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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.46

Jonathan to OBJ: You’re not God

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Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏA million Olusegun Obasanjos cannot stop

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INSIDE

Life&

TIMES Monday, February 16, 2015

Uche Jumbo

can’t wait to L2 be a mom

Whitney Houston’s

family rubbishes Nick Gordon’s claim L3 P

Osas Ighodaro opens up on marriage

Eyola on New Year’s fashion resolutions PL4

the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan. That was the submission of the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDPPCO) on Sunday in reaction to the verbal darts thrown at President Jonathan on Saturday by former Continued on page 4

M ô ƄƄ Orange seller, 12, ƆƐ Ɛ kills 10 in Gombe Ɖ ƈ ^ suicide bombing 4

Herdsmen rape, kill women, kids in Ogun

INSIDE REVEALED!

GUARDIOLA talks football at 3am –Robben X8

Poster!

YELENA ISINBAYEVA X4,5 Monday, February 16, 2015

LA LIGA

21-24

10-MAstNuns

Espanyol

MALAGA BOLT

vows to break 100m X6 record

EAGLES, BOLIVIA,

clash in Uyo March 26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Politics Page Three

Editorial Tackling pipeline vandalism

he news that former militants, under the aegis of the Niger Delta Youth Mandate for Transformation Agenda (NDYTA), have promised to partner the Pipeline Products and Marketing Company (PPMC) in curbing the perennial problem of pipeline vandalism across the country is heart-warming. According to the leader of the group, Pathfinder Fiawei, the former militants will tackle the menace through a series of awareness campaigns in the different oil producing communities. This initiative, coming from those alleged to be behind the nefarious acts, cannot but be applauded. We say this because there is no denying the fact that pipeline vandalism and its concomitant damage to the economy cripple the distribution of petroleum products across the country and foist on the nation increased trucking option which comes with enormous risks and cost. This menace hampers the efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in effectively distributing petroleum products through its pipeline system. It also, inevitably, leads to colossal financial losses to the organisation and country. According to the corporation, a total of 16,083 pipeline breaks were recorded within the last 10 years. Of these, 398 pipeline breaks, representing 2.4 per cent, were due to the activities of vandals. The activities of pipeline vandals have in recent past

led to the unplanned exit of some oil companies in the Niger Delta, which in turn has affected the economy of the region and the country. Several people, including vandals themselves, have died as a result of oil pipeline explosions. Even at that, it is all too easy to consider that government’s initiatives to protect pipelines and other oil installations with deployment of security agencies, at best had been ineffectual, and at worst, had actually exacerbated the woes that the intervention was meant to address due sometimes to the unpatriotic connivance of saboteurs amongst them. Stories abound of back-hand deals between these vandals and security operatives who look the other way while oil pipelines are being broken at will. Such allegations lend credence to widely held suspicions that soldiers and other security personnel lobby their superiors to be posted to the JTF because of the lucrative nature of the assignment. In coming to the realisation of the enormous damage their unholy activities have wrought on the country, the NDYTA should be encouraged to get in contact with their colleagues who are yet to renounce their evil ways. In renouncing vandalism, they will be helping the economy find its berth at this perilous times. More importantly, their partnership with the PPMC will in the long run benefit the region and its inhabitants. We therefore welcome the cooperation in all its entirety.

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Politicians, please spare the church! Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏAs we enter the last lap

of the 2015 general election, which is now to hold on March 28 and April 11, it is not unexpected that politicians will become more desperate, applying several techniques including under-the-table deals to sway voters. One of such desperate moves was brought to the fore recently by Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, when he alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had bribed some pastors with N6

billion to work against the All Progressives Congress and its presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). Though the PDP and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have challenged Amaechi to name the pastors he claimed were offered the bribe, one thing is clear and that is that as the poll draws near and until the results are announced, politicians realising the influence the church and her officials have on members as well in a society like ours, will continue to swarm the church and spare nothing to garner votes. This is where danger liesthat the pulpit is gradually turning to soap box where the

Words On Marble :

dailytimesng

stocks in trade are in the main lies, exaggeration, mudslinging, abracadabra and other untoward things. So, if care is not taken, the invasion by politicians may not only polarise the church, lower its esteem but also tear it shreds. Therefore, it is in the church’s interest that politicians desist from importing their weird ways into the church. As a sacred institution, politicians even where they are members of particular Christian denominations must realise that they have a duty to let the church be and fulfill her mission of being ‘light and salt of the world’. And being this requires that the clergy live above board in their dealings with all, including politicians.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Deputy Editors Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Sports Editor

Group Managing Editor

Bureau Chief, Northern Operations

Head of Operations

Head ICT (Shared Services)

Online Editor

Head Graphics

Business Editor

Deputy Head Graphics

Noel Anosike

Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Celestine Okafor

Yinka Olujimi

Group News Editor

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects

Editorial Page Editor

Tunji Okegbola

Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Head, Sales & Marketing Moses Ebong

Banjo Ayorinde King Ododoru

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.

Mark Twain

Winston Churchill

Kahlil Gibran

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured

If you are going through hell, keep going

Our worst fault is our preoccupation with the fault of others

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Obasanjo is not God – Jonathan Continued from page 1 President Obasanjo. The former President had, among others, accused Jonathan of plotting to stay in power ‘’by hook or by crook’’, and that the recent shifting of the dates of the general elections from February 14 to March 28 was a part of the alleged plot. The former President equally

declared that Jonathan would be disgraced out of office like the former President of Cote D’ Ivore, Mr Laurent Gbagbo. He claimed that Jonathan was attempting to do a Gbagbo in Nigeria. While reacting to these claims at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, the Director of Media and Publicity of the PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, said that Obasanjo is pulling down the Jonathan administration be-

All Progressives Congress (APC) youth during a match for Buhari in Abuja... on Saturday

cause the incumbent has refused to be a puppet the former President could control at will. Fani-Kayode said: “President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegations are serious and grave. They are also reckless. “He has raised issues and made assertions that are capable of derailing our democracy and creating chaos in the land. “It is vital that we consider his motives for this latest outburst

PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Na’Abba set to dump PDP for APC Yakubu Salisu Kano

ÏÏÏ

Former House of Representatives Speaker, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, is set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Daily Times has learnt. Na’Abba, whose leadership of the House was a major thorn in the flesh of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, was a major face in the Goodluck Jonathan campaign in 2011. His support for Jonathan in that election, against Northern candidates like Major General Muhammadu Buhari and Nuhu Ribadu, drew the ire of rioters from that geo-political region. The Sharada, Kano home of Na’Abba was burnt by irate youths who unleashed mayhem on the supporters of the president after the results of the elections were announced and it became clear that Jonathan had

won. He has since been off the political radar. An ally of the former Speaker told the Daily Times at the weekend that the Jonathan administration him after the electoral victory, in spite of his personal losses. Na’Abba was said to be particularly miffed that the Jonathan government, which dropped him like a used rag gave instant recognistion to former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, who dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the PDP. Shekarau has since been appointed Minister of Education. A source told Daily Times at the weekend: “It is a done deal. Na’Abba has already dumped the PDP for the APC. The PDP is a use-and-dump party. The former Speaker has come to that final conclusion that he has to move.” The rival APC is upbeat about the possibility of having the former Number Four citizen in its

fold. A Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor, Alh. Mujahid Zeta confirmed to the Daily Times that talks are ongoing between his party and Na’Abba. On why the APC considers the former Speaker a big fish, Zeta said: “Na’Abba is a charismatic leader whose contributions to the nation’s democracy cannot be over-emphasised.” According to him, Na’Abba as a popular politician in the North has done a lot for the PDP but the party has relegated him to the background.” Zeta quoted a recent statement by the PDP’s national chairman Adamu Mu’azu that the party is fond of using people and dumping them. The aide to Governor Musa Kwankwaso said: “Considering the significant contributions Ghali gave to Jonathan in 2011, the party is not in any way supposed to treat him the way he has been treated.”

and his credentials as a leader and an elder statesman.” Fani-Kayode said further: “The truth is that he (Obasanjo) knows that President Goodluck Jonathan will win next month’s presidential election and that is why he wants to destroy the credibility of the whole process right from the outset. “What he is trying to say in his latest contribution is that if President Jonathan wins, then the election must have been rigged right from the outset. This is not only wrong but it is also unfair and uncharitable.” The PDPPCO spokesman continued: “If President Obasanjo has any evidence to prove his weighty allegations he ought to present it before the Council of State and take it up there. “He should also report to INEC itself and present the data of whatever sinister plan he believes that President Jonathan has to stay in power ‘’by hook or by crook’’ to them. “He should tell INEC whatever it is that Jonathan is doing in order for him to stay in power by all means and he should give them all the details. That should be the starting point. “The record shows that this is not the first time that INEC has postponed elections. “In 2011 during the National Assembly elections INEC not

only cancelled the elections just after they started but they also postponed them by two weeks. The heavens did not fall then and neither did President Obasanjo accuse INEC or the President of having any grand plan to stay in power by hook or by crook at that time. One wonders what has suddenly changed? “What INEC has done by postponing the elections is firmly within the confines of the law and they have probably saved thousands of lives by doing so. “They have also given the 34 per cent of Nigerians that had not collected their PVC’s as at the relevant time the opportunity to do so. “Without this postponement all those people would have been disenfranchised and it would have placed a dark cloud over the whole process. Why should President Obasanjo have a problem with that? “President Jonathan has reaffirmed his commitment to the democratic process over and over again and he has also said that the handover date of May 29th is sacrosanct. “In view of these assurances, one wonders why President Obasanjo is creating such a hue and cry over nothing. What is he seeing that no one else can see? Continued on page 6

