Daily Times of Nigeria

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MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.21

N150

Two female suicide bombers hit Yobe 6

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The bombed Rivers APC secretariat in Okrika... on Sunday

INSIDE XT Exclusive

Monday, January 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

42

Num ber

X4

Poster!

MY HEART LONGS FOR GUNNERS, SAYS SISSOKO

Beveren Metalurh Donetsk Olympiacos Monaco Barcelona Manchester City

IDEYE

YAYA TOURE I am a midfielder who is mainly involved in the defensive phases, even if I also like to help build moves - I would say that my foremost quality is my generosity.

—Yaya Toure

”

“

If I was Belgium, if I was British, if I was French, I would get more recognition... we are tired to hear that African football and Africans are not at that level.

I’m very proud to be African, I want to defend African people. I want to show that to the world that African player can be as much good as Europeans are.

—Yaya Toure

”

Wenger

Abu Dhabi debut excites Fowler X7

X7

ROSBERG

EAGLETS

‘LL BE STRONGER IN 2015 X3

– COULTHARD X6

Rivers APC office bombed 8

Ivory Coast (85 appearances and 16 goals)

QUOTES ON

“

“I know him very well, since he was 15 years old, so I know Yaya Toure for a long time. He is a top-class talent.”

WBA FANS SLAM ING MISFIR host Amajimbos in Kaduna

ASEC Mimosas

National team 2004–till date:

TOURE

X5

Gnégnéri Yaya Touré May 13, 1983 (age 31) Bouaké, Ivory Coast 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[2] Midfielder Manchester City 42

Senior career 2001–2003: 2003–2005: 2005–2006: 2006–2007: 2007–2010: 2010–till date:

X4,5

X8

Monday, January 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number: Youth career 1996–2001:

Yaya

YAYA TOURE

Cote d’Ivoire beat Super Eagles 1 - 0

MƆƆƗƆƗë MƆƓ ƆƅƑƏƈƐƕ ƇƏ ƌƆƓ ƏƊ Ƈ Ə LL9

Prominent cleric, G.O. Fakeye dies at 78

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Monay, January 12, 2015

Politics Page Three

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s

Editorial Damages for oil spill in Ogoniland

T

he announcement that Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has finally paid the Bodo Community in Ogoniland of Rivers State, the sum of £55 million as compensation for two oil spills in 2008, is a welcome development.

Shell said that £35 million will, be paid to individuals who agree on the settlement terms, while the balance of £20 million will be settlement agreement with the community in respect of the two highly regrettable operational spills in the area in 2008.

The company’s country Managing Director, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, was quoted as saying that Shell has accepted responsibility for the operational spills in Bodo.

We recall that in 2011, the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, recommended the setting up of a $1 billion fund to clean up contaminated land in Ogoni, on account of spills from its operations in the area. It would be recalled that the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) had at a recent event to mark three years since the submission of the UNEP report criticised the Federal government for the delay in its implementation.

The organizations Public Rela-

tions Officer, Mr. Legborsi Esaen lamented that oil pollution in the area had contaminated both surface and ground water at levels over 900 times above the World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribed safety limit. Much as we welcome the efforts of Shell and other stakeholders to mitigate the effect of the massive oil spills in Ogoniland, it is pertinent to note that the degradation caused to the environment due to years of dispute and litigations has in no small measure affected the livelihood of the people of the area in the long term.

While the remediation exercise from the present clean up could be immediate, it is worthy to note that a fully sustainable recovery of Ogoni land could take 25 to 30 years and would require long-term financing. We believe that the dire situation in which the affected communities find themselves today would have been avoided if both Shell and the Federal Government had shown enough concern immediately the spills occurred.

Rather, both sides were engaged in the blame-game on who should take responsible for the cleanup.

With that sad episode put behind the nation, we call on both parties to carry out the cleanup and payment of compensation with the due diligence they deserve.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (left), exchanging pleasantry with President Goodluck Jonathan at Jonathan’s foster daughter wedding Inebha Paul held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja at the weekend

That Obasanjo bow...

Yinka Olujimi

ÎÎÎAS

expected, his arrival threw everybody off balance. That is classic military strategy: Surprise.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo deployed it most effectively at the weekend when he attended the wedding of the daughter of President Goodluck Jonathan, Inebharapu, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

People jostled for space to catch a glimpse of the hyper-active former ruler.

Could it be true that he is here, they asked? Could Obasanjo be felicitating with President Jonathan whose administration he took to the cleaners just days ago, delivering a heavy blow when election is just weeks away?

And the photograph – yes, the celebrated photograph – of Obasanjo bowing while shaking hands with his estranged godson and incumbent President!

Of course, it went viral online and provided some comic relief.

The drama, typical of the former President, should be cause for worry to Jonathan as Obasanjo seems to have a penchant for striking mortal blows

Words On Marble :

dailytimesng

while exchanging bear hugs.

The friends and associates of the late Senate President, Chuka Okadigbo, will remember a spousal dance which was followed by unpalatable consequences. Also, Audu Ogbeh, former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who, incidentally, is now a chieftain of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), will surely remember a certain bowl of pounded yam he shared with the former President, which was followed within hours by forced resignation. What’s Baba up to again? Can’t help wondering…

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

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Sports Editor

Head, Sales & Marketing

Bisi Abidoye Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba

Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja

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.

Albert Einstein

Muhammad Sanusi II

J.F Entwistle

God is calculating but not wicked

I say help is on the way.

Terror must and will be defeated

I have searched and I have not seen any document of our government that says Nigeria would disintegrate

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

At Acorn Petroleum, we remain committed to delivering unrivaled products and services to our customers. Acorn Petroleum Plc., your new energy

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

5 News

B’Haram: No one can fight for God - Aregbesola ‘Sodiq Adekunle

ÏÏÏGovernor,

State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has asked Nigerians not to regard the actions of Boko Haram sect as being Islamic.

Speaking at a special thanksgiving service organised for him by NasrulLahi-il Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), at the Freedom Park, Osogbo,

the governor faulted the activities of the terrorists, emphasising that unlawful killing was not part of the teachings of Islam.

To buttress his point, Aregbesola illustrated that prophet Muhammad went through tougher forms of humiliation during his time but never took any revenge.

He said, “Nigeria is today in its trying moments,

everything has stood still.

But I want to assure you that this is just a passing phase. We need to pray and work diligently for the peace and progress of the country. And this is why we must seriously condemn the activities of some individuals who hide under Islam to perpetrate evil.

“There is no written law or directive either from Qur’an or Hadith that di-

rects Muslims to unleash terror on fellow beings. No one can fight God’s battle for Him. And I don’t see where Islam orders anyone to kill, maim or unleash violence on people because of faith. There was no form of humiliation that Prophet Muhammad did not suffer in the hands of unbelievers, yet he did not think of retaliation. Rather, he showed understanding and

L-R: Speaker of Jigawa House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmed Adamu; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud and Gov. Sule Lamido, at the PDP campaign rally in Buji on Sunday.

love to his adversaries.”

Aregbesola asked Nigerians to consider the forthcoming February elections as crucial, while expressing optimism that General Muhammadu Buhari would reform the country, if elected.

The lecturer on the occasion, Professor Afeez Oladosu of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, advised politicians to be impartial in their dealings. “Always let justice, equity and fairness guide your government’s policies and programmes to all categories of people”.

President of NASFAT, Engr. Kamil Bolarinwa, highlighted justice, fairness and security of lives and property of the citizenry as a must for Nigeria’s growth.

He said, “Like any other country, Nigeria faces enormous challenges, including lack of peace and security, justice, fairness, economic development, lackof infrastructure,youth unemployment.“Without peace and security, justice and fairness, we cannot move from our current position as individuals, as Muslims and as a country.

Peace and security are at the core of the resolution of many of the challenges we face today”, he added.

APC-Diaspora declares support for Buhari Augustine Aminu

ÏÏÏAhead

of the 2015 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Diaspora, under the auspices of APCDiaspora, Canada chapter has declared support for the candidature of General Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo.

The declaration was made by its chairman, Dr. Kayode Alabi, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

Alabi said the policy

framework of Buhari and his running mate, was the only way out the country could come out from the stagnation of under-development.

He said: “The APC-Diaspora, Canada chapter and other branches are in full support of the party and we appeal to Nigerians back home to vote wisely.

We encourage them to, objectively, analyse issues confronting the nation, assess the performance of the current government and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a

whole, in comparison with development witnessed in APC-controlled states in Nigeria and the good policies and plans itemised by Prof. Osinbajo and choose the path of true positive transformation.

“We agree, absolutely, with the issues raised by Prof. Osinbajo on how successive governments had been characterized with graft and corruption, whose effect inhibits the nation’s progress and development.

“Osinbajo said APC recognises corruption as the

central issue in Nigeria’s challenges, which is one of the major reasons General Muhammadu Buhari, who has a worldwide reputation as a strict fighter against corruption, has been chosen as the presidential candidate.

“What of protection of lives and properties, which is a major national issue?

As Osinbajo said as one of the most important responsibilities of the government, that has been perpetually neglected, resulting in the increased level of insurgency as witnessed

in the north-eastern part of the country, daily kidnapping of people that had plagued the South-East and South-South, theft and armed robbery that has almost become a norm in the society.

Buhari

Falling oil price may affect education - VC Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏVice-Chancellor,

Bell University, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, says the falling price of Nigeria’s crude oil in the world market may negatively affect its educational system.

Adeyemi, who stated this at the 10th Matriculation of the Bell University, Ota in Ogun, on Saturday, said due to the continued decline in the price of crude oil at the international market, more challenges await the nation.

Ajimobi visits razed market ÏÏÏGovernor

Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has pledged his administration’s readiness to assist the victims of the fire that gutted Araromi Iron Rod Market on Friday.

The governor gave the pledge while on an assessment tour of the burnt market at Agodi Gate, Ibadan on Saturday.

Although, that the source of the fire was not known, Ajimobi said the government would give financial assistance to the victims and advised them to imbibe safety culture and always switch off all electrical appliances at the close of work.

Agbaje alleges mutilation of opponents’ posters by APC Wale Abiodun

ÏÏÏThe

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has accused the ruling party in the state of hiring people to destroy and mutilate posters of opponents.

Agbaje spoke at a meeting held in his campaign office in Ilupeju area, between PDP chiefs and a delegation from the United States Embassy led by James Entwine, US Ambassador to Nigeria.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Two female suicide bombers hit Yobe Segun Adio

ÏÏÏTWO female bombers,

one of them aged about 15, blew themselves up in a crowded market in Potiskum, Yobe State, on Sunday.

The suicide attack came on a day the military expressed concern that Nigerians were not appreciating the great sacrifices of its officers and men in combating insurgency, particularly with the killing of armed Boko Haram fighters “in droves.”

It also came on a day President Goodluck Jonathan admitted that there were some “black legs” in the military, but praised the officers and men for their gallantry and sacrifice for the nation.

Four people were feared killed in the Potiskum suicide bombing.

The blasts at the Kasuwar Jagwal mobile phone market came just a day after a young girl thought to be aged only 10 killed 19 in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Also on Saturday, two people were killed when a car exploded outside a police station in Potiskum.

A security source involved in the rescue operation told the Agence France Presse (AFP) of Sunday’s bombings: “One of the bombers looked 23 and the other 15.

“The first bomber -- the 23 year-old -- detonated her explosives just outside the entrance of the market, where volunteers were sweeping people going inside the market with metal detectors.

“The second bomber was terrified by the explosion and she tried to dash across the road but she also exploded.”

Both the security official and a nurse at the Potiskum General Hospital said six people were confirmed dead and 21 were injured.

A witness, Ibrahim Dambam, said the second blast went off as people fled the first.

Sunday is Potiskum’s market day and attracts traders and shoppers from all over Yobe State and beyond.

L-R: Data entry supervisor, APC data centre, Ebun Ilori; APC Lagos spokesperson, Joe Igbokwe; National spokeperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and supervisor, APC data centre, Atuche Chinedu, at a news conference on the arrest of workers of APC data centre in Lagos on Sunday.

Panicked shoppers fled and traders abandoned their stalls at both the mobile phone market and the city’s main market, which is just next door.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attacks but suspicion is likely to fall on Boko Haram, which have increasingly used female suicide bombers since last June.

Some security analysts believe that older women may willingly become hu-

man bombs as they share the Islamists’ radical ideology or are out to avenge the death of loved ones at the hands of the military.

But the young ages of some of the bombers -- such as the girl in Maiduguri -- and the actions of the 15-year-old in Potiskum suggest that coercion is being used.

A civilian vigilante who witnessed the Maiduguri bombing said of the young bomber: “I doubt if she actually knew what was

strapped to her body.”

Another eye-witness said it appeared that the bomb was remote-controlled, which chimes with testimony from other attacks across the wider north of Nigeria.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, told the Daily Times on Sunday night that Nigerians did not seem to appreciate the sacrifices being made by the military to contain the insurgency.

According to him, the military is up to the task in checking the activities of the insurgents.

“We are killing them in droves too,” he told Daily Times.

President Jonathan yesterday admitted that there were a few ‘black legs’ in the military and that the activities of such persons might be adversely affecting the progress of government’s counter- terrorism efforts.

The President, who

spoke at an Inter-denominational church service held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, to mark the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, noted however that members of the country’s armed forces still deserved some commendation for their efforts.

He noted that without their sacrifices, the security challenges facing the country would have been worse.

DSS lied over ‘findings’ against our database operators, says APC ÏÏÏTHE All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday accused the Directorate of State Security (DSS) of lying over the alleged uncovering of rigging plans by the party.

Its spokesman, Chief Lai Mohammed, described the “findings” by the DSS against the party as “bunkum, garbage” and not “worth the paper on which it is written.”

Mohammed, who addressed the press in Lagos, also accused the security

agency of obtaining information from its employees under duress.

Officials of the DSS had on November 22, 2014 invaded the Number 10, Ajibola Street, office of the party in Ikeja, Lagos State, carting away certain items the agency termed as sensitive.

On January 7 this year, the spokesperson of the DSS, Marilyn Ogar, addressed a press conference where she said that plans by the APC to hack into the database of the Independent Nation-

al Electoral Commission (INEC) had been uncovered. She claimed that some employees of the party who were arrested during the raid had made damning confessions to that effect.

Mohammed, on Sunday, sharply criticized the alleged findings.

According to him, “the crap called ‘findings’ is part of the efforts by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to postpone the coming general elections.

“Having seen the hand-

writing on the wall vis-a-vis the growing rejection of the PDP by Nigerians, the Jonathan Administration has gone into a panic mode, while embarking on a plan to postpone the elections,” Mohammed said.

He described the alleged plot to hack into INEC’s database, as false, adding: “The fact that the DSS made the allegation at all shows that the agency does not understand the concept of hacking, which is pathetic for a primary intelligence

agency of its stature.”

Faulting the hacking allegation, he said: “INEC’s database is not online, how then is it possible for anyone to hack into it?”

He refuted the claim that the arrested persons had made damaging confessions, saying: “The DSS said it had charged these workers to court. This is a lie. We were the ones who charged the DSS to court, and the court ordered the security agency to release the arrested workers.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

7 News

Rivers monarch cautions politicians against unguarded utterances Faith Faithful, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

Former Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Sir Chukwumela Nnam, has appealed to Nigerians irrespective of their status, tribes, sex, religious and political affiliations to pray fervently for a peaceful and successful general elections which is

transition from civilian to civilian administration.

Oba Chukwumela, who made his appeal in his New Year message to Nigerians, requested the political class and youths to refrain their minds to the 1953, 1963, 1983, 1993 episodes and vehemently resist any attempt to be used as tools by desperate politicians to cause confusion during or after

the 2015 elections.

The foremost Traditional Ruler, who spoke against the use of raw and uncomplimentary languages as well as thugs by opportune politicians to cause public disturbance noted that it was an abuse of democracy to make innocent people suffer while political leaders engaged themselves in dirty politics.

L-R: Convener, Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) , Mr. Ayo Opadokun; All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Chairman, Council of Arewa Chief, Alhaji Sani Kabiru during a courtesy visit to Ambode in Lagos at the weekend

Emmanuel’s candidacy has reunited A/Ibom – PDP chair ÏÏÏ

The formal presentation of the governorship flag to Mr Udom Emmanuel by the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party in Lagos, has been described as the unifying factor in the state chapter of the party and that which would place the party in a good stead to win all the elections in the state.

The Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Paul Ekpo stated this in Uyo, the state capital while addressing party faithful and supporters who thronged the Akwa Ibom International Airport to welcome Mr Udom Emmanuel

Ekpo

and his entourage from Lagos.

According to Ekpo, “the presentation of the governorship flag to our candidate, Udom Emmanuel has finally laid to rest speculations and misinformation that

had pervaded the political sphere and I am impressed with this turnout of our people to welcome us and this is a demonstration of the fact that Udom is the best for Akwa Ibom and he is the face of the new Akwa Ibom”.

Speaking further, Ekpo said: “Udom is the best for AkwaIbom and our people are happy because he will take the state to the next level because of his wealth of experience and exposure in the corporate world. In the face of dwindling oil revenue, it is apt that somebody with Udom’s kind of background be made to manage our state and not just anybody.

C & S elder, Fakeye is dead ÏÏÏGeneral Leader of the Cher-

Fakeye

ubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere, Special Apostle Prophet (Dr) Gabriel Olubunmi Fakeye, is dead.

An Engineer by training, the late Prophet Fakeye was a devoted prophet of God, a person of mani-

fest devotion to family and friends, a visionary leader with profound knowledge, grasp, and appreciation of history. He was also a renowned televangelist and radio evangelist.

His death was announced to church members yesterday morning during service. He was elected head of Nigerian Region of the

He sued for the immediate unification of all Nigerians, pointing out that there are some elements whose stock in trade is geared towards causing troubles through negative actions such as rumors and incitements and called on journalists not to give such Nigerian’s enemies publicity. According to him, ill inform and unconstructive press criti-

Philantropist expresses passion for less privileged, widows Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏ

Founder of Aremo Ojubola Foundation for Widows, Prince Ojugbele Adebola has expressed passion for the widows and less privileged during a yearly celebration event held recently in Otta, Ogun state.

The event which held at the Oba Adebola’s palace, Otta, saw visitors from around Ogun State, including neighbouring states, come to honour him as he hosted widows, indigenes, and the less privileged to a mouth-watering soiree.

According to Prince Ade-

ÏÏÏ

Niger State Government has promoted a total of 50,000 primary school teachers from across the 25 local government areas The stat government has also committed over N10bn in the last 71 and half years on the provision of infrastructure that has assisted in making learning and teaching in the state better.

To that effect, their promotion

Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) recently.

Fakeye would have been 79 on March 11 this year.

S.P. Prophet Fakeye can be conceded as the Joshua of our time, has an immense conviction and faith in the unity and greatness of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Organization in Nigeria and the entire world.

cism does not do good than harm.

The Ogba Monarch who stressed the need for dialogue, patience, tolerance and understanding among Nigerians in resolving issues that affect the generality of Nigerians and called on the people to use the occasion of the New Year to collectively join hands to move the country forward.

bola, because of his passion for the less privileged most especially the widows in his locality, his foundation takes care of 165 widows by giving them uncooked food stuffs, monthly stipend, including provision of yearly uniformed attire for the widows .

“We give them food stuff every month but the yearly event is for them to put on their clothes to wine and dine with me as we celebrate the gift of life,” he said during a chat with Daily Times.

According to him, the foundation which also caters for students had been going on for the past five years.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Mojisola Otegbola, a widow who lost her husband 40 years ago said, “This is my second time to attend this yearly occasion and the Prince has been good to us because he gave all the widows food stuffs. He also allows us to celebrate with him at the beginning of every year”.

Niger promotes 50,000 primary school teachers letters are being issued to them with a promise by the state government that beneficiaries would all get theirs before the end of February this year.

While the promoted teachers in Paikoro Local Government Councils have received their letters, costing the state over N13.6 million, those of Shiroro, Tafa, Rafi, Rijau, Bosso and Chanchaga Councils are almost ready for collection.

It was learnt that some of them will enjoy double or triple promotions depending on the length of time they have been stagnated on a certain level.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

PDP rates Jonathan’s govt high on health sector Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Peoples Democrat-

ic Party (PDP) yesterday rated President Goodluck Jonathan high for repositioning the health sector, pointing out that the effort has resulted in better healthcare and a record increase in life expectancy in the country.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the administration of President Jonathan has given the health sector a priority place in line with its manifesto.

The party reasoned that the president was able to do this through the reha-

bilitation and re-equipping of federal medical institutions, including all teaching hospitals, transforming them from consulting clinics into comprehensive secondary and referral life saving institutions.

It said: “We recall that President Jonathan had, in 2010, launched the National Strategic Health Development Plan (2010-2015) which clearly spelt out government’s plans in that very important sector.

“Four years down the line, the project has been pursued with vigour and unquestionable commitment and the results are palpable.

Okorocha begs pastors, promises to rebuild demolished churches Val Okara, Owerri

ÏÏÏGovernor Rochas Okoro-

cha of Imo State may have commenced wooing clergymen in the state with monetary inducements to vote for his re-election and his party during the general elections.

It is said that the governor has been offering each clergyman a sum of N10 million for the purpose.

The governor, who hosted over 600 Bishops and Pastors at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Exco Hall in Government House, Owerri, begged them to forgive him for demolishing some of their churches last year.

The meeting, the source said, became very rowdy when Governor Okorocha announced that his government

Reps aspirant lauds professionals’ foray into politics Wale Abiodun

ÏÏÏHouse

of Representatives candidate, Kayode Emannuel Oduoye, has described the recent influx of people from other callings into politics in the country as a normal feature and one good symptom of a growing democracy.

Oduoye, who is the PDP candidate for Ifelodun/

had paid compensations to the affected churches, a claim immediately debunked by the clergymen.

He, however, pleaded with them to convince their followers to vote for him, assuring them that his administration would allot lands to them free and Certificate of Occupancy issued to them without further delay.

In a related development, Governor Okorocha, at every campaign rally he went, promised to doled out the sum of N10 million and N20 million, respectively, to any community where his party received the highest number of votes.

He also promised to release N50 million and a brand new bus to any Ward that the party scored the highest number of votes.

Boripe/Odo-Otin federal constituency, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Ikirun, Osun state.

The development, according to the Reps candidate, is a normal feature of representative democracy, where there is abundant opportunity to launch ambitions, and there are no hindrances or inhibitions about making ambitions known.

