officials N1 billion to compromise its staff without the knowledge of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, including naming all the personalities and institutions involved in the election scam that had drawn commentaries in the local and

international media calling for justice in Ekiti State.

In APC’s petition, the party referred to the earlier two petitions dated February 13, 2015, November 23, 2015 on the same subject matter, saying that by the latest confessions by one of the principal participants in the election heist, “we are compelled to write this reminder to draw your attention to the urgent need to address the matter to ensure justice in what has turned a blight on the nation’s practice of democracy through treasonable actions that denied the votes of Ekiti people”.

The party listed alleged infractions to the letters of extant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to include Unusual militarisation before, during and

after the election that created fears and heightened the level of insecurity to the electorate throughout Ekiti State; INEC’s compromise of the election by the principal beneficiary as contained in the Ekitigate audio tape, to wit: Fayose admitting getting INEC soft copies of sensitive materials that he said he printed for the election and collation of election results at Efon-Alaaye on June 19, 2014 (two days before the actual election) as revealed

by Fayose in the audio tape mong others.

The party demanded comprehensive investigation of all events and actions that precipitated the electoral heist and prosecution of all alleged and culpable culprits, both individuals and institutions, including INEC, in the elec-

tion fraud saga.

Reacting to the call, Gov. Fayose who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, described the demand as another comedy because “it is a futile exercise”.

He said the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has no such power to review the election, hence, “the Ekiti State APC chairman, Jide Awe, demanding for that shows that he is an illiterate, and a comedian playing to the gallery with propaganda.

“The issue concerning June 21, 2014 governorship election is a concluded matter which can never be revisited. The issue raised by Awe is an election matter conducted under stipulated time under the law because it is time bond.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

13 International

Russia’s Syria airstrikes face scrutiny at Munich talks

Al-Shabab plans attacks disguised as AU troops, says AMISOM

ÏÏÏThe

ÏÏÏ

Russia’s stepped up aerial bombardment in Syria will be a focal point for the United States and other members of the International Syria Support Group when it meets this week in Germany.

The group, which includes Syria-backers Russia and Iran, is meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

It is the group’s first full meeting since U.N.mediated proximity talks on a political transition in Syria bogged down, partly because of opposition protests against Russianbacked aerial assaults in Aleppo.

The bombing campaign has forced thousands of Syrians to flee their homes, with many of them heading toward the already crowded Turkish border.

On Tuesday, the day before he heads to Munich, Secretary of State John Kerry raised concerns about Russia during a State Department appearance with Egypt’s foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry.

“Russia’s activities in Aleppo and the region right now are making it more difficult to be able to come to the table to be able to have a serious conversation,” said Kerry.

Egypt is also part of the International Syria Support Group, which has been backing U.N.mediated talks designed to lead to a political transition in Syria.

A supporter of Uganda’s former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi wrestles with the gun of a policeman, as riot police disperse a gathering in Jinja town in eastern Uganda, recently.

Photo: Voanews.com

Rights Watch slams Uganda’s security forces ÏÏÏHuman Rights Watch

is calling on Uganda to publicly state that security forces are legally obliged to protect freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest in the days leading up to the nation’s February 18 election.

The U.S.-based rights group made the statement Wednesday, saying there has been a troubling rise in “implied and explicit threats” against anyone who might protest President Yoweri Museveni winning another

term in office.

It said that recently one ruling party official, Kasule Lumumba, was recorded telling people in the local language of Luganda, that if people protest election results, the state “will kill your children.”

Human rights groups have documented cases of children being shot to death by security forces during public demonstrations in Uganda, including a twoyear-old in 2011 and a 13year old in 2009.

President Museveni has

held his office for the past 30 years and is running this year for another five-year term in office. Museveni did not attend the first political debate preceding the February 18 vote, and it is unclear whether he will attend the second and final debate, scheduled for February 13.

Critics say the first debate did not meet expectations because Museveni was not there to answer pointed questions, including why he wants another mandate after being in power so long.

North Korea’s Army Chief of Staff executed

ÏÏÏNorth

Korea’s army chief of staff has been executed, South Korean media reported Wednesday, in what would amount to the latest in a series of purges and executions of top officials by leader Kim Jong-Un. Ri Yong-Gil, Chief of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) General Staff, was executed earlier this month for forming a political faction and corruption, Yonhap news agency said, citing a source familiar with North Korean affairs.

The report came at a time of highly elevated tensions on the divided Korean

peninsula following the North’s recent nuclear test and long-range rocket launch.

Ri was often seen accompanying Kim Jong-Un on inspection tours, but his name was conspicuously missing from state media reports of a recent major party meeting and celebrations over Sunday’s rocket launch.

“The execution... suggests that Kim Jong-Un still feels insecure about his grip on the country’s powerful military,” Yonhap quoted the source as saying.

“It shows that Kim’s reign of terror still persists,” the source was quoted as saying.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) in Seoul declined to comment on the report.

In May last year the NIS said Kim had his defence chief, Hyon Yong-Chol, executed -- reportedly with the use of an anti-aircraft gun.

Hyon’s fate was never confirmed by Pyongyang but he has never been seen or heard of since. Some analysts have suggested he was purged and imprisoned.

Reports -some

confirmed, some not -- of purges, executions and disappearances have been common since Kim took power following the death of his father Kim Jong-Il in December 2011.

A large number of senior officials, especially military cadres, were removed or demoted as the young leader sought to solidify his control over the powerful army.

In the most highprofile case, Kim had his influential uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, executed in December 2013 for charges including treason and corruption.

African Union force in Somalia warns AlShabab militants are planning to disguise themselves as AU soldiers to carry out attacks.

AMISOM says it has information Al-Shabab fighters plan to dress in AMISOM uniforms and carry out atrocities in parts of Somalia controlled by the AU force and Somalia’s federal government.

The goal, it says, is turn Somalis against AMISOM, which has protected the government for the past nine years.

The warning, issued

Wednesday through the AU force’s Twitter account, says Al-Shabab obtained the uniforms from AMISOM camps.

Al-Shabab has launched three major raids on AMISOM bases in southern Somalia over the past year. The most recent, in the town of Elbe last month, reportedly killed dozens of Kenyan troops, although Kenya has yet to release a final death toll.

Kenya is one of five countries with troops in Somalia to fight Al-Shabab, along with Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda.

NATO to increase forward presence in East Europe ÏÏÏNATO’s

secretary general says the alliance’s increased “forward presence” in Eastern Europe sends a “clear signal” to any would-be aggressor.

Speaking Wednesday in Brussels before a two-day NATO defense ministers meeting, Jens Stoltenberg said with an obvious reference to Russia, that “NATO will respond as one to any aggression against any ally.”

“I expect the defense ministers to agree to enhance our forward presence in the eastern part of our alliance. This will send a clear signal.

NATO will respond as one to any aggression against any ally. We have already

significantly enhanced our presence and readiness of our forces,” said Stoltenberg.

Since Russia’s seizure of Crimea almost two years ago, the Western military alliance has been increasingly concerned that Moscow could rapidly invade Poland or the Baltic states.

Jen Stoltenberg

Iran TV anchor quits, citing sexual harassment

ÏÏÏAn Iranian news an-

chor says she was forced to quit her position and flee the country in mid-January following years of repeated sexual harassment by the station’s director.

Sheena Shirani, a former broadcaster with Press TV, last week published a series of messages and recordings of voicemails she received from news director Hamid Emadi.

The station said Emadi and another Press TV official were suspended Monday until further notice while the matter is investigated.

“In our society, women basically have no value,”

Shirani said in an interview with VOA’s Persian service. “Firing people like Mr. Emadi is far from addressing the widespread sexual harassment problem of our society.”

In the messages, Emadi repeatedly says how he has helped Shirani at the station and has been very supportive. In a recording of one conversation, reportedly between the two, he is heard asking her to come to his house for sex.

Iran’s state news agency quotes Press TV officials as saying “publication of the audio file was made in collaboration with antirevolution individuals for politicizing the matter.”

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Sen. Orji slams Apugo over derogatory comment Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎA former governor and

Senator representing Abia central, Chief Theodore Orji has described the remarks against him by one Chief Benjamin Apugo as a ranting of an illiterate with clandestine motive to get Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s attention.

Saraki greets Christians at Lent

In a press release signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Don Norman Obinna, and made available to newsmen, in Lagos, Wednesday, Orji who was reacting to an interview that Apugo granted one of the national dailies wondered why a man who never supported Ikpeazu throughout the campaign down to his eight months administration would suddenly wake up after a Supreme Court judgment.

Orji said that Apugo was a political subversive, whose selfish interest had alienated him from almost all Abia State elder statesmen, reputable politicians and

family members, adding that despite the financial support given to him by the All Progressive Congress (APC), as the leader of the party in Abia State, he worked against the APC gubernatorial candidate, Anyim Nyerere, in the 2015 elections.

He accused Apugo of contributing immensely to the impoverishment of his kinsmen, and said that, over the years, he had dubiously and coercively taken their landed properties.

“Since the creation of Abia State, tell me one politician that is in good terms with Apugo? There is none.

Is there any development

project or achievement, which the people have benefitted from Apugo? There is none. Instead, he takes from them. He is scared of my status and achievements, which have changed the status quo in Abia State and especially Abia Central where he made himself a thin god,” Orji said He also said that Apugo, who not only has a pending case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), instituted against him by the people he defrauded, had no moral justification to make uncharitable comments against him or advise Ikpeazu on how to govern Abia State.

“Apart from empowering almost all our youths, I practically became a father to his children whom he deserted and sent out of his house. I ensured that his first son was employed as ASEPA General Manager, as well as provided platform through which his children have excelled politically,” Orji added.

The senator further described Apugo as an unmarketable politician who had never won any election, saying that he failed in the only election he contested as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chairman and as such had no political experience to advice Ikpeazu.

ÎÎÎSenate President, Dr.

Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, felicitated with the Christian faithful as they commence fasting to mark the 40-day Lenten season, and urged them to use the period to pray for the peace and stability of the nation.

Saraki, who made the call in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, specifically enjoined the Christian faithful to seek the face of God most especially on the way out of the present socio-economic and security challenges confronting the country.

He thanked all Nigerians for their unflinching support for the Federal Government in the fight against insurgency, and said that their invaluable contributions had in no small way aided the success recorded so far in the fight against Boko Haram.

Saraki said: “I heartily congratulate all Christians as they commence Lent, which is a season dedicated to fasting and prayers.

Prayers, no doubt, are very key to achieving our socioeconomic objectives as they bring the hand of God to intervene in areas human strength and wisdom cannot prevail. We must, therefore endeavour to ensure that the lessons of Lent - which include sacrifice, spiritual and physical renewal - manifest not only in our individual lives but in all facets of our national life,” he said.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (left) in a handshake with representative of the Centre for Social Justice, Mr. Kingsley Nnaji during the National Assembly’s interactive session with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on 2016 Budget at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja… on Wednesday. With them are, Dr. Chizoba Wonidi and Dr. Obinna Ebirim of National Immunisation Financing Task Team.

YABATECH students protest colleague’s death ÎÎÎStudents of

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), on Wednesday, barricaded all entrances to the institution while protesting the death of a female colleague.

This is even as the management of the institution announced the death of Miss Comfort Dazan, a final year student. The cause of her death was blamed to illness.

The schools position was contained in a statement

made available to journalists by the Head, Public Relations Unit of the college, Mr Charles Oni. The statement said Dazan, a student in the Office Technology Management Department, was a victim of Sickle Cell Anaemia.

According to the statement, she had developed a crisis in the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 9 and was on temporary admission at the College of Medical Centre under close watch of

the Centre’s Management.

It said she was, however, discharged when her condition became stable so that she could prepare for examination on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016.

“Practical examinations began round the college last Monday as a precursor to the main general examination scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15.

“Dazan relapsed around midnight and her roommates rushed her back to

the medical centre where precautionary medical attention was given to her, with a promise to refer her to Federal Medical Centre at Ebute Metta at dawn.

“She was being conveyed to the Federal Medical Centre early this morning when she gave up the ghost.

“Students immediately cashed in on the death of Dazan to engage in opportunistic clamour for the extension of the semester.

Magu, EFCC boss

EFCC drags US-based businessman to court over N14.5m fraud Monday Osayande, Asaba

ÎÎÎ

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dragged a Nigerian businessman, Kingsley Akachukwu, based in the United States of America (USA) to a Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, for allegedly defrauding one Pastor Udoka Nebonta and four others of about N14.5 million.

Akachukwu is facing a 17-count charge for allegedly receiving the money from the complainants to buy Honda CRV vehicles, auto parts, medical kits and other valuable items from USA and Japan but allegedly failed to do so.

Akachukwu, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which read, in part: “with intent to defraud under the pretence to buy the items which is an offence contrary to Section 1(a) of advance fee fraud and other fraud related offence Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

You can’t return now, Adamawa Assembly tells suspended member Tom Garba,Yola

ÎÎÎThe Adamawa State

House of Assembly has directed that a suspended member, Hon Abubakar Abdulrahman (APC-Mubi South) should keep off from the House pending the determination of the cases he instituted against the assembly.

Abdulrahman had instituted two cases against the House before a Yola High Court challenging his suspension. One of the suits will be heard on February18.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

15 Opinion

How not to squander goodwill, Mr. President

F Ibrahim Musa

or Nigeria, we have always prayed to have our own Mandela.

In this sense, we were looking for someone with that Midas touch, charisma, and the benevolence to heal our national wounds, unite our country, and steer it out of the trap set by its past greedy leaders. We thought we had one in Obasanjo. However, it turned out within few years of his ascension to power in 1999, that we were damn wrong. Then came into the picture another retired General, Muhammadu Buhari, who has everything to be our Mandela. For close to 13 years he was the major opposition leader and perhaps its only genuine face in the country’s democratic terrain. His untiring commitment to building our democratic institution saw him contesting in 3 presidential elections at a stretch; losing in all but only to have the last laugh in the 4th one. Some pundits even draw some parallels between him and the legendary Abraham Lincoln.

The most interesting things about Buhari’s winning presidential election are three. One, his victory united the northern Nigeria, which was hitherto

factionalized along ethno- religious and sectional divides. Two, he built the much needed alliance between Yoruba nation in the South-west and the political class of northern Nigeria. Three, he came on board with an incredible CV of incorruptibility and is seen by many as a nononsense leader armed with armamentarium to rid this nation of ills of corruption, indiscipline and insecurity. Fourth, he has tremendous goodwill across the board which he can always leverage on to tweak the system to ignite national rebirth.

But so far, one can say something is amiss here. This effervescence and goodwill is fast-subliming without the driver realising it.

It is pertinent to remind us that there is no quick-fix to Nigeria’s ills. We are quite aware of the degree of our nation’s problems. And this pathology, more than anything, calls for its present leadership to be more circumspect and responsible.

It needs to operate within a different wavelength that would keep our momentum of change rolling.

These expectations are also the reasons why there are murmurs echoing some frustrations about what has been going on so far. Perhaps there is something strange about the Aso-rock villa that keeps its occupiers from stepping up to the challenges. They get easily irritated by criticisms and see their

actions (even when derailed) as the ultimate measure of sacrifice.

Why are they easily scared about visiting victims of tragic insecurity in Borno? One finds it difficult to rationalise Buhari’s nonchalance in this regard. In his eight months on the throne, he has visited no less than eight countries and at least 4 states within Nigeria – but Borno was never on the card. Painfully, one of his spokesmen even compounded the issue by making assertion to people trying to embarrass him with the recent escalation of attacks on Dalori that left nearly a hundred people dead. I am sure no revolutionary leader would be this cold; not to talk of our Nigeria’s Mandela! It is disappointing to say the least! And this is not the way to squander goodwill.

Certainly, there are many signals that call for Buhari to pause and readjust his belt. So far, the snippet of this 2016 budget analysis by BudgiT (an NGO) has shown so many similarities to the curious figures that typified previous governments’ budgets. I wonder what luxury awaits any president at such critical time of fast receding foreign reserve and unbreakable sliding of Brent oil prices to have the latitude to spend millions of naira for reactional activities in the villa. What is there to maintain in Aso-rock building with 3 billion naira?

Open letter to Azeez, the Lover Boy

O

Our Dear Energetic Azeez,

Ayo Akinyemi

n the approach of another Valentines’ Day February 14, your birthday, were you to be around, tongues would have been wagging, your teeming admirers would have been planning to fall head over heels, as they used to do, to shower love and affection on you on the Lovers’ Day - the gesture you knew how to express lavishly and give in abundance.

You gave conviction to the belief that the horoscope and sun signs that guide one’s birth, has ample influence on one’s attitude to life.

A lovely, loving Lover Boy born on Lovers’ Day, you were an exceptional lover of all, without bounds. No discrimination. No segregation.

Although you were not keen on celebrating your birthday, wellwishers always subtly compelled you to mark the day, no matter how moderately, albeit, devoid of the colour and funfair befitting a man of your stature in the true sense of it. As they would have made provisions for the celebration, on their own, and not in your character to hurt or despise others, you always acquiesced.

Sadly, the one birthday you were planning for, that many had been looking forward to, was your 70th,

on 14 February 2015, which as fate would have it, you did not live to see. You were called home by the Creator on Wednesday, 18 June 2014 – 241days from the date, 125 days after your 69th birthday, which as usual, was staged on a low-key in the expansive basement of your mansion, The Villa. All glory to the Almighty Allah, the most merciful, the most benevolent.

Aare, since your transition, hardly had a day passed without the mention of your name on several lips, for one reason or the other.

Many are yet to come to terms with the reality that you are already in another life. On the other hand, many had said severally on occasions; - If Arisekola was alive….

If Aare was around……such and such would not have been, he would have done this, and that.

It is pertinent to recount some notable happenings in your absence. Thorny issues that your intervention would have resolved, cloudy situations that your presence could have brightened up, sullen moods that you would have sweetened, riddles that you would have unknotted with ease.