Female orange seller explodes in Yobe, 10 feared killed Bamidele Babalola

Damaturu About ten persons were feared killed in a bomb explosion that rocked Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Sunday, about noon. The bomb was hidden under the hijab garment of a girl who arrived the motor park in a commercial cab. About ten persons were feared killed while several others were injured. Most of the victims were children who had either been selling peanuts or begging for money at the time of the explosion, witnesses said. The suicide bomber was said to be about 12 years and she pretended to be an orange hawker. The state police commissioner, Marcus Danladi, when contacted, confirmed the incident, saying that the girl actually belonged to the Boko Haram sect. Also, spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF) of the 7th Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Dama-

ÏÏÏ

turu, Capt. Eli Lucas, confirmed the incident to our correspondent and added that troops have been mobilised to the scene to cordon off the area. As a result of the incident, all shops in the vicinity were hurriedly shut and the market closed for the day’s business. When our correspondent visited the General Hospital, Damaturu where victims were taken for treatment, four people were observed being treated for various injuries sustained in the blast. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing but it fits the pattern of violence by Boko Haram. Last year, Boko Haram began using teenage girls as suicide bombers, probably because they can evade security by hiding explosives under their hijab garments. In April same year, the extremists kidnapped over 200 schoolgirls who remain missing till today.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Mimiko denies tipping brother for INEC chair job ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÎÎÎGovernor of Ondo State, Dr.

Olusegun Mimiko, has debunked media allegations in some national dailies (Daily Times not inclusive) that he was tipping his younger brother, Prof. Femi Mimiko, for the chairmanship position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace Prof. Attahiru Jega, whose tenure expires by June. Mimiko made the clarification on the rumour on Sunday evening at a media parley with Journalists in Akure, the state capital. He disclosed that the media report is a ‘cheap propaganda’ being orchestrated by enemies of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) who doesn’t want President Goodluck Jonathan back in power. “I don’t know where the rumour emanated from, it’s a propaganda. Prof. Attahiru Jega has not expired as the INEC Chairman. So, I don’t know where the rumour is coming from, and there is no purpose for it,” he said. Prof. Femi Mimiko was the immediate past vice chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA). Mimiko also berated former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his criticism and challenged the elder statesman to substantiate his claims that President Jonathan engineered the postponement of the election for his selfish reasons. He expressed

disappointment with the former president’s outburst on the postponement of the election, stressing that all his claims cannot be substantiated. The governor noted that the postponement of the general election was in the best interest of the Southwest states, adding that many eligible voters in the region would have been disenfranchised as a result of the low distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by the electoral body. He was emphatic that the Southwest people have benefited immensely from the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in sectors of the nation’s economy, adding that the Southwest people are more politically

sophisticated and cannot be deceived by the change being propagated by the opposition parties. He also commended the Press in the state for their doggedness and commitment at sustaining democracy in the country and charged them to be objective in the discharge of their duties, especially their reportage, as the general election draw nearer. Responding, Chairman of the state’s Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Adetunji Adediran, commended the state government for its usual support for the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ). He further sought government’s support for all journalists in the state, to enable them play pivotal and active roles in the socio-economic development of the country.

Nigeria still investors’ destination – Dangote

40,000 Ondo residents living with HIV Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÎÎÎWith

over 40,000 residents of Ondo State living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), out of over 3 million carriers of the dreaded disease in Nigeria, the government of the state has begun the training of community volunteers to help further reduce its spread. The community volunteers are being trained in the three local governments of Ilaje, Ondo East and Idanre areas of the state, in collaboration with the Local Action Committee on AIDS (LACA). The Chairman of the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, disclosed this at the weekend while, flagging off mobile HIV counseling and testing service among rural dwellers in Akoko Northeast and Northwest Local Government areas.

Miss United Nations secures franchise to host Nigerian edition Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident of Dangote Group

and Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc., Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has urged Nigerians to see the current economic challenges being faced by the country as a wake-up call for all Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves to the task of building the nation through productive activities. The business mogul said though the economic downturn is ravaging most countries of the world, including Nigeria, but that the situation is not unsurmountable if properly addressed, adding that it could also serve as a stepping stone that will make the country to be more economically stronger in the future.

5 News

ÎÎÎThe

President Goodluck Jonathan (left) at a Valentine’s Day Dinner for widows and children of soldiers who died fighting Boko Haram, held at the presidential villa Abuja…on Saturday. With them is Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Sabundu Badeh (right).

current Miss United Nations, Nigeria’s Precious Chikwendu, has secured the franchise to host Miss United Nations (Nigeria) Beauty Pageant in Abuja. Chikwendu’s non-government organization, Snow Heart Foundation, will host the pageant on May 16, this year, after entry for the contest must have closed on April 7. Chikwendu, while addressing a press conference at the weekend in Abuja, disclosed that her foundation was also partnering several agencies for charity works across the country.

N15b graft: EFCC to extract confessions from Nyako’s son Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÎÎÎAbdul-Aziz

Dangote

Nyako, son of former governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Muritala Nyako (rtd), is said to be cooperating with the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in unravelling the whereabouts of the N15

billion Adamawa State fund, laundered through his companies. Abdul-Aziz, who was declared wanted along with his father two weeks ago, was arrested by the anti-graft commission in Gombe, the capital of Gombe State, Friday morning. His father, who was impeached last year is, however, still at large.

Sources close to the EFCC said Abdul-Aziz is currently telling investigators all he knows about the illicit funds traced to companies where he has interest. “He will have to explain how over N15 billion funds belonging to Adamawa State was laundered into the accounts of five companies owned by him - Blue Opal Nigeria Lim-

ited, Crust Energy Nigeria Limited, Blue Ribbon Multi-Links Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited and Blue Ribbon Bureau de Change.” EFCC operatives also want to know from Abdul-Aziz the final destination of the huge amount, some of which were said to have been spent on estate development.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Obasanjo is not God, says Jonathan Continued from page 4 One wonders what his motives are? “Does he have to rule every government by proxy? Must every leader take instructions from him? Is it a case of ‘’if I cannot control you and tell you what to do then you must go?’’

“President Obasanjo spoke about President Laurent Gbagbo and he claimed that President Jonathan was attempting to do a Gbagbo in Nigeria. “The question that must be put to him is this: ‘’who got Gbagbo out?’’ Was it not Jonathan’s government that played a key role in ensuring that democracy was ful-

ly established in the Ivory Coast and did he not play a key role in ensuring that the Gbagbo plan ‘’stay in power forever plan’’ did not work? “If anyone doubts this, they should ask President Alhassan Outtara of La Cote D’Ivoire the role that Jonathan and Nigeria played in helping to restore de-

APC rally in London at the weekend

CAF U-17 Ch/ship: Eaglets silence Niger 2-0 in opener ANDREW EKEJIUBA with Agency Report

ÏÏÏ

Amuneke

Two-time winners Nigeria made an impressive start to the 2015 CAF U-17 Championship by defeating the hosts, Niger 2-0 in the opener on Sunday. Goals from Victor Osimhen after 18 minutes and skipper Kelechi Nwakali’s beautiful free-kick from outside the box gave Nigeria victory at the Stade Seyni Kountche in Niamey. The hosts went closer with Souradjou Alhassane just before the break, but could not test Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Akpan Udoh.

