Daily Times of Nigeria

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

NIGERIA

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

dailytimesng

N150

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.44

Jega, APC held secret meeting in Dubai – PDP

Ï Jonathan: 9 ƒƆ ƇƑƋƋ ƅ ƇƈƗƆ ƅƆ ƈ ƈƌ Ï zƆ Ɠ ôƐ ƐƏ ƗƆ Ɠ ƏƗ ƓƈƐ ƍ ƏƐƈƆ è ƕ ƆƋƆƅƐƈ ƑƌƍƈƏƆ Ï Ƒ ƒƆ Ƌƕ Ɔ ƒ ƐƆè INSIDE ƏƑƋƈ ƍ ƏƐƕ ƐƆƋƋ RƄ Ɖ NAVAS

Lateef Ibrahim, ƄƑƉ

ÏÏÏ“Let him deny it formally, then we will take it to the next level. Let him answer us as a campaign or-

^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ C Ɛ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƌƆƗƈ ƅ Ɛêêê zƆƗ Ɔ Ɨ ƕ

Minister, NECO boss in power tussle `ƆƋƈ ƈ Ƒ ƅƏƈ ƈ ƈ C è Ƈ ƑƏ ƊƈƋƋƆƗè ơƠ Ƒ Ɔ Ɛ Əƅ ƆƗ

7

9 Ɠ ƑƋƗôƒƆ ƋƆƗ ƍƏ ƐƆ Ɛ ƈ Ɛ 0ƆƄ ơƿ ƍ ƋƋ è ƕ 0 Ɔ Ƒ

5

ganization. Before we made this allegation, we had done our findings. We don’t joke around.”

With those words, the Presidential Campaign OrCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Saka Bolaji Lƈ

Poster!

to stay at REAL

GABRIELA SABATINI

X4,5

X8

Thursday, February 12, 2015

FEATURE

BAZUAYE

SOFOLUWE BLASTS WINGLESS EAGLES

!

WEEPS FOR NIGERIAN FOOTBALL X6

TABLE TENNIS

QUADRI

drops in world ranking

X2

X7

Life&

ÏÏÏ Rather than end, the TIMES Thursday February 12, 2015

power struggle between the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, and the Registrar of the National Examination Council (NECO), Prof. Promise Nwachukwu Okpala, may have only just begun.

Relationship And Us L6

P

P

I no longer fancy my tattoos L2

P

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Valentine issue

Spring-Summer L3 2015 Couture Week

Music review

Anita Joseph

VJ Adams ‘Whazup’ ...Not a good try

L7

P

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Stopping the killings by herdsmen

T

he recent reported killing of about 30 people by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Logo Local Government of Benue State has once again highlighted the need to address the incessant orgy of bloodletting by cattlerearing nomads. Reports have it that a large number of herdsmen invaded and sacked 24 communities and villages in the area due to disagreements they had with the communities over grazing rights for cattle.

In recent times, more than 1,500 people have been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Kwara, Katsina, Gombe and Kogi states. Apart from these frontline territories which migrant herdsmen use as cattle routes on their way to southern parts of the country, there have been isolated clashes between farmers and Fulani nomads in some parts of the eastern, south-south and western states arising mainly from pastoralists allowing their cattle to stray into farms, destroy valuable food crops and rape women.

Definitely, no month passes without the sad news of people being killed in the course of resisting these herdsmen from trespassing into their farmlands.

Unfortunately, the seeming nonchalant attitude of the Federal Government to these attacks seems to have emboldened the cattle herders to strike more frequently at unprotected communities in many parts of the country.

It is time drastic measures were

taken to end this cycle of mindless killings.

Governments must therefore establish dedicated grazing fields for these herdsmen,especially in the northern part of the country.

Also, appropriate laws regulating the breeding and keeping of livestock and even domestic animals should be strictly enforced in a manner that one group’s rights to tend or breed livestock, does not impinge or violate another group’s rights to raise crops and other farm products in the agricultural chain.

We are not persuaded by the argument that the Fulani herdsman is given to a nomadic way of life,which is a reason to be perpetually on the move in search of pastures for his herds. All modern societies evolved from being nomadic to permanent settlements. Such monumental shift in lifestyle has enabled many of them to become highly developed economically.

Fulani pastoralists can be impressed upon to settle permanently in their homesteads. The federal and governments of their states should therefore establish ranches where they will domicile with their animals.

These ranches must be big enough to accommodate thousands at any given location. Such settled communities will boast of vast grazing grounds, including schools and veterinary facilities.

Such steps will not only help to reform their ways of life, but also put an end to the recurring orgy of killings and destruction of valuables.

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

Enough of sermons from Mount America Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏIn

the present unipolar world, it is not unusual that the dominant power derives pleasure in sermonising and dictating to the rest of the world, especially developing nations.

This the United States of America does at every instance believing that no nation can call her to order. She preaches to other nations to play by acceptable behaviours even when she chooses not to

do so.

This is why the expression of “deep disappointment” by the U.S. regarding the postponement of Nigeria’s general election is not only an attempt to dictate to Nigeria but also a smokescreen.

The question is: Why is the U.S. expressing disappointment over the poll shift when it is the same U.S that has refused to sell arms and ammunition to Nigeria to tackle insecurity, one key reason behind the decision? This U.S. action is unacceptable and contrary to the principle of equality of all nations and the doctrine of non-

Words On Marble :

More info: www.dailytimes.com.ng https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

A catch-them-young exercise in Mathematics for Class Three students at the Regents School in Abuja ... recently.

interference in the internal affairs of countries.

Come to think of it: Who dictates or sermonises to the US when she holds elections? Who calls her to order when she chooses to go against international agreements? If hardly no one or nation does, why is it that when the U.S. sneezes, other countries must catch cold?

Nigerians should be wary of the U.S. as she cannot love Nigeria and her people more than Nigerians. Respect, they say, is reciprocal. The U.S must respect decisions taken by other nations.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

dailytimesng www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Deputy Editors Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head of Operations

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Bisi Abidoye Segun Adio

Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Sports Editor

Head, Sales & Marketing

Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Moses Ebong

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

Deputy Head Graphics Afeez Odeseye

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

Nelson Mandela

Pele

Muhammad Ali

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

The first World Cup I remember was in the 1950 when I was 9 or 10 years old. My father was a soccer player, and there was a big party, and when Brazil lost to Uruguay, I saw my father crying.

If you even dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologize.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 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 Thursday, February 12, 2015

Boko Haram: NEMA confirms 300,000 IDPs in Nigeria Moses Ikyaa Gba Jos

ÏÏÏThe Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mallam Sani Sidi, has confirmed that over 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons are scattered across Nigeria.

Sidi stated this on Wednesday

Police read riot act to Kaduna politicians Victor Jibrin

Kaduna

ÏÏÏAssistant Inspector-General

of Police in charge of Zone 7, Mr. Patrick Dokumo, has advised politicians in Kaduna State, to go about their campaigns devoid of any violence or go to jail.

Dokumo gave the advice as he read the riot act to politicians, standing for elections scheduled for March 28 and April 11, 2015, at the Police Officers Mess, Kaduna, on Wednesday.

The AIG, who was in Kaduna to ensure a peace agreement be-

in Jos, during the presentation of relief materials to thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), driven out of their settlements from the North-Eastern region.

He expressed confidence that the war against Boko Haram insurgency would soon be a thing of the past.

The Deputy Director, Training, Alhaji Iyiola Akande, who spoke on behalf of NEMA, said “Very soon, the war against insurgents will Insha Allah be won, with the new committed efforts of the Federal Government and its security strategy.”

tween law enforcement agents and the candidates said, “I am very much aware, ever before I came to zone 7, that the security agencies in this command have been up and doing.

He pointed out that “they have been having series of meetings with political parties and contestants, talking on the understanding that everything will be ok.

But events of the past two, three weeks have proved that all was not well.

“We think that enough should be enough. This country belongs to everybody. You will agree with me that the campaigns for the past three, four weeks, the ones I have witnessed, have been full of hate, tearing of posters, burning of vehicles and houses, use of fire arms, cutlasses, IEDs and so many other things”, he lamented.

5 News

Falana faults Jonathan’s claim on holy pilgrimage Segun Adio and Eberechi Obinagwam

ÏÏÏForemost human rights activ-

ist, Femi Falana (SAN) has faulted President Goodluck Jonathan on his comments accusing some northern governors of not sponsoring Christians on pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

The legal luminary bared his mind as the guest lecturer at a programme organised by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos in partnership with the Centre for the Rule of Law (CENTROLAW), to commemorate the Black History Month on Wednesday.

Jonathan was alleged to have expressed concern over the report that northern state governments did not sponsor Christian pilgrims during the 2014 pilgrimage to Israel.

Falana also criticised him for “embarrassing” the country with his repeated trips to the Holy Land and kneeling before Israeli rabbis

for prayers to win elections, instead of channelling such funds to job creation.

“I was reading the papers yesterday; the president said, in violation of the peace accord, that governors in the north have not been sending Christians to Jerusalem. In other words, they have been sponsoring Muslims to Mecca.

“Please tell the President that there is no provision in our law for sponsoring anybody to Jerusalem or Mecca.

“Section 10 of the Constitution provides that the Nigerian State shall not proclaim any religion as an official religion. Therefore, appropriating billions of Naira every year, wasting money to send people to Jerusalem or Mecca is illegal.

“If you must know, less than seven percent of Israelis are Christians, so they make jest of us. When you descend on them, that you are there to worship Jesus Christ, they’ll be like ‘are these people okay?’”, he added.

Falana also insisted that the gen-

eral election must hold and whoever emerged as the winner should be allowed to govern the country.

“And I am challenging Edwin Clark and all those old men with expired ideas, Femi Okurounmu, and others.

“We never saw them when we went to the streets of Lagos and Abuja to proclaim Goodluck (Jonathan) as acting President. Where were these characters? They were nowhere to be found.

“In fact, quote me, Baba Clark called me, in one of our protests, ‘Femi, my son. Please keep it up. We from the Niger Delta cannot join this struggle now.’ I said ‘Why Sir?’ He said ‘Because he’s our son.’ I said what has your son got to do with the quest for justice?

US Consul General, Jeffery Hawkins, in his remarks, urged Nigerians to use the power of non-violence to choose the leaders of their choice, and eschew acts capable of causing crisis in the country before, during and after the elections.

Alleged Ekiti rigging: Obanikoro goes to court Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏA former Minister of State

for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has gone to court to seek redress over a case of defamation of character by online media Sahara Reporters and Premium Times. Joined in the suit are Punch Newspapers Ltd., Omoyele Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters and Festus Owete, General Editor at Premium Times.

The defendants had published an audio recording of Obanikoro in a purported conversation with other individuals, which allegedly linked them to rigging the Ekiti State gubernatorial election, an allegation Obanikoro and others disclaimed.

The suit, filed at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja on Tuesday, 10th February 2015, Senator Obanikoro sued the defendants for damages to the tune of N1 billion. According to the suit, filed on his behalf by Dr. Yemi Oke

of MJS Partners, Senator Obanikoro is seeking “1.) An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from publishing or causing to be published either directly or indirectly, defamatory, damaging, offensive or degrading statements, articles and/or materials against the claimant; 2.) An order directing the defendant to jointly or severally pay to the claimant the sum of N1 billion being damages for harm caused to his political, professional, business, social and institutional reputation as a result of the defamation by willful and scandalous publication of false statements by the defendants, 3.) An order directing the defendants to retract the false and damaging publication by a letter of apology directed to claimant and published on the same media through which the defamatory publication was circulated and 4.) An order of court for the cost of this suit against the defendants.”

R-L; Bishop of Umuahia, Lucius Ugorji; Archbishop of Owerri, Anthony Obinna; All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Ignatius Kiagama; Vice Presidential Candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and Vice President (CBCN), Augustine Akubueze during Presidential Campaign Council visit to Catholic Bishops in Abuja..on Wednesday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

I would’ve protested if polls had gone as scheduled – Fasehun

ÏÏÏNational

Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has said that he would have protested on the streets if the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) had gone ahead to conduct the February general election.

Fasehun, who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Lagos commended INEC and other stakeholders for shifting the polls by six weeks to allow the military contain the insurgency in the North-East and save the nation’s

democracy.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega had, last weekend, citing security concerns, announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections, earlier scheduled for February 14, will hold on March 28, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls, slated for February 28, will hold on April 11.

Admitting that the postponement would give INEC the opportunity to address the disparity in the distribution of the

Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), which would have amounted to disenfranchisement of a larger percentage of the electorate, Fasehun cautioned Jega against any action that would jeopardise the democratic process.

According to him, the postponement was not an invitation to the military to make an inroad into the polity, because it was preferable listening to the military to save Nigeria, than conducting elections that would endanger our democracy.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Jega, APC held secret parley in Dubai – PDP Continued from page 1 ganisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday accused the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega of plotting to tilt the result of the coming presidential election in favour of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ruling party point-

edly accused Prof. Jega of holding a secret meeting with APC leaders in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, the disposition of the campaign organization seemed to run contrary to that of President Goodluck Jonathan who has expressed “full confidence” in the commission’s chairman.

Jega’s spokesman, Kayode Idowu, told the Daily Times that the commission

would not trade words with any political party.

In a text message reply to inquiries from Daily Times on the allegation, Idowu affirmed the integrity of the organization and declared: “INEC is a dispassionate umpire and does not take issues with its umpires. A referee does not engage in fisticuffs with players on field of play.”

The PDP’s presidential campaign organization also

reacted to the reported support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for Jonathan’s main challenger, Major General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. It said that Obasanjo has only one vote and that he is entitled to his views.

The organization, pointedly, accused Jega of working for the APC. Its Director of Media and Publicity, Chief Femi FaniKayode, who addressed a

Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema (left) presenting a Chairman of Association of , Presenting a Gong to Chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmaceutical Nigeria (AIP), Prince Gbenga Falabi during the Advocacy visit to the NSE Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

The Registrar has dismissed an order from the minister that he proceed on terminal leave. ‘‘I am still at work,” he told reporters in Minna, Niger State, on Wednesday.

The commission has for some time now been rocked by conflicting “orders from above” among which are those from the Minister and the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Okpala, while briefing journalists at the council’s Head Office, said: “I have never proceeded on any leave, and I have also never handed over to anybody.”

According to the NECO boss, “I am still at work because all the instruments that keep me here are still intact. If it is otherwise, I will quietly go on that terminal

leave.”

He continued: “I am still at work, I have not gone on leave. I still have the instrument granting me the permission to still go to work.”

Explaining the genesis of the crisis, he said: “On the 26th of January this year, I got a letter asking me to proceed on retirement leave with effect from 12th January, 2015. I received the letter on the 26th of January but it was dated 23rd January, 2015.

“A response to that letter came from the Ministry of Education, drawing the attention of the ministry that I am not supposed to proceed on retirement leave and that my appointment is a tenure appointment and I am a political appointee, that I am not a career Civil servant.”

He further disclosed that a copy of that letter was given to the relevant authorities, including the board of

the organisation.

“There was also another letter from the federal government and the board was also copied, interpreting that I am a political appointee, I am not a career person, Iam on tenure appointment.

And that I should stay until the date of my expiration as Registrar”, he said.

Okpala said, there was another letter from the same Ministry of Education dated 28th January, signed again by the Permanent Secretary which copied the Minister of Education, the Board, the Director of Finance and himself (Okpala).

He said, “There was a meeting of Board and Management; in that meeting on Thursday last week, the letter that was dated 28th January was served to everybody. It was a full board and Continued on page 8

We will meet them at the field”.

The questions which the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation wants the INEC Chairman to answer are: * Why are the PVC collection rates in the North Central, South-South, South West and South East much lower with the highest being 57%? Is it because these geopolitical zones may be pro-Jonathan? *Why does the North West zone which includes Katsina (Buhari’s home state) have the highest collection rate of 80%? *How come the North East also has 75% collection rate when, in fact, three states in this zone-Adamawa, Borno and Yobe- have been under the attack of Boko Haram insurgents, a development that has led to the displacement of many residents?

Did the Internally Displaced Persons come back there to collect their PVCs? *Why is it that North Central zone, which includes states like Plateau and Benue that traditionally vote PDP, has a collection rate of 48% when North East and North West have Continued on page 8

Boko Haram: Buhari attributes failure of military to graft

NECO registrar ignores terminal leave order Continued from page 1

press conference in Abuja, posed some questions about Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to Jega.

He also alleged that Jega held a secret meeting with some chieftains of the APC in Dubai over how to tilt the result of the general elections in favour of the opposition party.

Fani-Kayode, who hinted that the PDPPCO might declare a loss of confidence in INEC under Jega, challenged the commission’s boss to be honourable and transparent by publishing accurate information on the state of PVCs. His posers include: how many PVCs are in the country, their location on state-by-state basis, when the remaining PVCs will arrive from China and how the Commission plans to distribute them before elections?

On the adoption of Buhari by Obasanjo, Fani-Kayode pointed out that the former president has only vote.

He said: “The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is entitled to his view, but at the end of the day, it is going to be one man, one vote. We have immense respect for him. We will meet them at the polls.

Buhari

Kayode Adelowokan

ÏÏÏThe presidential candi-

date of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari, has attributed the failure of the Nigeria military to tackle the Boko Haram menace in the last six years to the misappropriation of the funds allotted to the mili-

tary.

Gen. Buhari, who was fielding questions during an interview with the Cable News Network (CNN) on Wednesday, said that the resources were not handled appropriately citing the investigation of the National Assembly on why equipment was not procured for the military.

Buhari said that he agreed with the postponement of the general elections, since the new dates are still within the constitutionally approved time.

“It is quite unfortunate.

Since the military said it could not guarantee the safety of the officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the six weeks postponement is still within the constitutional time to handover date,

then we ask our supporters to remain calm and resolute to obey the laws,” he said.

On the endorsement of his candidacy by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Buhari said it would certainly bring more supporters to his team and more confidence to those who were sitting on the fence. “General Obasanjo is a highly respected person and as far as the Nigerian nation is concerned, there is no serious issue (to be) discussed without seeking his opinion”.

While reacting to the fears of some Nigerians that he is dictator who has no regard for human dignity, Buhari said that many of allegations of human rights abuses against him took place under a military administration.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

7 News

Four killed, 10 houses burnt as Muslims, Christians clash in Plateau Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏAt least four persons were

feared killed and 10 houses burnt as a result of a clash between Christians and Muslims in Babale village of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The peace, hitherto enjoyed in the area, despite series of crisis that engulfed Jos, the state capital in recent times, was disrupted on Tuesday, when a car that was trying to avoid a ditch ran into a

motorcycle and killed the rider and the passengers. The mayhem that followed spilled over to yesterday.

Daily Times gathered that, the Peugeot 406 station wagon, driven by one Samsudeen Mohammad Umar, of Number 6, Rikkos New Layout, was on high speed on the Jos-Bauchi road, when he noticed a ditch by the roadside, but in his bid to avoid running into it and somersaulting, knocked down the motorcycle rider and his two passengers who were Christians and residents of the village.

This however made the villagers to rush out and in seeing the gravity of the accident, some of them insisted that the ditch, which was dug by a church within that vicinity, must be closed up.

The ditch was part of the safety measures put in place by the church to force drivers plying the Jos- Bauchi road to slow down and avoid knocking down their church members, an eye witness said.

While some villagers insisted that the ditch must be closed up especially as it had caused a lot of accidents to those not familiar

two more people killed.

As at the time of filing this report, fighting was still going on in the village while policemen had been drafted to the area to maintain peace.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Emmanuel Abu, who confirmed the story, blamed the youth for the rampage. He said they became violent and started destroying properties.

He confirmed the arrest of two persons in connection with the incident while investigation is still going on.

Court strikes out eligibility suit against Jonathan

L-R: Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Chairman, Five-Man Visitation Panel into the crisis at Osun State University, Professor Adebisi Daramola, during the panel’s Inauguration at the governor’s office, Osogbo… on Wednesday

Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏA

Buhari’s wife donates N135m worth of drugs to Adamawa IDPs Wale Akintunde Yola

ÏÏÏWife of the All Progressive

Congress (APC), Presidential Candidate, Hajia Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, in Yola, Adamawa State, donated drugs worth N135 million to the internally displaced persons in the state.

She said it was unfortunate that they were refugees in their own country while admonishing them that their woes will be over when the APC presidential candidate wins the election.

Hajia Aisha Buhari and her entourage were received at the airport by APC women leaders in the state, who thronged to the airport in their hundreds and later trooped to the IDP’s camp at Damare, where they were received by the Executive Sec-

with the route, the Christians, especially the church members insisted that the ditch must remain saying that the death of the two persons on the motorcycle was as a result of the carelessness and over-speeding of the vehicle owner.

The ensuing argument led to the clash between the Christians and Muslims and as the news spread so also were the two groups taking up arms against one another.

It was further gathered that in less than two hours no fewer than 10 houses had been torched and

Buhari

retary of Adamawa State Emergency Management Authority, Mr. Haruna Furo.

Mr. Furo, thanked Hajia Buhari and her entourage for their kind gesture to the internally displaced persons.

He said the state government

and other individuals had been visiting the camps in the state to show their solidarity to the displaced persons.

While at the Damare camp, some pregnant women were specially visited and given necessary assistance regarding their present state of health and conditions. Mrs Buhari was accompanied on the visit among others by Hajia Hajjo Samin, a former Minsiter for Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Toyin Sarakin, wife of former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, Mrs. Mero Almakura wife of Nassarawa State Governor.

Others are Mrs. Okorocha, wife of Imo state Governor, Mrs. Timpira Silvia, wife of former Governor of Bayelsa State.

Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, struck out the suit filed by four university dons, seeking to disqualify President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting this year’s presidential election.

Presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, also awarded N50, 000 cost against Prof.

Tunde Samuel, Dr Junaidu Mohammed, Rasak Adeogun and Yahaya Ezeemoo Ndu, who were the plaintiffs, in favour of President Jonathan.

Alleged PVCs purchase: Ogun PDP guber candidate berates APC ÏÏÏThe allegation by the All

Progressive Congress (APC), that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Ogun State, has been purchasing Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) from unsuspecting electorate, this has been described as “untrue” and a grand design to prepare the minds of APC dwindling supporters of imminent defeat.

The National Publicity of the APC, Lai Mohammed, had at a press statement widely published in the media on Wednesday alleged that his party had

Justice Mohammed, who considered the cost in the light of the prayer by Ade Okeya-Inneh (SAN), the counsel to Jonathan, noted that a person who prepared a suit against another should be ready for punishment if he discontinued the suit after the defendant had filed his defence.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, a mild drama ensued when Alex Akoja, the plaintiff ’s counsel informed the court that he had instruction from the plaintiffs to discontinue the suit. Consequently, he applied for its withdrawal.

proof that electorate at Kobape, Orile Imo along Shagamu, Ogun State had been offered cash in exchange of their PVC. Reacting to the allegation, Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, yesterday said the allegation was not only “laughable but shows that the national secretariat of the APC was aware of the new song in Ogun State that ‘Amosun Must Go’ (AMG) and the party is jittery about it.

He told the APC that no amount of blackmail will safe Amosun from the total rejection that awaits him on April 11, this year.

Isiaka, who spoke through the Director General of his campaign organization, Mr Ifekayode Akinbode, however urged the security agencies to investigate the allegation and make public their findings.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Jega, APC held secret parley in Dubai, PDP alleges Continued from page 6

Rev Moris Kwairanga (Right) receiving Hajiya Aishatu Muhammadu Buhari (left) and other female members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during their presentation of drugs to Internally Displaced Persons at the Saint Theresa Catholic Church Yola…on Wednesday.

I’ll hand over if I lose – Jonathan Egena Egena, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Goodluck has expressed readiness to hand over the reins of government if he loses the March the coming election.

He said: “If in 2011, I said that I would conduct free and fair elections and if I lost, I would happily go home and it should be recorded and as at that time no African sitting Presidents had lost election but within this period a lot of African sittings leaders have lost election.

“But I said I wanted to create the history to be the first African President to lose election but let the world know that the elections are free and fair.”

He spoke further: “This nation is more important than anybody and I still maintain (that) if anybody who wants to hold this office of the President or any office at all and feel that he is more important than the nation, that is not quite right.

“If as at that time I said that I was ready to conduct free and fair election and if

I lost, I would go, not to talk about now that Nigerians have given me the opportunity to be here for four full years.

“So, if the elections are conducted and I lose, of course, we will inaugurate a new government. There is no way I will say if I lose I will not hand over.

“Elections will be conducted and a new government will be inaugurated on May 29. Let’s not be perturbed by stories that are not real. The stories belong to the garbage. These stories

are not credible.

“Let me reassure Nigerians that we will conduct election. It’s better for INEC to conduct elections that will be free, fair and credible.”