The latest of such issues is the current controversy surrounding the ascension to the vacant Olubadan Throne following the transition of your Baba, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, who joined

his ancestors on 19 January 2016.

There is no doubt, you would have been saddened by the home-call of Kabiyesi, in whose installation and ascension to the throne, in 2007, you played a very significant role that calmed a gathering storm likely to upset the enviable age-long peaceful succession tradition to the Olubadan stool. May the soul of Baba Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu, rest in perfect peace.

Some people are raising dust again concerning succession to the throne in relation to the contention of the Seriki Line of a right to the Olubadan Throne. This would not sound strange to you as you were a right-hand-man of Baba Chief AMA Akinloye, Egunjehinmi, of blessed memory (who was a substantive SERIKI) and you were privy to all that happened years ago when the issue was brought to the front burner.

As a human encyclopedia, a mobile archive, a repository of Ibadan history, one with a photographic memory and above all, a respected voice in the community, your intervention would have put the matter to rest and sooth frayed nerves, effortlessly. With you, there would have been no controversy that Baba High Chief Saliu Adetunji, now, Balogun of Ibadanland, would have your support. Happily, your brother, the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has risen to the

Unless if Nigeria is going to install Bill Gates or Steve Jobs in the villa’s ever reappearing computers, one cannot explain the allocation of millions for this subhead. We do not have to defend this. As stakeholders we should not make only mere rhetoric and innuendoes out of our hard-earned change. Indeed these are things begging for comprehensive answers from the budget office.

The whole thing seems like a mockery of zero-based budgeting process the government is piloting. Perhaps Soludo was right by tagging it as a rehash of Jonathan’s- dubbed and delivered.

At this juncture, I want to appeal to Buhari to review his steps in a deeply reflective and critical manner to see if these fit well in his own image and vision. He is at liberty to pick his own advisers to help steer this nation. People he can trust particularly to handle the economy.

I feel like his team is missing Pat Utomi. At the moment, he appears very slow in appointing his own best eleven and even seems distracted by globetrotting tendency. Many of us are worried about some of the figures we have seen.

Ibrahim Musa is a graduate student in Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station. Texas.

occasion.

Still in this realm, you would be saddened by the death of Baba, High Chief Suleiman Omiyale, Balogun of Ibadanland, who was Second-in-Command to Oba Odulana, who died in November 2015.

Had it not been, he would have been the undisputed choice for the throne. God knows best. Another High Chief whose death also last November would have equally pained you is Baba, Omowale Kuye, Otun Olubadan. It was a doublebarrel loss for Ibadanland.

Aare, so much water has passed under the bridge since you crossed over to the other side – events and happenings you would have been deeply involved. The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, was last November 17 installed as Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. He would definitely have been your guest at The Villa. The Governor however fixed perfectly into the groove. He ensured the Sultan had all to make him feel at home. I have a feeling that the Sultan’s installation and his conferment with Honorary Doctorate Degree by the university could have caused you a visit to the University of Ibadan, the first time after the life-threatening experience you had on the campus on 17 November 1998. Alhamdulilahi.

(Ayo Akinyemi writes via akinyemiayo@yahoo.com)

16 News Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Managing Director, Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah and the company have sued the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) and its Managing Director, Ahmed Lawan Kuru over their alleged violation of terms of a consent judgment they all entered in 2013 over Capital Oil’s N81billion debt.

In a fresh motion for committal brought against AMCON and Kuru before the

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

N81b debt: Ubah, firm, sue AMCON for breach of judgement terms Federal High Court, Abuja, Ubah and his company stated as a way of resolving the dispute between them and AMCON over N81b debt owed to banks and business associates, parties entered into a consent judgment in 2012 part of which terms allows AMCON to run Capital Oil for two years, pay out

all its debt, manage it out of risks and inject N16b into the company to enhance its liquidity.

Ubah and Capital Oil further stated that after they had met their terms of the judgment, which saw Ubah handing assets valued at N78b to AMCON, the company has failed to meet its

terms of the judgement and was allegedly plotting to appoint a receiver manager for Capital Oil with the intention of winding it up.

“In spite of the return of the 1st applicant (Capital Oil) to the 2nd applicant (Ubah) as Managing Director, pursuant to the consent judgment in suit No;

FHC/L/CS/891/14, the 1st alleged contemnor continued to fail and or neglected to provide trading finance in the sum of N16billion to the 1st applicant, which had the effect of practically incapacitating the 1st applicant’s ability to trade in petroleum products.

“The 1st alleged contem-

nor has also not paid off the 1st applicant’s obligations to most of the 1st applicant’s trade creditors, who have resorted to various legal proceedings to recover their funds and who are likely to take further steps against the assets of the 1st applicant if they are not paid.

Arraigned AUAD students remanded in prison custody Gbenga Sodeinde Ado-Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe 17

arraigned students of Afe Babalola University, were on Wednesday, remanded in Prison Custody in Ado Ekiti for alleged arson and attempted robbery, during the Sunday night violent crisis that led to vandalisation of property and stolen of millions naira from the University campus in the process.

The seven accused persons had earlier been granted bail of N300, 000 in like sum and one surety each and who must be a civil or public servant on

the 6-count charges against them on Tuesday.

The earlier 6-count charge against them, include, rioting, possession of firearms and malicious damage, which the police prosecutor, Sgt. Leranmo Caleb told the court that the accused, committed the offence on Monday at Afe Babalola University campus.

The prosecutor also alleged that the accused conspired to commit rioting, possession of fire arms, possession of military camouflage uniform and damaged several property of the school.

L-R: Dr. Steve Adeshina; Chairman of the occasion, Muhammed Aliyu and Mr Solomon Udele during the 5th Inter-House Sport Day of Centagon International School at the National Stadium Abuja... recently.

Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Plateau govt approaches Appeal Court over sacked 271 PDP Councilors Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏWith

the reopening of the application for a stay of proceedings by the Plateau state government and three others in suit No. PLD/J50/15, filed by one, Gajere Clement Darong and 270 others, challenging their sack by the All Pro-

gressives Congress (APC) administration led by Governor Simon Lalong, at the Court of Appeal, the fate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Councilors, seems to be politically hanging.

Recall that the Plateau state High Court had adjourned the matter to a later date in February, 2016,

Lalong

for hearing, after refusing to grant the application for stay of proceedings filed by the state government in its ruling of 3rd February, 2016, for lack of valid appeal.

During the hearing of the matter, Counsel to the Plateau state government, told the Court that they have approached the Court

of Appeal with the same application for stay and that the state government has also initiated a settlement process with the plaintiffs, hence, they cannot proceed on the matter.

He said, “My lord, following this court’s ruling on the stay of proceedings, we have applied for same at the Court of Appeal. The mo-

tion, No. CA/J38M/2016 is now pending. A copy of the motion has been served on the registrar of the court.

“In this circumstance, we cannot proceed with the hearing, in order for the defendants to exercise their right to appeal the ruling of this court and also commence the settlement process initiated.”

Aregbesola signs bill to reduce cost of governance Bayelsa Speaker distances self from rerun poll Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏOsun

state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has signed 81 sections Public Procurement Bill into law as a means to boost the financial capacity of the state.

Aregbesola, while signing the bill at the Governor’s office, Abere, said the bill was aimed at reducing cost

of governance.

According to him, governance cost will reduce with the open competitive bidding it provides.

He said, “The law has provision for public dissemination of information on government procurement which will guarantee citizens, particularly small and medium scale enterprises opportunities to participate

in public procurement processes.

“The bill will ensure probity, accountability, transparency, value for money as well as establish fair pricing standards and benchmarks.”

The governor explained that Osun government has put in place adequate guideline to safeguard the law from being abused by people.

Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe embattled Speaker of Bayelsa state House of Assembly has vowed not to participate in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rescheduled re-run elections in Southern Ijaw Constituency IV for March 5, 2016, describing the rescheduled election and the

claims by Mr. Orunimighe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as untrue.

But INEC had last week published the rescheduled dates for elections and states where elections were affected.

A statement by Mr. Aotendeike Boloigha, Media Assistant to the Speaker, stated that the only rerun election known to the Peoples Democratic Party

in the state is that of Ekeremor constituency 3, adding that members of the party were making preparations to mobilise voters to ensure the party’s victory.

The Speaker restated his earlier position that the Appeal court upheld his election as a member of the House for Southern Ijaw constituency IV in the state legislature.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Features

17

s

30 seconds into the take off

LAGOS CITY MARATHON 2016:

A celebration and test of personal limits

BY GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR The National and Teslim Balogun stadia both in Surulere, Lagos, were beehives of activities last Friday through the dawn of Saturday, February 6, 2016.

The wee hours of Saturday especially recorded an explosion of runners from far and near who had gathered for the 2016 epoch making Access Bank powered Lagos City Marathon.

A massive sea of glittering sports wears and vests filled the road all the way from Alaka Estate bus-stop down to the starting point by the National Sta-

Ï 0 ƏƆƈ ƆƏ ƅ ƏƐ Ɠ ƕ Ɛ ƍ ƍƏƈƖƆ dium.

Every two minutes, a warning message was blared from a high powered speaker, advising runners to check themselves before lining up for the race. “If you feel you’re not up to it, you are free to withdraw from the race; it is not a do or die affair….”

While some came to win, some came to be part of the race while some came for the fun of it. From the very determined to the unserious who clearly came to en-

joy the start off, all had a field day.

The first Nigerian to run with the Olympic torch, Mr. Liasu Babatunde Osoba, also showed up to test his 49-yearold frame to see if he could repeat the 1986 feat that earned him a third place finish; accompanied by his wife and children The 42km race took off some ten minutes behind schedule because of the massive crowd of over 20,000 runners besides friends and family members of

some participants who came to cheer their persons to a good start off.

The Daily Times spotted a couple of casualties just before the blast of the whistle but there were as many healthcare providers as there were security men drawn from all arms of the defence on ground that handled any emergency.

The combined team of the Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps

Continued on page 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

The weather worked in my favour — Winner, Abraham Kiptom Continued from page 17 and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency provided excellent crowd control, security and ensured safety all round.

The Daily Times also observed that it is not in Lagosians to cheer any event that cost them their right of way as commuters frowned in no small way because the roads leading into the routes were blocked to prevent vehicular movements from causing obstruction, a development that caused gridlock all over the metropolis for hours.

It was a marathon indeed; the Kenyans and other international marathoners were seen cool and calculated as the race began from the National Stadium, Surulere through Western Avenue to Ikorodu Road, then to the 3rd Mainland Bridge through Anthony.

From the Oworonsoki express turning to the 3rd Mainland Bridge, the stuff that made the difference began to show as the foreigners inched their way to set the pace for the marathon proper.

The race continued all the way to Orsborne Road; the Kingsway Road and under the Falomo bridge to Bourdilon Road into the Ikoyi link Bridge and back to Admiralty Way toll gate to Ozumba Mbadiwe. At 1004 Estate through Law School,

It is not in Lagosians to cheer any event that cost them their right of way as commuters and transporters frowned in no small way because the roads leading into the routes were blocked to prevent vehicular movements from causing obstruction, a development that caused gridlock all over the metropolis for hours.

First place winner, Abraham Kipton

Kipton at the finishing point

a good number were gasping for breath. While as many took the bus option, others declined but took the race easy by resting by the roadside awhile before continuing at their own pace.

The rest of the route from Akin

Adesola Street through Bishop Oluwole, Ahmadu Bellow Way and all the way to the New Eko Atlantic City recorded no major incident.

Winners all After an exhaustive 2 hours,

16 minutes, 21 seconds, Kenyan, Abraham Kiptom, beat other top world marathoners to the first position. However, Kiptom, a Gold labelled marathoner, did not break the record time of 2:11:36 set before the Lagos City

Marathon.

Hosea Kipkeboi also of Kenya came second with a time of 2:16:34 while Debebe Tolosa of Ethiopia came third with a time of 2:16:40.

The overall first female marathoner is Halima Hussain of Ethiopia; she came first with 2:38:36 and Alice Timbul of Kenya came second with a time of 2:38:49.

Aberash Fetase of Ethiopia returned 2:39:09 to place third.

The first Nigerian male to cross the finishing line was Philip Sharabutu with a time of 2:30:51, while Eliya Pam returned as the second Nigerian male athlete with a time of 2:31:41 and Peter Maham came third with a time of 2:39:07.

The first marathoner went home with 50,000 dollars, the second place winner carted home 40,000 dollars and third place 30,000 dollars.

Nigerian marathoner, Em-

Continued on page 19

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

19 Features

I came to exercise my body and catch fun — 68-yr-old grandma Continued from page 18 manuel Gyan from Plateau State, emerged in the seventh position received the sum of N1m for his effort.

An excited Abraham Kiptom told reporters he was glad he won the first place over his compatriot.

“I am excited I won my compatriot, Peter Kiplagat and other top world marathoners. I am happy I won the race with a time of 2:16:20.

“People were expecting Kiplaglat to win, but I had an edge because the weather worked in my favour.

“The race ia not bad, I am happy I won the race and surprised people who thought my compatriot will win,’’ he said.

There was a near casualty at various points but the medical teams were up and doing as an unspecified number of runners ran out of breath.

Statistics released at the conclusion of the race showed that a total of thirty one elite runners from eight countries participated in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

The General Manager, Marathon, Yussuf Alli said the elite runners included 24 men and seven women marathoners.

Of the 24 men marathoners, 11 have IAAF gold label and nine are from Kenya.

They are Abraham Kiptom (the first place winner), Peter Kiptoo Kiplagat, Amos Mitel, Sammy Kipkorir Kibet, Simpson Pkanaan Limareng, Nelson Kirwa Rotich, Kipkemboi Hosea, Philip Kiplagat Biwott Kenya and Isaac Kipkeboi Kosgei.

The other two gold label athletes, Mehair Fesshaye and Ali Abdosh Muhammed, are from Eritrea and Ethiopia respectively.

Of the eight IAAF silver label men marathoners on the list, four are from Kenya, they are James Cherutich Tallem, Mathew Bowen, Linus Kipwamdok Chumba and Daniel Kipchirchir Komen.

Other silver label marathoners are Mohamed Qumaarir and Khalid Lablea both from Morocco, the two others are Solomon Biratu from Ethiopia and Ghirmay Tukabo from Eritrea.

Some feats were also recorded at the just concluded marathon. A senior citizen

Gov. Ambode

One of the early casualties before the race

From the Oworonsoki express turning to the 3rd Mainland Bridge, the stuff that made the difference began to show as the foreigners inched their way to set the pace for the marathon proper.

Minutes before the take off

and grandmom, Abiola Oshodi-Adeniyibada, not only participated in the race, but completed the 42km stretch, though with some stopovers for breathers at some points.

Before the race took off, the 68-year-old Oshodi-Adeniyibada, had told journalists at the Teslim Balogun Stadium that her aim was to reach the finishing point.

“This is not the first time I will participate in sporting activities; I did track

and field when I was in high school and my love for sports brought me out to be part of this. I have even taken part in marathons outside the country in the past.”

The retired civil servant said, “I am very happy to be part of this historic marathon and the organisers deserve commendation.

“If I get tired on the road, I will rest or probably enter one of the official buses, but I will definitely get to the fin-

ish point.”

The grandmother said she is not here for the money “but to exercise my body and also catch fun while participating.”

The News Agency of Nigeria later on Saturday confir med that Oshodi-Adeniyibada had already crossed the finishing line as of the time the news agency got to the point.

The 42 km long race saw a test of personal limits pushed to the extreme as men, women,

young and old had the opportunity to prove their mettle.

As many of the runners who spoke to Daily Times were pleased with the organisers and the success of the marathon.

“We will prepare better for the next edition by the grace of God,” Retired marathoner, Osoba who finished the race at the 150th position said. “To me, it is a very good exercise and I will continue to participate,” he enthused.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Crime

s

Mother of five cries for help over husband’s disappearance Ï ƋƋƆ Ɔ Ɔ Ɠ Ƒ ƆƗ Ƈ Ə ƅƏƈƇƈƅƆ Ƅƕ ƇƏƈƆ Ɨ

Placid

By JOY ANYIM For officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), the sudden disappearance of Mr. Placid Ezeruike, whose wife alleged has been used for sacrifice by one Chief Lawrence Oyanifo is yet another knot they would have to crack.

Information has it that Placid who resides at No. 22 Idowu Street in Ajegunle left home on 8th March 2015 to visit one Chief Lawrence, his friend at Mowe and had not returned from that visit to date.

The Daily Times gathered that the family became suspicious that Chief Lawrence, who is a renowned herbalist, may have used him for sacrifice, especially because when he was contacted over Placid’s disappearance, he was alleged to have told Mrs. Placid to ‘go and look for her husband at the

Mortuary’.

Our correspondent learnt that Mrs. Placid immediately reported the case at the Tolu Police Division for investigation, but after eight months, she is convinced that the police at the division did not treat her case with any seriousness. On a friend’s advice in November, she went to SCID to lay a formal complaint.

Her story: “On the 8th March 2015 at about 8 am, my husband received a phone call. I did not know who had called him or for what purpose but after the phone call, he told me he would be going to see a friend, he did not tell me who it was or where.

“Since it was a Sunday, I prepared and left for Church. I had expected to meet him at home on my return, but he was not there.

By 8 pm, there was no sign of him and his phone was switched off. I kept calling him all night but it

was still switched off. I was restless because my husband had never passed the night out without informing me.

“The next morning, I ran to Mr. Charles at Orege in Ajegunle because he is my husband’s closest friend. I told him my plight.

He told me he had seen my husband the previous day and that he had told him he was going to a friend’s party but that he did not know the friend in question.

“He however called one Mr. Kenneth who told him the name of the celebrant of the party my husband had gone to attend and the cell phone number too. He gave me the number and I called Chief Lawrence. I told the Chief that my husband who had attended his party had not returned home since then.

“His response shocked me.

Chief Lawrence told me in a very harsh tone to go to the Mortuary to look for my husband or better still report to the police. At this point I sensed something was fishy and I quickly went to Tolu Police Division to report.