“It is normal for such to happen because this is the first time that a democratic experience would last this long in the country. Expectedly, however, the development is what many would refer to as bandwagon effect,” he said.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, exchanging pleasantries with Deputy Chief Missioner, Nasrul-LahiFatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Imam Onike Abdul-Azeez. With them are Chief Missioner, Abdulahi Akinbode; Guest Lecturer, Prof. Hafis Oladosu and others, during NASFAT Special thanksgiving service on Osun Governor’s victory, at Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo on Sunday

Katsina NCP guber candidate, Shehu Sani, seeks positive change Alex Momoh, Katsina

ÏÏÏChairman of

the National Conscience Party (NCP), Katsina State chapter, Malam Abdulmumini Shehu Sani, has advocated a change of a political party and leadership of Katsina State government, so as to meet the desired expected destination of the state.

Malam Sani is also the governorship candidate of the party in the state.

He declared this yesterday when addressing the party supporters in the state, saying this has become necessary due to the epileptic infrastructure development,

malfunctions in running the affairs of the government, stigmatization of the state’s work-force and general poverty currently biting harder on the numerous citizens as a result of the current leadership of the state.

According to him: “Human development has received a scant notice; agriculture is also on the verge of collapse, despite that the state’s indigenes are predominantly known as courageous farmers.” He noted with dismay that all these are now left with mere adverts on television and radio jingles, as colonized by the present administration in

Sani the state.

The NCP governorship candidate also said that education has suffered a major setback with sorrowful pity, as schools and tertiary institutions in the state are left with dilapidated buildings and facilities, and without

adequate teachers, which he attributed to the reason why parents now resort to sending their children and wards to private schools. He said “hunger and untold hardship have also taken over the people’s daily lives.

Abdulmumini said the people’s yearnings for a better health care delivery service in the state has become just a dream, while the hospitals are mere consulting institutions. “The so called ‘free medical care’ of the present administration in the state as being preached, is nothing but a deceptive slogan to score cheap political points.”

APC secretariat bombed in Rivers Ïj ƏƆƆ ƍ ƏƐƕ ƌƆƌƄƆƏ Ƒ Ɛ ƈ ƌ ƅ ƆƐƆ ƅƑƐ Dan Bassey, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏAs the general election

scheduled for next month draws closer, unknown personss have attacked the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abam Ama, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State and blown it up with dynamites, just as three party members in Rumueme, in Obio/ Akpor local government area were inflicted with machete cuts while preparing for a rally.

According to Christian

Asifamaka, party chairman for Okrika, the assailants attacked the secretariat with dynamites at about 3.14 am, and destroyed it with the chairman’s office being worst hit.

“In the early hours of Sunday, January 11, 2015, some unknown persons threw dynamites into the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Abam Ama, Okrika Local Government Area.

“The explosion which occurred at 3:14 am, demolished the walls. The damage was quite extensive

with the Chairman’s office being the worst hit.

“The All Progressives Congress in Okrika views this latest attack as a deliberate provocation by our opponents, the People’s Democratic Party to draw the APC into a battle that would destabilise our beloved local government area. This is unfortunate and the APC would not allow Okrika to become a hotbed of crises as the PDP wishes.

Asifamaka added, “We, as Okrika people, know what political crises had

cost us in the past. Our local government area has always been the worst hit during politics. Our young children are the ones they use as cannon fodder. We know this and, as a party, have resolved to tow only the path of peace in the interest of our land and children.”

He alleged that “The PDP’s resort to violence is due to the fact that they know that Okrika people have rejected them because of their inability to attract any meaningful development to the local government area.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday January 12, 2015

9 News

Catholic bishop disowns statement calling for Buhari’s arrest

UNIBEN: Students beg Oshiomhole

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏA

ÏÏÏThe

Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, has dissociated himself from an online report published on Friday calling for the arrest and prosecution of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Mohammadu Buhari, for making unguarded statements.

This is even as he called on politicians canvassing for elective posts in the forthcoming elections to discuss ideas and policies that will enhance the growth and development of the country.

The bishop said he was not aware of the online report until he started receiving calls from concerned people.

He said: “A news story was published in 2012 by ‘Punch’ and some newspapers on my comment on the alleged statement by Maj. Gen. Buhari (rtd) after the 2011 general elections in Nigeria. It is the story the dirty people are now manipulating as an interview I just granted in 2015.”

He described the online story as a practical example of “politics of desperation and manipulation”, de-

L-R. National Chairman Unity Party Of Nigeria (UPN) ,Dr Frederick Fasehun, National Treasurer Mr Okey Nwaneri; National Legal Adviser Barr. Niyi Ajewole and National Organising secretary Prince Samson Ndubuisi at the first Annual Convention of UPN, in Lagos.

PHOTO: Babajide Taofeek

scribing those behind the story as dirty and agents of “division and darkness.”

The bishop, who decried the pathetic situation the country is passing through, called on all Nigerians, including religious leaders, to work together to avoid the total collapse of the country.

He added: “Inevitably this is the actual time for change and we must not al-

low the wind of change to pass us by.

“All of us, including religious leaders, must work together for this change if we do not want Nigeria to collapse totally.”

While calling for the sincerity of all stakeholders towards ensuring credible elections, Bishop Ajakaye called for the prosecution of anybody found culpable

in election rigging.

“In the same way, the Judiciary must live up to its expectation. It must maintain its independence and identity, rather than be in the pockets of the executive. To avoid unnecessary tension and crisis in our society, the judiciary must strive to speed up the various election petitions.”

The bishop described

politics as a clean game which he said is for service and good governance for the benefit of mankind though he agreed that there are “dirty people in Nigeria” who engage in politics.

Such people, the bishop said, are in politics to acquire power, prestige and money and could do anything to achieve their ambition.

Titus Eguaoje, Benin Coalition of students of tertiary institutions in Edo State have apologised to Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, over the razing of a luxury bus belonging to the State Government by some students of the University of Benin.

The UNIBEN students were purportedly protesting the repossession of some quarters belonging to the government from the university authority after a High Court ruled in favour of the state government.

Drawn from all tertiary institutions in the state, including the Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, College of Education, Igueben, College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi and Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze, the over 200 students said the action of some students of the University of Benin was politically motivated and would not be condoned.

Addressing the Governor, President, Student Union Government, Tayo Akpata University of Education, formerly known as College of Education, Ekiadolor, Comrade Amenaghawon Emmanuel, said: “We are here to show our strong solidarity to you.

NANS accuses Education minister of financing Illegal faction

How Isiaka emerged Ogun PDP guber candidate – Akinlade

Augustine Aminu

ÏÏÏOne of the governorship aspirants on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade, has revealed that the process that saw to the emergence of the party’s candidate in Ogun State, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, nearly destroyed the party.

Akinlade in a press statement titled “Time to set Forth”, revealed that the process has really been tortuous and challenging thereby affecting the organisational structure and internal mechanism of the party.

Akinlade, who is also the

ÏÏÏThe National Association

of Nigerian Students(NANS) has accused Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, of financing illegal faction of the union.

NANS Zone A Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ado Shehu, in a statement warned the Education minister to stop financing an illegal faction headed by Ali Wali who is calling for mass protest nationwide.

Shehu urged law abiding Nigerian students to disregard any call for a mass protest, adding that looking

at the security situation of the country and to ensure a smooth elections in 2015, the association will not support any mass protest that will trigger unrest in any part of the country.

NANS warned its members to stop being used by politicians to attack opponents as 2015 polls draws nearer.

The statement further faulted the verbal attack of factional NANS President, Ali Wali, against Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, over alleged corruption levelled against his two sons by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,

EFCC. “The attention of the National Association of Nigerian Students has been drawn to a publication by so called illegal faction of the association claiming to be duly elected after withdrawing from contest in Asaba, Delta State capital. One Ali Wali who withdrew from the contest is parading himself now as elected president,” the statement said.

“It is regrettable to note that Honourable Minister of Education is backing and financing an illegal faction of NANS for some unknown reasons.

Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

Shekarau

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology said “the State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been tested to its very foundation; Our commitment to democratic ethos and party discipline has also been put to test”.

While advising party members to remain focused, Akinlade said, “We might have been taunted severally but we must not be daunted. We must henceforth stop agonising about our short-comings and predicament but get organised for the good and sake of our people. Time to set forth is now!

News 10 PCN celebrates Mary Slessor’s centenary Eno-Obong Okon, Uyo

ÏÏÏThe Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Akwa Synod, is set to celebrate the centenary of the demise of Mary Slessor, who was known for stopping the killing of twins in the Calabar area and some other parts of Southern Nigeria during the colonial days.

Moderator of PCN, Akwa Synod, Rev. Moses Edem, told newsmen, in Uyo, on Saturday, that an average of 5,000 twins were expected at the ceremony which would run from January 13 - 18, 2015.

Edem regretted that in spite of what Slessor did and the strenuous efforts by the church to stop all forms of discrimination against twins in Akwa Ibom, many homes and communities, were still practising customs that are inimical to the survival the twins.

According to him, one of his relations, who got married to a minister of God, was rejected by her father because she gave birth to twins.

“Whenever the daughter wanted to visit her mother and her siblings, she would go to her mother’s compound and send messages to them,” he said. He stated that at a point, when the man realized that twins were also children and gifts from God, he stopped the practice, and burnt those images he used to worship which forbade him from getting near to twins.

“This event will make people appreciate what sacrifice Mary Slessor made to save twins from being killed in Akwa Ibom; Cross River; Abia, and Ebonyi states.

Youth group advocates quality leadership

Daily Times Nigeria Monday January 12, 2015

Ekiti police prepare for Jonathan, Buhari campaigns Gbenga Sodeinde

ÏÏÏAhead of the scheduled visit of President Goodluck Jonathan, and General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) and their campaign teams to Ekiti State, on Tuesday, January 13, and Wednesday, January 14, respectively, the state

Police command has put in place comprehensive security arrangements, in partnership with sister security agencies to ensure that the visits are successful and hitch-free.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Victor Babayemi, said, in a press statement: “ Con-

sequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Taiwo Lakanu fdc, appeals to political leaders, their supporters and members of the public to co-operate and assist security agencies by conducting themselves in an orderly manner. They should conduct themselves within the

confines of the law, in order to ensure hitch free rallies by the two presidential candidates. “ There will be diversion of traffic at the following places; Little by Little Junction, Ijigbo Roundabout, Atikankan Area, Oke Ese/Okesa/ Ereguru Roundabout,

Okeyinmi/First Bank Roundabout, Post Office Roundabout and Dallimore Junction. Road users are, therefore, enjoined to make use of alternative routes between 0600 hours and 1800hours on the days that the two presidential candidates will be visiting the state.”

Ondo PDP sets up truce committee Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏThe Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up an eight-man reconciliation committee with a view to bringing back all aggrieved members of the party.

Daily Times correspondent gathered that the committee is headed by the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Alli Olanusi.

Other members of the committee include: Mrs. Aduke Olugboja, Chief Dele Akinyele, Dr. Gbakinro Lucas, Chief Leke Olokungboye, Dr. Ibukun Omotehinse, Otunba Alex Akinnadeju and Chief F.K Williams.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko said on Sunday that the committee had the right to co-opt any member of the party that can assist in the task of achieving its goal.

Mimiko said that the settling up of the committee is for unification of the old Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, to boost the chance of the mega PDP in the forthcoming general election.

Ibrahim Momohjimoh, Lokoja

ÏÏÏThe Dean, School of Post Graduate Studies, Nigeria Defence Academy

Cross section of invited guests, Lagos State Executive Council and House of Assembly members and other stakeholders during the signing of the Year 2015 Budget into law at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday. INSET: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (middle) signing the Year 2015 Budget into law. With him are: His Deputy, Hon. (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (2nd right), Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ben Akabueze (2nd left) his Finance counterpart, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi (right) and Lagos State House of Assembly member, Hon. Hodewu Suru Avoseh (left).

APC is a threat to PDP – Jonathan campaigner Augustine Aminu

Jonathan

ÏÏÏPresident Goodluck Jonathan’s chief campaigner, in Kaduna State, Alhaji Hassan Jalo, has confessed that the All Progressives Congress APC is a big threat to the ruling party in the upcoming February general elections.

But, Jallo identified those he described as ‘Abuja politicians’ as the problem of the party, and that the PDP might fail, if it continues to rely on the empty promises of the Abuja politicians whom he said cannot decide who wins the presidential

elections.

Jalo told journalists, yesterday, that the PDP can change its game plan and come out victorious in the 2015 elections, if only its top decision-makers go back to the drawing board and the grassroots to mobilize for supports instead of relying on the Abuja politicians.

He added that the PDP and Jonathan would win and retain its presidential seat beyond 2015, if only they do away with Abuja politicians, who boast of winning elections for the party in some states to during the forthcoming general elections.

Said he: “The PDP will fail if it relies on Abuja politicians, because they cannot decide who wins the presidential elections.

“The party must go back to the drawing board and grassroots for it to come out victorious in the 2015 elections. People are defecting in mass from PDP in the grassroots.

“People close to Jonathan are not telling him the truth.

The PDP is faced with a serious problem. It should go back to the drawing board to help matters, in place of relying on the Abuja politicians.

(NDA) Kaduna, Professor Adams Abere, has identified lack of ethical values as the major problem militating against the growth and development of Ebira ethnic group of Kogi State.

In a key note address, at the 12th edition of Ebira National Youth Summit, over the weekend, in Okene, the headquarters of Central Senatorial district of the state, Abere said until

Ebira- speaking people resolved to go embrace, anew, age-long ethical values of hard work, courageous virtue, vitality among others, Ebira nation may continue to dwell in a perpetual de-

cline in both infrastructure and human capital development.

Abere, who also blamed the current backwardness of the land on the crops of politicians from the area.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday January 12, 2015

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje (left), and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko during the fund raising for Agbaje’s campaign in Lagos at the weekend.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

NDF decries terrorists’ endorsement of Buhari Augustine Aminu

ÏÏÏThe National Democratic Front (NDF) has decried the recent endorsement of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) by terrorist groups, saying that it sends a bad signal about Nigeria to the international community and capable of destroying the moral fabrics of our true African spirit of honour.

A statement issued by the front’s National President, Comrade Philip Agbese, in Abuja on Sunday, said such endorsements, coming at a time when the whole world is united in condemning

and fighting terror groups, have the potential to paint Nigeria as a country that engages in wholesale sponsorship of terrorism.

According to him, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and Boko Haram are two of a kind, who don’t good agenda for the wellbeing of the masses of this country and should not be contemplated in any discourse regarding our democracy and national development at any point in time.

“It is worrisome that the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta came out to openly endorse Buhari and he did not dis-

Buhari tance himself from them within minutes. Even if he wants to claim not to give any credence to the action of the group which, ordinarily, should not be in existence anymore, the stridency with which MEND continued to market the said endorsement is enough incentive for the APC candidate to repudiate

their offer of support,” the statement observed.

“This is a group whose existing members, who did not embrace the federal government’s offer of amnesty, should be on trial for crimes against the country.

“Buhari’s refusal to disown MEND thus became more puzzling as he continues to maintain silence, which strongly suggests acquiescence, even in the face of denouncements from genuine stakeholders in the Niger Delta, including President Goodluck Jonathan, who advised him not to set stock on the endorsement from the murderous group.

Crisis rocks Ekiti NUT ÏÏÏCrisis of suspicion and power game is now brewing among Ekiti teachers, as the Nigeria Union of Teachers has called on Governor Ayodele Fayose to proscribe a rival group, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) for allegedly operating illegally in the state.

In a petition dated January 7, 2015 and addressed to the governor, the body claimed that ASUSS was never a registered trade union and should be derecognized to prevent a breach of constitution.

The petition, entitled: ‘Illegal Collection of CheckOff Dues by ASUSS, a Teachers’ Association

not Registered as a Trade Union’, was signed

by NUT Chairman in the State, Com. Samuel Akosile.

Attached to the petition were NUT’s certificate of incorporation dated 1931, a letter dated October 5, 2007 and signed by the Registrar of Trade Unions in the Federal Ministry of Labour, Mr. I. A. Fagbemi, confirming

Fashola commissions school, 8.5km road in Edo Titus Eguaoje, Benin

ÏÏÏGovernor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has commissioned the newly reconstructed 11 blocks of 33 classrooms and staff offices at Payne Primary School in Benin City, and the Amedokhian-Ugboha road traversing two local government areas in Edo Central.

Speaking at the commissioning of the projects on Friday, as part of activities to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the government of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Fashola said “Today I’m very proud and pleased to be here because, as I drove round the city, I saw remarkable developments in roads infrastructure that have taken place here.

“I saw the expanded Dawson, Akpakpava, Sapele, Airport and the New Lagos roads. There are lots more that I am yet to see, but why are roads important? They are the link to our civilization. Without roads, market women cannot get to the market. Without roads, customers cannot get to the market. Without roads, the

Niger Primaries: PDP cautions Magaji from parading self as Assembly candidate Saka Bolaji, Minna

...As factional groups go to war over alleged illegal registration

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

11 News

that ASUSS is not registrable, and other documents as related to ASUSS’s proscription in Ogun and Oyo states over non-compliance with registration rules and guidelines, among others.

NUT appealed to Fayose to derecognize the body and refrain from inviting it to any meeting where issues relating to academic matters would be discussed.

ÏÏÏActing Chairman of Niger State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Umar Musa Ma’ali, has dissociated the state party from Usman Magaji, who is parading himself around as the PDP standard bearer in the just concluded primaries for the state’s House of Assembly.

The acting chairman, in a statement yesterday, said Magaji contested the primary for the Lapai membership of the House but was defeated by Hanatu

Fashola Children of Payne Primary School will not be able to get to school. Without roads, transporters will not have work. So, a government that recognizes this understands how to manage an economy,” Fashola observed.

The Lagos State governor commended his Edo State counterpart for having the mind, the heart and the right team, stressing that besides opening economic activities in all the areas in the state with roads, the rebuilding of schools infrastructure is the right thing to do. “Roads will come and go, but the most important resource is the human resource. We must develop them mentally and physically and this is the role that education plays.”

Jibrin Salihu. He said the process was keenly monitored and observers within and outside the Niger State chapter of the party, including party agents from all aspirants, confirmed that the process was indeed flawless.

He said Magaji must stop henceforth from parading himself as winner of the primary to avoid stiff disciplinary action from the party. He said the party will not tolerate back-door result fabricated by persons who do not wish the state well.

He also lampooned Jacob Gana, a member of the state’s House of Assembly who secured a back-door candidacy an aspirant, despite losing to Sule A. Yakubu. He said the action of the party members and their helpers is condemnable and anti-party, since it is capable of unsettling the peaceful relationship that exists in the ranks of party members in the state.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Poisoned beer kills 52 in Mozambique ÏÏÏContaminated

traditional beer has killed 52 people in Mozambique, health authorities in the southern African country said yesterday.

An additional 51 people were admitted to hospitals in the Chitima and Songo districts in the northeastern Tete province, and 146 more people have reported to hospitals to be examined for the poisoning, district health official Alex Albertini told Radio Mozambique.

Those who drank the contaminated brew were attending a fu-

neral in the region on Saturday, Albertini said.

Pombe, a traditional Mozambican beer, is made from millet or corn flour. Authorities believe that the drink was poisoned with crocodile bile during the course of the funeral.

Blood and traditional beer samples were being sent to the capital Maputo to be tested, said provincial health director Carle Mosse.

“We don’t have the capacity to test the samples,” she told Radio Mozambique.

Mourners who drank the beer in the morning reported no illness, while those who drank the beer in the afternoon, fell ill, authorities said. They believe the beer must have been poisoned while funeral goers were at the cemetery.

The woman who brewed the beer is also among the dead.

Police are investigating the incident.

Health authorities have begun collecting food parcels and other items for donation to the affected families.

Al-Bashir launches re-election bid

Omar al-Bashir

ÏÏÏSudan’s President Omar al-

Bashir launched his bid for reelection yesterday, facing little threat to his quarter century in power despite an ailing economy, multiple insurgencies and allegations of war crimes.

Bashir’s supporters view him as a strong hand capable of holding the chaotic country together, while his opponents are hounded by the security forces, marginalised inside Sudan and riven by

personal rivalries.

It is unclear whether anyone will challenge Bashir to lead the country of nearly 39 million people that covers an area almost onefifth the size of the United States.

Formal applications to register for the April 13 vote opened Sunday, and the electoral commission said it had received Bashir’s nomination.

The opposition looks set to boycott the vote, with Mariam al-

Mahdi, deputy leader of the Umma Party, sharply criticising the move and saying her party would not take part in the April election.

“We believe it is a total waste not only of the time and resources of Sudan but also the hopes of the people,” she told AFP by telephone.

The opposition also boycotted elections in 2010, the first contested vote since Bashir seized power in a 1989 coup.

In 2010, opposition leaders accused the president’s loyalists of rigging ballots.

But Bashir has proven to be a political survivor.

Since 2009, the 71-year-old incumbent has defied an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in the nearly 12-yearold conflict in Sudan’s western Darfur region.

In 2011, he oversaw a separation from South Sudan, after it voted to split following a 22year civil war.

The president hinted last year he might not stand for re-election, raising fears of a succession struggle within his ruling National Congress Party, but in October, the NCP announced he would seek another term.

“Bashir is in a strong position internally within government,” said Ahmed Soliman, Horn of Africa research assistant at Chatham House.

Cameroon lawmakers demand improved anti-Boko Haram strategy ÏÏÏCameroon

lawmakers will demand that President Paul Biya’s government outline a detailed security plan to prevent the frequent attacks on civilians by the Nigeria-based Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

Member of Parliament Joseph Banadzem says the demand will be made when the legislature reconvenes in March.

Banadzem expressed concern that the administration in Yaoundé might divert funds currently earmarked for development projects aimed at supporting security agencies fighting Boko Haram.

“When we come back in March we have to raise it because it is great concern for all Cameroonians and particularly for elected officials,” said Joseph Banadzem.

“We are insisting that we need to do a little bit more in order to tackle the issue of Boko Haram,” said Banadzem. “We have been pressing our government to get all the stakeholders onboard and involve every person who can give information, who can act in a way that our activities should be fruitful.”Banadzem said lack of infrastructure in parts of the country’s north could hamper security agencies’ ability to respond rapidly to attacks by Boko Haram

in nearby villages.

“We think that it is time to really get on to develop the area by constructing roads by doing things which should bring the population closer to each other and the way our reaction would be faster than what we have at the moment,” said Banadzem.

President Biya recently ordered air strikes against Boko Haram positions. The strikes killed some militants. Ruling party supporters say an increased troop presence along Cameroon’s border with Nigeria shows the government’s commitment to protect citizens.

But Banadzem said there is

Biya

Libya’s factions agree to new talks in Geneva ÏÏÏLibya’s factions have agreed

to a new round of U.N.-backed negotiations to attempt to end the conflict destabilizing the North African country three years after Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in a civil war.

The meeting, announced after United Nations envoy Bernardino Leon met rival parties in Libya, will take place this week in Geneva, the U.N. mission said in a statement on Saturday.

Libya has slipped deeper into division since the August 2011 overthrow of Gaddafi, with two opposing governments and two parliaments, each backed by competing groups of heavily armed former rebel fighters.