Faulting reports that he plans to remove INEC chairman Attahiru Jega, Jonathan said that as president, he appointed all the commissioners of INEC and had the power to remove any one of them but added that he had not told anybody that he was going to sack the electoral umpires.

between 75 and 80% collection rates? *Why are the PVC collection rates in the North Central, South-South, South West and South East much lower with the highest being 57%? Is it because these geopolitical zones may be pro-Jonathan? *Why does the North West zone which includes Katsina (Buhari’s home state) have the highest collection rate of 80%? *How come the North East also has 75% collection rate when, in fact, three states in this zone-Adamawa, Borno and Yobe- have been under the attack of Boko Haram insurgents, a development that has led to the displacement of many residents?

Did the Internally Displaced Persons come back there to collect their PVCs? *Why is it that North Central zone, which includes states like Plateau and Benue that traditionally vote PDP, has a collection rate of 48% when North East and North West have between 75 and 80% collection rates?

Fani-Kayode challenged Jega to deny the allegation of a secret meeting with some APC chieftains in

NECO registrar ignores terminal leave order Continued from page 6 management meeting and the letter from the ministry read that I should continue with the work I am doing.

They called my Director of Finance, gave him a copy of this same letter, and each of us stood up and pledged to work harmoniously with each other”.

However, he said, “what seems to be happening now is that they are still working on that letter of 23rd January. They are still parading it that I must go on leave, but I am still at work. Not because, I want to sit down tight but it is because the letter asking me to continue work is still here.

“The skirmishes are being created by outsiders who are not our staff. You can see

how quiet our premises is.”

Speaking on behalf of other directors, the most senior officer who is the Director of Human Resources Management, Mr. John Asuwe, said, “I am the most senior Officer. We, the management team at NECO consider it important to make some clarifications on whether the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NECO is still on the seat or not. He is still the Registrar.”

Investigations revealed that the Minister of Education had in a letter dated 23rd January, 2015, ordered the registrar to proceed on terminal leave and hand over to Dr. James Ojebode, who was identified as the most senior director.

But the registrar, in a reply dated 26th January, 2015,

explained that he was not a civil servant hence he would not proceed on terminal leave and that Mr. Ojebode was not the most senior director.

Daily Times Findings were that another letter was written by the permanent secretary, Macjohn Nwaobiala, with reference number PRT/ABJ/OP/10/249 acting on a letter received from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) reference SGF/ S14/11 dated 27th January 2015 thereby giving the registrar the reason to disregard the minister’s order It was learnt from the letters that instead of acting on the minister’s directive, the permanent Secretary of education Dr Nwaobiala acted on the SGF’s letter directing

the council’s board that “the status quo ante be maintained” contradicting the earlier order of the minister that the registrar should proceed on terminal leave.

The registrar had told journalists that he would not leave office until April when his tenure expires even as Ojebode decline comment when contacted saying that he would allow civil service process to work and as a civil servant he will not speak to journalists.

Meanwhile, a civil society organization Concern Citizen for Educational Development (CCED) has asked Okpala to proceed on terminal leave as directed by the minister without further delay.

The leader of the group, Comrade Solomon Adodo, who led other members to

Shekarau the council on a protest, told Journalists and some staff of the council at the entrance of NECO headquarters, Bida Road, Minna, that they have given Professor Okpala a 72-hour ultimatum to comply with the minister’s order or risk mass action.

Dubai.

He said, “Let him (Jega) deny it formally, then we will take it to the next level.

“Let him answer us as a campaign organization. Before we made this allegation, we had done our findings.

We don’t joke around.”

He continued: “Prof Jega should respond to these allegations of partisanship and ineptitude, and live up to his responsibilities as an independent election umpire. If he refuses to do so, we may end up losing confidence in him.”

Fani-Kayode similarly dismissed a claim by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that the Ikoyi residence of the former Lagos Governor and National Leader of the opposition party, Senator Bola Tinubu is under military siege.by soldiers on the instruction of the PDP-led Federal Government.

He described the claim as a tissue of lies, saying that, “Lai is known for lies”.

He further debunked that APC’s claim that the PDP government was planning to put an Interim National Government (ING) in place, pointing out that such is strange to the nation’s constitution.

But Jonathan expressed full confidence in Jega.

Jonathan, who featured on another session of the presidential media chat, also said that there is no plan to send the INEC chairman on terminal leave and appoint a new person to conduct the coming general elections.

Jonathan told the panel of interviewers that he had “full confidence” in Jega and commissioners of INEC, reminding the nation that he appointed them all in his capacity as president.

The social media had been abuzz with claims that the President plans to ask Jega to proceed on terminal leave, while a university don, Professor Femi Mimiko will take over.

The don is a younger brother of the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

Jonathan described the report as the handiwork of mischief makers. He gave assurance of his preparedness to hand over peacefully if he loses at the election.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

9 News

Group warns FG against further polls shift ÏÏÏThe Coalition of Oodua Self

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adeola Adetunji; Chief Executive and Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie, and Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Mr. Peter Bankole, during the launch of the Enterprise Development Centre building at Pan Atlantic University, Lagos... recently

Nigerians warned against disrespect for Jonathan Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏAn

ex-militant and chairman of Ijaw Youth, Egbema Kingdom, Gen. Ijufagha Ben, has said that it is wrong for Nigerians to disrespect President Goodluck Jonathan.“We have heard all the threats being made by the North against our president and how he was stoned in some states. I want to tell them that he is not just the President of Niger Delta but the whole of Nigeria.

“So we want them to know that the presidency is for all to decide and not a personal interest. We are not afraid of the threat of war, they should mind

their words.

“We cannot pay evil for evil, if not, we would have also stoned (General Muhammadu) Buhari when he came to Edo or Delta State. Let us see how we can work together to make our country great”, he advised.

“We are fully in support of President Jonathan. Since the creation of Nigeria, the North has been at the helm of affairs.

Are they saying that some people were born to rule, while others were born to serve? We, in the Niger Delta, own the resources.

We have the right to aspire to be president, just like any other tribe”, he said.

Ben said that the president had done well in the transformation

of the country in the areas of road construction, health, railway, education, housing, and employment, among other sectors.

“So he deserves a second tenure in office as he had vowed to give the needed dividends of democracy to the people of Nigeria”, he said.

Vice Chairman, Ijaw Youth, Egbema Kingdom, Clement Iyamu, warned the North to shun violence and embrace peace during and after the general election as violence was not the answer to development.

Iyamu noted that “the era of violence is gone, we should talk on how to take the nation to the next level”.

Determination Groups, (COSEG), has called on the Federal Government to adhere strictly to the new election timetable, noting that any further move to tinker with the March 28 date would be resisted.

Chairman of COSEG, Ifedayo Ogunlana said the warning hinged on allegations that there were plans to alter the present arrangement with a view to install a two-year interim government.

COSEG had met in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week, to endorse the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, as

Ita-Giwa urges Bakassi citizens to collect PVC Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏFormer

Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa has said that the change in election dates is an act of God which will enable her people to collect their Permanent Voters Cards.

Ita-Giwa added that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had gone ahead with the earlier dates, her people would have been disenfranchised because over 70

its choice and vowed to fight any move to derail the elections.

Ogunlana reasoned that since the recent postponement was hinged on insecurity and not the fault of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), the presidency would be held liable for further lapses.

“The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Attahiru Jega, did not mince words over his commission’s preparedness to conduct the elections but the security chiefs insisted on a shift for six weeks to normalise situation in the troubled north eastern part of the country”, he said.

per cent had not collected their PVC. In a statement she signed and released on Wednesday, read in part: “The poll postponement is a blessing because it will now afford my people the opportunity of voting on March 28 and in April.

The few that had collected theirs are those that are in the refugee camp and their neighbours”.

Ita-Giwa

Jang seeks death penalty for drug traffickers Nothing should happen to Tinubu, Okorocha – APC Kayode Adelowokan ÏÏÏPlateau

State Governor, David Jonah Jang has canvassed death penalty for drug traffickers in Nigeria.

Jang disclosed this at the passing out parade of 255 Senior Officers Basic Course 14/2014 at the Regional Academy for Drug Control (RADC) Jos, Plateau State.

“I want the NDLEA to ensure maximum punishment for drug offenders. Let it be death sentence, because drug destroys our children and retards national development.

“Drug trafficking is a serious problem and the NDLEA must redouble her efforts. Besides, all hands must be on the deck to fight

the drug war”, Jang stated.

The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Planning, Professor Comfort Piwuna, urged the NDLEA to collaborate with stakeholders for a successful fight against illicit drugs in the country.

While congratulating the new officers, the governor charged them to be upright and hardworking in cleansing the nation of illicit drugs stressing that drug control is a noble profession.

NDLEA Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, noted that the course provides comprehensive law enforcement training for officers of Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics

(ASN) and Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics (DSN) cadre.

“This basic course is to equip officers with sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge imperative for in-depth criminal investigation and effective prosecution of drug offenders.

Jang

ÏÏÏThe APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has warned that nothing untoward should happen to its leaders, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and that President Goodluck Jonathan would be held responsible for their safety.

A statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Campaign Mallam Garba Shehu, said deployment of troops around the residences of Tinubu and Okorocha for yet-tobe disclosed reasons by the PDP administration was unacceptable and a breach of their fundamental human rights.

The statement said the deployment of soldiers around the residences of opposition figures without any explanation amounted to intimidation and provocation, which the APC leadership viewed seriously.

“This Rambo-style intimidation of opposition figures is not acceptable, and this crude show of power should not take place under any democratically elected government,” Shehu said.

Shehu warned that, as the Commander-in-Chief, Jonathan would be held, personally, liable because he has the overall responsibility for the deployment of troops across the country.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

CNPP urges Jonathan to stop politicising military Moses Oyediran Enugu

Director General, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Roli Bode-George (left) and Brig Gen B. A. Akin during the commissioning of the new cadet officers of NDLEA in Jos, recently

ÏÏÏConference

Bayelsa PDP chair sacked over alleged N40m fraud Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏMembers of the State Work-

ing Committee (SWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Bayelsa state, on Wednesday, in Yenagoa, sacked its Chairman, Col. Samuel Inokoba (rtd), over alleged charges of misconduct and diversion of N40million largesse provided for the party by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Diezani Allison-Madueke.

The decision to suspend the State PDP Chairman, Sam Inokoba, was taken on Tuesday after an exhaustive deliberation by members of the State Executive Committee (SEC). The Deputy Chairman, King Serena Dokubo-

Spiff, was however absent from the meeting due to personal commitments in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

But the Publicity Secretary of the Party, Barr. Osom Macgebre, who confirmed the development to Daily Times, declined to go into details, explaining that the decision of the State Executive Committed (SEC) had been forwarded to the National Leadership of the Party and awaiting ratification.

Members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) deliberated on a five charges of misconduct leveled against the embattled State Chairman and came up with the following resolutions.

“He was accused of refusing to join in the ongoing campaign for

candidates from the Central Senatorial district because they were not his choice.

“He has since neglected to carry out his official duties as Party chairman and sponsored aspirants during the party primaries instead of engaging in neutrality as the Chairman of the Party.

He also publicly in the presence of party members, ordered his security aides and thugs to beat to death a party member due to dispute over party primaries materials.

“He was also engaged in promoting factions within the State PDP and engaged in financial dishonesty with funds provided by members of the State PDP from the State and National level.”

of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan, in the collective interest of the fledgling democracy and corporate existence of Nigeria to stop the politicisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

In a statement, made available to Daily Times on Wednesday, in Enugu, CNPP said, “We are of the candid view that the Nigerian Armed Forces is one institution that must by all means be spared from the vagaries of politics. For regimes come and go and the Armed Forces remains as the epitome of our unity and common unity factor”.

CNPP, in the statement signed

by Mr. Osita Okechukwu, its National Publicity Secretary, said

Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏEdo

State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said the state government will employ all the applicants who scaled the hurdles of a committee set up by the state government on the recruitment of teachers.

He said this, just as the Chairman of the Committee, Professor Dennis Agbonlahor, told the governor that 21,195 persons applied for teaching positions in the state.

Speaking Wednesday, during the presentation of the Committee’s report to the Governor, Prof Agbonlahor, said the committee invited all the applicants through short message service (sms), but only about half of the applicants eventually responded to the com-

Ihedioha, Iheanacho, Ohakim, no match for Okorocha – kinsman INEC denies

Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÏÏÏGovernor

Rochas Okorocha’s supporter and kinsman from Orlu Senatorial zone, in Imo State, Chief Herbert Nnadi, has declared that the likes of former governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Ifeanyi Aranume and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Imo State, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, were not capable of dethroning the Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, in the 2015 governorship contest in the state.

Chief Nnadi, stated this while briefing newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra State. He said that the grassroot infrastructural development of the governor which cuts across the three Senatorial zones of the state, coupled with the governor’s free education policy has continued to endear him to the people and urged those fighting the governor to publicly state their achievements to the state before embarking on any political scheming to dethrone the “people’s governor”.

The Onitsha-based business man described the mission of the opposition politicians in the state as “mission impossible”, taking into cognizance, the over 100,000

‘hatchet job’ allegation

Moses Ikyaa-Gba Jos

ÏÏÏThe Resident Electoral ComOkorocha

adopted children, who are currently under the governor’s scholarship and welfare scheme.

Chief Nnadi lampooned the opposition politicians for trying to undo the governor so that they would once again gain access to the state treasury.

missioner (REC), in charge of Plateau State, Mr. Godwin Kwanga, has denied allegations that he was posted to the state to carry out a hatchet job for an individual or party.

He said he would give everybody the opportunity to access him and allay the fear of the All Progressive Congress (APC), over any negative illusion or favoritism and promised a level playing field for all.

it was appalling that “President Jonathan, who should be rated as the luckiest beneficiary of the Nigerian Project; one who became deputy governor, governor, vice president and president with less sweat, is wittingly or unwittingly, playing into the hands of enemies of our dear country, who predicted that Nigeria is going to disintegrate.

“As C - in – C, we expect President Jonathan to uphold the Oath of Office of President which he swore to on assumption of office as president, and which stipulates that, ‘ I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.......In accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria............ I will do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will........So help me God.’

21,195 applied for teaching jobs in Edo mittee’s invitation.

According to him, a total of 9,171 of the applicants were fully involved in the screening exercise after the first stage of the computer test.

On his part, Oshiomhole said all those recommended by the committee, irrespective of their state of origin, will be employed.

Oshiomhole said: “As it is now well known to the people of this great state, we have demonstrated through our intervention and by the quality of schools we have built both primary and secondary, that education for us is at the heart of our future.”

Dr Kwanga stated this on Wednesday, when the APC candidate Simon Bake Lalong and the party executives paid a courtesy visit to the state INEC Commissioner to clear some mix-feelings.

Lalong and the Party leadership, have expressed fears over the commission’s readiness to conduct a free and fair election in the state.

But Kwanga said he has his name and integrity to protect pointing out that he had conducted elections successfully in other states before Plateau state.

He established that INEC’s position was to do justice to all party and advised the party executives to report any act of compromise by either INEC staff or anybody to the Commission or the law enforcement agents.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

11 News

Military reaffirms commitment to democratic processes Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe military has again re-

assured Nigerians of its commitment to ensure law and order and in the country before, during and after the forthcoming elections.

It also reiterated that it was working with all security agencies and stakeholders to ensure stable democracy and remain professional, non-partisan in all activities related to this crucial exercise.

The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade on behalf of the Defence Headquarters because of “the palpable

tension being generated in certain quarters, with regards to the roles of the Nigerian military in the on-going political activities and recent developments, especially, in relation to the electioneering programmes in the country.”

According to Defence Headquarters, it became necessary to reassure all citizens that the military remained committed to their duty and democracy and “it will, therefore, not engage in, condone or encourage any act that has capacity to undermine or subvert any aspect of the democratic processes.”

Part of the statement read: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are quite conscious of the fact that, apart from their primary

constitutional role of defending the country from external aggression and internal insurrection, they also have the responsibility of providing support in aid of civil authority, such as the need to provide complementary security arrangement to protect our electoral process.

“It is on record that the military has, successfully, lived up to its responsibility, while discharging this duty during previous elections without equivocation.

“In this instance, all military personnel have been reminded and warned to remain ever conscious of their service oath and solemn commitment to protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria even while

remaining loyal to constituted authorities in the country.

“No excuse will be acceptable for any act of commission or omission that tends to compromise the law or the electoral process, as well as decent conduct or judgment on the part of any service personnel while discharging duties related to elections in any part of the country.

“While expressing deep appreciation to Nigerians, who have remained calm and understanding of the peculiarity of the security challenges being managed by the Armed Forces at this auspicious period in the nation’s history, the military is, unequivocally, assuring all citizens that it recognises the fact that the nation’s larger

Olukolade interest and her security is sacrosanct and beyond any political expediency or ulterior consideration.”

Presidential peace delegation visits Adamawa

Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏA presidential committee on

peace mission has visited Adamawa State to preach peace throughout the forthcoming general election. Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, of the Arewa Consultative Forum, while speaking with the deputy governor, Alhaji Sa’ad Tahir in Government House on Wednesday,

L-R: Ogun State Chairman, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Mr. Yinka Folarin; Lagos State Chairman, CDHR, Mr. Olaitan Buna; President, Centre for the Rule of Law, Barrister Olasupo Ojo; United States Consul General, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, and Human Rights Lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) during a Black History Month Programme on Non-Violence Democratic Change, in Lagos… on Wednesday. Photo: US Consulate General.

Shell restates commitment to Bonga/Aparo project Kayode Adelowokan

ÏÏÏThe Shell Nigeria Exploration

and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) has restated its commitment to the implementation of the Bonga South West/Aparo (BSWA) project.

A statement issued by Precious Okolobo, Corporate Media Relations Manager on Wednesday, denied the recent reports that it had stopped the development due to the slump in oil price.

According to the statement, Tony Attah, Managing Director, SNEPCo, said “We can confirm that we are, currently, progressing the tender for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction

(EPC) contracts to support the project.

“Although, the process has encountered some delays, we are optimistic for a final investment decision in the 2015/16 timeframe under the right conditions”, he added.

The project includes the construction of a new floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facility with an expected peak production of 225 thousand barrels of oil per day.

BSWA field straddles Oil Mining Leases (OML) 118, OML 132 and OML 140. SNEPCo is the Unit Operator of the BSWA Unitisation project pursuant to a Pre-Unit Agreement between the Nigerian

National Petroleum Corporation, Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Ltd., Total E&P Nigeria Ltd., Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd., Texaco Nigeria Outer Shelf Ltd., Star Ultra Deep Petroleum Ltd., Sasol Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. and Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd. The Bonga project, which began producing oil and gas in 2005, is Nigeria’s first deep-water development in water depths over 1,000 metres.

In 2014, SNEPCo started oil production at the Bonga North West deep-water development, with the oil transported by a new undersea pipeline to the existing Bonga FPSO and export facility.

Onitsha market traders protest CCTV levy Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÏÏÏThugs, suspected to be mem-

bers of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have invaded the Onitsha Main Market, beating traders for protesting a levy.

They were protesting the levy charged by market leaders for the installation of CCTV camera in the market. Trouble started on Wednesday at about 8.30 am when

ÏÏÏDeputy

Chairman, Finance Committee of the Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, has urged Nigerians to judge President Goodluck Jonathan by his record of performance.

Olejeme who met with prominent Igbo leaders in Abuja on Wednesday, praised Jonathan for injecting honesty, efficiency and competence into governance.

‘A vote for President Goodluck

emphasised the need for peace as the only sustainable means of development and a causal agent of unity in every society.

“The presidential peace mission, established by the Office of the Vice- President is mandated to extend peace mission across the country as a prelude to next month’s elections and to calm political tension in the state”, Yakassai said. some task force members and suspected hired agents arrived the “White House” Line of the market to collect the N200 levy per shop in the market that has 10,000 shops.

According to an eye witness who pleaded anonymity, the agents demanded levy returns from the line chairman, but he was said to have bluntly told them that his members would not comply with the payment.

His reply angered the task force members and they allegedly pounced on him beating him to a pulp while other traders immediately locked-up their shops to protest the levy and manhandling of the line chairman.

Jonathan remains best option for Nigeria, says Olejeme Jonathan is a vote for transparency, accountability, due process, prudent management of scarce resources and development”, she said.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Hundreds of migrants killed in new Mediterranean tragedy, says UN ÏÏÏAt

least, 300 migrants are feared to have drowned after attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa this week in rough seas, the UN says.

UNHCR Europe director Vincent Cochetel said the incident was a “tragedy on an enormous scale”.

Nine survivors brought to the island of Lampedusa by the Italian coast guard are believed to be from West Africa.

Initial reports on Monday suggested that at least 29 migrants had died after their dinghy overturned. The UNHCR said that dinghy was one of four that left Libya at the weekend.

Those rescued on Wednesday morning had spent days drifting without food or water in two of the other dinghies - with each said to be carrying more than 100 people.

The survivors said the fourth dinghy disappeared at sea.

Carlotta Sami, a spokeswoman for the UNHCR, said the victims had been “swallowed up by the waves,” with the youngest a child of 12.

“This is a tragedy on an enormous scale and a stark reminder that more lives could be lost if those seeking safety are left at the mercy of the sea,” Mr Cochetel said in a statement.

The UN said the latest incident should be a message to the Eu-

UN peacekeepers kill seven rebels in CAR fighting ÏÏÏUN peacekeepers and French

forces in Central African Republic used helicopters to bombard a rebel position in a town northeast of the capital and seven rebels died, the United Nations said.

The troops dislodged the rebels of the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central Africa (FPRC), a faction of the mainlyMuslim Seleka, from government buildings they held in the town of Bria.

Thousands have been killed and around a million displaced from their homes in violence that has gripped the impoverished landlocked country since the Seleka took power in March 2013.

Twenty-nine from that boat died of hypothermia in the 18 hours it took the coastguard to ferry them to Italy ropean Union that the current search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean was inadequate.

“Europe cannot afford to do too little too late,” Mr Cochetel added.

A migrant is helped as he arrives with others at the Lampedusa harbour - 11 February 2015 The survivors rescued on Wednesday were from two of four dinghies that left Libya at the weekend In November, Italy ended an operation known as Mare Nostrum, which was launched in October 2013 in response to a tragedy off Lampedusa in which 366 people

The group gave up power last year in the face of diplomatic pressure and violence by the “anti-balaka” militia, who are mainly Christian or animist, but it still controls the northeastern portion of the country.

“We used all means including air power to liberate the public buildings that were illegally occupied by the ex-Seleka after they refused to evacuate,” said Hamadoun Toure, spokesperson for the UN’s Minusca mission.

He said the rebels fired first and put a provisional death toll at seven rebels killed.

France used several helicopters and the United Nations provided intelligence for the operation, a French defence ministry statement said.

“After several hours of combat, the prefecture, the sub-prefecture, the government office building and all the other local government buildings were freed and then searched by international forces,” the statement said.

died.

The year-long operation was aimed at rescuing seaborne migrants, with Italian vessels looking for ships carrying migrants that may have run into trouble off the Libyan coast.

Late last year, the UNHCR warned that Italy’s decision to end its operation in the Mediterranean would almost certainly lead to more deaths.

But other European countries, including the UK, said a rescue service for migrants could encourage them and so the operation was

scaled down.

The EU now runs a border control operation, called Triton, which only operates close to Europe’s coast and with fewer ships.

There is no way of knowing for sure whether these men, women, and children would have been saved if the former Italian searchand-rescue operation known as Mare Nostrum was still running.

But having spent a week on board an Italian navy frigate, I can be sure they would have done their utmost to save as many lives as possible.

Sierra Leone to prosecute Ebola ‘ghost workers’ ÏÏÏSierra Leone said on Tues-

day it had cleaned up a list thought to contain thousands of “ghostworkers” on its Ebola staff and would prosecute those who sought to swindle money from the government, tackling a problem that has dogged its fight against the epidemic.

More than 10, 000 Ebola cases have been reported in Sierra Leone since last May, making it the hardest hit country in the world’s worst outbreak of the hemorrhagic fever. The epidemic has been concentrated in West Africa and killed nearly 9 000 people out of 22 495 known cases since December 2013.

In Sierra Leone, payments to Ebola staff have repeatedly been frozen because of the difficulty distinguishing between genuine workers -- such as ambulance drivers and grave diggers -- and those

forging their identities to claim hazard bonuses or registering twice to claim double pay.

The delays in payments have prompted frequent strikes by Ebola workers in the impoverished country, in some cases leaving patients untreated and highly contagious bodies unburied.

“The issue of ghostworkers has been disingenuous on the part of some Sierra Leoneans who think this is time to make money when we are in a crisis,” said government spokesperson Abdulai Bayraytay. “

Koroma

Cholera kills 19 in Mozambique

ÏÏÏA

cholera epidemic has killed 19 people in northern Mozambique following flooding that devastated the region, the government said on Wednesday.

