Daily Times of Nigeria

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.43

My house under military siege – Tinubu 6

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INSIDE

Life&

TIMES Wednesday February 11, 2015

Finding Fela

back on Broadway musical L3 P

Joke Silva returns as two-time Malate Academy MD L3 P

Angelique Kidjo gets 2nd Grammy!

L2

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Annie & Tuface’s baby mama Valentine’s perfect meal

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OBJ launches banned book in UK today

Ngozi Okafor, G Ɨ

ÏÏÏAbout

two months after an Abuja High Court found him guilty of contempt for launching his autobiography in defiance of its order, former President, CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Herdsmen kill 18 in Suswam’s town 6 INEC asked for polls shift – Fani-Kayode 5

INSIDE XT Exclusive

KOKE Ruled out for four weeks X8

Poster!

MARVIN HAGLER

X4,5 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

MAN CITY, STOKE battle at Britannia Stadium X2

ALAMPASU’S TRANSFER SAGA LINGERS X6

BOXING

KHAN: Set to fight Floyd, Pacquiao, Cotto X7

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Probing alleged Ekiti secret audio tape

T

he alleged audio recording of a secret meeting between some top Federal Government officials on the eve of the June 20, 2014 Ekiti gubernatorial election calls for urgent inquiry. In what has all the trappings of dark espionage, the allegation claimed that those in attendance at the meeting were Senator Musliu Obanikoro, then governorship candidate Ayodele Fayose, Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Yekini Adesiyan,Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Chris Uba and BrigadierGeneral Aliyu Momoh.

In the alleged tape, claimed to have been leaked by one Captain Sagir Koli, all these people are purported to be discussing modalities for rigging the elections in favour of Fayose.

The allegations are grievous andshould not be swept under the carpet. We urge that a high powered investigation panel be set up to probe the allegations and even verify the authenticity of the audio. In a season of political mudslinging, it is not unusual to dismiss the allegations as mischief- making by the opposition to elicit sympathy and score cheap political points.

It is imperative that the Federal and state governments come clean on what really transpired on the day in question.

We are demanding this because all those mentioned in the allegation are officials of both governmnets who ostensibly claimed to have had

reason to be in Ekiti at the time.

Questions that need to be answered are whether any meeting of these people did take place on eve of the election,and if so what were discussed?

In addition, did any of the issues raised at the meeting influence the outcome of the election?

Much as we are not holding brief on behalf of those being accused or even their accusers, it is proper to dig into this matter with a view to bringing anyone seen to have contravened the country’s electoral laws to book, no matter the status.

Democracy is all about the will of the majority to choose those to look after their affairs. It should not be abridged by the shenanigans of a few powerful persons who think they can employ the resources of the state to impose themselves on the people.

But the fact also remains that Nigerian politicians and their sympathisers are grandmasters at conjuring up all manner of hoaxes to impugn the integrity of their opponents, especially if they lose elections.

That is why we are calling on security agencies to investigate the allegations and if credible put effective machinery in place to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Where it turns out to be a hoax, those responsible must be visited with severe state sanctions to serve as deterrence to those in the habit of raising false alarms and heating up the polity unfairly and without justification.

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Sam Nzeh ÏÏÏIn

most democratic societies, while constitutions guarantee freedom of speech, citizens and organisations voluntarily place on themselves limits when attacking security agencies on whose shoulders lie the protection of lives and property, the main reason governments exist.

This norm is not to show that security agencies and their operatives are infallible and above criticisms, but the fact that

unrestrained and scathing criticisms have a way of not only weakening the morale of security agencies and their operatives but also allowing enemy forces to gain the upper hand, particularly during conflicts.

However as recent experience has shown, Nigerians appear not to be guided by the norm; rather it has become fanciful for every Tom, Dick and Harry to lampoon security agencies at every turn.

Take the poll shift by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Since INEC took the decision citing advice by the nation’s security chiefs, not a few

Words On Marble :

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Placing limits to partisanship have lampooned the security chiefs with some even calling for their sack. Others have made some uncomplimentary remarks on the security chiefs and their institutions, pretending to be unaware of the dangers of their actions.

This ought not to be so.

We must place a limit to partisanship when issues, especially security matters are involved. For if we by our new found love for lampooning our security agencies and their operatives at every turn tear down these institutions which are every nation’s last line of defence, we will have no one and nowhere to run to.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Deputy Editors Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head of Operations

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Bisi Abidoye Segun Adio

Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Sports Editor

Head, Sales & Marketing

Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Moses Ebong

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

Deputy Head Graphics Afeez Odeseye

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

Mugabe

Ahmadu Bello

Chinua Achebe

The land is ours. It’s not European and we have taken it, we have given it to the rightful people…

The new nation called Nigeria should be an Estate of our great grandfather Uthman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power.

We use the Minorities in the North as willing tools and the south as a conquered territory…

We cannot trample upon the humanity of others without devaluing our own. The Igbo… put it … their proverb Onye ji onye n’ani ji onwe ya: “He who will hold another down in the mud must stay in the mud…”

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

5 News

CDHR urges prompt release of disaster reports Agozino Agozino

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has been urged to be more proactive in the release of its report of investigation into collapsed buildings and other disasters.

Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) made the call in Lagos while on a fact-finding mission to the Synagogue Church of All Nations.

The group was led by its National President, Comrade Sunny Enenuvwedia, Vice Presi-

NSCDC seals illegal security firm in Ilorin Ola Yekeen Ilorin

ÏÏÏMen

of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), on Tuesday, sealed off

dent, Comrade Ade Ikuesan and National Auditor, Comrade Adesegun Aloba.

Enenuvwedia wondered why the presidential committee looking into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the building was yet to release its report.

He observed that the visit was to ensure that justice was done bearing in mind the international implications of the incident which claimed lives of foreigners.

Interject Security Guard Limited in Ilorin for operating illegally in Kwara State.

Deputy Commandant, NSCDC in Kwara, Joel Olaoye, who led the team that sealed off the illegal security firm in Maraba area by 10.00 am, under the Private Guard Company Act, told journalists that the firm did not meet the stipulated conditions for setting up private security firms in the country.

Gunmen attack three Ogun APC chieftains Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏUnknown gunmen have in-

vaded the homes of three chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifo local government area of Ogun State.

Those that narrowly escaped death during the attack included Chairman Ifo Ward I, Alhaji Aderibigbe Asimiyu, whose house is on Adenrele road; another leader in the same ward, Alhaji Fatai Akinlagun, who resides in Ilupeju area and the house of a youth leader in ward II of the same local government, Segun Abolade.

A source told our correspondent that the masked gunmen did not meet any of the three men at home, but shot sporadically into the air to scare people away but were did not spare Abolade’s house as they reportedly shot into the house.

He blamed the attack on members of a cult group, Eiye confraternity adding that they were led to the houses by some identified members of the opposition party.

A member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Ifo I State Constituency, Olakunle Oluomo also alleged

Amosun

that the opposition PDP was responsible for the attack.

He explained that the hoodlums were fully armed and chased party leaders but that the case had been reported to the Nigerian Police and Department of the State Security Service.

State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed that a report of the incident was made at Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters and explained that the complainants were yet to adequately brief the police.

Chief Executive Officer, Anabel Group, Mr. Nicholas Okoye, presenting “Youth Personal Creed” to President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential launch of Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy in Abuja… on Tuesday. With them is Vice-President, Arch.

Namadi Sambo (left)

Boko Haram not main cause of polls shift – Fani-Kayode Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Director of

Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has debunked views being canvassed by the international media that the elections were postponed principally because of Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast zone of Nigeria.

Fani-Kayode said the decision to postpone the elections never emanated from the government of President Goodluck Jonathan as being speculated, but from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) owing to the

problem of logistics it encountered.

He made this known during his brief one-on-one interview session with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Africa Service.

Fani-Kayode said INEC mainly agreed to shift the dates for the scheduled Nigeria’s general election mainly because many eligible voters in Nigeria were yet to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).

He stressed that the percentage of those who were yet to get the cards was still high as at the time the dates of the elections were shifted.

He said INEC had announced

Fani Kayode

that about 34 percent of eligible voters in Nigeria were yet to get the cards, stressing that the scheduled general election could not have been allowed to go on with a high percentage of Nigerians being disenfranchised.

Thugs molest protesting widows in Imo Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏThugs, allegedly led by a top

government official, on Tuesday, unleashed terror on protesting widows when they beat them mercilessly in Owerri, Imo State.

The widows, numbering over 2,000, under the aegis of Imo Widows Association (IWA) and drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state, had assembled at the Okigwe Road roundabout, a few metres from the Government House, Owerri at about 8.45am, to protest the injustice against Minister of State for Education, Pro-

fessor Viola Onwuliri.

The protesting women alleged that another group of women, suspected to be agents of the government, had, last week in Owerri, accused the Minister of killing her husband, Prof. Celestine Onwuliri, who died in a plane crash.

While the widows were protesting with their placards reading ‘’An injustice to a widow, is an injustice to all! Governor Rochas Okorocha leave Prof. Viola Onwuliri alone! Onwuliri had assisted us a lot’’, some young men, suspected to be cultists, emerged and started pelting the protesters with sachets of ‘pure water’ before

flogging them with canes and other objects.

The thugs, who were allegedly supervised by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Kenneth Emelu, ambushed the widows at Item Street, an adjoining street to Wetheral Road, where the thugs beat them mercilessly, while some women, allegedly mobilised by the state government also attacked the widows.

The Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) cameraman, Mr. Eric Etuk, who was covering the protest was beaten while his camera was snatched by the hoodlums.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

My house under military siege, Tinubu alleges Segun Adio, Group News Editor

ÏÏÏNational

Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday alleged that his private residence on Bourdilllon Road,

Ikoyi Lagos had been under surveillance for three straight days by battleready and helmet-wearing soldiers.

But in a swift reaction, the military authorities described the allegation as false.

Tinubu levelled the al-

legation in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, adding that the soldiers numbered close to 30 and rode in three patrol vans and an army trucks stationed close to the entrance of his house.

The statement reads in

part: “The soldiers were first noticed on Sunday a few minutes to 11pm in an army truck. They stationed about 500 meters away from Tinubu’s gate. Later they moved close to his gate as if making efforts to enter. The stern looking soldiers

FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu (right), displaying Police Security Numbers during a meeting with FCT political stakeholders in Abuja… on Tuesday. With him are AIG Zone 7, Mr Patrick Dukumor (middle) and INEC FCT Resident Electorial Commissioner, Mr Jacob Jatau (left).

Obasanjo launches banned book again Continued from page 1 Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will on Wednesday evening present the book to another audience in the United Kingdom.

Also, the coming general election has continued to be closely watched by the global community as the UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Nigeria on Tuesday expressed concern over its postponement.

Obasanjo is billed to launch the autobiography, My Watch, at the Royal Society of Medicine in central London. To be hosted by the Director of the Royal African Society, the book will be on sale after the launching.

Justice Valentine Ashi of an Abuja High Court had on December 10, 2014

found Obasanjo guilty of contempt, after the former leader defied the court’s directive barring him from releasing the autobiography.

He released the new book the previous day at the Country Club in Ikeja, Lagos. Justice Ashi gave Obasanjo 21 days to show cause why he should not be sanctioned for the alleged disobedience.

Judiciary workers across the country began a strike before the expiration of the deadline. It was not clear at press time if a new date had been given to the contempt proceedings against the former ruler.

A prominent member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Buruji Kasahmu, who believes that the book discusses him in an adversar-

ial manner approached the court for an order stopping Obasanjo from releasing it.

Unfazed, the former ruler went ahead with the public presentation, although the court had granted Kashamu’s prayers.

The PDP chieftain, a former ally of Obasanjo with whom he is now estranged, approached the court to initiate the contempt proceedings.

Obasanjo’s lawyer, Realwon Okpanach, said the former president would appeal the ruling.

He said the order, which the former president flouted, was given in error since it was not proven that the book contained libellous materials.

“The orders made cannot be enforced. They want Continued on page 8

were around for hours on Sunday and returned on Monday to continue their surveillance.

Monday night about 10.45pm, they returned to the residence in two army vans and were there throughout the night. Some of the soldiers discharged from the van and walked back and forth in front of the house and around the house in what is clearly some casing effort.

“This morning, Tuesday, two vans from the army were stationed on both sides of the house along Bourdillon road their missions shrouded in secrecy”.

Reacting, Tinubu in the statement said he will not be intimidated by this show of strength, intimidation and possible harassment.

“I remain resolute in my advocacy and support for the rule of law. Jonathan’s government has through the service chiefs staged a coup against Nigerians and the Constitution and now wants to silence his critics. I will not be muzzled through the barrel of the gun. The guns and bullets they should use to defeat Boko Haram are now

being turned against the opposition and innocent Nigerians,” he said.

Meanwhile, the military authorities on Tuesday described the allegation as false.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Tamubomiebi Dibi told Daily Times on phone that there was nothing like that and that it was all a ruse.

He said that soldiers on the Lagos State Security initiative, the OP Mesa and Quick Response Group (QRG), had always been on patrol in the Ikoyi and Victoria Island area but no soldier or soldiers had been deployed specifically to keep surveillance on the APC leader.

General Dibi asked: “Why should we deploy soldiers to monitor Senator Tinubu? There was no need for it as he had not done anything wrong.”

Dibi said that the relative peace being enjoyed

by Lagos residents was due to the patrols being conducted by operatives of the military attached to the QRG and OP Mesa, Continued on page 8

Herdsmen kill 18 in Benue Governor’s town

Suswam

Freddie Adamgbe, Makurdi

ÏÏÏFulani

herdsmen have killed 18 people and ransacked over 30 communities in Anyiin, the hometown of Benue State Governor, Dr Gabriel Suswam.

Many others suffered varying degrees of injuries.

An eyewitness told the Daily Times that the marauders besieged the community late on Sunday, shooting sporadically, burning down houses, huts and farmlands.

The source said that the crisis started days back but that on Sunday, the villagers were caught unawares. They were woken up from sleep by the sounds of gunshots and heavy movements around villages by the herdsmen.

He maintained that the some who tried to escape with their families were further hacked down on the way by the marauders.

They lamented that despite peace efforts by the people of the area were proving fruitless as the herdsmen keep trooping

into the area with sophisticated weapons.

A mother-of-six, whose husband was shot dead, Kuhile Adaaku told Daily Times: ‘’The situation at the moment is tense. Many have been rendered homeless while a large number are helplessly taking refuge at Ugba the local government headquarters and other villages’’.

It was gathered that the herdsmen had in the last few weeks staged sustained attacks on most of the communities in the area bordering Nasarawa State on the banks of River Benue before launching the latest attack in the heart of the town.

The Sunday attack Continued on page 8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

7 News

Timessearch Sarah ODEDE

Educate me on the SPDC scholarship scheme

L-R: Commissioner for Transport Lagos State, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, National Conscience Party (NCP), gubernatorial candidate, Com. Ayodele Akele; Chairman, Beko memorial committee, Mr. Alfred Ilenre and Miss Yemisi Ransome-Kuti at 9th Beko memorial Anniversary Public Lecture in Lagos...on Tuesday.

Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

UN lauds Nigerians attitude towards polls shift Monday Agu, Jnr Abuja

ÏÏÏThe United Nations has com-

mended Nigerian leaders, politicians, stakeholders and Nigerians in general for the way and manner the recent shift in election dates was handled.

A special representative from the office of the UN Secretary General, Mohammed Ibn Chambas told State House Correspondents after meeting President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday that UN was glad that despite the tension that greeted the issue of postponement, Nigeria across all political divides took the matter with calmness.

Chambas said it’s the wish of the UN that Nigerians continue to

keep the electoral process peaceful, clean and transparent so that the whole country will accept the election results and move on in peace.

“On Friday the Secretary General had a telephone conversation with Mr. President, in fact, a day before, he had spoken to Mr. Buhari. Of course, it was about that time it was sensed about the possible postponement of the elections in this country.

“We have seen that the postponement has been accepted by all the political parties and stakeholders.

The reasons adduced are known now. Of course, in some states, it’s clear that very few people relatively have been able to collect their PVCs. The extension provides an opportunity for many more Nige-

Ban ki Moon

rians to collect these cards and be able to exercise their franchise.

“But above all, the Secretary General told me to commend Mr. President and other leaders of the political parties and Nigerians as a whole, for the maturity that have been demonstrated so far in this whole preparation towards the general elections which are now scheduled to hold later in March.

Jonathan not sincere with Nigerians – Fashola Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏLagos

State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has outlined reasons why President Goodluck Jonathan and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled Federal Government must be voted out in this year’s general elections saying the President has not been sincere about issues affecting them.

Addressing a capacity crowd of Party Chieftains, supporters, and stakeholders at Alimosho, in continuation of the Statewide Gubernatorial Campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State, Governor Fashola said the President had lied about everything including electricity, secu-

rity, and the economy adding that he has also taken steps to stifle the truth.

Beginning with electricity, the governor, who recalled that President Jonathan promised Lagosians in 2011, to make electricity available to them, noted that without fulfilling that promise, the President later lied in a programme on Cable News Network (CNN) that the people of Lagos were enjoying constant electricity.

According to him, soon after the President made that statement, he visited Lagos and as he was speaking in a church about the stable electricity supply in Lagos, the electricity in the Church went off due to power cut by the Power Holdings Company of Nigeria (PHCN),

thereby faulting his claims.

On the case of the kidnapped school girls from a Chibok Secondary School by the Boko Haram terrorists, Fashola, recalled that shortly after the news broke out, the military claimed that they had rescued the girls but when Nigerians demanded to see the girls, the military again said the girls were not kidnapped.

The governor said the most distressing aspect of the issue was when President Jonathan was advised to visit the parents of the girls and console them soon after the kidnap, the President refused and instead decided to invite the aggrieved parents to Abuja, an action which he described as unAfrican.

I would be happy if TIMESEARCH can help find out from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), when it will commence its post graduate scholarship scheme for this year 2014.

I am resident in Abia State and have been been eager to know more about this scheme , but all efforts to know the true position of things failed because I could not get in touch with the SPDC personally.

I graduated from Abia State University two years ago, Mr. Olaniyi Oke 133 Okepopo Street, Shagamu, Ogun State.

Investigations revealed that the SPDC in January this year, invited applications to its 5th post-graduate scholarship scheme for this 2014.

One of the top officials contacted, who craved anonymity, revealed that applicants from ages

Parties, monarchs absent at Ondo peace pact Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏRegistered

Political parties in Ondo State on Tuesday, shunned a ‘peaceful accord’ meeting initiated by the State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, ahead of next month general election.

The meeting, slated to hold at the Police Officers mess for 10 am, was also boycotted by traditional rulers, youth council leaders and market women association in the state.

Police Officers, who had earlier arranged themselves and seated for the meeting with over an hour, awaiting the arrival of the representatives of the political parties, were shocked at the boycott as they hurriedly left the venue.

21 to 28 who have obtained a university degree at Second Class Upper Division and display intellectual ability and leadership potential are qualified to apply.

The scheme, according to the official, is aimed at providing opportunities for graduates from Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states to study courses relevant to the oil and gas industry, including engineering and geosciences. “ The feedback in the four years since the programme was launched has been impressive and many students have been employed by the Shell Petroleum Development Company and other companies. “in fact, one student was retained by the University of Leeds for a doctoral programme due to scholarly excellence, (this information was published in many dailies at the beginning of this year),” he added.

The official advised the enquirer to “contact the SPDC office anywhere if he is still needs more information about the scheme.”

In his prepared speech earlier dispatched to journalists before the meeting, the State Commissioner for Police, Isaac Eke, said political parties and their candidates should shun bad campaigns and avoid using thugs to foment trouble during the elections.

“I wish to use this avenue to implore all the political party leaders and candidates into the state and federal legislature’s to foster peace within and outside their communities and create an enabling environment where electoral best practices will thrive.

“Avoid using political thugs to abuse the electoral process as Police will not hesitate to deal decisively with the ugly phenomenon of thuggery and identified sponsors”, he said.

Speaking to Journalists after the botched meeting, the seemingly engaged Assistant InspectorGeneral (AIG) of Police in charge of zone XI comprising of Ondo, Oyo and Osun States, Mr. Ikemefuna Okoye, disclosed that the meeting was meant to get all the political parties in the state into signing peace accord ahead of the general elections.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Herdsmen kill 18 in Benue Continued from page 6 forced Governor Suswam to pay an unscheduled visit to the area in a bid to check an escalation of the crisis.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, John Bako told the Daily Times that he was yet to be fully briefed on the matter.

He, however added that the area had been witnessing skirmishes of late. He said: “in the last two weeks, there have been skirmishes between herdsmen and the natives.

But as I speak with you, we have deployed our men to the area to maintain peace and efforts are being made to talk to the feuding parties in order to stem the crisis.”

‘My house under military siege’ Continued from page 6

L-R: Mother of the overall winner,Mrs. Aderonke Ogunyemi; overall winner 2013/2014 Session, St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, Master David Ogunyemi; member Board of governor of the College, Mr. Akin Ajayi and Mr. Tunde Ogunyemi, during the school’s 2015 Speech and prize giving day ceremony, held at the college jubilee hall, Obalende, Lagos...on Tuesday.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Obasanjo to launch book in UK today Continued from page 6 the court to stop an act that had been concluded.

That is impossible. We had published the book in November, they came before the court in December and asked that the publishing be stopped. Is that possible?” he queried.

Expressing their views in the statement made available to the Daily Times on Tuesday, the five –member APPG in the UK said it: “is deeply concerned by the disappointing decision to postpone elections in Nigeria by six weeks.”

They reasoned that the “timing of this advice and the subsequent decision to postpone elections could hold troubling ramifications for the political independence of Nigeria’s electoral bodies and democratic process.”

The group added: “In light of this development, the APPG on Nigeria calls on all stakeholders; including presidential candidates, their respective political parties, and the electoral and security institutions of Nigeria to remain committed to holding credible elections in March

and April.”

The Group said it welcomed “the signing in Abuja of the pact on nonviolence by presidential candidates,” and “hopes that Nigerians and the international community witness elections free from violence and intimidation.”

It concluded the statement, with a reminder that

“the conduct and outcome of these elections will not only impact Nigeria, but its regional and international partners, including the UK.” The APPG is chaired by Labour’s Meg Hillier MP (Member of Parliament ), and members include Chinyelu Onwurah and Conservative’s Richard Fuller.

but emphasized that soldiers were not deployed to take over, surround or mount surveillance on Tinubu’s house.

Earlier, the Assistant Director Army Public Relations of 81 Division, Colonel Mustapha Anka had also denied knowledge of any such incident.

Colonel Anka said he quickly conducted intelligence to understand the true situation, adding that “an officer was sent to Bourdillon to get details of the situation.

The officer came back to say that he could not find any soldier in the area but pockets of policemen apparently deployed to the residence of the APC leader.”

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Don’t mortgage your future, Morris Cerullo tells Nigerians Eberechi Obinagwam

ÏÏÏFounder of

L-R: Founder, Purple Heart Foundation Borno State, Dr. Fatima Gang; President, National Consensus Movement (NCM), Mr. Solomon Dalung; and Vice President, NCM, Mr. Ibrahim Garba, during a press conference on recent postponement of 14th election held in Abuja…on Tuesday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Morris Cerullo World Evangelism, Evangelist Morris Cerullo, has urged Nigerians not to mortgage their future by allowing the devil take their victory from them.

The world - renowned clergyman also urged Nigeria to continue to play pivotal roles in Africa, saying God has destined the country to lead the continent.

He stated this in a sermon at the Living Faith Church, aka, Winners Chapel, at its Ota, Ogun State

9 News

headquarters on Sunday, when he visited the founder of the Church, Bishop David Oyedepo.

Cerullo, while speaking said that he was on a missionary journey to visit seven countries but could not pass Nigeria because Nigeria is his home.

“I am visiting seven countries, but I could not pass Nigeria because Nigeria is my home. The first time I came here was in 1961, and I know so many of you were not born then” he stated.

He further disclosed that God gave him two messages for Nigerian people when he sought God before his visit to the country.

The messages are thus; Africans are ready for the greatest manifestation of the force of God. And Nigerians should not forfeit their victory to the devil.

Jonathan: I’m first leader to create over 5,000 jobs Monday Agu, Jnr

ÏÏÏPresident

Goodluck Jonathan has placed it on record that he is the first Nigerian leader to create 5,400 direct jobs in the country’s history.

President Jonathan said this on Monday while launching the Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy (YES) and an online portal, meant to serve as the common platform for all of federal government’s youth training entrepreneurship interventions.