In the second half Niger rallied to try and get back into the game with striker Ibrahim Issoufou the main threat, but the Eaglets were resolute at the back and held on to collect maximum points and pile pressure on the debutant hosts who now face a ‘must-win’ clash against Zambia in their second Group A fixture. The opening match was preceded by a colourful ceremony attended by the host President Mahamadou Issoufou; CAF President Issa Hayatou; Executive Committee of CAF and members of the Organizing Committee of the CAF U-17 Championship.

mocracy and stability back to his country. “They should also find out the role that President Obasanjo played in attempting to keep President Laurent Gbagbo in power at all costs and the deep friendship that exists between the two men. “It is a matter of fact and public record that when he was President of Nigeria, President Obasanjo, perhaps more than any other African Head of State with the exception of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, propped up and supported President Gbagbo and it is an irony of fate and history that he is now condemning the actions of his old friend and accusing others of trying to emulate them. “Again it is ironic that President Obasanjo has accused President Jonathan of having a grand plan to stay in power at all costs and by all means yet it is the same Obasanjo that tried to stay in power for a third term even though the Nigerian constitution specifically forbade it. “He tried all he could to change the constitution but the whole thing failed and he was compelled to leave power. “After Jonathan came to power, Obasanjo not only tried to control and teleguide him but he also asked him to do a number of things that were simply wrong and unacceptable. “It is for President Goodluck Jonathan himself to divulge those things and I am sure that he will do so at the appropriate time. “Needless to say President Jonathan refused to be teleguided and told what to do even though at all times he showed Obasanjo maximum respect and accorded him all the privileges, access and courtesies that is due to a former Head of State and a father and mentor. “This continued to be the case even after Obasanjo consistently attempted to undermine his government and ridicule his efforts. “Yet, President Obasanjo could not be appeased and was not satisfied. As far as he was concerned, he must either control Jonathan or Jonathan had to go. “That is why he decided to secretly support the APC and became their ‘’navigator in chief ’’. “He was determined to pull the whole house down rather than allow Jonathan to return to power. This is simply because he believes that if he cannot control someone that person must be destroyed. Control and domination is an obsession for Obasanjo. That is the bottom line. “He is prepared to put even

the devil in power provided he can control him. That is why he is so determined to stop Jonathan and put in place an Interim Government which he, or one of his surrogates, will head. That is his plan and he is determined to achieve it no matter what it takes. “Obasanjo does not want genuine democracy. He only pretends to want it. What he wants is control and a stooge in power. It does not matter what type of government it is as long as he controls it and it is headed by his puppet. It can be a military government, a civilian one, a democratic one, an interim government or a government of National Unity. “To Obasanjo it does not matter as long as he can control it. That is his objective. That is why he hates Jonathan so much and that is why he wishes to stop him at all costs. “The bottom line is this: President Obasanjo’s grouse with President Jonathan is personal and it has nothing to do with Nigeria. “He should leave Nigeria out of it and let us all be. If he has a personal score to settle with Jonathan he should not do so at the expense of the peace and stability of Nigeria. “If he wants to stop Jonathan then let him attempt to do so through the democratic process and through the ballot box and not through foul and unconstitutional means. “We said it before and we will say it again: gone are the days that any President can be teleguided and controlled because we have all come of age. “We continue to hold President Obasanjo in high esteem but his recent actions and utterances are beyond the pale. He has been unfair to Jonathan, to Nigeria and even to himself. Most importantly the days of intimidating others with his harsh words and overbearing influence are long over. “Obasanjo is not God. Only God is God and He alone determines the fortunes of men and the destiny of nations. “We sincerely hope that President Obasanjo appreciates the gravity of what he is attempting to do and we shall continue to pray that God will guide him and deliver him from whatever it is that makes him want to destroy all those that love him the most. “Whether he likes it or not democracy has come to stay in Nigeria and the will of the Nigerian people will be done in next month’s presidential elections and thereafter. “We believe that is God’s plan and not even one million Obasanjo’s can stop it”, he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

7 News

Southern xtian elders dare Amaechi to prove N6b allegation Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏThe

Southern Nigeria Christian Elders’ Forum, (SOCEF), has asked the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi to expose the pastors who, allegedly, collected N6 billion bribe from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). Amaechi had, some time ago, alleged that some pastors were

bribed by the presidency, to get their backing for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election. However, in a press statement signed by Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), South-East, Bishop David Eberechukwu, on behalf of SOCEF, the group said, “We are still investigating the gift of N1 million to each pastor in Rivers State. “We call on Governor Amaechi to disclose names of those that

collected the N6 billion gratification”, he added. The group also expressed concern over some comments by elder statesmen on national issues, urging them to “consider the growth, peace and togetherness of this nation”. Eberechukwu added that “SOCEF wishes to commend the authorities, INEC and the security chiefs, for shifting the election dates. This is to enable INEC to

ÏÏÏThe presidential candidate

Tony Elumelu Foundation Youth gets new chief executive group backs Tony Elumelu Foundation has announced the appointment of Professor Reid E. Whitlock as its new chief executive, effective Sunday, February 15, 2015. Whitlock’s appointment follows Dr. Wiebe Boer, the inaugural Chief Executive of the Foundation, becoming Director of Strategy at Heirs Holdings, Founded in 2010, by serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu, the Foundation is Africa’s leading advocate for entrepreneurship, responsible for programmes designed to ensure that entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship become the primary driver of Africa’s economic growth and social transformation. Whitlock brings 30 years of experience as a business school rector, diplomat, entrepreneur,

Amaechi

Buhari pledges to run market-based economy

Nollywood Actress, Bimbola Adesanya; All Progressives Congress (APC), gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; his running mate, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule and candidate (APC) for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot during a visit by Ambode to Ikeja City Mall Alausa Ikeja, Lagos…on Saturday

ÏÏÏThe board of Trustees of the

plan very well and conduct a free and fair election. “We should not allow foreigners to decide our fate in this country and we need to do our thing very well and those that have not collected their PVC will now have a lot of time to do so. “Finally, we call on all Christians and Muslims to pray for a peaceful transition and let God decide our fate and not foreigners”.

strategy consultant and advisor to leaders in Africa, Asia and the Middle East on economic development. He received his Ph.D. and law degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and is a cum laude graduate of Princeton University. Commenting on Whitlock’s appointment, Founding Patron of the Foundation, Professor Michael Porter said, “Tony’s commitment to African entrepreneurship is unshakeable and I salute his appointment of Professor Whitlock as the CEO of his Foundation. Professor Whitlock has unique experience in driving competitiveness and entrepreneurship growth in Africa, including in Rwanda that has achieved remarkable progress”.

Afenifere on Jonathan ÏÏÏA

group, Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) worldwide, has dissociated itself from the position taken by another group, South West Youth Forum (SWYF), over the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid. The SWYF, had, recently, berated Afenifere for its support for Jonathan’s re-election bid, rejecting the use of Afenifere as the face of the South-West support for the President. But in a release issued by national President, Yoruba Youth Council, Comrade Eric Oluwole, and made available to Daily Times, the group rejected the position of the SWYF on the matter.

of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, has assured that his government will run a market-based economy. He said the economy would be with clear regulatory framework and effective enforcement mechanism with zero tolerance for corruption. The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) quoted Buhari to have said ahead of his town hall meeting at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu on Monday that his envisaged presidency would deepen a viable free market economy in the country and that businesses would enjoy marked differences

in the environment, for undertaking their activities. A statement, issued by the Directorate of Media and Publicity of the APCPCO on Sunday in Abuja, said that Nigerian citizens in business, foreign investors and young entrepreneurs, under the APC presidency would enjoy equal incentives and friendly business and investment climate. To this end, Buhari was quoted to have promised that his APC-led government “will insist on and cut out wastages and run a lean and efficient administration, in order to have funds available for capital and development projects, which will assure prosperity for all Nigerians.

PVC: Anambra APC accuses INEC, APGA of manipulation Doris Nnabuenyi Awka

ÏÏÏThe Anambra State chapter

of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has connived with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate the 2015 general election. According to Chairman of APC, Barr. Emeka Ibe, who spoke with Daily Times on Sunday in Awka, the permanent voter’s cards (PVC) belonging to Anambra electorate have, allegedly, been highjacked by APGA in order to rig the election.

‘’We have it on good authority that the 21 local government chairmen in Anambra State are in custody of the PVC, which should have been shared to the voters. Already, one APGA member is in police net, following the discovery of the voter’s cards in his custody, same is happening in all the local government areas in the state’’, Ibe added. ‘’The problem is that the INEC has been working with APGA to ensure that the votes do not count and we, in APC, are fully prepared to stop them at all cost. We cannot allow this charade and undemocratic actions of these co-travellers to take place in our state.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

11 Bayelsa women leaders die in crash Akam James, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏBayelsa State was on Satur-

day thrown into mourning following the tragic death of 11 women leaders in a ghastly motor accident along the East-West road in Rivers State. The dead included former members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and commissioners. The women, who were mostly members of a Non-Governmental Organisation known as the Women For Change Initiative, and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were on their way back to Yenagoa, the state capital after a private visit to the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan in her country home of Okirika community of Rivers

State. According to a preliminary report issued by the Bayelsa Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vincent Jack, 29 passengers in three separate vehicles were involved in the accident. Eighteen persons were injured and 11 others burnt beyond recognition. The three vehicles were identified as a Toyota Hiace Bus with number plate GBB591FS, a Toyota Siena (ABU640AE) and Toyota Highlander Sports Utility Van (YEN 371RJ). The FRSC attributed the accident to tyre burst. “The injured were taken to Madonna Hospital in Elele by the Police who first came to the scene. The corpse of one victim was deposited at Oepdem Mortuary in Ahoada while police took one of the corpses to

Rumuji. Nine others were burnt beyond recognition.” The Daily Times gathered that the dead included a former member of the State House of Assembly from Brass Local Government and Special Adviser to incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson, Mrs. Ruby Benjamin; a former Commissioner for Women Affairs under the administration of Governor Timipre Sylva, Hon. Gimbra Panowei; the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Elizabeth Allison-Oguru; and a Woman Leader from Otuoke Community in Ogbia Local Government, Madam Consider Amadi. Our correspondent confirmed that a former Bayelsa State Commissioner, Ebisinte Ayabowei survived the accident. The Former Commissioner for Transport, Mrs.Marie Ebikake,who was also

in Okirika on a private visit was reported to have driven back to Yenagoa in a separate vehicle and escaped being part of the ill-fated journey. A top member of the Women For Change Initiative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Daily Times: “We met at Dame Patience Jonathan’s home in Okirika community, and after the brief meeting with the First Lady, they were supposed to go back on Friday. But when the First Lady met them at the Port Harcourt Airport, she was surprised that they were still around. “The women, who were in a jolly mood, replied the First Lady that they had wanted to make sure that “Mummy” leave for Abuja before they will return to Yenagoa. That was the last we saw of them.”