“We have counted 1 702 cases and 19 deaths in the Nampula, Niassa and Tete provinces,” Lorna Gurjal, head of the health ministry’s epidemiology department told AFP. Mozambique regularly suffers outbreaks of cholera and diarrhoea during its summer rainy season, but some drier areas are reportedly now also been hit.

In January, a state of emergency was declared after heavy rains ravaged northern and central parts of the southern African country, causing rivers to burst their banks and wrecking infrastructure.

According to the latest government figures released Tuesday, 158 people died during the flooding and an estimated 160 000 more have been adversely affected by it.

The cholera outbreak will push that tally higher.

Guinea-Bissau cracks down on illicit diplomatic passport holders ÏÏÏGuinea-Bissau

has announced a crackdown on the trafficking of diplomatic and government passports after 1, 600 of the precious documents were discovered in use by people with no right to them.

“There is a proliferation of diplomatic or service passports in the hands of people who have no connection with our diplomacy -more than 1, 600. It’s incredible!”

Foreign minister Mario Lopes Da Rosa told a news conference late on Monday.

Da Rosa did not say how officials had made their discovery, but noted the ministry had set up a monitoring system “that will allow us to determine the exact number of issued documents, to whom they were delivered and in what circumstances”.

Diplomatic passports are usually tightly restricted to accredited diplomats, while service passports are reserved for government employees and their dependents for work-related travel.

Lopes Da Rosa indicated regulations on special passports will be applied with greater oversight, and intervention. “There is a law on the granting of passports.

People who do not qualify will see their papers withdrawn, pure and simple,” the minister said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Anti-corruption party wins landslide in Delhi poll

Russian President Vladimir Putin with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in December

ÏÏÏIndia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conceded defeat in Delhi state elections after vote counting showed anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal’s party heading for a landslide victory.

According to initial results, released on Tuesday morning, the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by former chief minister Kejriwal, was further ahead than straw polls earlier in the week had predicted, and leading in 62 seats out of 70.

Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would hold just seven seats if the current trend continued. The counting had not finished on Tuesday morning and final results were subject to change.

“Such a big mandate is very scary, and we should live up to people’s expectations,” Kejriwal told his cheering supporters, who showered rose petals on him outside the party’s headquarters in New Delhi.

He said the arrogance of leaders in Modi’s BJP led to the par-

ty’s poor showing. The BJP has been on a winning streak since demolishing the competition in national elections in May, with many attributing its success to Modi’s charisma, his promises of economic growth and voters’ fury over endemic corruption.

Al Jazeera’s Faiz Jamil, reporting from New Delhi said the extent of the lead had not been expected.

Notes from the field: Faiz Jamil reporting from Delhi While Delhi’s 13 million voters

Western nations shut Yemen embassies due to unrest ÏÏÏThe United States, Britain

and France announced the closure of their embassies in Yemen because of deteriorating security conditions in the country.

The U.S. State Department said late Tuesday that its embassy staff had been moved out of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, while Britain announced early Wednesday that its staff had been withdrawn. France will close its embassy on Friday.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement, “Recent unilateral actions disrupted the political transition process in Yemen, creating the risk that renewed violence would threaten Yemenis and

the diplomatic community in Sana’a.

“The United States remains firmly committed to supporting all Yemenis who continue to work toward a peaceful, prosperous, and unified Yemen. We will explore options for a return to Sana’a when the situation on the ground improves,” the statement said.

The U.S., Britain and France all advised citizens not to travel to Yemen, and for those already in the country to leave.

Last month, Houthi Shi’ite rebels took over the residence of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, prompting him and his Cabinet to resign.

is a relatively small number, it comes down to the symbolism of this victory.

The BJP won the national elections in a landslide, and won state elections on the back of that same momentum.

Although the BJP isn’t saying it, losing Dehli shows cracks in that momentum. It also puts a strong opposition voice right in the heart of the capital.

Any move or announcement by the national government could be countered straight away.

“The AAP has about 85 percent of the vote - that is more than an absolute majority,” he said. About half of the votes have so far been counted.

“The support for the party started a few years ago based on the anti-corruption movement. On the back of that they won a minority government in Delhi but stepped down after 49 days because they could not pass legislation.

“That lost them a lot of support, but they maintained popularity among the poor and working class. If the lead turns out to be accurate that will mean they made inroads into the business community in the state.”

Winning power in India’s states is critical to controlling the upper house of parliament, where Modi’s party lacks a majority and has been thwarted in its effort to move reform legislation, including wider opening of the insurance sector.

Taiwan prison inmates hold staff hostage ÏÏÏSix inmates took the war-

Hadi The rebels finalized their takeover of the country last Friday, announcing they had dissolved parliament and were establishing a new presidential council to run Yemeni affairs.

den and several other people hostage at a prison in the southern Taiwanese port city of Kaohsiung on Wednesday afternoon, the official Central News Agency said.

The six inmates - convicted of burglary, murder and drug crimes - were suspected to be armed although no gunshots were heard at Kaohsiung Prison, CNA said. Quoting a legal department official, CNA said the warden offered to be a hostage in exchange for a vice warden, who earlier volunteered with another prison official to be hostages for negotiations.

13 World 45 killed in Ukraine fighting ahead of peace summit

ÏÏÏFighting

in Ukraine has killed at least 45 people in the last 24 hours, Kiev officials and rebel authorities said, ahead of a fourway summit in Minsk to thrash out a peace deal.

At least 19 soldiers died and 78 were wounded, military spokesman Vladyslav Seleznyov told journalists in Kiev, including five troops in a roc ket attack on the east Ukrainian hub of Kramatorsk.

Another 11 people were killed in that attack, the first time rebels have struck the government’s eastern military headquarters, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on his website on Wednesday.

In the rebel stronghold of Donetsk, city officials said that eight people had been killed, including five in a mortar strike on the city during the Wednesday morning rush hour.

Belgium jails religious leader for recruiting fighters

ÏÏÏA

Belgian court has sentenced the leader of a religious group to 12 years in prison for recruiting fighters to join armed groups in war-ravaged Syria.

Fouad Belkacem, 32, the chief of the Sharia4Belgium group, was convicted on Wednesday by a court in the northern port city of Antwerp for radicalising, recruiting and dispatching young men to fight in Syria.

Prosecutors had asked that he be sentenced to 15 years.

In one of the biggest cases of its kind in Europe, the court jailed several other members of the group, calling it “a terrorist organisation”.

Forty-six members of the group originally faced charges, but only eight were actually present during the five-month trial, with one deemed medically unfit to stand trial. The rest were believed to be either still in Syria, or dead.

“Around 350 fighters are estimated to be in Syria to fight, highest number per capita in Europe,” Al Jazeera’s Simon McGregor-Wood said, reporting from Antwerp.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

The greatest trick APC ever pulled

T

Bitrus Kwaji

he almighty game of politics is played very well only by the manipulative and clever grey areas and loopholes of a system that are used as an advantage with the unsuspecting nationals of a country being played as pawns.

The masters of this evolving new trend of politics are experts in feeding the frenzy of the public with sensationalism and a somewhat distortion of truths.

The godfathers and followers of the opposition party, APC have orchestrated an efficient propaganda machine that has been extremely successful in deceiving the Nigerian public that the upcoming, much anticipated presidential election may go their way. This theory has blatantly not taken cognisance of the diversity and sentimental opinions that shape the Nigerian psyche.

The human mind is such that even when confronted with hard evidence on an issue; we generally believe what we want to believe, making ourselves believe that, which we wish to believe.

Nigeria can almost be described as an onion, having many layers within its sphere; and for a country of an estimated 170 million people most conclusion of their political will cannot be so simply deduced.

Contrary to what the APC campaign team would fervently hope, it is by far not a cut and dry affair with the coming elections.

By using Lagos State as a case study; it would certainly be interesting to analyse the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections; especially because of the belief that it is an APC stronghold.

Even though the population in Lagos are predominantly of the Yoruba tribe; hundreds of thousands of other Nigerians of various ethnic origins have migrated and reside there.

The myth that this city is a thriving den of business and affluent successful people is just that, a myth; 66 percent of it’s population live in slums. Lagos has a history of being highly cosmopolitan and tolerant of religion.

Indeed, a high number of Yoruba in Lagos have intermarried, a blend of Christians and Muslims prevalent in many families. But in

recent times, the indigenes have become more astutely politically and religiously aware of the shift in the relaxed view of tolerance of diversity to the sentimental loyalty towards their spiritual beliefs and ethnicity.

This may have found its origins in the turbulent war against terror by the bloodthirsty sect Boko Haram. The numerous bombings of churches and mosques in the past several years have left many Nigerians with a feeling of weary caution against both Christians and Muslims. A quick search of the interactive internet activity of some Nigerians will indicate how clearly divided Nigerians are on issues of religion and ethnicity.

The constant bickering of Niger- Delta militants on the public forum about the crude oil belonging to “them”, has also facilitated in shaping the ideology that Nigerians are sadly divided.

For all the above reasons and much more, Nigerian voters do not appear as though they will be convinced to vote for the “change” the APC are capitalising and clamouring for. A victim of terrorism would find it difficult to vote for General Muhammadu Buhari,

who is a Northern Muslim. Even those Christian northern minorities and some from the Middle Belt area of Nigeria are highly skeptical about giving their votes to someone believed to be sympathetic to Boko Haram.

Now the apparent religious bug seems to have been playing a part in Lagos politics as well. The fact that several of the past governors of the state have been Muslims is an irony not lost on the voting public. It would be a tremendous hurdle for the APC to cross; the selling of a northern Muslim on a presidential ticket in a period when Nigeria is experiencing such dire issues of insecurities attributed to Muslim extremists. Indeed, it is strongly rumoured that many northern Christians will not caste their votes for the APC albeit based on the caution of aiding to spread of radical Islam. The silent but strong determination that it is safer to vote for a tolerant leader like president Goodluck Jonathan cannot be ignored.

Nigeria would surely be better than a pretentious and self acclaimed righteous leader whose antecedents only promote hatred amongst our people.

Shed your own blood, Mr. Politician!

W

Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye

henever Nigerian politicians threaten that blood would flow if they lose in an election, what they always have in mind is not their own blood or that of their children and wives. Even their distant relations and friends do not figure in their calculations.

What they have in mind is the blood of grossly impoverished Nigerians who they believe they would always be able to brainwash and deceive with money to unleash violence. These sometimes waste their lives in the service of those selfish and ultra-callous politicians who do not even place the slightest hint of worth on the lives of other Nigerians. These politicians have also learnt to deploy two usually highly reliable intoxicants, namely, ethnicity and godless religion, to confuse and blur the reasoning of the people.

But Nigerian must hasten to realise that they have been fooled and debased for so long. It is time to place great value on their lives

and nudge themselves into the edifying awareness that the politicians that prod them onto the streets are in no way superior to them. In fact, they may even possess more dignity and even better intelligence than those politicians they are worshiping. Indeed, no politician is worth dying for! So, during these 2015 elections, Nigerians must firmly reject and resist their enchantments and refuse put their lives on the line for any of them.

What it means then is that any politician threatening that blood would flow should start with his own and that of his wife and children. That is the message Nigerians, especially, the young ones, must clearly underline for the politicians coming to hire them as thugs.

Recently, there were reports that Nigerian politicians, fearing a possible outbreak of violence during elections, have begun relocating their families abroad.

Now, what does this teach Nigerians? The same people hoping to call for violence and bloodshed when they lose in the coming elections have already taken care to remove their families from

the theatre of war and bloodletting. After these pitiably deluded Nigerians must have fought and maimed or killed each other, the politician will emerge from the safety of his hideout and make peace with his opponent on the graves of those who had died for him. Then he would send and bring his family home to enjoy his new unearned wealth, luxury and comfort secured with the blood of his so-called supporters.

When will the long-suffering Nigerian masses learn? When will they realise who their real enemies are? When will they stop fighting their fellow victims, those who are savagely oppressed and impoverished as themselves and by the same set of rapacious and heartless politicians.

Only recently, the leaders of the various political parties met in Abuja to sign an agreement committing themselves to violence-free elections . The star photograph of that meeting was the image of President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari, grinning from ear to ear, hugging each other. But, despite that symbolic gesture of peace and friendship, some people

are already expressing grave doubts about the willingness of our politicians to abide by that agreement. Quite a number of them are still beating war drums.

There are, also, still cases of their supporters attacking those of their opponents. There is palpable desperation and fear everywhere.

Southerners have, reportedly, begun to leave the North in droves, thereby disenfranchising themselves by leaving the locations where they are registered to vote.

When politicians are defeated in an election, they always claim that they were “rigged out.” Elections are only “rigged” when they lose.

But if they win, they would heartily describe the contest as “free and fair”. But those who are too impatient with the seemingly slow pace of the judicial process and so prefer to resort to self-help because they believe they can always incite and induce poor people to unleash violence and put their lives at risk should in fact physically lead such violent protests.

Why is it that we hardly see the names of prominent politicians or members of their families in the list of casualties after violent protests?

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

15 Opinion

The electoral impacts of Jega’s terminal leave

M

Aloy Ejimakor

y published flagship treatise of few days ago, captioned ‘Jega’s tenure ends on March 24, 2015 by operation of law’ provoked a lot of commendations, as well as contrary opinions.

There’s also a small minority of fringe partisans who hauled curses and threats at me; and strangely, the Nigerian State. One particular troubled, but funny fellow called me ‘the new ABN’, as in Arthur Nzeribe’s (IBB’s?) infamous Association for Better Nigeria. Warts and all.

From the motley mix of reactions, there’s one particular one, from citizen Yinka, that struck me as rather unique and patriotic, to boot; and which propelled me to write this sequel. In summary, Yinka advanced the sound thesis that the coincidental onset of Jega’s terminal leave days before the elections may occasion some adverse impact on the legality or validity of the ensuing presidential election.

I consider it a quaint legal question because it flows from the provision of the law which named

the ‘Chief Electoral Commissioner’ as the solitary ‘announcer’ of the presidential election result.

Having thus considered Yinka’s posers, below, therefore, is a summary of my take: First, It is conceded that under Section 27(2)(h) of the Electoral Act, the result of the Presidential election is to be announced by the ‘Chief Electoral Commissioner’.

And under Section 156, the Chairman is identified specifically as that Chief Electoral Commissioner. However, under Section 152, the Commission is empowered to delegate any of its functions to any of the National Commissioners.

In my considered view therefore, the operative phrase – ‘any of its functions’, includes conducting the presidential election and the announcing the result thereof.

Thus, other than Jega, any of the 12 national commissioners can, under the discretionary delegation of the Commission, act as the Chief Electoral Commissioner.

Second, Section 159(4) of the Constitution, which is also pertinent, provides that “Subject to its rules of procedure, any such body may act or take part in any decision notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership or the absence of any member”. Without doubt,

‘such body’ as stated here includes INEC, as enumerated under Section 153 of the Constitution. ‘Any vacancy’ can mean anything from terminal leave, removal or suspension from office, death, etc. And ‘any decision’ includes conducting elections (presidential, etc.) and announcement of the results.

Third, Section 161(c) of the Constitution states that “any reference to “member” of a body established by section 153 of this Constitution shall be construed as including a reference to the Chairman of that body”. I believe that you can expand this provision to read that ‘a reference to the Chairman shall be construed as a reference to a member who happens to be the Chairman’, including a member ‘acting’ as Chairman, either as a result of a foreseeable vacancy, delegation, or worse. Further, keep in mind that the Attorney-General of the Federation had, in a related legal opinion stated that all the 12 Commissioners, including Jega, are constitutional equals; and that Jega is, ipso facto, not a CEO but merely a primus inter pares.

Fourth, Section 159(3) of the Constitution says that “Whenever such body is assembled for a meeting, the Chairman or other person presiding shall, in all matters in

which a decision is taken by vote (by whatever name such vote may be called) have a casting as well as a deliberative vote”. In my view, the phrase ‘other person presiding’ bears a constitutional recognition that the Chairman may not always be available … for whatever reason, including terminal leave, expiration of tenure, or even by an act of force majeur; and the Commission’s ‘decision’ can be on any matter within the purview of the Commission’s core functions, including most notably, conducting elections and announcing their results.

Finally, let me conclude by adding this caveat: the Chairmanship of INEC should not be personalised to the point of the apprehension that elections will be adversely affected by any sudden vacancy in that office. Let it be clear that, in addition to this muchhyped terminal leave, vacancy can also suddenly arise from physical/ mental incapacity, removal from office, resignation or even death.

We have till 29th April to hold these elections – a time span that is more than sufficient to appoint and confirm another substantive Chairman. In any event ,all that is required is good faith and the political will.

Nigerian intellectuals: A rotten knowledge

T

Hakeem Babalola

he ability to understand and deal with ideas and information is needed in life.

So when the most educated people in a country (especially those in the arts, philosophy, and politics) lack the ability to understand, learn, and think things out quickly; often the result is time and energy wasting. This is sad because a country can barely do anything without the active and genuine contribution from its intelligentsia.

Nigeria’s intellectual class has not been able to understand and master its roles in nation building. They have succeeded only in using academic sophistry to confuse the society placed upon their shoulders.

They state their opinions as if they are the only correct ones and nobody could possibly argue against them. They express ideas and facts about Nigeria, but have not understood what lies beneath.

They engage in loud and confuse and empty talk. Their contribution has been a rhetoric

masking vicious exploitation.

They organise series of talks intended not to edify but to entertain and flaunt. It seems to me that none of them can escape the tag price on their foreheads. It is just a matter of time.

In every election they just pontificate. They always scream yet we hear nothing. They have mastered the art of inviting every regime. Thus every regime is always worse than its predecessor. And they usually express it with the pride of locust.

In order to get rid of one regime, they often blindly invite any regime, whether good or bad; vision or no vision. Everything crumbles before their very eyes yet they offer grammar as the solution. They always wage war they have no intention to finish.

They just want to show off; they just want to regurgitate. And this is where we are today.

How could those that call themselves intellectuals be surprised at the sorry state of the nation!

How could they that call themselves the giants – of knowledge – not know there’s no choice where there’s no choice. It is as simple as that.

They always focus too much on the closing door that they often miss the door about to open.

What is their agenda? Whose interest are they serving? From the beginning, they have participated in the affairs of Nigeria so much that one could say they are part and parcel of the rotten system.

What is wrong with them? Where is their intellect? And what are they using it for?

But I tell you. This upcoming elections has exposed them further for who they are. They are making it difficult for people to think clearly. It is better to describe them as being in a state of mental confusion. They are making it difficult for the masses to know exactly what they should do.

O yes, they have deliberately centered this election on two candidates as if there’s no others; at least to lessen whatever burden is in place.

To lessen the burden of choice, why not put your weight and might behind any of the other presidential candidates to give Nigerians a real alternative. And this I believe should be the issue of discussion right now.

Interestingly but not surprisingly, each of them always argues well in favour of their preferred candidate. And I say it is part of the confusion. I ask again, what exactly motivates our intellectual class?

They portray every election as an opportunity to move forward, but their utterances and actions lean towards backwardness. They say it is time to choose without any choice. They help limit our choice to the same side of coins.

They use their mental resources to deceive, and especially to show off.

Nigerians in general should stop looking for a change anyhow.

They should stop playing in the hands of our intellectuals who are themselves confused and have no clue about the next step.

Nigerians should stop saying something like: “If we miss the change now, Nigeria as a nation shall be history”. It is a threat, and for me, it carries no weight anymore.

Let them find their intellect not for the sake of the two giant candidates, but for the shake of their children’s children. There lies the tormenting issue.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Daily Times Advert Rates Promotional rates valid till January 31ST 2015

Colour

Black & White Rate for Computer & IT/Property/ Vacancy/Home & DĂŠcor

Pictures & Captions Classified Advert

Loose Insert

Colour

Political

Black & White

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Politics Abu Shuluwa

PDP Chieftain, Benue State

17

s Freddie Adamgbe, Makurdi

Nigerians rage against poll shift

As Nigerians continue to express mixed reactions over the postponement of the February 14th and 28th general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Abu King Shuluwa has described the rescheduled election as shocking saying there is no genuine reason for the postponement but the pri-

mordial interest of some people.

Speaking with newsmen in Makurdi, Chief Shuluwa regretted that since 2011 everyone had been aware that 2015 is an election year to usher in a new dispensation while INEC itself had since last October released the time table for the elections.

The former member of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission during the Obasanjo administration picked holes in the security situation adduced for the postponement,

describing it as laughable.

He wondered why INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega who consistently expressed readiness to conduct the polls as earlier scheduled would suddenly reverse his decision. “Who is not ready for this election that is just for two days? You mean they can not sacrifice for that two days? In actual sense of it, do we need soldiers during the polls? Only policemen are needed. Let us assume that we need CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

POLLS POSTPONEMENT

The winners, the losers Anyone that is unduly shocked by the postponement of the general election from its earlier date of February 14 and 28 till March 28 and April 11 by the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Atahiru Jega is unaware of the antecedents of the academician cum activist, reports AKINJIDE AKINTOLA, Political Editor

Jonathan

Taraba SDP governorship candidate bails out prison inmates

Wale Akintunde, Yola At last succor, has come the way of some inmates of Gembu Prison in Taraba State when the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) Chief David Sabo Kante has agreed to bail them out.

The fearless electoral umpire had shocked the nation in 2011, when for the first time in the recent history of the country, he announced the cancellation of the election midway into the first elections in April 2011.

Every preparations, every activities and every resources sunk into the holding of the election by everyone, the government, the political parties, the candidates, - all just went down the drain.

The major reason given for the grave decision and which was obvious to many people was the late arrival of materials and electoral

personnel to voting centres. In most cases, the materials did not get to the centres until 12 noon or in some cases did not arrive at all.

That election, which was the governorship polls had to be shifted forward by a week, to allow for early arrival of the materials.

For Jega, what was utmost was the holding of a credible election and the end justified the means. And in the end, the 2011 election was adjudged as one of the best elections in the annals of this country even by foreign observers.

Against this backdrop therefore, having conducted such an election four years ago, there is a greater need to improve on it this year, such that the country can be rated even better in the comity of nations as far as democracy and rule of law is concerned.

Thus, the twin issues of insecurity and non availability of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) adduced for the postponement are quite justified if one looks at

it critically. Majority of the people in the South have not gotten their PVCs unlike those in the North where over 90 percent have gotten theirs.

If there is no other ulterior motives as being alleged by the opposition, we must not to give the impression that a section of the country is being disenfranchised from voting at the election, hence the need for the postponement.

More importantly, the new time announced is in tune with the constitutional provision for dates for the election. Indeed, Section 26:6 of the Electoral Act 2010 stipulates that an election to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be held not earlier than 150 days to the expiration of the date of office and not later than 30 days to the expiration of the office.

The new dates still leaves about 60 days before the swearing in of a new president in line with the Electoral Act, though, there may

The Governorship candidate through his DSK foundation has agreed to pay fines imposed on the some of the immates from one thousand naira to fifty thousand naira respectively.

According to him the, inmates of Gembu Prison whose

reason for being in the prison are fines that range from N1,000-N50,000 are to have their fines paid for them by the DSK Foundation, so they can regain their freedom. This was one of the largesse rolled out by the founder of the foundation, Chief Kente when he

made an epoch visit to the prison recently. In addition to this, 150 mosquito nets and the sum of #200,000 were also donated to the prison.

Welcoming him to the prison, the warder described the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Shuluwa, Tsav, others fault polls shift CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

the presence of law enforcement agents during the polls, and the issue of insurgent is very important to put in check, are you saying what you can not nip in the bud in the last three years can be nipped in the bud in the next six weeks”?, he queried.

He dismissed the excuses advanced for the postponement of the polls pointing out that wartorn countries like Syria, Egypt, Afghanistan, Ukraine and other nations conduct elections.

He however submitted that the period of extension should be used to complete the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) but regretted that it would affect many candidates with little resources having expended so much on campaigning in the last few days.

A former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, observed that if the polls are truly shifted to enable the military carry out the final onslaught against Boko Haram, it will be reasonable but if it is to prepare ground for the PDP to perfect their rigging game, it will become ‘’tragically unfortunate and unpatriotic’’.

Alh Tsav queried the sudden thought by the military’s purported onslaught against Boko Haram in just few days to the conduct of the Presidential election when they have been terrorising the nation for five years now. ‘’As far as I am concerned, Jonathan has failed, he has run out of ideas and so can no longer govern Nigeria. Enough is enough’’, Tsav stated.

Also, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have condemned the postponement.

In separate reactions, the Deputy Speaker of the, Hon. Musibau Kolawole Taiwo and Hon. Dayo Saka Fafunmi said that Nigerians were ready for change and

that nothing would stop the All Progressives Congress (APC) from taking over power at the centre after the 2015 polls.

The presidential contest is technically a battle between the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan and that of the APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.)