The portal - Nigeria Youth

Anambra Gov approves training for 500 unemployed youths Okey Chris Awka

ÏÏÏIn

line with its statutory responsibilities, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Mineral Resources, Anambra State, has held its 2014 National Science and Technology (NASTECH) week in Awka, Anambra State capital.

The annual event began on February 3rd, 2015, with a science quiz competition organized for

Entrepreneurship Network (NYENET.COM), was launched in collaboration with the founder of Empower Nigeria, Nicholas Okoye, at the State House Banquet Hall.

“Today I am proud to say that this will be the first government in the history of Nigeria that will directly create 5,400 young entrepreneurs through the YouWin programme” the President said.

President Jonathan stated that the platform was meant to speed up an already fast moving train of young entrepreneurs

Secondary Schools at the Community/Education centre, in Okpuno, and ended Tuesday with a workshop/exhibition by schools and institutions at the King David’s Hotel in Awka.

The Science/ETS Quiz was conducted for secondary schools from the six educational zones in the state, and certificates and cash prizes were awarded to participated schools and students as motivation to encourage the study of science subjects.

Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Mineral Resources, Mr. Obi Nwankwo, averred that the week is an annual programme aimed at popularising and promoting science and technology, adding that it was geared towards creating formidable platform for the younger generation to showcase their talents on enterprise and industrialisation.

through government interventions that have created 1.4 million additional jobs in the country.

He expressed government’s determination to partner with the private sector to reach the target of creating two million jobs for Nigerians every year through diversification of the nation’s economy.

He disclosed that the first batch of about 2,000 beneficiaries of one of the schemes have already created additional 22 jobs each.

The President said he was glad to partner with Okoye in

Jonathan

providing “this one-stop portal that will enhance government’s

ability to reach out to the young”.

He further pointed out that the new online portal would give young budding entrepreneurs opportunities for both training and funding for entrepreneurial ideas.

The President offered himself as a mentor to the young entrepreneurs by signing into the ‘Coalition of Super Mentors’, which is part of the YES, saying that he would also encourage other big and prominent Nigerian entrepreneurs to do so too.

Clear air on alleged plan for ING, APC tells Jonathan Augustine Aminu

ÏÏÏAs reactions continued to trail

the shift in the elections, the All Progressives Congress Presidential Council Organisation (APCPCO), has decried what it calls embedded vested interest and sinister motives behind the polls postponement.

APCPCO therefore asked President Goodluck Jonathan and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to come clean on the wave of negative speculations in the public domain, to avert unrest and possible civil disobedience that could scuttle the country’s hard-earned democracy.

The Organisation, in a statement on Tuesday, in Abuja, by its Director of Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said APC frowned on the unholy alliance between the Jonathan government, the PDP and

the military for the purposes of subverting the franchise of the people in the rescheduled presidential and other elections on March 28 and April 11 respectively.

According to the statement, “If the witch cried in the night and the baby died in the morning, it would not be a mere coincidence. Hence, the body of civilised and democratic people around the world believe that the security excuse used by this unpopular government to prolong the polls, is untrue and pretentious.

“What type of democracy allows compromising security chiefs to determine when elections would hold or not? Now, the National Security Adviser (NSA) has become the megaphone for this government.

He went to Chatham House in the UK, to call for election postpone-

ment which he has now obtained.

Next, he claims he would crush Boko Haram within six weeks.

What if he can’t, will there be a further excuse to extend the elections and create constitutional impasse?

Nigerians are no fools and nobody can pull soiled cotton over our eyes anymore.

“We are inundated with information as to how this government wants to tamper with due process by discrediting INEC and even sacking its Chairman, raise false alarms, rig the election with military connivance and eventually scuttle democracy, replacing it with an interim government. For all we know and can see, the contraption of an interim government has no place in the constitution as former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on BBC, Monday night.”

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesay, Feburary 11, 2015

L-R: Minster for Police Affairs, Mr. Abdul-Jelili Adesiyan; Cross River State Governor, Mr. Liyel Imoke, and President, Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei- Odumakin, during a workshop on dissemination of the guidelines on gender-based violence among youths, held in Abuja… on Tuesday Photo : Temitope Balogun

Protect our kinsmen, Igbo youths warn northern govs Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe apex body of Igbo youths

worldwide, Ohaneze N’digbo Youths, has warned the 19 Northern governors to ensure adequate security for lives and property of Igbo indigenes resident in their states.

President of the organisation, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said this on Tuesday in Yenagoa during the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of the group led

by Chief Chinedu Athurchukwu adding that the warning was as a result of alleged threats of attack against non-indigenes during and after the forthcoming general election.

He added that, although, they have asked the Igbo in the North to remain calm, any attack against

them would be retaliated with a massive attack on Northern indigenes resident in Eastern and South-South states.

Isiguzoro noted that the call for adequate security for Igbo indigenes became necessary due to the available security report on alleged plot by some elements to instigate violence against the Igbo to cripple their businesses and take over their homes in the Northern states because of their support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection.

According to him, “although we have asked the Igbo indigenes in the Northern states to remain calm and stay focused on voting for Jonathan during the forthcoming presidential poll, we have uncovered a plot by some elements in the North to promote tension and cripple the billions of naira worth

of businesses owned by Igbo indigenes”. “We are asking Niger State Governor, Dr. Babaginda Aliyu-led Northern Governors Forum to assure Igbo indigenes of their safety because if there is any attack against them, there will be massive retaliation”. On the postponement of the February 14 presidential election, the group said the shift was necessary as millions of Easterners were allegedly being, deliberately, disenfranchised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We support the extension of the election. Security report available to us showed that INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, colluded with some persons to disenfranchise Igbo people, we call on him to resign and a new board be put in place. We accept the postponement of the polls.”

Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would have been grossly put to shame if it had not shifted the general election.

Director-General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, (PDPPCO), Dr. Ahmadu Ali, stated this while addressing Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ali, a former National Chairman of the PDP, pointedly said

that “INEC was grossly unprepared for the election”.

He made reference to the issue of non-distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to a significant number of voters, lack of training of staff for the election, lack of testing of the PVC Card Readers and inadequate ballot papers.

He also cited the lopsided distribution of PVCs and wondered how INEC attained almost a 100 per cent distribution of PVC in Boko Haram-ravaged states including Borno, where 14 local government areas have fallen to

the insurgents.

Ali alleged that the vehemence which All Progressives Congress (APC) opposed the shift in election dates, suggested that the party was working hand-in-glove with the commission.

According to him, “From all indications, INEC is not fully prepared for the elections.

There are issues with the PVCs. Almost 30 million people are yet to get their PVCs, despite the fact that the date of distribution was extended.

“Will it be possible to have a

Wale Akintude Yola

ÏÏÏ The Peoples Democratic Par-

ty (PDP) has been described as a party that has outlived its usefulness.

Senator Abubakar Tutare, representing Taraba State Central zone said the ruling PDP had been plagued with mass exodus of party’s founding fathers who left the fold because of impunity.

The serving lawmaker made the assertion while on a campaign tour of his zone in the state as a Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate.

Our unity will build Taraba – Kente Wale Akintunde Yola

ÏÏÏA gubernatorial candidate on

the platform of Social Democratic Party in the general election in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente has called on the people to forget their differences and build a new state.

Kente made the call at the palace of the Ukwe Ussa in Lissam, headquarters of Ussa Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday while emphasising that in unity lies strength.

The SDP gubernatorial candidate told the paramount ruler that he was in the palace to seek royal blessings for his campaign in his domain.

Aliyu

Polls shift saved INEC from shame, says Ahmadu Ali Lateef Ibrahim

PDP has failed Nigeria, says Tutare

credible election when millions of Nigerians are disenfranchised because of lack of permanent voter’s cards? ”There are also reports that the PVC readers are not fully distributed and tested. How can INEC handle cases of faulty card readers? Do they have a credible Plan B in situations where voters are lined up and the card readers don’t work?

“Ballot boxes are reportedly inadequate. Adequate training of staff for the election had not been concluded and other problems facing INEC.

Contractor abandons road projects in A’Ibom Eno-Obong Okon Uyo

ÏÏÏEket - Etinan and Eket - Ibeno

road projects awarded by the Akwa Ibom State Government to China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) over a year ago in Akwa Ibom State have allegedly been abandoned.

The company had also allegedly removed its equipment from site and laid off its employees.

Speaking with journalists who embarked on project monitoring in Eket on Tuesday, Chairman of Afaha Atai Village Council, Chief Samuel Etti regretted that the two roads linking the area with other parts of the state were abandoned shortly after flag-off.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

11 News

Kogi APC in crisis as candidate sues party, INEC

Plateau guber: Candidates sign peace pact, vow to eschew violence

Ibrahim Momohjimoh

Jos

Lokoja

ÏÏÏThe last may not have been

heard of the crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, as the winner of the party’s primary for the Adavi/ Okehi Federal Constituency, Suleiman Kokori Abdulkarim, has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to enforce his candidature.

According to Abdulkarim, he scored 413 votes in the primary election, while the runner-up, Isiaka Jamiu, scored 9, and Ajana Kabiru polled 5 votes, while 2 votes were invalid out of a total of 429 delegates.

He expressed dismay that the name of the contestant with the least number of votes would be used to substitute his own name, who actually won the primary election.

While praying the court to ask INEC to refrain from recognising Ajanah as the duly nominated candidate of the APC in respect of Adavi/Okehi Federal constituency, pending the hearing and determination of the motion in notice, he said he was hopeful that justice would be done.

Zamfara APGA guber candidate vows to fight poverty

Chijioke Kingsley

ÏÏÏAhead the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial election in Plateau State, all contestants in the elections have pledged that their supporters would remain law-abiding and peaceful before, during and after the polls.

This commitment was made on Tuesday in Jos, the state capital, when they all signed a peace pact under the watch of Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Oki. The effort was to ensure that the aspirants maintain peace

during and after the election, considering the crisis that has rocked the state in recent times.

A total of 25 governorship candidates were present at the event, including Simon Lalong, APC; Senator G.N.S. Pwajok, PDP; Titus A. Alams, PDP Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly; Edward Gyang Pwajok, PDP candidate, House Of Representatives; H.E. Sabiu Ibrahim, ADC; Mu’azu Sani, ADC; Golu Timothy, PDP; Alh. Sale Bayari, DPP, and others.

Most of those in attendance were PDP aspirants.

According to the commissioner,

“I have called you here to assist the Police in maintaining peace during and after the election. You are critical stakeholders in maintaining peace at this important period. Whatever you tell your supporters is what they do. By this I mean if you take the part of law, your supporters will do same.”

Commissioner Oki advised politicians present at the Pace Accord gathering not to patronise thugs during and after the occasion, stressing that if any politician is caught violating the peace process, the long arms of the law

Kowa Party chair slams PDP Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏA recent political alliance

L-R: Lagos, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Akinwumi Ambode; his wife, Abimbola; deputy governorship candidate, Dr Oluranti Adebule; member, Lagos House of Assembly, Funmi Tejuosho; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; his wife, Abimbola and Lagos State deputy governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire at the APC rally at Iyana Ejigbo, Oshodi and Isolo LCDA on Tuesday

Umar Mohammed

Heritage Bank equips police

ÏÏÏ

ÏÏÏThe

Gusau The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate in Zamfara State, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has promised to focus attention on poverty reduction, if elected as the next governor of the state.

Shinkafi, who was speaking during a phone-in programme organised by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said his administration would give emphasis to poverty alleviation and arrest the high rate of poverty among the people.

He said having considered the high concentration of mineral resources the state is blessed with, his administration will embark upon modern methods of exploration of mines, with a view to creating as many jobs as possible that would contain the threatening number of unemployed youths in the state.

will catch-up with him, irrespective of his position.

He warned politicians not to bail any thug arrested, as such would also be arrested. Also, politicians with escorts are not allowed to move around with arms, as they would be disarmed and arrested if found violating this law.

On the issue of political rallies, Oki said all political parties will be granted equal opportunities to hold rallies, except in a situation where there is a clash of venue, then they will intervene on the basis of ‘first come, first served’.

operational capability of the Lagos State Police Command has been boosted with the donation of vehicles and other modern security operational equipment by Heritage Bank.

The bank has thrown its weight behind concerted efforts by corporate bodies to ensure the creation of conducive business environment through improvement in security of life and property in the country.

The management of Heritage Bank, represented by its Executive Director, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, and Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Fela Ibidapo, presented the equipment, which included two Toyota Hi-lux security patrol vans, several quantities of ballistics vests, helmets and walkie-talkies, among others, to the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Kayode Aderanti,

CP Aderanti

who described the bank as exceptional in its commitment to helping the Force to achieve its role of guaranteeing security of lives and property, as well as maintenance of law and order.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr. Aderanti said: “We commend the staff and management of Heritage Bank Limited for this laud-

able donation. We approached the bank about a month ago and, today, it is donating two brand new Hi-lux vehicles and other gadgets for our operations.

“We intend to deploy all these to assist us curb all sorts of crimes and to reduce all forms of criminality in Lagos State. This will allow for a conducive business environment to thrive. To us, this is a bank everybody should emulate and key into,” he opined.

In her response, Mrs. Akpobome noted that “Heritage Bank is passionate about creating, preserving and transferring wealth among the people by partnering to create an environment that is safer for business.”

She said the donation by the bank was meant to support the good work the Nigeria Police Force had been doing in Lagos State.

between the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and seven other political parties in Adamawa State has given PDM a big edge over other parties’ Chairman of Kowa Party, Alhaji Sa’ad Adamu, has said.

According to him the party is having well-designed structures that will help it form the next government in the state by collaborating with other parties like NCP, PPA and Kowa, who are in full support of the candidacy of Dr Modibbo Ahmed, the gubernatorial flag-bearer of PDM. Sa’ad accused PDP of being a party of selfish Nigerians with intent is to run down the country’s economy and her corporate existence. He said this while answering questions from our correspondent in the party’s office in Yola.

“PDP is not a party for Nigerians. We don’t need a party of selfish Nigerians whose aims are to destroy the corporate existence of the state and permanently be our task masters in this country, with a circle of the same old blood rotating the system with their old mindset,” he noted.

He maintained that he has not seen any virtues in Nuhu Ribadu, whom he said, was forced on the state PDP.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Five blasts rock Egyptian city

ÏÏÏSuspected Islamist militants UN emergency relief coordinator, Valerie Amos (R) and UNESCO special envoy for peace and reconciliation, Forest Whittaker address a press conference about the situation in South Sudan, on Monday in Nairobi

29 African migrants die of hypothermia in Italy ÏÏÏ

Twenty-nine African migrants intercepted by Italian authorities while trying to reach Europe by boat in rough and icy conditions have died of hypothermia, most after being rescued, sources told AFP on Monday.

Coastguard speedboats picked up 105 migrants in the Mediterranean overnight, seven of whom were already dead, from a converted fishing boat battered

Zuma meets Lesotho leaders ÏÏÏPresident Jacob Zuma on

Monday met with the Lesotho government coalition in Pretoria to discuss security surrounding the country’s upcoming elections, the presidency said.

“The meeting received a briefing by Lesotho coalition government about their current concerns regarding the security situation and violations of provisions of the Maseru Facilitation Accord as well as the Maseru Security Accord,” said spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa in a statement.

The coalition government also requested the Southern African Development Community (SADC) troika, of which

by high winds and waves that hit 8m, said coastguard spokesperson Filippo Marini.

Due to the bad weather, it was after midday on Monday when the rescue boats made it to the island of Lampedusa, located south of Sicily and close to Libya, the migrants’ setting out point. By then another 22 people had died, raising the death toll to 29, a medical source said. Some of the migrants, who

were mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, were then airlifted to better equipped hospitals in Sicily.

More than 3 200 people have died in the last year attempting to reach Italy by boat from North Africa. Over 170 000 people, a record number, landed there in 2014. Italy has ended its Mare Nostrum rescue programme, which cost Italian tax payers over $10m per month, and replaced it with a cheaper effort

Zuma is the chairman, to provide more support during the Lesotho elections which were due to take place on February 28.

“In this regard, President Zuma emphasised the need for the facilitator, Deputy President [Cyril] Ramaphosa, to return to Lesotho as soon as possible to address issues raised by the delegation of the Lesotho government,” Mamoepa said.

The coalition partners committed themselves to continue with efforts to create peace and stability in Lesotho.

The coalition was headed by Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane. It was also attended

by Ramaphosa, Lesotho’s Deputy Prime Minister Mothejoa Metsing and Minister Thesele Maseribane, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Minister of State Security David Mahlobo.

12 killed in Islamist group attack on Somalia ÏÏÏAt least 12 people were killed

and 30 others wounded on Tuesday when a moderate Islamist group clashed with Somali government troops in central Somalia, according to witnesses.

The clashes started when fighters with Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a attacked government bases in the town of Guri-El, about 400 kilometers north of the capital, Mogadishu.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a witness said government troops were driven out of the town. A VOA reporter in the area said locals told him the town is under the “full control” of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a.

dubbed “Triton”.

“Horror off of Lampedusa.

These people didn’t die in a shipwreck, but from cold. These are the consequences of the end of Mare Nostrum,” Laura Boldrini, an Italian politician, wrote on Twitter. Most of the migrants are fleeing conflict and repression in the Middle East and east Africa and make their way overland to Libya to board boats operated by people smugglers.

Mohamud The group previously assisted the Somali government in fighting the Islamist militant group alShabab. Tuesday’s attack followed a simmering dispute over Ahlu Sunna’s representation in local and national government.

The government denied the group’s request to have power as an Islamic entity, saying its members should seek power through their respective clans. It also wants the group’s militia to be integrated into the national forces.

Government troops seized GuriEl from Ahlu Sunna in December.

bombed three police stations in Egypt’s second city Alexandria on Tuesday, wounding 10 people, and also targetted two other locations, an interior ministry official said.

Nobody was injured in the two other blasts in the eastern part of the city, said major general Amin Ezz al-Din, assistant interior minister for Alexandria.

Frequent small-scale attacks have hurt Egypt’s efforts to project an image of stability after four years of turmoil triggered by the 2011 Arab Spring uprising.

Egypt hosts an investment conference next month in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, in the southern Sinai Peninsula, and hopes to attract funds to turn around an economy battered by instability.

The Egyptian affiliate of ISIS, the militant group controlling large parts of Syria and Iraq, has claimed responsibility for attacks on security forces in Sinai that killed at least 30 people late last month.

Fears in Namibia over poor rainfall

ÏÏÏMaize farmers in Namib-

ia fear they might have a bad harvest this season due to poor rainfall and scorching heat, a union said on Tuesday.

“We only expect to harvest 35% of maize crops in dry land (rain-fed) areas,” the Agronomic Producers Association’s (APA) umbrella body, Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) announced after a meeting.

“Poor and erratic rainfall experienced in the north-central areas of Tsumeb, Otavi and Grootfontein, where most of Namibia’s dry land maize is produced, mean that the biggest parts of these areas will record poor to no harvest,” the NAU said in a statement on Tuesday.

“In the Hardap district of southern Namibia, where maize and wheat are grown under irrigation, average to above average rainfalls were experienced this season.”

Last year, 70 330 tons of maize were harvested in Namibia.

The APA has written a letter to the agriculture ministry informing it about the farmers’ plight.

“Government support is necessary to ensure that farmers, who have poor to no harvests this season, can continue in the next planting season,” the NAU stated.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Violent protests in Haiti over high fuel price

Improvised football matches replaced busy traffic in some main streets of the capital

ÏÏÏPolice in Haiti have clashed

with anti-government protesters angry about the high cost of fuel.

Several people were injured as police moved in to clear roadblocks set up in the capital, Portau-Prince.

Protest organisers said that drivers who ventured into the city centre during the two-day protest would be putting their lives at risk.

Haiti has seen months of protests against President Michel Martelly over delayed elections.

“Because of the price of fuel, the cost of living is going up,” said Ralph La Croix, a Port-auPrince resident.

“If the government could cut the price of fuel so it was lower, the population would live better,” he told the Reuters news agency.

Petrol and diesel prices have been reduced by the government recently, but protesters want a 50% cut, reflecting the drop in international oil prices over the past six months.

The price of a gallon of pet-

rol in Haiti initially dropped by about 25 cents to $4.50 (£3) and further cuts will reduce that price to about $4. Diesel prices were cut down by 20 cents to $3.55 (£2.30) and will now go down to $3.30.

Haiti bus during strike day Protesters warned drivers and commuters not to try to go into the city centre Burning tyres in Haiti Burning tyres have been used to block roads in several points of the city Haiti police trying to clear road

blocks Haiti police said the protest had not been authorised and roadblocks would be removed The government said the protests would damage the country’s troubled economy and create “devastating consequences for the most vulnerably people in our population”.

Prime Minister Evans Paul made an appeal for calm.

The government “cannot lower the price of petrol. It’s not that we do not want to, it’s because we are not able to,” he said.

Battle rages ahead of Ukraine peace talks

ÏÏÏFighting

has surged in eastern Ukraine as government forces and pro-Russian rebels try to make gains ahead of possible peace talks on Wednesday.

Separatist forces have carried out rocket attacks on a key military headquarters and a residential area in Kramatorsk, officials say Meanwhile, Ukraine’s volunteer Azov battalion has launched an offensive against separatists around Mariupol.

The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany hope to meet in the Belarusian capital Minsk on Wednesday to hammer out a peace deal after months of fighting.

Russia denies Western and

Ukrainian accusations of sending troops and supplying the rebels and has warned the West that sending arms to Ukraine would worsen the crisis.

US President Barack Obama said on Monday that he had not ruled out supplying “lethal defensive weapons” to Ukraine if diplomacy failed.

People look at a rocket stuck in the ground in Kramatorsk after shelling in eastern Ukrainian city - 10 February 2015 Residents in Kramatorsk gathered to examine a rocket stuck in the ground after Tuesday’s shelling Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told parliament on Tuesday that the government’s military headquarters at Krama-

torsk airfield had been shelled by rebels.

At least five people were killed and 16 wounded when a residential area was also hit, the government-controlled Donetsk regional administration said. Ten people were injured at the military base, it added.

Kramatorsk, some distance west of the current conflict zone, was the scene of major fighting until July, when pro-Russian separatists retreated.

Local authorities said the rockets were fired from the rebel-controlled Horlivka area, which is about 50km (30 miles) away from the city.

The separatists denied firing the rockets.

Obama

13 World Iraqi Christians seek military help

ÏÏÏChristians

in Iraq “do not have much time left” without direct military action on the ground, Archbishop of Irbil has told UK peers and MPs. Archbishop Bashar Warda said air strikes were “not enough” to defeat Islamic State militants and “begged” for Western troops to be deployed.

He said Iraq’s Christian population was declining and that he would speak to the UK government about further action.

The government has said efforts to defeat IS were “comprehensive”.

During a visit to London, Archbishop Warda, of the Catholic Chaldean Church, told the Westminster gathering Iraq’s Christian communities had fallen “dramatically” over the last decade - from 1.4 million during the rule of Saddam Hussein.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians and Yazidis fled their homes in the summer of 2014 following warnings from IS militants to renounce their faith or face death.

Ex-Jamaica PM questioned over 2010 raid ÏÏÏFormer

Jamaican Prime Minister, Bruce Golding testified on Monday that he personally knew an underworld boss who ran a notorious slum fiefdom from his parliamentary constituency but stopped communicating with him roughly three years before the US sought his extradition.

Testifying before a fact-finding commission examining a bloody May 2010 raid by security forces, Golding said he “cut off all communication” with Christopher “Dudus” Coke in December 2007 when he was informed by police that gangsters were seeking refuge in his slum stronghold.

As a West Kingston community “don,” Coke had long acted as an ad hoc civic leader at the same time he led the feared “Shower Posse” crime gang.

Golding said he was “not aware” if other officials had any conversations with Coke after the US requested his extradition on gun and drug trafficking charges in August 2009.

The US justice department had described Coke as one of the world’s most dangerous drug barons. But Golding’s administration resisted the extradition request for nine months, arguing Coke’s indictment relied on illegal wiretap evidence.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Jega and the limits of latitude

T

Erahodu Osaghale

If Professor Jega was honest about his oft-repeated and oftdiscredited expressions of confidence in the readiness of INEC to conduct free and fair 2015 elections, he would have resigned rather than yet again extending the deadline for collection of PVCs from the initial January 31 to February 8. But since his appointment was ironically an imposition by executive fiat misinformed by his extra-curricular penchant for all-knowing publicity-seeking criticism of any government in power, the professor’s ineptitude is Nemesis punishing millions of commoners for the excesses of their leaders. It is a typical case of “double wahala” for Nigerians to have no say on who heads the elections commission and yet be at the mercy of his disenfranchising dithering.