IGP cautions policemen on use of firearms during elections Andrew Orolua

President Goodluck Jonathan interacting with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja at the weekend

Abuja

ÏÏÏInspector-General

of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has asked men and officers of the Nigeria Police to apply caution in the use of firearms during the forthcoming election. He warned that such could only be used except in extreme circumstances. The police chief gave the advice while addressing some senior police officers and stakeholders in his office at the weekend in Abuja. Abba said his administration was committed to the observance of the rule of law and respect of the fundamental rights of citizens. While admitting that there were circumstances under which an officer could be provoked in the course of duty, the IGP stressed that the attributes of a Police Officer as contained in the Police Regulations, was to be “tact, patience and tolerance and the control of his temper in trying situations.” He advised all officers of the ned to apply caution in the use of firearms, warning that “except in extreme circumstances, arms shall not be used during the forthcoming elections.” He said that the rule of law is the underpinning tenet of democracy, and should guide police officers in the discharge of their duties.

Kogi LG official kidnapped Ibrahim Momohjimoh Lokoja

ÏÏÏThe

Director of Local Government (DLG) in Adavi Local Government Council of Kogi State, Alhaji Abdullazeez Ohere, was on Saturday evening kidnapped by yet to be identified abductors. Ohere’s abductors was said to have struck at his house at Agassa in Okene Local Government Area. The Daily Times reliably gathered that the kidnappers, numbering about 10, jumped over the fortified fence of his house at about 11 : 00 pm on Saturday. The hoodlums were said to have used a heavy object to break the main door of the house before they gained entrance into Ohere’s residence. According the source, the kidnappers, upon entering the house, collected all the mobile telephone handsets of all occupants of the house and told Ohere that they were hired to assassinate him. They, however, urged him to cooperate with them to save his life.

Stop over-heating polity, group tells Obasanjo Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏA group, Nigeria Prosper-

APC UK rally for Buhari Ngozi Okafor London

ÏÏÏMembers

of the All Progressives Congress (APC) UK chapter, and others representing the ‘Hope Movement for Nigeria’, and those without any affiliation held a solidarity rally opposite the Nigerian High Commission, in support of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and Professor Yemi Osibajo. They argued that the duo were capable of bringing change to Nigeria, if elected as President and Vice-President, respectively, in next month’s Presidential election. Numbering about 20 and with various pro-Buhari and Osibajo placards during the two-hour rally from noon on Saturday, the cheerleaders chanted ‘Great Ni-

geria, Great Nigeria’, while the crowd responded with ‘Great, Great’, as they took turns to outline the case for APC and the reasons for Nigerians to vote out the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). According to one of them, Oluwamuyiwa Adesuha: “For Nigerian youths to have come out and say we want a change, it means that we’re trying to hold on to our own future as well,” and democracy must stay.” Continuing, he said: “I say no to an interim government being propagated by some PDP agents; I say no to the impunity going on at the moment, because it seems nobody cares. Corruption will soon kill that country if we don’t send this government packing.” Adesuha also noted that “’Ekitigate’ needs to be investigated,

because a state that has produced the highest number of professors should not have a criminal leading them,” adding that he came out because of a better tomorrow for Nigeria. Godwin Odusanmi of the Hope Movement gave reasons for wanting Buhari and Osinbajo voted in, noting that he came out for the event not just to see ours leaders held to account for the lots of ills they’ve done to Nigeria, but also to stop ‘the cabal’ ruling the nation “from jeopardising the future of our children.” Asked if he believed that Buhari and Osinbajo were the ones to actualise that hope, his response was ‘absolutely’. Continuing, Odusami said: “I was a young chap when he was Military Head of State, and he did wonderfully well.”

ity Project (NPP), has urged former President Olusegun Obasanjo to stop over-heating the already charged political atmosphere in the country. The group urged the former leader to instead offer useful services as a patriot and statesman that Nigeria could rely on in times of trouble. The group also decried Obasanjo’s unrelenting attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration saying “this is uncalled for and unbecoming of a statesman.” National Coordinator of NPP, Mr. Louis Ebodaghe, said Obasanjo has no moral justification to descend so low in his continuous tirades and unnecessary outburst. The group accused the former president of being envious of the incumbent. According to the group, “during the eight years rule of Obasanjo/Atiku Abubakar administration, they built only two private universities.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Senate resumes Tuesday, deliberates on PIB, 2015 Budget Celestine Okafor (Bureau Chief, North) & Sunday Isuwa

ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Senate will on Tuesday resume its plenary session after over one month of recess. The lawmakers were on recess to enable them participate in the on-going electioneering campaigns and in the elections earlier slated for February 14 and 28, 2015. Upon resumption, Senate would deliberate on the 2015 budgetary appropriations, earlier presented before the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan, through the Minister of Finance

and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala in late December, 2014. Apart from expediting action on the 2015 budget proposal, as directed in January by the Senate President, David Mark, Senate would also consider the pending reports by the various committees, including the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the postponement of the 2015 polls and the war against insurgency in the country. Mark, had, in a welcome speech, during the last resumption of plenary, said that apart from the prompt consideration of the Budget, the PIB would be given

speedy consideration. “I would like to assure Nigerians that the National Assembly will work hard to ensure that the 2015 Appropriation Bill is passed in good time. As we resume this last lap of the 7th Senate, we shall endeavour to pass the lingering Petroleum Industry Bill,” Mark assured. Some lawmakers told Daily Times, in separate telephone interviews about what to expect as the National Assembly members resume plenary this week. Senate Committee Chairman on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang (PDP, Akwa Ibom North-East), said on

L-R: Son of the Late philanthropist, Chief Omolade Okoya-Thomas, Deji, Dr. Oscar Odibo; Mr. Kunle Taiwo and Chief Abdulrazak Okoya during the condolence visit by Abdulrazak to Thomas’s residence in Victoria Island, Lagos at the weekend. Photo: Bolaji Olasunkanmi

Sunday that Senate would focus on the 2015 budget, the several committee reports, like the PIB, among others. Enang said: “We are giving priority attention to the 2015 budget, when we resume on Tuesday. And, of course, you know, as the Senate President had earlier directed, we will equally prioritise the various reports, including the PIB, because that is of serious public interest”. Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim (APC, Yobe East) told our correspondent that apart from the 2015 budget, the postponement of the election and the war against insurgency, would top the agenda. Ibrahim said: “I don’t know how important the PIB is, but the budget is very important at this period. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would seek the approval of the National Assembly on the new dates in which the elections will be conducted”.

Arewa Unity Vanguard endorses Jonathan’s candidature SAKA BOLAJI MINNA

ÏÏÏ Arewa Unity Vanguard has

Relatives of fallen heroes to get FG’s Victim Support Fund Monday Agu, Jnr

ÏÏÏ

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Federal Government will adopt the Victim Support Fund as a policy to cater for families of the nation’s fallen heroes. Jonathan said this on Saturday night, when he hosted widows and children of military men, who died in service, at the State House Banquet Hall. The President noted that the families deserved more from Nigeria because, without the sacrifices of their late bread winners, there would be no

country, called Nigeria, today. ``We will adopt your programme as a Federal Government policy, so that every year, we will know what the government can do to take care of the welfare of the wives and children of our fallen heroes,” he said. ``I assure you that government will continue to support you. We are here to reinforce our total commitment to you, so that we can be held responsible if we fail to do what we are supposed to do,’’ he said. The president noted that the Fund would do everything possible to alleviate the plight of the affected families.

He, however, said that government had other intervention programmes, which would be placed at the disposal of the families to improve their welfare. Speaking earlier, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, observed that the government owed the safety of the nation to the members of the Armed Forces. He added that their love would be compensated, by ensuring that the military brought the war against terror to a successful end.

called on all its coordinators in the 19 northern states to intensify their campaign towards the success of President Goodluck Jonathan. In a communique issued at the end of its meeting in Minna, the organisation commended the transformation agenda of the present administration and issue-based campaign strategy of the president. The communique jointly signed by Garba Muhammad and Dadinkowa Gombe, president and secretary, respectively, reaffirmed its belief in the ability of the Independdent National Electoral Commission to conduct a free and fair general election and for Nigerians to participate in the election without resort to violence. The two-page communique extolled Jonathan, especially, on the establishment of 125 Almajiri schools in 13 northern states.