“Upon my complaints, the police invited chief Lawrence for interrogation. After much questioning, the police allowed Chief Lawrence to go without detaining him. The police claimed Lawrence had a wound on his leg and as a result, he could not be detained to avoid him dying in police custody.

“I thought they would continue with the investigation and I kept going to the police division, but nothing was forthcoming. Infact the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) there even told me that my husband must be dead and was even reluctant to do anything about the case.

“In November I lodged a complaint at the SCID and signal was sent to Tolu Police Division to transfer the case to them, which they did. They were also requested to produce Chief Lawrence immediately, but they did not, until this month because of the pressure SCID was putting on them, they had to produce him.

“Sincerely, I may not have the resources to pursue this case but

one thing is sure: I am not giving up until I find out what happened to my husband. I am pleading with the police authority to come to my aid to unravel my husband’s disappearance. I strongly believe they used my husband for sacrifice. I am a mother of five children and have spent all I have running around for this case and now I am left with nothing.

‘Even the shop I was managing at Liverpool road in Apapa has been demolished. They are asking us to come pay one million naira for the new structure erected there and N15, 000 for registration and I don’t have any money left. I cannot take care of the children alone and my husband does not even have a brother or sister that I can run to because he is the only child of his parent,” she mourned.”

On the allegation that her husband is a member of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, she said. “I do not know if my husband is a member of a fraternity. He has never left home in the middle of the night or acted in any suspicious manner.

All I know is that Chief Lawrence must tell me where my husband is or what he did with him.”

On the other hand, Chief Lawrence Oyanifo who also spoke with Daily Times, claimed he knows

I am pleading with the police authority to come to my aid to unravel my husband’s disappearance.

I strongly believe they used my husband for sacrifice. I am a mother of five children and have spent all I have running around for this case and now I am left with nothing. Even the shop I was managing at Liverpool Road at Apapa has been demolished.

They are asking us to pay one million Naira for the new structure erected there and N15, 000 for registration and I don’t have any money left – Mrs. Placid

nothing about the sudden disappearance of Mr. Placid. “I was celebrating my birthday last year on March 8 in my house at Mowe. I had invited Mr. Placid to grace the occasion and he did. At about 5 p. m. the party had ended and everyone was on their way home, I even saw him leaving on that day.

“It was four days later that his wife called me to inform me that her husband who had attended my birthday party had not returned home. I was surprised and even advised her to quickly rush to the police to report or even visit the accident ward of some general hospital to know if he was involved in an accident.

The allegation that I used her husband for sacrifice is not true.”

When Daily Times also contacted Mr. Charles for his own side of the story, he revealed that he and Placid belonged to the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity.

His story: “Even Chief Lawerence is also a member but sincerely I do not know him personally. Placid had come to me on the 8th March 2015 to lend him N1,000, that he wanted to attend a friend prayer meeting at Mowe.

He then left. To my greatest surprise, the next day, Placid’s wife rushed to my house in the morning saying she had not seen her husband since he left home on Sunday.”

Charles confirmed he helped to find out the contact of the friend her husband had gone to visit through one Kenneth who is also a member of the fraternity. “I did not even attend the event in question and neither did I know Chief Lawrence before now. The allegation that her husband had been used for sacrifice is one that I do not understand. One thing I know about our fraternity is that we do not use humans for sacrifice or prayers, we use cows, rams, goats and cock if need be.”

The police on its part told our correspondent that investigation is still ongoing to ascertain what truly happened to Placid, if he was actually used for sacrifice as alleged by the wife and if not, what actually led to his sudden disappearance.

Up to the time of filing this report, the body of Placid has not been found.

21 21

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22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

HOSANNA QUICKENING SPIRIT MISSION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEYEMI MOSES RHEMA 2. ADERHEMA LYDIA 3. EMEH EBIOJO FAITH 4. OVIE BROOKLYNS THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST 2. TO ESTABLISH AND SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST 3. TO PROMOTE THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

7TH AVENUE ISLAMIC CENTRE The general public is hereby notified that the above named Centre has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Dr Balarabe Mohammed Sani - Chairman 2, Yusuf Ismaila Ahmed - Secretary 3, Suleiman Shehu Usman - Member 4, Muhammed Abu Abaji - Member 5, Muktar Ibrahim Shehu -Member THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROPERGATE THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

COMFORTER APOSTOLIC DELIVERANCE MINISTRY FELELE IBADAN

COVENANT PEOPLE OF YAHWEH INT’L WORSHIP CENTER The general public is hereby notified that the above Church has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990 BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Cohen Mezie Aaron Samuel 2. Prophetess Mezie Miriam Ngozi 3. Priest Mezie Chinaedozi Eleazar 4. Elder Azubuike Daniel Ahuruezenma 5. Elder Amah Ifeanyichukwu THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.

To worship Yahweh in truth and holiness 2.

To raise a generation of Royal priesthood 3. To sanctify humanity and the world with the Torah Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama , Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Apostle C. James-Owen 08063497117

UDO OGBU EHI AWATOR NA DIABA NIMO FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF PRIEST NWAFOR CHIZOBA LIVINUS OGHEE 2. CHUKURAH AGXOAKA OKOYE 3. EMEKA NOMWU 4. MOSES OGHEE 5. FELA IKPO THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS 2. TO PROMOTE THE SOCIO CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE PEOPLE 3. TO PROMOTE UNITY, LOVE, PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS

THE NOVEL WOMAN FOUNDATION

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 Trustees: 1. Obafemi Adisa- Chairman 2. Victor Aipoh 3. Omolola Tewe 4. Omotoyosi Ajulo- Secretary Aims and objectives : 1. To empower young women through enlightenment and training.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: Uzowulu Ugo & Co 08033393213

GRACE OF GOD RESTORATION ASSEMBLY The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ABIODUN ADEWALE LADIPO 2. PASTOR (MRS) CAROLINE NWAJI LADIPO 3. PASTOR OLUWASEUN ISAAC OLUFOLAJU 4. DEACON OSARETIN COLETTE AKEJU 5. PASTOR TOM KING BELLO Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

RIDWAN MIN ALLAH ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF NIGERIA CHANGE OF TRUSTEES

MOUNTING OF POWER RESTORATION & DELIVERANCE CENTRE INT’L

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The trustees are: 1. BISHOP (DR) BAMIBE EMMANUEL OLUFEMI 2. REV. BAMIBE JOANA ABIMBOLA 3. PASTOR DAVID TAIWO ASIMIYU 4. DR. JOHN OLUSEGUN BAMIBE 5. EVANG. (MRS) BEATRICE OLUSEHUN JOHN-ADEGOKE 6. SENIOR EVANGELIST (MRS) ELIZABETH OMOTAYO OMOYENI 7. SENIOR EVANGELIST (MRS) FLORENCE BOLAJI AMOO AIMS: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Trustees

This is to inform the general public that the above named society has applied to the corporate affairs commission for CHANGE OF TRUSTEES under part c of the companies and allied matters act, 1990 TRUSTEES 1.IMAM ABDUL-RAHEEM BAMIDELE ALLI......RETAINED 2.ALHAJI KABIR AJIBOLA GBEMISOLA........APPOINTED 3. ALHAJI NURUDEEN OLAMILEKAN IYADUNNI..... APPOINTED 4.ALHAJI QUAHR KUNLE AYINDE......APPOINTED 5.ALHAJI ABDUL AKEEM AMOO.........APPOINTED 6. ALHAJI TAWAKALITU ABIOLA.........APPOINTED 7. ALHAJI MEDINA OLUWATOYIN BELLO.........APPOINTED 8. ALHAJI IBRAHIM ALEBIOSU..........RESIGNED 9.MR. SURAJUDEEN OLUSEYI MOMODU...RESIGNED 10. MR TAJUDEEN OYEKUNLE AMODU.... RESIGNED 11. ALHAJA FATIMAH FASHOLA.........RESIGNED Aims and objectives remains the same Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general , corporate affairs commission, plot 430 Tigris crescent , off Agunyi Ironsi street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed Barr. Bamidele Ogundele Emmanuel

HOLY FAITH CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM CHURCH OBA OLUBUNKUN

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended) THE TRUSTEES ARE1. ADEFIAYO ANDREW OTUGADE - PRESIDENT 2 OMOTUNDE TITILAYO OGUNYEMI 3. MERCY IDOWU OTUGADE 4. LAWRENCE TAIWO OLOYEDE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To spread and propagate the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To preach repentance, salvation and rebirth through our Lord Jesus 3 To promote sincere love and mutual respect among the followers Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED:THE SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of Certificate of Occupancy dated 9th June 1997, Registered as No 96/96/1997k in Lagos State Land Registry, Name Godfrey . E. Nwabogor Lekki Plot 5, Block 114A lekki Peninsula Resident Scheme 1, Eti Osa Area of Lagos State.

Please call this number if found: 08185084766.

AMOS ISAAC AKPAN I, formerly known and addressed as AMOS ISAAC ENO now wish to be known and addressed as AMOS ISAAC AKPAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IDOWU OLUWATOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWAYEMI GRACE OSUNGBARO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGU PAMELA SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY OKORO . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IGWE IRUKA now wish to be known and addressed as IGWE GEOFFREY . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FALOLA STELLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EDE ELAHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

OLABISI AMINAT AVRO

OLUWATOSIN BAKARE

OLUWAYOMI MICHAEL-ORHEWERE

SARAH DAUDA SHUT

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWAYOMI HARRIET POPOOLA now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWAYOMI MICHAELORHEWERE. General public please, take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MARAM UHANAN SARAH now wish to be known and addressed as SARAH DAUDA SHUT. General public please, take note.

CHINELO JULIET MBANEME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINELO JULIET NWANKWO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINELO JULIET MBANEME. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

OLUWAYEMI GRACE OSUNGBARO

I, formerly known and addressed as OLABISI AMINAT OYELEYE (Miss) now wish to be known and addressed as OLABISI AMINAT AVRO(Mrs). All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

SUNDAY OKORO

I, formerly known and addressed as AMINA MOHAMMED now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWATOSIN BAKARE. General public please, take note.

IGWE GEOFFREY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR CHIBUEZCHIKA 2. MRS CHIBUEZE IFEOMA 3. MR CHIME OBI 4. MR AZOR VICTOR CHIGBO AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

MAMLAKAH GLOBAL MINISTRY

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended) THE TRUSTEES ARE1. YEBOAH DACOSTA AMOS KWAKU 2 YEBOAH BOLA ELIZABETH 3. EZEKIEL WISDOM AHAMEFULA 4. OLORUNSHEYI SUNDAY OLUWAGBENGA 5 ASUQUO EUNICE VERERE 6 SEIDI DANIEL ADUKU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To establish unity among the church of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To educate and demonstrate the life of our Lord Jesus Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED:TRUSTEES

EDE ELAHI

ANOSIKE ENDERLINE ONYINYECHI

I, formerly known and addressed as GODFREY OFOEGBU ENDERLINE ONYINYECHI now wish to be known and addressed as ANOSIKE ENDERLINE ONYINYECHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

FO

ALE S R

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Reps, Ministry disagree over Intervention Fund for police Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs and the Ministry of Interior, on Wednesday, disagreed and failed to reach a consensus over where the Police Special Intervention Fund should be domiciled.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Bassey Eyong, who argued that the funds to be domiciled with the Ministry, when its operatives appeared before the House committee to defend

its 2016 budget, said that the funds would not be used for routine expenses, but for interventions that would enable the police perform its constitutional role effectively.

He informed the Committee that the Ministry would work closely with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to identify the infrastructural needs of the police to restore law and order to the North-East region of the country and some parts of the South-West, where kidnapping was rampant.

“We should not forget

Dogara

the need for checks and balances. The police can liaise with the Ministry for that; somebody needs to have a

close watch over these monies,” he said.

However, the Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Rep. Haliru Jika, disagreed with Eyong, and queried why the Special Intervention Fund should be domiciled with the Ministry of Interior.

Two other members of the House Committee, Reps Jonathan Gaza and Prestige Ozi, towed Jika’s line.

While demanding explanations why the Fund was set up, the law-makers called for its scrapping, because of the present economic realities in the country.

23

Ondo 2016 budget, a fraud – APC Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏ

The All Progressive Congress (APC), in Ondo State, has described the 2016 budget estimate presented to the House of Assembly

by Governor Olusegun Mimiko as a fraud and deceit tailored towards mortgaging the future of the state.

The party said the decision by Mimiko to use a greater part of the appropriation bill to service debt instead of embarking on capital projects for the benefit of the state was anti-people.

Its Director of Publicity and Media, Steve Otaloro, in a statement issued on Wednesday to journalists in Akure, bemoaned why

the state government would want to spend N15. 850 billion on servicing debt despite rising unemployment among youths in the state.

“A situation where the government will be spending N15.850 billion, which represents 31.08% of this year’s budget to service debt repayment shows how this PDP government had mortgaged the future of Ondo State.

“The allocation of N50.999 billion as capital projects in this year budget estimates which is planned to be used for the completion of ongoing projects like the Dome, Ondo township roads and the FiwasayeOba-Ile to Airport roads is suspicious,” he said.

Delta Speaker mourns Uzor, says Mgbakor served with distinction ÏÏÏTributes

Students of Yaba College of Technology protesting the death of their Colleague on Campus in Lagos… on Wednesday.

have continued to be showered on Sir Benjamin Mgbakor and Chief Christiana Uzor as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Wednesday described them as great personalities.

“Sir Benjamin Mgbakor was one of the most consistent administrators in defunct Bendel State.

He served the state with distinction and integrity” Igbuya said in a condolence letter to the family.

“Mgbakor was a family man who, exuded the best

of family values. He also contributed a lot to the uplifting of the Ika man,” Igbuya said.

The Speaker, in another condolence message to the Uzor family described Chief Christiana Uzor as a remarkable personality who served her community with passion.

“She was a great woman and a loving mother”, he said.

He extended his heartfelt commiserations to the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State, Chief Edwin Uzor.

Educationist tasks stakeholders on future of students Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏ

OLAJUMOKE COMFORT EZEKIEL

MACAULEY YUSUF ABOLORE ESTHER

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAJUMOKE COMFORT Ojo now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLAJUMOKE COMFORT EZEKIEL. All former documents remain valid General public take notice

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss MUINAT ESTHER YUSUF now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs MACAULEY YUSUF ABOLORE ESTHER. General public please, take note.

An educationist, Oba, (Dr.) Solomom Olugbenga Oloyede, has called on stakeholders to ensure that students end up making positive contributions to the society.

Oba Oloyede, who is the Chairman of Oloye/Sunfab Group of School, Lagos and Abuja, said this to the Parent- Teacher Association of Oloye Comprehensive College, Sari Iganmu, Lagos, and stressed that students and wards ought to be en-

couraged in recognition of their brilliant performance in their studies.

He noted that it was only through the fullest cooperation involving home, school, education authorities, central government and all other interested parties and other relevant bodies that the essence of education could be positively advanced.

Oba Oloyede said that the school was regarded as the ultimate vehicle of human advancement as its sets out to complement the tradi-

tion of academic and moral excellence over the years.

“This school is not just to collect money or to make business, but to build lives, which is my mission. When I started, and even now, many staffs have come and gone, it’s just like a barrack, soldier come and go, barrack remain the same.

But many, who have left, know this school as a place of blessing. The desirable virtues, values, skills and the practical experiences that are imparted on the students of the school, ad-

equately prepare them not only for academic pursuits, but also equipping them to a worthy private and social life.

“PTA plays an active role in developing programs, advocacy and training, at the school, district, state and national levels and working on policies that support the educational needs of children and promotes family engagement and strong partnerships between schools and the communities they serve,” the monarch said.

News 24 CSO condemns invasion of Turner’s residence Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÎÎÎA coalition of

civil society organizations, community-based organisations and pro- democracy organisations have condemned, in strong terms, the invasion of the Maitama residence of Bayelsa State monarch, King A. J. Turner, by operatives of the Directorate of State Security (DSS).

The coalition said it feared that the country was gradually sliding into a dictatorship.

The National Co-ordinator of the coalition, Abubakar Abubakar, told journalists that he was worried that security and anti-corruption agencies were being unleashed as attack dogs to hunt down anyone or group perceived to be in opposition to the government He said that though he was in support of the current administration’s anticorruption measures, which were genuinely aimed at the recovery of stolen funds, he stressed that indicted persons must also be treated with their fundamental human right constantly considered.

He said that, “We must express our worries about the way security agencies and anti-corruption agencies are being unleashed as attack dogs to hound down anyone or group perceived to be in opposition to the government.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Army warns operatives in Lagos against misconduct Segun Adio

ÎÎÎThe Nigerian Army has

its operatives attached to the 9 Brigade in Lagos to stay clear of act capable of tarnishing its image.

Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier-General Bulama Biu, who gave the warning assured the troops of the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, towards addressing their welfare and ensuring that high level training of all

personnel was achieved.

He spoke during a familiarisation tour of units under the 9 Brigade, and insisted that he would demand and ensure zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct.

He applauded the troop for the level of discipline and the support exhibited while providing aid to civil authority to ensure that Lagos and its environs remained safe and peaceful.

Biu further informed the troops that a lot of Nigerians

Asaba

ÎÎÎThe

Delta State Police Command has arrested five persons who attempted to defraud the state government of about N7 billion.

It was learnt that the suspects, a syndicate group, were at the verge of withdrawing about N7 billion from the state treasury when the information was leaked to the security operatives, who swiftly swung into action, and apprehended the gang.

It was also gathered that the suspects, who had been sent to the command headquarters, in Asaba, had confessed to the crime by telling

of the Brigade’s headquarters to the Police Headquarters, there was a need to share intelligence in order to get rid of criminals and criminalities within the metropolis.

Owoseni said that, since he assumed office, he had been able to change the modus operandi of security issues, so that the police could discharge of their responsibility through Rapid Respond Service unit and other surveillance group in combating crime in the entire Lagos and

at the entry point from other states.