Well, even self-righteous academicians with heads in the clouds have no immunity against the humbling impact of stark reality when it dawns. This is what Professor Jega is agonisingly coming to terms with. His

obstinacy is in utter disregard of the looming disenfranchisement of over 30 percent of duly registered voters and callous violation of the constitutional provision authoritatively permitting elections to be held even on April 30, not later than 30 days to the end of the incumbent’s tenure on May 29. An electoral commission that repeatedly vows to conduct free and fair elections has no qualms about shutting the door against millions of registered voters just so that its pet-project PVC/card readers will not backfire into a Jega-gate!

The involvement of an ulterior motive in INEC’s insistence on February 14 is an issue that has been deliberately diverted from public attention by the Professor’s hollow assurance of readiness to meet the deadline.

Without an ulterior motive, it would be preposterous to have such a magnitude of logistics problems affecting PVC distribution and collection, acceptable resolution of an array of hitches in the voter registration process, recruitment and training of required adhoc staff among others, and yet refuse to make use of the almost two months still within limits to adequately address the

challenges.

No less intriguing is the contrived reason given by INEC for moving the elections from April to February, which was said to be for giving sufficient time for post-election litigations. Altruistic as this was made to sound, the truth is that INEC has no lawful business with post-election matters, especially when its cup was running over just trying to cope with its statutory functions. It will be interesting to hear Professor Jega going further in his February 14 hang-up to justify INEC’s concern with post-election litigations over and above the mandatory responsibility of INEC to ensure that all registered voters get the opportunity to vote.

The fact that it is the registered voters who are today bearing the brunt for INEC’s undue pre-occupation with post-election litigations speaks volumes of the genuineness of Jega’s expressed commitment to “spare no effort in ensuring that every validly registered voter get his / her Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to be able to exercise their franchise in the 2015 General Election” as he enthused while receiving the Resident Coordinator of the UN

Systems in Nigeria, Dr. Daouda Toure the other day.

Registered voters still searching for their PVC will see political tension worsening as every day brings them nearer to the nullification of their right to vote by extra-constitutional intrigues not unconnected with INEC’s ulterior interest in limiting the time available for them to search and find. Already, the courts are witnessing a flurry of legal actions from frustrated registered voters who cannot understand why INEC should reject the use of the Temporary Voters Cards (TVCs).

At the end of the day, Professor Jega’s chequered career now stands the real risk of unravelling as a politically-programmed disaster going by the mounting frustration with his incompetence amid widely-believed allegations that the odd endorsement of INEC’s insistence on February 14 by the APC is the missing link in deciphering the coded complications in the agency’s controversial management of the 2015 elections. Should the elections be held against the best interests of all the registered voters, at least Nigerians will know why and who to blame.

Redefining race in a climate of terror

I

E.O. Eke

t is not often considered that the construct on which people segregate can be a major source of problem in the society.

Take race and religion for instance on which the world segregate, they have been reasons for discrimination, injustices and evils like slavery and genocide.

Between 1939 and 1945, the Nazis driven by the idea of being a superior race, murdered six million and millions of other minorities on the basis of their race.

Between April 7 and July15, 1994, the Hutus of Rwanda, unleashed a genocidal attack on Tutsis killing about a million. Today, many Islamic extremists are perpetrating the same evil on the basis of religious beliefs, demonstrating the importance and danger of the construct on which human beings segregate.

The role of race in the affairs of life has been examined extensively by anthropologists and biologists and their conclusions have been ignored. Often people who have attempted to draw at-

tention to race have been shouted down as racists.

According to the Wikipedia, “race, as a social concept, is a group of people who share similar and distinct physical characteristics. It was first used to refer to speakers of a common language and then to denote national affiliations. In the 17th century, people began to use the term to relate to observable physical traits. Unfortunately, such use is believed to have promoted hierarchies favourable to differing ethnic groups.

Starting from the 19th century, the term was often used, in a taxonomic sense, to denote genetically differentiated human populations defined by phenotype.

Even though there is a broad scientific agreement that essentialist and typological conceptualisations of race are untenable, scientists around the world continue to conceptualise race in widely differing ways, some of which have essentialist implications.

While some researchers

sometimes use the concept of race to make distinctions among fuzzy sets of traits, others in the scientific community suggest that the idea of race often is used in a naive or simplistic way, and argue that, among humans, race has no taxonomic significance by pointing out that all humans belong to the same species, Homo sapiens.

Since the second half of the 20th century, the associations of race with the ideologies and theories that grew out of the work of 19th-century anthropologists and physiologists have led to the use of the word itself becoming problematic.

Although still used in general contexts, race has often been replaced by other words which are less ambiguous and emotionally charged, such as populations, people(s), ethnic groups, or communities, depending on context”.

Indeed, there is only one race, the human race. The definition of race based on skin colour has been a mistake and major source of the anxiety, which fuel human conflict. By giving people defined

by geographical boundaries and language and or skin colour a construct to see themselves as superior race, rather than part of the human race, the word laid the foundation for bigotry and conflict.

This may explain the need for one race to see itself as master race. No other event epitomises the tragedy of this conception of humanity, like the slave trade perpetrated by Arabs and whites against blacks and the continued attempt by the west to dominate the world by controlling all its resources. From the gold and diamonds mines of South Africa, through the financial world of Wall Street and London square mile to the oil field of Iraq and Nigeria, it is clear that the world is in firm grip of the white race, which has not given enough consideration to those who pay the blood price of her pillaging of the world.

By redefining race, the world will see that the segregation into white, black, oriental etc., is artificial and that indeed, God made many nations of one blood.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

15 Opinion

How not to be a First Lady Do not fight a battle if you don’t gain anything by winning – George S. Patton

J

Solomon Brisbie

ust imagine what would have been the situation if Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, were still with President Goodluck Jonathan in the Peoples Democratic Party?

It was a simple question someone posted on his facebook page but which conveyed a lot of meaning in political terms. Without question, the circumstance would have been different, considering the political value of Rivers State in electoral strength and, who knows, Amaechi might have equally played a good role to dissuade some, if not all, his governor colleagues not to defect from the PDP. And so it happened: Amaechi left and it has been a big political blow to both Mr. President and his party.

The initial bravado that anyone not pleased with the party could leave is now a major regret. No better a personality than former Nigeria Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), pointed this out in his recent meeting with the President .

For those who have forgotten, it would be recalled that the the rancour between the President and

Amaechi was the Okirika episode in which Amaechi felt very uncomfortable with Dame Patience Jonathan’s public outburst which amounted to nothing but imposition of thought on an issue of public policy. Amaechi flatly rejected such audacity and his relationship with the First Lady was never the same. The imbroglio over the leadership of the Governors’ Forum was only an “added value” in brinkmanship and since then Amaechi was seen as an enemy.

Of course, Mama Peace as the First Lady would want to be recognised had ironically stoked the feud rather than making peace between the president and the governor ever since.

Question is, was it a good judgment on the part of the president to join forces with his wife against Amaechi? Even if Amaechi were to be the offender, what role for the president as a leader to mend fences with the governor and ensure he remains in good terms with his wife?

Or did he just acquiesce to whatever Patience decided? Is it a wise decision to fight your enemy to a dead point in politics, when you know there is no permanent enemies in the game?

Arguably, the First Lady has been a political liability to Mr. President and regrettably he never realised it . The First Lady has indeed carried on too far to undermine political stability in the PDP and in the process created so many enemies.

The case of Rivers State is a good example. Even after the exit of Amaechi from the PDP, her role in deciding who becomes the governorship candidate of the party has remained a sour point . The provocative statement, “Wike is my candidate” will be remembered for a long time as one reckless statement too many by Patience Jonathan. The implication, is that she imposed Wike and in spite of the loud protests had her way. But will those who lost out be happy to work for Wike’s success?

Has there been a second look at the contents of that full page advertorial by the former Minister of Aviation, Alabo Tonye Douglas, on the inherent factors that could work against Wike?

The problems confronting the PDP ahead of the elections find eloquent expression in the “art of imposition” which has led to mass exodus from the party. Internal democracy took a huge flight and no

dissent voice was tolerated. Even in Bayelsa State, the president’s homestead, which is expected to be firmly united, is already made a political battle field through the instigation of Mrs Jonathan. Her unbridled quest to impose a preferred candidate as governor, has created a parallel political formation against Governor Seriake Dickson. However, it may well seem that the President has learnt his lesson. According to media reports, Goodluck Jonathan has broken his silence over the reported animosity between Dickson and his wife, describing it as the handiwork of mischief-makers.

To the surprise of the crowd at the rally, the president openly threw his weight behind Governor Dickson’s administration. President Jonathan said, whoever is working against Dickson is working against his reelection bid.

The fear now is that Patience Jonathan may not have much time to change much of her legacy for good or for worse.

In spite of Jonathan’s personal failings, his wife has failed to make peace with perceived enemies who could and should have been her friends and that of her husband.

A peace accord and its question mark

R

Nasamu Jacobson

ecently, I saw a large campaign billboard of the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gen. Charles Airiavbere and Barrister Johnson Abolagba, in the Edo governorship election of July 20, 2012. That election, like the billboard still standing where it was erected, must be a reference point in the political history of our nation.

The billboard, like many others, speaks to the fact of the political tolerance of Edo people, even in the dicey and tense moments of electioneering and afterwards. It is on record that 2012 governorship election in Edo, despite the tension generated during the campaigns, turned out to be peaceful, transparent, free, fair and credible. Not a single incident of violence was recorded before, during and after the election. The parties and their candidates did not require a peace accord to ensure that their members and supporters conducted themselves peacefully during and after the election.

The Edo 2012 election which gave

victory to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole must also go into history as the second time Nigeria had witnessed such a historic election outside that of June 12, 1993. Then, as in 2012, the parties and their candidates where not required to sign a peace accord.

It is, therefore, curious that political parties and their presidential candidates signed a peace accord about three weeks ago,committing themselves to a peaceful and nonviolent campaigns and elections.

In the main, they pledged not to do violence to the Nigerian people they seek to rule over or use Nigerians to perpetrate acts of violence against others before, during and after elections. Acts of criminal violence which the parties and their candidate pledged to avoid are always caused or instigated by other acts of violence.

Nigerian politics have always been violent because of the utter disregard for the sanctity of the ballot box. It is common knowledge that our politicians lack the temperament to acknowledge that the peoples will must be allowed to prevail at elections.

President Goodluck Jonathan said at the accord signing ceremony

in Abuja, and rightly so, that political leaders must avoid making provocative utterances capable of inciting the people to anger. However, only a fraction of the violence witnessed particularly before elections is caused by provocative utterances of politicians. The balance is attributable to the actions of both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies engaged in the conduct of elections. Manipulation of the electoral process by INEC or in collusion with the security agencies to favour a particular party or candidate is a violent act which can lead to violence during or after an election.

Since the signing of the peace accord several cases of violent attacks have been recorded across the country. Three of such incidents bear mentioning. The day the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari flagged off his presidential campaign in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at least one person was shot dead, while several others sustained injuries when party members travelling to the rally venue where ambushed.

Also, President Jonathan’s con-

voy was reportedly stoned in Kano and Bauchi while on campaign visit. These are clearly acts of physical violence in obvious contradiction to, and negation of, the spirit and letter of the peace accord.

Peace accord notwithstanding, Nigerian politicians will always be abusive while campaigning. Their members are also more often than not fanatical in their support for the candidates. It is, therefore, easy to incite them, especially where they feel inadequate or unsure of electoral victory. This can be overcome if political leaders continually remind their followers that electioneering need not be violent if the aim is to gain power for the good of the people.

Those who seek to serve must ensure that fellow citizens are not dehumanised and traumatised for the sake of gaining power. We look forward to a free, fair and name as credible election, only if INEC, lives up to its credibility. It must live up to the true meaning of its independent umpire. It must ensure that those who win do so squarely, while those who lose do so fairly. This is the only way winners and losers will embrace themselves as they did at the Abuja peace accord ceremony.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday,February 11, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Politics

s Nasarawa

Al-makura

17

guber polls: Between consolidation and change

Rabiu Doma, Lafia As the general election in Nasarawa State gathers momentum, the quest to clinch the Shendam Road Government House has continued in a grand style.

The battle would be between two strong contenders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the incumbent governor and his opponent of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Yussuf Muhammed Agabi.

The sitting governor’s cam-

paign thrust is on the consolidation of more dividends of democracy ranging from the enhancement of the education sector, health, township roads as well as according greater priority to other sectors, while the PDP governorship candidate emphasised change of government as the only hope for the people of the state.

The PDP campaign team is capitalising on combating the inept security challenges confronting the existence of the

18-year-old state, since the emergence Al-Makura as the governor of the state. Agabi also unveiled a 5-point Agenda focusing on free education, solving security challenges, empowerment, infrastructure and agriculture.

But the current governor has promised to consolidate on past achievements by tackling issues like natural disaster, water and traditional institution. However, the campaign of Labaran Maku of the All Progressives Grand AlCONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Untold story of PDP presidential rally in Adamawa Wale Akintunde-Yola As political gladiators are counting down on the 2015 polls date, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) last Thursday stormed Yola, the capital of Adamawa State to activate its political machinery and influence ahead of the Presidential poll now slated for next month.

The serious impetus put into the rally was based on the consideration that the state’s political environment can be influenced by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who is a chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Party (APC) in the state.

The ruling PDP, which did not want to leave any stone unturned appeared to have gone back into its drawing board with a view to putting new strategy on ground on how it will not lose Adamawa State to opposition in the elections.

President Goodluck Jonathan who is the national leader of PDP as well as the Presidential candidate of the party led the PDP foot soldiers to Adamawa to canvass for votes and reconcile aggrieved members of the party during the presidential rally.

The rally has brightened the chances of Malam Nuhu Ribadu of winning the gubernato-

Ikuforiji

Why there are weak legislatures,

by Lagos Speaker

rial polls in the state as most aggrieved members of the party have agreed to work for his victory following the reconciliatory moves by President Jonathan.

Most of the aggrieved leaders, General Buba Marwa, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Professor Jibril Aminu Chief Joel Madaki have all mended fences with him and agreed to work for Ribadu.

Among personalities in Jonathan’s entourage to Yola were the national chairman of the party, Alh. Adamu Muazu, chairman of its board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, (Mr.Fix it) the CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Alade Tasma The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji has described Clerks of all legislative houses as the pathfinder that ensure smooth running of legislature, noting that without effective hands that operate in

Jonathan

any chamber, the wheel of progress would be retarded.

Ikuforiji made this remark while playing host to a technical committee of state Houses of Assembly conference of clerks who were in the Lagos Assembly as part of its fact finding mission on induction training for incoming honourable mem-

bers.

The committee is an initiative of State Houses of Assembly Clerks to train newly elected lawmakers on the intricacies of lawmaking.

Members of the committee included, the chairman of Clerks Forum, Torese Agena, Benue CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Nasarawa 2015: Between APC and PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

liance (APGA) is solely based on religious and clanish divide.

The popularity of the governorship contenders in the state would be decided by the 1.2m registered voters come April 11. The political pedigree of the candidates may be determined by their antecedents and personality as all of them would be eager to clinch votes from Nasarawa South Senatorial District which has the highest registered voters.

No doubt the votes from Nasarawa South determines who becomes the governor of the state.

The senatorial zone comprises of Lafia, Awe, Doma, Keana and Obi has a voting power of over 800,000.

Some of the candidates may not get it due to the mass exodus of electorate from the crisis prone zone to a safer place. It was gathered that Eggon settlers in Nasarawa South are those displaced mostly in the crisis and this extended also to Nasarawa North, which has three local governments namely, Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon with a population of 335,453. Nasarawa West has a population of 716,802 with five local governments of Nasarawa, Keffi, Toto, Kokona and Karu.

The greatest threat that may affect the chances of some of the politicians is the mass exodus of people from their places of abode due to the persistent ethnic cleansing and communal violence ravaging the area leaving many communities deserted.

The chances and challenges of the major candidates and their platforms are highlighted with their ratings.

UMARU TANKO AL-MAKURA-APC The history of Nasarawa state would not be complete without mentioning Al-Makura. He remains the best among the democratically elected governors on the provision of basic needs of livelihood, ranging from road network and schools amongst others.

The projects executed may be an

advantage to his re-election bid.

The emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the flagbearer of the party is an added advantage to the governor while the current mass defection of PDP members to the ruling party is a clear pointer that the APC may make a breakthrough in the state.

And to crown it all the ongoing elevation of traditional rulers in the state is an added advantage to the second term bid of the incumbent governor, The major challenges of Al-Makura was the spate of killings by Ombotse militia and Fulani’s mercenaries.

The killings gave the state bad publicity in and outside the state.

Other challenges are the starving of board, ministries, agencies and schools of fund, This retarded the progress of work while some construction firms have since abandoned site.

But the chances of Al-Makura may be at stake with the mass exodus of heavyweights from the APC to the opposition party, the PDP. Barely six months to the expiration of his first tenure, the governor did not make any effort to lure the PDP-controlled House of Assembly instead, the ruling party lost one of its lawmakers, Nathaniel Agyo-Mesa representing Lafia East constituency to the PDP. This portrayed the weaknesses of Governor Al-Makura.

Other chieftains of the party that decamped to the PDP from 2011 to 2015 are Dameshi Luka Barau, Nasarawa Deputy governor, Barrister Solomon Ewuga, Senator Nasarawa North, David Embugadu, member House of Representatives representing Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga,Wamba, Hon. Ishaq Kana member House of Representatives representing Karu, Kokona, Keffi and Haruna Kigbu, member House of Representative representing Lafia/Obi Federal constituency Adamu Sule Liman.

Other big wigs that decamped are Stanley Buba,Interim Chairman of APC, Professor Onje GyeWado, ex former deputy governor,

Agabi

But the chances of Al-Makura may be at stake with the mass exodus of heavyweights from the APC to the opposition party, the PDP. Barely six months to the expiration of his first tenure

‘‘The chance of Labaran Maku to clinch the governorship seat of Nasarawa State is uncertain, reasons been that the erstwhile gubernatorial candidate, Mathew Ombugaku has taken Maku to court’’ Maku

Angama Webe, ex-commissioner in Governor Al-Makura’s cabinet.

Nawani Aboki defected from Labour Party to PDP Maryam Amaa Buba-ex commissioner for National Planning under Almakura and Amos Akawu-erstwhile Head of service during Almakura era.

Innocent Lagi did not decamp to APC when he was appointed by the governor as the state Attorney General, El Yaqub, the pioneer chairman of the CPC. The long list excluded other lightweight politicians who dump the party attributing their action to the rising spate of poverty in the state.

The APC in the state also made bumper harvests by welcoming the two time governor of the state, Abdullahi Adamu as well as other prominent politicians while APGA also made a big catch of the erstwhile minister of information, Labaran Maku.

‘‘The APC in the state also made bumper harvests by welcoming the two time governor of the state, Abdullahi Adamu as well as other prominent politicians’’

LABARAN MAKU-APGA The chance of Labaran Maku to clinch the governorship seat of Nasarawa State is uncertain, reasons been that the erstwhile gubernatorial candidate, Mathew Ombugaku has taken Maku to court to challenge APGA for substituting him, a card carrying member of the party with an outsider.

The erstwhile minister had accused his former party, PDP of manipulating the party’s governorship primaries held at the Guest House of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa which made him to dump it for APGA whose leadership compelled Ombugaku to step down for a man that was not a member of APGA. This is an uphill task for Maku, APGA and the Eggons to actualised their dream.

The comment of Maku saying Akwanga zone has been marginalised is out of the question as he was a beneficiary of the successive regimes. As a former commissioner for Information, Deputy governor and minister of state to full-fletched minister.

The unabated ethnic clash that consumed many non-Eggon communities is also part of the weaknesses of Maku that would not help his bid for governor in 2015. He lost grip of his political relevance after the outcome of the governorship primaries.

Only time can tell whether he will make it to the Shendam road Government House.

INNOCENT LAGI: Labour Party Lagi remains the indefatigable, vibrant and focused candidate that was determined to bring new political frontiers to the polluted political space. He is a candidate that remains focused in spite of the ups and down in the party, His challenges Lagi are that the party did not have followers across the three senatorial zones. The Eggons who were predominant in his senatorial zone are angry with the former commissioner for Justice CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Adamu

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

chairman of PDP Governor’s Forum and governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godwill Akpabio, the North East Presidential coordinator, Gov. Ibrahim Dankwabo of Gombe State and a host of others.

On their arrival, Mr. President went straight to Ribadu Square, Yola, where dignitaries and thousands of party faithfuls patiently waited to receive the number one citizen of the nation.

There are many factors that made Adamawa PDP presidential campaign historic. Firstly, the fact that the Deputy Chairman of APC Presidential campaign team, Alh. Atiku Abubakar is from the state and it’s expected of him to deliver the state for his party.

The second factor is the Presidential candidate of APC, General Muhammed Buhari who is an in-law to the Adamawa people and its expected that the people of the state will throw their political weight behind him because of the fact that in Africa tradition, Buhari has become an Adamawa indigene by marriage.

The PDP political generals who came to Yola to see and conquer did not leave any stone unturned politically to win the general polls as they call on all the party members to bury their difference and focus on the coming poll.

The National Chairman of the PDP Alh. Adamu Muazu brought good news to the state by announcing that the party’s national leadership has lifted the suspension slammed on the Former Chairman of the party, Alh. Bamanga Tukur and Chief Joel Madaki, the state party chairman which impressed PDP supporters in the state.

Muazu stated that he was so impressed with the number of women that came out for the rally stressing that he is convinced that PDP will win all elective post in the state.

The state leader of the party, Governor Bala James Nggilari promised to work for the victory of PDP candidates in the general election.

He said that he has submitted to fate by supporting Malam Nuhu Ribadu who defeated him in the controversial party prima-

APC, PDP in tough tackle

19 Politics

United PDP ready for APC in Adamawa

Atiku

ries in the interest of the state as according to him, it is God that gives power to whoever He wants, adding, “Nuhu Ribadu has been destined to be the Governor of the state and we must all support him”.

The wife of the Governor, Talatu Nggilari and the Minister of Women Affairs who mobilised the women folk to the rally in their separate speeches promised to work for the victory of their party adding that Malam Ribadu has no

President Jonathan’s visit to Yola, has shown to the whole world that PDP has an internal mechanism which it puts in place to resolve any crisis within its fold

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

and Attorney General of the state over the role he played during the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Alakyo killings.

Yusuf Muhammed Agabi-PDP This is another candidate every other politician would like to beat. A retired federal director from the minor ethnic group is at the vantage point of clinching

Tukur

rival.

The former acting Governor of the state, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri who stole the show at the rally stated that he is committed to PDP victory adding that the lawmakers in the state house of assembly reclaimed back PDP mandate from ousted Governor Murtala Nyako who defected to APC. Fintiri charged the Adamawa electorate to remain firm and vote for PDP in their thousands.

President Jonathan’s visit to Yola, has shown to the whole world that PDP has an internal mechanism which it puts in place to resolve any crisis within its fold following the number of the party stakeholders that attended the rally.

The PDP stakeholders became polarised following the conduct of last year’s party primaries in which Ribadu emerged, threatening the unity of the party ahead of the poll, but the stakeholders of the party were able to put their different acts together to rally round President Jonathan and the gubernatorial candidate of

the party.

Architect Mohhamed Namadi Sambo, Vice President declared that the Presidential candidate of APC, General Muhammadu Buhari may be nursing a suicidal mission based on the call by his running mate to lead the Nigerians troops in a fight against terrorism.

He said that APC is nursing a dangerous adventure to front a man of 72-year old man with no experience in the latest advancement in technology to lead the Nigerian troops in the modern world in which technology play a prominent role in a war front.

According to him,” I want to seize this opportunity to draw your attention to a publication recently by the Vice Presidential candidate of APC saying that their Presidential candidate General Buhari will lead the nation’s soldiers on an assault against Boko Haram militants”.

The vice president said his advice was against the backdrop of the advice given to Buhari by his presidential running mate to personally lead the war against

the number one seat in the state.

He was the first to declare his governorship ambition in the last two years. The success of Agabi at the party primaries is a clear testimony that he has been indulging in a lot of campaign. Agabi would use his financial muscle to control electorate from Awe to Keana, from Doma to Nasarawa Local Government to Wamba. The votes he polled at the party prima-

ries was across the entire three senatorial zones not like other candidates whose voting power is only in their senatorial zone.

The emerging huddles of mass defection of staunch members of the PDP is a clear pointer that the PDP may taste another defeat in this year’s election.