9 News APC decries abandonment of N76b Abuja CCTV camera project ÏÏÏ

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has decried the abandonment of the failed $470m (N76 billion) National Public Security Communications System Project in Abuja, otherwise known as the CCTV Camera Project. The project, supposed to help Nigeria shore-up its security, had remained shrouded in mystery, wastage and embezzlement of scarce national resources. APCPCO Director of Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, lamented the shoddy and inadequate delivery on the project, which was designed to cover Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Bayelsa, Kaduna and Kano, in its pilot phase. The organisation queried the sincerity of the Nigerian Government, in its battle against insecurity and corruption, when it could not deliver on a project that was supposed to use technology, which President Goodluck Jonathan, lately, had a passion for, to “make our cities safer, like is the practice in other countries.

Cleric knocks govt over polls shift Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ

A cleric, Prophet Samuel Olu-Alo of the Mountain of Mercy Church, Erio-Ekiti, has said that the sudden postponement of the general election, amounts to toying with the destiny of Nigerians. Olu-Alo said “the postponement of the election is both good and bad, because people have been waiting anxiously for it. The government had been preparing for it for a long time and Boko Haram insurgency had also been with us for some time. “The insurgency that the government could not overcome in seven years, is it in six weeks that it would overcome it? “The postponement of the election was not good enough, it is just like changing a destiny, but, if God is ready for Nigeria, no governor, no president or pastor can stop Him”.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, Feburary 16, 2015

Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left); former Comm. for Justice, Barr. Wale Afolabi (left); former Comm. for Information and Strategy, Hon. Sunday Akere (2nd right) and former Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Youths and Special Needs, Hon. Biyi Odunlade during an Inter-Religious Prayers Service at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo… on Saturday

Insurance companies charge airlines above global offer Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏAirlines in the country seem to be bucking under intense hardship especially from insurance companies in the country that are fleecing these airlines with exorbitant charges. Daily Times gathered that these insurance companies, under the regulation of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), have over the years been charging Nigerian domestic carriers above five times the globally offered premium rate as insurance brokers, only to re-insure with the major underwriters abroad.

Insurance companies in the country do not have the capacity to underwrite any risk undertaken in the aviation industry on aircraft and so they act as middle men and re-insure with major underwriters like Lloyds of London, Allianz Aviation Insurance and Aerospace Insurance and a host of others who have the capacity to handle this. Daily Times further learnt from a reliable source that an aircraft valued for about US$10 million, can be insured (for that valued with crew and 3rd party liability suitable for Europe) in the United States of America, Great Britain or even the Barbados for between US$ 80,000 and

US$100,000 as annual premium. As a category 1 civil aviation, Nigeria is supposed to be one of the low risk countries. And this should reduce premium further even and not hike it over and above global standard as has been the case in Nigeria for these long years. However, insurance companies in the country, because of certain policies enacted are capitalising on the need for them to broker for the airlines to charge them between US$300,000 and US$600,000 for just about $10 million value aircraft or as the case may be only to turn around and then pay the underwriters what is globally due, profiteer-

Alleged threat: Niger APC raises alarm over Deputy Gov Pita Chikwem Minna

ÏÏÏ

Niger State All Progressive Congress (APC), on Sunday, said it would hold Governor Babangida Aliyu responsible if anything happens to his deputy, Hon. Ahmed Ibeto, who defected to APC recently. APC spokesman, Jonathan Vatsa, who spoke to our correspondent in Minna, on the state of security in the party, condemned the action of Aliyu, who ordered his deputy out of council meeting. Vatsa said the action last Wednesday, was uncalled for, insisting that the party will hold him responsible should anything happen to the deputy governor.

“No matter what happens, Ibeto is still the deputy governor of Niger State, and should be treated honourably, rather than the humiliation he suffered at the council chambers. “It is not funny enough that the state governor has shown his desperation, coupled with various attacks on APC members through his hired thugs to disrupt our campaigns and destroy our vehicles. We have no other option than to employ private security to protect our members since all the security agencies are working for the ruling party in the State”, Vatsa said. While recalling the Niger East Senatorial bye-election that was characterised by intimidation from security agencies, he said,

ing from the airlines. Our reporter also learnt from a source in NAICOM that all the insurance companies in Nigeria cannot underwrite the risk of an aircraft if there is an accident, hence the question, why are they profiteering of airlines and underwriters. The source who pleaded anonymity said,” These people are not underwriters, they cannot underwrite an accident in this industry, they don’t have the capacity as they are just brokers. All they do is collect so much money over five to ten times of the internationally known cost and re-insure with Lloyds and others”.

Lokoja residents demand compensation from FG Ibrahim Momohjimoh Lokoja

Aliyu “We have resorted to private security because all the security agencies have failed us, they are the apparatus of both the Federal and State governments”. He however, advised APC supporters to maintain peaceful condition, before, during and after elections, while urging politicians to realize the need to conduct the process in such a manner that the state will still be in peace after the polls.

ÏÏÏResidents of Kpata area of Lokoja, Kogi State, have appealed to the state governor, Captain Idris Wada, to prevail on the management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), to pay their compensation before handing over the proposed embankment on the bank of the River Niger. Speaking on behalf of other residents, Mallam Baba Yusuf, lamented that they were surprised to see the state Ministry of Environment, NIWA and the representative of ZEECELI Construction Company, taking over the Kpata area for the construction of the embankment.

Akpabio assures Ika nation on road construction

ÏÏÏAkwa Ibom State Governor,

Chief Godswill Akpabio, has pledged to sign a contract for the construction of Urua Inyang-Ikot Udo -Abala Road, in Ika Local Government Area of the state. Akpabio, who stated this last weekend, during the PDP state campaign rally at the Saint Patrick’s Primary School, Urua Inyang in the area, said this was to open up the area for business opportunities. The governor said that Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who is the state PDP governorship candidate, was the right choice of the people, stressing that leadership comes from God and that God has chosen Emmanuel for the people of the state, “to open the doors of prosperity for the state, which no man can shut”, he said. He hinted that he would have done more for the people of Ika but due to the fall of oil price, he couldn’t complete most of the projects.

Ekiti AG advocates protection of women’s rights Gbenga Sodeinde

Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏEkiti State Attorney General

and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Owoseni Ajayi, has advocated the rights of women be upheld in all strata of society. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, while playing host to members of the State Chapter of the Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Barrister Ajayi noted that women occupy a crucial place in the society hence, they should be accorded their pride of place at all times . He said women occupying sensitive positions around the world have never disappointed as they have demonstrated that they are as capable as the menfolk. The Attorney General, who restated the commitment of the Fayose-Administration to the rule of law, promised to support the association in all its programmes Earlier, the Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs. Rita Ilevbare, had sought the support of the Attorney General for the state chapter to enable it successfully host the National Executive Council (NEC), meeting of the association scheduled to hold later in the year. According to her, Ekiti State chapter of FIDA, would be hosting the NEC meeting for the first time since its inauguration in year 2000.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Supreme Court sacks traditional ruler after 30 years on throne Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏOne of the royal fathers in

Plateau State, Nde Goyang Kayili of Somji, Kabwir District of Pankshin Local Government Area, at the weekend, had his appointment nullified by the Supreme Court, because he took the turn of another ruling house. The apex court said that Nde Goyang Kayili’s appeal challenging his sack by the lower court lacked merit and, therefore, dismissed it. Nde Goyang Kayili had occupied the stool since September 5, 1984, after the death of Nde Boyi Goshit from same Ne’es family. But, Esly Yilbuk and two others, now deceased, challenged the appointment in a suit in 1987, on behalf of the Neha Ruling House but they lost and went on appeal which gave them favourable judgment.

Gunmen attack Kano town Yakubu Salisu

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Police Force in Kano has confirmed an attack on Kibya town on Sunday evening. According to Police Public relations Officer (PPRO) Magaji Musa Majiya, the gunmen arrived the town in Hilux vans and on motorcycles, shooting sporadically, but met a very strong resistance from the police. The police said one of the gunmen was killed while the people of the town apprehended two of the gunmen who were handed over to the police. Alh. Musa said that the gun men fled with their vehicles heading towards Sumaila Local GOvernment Area. He said his men were in their pursuit and investigation was on.