“In order to create a conducive environment for the dialogue, Special Representative Leon has proposed to the parties to the

conflict a freeze in military operations for a few days,” the U.N. said.

The statement did not make clear who would attend the talks or give an exact date. But it said the meeting would seek to address the formation of a unity government, drafting a new constitution and ending of hostilities.

Abdulqader Hwaili, a member of the parliament in Tripoli, told Reuters the Geneva talks would not be direct. But they would include members of the rival Tripoli parliament and elected House of Representatives, as well as from the two armed forces of Libya Dawn and Operation Dignity. “The talks in Geneva will be indirect because the two sides do not recognise each other,” he said. “If there will be chance to hold direct talks that will depend on the first round.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

13 World Oil tanker crashes, kills 59 in Pakistan ÏÏÏAuthorities in Pakistan say

French President Francois Hollande (R) speaks with Jewish central Consistory President Joel Mergui

World leaders march in Paris to honour attack victims ÏÏÏDozens

of world leaders including Muslim and Jewish statesmen joined hundreds of thousands of French citizens marching in Paris amid high security yesterday in an unprecedented tribute to victims of last week’s Islamist militant attacks.

President Francois Hollande and leaders from Germany, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Britain and the Palestinian territories among others, moved off from the central Place de la Republique ahead of a sea of French and other flags. Giant letters attached to a statue in the square spelt out the word Pourquoi?” (Why?) and small groups sang the “La Marseillaise” national anthem.

Some 2,200 police and soldiers

patrolled Paris streets to protect marchers from would-be attackers, with police snipers on rooftops and plain-clothes detectives mingling with the crowd. City sewers were searched ahead of the vigil and underground train stations around the march route are due to be closed down.

The silent march - which may prove the largest seen in modern times through Paris - reflects shock over the worst militant Islamist assault on a European city in nine years. For France, it raised questions of free speech, religion and security, and beyond French frontiers it exposed the vulnerability of states to urban attacks.

“Paris is today the capital of the

world. Our entire country will rise up and show its best side,” said Hollande in a statement.

People gather to place candles, flowers and pencils, as they continue to pay tribute to the shooting …

17 people, including journalists and police, were killed in three days of violence that began with a shooting attack on the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday and ended with a hostage-taking at a Jewish deli in which four hostages were killed.

Overnight, an illuminated sign on the Arc de Triomphe read: “Paris est Charlie” (“Paris is Charlie”).

A video emerged featuring a man resembling the gunman killed

EU ministers discuss Ukraine crisis in Berlin ÏÏÏThe

foreign ministers of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine will meet in Berlin on Monday to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine and the implementation of the Minsk peace plan, Germany said on Friday.

The ministers held a telephone conference and agreed to see each other on Monday to continue their efforts at resolving the

crisis, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

“On Monday, we want to make another attempt to overcome the obstacles,” Steinmeier said.

“But it’s still a long and bumpy road before the Minsk agreement is fully implemented.”

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko invited the leaders of Russia, France and Germany to talks in Kazakhstan’s capital As-

tana on Jan. 15 in an attempt to restore peace.

However, Germany and France have raised doubts on whether such a four-way summit can take place without further progress on the Minsk peace plan, which was agreed in September.

On Thursday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said all 12 points in the protocol had to be fully implemented before the EU could con-

in the kosher deli. He pledged allegiance to the Islamic State insurgent group and urged French Muslims to follow his example.

A French anti-terrorist police source confirmed it was the killer, Amedy Coulibaly, speaking before the action.

“We’re not going to let a little gang of hoodlums run our lives,” said Fanny Appelbaum, 75, who said she lost two sisters and a brother in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz. “Today, we are all one.”

Zakaria Moumni, a 34-year-old Franco-Moroccan draped in the French flag, agreed: “I am here to show the terrorists they have not won - it is bringing people together of all religions.”

sider easing sanctions against Russia.

The talks in Berlin on Monday would prepare for “a possible meeting at the highest level”, Ukraine Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said on the fringes of a meeting of the Christian Social Union (CSU) -- sister party to Merkel’s conservatives.

“What counts is a result and what we understand as a result is an effective ceasefire and the complete implementation of the Minsk agreement,” Klimkin said.

an oil tanker apparently speeding in the wrong direction struck a passenger bus head-on early Sunday, killing at least 57 people near the southern port city of Karachi.

A senior police official said the collision occurred along a stretch of bad road, engulfing both vehicles in flames on impact. The victims included women and children, most of them burned beyond recognition. Officials say the death toll could rise.

Authorities say a few people escaped the inferno by jumping out of bus windows.

It also quotes a doctor at a Karachi hospital as saying the death toll may rise.

Pakistan is notorious for fatal traffic accidents with many of them attributed to poor roads, reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles.

Sunday, television footage showed live scenes of the crash site with rescue workers evacuating bodies and survivors from the wreckage.

HRW urges probe into Yemen separatist killing ÏÏÏHuman Rights Watch on Sun-

day urged the Yemeni government to “credibly” investigate the killing of a prominent southern separatist while he was being arrested during a protest.

Khaled al-Junaidi, a well-known figure in the Southern Movement, was shot in the chest when security forces opened fire while trying to arrest him on December 15, activists told AFP at the time.

“Yemeni authorities should credibly and impartially investigate the apparent extrajudicial execution of a leading political activist,” New York-based HRW said in a statement.HRW noted that authorities had announced the establishment of a committee to investigate the killing but pointed out that no arrests had been made. “The Yemeni government has an abysmal record of holding security force members accountable for serious rights abuses,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at HRW.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

2015: The genuine fear of violence

T

Godwin Onyeacholem

here can be no better expression of apprehension over the 2015 elections than the spontaneous groundswell of agitation for violence-free balloting by many prominent as well as obscure Nigerians. Perhaps, given the palpable fear of explosive conflict that the unquestionably zerosum election might generate, it is just as well that a strong, fullstrength case be made for avoiding violence in order to avert a potentially disintegrating state of affairs in the polity.

But as carefully observed, two distinct submissions can be gleaned from the multi-strata interventions in this instance: first, there is the disingenuous and seemingly conspiratorial contention that regardless of what happens, violence must be avoided; then there is the more upfront, decisive take urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to live up to its name as an, un-

biased body and for the federal government (read the ruling party) to refrain from using its might to manipulate the process to its advantage.

Take note that the first submission, unlike the second, hugs the reluctance to take into account the way human beings are likely to respond in the face of obvious cheating. It is saying that even if INEC is seen to be undermining the party you support, and the federal government uses security agents to brutalise opposition party agents and supporters to ensure the ruling party retains power, simply fold your arms and walk away from the polling booths. And if an offended political party feels strongly about the way the whole process was openly skewed in favour of those who now control power at the centre, it should just shut up and quietly head for the courts!

Let no one be deceived. The All Progressives Congress (APC), and their members must bear in mind this grim forecast: in spite of all the preachments,

hope and prayer from all quarters, the 2015 election will not be free, fair, credible and transparent given the unparalleled high stakes surrounding it. In other words, the election everyone is feverishly looking forward to will be rigged outright, and without any feeling of regret. The party at the heart of the rigging will be no less than the so-called largest party in Africa. And if the PDP wins, it is fairly certain that it will not be long before the APC begins to crumble, thus signaling the end of any effective opposition in the system.

However, with its popularity currently going down, the PDP, as it had done in the past, will use all the security agencies under its control to its advantage. The army, police and state security service operatives will provide cover and their supporters to perpetrate all kinds of electoral fraud. Where necessary, they will use violence. When this happens, you can guess how APC supporters will react. Though President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to organise free

and fair elections, the rhetoric of some top officials of his party contradicts him. Theirs favour the “do-or-die” stance of the Obasanjo era. In any case, it’s not the duty of Jonathan to promise and commit to credible elections. That is the responsibility of the INEC boss Professor Attahiru Jega. Jonathan is a player in the game, so like other players, the least he can do is to promise to abide by the rules as spelt out by INEC. Unfortunately, INEC itself cannot be trusted to be totally neutral in the conduct of the election. The Commission’s onesided role in the 2011 elections is still fresh. That INEC, in many ways, helped the PDP achieve victory in the last election is not in doubt. Still, Jega has continued to carry on like voters that he will be impartial this time.

The Commission’s distribution of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) in some states has been sloppy at best. Inspite of his promises, there are increasing signs that many voters will be disenfranchised.

Boko Haram: What if the commander is a saboteur?

I

Tochukwu Ezukanma

was recently a guest on a radio talk show. I was to discuss the Nigerian government’s inability, thus far, to contain and defeat the Boko Haram.

At one point, the talk show host asked my opinion on the court marshal of mutinous Nigerian soldiers that heckled their divisional commander and shot at him.

My opinion is that the court marshal that sentenced them to death was appropriate. A number of my listeners that called disagreed with me. They argued that due to the circumstances that provoked the mutiny, the military hierarchy should be lenient with the mutineers. To me, no special circumstance invalidates the need for them to be punished with becoming severity.

A Nigerian army general was once quoted as saying that, “if I am ordered to shoot (and kill) my father, I will shoot him as a soldier, and then, return home and bury him as a son”. There is something dreadfully weird about a man that shoots his father, and then, goes home and buries him.

For he shot his father, not in the

thrall of hate, fit of lunacy or flush of delirium, and not due to lack of a sense of filial commitment and responsibility or disdain for tradition and societal expectations, but in obedience to an order. Is it not evident that in obeying orders, his actions are totally devoid of reason, emotions and sentiments?

Having lost its patients with protesting students that had, for months, occupied Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the Chinese government ordered soldiers to forcibly eject them. As the soldiers advanced towards them, an elderly woman knelt down before one of the soldiers, pleading not to shoot at the students. He shot her in the head, and moved on.

To a crowd of on lookers, it was outrageous: mindless, heartless murder of an innocuous woman.

However, to the soldier, he did nothing wrong. He was ordered to attack the students and anything that stood in his way was an impediment.

A man is a soldier not because he is proficient in the use of guns and bayonets, and is armed and outfitted with a military uniform, but because he has been drilled

into obeying orders unquestioningly? The word infantry evolved from the French word for “child” because of the child-like compliance instilled in troops. And without this blind obedience to orders, no army can exist, as it cannot be a disciplined force but a band of uniformed and armed thugs.

So, when those soldiers at the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri scoffed and shot at their divisional commander, Major General Ahmadu Mohammed, they were in gross violations of military conventions and ethics.

A man that taunted his commander is not a soldier. He is, at the very best, a ruffian.

Undoubtedly, the Nigerian military, like every other Nigerian institution is in a bog of ineptitude and graft. Not surprisingly, there are disquieting reports of corruption and inefficiency amongst the officers. Consequently, troops are not paid their allowances and those in the battle field are denied adequate arms, ammunition and ration. And in fierce battles with terrorists, they are also sometimes denied back-up, reinforcements and air

support. In addition, there are allegations that some officers are saboteurs, thus sabotaging the troops in their operations against Boko Haram.

The “peculiar environment and circumstances” that provoked the mutiny and should necessitate clemency for the mutineers were that they were on a secret mission and were ambushed by the insurgents. Due to the secrecy of the operation, they suspected saboteurs must have tipped off the insurgents.

Inherent in their behaviours is a delirious notion that they reserve the right to suspect, arraign and sentence the divisional commander. Usually, most soldiers may not always understand the strategic doctrine of the military high command and the strategic and tactical plans of their officers.

So, irrespective of the limitations and supposed blunders and crimes of the commander, men under his command still must obey him without demur. It is in the purview of the commander’s superior officers, and not men under his command, to adjudicate him and penalise him, if need be.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

15 Opinion

Born again vehicles, burn again drivers

T Tayo Ogunbiyi

hey are common sights on major roads across the country. They are vehicles with divine messages of hope, faith, righteousness, piety, patience, love and fairness. The messages are printed in such colourful and attractive fashion that easily attracts curious attention. At first, the general presumption of such vehicles is that, with such unambiguous godly messages, the drivers should be heavenly bound men or women who are just marking time in this sinful world of the mortals. Experience has, however, shown that drivers, and sometimes, occupiers of such vehicles, often act in manners that make nonsense of the messages being conveyed by their vehicles. Sometimes, drivers of the piously embed vehicles drive in such reckless, disorderly and ungodly fashion that make one wonders if they actually know anything about the God.

This, of course, is the tragedy of our nation. The scenario painted above isn’t restricted to vehicles and roads alone. Metaphorical representations of such vehicles and drivers abound in every facet of our national life.

They are everywhere. They occupy high places at the corridor of power. They hold high offices in religious circles. They occupy strategic positions in the education sector. They even operate within the various national security outfits. These are men to whom talk is cheap. They are men who don’t act what they preach. They are men of two parallel worlds. In the inside, they are snakes. But, they pretend to be doves at the outside. Hypocrisy is their stock in trade, deception their trademark. They sing the national anthem with pride; recite the pledge with relish, but stab the nation in the back at the slightest prospect.

As a nation, we have not made much progress due to our hypocritical and deceitful inclina-

tions. At their inaugurations, our leaders often swear by the holy books to uphold the constitution and operate in the fear of God. With stories of several billions of naira either missing or being misappropriated, over the years, one wonders if our leaders actually believe in the sacredness of their oath of office. It is amazing how we play fools with God. Whom do we actually take God for? A dumb deity who see nothing and hear nothing?

We have turned deception into an art. We claim ours is a constitutional democracy but in all honesty we operate a system that promotes injustice. While some hapless citizens rot in prison for offences considered trivial, many who should have been forgotten in jail remain strategically positioned at the corridor of power determining the fate of millions of their ill-fated compatriots.

This, of course, has been the unfortunate tale of our country.

Unfortunately, the hypocritical bug has gotten to hitherto

revered religious institutions where, naturally, one should expect a reasonable measure of godliness. Today, we have prophets, seers and clerics, of all shades, who desecrate the name and altar of God, like the biblical Esau, for a pot of porridge.

The altar of God is now being corrupted by those who claim to know God but whose god is actually mammon. The traditional institution is not equally faring better. We have monarchs, who occupy sacred ancestral thrones, but carry themselves in manners that would actually incur the rage of the gods. We complain of bad leadership, but we are partially responsible for what some of our leaders do. Is it not amusing that people place curses on their relations for upholding integrity and honesty while holding political offices. This is, to some extent, why some of our compatriots could compromise their electoral preference for a paltry sum as low as a thousand naira.

Is Jonathan really clueless?

I

Aloy Ejimakor

n addition to the clamour for ‘change’, the next big thing arrayed against Jonathan by his traducers is the looming notion that he is a ‘clueless’ President. In whispering campaigns and in the open, those purveying such theory continually reel out so many reasons to prove that the President is in fact clueless. So, now let us, in seriatim, rehash some of those reasons and consider whether they can support the sing-song of being a clueless President.

One, on the war against terrorists, they blame him for his studied approach, proclivity for minimum use of force and patience with some people that are speculated to be closet fundamentalists.

Now, for us to determine whether that makes Jonathan clueless, it is only fair to compare and contrast him with how past Presidents handled terrorism or similar acts of violence by non-state actors.

Beginning with Obasanjo, he handled his by destroying Zaki Biam and Odi. In the rest of the Niger Delta, he deployed troops and war ordnance, as well as detaining many militant leaders.

Yet, till today, vast majority of Nigerians and the international

community still condemn Obasanjo for the excessive use of force in those places. You might add that such deployment of force never quelled militancy in the Niger Delta until Yar’Adua took office and solved it with amnesty, and without firing a shot. Jonathan is fighting terrorism today, and signaling that he is also willing to talk with the insurgents. They say that makes him clueless. But was Yar’Adua clueless in toeing the path of amnesty?

Two, regarding some politicallysensitive appointments like Defense, NSA, Police, EFCC; they say that the President is clueless for appointing Northerners or Muslims to head those offices. They say he should have appointed his kinsmen or southerners. But is that the type of spirit Nigerians really want in their President?

Didn’t some previous rulers draw some fire for tending to favour their own ethnic groups and religious faith? And example that stands out most is Buhari-Idiagbon Muslim-Muslim, North-North regime, which contributed to their fall from power. Is Obama clueless for not forming a black-dominated cabinet after becoming the first black President of America?

Three, on Jonathan’s national

development agenda, it is said he is clueless for revamping the railways, starting almajiri schools, and other initiatives that favoured the North. They insist the President should rather ‘punish’ the North for being the locale of terrorists and for widespread notion that the region had ruled the nation most. When you think of this, one wonders why Buhari

They say that makes him clueless. But was Yar’Adua clueless in toeing the path of amnesty? is also being severely criticised for favouring the far North most when he was boss of PTF. What a contradiction?

Four, is the accusation of Jonathan’ being soft against his opponents. Those calling him clueless say he refused to move aggressively against people like

Governor Rotimi Amaechi Rivers State who has been fighting him.

Some have even waxed nostalgic for the Obasanjo era of impeachment gale. Yet, is it not the same regime of impeachments that the Supreme Court struck down?

Have we forgotten so soon that the single dent on Ribadu’s otherwise reputation is the belief that he allowed Obasanjo to use the EFCC for political witch hunts?

Fifth, is accusation of his seeming disposition for lacking gift of the gab? They say his command of the English language is not excellent, especially while reading out prepared speeches. Then, one wonders of the performance of some of our past leaders and their command of the English language. The late Gen. Sani Abacha, hardly pronounced any English word correctly. Watching Muhammadu Buhari ,you also realise he struggles to pronounce any English word correctly. In America, former President George Bush, (jnr) was not reputed as a gifted orator, yet he won the presidency twice. One of the world’s greatest orators, Adolf Hitler, used his gift to drive the whole world to a costly war, to spread rabid hate and nearly brought the total extermination of the Jews.

16

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Features

17

s

Call it Okrika, Bend Down Boutique, whatever. Here, unfortunately, is the most popular market for the Lagos poor...

Katangowa: Lagos paradise of second-hand clothes Page 18

A sickle cell patient on treatment

Hepatitis ravages Boko Haram transit camp Daniel Jolly, Bauchi

Mrs Hannatu James, from Atagara, Gwoza

As insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria continues unabated, the number of people rendered homeless escalates everyday with over 28,000 refugees in Cameroun and some internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bauchi, Yola, Taraba, Numan, Jos Karu and Abuja.

A visit by Daily Times to an IDP camp, set up by Stefano’s Foundation for the resettlement of most vulnerable families showed that many people in the camp have been diagnosed to be hypertensive, 40 are Hepatitis B positive, while some of the children have pneumonia.

Camp Director, Pastor Mancha Darong told Daily Times that the

camp was barely two months in operation, with over 186 Internally Displace Persons (IDPs) from the Northern part of the country.

He added that there were other camps in Kabar, Nassarawa State with 1,373 IDPs and Vom, Kerang, Mangu, in Niger State.

He explained that some of the IDPs, including men, women and children have been integrated

into the host communities.

Darong enumerated some of the challenges in the camp to include poor health and insecurity adding that some of the people in the camp were hypertensive due to trauma while some were suffering pneumonia due to cold.

According to him, “about 40 CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Features 18 Call it Okrika, Bend down, Boutique or whatever you like; Katangowa market is the most popular second-hand clothes market in the outskirts of Lagos.

There you can find different grades and shapes of used items. JOY EKEKE takes you to the world of Okrika in Katangowa.

Katangowa Road in Agbado/ Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos buzzes with activities. Beyond this, it wears no spectacular appeal.

Walking down the road, there is no signpost to announce the existence of a growing enterprise. But an interesting cloth business, now attracting customers from far and near, booms there.

Around Abule Egba and environs, the place is known as the Katangowa Market, an Hausa name derived from its peculiar sale of second-hand clothes.

Buyers besiege the market from several parts of the country, even from outside Nigeria to shop for rare cloths. A walk deep into the busy market is like walking into a choking embrace of clothes. Many people from the middle-class to the working-class prefer to buy the second-hand clothes which they call “Okrika”, some call it Bend down select”, while some call it “Wash and Wear”.

No matter how downgrading the names, the bottom line is that the business of secondhand clothes across the nation will continue to thrive and remain a major source of livelihood to many households.

In most cities of the country, the second-hand clothes which are termed “contraband” by the government are imported from different countries like the United Kingdom, United States, CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Katangowa is masses-friendly

Okirika sellers on business of the day

‘Living in harsh weather compounds our CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

people are Hepatitis B positive, with the Foundation doing everything possible to see that those affected get treated. Most of the children coming into the camp are malnourished, due to their inability to settle down for over two years, presently the foundation is making efforts to buy nutritional food to build them up”, while lamenting the death of a child on December 14, 2014 due to malnutrition.

“We want to start a camp school so as to give them good educa-

tion but our major handicap is adequate finance, but we will surely start it this year. Other problems include inadequate security, these people have never received anything from National Emergency Management Agency or the state counterpart” while he commended about 70 individuals and churches that donated relief materials to the IDPs. Some of the IDPs narrate their ordeals to Daily Times: With bandages on his body at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where he is receiving

treatment, 17-year old Shedrach Daniel has every reason to thank God for sparing his life. Three months ago, the teenager was almost killed by the Boko Haram insurgents, who shot him at close range.

The teenager’s first experience of pain was in August, last year, when he broke his leg in Lagos and was taken to a traditional doctor in Michika, Adamawa State by his mother.

“My second sad experience was in October, last year, when, while sleeping inside the room, I escaped the Boko Haram insur-

gents’ bullets when they attacked our settlement in an early morning attack. They came into the town shooting anybody in sight, looting houses and setting them ablaze. The traditional doctor and my relations, who were with us ran into our room, where we were now 16 in number, we were informed that the insurgents had attacked the town, we quickly decided that those who could manage to walk, the doctor and the girls looking after us should run so that they won’t be abducted by the insurgents but my mother refused to run and decided to stay

with me.

“After a while, the insurgents got to our compound, searching the rooms for valuables, then when they discovered that the door of the room, where I was with others, was locked, they tried to force it open, but could not. The leader then shouted “You people should open the door or we will use bomb to kill all of you”.

It was then that we agreed to open the door.

They rushed in and stood in front of us, I saw that they were fully armed with sophisticated guns. “One of them asked, “Who

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

19 Features

‘Lagos paradise of second-hand clothes’ “People keep saying Okrika cloth is not good because its second-hand, but when you wash the clothes with hot water and soap and you iron, it looks like brand new”

Okirika sellers in business CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Dubai, China, Korea and other European and Asian countries, through Cotonou in the Republic of Benin and Togo.

Items like undergarments, clothes, shoes, socks, bags, curtains, bedspreads, weave-on, used jewellery, especially different shades of female clothes like shirts, tops, skirts are in abundance in the market. Some are on hangers in different shapes of umbrellas, while some are in heaps on polythene materials spread on the ground along the roadside.