The decamping of erstwhile minister, Labaran Maku to APGA was a big blow to the governor-

Boko Haram if elected President in next presidential election.

Sambo urged Buhari to ignore the advice from his vice presidential candidate, adding that any attempt by Buhari to lead such war would amount to a “suicide mission” in view of his age.

According to him, the APC should allow President Jonathan to continue to adopt “a more scientific and modern” warfare in tackling the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“Okay, let’s assume that he can run; how many metres can he run before he falls? The training of a General that retired in 1985, is it the same training that can address a modern war? No! “Now we are fighting war with drones, with new ideas that our President, a PhD holder, a scientist that is using (his knowledge) to address the security issues of this country”.

The vice-president urged the electorate to support President Jonathan, saying Jonathan is the answer to the nation’s security and the answer to its development.

On the developmental efforts of the administration, Sambo said that the President had earmarked funds for the completion of two hydro-power dams in Adamawa.

“I want to give you this good news that Mr President has approved the development and completion of Kiri Dam and Jada Dam. “All these Dams will be provided with hydro-electricity power and an irrigation scheme, with which we are developing economic corridors in Adamawa state.

“In addition to that, in the transport sector, I have good news for you. Mr. President has approved the dredging of River Benue. Very soon, we will have a river port and ships and boats from different parts of the world will be here in Yola,” he added.

Also speaking at the rally, a chieftain of the PDP and a former Minister, Sen. Jibril Aminu, said that all academicians in the country are proud of the giant strides made by Jonathan in terms of educational development.

Aminu said that there is in CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

ship election of the PDP. The Eggons play a vital role in the politics of Nasarawa State taking their population into cognizance. The likes of Maku would not make any impact with the emergence of clanish politics ochestrated by Eggon Ombotse militia association who are hell bent to ensure the actualisation of governorship of Eggon in 2015.

Politics 20 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

State, Shehu Atiku, Gombe, Mohammed Ahmed, Sokoto, Bankole P. I., Oyo, Chukwurah Christopher, Enugu and Lyna Ocholor, Delta.

The Speaker who was represented by his Deputy, Musibau Kolawole Taiwo stated that “clerkship is the pathfinder of any legislature and if not well managed it would lead to problem.

“Just like there is virtually nothing executive can do without a virile legislature, if there is a weak Clerk in the House, there will be a weak legislature and there will be loopholes,” the Speaker explained.

While assuring members of the team on effective collaboration, the Speaker added that the proposed induction training for new members in state Houses of Assembly would create efficient legislative business.

He explained that the Lagos Assembly Clerk, Ganiyu Abiru would testify to the influence such training that has become the tradition in the Lagos Assembly has brought to bear on members.

In his welcome address, the Clerk of the Lagos Assembly, Ganiyu Abiru reiterated the need for respective speakers of every state to co-operate with Clerks, adding that for democracy to thrive, legislature should play pivotal role.

“We appreciate the importance of legislature among the three arms of government; if you want democracy to thrive, legislature must be developed so as not to put democracy in comatose, “Abiru stated.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

‘Legislature, bedrock of a virile democracy’ if you want democracy to thrive, legislature must be developed so as not to put democracy in comatose Also speaking, Chairman of the Forum, Agena said he was pleased when he saw the level of development that was on ground in Lagos Assembly, saying the State Accountability and Voice Initiative (SAVI) is a commendable idea that enhanced legislative activities.

Agena disclosed that the committee had come up with a document that would be the guiding

principles to induction of new members into various Houses of Assembly, saying Ikuforiji’s influence among his colleagues in the Speakers Forum would be much appreciated if he prevails on them to buy the idea.

“We want to seek the co-operation of other speakers so that the induction would be done in all states and when it is finally introduced it would not be a surprise,” he said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Adamawa PDP set for victory

Gen. Buba maruwa

other platform for Nigeria as a nation to move forward than PDP, stressing that those that left PDP for other platforms are just wasting their time.

According to Aminu, Adamawa people had resolved to vote for Jonathana/Sambo ticket as well as other PDP candidates in the state during the elections.

Speaking at the rally, President Jonathan descended heavily on those who accuse him as brain behind Boko Haram insurgency in Adamawa State adding that only mad people will accuse him of executing such dastardly act against his people.

The President who announced the liberation of Michika Local

Ikuforiji

Government Area by the Nigerian troops added that its only one local government area of the state that is left in the hand of insurgents adding that the Nigerian troops are battling hard to liberate it.

Jonathan however asked God to forgive those that finger him as the brain behind Boko Haram.

The President noted that in 2012, he had the highest votes in Adamawa State adding that nothing on earth would make him kill those that gave him large volume of their votes in becoming the president of the nation adding that he has no reason to sponsor the killing of children, women and the aged adding that he has nothing to benefit from such deleterious actions.

According to him in the last election, I secured more than 65 percent of the votes in the state which is even twice the votes I got from my home state of Bayelsa, even from political considerations, killing of Adamawa people will amount to political suicide.

“In 2011 I had two times the number of votes I had in Bayelsa State why should I want to reduce that number of votes?” Jonathan queried.

“Only a mad person can insinuate that the president is supporting Boko Haram,” he added. He sympathised with the people who lost lives and properties to the outlaw group promising that Adamawa will be the first among the three states that will be completely liberated from the insurgents.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Features

21

s

Bauchi internally displaced persons narrate ordeal

Dinatu The continuing Boko Haram insurgency in the country has succeeded in creating waves of Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs),especially in Bauchi State. DANIEL JOLLY was on their trail and spoke to some of those now living in camps as refugees.

Istifanus

ÏÏÏThe worsening security situ-

ation in the North-Eastern of Nigeria is not showing any sign of abating as news of senseless killings and destruction of properties by insurgents remain the order of the day. So far, more than1.5 million people have fled the conflict areas,resulting in an

Stemming the upsurge of divorce in Nigeria

Rejoice Mu’sa unprecedented increase of Internally Displaced Persons(IDP).

Bauchi is one of the states that absorbed a good percentage of the IDPs in the various communities in the absence of special camps.

One of the displaced persons is a pastor of Pleroma Gospel

Church in Hildi, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Yohana Dauda. He recounted the evil that visited them in the first week of November 2014 to our correspondent.

“Like a bad dream, the whole town was awakened by sounds of gunshots and we all started run-

ning for our lives.

“With nowhere to run to, I headed for the bush with my family and some people who were also running for safety followed us. We were in the bush for many days without food or water.

Okey Chris

sacred institution; a union between a man and a woman who may have divergent views about life but have deemed it fit to live together as husband and wife due to love.

Even when some were married to more than one wife, there was still less domestic violence, infidelity and divorce which was in compliance with the biblical injunction of “till death do us part” as enshrined in the books of Gen-

esis 2: 1; Timothy 3:1-4; 1Timoty 3:5; Matthew 5:31-32; Malachi 2:6/7; and Proverbs 31:10-31.

In traditional Africa, marriage was so sacred, as married couples were cherished and seen as the most responsible people in the society. Their advice was sought for at family and public functions, while bachelors and spinsters

Marriage is meant to be a sacred institution ordained by God. It was designed to last the lifetime of those involved.

Today, marriage is becoming a revolving door affair. OKEY CHRIS writes on the alarming development.

ÏÏÏIn

the days of our forefathers, marriage was seen as a

Continued on page 22

Continued on page 22

Features 22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

‘In my neighbourhood, over 80percent of residents are divorced’ Continued from page 21 were usually seen as less responsible, so to speak.

Expectedly, it was not uncommon to see couples below18 years that stayed in marriage till old age, even when most were betrothed to spouses by their parents. A Lagos State–based lawyer, Mrs. Yemi Ajayi, remarked that marriage then was a worthwhile venture among traditional religionists, Christians and Muslims.

However, the modern era marked the end of an epoch in the marriage institution. Subsequently, the institution changed in nature and definition transforming into diverse categories (gay marriage, multiple wedding, co-habitation, white and court wedding, among others).

However, today, the rate of divorce and broken homes in Nigeria is becoming alarming. A situation whereby a man and a woman tie the knot before God in the morning and opt for divorce

in the courts the next day due to infidelity, misunderstanding, suspicion and battery is becoming the norm.

Statistics show that there are many pending divorce cases in various courts. Given this fact, some legal practitioners have decried the high rate of divorce in the country attributing it to intolerance, infidelity and battery.

In the same vein, a marriage counselor, Mrs. Taiwo Olanrewaju, postulated that the institution is in crisis, due to high number of marriages dissolved annually in the courts.

To concur with Mrs. Olanrewaju’s postulation, in my neighbourhood of more than 80 people, about 80 percent of the residents are divorced, including my landlord (a pastor in one of the Pentecostal churches in Awka, Anambra State) who is also on the verge of divorcing his second wife.

Worse still, is the increase in the number of pastors who are divorcees, among who are Rev. Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy, who divorced Anita late last year,

A man battering his wife

John Hagee (the founder of Charismatic Trinity Church) who ended his marriage to his former wife and married a member of his congregation); a Lagos–based Pastor, Ope Balogun who walked to the court last year, seeking to divorce his ninth spouse calling her “ a troublesome wife”; Pastor Chris Okotie of Household of God Church has already divorced two former spouses; founder of Communion Church, Lagos, Bishop David Benecoch who ended his marriage of 20 years alleging that God instructed him to do so, among many others.

Similarly, Nigerian business tycoons, celebrities and entertainers are also among the lists of divorcees,including Ifeanyi Ararume Jnr. (son of Senator Ararume) who recently dissolved his marriage Chief Kessington Adebutu popularly known as “Baba Ijebu” broke up with his wife Rosemary; Chikezie,son of Paschal Dozie of Diamond

‘We were in the bush for days without food’ Continued from page 21 “Since we could not just remain there for long, all of us trekked to another community where we boarded a car to Yola with the help of people in that community.”

Dauda who was fortunate to have his mobile phone with him called a fellow pastor, Joshua Waliya. “He quickly arranged to pick us up and provided accommodation for us here.”

Commenting on the just postponed general elections, Dauda said he is looking up to God to intervene. “I am praying that He will give us a president that will bring an end to this insecurity problem and take care of this country.”

Another IDP, 20–year–old Istifanus Musa, an SS2 student of Government Day Secondary School, Malari in Damaturu, Yobe State said of his experience.

“I had prepared for school early and was ready to go out at 6 a.m. when I heard gunshots, my mother immediately pulled me back into the house and woke my younger ones up.

“When the gunshots persisted, we all ran towards the State Specialist Hospital not far from our house, and there we stayed for some days before we could leave Damaturu to Bauchi.”

Istifanus lamented his inability to continue his education seeing that students in other states are busy studying. “I want to go back to school, but I cannot now because of insurgency in that area.”

The young man also lamented the separation of the family because only his mother and brothers ran to Bauchi. His father is in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

He called on the President to intervene by putting an end to the crisis so they can return to their homes and back to school.

Another displaced person Mrs. Rejoice Musa, a mother of five is another victim of the November 2014 attack.

Rejoice who fries bean cake (akara) by the road side at Hildi, escaped death by a hairbreadth.

“I had washed and prepared the beans and was going to the shop in the morning when a woman Continued on page 23

Adamu Umar

Pastor Yohanna Dauda

Continued on page 23

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

23 Features

Group of IDPs children in a resettlement camp

‘I ran home to wake my husband and children who were still sleeping’ A couple fighting Continued from page 22

called out to me and said I should go back quickly because Boko Haram insurgents were shooting and killing people, she told Daily Times.

“I ran back home and woke my husband and children who were still asleep, and because it was a very cold morning, I made haste to dress up the children; we came out and started running before I realised I had outrun my husband and our five children; I panicked because I could not locate

them.

“As I ran with other people to the Specialist Hospital, the gunmen were shooting from behind.

Further up, we saw that the terrorists have blocked the entrance to the hospital, so we ran to the School of Nursing, where we saw a policeman who was helping people to scale the wall into the school. Among the people waiting was my daughter and the policeman helped my daughter scale over; but I was not able to scale the wall”.

Rejoice told our correspondent she had to follow another route

into the school, and there she met her husband and children but that was not the end of the saga.

“We had to move again because it was a matter of time before the insurgents invaded the school.

Whenever we heard gunshots, we went down on our stomach to avoid stray bullets. We kept doing like that until we came to a poultry close to the school staff quarters.

“We took refuge there but we were hearing the sound of footsteps, probably of the terrorists Continued on page 24

Celebrities have joined the bandwagon Continued from page 22

dissolved their unions.

Group, ended his four months marriage; the son of former President Obasanjo, Gbenga ended his marriage to Moji in 2006, just as the daughters of Gen. Abacha and Babangida, Zainab Abacha and Aishat Babangida respectively

It is impossible to forget that movie stars and top entertainers such as Pastor Ure Okezie, Soul E, Jennifer Eliogu, Doris Simeon, Daniel Ademinokan, Moses, BenContinued on page 24

Features 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Divorcees are prone to poor concentration and drug addiction Continued from page 23

Ismaila

Hasanna

Pastor Joshua Waliya

‘We met four Mobile Policemen hiding in the room’ Continued from page 23 passing, but we remained silent with our hearts thumping.

We stayed there from around 6 o’clock in the morning, up till 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Mary, my daughter said she needed water to drink but I implored her to keep calm.”

Rejoice said that after a while, they came out of their hiding place and went into the neighboring houses, knocking at doors for help.

“A man called out, and I answered that I was searching for water to give to my daughter. He then asked us to come inside his house. While inside,I met four mobile police officers hiding there and they had their guns hidden inside some clothes and that told me how bad the situation was. I got water and gave to my daughter and then stayed with them”.

Just when Rejoice thought they could now get some rest, her daughter Mary started vomiting.

The child had not eaten when their morning was shattered, and it was 3 p.m.

Sacrifice of a mother Rejoice disclosed to Daily Times

that hunger and her daughter’s sickness made her ignore the fear of that moment.

“I decided to go home leaving every other person in the room.

The policemen pleaded that I stay, but I refused. Immediately I stepped out of the house, I saw two women who were also going back, and I joined them. We scaled the fence and I got home at 5p.m, and later, my husband and children came back.”

After government relaxed the curfew, people never had the confidence to stay behind,as they started leaving the town so Rejoice and her family left for Bauchi.

“When we arrived Bauchi we were referred to a pastor of EYN church, who welcomes internally displaced persons at Sabon Kaura behind Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.

“Since we came here, my mind has been at rest in fact, the first day we came, we all slept well.

“I thank God I survived and now in the midst of our brethren who helped us recover from those nightmares,” Rejoice enthused.

Another tale of woe was narrated by 24–year–old Hassana Madu, from Gungh, Hawul area of Borno State. She told Daily

Times that many houses were torched but theirs was not burnt.

She lamented that her wedding which was to take place on December 27, 2014 was shifted.

“My wedding was postponed indefinitely without a new date; they said it will wait until the attacks come to an end, and who knows when this will end?”

Malam Adamu Umar was the most forthcoming indigene who opened his doors to receive IDPs. Umar told Daily Times that he has more than 119 people whose houses were attacked by insurgents. Among them are men, women and children.

“No one ever prepared for this,” he told our correspondent, “and we cannot refuse giving them accomodation, as it is not their making”.

Malam Umar who is a Qu’ranic teacher commended the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)Bauchi Local Government Council and other individuals who assisted with with food stuff, even as he urged them to do more.

He prayed for those who lost their lives and also for end to the crisis.

He called on those benefitting from this sad situation to have a

change of heart and mend their ways as Nemesis will surely catch up with them sooner than later.

In a similar reaction Pastor Joshua Waliya, speaking on how he brought the IDPs together said, “On November 3, 2015, two buses carrying 100 persons came from those areas under attack and I accommodated all of them.

As the situation got better, some have gone back and presently there are only 33 people including men, women and children in my care.”

He revealed that, he has been taking care of them from his personal money and lauded the proprietor of Future Leaders and Pioneer International Schools for accepting and slashing the school fees of 17 children enrolled in their schools. The directors, he said, collected only N2,000 per child.

“I can’t afford to be taking my children to school and seeing other children at home,” the Pastor said,even as he commended churches like ECWA English Service Yelwa, some government organisations like SEMA that also gave some foodstuff and relief materials to the IDPs during the Christmas period.

jamin, Bukky Wright and Ayo Adesanya have dissolved their marriages.

Research has shown that some of the factors responsible for broken homes,include excessive materialism, women emancipation ideology, sexual apathy/dissatisfaction, intrusion by third parties, barrenness, provocation and brutalisation, suspicions and infidelity.

According to a marriage counsellor, Dr. Eunice Iheanacho, some other factors are impatience, pride, lack of understanding, and incompatibility”.

In the same vein, one needs not be told that the social effects of divorce cannot be overestimated as one divorce breeds another, just as trading of words often instigates fight.

Hence, you hardly see a broken home or a divorcee who ever enjoyed a happy marital bliss thereafter without second or more divorces coming.

Notably also, divorced couples are prone to poor concentration, loss of job, drug addiction, smoking, prostitution, sickness, suicide or untimely death, even as their children are involved in social vices, hawking, begging, and unruly behaviour due to lack of parental love and care.

In view of this, couples have been implored to show mutual understanding and tolerance of each other.

A lawyer, Vincent Nwana, enjoined customary and magistrate courts to exhibit discretion in handling divorce cases, as a way of reducing it to the barest minimum. But how this is possible remains to be seen.

Therefore, it is imperative for the public to be sensitised on the need to embrace court marriage, as it involves some rigours of procedures before termination could be achieved.

Also, parents, religious and educational institutions, guardians and counsellors, human rights activists, and non-governmental organisations should constantly organise marriage seminars for couples, bachelors and spinsters with a view to inculcating the true lessons of marriage into them.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Chronicle

s

Today in History

1952

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1990 Nelson Mandela released from prison Nelson Mandela, leader of the movement to end South African apartheid, was released from prison after 27 years on February 11, 1990.

In 1944, Mandela, a lawyer, joined the African National Congress (ANC), the oldest black political organization in South Africa, where he became a leader of Johannesburg’s youth wing of the ANC. In 1952, he became deputy national president of the ANC, advocating nonviolent resistance to apartheid--South Africa’s institutionalized system of white supremacy and racial segregation. However, after the massacre of peaceful black demonstrators at Sharpeville in 1960, Nelson helped organize a paramilitary branch of the ANC to engage in guerrilla warfare against the white minority government.

In 1961, he was arrested for treason, and although acquitted he was arrested again in 1962 for illegally leaving the country.

Convicted and sentenced to five years at Robben Island Prison, he was put on trial again in 1964 on charges of sabotage. In June 1964, he was convicted along with several other ANC leaders and sen-

tenced to life in prison.

Mandela spent the first 18 of his 27 years in jail at the brutal Robben Island Prison. Confined to a small cell without a bed or plumbing, he was forced to do hard labour in a quarry. He could write and receive a letter once every six months, and once a year he was allowed to meet with a visitor for 30 minutes. However, Mandela’s resolve remained unbroken, and while remaining the symbolic leader of the antiapartheid movement, he led a movement of civil disobedience at the prison that coerced South African officials into drastically improving conditions on Robben Island. He was later moved to another location, where he lived under house arrest.

In 1989, F.W. de Klerk became South African president and set about dismantling apartheid. De Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC, suspended executions, and in February 1990 ordered the release of Nelson Mandela.

Mandela subsequently led the ANC in its negotiations with the minority government for an end to apartheid and the establishment of a multiracial government.

1916

Birth control pioneer arrested

1916 Birth control pioneer arrested Emma Goldman, a crusader for women’s rights and social justice, was arrested in New York City for lecturing and distributing materials about birth control. She was accused of violating the Comstock Act of 1873, which made it a federal offense to disseminate contraceptive devices and information through the mail or across state lines. In addition to advocating for women’s reproductive rights, Goldman, who was later convicted and spent time in jail, was a champion of numerous controversial causes and ideas, including anarchism, free speech and atheism. Nicknamed “Red Emma,” the forward-thinking Goldman was arrested multiple times for her activist activities.

Goldman was born into a poor Jewish family in Russia in 1869. She fled her homeland as a teenager in 1885 and ended up in Rochester, New York. There she was employed at a factory and became involved in the labour movement, protesting poor working conditions and advocating for unions and an eight-hour workday. She was influenced by the Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886, in which a rally organized by anarchist workers turned into a violent confrontation with police. The anarchists were later convicted and four were hanged. Goldman later relocated to New York City, where she joined the anarchist movement and was romantically linked to anarchist and fellow Russian Alexander Berkman.

1952 Avalanches plague central Europe On this day in 1952, a series of deadly avalanches began across central Europe.

A storm stalled over the middle of Europe the first week of February 1952, dumping a couple of feet of snow in parts of France, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. In many places, activity came to a standstill. Thousands of people and their shovels were recruited in German towns to make the streets passable. In France, several people died when their roofs collapsed under the weight of the accumulated snow.

The worst of the 10-day snowstorm was felt in Austria, where avalanches took a deadly toll.

At a ski resort in Melkoede, 50 people were sleeping in the early morning hours of February 11 when a huge mass of snow suddenly crashed down the mountain above them. Twenty people, almost all German tourists, were killed at the resort and another 10 were seriously injured. In Switzerland and Austria, authorities issued warnings about potential avalanches and some villages were evacuated.

Unfortunately, the following

Avalanches plague central Europe day brought more damaging avalanches. In Isenthal, Switzerland, hundreds of cattle and several barns were buried by snow. In Leutasche, Austria, a 12-year-old child was rescued by people who risked their lives digging while another avalanche was poised to fall. Seven of the child’s family members were killed.

Overall, it is estimated that 78 people died across Europe from the snowstorm and resulting avalanches.

1970 The world’s fourth space power From the Kagoshima Space Centre on the east coast of Japan’s Ohsumi Peninsula, Ohsumi, Japan’s first satellite was successfully launched into an orbit around Earth. The achievement made Japan the world’s fourth space power, after the Soviet Union in 1957, the United States in 1958, and France in 1965.

Two months after Japan’s launching of Ohsumi, China became the world’s fifth space power when it successfully launched Mao 1 into space. The satellite, named after Mao Zedong, the leader of communist China, or-

Cartoon from our Archives

Daily Times February 11, 1961

25

bited Earth broadcasting the Chinese patriotic song The East Is Red once a minute.

1990 Underdog Buster Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson In a major upset, Buster Douglas defeated Mike Tyson, the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, in 10 rounds at a boxing match in Tokyo, Japan.

James “Buster” Douglas began boxing professionally in the 1980s and was considered a talented fighter, but it was believed he lacked the motivation to become a champion. By contrast, Tyson had become the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history when he defeated Trevor Berbick by knockout in 1986, when he was just 20 years old.

Nicknamed “Iron Mike,” Tyson intimidated other boxers with his fast, powerful punches.

Going into the February 11, 1990, match with Buster Douglas, Tyson seemed invincible and was considered a 42-1 favourite to win. However, from the start, Douglas managed to dominate the fight. He was said to have been motivated by the pain of his mother’s death several weeks before the match.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Our heritage

s

Colours, forms from Osogbo spirits Agozino Agozino Director and curator of Genesis Gallery, Adeyinka Fabayo, is an artist of a curious mould.

He attracts attention by his physical appearance, as well as by the depth of his views. Fabayo comes across as a Bohemian. His artistic traits are avant-garde.

This is evident in the works he displayed in popular art studio.

His major fascination have to do with his desire to walk the paths of notable artists of the Osogbo art school. There is his strong assertion that the spirits of Osogbo inspired his creativity.

Among the scores of artists that works in Osogbo, the young, soft-spoken, bearded artist, who speaks refined Queen’s English had a remarkable works that can arrest a visitor. His studio is full of awe-inspiring sculptures, paintings and drawings. His picture also tells tales that are more than what can be gouged from the artist. They evoke myths, refer to folklores and establish the blurry link between traditional and contemporary arts.

A chat with him was like unveiling brimming secrets. Adebayo traces his inspiration to his ancestral root in Osogbo, adding that it was a journey, which at a time, was almost marred but destiny ruled over will.

“Of course, Osogbo is me. It has shaped my dream. If you look at the universal acceptability of Osogbo arts today, you will know that what I am saying is the truth. I am proud of that.

My paintings and carvings have been a mixture of the academic and traditional. I blend the two

together. I studied contemporary oil painting in England. But the spirit of Osogbo that has always been in my blood is always reflected in all my paintings and my carvings. I carve in contemporary and traditional styles.

My art is a blend of the two,” the ebony-black artist said.

Born in Osun State, Fabayo was in England where he studied contemporary oil paintings.