11 News

PDP urges parties to support INEC for credible polls Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appealed to all political parties and other relevant stakeholders in the electoral process to join hands with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee the success of the forthcoming general elections. The PDP said that it was imperative for the registered parties to put their differences aside and come together to assist INEC to create the required environment for credible, free and fair elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, made the appeal in a statement he signed. Metuh insisted that it was imperative that the parties put aside narrow group interests and come together in the interest of the nation. The PDP also advised INEC to adequately test-run its equipment in a mock election session, within two weeks, to demonstrate and ensure their practicability and reliability in the field. According to Metuh: “The responsibility of building a united, strong and prosperous nation – an-

chored on democratic principles – lies on all of us collectively. “We therefore charge all political parties, other relevant groups and all stakeholders in the electoral process to jettison all personal/ group interests and put that of our nation and its people ahead of all”, he said. The PDP pointed out that the future of Nigeria will be determined by what people do or say at this point in time. He added that as patriotic citizens, Nigerians needed to join hands with INEC and relevant institutions of government to ensure credible, free and fair elec-

L-R: Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu; Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and Chief Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, during the flag off of the Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Center at Nnewi... at the weekend

C’River Hausa community seeks greater collaboration with govt Emma Obi Calabar

ÏÏÏThe Hausa, Fulani and Mus-

lim communities in Cross River State have expressed satisfaction over the peaceful co-existence between them and their host communities. According to the group, they owed the government and people of Cross River State a great deal, because for over a century, they have leaved and carried out their legitimate businesses on the land without any serious skirmishes, not even with the herdsmen and host communities. Secretary of the Hausa, Fulani and Muslim communities in the state, Alhaji Shaaban Abdullahi, made these remarks, on Sunday, in Calabar, during an exclusive

Imoke

interview with Daily Times. “On behalf of the Hausa, Fulani and Muslim communities

in Cross River State, the group thanks, in a special way, the Senator Liyel Imoke-led administration for giving” one of their own, Alhaji Shaaban Abdullahi, the opportunity to serve as board member, Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA). Apart from being a member of (SACA), Abdullahi also combines as a member of the Health Research Ethics Committee of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Like an Oliver Twist, the people further urged the Cross River State government to also consider their for appointments into the state executive council either as Commissioners or Special Assistants, so they could contribute their quota to the development of the state.

tions devoid of rancor and avoidable disagreements. He said further that: “At this point, what should be paramount is the well-being of our people and the survival of our dear nation and its democracy. “We must, therefore, close ranks as brothers and sisters and resist the machinations of enemies of our country. “In this regard, we must redirect our political discourse and energies to productive issues that promote national development, reinforce our unity and engender mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence of our people.

Enugu Govt awards 38 varsity scholarships Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏGovernor Sullivan Chime of

Enugu State, over the weekend, announced scholarships for 38 pupils of Inland Primary School, Imilike in Udenu Local Government Area. The scholarships, which would see the pupils through university education, was in recognition of their special performance at the Peoples Democratic Party’s rally in Udenu Local Government Area the home of its governorship candidate, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The Governor who could not hide his feelings at the performance of the primary school pupils immediately took the microphone and announced a scholarship award up to the university level to the amazement of the mammoth crowd. Ugwuanyi has been chosen and accepted by all the traditional rulers and people of the state to succeed him as next governor of the state.

Chime

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

UN to end support for DR Congo operation ÏÏÏThe President Jacob Zuma under pressure to release more lands for Black South Africans

Zuma outlines harsh land policy for foreigners

ÏÏÏForeigners

will be banned from owning land in South Africa under new proposals outlined by President Jacob Zuma. Locals will have limits set on the size of their farms under the proposals. Mr Zuma first announced them in a state of the nation speech on Thursday overshadowed by violence in parliament. Two decades after the end of apartheid, land is still concentrated in the hands of a largely white minority, and remains a sensitive issue. The government is under

growing pressure to put more land in the hands of the country’s black majority. “Land has become one of the most critical factors in achieving redress for the wrongs of the past,” said Mr Zuma, elaborating on the plans on Saturday. “In this regard, the regulation of land holdings bill will be submitted to parliament this year.” In the future, foreigners will only be allowed to lease land, not to own it, he said, adding that local farmers would not be able to own more than 12,000 hectares.

That is presumably aimed at white farmers who still own much of the best farmland a generation after the end of racial apartheid, says the BBC’s Andrew Harding in Johannesburg. There are many reasons for the slow pace of change in the country, says our correspondent, and these new proposals will face strong legal challenges from farmers who argue that smaller plots will not be commercially viable. But the governing African National Congress is looking for

Suicide bombers wreak havoc in Egypt, six injured

ÏÏÏTwo

suicide car bombs wounded six people at the weekend when officers fired on the vehicles as they approached a police station in the restive Sinai Peninsula, officials said. The brazen daytime attack occurred in the town of Sheikh Zuweid in North Sinai where security forces are battling an Islamist insurgency. The bombings came after a deadly militant assault last month killed 30 soldiers in North Sinai. “The two cars were driven by suicide bombers who wanted to blow up the Sheikh Zuweid police station,” a security official said describing Saturday’s attack. “Security forces fired at the cars as they approached the police sta-

tion. The vehicles exploded, killing the two suicide bombers.” Two other cars that were carrying gunmen and were following the suicide bombers fled the scene, however, the official said, adding that security forces were searching for them. Those wounded in the attack included a police officer, a policeman and four civilians, officials and medics said. Militants have regularly launched spectacular attacks against security forces in the Sinai Peninsula where the army has poured troops and armour to fight the insurgency. The insurgency has peaked since the army toppled Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July

Morsi 2013, with scores of policemen and soldiers killed in a string of raids. Militants say their attacks are in retaliation to a government crackdown targeting Morsi supporters that has left hundreds dead.

votes, and is wary of being outflanked by more radical voices calling for white-owned land to be seized without compensation, he adds. On Thursday, parliament descended into chaos as leftist MPs scuffled with security during Mr Zuma’s key annual speech. Nomsa Maseko reports on the protests inside the chamber The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, repeatedly interrupted Mr Zuma, demanding answers over a spending scandal.

Libyan militants blow up oil pipelines

ÏÏÏMilitants

in Libya, at the weekend, blew up a pipeline that transports oil from a southern field to the eastern city of Tobruk on the Mediterranean, local media reported. Oil employee Issa al-Manfa reported the attack on the al-Sarir pipeline to Libyan news site alWasat. The pipeline transports around 180 000 barrels per day, according to al-Wasat. It runs between al-Sarir oilfield to al-Hariga export terminal in Tobruk. No-one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Gunmen linked to the Islamic State extremist group on Friday attacked the al-Bahi oilfield in central Libya, according to al-Wasat

UN is pulling its support for a Democratic Republic of Congo military operation against rebels after Kinshasa missed a deadline to sack two generals, a UN official said Saturday. The UN’s 20,000-strong MONUSCO force had been working with Congo’s army on a plan to drive out the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels from the east of the country. The planned joint offensive reached an impasse when UN officials demanded that two leading generals accused of human rights violations be replaced as a condition for supporting the military action. “The initial two-week period ... has expired,” the official told AFP. “The next step is the dispatch of formal letters to the relevant Congolese authorities concerning the cessation of support,” the official said. The correspondence will be sent by the end of the week, the official said.

Many missing in Congo boats collision

ÏÏÏDozens of

people were missing on Saturday after a collision between two boats on the Congo River in western Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) and a local official said. The WHO said in a report that the accident occurred on Thursday along a stretch of the river about 200km northeast of the capital Kinshasa in Bandundu province and was provoked by a strong whirlwind from nearby rapids. According to figures from local transportation officials cited by the WHO, three bodies were recovered out of an estimated 100 on board one of the vessels. Some 42 survivors made it to shore. However the WHO said that there was no passenger manifest and that witness accounts suggest the boat was carrying closer to 150 passengers. The second boat did not sustain any known damage, the WHO said. A spokesperson for the governor of Bandundu said on Saturday that dozens of passengers were missing. A WHO spokesperson said on Saturday that the provincial governor was on his way from Kinshasa to the scene of the accident, a remote area in Congo’s interior, accompanied by a WHO team with emergency medical supplies.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Taliban militants attack Shia mosque, 20 dead ÏÏÏTaliban

militants have attacked worshippers at a Shia mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar with guns and grenades, killing at least 20. Two weeks ago, another attack on a Shia mosque in Sindh province’s Shikarpur district left more than 60 people dead. Sunni militants linked to the Taliban said they had carried out the Shikarpur attack, which was the deadliest in years. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his grief for the loss of life and said that the government remained committed to “eradicating the menace of ter-

rorism”. Over the past decade, Pakistan has experienced an increasing number of sectarian attacks. Most are carried out by hardline Sunni Muslim groups against Shias, who comprise about 20% of the population. Unidentified relatives of the victims of the suicide bomb attack on a Shiite Mosque, react to the deaths of their loved ones, at a local hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, 13 February 2015 More than 40 people were wounded in this attack. Pakistani security personnel inspect a Shiite Muslim mosque

after an attack by Taliban militants in Peshawar on 13 February 2015. Over the past decade, Pakistan has experienced an increasing number of sectarian attacks. In Peshawar, TV footage on Friday showed people running from the scene, some carrying wounded people on their shoulders. Police chief Mian Saeed said the militants stormed the mosque wearing suicide vests. However, only one attacker managed to detonate his. The other two reportedly threw grenades and shot at worshippers gathered for Friday prayers. The head of the provincial po-

lice, Nasir Durrani, said that worshipers prevented one of the attackers from detonating his vest. “People here showed great courage. They grabbed one of the attackers from his neck, and he couldn’t detonate [his explosives], and he was shot and killed.” The Pakistani Taliban said their fighters had carried out the attack, claiming that it was in revenge for the execution of one of their members. The Taliban have carried out a number of atrocities in Peshawar, including an attack on a school in December in which 150 people were killed.

ÏÏÏ A building in northern India

India building collapse kills 13 family members

More than 40 people were wounded in the Pakistani attack.