According to the Deputy Speaker, there is no reason for postponing the elections on the basis of insecurity as only five local governments are affected out of the 774 in the country.

“Why should anybody postpone a general election because of just five local governments? It is unacceptable. Even the army chiefs are giving excuses that they cannot quench the turbulence in the north east within six weeks.

“The PDP is afraid, Nigerians have rejected their party. You can go round Lagos and see that Nigerians are resolute, they would not tolerate nonsense from them.

Why should anyone use soldiers to mount the flex of their parties on our roads in Lagos and be cocking guns at people,” he wondered.

The deputy Speaker disclosed that his party has decided to keep calm as it was done in the governorship election of Osun State but explained that they are determined and resolute.

“We are not only going to march for Buhari, but we are marching for Nigeria. The people are determined to change this government. The PDP has destabilised the process, but we have capable hands that are handling the campaign of our Presidential Candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.). We are also working hard in my constituency. The postponement will only assist us to get deep to the grassroots,” he maintained.

Kolawole, who is seeking re-

Sambo Dasuki

“...for the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki to have talked about the postponement three weeks ago is an indication that the postponement was orchestrated by the PDP”

Tsav election into the Assembly, said further that he addressed some Christians in their churches and told them to be concerned about their children, the economy and the future of Nigeria rather than dwelling on religious or tribal sentiments.

He stated further that a former head of state of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd.) once said that if what he read in the newspapers were true, then his government was a saint.

On the rumoured removal of the Chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, Kolawole said that nothing would stop the people from voting for Buhari.

“Why should anybody postpone a general election because of just five local governments? It is unacceptable.

Even the army chiefs are giving excuses that they cannot quench the turbulence in the north east within six weeks”

“We are not perturbed about whoever they bring, but we are sure that if they bring Judas Iscariot or the devil himself to head INEC, Nigerians would speak.

They would speak so clearly and unambigously, the election would not be close. It would be almost impossible to rig, God is a Nigerian. God lives in Nigeria. The fact that the presidential election would be done with the National Assembly election makes it better because the results would be announced at the collating centres in each area,” he stated.

Also reacting, Hon. Fafunmi explained that the reason adduced by INEC, the President and the PDP for the postponement of the election is not acceptable.

“The PDP is now saying that it is not their idea, but that of INEC. But for the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki to have talked about the postponement three weeks ago and for it to find expression few days after, is an indication that the postponement was orchestrated by the PDP,” he said.

Fafunmi, who is representing Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency 1, added that the postponement has

“On the purported plan to remove Professor Jega as Chairman of INEC, he said that this could become a reality soon going by the way rumours become reality in Nigeria”

thrown the political class, especially the candidates into a state of despair and disappointment.

He said that the candidates would practically start their campaigns all over again, and that what the PDP has done was to postpone the evil day.

He emphasised that moving the election to March 28 would not stop the people from voting for change.

“You can conveniently conduct election in the country except in about 3 or 4 states, where the Boko Haram insurgents are causing problem. This is an indication that the PDP government is not willing to relinquish power, but Nigeria does not belong to the President or the PDP alone, it belongs to the people of Nigeria. Sovereignty belongs to the people, they should come out on March 28 to effect change.

On the purported plan to remove Professor Jega as Chairman of INEC, he said that this could become a reality soon going by the way rumours become reality in Nigeria, but that the people should rise up to the occasion and prevent Jega’s removal from office.

Jega

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

19 Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

not be enough time to trash out any legal suits that may like arise from the election before the new helmsman is sworn in.

The only problem in the whole sage however, is the timing. The postponement was announced barely a week to the Presidential election when the candidates and the parties had expended all their energies, time and resources into their campaigns and looking forward to the election.

It becomes more frustrating when a week earlier at a peace parley in Abuja, the Military Top Brass had expressed its preparedness for the election only to now turn around almost at the last moments that it could no longer guarantee security during the polls due to the menace of Boko Haram insurgents.

Thus, while the whole country is counting the losses due to the polls postponement, it is necessary to assess the winners and the losers in this murky waters of politics where there is no permanent friend or foe but permanent interests always.

THE LOSERS THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE The generality of the Nigerian people who had their hopes dashed are the major losers in the whole saga. They had been looking forward to February 14 to elect leaders of their own whom they believe will turn things around for them. But alas this was not so, as despite the mounting rumour, there was the assurance that come what may, the date would remain sacrosanct. That there was no protest or demonstration just goes to show the length of the people’s patience and resilience of Nigerians. But they should not push the people too far.

INEC The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) came out as a loser in this regard. All eyes were on Professor Jega’s INEC to deliver on his promise to conduct the most credible election in Nigeria on February 14.

The shocking postponement was akin to the cancellation of the governorship election in 2011.

Many people were still hoping

SDP candidate bails out prison inmates

polls postponement later assured that they will chase Boko Haram out in six weeks! What they failed to do in six years. We are waiting.

WINNERS PDP, JONATHAN, FG From whatever angle you want to look at it, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan and the federal government are the winners and beneficiaries of this polls postponement. It is like the umpire in a game shifting the goal post when an opponent is about to score. This is particularly why the opposition are claiming that the federal government had already smelled defeat and the only way to forestall it is to postpone the election. The PDP will now have time to re-strategise, reposition, refocus and reconcile its aggrieved members nationwide. It will also afford it the opportunity to improve the logistics of its campaigns considering the fact that it

Buhari

Counting cost of polls postponement that no amount of pressure on Jega would make him to yield and postpone the election; but with the announcement, he has disappointed a lot of his fans and it will take an eternity for people to trust him or his agency again. Everything he does or says now will be viewed with much suspicion.

DEMOCRACY In all of these, what people call our nascent democracy is the worse for it. Our young democracy is the greatest loser. Like some people said, the postponement is like a coup against democracy.

Or how else can one describe the postponement of an election barely less than a week to the date?

Moreso with the defence chiefs

literarily pointing the guns at the head of the electoral umpire to force him to postpone it? This is why there are fears that the postponement is just a first step that it may eventually be put on hold on account of security issues. We hope that this is just a mere rumour, for if it happens, then we may as well bid bye bye to our democracy. What a pity?

SECURITY AGENCIES The Military Top Brass of this nation have come out as losers in this polls postponement episode. They have never had a good reputation and their records in the war against terror in the last five years have been abysmal. Do we need to involve the Military in

the election when they have their hands full in trying to contain the Boko Haram insurgents who have continued to seize our towns and villages in the North East with impunity and reckless abandon?

Are they going to abandon the fight against the insurgents and face election duties? What about the Nigeria Police? It is indeed a shame that our security agencies can admit to the whole world that they lacked the capacity to provide security for a nation like ours. In saner climes, the heads of such agencies would have thrown in the towel. Then to add salt to injury, shamelessly, National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) who had flied the kite about

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

ation remained the same in spite of visits by top government officials including the Chief Judge of the state.

Chief Kente expressed sadness about the state of facilities at the prison and promised better times for the prison and its inmates if elected into office. He also described the visit as part of his

tour of prisons in the state, which has seen him to Wukari and Jalingo prisons where similar things have been done.

He encouraged the prisoners not to give up on themselves, as they were not in prison because they were the worst people in their society, nor the crimes that brought them to the prison the most griev-

visit as unprecedented. He said the prison has been a victim of neglect both by the state and federal governments since inception. The warder who listed some of the challenges of the prison as: dilapidated structures, lack of drugs and water said the situ-

“The postponement was announced barely a week to the Presidential election when the candidates and the parties had expended all their energies, time and resources into their campaigns and looking forward to the election” is in government with huge war chest. But the ultimate decision is still with the people who are not too happy with the postponement and this may count against the party.

APC In spite of the effect of the postponement on its programmes and plans as well as logistics, the opposition All Progressives Congress CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

ous, but some of them according to him were mere victims of circumstances and they should therefore not give up on themselves.

Chief Kente assured that, whether in or out of office, his foundation will henceforth send a token for the in-mate’s welfare every Sallah and Xmas holidays.

Politics 20 Lingering tensions between Hillary Rodham Clinton’s loyalists and the strategists who helped President Obama defeat her in 2008 have erupted into an intense public struggle over who will wield money and clout in her emerging 2016 presidential campaign.

At issue is controlling access to the deep-pocketed donors whose support is critical to sustain the outside organisations that are paving the way for Mrs. Clinton’s campaign. It is a competition that has been exacerbated, many Clinton supporters said, by Mrs. Clinton’s reluctance to formally enter the race and establish a campaign organisation with clear lines of authority.

The dispute broke into the open on Monday after David Brock, a Clinton ally, accused Priorities USA Action — a proClinton “super PAC” whose cochairman is Jim Messina, Mr. Obama’s 2012 campaign manager — of planting negative stories about the fund-raising practices of Mr. Brock’s organisations.

Mr. Brock resigned from the super PAC’s board in protest.

Mr. Messina is one of the half-dozen top veterans of Mr. Obama’s campaigns that Mrs. Clinton’s tightknit circle of advisers has hired or courted, vexing some longtime Clintonites seeking more prominent roles for themselves. Other former Obama aides are working with pro-Clinton groups to organise grass-roots volunteers or to fend off attacks on her record, efforts that some Democrats view as the first step toward a place in Mrs. Clinton’s campaign when it finally gets off the ground.

All recognise that Mrs. Clinton’s political operation could dominate the Democratic Party for the next decade, controlling the flow of commissions, consulting work and political appointments. But the marriage between the two camps — based to a large degree on mutual interest, if not love — now appears more uneasy than at any time since Mr. Obama asked Mrs. Clinton to serve in his adminis-

Huge cost of polls postponement

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Clinton

Funding tears emerging Clinton team apart tration after the 2008 election.

“It is ‘The Dream Team,’ but only five can start,” said John Morgan, a Florida lawyer who has raised money for Mr. Obama and hosted fund-raisers with former President Bill Clinton. “Who do you put at guard? Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, Magic, Bird, Derrick Rose?

That is where it is.”

The list of Obama veterans now working in “Clinton World” includes the New York-based pollster, Joel Benenson, whom Mrs. Clinton has settled on as chief strategist over several pollsters with long Clinton ties.

A consulting firm founded by two Obama voter-turnout specialists, Mitch Stewart and Jeremy Bird, is being paid $20,000

a month by Ready for Hillary, a super PAC focused on organizing grass-roots Clinton supporters. Jim Margolis, whose firm handled lucrative media-buying contracts for Mr. Obama’s campaigns, will also advise Mrs. Clinton, whose campaign will probably raise and spend over a billion dollars in the next two years.

But Mr. Brock’s path to the Clinton inner circle is perhaps the most convoluted. Once a conservative journalist whose reporting on President Clinton prompted Paula Jones’s 1994 sexual harassment lawsuit against him, Mr. Brock has since emerged as a prominent liberal organiser and one of

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

become an advantage. The main challenge is that they had almost come to the end of their tatters in respect to the funding of their campaigns. One good thing about the whole scenario is that they now know what they are up against, so they will be better prepared in the weeks ahead.

COALITION OF PROGRESSIVE PARTIES They are also winners in that

they did not keep quiet in the face of tyranny. They have indeed used the opportunity to charge their supporters across the country to be more vigilant against any undemocratic machinations in the weeks to come. This is a good development in the push to invigorate democracy in the land in view of the ongoing threat.

Other winners are Advertisers, Musicians, Artistes, Printers,

“But the marriage between the two camps – based to a large degree on mutual interest, if not love – now appears more uneasy than at any time since Mr. Obama asked Mrs. Clinton to serve in his administration after the 2008 election.”

(APC) also comes out as winners though. The postponement has even swinged the people’s sympathy towards the APC as the generality of the people believed that the ruling PDP does not want to go thus, it is clinging at straws. If the APC can maintain its cool and campaigns in the next few weeks which will be determinant, then the postponement will certainly

Mrs. Clinton’s chief defenders.

With the tacit blessing of both Clintons, Mr. Brock has maneuvered his $28 million network of media-monitoring and opposition research organisations into the centre of the emerging Clinton effort, establishing a new project, Correct the Record, that has defended Mrs. Clinton in the news media and even issued daily emails explaining her positions.

His successful fund-raising has been led by Mary Pat Bonner, whose firm has been paid millions of dollars by Mr. Brock’s groups to court donors — some of whom have criticised the arrangement as well as Mr. Brock.

Transporters etc.

On the business and commercial side, these groups of people have been smiling to the banks and for the next six weeks, their businesses will continue to boom as the contestants and gladiators will have to continue with their campaigns despite the postponement. They cannot afford to stop their campaigns now or whatever gains they had made would go down the drains.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Features Irrigation farming opportunities beckon in Kaduna

A demolished filling station

Agriculture has been the bedrock of many modern societies, especially as regards food and other industrial activities. Unfortunately, this reality is yet to be exploited by the teeming unemployed in Kaduna State.

SUNDAY ISUWA writes that some are now becoming aware of the potentials in this sector.

21

s Kabiru Mahmud, 69, left his community in the far north and settled at Hunkuyi, a suburb in Kaduna State. His movement followed numerous opportunities he discovered at the nearby Dam after a visit.

As young man, he struggled to feed his parents until the decision to move to Hunkuyi community came to bear.

“On reaching Hunkuyi community, I commenced maize farming in the dry season and before I knew it, I started mak-

ing thousand of naira per annum,” Mahmud said.

“When my friend, Yusuf Danlami introduced me to this dry season farming, at first it looked less interesting, but I have realised that more money can be made from this dry season farming, as I cultivate not just maize but carrot, cabbage and even onions. Last year 2014, I made more than N200,000 from here,” Mahmud said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Harvest in dry season

Tense moment as residents protest

Tears, as graves, houses make way for road in Lagos

Residents of Idimu town, a native Yoruba community under Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State are finding it difficult coming to terms with the road project passing through their community in more than 50 years.

GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT Snr reports.

The 2.2 kilometre dual carriage way is designed to link the Ikotun-Iyana-Ipaja Road to Ejigbo/NNPC and Airport Road and on to Oshodi through Ilamoshe/Ajao Estates. The new road will also link motorists and commuters from Ikotun, Isheri and Orisunbare town to Ikeja and Oshodi through Egbeda-Dopemu Bridge among others.

Daily Times gathered that construction of the road has for CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Features 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Many graves and shrines had to be relocated – Engineer

Engr. Ilori Abiodun

Agitation as incantation failed to stop the bulldozer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

long been resisted by successive monarchs, family heads and community leaders since the Second Republic.

An indigene of Idimu and member of the kingmakers, Alhaji Fatai Akanbi told Daily Times that the trouble has been long expected.

“Idimu town developed from the native community village before our generation was born.

The houses are the type we call Agbole; made of mud and shacks and built without town planning input; in those days, no one knew about surveyors or government land. The new brick houses with modern roofs in Idumu were built by those whose parents once lived in mud houses.

“The road construction is very

good, but it has been a big problem since the Lateef Jakande administration. That problem is that many graves of family heads, especially those of the two former monarchs who were buried in their compounds are along the path of the road construction, so there have been disagreements over compensations and relocation”.

Daily Times gathered that the grave of the late father of one time national goal keeper, Peter Rufai remains a stumbling block.

“The family refused for their father’s grave to be moved to a new site, saying it is a sacrilege to construct road over the graves of people. Rufai’s father was never a king but his younger brother was and the spot on which both were buried is also affected by this road project.”

Shops, premises demolished in Idimu

“See, they even took the pole and dumped it inside what was my former room.

There are no more spaces for children to play”

The compensation government paid for traditional rites to move graves of former kings and family heads was shrouded in secrecy, and that is the crux of the matter.

“You cannot compensate the influential families and leave the poor ones out, even as the later need compensation more than the former,” a community spokesman said.

“Many of these houses and shops started when this area was cut off from civilisation. Carpenters, welders and vulcanisers on this road inherited the trades from their fathers and they have no other sources of livelihood.

Now the people are angry that they are being cheated and some people want to fight for their rights.”

A member of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) who gave

his name as Atere, shed some light on reason for the agitation.

“The problem we have is that this is a very old community; many of us were born here, we grew up and married here; our children also grew up and married here. We have seen our children and grandchildren, and by the grace of God will see our great grandchildren.

“We love the development; but if the development has to take away our homes and our livelihoods, we will resist it. And the government is not compensating us, while the elders continue telling us it is dividend of democracy. Can democracy feed families with no means of livelihood? Or is it the rice, groundnut oil and little money they distribute durCONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

23 Features

‘Nobody expected this scale of demolition’ “We were all happy when the work started, but nobody expected this scale of demolition of homes and properties.” A photographer who lost his studio to the road said.

Government officials present while part of the late Onidimu of Idumu’s palace was been pulled down and who won’t give their names for official reasons, said developing a terrain like agbole has always being problematic. “It is typical of the old village setting in all Yoruba villages. The communities have no road, what they have are footpaths. There you find shackles and bicycle repairers and later motor and motorcycle mechanics on both sides of the road.

“But the problem government didn’t handle well is that of compensation for graves and shrines, especially moving them to designated places. The people are very sensitive and can be very difficult in giving up their ancestral heritage for public good without adequate compensation. ”Apart from graves of notable leaders and kings of the community, many other graves had to be relocated; some were negotiated while many where not even mentioned; homes and family deities ought to be compensated for.”

Daily Times saw the scale of demolition, involving shops and

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

ing election campaigns for votes that will provide for the people? I think they should also consider the poor; everyone has a right to live.”

What affected the construction work last Thursday was that some indigenes were said to have placed suspected charms around their shops, premises and homes marked for demolition. The intention was to save their homes and properties since compensation has not been paid to them.

One Mutiu Ajayi told our correspondent that the bulldozer would be immobilized, while the operator would suffer from stroke if an attempt was made to pull down their homes and shops.

But residents who had gathered to watch the clash between modern technology and primitive esoterism were disappointed as the former trounced the latter. While our correspondent watched with others, the bulldozer pulled down the shops and all other structures, even as the operator stayed alive.

One devastated Awori family head, Alhaji Mukadam Isiaku exclaimed in Yoruba, “Ah, aiye ti baje, ogun osise mo” (Oh, the world is getting ruined; spells don’t work anymore).

A vulcaniser working where his shop used to be

Dry irrigation farming remains underdeveloped in Kaduna CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Mahmud’s story captures the vast opportunity of irrigation farming in Kaduna State were many unemployed youths are either ignorant of, or lack the financial support to venture into.

Kaduna, apart from rivers and streams is blessed with dams at Fadam-Kagoma, Kufana, Galma, Gurara, Hunkuyi and many other towns which are waiting to be tapped for agricultural opportunities by unemployed youths.

“With the high rate of poverty, dams in Kaduna have the capacity to play a vital role in agricultural and economic growth,” said Mr Ambi Steven, a UNDP agricultural consultant.

“Dry irrigation farming in Nigeria remains one of the underdeveloped or rather untapped goldmines of agriculture in Ni-

geria”, he said.

Recently, the Federal Government attested to the many opportunities that come with dry season farming. The Water Resources Minister, Mrs Sarah Reng Ochekpe on a visit to Gurara irrigation farm located in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, said 600 hectares of land will soon be cultivated.

“We are right here in the pilot project where 100 hectares of land have been cultivated as demonstration to show the potentials of irrigation farming in Nigeria. You have seen the maize for animal feed and soya beans farm, all these were planted in the last three months and they are due for harvesting now,” Sarah said.

The Minister said further that from what has been planted, it is expected that 10 tons of corn

flower would be harvested per hectare which shows that if full scale irrigation farming takes off, there would be adequate food for Nigerians.

“The project under Gurara Multipurpose Dam has 6,000 hectares and has the capacity to feed the entire North-Central states when every hectare is put to use. Evidently speaking, most of such dams in Northern Nigeria have demonstrated aptly their strength in diversifying the economy but the youth have not ventured into it,” an agricultural conultant, Augustine Peter said.

Hunkuyi dam located in Kudan Local Government area of Kaduna State seems to be attracting new irrigation farmers following in the steps taken by CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Irrigation workers at Kabiru’s farm

furniture workshops, buildings with perimeter walls pulled down and even gas stations that were in the right of way, stretching from Dorcas end of Ejigbo up to Idimu Road.

“It is people with the right connection that were paid conpensation’’ lamented a vulcaniser. He pointed to an electric uprooted electric pole which was left of what was his former home.

“See, they even took the pole and dumped it inside what was my former room. There are no more spaces for children to play.

“Iya Alaro” (our great grandma) “has not stepped out since they demolished our compound because she could fall into the gutter.”

But while residents of the community mourn, transporters and motorists who have suffered greatly due to damage to their vehicles are happy with the development.

“I am riding tricycle today due to this road”, an operator told Daily Times. “The road was responsible for the scrapping of my two commercial buses and I had to dispose of them and with the proceeds bought this tricycle.’’

The gods and people of Idimu, even Ejigbo would never have CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Features 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

One basket of tomatoes can bring a profit of N2000 – Sani Ango CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

people like the 67-year-old Kabiru Mahmud.

A visit to Hunkuyi capital of Kudan local Government which has a population of about 138,992 according to the 2006 census, the site of the dam depicts a combination of high level dry season farming, buying and selling of rare agricultural products like cabbage, carrots, tomatoes and a host of others. Interestingly, the dam is now attracting settlements around the area.

Sani Ango alias ‘’Dan Kano talks of the booming business in Hunkuyi as a result of the dam.

“If you buy a basket of tomatoes from the farms around, you are sure of making a profit of N2,000per basket, particularly the one known as ‘’Jos special’’

due to its scarcity in the market but very good for cooking.’’

Hunkuyi dam is a project of Kaduna State Government under the Ministry of Water Resources, constructed in 2008. The dam and another such as Galma dam under the Federal Government also facilitate the supply of water for both economic and domestic uses.

Aside the vendors who get water for supply from the Hunkuyi dam, the state government is also utilising the dam and others for the supply of potable water to Zaria.

Rehabilitation of dams in some other locations for water supply and irrigation is necessary. State officials said the government in its part is not unmindful of the uses for dams.

A report said the success in

the expansion of 150mld water treatment plant which is put at about 80.45 percent completion is possible owing to the dams.

A report from the Kaduna State Commissioner for Water Resources, Ado Dogo, also indicated that the Zaria water supply rehabilitation, expansion and sanitation project is ongoing as regards the distribution network. As at third week of January 2015, progress report from the loan procured from African Development Bank indicated that; Bid Evaluation Reports (BER) and Recommendation for award of contracts for Zaria Distribution Network Rehabilitation and Expansion (Lots 1, 2, 3&4) were forwarded to the African Development Bank on 6th November, 2014, for no objection.

Contracts for Lot 2- Tudun

Wada, Wusasa/Kufena Gwargwaji zones Network Rehabilitation and Expansion and Lot 3 Sabon Gari Zone Network Rehabilitation and Distribution were signed with the Contractor CGC Nigeria Ltd on 23rd December, 2014. No Objection to sign contracts for Lots 1& 4 is being awaited. The contract amount for Lot 2 and Lot 3 are N2, 920,941,028.78 and N2, 331,024,276.35 respectively.

Evaluation report of technical and financial proposal for supervision of construction for rehabilitation and expansion of distribution network has been awarded to the AfDB for No. Objection to signed contract.

Bids for procurement of operational vehicles are being evaluated. The shortlist of firms for design, preparation of tender

documents and supervision of construction of sanitation facilities has been forwarded to the AfDB for No Objection to issue Request for Proposal (RfP).

“The shortlist of firms for Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) studies/ design of sanitation promotion strategy has also been forwarded to the bank for No. Objection to issue RfP. Institutional reform and capacity building has commenced with In-house training and international workshops and seminars for Kaduna State Water Board staff,” the commissioner said, adding that “Installation and Services of Auto -synchronisation panel and generators at Zaria 50MLD WTP Auto-synchronisation Panel has been installed and tested in readiness for commissioning.

‘Only people with the right connection were compensated for demolition’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

thought of this day when a massive road will run through their land.

A visibly angry great-grandmother who lost her property to the project, said they didn’t ask for a modern road. “Fashola has no right to come and take away our heritage, destroy our homes and graves of our forefathers.”

In an interview, the Project Engineer of MCCL, Engr Ilori Abiodun said the project which started mid last year has faced many challenges due to the nature and location of the community.

“Until now the community cooperated with the company,” he told Daily Times.

“Whenever there are issues to resolve, we hold stakeholders’ meeting with community leaders and family heads headed by one Balogun. We have had several of such meetings, where we explained the technicality involved with the work, and they also spoke out their reservations; we listen to them and make adjustments that will not compromise the standard of the work.”

On the tension that built up in the morning of Thursday Feb 5, Abiodun said it was as a result of agitation by some commu-

nity members. “Some families thought MCCL was going to be partial with the road measurement. They thought we were taking too much space from some side and sparing some properties.

“It was agreed that whatever space is taken to the left and properties pulled down must be the same on the other side.