Abayomi Olalekan, a trader who sells used female shirts at Katangowa was yelling in the local language that most Lagosians understand, Pidgin English: “If you wear this shirt, you go get double promotion and your oga no go no you again”.

The silent lesson is that there isn’t much sense in wasting money and time buying clothes in boutiques because the same quality of clothes can be bought at Katangowa at much cheaper rates.

As a bonus, comic scenes would always leave a visitor roaring with laughter as he

struggles to meander his way through the milling crowd.

Chukwuemeka Oke, who sells female undergarment at the roadside, was engaged in a funny dance and shouting ‘’Buy ur bra here and if u no see ur size, u need deliverance’’ When DailyTimes asked him how much a particular bra cost, he said, “My dear, the bra na for just N150 because as u see me so, I won sell this one finish so I go go market for new grade.”

Altercations among customers jostling to buy these clothes are not infrequent.

As far as Blessing, a customer

is concerned, the second-hand cloth is not just for poor people; even the working- class people and the middle-class patronise the market.

“This is where I get my clothes when I am going back to school. I just budget N5, 000 and I get as many as I want and they are cheap.

“People keep saying Okrika cloth is not good because it’s second-hand, but when you wash the cloths with hot water and soap and you iron, it looks like brand new,’’ she said.

Adaeze Ugochukwu spoke in the same vein, “Before, I bought

two of us were trying to raise our heads, when my mother told us that they were still around and should lay quiet on the floor. Unfortunately, one of the insurgents, standing outside the door, spotted him and shouted, “This one is not dead”, immediately, one of them returned to the room and shot him in the forehead.

“When they left, my courageous mother ran out looking for any means of transportation to take me to the hospital. She trekked about 15 kilometres before she met a man who, on seeing her pitiable condition, decided to assist

her. I was lying in a pool of blood when they came back and rushed me to the Mubi general hospital.

“The nurses refused to attend to me saying there was no doctor, I was not even given first aid, because I have lost much blood and the bullet hole in my chest scared them the more. I said I had got to kiss the world good bye when all hope seems lost. I tried to remain strong. The pain was much that I didn’t think I would survive.

“The second day, I was taken to a private clinic, where the nurse told my mother that since I was still alive, he would dress the

my clothes in Oshodi or SuruAlaba, but then, my friend took me to Katangwu in 2013. Since then, I have been buying clothes from here.

“Most of my clothes are bought here, even my children Christmas cloths were bought here and I get good clothes depending on their market days.”

Market days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, that’s when you get good first-grade cloths, he said.

Ngozie Victor, came all the way from Ogun State:‘’I buy in bales and sell at retail price because it’s cheaper. I get a bale of female tops for N8,000 and when I get to my shop in Ota, I sell each top for N500, so my gain will be much more than buying in retail price here.

He added, “I buy the first grade and third grade then I mix them together because you find some clothes in the third grade that are finer than the second or first grade, so what I do is to mix them and then I get my profits.”

Some traders who expressed satisfaction over quick sales of clothes and shoes during the festive period told Daily Times how happy they are during Christmas periods.

Chidi Kenneth insisted that imported used clothes were of better quality than the new ones.

“A lot of people prefer to buy imported used clothes and shoes because they are of good quality; strong and not common, like the new ones you see everywhere.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

health challenges’ “The leader then shouted “You people should open the door or we will use bomb to kill all of you”

are the Christians and who are the Muslims? We all told them our religion and towns, 14 of us who were boys in the room were Christians but one of the 14 lied that he was a Muslim and an indigene of Michika. The leader of the insurgents then called in three boys who were indigenes and were with the insurgents to identify the boy since they know each other.

“They then started shooting the Christians one after the other, it came to my turn and one of them turned his gun on me and fired a shot that hit me in the chest and I fell. When they left the room,

wound before I was transported to the Federal Medical Centre, Yola .

On reaching there, there was no bed, wounded soldiers that were shot during the raid by the insurgents have taken all the beds.

It was at the specialist hospital, where I was, eventually, taken that I received medical attention.

Although, he walks around in crutches, he said, “I have forgiven those who tried to kill me because I am influenced by the Holy Bible.

That I’m alive today is by the grace of God”, Shedrach added.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Mother trekked 15km to save son’s life CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Boaz Ibrahim from Askira local government area of Borno State told Daily Times that the crisis affected his standard of living since he fled his home.

Ibrahim recounts that after the insurgents attacked Michika and Mubi in Adamawa State, “ours was the next place they attacked after sending warnings that anyone not in support of their war should leave the town.

“One evening, they stormed our area and told us that ‘if you don’t want to follow them or become a Muslim, we should leave and all the Christians in that area left en masse for the safety of our lives. They said if we joined them or become Muslims, they will spare us”.

According to him, on receiving the information, “we left immediately as any delay was suicidal. So I left with my wife and abandoned my farm and business, now I am jobless”, he concluded.

Another victim, Adamu Yohanna, a father of six children in the camp from Bokko town in Gwoza, recounts that his ordeal started on Thursday, August 24, 2014.

“We got information that Boko Haram insurgents were going to attack our area, but we did not panic, until on that fateful day

when we started hearing gunshots from afar, all the men in the town quickly gathered to decide what to do. In the process, a Muslim woman came from the direction of the gunshots and we asked her what was happening, she said: there are girls who just got married and they want to take them through Gava Village mountain to Gwoza town , and we became relaxed and decided to take our animals to the bush for grazing”.

He added that “all of a sudden, we saw about 70 motorcyclists firing guns sporadically, we ran in different directions shouting and alerting our people that Boko Haram insurgents were on rampage.

Those that ran through the main road were shot dead while those of us that ran to the mountain and into the cave survived the attack. “After two days in the cave, we took a bush path, without our women, to a border town in Republic of Cameroun where the village head received us”.

He explained that after settling down, some of them decided to send for their families to join them, saying the Cameroonian soldiers were being changed every fortnight around the border.

“We were living peacefully in Cameroun and every two weeks, they reshuffled the soldiers on pa-

“At a time, it was alleged that the new Cameroonian commander had collected a bribe from insurgents to attack us”

Boaz Ibrahim, from Askira, Borno State trol. At a time, it was alleged that the new Cameroonian commander had collected a bribe from insurgents to attack us. Before we could leave that town, they struck and we fled to Mazagu village, a Cameroonian village on the border with Nigeria. We had to leave Mazagu, due to cholera outbreak, for Nigeria with the help of the village head.

He laments that, presently, they are suffering due to the cold weather, because the rooms were too big, no matter how you cover yourself, the cold would get at you and this was dangerous to the

health of their children.

Another victim, Mrs. Hannatu James, a mother of two children from Atagara village in Gwoza said that the insurgents attacked her village in the morning, shooting anything in their sight. ”That day we ran in different directions, not knowing where my husband was, while my children were at home. Some people ran towards Cameroun and left us, but we managed to escape to my parents’ place in Gwoza town but the insurgents also attacked Gwoza, so we proceeded to Michika.

She added that they finally met

with her son in Michika except her husband who they only communicate with till date. While in Michika, they got information that the Boko Haram insurgents were going to attack, so they ran away to Yola that night while the insurgents attacked early in the morning the following day.

According to her, “From the beginning it was said that the insurgents don’t kill women, but the day they entered our village, they killed a woman, and they killed old women and held the young ones captive in their camps”. She added that they lost their loved ones, properties and farm produce to the insurgents.

They call on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to bring an end to the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents and restore peace to the troubled areas.

Darong’s desire is that someday “we will see a peaceful Nigeria where the driving force is not dictated by religion. Our Constitution will be treated with premium and our children will sing and act in peace and unity”.

Better life for low income earners...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Last year Christmas and New Year was wonderful, he said, because there were good sales of clothes from the children wears and adults. ‘’ I sold a lot of clothes last year and it was my first year of doing this business. Though Okrika clothes do not really have season, we sell very well during the festive period.”

Madam Grace Chigozie, who sells first-grade shoes beamed

a lovely smile when she spoke with DailyTimes about her last sales in 2014: “Last year, me self sell very well; even some of my customers come from Delta, come buy market for my shop and the people many well, well.

“As you can see, my shop is empty because I have not gone to Togo to get new shoes but I will be going this month. ‘’I just came to the market to dust my shop and feed my eyes.”

She said.

Emmanuel Israel buys in wholesales (bales) and goes back to Ijora Market to sell: “I love Christmas period because of the flood of customers to the market; even when the cloths are not fine you still see people that will buy them. The quality of the clothes however determines its price.

“Some buy to wear and some will clean and resell in their boutiques.”

According to Nnamd Orji, who sells bales of Okrika cloths

at Katangowa and brings the clothes from Contonu, customs officials usually disturbed them, sometimes impounding the goods. “So, at times when they seize our goods and we manage to get the goods with huge amount, we will put high price on the goods to break even and some customers will start complaining.

If katangowa was this busy on a normal day, you wonder how the market days will be like. You can find out easily.

“As you can see, my shop is empty because I have not gone to Togo to get new shoes but I will be going this month”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Politics Jimi Agbaje

Henry Omunu, Abuja Events in the House of Representatives since the last quarter of 2013 can be likened to the making of an epic and blockbuster movie.

Lawmakers in the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress, (APC) had availed Nigerians a sneak preview of the titanic battle that lies ahead in their attempt to retain or gain control of the lower chamber as the nation moves closer to the conduct of general elections in 2015.

The APC set the stage for the prologue of the drama portraying the tension and power play by various interest groups in the House of Representatives when on December 18, 2013, 37 aggrieved and repentant PDP lawmakers under the aegis of new PDP defected to the opposition APC. All parties in the legal struggle are still in court over the case.

Before this bold move which caught the national leadership of the ruling PDP unawares, it’s pertinent to recall that in 2011, at the inauguration of the seventh National Assembly, lawmakers of the major opposition parties in the House, comprising of the now defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, had teamed up and in collaboration with some PDP colleagues tore up the zoning arrangement of the PDP in the sharing of political offices at the national level.

This political ‘coup’ by this CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

LAGOS 2015 PDP, APC in war of words over senatorial seats

21

s In preparation towards the 2015 senatorial election in Lagos State, senatorial candidates of the two leading political parties: PDP and APC have started massive campaign to mobilise support for their ambition and the two parties are engaging in war of words to outsmart each other at the poll.

WALE ABIODUN writes.

As the 2015 elections draw nearer, the two leading political parties in Lagos States: Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) are leaving no stone unturned to outsmart each other at the poll as consultations and massive campaign are ongoing to actualise their ambition. Investigations reveal that one of the elections that will be keenly contested in Lagos State is senatorial election, while the two parties are parading array of top politicians and relatively unknown politicians as their senatorial candidates.

Since 1999, PDP has not been able to win senatorial election in Lagos State.

Concerning 2015 election, Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Ganiyu Taofik said: “2015 is a year of power shift in Lagos.” He added: “Society is dynamic. It is true that Lagosians have been voting for the AD, AC and ACN before but, the situation will change this year. No political bloc can domCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Titanic battle over control of House of Reps

Jonathan

Tambuwal

Delta: SDP scores Uduaghan high, backs Jonathan Idawene

Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Delta State, Hon Oke Idawene in this interview with journalists says SDP is the party to beat ahead of next

month’s general elections. According to him, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has done well, hence need for a worthy successor. BISOLA OYEWOLE was there. Ex-

cerpts: Virtually all the political parties in Delta State have elected their governorship candidates for next month’s

election, why is your party yet to pick a candidate?

We are taking the right steps to give Delta State the best.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Politics 22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Senatorial seats: PDP, APC at daggers-drawn in Lagos CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

inate the scene for too long. You will see the results of the senatorial election.”

But, his APC counterpart, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, said that the PDP is day dreaming in Lagos. He said Lagosians who are calling for power shift at the centre will not endorse the PDP at the state level.

“Lagosians and other Nigerians want President Jonathan and the PDP out in 2015. Do you think that these same people will now endorse a PDP senatorial candidate at the poll? The PDP is day dreaming in Lagos.

They will fail again in 2015,” Igbokwe maintained.

In the Central District, the PDP is roaring like a lion and strategising by the day to win the election. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former Lagos State First Lady and Founder of the New Era Foundation, is seeking re-election into the Senate on the platform of the APC. She will face a new challenger, Dr. Adegboyega Dosunmu, a failed PDP governorship candidate.

Dosunmu is an administrator.

He holds a doctorate degree in management. He worked in the civil service, rising to the position of the chief executive of one of the parastatals in the aviation sector. He became a politician in 2011, when he was drafted into the governorship race by the PDP leader, Commodore Olabode George (rtd).

Lagosians did not take him seriously. He lost the poll to Fashola.

In the West, House of Representatives member Hon. Adeola Olamilekan is the APC candidate. It will be an interesting battle between him and his 2011 challenger, Mr. Segun Adewale, an aggressive grassroots politician from Alimoso sub-zone, who is running on the platform of the PDP. In 2003, both politicians were members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

The battle for the East senatorial seat is between the former Permanent Secretary, Senator

Gbenga Ashafa, and a relatively unknown woman politician from Kosofe area, Mrs. Olabisi Owolabi Salis-Fakos, wife of the veteran PDP governorship aspirant, Owolabi Salis, a lawyer and financial expert.

Lagos East PDP senatorial candidate, Yeye Olabisi Salis Fakos said in an interview that her entrance into politics was not borne out of hunger or joblessness, rather her passion for the masses along with the political activism of her husband, Otunba Owolabi Salis Fakunmoju Fakos. As part of her mission, Yeye Olabisi Fakos plans to project the district as the most economically viable of all within Nigeria and accord it equal status with the Federal Capital Territory.

In the past, PDP has made efforts, but without success.

In 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011, its senatorial candidates lost at the polls. In 1999, Prince Adeseye Ogunlewe (East), Tokunbo Afikuyomi (Central) and Dr. Wahab Dosunmu (West) contested and won on the platform of the AD. Ahead of 2003 elections, Dosunmu and Ogunlewe dumped the AD for the PDP, citing the crisis in the party as the reason for jumping ship.

They vied for the same position, but lost. Afikuyomi, who moved from the Central to the West, was re-elected. He was succeeded in the Central District by former Home Affairs Commissioner Musiliu Obanikoro, who ran in the AD. When the eminent politician, Chief Dapo Sarunmi, rejected the AD ticket in the East District, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Olorunnimbe Mamora, filled the vacuum created by Ogunlewe’s defection.

In 2007, Senator Muniru Muse (Central) became an Action Congress (AC) senator.

The ticket was initially offered to Mr. Jimi Agbaje, who lost the governorship primaries to Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

But, the Afenifere chieftain declined to contest for the Senate, saying that he was only inter-

“Lagosians and other Nigerians want President Jonathan and the PDP out in 2015. Do you think that these same people will now endorse a PDP senatorial candidate at the poll? The PDP is day-dreaming in Lagos. They will fail again in 2015”

Ambode ested in serving as governor.

He emerged as the governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA).

He lost to Fashola. In the East, Mamora, who made much impact as a vocal senator, was reelected. In the West, Tinubu, who was rounding off his second term as governor, stepped down from the senatorial race.

Sources said that the coast was not clear. The Federal Government was bent on denying him the opportunity to return to the Upper Chamber. In the spirit of reconciliation, the slot was offered to an aggrieved governorship aspirant, Ganiyu Solomon, who became senator.

Senator Solomon from Mushin had contested against Afikuyomi in 2003. He protested against the decision of Afikuyomi to relocate to the West, saying that it was in bad faith.

He was pacified with the House of Representatives ticket in Mushin, which had been won

by Mrs. Kehinde Babalola-Adepoju. In 2011, Solomon was reelected. But, Mamora and Muse were succeeded by Ashafa and Mrs. Tinubu.

Unlike previous elections, the PDP is mounting an aggressive campaign. It is a combination of media advertisement and door-to-door mobilisation.

Its candidates have a deep purse, making it easy to oil their campaign machinery. A PDP member in Kosofe said: “This mobilisation of members is another empowerment

“It is true that Lagosians have been voting for the AD, AC and ACN before but, the situation will change this year. No political bloc can dominate the scene for too long. You will see the results of the senatorial election”

Agbaje for us, apart from the SURE-P.”.

She described the candidates as competent Lagosians who can represent the three districts. But, Igbokwe said none of them can match the pedigree of the APC flag bearers. Another APC chieftain, Mr. Tunde Temionu, said: “Political parties win elections because of their structures, power base and mass appeal. The PDP lacks these three elements. There will be a clear battle now that we have two main parties.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

23 Politics

Gladiators set for battle in House of Reps CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

group of House members led to the election of Hon. Aminu Tambuwal from Sokoto State as speaker as against Hon. Mulikat Akande, who was the preferred candidate of the PDP and who hails from the South West, the geo-political zone where the post of speaker had been zoned by the national hierarchy of the PDP. This singular unforeseen development was the genesis of the silent internal crisis that was festering in the hallowed green chambers despite the façade of unity that was portrayed to outsiders by the leadership of the House, the ruling PDP and the Presidency.

When therefore, the PDP lost 37 House members to the opposition and felt the party’s control of the affairs of the lower chamber to be at risk, it opted to take legal steps to punish the defecting lawmakers by asking the court to declare the seats of the defecting lawmakers vacant.

Before the defection of the 37, the PDP had 208 members in the House. This number was reduced to 171 members, while the APC now had 175 lawmakers. With 175 members, the APC had a simple

majority and only needed six more members to take control of the House leadership by electing the principal officers.

With its back to the wall, the PDP regrouped and succeeded in wooing back to its fold five defecting lawmakers. Again, the political configuration in the House changed in favour of the ruling PDP. The party heaved a sigh of relief that it hadn’t lost control of one of the chambers of the National Assembly which it had controlled since 1999. But the party was acutely aware that it had won a temporary reprieve and that many battles would be fought in the days ahead as the political landscape became fiercer and tense.

As one political commentator puts it, “the PDP can no longer kid itself that in the battle to win the general elections in 2015, the House of Representatives will play a prominent role as a game changer. All the political gladiators have pulled off their gloves and no one is pulling the punches anymore. The party that is able to inflict the greater damage on its opponent in the build up to the polls will definitely have the ad-

vantage. This is what the leadership crisis in the House typifies in my opinion.

“Nigerians should expect more drama in the New Year as the political landscape becomes clearer, especially now that the party primaries are behind us. The politics will become dirtier; there will be aligning and re-aligning of forces and interests by the various players and groups seeking political power.”

To demonstrate its new found numerical strength, APC House members in early 2014, began the year by attempting to stall the passage of the 2014 budget by fill busting its consideration, all in the plan to shut down the government, weaken and make the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan unpopular amongst Nigerians, and ultimately, win more converts among the electorate.

Detecting that they were losing the momentum to the opposition as the months rolled by in 2014, PDP lawmakers woke from their slumber and began to fight back.

This resulted in the formation of different groups within the CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Jonathan

‘SDP will take Delta by storm’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Can one say this is due to lack of structure considering that your party is just new?

Not at all! We have established the name SDP fully in Delta State. We are the only alternative right now that is credible in the state. So we shall be giving Deltans the very best they deserve.

Does your party have the wherewithal to contest and win the elections?

We won election in the just concluded LGA elections in Delta State. Right now we are better positioned, ready to rumble and take Delta State by storm, winning seats beyond peoples imagination and expectation by the grace of

God. We are ready and will win.

What do Deltans stand to benefit from SDP’s entrance in Delta politics?

SDP is the party for the common man where the future is guaranteed, social security, no more hunger and starvation, no more joblessness; in fact, eyes have not seen, neither ears have heard what SDP will do in Delta State and Nigeria at large.

How would you assess Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration as he completes his tenure?

He has a 3-point agenda: Peace and Security, Human Capital Development and Infrastructural Development. In Peace and Security, I score him an A, we in Delta

“If you don’t value the Presidency, you will never get it. This is a natural law! I advise Nigerians to be wise and avoid desperados all in the name of politics” State can all attest to it. In Human Capital Development where most Deltans don’t understand, I will

throw some light. Delta has the largest number of state owned tertiary institutions functioning at optimal level in the country.

Scholarship projects for Deltans to study abroad are spread across the globe, plus other educational projects. These will make our great state in few years one of the best in sophisticated manpower in all spheres of life. I score the Governor A for this. For Infrastructural Development, I score him a C, urging him to finish strong by completing on-going projects. In all, his administration has performed 70%, we only need to bring a good hand to continue from here.

Some political parties are CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Idawene

Politics 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Clash imminent in House of Reps CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

House to cage the rampaging APC lawmakers. Lawmakers from the PDP, APGA, LP and the AP formed an alliance against the APC that was known as the National Unity Group of the Federal House of Representatives.

The group was led by Hon. Bitrus Kaze (PDP/ Plateau and Hon. Pat Asadu (PDP/Enugu).

The cat and mouse game for supremacy between the PDP, its allies in the House and APC lawmakers continued unabated underground until October 28, 2014, when Speaker Aminu Tambuwal knocked the wind from the sail of the PDP by decamping to the APC. Hon. Tambuwal immediately after announcing his defection to the consternation of his former colleagues in the PDP adjourned the House plenary till December 3, 2014, in an attempt to stall the backlash that was to follow his defection.

With plenary suspended, the PDP in conjunction with the Jonathan administration devised new ways to tackle Tambuwal.

The speaker’s security details were immediately withdrawn.

As usual, the PDP filed a suit in court asking Tambuwal to vacate his position as speaker, while the speaker who is now the APC governorship candidate in his home state filed a counter case demanding the status quo be maintained.

It wasn’t surprising therefore that an ample opportunity for both the ruling party and the opposition to test their might in the political chess game of the House provided itself, when Tambuwal reconvened plenary on November 18, 2014, to consider the request of President Jonathan to extend the emergency rule declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

To demonstrate the level of animosity generated by Tmbuwal’s defection, when the speaker accompanied by a large delegation of APC lawmakers got to the entrance of the National Assembly on the appointed day, they met the gates under lock and key, and a detachment of policemen manning the blocked gates.

‘Let’s respect the office of the President’

The APC lawmakers however, forced their way into the green chambers after a confrontation with the police. The rancorous atmosphere that trailed this action and the frayed nerves that was on display when the House convened forced Tambuwal to again adjourn plenary till December 16, 2014.

Angered by the action of the police and the perceived victimisation of the speaker, many APC lawmakers who pointed accusing fingers at the Presidency for orchestrating the harassment of the speaker by the police, began moves to impeach President Jonathan from office.

If the occurrences in the House in 2014 are anything to go by, one can confidently say that events in the green chamber in 2015 will be more explosive as the elections draw closer.

The PDP and APC lawmakers it’s believed will engage in every known underhand tactics to smear the image of their respective political parties to ensure their party gains the upper hand in the polls.