He is also a drummer and traditional carving enthusiast – all of which blend to enrich his collection.

At his gallery located at 138, Station Road Osogbo, collectors troop to feed their eyes with his high-level creativity.

On how he started, he said: “I will say that I started from my cradle. It began when I was very young. Then I used to look at photos, sculptures. I got fascinated with arts right from when I was very young. I always told my mother that I would be an artist. But during my primary school days, this dream was almost lost because then we did not have an art teacher. It was such until one of my friends revived my earlier vision. The dream, before then, I think, was gone. After that, I moved down to Osogbo and joined the Osogbo Art Movement. Since then, it has been a passion, welling in me,” Fabayo said.

He explained that the history of art has shown that no artist will like to retire until he reaches the pinnacle of the profession.

Citing such masters of the art as Michelangelo, Pablo Picasso, Bruce Onabrkpeya, Lamidi Fakeye and others who work(ed) into the evenings of their years, he

Fabayo

“Of course, Osogbo is me.

It has shaped my dream”

said that his dream is to be like any one of them.

“The joy of every artist is when his works is globally recognised.

That is also what I am praying for and working towards,” he emphasised.

Themes of his works are as diverse as the issues they tend to raise. Fabayo is given to tinkering with imageries drawn fom the nature of God; government and the society, culture, nature and every day social activities. “I look at those issues a lot and derive my inspiration from them,” he said.

Contrary to the general notion that Osogbo art is ritualistic and against true Christianity, Fabayo said that, for one, he is a practicing Christian.

“I don’t believe in paganism notion. An artist is not, necessarily, an idol worshipper. The art works are only objects of depiction. They are there to remind us of our past and not to be worshipped. So, anybody who tells you that arts is against his faith is making a serious mistake,” he said.

Fabayo thanked God that art is growing in Nigeria. According to him, there is no doubt that with the sector, the Nigerian visual arts sector is positioned for a greater future. “For me it is a wonderful opportunity to be an artist. I have been able to meet and mix up with many respected Nigerian because of art. One fulfillment I can tell you I have derived from coming to this is that I have been able to meet with other artists. I have also met other galleries and many collectors. It a wonderful opportunity,” he said.

UNESCO Internship invites entries on world heritage UNESCO Convention on the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, is inviting entries from art and culture enthusiasts, who are interested in their two internships, which are scheduled to hold at the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) in Midrand (South Africa) and at EPA in Porto-Novo (Benin), in 2015, to apply.

AWHF was launched in 2006 to support African State parties in implementing the UNESCO Convention on the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. EPA was established in 1998 and is a post-graduate university institution specialised in the preservation and promotion of both tangible and intangible heritage.

UNESCO Internship opportu-

nities for young African professionals 2015 aims to empower advocacy on cultural heritage in Africa.

Two interns will be selected to take part in two internships. Applicants include students (graduate), professionals or members of natural/cultural heritage and academic institutions (not necessarily within the heritage sector). Applicants must be 30

years of age or below. The project is open to participants from all African countries. Applicants are required to be competent in either English or French; bilingualism is preferable (English/French) and knowledge of Arabic or Portuguese can be an advantage. Eligible female practitioners are encouraged to apply.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Chimamanda’s Americanah hits France

E-mail Please do not hesitate to send us your feed back: agozinoagozino@yahoo.com

The New Museum extends Chris Ofili’s Night and Day The New Museum has extended Chris Ofili’s Night and Day, the British-born, Trinidad-based artist’s mid-career survey of sculptures, paintings and drawings, to the end of February. The show includes the infamous painting The Holy Virgin Mary (1996), which includes images of women’s buttocks around a Virgin Mary figure that rests atop mounds of elephant dung. Exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum in 1999, it caused then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani to threaten to pull public funding from the museum.

But there’s plenty to see at the new exhibit beyond The Holy Virgin Mary.

In Port Harcourt, adult literacy gets a boost The year-long activities of the Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 are designed to achieve an overall improvement in literacy rates and reading habits of the people of Port Harcourt with a ripple effect to the nation and continent. One of such activities is the Adult Literacy Programme (ALP).

Launched in December 2014, the LAP is in collaboration with Faith Baptist College and is targeted at reaching the wider society as educated adults are more likely to ensure that the children and youth in their families and communities read, thus encouraging a literate society.

27 Our heritage

Chimamanda

Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is one of Africa’s most feted writers. Her latest novel, “Americanah,” hits French bookstands this month.

The novel recounts the story of Ifemelu, a young, beautiful woman, who is forced to confront what it means to be black in the United States for the first time after leaving her home in military-ruled Nigeria.

To promote the publication of “Americanah” in France, Adichie took part in a discussion about the book, as well as the subject of identity in literature, at the Maison de la Poésie in Paris recently. There was not an empty seat in the house.

Listed as one of the New York Time’s Ten Best Books of the Year and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction, the novel has already

sold 500,000 copies in the US and has been translated into 25 different languages.

And Adichie’s popularity just keeps on growing. Musician Beyoncé sampled the author’s “We Should All be Feminists” speech in her 2013 song, “Flawless”.

There are also plans in the works to turn “Americanah” into a feature film starring actors Brad Pitt and Lupita Nyong’o.

How illegal art thieves threatened Nigeria’s heritage Nigeria’s cultural treasures and artifacts are now highly sort for by collectors and connoisseurs overseas, but regrettably this development has induced unbridled theft and illicit sales at home. Boade Ojuaiye, examines the scenario: The antiquities of any nation constitute a major repository of people’s cultural heritage.

In African traditional society, these cultural art effects particularly the works of arts, served various functions. They were sometimes linked with and directed towards assuring the cohesion of the group. They are also used in the context of festivals, most of which served to preserved the people’s needs as well as given meaning to life.

Sculptures constitute the bulk of Nigeria’s resources in antiquities, and they no doubt, represent important land marks in the artistic creations of the Nigerian peoples.

These works of arts though priceless to the culture that created them have witnessed series of theft, misconception and brutalisation through time in the hands of foreigners in Nigeria.

These attitudes have tended to play down the role which this cultural artifact symbolised, and should continue to represent, in the various cultures that gave birth to them.

For instance, as a result of the culture of imperialism, which tended to regard as inferior the African cultural creations, most of Africa’s works of art were either destroyed by religious fundamentalists as supersti-

tious, pagan idols or silently and, sometimes, forcibly exported to Europe as curiosities or spoils of war.

The trend in the illicit trade in antiquities is growing out of proportion in the world today, and African countries, including Nigeria, helpless as they are, appear most vulnerable and are the targets of the smuggling syndicates across the world. As a movable item, an art work could easily disappear from Nigeria in diplomatic bags. Trafficking in rare art works and antiquities has become big business in Nigeria.

A consultant with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Professor Julius Ipadeola Olaifa, said most traffickers want to exploit the rich value of Nigeria artifacts.

According to him, “Nigeria’s sculptures in wood last much longer than those from other parts of Africa. He added that bronze, terracotta and stove objects produced in Nigeria are resistant to the heat and humidity that so readily destroy many other examples of African art.”

Olaifa stated that in the mid’70s, a Benin piece of art work sold for 34,000 and, sometimes, in 1989, a 16th Century bronze sculpture from Benin was sold for two million dollars in an auction in London.

“As a result of desire for quick financial gains, several raids were carried out on museums shrines, sacred groves and palaces housing objects of antiquity.”

Since it is known that the theft and smuggling have often result-

Benin bronze sculpture, one of the works often tageted by looters ed in the degradation and erosion of a people’s cultural heritage and pride, and could also lead to a loss of identity to a people, various measures have been taken by international bodies, to eliminate the cause of theft and smuggling in antiquities.

Despite a number of legislations passed in Nigeria to protect antiquities, it is regrettable that some of the consuming countries, particularly in the developed world are unwilling to ratify or support the measures and even

those who have done so still contravene the terms of the convention, thereby stultifying UNESCO’s directive on restitution.

Apart from the danger posed by smuggling of antiquities, there are also problems of ignorance and apathy towards cultural objects by Nigerians. A renowned cultural expert, Prof. Wande Abimbola, observed that most Nigerians were unaware of the value of the works to their cultural heritage.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Business Times

s

SEC directs fund managers to register with FMAN Adesola Akindele

Gwarzo, Ag. DG SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has directed all fund managers in the country to register with the Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), the umbrella trade Association established for all registered Fund/Portfolio Managers in Nigeria.

According to a statement SEC said: “Pursuant to the powers conferred on it by Section 13 of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 and consistent with Rule 25(1) of its Rules and Regulations hereby directs all Fund Managers to register with the Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), the umbrella trade Association established for all registered Fund/Portfolio

Managers in Nigeria.”

The Commission established that it was partnering with FMAN to develop the Funds/ Portfolio management industry in Nigeria through enlightenment and training, complaints resolution, amongst others with a view to ensuring a sustained growth of the Nigerian Investment Management industry.

Experts predict economic boost for net oil importers Emmanuel Ogbonnaya The falling price of oil has been predicted to boost economies of net oil producing countries on the condition that it does not exacerbate the threat of deflation.

National Institute of Economic and Social Research UK, has disclosed that following growth of 3.4 per cent in 2014, the world economy will grow by 3.3 per cent in 2015 and 3.6 per cent in 2016.

According to the report which was released Tuesday, growth was weaker than expected in late 2014 and inflation has fallen further below target in almost all developed countries; “But a sustained lower oil price, if it does not exacerbate the threat of deflation, should provide a boost to growth in countries that are net oil importers and for the global economy,” the report said.

According to the report, oil prices have declined by more than a half (in US dollar terms) since June 2014. Oil exporting countries will suffer and some could face financial stress, yet the impact should be beneficial for the world as a whole, spreading the benefits of increased supply and mitigating the effects of weaker demand. However, this will depend partly on the extent to which it has a prolonged downward effect on inflation.

The report stressed that priority for central banks in most advanced economies should be to ensure that the price decline does not exacerbate the problem

of below-target inflation, with the associated threat of deflation. In some cases, this may mean further reductions in official interest rates; in others, in particular the Euro Area, there may be a need to strengthen unconventional measures.

“Continuing tepid expansion in the advanced economies in spite of the fall in oil prices, combined with substantial economic slack and low and declining rates of inflation, points to the continuing importance of promoting growth by boosting demand. Structural reforms that boost demand as well as supply can play an important role. These include: reforms that remove impediments to investment, business formation, and job creation and reforms that promote investment by raising expectations of future growth.

At the same time, there is substantial potential for increased government investment, financed by borrowing, to boost both demand and potential output in many if not most advanced economies,” the report said.

Growth in the second half of 2014 was also said to be generally been weaker than expected, with the exception of the United

PEF registers 13,600 trucks under electronic loading scheme Tony Nwakaegho The Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board said that it had registered 13,600 trucks in the second phase of its electronic loading scheme tagged ``Project Aquila 2”.

The Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mrs. Adefunke Kasali, announced this in Abuja on Tuesday.

Project Aquila is an automated electronic loading scheme aimed at providing accurate data for petroleum products distribution, ensure transparency and efficiency in the management of bridging claims to marketers.

Kasali said the exercise entailed the registration and tagging of trucks used for the transportation of petroleum products across the country to ensure proper monitoring and delivery of the products.

She said that the second phase of the scheme was an improvement on Project Aquila 1 which only tracked products from loading to delivery at destination depot. ``Project Aquila 1 focused on depot to depot activities but ``Project Aquila 2” is to track products movement from depot to outlets to check diversion. ``It is to ensure that any product that is meant for particular outlet actually gets to its destination.’’

Madueke, President OPEC

States. “Inflation in many cases has fallen further below central banks’ targets. These developments have led to additional policy actions in several economies to ease monetary conditions, including a welcome – indeed overdue – major expansion of asset purchases by the European Central Bank.”

There have been further

marked declines in government bond yields, to record lows in some cases, and a significant general appreciation of the US dollar against other major currencies. A notable exception to this is Switzerland, where the Swiss National Bank removed the franc’s cap against the euro, resulting in a sharp appreciation.

Kasali, Executive-Secretary PEF

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

29 Labour

Skills acquisition: boosting opportunities for job seekers Stories by Joy Ekeke Since the global financial meltdown of 2008, governments around the world have been grappling with the challenges of sustaining economic growth through industrialisation and job creation initiatives for their citizens and economies.

The launch of the National Industrial Revolution Plan by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014, set the stage for the reform of the country’s industrial sector, with emphasis on areas of comparative and competitive advantages as well as the provision of jobs for the teeming population of unemployed youths.

However, employers of labour especially in the manufacturing sector, have often complained of the availability of jobs, but the dearth of employable skilled persons. This situation has led to the reliance on expatriates most times to fill the gap, until Nigerians are trained over a period of years to take over from them.

Indeed it is often bemoaned that potential job-seekers especially in the graduate cadre lack the requisite qualification to clinch the myriad of job opportunities industries have to offer. However, in order to correct the situation, President Goodluck Jonathan has utilised interventionist agencies like the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), by constantly creating new, exciting and sustainable jobs and developing the nation’s human capital to admirable heights.

An agency like the ITF has made some notable strides and impact which industry stakeholders have recognised as milestones that could turn the odds in the favor of Nigerian youths, if sustained and expanded to cover ev-

ery state in the country and all sectors of the economy.

Under the present administration, ITF has successfully trained and equipped youths with advanced employable skills in the numerous occupational areas, such as facility maintenance technology (FCT) mechanical & electrical services, information and communication technology (ICT) and culinary skills western and African dishes.

Other areas where the ITF has made highly appreciable impact, according to observers, are in mechatronics (Automation and Autotronics), Electronics, ie Computer and Networking) (ECN),with many of them insisting the training programmes has not only equipped trainees for a successful and rewarding career but also paved the way to long life education and training.

For the ITF however, those in the know said it was obvious the Fund was living up to its mandate. This notion, according to Author and Human Resource Management Expert,Mr Kunle Rotimi,is even more evident, when consideration is given to initiatives the ITF has spearheaded in recent times, particularly since a new leadership headed by Dr Mrs Juliet Chukkas - Onaeko, came on board as Director General and Chief Executive Officer in the latter part of 2014.

Rotimi, noted that the ITF through its high quality world class training has to a large and reasonable extent, curtailed social unrest and tension within the country.

He said beneficiaries of the Fund’s training programmes, including ex militants from the nation’s Niger Delta region, has consistently proved themselves worthy wherever they are engaged, saying the unemployment

Onaeko DG ITF

situation in the country would have assumed a more critical dimension, were it not for the efforts and intervention of the ITF and support from President Jonathan.

“Kudos must also be given to the President for having the foresight to review the laws setting up the Fund.The review of the ITF’s law in 2011 has positively changed the face of manpower training and development in the country, as stakeholders and partners now feel more concerned and responsive to their manpower, training

and development responsibilities,” Rotimi explained.

Assessing the manpower development initiatives of the ITF, Training Expert and Managing Director of Prot Consulting International, Mr. Sunny Agboju, said Nigerian and the West Africansub-regional economies are better for it.

ITF’s trainees and graduates, according to Agboju, have remained “hot cakes”. He said the level and quality of vocational training, coupled with the limitless opportunities it presents to

Nigerian youths cannot be over emphasised.

Speaking on these positives strides, Human Resource Management Expert and Registrar, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, (CIPM), Mr Sunday Adeyemi, said the recent graduation of many youths in various fields of vocational studies from the Industrial Skills Training Center (ISTC) of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF has brought to the fore the role the scheme is playing to eliminate unemployment.

Describing these positives development by the Fund and speaking of it as a direct manifestation of President Goodluck Jonathan transformation, Director General, ITF, Dr. Mrs JulietChukkas-Onaeko, said the ITF is determined to give the requisite skills to the teeming Nigerian youths, make them independent of government jobs, in order to turn them to entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

The ITF, Onaeko said, is also poised to establish additional 44 skill acquisition centers across the country under its National Industrial Skills Development Programme, (NISDP).

Graduates who had completed the required courses in electronics and computer networking and information and communication, welding and fabrication, auto mechanics, cooling technology amongst others have been produced by the ITF,the DG said.

She noted further that 38 of the centres would be for industrial skill training, while another six would be used for advanced skills training to provide direct employment and empower youths with employable skills.

UCH health workers owed two months’ -Council The Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), UCH Ibadan branch, Mr Samuel Adeyemi, said on Tuesday that the Federal Government owed its members two months’ salary.

Adeyemi disclosed this to newsmen in Ibadan while

fielding questions on the suspended JOHESU strike.

He said health workers in Lagos and Osun states have been paid all their outstanding salaries to date, but that UCH health workers were yet to receive their December and January salaries including dues. ``The Federal Government

has not paid our December and January salaries, respectively. ``Four months cooperative deductions and check-off dues were also outstanding. ``These monies are used to run cooperative loans for the health workers and this delay

has affected many of our staff. ``Some have not paid their children’s school fees or house rents due to their inability to collect new loans or repay borrowed ones. ``We are all on ground working but we are not happy because we are yet to receive our salaries,” he said.

Alhassan, Supervising Minister of Health

Interview 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Substantial improvement in power supply coming- Engr. Oke, Power Task Force chair Acting Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power, Engineer Clement Adeyinka Oke, in this interview with MATTHEW DADIYA, assures that there will be substantial improvement in power supply across the country from first to second quarter of 2015, adding that the power sector reform is creating business that will be self-sustaining and investors will certainly see returns on their investments. He also comments on electricity tariff, entitlements of PHCN workers among other issues.

Excerpts: Oke

Despite the privatisation, there have been a lot of challenges in power generation in the country, why is it so?

The reality is that privatisation of the power sector is a new phenomenon in Nigeria and like a newborn baby, there are always some teething problems in the learning process; and let me say the learning process is yielding positive results and the “baby” is growing and developing well.

From part of what we can see, like Egbin Power Plant, Unit Six is being commissioned; after being out for a very long time but it is back in service and is running.

Then like you mentioned, there have been issues of some of the Discos not wanting to take power.

Actually, there was a meeting on that recently to try and resolve the issue. I am pleased to report that consistently power generating is ramping back up and very soon, we will be expecting a new peak in the country. In some places in the network where there was no gas – in Alaoji for instance, there is additional gas now in Calabar and the transmission network to evacuate the power is nearing completion. A lot of work is going on there so that we can get more power to Nigerians.

Even though in the western part of the power grid where

plants have been available and not receiving gas in the past, about 140 million standard cubic additional gas which will put in an additional 500mw into the network (national grid) is now about to be delivered. Within the past three to four weeks, there has been general improvement in power generation in the country. I believe we’ve reached a stage where we are on an upward trend, which should continue as time goes on.

But you see, the major change we are expecting is the transmission network in the east from Alaoji to Ikot Ekpene to Ugwuaji. I believe before the end of this quarter, it will be in place and that will generate power from Alaoji and Calabar and also provide opportunity for Afam to generate fully into the grid. So, really there are lots of positive developments.

What about diversifying the source of energy to coal, solar, wind, and nuclear because China generates a lot of electricity from coal and nuclear instead of gas?

You are quite right. One of the key priorities in power generation we must have as a nation is to diversify. One day, the gas will finish, however, we don’t need to wait until it finishes before we diversify. I am aware in Kogi State, there is a lot of coal, in Gombe there is coal, in Enugu there is

coal. So we have a lot of coal in Nigeria and some plants have actually been commissioned for development. You must have read in the newspapers about the 500MW coal plant in Gombe, and in Kogi, Zuma has been doing a lot of important work in that place to diversify the economy. On hydro, we have the Zungeru power project, which has been committed to generate 700MW and we are also expecting over time, the Mambilla power plant which is in excess of 3000MW in addition to many small dams that are being developed as power and agriculture projects.

You are aware that in Katsina, there is a 10MW wind turbine project, which is presently under construction. Solar also, President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned an important solar energy project in the Durumi area in Abuja and more of such is expected to come on stream in all the geopolitical zones in the country. Definitely we must diversify. Nuclear, that will take some time because it is a technology we are not used to but we are aware that the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority is working on it. Probably beyond the next 10 to 15 years, I can see Nigeria beginning to generate electricity from nuclear energy. But the major development will continue

to be in gas power plants because they are the fastest to build and most environmentally friendly.

God has blessed us with a lot of this resource as well.

In the past we did not address

One of the key priorities in power generation we must have as a nation is to diversify. One day, the gas will finish, however, we don’t need to wait until it finishes before we diversify gas development to the optimum.

Normally, gas is sold before you start. It is not like diesel; for diesel, you buy your fuel first but gas, in principle you have to sell it all first before you start developing, very much in concept as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – it is the same kind of product.

I would like to say that as time goes on (even with some of the ex-

isting plants), people will see what they call combined cycle development. The type of plants we have in Okpai, Afam VI, Olorunsogo and Alaoji; the heat from the exhaust of the turbine goes into the heat recovery plant that produces steam for extra power. I am confident that this will develop as part of the standard development for powering this country.

When the privatisation process began, so many Nigerians commended Mr. President for taking that step but few years later there has been hue and cry across the country over the degenerating state of electricity supply and continued increase in tariff. Where do you think we didn’t get it right in the course of privatisation?

Like I said using the analogy of a newborn, we don’t expect a baby to start walking. Such are some of the inevitable challenges with development and privatisation. It is a complicated process and perseverance is required.

The fundamental challenge was the commercial-economics of the power business, which has been addressed to make it a financially-viable business. There is the issue of collection which was a main reason for the privatisation and the new owners are working CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

31 Interview

Power supply to improve soon- Oke CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

towards that so that power will flow in one direction, and the revenue can flow in the return direction so that there will be sustainability. Really the privatisation is a learning process. It requires the new owners to have regular dialogue with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and as issues arise, they are being rectified. I can say that very soon, we are very close to resolving most of the issues; which are characteristic in the development of the business. It is to be remembered that this is the most complicated and successful power privatisation venture of its type in the whole world, hence Nigeria needs to be commended for this great feat.

Looking at the tariff for electricity, it appears the rate of speed with which the new owners are increasing tariff will definitely affect the application of electricity in Nigeria because if you allow them to continue with the rate at which they are going it might not be economical for industries to use electricity in Nigeria and meters are not also supplied, people are complaining. How can these be resolved?

Well, meters are coming; from the arrangement NERC has made with the Discos as meter deployment is a part of the BPE transaction and if they fail to achieve that, companies will be in breach of their agreements. In the interim, there is a plan to supply about a million meters nationwide by the Federal Government.

Really, what one would expect is that as more power comes on board, the efficiency of the business will get better and I am sure the tariff will be adjusted accordingly.

It is a pity that people don’t have meters from the beginning.

These are things that are being addressed at all levels as time goes on. Part of the business plan of the new owners is to be able to solve these problems. I don’t believe that the increase in electricity tariff will be forever as the design of the privatisation is for the tariff to fall as the private companies reduce the technical and commercial losses. Like I said, the concept being that as more power becomes available, which we will see very soon, the tariff will be adjusted so that they are not allowed to make excess profit at the expense of the citizens. I am certain, from the way NERC has been engaging, it will not take time because it has always talked

Oke

about balancing; making sure that there is balance between the owners making money and then the ability of the citizens to pay so that there would be an even concept within the business.

Paying the gratuity and pensions of some staff of PHCN has been a turbulent issue, why is it that the Federal Government has not been able to settle them all their entitlements because there have been couple of protests and demonstrations by the affected staff ?

Most of the people have been settled. I believe well over 46,000 have received their money. There are few people, approximately a thousand left. The money is there, however, they need to justify being paid. The issue is documentation and verification. So, as soon as they sort out the documentation, they will be paid. The money has been warehoused and will be made available to them after validation.

Is there any laid down penalty for any Disco that may default in the course of carrying out its responsibility?

Let me say that there is performance monitoring consistent with the agreement that is being done between BPE (Bureau of Public Enterprises) and NERC to make sure that the behaviour of the companies is consistent with the requirement of the contract.

Then, where does the Presidential Task Force on Power come in in the whole power sector arrangement?

In this country, the Presidential Task Force on Power is the only location where you have technocrats from fuel all the way to the market, and essentially it was established to drive and assist in the reform process - the privatisation, reform monitoring as well as the service delivery. The Task Force is there to monitor and report to the Presidency the performance, the cruxes, the effectiveness and then, like I said, monitoring from fuel, that is from gas supply all the way across the entire value chain. We work very closely with all the power sector agencies providing technical support that will drive the reform agenda. Additionally, PTFP championed the development of the Roadmap to Power Sector Reform; which has resulted in the successful privatisation or the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. We are still using the Roadmap as a tool to ensure that the market runs effectively.

Is there a timeframe for your operation as a task force on power sector reform?