He laid emphasis on the timely support he received from Headquarters 9 Brigade and promised Biu that the synergy would continue to grow from strength to strength. He further commended the Commander for the few innovative strategies he had brought on board on resumption of office and assured him of his unflinching support in piloting the security affairs of Lagos State and environs.

Osun lawmakers assure sacked workers of reinstatement Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎThe

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (left) and Chairman, Committee for Lagos at 50, Prof. Wole Soyinka during the inauguration of the committee at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja… on Wednesday.

Delta Police arrest 5 over N7b fraud Monday Osayande,

appreciate the sacrifice being made to root out the Boko Haram insurgents and urge all to continue to pray and support Nigeria’s gallant men and woman fighting in the northeast.

He gave an assurance to the soldiers that with the success being made and support of the current leadership, Boko Haram would be defeated soon.

While visiting the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Biu said that because of the proximity

the police all they knew, their various roles, and those behind it.

But the state police commissioner, Usman Baba Alkhali, who confirmed the arrest was economical with words; saying “I may not be able to disclosed to you the number of arrest we have made, or our level of investigation on the matter as revealing such information might jeopardise our efforts.

All I can tell you is that we have made some arrest and we are getting to the root of the matter”.

Briefing journalists on the matter, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Edevbie, said the Permanent Secretary and the Accountant-

General upon receiving the threat immediately informed the governor, who directed the state security agencies and the bank authorities to be on the alert.

Following the directive, he said the security agencies swung into action and arrested the gang, adding that measures had been put in place to strengthen the control in the payment of salaries.

Edevbie, who spoke through the Information Commissioner, Mr. Patrick Ukah, stated that the salaries of state departments were delayed, particularly that of the state polytechnics, because of attempt by hoodlums to defraud the state through the payment of salaries.

Osun State House of Assembly has given an assurance that some of lecturers of the four state-owned tertiary institutions affected by the down-sizing of workers would be recalled, if they had genuine cases.

The Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam, gave the assurance while receiving the save our soul message from the state chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Council of Academic Staff Unions of Osun Tertiary Institutions (CASUOSTI).

Udoma urges NASS to retain 30% capital budget Mathew Dadiya

ÎÎÎ

A passionate appeal has been made to the National Assembly to work hard and ensure that 30% of the 2016 budgetary provision was committed to capital projects and avoid the 2015 budgetary mistake of committing only10 per cent to that component.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, made this appeal when his ministry appeared before the two houses of the National Assembly to defend its ministry’s 2016 budget proposals.

While justifying it, Udoma said, “We are in a challenging times. We want to use the 2016 budget as solutions to our economic problems, especially the 30% capital allocation

component in the budget. We want to move from the past administration’s faulty traditional ways of managing our economy without development strides.”

Responding on the fate of 2016 budget in the face of present fall in oil prices, Udoma said, “We are working hard to expand fully the nation’s revenue base away from oil; government has set achievable targets to all revenues generating agencies. We must collect all revenues that are due, and increase tax coverage areas. We have set Treasury Single Account that is blocking corruption loopholes and checking revenue leakages.”

Making a case also on increase in capital budget allocation, the Minister of State for Budget and National Plan-

ning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed further explained that “a reasonable and sizeable increase in capital allocation for improvement and provision of key infrastructure was required to reflate the economy and help the productive sector to grow our economy, especially the small scale enterprises.”

Udoma

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

25 Opinion

Nigeria Vision 20-2020 Mirage? (6)

ÏÏÏ

Last week, we completed our analysis of the place of agribusiness in Nigeria Vision 20-2020. We had grouped all agriculture related activities in Nigeria under the heading of agribusiness. We surmised that given the right policy direction, Nigeria can, in a short period of one to six years regain its 1960s dominance in agribusiness. Most importantly, agribusiness can be leveraged to wipe out unemployment in the short run while the country restructures its entire educational sector to prepare its youths for the new world that is run on technology particularly information and communication technology (ICT).

All that is required is a focused and aggressively driven government policy at federal, state and local government levels, albeit coordinated for maximum impact especially to ensure it benefits from economy of scale and comparative advantage as well as sensitivity to global relevance.

By way of recollection, the series we have been doing for most of the last 10 weeks in this column has been “Nigeria Vision 20_2020 (NV2020)”. We had opened the discussion with a quote, namely, that the expectation of govern-

ment was that “by 2020 Nigeria will be one of the 20 largest economies in the world, able to consolidate its leadership role in Africa and establish itself as a significant player in the global economic and political arena” (Nigerian National Planning Commission (NPC). We had also cited Wikipedia to wit that “Nigeria’s economic potential is well recognized: it is the biggest economy in the West African sub region.

Given the country’s considerable resource endowment and coastal location there is potential for strong growth. Nigeria has however attained very little of her potential.

Previous attempts at planning and visioning were not upheld. The history of economic stagnation, declining welfare and social instability, has undermined development in the last three decades.

However, in recent years, Nigeria has experienced a growth turnaround and conditions seem right for her to launch onto a path of sustained and rapid growth, which justifies her ranking amongst the N11 countries. These are the countries identified

by Goldman Sachs to have the potential for attaining global competitiveness based on their economic

Buhari

and demographic settings and the foundation for reforms already laid. The previous administration had declared the intention to pursue the vision of placing Nigeria among the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020 and the current administration is committed to the attainment of this vision.

The Business Support Group is an initiative of the Secretariat of the National Steering Committee of Vision 2020, which is intended to engender Private Sector support for the NV2020 process. The key functions of the Business Support Group are to: generate publicity, public opinion and national buy-in; mobilize resources

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from the Private Sector, organize fund raising activities to support NV2020; and provide technical and financial support (Wikipedia: “Nigeria Vision 2020”).”

Our approach in this series was clearly stated at the beginning of the series, to wit, “we shall dwell on key aspects of the success determinants of NV2020. First, we will study Nigeria’s economic potential. Second, we shall seek an understanding of how Nigeria has realized very little of her potential. Third we shall examine why past planning and visioning were not sustained. Fourth, we will seek an explanation of how the history

of economic stagnation, declining welfare and social instability has undermined development for most of the past 30 years.

Fifth, we shall look into the interplay of economic stagnation, declining welfare and social instability.

Sixth, we shall test the assertion that in recent years, Nigeria has been experiencing a growth turnaround. Seventh, we shall also test the proposition that conditions seem right for launching Nigeria onto a path of sustained and rapid growth.

Eighth, we shall x-ray the idea that the current administration is committed to the attainment of NV2020. Ninth, we shall study the potential and nature of private sector support for the NV2020.

Tenth, drawing from the above nine studies, we shall underscore and underpin what critical steps must be taken to turn NV2020 from a mirage to a reality.”

Finally, by way of introduction of the series, we had opined that the best way to test the reality/ workability of Nigeria Vision 20_2020 was to re-examine the economic spine of the Nigerian nation especially the root causes of the present challenge to economic development and possible solutions to them…by looking at different aspects of the economy using a list that I have adapted from BMI Research: Agribusiness; Automobiles; Commercial Banks; Consumer Electronics; Defence and Security; Education; Financial Markets; Food and Drinks; Freight Transport; Information Technology; Infrastruc-

ture; Insurance; Medical Devices; Metals; Mining; Oil and Gas; Petrochemicals; Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare; Power; Real Estate; Tourism; Telecommunications; Water; Shipping; Renewables; and Retail. Before looking at these various aspects of Nigeria’s economy, I would like to restate my belief that Nigeria has no business being poor. Its only business is engendering or rekindling elite patriotism, which births positive sacrifice based on a justifiable pride in the patrimony, similar to what China and UAE have achieved recently and What USA, Japan, Germany and Singapore achieved earlier, to mention only a few. As long as Nigerian elite class chooses to be unpatriotic, only Swiss bankers would continue to know our real worth.”

So far, as we said above, we have looked at agriculture/agribusiness. Next week, we shall pause to take a look at Nigeria’s 2016 budget macroscopically in terms of the broad allocations to infrastructure and development expenditures. I would like to examine the pros and cons of the underlying fiscal policy. Specifically, I will engage the very recent February 2016 NOI Poll report on Nigeria’s Concerns for 2016, notably that the three most pressing concerns of Nigeria for this year are job creation, security and the economy. I will attempt to explain how the budget would or would not address those concerns.

Alabi Wuya can be reached: @alabiwuya

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Health

s

LUTH doctors protest non-payment of salaries, discriminatory tax policy Ï1 ƐƎ Ɔ ƑƆ ƕ ƃƎ ƍ ƅ Əƍ Ɗ Ǝ ô Ɖ ƍƓÔ Gnj6 L#

Prof Chris Bode

Dr Akinkunmi Afolabi

Lara Adejoro The Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), IdiAraba, Lagos, Professor Christopher Bode has said that the government is owing no doctor four months’ salary.

This is against the backdrop of the protest of the hospital’s Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), that they are being owed two months salaries while some doctors are owed up to four months salaries.

They also protested what they described as “discriminatory tax policy.”

At a press conference, the

Association’s president, Dr Akinkunmi Afolabi said, despite the daunting challenges they face in their line of duty, the management of LUTH had failed to recognise their efforts and had continued to delay their salaries.

Afolabi said other health workers, including doctors in other Federal Government hospitals had been paid.

He said, doctors in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife (OAUTH), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria (ABUTH), Yaba Psychiatric Hospital and Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos have been paid and there’s no excuse why LUTH doctors shouldn’t be

paid.

“Because of the sensitive nature of our job, and we are of the opinion that the public will prevail on the management of the hospital and President Muhammadu Buhari so we can be paid.

“Some of the doctors who started working here in August 2015 haven’t been paid for four months but some who have been here before then are being owed for two month,” Afolabi said.

He added that, “In a sad replay of the unfortunate events of December 2014, the December 2015 and January 2016 salaries have been withheld. Members have had to toe, once again, the un-dignifying path of borrowing money to pay house rent, examination fees, and children’s school fees, amongst other pressing needs while the management has cited the oft-repeated annual

NGO trains journalists on budget tracking

No fewer than ten journalists from both print and electronic media houses have been trained by a non-governmental organisation, Development Communications Network (DevComs) on budget tracking and investigative journalism.

The purpose of the training, according to the Research and Communications Officer of DevComs, Mrs Abiodun Owo, is to

hone the skills of health reporters in the area of budget interpretation, analysis and tracking so they can use the information to engage policy makers on emerging maternal and child health issues in the country “with the hope that this will facilitate responsive actions from government regarding the health needs of pregnant women and children in Lagos and Nigeria

as a whole.”

Co-founder, BudgIT, Mr Oluseun Onigbinde, who spoke on the budgeting process in Nigeria and Health budgeting in Nigeria respectively said, the Nigerian economy, despite the incentives for local market investment faces acute inability to compete globally.

“Despite liquidity in the domestic market, asset creation

mopping up exercise by the office of the Accountant General of the Federal for the non – payment of December salaries through a circular reference N0. TH/ ACCT/D.27/27.”

However, in a telephone interview, Prof Bode said, “LUTH does not pay salaries of doctors.

The Federal Government pays directly into everybody’s account.

It is the government that owes LUTH doctors. As for December salary, government officials have said they are working on paying it. So, December salary is being awaited.

“It’s not just a LUTH problem.

LUTH doctors are not the only ones affected. University College Hospital, (UCH), Ibadan, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin (UBTH), OAUTH, Ife and the hospital in Ido-ani are being owed December salary. Every-

at the private sector is not rising fast.” He said, “the ideal work of government should be health, education, defence/security and justice. “The role of the government is to give fair opportunity to everybody in the society.”

On 2016 health budget, he said, 90 per cent is for the recurrent budget but no provision was made for the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

“Where is the 1 per cent of CRF? The CRF should be for the

body knows and appreciate that the government is trying its best to control the financial crisis.”

He also said, “As at Thursday night, they were paid January salary and it is mischievous for anybody to say they’ve not been paid December salary because the government that owes the money has promised to pay and has urged all of us to be patient and that has been communicated to all concerned. We are not the only category of workers in Nigeria that are owed December salary.”

On the discriminatory tax policy, the LUTH boss said, “During Prof. Akin Osibogun’s administration, the tax issue came up after some arrears were deducted following the state’s decision to apply Personal Income Tax Act of 2011 (PITA). This led to a team from Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) coming to make a presentation in LUTH for staff; explaining the tax act.

“When the unions still appeared unsatisfied, the hospital management arranged a meeting with the Chairman of LIRS then, Mr Tunde Fowler, with all unions excos in attendance. At the said meeting the state insisted that the tax was appropriate because Lagos had decided to apply the PITA to the letter.

“It was argued and verified at that meeting that those being paid by the FG were taxed less and that states like Ogun were giving doctors waivers. This was confirmed in a phone call Mr. Fowler put through to his Ogun state counterpart on speaker.

However the state insisted on the continued application of PITA

Continued on page 27

National Health Act but unfortunately, that hasn’t be done and the Federal Government didn’t even budget for that.”

The Chief Executive Officer, Quorus and Associates, Mr Bolaji Adepegba who spoke on the role of the media in budget monitoring said, we need to monitor the budget “because we are potential beneficiary of good health services, potential clients of health services, we deserve to live well and as citizens, we are legally involved and

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

27 Health

‘No excuse why LUTH doctors shouldn’t be paid...’

Continued from page 26

(Middle) Ms Funmilola James, National Project Manager of Breast Without Spot (BWS); Hon. Desmond Elliot, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constitiency; BWS Youth Corpers and other BWS volunteers at the World Cancer Day walk organised by the NGO to increase awareness of the HPV vaccines... recently.

Vaccinate against cervical cancer, BWS urges youths Stories by Lara Adejoro Breast Without Sport (BWS), a non-governmental organization has urged youths to vaccinate against against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the virus causing cervical cancer.

Speaking at the BWS awareness walk to mark this year World Cancer Day Youth Jamboree 2016, the National Project Manager of BWS, Ms Funmilola James said, there is a great opportunity to reduce cervical cancer in Nigeria f only all boys and girls can be vaccinated against Human papilloma virus (HPV).

James said, though the HPV

vaccines are expensive, her organisation’s ‘school-based cervical cancer vaccination awareness initiative’ works closely with schools to ensure school-aged children are vaccinated against cervical cancer.

“Through this initiative, we ensure that the three doses of the HPV vaccines are obtained at the least possible price of N18,000 (Eighteen Thousand Naira). We are glad that so far, Effortwill Academy, Ejigbo and Dee Unique Schools, Ipaja have commenced HPV vaccination of their students. We hope more schools will respond and parents will consent to, and pay for their children to

get vaccinated against HPV,” she said.

President and Founder of BWS, Prof. Ifeoma Okoye in a press release said that even though the HPV vaccine’s potency is maximal when given to a male or female between 11-12 years, the vaccine is recommended for both male and female from ages 9-26 years. “Through the support of the American Cancer Society (ACS), our NGO will be conducting a one-year evaluation of the school-based vaccination project we launched in 2014 with the aim of determining how to better strengthen advocacy for HPV vaccination in Nigeria.”

and when the doctors argued that call duty should not be taxed, this was rejected, and instead they were advised to apply for reliefs, or some other waivers/reduction on some other things which they pay to the state, and that the government may consider it. There was some argument that even Lagos state doctors were paying less than LUTH doctors but the files for Lagos state were not found that day. The meeting ended on that note.

“Nigerian Medical Associatioan (NMA) Lagos chapter, set up a tax committee and the committee visited LIRS again, and based on their findings, the committee advised NMA Lagos to approach the next state governor with a proposal as it seemed the then Fashola government was winding down and not likely to do anything before leaving.

“Now it is important to note that had all doctors been on Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the tax issue would not have arisen, because the tax regime is less on IPPIS. This is why non-doctors who agreed to go on IPPIS have not been as concerned about the tax compared to when they were not on IPPIS. Unfortunately, it is possible that the FG tax regime may now be adjusted to match that of Lagos because Mr. Fowler, who was the main man behind this state tax approach, is now the head of the Federal Inland

Revenue Service (FIRS). However, until that is done the advice will be that all doctors should be moved to IPPIS and MDCAN National is working on this), and also that the current NMA exco should take up the advice it’s tax committee made, to submit a tax relief proposal to the new state govt.

“The tax issue is a settled one as you have read. It was never brought up again by any group and as head of ARD, he knew the history till date.”

On clarification on the salaries, he said, “the January salaries of all doctors were paid Thursday night, February 4, by the Government. We had sent series of messages to all doctors and I’ve had meetings with the President of ARD three times in the past three weeks.”

Also speaking with our correspondent, Dr Chidubem Gbujie said, there are challenges in the hospital, “both infrastructure and renumeration wise and this is impacting greatly on the service delivery we intend to give to the public.

“For those of us who started around August 2015, we’re being owed 4 months salaries. We are begging prominent Nigerians to come to our rescue. As it is now, we can’t plan our future. We also beg that our December salary and subsequent arrears be paid so we can be motivated.”

Meanwhile, the LUTH CMD said, government owes nobody 4 months’ salary.

UNFPA partners FG, UNICEF to end Female Genital Mutilation In its bid to end Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM), The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as well as the Guardian, UK will to launch a joint programme on Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) to accelerate policy and action to abandon the practice.

In a statement signed by the Country representative, UNFPA, Ratidzai Ndhlovu, the programme would be held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, with the wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, as the special guest of honour.

The statement said wives of governors of Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti

and Ebonyi states would also be in attendance.

It said the launch would be followed by a Pan African media award on FGM and Cutting Reportage.

The programme is part of the UNFPA programme in Nigeria which aimed at accelerating universal access to reproductive health and services.

Giving statistics on FGM across the six states in south west Nigeria, the Executive Director, New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), Mr Oyeleye Abiodun said, “Osun has the highest with 76.6 per cent followed by Ekiti with 72.3 per cent. While Oyo has 65.5 per cent; Ondo has 45 per cent followed by Lagos with 34.8 per cent and Ogun has 11.2 per cent respectively.”