How events will play out when the National Assembly reconvenes from recess on January 13, 2015, until the curtains finally fall on the seventh legislature remains to be seen, considering the fact that as at the conclusion of party primaries, it’s envisaged that 60 per cent of PDP lawmakers would not be standing for reelection as against 80 per cent of APC lawmakers that will be seeking re-election back to the House.

For instance, die-hard loyalists of President Jonathan in the House like Hon. Warman Ogoriba, Henry Ofongo, Pat Asadu and a host of others lost the PDP primaries because they lost the backing of their respective state governors.

Issues that will be on the front burner as the House reconvenes next Tuesday, will be the defection suit relating to the lawmakers who left the PDP for the APC and the suitability of Tambuwal remaining in his post as speaker and conducting the affairs of the House.

Other contentious issues be-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

planning to adopt and support President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid; will your party be toeing the same path?

President Jonathan represents progress and future. When SDP takes its stand, we shall all know,

“Tambuwal immediately after announcing his defection to the consternation of his former colleagues in the PDP adjourned the House plenary till December 3, 2014, in an attempt to stall the backlash that was to follow his defection”

tween the PDP and APC lawmakers are expected to be the consideration and passage of the 2015 budget considering the global fall in oil prices and the expectant revenue to fund the appropriation estimates, the consideration and passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, otherwise known as the

PIB. Observers say this bill may suffer the fate that befell it in the sixth assembly when it died in the last week of that assembly. Then there is also the controversial N10billion chartered jet probe instituted by the House against the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke.

While the minister has obtained an injunction restraining the House from continuing with its investigation, Daily Times learnt that the House leadership is committed to upturning the restraining order through an appeal.

How the epilogue to the tense political intrigues and power play that is expected to characterise the tail end of the seventh House of Representatives will turn out to read like remains uncertain for now, but the big question on the lips of political analysts is who blinks first between PDP and APC lawmakers in the struggle to retain control or wrest control of the affairs of the House from perceived political opponents as the general elections are just some weeks away?

we are still consulting to bring the best for Nigeria. Please let me advise here, elders like Obasanjo, Buhari, Tinubu and my brothers like, Oshiomhole and Amaechi to be civil in their choice of language as it concerns the issues of the president’s office As Nigerians, after God, the next

person is the President as far as Nigeria as a nation is concerned.

The calculated insults have to stop.

Let us respect the office. Take or leave it, Jonathan is our President and he has to be respected. Insult to him is insult to all Nigerians. If you have issues with government policies, make them constructive.

Opposition is not to pull down government, but constructively criticise. And when they do well, commend them. If you don’t value a thing, you cannot get it! So if you don’t value the Presidency, you will never get it. This is a natural law! I advise Nigerians to be wise and avoid desperados all in the

Tambuwal

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Money

s

Bank of Industry, 18 states to advance MSMEs impact

Olaoluwa

The Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, said the bank signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 18 state governments to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Olaoluwa told newsmen in Abuja that the MoU was to facilitate the bank’s support to MSMEs in those states.

He said that BoI and the 18 state governments had agreed on certain criteria for the support.

“At the last count we have 18 state governments that we have signed MoUs with. The purpose of the MoU is to ensure that we are able to support MSMEs within these states “Before we grant a loan, the state government must recom-

mend, because we usually deal with the Ministry of Commerce in the states. So they will be the ones to recommend the applicants to us,” he said.

Olaoluwa said the bank had disbursed some small scale facilities on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the cassava bread initiative of the government.

Ikeja Hotel disclaims board changes Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Ikeja Hotel Plc management owners of Sheraton and Federal Palace Hotels, has described as false and misleading the announcement of leadership changes in the entity’s board as was published by some dailies last week.

Addressing journalists over the development, the Holdings chairman, Mr. Goodie Ibru, who was reported in some newspapers to have been removed as chairman by shareholders who convened and held an Extraordinary General Meeting on January 6, stated that the EGM in question where the decision was taken, was unlawful in the first place.

“I should also point out that I was not properly served with a notice of intention to remove me, nor was I afforded the opportunity to make a statement in my defense, both of which are my rights under CAMA 2004,” Ibru said.

According to him, the requisitionists, held their EGM in contempt of two restraining court orders Suit No. LD/114/2013 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/ PET/17/2014.

“It should go without saying that any resolutions passed at these farcical proceedings should not and cannot be recognised and we will be challenging them accordingly,” he said.

Ibru disclosed that the organ-

25

Briefs Farmers call for establishment of processing industries The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Benue Chapter, have called on the Benue Government to establish food processing factories in the state to prevent wastage of excess harvest.

Secretary of the association, Mr Sam Kwa’na, made the call in Makurdi.

He said that farmers often had excess harvest most of which perish because they lacked means of preserving them.

Kwa’na said that the state’s investment in processing factories would go a long way to encourage farmers to produce more and boost the state’s economy.

He appealed to the government to assist farmers to have value for their products and thereby enhance their revenue profile.

Nigeria depends on imports for 80% of refined products - Group Joy Ekeke

From Left: Business Manager, Ikeja Hotels Plc, Mr Ufuoma Ibru, Chairman, Ikeja Hotels Plc, Mr Godie Ibru, Consu tant, Ikeja Hotels Plc, Chief Victor Oyolu and Senior Partner, Gm Ibru & Co, Mr Eddy Chukwura at the press conference on the state of affairs of the Board, in Lagos recently. isation has never declared any financial loss in consistency with good management and explained that the deferment of dividend payments to shareholders was due to ongoing loan repayments, which was nearing full clearance.

He explained that by the last quarter of 2014, the management was in advanced talks with a UK based private equity firm, Salt Capital, to introduce about $35million in cash and debt

capital for the repositioning of the company’s assets in Lagos and Abuja. This, he said, was to guarantee the payments of 30 per cent dividends to shareholders in 2015.

“These efforts were derailed

by Maiden Ibru, in concert with other parties. One Tunde Sarumi, one of Maiden Ibru’s supposed nominations to the Directorship, procured a status quo order from the Lagos High Court preventing a General

Meeting of the company that would have paved the way for Salt Company’s investment,” he said.

He stated for the record, that Salt Capital made exhaustive presentations and submissions to the Board of Ikeja Hotel with regard to their investment and it is a matter of record that their proposal was supported by both Oba Otudeko and the Bank of Industry (BoI) as major shareholders.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have said that the inability of the Federal Government to complete the revamping of the nation’s refineries has caused a dependence on imports for 80 per cent of needed refined products.

The CSOs frowned at the monumental fraud and looting of the oil treasury without significant action to identify, prosecute and punish culprits.

Mr Jaye Gaskia, Convener of Protest to Power Movement (P2PM), made this known in Abuja at a news conference.

The conference was jointly organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), P2PM and State of the Union Coalition (SOTU) to mark three years of fuel subsidy protest.

Energy 26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Familiar trail of unmet promises in power sector

Briefs Benin Disco installed 36,000 prepaid meters in 2014 Tony Nwakaegho

Despite the unprecedented level of investment in the power sector and hike in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which recently reviewed the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) framework, power supply situation in Nigeria in 2014 was absymal.

TONY NWAKAEGHO reviews the trends that characterised the sector and expectations for 2015.

Jonathan

Sambo

Nebo

Amadi

The Power Sector’s total expenses since 1999 is said to now stand at $154bn in Nigeria compared to the £5bn pounds the UK power firm expended in 2010 to generate extra 30,000MW. On assumption of office, in May, 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan made a solemn promise that his priority would be to tackle Nigeria’s decade long electricity problem and ensure Nigerians enjoyed steady power supply.

The president reasoned that the erratic nature of Nigeria’s power supply cannot guarantee any meaningful industrial development and can also not lead the country to her vision of becoming one of the top 20 industrialised nations of the world by the year 2020.

To make good his pledge, President Jonathan on August 26, 2010, unveiled a detailed power sector roadmap as part of the implementation of the reform process, which legislative groundwork was laid by the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act of 2005.

The federal government on November 1, 2013 physically handed over 11 distribution companies to private investors but about 13 months after the widely celebrated exercise most of the new owners have yet to inject the needed funds and manpower into the network to improve their distribution capacity.

Although the year 2014 was full of projections, the gap between demand and supply continued to widen sharply in the urban and rural areas even after the privatisation exercise.

The whole exercise is gradually being turned into a laughing shock with the Discos still battling with funding and technical losses, which they blame for their inability to distribute every megawatt received from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Enthusiast observers have accused the Discos of not deploying funds for infrastructural development, hence no improve-

ment in power distribution.

They’ve also said that about 20 per cent of the power sent to the Discos is not being accounted for due to technical losses.

Nigerians are worried about the power sector particularly the future of power generation and distribution in the country as the combination of present realities does not depict what the masses expected when the idea of the privatisation of the

Although the year 2014 was full of projections, the gap between demand and supply continued to widen sharply in the urban and rural areas even after the privatisation exercise. power sector was mooted in the first place.

As the year 2015 began the power situation is still being characterised by a recurring hope and despair, which has always been hinged on irregular power supply affecting businesses which had in 2014 relied on the use of generating sets and diesel resulting in great profit losses.

Today, power outages have metamorphosed into complete darkness in most parts of Nigeria, while many urban cities and towns across the country hardly enjoy three to four hours of uninterrupted power supply. Power is being rationed from one area to another yet the same bills are being churned out on monthly

basis to consumers in Nigeria.

It has been touted that over 130 million of the entire population doesn’t have access to electricity in the 21st century. The truth remains that the Generating companies (GENCOS) still find it difficult to pay for gas to power the plants and replace obsolete parts of plants; the Distribution Companies (DISCOS) with support from the government have cut their staff strength to the marrow thus rendering their companies under-manned and ineffective.

Now Gencos cannot generate electricity, Discos cannot not distribute and TCN are lost on how to distribute electricity in the country, while the masses are at a loss on who to hold accountable for power failure since the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has not sanctioned any erring Discos in the country after all the government ridiculous projections made in 2014.

Ridiculous projections It is surprising that rather than finding lasting solution to the long running problems bedevilling the Nigerian Electricity sector, those charged with the responsibility of supervising the sector keep on setting unrealisable targets.

Addressing the Senate Committee on Power on May 23 2013, former minister of state for power, Zainab Kuchi, had projected that power generation would increase to 6,000MW in July 2013 and rise further to 10,000MW by December same year.

Kuchi also stated that N347billion would be required to boost the transmission network to cope with the expected new generation capacity, but exactly one month after her projections before the committee of the Senate, power generation in fact dropped to below 3,000mw.

Briefing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) on its scorecard then, Kuchi, again

Continued on page 27

In pursuance to the guideline on the Credited Advanced Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI), the Benin Electricity Distribution company told stakeholders that convened at the instance of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Benin, Edo State that it had installed a total of 36,000 pre-payment meters within the past one year.

The Benin Electricity Distribution company (BEDC) in its presentation delivered by the Executive Director, Commercial, Mr. Abu Ismail-Ejoor, said metering of customers was key to the operations of the company owing to the enviable record it has as a shining star in pre-payment meter deployment among all other Discos.

Prepaid meter

FG partner firms on 1GW solar power capacity project Tony Nwakaegho In a bid to realise the ambition to set up renewable energy projects in the country, the Federal Government is set to directly engage prospective project developers.

So far, the federal government whole programme which entails large utility-scale power projects as well as distributed power projects has received pledges from three companies, Solius NGPC, Peoples Home Association and Solar Force Nigeria Limited to set up 1 gigawatt, (GW) solar power capacity in the country.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

27 Energy

Africa plans three floating LNG export projects

Ghana steps up gas supply, reduce dependence on Nigeria

Tony Nwakaegho

Tony Nwakaegho

Africa has planned three floating LNG export projects that will see Cameroon joining the small number of LNG exporting nations.

Cameroon is the latest African country to signal a planned LNG project as it adds to three such planned projects in Nigeria; two planned LNG projects in Equatorial Guinea; two in Mozambique and one in Tanzania, none of which is sanctioned. Of the two planned LNG projects in Equatorial Guinea, one is a Floating LNG. In Mozambique, the same pattern holds true.

But the Cameroonian Floating LNG project, announced on Christmas Day 2014 as a three way Heads of Agreement (the HOA) between Golar LNG Ltd (Golar) Societe Nationale de Hydrocarbures (SNH) and Perenco Cameroon, is small, nimble, and designed to get to market quicker than 2018, the earliest at which any of the other listed projects is likely to come online.

With a string of LNG projects coming on stream in Australia and piped gas agreements signed between Russia and China, analysts have warned of threats of oversupply dimming

the chances of profitability.

A statement by Golar LNG states that “the HOA is premised on the allocation of 500 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas reserves from offshore Kribi fields, which will be exported to global markets via the GoFLNG facility Golar Hill, now under construction at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.”

Nimble as its project is, Golar still needs to watch out for the Ophir led FLNG initiative off Equatorial Guinea.

Ophir said in a recent statement that “Our project is well placed to take advantage of ongoing LNG market tightness prior to planned East African and North American volumes coming on-stream.”

Ophir did state its Final Investment Decision (FID) would be taken in 2016 and first gas will come on line in 2019. Its statement was several months before the Golar announcement.

“Golar will provide the liquefaction facilities and services under a tolling agreement to SNH and Perenco as owners of the upstream joint venture who also intend to produce liquefied petroleum gas’ for the local market in association with the Project.

Ghana has stepped up its gas from its offshore Jubilee oil field as it is planning to reduce its dependence on ‘unreliable’ gas supply from Nigeria.

Ghana’s government said it is taking this decision against the backdrop of the strike undertaken by workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in September which led to another stoppage of gas supply to Ghana through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) system.

The government stated that it has begun processing gas from its offshore Jubilee oil field through a pipeline project that could save the government over $300 million a year on fuel costs, while two more gas fields are expected to come on stream by 2017 to add to Jubilee, which is operated by British firm Tullow Oil. The government is also in talks with the Qatari government for the supply of natural gas and there are other private investments underway, including planned production by Italian energy firm Eni from the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) block beginning 2017.

LNG plant

2014: Disappointing year for electricity consumers

Wakil

Continued from page 26 announced that the 10,000MW target, which she mentioned a month earlier, would be attained by the end of December 2014 and not the 2013 she announced in May. The then minister, who was led by her boss, Chinedu Nebo, added that with the increase in

power generation, Nigerians would experience 17 to 18 hours of daily power supply in the country.

“With all the other NIPPs coming up and to be commissioned

by December 2013, we look forward to 10,000 megawatts come December 2014. This is what we are working towards. If we succeed in making it more than that we will be very happy. But we are focused on actually delivering 10,000 MW by 2014.

“And this by our calculations and data we have on ground we will give at least between 17 and 18 hours of power supply to Nigerians. The 24 hours power supply will happen but we are working steadily towards that,” she said.

Kuchi’s projection came less than two weeks after Vice President Namadi Sambo forecasted that power generation would rise to 20,000MW before the end

of 2014.

Similarly, Nebo recently announced to electricity-starved Nigerians that by the end of 2013, the country’s power generation would rise to between 7,000MW and 10,000MW. The power minister also disclosed that Chinese investors were planning to build power plants in Nigeria to the tune of 20,000MW, but that the government was still studying the model.

Nebo also hinted that his ministry was collaborating with the NNPC to ensure a good plan to utilise the gas flaring that was causing problems to the environment for power generation.

Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, had also corroborated the ‘targeted 7,000MW’ by December 2013.

He also added that the government was determined to ensure that by 2014, the country would

be able to provide 14,000MW of electricity.

The President also said in his Transformation Agenda, “For the first time since 1960, the country has a comprehensive and realistic plan for resolving Nigeria’s electric power crisis, identifying requirements to achieve stable power supply in the entire value chain from gas to generation, to transmission and distribution.

“By the end of 2014, over 6,000MW would have been generated by Independent Power Producers such as Dangote, Lafarge, Notore, Supertek, Geometric Power, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Total, Hudson Power, Agip, Negris and Mabon Electric.”

Setting unrealistic targets has been the practice in the power sector in recent years. The forecasts are however, made without fulfilment as the new Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil also joined the league of

those who have been projecting power targets for Nigerians.

Wakil disclosed that in order to improve electricity supply in the country, the federal government has promised to generate 7,000 Mega Watt of electricity before the end of 2014.

The minister explained that the federal government was doing everything within its power to make sure that Nigerians enjoy stable electricity all years round, but noted that due to vandalism of power lines and installations across the country, the government is finding it difficult to provide the much needed electricity for its citizens.

Expectations for 2015 For electricity consumers in the country, expectations are high, as they look forward to the forth coming election, but instead of this, the worsening power situation in 2014 is now being replicated in 2015.

Energy 28 Director of Operations, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has urged the Federal Government to develop national coal fields, to boost electricity generation and industrialisation.

Osatuyi said in Lagos that government should look beyond gas in generating needed electricity.

He said that government’s effort in developing the coal fields should be part of designed efforts to generate power and fasttrack industrialisation.

According to him, the nation has more than 16 coal blocks across the country including in Enugu, Gombe, Nasarawa, Benue, Delta and Kogi states.

Osatuyi said that government should empower the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the National Steel Raw Material Exploration Agency (NSRMEA)

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

FG urged to develop coal fields for electricity generation to embark on exploration of coal deposits in the country.

He said that Gombe and Kogi mines usually supplied coal to cement and steel factories to fire their kiln and produce clinker, instead of using gas or electricity.

The director said that cement and steel factories often consumed a lot of electricity; hence the need for them to use cheaper and available coal.

Osatuyi also said that the Dangote Group has maximised the benefits of coal in its operations by establishing a modern coal power plant in Obajana, Kogi.

Source: Google

Consumers urged to help tackle Discos Tony Nwakaegho Electricity Consumers in the country have been urged to tackle the Electricity Distribution companies in Nigeria to account for the market commitments they had earlier made in their operations in order to nip in the bud their extant inefficiencies both in service delivery and billings.

Amadi

ENI proposes FID on Etan /Zabazaba in 2015 Tony Nwakaegho Italian major ENI is proposing to take a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Etan

The Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi gave the charge while explaining the circumstance that led to the commission approval of the new tariff, which will see an increase in consumers’ expenditure for electricity services and improved service delivery to consumers.

Amadi decried the possibility of electricity consumers getting tired of demanding for improved services from market participants, especially distribution companies, adding that it will not assist the regulator who majorly relies on information from them to punish recalcitrant operators.

NERC, which recently reviewed the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) framework,

and Zabazaba fields in 2015 with the hope to bring the project online by 2018.

ENI which disclosed this at a recent conference added that the company is developing the two deep water fields off Nigeria, as a joint development.

However, the Front end activities are ongoing as Shell discovered Etan in February 2005 and encountered Zabazaba in Au-

taking into cognisance extant market challenges to approve a cost-reflective tariff for the electricity market had provided a six-month embargo on its application to residential electricity consumers in the country.

According to the commission, these classes of consumers make up a large percentage of consumers serviced in the market have been excluded from paying the hiked tariff on the condition that service delivery to them was still quite poor.

The new tariff it said applies to other classes of consumers but will only take effect on residential consumers approximately in June 2015 with the hope that the extant challenges in the market would have been addressed in terms of service delivery to consumers.

gust 2006.

According to sources at the Department of Petroleum Resources,(DPR),the Field Development Plan calls for conversion of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO), while the two fields are in water depths of between 1,500 and 2,000metres and cost of development is around $9 Billion.

Angolan govt plans to acquire new thermal power station Tony Nwakaegho The Governor of the Eastern Moxico province, João Ernesto dos Santos “Liberdade” announced in Luau town the intention of his government in acquiring a new thermal station, aiming for the improvement of the power supply in Luena city.

Speaking to the Angolan press as to assess the year 2014, the official justified the growth of Lu-

ena city, saying that the old thermal power station is no longer in condition to meet the needs of the local citizens.

To reverse this situation, the provincial governor said that his government is preparing the necessary documentation that will be submitted to the minister of Energy and Water, so that in the future the province may benefit from a new system with a greater capacity of power production and supply.

FG strategies on potential solar power sites Tony Nwakaegho The Federal Government has continued in its determination to introduce and implement energy mix programmes and further improve power supply with the completion of a survey to determine the topography of the country’s land mass.

The survey which was carried out using a space-based satellite navigation system to determine the topography of the country’s land mass of 923,678 square kilometres, its weather conditions, areas where solar facilities, such as poles and panels, can be erected in order to improve the off-grid transmission of electricity and maximally make use of the sun for power generation.

The Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Invest-

ments, Finance and Donor Relations, Olajuwon Olaleye, who disclosed this, noted that the government had contracted two foreign companies to provide a detailed description of the country’s topography but he however did not name the firms.

He explained that the Federal government was working with the states on how to acquire land and deploy facilities which was vital to the implementation of solar energy initiatives in Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

29 Aviation

Needed: New security framework for MMIA Huge crowd at the international terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is generating intense concerns for the Federal Government no thanks to poor access control at the nation’s premier gateway.

As part of measures to stem these vulnerabilities, aviation authorities are designing new measures to reinforce the security architecture, CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO reports.

Chidoka The Federal Government is set to reinforce the security architecture at airports nationwide. The new move is coming on the heels of vulnerabilities that has become apparent at some airports.

Government seems worried over the unauthorised operations around the airport, which could pose serious threat to airport safety and security.

Chief among such unauthorised operations is touting around the airports.

The Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, recently described it as a sore point at the nation’s gateways.

He said it was disappointing for find people milling around the arrival halls of the Lagos International, for activities that are unauthorised.

Such practice, he said, was alien to aviation in other parts of the world.

MMIA He has directed relevant aviation authorities to rid the airports of persons who engage in unauthorised operations.

Some industry watchers have also complained about the porous security situation at the Lagos International Airport adducing access control at major airports as a sore point.

Some aviation stakeholders are clamouring for unified measures that would raise the stakes for airport security.

Some experts also have canvassed a review of the security system at the airports.

Part of the new measures, the experts suggested is the overhaul of access control points into major international airport terminals to reduce overcrowding of unauthorised persons around arrival and departure halls.

Relevant aviation agencies including the Federal Airports

Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), it was learnt have designed a blueprint to reduce the number of persons that mill around arrival halls in particular at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Worried over the ugly trend, Aviation minister, Chidoka directed FAAN and other security agencies at the Lagos International Airport to rid the arrival halls of touts, who he said, have no business at the terminal.

Chidoka said the presence of such people was giving the nation a bad reputation, even as they remain big security risks around the airport.

The minister directed FAAN to design a security blueprint that will ensure that fewer persons are around the operational areas of the airport.

He spoke of plans by government to put in place new mea-

sures to improve security, part of which he said will include the installation of new close circuit television cameras.

The minister said there is need to boost security surveillance at airport terminals with the use of technology as is the practice in other parts of the world.