Once the market is up and running, it will be on autopilot and once that happens, the PTFP

technical team will serve Nigeria in other capacities. But right now, we are looking ahead to see what the shape of the market will be like tomorrow; we don’t need to wait until crisis comes. We need to anticipate making sure that when there is no more need for the task force, the market operates on its own - that is what we are looking forward to.

Nigerians have been yearning for steady electricity supply for decades, what assurance can you give them with the successful privatisation of the power sector?

Let me say that power is coming; I have no doubt in my mind because of all the indications.

Like I mentioned earlier on, more gas from the west is coming where there was insufficient gas.

In the east, additional gas is coming to the plants, the plants are being commissioned and transmission lines under construction are nearing completion. So, I believe from first quarter to second quarter of this year, we should be able to see substantial improvement in terms of power supply in this country. This is because we have spent the required time and investments to lay the foundation for that sustainable, reliable power supply Nigerians have been so patient for.

Really, going forward, our expectation is that we are creating

I believe from first quarter to second quarter of this year, we should be able to see substantial improvement in terms of power supply in this country. a business environment with privatisation which will be selfsustaining and investors will get the return on their investments.

And as investors realise gains, they will be incentivized; and that is the beauty of the privatisation - creating an environment such that the viability for the business is evident for all to see. An appeal I am making to the public is that we all should pay our bills honestly and genuinely for the power we use and also use power efficiently to ensure money flows back to the service providers for additional investment along the fuel to power chain. And lastly, I enjoin Nigerians to please report any acts of vandalism or plans to vandalize our power, crude oil and gas infrastructure as vandalism continues to be a major reason why Nigerians are still not getting the power they deserve continuously.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Chimamanda’s Americanah hits France

E-mail

Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is one of Africa’s most feted writers. Her

Please do not hesitate to send us your feed back: agozinoagozino@yahoo.com

The New Museum extends Chris Ofili’s Night and Day The New Museum has extended Chris Ofili’s Night and Day, the British-born, Trinidad-based artist’s mid-career survey of sculptures, paintings and drawings, to the end of February. The show includes the infamous painting The Holy Virgin Mary (1996), which includes images of women’s buttocks around a Virgin Mary figure that rests atop mounds of elephant dung. Exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum in 1999, it caused then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani to threaten to pull public funding from the museum.

But there’s plenty to see at the new exhibit beyond The Holy Virgin Mary.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

VOL. 1. NO.43

latest novel, “Americanah,” hits French bookstands this month.

The novel recounts the story of Ifemelu, a young, beautiful woman, who is forced to confront what it means to be black in the United States for the first time after leaving her home in military-ruled Nigeria.

To promote the publication of “Americanah” in France, Adichie took part in a discussion about the book, as well as the subject of identity in literature, at the Maison de la Poésie in Paris recently. There was not an empty seat in the house.

Listed as one of the New York Time’s Ten Best Books of the Year and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction, the novel has already

sold 500,000 copies in the US and has been translated into 25 different languages.

And Adichie’s popularity just

Features

Heritage

keeps on growing. Musician Beyoncé sampled the author’s “We Should All be Feminists” speech in her 2013 song, “Flawless”.

There are also plans in the works to turn “Americanah” into a feature film starring actors Brad Pitt and Lupita Nyong’o.

Al-makura

Nigeria’s cultural treasures and artifacts are now highly sort for by collectors and connoisseurs overseas, but regrettably this development has induced unbridled theft and illicit sales at home. Boade Ojuaiye, examines the scenario:

tious, pagan idols or silently and, sometimes, forcibly exported to Europe as curiosities or spoils of war.

The trend in the illicit trade in antiquities is growing out of proportion in the world today, and African countries, including Nigeria, helpless as they are, appear most vulnerable and are the targets of the smuggling syndicates across the world. As a movable item, an art work could easily disappear from Nigeria in diplomatic bags. Trafficking in rare art works and antiquities has become big business in Nigeria.

A consultant with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Professor Julius Ipadeola Olaifa, said most traffickers want to exploit the rich value of Nigeria artifacts.

According to him, “Nigeria’s sculptures in wood last much longer than those from other parts of Africa. He added that bronze, terracotta and stove objects produced in Nigeria are resistant to the heat and humidity that so readily destroy many other examples of African art.”

Olaifa stated that in the mid’70s, a Benin piece of art work sold for 34,000 and, sometimes, in 1989, a 16th Century bronze sculpture from Benin was sold for two million dollars in an auction in London.

“As a result of desire for quick financial gains, several raids were carried out on museums shrines, sacred groves and palaces housing objects of antiquity.”

Since it is known that the theft and smuggling have often result-

In Port Harcourt, adult literacy gets a boost

dailytimesng

The year-long activities of the Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 are designed to achieve an overall improvement in literacy rates and reading habits of the people of Port Harcourt with a ripple effect to the nation and continent. One of such activities is the Adult Literacy Programme (ALP).

Launched in December 2014, the LAP is in collaboration with Faith Baptist College and is targeted at reaching the wider society as educated adults are more likely to ensure that the children and youth in their families and communities read, thus encouraging a literate society.

News Nasarawa

guber polls:

Rabiu Doma, Lafia

13Politics World

paign thrust is on the consoliDaily Times Nigeria dation of more dividends of

Between

and change

As the general election11, in Wednesday, February Nasarawa State gathers momentum, the quest to clinch the Shendam Road Government House has continued in a grand style.

The battle would be between two strong contenders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the incumbent governor and his opponent of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Yussuf Muhammed Agabi.

The sitting governor’s cam-

democracy 2015

ranging from the enhancement of the education sector, health, township roads as well as according greater priority to other sectors, while the PDP governorship candidate emphasised change of government as the only hope for the people of the state.

The PDP campaign team is capitalising on combating the inept security challenges confronting the existence of the

18-year-old state, since the emergence Al-Makura as the governor of the state. Agabi also unveiled a 5-point Agenda focusing on free education, solving security challenges, empowerment, infrastructure and agriculture.

But the current governor has promised to consolidate on past achievements by tackling issues like natural disaster, water and traditional institution. However, the campaign of Labaran Maku of the All Progressives Grand Al-

Benin bronze sculpture, one of the works often tageted by looters those who have done so still contravene the terms of the convention, thereby stultifying UNESCO’s directive on restitution.

Apart from the danger posed by smuggling of antiquities, there are also problems of ignorance and apathy towards cultural objects by Nigerians. A renowned cultural expert, Prof. Wande Abimbola, observed that most Nigerians were unaware of the value of the works to their cultural heritage.

Iraqi Christians seek military help

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

ÏÏÏChristians

in Iraq “do not have much time left” without direct military action on the ground, Archbishop of Irbil has told UK peers and MPs. Archbishop Bashar Warda said air strikes were “not enough” to defeat Islamic State militants and “begged” for Western troops to be deployed.

He said Iraq’s Christian population was declining and that he would speak to the UK government about further action.

The government has said efforts to defeat IS were “comprehensive”.

During a visit to London, Archbishop Warda, of the Catholic Chaldean Church, told the Westminster gathering Iraq’s Christian communities had fallen “dramatically” over the last decade - from 1.4 million during the rule of Saddam Hussein.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians and Yazidis fled their homes in the summer of 2014 following warnings from IS militants to renounce their faith or face death.

Untold story of Adamawa PDP presidential rally in Adamawa Wale Akintunde-Yola

ed in the degradation and erosion of a people’s cultural heritage and pride, and could also lead to a loss of identity to a people, various measures have been taken by international bodies, to eliminate the cause of theft and smuggling in antiquities.

Despite a number of legislations passed in Nigeria to protect antiquities, it is regrettable that some of the consuming countries, particularly in the developed world are unwilling to ratify or support the measures and even

17

s

consolidation

Price: N150

The antiquities of any nation constitute a major repository of people’s cultural heritage.

In African traditional society, these cultural art effects particularly the works of arts, served various functions. They were sometimes linked with and directed towards assuring the cohesion of the group. They are also used in the context of festivals, most of which served to preserved the people’s needs as well as given meaning to life.

Sculptures constitute the bulk of Nigeria’s resources in antiquities, and they no doubt, represent important land marks in the artistic creations of the Nigerian peoples.

These works of arts though priceless to the culture that created them have witnessed series of theft, misconception and brutalisation through time in the hands of foreigners in Nigeria.

These attitudes have tended to play down the role which this cultural artifact symbolised, and should continue to represent, in the various cultures that gave birth to them.

For instance, as a result of the culture of imperialism, which tended to regard as inferior the African cultural creations, most of Africa’s works of art were either destroyed by religious fundamentalists as supersti-

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 11, 2015

story Bauchi internally Violent protests Untold Bauchi internally displaced displaced in Haitiin over Violent protests Haiti of PDP presidential persons narrate high fuel price over highnarrate fuel price persons ordeal P 17 ordeal P13 rally in 21

How illegal art thieves How illegal art thieves threatened threatened Nigeria’s heritage Nigeria’s L27 heritage Chimamanda

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

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

Bonaventure Melah

Features Politicss

27 Our heritage

2

The ruling PDP, which did not rial polls in the state as most want to leave any stone unturned aggrieved members of the party As political gladiators are appeared to have gone back into have agreed to work for his viccounting down on the 2015 its drawing board with a view to tory following the reconciliatory polls date, the ruling Peo- putting new strategy on ground moves by President Jonathan. ple’s Democratic Party (PDP) last on how it will not lose Adamawa Most of the aggrieved leaders, Thursday stormed Yola, the capi- State to opposition in the elec- General Buba Marwa, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Professor Jibril tal of Adamawa State to activate tions.

President Goodluck Jonathan Aminu Chief Joel Madaki have its political machinery and influence ahead of the Presidential who is the national leader of PDP all mended fences with him and Improvised football matches replaced busy traffic in poll some main streets of the capital as well as the Presidential candi- agreed to work for Ribadu. now slated for next month.

Among personalities in JonaThe serious impetus put into date of the party led the PDP foot Police in Haiti have clashed “Because the of rally the was price ofonfuel, rol in Haititoinitially blocks Haiti police soldiers Adamawadropped to canvassbythan’s entourage to Yola weresaid the the probased the considwith anti-government protesters the cost of eration living that is going up,” aboutfor25 cents to $4.50aggrieved (£3) andnational test had not been and votes and reconcile chairman of theauthorised party, the state’s political members party during the Adamu Muazu, chairman environment be influenced angry about the high cost of fuel. said Ralph La Croix, acan Port-aufurther cutsof the will reduce thatAlh.roadblocks would be removed board of Trustees, Chief by former Vice President, Atiku Several people were injured Prince resident. pricepresidential to aboutrally $4.. Diesel pricesof its The government said the proThe rally has brightened the Tony Anenih, (Mr.Fix it) the Abubakar who is a chieftain of as police moved in to clear road“If the government could cut were cut down by 20 cents to $3.55 tests would damage the country’s the opposition All Progressives chances of Malam Nuhu RibaCONTINUED ON PAGE 19 blocks set up in the capital, Port- the price of Party fuel (APC) so it in was (£2.30) will now down to troubled economy andJonathan create du and of winning the go gubernatothe lower, state.

ÏÏÏ

Ex-Jamaica PM questioned over 2010 raid ÏÏÏ

Former Jamaican Prime $3.30. “devastating consequences for Haiti bus during strike day the most vulnerably people in Minister, Bruce Golding testified Tasma any chamber, the wheel of prog- bers. on Monday that he personally Why thereand Alade Protesters warned drivers our population”. ress would be retarded.

The committee is an initiative an remark underworld bossHouses who of Assembly commuters not to try to go into Prime Minister Paul knew The Speaker of Evans the Ikuforiji made this of State are weak ran a slum to fiefdom Lagos House As- while playing host to anotorious technical Clerks train newly elected the city centre made anState appeal forofcalm. , Adeyemi Ikuforiji “cannot has committee state of lawmakers on the intricacies of from hisHouses parliamentary constituBurning tyres in Haiti Burn-semblyThe government low- of legislatures, described Clerks of all legisla- Assembly conference clerks communicating lawmaking. ency but of stopped ing tyres have been used to blocktiveerhouses the price of petrol.

It’s not that as the pathfinder who were in the Lagos AssemMembers of the committee inyears beby of Lagos roads in several points the citythatwe do not wantrunning to, it’s of because wepart with ensure smooth bly as of itshim fact roughly finding three cluded, the chairman of Clerks the UStraining sought his extradition. thathe without induction Forum, Torese Agena, Benue Haiti police trying to clear roadlegislature, are notnoting able to,” said. mission on fore Ikuforiji Speaker effective hands that operate in for incoming honourable Testifyingmembefore a fact-finding CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 commission examining a bloody May 2010 raid by security forces, Golding said he “cut off all communication” with Christopher “Dudus” Coke in December 2007 when he was informed by police that gangsters were seeking refFighting has surged in Ukrainian accusations of send- torsk airfield had been shelled by uge in his slum stronghold. eastern Ukraine as government ing troops and supplying the reb- rebels.

As a West Kingston community forces and pro-Russian rebels try els and has warned the West that At least five people were killed “don,” Coke had long acted as an to make gains ahead of possible sending arms to Ukraine would and 16 wounded when a residenad hoc civic leader at the same peace talks on Wednesday. worsen the crisis. tial area was also hit, the governtime heRejoice led the feared “Shower Separatist forces have carried Dinatu Mu’sa US President Barack Istifanus Obama ment-controlled Donetsk regional Posse” crime gang. out rocket attacks on a key mili- said on Monday that he had not administration said. Ten people Golding said he was “not tary headquarters and a residen- ruled out supplying “lethal defen- were injured at the military base, aware” if otherHong officialsLocal had anyGovarea in Kramatorsk, The continuing tialBoko Ha- officialsThe in Hildi, ning for our lives. sive weapons” to Ukraine if diplo- it added. worsening security situ- unprecedented increase of Inter- Churchconversations with Coke after the say macy failed.

Kramatorsk, some distance ram insurgency inMeanwhile, the counnally Displaced Persons(IDP). ernment ofhis Adamawa State, “With nowhere to run US Area requested extradition on Ukraine’sation volun- in People the look North-Eastern at a rocket stuck in of west of the current conflict zone, gun and drugHe trafficking charges the battalion has launched the ground in Kramatorsk after was the scene try has succeededteer inAzov creating Bauchi is one of the states that Yohana Dauda. recounted headed for the bush with m of major fighting Nigeria is not showing any sign in August 2009. an offensive against separatists shelling in eastern Ukrainian city until July, when pro-Russian sepawaves of Internally Displaced absorbed a good percentage of evil thatThe visited themdepartment in the first ily and some people who US justice around Mariupol. of abating as news senseless - 10 February 2015 of Residents in ratists retreated. had described Coke as2014 one of to the our The leaders ofin Ukraine, Rus- Kramatorsk gathered to examine Persons(IDPs),especially IDPssaid inthe the various commu- week of November also running for safety fol authorities rockkillings destruction of prop-Localthe world’s most dangerous drug barsia, France and Germany hope a and rocket stuck in the ground after ets were fired from the rebel-conBauchi State. DANIEL JOLLY nities in the absence of special correspondent. us. We were in the bush for ons. But Golding’s administration to meet in the Belarusianerties capital by insurgents remain the Tuesday’s shelling trolled Horlivka area, which is the dream, extradition the request on Wednesday was on their trailMinsk and spoke to hammer Ukrainian President Petro about 50km “Likeresisted a bad whole days without food or water.

(30 miles) away from order the day. So far, more camps. for nine months, arguing Coke’s out a peace deal after months of of Poroshenko told parliament on the city. to some of those now living in than1.5 Tuesday One of the displaced persons town was awakened sounds indictment relied onby illegal wire- of fighting. million have fledThe separatists thatpeople the government’s denied firing Obama tap evidence. camps as refugees. Russia denies Western and military headquarters at Krama- the rockets. is a pastor of Pleroma Gospel gunshots and we all started runau-Prince.

Protest organisers said that drivers who ventured into the city centre during the two-day protest would be putting their lives at risk.

Haiti has seen months of protests against President Michel Martelly over delayed elections.

the population would live better,” he told the Reuters news agency.

Petrol and diesel prices have been reduced by the government recently, but protesters want a 50% cut, reflecting the drop in international oil prices over the past six months.

The price of a gallon of pet-

Why US should steer clear of Nigeria’s election Battle rages ahead of Ukraine peace talks

ÏÏÏ

ÏÏÏ

the conflict areas,resulting in an

Time has passed when the pretences of the United States of being friends with Nigeria overwhelm us with joy.

ÎÎÎClose

to two weeks ago, the United States Secretary of State Mr. John Kerry visited Nigeria. Instead of Abuja the capital of the country, the US top official chose to go to Lagos. To see Kerry, President Goodluck Jonathan had to travel to Lagos. The message that Kerry brought here was short and direct - To WARN Nigeria not to

shift the dates of the general elections for whatever reason, and that the major actors should avoid acts that would cause violence.

He also met Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and handed him the same message.

“The United States is deeply engaged with Nigeria, does it always work as well as we would like or as well as the Nigerians would like? The answer is no,” Kerry had said, making reference to security and other issues.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) however shifted dates of the polls on Saturday last week. INEC said this was necessary in view of advisory it received from the National Security Adviser that the military would not be able to provide security support to the Police during elections because bulk of its officers and men are engaged in a special operation in the northeast against the raging insurgency.

Before Nigerians would fully digest the import of the announcement by INEC, the United States government reacted to the development, saying the postponement was a ‘deep’ disappointment. In a statement, the same John Kerry said: “It is critical that the government not use security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process and that “the United States underscores the importance of ensuring that there are no further delays.”

There is no doubt that the postponement of the

elections came with a lot of costs to the Nigerian people. First, most of us wanted the elections to be done with so that we can resume with normal life after months of anxiety and social tension. Again, candidates contesting for various positions must have spent huge resources and by the shift, would begin almost afresh in campaigns and expenses, among other reasons.

So, when some Nigerians express disappointment with INEC or even the Presidency for the postponement, you can understand and sympathise with their position.

But it amounts to diplomatic arrogance on the part of the United States to try to intimidate Nigeria over the coming elections.

I do not see how the shift in date of the polls has adverse effect on the United States, nor do I see on what grounds the US is expressing ‘deep’ disappointment on the matter.

Time has passed when the pretences of the United States of being friends with Nigeria overwhelm us with joy. The US has proved that it is not Nigeria’s friend at all. This is one nation that refused us from buying badly needed arms to prosecute insurgency that has been a threat to the continued existence and unity of Nigeria. The US did not stop at refusing us arms, reports say John Kerry’s country is also blocking Nigeria from getting weapons from other countries. So what manner of friend is America?

The United States has shown that it is not a friend of any nation. Its interest is only what would satisfy the wide belly of its citizens. But many people from around the world have allowed themselves to be deluded by the US in the name of democracy.

Some Nigerians are celebrating the so-called warning by the United States and its threat to deal with this person and that person should this or that happen.

But discerning minds who have followed events in the last ten years would tell you that America would only mislead you and then dump you to your fate.

When the so-called Arab spring began some years ago, young people from Egypt, Libya, Syria, Bahrain and some other countries thought America would stand by them if they confronted their countries through violence. So in Egypt, university students led the protest against the government and were later joined by millions who were on the streets for months until

Okey Chris sacred institution; a union be- esis 2: 1; Timothy 3:1-4; 1T Stemming they toppled Mubarak and Check Ukraine, tween out a man and a woman who 3:5;in Matthew 5:31-32; M Marriage is meant to be a sa- may have divergent views about 2:6/7; and Proverbs 31:10-31. shouted in victory. cred Today , ordained spitebyoflifeall the threats institution but have deemed it fit to live and In traditional Africa, mar God. It was designed to last together as husband and wife due was so sacred, as married co theof upsurge lifetime involved. of to love. were cherished and seen a many those who the led theof thosenoise the United States, Today, marriage is becoming Even when some were married most responsible people in t a revolving door affair . OKEY tois more annexing than one wife, there was ciety. Their advice was soug protests are in prison.

They Russia many of divorce in CHRIS writes on the alarming still less domestic violence, infi- at family and public func development. and divorce which wasin in day while bachelors and spi government they installed parts ofdelity Ukraine day compliance with the biblical inÏÏÏIn and the days of our forefa- junction of “till death do us part” hasNigeria been overthrown out after a crisis started

by Continued on pa thers, marriage was seen as a as enshrined in the books of Genpro-Mubarak military has law makers who thought put another government they would deal with the in place. Mubarak and his president.

Those who sons have been freed from thought that Big Brother prison. So what has the America was coming to revolution in Egypt yielded save them are now on their to the people- more suffer- own. As I type this piece, ings, regrets and pain. the leaders of France and In Libya, the so-called Germany are on their pro-democracy movement knees begging Russia for that the US supported suc- peace after John Kerry’s ceeded in killing Gaddafi. sanctions have proved to be Yes. But there is no govern- empty. ment in Libya, no food in So, if any Nigerian is Libya, no peace. What is looking for trouble hoping the gain? Nothing that when it comes AmerLet us go to Syria, I am ica would intervene and sure the ‘democracy’ peo- help you fight, better have ple that formed themselves a rethink. John Kerry and into army to fight the gov- his boss Barack Obama are ernment are tired of cry- sweet talkers. But they are ing. The United States that pure Americans, self-cenemboldened them to take tred and deceitful. up arms against their government has refused to Bonaventure Melah give them support. Today, is an Abuja based indeSyria is a waste land with pendent journalist and blood of thousands being public analyst. Email: poured away every minute. melahbonaventure@yaDo I need to remind you of hoo.com Mobile Number Iraq?

08036062975

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Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

Life&

TIMES Wednesday February 11, 2015

Finding Fela

back on Broadway musical L3 P

Joke Silva returns

as two-time Malate Academy MD L3 P

Angelique Kidjo gets 2nd Grammy!

L2

P

Annie & Tuface’s baby mama Valentine’s perfect meal

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Buzz Byte L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 11, 2015

Angelique Kidjo wins 2nd Grammy!

The Grammy awards went down Sunday, February 8 in Los Angeles and singer-songwriter/ activist from Benin Republic, Angelique Kidjo, went home with a broad smile. That’s because Kidjo, won her second Grammy for ‘World Music Album’ for her album, Eve. Upon receiving her plaque, the 54-year old dedicated the award to African women. “This album is dedicated to the women of Africa -- to their beauty and resilience. Women of Africa -- you rock! For me, music is a weapon of peace, and today more than ever, as artistes, we have a role to play in the stability of this world,” Kidjo said.

My relationship with K1 -Engineer Toyin Omotosho

Kidjo

What is happening to Bolaji Esho’s business?

Isaac Oguntoye

Isaac Ognutoye For some time now, rumours have been making the rounds that Lagos-based businessman and top socialite, Engr Toyin Omotosho and K1 De Ultimate don’t see eye to eye.

Life & Times had a brief chat with Omotosho who rubbished

Omotosho

the tale that he was humiliated at a public function by the acclaimed king of Fuji music.

“K1 and I have mutual respect for each other. Aside what he does, our relationship is beyond a musician and fan affiliation. He

is like a big brother to me and I respect him for that. Those who don’t know K1 talk about him but, he is one of the most cultured people I have ever known. He will never do such a thing”, he concluded.

Bolaji Esho a.k.a ‘Esh Man’ is one of the big boys on the Island that control the business and the social scene. He’s the owner of the very popular Eldorado Club around Awolowo Way on the Island. When things were rosy, the club was the toast of every socialite because they get to meet Malaysian big boys there.

But information reaching Life & Times has it that things are allegedly not working well for the cool dude. Worthy of note is that when all

Esho

was going well for him, Esho was a free spender known to many but, the reverse is now the case.

As you read this, he had closed down the Eldorado at Elegushi and the one at Awolowo Way is is infrequent with its operations.

Teemac thrills crowd @ Elsie Ibru’s remembrance service Isaac Oguntoye It was a celebration galore as friends, family and business associates gathered for the remembrance service of Mrs. Elsie Nelly Michael Ibru.

Auntie, as she was fondly called, was the Chairman and Managing Director of Flower Shop Limited, Chairman of F Steiner & Co. Limited and Director in other companies within the Ibru Organisation.

The prayer session, which took place on February 7, 2015 at All Saints Church Yaba, Lagos, had virtually all the family members in attendance.

After church, guests were feted to a classy reception at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

On the band stand was ace flutist, Teemac Omatshola, who dished out his best songs while Gbenga Adeyinka was the anchor.

Teemac Auntie is survived by four sons, three daughters, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Describing the deceased, Oscar Ibru said she was a pillar of strength to her children, a devoted Christian and loyal wife.