According to the World Health Organisation, FGM comprises all

procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons.

More than 125 million girls and women alive today have been cut in the 29 countries in Africa and Middle East where FGM is concentrated The practice is mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as attending childbirths. In many settings, health care providers perform FGM due to the erroneous belief that the procedure is safer when medicalized.

FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. “It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes

A process involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia

an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children. The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security

and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death,” says WHO.

31

Triesman advocates scrapping of FIFA

F

Triesman

ormer FA chairman Lord Triesman believes FIFA should be dismantled and a new governing body set up in its place.

Triesman has been a long-term critic of the world governing body and made allegations of ‘improper and unethical’ behaviour by four FIFA members in the House of Commons in 2011.

The 72-year-old, who resigned from his FA and World Cup 2018 bid posts in 2010, says he doubts the capacity of any of the current FIFA presidential candidates to change a “deep-seated culture” of

corruption.

“I don’t think they’ve achieved any reforms yet.

They keep saying they’re on the way but I’ve heard that quite a number of times in the past.

“It’s a very deep-seated culture, and a very bad one, and it takes a lot of eradicating. My feeling is that it would be better to tear the model up and start again.

“My suspicion is that it’s in terminal decline as an organisation - too many people know the truth about it.”

Allegri: Chelsea rumours unfounded!

Page 28

Fans bemoan Taekwondoists’ failure to secure Rio slots

F

ans lamenting the inability of Nigerian taekwondoists to pick up Olympic slots at the just-concluded qualifiers in Agadir City, Morocco, have described their performance as “dismal and embarrassing” to the nation.

The fans, who expressed mixed feelings over the poor performance at the Feb. 4 to Feb. 7 competition, said their outing was “unbearable” for them.

The Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21.

NAN reports that the four athletes, comprising two males and two females crashed out of the competition because of their pitiable performances at the preliminaries.

Ferguson Oluigbo, an international certified taekwondo referee, described the performance as “dismal and unbearable.”

Oluigbo, who attributed the poor outing to technical deficiencies, said he was pained that the country would not feature in taekwondo at the 2016 Olympics.

“It is very sad that the athletes could not go beyond the early stage, even to the extent that one of our major male athletes was diagnosed to be overweight.

“This means that their trainers did not do a good job on the athletes during preparations for the qualifiers.

“Let’s go back in-house because things are not in order with Nigerian taekwondo and we can’t pretend about this,” he said.

Peters Oghenejobo, Nigeria’s first Olympic silver medallist in Taekwondo at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, told NAN that there was no consistency in the training of the athletes.

Oghenejobo said that such would psychologically and physically occupy the mindset of the athletes which would make them to remain focused to achieve the desired result at competitions.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

s e u s r e y w a L

u n a K r e v o n b 1 N r fo malicious n prosecutio Titilope Joseph

O

ne Ayoola Gam-Ikon, has filed a suit against former Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo, before a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, urging the court to grant an order that the sum of N1bn should be paid to him for what he termed as malicious prosecution by the police.

The lawyer and businessman, Gam-Ikon, claimed to have on March 5, 2013 been arraigned on 19 counts of fraud by the police following a complaint against him by Kanu.

He claimed that the charges against him were quashed on July 30, 2015 by the trial chief magistrate, following the legal advice of the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions, who absolved the claimant of the alleged offences.

Gami-Ikon urged the court to award damages to him against Kanu in the sum of N1bn holding that he has lost valuable time and years of his prime life attending court and facing trial.

He further urged the court to order Kanu to pay an interest of 22 per cent on the claimed sum from December 15, 2015 till the judgment day and 10 per cent interest on the claimed sum from judgment day till the claimed sum will be fully paid.

In the suit filed, the Gam-Ikon said he was devastated by the effect of his arraignment, imprisonment at Ikoyi prison during the perfection of bail and pendency of a criminal charge and has been running from one hospital to the other for medical assistance owing to his debilitating ill health.

According to Gam-Ikon, he had entered into

Kanu

hotel business with Kanu after he quit his former job as a banker.

Kanu and himself had incorporated The Hardley Apartments Limited on April 22, 2004 on a shareholding agreement of 70 per cent to Kanu and 30 per cent for himself.

He further claimed in the suit that in the course of running the business they saw the need for expansion leading them to obtaining a bank loan of N457m to raise the hotel to the five-star status.

He, however, claimed that trouble started between him and Kanu in the course of the loan repayment, which later resulted in his prosecution.

The suit was filed on Tuesday, but it’s yet to be assigned to a judge.

NNPC/Shell Cup gets date, N8.2m up for grabs Andrew Ekejiuba

S

L-R: President of Nigeria School Sports Federation, Malam Ibrahim Muhammad; External Relations Communications Manager of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mrs. Sola Abulu and Consultant NNPC/Shell Cup, Chief Segun Odegbami during the press conference to herald the 2016 edition of the tourney held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Wednesday.

ponsors of the annual NNPC/Shell Secondary School Football Tournament has announced that a total of 8.2 million naira will be up for grabs in this year’s edition of the competition scheduled to kick off with state preliminary matches on Friday, February, 12.

External Relations Communications Manager of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mrs. Sola Abulu told Extra Time that winners of the 18th edition of the flagship grassroots football competition for secondary schools in the country will go home with 3.5 million naira, while the first runner-up will take home 2.3 million naira. The third and fourth placed teams will also be going home with 1.3 and 1.1 million naira respectively.

According to her, the competition which was conceptualized to lay the foundation of academic and football success for youths in the country has sustained the founding vision of promoting education and football simultaneously among secondary school students even as she stated

that talent discovery will start from the first match of the tournament thereby giving opportunity to highly talented players whose schools might not make it to the finals.

“In our efforts to ensure a quality competition that meets its purpose, we are giving opportunity to every secondary school in each state and the Federal Capital Territory to register for the competition.

“Talent discovery is also going to start from the first match of the tournament thereby giving opportunity to talented payers whose schools may not make it to the finals to stand the chance of being discovered by scouts,” she said.

Reacting, President of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Malam Ibrahim Muhammad explained that the competition will kick off with the state preliminaries from February 12 – 22 with the state finals coming up between February 2 and March 2. Winners from various states will meet in the zonal series to be played in Katsina, Minna, Jalingo, Ilorin, Uyo, Owerri, Ugheli, Oshogbo and Akure between March 11-15 with the quarter- finals coming up at IjebuOde, Ogun State between April 25– 27.

The semifinals and finals will be decided at Teslim Baloguin Stadium, Lagos, on April 29 and May 5 respectively.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

EXTRATIME

Akpan

Lagos to host

confident ahead CAF Confed Cup tie

A

kwa United goalkeeper, Bassey Akpan, has said his side would not disappoint against the Congolese opponents, Vita Club Mokanda in Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup first leg preliminary round clash at the Stade Municipal de Pointe-Noire.

Akpan said his side are determined to achieve a decent result in Congo that will make the reverse fixture clash in Nigeria a lot easier.

“We have been waiting for this opportunity to play in the continent and here we are deep into it, we will not disappoint Nigerians.

“I think we are ready for the weekend clash against the Congolese

Akpan

side, Vita Club Mokanda in Congo.

“We played the NPFL Super 4 tournament in Kaduna and Uyo as preparations for the continental clash.

“We performed very well in the tournament so we hope to recreate the sterling performance starting with the clash on Saturday.

“I know the encounter will not be an easy one, the opponents are quite a good side but I know we just have to be strong to achieve our dream.

“Continental assignment is quite different from what obtains in the domestic scene but once we show character and strength we will certainly conquer even the most difficult task.

“Nigerians should be rest assured that we will not disappoint them but we need incessant prayers to overcome the hurdle,” said the former Abia Warriors shot stopper.

The Federation Cup and NPFL Super 4 winners departed the nation’s shores on Wednesday to the match venue in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.

The reverse fixture is hopefully to hold in fortnight at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (Nest of Champions) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

29

Yobo’s

testimonial match

Ex-Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo (left) in action for Nigeria.

T

he Lagos State Government is set to host a befitting testimonial for former Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo where it expects players like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and a host of other global soccer greats to feature at the event.

Though the date has not been announced, the Yobo testimonial will be a celebration of the career of the former defender who was the first to reach a century of caps for the Super Eagles, according to Mr. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, Senior Special Assistant on Sports to the Lagos State Governor.

After a successful staging of the Lagos Marathon last weekend, the Lagos State Government is starting to look at sports as a veritable way to market the metropolis, with Yobo’s testimonial match.

“The match will be played in Lagos but it will not be a Lagos thing alone because Yobo played for Nigeria so it will also be a Federation event,” Adeyinka said.

The 35-year-old had a distinguished career which took him to several countries and clubs. He played

in Belgium, France, England and Turkey with varying degrees of success.

Yobo led the Super Eagles to victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations before calling time on his international career after Nigeria’s second round elimination by France at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“When he was playing in Nigeria, he was a respected person. When he played abroad he was never red-carded in any match. All his coaches will testify to what I have said and they will be invited to the testimonial,” Adeyinka stated.

Apart from the high profile Yobo match, Lagos will also return to domestic football relevance when the new Nigeria Professional Football League season starts on February 21 due to the promotion of two clubs into the top flight.

Privately-run MFM FC and Ikorodu United have been given the use of Agege Stadium and Onikan Stadium as home grounds respectively by the government.

30

Thursday, February 11, 2016

EXTRATIME

: e n a d Zi o is

Ronald ! t s e b s ’ d worl

Zidane

R

eal Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world - ahead of Lionel

Messi.

The pair’s combined career goal tally recently passed 1000, with Ronaldo firing 30 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for club and country this season.

But with the debate about the best player in the world continuing to rumble on, Zidane was clear about who he thinks takes the plaudits.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best,” Zidane told reporters.

“People can say what they like about Cristiano Ronaldo, but in his heart he’s a good person. Messi is the rival and that rivalry is great for the footballing spectacle, it’s what the

fans want to see.”

Zidane is yet to lose a game as Real Madrid boss, with four wins and one draw coming from his five games in charge since succeeding Rafael Benitez at the Bernabeu.

But the former France international said he never saw himself in management, although is extremely happy with the work his players have put in so far.

He said: “I never thought that I’d be a manager.

When your playing career ends, all you want to do is spend time with your family. I always liked being on the pitch, it’s what I knew how to do. Everything else was foreign to me.

“It’s always the manager’s fault if the team lose.

But you have to accept that responsibility, with all

the good and bad that comes with it.

“The main thing is getting my message across to the players. I only give them two or three instructions because they’re extremely professional. I have a sensational group of players, I’m delighted with the work they’re doing.”

B

M

’Baye Niang says he never considered leaving AC Milan, despite links to Leicester City during the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old forward signed a two-year contract extension at Milan last summer, and has hit five goals in 12 league appearances so far this season.

His performances in Italy reportedly attracted interest from Leicester, but Niang remains committed to Milan, who are currently sixth in the Serie A table.

“I never thought of leaving Milan, although

P

alermo have confirmed the departure of Guillermo Barros Schelotto after the coach was unable to gain the necessary UEFA coaching license.

The former Argentina international was appointed as Davide Ballardini’s replacement in January but, due to the lack of a license, Palermo handed the reins to backroom staff members Fabio Viviani and Giovanni Bosi for a game each before appointing Giovanni Tedesco as caretaker.

Tedesco officially took charge last month, with Barros Schelotto only able to watch from the stands and, after being denied an exemption by UEFA, Palermo confirmed his departure from the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

“It is with deep regret that Palermo must take note of the decision of Guillermo Barros Schelotto and his staff to leave the technical guidance of the team, having not got the UEFA-recognised license to coach,” read a club statement.

Szczesny slams ‘rubbish reporting’

R

oma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has hit out at “rubbish reporting” amid speculation over his future. The Poland international, currently on loan from Arsenal, was reportedly set to leave Roma this summer with the Serie A side said to be reluctant to sign him permanently, before conflicting reports later claimed the club had a change of heart. Szczesny said last year his future will be decided after Euro 2016, and the goalkeeper took to his official Facebook page on Tuesday night in an effort to end the rumours.

striker–Tuchel “It is remarkable how focused he is, how clear and confident he is, how much punch and danger he can represent and how smartly he uses spaces.

“But it is important that we don’t expect too much too early. We absolutely want to get him through the season without further injuries.

“He is on a good path also mentally. The way he trains, how alert he is and how he presents himself within the team and how he gives everything.

“Like I said, he can be a monster, become a monster. He is doing everything for this. So I am very happy and absolutely convinced that he will reach this point.”

Reus’ next opportunity to frighten the opposition will come when Dortmund host Hannover in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

quits Palermo

BRIEFS

R e u s , a monster orussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel is convinced star attacker Marco Reus will become a “monster striker” on the pitch.

The Germany international has again had to miss matches through injuries this season, but opened the scoring in Tuesday’s 3-1 DFB-Pokal quarter-final win at Stuttgart – his 15th goal of the campaign.

Tuchel is eager to ensure the 26-year-old does not suffer another fitness setback and thinks he is developing his game to become an even bigger force for Dortmund.

“I said we want to convert him into a monster striker because he can be a monster on the field,” said Tuchel.

“Marco is a sensitive and creative player who needs to feel free, which means he shouldn’t have to worry about his body all the time. We are working on this.

Schelotto

Real can dream of trophies under Zidane –Raul Reus

R

aul believes Real Madrid are on course to end a troublesome campaign with silverware under the stewardship of former team-mate Zinedine Zidane.

Zidane took over from Rafael Benitez in January and his side have since taken 13 points from a possible 15 in La Liga to stay in touch with leaders Barcelona - who they trail by four points having played a game more - and second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Madrid – expelled from the Copa del Rey after fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz in the ro u n d of 32 f a c e Atletico this month and Barca in April.

Niang happy at Milan, rubbishes Leicester link some people thought I was already at Leicester,” he said.

“I always had just Milan in my mind, as I also told President Adriano Galliani and the Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic. I wanted to end the season with the Rossoneri.”

Niang scored his third goal in as many games

against Udinese on Sunday, but was replaced on the hour mark after picking up an injury.

He must prove his fitness to Mihajlovic before this weekend’s match against Genoa, where he spent part of last season on loan, but does not believe the injury is serious.

Niang

Thursday, February 11, 2016

EXTRATIME

ri: Allega Chelse rumours

unfounded!

Johnson

Johnson

admits child sex,

grooming

S

underland winger Adam Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old appeared in court on the first day of his trial into allegations of child sex charges relating to incidents between December 2014 and February last year.

England international Johnson denies two charges of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.

Sunderland-born Johnson, who has 12 England caps to his name, moved to The Stadium of Light from Manchester City in 2012.

Johnson was initially suspended

by Sunderland following his arrest and subsequent bail in March.

But, having seen his bail extended

by Durham Police, Johnson was cleared to return to training later that month and has since remained in the first-team picture.

Johnson was on the scoresheet at the weekend as Sunderland drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield.

Allegri

J

uventus coach Massimiliano Allegri quashed talk of a move to Chelsea, with the Italian insisting rumours of a Premier League switch at the season’s end are not true.

Allegri reportedly heads the shortlist of candidates, including Italy boss Antonio Conte, to replace Jose Mourinho permanently at Chelsea in 2016-17, with Guus Hiddink in charge until the end

of the campaign.

However, the two-time Serie A-winning coach is adamant he will see out his Juve contract, which expires next year.

“I would love to clarify that nothing is true about my move to Chelsea. I cannot confirm neither deny something that does not exist,” said the 48-year-old, who guided the Turin giants to the Champions League final last term.

“What matters to me is to end the season with another year of my contract and try to win some trophies, which is not simple.

There is nothing I can do about all the rumours that I read in the newspapers, this is something I cannot control.

“I want to take this chance to cut the discussion here because there are other things I have to think about together with the club and the fans. So, I repeat it again, there is nothing true about these rumours so I can’t confirm neither deny something which does not exist.”

a onn Ogb s in first revel West Ham goal

W

est Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna was left beaming following his last-gasp winner against Liverpool in Tuesday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay.

Philippe Coutinho’s superb free-kick cancelled out Michail Antonio’s first-half opener at Upton Park, which sent the contest into extra-time.

With the game seemingly set to be decided via a penalty shoot-out, Ogbonna rose highest to meet Dimitri Payet’s cross in the 121st minute and head past Simon Mignolet for a dramatic winner.

West Ham will now face Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the competition, but Ogbonna insisted his teammates are remaining grounded.

“It was my first goal for West Ham and in front of our supporters, so I am really happy for my teammates, for everybody. I really enjoyed it,” the Italian said.

“I’m still excited, and I want to enjoy this moment. It’s unbelievable. It was a great ball from Dimitri.

“It’s a good result for us and we have to look forward to the next step now. We’ll enjoy this

moment, but we will keep our feet on the ground.

“This is the fourth game we have played against Liverpool this season, and we have given them just one goal.

“We had a really good mentality, we defended together, attacked together, Ogbonna switched the ball and were really good on Tuesday.”

Ilori defends Klopp’s team selection

L

iverpool defender Tiago Ilori does not believe there was anything wrong with Jurgen Klopp ringing the changes in the FA Cup, despite their exit from the competition.

The Reds were knocked out in the fourth-round replay against West Ham at Upton Park after the manager changed

all 10 of his outfield players who had started in the Premier League draw against Sunderland.

Liverpool’s team included the likes of Brad Smith, Pedro Chirivella and Kevin Stewart, but Ilori does not think that is a problem and praised the youthful side’s performance in taking the 2-1 defeat all

the way to the end of extra time.

“Age is just a number, players get experience by playing,” the 22-year-old said. “I think everyone worked hard, it didn’t matter their age.

“I played alongside Lucas and he didn’t look at me and think, ‘he’s not as experienced’ and I didn’t look at him and think, ‘he’s the most experienced player’.