“When tension built up that morning, the son of the late Oba had to address the agitating community members. He told them his own father’s palace was affected and there is no one who will not make sacrifice for the development of the area. I also consulted with our head office and everything has been resolved.”

The engineer said MCCL is unaware of any compensation deal reached by community leaders with government, but that the company has thus far enjoyed cooperation from the community.

“I know that some graves, shrines and house of their local deity was marked for demoilition. Also the tomb of the last Oba has been exhumed and taken to another place,while part of the palace will be pulled down, but all that have been agreed as part of the community’s sacrifice to development. Balogun had told

Shops at OPC junction, Idimu

A storey building in Idimu in Idimu awaiting demolition

his people it is their share of the dividends of democracy.”

On the clash between the community and his staff, Abiodun told Daily Times that good reasoning has prevailed.

“Well, whatever they may have done did not affect our equipment or staff. We had need though to consult with the community leaders and with our own headquarters anytime we needed to clear some issues that may lead to agitation.”

Metropolitan Construction Company Limited is a Lebanese-American owned firm in partnership with a Nigerian.

The project is the second phase measuring 2.2 kilometers from Dorcas through Mafon, Silva Estate to Idimu intersection with Ikotun-Iyana Ipaja road.

In all, commuters and motorists who ply the traffic-prone routes from Oshodi-Isolo and Cele to Ejigbo and Ikotun are full of praises for the government.

They say the road now under construction and the NNPC-Ajao Estate link was a decision no government could carry out due to the enormous compensation and security challenges which residents of Ajao estate had resisted since the era of the Lateef Jankande admistration.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Chronicle Today in History

25

s Cartoon from our Archives

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1912 Last emperor of China abdicates On February 12, 1912, Hsian-T’ung, the last emperor of China, was forced to abdicate following Sun Yat-sen’s republican revolution. A provisional government was established in his place, ending 267 years of Manchu rule in China and 2,000 years of imperial rule. The former emperor, only six years old, was allowed to keep up his residence in Beijing’s Forbidden City, and he took the name of Henry Pu Yi. Pu Yi was enthroned as emperor in 1908 after his uncle, the Kuang-hsu emperor, died. He reigned under a regency and underwent training to prepare him for his coming rule. However, in October 1911, his dynasty fell to Sun Yat-sen’s revolution, and four months later he abdicated.

The new Chinese government granted him a large government pension and permitted him to live in the imperial palace until 1924, when he was forced into exile.

After 1925, he lived in Japaneseoccupied Tianjin, and in 1932 Japan created the puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria under his rule. In 1934, Henry Pu Yi was enthroned as K’ang Te, emperor of Manchukuo. Despite guerrilla resistance against his puppet regime, he held the emperor’s title until 1945, when he was captured

1941

1941 Rommel in Africa On this day, German General Erwin Rommel arrived in Tripoli, Libya, with the newly formed Afrika Korps, to reinforce the beleaguered Italians’ position.

In January 1941, Adolf Hitler established the Afrika Korps for the explicit purpose of helping his Italian Axis partner maintain territorial gains in North Africa. “[F]or strategic, political, and psychological reasons, Germany must assist Italy in Africa,” the Fuhrer declared. The British had been delivering devastating blows to the Italians; in three months they pushed the Italians out of Egypt while

by Soviet troops.

In 1946, Pu Yi testified before the Tokyo war crimes tribunal that he had been an unwilling tool of the Japanese and not, as they claimed, an instrument of Manchurian self-determination.

Manchuria and the Rehe province were returned to China, and in 1950 Pu Yi was handed over to the Chinese communists. He was imprisoned at Shenyang until 1959, when Chinese leader Mao Zedong granted him amnesty.

After his release, he worked in a mechanical repair shop in Peking 2002 Milosevic goes on trial for war crimes On this day in 2002, former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic went on trial at The Hague, Netherlands, on charges of genocide and war crimes in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo. Milosevic served as his own attorney for much of the prolonged trial, which ended without a verdict when the so-called “Butcher of the Balkans” was found dead at age 64 from an apparent heart attack in his prison cell on March 11, 2006.

Yugoslavia, consisting of Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia, became a federal republic, headed by Communist leader Marshal Tito, on January 31, 1946. Tito died in May 1980

Rommel in Africa wounding or killing 20,000 Italian soldiers and taking another 130,000 prisoner.

Having commanded a panzer division in Germany’s successful French and Low Countries’ campaigns, General Rommel was dispatched to Libya along with the new Afrika Korps to take control of the deteriorating situation. Until that time, Italian General Ettore Bastico was the overall commander of the Axis forces in North Africa—which included a German panzer division and the Italian armoured division. Rommel was meant to command only his Afrika Korps and an Italian corps in Libya, but he wound up running the entire North African campaign.

Daily Times February 12, 1961 and Yugoslavia, along with communism, crumbled over the next decade.

Milosevic, born August 20, 1941, joined the Communist Party at age 18; he became president of Serbia in 1989. On June 25, 1991, Croatia and Slovenia declared their independence from Yugoslavia and Milosevic sent tanks to the Slovenian border, sparking a brief war that ended in Slovenia’s secession. In Croatia,

1976

1976 Actor Sal Mineo is killed in Hollywood Actor Sal Mineo was stabbed to death in Hollywood, California. Mineo was parking his car behind his apartment when neighbours heard his cries for help. Some described a white man with brown hair fleeing the scene. By the time they reached Mineo, he was almost dead from a deep wound to his chest. He died minutes later.

Sal Mineo was a famous teen actor in the 1950s. He co-starred with James Dean in both Rebel Without a Cause and Giant. The transition to adult roles did not

fighting broke out between Croats and ethnic Serbs and Serbia sent weapons and medical supplies to the Serbian rebels in Croatia. Croatian forces clashed with the Serb-led Yugoslav army troops and their Serb supporters.

An estimated 10,000 people were killed and hundreds of Croatian towns were destroyed before a U.N. cease-fire was established in January 1992. In March, BosniaHerzegovina declared its inde-

pendence, and Milosevic funded the subsequent Bosnian Serb rebellion, starting a war that killed an estimated 200,000 people, before a U.S.-brokered peace agreement was reached at Dayton, Ohio, in 1995.

2002 Iranian jet slams into mountain On this day in 2002, an Iranian passenger jet crashed into the side of a mountain, killing all 117 people on board.

Actor Sal Mineo is killed in Hollywood come easily for Mineo, but he later appeared in films such as The Longest Day and Escape From the Planet of the Apes, and consistently performed guest spots on television series. On the night he was killed, Mineo was returning from rehearsing for a play.

For two years, the police searched in vain for clues to the killer’s identity. At first, they suspected that Mineo’s work for prison reform had put him in contact with a dangerous excon. Then their focus shifted to Mineo’s personal life. Investigators had discovered that his home was filled with pictures of nude men. But the homosexual

pornography also failed to turn up any leads.

Then, out of the blue, Michigan authorities reported that Lionel Williams, arrested on bad check charges, was bragging to everyone that he had killed Mineo. Although he later retracted his stories, at about the same time, his wife back in Los Angeles told police that he had come home the night of the murder drenched in blood.

However, there was one major discrepancy--Williams was black with an Afro and all of the eyewitnesses had described the perpetrator as a white man with long brown hair.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Health

s

Suicide amidst smiling faces…

Lara Adejoro

The first comprehensive survey by the United Nation (UN) on national mood has rated Nigerians as the 100th happiest people in the world. The report comes two years after Nigeria was rated in a 2010 Gallup global poll as having the “happiest people on earth”. The poll of 64,000 people from 53 countries around the world found Nigerians to be the most optimistic in the world in their outlook for 2011. It also found that the most optimistic people mostly live in low income countries, such as Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Peru and Bangladesh.

However, recent happenings have shown that suicide is becoming a common way among Nigerians as a way of avoiding the suffering in our land.

On Thursday, January 29, a well-dressed man who was driving in a cream coloured Toyota Sienna space bus parked on third mainland bridge, Lagos, walked calmly to the rails and Jumped into the lagoon thereby committing suicide.

A Psychologist, Mr Okey-Martins said, “I never really think Nigerians are generally a happy people. What seems correct is that we tend to have a high resilient nature. It is that motivation to survive and hope to thrive; that come-back spirit of most Nigerians that most people confuse with happiness.

“We overcompensate for our inner worries and conflicts by putting up a happy attitude expressed in social activities like

Briefs Shell must be held accountable for the decades of its environmental human rights abuses in Ogoni and the entire Niger Delta… ERA/ FoEN Executive Director, Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo

parties, drinking, flirting, accumulation of money and more money. Many Nigerians including young children will fit criteria for mental health issues if tested or diagnosed. Happiness can be defined.”

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death by hanging, pesticide poisoning, and firearms.

A consultant psychiatrist, Dr Maymunah Kadiri say, “Although, we were once made to believe that suicide was not common among the black men, it is amazing that it has rather become a resounding incident in Nigeria, as many people, young and old, male and female, literate and illiterate now derive joy in terminating their own lives.

Most especially the youth.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 800,000 people die due to suicide every year and there are many more who attempt suicide. Hence, many millions of people are affected or experience suicide bereavement every year. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally in 2012.

Rates are higher in men than in women, with males three to four times more likely to kill themselves than females. There are an estimated 10 to 20 million non-fatal attempted suicides every year. Non-fatal suicide attempts may lead to injury and long term disabilities. Attempts are more common in young people and females.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

DHML urges armed forces retirees on NHIS The Defence Health Maintenance Ltd. (DHML) has called on all Armed Forces retirees to enroll in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

According to the Managing Director of DHML, retired Commodore Ahmed Abdulai, the scheme covered both serving and retired military personnel.

DHML, which is the military Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) established in 2006, complements the existing channel of funding for the Armed Forces medical facilities.

Expert decries high prevalence of female genital mutilation in Nigeria

Nigerians suffering and smiling

Ondo Govt distributes over 2000 handsets to pregnant women Tosin Ajuwon, Akure Over 2,200 mobile phones have been distributed to pregnant women under the Abiye Safe motherhood programme initiated by the government of Ondo state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dayo Adeyanju made the disclosure at a feedback session with the Abiye Health Rangers in Akure, the state

capital.

Adeyanju said the phones would enable the health rangers effectively track pregnant women across the nooks and crannies of the state especially the grassroots.

He said, one of the critical component of the Abiye safe motherhood programme is the free phone given to pregnant women once they registered at the abiye designated centres

across the local government of the state.

The Commissioner noted that the phone is to facilitate effective monitoring of the pregnant women through the health rangers especially during emergencies.

The Special Assistant to the governor on Health Rangers, Mrs. Funmilola Ademoyegun said the state government would continue to initiate more health

projects and urged the Abiye Rangers to show commitment to their work in their respective local government areas.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Development Board, Gbenga Osunmakinwa noted that constant training and necessary working environment and logistics would help provide the health rangers to boost their efficiency.

The President of Nigeria Inter-Africa Committee on Campaigns against Harmful Traditional Practices against Women and Girls, Modupe Onadeko, ha said that 60 per cent of families in Oyo State still engage in female genital mutilation.

According to Ms. Onadeko, the national average prevalence rate on female genital mutilation stands at 50 per cent.

She said, the act could cause haemorrhage which might also lead to cardiac arrest, painful urination, urinary tract infections, HIV and keloid.

Ms. Onadeko said a girl can also get her hips fractured from pressure on the hip when the adult pins down the child during mutilation.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

27 Health

Martins

A cross-section of Breast Without Spot youths and President, BWS, Prof. Ifeoma Okoye at the World Cancer day Youth Jamboree held on Feb 4th to celebrate world cancer day 2015.

‘Harsh socio-economic conditions induce suicide’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

“With this information, we have had quite a number of Nigerian Youths taking their lives for various reasons, sometimes, the reason is not known but the most frequently cited risk factors for suicide are mental disorders, e.g. depression or bipolar (manicdepressive) disorder, alcohol or substance abuse or dependence etc.,” said Kadiri.

Okey also said, not everyone can cope with negative life issues: disappointments, repeated failures, loss of loved ones, financial loss, poverty, sickness and bad medical conditions.

“With the daily depletion of the status of economy, security, health, education; added to the

mind crunching levels of poverty and worsened by the absence of professional psychological and behavioural health assistance, it is not unlikely that suicide rates in Nigeria will be on the rise,” he said.

The mental health expert said, the above reasons are traumatic life events that can precipitate a mental health illness. “An example is depression, and this is the single most common mental health disorder that is linked to suicide.”

Against the general belief that suicide results from mental illness, not all people who commit suicide are mentally ill, Kadiri added.

Risk factors for suicide are characteristics or conditions that

“With the daily depletion of the status of economy, security, it is not unlikely that suicide rates in Nigeria will be on the rise.”

increase the chance that a person may try to take her or his life.

Suicide risk tends to be highest when someone has several risk factors at the same time, the psychiatrist said.

According to her, suicide is not the best way of dealing with personal loss or the way to manage any situation.

“Suicide has to stop and this involves joint campaign by everyone. There is need to develop resilience (the ability to cope with adverse life events and adjust to them), a sense of personal selfworth and self-confidence, effective coping and problem-solving skills, and adaptive help-seeking behaviour because they are often considered to be protective factors against the development of

suicidal behaviours.”

Efforts to prevent suicide include limiting access to method of suicide such as firearms and poisons, treating mental illness and drug misuse, and improving economic circumstances.

In his view, Okey said, as educated as Europeans and Americans are; as organised as their systems are; with all the welfare and support structures their citizens enjoy, they still make provisions to ensure that citizens have access to Psychologists and counselling professionals in every hospital, school and other social communities.

The psychologist said, every legislator, judge, government or public executive must have close access to behavioural health experts who are professionally trained.

“If you observe the way most Nigerians behave, how we shout at people; how we curse and drive; how we pass examinations, how we get promotion at work; how we treat domestic workers or subordinates; how we evaluate leaders and accept responsibilities; if you observe the do or die quest and craving for money; the things we eventually spend money on; you don’t need more than simple common sense to know, we need psychological rebirth.

NUC pledges support for persons with disabilities FAO partners SIB to fight bird The National Universities Commission (NUC) has pledged its support for persons with disabilities to ensure that they contribute meaningfully to national development.

In the NUC’s weekly bulletin made available to newsmen, the Executive Secretary of the Commisssion, Prof. Julius Okojie made the pledge when he received a delegation from the Deaf Furniture Cabinet Society of Nigeria (DFCSN) in the commission recently.

Represented by Malam Ibrahim Dan’Iya, the Director, Student Support Services, Okojie said that NUC had always strived to make Nigerian universities conducive for people with disabilities.

“The commission, in its mandate of promoting quality in the Nigerian University System (NUS), has ensured that all infrastructure in Nigerian universities complied with current trends and are physically friendly to people with disabilities.”

flu, other infectious diseases

Disabled persons

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has chosen the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB) as a designated reference centre to expand its access to state-of theart technology in combating dangerous viral infections.

FAO’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Juan Lubroth said in a statement said, SIB is equipped with high perfor-

mance computers, software, databases and a knowledge base used for screening and monitoring zoonotic diseases.

According to Lubroth, the new technology helps us understand biological threats in order to help countries better prevent, respond and ultimately protect the health of humans, animals and the environment.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Business Times

s

SEC to release scorecard for quoted companies

Gwarzo, Ag. DG SEC

Adesola Akindele The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to release a landmark Corporate Governance Scorecard for listed companies in the country.

According to Mr. Mounir

Gwarzo, the Acting Director General of SEC who hosted members of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Centre for Corporate Governance at his office in Abuja, this will be the first of its kind within Nigeria’s financial system.

Aiming to boost investor confidence and deepen corporate governance practices in Nigeria, the Corporate Governance Scorecard will assess the level of compliance with the SEC Code of Corporate governance by Nigeria’s public companies on an annual basis.

Gwarzo stressed the importance of corporate governance to the SEC and reeled out various initiatives by the apex regulator to strengthen corporate governance practices in Nigeria.

He said: “Corporate governance is very close to our heart as an institution. Internally we hold ourselves to the highest governance standards with our Board members submitting themselves to annual evaluations on corporate governance. In addition, we require all market operators to have competent compliance officers as a precondition for operating in the capital market.”

Last year, SEC intervened to resolve a corporate governance crisis at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), taking a leading role in strengthening the institution and Gwarzo believes that the Commission will continue to play similar roles.

Osahon

Tony Nwakaegho The Inter-agency committee on crude evacuation has met over the need to revise the guidelines on the challenges of storage, evacuation and disposal of seized crude oil and petroleum products.

Mr. George Osahon, the Director of Petroleum Resources, addressing the meeting which took place at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Lagos, stated that the meet-

Inter-agency committee reviews crude evacuation guidelines ing was to review the proposed guideline by DPR on tackling the challenges and agreeing on modalities on evacuating crude oil and petroleum products seized from illegal couriers.

He noted that a standing committee was already set up by the Presidency to harmonise and coordinate efforts of the committee set up by the presidency.

According to him, the present lack of efficient system was making it difficult to effectively synergise their roles.

Six electricity firms get N39.5bn CBN stabilisation fund Ugochukwu Onyeocha An additional six electricity generating and distributing companies have benefitted to the tune of N39.527 billion under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N213 billion Nigeria Electricity Stabilisation facility.

CBN Governor, Mr. Gowin Emefiele, announced this on Wednesday in Abuja while distributing the cheques to the companies.

The three distributing companies are Enugu, Kano and Port Harcourt while the generating companies are Egbin, Geregu and Ughelli.

Enugu Distribution Company got N10.25 billion; Kano got N7.638 billion while Port Harcourt got N6.58 billion.

Ughelli generating company received N3.91 billion; Egbin got N5.10 billion and Geregu had N938.99 million. ``I welcome all of you at the CBN where we are witnessing the disbursement of the second batch of the Nigeria Electricity Stabilisation facility to some Discos and

Gencos. ``You will recall that on the second of February, which is less than two weeks ago, we disbursed the first tranche to two Discos EKo and Ibadan - and three Gencos, Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro. ``At that section, about N18.2 billion was disbursed; I am happy to inform you that today, we have moved on to the disbursement for another three Discos of Enugu, Kano and Port Harcourt and three Gencos of Ughelli, Egbin and Geregu,’’ he said.

According to him, N39.5 billion will be disbursed to the six companies, which brings disbursement so far to over N50 billion.

He said that in due time the apex bank would conclude the disbursement of the entire sum not only to the discos and gencos but to all important stakeholders, particularly the gas suppliers. ``We will continue to make public, this process of disbursement as we progress, so that Nigerians can see what we are doing to unlock the potentials in the power sector,’’ he said.

Emefiele said that the facility

Emefiele, CBN Governor

was meant to catalyse the power sector, adding that the funds would principally be used for the discos to procure metering and certain spares that they needed to improve their business.

This, he said, would help to shore up areas where revenue shortfalls and power shortfalls in the grid were witnessed, adding that it would help to reduce power losses to people’s homes and consumers. ``We expect that even by the time the gencos themselves receive their disbursement, the gas suppliers receive theirs, the transmission companies and other important stakeholders in the entire value chain, we will certainly see change in power generation and distribution in the country. ``Like we said earlier, it is a loan that will spread over 10 years period and we would like the discos, gencos, everybody that is important in this value chain to please dedicate themselves towards the successful performance and achievement of the objective,” the CBN governor added.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

29 Brands & Marketing MoneyGram reaches 25,000 locations across Africa

flag match(1)

Political stakes and dynamics of branding (1) Godwin Anyebe takes a look at the equities of the two major political brands; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressive Congress (APC), delving into factors that would help or mar their chances of connecting with their target audience.

Throughout history, the question of brand building has become central to business dynamics. As democracy advanced, it became necessary for handlers of political brands to borrow a leaf from modern marketing in projecting the ideals of their parties. This explains why the two previous elections in the United States of America and the United Kingdom were won through effective used of marketing.

In Nigeria, the trend has also changed. It is on record that President Goodluck Jonathan and his Peoples Democratic Party explored relevant marketing space in 2011 election to warm their candidates and the party into the

hearts of Nigerians. Prior to the election, the party had engaged CMC Connect, a Lagos based perception management firm to work on the image of the party.

Within a short period, the party was rebranded and an attempt was made to re-orientate members on how to represent the party. Before then, PDP was seen as a party that applied force where there should be persuasion. As a result of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s military background, his posture and positioning of the party didn’t encourage persuasion.

This changed in 2011 and PDP like other parties began to appeal to people rather than force or bully them as things were under Obasanjo. Of course, there was also a tremendous move by other opposition parties to raise their stakes in the area of positioning. For instance, the then Action Congress of Nigeria was strategic in their management and positioning of the current Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and the former Ekiti

State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Both were presented and positioned as intellectuals and technocrats who could impact positively on the people.

No doubt, the Nigerian political market space has assumed a new dimension to both local and international political followers.

The countdown to the 2015 general election has even made it more interesting, with handlers of political brands trying to get the confidence of the electorate.

To this end, the questions that are probably crisscrossing the minds of the major political brand owners in the country could be, what is the strength of our opponent?

What is their weakness? And how can we leverage on all these to knock them out?

It is believed in some quarters that whenever a candidate decides to enter politics and his ultimate goal is to win election, he might miss the first lesson of marketing as it applies to new products. Analysts believe that a new product or fresh politician needs to create awareness before

entering the market or political space.

For the two major gladiators, the PDP and the APC and their presidential candidates, they are not new in the market. Rather than creating awareness like a new brand, what they need to succeed is their Unique Selling Points. For Jonathan and PDP, their achievements in the last six years stand as scorecard. For APC and General Muhamadu Buhari, the party’s exploits in a few states and the personality of Buhari are their own tools of positioning.

Though this is not the first time the political giants are throwing their hearts into the ring for a presidential contest, it is obviously the most celebrated contest in the last few years. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is coming for re-election while it is on record that the former Head of State, General Mohammadu Buhari, is having the shot for the fourth time.

Continues next week

Leading global money transfer company, MoneyGram International, has announced that its agent network in Africa has now reached 25,000 locations, following a strategic expansion initiative across the continent. Recent technology advances and new agent and sub-agent signings, including an agreement with the Mauritius Post Office to offer money transfer services at more than 100 locations, have contributed to achieving this company milestone.

“MoneyGram continues to grow throughout Africa as a result of forming strategic relationships with reputable companies, including banks, post offices and retailers, to bring added convenience and more choices for our customers,” said Herve Chomel, MoneyGram’s vice president of Africa.

“Remittances are an important part of economic development and financial inclusion throughout the region and are integral to providing household essentials, education and healthcare in many countries.

We are excited to be a part of the region’s growth”, he further remarked.

Consumers have access to MoneyGram’s services in more than 50 African countries. In a series of recent successes, the company signed an agreement with First Bank of Nigeria’s subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia, and also renewed a master agreement with Standard Bank Group, one of Africa’s top banks. MoneyGram’s services are available at over 500 Standard Bank locations in South Africa and across 11 Southern and Eastern African countries.

Chomel, MoneyGram’s vice president of Africa

Insurance 30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Many insurance firms’ MDs will soon lose their jobs – Daniel, NAICOM boss Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, in this interview with KAYODE ADELOWOKAN, opens up on some issues affecting operators in the industry with a promise that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) will step up its efforts to stop erring operators.

Excerpts: Operators still complain bitterly on overriding commission charge by NAICOM. Don’t you think this will further draw the industry backward even as it is eyeing high contribution to GDP? The issue of overriding commission is like the Ten Commandments; there is no how hard the preacher talks about it, there are people who will still want to break the laws and the same is what we are experiencing in the insurance industry but are we deterring them from breaking these rules? Yes, we are. For those of who are regular at AGMs, one of the things they may hear people say is that NAICOM is just pilling penalties on them and it was also reechoed in the press. I remember at one of the meetings I had with insurance industry, I apologised and said though we have been slamming you with penalties but it has not stopped you from misbehaving. Then, I promised them that we will never do it again. I will like to say this, since NAICOM started as a regulator, we’ve never penalised any insurance company N10 million but this year, a company paid N62 million.

As I speak, the N62 million is a shouting figure for the banking sector, it is not a common fine.

As people are becoming hardened, we are also restrategising on how to effectively deal with them. So, for any insurance company that may be complaining of N500, 000 or N200, 000 fines,

IGI hosts NCRIB Members’ evening Q1

As regulator, we have two eyes and there is none behind our head; the best police officer or a detective cannot see everything but if people give us friendly information and blow the whistle for us to us to work on, we will do so.

we have promised them that we will not do it again rather, they will get N5million, N10 million even multiple of that as fines so much that some Managing Directors will lose their job because if I am a shareholder and you make me pay N200 million to a regulator, not tax, there will be trouble.

If you are one of those who are breaking the rules, instead of complaining that companies are paying overriding commission, we are not kill joy but if any company misbehaves to such an extent that it became castrated that it cannot pay claims, please to whose interest? Then you can blow the whistle.