L-R. Rotary Foundation Chairman past District Governor, Richard Giwa-Osagie; District Governor, Dele Balogun; District Governor-elect Bola Onabadejo and past District Governor, Kamoru Omotoso during The Rotary Foundation District 9110, Nigeria Diner Dance Ball Press Conference recently in Lagos.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday February 11, 2015

Movie review

L3 Gist & Review

Stories by: Mutiat Alli

Abami-Eda comes alive

Alex Gibney’s Finding Fela is another artistic piece to celebrate the Afro-beat legend and lift the mask over his life of struggle against dictatorship and African political psychosis.

This 120-minute documentary, which features extensive excerpts of both the pre- and post-production stages of successful Broadway musical Fela!

(The film was, in fact, initially planned to document its performance in Nigeria) picks up the Fela story from his early years and takes the audience on a wild ride that terminates upon his death in 1997. It features clips from a few of the interviews he granted and some of his live performances.

Finding Fela gives an account of Fela’s political and artistic activities, undertaking the fusion through an inquiry into Fela’s “personalata,” as multiple Emmy and Academy Award winner – Gibney – who gifted the world with the gripping Taxi to the Dark Side did well in trying to fit Africa’s greatest musician into two hours of motion picture, although, at times, one cannot but think that he tried to squeeze in too much without doing enough justice to each subject.

A major point in the film is Izsadore’s remarks about how despite being a son of African women’s rights trailblazer, Fela viewed and treated the women in his harem with some degree of disdain. This claim is even further concretised when Fela says that it does not matter if a woman is the president of the nation, her husband still reserves the right to “kick [her] ass” by doing whatever he wanted to her. Izsadore, who is believed to have swayed Fela with her Black Power radicalism when a relationship was formed between them, even tells of how she was not aware of Fela’s womanising before she arrived to live with him in Nigeria.

The film also reveals Fela’s spiritual forays during the latter part of his life, a search that led him to a Ghanaian, Professor Hindu. Their romance doesn’t last too long, though. Professor Hindu returns to Ghana while Fela, simply, went deeper in his quest for “immortality.” When he eventually caught AIDS, he declined seeking any form of medical help and rather turned to his deities.

The movie scores high with impeccable sound, good script, good cinematography, and a fitting postproduction. Hence, it is a must watch for lovers of great African quality movies.

Yvonne Nelson loses kid actor Child actor, Kweku and inspiration behind Yvonne Nelson’s new movie production If Tomorrow Never Comes is dead.

The child actor died barely two weeks after the completion of the film project and the actress expressed shock over the death of the young lad.

She said, “I’m broken, I’m sad! How can you die, Kweku, just 2 weeks after shooting my movie, playing my son? I’m sooooooo sad! RIP”.

Ghanaian director, Pascal Amanfo, took to his Instagram page to pay tribute to the late kid actor and referred to him as the inspiration behind the upcoming movie.

According to Pascal, the inspiration came

from the late child who couldn’t walk or talk.

“Had the amazing and eye-opening opportunity to film with this child in his challenging condition...unable to talk or walk... cerebrally deformed and yet with a glow that can pierce any heart...

“His mother, blatantly, refused to poison him as her family demanded and stuck with her guts to give him a chance at life…I have known the treasure of raising kids...the joy they bring and emptiness life can be without them and so when I met this child through the @luckielawson foundation and initiative, I decided his story could and should be told... Yvonne and late kid actor

Joke

Joke Silva back as Malate Academy MD Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva has been appointed, for a second term, the Managing Director of the Kwara State Nollywood Movie Studio, otherwise known as Malate Film Village, after her first term as the head of academy.

Joke, upon her appointment in 2013, promised to build a viable movie studio from scratch.

More importantly, it is supposed to be an underpinning for Nollywood where the skills that are necessary to sustain Nollywood will be taught. The academy is to train those who want to make a profession in the film industry.

Excited Joke took to her social media account to announce her new appointment: “Returned unanimously for another term as MD Malete Film Village…Heavenly Father all glory, honor, praise and thanks go to you. I set my face as flint and you did not shame me”.

All about Selma movie premiere

British-born Nigerian international movie star, David Oyelowo and co-star Carmen Ejogo, have attended the premiere of award-winning movie Selma in Nigeria.

The premiere which held on Sunday, February 9, 2015, was hosted by House on The Rock Church in conjunction with the United States Embassy in Nigeria, had many personalities in attendance.

Celebrities in attendance include House on the Rock founder, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, UN Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. James Entwistle, MO Abudu, Joke Silva, Olu Jacobs, Timi Dakolo and wife, Toke Makinwa, Joseph Benjamin, Omoni Oboli, Jimi Agbaje, Belinda Effah and more.

Selma chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal-voting right in the face of violent opposition.

Speaking at the premiere, Adefarasin said; “As Nigeria embarks on this critical task of further entrenching its nascent democracy, we are using this movie, Selma to speak to and embed in the consciousness of all Nigerians the benefits of employing non-violent methods to achieve a credible transition in a peaceful atmosphere devoid of fear-stoked actions”.

British-born Nigerian actor, David Oyelowo, Founder/ Senior Pastor, House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, British actress/ singer, Carmen Ejigo and the United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle during a world press conference on the premiere of SELMA, an American historical drama film in Lagos, Nigeria, on Sunday night, February 8, 2014.

On set ‘For the wrong reason

Cast: Ik Ogbonna, Elvis Chuks, Adunni Ade, Iya Awero, Mary Lazarus, Bolanle Ninalowo, Enyinna Nwigwe, Jimi Owobo.

Produced & directed by: Elvis Chuks Location: South Africa Chidi Mokeme, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde, Julius Agwu and a guest.

Photo credit: Mutiat Alli

Issue L4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 11, 2015

TuFace Idibia: Time to lead by example!

Opeoluwani Akintayo

o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng TuFace Idibia is a star who has reached a stage in life that he needs to be more of a role model to younger people, who live in his shadow.

My concern has to do with his love life, especially, as it concerns his wife, Annie and ‘other women’.

From the look of things, Annie loves him for who he really is. She’s been known to always stand by him despite the fact that he’s a ladies’ man. Women flock around him like ants swarm over sugar. This had caused him to father children from other women.

We all know how he left Annie when she needed him the most- when she was pregnant with his baby and later had a baby girl, only for him to later realise Annie as the one for him.

One would have expected that after TuFace proposed marriage to her and she accepted to be his wife, he would become sober and guard against the horde of women pursuing him every day. But the burden of being a star seems to be telling on his pocket; reason is that at age 39, he had fathered seven children from three women!

This, surely, is the time that TuFace should realise that he needs to work on his marriage and protect his family from external forces.

What brought about this admonition to TuFace were the photographs of his alleged public show of affection to Pero Adeniyi inside his club!

The photographs, which went viral on social media, showed “disrespect to his family and his image as a mentor to other young people”, according to those who reacted to the incident.

TuFace, had, literally, went down after his numerous affairs and “baby dramas”, but his fans jumped for joy when he, eventually, settled down with only Annie as his wife. This move, many people believed, was an indication that TuFace had learnt some lessons from his past mistakes and would start living like a responsible family man.

But, when the photographs, which showed him ‘flirting’ with Pero at the club, went viral, coupled with his statement that his wife “doesn’t have a problem with what he did”, tongues started wagging with some asking questions and making comments like “what wife likes such?” “Oh, maybe Annie had resigned to fate”.

TuFace reacts thus, after the story about him and Pero went viral: “Our love does not have 2 make sense 2 u. pls go on with your perfect life and know the true story behind something before u judge and start making

Tuface and Annie

nasty comments based on an orchestrated story by some blog. U shall know the truth and the truth shall set u free. LUTID uwana Idibia”.

People really want to know what “orchestrated story” could be behind the fact that he openly flirted with his ex-girlfriend, with the photographs everywhere for people to view. But, thank God that he didn’t deny the photographs.

However, what he allegedly did with Pero made people to be more sympathetic towards Annie as they commend her courage and display of a mature and dedicated wife by trying to cover up her husband’s indiscretion as shown in her reaction: “I am aware of the photos circulating (on) the internet with my husband and Pero Adeniyi. I

President Jonathan on #MTVBasechooseorlose campaign Ahead of the forthcoming elections, MTV Base and STV have recorded a special pre-election programme with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and young Nigerian voters to discuss the burning issues facing the youth in Nigeria.

Taped in Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, “Choose or Lose: President Goodluck Jonathan” is hosted by Oreka Godis, and premieres on Friday February 13, 2015 at 6pm on MTV Base and STV. During the programme, six inspirational young Nigerians from different walks of life will join the Nigerian President for a candid

discussion about topics pertinent to their future including Education, Power, Leadership, Healthcare, Security and Popular Culture.

Panelists taking part in the programme are Barrister Anu Hundeyin, Student Yagana Bukar, TV Producer/Director Jackleen Nnely, Human Resources consultant, Aniekan Nya-Etok, Lawyer, Jake Okechukwu Effoduh and Healthcare Professional, Fadekemi Akinfaderin Agarau.

The programme is part of MTV Base’s “Choose or Lose” campaign, which encourages young people to vote for candidates they believe will make the greatest impact in the development

of the country and in helping them realise their full potential.

The campaign, which utilises MTV Base’s TV, digital and social media platforms, features celebrities as well as members of the public as they underline the important message of youth participation in the electoral process.

Some of the notable personalities that have already lent their voices to the campaign include: Ben Murray-Bruce, 2Face, Banky W, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Sound Sultan, Emmanuel Ikubese, Davido, Falz, Reminisce, Emma Nyra, Solid Star, Oreka Godis, Omalicha, Yemi Alade, Omojuwa and Stanley Azuakola.

want to state officially that I was not in that space at that time and therefore there was no confrontation between myself and Pero Adeniyi. Pero Adeniyi and this momentary indiscretion poses no threat whatsoever to my relationship with my husband. As a matter of fact, for all of our children’s sake, I do encourage cordial relationships with parties involved. This year, my focus is solely on God, Family and my career which doesn’t give me the luxury of paying attention to any distraction. I thank you for your respect in this matter”.

What a wonderful woman!

Yes, we love you, Annie, for “encouraging cordial relationships” between your husband and his baby mamas, but, please, you must also be careful and guard your home jealously from other women. The ‘other woman’, who had two sons for your husband, would not go to that extent because she is now happily married, while Pero, who had three kids for him is still searching for a husband.

A word, it is said, is enough for the wise!

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 11, 2015

L5 Travels & Recreation

Statues of the influential nationalists during the colonial era, L-R Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

Aeriel view of the old prison

Freedom Park: An open space for guests to lounge

A leisure haven Vanessa Obioha

Since its renovation four years ago, Freedom Park had evolved to a haven of some sorts for not only votaries of Afropolitan ideologies, but for the layman too. Its architectural design inspires a beseeching curiosity that subtly beckons one to take a peek inside. Covering a vast expanse of land that is steeped in historical and artistic relics, hardly a week goes by without an event holding at the recreation park.

Friday is, usually, the busiest, especially, if it is the night of Afropolitan vibes - a live concert with Ade Bantu and his band, featuring other prominent artistes that holds every third Friday of the month. Recently, the former dreadlocked singer celebrated his 17 years on stage at the park.

Expectedly, youngsters made up the largest chunk of the Arts and Culture patrons. With promising performances from Bez, Ruby Gyang and Ajebutter 22, the long queue outside the park needed no further explanation.

Freedom Park also provides an inexplicable serenity that almost seemed impossible in the hustling city of Lagos. Situated on Lagos Island, the tranquility it provides is a rarity. No matter the downpour of cheers and applause from different parts of the park, there are special spots where one can enjoy the quiet calm of the environment. For example, the fountains. Visitors who want to escape the surging din of the city can enjoy a healthy dose of solitude at the algaefree ponds or listening to the gushing sound of the fountains.

Lovers looking for intimate spots to revel could either stay in the confines of the former prison cells, tuck themselves under the shade of the trees that lined up the walkways or take a stroll round the park. An elevated mini restaurant is set up at the skeletal cells where one can entertain a lover or a spouse to a quiet or romantic dinner.

The food court provides a wide range of variety to meet the varying demand of its guests.

One can choose to go Chinese at Jagzee Chow, or go vegetarian

at Veggie Victory where goodlooking Hakeem Jimo will be at your service with convincing tips on the nutritional values of being a vegetarian. The Grill Station promises a whole new ambience with tasty grilled meals. And if you are lucky to be there on an Afropolitan Vibes night, you can enjoy a glass of palmwine. Rahmon, a chef who specialises on the local delicacy ‘Asun’, barbecued fish and chops occupies a spot at the skeletal cell area. There is also the VIP bar/lounge for private business meetings and relaxation.

Indeed, there is an air of freedom at Freedom Park.

The spacious grounds provide multiple options for the guest. It is difficult to stay put in one place for a long time. There is invariably something for everyone. From stage performances to concerts, art exhibitions and parties are all in the combo.

Ironically, the recreation centre was formerly a colonial prison ground for prominent Nigerians fighting for freedom. It was here that the British colonial masters tortured, imprisoned and hung

Fact file 1 2

. It was formerly a colonial prison yard.

. Activists like Obafemi Awolowo, Herbert Macaulay, Adeyemo Alakija were incarcerated there.

3

. Architect Theo Lawson renovated the prison yard as a symbol of Freedom, thus its name, Freedom Park.

4

. The Lagos State government commissioned it in 2010 in commemoration of the 50 years of Independence.

5

. The park houses the Wole Soyinka Art Gallery.

Prison gate with a padlock

in the gallows those including Herbert Macaulay, Chief Cbafemi Awolowo, Chief Michael Imodu, Sir Adeyemo Alakija and others, that opposed their colonial rule of Nigeria.

After the independence, the grounds were left to ruins but for the vision and saving hands of prominent architect, Theo Lawson with the backing of the Lagos state government, the site was revamped to a Memorial and Leisure Park dedicated to preserving the Lagos colonial heritage and history of the Old Broad Street Prison. It was reopened in 2010 in commemoration of the 50 years independence anniversary of the nation.

Deliberately, Lawson retained some of the historical designs of the prison yard. For instance, the prison cells were untouched except for the fresh coating of paint and plug-ins for visitors to charge their mobile devices. The prison walls and the padlocks used to lock the cells were also left untouched.

As a symbol of the freedom the Nationalists fought for, a statue of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo standing together behind the map of Nigeria is situated in the park. There are various sculptures outside and inside the park that promotes the rich heritage of the country such as The Groom, The Calabar Drummer among others.

The Heritage site is surrounded by notable landmarks such as St Nicholas hospital-one of the renowned private hospitals in Lagos; the Lions Building which houses a notable police station on the Island. One of the

Photo Credit: Akinwunmi Ibrahim

tallest building in Lagos Western Building also shares the same environs with the Park, the Holy Cross Cathedral, the Premier Council in Lagos known as City Hall are landmarks surrounding the recreational park.

Facilities located inside the park include a souvenir shop, the Kongi Harvest Art Gallery, the Museum Complex where the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka occupies an office, the Amphitheatre, the Main Stage and the iGroove Internet Radio station where TinTin Imevbore and his team will welcome you with open arms in case you want to go on air and shout out to your loved ones.

Moreover, Freedom Park has become the ideal place to host arts and cultural events. Freedom Park in the last four years has been home to the annual Lagos Black Heritage Festival. It is also at Freedom Park that events such as iRep, Lagos Book and Arts Festival (LABAF) hold. Gigs such as Lagos Jazz Festival, Inspiro Productions NAIJAZZ, Felabration, Seun Olota and his Band take place at this heritage site.

Also, budding artists take the park as a breaking ground for them. Like the dance group Daphends that utilises the amphitheater for rehearsals while simultaneously showcasing their skills to the unending troop of visitors. The smiles of admiration on the faces of the onlookers serve as a boost to the energetic dancers. Then DJ Ray Browne takes the audience way back with his tasty selection of classic music in the evening. A perfect sealing to an eventful day!

Fashion L6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 11, 2015

Rock those bras in grand style Mutiat Alli For every lady, the fitness of clothes lies in the wear and the ability to match up the right outfit with the appropriate corresponding bra. Feeling comfortable is key to every fashion statement. For some, they can’t seem to get the majority into rotation. Maybe it’s that they’re the wrong size, don’t offer enough support, aren’t comfortable, or are simply incompatible with the breast type.

Today on Life & Times, we give our own top five bras every lady should have in her wardrobe:

1

The Strapless Bra It’s like Vosper and Schwab have read our mind: “The queen bee of bra woes for women everywhere!” While every woman can benefit from at least one great strapless bra in her wardrobe, it may take some guesswork in the fitting room to find the right one.

Go for one with a “wider back and gripping elastic to help keep it in place and most options feature underwire, boning, and padding for the additional support since there are no straps to lift. Once you find one that fits you perfectly, make sure you buy it in both black and nude. Remember, the goal of this undergarment is to not be seen.

1

2

The Push-Up Bra We can probably all agree that “perfect cleavage” is elusive and subjective at best. But, that hasn’t stopped women from trying to master it for ages and succeeding with the help of a great push-up bra. “The technologies put into it are incredibly varied; from silicon to water to fabric…to good, old-fashioned tissues back in the day.

They’re typically underwire bras with “some form of extra padding inserted into the side and/or bottom of the cups to create a pushed up and in effect. Wear this style when you want to get your sexy on or just want a little boost. Push-ups work great for all breast shapes under an EDD cup.

2 Yvonne Nelson

3

The T-Shirt Bra The T-shirt bra is really any style of bra that has a seamless, smooth look under a fitted shirt, while other styles of bras are more overtly sexy; this one’s purpose is invisibility. There’s a lot to be said for not having to “worry about lumps, bumps, and nip slips “It’s perfect for everyday wear and works great for all breast shapes.

The T-shirt bra is a must according to our experts. While they advise having a few great options on hand, a skin-tone one is best for an invisible look. A T-shirt bra doesn’t have to be full-coverage; they come in demi cups as well. A little lift and soft, sleek cups make this an ideal everyday piece. Its smooth design will disappear under anything — even that clingy tee.

3

4

The Balconette Bra Balconettes are your sexier wear everyday bra. “They give breasts a natural lift while also creating cleavage. Its wide-set straps create a more open neckline which is particularly appealing option if you’re wearing a lower-cut top.

The term ‘Balconette’ actually comes from ‘balcony’ for a reason which explains the U-shaped underwire and straight cut across the cups and under-band is meant to give the effect of placing your décolletage on a balcony, so to speak.

The good news is that it’s also pretty universally flattering among breast types especially for those with a wide breast separation. Balconettes are also known among the lingerie circuit as “shelf bras.”

5

The Contour Bra Contour bras are often confused with push-up ones. While it is possible and actually fairly common for a bra to be both, there is a difference between the two types. The Negative duo describes the contour bra as the pushup’s “more refined and conservative sister.” It comes with molded cups that aren’t necessarily padded.

Contour bra’s cups are molded to fit close to your body and enhance your natural shape.” If you already own one, it’s likely one of the workhorses in your bra wardrobe. Contour bras are great choices for all shapes and sizes. If you have uneven breasts, this style is especially suited to your particular needs.

Contour bras are great choices for all shapes and sizes. If you have uneven breasts, this style is especially suited to your particular needs.

Lagos Fashion 2015 holds Funmi Salome Johnson

4

5

Meriden International Fair Organization has announced that it will be holding the Lagos Fashion 2015 (International Ready to Wear) starting from Tuesday 10th –Thursday 12th February 2015.

The event holds at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria from 10am to 6pm daily.

According to Paul Olugbade, the organiser of the show, the event is an international fair where exhibitors are expected from various part of the world to show case thier unique products. He said over a hundred exhibitors are expected at the fair, just as he listed companies from Republic of Turkey, Dubai, Italy, China, Egypt, UK, Nigeria among many others.

He added that the Nigeria fashion designers, distributors, wholesalers, agents and major retailers who are driving demands as well as the final consumers who love fashions, to see the exhibition as an opportunity to invest in emerging fashion designs.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 11, 2015 Judith Frank-Edet

Every meal counts on

V lentine!

Valentine is fast approaching and you might be looking at spending the day at home with your loved ones.

Aside getting yummy foods at eateries, you too can be a pro at cooking those exact meals you buy outside, right inside your home!

Red velvet pancakes with cream cheese topping Appetizer:

2 cups of flour 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 2 large eggs 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons red liquid food coloring Sweet Cream-Cheese Butter Garnish: powdered sugar Preparation 1.

Sift together first 6 ingredients into a large bowl.

Whisk together buttermilk and next 3 ingredients in another bowl. Gradually stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened.

2.

Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto a hot buttered griddle or large nonstick skillet. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look dry and cooked.

3.

Turn and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until done.

4. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, and keep warm in a 200° oven up to 30 minutes.

Serve with Sweet Cream-Cheese Butter.

5.

For tender pancakes, don’t overmix the batter; it should be lumpy.

Prepare the liver and chicken 1. Cook the cow liver till done and then cut it into small pieces.

2. Also Cut the chicken into pieces and cook When done, grill in an oven or deep fry with vegetable oil. It makes it more presentable.

Cooking Directions 1.

Parboil the Rice and then place in a sieve to drain out excess water. Parboiling helps to reduce the starchy content of the rice which makes the grains to clump together when cooking.

2.

Put the chicken stock into a sieve to remove all the onions, thyme and other spices used in cooking the chicken. Pour the stock into the pot and boil.

When the water starts boiling, add the parboiled rice. Also, add 1 tablespoon of plain yellow curry powder, then add salt to taste.

3.

The quantity of water used should be a little above or better still on the same level with the rice. This is because the rice is already so you need to ensure that all the water dries up by the time the rice is cooked and that the rice is not over cooked. .

4. Once the water has dried up, make sure the rice is properly cooked- grains are separated from one another and it’s not hard.

5. Move the rice to another pot or a casserole dish so that it doesn’t stick together.

6. Heat up the vegetable oil; add the carrots, peas, green bell pepper and diced liver/meat; then add a little white/black pepper, a garlic, curry &seasoning cube to taste.. stir fry for 1 min and pour into a bowl.

7.

The Rice is going to be fried in small batches. Divide the stir-fried vegetables into equal portions. The size of your frying pan will determine how many portions you will have.

8. This is now time to check your ingredient and know which spice needs to be added to give it a better taste. You could add more salt if necessary or more curry powder for a greener colour. Stir till all the ingredients have mixed well and transfer to a dry pot. Repeat this for the remaining batches of the ingredients.

Watermelonstrawberry smoothie Ingredients 2 cups seedless watermelon 1 cup whole strawberries ½ vine tomatoes (optional) 1/2 cup water if needed Blend everything into a smoothie, refrigerate it and it’s ready to serve!

L7 Nutrition

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 11, 2015

L8 Television

Showing on 110 Movies Action

Showing on 124 E!

05:00

06:45

Wed, 11 Feb| 13 V

Wed, 11 Feb | Family

A deep-sea siege goes wrong in this action-packed thriller. When terrorists seize an American submarine, an elite group of Navy Seals try a rescue mission, that doesn’t go as planned.

Billy Wirlock, Billy Dee Williams, Gary Busey. (1990) Rodney McDonald.

101 M-Net West

We follow Macklemore and his fiancée, Tricia as they give her mother the surprise of a lifetime by transforming her home into the house of her dreams.

128 SONY MAX

118 Telemundo

254 Channels 00:00 Movie 01:00 Sunrise Daily 03:00 News Track 03:30 Channels Book Club 04:00 News Track 04:30 One Cubed 05:00 News @ Ten 06:00 News Track 06:30 Turning Point 07:00 Sunrise Daily 09:00 News Track

00:00 Hijacked 01:05 Rampart 03:15 The Messengers 05:05 The Great Fight 06:45 The Guardian 09:15 Hidden Camera 11:05 Derailed 13:00 Dark Tide 15:00 Next Day Air 16:30 Backdraft 19:00 Broken Arrow 21:00 Crash And Byrnes 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 Caught On Camera 16:00 The Lottery 17:00 Olive Kitteridge 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 The Middle 19:30 Masterchef Junior USA

00:00 The Queen Of The South 00:30 Aurora 01:20 Fearless Heart 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 Labour Of Love 03:50 Broken Angel 05:20 Where Is Elisa?

06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 Labour Of Love 08:40 Broken Angel 09:30 Where Is Elisa?

10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 Labour Of Love 12:50 Broken Angel 13:40 Where Is Elisa?

14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 Labour Of Love 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Where Is Elisa?