“We all play together, we train

31

BRIEFS

Nasri vows to finish career at Man City

M

anchester City winger Samir Nasri has revealed he would love to finish his career with the Premier League club. The 28-year-old, who is closing in on a return from a serious thigh injury which has kept him out of action since October, signed from Arsenal in a deal reportedly worth £25 million in August 2011. Nasri has been impressed by how City have continued to develop since his arrival and would be keen on a long-term stay with a team he thinks are on track to become the world’s biggest.

Mahrez is one of EPL’s best –Ulloa

L

eicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has proven he should be considered among the Premier League’s best players, according to team-mate Leonardo Ulloa. Mahrez, who joined Leicester from Ligue 2 outfit Le Havre in January 2014, has scored 14 league goals this season and also provided 10 assists – a total only bettered by Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil (16). Ulloa hailed the quality of the 24-year-old and feels he ranks above most other players because he is capable of producing moments that are beyond the majority of top-flight stars.

Klopp charges Benteke to rediscover form

L

iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has backed misfiring striker Christian Benteke to rediscover his goalscoring form after another fruitless performance in front of goal.

Klopp’s side were knocked out of the FA Cup fourth round on Tuesday after a 2-1 loss in extra-time away to West Ham, courtesy of a 121stminute winner from Angelo Ogbonna.

Benteke - a £35million signing from Aston Villa in the off-season - had nine shots on goal in the 120 minutes but failed to find the back of the net, extending his goalless run to 11 games in all competitions.

Klopp

together every day and we are a team. I had a few chances to play, which is great.

“We just wanted the result and we thought we deserved it because we worked so hard. We didn’t get the result we think we deserved and the one we fought for, but that’s football.”

Liverpool return to action with a Premier League game at Aston Villa, where Ilori spent a loan spell this season without playing, on Sunday.

Published by Folio commUNicATioNS lTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948.

GROUP EDITOR: BioDUN DURoJAiYE News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08086296714

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.42

Lagos to host

Yobo’s

Price: N150

Zidane:

Ogbonna

Ronaldo is revels in first testimonial match world’s best! West Ham goal 29

30

31

More troubles for

Oliseh, Oliseh

faces $30,000 fine over video rant

Andrew Ekejiuba with Agency Report

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may fine Coach Sunday Oliseh $30,000 for his extraordinary eightminute video rant over the weekend.

The 41-year-old posted a video on his own website to hit back at what he called the “insanity” of his critics.

NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire, authoritatively told Extra Time that the decision to fine Oliseh is yet to be concluded by the football ruling body.

Oliseh had come under pressure after

Nigeria failed to get past the group stages of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda.

The coach has since apologised to the NFF for his outburst aimed at the Nigerian media as well as his vociferous former international teammates.

“When I spoke of critics I did not mean the general public of Nigeria! I would never dare refer to my beloved country men as insane!”

Oliseh published on his Twitter account.

In another Tweet: “How dare I insult 170 Million people who I love and have shown me so much love. Please forgive the error of

editing! God bless you all.”

The Sports Minister, Barr. Solomon Dalung and NFF boss Amaju Pinnick met in the capital Abuja on Tuesday to discuss the embarrassing saga.

Former Nigeria captain Oliseh, who succeeded Stephen Keshi as coach in July, has seen his reign in charge of the three-time African Champions blighted by controversies.

Some high profile players have decided to retire since he took over as coach including goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama - Nigeria’s most-capped player - who quit after he was

replaced as captain.

Two weeks later striker Emmanuel Emenike also announced his retirement from international football.

Oliseh had also gone public with the money problems affecting his team during the CHAN tournament to the embarrassment of his employers.

Nigeria face seven-time African champions Egypt in back-to-back 2017 African Cup of Nations fixtures next month.

They are two points behind group leaders Egypt after two rounds of matches with only group winners guaranteed automatic

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Fraud: CBN saves N4b from actual value of fraud cases Page B4

Why Page B6 Nigerian capital market needs help

Innoson manufactures jet fighters spare Page B6 parts

Unions give NAMA 21-day to implement staff conditions of service

Internet users reduced by 788,215 in December 2015, says NCC

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE),Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations civil Service Technical and Recreational services Employees(AUPCTRE) have given the management of the NigeCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

L-R: Head, monitoring and evaluation, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Mr. Moshood Tijani; Group Managing Director of accounts, NNPC, Mr. Mike Balami and acting Chairman of FRC, Mr. Victor Muruako, during a Stakeholders meeting between FRC and NNPC, in Abuja… on Tuesday.

FG inaugurates $160m World Bank SME fund

Joy Ekeke

Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah on Tuesday unveiled a $160 million (about N49.2 million) World Bank powered scheme to improve access to finance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to boost employment in the country.

Also launched, an online ve-

ÏSays N825b spent on travel allowances, stationery, others in 3 years The Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance has said it is planning to introduce detailed price guidelines to ensure value for money in procurement by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The Unit said in a bid to reduce the incidence of cash, the deployment of Ministerial Debit

Thursday, February 11, 2016

hicle to properly execute the programme was the Business Innovation and Growth (BIG) platform. BIG is landmark initiative of the Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, which is funded by the World Bank and represents the main channel through which the Growth and Employment (GEM) assistance is expected to be made available to micro small and medium enterprises

(MSMEs) in order to stimulate economic activities in critical non-oil sector areas.

The minister noted that the initiative, which has a threeyear-implementation time frame, would among other things, help to open up the nation’s economic space to more players, particularly small business operators.

He said: “One of the challenges we have, which is well

documented, is our ranking in the ease of doing business; it is depressing to know that Nigeria is ranked 169th of 189. And we have told the World Bank what exactly are the issues. So I am very confident that as unsatisfactory as it is, it is not going to be business as usual. So we are going to see a new Nigeria, you are going to see us working together in the mirror to see our country rise.”

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday said that internet users on Nigeria’s telecoms’ networks reduced by 788,215 in December 2015.

The telecoms’ regulatory body disclosed this in its Monthly Internet Subscriber Data obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The data revealed that users on both Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks stood at 97,182,014 as at December 2015.

According to NCC, this was in contrast to 97,970,229 internet subscribers recorded by the operators in November, hence, decreasing by 788,215 users in December.

The data also showed that of the 97,182,014 internet users in December, 97,042,543 were on GSM networks, while 149,471 users were on the CDMA networks.

However, the GSM operators lost 791,474 internet users, after recording 97,032,543 in December, against 97,824,017 in November of 2015.

It also showed that the CDMA CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Efficiency unit devises strategies to manage procurement costs Cards was being piloted.

A statement by Mr. Festus Akanbi, SA Media to the Minister of Finance said, “The Unit, which carried out an extensive and detailed review of the overhead expenditure data of the government for the period 2012 to 2014, found that the overhead spending pattern was concentrated on a limited number of items including travel, maintenance, local and international training, welfare and office

stationery / computer consumables.”

Speaking at a media interaction in Lagos on Wednesday, the Head of the Efficiency Unit, Ms Patience Oniha, stated that “The Cumulative Expenditure on these five items was N825 billion, representing 61 percent of the Cumulative Total Overhead Expenditure of N1,353 billion for 2012 to 2014. This means that the average amount expended annually on these five items during

this period was N275 billion. The estimate for 2015 shows a continuation of this trend.” Overhead spending exceeded allocations to capital in all the years reviewed.

Another finding from the review was the large expenditure on honoraria and sitting allowances, refreshment and meals, books, fuel, publicity and adverts.

In relation to procurement, which has been identified as a major source of potential savings

for government, the Efficiency Unit has prepared a list of good and services which are regularly procured by MDAs. By pooling the demand of MDAs, there will be opportunities to leverage the resultant bargaining power and secure price discounts and other benefits from suppliers. This strategy will deliver savings and reduce the administrative costs inherent in the current procurement process, which is rather fragmented.

Business News B2 Internet users reduced by 788,215 in December 2015, says NCC CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

operators added 3,259 subscribers browsing the internet on their networks, after 149,471 customers used the internet in December, against the 146,212 recorded in November.

The data showed that MTN recorded a decrease of 948,131 internet subscribers, as it recorded 39,924,737 users in December, after recording 40,872,869 in November.

According to the data, Globacom has 25,082,066 subscribers surfing the net on its network in December, from the 24,952,559 that surfed the internet on the network in November.

It said that the figure increased by 129,507 users in the month under review.

Airtel had 16,835,952 internet users in December, as against 16,837,282 customers recorded in November, a decrease of 1,330 users.

The data showed that Etisalat had 15,189,788 customers who browsed the internet in December, against the 15,161,307 users in November.

It showed that those browsing the net on Etisalat’s network rose by 28,481 in December.

The NCC also revealed that the CDMA operators, MultiLinks and Visafone, had a joint total of 149,471 internet users on their networks in December.

It showed that the only two surviving CDMA networks in the country recorded an increase of 3,259 internet subscribers in the month under review, from the 146,212 users they recorded in November.

According to the data, Visafone has an increase of 3,259 customers surfing the internet in December, as it has 149,212, compared to the 145,953 users in November.

Multi-Links had 259 internet users in December, same from the November record of 259 users, according to the data.

Shittu

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Innoson manufactures jet fighters spare parts Charles Okonji Nigerian Air Force has commended Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) for providing needed technical support that enabled it to sustain its operations against the Boko Haram insurgents.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, who commended the management of (IVM), remarked that IVM became instrumental at a time that NAF would have been forced to ground its entire fleet of Alpha Jets due to lack of brake assembly, as IVN intervened and helped to locally modify and overhaul the brake assembly of the MB-339 aircraft for adoption on the Alpha Jets.

According to Abubakar, Innoson’s re-ignited the spirit to the continued operation of the Alpha Jets, and had helped to save the day when help was not forthcoming from abroad.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the contribution by IVM

deserves national recognition and award, adding that the important role played by the Alpha Jet in the ongoing counter insurgency operations in North East Nigeria cannot be quantified.

He said; “The collaboration between the NAF and IVM is in line with one of the key drivers of the CAS vision which is “strategic partnership with ministries, departments and agencies for enhanced research and development.

“Beyond the feat, the NAF is poised to exploit the possibilities of mass producing the Alpha Jet break assembly and other parts locally by partnering with IVM, as well as other credible organisations, to build own capacity for enhanced self-reliance. The invitation of IVM team to Headquarters Nigerian Air Force for further discussions was based on this premise.” Commending IVM while receiving the Chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma and team members in his office, he

Chief Innocent Chukwuma

expressed the willingness by the NAF to expand the scope of existing research and development collaboration with IVM. “Our partnership with IVM would not end with the Alpha jet break assembly but a leeway to forge new frontiers, through research and development, to replicate some of the spares needed by our platforms,” the CAS said. Abubakar stated that the feat has not only saved the country huge foreign exchange that otherwise would have been spent abroad, but also adding

value to Nigerians through provision of job opportunities.

In his speech, the Chairman of IVM, Chief Innocent Chukwuma expressed the readiness of his company to partner with the NAF to help manufacture locally some of the spares needed to keep its aircraft operational, assuring that the synergy existing between the NAF and IVM would help to reduce the dependence on foreign technologies while promoting self-reliance, as well as technological and economic development.

Unions give NAMA 21-day to implement staff conditions of service CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

rian Air Space Management Agency (NAMA) a 21-day ultimatum to commence full implementation of all the agreed terms in the new Conditions of Service.

The unions gave the ultimatum in a letter titled, “Vehement Resolve of the Joint Unions to Protest Non –Approval of NAMA COS” addressed to the Managing Director of NAMA and signed by the Acting General Secretary of NUATE, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, Comrade Omotaje Olawale for ATSSSAN, Modiu Bello for AUPCTRE and made available to aviation correspondents.

The unions explained that at a joint meeting by NAMA employees who are members of our Unions’ ATSSSAN, AUPCTRE and NUATE, the session expressed utmost dismay and

dissatisfaction at the alleged wicked insensitivity of the agency’s management to the welfare of staff and belligerent refusal to conclude for approval, the implementation of a new Conditions of Service of staff for NAMA despite concerted efforts in that regard.

The unions noted that NAMA management has taken for granted the maturity and social responsibility that its members have been displaying to ensure that the agency continues to discharge its duties and responsibilities, meeting up with global aviation standards.

The unions added that the management has been dithering on the full execution of the reviewed COS, which lapsed since 2012, adding that a review which ought to take place every two years but that the management has failed to review it.

“Management feels comfortable that several workers shall be left behind at the same sordid social and economic conditions of 2012, when every sane person knows the global economic downturn, high exchange rate and inflation has eaten deep into the take home pay of workers.” the unions said The aviation unions stated that base on these fact, the joint unions platform has un-equivocally resolves as follows; that within 21 after receipt of this letter, management should commence full implementation of all the agreed terms in the new Conditions of Service, management should immediately invite the unions to agree on modalities to pay for the arrears of salaries and allowance of staff which should have accrued to them since the extant COS lapsed in 2012.

The unions warned that if the management failed to accede to these two demands, the unions and its members of shall be at liberty to deploy any legitimate arsenal in their custody to compel the management to perform its obligations to workers in tandem with extant laws.

Sirika

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

B3 Busines News

ISPON advises govt to implement local content policy

L-R - Some beneficiaries of MTN Foundation Medical Intervention Scheme who just returned from India with their parents; Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Frederick Udoaka (4th from left) and Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma (6th from left) at the return of the beneficiaries of heart surgeries from India in Lagos... recently

Okigbo

Tony Nwakaegho Institute of Software Practitioners in Nigeria (ISPON) has advised government at all levels to display more political will in the implementation of the local content policy as software practitioners in Nigeria believes it would help to revive the naira against the dollar.

Pius Okigbo, President of ISPON made this assertion while speaking on TechTrends, Channels TV’s Infotech programme which was monitored in Lagos, adding that with the dwindling Nigeria’s economy that’s mostly dependent on import, the country’s leadership has no choice than to look inward and fully implement the local content policy.

He explained that the local software industry is capable of contributing immensely to the Nigeria’s economy if properly harness.

“Today, with the economic situation, we really have to look inward for solutions because looking for the dollar to do things is going to be a nightmare. There should be some greater emphasis on local content, especially in the area of software,” Okigbo stressed.

According to him, Nigerians need to embrace technology to solve management problems and for the government to further boost the development of the sector with favourable policies.

The Nigerian government, he said should learn from Asian countries whose policies have ensured their rapid development in the software industry.

Falling oil price: OPEC puts hope in rivals Opeoluwani Akintayo Since the management of Organisation of Oil Export Countries, OPEC, could not rally its members to cut down excess oil production, a new report says it expects rival countries to bit down supply for price to stabilize.

According to the latest monthly report from the group, nonOPEC oil supply is forecast to decline by 700,000 barrels a day (b/d) in 2016 -- 40,000 b/d less than

the cartel’s January report.

Non-OPEC producers, such as those in the U.S., have struggled to break even with the lower oil price and have cut costs drastically. OPEC too said that its downward revision to the non-OPEC supply forecast was “mainly due to announced capex cuts by international oil companies, the fall in active drilling rigs in the U.S. and Canada, and a heavy annual decline in older fields.”

Oil prices remain very low, with a barrel currently fetching

Mathematics key to Nigeria’s economic diversification – PROMASIDOR MD Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olivier Thiry, has explained that a strong foundation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education has become very important at this stage that Nigeria required to broaden its economic base from a primary commodity-driven to a services orientedeconomy.

Thiry, who was speaking in Lagos on Tuesday at the press briefing marking the com-

mencement of the 2016 Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics T.V Quiz competition, added that STEM education would galvanize the economy in such a direction.

“Economic development in the developed world has occurred at the speed and intensity it has due to a strong foundation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

“STEM courses are pivotal to a nation’s technological ad-

around the $30-mark on the back of a glut and lagging demand.

OPEC has refused to cut its own output and thereby support prices, however, even as lower prices hurt government budgets in OPEC member countries in the Middle East and beyond.

Signaling that the imbalance in supply and demand was not set to be rectified anytime soon, OPEC said on Wednesday that it expected world oil demand to grow by 1.25 mb/d in 2016, “representing a marginal lower

adjustment of 10,000 b/d from the previous forecast, to average 94.21 mb/d.”

That forecast for oil demand follows a similar prediction from the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Tuesday. It too forecast that global oil demand growth would “ease back significantly” in 2016 from the five-year high of 1.6 million barrels a day (mb/d) in 2015 to 1.2 mb/d in 2016. It said demand growth would be “pulled down by notable slowdowns in Europe, China and the U.S.”

vancement and Mathematics, which has historically been seen by students, as an unattractive subject is a key component of STEM education,” he said.

Thiry on the occasion also announced that from 2016, Promasidor has taken a strategic decision to bring all Mathematics intervention activities by Cowbell under one umbrella, COWBELLPEDIA. He added that the company would continue with its Mathematics intervention activity for secondary schools in Nigeria using the name Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show. He disclosed that over the years, this sponsored platform for both junior and senior secondary categories has evolved from the humble beginning of a Lagos state only

examination to a nationwide examination that has received the support of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Thiry also informed that the company significantly increased the prize money for the finals for both students and teachers. This year he said, the top prize student winner in each category will go home with One Million Naira in addition to other prizes, while the teacher will be awarded Four Hundred Thousand Naira.

“All these improvements are to underscore Promasidor’s effort to provide a credible platform that discovers, recognizes and rewards excellence in Mathematics, a critical component of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria.

Money Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Fraud: CBN saves N4b from actual value of fraud cases

LR: Yahaya Ali, Branch Manager, Kano, First City Monumental Bank (FCMB); Abdullahi Mainasara Zonal Head FCMB; Otunba (Mrs.) Debola Osibogun, FCIB President Chairman of Chartered Institute of Bankers Association of Nigeria (CIBN); Mr. Seye Awojobi, Registrar/Chief Executive, CIBN; Abdullahi Bawa Ag. Branch Comptroller Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) kano; Adamu Gambo, Chairman CIBN Kano Branch, and Other members of the Kano state branch at the Formal Inauguration of the North West Zonal Office in Kano.