Chidoka said more aviation security personnel will be trained on latest technology to protect the airports in line with regulations and standard practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

He also spoke of plans to reroute the movement of vehicles around the airport terminal to facilitate free flow of traffic, which could threaten security around the airports: He said “If you have issue with the crowd at the airport and you don’t want the Military to remove those people who are touts from the airport, then we have a problem in our hands.”

The minister identified vehicular movement around the airport as part of the problems posing threat to airport security.

He said there is urgent need to re- route the movement of vehicles to reduce the crowd around the airport road.

He also spoke of plans to rework the schedule of airlines to reduce pressure on airport.

He said :” So many airlines come on about the same time and depart about the same time, so we are looking on how to optimise the spaces we have at the airport and see whether there are other point, from the airport that passengers can check-in through and be taken by bus to the international terminal.

“I have set up a committee on airport optimisation, to look at

Air Côte d’Ivoire begins flight operations into Lagos Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national airline of Ivory Coast has commenced 4 weekly flights from and to the francophone giant city of Abidjan and Nigeria’s commercial city of Lagos.

Air Côte d’Ivoire commenced flight operations into Lagos arriving on the 3rd January, 2015

with its Airbus A319-TUSTSA with capacity for 12 Business and 96 Economy passengers while the inaugural flight departed Lagos on Sunday 4th January 2015.

The Ivory Coast national carrier’s Abidjan-Lagos 4 weekly frequencies is scheduled for

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 10:10 am from Lagos to Abidjan and returns on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The airline plans to commence additional frequencies from Lagos to Kinshasa via Abidjan three times a week soon.

Air Cote d’Ivoire

Engineer Saleh Dunoma, MD, FAAN

FAAN urges passengers to use portal for planning trips The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has advised all intending air travelers to visit the Aviation Passenger Service Portal as a first step in planning their journeys, especially in this harmattan season.

A statement by the General Manager Corporate Communications, Mr Yakubu Dati, said the advice became necessary especially with delays experienced by passengers as a result of flight cancellations due to bad weather.

He said: “The APS portal launched last month by the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, is designed as a one-stop platform where the flying public can access real time information about airlines operations and services at any of the airports in Nigeria” “The platform which can be accessed on www.aviationportal.com.ng is a reliable source for verified information purposely designed to empower passengers travelling by air from within and outside Nigeria with accurate data with which they can make informed decisions and plan their journey”.

The portal also serves as a channel to create positive passenger experience even after the trip. He concluded.

Aviation 30

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

How Ebola outbreak stalled our expansion - SAHCOL boss Mr Olu Owolabi, Managing Director Skyways Aviation Handling Company Limited SAHCOL, has commenced moves to ensure the enlistment of the company at the stock exchange just as he regretted the outbreak of Ebola in some African countries that stalled further expansion.

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏWhat’s the difference be-

tween cargo freighting and passengers facilitation?

Facilitation go side by side with cargo handling depending on which side you want to focus and depending on the type of facilities that is provided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria[FAAN]-our landlord and what we’ve been able to do to compliment government as one of the handling agents in the country.

In terms of cargo handling. You must have gone round to see what we’ve been doing in the past two years now. We are almost at the tail end of completion of our multimillion Naira bonded warehouse project which is going to be the best, not only in West Africa, but also in the whole of AFRICA in terms of facilities being provided.

We sincerely hope that the government will be able to assist us implementing the rules that govern the procedures of all of these issues that necessitated the closure of warehouses of handling companies recently for almost three weeks thereby making us lose billions of Naira in the process on both sides including us, the handing companies.

Don’t forget that we have to engage extra hands to handle secu-

Ethiopian cargo plane crashes in Ghana

rity aspects of people’s baggage.

On cargo that litters the tarmac, we have to work extra hours with the men of the Nigeria Customs Service to decongest the tarmac because of the small size of the apron where the cargo freighters are parked. So, it’s a lot of workload.

On passengers facilitation- you know ours is to load and offload.

If the conveyor belts are not working or are not good, passengers do not want to know whether or not it’s our responsibility. So,we have to go extra length by doubling our staff on shift to meet the challenges. Don’t forget that we also pay overtime allowances to our staff for working extra hours to be able to meet passengers’ expectations.

How much loss was recorded

by SAHCOL during the closure of warehouses by customs?

We are even yet to get out of it.

So, as it is now, it’s been very difficult to compute our losses. No doubt, we lost millions of Naira.

Don’t forget that we have to increase our manpower to assist in the clearing of backlog of cargo to be able to meet up with the expectations of our customers during the festive seasons. We don’t pray that this type of closure ever happen again!

On rules & procedures guiding cargo freighting

ÏÏÏEthiopian

Airlines Cargo (Addis Ababa) Boeing 737-43Q (F) freighter, registered as ETAQV (msn 28493, ex N493AC/ OO-VES), operating for ASky Airlines, Saturday (January 10) skidded off the runway at Accra on landing. The gear col-

We sincerely hope that the government will be able to assist us implementing the rules that govern the procedures of all of these issues that necessitated the closure of warehouses of handling companies The rules and procedures are applicable internationally and we should respect and operate as stipulated. The freighters arrive with their fuselage load of cargo.

You offload to the cargo warehouse, palletize and de-palletize and stack them on to the racks for Customs examination. In fact, the new warehouse we are building has taken cognizance of this procedures, so that cargo operations are not in a mess once we the warehouse begins operations.

It has taken care of passengers’ and customs needs and those of the airlines in terms of their pallets and for passengers as regards their baggage. Then Customs, in terms of facilities to be provided to allow them function well. All these are now being provided by us (SAHCOL).

lapsed and the right engine was sheared off. The freighter was operating flight KP 4016 from Lomé to Accra. According to the airline, the aircraft blew its tires on landing. The three crew members safely exited the aircraft. The aircraft is an insurance write off.

Owolabi

Zero tariff should be extended to handling companies on imported equipment

On security The provision of security gadgets to deter and detects dangerous ‘terrorists’ tools such as guns, bombs and other explosive materials is that of the governments. On our part, we assist the government in the provision of X-ray machines, for the screening of exports and imports. It is therefore the job of of the Customs to screen all in-bound and outbound goods. Ours is to accept the goods already screened by the Customs after they must have carried out 100 per cent checks of all imports.

That is why we have de-palletisation of all imports. You don’t just carry goods from the tarmac and hand it over straight to the owner or clearing agent[s]. It undergoes a lot of procedures.

On double taxation It had always been serious issue which has not been resolved, but I understand that presentation has been made to the new Minister of Aviation, who has passed it to a committee to look into it and make appropriate recommendations.

I am very positive that government will look into it and out ways to assist us. All the multi-million Naira equipment we invested and pay duties on are stationed at on the tarmac for our operations and cannot be parked on the street, yet

we are still being billed by FAAN. Do you expect us to take our equipment like the FMC to the street? Government meant well for the industry when it said it was embarking on the upgrading of airports and at the same time, it should be supportive when handling companies are buying new equipment to be able to facilitate passengers and airline’s needs.

So, I sincerely belief that since airlines are enjoying zero tariff on aircraft spare parts, the same should be extended to handling companies on the equipment being imported by giving us duty free on spare parts. We have been agitating on this for long.

On plans to go to Nigerian stock exchange We are surely working towards being listed on the stock exchange.

Not only that, we are moving.......If not for the Ebola virus crisis. We are moving. If not for the Ebola virus outbreak, we will have been in one or two other West African countries.

Any time from now, we are already in negotiation with some countries in the sub-region before the outbreak of Ebola virus. Once we get the green signal on the resolution of the Ebola crisis, we will go back to those countries to resume negotiations. We look forward to the eradication of the Ebola virus.

Emirates to replace Boeing with Airbus ÏÏÏEmirates

(Dubai) has announced that as of February 1, 2015, its EK019/020 service between Dubai International Airport and Manchester Airport, currently operated by a

Boeing 777, will be replaced with an Airbus A380. The introduction of the second daily A380 means that half of Emirates’ 16 daily flights to the UK will be operated by an A380 from February.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

31 Global business

Oil plunge lifts U.S. natural gas imports to 7-year high The plunge in global crude oil prices has helped boost U.S. natural gas imports to the most in at least seven years, even as the country prepares to start exporting cargoes.

Deliveries to onshore pipelines from liquefied natural gas terminals in Massachusetts and Maryland on January 8 were the most in data going back to December 2007, according to Ventyx data compiled by Bloomberg. Volumes in January are more than six times higher than a year ago, when the polar vortex spurred record consumption.

Crude oil, used as a benchmark for LNG around the world, fell by almost 50 percent last year, making imports competitive in the eastern U.S., where a lack of adequate pipeline capacity keeps local prices high. LNG was driven from U.S. shores in the middle of the past decade as surging output from shale formations sent natural gas prices tumbling.

“This has caught a lot of market participants, including us, by surprise,” Rick Margolin, senior analyst at Genscape Inc. in Boulder, Colorado, said Jan. 7 by telephone. “If you are an LNG supplier looking at the futures market for this winter, the best price you were seeing was in the U.S. relative to Japan and

US Oil Workers

US sees reversal in oil jobs trend For more than a decade, there’s been a boom in U.S. oil jobs. Now, with the price of crude below $50 a barrel for the first time since a financial crisis plunged the economy into a deep recession, the end of that boom seems near.

The U.S. economy added 252,000 jobs in December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday. Just 400 of those jobs, or 0.16 percent of the total, were in oil and gas extraction. That’s a huge reversal:

Since 2008, the oil and gas sector has added 61,500 jobs, accounting for nearly 4.5 percent of new U.S. jobs, according to Convex Capital Management research director Sonu Varghese.

It’s pretty easy to guess why oil companies might not be keeping up the rapid hiring pace of the past few years: Oil has tanked.

Here’s a chart showing the price of oil and the total number of people employed getting oil and gas out of the ground over the past decade.

Aer Lingus turns down offer from British Airways owner IAG. LNG tanker Europe. You need a rebound in oil prices to revert back to the trend.”

U.S. LNG imports plunged 80 percent from 2007 to 2013, according to Poten & Partners, a global energy broker. Cheniere Energy Inc., the developer of the first U.S. LNG export terminal in decades, expects to begin overseas shipments later this

year.

Global Prices Northeast Asia spot LNG is going for about $10 per million British thermal units while the price in Europe “has fallen quickly” to about $6.80, Trevor Sikorski, head of natural gas, coal and carbon analysis at Energy Aspects Ltd. In London, said in an e-mail yesterday.

The Irish carrier had rebuffed an earlier approach from IAG the holding company, which was set up by Willie Walsh and owns British Airways, earlier in the month worth 2.30 euros a share, saying it undervalued the business.

By acquiring Aer Lingus, IAG would have gained more take-off and landing slots at Heathrow, its home base, allowing it to operate more flights.

But an acquisition of Aer Lin-

gus would require the backing of the budget carrier, Ryanair which owns 29.9 per cent of the company, and has itself tried and failed to take it over.

An agreement by Ryanair is particularly unlikely considering the protracted battle currently unravelling between the two airlines – a UK competition ruling is about to announce its decision on whether Ryanair must sell its stake in its Irish rival.

ECB weighs bond purchases up to 500 billion euros European Central Bank staff presented policy makers with models for buying as much as 500 billion euros ($591 billion) of investment-grade assets, according to a person who attended a meeting of the Governing Council.

Various quantitative-easing options focused on government bonds were shown to governors on Jan. 7 in Frankfurt, including buying only AAA-rated debt or bonds rated at least BBB minus, the euro-area central bank official said. Governors took no decision on the design or implementation of any package after the presentation, according to the person and another official

who attended the meeting. The people asked not to be identified because the talks were private.

A 500 billion-euro purchase program would take the ECB halfway toward its goal of boosting its balance sheet to avert a deflationary spiral in the euro area. The institution is also buying asset-backed securities and covered bonds, and government bond-buying would be part of fresh stimulus to be considered at the Governing Council’s Jan. 22 meeting.

An ECB spokesman declined to comment on policy makers’ proceedings.

Draghi Mario, ECB boss

“The best package is an openended package, a clear statement of intent to keep buying until bold objectives have been met,” said Richard Barwell, an economist at Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc. “If they have to compromise to reach a consensus then its best that those compromises don’t constrain the ultimate size of purchases.”

The euro traded 0.2 percent higher at $1.1811 at 4:16 p.m.

Frankfurt time. The yield on Spanish 10-year bonds climbed 5 basis points to 1.72 percent, and its Greek equivalent dropped to

10.1 percent.

Governing Council member Ardo Hansson said in an interview with Bloomberg News that the ECB should slow its rush toward fresh stimulus. Current measures haven’t had time to work and challenges including Greece’s political crisis make buying government bonds difficult, he said.

“You shouldn’t become overactive every few months when you don’t see the full effects” of previous measures, Hansson said in Frankfurt yesterday. “I’d personally find announcing a bond-buying program including Greek government bonds in January problematic.”

Capital Market 32 Adesola Akindele

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

DAILY MARKET SUMMARY

Capital Market closes first week bearish; Financial Sector contributes 83.82% to total equity turnover volume ÏÏÏThe week ended on a sour note as turnover on investments closed red on Friday 9th December 2015. The NSE AllShare Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 13.05% and 13.03% respectively to close on Friday at 30,143.02 and N9.980 trillion respectively.

Similarly, all the indices finished lower during the week with exception of the NSE ASeM Index that closed flat.

A turnover of 2,013 billion shares worth N23.377 billion in 20,902 deals were traded on the first week of 2015 by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.245 billion shares valued at N15.898 billion that exchanged hands in the previous week in 12,018 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.687 billion shares valued at N16.107 billion traded in 11,626 deals; thus contributing 83.82% and 68.90% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with a turnover of 156.585 million shares worth N642.075 million in 1,569 deals. The third place was occupied by the Consumer

Goods Industry with 57.986 million shares worth N3.014 billion in 3,216 deals.

Trading in the Top Three Equities namely- First City Monument Bank Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc and Zenith International Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 939.627 million shares worth N9.648 billion in 2,970 deals, contributing 46.69% and 41.27% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Fourteen (14) equities appreciated in price during last week’s trade, this is lower than thirty-nine (39) equities of the preceding week. Fifty-five (55) equities depreciated in price higher than thirty-six (36) equities of the preceding week, while one hundred and twenty-seven (127) equities remained unchanged higher than one hundred and twenty-two (122) recorded in the preceding week.

Also traded during the week were a total of 1,852 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N219,311.75 executed in 19 deals compared with a total of 110,169 units valued at N5.949 transacted last week in 22 deals.

DailyTimes TimesNigeria Nigeria Daily Monday,January January12, 12,2015 2015 Monday,

Today in History

33 37

s

1962 Lagos Summit: Big welcome for Heads of States

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1962 Lagos Summit: Big welcome for Heads of States Elaborate arrangements to ensure a grand welcome for Heads of State arriving in Lagos for

1954

1954 Dulles announces policy of “massive retaliation In a speech at a Council on Foreign Relations dinner in his honour, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles announced that the United States will protect its allies through the “deterrent of massive retaliatory power.” The policy announcement was further evidence of the Eisenhower administration’s

the summit conference were announced by Dr. K.O.Mbandiwe, Personal Adviser to the Prime Minister on African Affairs.

Addressing a Press Conference in Lagos, Dr. Mbadiwe said the federal Government had declared January 15 – 25as “Africa Week” to enable all Nigeria n play the roles of hosts to the visi-

Dulles announces policy of “massive retaliation decision to rely heavily on the nation’s nuclear arsenal as the primary means of defence against communist aggression.

Dulles began his speech by examining communist strategy that, he concluded, had as its goal the “bankruptcy” of the United States through overextension of its military power.

Both strategically and economically, the secretary explained, it was unwise to “permanent-

tors. This, he said, would arouse in members of the much talked about summit conference.

1926 Original Amos n Andy debuts on Chicago radio On this day in 1926, the twoman comedy series “Sam ‘n’ Henry” debutted on Chicago’s WGN radio station. Two years later, after changing its name to

ly commit U.S. land forces to Asia,” to “support permanently other countries,” or to “become permanently committed to military expenditures so vast that they lead to ‘practical bankruptcy.’” Instead, he believed a new policy of “getting maximum protection at a bearable cost” should be developed. Although Dulles did not directly refer to nuclear weapons, it was clear that the new policy he was describing would depend upon the “massive retaliatory power” of such weapons to respond to future communist acts of war.

“Amos ‘n’ Andy,” the show became one of the most popular radio programs in American history.

Though the creators and the stars of the new radio program, Freeman Gosden and Charles Carrell, were both white, the characters they played were two black men from the Deep South who moved to Chicago to seek their fortunes. By that time, white actors performing in dark stage makeup--or “blackface”-had been a significant tradition in American theatre for over 100 years. Gosden and Carrell, both vaudeville performers, were doing a Chicago comedy act in blackface when an employee at the Chicago Tribune suggested they create a radio show.

When “Sam ‘n’ Henry” debuted in January 1926, it became an immediate hit. In 1928, Gosden and Carrell took their act to a rival station, the Chicago Daily News’ WMAQ. When they discovered WGN owned the rights to their characters’ names, they simply changed them. As their new contract gave Gosden and Carrell the right to syndicate the program, the popularity of “Amos ‘n’ Andy” soon exploded.

Over the next 22 years, the show would become the highest-rated comedy in radio history, attracting more than 40 million listeners.

1904 Henry Ford sets speed record Henry Ford set a land-speed

1984 Pyramid mystery unearthed

1984 Pyramid mystery unearthed On this day, an international panel overseeing the restoration of the Great Pyramids in Egypt overcame years of frustration when it abandons modern construction techniques in favour of

record of 91.37 mph on the frozen surface of Michigan’s Lake St. Clair. He was driving a fourwheel vehicle, dubbed the “999,” with a wooden chassis but no body or hood. Ford’s record was broken within a month at Ormond Beach, Florida, by a driver named William K. Vanderbilt; even so, the publicity surrounding Ford’s achievement was valuable to the auto pioneer, who in June of the previous year had incorporated the Ford Motor Company, which would eventually go on to become one of America’s Big Three automakers.

Henry Ford was born on a farm in present-day Dearborn, Michigan, on July 30, 1863. In 1896, Ford, then an engineer in Detroit, built a four-wheel, self-propelled vehicle with a gasoline engine that he called the Quadricycle. Three years later, he founded the Detroit Automobile Company; however, by early 1901 the business failed.

That same year, Henry Ford became involved in auto racing as a means to promote himself and gather investors for future automating ventures. Late that year, the Henry Ford Company was established. The following year, Ford left the business after clashing with Henry Leland, who had been hired as a consultant. (Leland subsequently gave Ford’s company a new name: the Cadillac Automobile Company.)

the method employed by the ancient Egyptians.

Located at Giza outside Cairo, some of the oldest manmade structures on earth were showing severe signs of decay by the early 1980s. Successful repair work began on the 4,600-year-old Sphinx in 1981, but restoration of the pyramids proved destructive when water in modern cement caused adjacent limestone stones to split.

On January 12, 1984, restorers stopped using mortar and adopted the system of interlocking blocks practiced by the original pyramid builders. From thereon, the project proceeded smoothly.

34

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Our Heritage

s

Remembering

Aduni Olorisha

On January 12, 2009, six years ago today, the late Susanne Wenger (a.k.a Adunni Olorisha) died at the age of 93 in Osogbo. Agozino Agozino, who was privileged to have the last interview with the renowned Austria-born artist and Osun priestess, looks back at the encounter:

ÏÏÏShe was a widely adored in Osogbo and beyond. For her admirers, she was sage, mother and mentor. More than anything perhaps, she was an artist, every inch.

Madam Susan Wenger, Aduni Olorisha, as many affectionately called her, was the nonagenarian matriarch of the globally known Osogbo Art School, in which she coordinated a close circle named the Osun Sacred Art Cult. She was also a powerful force in the preservation, protection and international promotion of the Osun Grove in Osogbo.

Wenger was an Austrian by birth, an explorer by temperament. Nigerian Yoruba philosophy and tradition was her adopted culture for almost half a century. She came to Nigeria in the 1950’s .Her inspiration though tremendous was different. It was not like other Europeans visiting at that time. She came with a passion to study and know more about the African people, how they live and carry on with life. Before coming, she was already a professional painter.

But the love of Africa and especially her discoveries of the Osun goddess, led her to decide not to go back to Europe. She chose rather to settle in Nigeria. Since then, she gave her whole life and dedicated everything to the worship of the Osun deity.

She started her romance with Yoruba deities in Ede, Osun State, through the building of shrines and befitting abodes for the gods in the late 1950s. Then, she was a partner of Prof. Ulli Bier, who at the time was an extra-moral language teacher in the University of Ibadan.

Before her death, Adunni was also an Obatala priestess. She committed a lot of her life, creativity and resources to the Osun Grove on the bank of Osun river. Her works and activism made the grove one of the UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage in the world, and this has put Osogbo on the world map.

Seeking her out in Osogbo was not difficult. Her name was on every lip. Any taxi driver will tell you about her curious art-choked two-floor house, and take you there. Scores of international and local art tourists visited her making her home something of a tourist spot. Some came to see and quiz her, others for curiosity or to have a first-hand encounter with her art.

She was a living myth. Her very frugal lifestyle emphasised the subliminal aura around her.

Located within a narrow street in the mainland quarters of Osogbo is the icon’s home. As you climb the wooden staircase, a pin-drop silence descended. Clustered around her in the dimly-lit room where she dwelt were wood carvings, metalworks, stone sculptures, paintings and handprinted fabrics --- adire. All must have been placed with care and must have been there for quite some time, judging by the accumulation of dust. Other household items were also placed in a way that suggested deep esoteric meaning. For the uninitiated, the images, works and their nature might be misunderstood. But those familiar with her knows their interpretation. An encounter with her in this home where there was nothing like electricity was a unique experience. For a 93-year-old, her and wit and articulation was striking.

Although reluctant to entertain the press, she said her work for the past 39 years was inspired by a call to preserve a culture. It was not as if others did not see what she saw, but for her, it was like a special calling to do that type of work.

To her, serving the Osun goddess was not an afterthought. With a little frame that carried enormous inner strength, she emitted an engaging power and control of

Continue on page 35

The late Sussanne Wenger

Buhari, Amaechi, others elated as Saro The Musical 2 ends ÏÏÏPresidential

Scene from the performance

candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and other prominent Nigerian have commended Telecommunication giant, Etisalat on its contribution towards the promotion of arts and creativity, especially by throwing its weight behind the recently-concluded Saro The Musical 2.

The event, which held at the Shell Hall of MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, was attended by many dignitaries, including retired Gen. Muhamadu Buhari, Gover-

nor Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam el-Rufai; Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora.

Speaking at the event, Head, Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani, said it was important to encourage regeneration of arts and culture in the country because it was the cornerstone of a rich civic life. According to her: “Arts & Culture can be a powerful force for good and catalyst for change. It is our belief that this

force can, and should be harnessed in a positive way to work for change in Nigeria.” She added that one of the objectives of the company’s operation since 2008 was to facilitate social and economic bridge in the areas they operate.