As regulator, we have two eyes and there is none behind our head; the best police officer or a detective cannot see everything but if people give us friendly information and blow the whistle for us to us to work on, we will do so. I think we ought to be on the same page when it comes to the issue of insurance industry. I must say, I don’t think payment of overriding commission is still wide-spread. One of the complaints we received from the industry last year was incessant inspection of their books because some significant companies were inspected up to six times and this is because we wanted to know exactly what they are doing. If we see an expenditure of N5million at a time you got big business, we interrogate to know what they might have done with the money and we’ll want to know its recipient. So that is how far we have gone. We are doing our best to ensure we give the best to all our circulars.

What is the Commission doing to fast-track delay experienced by operators on the issue of Approval in Principle?

Sometime last year, there were complaints that approval in principle is taking too long and we examined the reasons. An insur-

ance company got a mega business of N1billion, it had the capacity to take only five per cent of it, then the boss decided to approach only six companies (his friends/members of his club) but I have the national interest to protect which is Nigeria content.

So when send to us that you have given approval of five per cent each to five companies which is 30 per cent and you want to send the remaining 70 per cent abroad, we will never allow that. So, we insisted it should be given to all insurance companies in Nigeria but if they refused, they will say sorry we cannot do it, give us evidence, and again if you send us an e-mail to a company offering you business and 5 days you do not get any response, we take that as a no. So, we aggregate all of that to ensure that national in-

terest is protected.

Some of the businesses we want to send abroad can be insured here 100 per cent and for parallel insurance, I don’t know about it because I know that at Lloyd they are more conscious of the loss insurance firms are getting. If you take any business to Lloyd, the first thing they ask is NAICOM’s approval to send, because they are also very compliant and they can lose their license to non-compliance to laws of other companies. That is how stringent insurance companies are in UK and other areas. About parallel insurance, I don’t know.

I knew of an aircraft that was ill-fated last year, the one that crashed but it was not seeded to us; they had an arrangement overseas so when the crash happened, we sent letters to the be-

In a bid to extend the frontiers of its operation and break new grounds in its relationship with Insurance Brokers, Industrial and General Insurance Plc will host Nigerian Council Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) members in the February 2015 edition of NCRIB Members’ Evening.

The February edition of NCRIB Members’ Evening will hold at the Council’s Secretariat

in Yaba, Lagos on Tuesday, February 17, 2015.

The hosting of Insurance Brokers under the aegis of the NCRIB by IGI Plc would be quite symbolic, given the fact that it would be the first edition of the Council’s Members evening in 2015 and will be playing host to over 500 brokers within Lagos and its environ.

The event would be a win-win event for both IGI Plc and Insur-

ance Brokers as it would facilitate harmonious relationship between both parties.

The IGI team would be led to the event by its Managing Director, Mr. Rotimi Fashola, a Chartered Insurer of over two decades

Daniel

and consummate insurance practitioner who is expected to intimate Brokers with the new policy direction of the company, among other issues.

reaved and we said to everybody we did not insure the aircraft and they never came to us at all. For example, for aviation, we have an arrangement with NCAA that every verification of aviation certificate should be run through us and we agreed with them don’t post, you hand deliver to either our office in Lagos or Abuja directly and with 24hours we reply it. Approval in principle is a scene that can embarrass NAICOM and we don’t joke with it.

I travelled out of Abuja recently but in spite of this, I conveyed three approvals via email and that is to show that we are not wasting time. When I addressed all MDs of the insurance industry recently, I asked them if we have significantly improved in this area, and they all gave a resounding yes!

What about solvency issue in the industry?

The way solvency margin is used in insurance has some technical connotations. There is technical and financial insolvency; they are two different things but the very bad one is financial insolvency, that is, when a person or company is now on the ground.

Shoderu, NCRIB president

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

31 Capital market

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 10th February 2015.

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING EURO SWISS FRANC YEN CFA

167 254.0404 188.3593 180.4235 1.4035 0.2688

167.5 254.801 188.9233 180.9637 1.4077 0.2788

168 255.5616 189.4872 181.5039 1.4119 0.2888

Market Capitalization and All Shares Index Trend for Equities Day Thursday 5/02/2015 Friday 6/02/2015 Monday 9/02/2015

Market Capitalization (N) 10,076,970,308,175.79 10,004,936,459,916.40 9,796,554,933,417.45

Index value 30,200.97 29,985.08 29,360.55

Tuesday 10/02/2015 Wednesday 11/02/2015

9,718,189,103,308.73 9,583,247,950,654.20

29,125.69 28,721.27

Capital Market depreciates as bearish trend is attributed to poll shift Adesola Akindele Market indices on the Nigerian Stock Exchange has retained bearish behaviour as it further depreciated to close at a loss of 1.39 per cent. Stockbrokers and market stakeholders have accessed the market to be a reflection of the postponement of elections.

ASI closed at 28,721.27 basis points as against 29,125.69 basis points recorded on Tuesday. Market Capitalisation also depreciated to close at N9.6 trillion as against N9.7 trillion recorded on Tuesday.

Investors on the NSE floor exchanged a total of 339 million shares worth N6.1 billion in 3,512 deals.

Trading in the Top Three Equities (by volume) are- ACCESS with trade of 65.4 million shares worth N390.9 million, FBNH with a trade of 53.6 million shares worth N372.5 million naira while FCMB traded 43.6 million shares worth N88.54 million.

At the close of trading activities on Wednesday, Eleven (11) equities were recorded to have appreciated in price. Julius Berger recorded highest gain of N1.75 to close at N44.4, Betaglas followed with a gain ofN1.4 to close at N30 while Okomuoil gained 86k to close at N27.5.

In contrast was a record of Twenty-Eight (28) equity losers, with FO, DANGCEM, WAPCO, FLOURMILL, UACN topping the chart.

FO lost N9.48k to close at N200, DANGCEM lost N4.99 to close at N152, WAPCO lost N2 to close at N83, FLOURMILL lost N1.6 to close at N30.51 and UACN lost N1 to close at N36.5.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 12, 2015

Health

Suicide amidst smiling faces...

Features

s Features

Politics

21

News

Abu Shuluwa

Politics Nigerians PDP Chieftain, Benue State

s Freddie Adamgbe, Makurdi As Nigerians continue to express mixed reactions over the postponement of the February 14th and 28th general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Abu King Shuluwa has described the rescheduled election as shocking saying there is no genuine reason for the postponement but the pri-

mordi Spe Maku ted th been tion y pensa since time t The nue M Fiscal Obasa holes adduc

rage Hundreds P12 POLLS against of migrants poll shift POSTPONEMENT killed in new : The winners, thePOLLS POSTPON Mediterranean losers P 17 kills 19 Hundreds of migrants killed in new Cholera in Mozambique tragedy, says The w Mediterranean UN tragedy, says UN the lo

Irrigation as graves, Tears, farming opportunities houses make beckon in Africa way for road in 12 Kaduna L26 Lagos 21 Agriculture has been the bedrock of many modern societies, especially as regards food and other industrial activities. Unfortunately, this reality is yet to be exploited by the teeming unemployed in Kaduna State.

SUNDAY ISUWA writes that some are now becoming aware of the potentials in this sector.

Kabiru Mahmud, 69, left his ing thousand of naira per ancommunity in the far north num,” Mahmud said. and settled at Hunkuyi, a “When my friend, Yusuf Dansuburb in Kaduna State. His lami introduced me to this dry movement followed numerous season farming, at first it looked opportunities he discovered at less interesting, but I have rethe nearby Dam after a visit. alised that more money can be As young man, he struggled made from this dry season farmto feed his parents until the de- ing, as I cultivate not just maize cision to move to Hunkuyi com- but carrot, cabbage and even munity came to bear. Daily Timesonions.

Last year 2014, I made Nigeria “On reaching Hunkuyi com- more than N200,000 from here,” Thursday, February 12, 2015 munity, I commenced maize Mahmud said. farming in the dry season and before I knew it, I started makCONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Harvest in dry season

ÏÏÏ

ÏÏÏAt

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.44

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

least, 300 migrants are feared to have drowned after attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa this week in rough seas, the UN says.

UNHCR Europe director Vincent Cochetel said the incident was a “tragedy on an enormous scale”.

Nine survivors brought to the island of Lampedusa by the Italian coast guard are believed to be from West Africa.

Initial reports on Monday suggested that at least 29 migrants had died after their dinghy overturned. The UNHCR said that dinghy was one of four that left Libya at the weekend.

Those rescued on Wednesday morning had spent days drifting without food or water in two of the other dinghies - with each said to be carrying more than 100 people.

The survivors said the fourth dinghy disappeared at sea.

Carlotta Sami, a spokeswoman for the UNHCR, said the victims had been “swallowed up by the waves,” with the youngest a child of 12.

“This is a tragedy on an enormous scale and a stark reminder that more lives could be lost if those seeking safety are left at the mercy of the sea,” Mr Cochetel said in a statement.

The UN said the latest incident should be a message to the Eu-

Price: N150

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

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

dailytimesng A demolished filling station

Twenty-nine from that boat died of hypothermia in the 18 hours it took the coastguard to ferry them to Italy ropean Union that the current died. scaled down. search and rescue operation in the The year-long operation was The EU now runs a border Mediterranean was inadequate. aimed at rescuing seaborne mi- control operation, called Triton, “Europe cannot afford to do too grants, with Italian vessels look- which only operates close to EuThe 2.2 kilometre dual carResidents of Idimu town, Jonathan little too late,” Mr Cochetel added. ing for ships riage carrying rope’s coast and with fewer ships. way is migrants designed to link nativeasYoruba A migrant isa helped he ar- commuthat may have the runIkotun-Iyana-Ipaja into trouble off Road There is no way of knowing for Ejigbo/NNPC and Airport nity under Alimosho Lo- tocoast. rives with others at the Lampeduthe Libyan sure whether these men, women, Roadyear, and onthe to Oshodi through sa harbour - 11 February 2015 The AreaLate UNHCR and children would have been cal Government of last Ilamoshe/Ajao Estates. The new survivors rescued on Wednesday warned Italy’s decision to end saved if the former Italian searchLagos State are finding it that road will also link motorists and were from twodifficult of four dinghies operation in thefrom Mediterraand-rescue operation known as coming to its terms commuters Ikotun, Isheri that left Libya atwith the weekend would certainly Mare Nostrum was still running. andalmost Orisunbare town tolead Ikeja and the road projectnean passOshodi through Egbeda-Dopemu But having spent a week on In November, Italy ended an op- to more deaths. ing through their commu- Bridge among others. eration known as Mare Nostrum, But other European countries, board an Italian navy frigate, I nity in more than 50 years.

Daily which was launched in October including the UK,Times said agathered rescue that can be sure they would have done construction of the road has for GBUBEMI GOD’S COV2013 in response to a tragedy off service for migrants could encour- their utmost to save as many lives Snr reports.age them and so theCONTINUED Lampedusa in ENANT which 366 people operationON was as possible.

PAGE 22

Tense moment as residents protest

Tears, as graves, houses make way for road in Lagos

A cholera epidemic has killed 19 people in northern Mozambique following flooding that devastated the region, the government said on Wednesday.

“We have counted 1 702 cases and 19 deaths in the Nampula, Niassa and Tete provinces,” Lorna Gurjal, head of the health ministry’s epidemiology department told AFP. Mozambique regularly suffers outbreaks of cholera and diarrhoea during its summer rainy season, but some drier areas are reportedly now also been hit.

In January, a state of emergency was declared after heavy rains ravaged northern and central parts of the southern African country, causing rivers to burst their banks and wrecking infrastructure.

According to the latest government figures released Tuesday, 158 people died during the flooding and an estimated 160 000 more have been adversely affected by it.

The cholera outbreak will push that tally higher.

Guinea-Bissau cracks down on

Wale Akintunde, Yola illicit Taraba SDPdiplomatic passport holders At last succor, has come governorship the way of some inmates of Gembu Prison in Taraba State when ÏÏÏout Guinea-Bissau has anthe gubernatorial candidate of candidate bails nounced a crackdown on the trafthe Social Democratic Party, ficking of diplomatic and govern(SDP) Chief David Sabo Kante prison inmates ment passports 1, 600 of the hasafter agreed to bail them out.

The Chibok Girls: An Albatross on Jonathan’s Neck UN peacekeepers kill seven rebels in CAR fighting

ÏÏÏ

UN peacekeepers and French forces in Central African Republic used helicopters to bombard a rebel position in a town northeast of the capital and seven rebels died, the United Nations said.

The troops dislodged the rebels of the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central Africa (FPRC), a faction of the mainlyMuslim Seleka, from government buildings they held in the town of Bria.

Thousands have been killed and around a million displaced from their homes in violence that has gripped the impoverished landlocked country since the Seleka took power in March 2013.

Debbie Ariyo OBE ÎÎÎThe

9th of January 2015 marked exactly 300 days since secondary school students of Chibok Government School in North East Nigeria were abducted by the terrorists Boko Haram. Various organisations across the globe have united with one voice in calling on the government of Nigeria to make stronger efforts to find the girls and return them to their families.

The abduction of the “Chibok Girls” as they are now known and their continued captivity by the terrorists almost a year later has become an albatross on the neck of the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan.

This is compounded by the seemingly lackadaisical attitude at which the President has treated the abduction – from his initial delayed reaction to the abduction, to his inability to show compassion to the families of the girls. Today, if many Nigerians are unable to support his administration or his re-election into office, it is because of the terrible manner in which this singular issue has been addressed by his government.

The President’s initial reaction to the abductions was indeed a nonreaction. It took him two

weeks or so to publicly acknowledge this terrible event. Even then, this was more of a denial than an acceptance that something so wrong could happen under his watch.

While the whole world – from London to Long Island was united in demonstrating and calling for the girls’ release, the President and his senior staff remained unperturbed.

Despite pleads for more concrete action from high profile people like Michelle Obama, there didn’t seem to be any serious attempts to either negotiate their release by the terrorists or to make any other efforts to ensure they are returned.

The mantra being put forward by senior officials include Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Adviser at a lecture he gave at Chatham House in London on 24 July 2014 and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance) at the launch of the Safer Schools project at the House of Commons in London on 2 July 2014 both at which I was present, was not convincing. The stance has been that the government “will not negotiate with terrorists”. The other position the government took was that it was not able to attack the stronghold of the terrorists in Sambisa Forest where it was believed the girls were kept for fear of getting them killed.

These two positions were unconvincing and untenable. Most people believed if any of the girls were

children of the President or any of his senior aides or other high-ranking members of his party, all efforts would have been made to ensure their safe return. Even the government’s opposition to the role played by movements such as the Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign and accusations of personal interests demonstrated an uncanny lack of ability to empathise with the feelings of many Nigerians and others outside the country about this terrible case.

Another related angle to this was the treatment meted out to the family of the children by the government. Frankly speaking, I believe the families were treated with disdain and callousness. Assuming it was difficult for the government to ensure the girls’ release, nothing stopped it to show compassion and human kindness to the families.

The President refused all entreaties to visit Chibok and commiserate with the families and the community. Months later and a bit late in the day, the government invited some of the parents to Abuja – over 500 kilometres away where the President met with them. It is still not clear what this meeting achieved as 300 days since the abduction, the girls are still in captivity. Of course there have been news reports of some of the parents falling ill or even dying from complicated health reasons not

unconnected with the heart-break and despair of losing their children.

It is certain that at this very late stage, there is now little hope of finding these girls. While of course some of them have managed to escape, this is due to their own personal efforts and bravery, and nothing to do with the government of Nigeria.

Definitely, many if not most of those in captivity will never return home. It is also clear that many of them would have by now been married or sold off, with the likelihood of being raped and even pregnant. Certainly, the rise in the number of young female suicide bombers across the North East of Nigeria – a development both evil and unprecedented in itself – can be possibly linked to the Chibok girls or other girls abducted by the terrorists.

While the government has failed woefully in its handling of this sensitive matter, we need to give a strong kudos to

The group gave up power last year in the face of diplomatic pressure and violence by the “anti-balaka” militia, who are mainly Christian or animist, but it still controls the northeastern portion of the country.

“We used all means including air power to liberate the public buildings that were illegally occupied by the ex-Seleka after they refused to evacuate,” said Hamadoun Toure, spokesperson for the UN’s Minusca mission.

He said the rebels fired first and put a provisional death toll at seven rebels killed.

France used several helicopters and the United Nations provided intelligence for the operation, a French defence ministry statement said.

“After several hours of combat, the prefecture, the sub-prefecture, the government office building and all the other local government buildings were freed and then searched by international forces,” the statement said.

Sierra Leone to prosecute Ebola ‘ghost workers’ ÏÏÏ

Sierra Leone said on Tuesday it had cleaned up a list thought to contain thousands of “ghostworkers” on its Ebola staff and would prosecute those who sought to swindle money from the government, tackling a problem that has dogged its fight against the epidemic.

More than 10, 000 Ebola cases have been reported in Sierra Leone since last May, making it the hardest hit country in the world’s worst outbreak of the hemorrhagic fever. The epidemic has been concentrated in West Africa and killed nearly 9 000 people out of 22 495 known cases since December 2013.

In Sierra Leone, payments to Ebola staff have repeatedly been frozen because of the difficulty distinguishing between genuine workers -- such as ambulance drivers and grave diggers -- and those

Nigerians on the ground and in the diaspora for their efforts to keep the story on the agenda. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the London based Nigerian Women in Diaspora Organisation who have held protests every single 14th day of the month since April 2014 in front of the Nigerian High Commission in London to keep the world aware of this issue. My charity, Africans Unite Against Child Abuse has participated in various media activities to raise the issue and a conference we organised in May 2014 in Lagos helped to identify some ways forward in the protection of other children in the areas occupied by the terrorists. Based on this, partnership activities have developed to ensure continued support for the families of the girls and many displaced children scattered across the country as a result of terrorist activities. Most importantly, I must acknowledge the role played by a Nigerian American,

forging their identities to claim hazard bonuses or registering twice to claim double pay.

The delays in payments have prompted frequent strikes by Ebola workers in the impoverished country, in some cases leaving patients untreated and highly contagious bodies unburied.

“The issue of ghostworkers has been disingenuous on the part of some Sierra Leoneans who think this is time to make money when we are in a crisis,” said government spokesperson Abdulai Bayraytay. “

Koroma

precious documents were discovered in use by people with no right to them.

“There is a proliferation of diplomatic or service passports in the hands of people who have no connection with our diplomacy -more than 1, 600. It’s incredible!”

Foreign minister Mario Lopes Da Rosa told a news conference late on Monday.

Da Rosa did not say how officials had made their discovery, but noted the ministry had set up a monitoring system “that will allow us to determine the exact number of issued documents, to whom they were delivered and in what circumstances”.

Diplomatic passports are usually tightly restricted to accredited diplomats, while service passports are reserved for government employees and their dependents for work-related travel.

Lopes Da Rosa indicated regulations on special passports will be applied with greater oversight, and intervention. “There is a law on the granting of passports.

People who do not qualify will see their papers withdrawn, pure and simple,” the minister said.

KANO

MAKURDI

OSHOGBO

WARRI

Clear

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

Thunderstorm

39 |23 °C 103 |73 °F

35 |15 °C 95 |59 °F

40 |22 °C 104 |71 °F

37 |23 °C 99 |74 °F

32 |24 °C 89 |76 °F

0% Chance Precipitation

20% Chance Precipitation

80% Chance Precipitation

0% Chance Precipitation

The Governorship candidate through his DSK foundation has agreed to pay fines imposed on the some of the immates from one thousand naira to fifty thousand naira respectively.

According to him the, inmates of Gembu Prison whose

reaso on a N1,00 their the D can r was out b datio

Debbie Ariyo OBE is Chief Executive of AFRUCA UK a charity promoting the rights and welfare of children. www.afruca. org DEBBIE WRITES THE WEEKLY CHILD RIGHTS COLUMN ON THESHEET.NG THAT RUNS ON SUNDAYS.

Partly Cloudy

0% Chance Precipitation

The fearless electoral umpire had shocked the nation in 2011, when for the first time in the recent history of the country, he announced the cancellation of the election midway into the first elections in April 2011.

Every preparations, every activities and every resources sunk into the holding of the election by everyone, the government, the political parties, the candidates, - all just went down the drain.

The major reason given for the grave decision and which was obvious to many people was the late arrival of materials and electoral

perso most get to in som That ernor forwa early For was electi mean electi the b of th obser Aga fore, electi great year, rated natio rule o Thu curity Perm adduc are q

Emmanuel Ogebe who has worked tirelessly to ensure some of the escaped Chibok girls are taken to the US for safety and rehabilitation.

As news came of the postponement of the Presidential elections till March 2015, the government still has a very short time frame to redeem itself by ensuring at least some of the girls are rescued and returned to their families. The additional military strength provided by the African Union Force fighting Boko Haram should make it possible. At the very least, let it be said of the Jonathan government that it was able to bring some of our girls back home.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR THURSDAY 12-02-2015

ABUJA

Anyone that is unduly shocked by the postponement of the general election from its earlier date of February 14 and 28 till March 28 and April 11 by the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Atahiru Jega is unaware of the antecedents of the academician cum activist, reports AKINJIDE AKINTOLA, Political Editor

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

Life&

TIMES Thursday February 12, 2015

Relationship And Us L6

P

Valentine issue

Spring-Summer L3 2015 Couture Week

P

I no longer fancy my tattoos

L2

L2

P

Music review

Anita Joseph

VJ Adams ‘Whazup’ ...Not a good try

L7

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday February 12, 2015

I don’t do things to impress people Anita Joseph Curvy actress, Anita Joseph is one of the leading actresses in Nollywood and had featured in many movies. In this chat with Mutiat Alli, she takes us into her world of fashion, her insatiable love for bum-shorts and sudden dislike for tattoos.

What’s your favourite fashion item?

I am crazy about shoes, shoes and shoes. I just love shoes. I can’t count the number of shoes I have because I keep buying and buying.

What do you love wearing all the time?

I love wearing trousers all the time. I love bum shorts as well. But I no longer wear bum shorts as often as I used to, because my butts had grown bigger so getting my size is often difficult.

How comfortable are you rocking bum-shorts?

I am very comfortable in shorts because it brings out my shape so well.

You are known as one of the actresses with tempting bodies.

Why do you always wear things that would tighten your body?

I know I have a great body. But I don’t even go out of my way to flaunt it.

Whatever I wear suits me. Even when I wear a loose gown, you would still see the figure.

What is your best asset?

I think it’s everything. I love my hips, my butts and my boobs.

You also like to show off your cleavage…

It is not my fault most times. It depends on the clothes I wear at a particular time.

that same day. But if I like the style so much, I carry it for two weeks, nothing more.

Do you wear wigs?

Oh yes. I love wigs.

Sometimes, when I don’t make my hair, I just wear wigs. I have about 30 wigs in an event. But if I am home, I don’t wear my room. I can wear any colour of wig. any make-up.

What about fixing artificial nails?

I do that all the time, but, it has to do Do you wear waist chain/beads?

No. I used to wear waist chain, but, I with the nature of my job. When I don’t have to be on location, I leave my natural stopped. It was sexy, but, I wasn’t used nails and I don’t fix my eye lashes. I am a to it, so I stopped. I don’t wear ankle very natural person because I cook and chain either. I have a tattoo on my leg that looks like ankle chain.

I wash.

You wear tattoos as well…

I no longer like tattoos. I have tattoos but I just don’t like them again.

Are you saying you don’t indulge in them any longer?

No, I don’t. I don’t even advise people to go for tattoos again. I have fans who tell me they want to be like me. I tell them to go ahead and be like me but that they should not tattoo their skin.

Tattoo is addictive. When you do one, you would want to do two or three and it goes on and on.

Do you always wear designers’ stuffs?

I wear designers’ a lot. I wear other stuffs but must be of good quality from Versace.

What can you not wear?

I can’t wear any transparent dress.

I will not wear it any attire that would show my undergarment.

What of your hair?

I wear afro and other hairstyles.

There was a time I shaved my hair for a movie.

But that is what is trending now. Is it not surprising that you can’t wear such?

No way, you can’t see me in such dresses. People think Anita is crazy, but, I am not that crazy. I just have the crazy look. I don’t wear things in vogue.

How long do you carry your hairdo?

My hairdo lasts four days or one week. If I don’t like the style, I take it off

Do you love make-up?

I love make-up only when I have to shoot a movie or when I have to attend

How expensive are your fashion items?

I don’t go out of my way to buy expensive things. My guy always buys stuffs for me whenever he travels. I buy what I can afford. I don’t do things to

impress people.

and a lot of water.

Do you wear native attires?

I wear native clothes. I have tied wrapper once in my life. People applauded me when I stepped out.

What about book?