Ï Ƃ ƈ ƃ ƊƋƉƓ with fraud desk establishment Stories by Motolani Oseni Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) efforts at blocking leakages in the banking system and curbing continuous fraud related cases in the system

have paved off, as it saved over N3.959 billion, which would have been lost to actual value of fraud cases recorded in 2015.

Responding to an enquiry by our correspondent, Director, Banking and Payments System Department of the CBN, Dipo Fatokun, disclosed that in a fight against incessant fraud related activities in the banking sector, that the apex bank directed the banks to establish fraud desks,

in order to handle related fraud cases.

The director, who recently presented fraud statistics at a seminar for finance journalists, noted that the figure showed that actual loss resulting from fraud declined to N2, 256 billion in 2015 from N6, 216 billion recorded in the previous year. While the attempted fraud fell to N4375billion from N7, 750 billion and volume increased from 1, 461 in 2014 to

10,743 in the year under review.

He, however, explained that from the analysis, the great reduction of fraud losses in 2015, such that the fraud rate in Nigeria was less than that of Europe as a whole, and indeed that of Portugal which boasts the least fraud rate in Europe.

According to him, the block in the leakages from fraudulent activities were made possible by the various CBN circulars released in 2015 or released prior to the year under review but vigorously enforced in last year played a pivotal roles in the achievement of the feat.

For instance, the establishment of fraud desks, which is expected to be centralised for each bank, for the coordination and response to fraud issues, adding that all the banks have complied.

He explained that the circular which led to the implementations of biometric verification numbers (BVN), fraud prevention strategies, MMS, Treasury Single Account (TSA), agent banking, E-Dividend Project with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have help in “protecting bank customers by addressing issues of iden-

tity theft and fraud exposure, thus strengthening the Nigerian banking system.”

Meanwhile, he disclosed that 2015 equally witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in the volume and value of transactions across all payment channels in the financial industry.

According to the breakdown presented by Fatokun, the value increased by b11.57per cent from N44billion to N49billion, while the volume also hiked by b43.36per cent from 113, 421, 933 to 162, 598, 740.

However, the director hinted that the mobile money operation transactions for January recorded over N4billion in value.

According to him, the average value of transactions the MMOs carry out is in the neighbourhood of over N3.0 billion per month (inter-scheme), with about 100,000 agents scattered all over the country at present.

He argued that the introduction of mobile money in Nigeria has witnessed some impacts in the economy despite the challenges hovering around it.

Fatokun stated that the MMO initiatives have driven financial inclusion into bringing the unbanked segment of the society to the formal sector, as these he said would enable underserved people to have access to financial services that will “enhance their economic opportunities, boost productivity in various sectors and, contribute to economic development.”

Forex scarcity: Naira depreciates further to N315/$1 at parallel market As foreign exchange scarcity persists, the nation’s currency, naira has depreciated further to N315 against the dollar at the parallel market.

The naira dropped further to N315 against the United States

NIBOR as @ Feb. 10, 2016 Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

O/N

2.93

0.01 ?

1M

7.8276

-0.25 ?

3M

8.852

-0.32 ?

6M

10.5788

-0.4

dollar at the parallel market on Wednesday as shortage of foreign exchange, especially the greenback, persists in the forex markets.

Traders who spoke to our correspondent noted that the naira was exchanged at N310 in the morning but swings higher in afternoon and the fact that it is not available.

However, the local currency had traded for 310 to a dollar on Monday, according, but closed on Tuesday at 199.40 to the dollar

CBN Exchange Rates Date

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

2/10/16

US DOLLAR

196

196.5

197

POUNDS STERLING

285.67

286.3988

287.1275

EURO

220.8332

221.3966

221.9599

SWISS FRANC

201.4181

201.932

202.4458

YEN

1.7041

1.7084

1.7127

CFA

0.3125

0.3225

0.3325

WAUA

272.5834

273.2787

273.9741

YUAN/RENMINBI

29.8008

29.8773

29.9538

RIYAL

52.2402

52.3735

52.5067

DANISH KRONA

29.5876

29.6631

29.7385

SDR

274.9292

275.6306

276.33

on the interbank market, around the peg rate of 197 to the dollar.

This came just as the interbank lending rate rose to two percent from one percent on Monday, after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had directed commercial banks to fund their naira accounts ahead of its intervention in the forex market on Thursday.

The overnight lending rates

jumped by 100 basis points as the movement of naira cash for forex purchases drained liquidity in the financial market. The CBN intervenes once a week at the interbank forex market to provide dollar liquidity for some eligible importers.

The naira had plummeted against the dollar last month after the CBN banned dollar sales to Bureau De Change outlets and

later stopped daily sales to the interbank market.

The measures were aimed at conserving the nation’s external reserves, which have hit an 11year low at $28bn.

“The overnight rate went up today to three per cent in the early trade but declined to two per cent after some banks funded their forex accounts,” forex dealer said.

Afrinvest boosts management team with key appointments Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, has announced the appointment of two senior executives to strengthen its management team. Victor Ndukauba takes on the role of Deputy Managing Director while Onoise Onaghinon has been named Executive Director.

Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited is a wealth advisory firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment

research with a focus on West Africa.

According to Ike Chioke, MD/ CEO of Afrinvest, “These appointments are a reflection of the culture we have created in the company. We are dedicated to building a team that provides extraordinary service and counsel to our clients. In some cases, that means making key external hires. But we also remain committed to promoting from within, as this helps ensure that we

attract and retain the best talent in the industry.”

Working alongside the CEO, Ndukauba is tasked with improving efficiency across the Afrinvest Group, providing strategic leadership and driving new business development initiatives. The new role will also see him manage the firm’s control environment to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards and superior client service at all times.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

B5 Brands & Marketing

Olympic renews Peter Okoye’s ambassadorial deal Stories by Godwin Anyebe

Following its successful one year partnership with multiaward winning Hip-Hop star, Peter Okoye of PSquare musical group, Olympic brand has announced the renewal of its ambassadorial contract with Peter Okoye.

The announcement which was made shortly after the official

signing held recently in Lagos signifies the continuation of Peter’s activities as ambassador for the brand, a position which will amongst other things see the 36-year-old represent the brand at different levels and occasions.

Speaking at the renewal of the deal, the Category Marketing Manager, Olympic, Mr. Raphael Agbaje, said that the choice to renew the contract of Peter Okoye

was based on the success recorded in the first year of his ambassadorship citing the dance show, Dance with Peter, Blue Santa amongst others as some of the amazing feats achieved. According to him, “the brand has grown in equity and sales in the last one year, hence the decision to renew.”

Marketing Director, Nutricima, Mr. Kalyan Bandyopadhyay buttressed Agbaje’s point adding that

its choice of the award-winning Hip-hop Star is premised on the fact that his qualities perfectly portray the essential goodness offered by the brand including vitality, fitness and health, which the Olympic brand offers to youths, adults and families in Nigeria.

According to Bandyopadhyay, Peter Okoye’s persona perfectly fits into the brand’s proposition as the Healthy Choice and the brand

that keeps consumers active for longer. “We are very delighted about this partnership because of the success both parties have recorded since we started in 2015.

Again, this renewal comes at a time we are launching the brand’s new proposition as the ‘Active for Longer’ brand and who better represents this than Peter Okoye who is a fit dancer and accomplished musician.”

Airtel touching lives to re-unite families

R-L: Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu welcoming Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Mounir Gwarzo to his palace in Lagos as part of the e-Dividend Sensitisation Campaign... on Wednesday

Winners emerge in third draw of Lenovo national promo Six more individuals have emerged as winners of educational grants worth N200,000 each in the Lenovo National Promo, as Lenovo continues to show its appreciation to its loyal customers in Nigeria. The new winners - Kehinde Jinadu from Abuja, Emmanuel from Benin as well as Magdalene Okwuwe, Bode Afolayan, Ikekwuku and Morismo Harry from Lagos - were revealed at the third draw of the promo which held in Lagos recently. Winners of consolation prizes including blenders, deep freezer, Lenovo smartphones, refrigerators and much more were also announced at the event.

The third promo draw marks

the last event for the award of Lenovo’s educational grants to winners and brings the total number of grant winners to 10.

A final draw for the presentation of the Kia Rio grand prize is scheduled to hold on the 13th of February in Lagos, Expressing his delight at the high level of participation in the promo, Shashank Sharma, Executive Director, Mobile Business Group at Lenovo Middle East and Africa (MEA) described the initiative as a platform for Lenovo to connect with its Nigerian consumers.

“The Lenovo National Promo is our way of thanking our customers for their loyalty and support; they are the major

reason for our successes in the past year. The initiative also demonstrates our commitment to providing them with additional value for every smartphone purchase. We thank all of our esteemed customers for the very positive response they showed towards this campaign.

We look forward to having more activities of this kind”, he said.

Sharma added that Lenovo would continue to leverage on its expertise in mobile technology to improve the lives of its customers.

The draw was witnessed by the Head of the Lagos Office of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr. Joshua Nggada and Head, Regulation and Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (Lagos Zonal Office), Chief Jude Ogaga Ughwujabo.

Jumia, AXA partner to provide insurance services to customers

One of the leading e-commerce group in Africa, and AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, announced a partnership where AXA will become the exclusive provider of insurance products and services through Jumia and other AIG on-

line and mobile platforms in Africa.

Going forward, AXA’s African insurance companies plan to propose custom-made insurance products to Jumia and AIG’s ecommerce client base through its ecosystem of marketplaces and

One of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has come to the aid of a 47 year-old physically challenged man, Gbenga Adesida, who despite being blind from birth and abandoned by his parents at age 10, struggled to make his life meaningful, only to be confronted with series of unending problems.

“Since my children left me, life has been very sad for me,” he narrated, also confessing that he contemplated committing suicide at a time.

Despite his deplorable state, Adesida was not spared as armed robbers dealt him a terrible blow, carting away his keyboard and other technological aids. More so, was evicted from his apartment.

Moved by Adesida’s situation, a Good Samaritan, Mrs. Rose Ayanlege, offered him temporary accommodation around Agbado area of Ogun State and also nominated him for the Airtel Touching Lives programme.

There’s now light at the end of the tunnel for Adesida as Airtel through the TV programme, Touching Lives 2, has donated a two-bedroom apartment complete with electrical fittings and borehole for potable water to Mr. Adesida.

In his response, Adesida expressed his happiness to the company for helping in the efforts to re-unite his family.Similarly, Mrs. Ayanlege commended Airtel for making Adesida’s dream come true. She said life would have been meaningless for Adesida without help from Airtel, “but with this support I think he will

classifieds services.

As part of the partnership, AXA will also become a shareholder of AIG, along with MTN, Rocket Internet and Millicom. AXA and Jumia view Africa as a fast developing market for financial services and insurance products, ben-

Ogunsanya

go places,” she said.

Also in episode 3, Airtel revisited the story of the Galilee Foundation in Ibadan Oyo State. Airtel donated 10 bags of rice, 50 litres of vegetable oil, constructed a massive poultry and provided 500 birds for the foundation.

The Director of the foundation, Mr. Gregory Edeki-Eigbadon expressed appreciation to Airtel for aiding the survival of kids in the foundation and boosting the produce.

Last week in episode 2, viewers saw how the telco uplifted several women and children in a community in Osun State. Airtel, in the same episode, also gave lifeline to a man who battled an unknown, debilitating disease for several years.

Through the Touching Lives platform, Airtel has been promoting the spirit of giving, self-sacrifice and love among Nigerians.

The Season 2 of the programme was premiered recently in Abuja with prominent individuals, government functionaries, NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians in attendance.

efitting from strong fundamentals such as low penetration rates, rise in middle class, urbanization as well as the youth of its population.

“Internet is creating unparalleled opportunities for consumers and businesses in Africa to connect and do business in a new way.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Stock Market Report

Market records 3rd consecutive day of gains Equities market pushed further northward at the close of yesterday’s trading session, advancing by 0.64 percent.

Consequently, the year-to-date return of the index closed at -15.73 percent.

Twenty two stocks appreciated, as against fifteen (15) stocks which declined, pegging the market breadth at 1.47x.

Market capitalization climbed to N8.30 trillion, just as market turnover and volume traded advanced by 20.05 percent and 89.23 percent respectively.

FCMB held the top gainer position, after recording a price appreciation of 7.78 percent to close at N0.97. The top gainers’ list also included Okomu Oil, Mobil, UBN and Livestock Feeds with respective gains of 5.04 percent, 5.00 percent, 4.95 percent and 4.80 percent.

Conversely, Unilever and 7UP led the laggards’, following respective 5.00 percent declines, while Conoil (-4.99 percent), Glaxosmithkline (-4.97 percent) and Sterling Bank (-4.86 percent) trailed accordingly.

With respect to sector performances, as measured by the NSE sector indices, only the NSEFBT10 (-0.48 percent) index recorded a decline,

while the NSEINS10, NSEIND, NSEBNK10 and NSEOILG5 indices advanced by 0.16 percent, 0.77 percent, 0.88 percent and 1.19 percent accordingly.

The market appears to have retained its bullish mood from the start of the week. However, analysts opine that this trend may be short lived as factors threatening investor confidence, such as the expectations of weak financial scorecards in the upcoming earnings season, and delays in passing the 2016 federal budget, amidst other issues could potentially come to the fore.

L-R; Chief Investor Relations Officer, Dangote, Carl Franklin; Group Executive Director, Dangote Cement, Devakumar Edwin; Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Cement, Onne Van der Weijde and Honorary adviser to Group President, DANGOTE, Joseph Makoju, during a press briefing in Lagos by Dangote Cement to establish two new cement plants at Itori, Ogun state and Okpilla in Edo State ...recently. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

Oba of Lagos commends SEC on e-dividend Ïnƍ Ƅ MƆ ƄƍƆ to register

Gwarzo

Summary of activities on The Nigerian Stock Exchange

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

24,135.40 3,178.00 320,754,846.00 1,822,727,135.22 8,300,613,639,465.27

Why Nigerian capital market needs help

Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has commended Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the on-going e-dividend registration and urged Nigerians to take advantage of the exercise to ensure that they receive returns on their investments in the capital market.

Oba Akiolu stated this in Lagos, Wednesday, when Management and staff of SEC visited him in his palace as part of the e-dividend sensitisation campaign in Lagos.

He said Nigerians who in-

Stories y Azubike Nnadozie The Nigerian capital market is in dire need of a fundamental shift amidst current global market volatility.

This was the view of VicePresident and Head, Investment Research, Meristem Securities Limited, Mr Saheed Bashir who spoke with Daily Times in Lagos yesterday. He noted that the structure, depth, regulations and enforcement in the capital market needed to be reviewed in a way that will reposition the market.

According to him, the Nigerian market does not need an intervention fund. ”What the market needs is a fundamental shift. The market needs deepening, with the introduction of more products

vested in the capital market have suffered years of no returns due to the cumbersome nature of getting their dividends and urged them to register immediately to correct the anomaly.

The Oba also lamented the practice by some stockbrokers who sell off shares without the knowledge of the owners and commended SEC for instilling discipline in the market.

“Many Nigerians have lost money in this market and that is why I am appealing to you to regulate well. Any operator that runs foul of the rules should be disciplined appropriately, and I know that with discipline and prayers we will get to the promised land.”

“I am also a victim of unclaimed dividends and I will do all I can to support SEC in this initiative. I will mobilise my people to ensure that everyone is aware of how to get their dividends electronically,” he said.

Oba Akiolu commended the DG and his team for the bold steps the commission was taking to restore confidence in the market, adding that e-dividend will reduce incidence of fraud in the market.

Speaking earlier, DirectorGeneral of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo informed the Oba that the purpose of the visit was to receive royal blessing on the e-dividend registration campaign and to solicit his support for the exercise.

that would meet the needs and aspirations of a cross section of players,” adding that “any form of intervention would be uncharitable at the moment.”

“The way it is now, once foreign investors leave our market, the market would be at the brink of collapse because they control nearly 70 percent of the market. This situation has to be addressed by deepening the market and introducing products that would appeal to investors across board, including the institutional investors.

“How much of our pension funds do we have in the market?

Very few and we cannot blame the pension administrators, it’s not a free fund and they are also guided by what they can invest

in. We saw what happened in May 2015 when JP Morgan withdrew from the Nigerian Bond market.

The market went down if not for institutional investors who rallied round to quickly keep the market going, which was why we didn’t feel the impact much.

Giving his view on the market outlook for Nigeria in 2016, Mr Saheed Bashir said it was a bleak situation which can be attributed to the challenging economic indicators of Nigeria, but not totally hopeless. He stated that with the economic diversification plan of the Federal Government from crude oil dependency, which he said was key to breaking the socio-economic vicious cycle in the country would boost the financial market in its entirety.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

B7 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 10-02-2016

Maritime B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 11, 2016

Shipping companies, importers, clearing agents on collision course Stories by Babajide Okeowo The last has not been heard about controversies surrounding containers deposit as clearing agents and importers operating at the nation’s seaports have yet again accused shipping companies of deliberately holding on to containers deposit several weeks after the containers have been returned.

This was disclosed recently by Fred Ajuzie, the Apapa Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF during a monthly stakeholders meeting organised by the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos.

According to him, CMA/CGM, Hull Blyth and others have not been complying with refunding containers deposit to agents seven days after the containers are returned, he said.

Tasking the port economic regulator, he said, “We don’t know what the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) is doing. Agents and

Bello

Stakeholders warn NCS against setting revenue target Following the N1tr revenue target set for itself in 2016 by the Nigeria Customs Service, stakeholders in the maritime sector has laughed it off as a pipe dream.

Leading the pack is The Chairman, Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (AIMPN), Mr. Uchechukwu Aniezechukwu who said the move will not yield a good result as it will empower NCS to be issuing exorbitant demand notice “I don’t know the yardstick through which they want to realize that. Going from the decline in volume of cargo throughput from the various terminals now, I honestly do not see how they can realize the target. It is one thing to get the target and use it to keep the economy stable, another is getting it and messing up the whole economy with it because if at the end of the day, the Customs officers will resort to issuing exorbitant demand notice and not look at the effect of that on the importing public, that will send them to other ports of neighboring countries. If customs play

according to the rule the indices will be on volume of cargo throughput that comes into the country but with what we have on ground presently, I am afraid, they might not meet up with the target,” he said.