Partial ceasefire holds in Ukraine ÏÏÏA ceasefire between the Kiev government and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine appeared to be largely holding after it was implemented overnight to Sunday. The pause in fighting that started at midnigh is part of a peace plan hammered out in the Belarusian capital Minsk on Thursday. It was brokered by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, with Russian President Vladimir Putin also in attendance. There was heavy fighting in advance of the deadline, especially around the disputed transport hub of Debaltseve, resulting in more than a dozen deaths. Merkel and Hollande telephoned Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Putin on Saturday to ap-

peal to them to stick to the Minsk agreement. Further calls were expected on Sunday. The Kiev government withheld judgement on the state of the ceasefire on Sunday. “The first few hours are very important, which is why we are observing the situation together with the military. It is still too early to draw any conclusions,” government spokesperson Sviatoslav Zegolko said on his Facebook page. The leader of the pro-Russian rebels in the city of Donetsk, Eduard Basurin, accused the Ukrainian military of attacks in Debaltseve. Meanwhile, civil defence authorities reported early on Sunday that a Russian “aid convoy” had crossed the border into eastern Ukraine.

has collapsed, killing 13 people believed to be from the same family. The three-storey building in Uttar Pradesh state was near completion when it fell on a family of weavers asleep on the ground floor, police said. At least three escaped unhurt when the structure came down in Dulhipur village near the city of Varanasi. India has suffered a series of similar incidents, blamed in part on poor regulation and housing pressures. Twelve people died at the scene and one in hospital, officials said. Local police superintendent Chandauli Muniraj said construction appeared to have been hurried. Police are looking for the building contractor and an investigation has begun.

Among the victims was the building’s owner, Mohammad Kamarrudin, and two children, Supt Muniraj said. A local unit of the National Disaster Response Force helped in the rescue operation and mechanical diggers were deployed to retrieve bodies. Many such incidents in India are attributed to substandard building materials and lax safety standards. The city of Chennai was the scene of a major collapse in July 2014 when an 11-storey building gave way, killing 61.

13 World Deadly shootings rock Danish capital ÏÏÏA shooting at a free speech

event featuring an artist who had caricatured the Prophet Muhammad and a second shooting hours later outside a synagogue left two dead and five police officers wounded in Copenhagen, stirring fears that another terror spree was underway in a European capital a month after 17 people were killed in Paris attacks. Police couldn’t say whether the shootings at a cultural centre on Saturday afternoon and in front of the synagogue early on Sunday were connected, but didn’t rule it out. In both shootings, the gunman got away. “We are looking for two perpetrators,” police spokesman Allan Wadsworth-Hansen told reporters. Two hours later, police announced they had shot and killed a man who shot at them near a train station and were investigating whether he could be linked to the two shootings. The police statement posted online says the shooting occurred after they had put an address near the train station under observation. The statement said no police officers were wounded. The first shooting happened shortly before 16:00 on Saturday. Danish police said the gunman used an automatic weapon to shoot through the windows of the Krudttoenden cultural center during a panel discussion on freedom of expression following the Paris attacks. A 55-year-old man attending the event was killed, while three police officers were wounded. Two belonged to the Danish security service PET, which said the circumstances surrounding the shooting “indicate that we are talking about a terror attack.” The gunman then fled in a carjacked Volkswagen Polo that was found later a few kilometres away, police said. Lars Vilks, a Swedish artist who has faced numerous death threats for caricaturing the Prophet Muhammad, was one of the main speakers at the event, titled “Art, blasphemy and freedom of expression.” He was whisked away by his bodyguards unharmed as the shooting began.

Schmidt

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

15 Opinion

Jega’s poisoned chalice

Jideofor Adibe

t was the late Kwame Nkrumah who admonished his fellow Ghanaians to “seek ye first the political kingdom, and all things shall be added to you”. When Nkrumah made that statement during the struggle for Ghana’s independence, he meant that political independence would be a prerequisite for other improvements and development. Though a Marxist, Nkrumah turned the doctrinaire Marxian dictum of ‘economic determinism’ on its head by privileging politics over economics. Post-independence politics in Africa proved Nkrumah right. In the continent, political power is not only the major instrument of wealth accumulation, it also places one in a vantage position to decide, as the American political scientist Harold Lasswell, would put it, the question of “who gets what, when and how”.. Owing to the centrality of power in fragile and polarised states, the struggle for it is anarchic; with the constituent nationalities believing that winning is a prerequisite for redressing their perceived injustice in the country. It is within the above context of

the centrality of power in African states, which is usually polarised that the role of an electoral umpire in Nigeria must be situated. It is also within this context that we can appreciate why being an INEC chairman is considered both a juicy position and a poisoned chalice. The allures include being feted by politicians and the press, as well as contractors and fortune seekers. The poison in the chalice include the fact that we can close our eyes and state axiomatically that whoever is made an INEC chairman will end up with his (or her) reputation in tatters. In fact if God were to send His most trusted angel to conduct elections in Nigeria, you will be sure that some politicians will drag the angel to court on charges of bias, some may even try to lynch the angel for “electoral manipulation” while others may threaten to decamp from God’s camp to the other side. The point is that most of the current controversies over the neutrality or otherwise of INEC is systemic. There is very little anyone can do about it and even if Jega is replaced, the systemic pressure resulting from the struggle for power in the country

will eventually catch up with the new umpire. In this sense, the call for Jega’s sack is misplaced. In fact sacking him will create more problems than it will solve. His replacement will need at least a few months to study the handover notes and decide on his or her own course, and this can lead to another shift on the election time table. True, inefficiencies on the part of the electoral umpire has contributed to the current crisis of confidence surrounding INEC. Just imagine what Jega must do to convince the various constituent units of the federation that he has not been compromised: Professor Jega, is a Muslim from the North. He was appointed by Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the South and presidential candidate of the PDP. Given that the PDP and APC mirror the dominant fault lines of region and religion, PDP and people from the south have apparently been on the lookout for any policy or sign that would suggest that Jega is biased towards the north. You can imagine what will happen if Jega is ever ‘caught’ in the company of any of his friends who has a clear party leaning. On the other hand, APC apparently has also been on

the lookout for any sign that Jega is being teleguided by the federal government, which appointed him to the position. Given this difficult position, it is no wonder that both APC and PDP have variously accused him of bias. Beyond the inevitable crisis of confidence around INEC, there are several lessons to be learnt from the tensions that characterised the campaigns, which culminated in the shifting election by six weeks. One, there may be a need to re-examine the suitability of a two party dominant system for the country. For a long time many Nigerians had prayed for a two party dominant system or two parties. The key argument has been that it will simplify the choice for voters and make the election truly competitive. However the tension that has characterised the campaigns reminds one of the tensions that characterised the Cold War era. With the north-south tension heightened since 2010 over the fallouts from the PDP’s zoning controversy and the two presidential candidates having their backgrounds in the two contending fault lines, the tensions have been palpable. For many people, the sixweek shift is actually a relief.

Goodluck: A king as a pawn

Ayo Turton

ot too many people would disagree that Goodluck Jonathan became President under the most unusual circumstances. Besides those who stole power through the barrels of the guns, he is the only person to get the coveted prize of being a President without crisscrossing the length and breadth of Nigeria making campaign speeches or even before he could print a single political poster. He enjoyed a tremendous amount of goodwill on his way to presidency as well. But ironically what appealed to the chess masters and puppeteers who needed a king they could use as a pawn, is exactly his and their undoing. His calmness, pliant nature, unassertiveness, malleability and amenability were kind of attractions to those who wanted to install a terminally sick President Yar’Adua, because they didn’t want someone who would challenge his authority or someone he would have to look constantly behind his shoulders to see what he

is up to as his running mate. The President and his Vice must be amenable to control; no smart Alec or independent minded individuals need apply. But because we are not God, when fate mixed with some strokes of good luck, Jonathan becomes the President. These “attractions” of course attracted many other puppeteers and chess masters, it was only a matter of time before “they were over taken by events. The ethnic lords with stronger holds asked the likes of Obasanjo to move over. His appointees also find comfort in those “attractions” as every minister, special adviser and Director-General became a President unto him/herself. One even insisted on being addressed as the Co-coordinating Minister for Economy. If a minister is one coordinating economy what will the President be doing? Another one has become an empress in the oil industry, the one that should be holding court at the home front became unleashed on the hapless nation and she went about creating gridlock and chaos everywhere. In fairness to him the govern-

ment recorded some achievements in certain areas, but the leadership to even articulate these achievements is missing and his spokespersons are a bunch of overfed rabble-rousers. As we approach another turn in our checkered political history, and attempts are being made to offload the burden of Jonathan “attractions” a new set of puppeteers and chessmasters have emerged on the scene and are saying “not so fast” Among these groups of people are those who have vested interests and are benefitting immensely from the status quo. But the chief and most deadly of these groups is that group of deadly hawks from our past with an axe to grind with emerging General Buhari. This I believe is the number one reason for the politics of election postponement. Whereas the king maybe thinking that he has supporters in these groups, but he is once again a king being used as a pawn in Nigeria political chess game. A few of us may still remember those young military officers that were known as “IBB Boys” in Ibrahim Babangida days. Among

them were Umar Dangiwa, Lawan Gwadabe, David Mark and Sambo Dasuki. Sambo Dasuki was reported to be among the officers that arrested General Buhari when his government was overthrown by IBB and locked him up in detention. He was later to be compensated as the ADC to IBB. That Sambo Dasuki is today’s Nigeria Security Adviser! Ibrahim Babangida his boss is still holding court in Minna and Alhaji Shehu Shagari whom Buhari himself overthrew and his children are still a kind of Lords the manor in Sokoto and David Mark is the current Senate President. What a heavy load we younger generation of Nigerians are carrying? We need to go beyond scratching the surface in Nigeria, the forces against June 12 are still here with us, and the issues that led to the civil war are still here with us and the emergence of Jonathan himself as the President was as a result of the overplayed hands rather than an altruistic election of a President. He is just a pawn after all. So those who think after we must have removed Jonathan it is going to be “kumbaya” all the way, I am laughing at you.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday,February 16, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Politics ANNKIO BRIGGS

Annkio Briggs

Niger Delta ’ll resume agitation after elections

s Annkio Briggs, a freedom fighter, is the National Convener of the Niger Delta Self-Determination Movement and spokesperson of many of groups in the oil region. She is the founder of Agape Birth Right, Rivers State. In this interview with AUGUSTINE AMINU and MATHEW DADIYA, she declared that soon after the general elections, the people of the region would resume their agitation for justice regardless of whoever emerges as president.