“Saro The Musical, resonates with what we stand for at Etisalat and we are honoured to have the privilege to partner with the organisers of this show again,” she concluded.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday January 12, 2015

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

Nag Hammadi: Unraveled manuscripts of pregnant Christianity’s history Agozino Agozino

ÏÏÏThe

year was 1945. At the foot of a cliff along the Nile River, near the city of Nag Hammadi, an Egyptian peasant unearthed a large storage jar containing ancient manuscripts. The find turned out to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century. The manuscripts are the scriptures of the ancient mystical tradition commonly called Gnosticism, from the Greek gnosis, meaning secret knowledge.

It was a discovery that challenged everything people thought they knew about the early Christian church, ancient Judaism, and Greco-Roman religions.

Since then, the scriptures have been interpreted and reinterpreted. It has been dubbed the most complete and up-to-date sacred texts from Egypt. It is full of treatises, testimonies, and secret books that had been lost for centuries. In addition to some alleged ‘gospel texts’ said to be written by the apostles Thomas and Philip, and the revelations of James, Peter, and Paul, it is also said to contain a collection that includes Gospel of Mary and the controversial Gospel of Judas.

For instance, The Gospel of Thomas is said to be the most controversial with certain uncomplimentary assertions. Although some of the works had been translated and commented upon extensively, there are more questions than answers--- especially, from those who believe that organised religion is hiding some things. Also intruging is an alleged Gospel of Judas, an apostle who later betrayed Christ.

Nag Hammadi

35 Our Heritage

Nigeria’s Okwui Enwezor to curate Venice Biennale Agozino Agozino

ÏÏÏGermany-based

Nigeria-born international curator, Okwui Enwezor, has been named Director of the 56th edition of the Venice Biennale, slated to open in May 2015. The 50-year-old writer, editor and curator, has held the post of Director at Munich’s Haus der Kunst since 2011.

Enwezor brings with him a wide range of curatorial interests and experiences, having served as Artistic Director of a number of large-scale, international exhibitions: the Johannesburg Biennale (1997); Documenta 11 in Kassel, Germany (2002); the Bienal Internacional de Arte Contemporaneo de Sevilla in Spain (2007); the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea (2008); and the Triennal d’Art Contemporain in Paris (2012).

With specialties that include video, photography and visual documentation, Enwezor is an adjunct curator at the International Center of Photography in New York where he curated “Snap Judgments: New Po-

sitions in Contemporary African Photography” (2006), “Archive Fever: Uses of the Document in Contemporary Art” (2008) and “Rise and Fall of Apartheid: Photography and the Bureaucracy of Everyday Life” (2012-13).

Other museum shows he has organized include “Century City” (2001) at the Tate Modern in London, “ECM: A Cultural Archeology” (2012-13) at Haus der Kunst in Munich and “Stan Douglas: Le Détroit” (2000) at the Art Institute of Chicago. He has also written several books and contributed to a number of publications, and founded Duke University Press’s Nka: Journal of Contemporary African Art in 1994.

Retaining a strong presence in academia, Enwezor has served as a visiting professor at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, New York’s Columbia University and the University of Pittsburgh, and was dean of academic affairs and senior vice president of the San Francisco Art Institute from 2005 to 2009.

Enwezor

xxxxxx

... Six years after Aduni Olorisha Continued from page 34

Front view of late Wenger’s house in Osogbo

her environment as she spoke.

For Doyin, one of Wenger’s three adopted daughters, it was not about their mother’s effort alone. She said: “All the works you see here are from different artists who want their works to be placed here. It is because they love what we are doing and chose to preserve their works here.”

Like the other children, whom Wenger adopted at very young ages, Doyin, then in her 30s, had spent almost all her years working in their mother’s art studio.

She noted that the legacy of her mother lay more in the contribution she had made over the years in preserving some works that otherwise would have been lost or destroyed. This, according to her, had not been an easy work.

“For instance, it takes great

sacrifice to ensure that the works are intact.” she said, adding that she had put in over 20 years into the studio.

Her main work now was to assist Adunni in attending to her numerous daily visitors. Whenever it was not easy for Wenger to answer some of the questions fielded, Doyin took charge. Her mind seemed to work in tandem with her mother’s. Wenger herself would often refer questions to Doyin who did well on her behalf.

On how they had been preserving the works, Doyin said that it had been a daily ritual to ensure that nothing happened to any of the works.

For a prominent Osogbo artist, Chief (Mrs) Nike Davis-Okundaye, Wenger’s work had helped the art scene not only in Osogbo but in Nigeria:

17

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Features

s

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Call it Okrika, Bend Down Boutique, whatever. Here, unfortunately, is the most popular market for the Lagos poor...

Features

Heritage

News

27 Ener

Business

Africa plans three floating Katangowa: Lagos paradise Katangowa: LNG Poisoned beer Remembering Africa plans export projects of second-hand clothes Lagos paradise kills 52 in P12 three floating Aduni Olorisha Page 18

Tony Nwakaegho

P34

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.21

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of second-hand Mozambique P17 Africa has planned three floating LNG export projects that will see Cameroon joining the small number of LNG exporting nations.

Cameroon is the latest African country to signal a planned LNG project as it adds to three such planned projects in Nigeria; two planned LNG projects in Equatorial Guinea; two in Mozambique and one in Tanzania, none of which is sanctioned. Of the two planned LNG projects in Equatorial Guinea, one is a Floating LNG. In Mozambique, the same pattern holds true.

But the Cameroonian Floating LNG project, announced on Christmas Day 2014 as a three way Heads of Agreement (the HOA) between Golar LNG Ltd (Golar) Societe Nationale de Hydrocarbures (SNH) and Perenco Cameroon, is small, nimble, and designed to get to market quicker than 2018, the earliest at which any of the other listed projects is likely to come online.

With a string of LNG projects coming on stream in Australia and piped gas agreements signed between Russia and China, analysts have warned of threats of oversupply dimming

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the chances of profitability.

A statement by Golar LNG states that “the HOA is premised on the allocation of 500 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas reserves from offshore Kribi fields, which will be exported to global markets via the GoFLNG facility Golar Hill, now under construction at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.”

Nimble as its project is, Golar still needs to watch out for the Ophir led FLNG initiative off Equatorial Guinea.

Ophir said in a recent statement that “Our project is well placed to take advantage of ongoing LNG market tightness prior to planned East African and North American volumes coming on-stream.”

Ophir did state its Final Investment Decision (FID) would be taken in 2016 and first gas will come on line in 2019. Its statement was several months before the Golar announcement.

“Golar will provide the liquefaction facilities and services under a tolling agreement to SNH and Perenco as owners of the upstream joint venture who also intend to produce liquefied petroleum gas’ for the local market in association with the Project.

Hepatitis ravages Boko Haram transit camp Daniel Jolly, Bauchi

Yinka Odumakin

As insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria continues unabated, the number of people rendered homeless escalates everyday with over 28,000 refugees in Cameroun and some internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bauchi, Yola, Taraba, Numan, Jos Karu and Abuja.

A visit by Daily Times to an IDP camp, set up by Stefano’s Foundation for the resettlement of most vulnerable families showed that many people in the camp have been diagnosed to be hypertensive, 40 are Hepatitis B positive, while some of the children have pneumonia.

Camp Director, Pastor Mancha Darong told Daily Times that the

camp was barely two months in into the host communities. operation, with over 186 InternalDarong enumerated some of ly Displace Persons (IDPs) from the challenges in the camp to inthe Northern part of the country. clude poor health and insecurity He added that there were other adding that some of the people in camps in Kabar, Nassarawa State the camp were hypertensive due with 1,373 IDPs and Vom, Kerang, to trauma while some were sufferpower generation, Nigerians Mangu, in Niger State. ing pneumonia due to cold. would According experience 17 to“about 18 hours He explained that some of the to him, 40 IDPs, including men, women and of daily power supply in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 children have been integrated country.

LNG plant

Every road has a bend Mrs Hannatu James, from Atagara, Gwoza

Wakil

ÎÎÎThe

tumbling prices of oil in the international market is bringing the sad reality to us as country that it has been sheer waywardness over the years relying on one product to sustain our economy. All of a sudden, our flamboyant governors are now keeping some low profile with about 10 states unable to pay salaries in December.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) while lamenting the situation informed that three states are the worst of the 11: “Three of these, Benue, Plateau and Osun, owed their workers arrears of salaries ranging from three to eight months! Some Federal Government employees in the Ministries of Education, Labour and Productivity, among others, are owed arrears of salaries ranging from one to three months”.

It was only in July 2014 that I addressed the danger of relying on oil alone as a catastrophe that would burst on us at some point. In less than six months, we have reached the bend on this long travelled road.

Let me reproduce the Vanguard report of my submission in its July 19,

2014 edition: “A delegate representing the South West GeoPolitical Zone of the country, Yinka Odumakin told other delegates yesterday that if the price of oil crashes today, governors who he alleged to be going round the world with private jets, will look for motorcycles, known as Okada to ride.

“Contributing to debate on report of the devolution of power committee yesterday, Odumakin also said that if no oil, only Lagos state out of the 36 states of the country would be able to use its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR to pay workers’ salaries.

He said, “The recommendations of the Devolution Committee to use 4.5 % of our annual budget to develop other mineral resources outside oil is the most apt thing to do now to get out of the sharing culture that is holding Nigeria down. We are engaged in one of Ghandi’s identified 7 Social Deadly Sins-Wealth Without Work. If oil prices should crash today, all our states would collapse and the governors flying jets all over the place will look for okada to ride.

“The grim reality below

shows that we must embrace wealth flowing from work by going under the soil in our various states to diversify the economy.”

On IGR and States’ wages, the delegate said, “Only one of the 36 states can afford to pay workers’ salaries with internally generated revenues, The remaining 35 states generate only a fraction of funds they require to settle their wage bills annually. This means that without federal funds, these states cannot even afford salaries payment, not to talk of executing any projects “Information on states’ wage bills comparisons with data on their internally generated revenues (IGR), published by the National Bureau of Statistics. The result showed that only Lagos State can pay salaries of its workers by solely relying on revenues generated internally.

“None of the 19 Northern states has this much financial muscle. They all depend on federallyallocated subventions, mainly made up of funds generated from sales of crude oil that is extracted down south.

“Other components of the federal allocation,

Tony Nwakaegho

Ghana has stepp gas from its offshore J field as it is planning its dependence on ‘u gas supply from Niger Ghana’s governmen taking this decision a backdrop of the stri taken by workers of rian National Petroleu ration in September to another stoppage o ply to Ghana through African Gas Pipelin system.

The government sta has begun processing its offshore Jubilee through a pipeline pr could save the govern $300 million a year on while two more gas expected to come on 2017 to add to Jubilee operated by British fir Oil. The government i talks with the Qatar ment for the supply o gas and there are oth investments underwa ing planned productio ian energy firm Eni Offshore Cape Thre (OCTP) block beginni

2014: Disappointing year for electricity consumers

Continued from page 26

If oil prices should crash today, all our states would collapse and the governors flying jets all over the place will look for okada to ride.

LNG export projects P27

Ghana steps gas supply, re dependence o Nigeria

announced that the 10,000MW target, which she mentioned a month earlier, would be attained by the end of December 2014 and not the 2013 she announced in May. The then minister, who was led by her boss, Chinedu Nebo, added that with the increase in

“With all the other NIPPs coming up and to be commissioned

by December 2013, we look forward to 10,000 megawatts come December 2014. This is what we are working towards. If we succeed in making it more than that we will be very happy. But we are focused on actually delivering 10,000 MW by 2014.

“And this by our calculations and data we have on ground we will give at least between 17 and 18 hours of power supply to Nigerians. The 24 hours power supply will happen but we are working steadily towards that,” she said.

Kuchi’s projection came less than two weeks after Vice President Namadi Sambo forecasted that power generation would rise to 20,000MW before the end

shared between the three tiers of government on monthly basis, include taxes collected by the Nigerian Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“The data published by the statistics bureau showed that in 2010 and 2011, only seven states had IGR in two-digit billions.

Lagos is the only one with a three-digit figure, while the remaining states had single digits.

In 2012, the situation improved slightly with 12 states recording doubledigit figures in billions while Lagos remained the only with three-digit figures.

“The implication of the low revenue generation by the states is that most of them can barely sustain themselves without recourse to monthly federal subventions.

Most states have had to take short-term bank loans to settle wages whenever there were delays in the monthly disbursements by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

“Lagos generated N219 billion in 2012, three times its annual wage bill of N76.5 billion. States that generated more than N10 billion in 2012 are Kano,

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. www.dailytimes.com.ng email: www.dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

of 2014.

Similarly, Nebo recently announced to electricity-starved Nigerians that by the end of 2013, the country’s power generation would rise to between 7,000MW and 10,000MW. The power minister also disclosed that Chinese investors were planning to build power plants in Nigeria to the tune of 20,000MW, but that the government was still studying the model.

Nebo also hinted that his ministry was collaborating with the NNPC to ensure a good plan to utilise the gas flaring that was causing problems to the environment for power generation.

Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, had also corroborated the ‘targeted 7,000MW’ by December 2013.

He also added that the government was determined to ensure that by 2014, the country would

be able to provide 14,000MW of electricity.

The President also said in his Transformation Agenda, “For the first time since 1960, the country has a comprehensive and realistic plan for resolving Nigeria’s electric power crisis, identifying requirements to achieve stable power supply in the entire value chain from gas to generation, to transmission and distribution.

“By the end of 2014, over 6,000MW would have been generated by Independent Power Producers such as Dangote, Lafarge, Notore, Supertek, Geometric Power, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Total, Hudson Power, Agip, Negris and Mabon Electric.”

Setting unrealistic targets has been the practice in the power sector in recent years. The forecasts are however, made without fulfilment as the new Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil also joined the league of

Kaduna, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

Among states with fairly strong revenue bases are Rivers, which generated the second highest IGR of N66.2 billion in 2012, but has an annual wages bill of N96 billion.

“Edo made N18.9 billion revenue but is weighed down by a salaries bill of N28 billion yearly, while Cross River generated N12.7 billion though it pays N22 billion wages annually.

Even though Kano has the highest IGR in the North, the N24 billion it generated in 2012 is not enough to pay salaries of its workers, which is N36 billion yearly. Kaduna, the second internal revenue earner in the North, garnered N11.5 billion but which is less than half its N27.4 billion annual wage bill.

It is crystal clear today that there is no future for the present arrangement in Nigeria except we restructure NIGERIA with the template already laid at the 2014 National Conference. And this is why I invite Nigerians to read the report at :www.2014n ationalconferencereport. com.

those who have been power targets for Nige Wakil disclosed tha to improve electricity the country, the feder ment has promised to 7,000 Mega Watt of before the end of 2014.

The minister expla the federal governme ing everything within to make sure that Nig joy stable electricity round, but noted that d dalism of power lines lations across the co government is findin cult to provide the mu electricity for its citize Expectations for 2 For electricity con the country, expecta high, as they look f the forth coming ele instead of this, the power situation in 20 being replicated in 201

Life & Times

NBC axes Lil Kesh’s

‘Shoki’ L3

P

Yemi Alade,

others in MTV Base 2015 list PL3

Arugba star is mother of twins PL4

Life & Times L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 12, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

05:00

03:00

Mon, 12 Jan | Family

101 M

00:00 Made In Hollywood 00:25 Touchy Feely 02:00 Imogene 03:40 Austenland 05:15 City Slacker 06:39 Behind The Scenes: Chef 07:00 Got To Dance 08:00 Bad Teacher 08:30 Modern Family 09:00 The Millers 09:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 Planes 11:58 Behind The Scenes: Dispicable Me 2 12:30 Mom 13:00 Got To Dance 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 Perception 16:00 Nashville 17:00 The Last Ship 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 About A Boy 20:30 Got To Dance 20:30 The Last Ship 21:30 Mysteries Of Laura 22:30 2015 Golden Globe Awards

Ellen

118 Telemundo

00:00 Aurora 00:30 The Queen Of The South 01:20 The Queen Of The South 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 The Queen Of The South 03:50 The Queen Of The South 05:20 Where Is Elisa 06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 My Heart Beats For Lola 08:40 Broken Angel 09:30 Where Is Elisa 10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 My Heart Beats For Lola 12:50 Broken Angel 13:40 Where Is Elisa?

14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 My Heart Beats For Lola 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Where Is Elisa 18:40 Aurora 19:30 Fearless Heart 20:20 My Heart Beats For Lola 21:10 The Queen Of The South 22:00 Broken Angel 22:50 Where Is Elisa

Elisa

James and Olayinka Adubi are brothers bound by blood and separated by status. Yinka eventually dies of a heart attack and this opens doors of intrigue.

120 BBC Entertainment

00:00 My Family 00:10 New Tricks 01:03 Come Dine With Me 01:52 The Musketeers 02:44 The Cube 03:30 Blackadder The Third 04:00 EastEnders 04:29 EastEnders 05:00 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 05:26 Ql

05:57 Would I Lie To You? 06:30 EastEnders 07:00 Doctor Who 07:52 The Weakest Link 08:42 The Chase 09:29 Total Wipeout UK 10:27 The Cube 11:18 New Tricks 12:17 Top Gear 13:12 Come Dine With Me 14:09 Total Wipe Out 15:09 The Weakest Link 16:00 EastEnders 16:31 Deal Or No Deal 17:12 The Cube 18:05 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

19:00 Master Chef 19:32 Hell’s Kitchen USA 20:25 Would I Lie To You? 21:00 Ql 21:37 The Graham Norton Show 22:44 Would I Lie To You?

254 Channels TV

00:00 News Track 03:00 Movie 02:00 News Track 02:30 Dateline Abuja 03:00 News Track 03:30 Living The Life 04:00 Rubbing Mind 05:00 News @ Ten 05:30 Entertainment News 06:00 News Track 06:30 News Track 06:30 Turning Point 07:00 Sunrise Daily 09:00 News Track 09:30 Sports This Morning 10:00 Business Morning 11:00 The Money Show 11:30 Law Weekly 12:00 News Track

12:30 Arthouse 13:00 News Track 13:30 Business Incorporated 14:00 News Track 14:30 View From The Top 15:00 News Track 15:30 The Beam 16:00 News Track 16:30 Oil And Gas 17:00 News Track 17:30 The World Today 18:00 Sports News 18:30 Roadmap 19:00 News Track 19:30 Policy Council 20:00 News Track 20:30 Diplomatic Channel 21:00 Sports Tonight 22:00 News @ Ten

Mon,1 2 jan. |PG 13

252 Silverbird TV

00:00 Princess Halliday Show 01:00 Music Africa 02:00 Boomtown 02:30 STV Sports Cafe 03:00 Local Movie 05:00 Symphony 06:30 Insights For Living 07:00 STV AM News 07:30 Today On STV 09:30 Heart Of The Matter 10:30 STV Sports Cafe 11:00 E.O.M Business 11:30 Almond Finance & Wealth Show 12:05 Music Africa 14:05 Boom Town 14:30 Seekers 15:00 Dormitory 8 15:30 Brights 16:30 Nickelodeon 17:00 The KKB Show 17:30 Video Wheels Lifestyle 18:02 MTV Base 19:00 STV News @ 7 19:30 Taste Of Love 20:00 Delta In And Out 20:30 Uncommon Transformation Of Akwa Ibom 21:00 Head To Head 21:30 Security File 22:00 STV News @10

Princess Halliday

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday January 12, 2015

2face, others to headline EiE Nigeria voter concert

NBC bans Lil Kesh’s

‘Shoki’ Opeoluwani Akintayo

ÏÏÏFollowing

recent controversy trailing the underlying meaning behind Olamide’s act, Lil Kesh’s ‘Shoki’ remix, the Nigerian Braodcasting Commission(NBC), has placed a ban on the song, ordering it not to air during day time.

According to the releases dated

Jan.7, 2015 to all media houses, NBC says the song ‘Shoki’ remix by Lil Kesh featuring Olamide and Davido should be played only between 10pm and 5am.

NBC states that the song: ‘contains some connotations of foul impressions that could corrupt the sensibilities of the impressionable underage.’

Advocacy group, Enough Is Enough Nigeria has announced that they will be hosting the first-of-its-kind voter education concerts in four major cities across Nigeria in preparation for the 2015 elections.

Renowned superstars, 2Face, Pasuma, MI, Ice Prince, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Reminisce among many others have been confirmed to thrill young enthusiastic voters at these concerts. Organizers of the concert have also promised guest appearances from A-list personalities including CEO, Channels TV, John Momoh.

The voter education concerts will hold in Kaduna, Jos, Owerri and Lagos will follow the first edition, which held in Port-Harcourt on December 12, 2014.

Spot the difference!

Justin Beiber’s retouched and unretouched Calvin Klein ad photos leaked.

Yemi Alade, others make MTV Base 2015 list

Some of Nigeria’s buzzing acts have been selecteåd as the top ten #One2watch talents in the year 2015 on this week’s episode of the #OfficialNaijaTop-

Ten. Topping the list are Patoranking, Seyi Shay and Yung L .

See full list below: 10. Eva 9. Teckno 8. The Mavins 7. Orezi 6. Yemi Alade 5. Runtown 4. Cynthia Morgan 3. Yung L 2. Seyi Shay 1. Patoranking

Yemi

New video alert!

Malta Guinness takes ‘Game On’ to Ebutte Metta, Lagos Episode 3 of the Malta Guinness Game On Reality show made its debut on Sunday, January 4 on NTA, AIT and Spice TV. This episode in the running debate of Fashion versus Football saw the contestants taking part in tasks which showed the

depth of their skill.

Keeping with the theme of bringing the show close to the people, Team Football renovated an exercise pitch in the community of Ebute Metta, while that Team Fashion renovated a photo studio in the same community.

DJ Zeez added another year to his age on Jan.10 and as a gift to his fans he drops“Ba Mi Jo” off his recently released EP, ‘Zeez – The EP’.

‘Ba Mi Jo’ is a video directed

by Clarence Peters.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday January 12, 2015

L2 Life & Times

Arugba

Gabriel Afolayan releases Awelewa’s video

star delivered of twins

ÎÎÎ

Shortly after his debut single in the music scene; Nollywood actor-turned-musician, Gabriel Afolayan, has released yet another musical video from his collections titled “Awelewa”.

Excited Gabriel took to his Instagram page to announce the release of his new work which was co-directed by Kunle Afolayan.

Stories: Mutiat Alli

ÎÎÎNollywood actress, Bukola Awoyemi who

was in the news late last year for reportedly snatching her colleague, Damola Olatunji from his wife, has put to bed in far away United State of America.

The actress fondly known as Arugba in the much publicized film by Tunde Kelani, reportedly engaged his married colleague, Nollywood actor Damola Olatunji in a secret romance after the two played a romantic role together.