A member of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Frank Aliakor, said the N1trillion target was ridiculous.

“How can they generate that with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) forex restriction which has resulted in reduced importation and most of our cargoes being diverted to ports of neighboring countries?

At this present time, it is impossible for Customs to realize that. I don’t even subscribe to the federal government giving customs target because giving them target is like they are subjecting agents to undue payment by issuing unnecessary demand notice which is not supposed to be so.

If they do their job accordingly, they can even generate more than the target,” he said.

freight forwarders are not benefiting from regulation of shippers Council,” he said.

Also speaking on the need for the regulator to step up its work, the Chairperson, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Apapa Chapter; Mrs. Julie Ogboru accused terminal operators of collecting money for services not rendered.

“I have to remind Shippers Council that we pay for positioning of containers and if we pay for 10 containers, concessionaires will position either two or collect the money and after that, Customs will ask us to reposition and they will collect another money.

So what is Shippers’ council doing that they fold their arms allowing concessionaires collect money for work not done, every day we keep complaining and you say you are regulators what are you regulating.

You should be able to tell shipping companies and concessionaires that they should do it as it should be done.”

In her response, Mrs. Celine If-

eora, representative of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council said it was doing all the best to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders.

“NSC is the Economic regulator and if such issues is brought to our notice, we don’t fold our arms.”

Ifeora stated that the shipping companies were expected to refund container deposit seven days after the containers were returned.

“Anyone who has complaints about container deposit refund should come to shippers’ council and it would be sorted.”

Containers deposit refund should be returned in seven days and we have said if that is not happening come to us and we seek your refund for you,” she stated.

The Executive Secretary of the NSC Mr. Hassan Bello had last week told members of the Senate committee on marine transport that the agency received and handled 632 complaints from shippers between 2009 and 2014 as part of its statutory functions.

STOAN decries lack of activities at RoRo terminal Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup, has said the restriction placed on imported vehicles especially the fairly used one has resulted in stagnations in roll on, roll off (RoRo) terminal purposely built to handle imported vehicles.

Speaking during an interview monitored by Daily Times, The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of ENL Consortium Limited revealed that the automobile policy of the Federal Government is costing Nigeria huge sum of money in revenue.

“At present, we are losing from all fronts. The restriction place on imported vehicles, especially the fairly used ones popularly called “tokunbo” has resulted in the stagnation of the terminals built purposely to handle imported vehicles – that is the roll on, roll off (RoRo) ports.

If you go to Five Star Logistics or Grimaldi, they are virtually idle because there is little or no business. Yet the same kind of ports in our neighbouring countries such as Republic of Benin and Togo are booming with big business

Haastrup

The importers are diverting these used vehicles there. These countries are making a lot of money from import duties and other levies collected from the ship owners and other port users while Nigeria is losing. Yet through smuggling and other shady deals, these vehicles end up in Nigeria because this is where the market is. How can we be losing huge income to other countries when we need all the money

to meet demands? She asked She however said that the auto policy, though a good thing should be implemented in phases.

“The auto policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria is good. It is a good policy because over time it will help Nigeria and Nigerians to hold their own. It will also arrest capital flight and provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths presently roaming the streets for non-existent jobs.

However, the implementation of the policy ought to be in phases and gradual. This is due to the fact that there are many things we ought to put in place before we start the implementation of the policy.

For instance, we need to put a structure in place. We need to have the infrastructural facilities on ground. We need a robust steel industry. We need to have regular electricity supply. This is because if you buy diesel at the prevailing price to power a generator for the production of a car, by the time you add other variables, the cost will be so high that it would be beyond the reach of an average Nigerian.

Life&

TIMES Thursday, February 11, 2016

9ice

On originality and true music L2,3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 11, 2016

Even with

four kids,

I still want to

have more

–9ice

in 2008 which became a national anthem and ever since he has always upped his game amidst several controversies. The Ogbomoso-Oyo Stateseveral hit songs and albums to his credit. He went underneath for a while and rose up with his bid to run for the Ogbomoso North/South and Orire federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives. Music wise, and few new singles. In this Chat with

Recently you celebrated you birthday, will you say at that at this age you have achieved a lot career wise?

Well, at that age, I will say I have not even started at all if success means being the president of Nigeria, if success means having even one billion naira in your account, if success means having a hundred albums, if success means having Grammies, if success means being a grandfather. You know success can mean so many things to so many people, so, I will say I have not really started at all.

a particular thing, you stick to it, and they will love you for it.

You said something about coming home with the Grammy, do you still hope on winning a Grammy award?

Hope 93 still exist till date. Even though the guy that carried the hope is dead, people still carry after him and that is why we celebrate June 12. I am very much hopeful that by the special grace of Al-

-

What is this thing about you being proverbial with your choice of words in most of your songs?

You know Nigerians like one thing; once they

A lot of things have changed about you; personality wise, while others say 9ice is arrogant, are you?

you will be like what is the meaning of all these

be yourself almost every day so that when people

and formulate that into the kind of music I do, to attract them and glory be to God to day, old papas and old mamas like our music and they dance to it.

you to adjust because you are being yourself, but when you are fake and people still complain, then

At what point of your career did you actually breakthrough in the industry and what do you think made that possible?

I think it is as a result of being unique, then so many other elements. Also, the kind of people I work with, the yearnings of people that believe in originality or that like my kind of music which is more societal. I think such factors contributed to just the talent alone, but the media, the people I work with, the producers, the yearnings of the people, the taste of the kind of music they want as at then contributed to my breakthrough.

probably if it is in America, you can see an artiste that is an R&B artiste he rap, he will do this, he will do that and people will appreciate him more but in this part of the world, once they know you with

What really inspires your kind of lyrics?

I have listened to songs from talented acts like

T E A M

my mum and dad for them to have been able to do say glory be to God almighty.

All your previous work, which one will you tag your best?

You are so passionate about your mum, what is the relationship like with her?

Yeah, actually she is my step-mum, not my real mum because she is the one that I know as my

one. When your dad goes out in the morning and comes at night and sometimes he comes home with nothing, I would have eaten morning, after-

experience, it is a song that describes my life ex-

you are in trouble. If they like garri, they can drink that garri from January to December but once they

Life&

Idibia amongst others and all kinds of music and you phantom that there is one thing lacking, generation stems toward our own era and you found

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

I try as much as possible to touch every part of my life, every experience that I had in just bit and pieces. To me, it makes a lot of sense and that is the song that I tag best.

What was growing up like for you? possible to live; when we ate eba in the morning, ner, we just went to bed and slept. There were parents but there was not much they could do; you did, when you are a father or a parent, you will realise or understand what it is to be a parent.

You can imagine sometimes I pay my children fees late and sometimes I call the school and plead with

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

What is that one lesson that you learnt from your step-mother that still keeps you going?

The most important thing is to stay humble no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the trouble of the world brings to you, just for you to stay true to yourself and stay humble and believe in God almighty.

You talked about children, how are you enjoying fatherhood?

If I want to live tomorrow. I think that is the only thing that will make me to stay alive till another day.

I think there is nothing else, but when you have kids, you want to be there for them to go through

Continued on L3

Graphics Adebambo Segun

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 11, 2016

L3 Interview

‘I’ve learnt never to promise what is not achievable in politics’ Continued from L2 their school, to go through the trouble, to get married, and to start raising their family but sometimes because of the situation, some persons will not want to raise children, but when you think about the joy and so many other things surrounding it, you have a second thought.

What is the lesson you learnt in joining music with politics?

One of the things I learnt is be humble, stay true to yourself and believe that what you do today determines your tomorrow. There are some artistes that cannot contest for an election not that that they are not popular but they will not dare come out for an election because of the kind of music they do, probably because of what they stand for. I, for instance, never thought of running for an election. I just saw myself contesting for an election. All I wanted was to go to school be a lawyer, settle down with for the less privileged. But what really prompted the politics in me was that we have seen professors, they failed woefully and academicians, those that went to Cambridge, Chicago and so on, they nation was still failing and I realised that it is not the academic background that ters. You can be there as a farmer who that is why you have advisers on politics, on trade, entertainment, you pay them because they went to school for it. If the people in Bariga are complaining of water and I call one of my advisout how can we solve the issue; what I need to have as a credential is good conscience that on behalf of my people, I will deliver, the money in my care will be used accordingly, on behalf of my people I will do what they want. That academician, and we just need a man with the good conscience. The best bet for politics is to make it unattractive and make it less cheap.

Now that you have a taste of what politics is all about, what has changed about your impression about politicians? what you cannot do. If you are running out and promise I will give you light, water, good road, agriculture will be wondo that. If you know you are going to be the president of Nigeria from January to December and you are going to do road, if the amount is more than the person that needs water, you will win; run your manifesto well, set priority right, and come in and tell them road is my

paramount aim and after the four years, there will be road everywhere, water might not be that incredible. What is important about Fashola is good road, wanted to eradicate the history of Tinubu and Tinubu was the one that had the master plan. But when you have an identity, it goes faster in this part of the world and than other places.

Are you going to re-run the next election?

When do we get to see another album from you?

We are planning another album very soon but what we are concentrating on right now is single after single because the market has changed. Gone are those days when you make money from albums, now you make money from singles. You can release one single and get endorsed with this bar; just one single. Through the one song you can get shows, so why do you want to release album that people can go in the internet and download on their own. So it is like waste of energy, resources, and waste of talent. Now people work on singles and after making money from them, you can now pack them together and put it do you want to release a new song as an album whereby instead of people to wrong) there will be one boy on the corner with a laptop feeling the song and would like to share to the world at the detriment of my own career; that is why rather they do singles now.

So are you tilting towards releasing an EP? singles promotion, shoot the video and let people be aware of the songs, then when the time comes, maybe when all those singles I have gathered like 20, I will package them and release it as an album.

A lot of your colleagues have delved into acting and one will believe an act like you who is rich in African culture will feature in one or produce one, are you thinking towards that direction too?

I have about 10 scripts for a movie that I wrote myself but that industry is a different ball game for someone coming from music to acting. It is so easy for someone coming from movie to music.

will I get back, what would I have conquer at the end of it. Now I think it is even getting better now. I think most CDs anymore, you just go to cinema and watch it and after taking it to every

cinema, you now consider releasing it in CDs. So before going into it, I will ask, how much will I realise, then am I getting a Grammy or Oscar for it, why will I want to do that wahala?

You think about those factors than the reaching out to all the industry.

I rather just keep those scripts and be selling them out and if they are shooting and they want me to be there to correct something, I will be there.

The end of 2015 rounded up with beef then 2016 opened up with lots of beef in the entertainment industry, from your own perspective, will you say beef is good for the industry?

From my angle, beef is meat, it is just if you want to eat it or you tool which people can use either to covert attention from another person, or bring attention to yourself, so it has been a game for a long time.

What is your reaction when you read negative stories about yourself?

Before I used to feel terrible, I uses to feel like let me just see the person and beat him but after a while, I think now if one week goes by and nobody talks negative about me, I will check myself. It has become part of me and I like that. So now when someone says bad thing about me, I will just look at what he is saying, what angle he is from, did he create the account because of me, how many people is he following; you check so many things and you phantom it and consider if it is worth replying or not, if you need to check yourself or not. Sometimes someone might say something that will change you negatively, so you check the circumstance and weigh it before you decide on what to do or not to do.

Do you watch your own musical video?

I would have watched it one million times before I released it. I do watch any of my songs, so before you get to criticize me, I had watched it over again, so what you are talking about I know already it is either there is no money to start correcting it and I hope and wish

mind you media will sell whatever they want to sell, so I needed time for it to die very

time I granted some interviews and I was told them that the thing was not true but what will sell will sell. Now is the best time, I am sorry if it has affected a about that, there is nothing I could have done, I think now is the right time for me to come out and let it die.

You have four kids and two wives, how are you handling your relationship?

I think the kids are one of the most joyous things I have ever witnessed in my live. Where they are coming from is secondary, the most important thing is that I have my kids, they are healthy, and they are my joy, so it gives me so much joy and strength that I have those four kids and I am not slowing down. I see my children as a defect or as a de-

nothing I can do about it.

Why did it take you so long to clear the mess supposedly caused by one of your single?

A lot of people said so many things but I realise the angle and where they are coming from but they should see it from my own perspectives; the rumour was not even the truth and it was propagated by the media. If you reply and try to correct it at that moment, how many media houses do you want to go to and

used in raising them that matters but how you raise them.

Do you still communicate with how have you been able to do that?

Of course I do that. We communicate through whatsapp, face time, email, and sometimes I call him just to know in school and how he is doing with the white Oyinbo and all that; so with the technologies that we have now, it is easy to see them to communicate with them.

Do you see any traits in any of your kids taking after music?

Out of the three grown-ups, I have know how many hours without getting tired; one can pick any song and there is another one that can play keyboard, drums, so we have a band. So I am just waiting for them to grow so that we can just start a band together.

N200,000, I do send regularly. If there is

What is your current relationship like with ID Cabasa?

Ayefemilete was produced by Cabasa which was the second single that I released. Agbawa bura was produced

by Cabasa which was the third single I released and aside from that, we are working on so many songs. Obviously you will be seeing so many singles out

them well. It is not the amount of money

will be seeing Cabasa production from the singles as well.

happy.

So how do you strike balance among your family?

Like recently I was in Abuja because

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

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Movie Gist L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 11, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Nigerian Army wants collaboration with Evans reveals new Top Gear friend Nollywood on Boko Haram war movie LeBlanc, has been revealed as one of the new presenters of the upcoming and eagerly awaited

To foster a robust relationship between civilians and the military, the Nigerian Army has opened a window for collaborations

-

will endear the military to the people including a possible story about insurgency war ram.

-

show has ever had a non-British host in its 39-year history.

In what promises to be an exentertainers and cultural clashes - the eagerly anticipated return of the revamped show is expected to noisily announce itself on BBC Two and TV screens everywhere

noted that this is part of the new focus of the military in the new dispensation under suf Buratai, Chief of Army Staff. a movie entitled 76 which is set against the

star of the popular BBC comedy appeal has never been stronger

and Ramsey Nouah, the Adonis and Tonye Princewill production is inspired by events which led up to and followed the botched

global hit Friends almost 12 years

archived, actual footage that contributes to The executive producer, Tonye Prince-

ments from the previous 22 series.

sionally responsive Nigerian army in discharge of its constitutional mandate. And part of that is to develop a military/ civil relationship that will close the gap between the military and the civilians.

That is what we are trying to do. The issues of people not have channels to complain are now a

screen later this year.�

AMVCA 2016: IK Osakioduwa, Minenhle announced as host

into it and collaborate.�

Adonis Productions is already considering the challenge thrown by the Nigerian military. Princeness for collaboration with the Nigerian military.

Sotayo takes Valentine to charity Talented Nollywood actress and CEO of Sotee entertainment, Tayo Sobola, to the society this festive of love season has opted to celebrate with the less privi-

VCA, have announced the two hosts for the 2016 edition

will be moving her train to Pacelli School of Blind, Surulere come Sunday, February 14, 2016.

It would be recalled that actress last year sure put smile on the faces of physically challenge as part of her charity programme initiative.

ionista, came into limelight in 2010 when she beat thousands of hopefuls in the nationwide search for

biggest On Air Personality.

put celebrate love if not with those that do not have the means to do so or are I love to be in their midst to share love, Sotayo

on Friday, February 26, 2016.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 11, 2016

L7 Music Gist

Mutiat Alli

Bovi, Gordons, Buchi, Iyanya, others to feature at #FunnyboneUntamed

MTV Base premieres ‘Lip sync battle’ Africa … As LL Cool J makes big announcement on social media Viacom-owned youth entertainment channel MTV (DStv channel 130) has announced the premiere of a local version of

A-list comedians Bovi, Gordons and Buchi along with superstar musicians Iyanya and Korede Bello are some of the big

Battle Africa. International superstar rap-

holding on Sunday, February 21.

in Johannesburg, will go live in April 2015,

The show, which will hold

hour episodes featuring vocal showdowns between top celebrities and entertainment tumes, props and tons of swag. Each

also feature performances by Seyi

MI, and Solidperforming include Selebobo, Aramide, no, Harrysong,

Iyanya

choice. Each contestant must sync to two songs – one of which will be by an African artist. The winner is chosen by the live studio audience. two celebrities following in the footsteps of

Bovi

nisce, Jesse Jagz, Humble-

hosts will be announced at a later date

X3M music act, Praiz drops body hot has dropped another astonishing alongside

Ghanian

Afro-pop,

Yinka Davies, Sound Sultan, others delight audience at ‘Love Is… The Musical 3’ Top entertainers that includes Sound Sul-

beautiful piece of dancehall music lend electrifying dancehall melody as Jesse Jagz drops banging one to be loved by all.

The very talented singer who recently released the video of -

were part of the top guests that graced the love is…Musical 3 concert held at convecwere treated to an outstanding audiovisual -

to be a night of fantastic entertainment.

Telling the story of three women who are in search of their anespecially with his ability to hit high notes close to the dreaded whistle register.

New single Alert

Teesongz out with Onome

dropped the much anticipated video for his

crowd also received a special treat with cameos and performances

of rhythmic lights, blazing colour and irresistible sound.

cast and crew when I say that this is one of our proudest ever moments. I am particularly pleased that the audience had many people who were not used to this type of storytelling and they were carried

Sound Sultan

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 11, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

Movies Comedy Channel 104

Movies ACTION Channel 110

22:28

13:00

Thu, 11 Feb|16 SL

Thu, 11 Feb| PG 13V

101 M-Net

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

155 AfricaMagic World

152 AfricaMagic Epic

Room

Room

L8 TV guide

128 SONY MAX