We learn every day of our lives, so, I take my time to read books, especially, inspirational books that preach morals.

How long does it take you to dress up when going for an event?

It takes me two hours. I use one hour to make-up and another hour to wear my clothes.

Favorite hang-out I have a lot of places I visit in Nigeria and abroad.

Favorite drink I love juice so much, especially, when I squeeze it myself. I love Chapman too

Ride I love Ranger Rover, SUV and other sport cars.

“Ay is the source of my success” –Yomi Casual

Isaac Oguntoye

If truly the number of celebrities that rocked his outfits determines how good he is then definitely, Makun Omoniyi a.k.a Yomi Casual deserves a standing ovation as 80% of the artistes we have in Nigeria rock his wears.

Meanwhile, what we have on the cool dude is far beyond his creativity but how he attributes his success story to his elder brother, Ayo Makun better known as AY. In a brief chat with Life & Times he said “If not for my brother, Yomi Casual will be a nobody. He gave me all the support that anybody could have wished for. He would have given me money because he’s a big boy and he has money. He would have put me

on a pay roll- paying me like 50k per month which would have made me lazy. But then, when he saw me, he knew I had passion for fashion and he didn’t want to kill that passion.

He said Yomi: I will teach you how to fish. He said trust me, people that have handwork are the one making money in Lagos. So, instead of giving you money, I will help you. He put my advert on TV for free. My advert was on AY Show on DSTV and other ten different stations in Lagos. At that point, my name was even bigger than me. Whenever I introduce myself as Yomi Casual, they would ask if I was okay because they expect to see a very big guy So, I hold the success to my big brother, AY.” Stay glued to Life & Times for the full interview.

Yomi

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 12, 2015

L3 Fashion

Moments from Spring-Summer 2015

Couture

Week

Eyola

Haute Couture Fashion Week is fashion on the grandest scale and one of the most anticipated events of the international fashion calendar. What makes this fashion week a cut above the rest is that the French Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture handpicks and exclusively invites a very select number of designers to present their collections.

Stringent regulations apply to designers who are expected to abide by several rigorous rules, such as employing no fewer than 20 full-time staff and having a permanent workshop in Paris.

The craftsmanship that goes into each piece is sheer masterpiece with a price tag to match - on average of US$30,000. Haute couture creations are regarded as collector items and investment pieces, increasing in value over the years.

Viktor & Rolf

Atelier Versace

Valentino

Christian Dior

Ulyana Sergeenko

Visit Eyola’s by Invitation and Appointment Only Fashion Showroom in Lekki, Lagos.

Please call to book an appointment or for membership enquiries.

Elie Saab

Eyola’s Private Showroom Tel0809 505 5555 | Web- www.eyola. com F- facebook.com/Eyola | ttwitter.com/WorldEyola Zuhair Murad

When dressing for Valentine –keep these in mind: Donny Galella * It’s important that your look reflects your personality and who you are. Don’t dress ‘how you think they would like you to dress’, as you are not being true to yourself. It’s not a fancy dress occasion, you are going as yourself. * If you’re nervous or shy, wear a bright bold colour as vibrant colours project confidence. Fake it :) * Dress appropriately for the date if it’s a picnic then jeans (or shorts) and top or t-shirt. If it’s a formal dinner then a nice dress or skirt and blouse. * If they’re taking you on a

“surprise” date, then ask what they’re wearing, so that you’re dressed appropriately. * Let’s face it, we do judge people on how they look, it’s human nature.

So make sure you wear something fashionable or your date will think you’re stuck in the past. If you have no idea about fashion, bring a friend shopping or book a stylist (yes you can call me if you like) :) * Bad hygiene is an instant deal breaker, ensure you brush your teeth, have nice fresh breath, clean fingers, clean face, no ‘unwanted body hair – such as armpit hair on women and long nose hairs for the fellas. Shave!

Shave! Shave! * Manners are a must. All the basics must be adhered to: please, thankyous, don’t talk over your date, don’t ignore them by playing on your mobile phone, slurp your food, don’t be late, don’t chew with your mouth open or talk about your ex! * If you’re driving and picking your date, clean your car. A dirty car, will show them you are a messy person and that you don’t care. Same goes with your house, if they see a messy house, they will take that as a refelction of who you are.

Chanel

Chanel

Photos taken by: Kim Weston Arnold / indigitalimages.com.

Unwind L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday February 12, 2015

Solution to last week’s game CROSSWORD

Test your knowledge of world capital cities with this crossword.

Arrow Crossword 01

Across 1. Vietnam (5) 5. The Philippines (6) 7. Italy (4) 9. Bulgaria (5) 10. Turkey (6) 12. Nepal (9) 14. Colombia (6) 15. Jordan (5) 16. Togo (4) 17. Venezuela (7) 19. Fiji (4) 20. Pakistan (9) 22. Ecuador (5) 23. Maldives (4) Down 1. Zimbabwe (6) 2. Portugal (6) 3. Iraq (7) 4. Iceland (9) 6. Samoa (4) 8. Oman (6) 10. Ethiopia (5,5) 11. Indonesia (7) 12. Afghanistan (5) 13. Uganda (7) 17. Egypt (5) 18. Liechtenstein (5) 19. South Korea (5) 21. Peru (4)

TODAY’S GAMES Word search- Money, Money, Money

Arrow Crossword 01

Can you find the hidden words?

They may be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Test your knowledge of world capital cities with this crossword.

Afghani, Aurar, Baht, Bani, Cent, Centai, Centimes, Dinar, Dirham, Dollar, Dram, Euro, Forint,

Franc, Haleru, Jiao, Koruna, Krona, Kroner, Kronur, Lira, Manat, Paise, Para,

Peso, Pound, Quindarka, Rand, Ringgit, Riyal, Ruble, Rupee, Rupiah, Santimi,

Across 1. Vietnam (5) 5. The Philippines (6) 7. Italy (4) 9. Bulgaria (5) 10. Turkey (6) 12. Nepal (9) 14. Colombia (6) 15. Jordan (5) 16. Togo (4) 17. Venezuela (7) 19. Fiji (4) 20. Pakistan (9) 22. Ecuador (5) 23. Maldives (4)

Shekel, Shilling, Stotinki, Taka, Tugrik, Won, Yen, Yuan.

Down 1. Zimbabwe (6) 2. Portugal (6) 3. Iraq (7) 4. Iceland (9) 6. Samoa (4) 8. Oman (6) 10. Ethiopia (5,5) 11. Indonesia (7) 12. Afghanistan (5) 13. Uganda (7) 17. Egypt (5) 18. Liechtenstein (5) 19. South Korea (5) 21. Peru (4)

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday February 12, 2015

L5 Review

Music

Falz Ft. Yemi Alade

SODOKU

Marry Me: More than a drama Relatively new in the music industry, Falz, a.k.a, Bahd Guy’s video for ‘Marry Me’ featuring Yemi Alade, is one of the videos ruling the airwaves at the moment.

What makes the video even more endearing, is the dramatic scenes employed from the start to the end; it is a viewer’s delight.

The presence of Yemi Alade, who added colour with her ever-captivating aura, makes the video even more interesting. Yemi is always a diva on set any time. I never knew she could act so well!

The fact that Poe opened the floor with his cool rap lines, accompanied with the right drama scenes creates enough curiosity for viewers who would want to know what the like of 2shotz, Lami Phillips,

Big Ma are up to, all dressed traditionally, looking radiant and happy.

Enters Poe who is on his way to ask for the hand of his woman in marriage and then, the hilarious part when every single lady on the set, including Yemi Alade, starts to nag her man about taking her to the altar.

Falz’s rap lines are also very hilarious, especially, when each lady starts rapping along, telling her man that she’s no longer getting younger, and that he should

put a ring on her finger before it’s too late.

The video is clean. The beautiful people adorning the set were cool, while the costumes, props and make-up were also spectacular and unique to the

Yemi Alade

Video

VJ Adams

– Whazup ft. Harrysong …not a good try!

Many people are still trying to fathom what Sound City’s Vee-jay Adams is looking for in music, we, probably, try to console ourselves that he may just, maybe, drop a hit someday.

First, Adams’ phoneclutching hands opened the video and then, a MTN advert shows up on the screen of his phone…that was tiring.

Then enters some tooloud and confusing voices mixed with unclear sounds -- we had issues deciphering whether they were his or Harrysong’s. We had faith that the rest of the 3:34-sec songs would make more sense, but it was not to be so.

And then what were those blue lines, black and

white words on the screen?

Whatever they were, the video would have been more sensible without them disturbing our eyes.

The auto tune was, simply, annoying to the ears.

The costumes were just there.

Nice beats, but, the sound was just unclear, which made the whole thing look like a local jamboree. At least, Harrysong added some fun to the song because we know he would have suggested that kind of beat- y’all know that’s Harrysong’s best kind of beat.

However, the video is quite fun, at least, the attitude of the guys were captivating but, we don’t know what Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwerre was doing on

that set?

The video quality was run-of-the-mill and Adams was fond of backing the camera in the video and you could judge from the number of views it had on You Tube.

It was

Harrisong

African setting.

I also love the part where Yemi, eventually, gets pissed off and drags frustrated Falz’s ear to the stage, grabs the mic, singing about how she’s now 28 and all her friends were married except her… good acting there, especially, with her poses and facial expressions.

Falz didn’t do badly too… nice acting, coupled with his rap lines which were slow,

steady and on point.

The best and funniest part is when Yemi, who has been clamouring for marriage, suddenly sights Falz on his knees, puts his hand into his pocket as if he was going to bring out a proposal ring.

Out of the unexpected shock and excitement, she gasps for breath and faints, only for Falz to, eventually, bring out a white handkerchief! Dude that was fun!

Nice, hilarious and captivating drama from beginning till the end which became the selling point of the 4:05-second video.

Good stage management too. Well directed by Mex with good sound and lighting.

The video was uploaded on You Tube Dec 5, 2014, with 511,369 views as at press time.

Overall, 8/10.

Relationship & Us L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday February 12, 2015

Vlentine!

Heads up for your Ngozi Ndubisi

Valentine’s Day is right up ahead. If your spouse is, unavoidably, absent and you’re wondering what to do with yourself, do not crawl into bed and pull the covers over your head. Try showing your love and appreciation to other friends and family too. If you’re unsure of how to celebrate the ‘Day,’ try these ideas for starters: a. Spend Quality Time With The Kids: Treat your kids to some

quality time by taking them out or spending the day creating an elaborate meal for them; or with the help of the children, cook enough and share with your neighbours. b. Be Card Crafty: You could, either with the help of the kids construct a big Val Card for the missing spouse, by using a big picture of the family or of the missing parent and everyone writing their own special message or have the family pick out a funny e-card and send to the parent.

c. Have A Girls’ or Boys’ Night Out (Or In): If you feel like getting out that night, you could call up other spouses in your shoes and go out for a happy hour dinner or a show. Who says the cinemas are only for the kids? There are also adult movies available.

You can have a Valentine’s Day celebration, and invite spouses and their children over. d. Get Out And Move: If you think you’ll have a day to yourself, don’t waste it by sitting on the couch sulking,

instead, start with the gym and end with a brisk walk later in the day. You could invite a friend or two and give yourselves a treat for the sweat. You can also treat yourself to a day spa and some R&R (a military slang for rest and recuperation or rest and relaxation or rest and recreation).

It’s easy to get down in the dumps, during this holiday, especially, if you see nothing, but, happy couples everywhere.

Just remember that your friends and family are ready to support you in your low moments.

Creative ways to tell your spouse, “I Love You.” With a little help from friends and internet, here are some creative ways to tell your spouse, “I love you” this Valentine period.

1

. On Pieces of Paper: Write down every kind of kiss that you can think of (examples: passionate, French, on the cheek, etc.). Then fill a little red bag with your “kisses” and give it to your spouse. Ask your spouse to pull several pieces of paper from the bag, and then give your sweetheart whatever kind of kiss is described.

2

. Make a Love Book: Write about why you love your spouse and why you are thankful for him/her (the ways and reasons). This will help you to focus on the things you love about your spouse and not their shortcomings.”

3

. Take Your Sweetie on A Mystery Hunt: Ask him/ her to answer riddles to find the clues to items that you placed somewhere around the house. The last item should give instructions that lead to your Valentine’s Day activities (dinner or movie for two)

4

. Let Your Spouse Come Home to a Candlelight Dinner for Two At Home after which you can give him/ her a massage and watch one of your favourite movies. For the man who can’t cook, order the meal and for the wife, you could cook or order the meal too.

5

. If you are separated across the miles, send a package filled with things that are red and lovely (briefs included).

Have fun on Saturday, February 14, Valentine’s Day, but, remember: Love is not meant to be given and received only on Valentine’s Day. Instead, it’s to be practised every single day of the entire year and your entire lifetime.

What He Secretly Wants

What She Secretly Wants

Here are some of the Valentine’s Day gifts your husband really wants from you: 1. Your admiration: You’ll be surprised he longs to hear your appreciation for all the hard work he puts in to provide for the family. Get the kids involved and come up with a creative way to praise him for being a wonderful husband and father.

2. Uninterruptible leisure time: If you really want to make it special, don’t let him be interrupted when he’s with his video games or favorite boxing/ football team games.

3. His favourite dinner: Go ahead and let him have that meal he’s been asking for. Get the kids involved and have them help with the dessert. Make him feel like a king.

4. Celebration of his epic manliness: Any gift that shows off his distinct manly qualities will be most appreciated.

Whatever you decide to go with, just make sure it expresses how much you value the gift he truly is.

How you can make it a special day for your wife: Wake her up with a kiss: Waking your wife up with a kiss, tells her she is the first thing you have on your mind today. If she, usually, gets up before you, try to do so on this “Val Day” and watch her come alive.

Tell her she’s beautiful: You might tell her she’s beautiful all the time, or you might forget as the years pass by. After all, doesn’t she already know how attractive you find her? Not necessarily, all women want to be told they look beautiful, so don’t neglect to tell her on Valentine’s Day. Hide a love note in her purse: It doesn’t have to be long, poetic or fancy. Just a simple note that says, “I love you,” can mean the world to her because it’s from you. Hide it in her purse, her wallet, her pocket or some other place you know she’ll check before the day is through.

Give her a token of your appreciation: Give her something you made with your own hands for her or a custom-made gift.

Also text and call her the whole day and tell her sweet things for a change.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday February 12, 2015

L7 Nutrition

Judith Frank-Edet

Love bites #Ƅ ƄƍƎì L Ƅƕ ^ Ǝ Ǝ ƈƄ

9 ƍƄƕƆƄ Ǝ ƅ ƍ Ƽ ƄƍƐƆ Ƽ ƃƏƋ Ɗ Ƅƕ Ƌ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ Ɵ Ƅ è ƂƄ ƎƄ ƁƼ ƃƏƋ ƉƉéƋƏƍƋ Ƅ ƅƉ Əƍ ƉƎ Ǝ Ǝ ƎƄ Ɵ ƋƆ ƃ ƍƉƆƃ ƉƎ Ɵ Ǝ ƂƉƄ Ƌ ƂƏƎƎƄƍ Ɵ ƃƏƋ ƍƄƕƕƄƕ Ƅƕƕ ƍ ƃ ƄƄ Ƅ ƍ¨ƊƄ

#ƆƍƄƃƎƆ Ɵê 9 ƊƄƕƆƏƊ ƆƔƄ ƊƆƒƆ Ƃ ƑƉ ƃ ƊƂƆ Ƅ Ɗ Ƅƕ Ƌ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ è Ƅ è ƅƉ Əƍè ƉƎ æƆƅ ƄƄƕƄƕç ƕ ƍƉƆƃ ƉƎê LƆƒ ƑƄƉƉê Ƽê LƄƉƎ ƂƏƎƎƄƍ Ɔ Ɖ ƍ Ƅ ƅƍƓƆ Ƌ ƐƄƍ Ɖ Ƒ Ƅ Ǝê #ƍ Ƌ Ƌ ƃ ƈƄé ƆƔƄ æƽ Ɔ ƃ ƃƆƍƃƉƄ ç ƉƏƊƋ ƅ Ɗ Ƅƕ Ƌ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ Ɔ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ ƅƍƓƆ Ƌ ê Ơê ^ Ǝ Ǝ ƅƉ ƎƎƄ Ǝ ƟƁƼ Ǝ Ɵ Ɔ ƃ Ǝ Ɔƃƈ Ƅ ê dƋƍƆ ƈƉƄ ƊƄ ƃ Ƅƕƕ ƍ ƃ ƄƄ Ƅ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ Ɗ Ƅƕ Ƌ Ǝ Ǝ ƃ ƈƄê dƋ Ɗ ƍƄ Ƌ Ǝ Ǝ ƊƆƒƎƏƍƄ ƐƄƍ Ǝ Ƅ ƃ ƄƄ Ƅê 0ƉƆƋ Ǝ Ƅ Ƌ Ǝ Ǝ ƃ ƈƄ ƐƄƍ Ƒ Ƅ Ǝ Ƅ Ƃ ƎƎ Ɗ Ɔ Ƃƍ Ƒ Ƅƕ æ Ƃ ƏƎ Ɵƞ ƊƆ ƏƎƄ çê ƍ Ƒ Ǝ Ƅ Ǝ Ƅƍ ƆƕƄ æ Ƃ ƏƎ Ɵƞ ƊƆ ƏƎƄ çê ƽê Ə ƃ ƋƉ ƃƄ ƊƄ ƃƍ¨ƊƄ Ǝ Ƌ ƅ ƆƎ ƕ ƆƎô ƍƄ ƕƓ Ǝ ƄƍƐƄê

z ƆƎƄ d ƏƋ

Ingredients Ï Ɵ ƈ ƆƃƈƄ Ɓ1 ƎƊƄ ƎƁ 0Ɔ Ï ƽƞƞ #ƍƆƄƕ ƅƆ Ï Ɵ ƟƁƼ ƃƏƋ ƍ ƓƅƆ æ ƍ Ə ƕç Ï Õ ƆƉƉƆ ^ƄƋƋƄƍ Ï Ƽ dƄ Ɔ ƃƏƂƄ Ï Ɵ R Ɔ ƂƏƉƂ Ï d ƉƎ Ǝ Ǝ ƎƄ Ï Ơ ƃƏƋ L Ƅƕ Ɠ Ɗ Ï LƄƕƆƏƊ ƆƔƄ nƓ Ɠ ƈ

ƈƆ #ƆƍƄƃƎƆ

Ɵê 1 ƎƊƄ Ǝ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ ƂƄ Ǝ ƋƎƆ Ƒ Ƅ ƆƎ ƃ ƊƄ Ǝ Ǝ Ɔ ƕƄƉƆƃ ƃƓè Ǝ Ǝ Ɔ Ǝ Ǝ Ɠ Ǝ Ǝ Ɠ Ə ƃ Ǝ ƕ Ƅ ôƎ ƂƍƄ ƈê Ƽê z ƉƉ Ɠ Əƍ Ɔ ƍƄƕƆƄ Ǝ ƕ ƋƉ ƃƄ Ǝ ƄƊ ƄƋ ƍ ƎƄƉƓ Ɔ ƃƉƄ Ƃ ƑƉ ƍ Ǝƍ Ɠ Ơê ƃ ƈ Ɠ Əƍ ƊƄ Ǝ ƕ Ƅ ƆƎ Ǝ ƄƎ Ɠ Əƍ Ǝ ƃƈ ƽê z Ƅ Ǝ Ƅ ƊƄ Ǝ Ɔ ƅƎè ƕƕ ƊƄ ƃƏƋ Ƒ ƎƄƍ ƾê z Ƅ Ǝ Ƅ Ƒ ƎƄƍ Ǝ ƍƎ Ǝ Ƃ ƆƉè ƃ Ƌ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ Ɗ Ƅƕ Ɠ Ɗ Ǝ Ǝ ƆƃƈƄ ƆƎ Õê ƕƕ Ǝ Ƅ ƕƍƆƄƕ ƅƆ è ƃƍ ƓƅƆ è ƏƓ Ɠ ƈ ƕ Ƅ Ɔ ƃƏƂƄ ơê ƈ ƅ ƍ Ƃ ƏƎ ƟƾƊƆ ƅ ƍ ƆƎ Ǝ Ǝ ƆƃƈƄ Ƣê ƕƕ ƉƎ Ǝ Ǝ ƎƄ ƕ ƆƎ ƍƄ ƕƓ Ǝ ƄƍƐƄê 9Ǝ Ɔ ƂƄƎƎƄƍ Ƅ ƎƄ ƑƆƎ Ƌ Ə ƕƄƕ Ɠ Ɗê

dƆ ƃƄ Ǝ Ɔ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ Ƅ ƅ y ƉƄ ƎƆ Ƅè Ǝ Ɔ ƑƄƄƈ Ɔ Ɔ Ǝ ƂƄ ƉƉ Ƃ ƏƎ ƆƊƋƉƄ ƊƄ Ɖ Ɠ Ə ƃ ƋƍƄƋ ƍƄ Ǝ ƊƄ ƅ ƍ Ǝ Ƅ y ƉƄ ƎƆ Ƅê d è Ƒ Ɠ Əƍ Ƌ ƍƎ Ƅƍ Ɠ Ə ƃ ƃ ƈ ƊƄƎ Ɔ ƋƄƃƆ Ɖ Ǝ Ɔ Ƅ ê 9 ƐƄ ƋƏƎ Ǝ ƄƎ Ƅƍ ƊƄ Ƅ Ɠè ƍ Ɗ ƎƆƃ ƊƄ Ə ƅ ƍ Ɠ Əê

` ƊƄ ƕ CƏƉƆƄƎ ƃƈƎ ƆƉ

Ingredients: Ɵ ƟƁƼ Ɣê ^ Ǝƍ dƆƉƐƄƍ ƎƄƌƏƆƉ ƟƁƼ Ɣê 1ƍ ƕ L ƍ ƆƄƍ ƟƁƽ Ɣê ƃ ƄƍƍƓ ƍ ƊƂ ƍƕ ƍ ƋƂƄƍƍƓ ƉƆƌƏ ƍ Ƽ Ɣê ƃ ƆƉƉƄƕ ƋƄ ƃ ƇƏƆƃƄ Ơè Rƍ Ƅ ƋƆƍ Ɖè ƍ Ɔ ^ƍƄƋ ƍ ƎƆ ë 0ƆƉƉ ƃ ƃƈƎ ƆƉ ƈƄƍ ƑƆƎ ƆƃƄì ƕƕ ƎƄƌƏƆƉ æ ƍ Ƃ ƉƏƎ ƋƄ ƃ çè 1ƍ ƕ L ƍ ƆƄƍè ƃ ƄƍƍƓ ƉƆƌƏ ƍ ƕ ƋƄ ƃ ƇƏƆƃƄê d ƈƄ ƐƆ ƍ Ə ƉƓ ƅ ƍ Ɵƞ Ƅƃ ƕ ƕ Ƌ Əƍ Ɔ Ǝ ƃ ƆƉƉƄƕ ƅƉƏƎƄƕ Ɖ ê ^Ɖ ƃƄ ƍ Ƅ ƋƆƍ Ɖ Ǝ Ƅ ƉƆƋ ƅ Ǝ Ƅ Ɖ ƆƎ ƕƍ ƋƄ ƕ Ƒ Ǝ Ƅ ƆƕƄê 0 ƍ ƅƉƏƎƄƕ Ɖ ë ƕƍ Ƌ ƃ ƄƍƍƓ Ɔ Ǝ ƕƍƆ ƈê 0 ƍ Ɗ ƍƎƆ Ɔ Ɖ ë ƈƄƑƄƍ Ǝ ƍƄƄ ƃ ƄƍƍƆƄ ƑƆƔƔƉƄ ƎƆƃƈ ƕ Ɖ Ɠ ƃƍ Ǝ Ƅ ƉƆƋê

L8 Television

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday February 12, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

105 Movies Family

113 EDGE

12:00

12:00

Thu, 12 Feb| PG

Thu, 12 Feb | PG 13 L

Hayden Panettiere (Nashville) stars in this fun animation adapted from the classic fairy tale. In this version, Red must investigate the disappearance of Hansel And Gretel.

Hayden Panettiere, Patrick Warburton. (2011) Mike Disa.

‘S2/E8- Diamonds Are Model’s Best Friend’. Mark Hruschka, CEO/President of Chpard America, gives the models a once in a lifetime opportunity to model using hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of diamonds.

101 M-Net

00:00 The Messengers 00:45 Blood Of Redemption 02:15 The Confidant 04:00 Counterpunch 06:00 30,000 Leagues Under The Sea 07:45 The Hard Way 09:45 Gunfight At Yuma 11:30 Echo Drive 12:55 Waterworld 15:10 Edge Of Darkness 17:15 The Last Stand 19:00 Red Dragon 21:00 Lawless 15:30 The Millers 16:00 Suits 17:00 The Fixer 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 About A Boy 19:30 Masterchef Junior USA 20:30 The Fixer 21:30 Blue Bloods 22:30 The Mentalist

118 Telemundo 00:00 The Queen Of The South 00:30 Aurora 01:20 Fearless Heart 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 Labour Of Love 03:50 Broken Angel 05:20 Where Is Elisa?