Our source however disclosed, that Bukola delivered a set of twins on Monday, the 5th of January, 2015 at a hospital in US and both mother and the twins are doing fine.

Bukola and Damola were said to have met on a movie set in 2013 and both kicked off their romance right from the movie location.

Iyabo Ojo’s

‘Silence’ movie starts cinema screening ÎÎÎNollywood

actress cum producer, Iyabo Ojo has also joined the league of celebrities whose films begin cinema premiere across the states.

The excited actress spoke exclusively to Daily Tmes that her first English Movie, ‘Silence’ will begin airing from January 9th, 2015 in all Silverbird cinemas outlets across the country.

The movie, ‘Silence’ focuses on child abuse which is a crime against humanity as it preaches rescue against Sexual abuse, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, mental

abuse to mention but a few.

‘Silence’ is produced by Iyabo Ojo CEO Fespris production and directed by Alex Mouth.

‘Headgone’ hits millions in cinema

Jim Iyke’s ‘Unscripted’ airing on Ghana’s Viasat 1 ÎÎÎNollywood

actor, Jim Iyke has begun the New Year with yet another landmark move with the recent airing of his much talked about “Unscripted” on the Ghana’s Viasat 1.

Unscripted series which was

shot in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Houston, Dubai, Nairobi, Amsterdam and London, started showing on Friday, January 2, 2015, and is being screened every Friday at 8PM for a run of 13 weeks.

The series will give the viewers an up-close and exclusive look into his glamorous yet controversial life. It will also show the famous actor as he promotes his movies while delving into the competitive world of men’s fashion.

On set

Gabriel Amanyi, a.k.a Terry G makes Nollywood debut on the set of a new movie in Asaba, Delta State. Photo: Instagram...

ÎÎÎNaija

ninja brothers; the duo of Olarewaju Fasasi (Sound Sultan) and Dare Fasasi (Baba Dee) have been smiling to the banks in recent time as their comedy movie ‘Headgone’ hits millions in the cinemas across the country.

‘Headgone’, a hilarious yet serious movie that features the travail of a group of tagged men on transfer to another centre, focuses on the socio-political realism against bad leadership.

The movie which is star studded featured the likes of 2face Idibia, Ali Baba, Afeez Oyetoro (Saka), Basket mouth, Eniola Badmus, Sound Sultan, Peter Fatomilola amongst others.

‘Headgone’ is produced and directed by the duo of Sound Sultan and Baba Dee.

XT Exclusive

Monday, January 12, 2015

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Num ber

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Poster!

MY HEART LONGS FOR GUNNERS, SAYS SISSOKO

ASEC Mimosas

Beveren Metalurh Donetsk Olympiacos Monaco Barcelona Manchester City

National team 2004–till date:

Yaya

X4,5

TOURE

IDEYE

Ivory Coast (85 appearances and 16 goals)

QUOTES ON

YAYA TOURE

“

I am a midfielder who is mainly involved in the defensive phases, even if I also like to help build moves - I would say that my foremost quality is my generosity.

—Yaya Toure

”

“

If I was Belgium, if I was British, if I was French, I would get more recognition... we are tired to hear that African football and Africans are not at that level.

I’m very proud to be African, I want to defend African people. I want to show that to the world that African player can be as much good as Europeans are.

—Yaya Toure

”

“I know him very well, since he was 15 years old, so I know Yaya Toure for a long time. He is a top-class talent.”

Wenger

Abu Dhabi debut excites Fowler X7

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ROSBERG ‘LL BE

EAGLETS

STRONGER IN 2015 X3

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Gnégnéri Yaya Touré May 13, 1983 (age 31) Bouaké, Ivory Coast 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[2] Midfielder Manchester City 42

Senior career 2001–2003: 2003–2005: 2005–2006: 2006–2007: 2007–2010: 2010–till date:

S N A F A B W M A SL G N I R I F S I M host Amajimbos in Kaduna

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number: Youth career 1996–2001:

YAYA TOURE

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section of the West Bromwich Albion support appears to have run out of patience with the club’s Nigerian striker, Brown Ideye.

Ideye, WBA’s record signing from Ukrainian club, Dynamo Kyiv, has yet to hit expected heights with just one Premier League goal to his name this season.

The attacker failed to score in WBA’s latest Premier League game, a 1-0 win over Hull City at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

He missed a glorious chance on 42 minutes when he dragged his effort wide with just the Hull City goalkeeper to beat after he was put through by Saido Berahino.

Speaking after the game, the WBA manager, Tony Pulis, spoke about Ideye’s miss and the need for improvements to be made by every member of his squad.

“We had good chances in the first half and never took them. A lot of things (in our performance) pleased me today but there are a load of things we can work on,” he said.

Some fans of the club were however

WBA FANS SLAM MISFIRING

IDEYE

FIFA congratulates

Ujah

‘Mr Football’ on his book

Ujah eyes Florida Cup success

N

igeria striker Anthony Ujah has said he hopes for a good outing with FC Cologne in the 2015 Florida Cup, which will be part of the team’s preparation ahead of the second round of the German Bundesliga.

“I’m looking forward to it because it’s going to be a big part of our preparation for the second round,” Ujah said.

“It’s a competition for everyone, but from a team perspective it’s healthy and it’s good. It’s a good test against some

not quite as charitable and took to Twitter to voice their frustrations.

Adam Stevens attempted to draw comparisons between Ideye and the day’s match winner, Berahino as he tactfully made his point.

“No one can try and fool #WBA fans as to Berahino’s price. We’ve seen that 10 mil buys you an Ideye, so you can at least treble that for Said,” he tweeted via @AdamLibertyLies.

Simon Kendrik summed up his feelings thus: “I’ve hoped and hoped that Ideye would prove us all wrong at some point.

Today has extinguished that hope. #wba,” via @billybassett68.

Martin Eaglestone posited that the former Sochaux man is not a striker with his tweet. “Seems Ideye is out to prove, beyond doubt, he is not a striker. #wba go prove me wrong –please,” he wrote via @ Carrageryr.

The man at the centre of the storm, Ideye, seems to be taking it all in his stride as he also took to Twitter immediately after the game.

“We really appreciate all the support from everyone in the stadium today especially the WBA fans, very important 3point today,” he tweeted via @OfficialIdeye.

Ideye, the club’s record signing, has scored once in 11 league appearances for WBA this season.

very well-known teams, so I hope to test myself as a player and also it’s a good test for us as a team.”

Corinthians FC, Fluminense FC (both of Brazil), Bayern Leverkusen will also feature in the competition.

Ujah has scored six goals in the league this season for Cologne.

The four-team tournament will kick off on Thursday with Cologne up against Corinthians, while Fluminense FC battle Bayer Leverkusen 04.

Andrew Ekejiuba

W

orld football governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has congratulated Mr. Ejikeme Ikwunze, popularly known as ‘Mr. Football’ for his latest book “World Cup 1930-2010- A Statistical Summary” which was published recently.

In a letter addressed to the UmuawaAlaocha Umuahia-born soccer statistician, FIFA President Joseph Blatter who signed the congratulatory letter, described the 520-page book as world class, disclosing that he has already sent the material to the FIFA Documen-

tation Centre “to be kept as a reference work”.

The FIFA President, who acknowledged the enormous input of Mr. Football, the immediate past Abia State Director of Sports in churning out the book, wished him the best as he engages in the writing of other books particularly the “World Cup biographies”.

In his reaction, Ikwunze, the Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Sports, described Blatter’s letter as encouraging pointing out that he was not surprised at the development since his earlier works were also acknowledged and celebrated by FIFA.

Ikpeba

Ikpeba denies fake twitter account Andrew Ekejiuba

F

ormer Super Eagles striker, Victor Ikpeba has denied a quote credited to him by a fake twitter account@Ikpeba_Official which had his picture.

The account quoted Ikpeba to have said, “If Buhari presents NEPA Bill as certificate, I will vote for him.”

An enraged Ikpeba said, “I want to tell the whole world that it is not me or my twitter account. My twitter account is @V_Ikpeba.

“I will make a formal complain to the necessary security agencies because I don’t want my name to be tarnished or used to exploit money from unsuspecting Nigerians.”

Monday, January 12, 2015

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LMC Board to be inaugurated before new season

Golden Eaglets

EAGLETS

NFF boss, Amaju Pinnick

Andrew Ekejiuba

HOST AMAJIMBOS T IN KADUNA N

igeria’s Golden Eaglets will host their South African counterparts, the Amajimbos, to a friendly match on Saturday, January 17, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Both countries will use the match to test the readiness of their youngsters for next month’s 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger where they have been drawn in separate preliminary groups.

While the Golden Eaglets drew Niger, Guinea and Zambia in Group A, the Amajimbos, who are coached by Molefi Ntseki, are in Group B alongside defending champions, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Cameroon.

Officials believe the friendly would also afford both teams the chance of playing against a team outside their sub regions.

“This is a real good match to test our players against a quality opposition,” noted Kabiru Baleria, Golden Eaglets’ assistant coach.

“Playing against the South Africans would also give us an idea about how we can handle Zambia since they are from the same region.”

Incidentally, the trip to Kaduna would be Golden Eaglets’ second time under Coach Emmanuel Amuneke after they recorded a 3-2 and 3-1 win against their colleagues from Egypt last May.

The forthcoming match promises to be even more exciting after the Amajimbos saw off the gritty Egyptians 4-3 on aggregate to book their appearance at the continental cadet championship hitherto dominated by the Eaglets including two gold medals in 2001 and 2007.

The South Africa 30-man of players and officials are due in Nigeria midweek and are expected to stay for four days before returning home after the match in Kaduna.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets beat Abuja-based Virgin Kids Academy 3-1 at the NFF/ FIFA Goal Project in Abuja on Saturday in continuation of their build up towards Niger 2015.

Kehinde Ayinde and Victor Osimhen scored three goals between them to cancel Virgin Kids’ opening goal by Samson Ekemezie.

NWOFOR

N Uche Nwofor in action for SK Lierse of Belgium

scores in Lierse win

igeria international striker Uche Nwofor scored for Belgian club SK Lierse in their 3-0 friendly win over Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar on Friday.

Nwofor’s effort in the 39th minute was sandwiched in between goals by Ramy Bensebaini and Wamberto as De Pallieters cantered to a straightforward victory.

The 23-year-old rose to meet a sumptuous Hernan Losada cross from the left after shrugging off close attention from AZ’s Jan Wuytens.

His thumping header left the AZ goalkeeper, Esteban Alvarado, with little

chance as Lierse went 2-0 up.

Nwofor has scored just once in eight league games this season.

His less-than-productive form in front of goal has not helped Lierse’s cause in the Pro League this season as they currently prop up the rear in the standings with 14 points from 21 matches.

Nwofor will be hoping things improve in the second half of the season with Lierse facing Anderlecht on January 18 in their next league game.

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the new board of the League Management Company (LMC) will be inaugurated before the commencement of the Professional Football League season in March.

Speaking at the end of the NFF Executive Committee meeting in Lagos on Thursday, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon. Suleiman YahayaKwande clarified that there is no affirmation or ratification yet on

who are the members of the new LMC Board.

“In line with the decision of the Congress at the General Assembly held in Lagos on November 23, 2014, the Selection Committee has met and come up with a list.

“However, it is important to make it clear that the list has not been ratified. We will finalise on the list very soon and I can assure, on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, that the Board of the League Management Company will be inaugurated before the commencement of the new season, which has been set for March 7.”

SIASIA proposes Turkey tour for Dream Team igeria’s U-23 coach, Samson

N

Siasia, has returned to Abuja following the Christmas and New Year holidays with hopes of securing a camping tour of Europe to prepare for the All Africa Games qualifiers.

Siasia returned to the country on Friday night from his vacation in the United States of America with request for a training tour of Turkey.

The coach was expected to hit town on Tuesday but couldn’t make it as a result of flight hitches due to poor weather conditions.

Siasia had submitted his programmes

Siasia

to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and strongly requested for a training tour possibly in Turkey where he can concentrate fully and work on the players he had already picked for the AAG qualifying match against Gabon in February.

“We need to camp in a place where the team will not be distracted and will be able to face our programmes fully without any hindrances and hitches.

“I will really appreciate if the NFF can make it possible for us to camp in Turkey where I hope to put out training in full gear without distractions,” he said.

“This will also make it possible for the invited foreign-based players to join us without experiencing the rigours of having to travel down to Abuja. But everything depends on the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation,” Siasia disclosed.

Siasia later said that he would resume camping this Sunday for them to commence

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Monday, January 12, 2015

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Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

Gnégnéri Yaya Touré May 13, 1983 (age 31) Bouaké, Ivory Coast 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[2] Midfielder Manchester City 42

Youth career 1996–2001:

ASEC Mimosas

Senior career 2001–2003: 2003–2005: 2005–2006: 2006–2007: 2007–2010: 2010–till date:

Beveren Metalurh Donetsk Olympiacos Monaco Barcelona Manchester City

National team 2004–till date:

Ivory Coast (85 appearances and 16 goals)

QUOTES ON

YAYA TOURE

“

I am a midfielder who is mainly involved in the defensive phases, even if I also like to help build moves - I would say that my foremost quality is my generosity.

—Yaya Toure

”

“

If I was Belgium, if I was British, if I was French, I would get more recognition... we are tired to hear that African football and Africans are not at that level.

I’m very proud to be African, I want to defend African people. I want to show that to the world that African player can be as much good as Europeans are.

—Yaya Toure

”

“I know him very well, since he was 15 years old, so I know Yaya Toure for a long time. He is a top-class talent.”

Wenger

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MOTORSPORT

ROSBERG ‘ll be stronger in 2015 –Coulthard Hamilton, Drake relationship soars

D

rake and Lewis Hamilton have reportedly ‘become really close’.

The 28-year-old Canadian rapper is said to be such good pals with the 30-year-old Formula One champion race car driver, he’s decided to take him under his wing, musically speaking.

Apparently Lewis has built a music studio in his home and enthusiastically receives any advice his friend Drake offers on penning tracks.

“Drake and Lewis have become really close, which is why Lewis ended up modelling his clothing line for him,’ a source said.

Rosberg

Hamilton “Drake’s a huge fan of Lewis’s racing and Lewis looks up to Drake musically.

“He really listens to what he has to say.’’

Lewis has a number of close relationships with musicians, as he’s been romantically attached to former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger since 2007.

After winning the US Grand Prix last November, the professional driver spoke of his desire to spend more time focusing on hobbies.

“A lot of drivers come back in commentary, but I have different plans and aspirations,” he said after the race. “It’s about positioning myself so when I stop I have something to continue with.

“There’s going to be an undeniable urge to get back in the car, because I’ve been racing since I was eight.

“At some stage, when I retire, I’ll have something that I’m also really interested in that is a substitute for racing. So that’s something I want to start working towards.”

Ferrari unveils new Formula 1 car

F

errari will launch its Formula 1 car on the Scuderia’s website and on its digital and social platforms on Friday, January 30.

In the lead up to that day, various updates will provide fans and the F1 world with additional information, to follow events in Maranello, including the name of the car, the precise time of the launch and other news.

The car will then be used in the first of the winter test sessions, which takes place at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, from February 1-4.

Szczesny

N

ico Rosberg will present Lewis Hamilton with a stronger challenge next season, compared to the fight that the German brought to the Englishman in 2014, according to David Coulthard.

The all-Mercedes battle went to the wire last term but Hamilton, having beaten his rival in almost all on-track match-ups that occurred, ultimately secured the World Championship crown.

Coulthard believes that Rosberg, rather than being submissive, will fight Hamilton even harder in 2015.

“I see Nico being stronger than he was as he now has this experience of battling for a World Championship,” the Scot, formerly of Williams and McLaren, said at the Autosport Show. “That was the first time he had the spotlight of expectation.

“A lot of drivers, and I know this from

personal experience, think, ‘if I was in a winning car then winning would be easy’, but winning is not easy, even in a winning car. It’s difficult, and it should be difficult, as usually you have a strong competitor in the other car.”

Coulthard feels that Hamilton has less room for improvement than Rosberg.

“I don’t see how he (Hamilton) can be better, as he’s at such an incredibly high level – he’s been in a championship battle four times and he’s won it twice,” the analyst continued. “He’s a more mature and rounded individual than he was at the beginning of his career.

“But, for Nico, that experience of the highs and lows of success and failure – he’s gone through the booing stage where people weren’t very happy about what you’ve done on the race track – all of that makes you stronger and that makes him better competitor and a bigger challenger to Lewis in 2015.”

Monday, January 12, 2015

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GOLF

WOODS begins 2015 season with Phoenix Open

Tiger

T

iger Woods confirmed via Twitter that he will commence his 2015 season at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which begins Jan. 29, and then compete in the Farmers Insurance Open, which he has won seven times.

Woods has played the Phoenix Open three times, but not since 2001. His history in the event is well documented, from the raise-the-roof ace in 1997 to the gallery helping move a boulder in front of his ball in 1999 to the unruly fan who threw an orange in ’01.

“It will be great to return to Phoenix,” Woods said on his website. “The crowds are amazing and always enthusiastic, and the 16th hole is pretty unique in golf. Torrey is a very important place to me.

My pop took me there when I was younger, and I have a lot of special memories of watching the Tour play there when I was growing up.”

Abu Dhabi debut excites FOWLER Fowler

Rickie Fowler is very much the golfer to look forward to in the 2015 season as the American made lot of ground and moved from 40th to the 10th in the official World Golf Ranking last year.

T h e 2 6 - y e a rold came close to winning h i s

maiden Major on home soil, finishing runner-up at the US Open and also secured a third-place at The Open. With an aggregate score of 1,108 in the four Majors, Flower was tied for the third-best combined score in Major championship history.

Fowler will be making his UAE debut by taking part in the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championships and was excited about the challenge and was keen to make a mark straight away.

Fowler said: “I have heard a lot of positive things about the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship so I decided to challenge myself and make the trip to the desert to kick-start my season. I have never played in the Middle East before but as a player, you always want to play against the best in the world so if the likes of Rory, Justin and Martin are going to be at the National Course, I want to be there too. The field is one of the strongest of the European Tour season and the list of past champions is really impressive so I will be doing my best to get my hands on that famous Falcon trophy”.

Court rejects

McILROY’S

phone probe bid A

High Court has refused Rory McIlroy’s former management team’s applications for orders seeking inspection of the golfer’s mobile phones.

Mr Justice Raymond Fullam also refused orders seeking discovery of the

golfer’s phone bills and inspection orders of the mobile phones of consultant Donal Casey, who later became CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc, and of Sean O’Flaherty, the golfer’s assistant.

Judge Fullam said that they had been looking for inspection of eight mobile

phones and any computers used by the golfer at any time between October 2011 and December 2013.

“The proposed forensic examination of the phones is a speculative exercise which goes beyond the parameters of the evidence,” he said.

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MY HEART LONGS FOR GUNNERS, SAYS

Sissoko

SISSOKO M

oussa Sissoko has admitted he intends to leave Newcastle for a bigger club one day and hopes Arsenal will come calling.

The France international has impressed at St James’ Park this season, prompting the club to issue a ‘hands-off’ warning amid reported interest from Arsene Wenger and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Ronaldo

Matthaus: Ronaldo, Neuer good for Ballon d’Or glory

T

he FIFA Ballon d’Or is a straight duel between Manuel Neuer and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus.

The Real Madrid forward remains the favourite to retain the prize ahead of Monday’s gala in Zurich, ahead of the Bayern Munich goalkeeper and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Matthaus, who led Germany to World Cup glory in 1990, believes Neuer’s exploits in Brazil last summer have given him an excellent chance of lifting the trophy - but acknowledges Ronaldo’s “unique” form.

“Neuer certainly has a realistic chance because he has reshaped goalkeeping.

I would say he’s almost reinvented it.

For me, it’s a duel between Ronaldo and Neuer,

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS Sunderland 0 – 1 Liverpool Burnley 2 – 1 QPR Chelsea 2 – 0 Newcastle Everton1 – 1 Man City Leicester 1 – 0 Aston Villa Swansea 1 – 1 West Ham West Brom 1 – 0 Hull City Crystal Palace 2 – 1 Tottenham Arsenal 3 - 0 Stoke City

Sissoko underlined his commitment to Newcastle earlier in the week but has now revealed his plans to leave the club in the future as he looks to win the Champions League, preferably with favoured team Arsenal.

“The transfer market is open, so things can happen any day, but I am focused on Newcastle,” he began. “If anything should happen, it will. I hope I’ll leave

for a bigger club one day, but I don’t know when.

“England is my priority. If Wenger calls, I’ll have a man-toman discussion with him and then we’ll see. Arsenal has always been the club of my heart.

“I hope I’ll improve to win the Champions League one day. I don’t want to set limits to myself. I want to go higher. That’s my goal.”

The Silent One: Chelsea backs Mourinho’s stance

C

helsea have backed Jose Mourinho’s decision to send assistant manager Steve Holland to the club’s recent press conferences.

Holland sat in for Mourinho in the wake of the Blues’ 2-0 win over Newcastle, as well as the pre-game press conference on Friday, a policy the club say they support given the FA charge hanging over the Portuguese.

Steve Atkins, the club’s head of communications, said: “There’s an FA charge over Jose - he’s taking a backseat while that’s in play.

“The club fully support his position; the fact that he’s wanted to get into a debate about the referee and ‘campaign’ is something that should be debated. The charge is there and we’ll debate it.”

Mourinho was charged with misconduct after he claimed there was a ‘campaign’ to influence officials’ decisions against Chelsea following the Blues’ 1-1 draw at Southampton on December 28.

A decision from referee Anthony Taylor not to award Cesc Fabregas a penalty on that day enraged the 51-year-old and led

to the charge.

Chelsea put two points between them and Manchester City on Saturday, beating a determined Newcastle side 2-0 thanks to goals from Oscar and Diego Costa.

Mourinho

Wenger explains Szczesny’s decision Arsene Wenger insists Wojciech Szczesny has not been dropped for smoking in Arsenal’s dressing room after the defeat to Southampton on New Year’s Day. Following the Poland international’s poor performance in the 2-0 loss at St Mary’s, David Ospina started in the 2-0 win over Hull City in the FA Cup third round

Szczesny

Cagliari set to capture Cop Dinamo Zagreb have revealed that their leading scorer Duje Cop has agreed to join Serie A strugglers Cagliari. Croatia international Cop has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season after finding the back of the net 33 times in the 2013-14 campaign.

Lukaku reaching top form –Martinez Roberto Martinez believes Romelu Lukaku is showing signs of returning to top form for Everton after struggling earlier in the season. Belgium international Lukaku endured a six-match run without a goal before a last-minute leveller in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham in the FA Cup, and was dropped to the bench in recent defeats to Newcastle United and Hull City.

Lukaku