18:40 Aurora 19:30 Fearless Heart 20:20 Labour Of Love 21:10 The Queen Of The South 22:00 Broken Angel 22:50 Where Is Elisa?

120 BBC Entertainment 00:00 Total Wipeout UK

11:00 My Family

00:30 Top Gear

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:20 Scott And Bailey

12:20 Top Gear

02:05 Come Dine With Me

13:15 Come Dine With Me

02:55 EastEnders

14:15 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:25 The Weakest Link

15:05 The Weakest Link

04:10 Top Gear

16:00 EastEnders

05:00 Outnumbered

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

05:30 QI

17:10 The Cube

06:00 Friday Night Dinner

18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

06:30 EastEnders

19:00 Top Gear

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

20:10 Top Gear’s Top 41

07:55 The Weakest Link

21:10 Hell’s Kitchen USA

08:45 The Cube

22:00 Live At The Apollo

09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:55 QI

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

09:30 Sports This Morning 10:00 Business Morning 11:00 News Track 11:30 Winning Ways Express 12:00 News Track 12:30 Diplomatic Channel 13:00 News Track 13:30 Walk The Talk 14:00 News Track

00:00 Cheaters

11:00 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

00:20 Unbeatable Banzuke

11:55 Cheaters

00:45 Unbeatable Banzuke

12:55 World’s Most Amazing Videos

15:00 News Track

01:10 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago

13:50 World’s Wildest Police Videos

15:30 Dateline Lagos

01:35 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

14:50 Video Zonkers

02:05 The People Under The Stairs

15:15 Video Zonkers

16:00 News Track

03:40 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

15:40 1000 Ways To Die

04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke

16:10 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

05:00 Takeshi’s Castle

17:05 World’s Most Amazing Videos

05:25 Takeshi’s Castle

18:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos

18:00 Sports News

05:50 Cheaters

19:00 Most Shocking

18:30 Winning Ways

06:45 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

20:00 Impractical Jokers

07:40 World’s Wildest Police Videos

20:30 Impractical Jokers

19:15 Straight Talk

08:35 I Bet You Will

21:00 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago

09:00 Most Shocking

21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

10:00 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

22:00 Kenny vs Spenny

14:30 Sports Palava

16:30 Aviation This Week 17:00 News Track 17:30 The World Today

20:15 Face-Off 21:00 Sports Tonight 22:00 News @ Ten

154 AfricaMagic Family 00:00 The Johnsons

07:00 So Wrong So Wright

14:30 Foot Prints

00:30 Lies That Bind

07:30 The Hour

15:00 The Dzigbordi Show

01:00 Kakibe Ki

09:00 Meet The Adebanjos

16:00 Deception

01:30 Foot Prints

09:30 The Dzigbordi Show

16:30 53 Extra

02:00 Mary Slessor

10:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

17:00 The Johnsons

02:30 Tinsel

11:00 Click Africa

17:30 Lies That Bind

03:00 The Johnsons

11:30 Lies That Bind

18:00 Meet The Adebanjos

03:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

12:00 Kakibe Ki

18:30 Foot Prints

04:00 Living It

12:30 Channel O: Volt

19:00 Mary Slessor

04:30 Tinsel

13:00 Rolling With Faith History

19:30 Tinsel

05:00 Incorruptible

13:30 Tinsel

20:00 The Johnsons

06:00 Good Morning Africa

14:00 Living It

20:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

XT Exclusive

KOKE Ruled out for four weeks X8

Poster!

MARVIN HAGLER

X4,5 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

, Y T I C N A M e l t t a b STOKE a i n n a t i r at B Stadium X2

ALAMPASU’S TRANSFER SAGA LINGERS X6

BOXING

KHAN: Set to fight Floyd, Pacquiao, Cotto X7

X2

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

MAN CITY, STOKE set Britannia Stadium aglow!

M

ark Hughes has warned Stoke City to be wary of a backlash from Manchester City when they welcome his former club to the Britannia Stadium today.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men have fallen seven points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea at the top of the table following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Hull City last weekend.

Stoke may be confident of completing a double over the defending champions after claiming a 1-0 away win back in August.

Barca are not perfect, says Enrique

Hughes feels the absence of Yaya Toure - who will not feature despite returning from the Africa Cup of Nations - has been key to the visitors’ recent disappointing form.

But the Welshman expects City to turn things around in the near future.

“You do miss key players, and we can vouch for that because we have lost a number throughout the season,” Hughes said.

“Manchester City are no different. Losing players like Yaya for a while is difficult.

“Manchester City have the

L

uis Enrique insists Barcelona are not perfect, despite having embarked on a nine-match winning run in all competitions.

After losing their opening match of 2015 at Real Sociedad, Barca have picked up their form and scored 34 goals during their streak of victories.

However, Luis Enrique is keen to keep feet on the ground ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at home to

capacity to replace players like him with other world-class players. They have gone through a difficult period, and not picked up as many points as they would have liked, but they will be ready for this game.

“Top teams and top players bounce back very quickly and we are mindful of that.”

Stoke’s hopes of another surprise win over the title contenders have been hit by further injury blows, with Hughes confirming that midfielder Stephen Ireland and defender Marc Wilson are both out of the cracker.

Villarreal.

“We do not claim to be perfect,” he stressed. “It is impossible to be perfect. Imperfection also makes nice football.

“We have nine wins, not nine defeats. That is important, but we have not achieved anything.

“A coach always hopes his team will do more and get results.”

Barca lost in the final of the Cop del Rey to rivals Real Madrid last season.

STURRIDGE is England´s best striker –Rodgers

Hughes

MOURINHO

hits out at FA

D

Enrique

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES TODAY’S MATCHES Chelsea VS Everton 20:45 Man United VS Burnley20:45 Southampton VS West Ham20:45 Stoke City VS Man City 20:45 Crystal Palace VS Newcastle 21:00 West Brom VS Swansea City 21:00

Sturridge

aniel Sturridge is still England’s number one striker despite Harry Kane’s incredible form, according to Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers.

Kane’s brace in Tottenham’s win over Arsenal on Saturday saw the 21-yearold take his tally to 12 Premier League goals for the campaign.

Sturridge, the second topscorer in the league last season, has spent most of the campaign sidelined due to injury.

Mourinho

J

ose Mourinho has hit out at the Football Association (FA) alleging double standards following Robin van Persie’s alleged elbow on James Tomkins.

Chelsea manager Mourinho questioned the consistency of the FA’s disciplinary procedures after Manchester United striker Van Persie escaped punishment following the incident during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham. Mourinho felt the Netherlands captain should have been taken to account by the governing body in a similar way to Diego Costa, after the Chelsea forward’s stamp on Emre Can in the League Cup semi-final second leg with Liverpool.

Former Atletico Madrid frontman Costa was subsequently banned for three matches following retrospective action by the FA, with the final game of his suspension coming when Chelsea host Everton on Wednesday.

Mourinho claimed there is a media-driven “campaign” against Premier League leaders Chelsea, and once again vocalised his dissatisfaction on Tuesday.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

X3

Golden Eaglets coach, Emmanuel Amuneke

S ’ U S A P ALAM

R E F S N A TR SAGA S R E G N I L Alampasu

Mike Otanwa

D

ele Alampasu’s transfer saga has continued to generate interest, as more controversy surrounding his recent transfer to Estoril Praia of Portugal mounts.

On one hand, Ojo Oladimeji has blasted Sola Orelaja, saying he was shocked and amazed that the agent could instigate the young lad to bite the fingers that fed him by being part of a grand conspiracy to deny Future Stars Academy and Abuja Football College the contents of the transfer papers that took the goaltender to Estoril Praia of

Portugal.

The deal will start running by July 2015, but if the parties fail to settle, the contract might be terminated.

In a report, it was also revealed that a club in Mexico wanted to pay the sum of 0.4m Euro for the services of the Flying Eagles goalkeeper, but some people kicked against it.

Oladimeji revealed that they were not aware of events that led to Alampasu joining the Portuguese team and accused Orelaja of being out to ruin the career of the promising goalkeeper whom he nurtured from the cradle.

“Where was Orelaja when

Alampasu started his career?

He is just an agent, who wants to pass through the back door. He has failed in his mission, in fact he is in a futile mission.

“Orelaja has totally brainwashed my player I fed and mentored right from his time in Lagos before he was spotted by Abuja Football Club.

“When did Remo Stars come to the picture? How does Remo Stars expect to reap from where they didn’t sow? I can’t believe that Remo Stars can descend so low to be involved in this scam, I’m afraid there is foul play. Let Orelaja show us the contract papers of the transfer,” he asked.

Niger 2015: NFF steps up preparation for Eaglets

Andrew Ekejiuba

I

n its determination to ensure a successful outing for the Golden Eaglets, at the 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger Republic, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been actualising plans to make the team’s stay in that country comfortable.

As part of this strategy, the NFF Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi was in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic last week to meet with prominent personalities within the Local Organizing Committee and officials of the Embassy of Nigeria.

“I had meetings with the top officials of the LOC of the championship, including the President of LOC, General Secretary of FENIFOOT and the Head of Competitions. Our meetings

centred on accommodation and transportation of Eaglets during the championship, as well as accreditation of the Nigerian delegation, ticketing and other logistics,” he said.

Sanusi also discussed with members of the local organizing committee of the 11th African Junior Championship on the movement of the Golden Eaglets into Niger Republic.

“Since they are having their final training camp in Sokoto, we are making arrangements for them to move into Niamey by road, and I have intimated the organisers and we have finalised on security arrangement for the team.”

The Nigerian team, made up of 21 players, 10 officials and a number of administrative officials, will depart Sokoto for Niamey on Thursday, February 12 for the competition.

LIVERPOOL CHASE ENYEAMA

L

Enyeama

iverpool are out to sign on Nigerian goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, with a £3million deal at the end of the season.

Already, Liverpool have set aside significant funds for the right player.

However, reports in Nigeria say Enyeama is being lined up for a bargain £3million transfer to Anfield.

Liverpool scouts are watching him in action and have been impressed by the 32-year-old’s performances.

Arsenal and Tottenham have previously been linked with Enyeama.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

MARVIN

HAGLE

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

PERS ONA INFO RMA L

QUOTES

Real n a Nickn me: a Marvin Rated me: a Marve Hagler Heigh t: t: ll Middle ous Reach : 5 ft 9 weight Natio n in (1.7 5m) 75 in Born: ality: (1 Americ 90cm) Birth May 23, 1 Place: 954 (a a n Stanc Newa ge 60) e: rk, Ne w Je South rsey, U.S. BOXIN paw G REC Total O RD fig Wins: hts: 67 Wins b 62 Losse y KO: s: 52 Draws : 3 No co ntests : 2 0

ER

TION

“The likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns were true champions. There were some incredible fights between us, and I was happy to give them all an opportunity to fight me.”

–Marvin Hagler

“There are a lot of things and in order to be at the top and maintain your focus you have to have something that motivates you. For me, it was what I perceived as a lack of respect from the boxing world as well as the media, which made me want to work so hard and be great.”

–Marvin Hagler

“When you knock people out, it’s sometimes a very scary situation - but I always hoped that no one got seriously hurt. Now when I see them get knocked out, I laugh. When you finish the game, it’s funny. And when I look at film of myself, I think, I wouldn’t fight that guy.” –Marvin Hagler

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X6

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW Although his slender physique might suggest otherwise, Angel Di Maria possesses strength in abundance, as he has demonstrated in overcoming the many challenges life has thrown at him. These included his long struggle for a place in the national youth teams, which he finally nailed down with impressive goals and runs, and dealing with the complications arising from the 2013 birth of his daughter Mia, who was three months premature. Through sheer determination, the player nicknamed Fideo (The Noodle) for his skinny physique wowed everyone in 2014, when he swapped the white of Real Madrid for the red of Manchester United and was named in the FIFA/ FIFPro World XI by his peers. In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the Rosario native chatted about Brazil 2014, leaving Real Madrid, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and a dream he still harbours.

Excerpts: In 2014 you helped Real Madrid become European champions for the tenth time, but then had to leave the club. With Argentina you reached the Final of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil but missed their last two games because of injury. On balance, would you say it was a bittersweet 12 months?

No, no… I’m very happy about what happened. Aside from injuries, which can afflict anyone, I achieved big things, like winning la décima with Madrid and helping Argentina reach the World Cup Final after many years. Then there was how we got there – showing immense desire and bravery with a spectacular group of players. It was well deserved and I was more than satisfied with what we accomplished.

If you had to single out one moment from 2014, what would it be and why?

It might sound strange but it’d be reaching the World Cup Final. It’s something I never thought I’d be part of, even as a boy. And although I couldn’t play, it was still the most beautiful moment of my career.

When you picked up that injury against Belgium, did you realise immediately how serious it was?

Yes, I knew it might be a bad one from the pain. I was on a run and accelerating past the defender and about to break clear. That’s when I felt the pain. However, I have great faith and believed I’d be able to play again, and I did everything in my power to be fit for the Final. But football’s like that.

It can put you out of the World Cup, and it can also give you a chance to make amends. Hopefully I’ll get that opportunity.

Have you watched those World Cup games since?

No, I try not to watch them. (Laughs) Not even your goal against Switzerland?

That one, yes. From time to time I watch some clips on YouTube, though it’s mostly ones featuring the fans.

When you’re actually part of a World Cup, you don’t see any of what’s going on outside, where many wonderful things happen. I heard bits from my family about the sheer numbers who were travelling and how committed

a i r a Di M I will end my playing career in

ARGENTINA!

they were. You don’t see all that, which is why it’s nice to watch it now and remember it in a different way.

We’d have loved to have given all our compatriots the ultimate celebration and taken the final step, and hopefully one day we will.

Have you ever wondered what might have happened if you’d played in that Final?

No, because I firmly believe things happen for a reason. If it was God’s will that I didn’t play in that final, then it’s because I wasn’t meant to be there. The players that started gave absolutely everything. We had every chance of winning that game and many scoring opportunities, but the ball just wouldn’t go in. They had two chances: one hit the post and the other went in. That’s football for you.

But tactically, against a side with such a high defensive line as Germany, a player with your skills might have found the gaps?

Yes, you could think that way after seeing how the game panned out.

Both el Pocho Ezequiel Lavezzi and Leo Messi went at them at pace and got the better of them. I think it would have been a different game with someone in my role. I had a good understanding with Leo throughout the World Cup, but that’s football and God didn’t intend it to be.

2014 was also the year you said goodbye to Real Madrid. What’s your assessment of that chapter now?

Well, I did everything asked of me: I won

the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and the Spanish league. I won every title except the Club World Cup, as I’d already left the club by then. I’d been there four years and the time had come for a change. I really wanted to play in the Premier League, which I’d been watching since I was a youngster every Saturday or Sunday before I’d go and play for Rosario Central. It was always a dream and goal of mine to try out in English football.

Football aside, how are you getting on in England?

Very well. The weather is the only thing… it doesn’t help a lot. (laughs).

But I’m very content here. The people have a lot of affection for me, which is the most important thing. It’s what I value most, and I have that here.

How are you progressing with the language?

More like regressing! (laughs). It’s very bad. I’ve learned very little and only understand a small bit. That said, I’m trying to learn it bit by bit and I’m taking classes. Hopefully I’ll pick it up quickly.

You’re one of the few to have been long-time team-mates of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Do you tire of people asking you to compare them?

No, because I always say the same thing: that they’re two completely different players. Leo features in every game, making short bursts and nonchalantly dribbling past one, two or three players with great ball control in tight spaces. Cristiano is

more about power, long range shots… they’re different. If I were FIFA, I’d have two Ballon d’Or prizes, one for that pair to fight over, and another for everyone else.

There’s been a lot of talk about Messi of late, even rumours that he’d consider a move t o Chelsea. As someone who spent time working with Jose Mourinho, could you see them together?

In principle, I don’t think Leo wants to leave Barcelona. It’s hard to walk away from a club that’s given you everything, where you effectively

grew up. But to answer your question, no I don’t think he’d have any problem working with Mourinho.

For your part, you’ve played for Real Madrid and now Manchester United. Is there anywhere else you’d like to play one day?

The next step will be to return to Rosario Central, another giant of the game! (laughs). Truth be told, I’ve played for Europe’s biggest clubs, competed in two World Cups and won the Champions League. I represented Real Madrid and before that was with Benfica, which, while a slightly smaller club than Madrid, is a giant of Portuguese football.

Now I’m with another massive club in Manchester United. When I finish here, I think it might be time to return to Argentina. Hopefully that happens.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

X7

BOXING Khan

KHAN

challenges Floyd, Pacquiao, Cotto

B

ritish-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan claims he is ready for all comers and challenged some of the top fighters in his division to a showdown this May. In a tweet, Khan challenged Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Timothy Bradley, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Mayweather, Pacquiao, Cotto, Bradley, Marquez all available to fight around May,” Khan tweeted. “I’m ready and want to fight the best.”

He also added the hashtag “Let’s Make It Happen.”

Khan has been publicly campaigning for a fight against Mayweather for a long time now, and has also expressed

willingness to take on Pacquiao, his former sparring partner and stablemate.

It is possible, however, that Khan may be left in a lurch as Mayweather and Pacquiao’s camps are currently negotiating for a May 2 super-fight.

Thus, the former world champion called out other top fighters, including Cotto, who currently fights at middleweight.

Khan told his Twitter followers that he would fight Cotto “in a heartbeat” in a bout that can be held at catchweight of 155-pounds.

“Stylistically, Cotto would be a great fight for me,” he also said. “He’s a great champion. Just imagine that fight in the UK.”

MOTORSPORT

ALONSO threatens legal action over alleged tax

Isinbayeva

ATHLETICS

ISINBAYEVA

eyes comeback

P

ole vault world-record holder Yelena Isinbayeva is planning to make a comeback ahead of next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist has not competed since winning her third world championship title in Moscow in 2013, taking time out to have her first child. Her daughter was born in June 2014.

On Tuesday, Moscow’s CSKA athletics club celebrated “the return of an Olympic champion,” adding that Isinbayeva would compete for the club and work as an “instructor.”

However, Isinbayeva said she would focus on fitness training for the rest of 2015 before starting to vault next year, with the aim of competing at her fourth Olympics.

Isinbayeva vaulted a world record 5.06m in 2009.

F

ernando Alonso is threatening legal action after being named on a list of those suspected of tax evasion. The so-called ‘Falciani list’, named after a whistleblower, features thousands of names of those with Swiss accounts who reportedly used the HSBC bank to evade tax by placing money offshore.

Also on the list are Michael Schumacher, Flavio Briatore and Heikki Kovalainen.

According to the Spanish news agency EFE, Spaniard Alonso - accused of holding $42 million in four separate accounts - has hit back at the reports by threatening to sue over damage to his reputation.

A source close to Alonso, who lives in Dubai, insisted: “Revenue authorities have never asked him anything because his situation has always been impeccable.” EFE claims Alonso confirmed in a statement that he has ordered the “filing of several lawsuits” in the wake of the media reports.

Former Renault boss Flavio Briatore, who was linked managerially both to Alonso and Kovalainen, also hit back at the claims, insisting that his “accounts with HSBC had for years been reported to the authorities who never found any tax irregularities”. Reports had claimed Briatore’s nine HSBC accounts contained EUR 64 million.

Hewitt

AEGON

TOURNEY: Hewitt gets Queen’s wildcard

TENNIS

F

ormer Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt has been given a wildcard entry to the Aegon Championships at Queen’s in what will be his last grasscourt season.

The Australian former world number one, 33, said last month he would retire after next year’s Australian Open.

The 2001 US Open champion has won Queen’s four times.

“Lleyton is one of our greatest champions,” Tournament Director, Stephen Farrow, said.

“It is a little unconventional to award wildcards before the entry list has been finalised, but it took us roughly two seconds to decide to guarantee Lleyton a wildcard.”

Hewitt will join defending champion Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria and British number one Andy Murray in the draw for the event, which takes place from June 15-21.

GOLF

T

iger Woods’s return to golf in 2015 has been an “epic failure”, according to his former coach Hank Haney.

“His number one priority should be making a swing so that he doesn’t hurt himself, and I thought that’s what this whole biomechanical thing was going to be all about,” Haney said after the 14time major champion withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open.

“So this obviously has been an epic failure when you look at the amount of time that he’s been working and he’s already hurt again.”

As for Woods’s short-game problems, Haney explained his former charge is “totally helpless”.

“He still has a great short game, but he’s yipping them,” Haney added. “And that renders you totally helpless. When he’s yipping them, then the results are going to be horrific.”

Woods dropped to a career-low world number 62 on Sunday.

Woods

TIGER WOODS is ‘helpless’, says Haney

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

ATLETICO MADRID ATLETICO BOSS DEMANDS FAIR TV RIGHTS

A

tletico Madrid midfielder Koke has been ruled out for four weeks after straining a hamstring muscle.

The injury occurred in the opening minutes of his side’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid on Saturday. Koke was attempting to get on the receiving end of a pass from Antoine Griezmann, but the midfielder pulled up lame shortly after accelerating to meet the ball.

Koke was examined by physios on the pitch before being substituted off in the ninth minute with the score still 0-0.

His replacement Saul Niguez would go on to score a spectacular goal to give Atletico a 2-0 lead in the eighteenth minute. Saul would later assist his side’s third goal after he lofted a headed pass towards Griezmann, who emphatically slammed the ball into Real Madrid’s net for Atletico’s third goal.

As for Koke, the Spain international was further analyzed by doctors at the Fremap clinic on Monday where it was confirmed that he had suffered a strained hamstring and will be out of action for a month.

Marin

A

INJURED KOKE

R O F T U O D RULE FOUR WEEKS

MANDZUKIC

A

tletico Madrid forward Mario Mandzukic says he has no interest in moving to the Premier League.

The Croatian forward joined the reigning La Liga champions from Bayern Munich over the summer and has hit the ground running, scoring 11 goals in 19 league games.

Before his switch to Spain the

28-year-old was heavily linked with a move to England, with Manchester United and Arsenal both believed to be in the mix. Rumours of more interest from the Premier League surfaced during the January window, but Mandzukic says he has no interest in moving and heard nothing from England last month.

SIMEONE

A

tletico Madrid’s coach Diego Simeone looks on prior to kick off in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final first leg match against Chelsea on April.

Reports have suggested that the Argentine coach will be targeted by the Premier League club if they decide to dismiss Manuel Pellegrini at the end of this season.

Simeone’s stock has risen

not interested in EPL switch

LA LIGA TABLE

looks on prior UCL kick-off

since he took charge of Atletico in 2011. The Argentine coach led them to their first La Liga title since 1996 last season and the Champions League final, where they lost to city rivals Real Madrid.

However, Balague does not believe that the 44-year-old would leave the La Liga outfit, with Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin set to invest in the club after he purchased a 20 per cent stake.

tletico Madrid CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, has called for Spain’s government to finally pass legislation that would see La Liga’ TV rights money shared more equally.

The current arrangement sees each club negotiate their own deal with a broadcasting partner, leading to a situation in which Real Madrid and Barcelona earned 140 million euros each during the 2013-14 season, while smaller clubs including Elche, Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano received just 18 million euros apiece.

New proposed legislation, which was announced more than two years ago but has yet to be signed into law, aims to introduce greater balance, although the precise details have not been publicly confirmed.

On Friday, 40 of the 41 clubs -with Athletic Bilbao the only exception -- voted at a meeting of Spanish clubs to urge the country’s secretary of state, Miguel Cardenal, to implement the legislation as soon as possible, so that negotiations with potential partners for the coming seasons could begin.

Mandzukic

LA LIGA RESULTS

Simeone

Team

P

PTS

1. Real Madrid

22

54

2. Barcelona

22

53

3. Atletico Madrid

22

50

4. Valencia

22

44

5. Sevilla

22

42

6. Villarreal

22

41

7. Malaga

22

35

8. Eibar

22

27

9. Espanyol

22

26

10. Celta Vigo

22

25

11. Deportivo La Coruna

22

24

Deportivo La Coruna 2 - 0 Eibar

12. Real Sociedad

22

23

Atletico Madrid 4 - 0 Real Madrid

13. Athletic Bilbao

22

23

Villarreal 2 - 0 Granada

14. Getafe

22

23

Levante 4 - 1 Malaga

15. Rayo Vallecano

22

23

Real Sociedad 1 - 1 Celta Vigo

16. Almeria

22

22

Cordoba 1 - 2 Almeria

17. Elche

22

20

Getafe 2 - 1 Sevilla

18. Levante

22

19

Espanyol 1 - 2 Valencia

19. Cordoba

22

18

Athletic Bilbao 2 - 5 Barcelona

20. Granada

22

18