06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 Labour Of Love 08:40 Broken Angel 09:30 Where Is Elisa?

10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 Labour Of Love 12:50 Broken Angel 13:40 Where Is Elisa?

14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 Labour Of Love 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Where Is Elisa?

18:40 Aurora 19:30 Fearless Heart 20:20 Labour Of Love 21:10 The Queen Of The South

120 BBC Entertainment 00:00 My Family 00:25 Top Gear 01:15 Scott And Bailey 02:05 Come Dine With Me 02:55 EastEnders 03:25 The Weakest Link

00:00 Cheaters

04:10 Top Gear

00:20 Unbeatable Banzuke

05:00 Outnumbered

00:45 Unbeatable Banzuke

05:40 QI

01:10 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago

06:10 Friday Night Dinner

01:35 Poorman's Bikini Beach

06:40 EastEnders

02:05 The Thunderbolt Fist

07:10 Antiques Roadshow

03:35 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

08:00 The Weakest Link

04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke

08:50 The Cube

05:00 My Rebelious Son

09:35 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

06:30 Cheaters

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

07:20 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

11:00 My Family

08:05 World's Wildest Police Videos

11:30 Hell's Kitchen USA

08:55 I Bet You Will

12:15 Top Gear 13:10 Come Dine With Me

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

14:05 Top Gear

17:15 QI

15:10 The Weakest Link

17:50 Would I Lie To You?

16:00 EastEnders

18:25 Hell's Kitchen USA

00:00 The Johnsons 00:30 Lies That Bind 01:00 Meet The Adebanjos 01:30 Foot Prints 02:00 Mary Slessor 02:30 Tinsel 03:00 The Johnsons 03:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti 04:00 53 Extra 04:30 Tinsel 05:00 The Hour 06:00 Good Morning Africa

09:20 Most Shocking 10:20 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

11:20 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

12:20 Cheaters 13:20 World's Most Amazing Videos

252 Silverbird

154 AfricaMagic Family 07:00 So Wrong So Wright 07:30 One Hit Track 08:30 53 Extra 09:00 Meet The Adebanjos 09:30 The Dzigbordi Show 10:30 Kakibe Ki 11:00 Prem 11:30 Lies That Bind 12:30 Channel O: Volt 13:00 Living It 13:30 Tinsel 14:00 Kakibe Ki 14:30 Foot Prints 15:00 The Dzigbordi Show 16:00 Deception 16:30 Jara 17:00 The Johnsons 17:30 Lies That Bind 18:00 Affections 18:30 Foot Prints 19:00 Fashion Coast 19:30 Tinsel 20:00 The 5 Brides

128 SONY MAX Television

00:00 Princess Halliday Show

10:30 STV Sports Café

17:30 Video Wheels Lifestyle

19:00 Kings Of Segou

11:00 E.O.M Business

18:02 MTV Base

19:30 Tinsel

02:00 Boom Town

11:30 Almond Finance & Wealth Show

19:00 STV News @ 7

20:00 The 5 Brides

02:30 STV Sports Café

12:05 Music Africa

19:30 Taste of Love

20:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

03:00 Local Movie

14:05 Circle Of Interest

20:00 Delta In And Out

21:00 Jara

05:00 Symphony

14:30 Seekers

21:30 Tinsel

06:30 Insights For Living

15:00 Dormitory 8

20:30 Uncommon Transformation Of Akwa Ibom

07:00 STV AM News

15:30 Brights

07:30 Today On Stv

16:05 Nickelodeon

09:30 Heart Of The Matter

17:00 The KKB Show

01:00 Music Africa

21:00 Ay's Show 21:30 Security File 22:00 STV News @ 10

22:00 The Dzigbordi Show

NAVAS

to stay at REAL

Poster!

GABRIELA SABATINI

X4,5

X8

Thursday, February 12, 2015

FEATURE

BAZUAYE

E W U L O F O S S T S A L B S S E L G WIN EAGLES

!

WEEPS FOR NIGERIAN FOOTBALL X6

TABLE TENNIS

QUADRI

drops in world ranking

X2

X7

X2

Thursday, February 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

AFCON 2015 fallout Obi not going to Al-Arabi, says agent

I Super Eagles celebrate after winning the AFCON 2013 in South Africa.

SOFOLUWE BLASTS! Ojieva Ehiosun

F

ormer Super Eagles defence kingpin, Yisa Sofoluwe, has said that the Stephen Keshi-led team would not have done anything special if they had qualified for the just concluded AFCON tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

Speaking to our correspondent in a telephone interview, the defence ace, revealed that it was a good omen that Nigeria did not qualify because they have been disgraced.

“It is good for us to tell ourselves the truth, though most of us don’t like hearing. With the kind of football I watched at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations, our boys won’t have done anything special because we do not have what it takes to tackle Ghana nor Cote d’Ivoire for now.

“Those boys came to the competition with a plan and a very big dream.

There we saw a team with cohesion, a team with understanding, a team with one mind, and a team with high team spirit. In fact, I really enjoyed the matches that I watched specially the finals.

Eagles wouldn’t have done well if they’d qualified

“I’m also sure that the coaching crew of Super Eagles saw what it is to have a team with a common purpose.

“However, our players and even the coaches must as a matter of urgency change their orientation towards the game. At the level at which our football is going, we need players who are 100% committed to the game,” he said.

Sofoluwe, advised the leadership of the NFF do everything within his power to ensure that Eagles have a com-

FLYING EAGLES

battle Ghana in double friendly

N

igeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, will face their Ghanaian counterpart in two successive friendlies next week.

It had earlier been mooted that the two countries would host each other – with the Coach Manu Garba’s side playing hosts to the first game in Abuja, but the plan had to be abandoned.

Supersport.com has been

informed that both games between the two sides preparing for the 2015 Africa Youth Championship (AYC) will be hosted

by Ghana – the first on Monday, February 16, at the Accra Stadium and the second three days later to finish off the bi-friendly at the Tema Astro-turf Park.

Ghana will battle South Africa, Mali and Zambia in Group B of the 2015 AYC set to start in March.

petent manager that has the technical ability to move the game forward, or on the other hand tell Nigerians if Stephen Keshi will remain as the team’s manager or not.

“There is too much tension in the land over the fate of the Super Eagles head coach Keshi. NFF should tell us the way forward, we are anxious to know if the FA is going for a new man for the job or not.

“They cannot continue to keep us

Mike Otanwa

N

igeria’s U-17 male football team, Golden Eaglets who are currently training in Sokoto for the forthcoming 11th African U-17 Championship will depart for Niamey today on road, even as Nigerians in Niger Republic are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the team.

This much was disclosed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who said it is doing everything possible to ensure a very successful outing for the cadet team. This was contained in a statement signed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Head of Media, Ademola Olajire, on Tuesday.

“The Eaglets will stay at the Hotel Royale Palace, to play its first two matches (against host Niger Republic and Guinea) at the Stade General Seyni Kountche, while the last match (against Zambia) will be played at the

in the dark over Keshi’s fate. I also want to use this opportunity to beg the technical team to give room for younger players from the local league to have a place in Eagles’ squad; if you look at the squad of the teams in the last Nations Cup, majority of the players are relatively young. So I’m highly in support of the technical committee, on the need to drop old players from the team for subsequent competitions,” he concluded.

NIGER 2015

Eaglets depart for Niamey on road Stade Municipal, which has artificial turf,” Olajire added.

He further revealed that the NFF had made all necessary arrangements aimed at ensuring the success of the team in Niger.

As part of the strategy, the NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said he met with the Local Organizing Committee members and top officials of the Embassy of Nigeria in Niamey.

nter Milan midfielder Joel Obi will not be jumping ship before the close of the transfer window in Qatar, amid reports linking him with a transfer to Al-Arabi. With the window still open until February 18, there were strong speculations that the Nigerian was set to join the Qatar Stars League campaigners, but Obi’s agent, Renzo Contratto, has confirmed that Al - Arabi explored the possibility of signing his client, adding that the player is focused on The Nerazzurri.

Obi

IGHALO

powers Watford to victory

O

dion Ighalo goal scoring feat in the English Championship continued as he bagged both goals to help Watford beat Brentford 2-1. 10man Brentford took a 52nd lead at home and just when they thought they will be good value for at least a point Odion Ighalo popped up to wreck their party. The 25 year old rated by manager Slavisa Jokanovic as the best striker in the English Championship proved right his manager’s word scoring in the 67th and 90th minute to help Watford pick all three points.

Cup win:

UTAKA

reigns supreme at Sivasspor

F

orgotten Super Eagles forward John Utaka scored Sivasspor’s opening goal as they claim a dramatic 3-2 win over Trabzonspor in a cup game decided after extra time. Utaka gave his team the lead in the 10th minute, his first goal in 2015 and his first in the cup as well before Mustapha Yatabare brace gave Trabzonspor a 2-1 lead, but Musa Sinan Yalser ensured Sivasspor go into the break level at 2-2 scoring in the 40th minute.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

E

ATHLETICS

nglishman Andy Sullivan has targeted a South African double in the Africa Open at East London Golf Club after capturing the 104th South African Open Championship in January.

Sullivan tied local hero Charl Schwartzel in regulation play at Glendower Golf Club and triumphed at the first extra hole of a sudden-death play-off.

Having broken his maiden European Tour duck, the Englishman carried his form to a top 20 in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and a tie for fourth at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Now the 28-year-old from Nuneaton is heading back to South Africa and wants to follow 2010 Africa Open champion Schwartzel into the winner’s circle in Buffalo City.

Sullivan missed the cut in his first start in 2012, but sealed a joint fifth place a year later with solid rounds of 70, 70, 69 and 68.

Bolt

X3

SULLIVAN eyes Africa Open crown GOLF

PARIS: BOLT TYSON’s knockout upsets in retur ns for IAAF biggest sports –Douglas Diamond League A Sullivan

BOXING

W

ith just five months to 2015 IAAF Diamond League meeting in Paris, the organisers announced on Wednesday that global superstar Usain Bolt will return to their meeting and contest the 100m on Saturday, July 4.

Bolt is the 100m world record holder, winner of the 100m gold

HANDBALL

Casey

medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and has won world titles at this event in 2009 and 2013.

He holds the Paris 100m meeting record with 9.79, which he clocked in 2009.

Last year, he had committed to run the 100m in the French capital but had to withdraw because

of a foot injury.

This year will be the fifth occasion that Bolt has competed in the Paris meeting. In 2009, he won the 100m in 9.79; in 2010, he again won the 100m, this time in 9.84; in 2011 he won over 200m in 20.03; in 2013, he contested the longer sprint again and won 19.73.

CASEY ready to take on men’s game A leading American professional handball promoter has described 21-year-old Cork sensation Catriona Casey as “the best female handball player that has ever lived” ahead of her entry in the men’s qualifier for a professional tournament in the Olympic Club, San Francisco this weekend.

Casey will attempt to make

history by becoming the first woman ever to qualify for a male professional handball tournament when she lines out in the pre-event qualifier at the WPH Race4Eight tournament on Friday.

And the Executive Director of the WPH, David Vincent, reckons Casey — the dominant player in the ladies game — can compete with all the world’s elite male players.

n uppercut and three follow-up punches made James “Buster” Douglas a household name. And 25 years later, the brief heavyweight champion is still pleased his knockout of Mike Tyson ranks among the biggest upsets in sports.

“Being crowned champion was a dream for me,” Douglas said of his February 11, 1990 upset. “To achieve that was the ultimate. It was awesome.”

A promising enigmatic fighter, Douglas was given almost no chance of hanging around long with the undefeated heavyweight champion in their title fight in Tokyo. The bout was considered a tune-up for Tyson before an anticipated match with rising star Evander Holyfield.

In fact, the day before Tyson

fought Douglas, promoter Don King called a news conference to discuss the dates and terms of that showdown. Douglas took note.

Douglas was a terrific athlete he played college basketball - but was considered less than committed to boxing despite a 29-4-1 record as a professional. The son of club fighter Bill “Dynamite” Douglas, he showed glimpses of promise but also displayed a lack of heart and discipline at other times.

But roughly three weeks before the opening bell with Tyson, the person who believed in him the most, his mother, Lula Pearl, died.

Reminded this week that no one thought he had a chance against Tyson, Douglas hesitated before saying: “Yeah, but she did.”

James “Buster” Douglas (right) lands a punch on Mike Tyson during their heavyweight clash on February 11, 1990.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full name: Gabriela Sabatini Country: Argentina Residence: Buenos Aires and Boca Raton Born: May 16, 1970 (age 44) Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) Turned pro: January 1985 Retired: 1996 Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand) Prize money: $8,785,850 Singles Career record: 632–189 Career titles: 27 Highest ranking: No. 3 (February 27, 1989) Grand Slam Singles results Australian Open: SF (1989, 1992, 1993, 1994) French Open: SF (1985, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992) Wimbledon: F (1991) US Open: W (1990) Other tournaments Tour Finals: W (1988, 1994) Olympic Games: Silver medal (1988) Doubles Career record: 252–96 Career titles: 14 Highest ranking: No. 3 (6 November 1988) Grand Slam Doubles results Australian Open: SF (1989) French Open: F (1986, 1987, 1989) Wimbledon: W (1988) US Open: SF (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994,1996)

GABRIELA

X4

EXTRATIME

QUOTES

SABATINI

Thursday, February 12, 2015

“For me retiring wasn’t hard once I knew that that was the decision I was going to make.”–Gabriela Sabatini “I think in the lifetime of a tennis player there are many times where you feel that tremendous confidence.”

–Gabriela Sabatini “I was a very shy and introverted person, and it was hard for me to talk to people make relationships.”

–Gabriela Sabatini

and

X5

X6

Thursday, February 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

FEATURE

Victorious Atlanta ‘96 Dream Team which the duo of Bonfrere Jo and Willy Bazuaye tinkered, that took the world by storm at the Olympic Games men’s football.

Sick BAZUAYE weeps for Nigerian football Bazuaye

...Says greed, corruption has destroyed our game Ojieva Ehiosun

W

ho says there are no more patriotic people in Nigeria, let them go and ask Pa Willy Bazuaye, the first indigenous coach who worked tirelessly to the success of the glorious Dream Team at Atlanta ‘96 Olympic Games. The fact that the then NFA went ahead to give the glory to Bonfrere Jo does not stop Bazuaye from supporting the game. And at 80 years plus, the reknowned coach, even in hospital bed still prays for the betterment of the round leather game in Nigeria.

According to him, the beautiful game gave him life and the much needed international exposure.

Now down with the deadly disease called stroke for over seven years, the Benin-born soccer tactician had his health issues complicated by undergoing a surgical right eye operation recently in Benin City.

Bazuaye in an exclusive interview

with our correspondent in his home, said Nigerian football has suffered a major setback in the hands of greedy and corrupt football administrators, who put their selfish desires first at the detriment of the development of the game.

He also made a candid appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan and all stakeholders of the game to save Nigerian football from further decay for the sake of our future generation.

“Nigerian football is heading for the rocks and needs to be rescued.

If we do not check the mess happening to the game now, our beautiful game will be doomed,” he began.

“There are too many crisis confronting and hindering the development of football in the country. This is not the kind of football we administered in our days. There are so many greedy and corrupt sports managers whose

actions have ruined the game.

“Majority of these administrators see football as a quick way of making cheap money, and so, whether they know it or not, they want to do everything to get to the Board of NFF. “We cannot make progress by leaving the management of the game to none professionals. It is a big shame that the 2013 AFCON Champions could not qualify for the 2015 edition because of one problem or the other.

“However, for Nigerian football to move forward, people must put their individual differences behind them, especially among the warring parties and they must understand that Nigeria is greater than one individual. They must rally round the new NFF President and support him so that the dream of taking the game to its apex would be realized.”

Speaking further on how he felt when NFF gave Coach Stephen

Keshi the job of tinkering the senior national team, Bazuaye said he was overjoyed until the unfortunate leadership crisis enveloped the Glass House of Nigerian football.

“When I heard that the NFF has given the job of coaching the Super Eagles to my son, Stephen Keshi, I was very happy because I know he has what it takes to tinker the team to an enviable level. And I kept praying for his success!

“Also, when he led the Super Eagles to victory at the 2013 AFCON tournament in South Africa and broke the jinx after so many years, I was also very happy, but I must tell you now that I’m not too comfortable with the ugly scenario and unending crisis that have bedeviled the Glass House for the past years.

“The fact that we did not qualify for the AFCON 2015 which just ended few days ago in Equatorial Guinea is heart rendering. Nigerian

football has so degenerated that our managers are no longer interested in developing the game.

Today, greed and corruption has taken over our game.

“In our days, it was not like that; we loved the game with great passion and we were highly interested in getting results, but today it is the other way round,” he said with a tinge of regret.

While on sick bed, Bazuaye wept bitterly for Nigerian football.

“How I wish I can talk to the NFF President over some of these key issues that are derailing our game.

He needs to take some positive steps now in order to move the game forward.

“As a football coach, I will always pray and support Nigerian football because football gave me life and fame. So, we must join hands to move the game forward,” he stressed.

Bazuaye also gave tips on how to move the game forward in Africa’s most populated black nation.

“I want to suggest that NFF needs young managers that are committed to helping the game grow. We have a lot of them in town.

It is left for NFF to fish them out so that they can serve their fatherland with their wealth of experience.

“Secondly the Super Eagles are in dire need of a coach, because I understand that Keshi’s fate is still hanging in the balance. We cannot remain this way! Nigerian football urgently needs to grow beyond this level.

“I also want to use this medium to thank Governor Babatunde Fashola for what he has done for me, God will continue to bless him.

“You know I just had an eye operation again. But thank God that I survived it. I want to appeal to NFF to give my son a job if they cannot remember me; they should help my son because he is qualified to handle the junior national side,” he concluded.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

FEDERATION WATCH

X7

With Osaretin Emuze

QUADRI DROPPED TWO PLACES IN WORLD RANKING B

arely one month after Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri was named World Player of the Year in Table Tennis in Dubai he has dropped to two places in the latest monthly ranking released

by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). From the recent ranking, Quadri dropped from 30th to 32nd position.

The Portugal-based player’s drop in ranking was as a result of the defeat he suffered at the ITTF Africa Senior Championship held in Egypt last month.

However, Quadri has helped his club GD Toledo to win the Portuguese Cup by defeating arch rival Sporting Lisbon with three straight sets. The victory was the third straight success for the club.

Meanwhile, to attract more world class players to this year’s International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour, tagged, Lagos Open, the organizers have hiked the prize money from $39,000 (N7.8m) to $46,000 (N9.2m).

The events to be competed for have also been increased from four to six.

For this year’s tournament, players will compete in singles (men and women),

doubles (men and women) as well as U-21 boys and girls.

The five-day competition will take place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, and it will serve off on March 10 to 14.

The ITTF ranking event will help players taking part amass points for their world rating in March.

According to the prospectus released by ITTF on its website, Egypt’s Nabil Almamoon and Algeria’s Mounir Bessah have been named the referee and Competition Manager respectively, while Nigeria’s Lajide Oluranti is the Tournament Director.

More players from Africa and Europe have also signified their intention to be part of the championship, which has been entrenched in the ITTF calendar.

Current ITTF star, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri and Africa’s most decorated table tennis player, Segun Toriola have confirmed their participation in the tournament, while home-based stars like Kazeem Makanjuola, Hameed Adeyinka and Rashidat Ogundele will also be part of the competition.

Quadri

Abuja to host ECOWAS

Trado Sports

Festival

T

Traditional wrestling action.

he city of Abuja will be agog as it plays host to African countries in the ECOWAS Traditional Sports Festival billed for the National Stadium Abuja from May 15.

The competition according to the organizers is to commemorate ECOWAS 40th Anniversary.

Some of the countries expected to participate in the tournament are Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Guinea, Niger, Benin, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Gambia and host Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister, Tamuno Danagogo has charged Team Nigeria to go all out and win the competition for the country.

NAFED APPOINTS PATRONS T he Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED) has appointed seven patrons to help move the newly reconstituted Federation forward.

In a communique released after the board meeting on Tuesday, the board approved the appointments of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Engineer Habu Gumel, General John Hamakin, Wole Madariola, Honourable Godfrey Gaiya, Ibrahim Galadima, Dr Ade Abolurin and Nigeria

Supporters Club President General, Rafiu Ladipo.

In the communique, the Federation also approved the programme of activities for the year 2015. They further agreed that the 2nd Vice President and the Deputy Secretary General should sign the amended draft communique.

Also approved were the inclusion of Barrister Bayo Lawanson in the Rules and Ethics Committee and Alhaji Saidu Abubakar in the National Mobilization Committee,

replacing Felix Okugbe in the Media/ Publicity committee. Toyin Ibitoye replaced Frank Ilaboya and Joe Apu replaced Patrick Omorodion in the media committee.

Other members are Tana Aiyejina, Ganiyu Yusuf and Segun Ogunfehinti.

Archery has been in limbo for years and has just been resuscitated by Felix Okugbe who is the Protem President of the Federation with the backing of the NOC.

Gaiya

X8

Thursday, February 12, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

REAL MADRID

K

S A V A N d to e t t i m m o c y a t s L A E R

eylor Navas’s father has brushed aside media reports claiming his son will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has made six appearances, just two in La Liga, since joining the European champions from Levante last summer.

The Costa Rica international is a reported target of Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool.

“Everything that is being said is a complete lie,” Freddy Navas said.

“Keylor told me that he is not leaving Real Madrid. He is very happy there.”

Spain international Iker Casillas is Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice keeper, but Navas is determined to become Real’s number one in the future, according to his father.

“Keylor knows he has to fight to earn a starting place,” he said. “It’s a process that he is accepting very well. He is a fighter who wants to work and succeed at the club.”

Navas, whose crucial saves helped Costa Rica reach the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, is tied to the Merengue outfit until June 2020.

“He is living a dream at Real,” Navas’s spokesman Kristhian Arguedas stated. “He is very happy there. He signed a six-year contract and he intends to respect it.”

Real suffers WHITES stadium nominated revamp for World setback Team of the

T

R REAL intensifies training ahead of Deportivo clash

R

eal Madrid completed their second training session to prepare their minds ahead of Saturday’s La Liga game against Deportivo at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Varane and Illarra, who spent Monday’s training session training at the inside facilities, joined the group with Martin Odegaard present once more. Ramos, Pepe, James, Modric and Khedira.

Stretching and muscle strengthening

exercises took place before circuit training; one routine involved physical work and the other combined ball work.

Afterwards there was a half-pitch game and players had to try and score in the little goals placed on the pitch.

In other fixtures, Real Madrid will host Levante on Sunday, March 15 and a week later the Whites will travel to the Camp Nou to face Barcelona.

The match will take place on Sunday, March 22.

eal Madrid’s plans for a multimillion euro redevelopment of their Santiago Bernabeu Stadium have suffered a setback after an agreement with the city council was quashed by a Madrid court.

The European champions have ambitious plans for the iconic venue, but Madrid’s High Court has put the renovation on hold with the club under investigation over a related land deal.

“The High Court of Madrid has overturned the agreement from November 15, 2012, issued by the community of Madrid’s Governing Council, which approved the specific modification of the Madrid general development plan, a decision that affects the Santiago Bernabeu,” the club said in a statement.

“Following this ruling, Real Madrid will work with the city council and the community of Madrid to address those aspects that require attention in order to make the Santiago Bernabeu reform project viable.”

Year award

Cristiano Ronaldo nominated for World Sportsman of the Year Award.

he nominees for the 2015 Laureus awards have now been confirmed, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony on April 15 in the Chinese city of Shanghai; however Real Madrid have been nominated in the World Team of the Year category, while Cristiano Ronaldo is a candidate for World Sportsman of the Year and James Rodríguez is up for World Breakthrough of the Year.

The Whites, who won their tenth European Cup, as well as the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup, will compete for the accolade with the European Ryder Cup Team (Golf), the Germany Men’s Football Team, the Mercedes Formula One team, the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the Switzerland Davis Cup Team (tennis).

Cristiano Ronaldo, the winner of the 2014 Ballon d’Or is a nominee for World Sportsman of the Year alongside Novak Djokovic (tennis), Lewis Hamilton (Formula One), Renaud Lavillenie (athletics), Rory McIlroy (golf) and Marc Márquez (motor racing).

James Rodríguez, the Colombian player, who scooped the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, will battle for the World Breakthrough of the Year award with Mario Gotze (football), Daniel Ricciardo (Formula One), Mikaela Shiffrin (skiing) and the Switzerland Davis Cup Team (tennis).