You’ve been at the forefront of the agitation for the emancipation of the Nigeria Delta ever before Goodluck Jonathan came on board as president. Now that one of your own brothers is the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, are you fulfilled that your agitation has achieved its goal? In the sense that somebody from the Niger Delta is the president, we CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Jonathan must win fairly, or lose with dignity – Obasanjo Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, at the weekend granted audience to some journalists at his Hilltop mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun State. ABIODUN TAIWO was there and reports...

On polls postponement by INEC

Obasanjo

I was away, I left Nigeria. I had a number of assignments which took me to Morocco, Munich, Nairobi, London. It was exactly when we were in Munich for what they called “Munich Security Conference, an annual event, and I was there with Kofi Annan. Our side was to talk about peace and security in Africa. I was to handle the African perspective while Annan was to talk about other aspects. Suddenly, people started asking me questions: “What is happening in your country?” The Americans, Germans, Kofi Annan particularly was agitated. While I was out, I refused to make any categorical statement on this issue because I wanted to come back home and learn first-hand what actually transpired and what was

going on. It turned out that it was a forced decision on the INEC because it was alleged that the security chiefs were unable to provide security and as a result the Chairman of the INEC had to postpone the elections in accordance with the dictates of the so-called security chiefs. I thought for me that was a bad decision and for democracy and for Nigeria. It means that it does not matter what preparation or lack of preparation any electoral body makes in Nigeria, the final decision whether election will take place the day scheduled lies in the domain of security chiefs. It is a

sad day for democracy in Nigeria and I will say this: that we all must feel concerned before democracy is killed.

On whether the postponement is foul play by the Presidency What is observable and what would appear to be happening is that the President has a grand plan, a grand plan to ensure that CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Obasanjo heating up polity to head interim govt – Presidency The Presidency on Saturday reacted angrily to the interview by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his Abeokuta, Ogun State, mansion during which he accused President Goodluck Jonathan of plotting to plunge the country into crisis. A statement by the president’s spokesman Reuben Abati described Obasanjo’s claims as not only unfair but also “odious and repugnant.” It also accused the former president of plotting to heat up the polity, engineer a crisis in a weird hope of being called upon to steer the country onto the path of peace as head of an Interim Na-

tional Government. The statement read: “We find the false claims and allegations reportedly made against President Goodluck Jonathan by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday in Abeokuta very odious and repugnant. “As we have had cause to say before, it is most regrettable indeed that a man like Chief Obasanjo, who should know better, chooses to repeatedly, wantonly, and maliciously impugn the integrity of a sitting President of his country for the primary purpose of selfpromotion. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

‘Jonathan must avoid the Laurent Gbagbo option’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

by hook or by crook he wins the election or if it all fails he scuttles it and create chaos, confusion and unpleasantness in the whole country. Because it is the duty and function and responsibility of the security officers to provide security. The President is the Chief Security Officer of the country and the Commander-in-Chief and if security is required anywhere, anytime, it is his duty and responsibility to provide it. Failure to provide it is dereliction of duty, pure and simple. Either the President is following his own grand plan or he and his associates are working a script; they are playing a script which of course must have got his endorsement if not initiated by him. What again will look to me as his plan is that the President is trying to play (Laurent) Gbagbo. Gbagbo was the former President of Cote d’Ivoire who Gbagbo made sure he postponed the election in his country until he was sure he would win. He then allowed the election to take place. He got an inconclusive election in the first ballot and I believe this will be the sort of thing Nigeria may fall into if I am right in what I observe as the grand plan. And in the run off, Gbagbo lost with 8 percent votes behind his opponent and then refused to hand over power. All reasonable persuasions and pleading was rebuffed by him and he unleased horror in that country until nemesis caught up with him. I believe that we may be seeing a repeat of Gbagbo or what I called the Gbagbo saga here in Nigeria. I hope not. That is why I said it was strange to me. It wasn’t the duty and responsibility of the security service chiefs to tell INEC, ‘we will not provide or we are not in the position to provide security for you,’ because it is their job and if they cannot do it, then they might as well go home. Their job is to maintain law and order and provide se-

Obasanjo

curity and if at anytime, anyplace they say they cannot do that, then they have failed. Now, I want to believe that this was forced on them because whether it was forced on them or it was their own initiative. It was bad, very bad. I hope we will never have a repeat performance of this in this country again because the unfortunate thing is this: It is over-exposing themselves or they being over-exposed by whoever brought about that way of doing things and for me a momentous decision like that cannot be taken and be implemented by the service chiefs.

On President Jonathan’s recent Media chat The President in his media chat on the 11th of this month claimed not to have knowledge or not to have authorised the postponement. So, I get very, very worried that if the President of Nigeria is not in charge of security, maintenance of law and order, and such a decision can be taken behind him

Niger Delta ’ll resume agitation soon Annkio Briggs

Jonathan

assuming that that is true, then the President must be reigning and not ruling. Who are the shadows in figure that are ruling us? Who are they? It means that one day we will wake up and discover that this country has been plunged into chaos, into commotion, into confusion and the President would say, ‘I did not know about it.’ Of course, the President can run but he cannot run past God. He has constitutional responsibilities and to claim he does not know is not an excuse. So, I do hope that those service chiefs who were proud of the services of me and others like me, proud of the service that we have rendered and we are proud of what they are doing, will not shame themselves and shame us because what this amounts to is what in the military we call very unmilitary conduct; conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.

On Boko Haram as excuse for polls postpone-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

all know how that came about. It was not something that we were agitating for; we were not agitating for the presidency. We were agitating for equity and justice; we were agitating for resource ownership. We have longtime left behind resource control; we need to take ownership of the resources. The land belongs to us, the region belongs to us, and therefore, we are

ment For me, you can give any excuse or you can give any rationalisation or you can rationalise anything. Look, the Boko Haram problem has been with us since 2009 and now you say what we have not been able to achieve since 2009 we will achieve in six weeks. Well, all I will say is that God is a God of miracle. God can do anything. Look, countries like Syria had election they have full-scale war all over the country; countries like Iraq had election, they had full-scale war and they are still having; countries like Afghanistan had election, they even had election where the incumbent had his term and moved out. Even countries like Colombia where they have FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). Their own insurgency group has been active for more than 50 years. They have been regularly having elections and FARC is still very much active. So, to say that what you have not been able to achieve in

agitating now for resource ownership because it is the practice all over the world. But Jonathan’s emergence as the president was something that happened while we were agitating. We all know about the story of Adaka Boro, we all know about the story of Ken Saro-Wiwa, we all know about the story of MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta) and eventually Jonathan becoming the president.

five years you will now achieve in six weeks, let us wait and see. That will be my view. Already I think when people want to give excuses they should give excuses that are tenable. Now in any case, the argument also said that there would be a multi-national joint task force made up of five countries: the Lake Chad basin countries, Nigeria, Cameroun, Niger, Chad and Benin Republic. I happen to be at the last AU meeting in Addis Ababa when this issue was being discussed by the four countries concerned. But Benin Republic did not speak. The four countries that were concerned were talking of a force of about 7500 and one of the Presidents, not from the Lake Chad Basin nation, usually from Southern Africa, said, ‘look, what are we here for, if it is to endorse these countries to have a multi-national joint task force. That is the easiest thing to do. Let us say, ‘yes and go ahead.’ Do they really have to come here if their sovereignty is being threatened? Do they need to come to us before they fight to save CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Fortunately for Nigeria and unfortunately for us, because Jonathan is the president, we actually had no choice but to stop agitating. The beneficiary of Jonathan’s presidency primarily is Nigerians and if you look at even the development he has achieved within the last four years of his elected tenure, most of his developmental projects, almost 90 percent has CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

19 Politics

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place.

On Buhari and war against corruption

their sovereignty? And if they are serious, because that is another thing, with what they are asking for, would they be asking the UN to come and pay for the operation of the multi-national joint task force? That President came to me after the meeting and said, ‘my dear brother, is it really true that Nigeria cannot fund the force of 7500 troops if that is all that is needed to beat Boko Haram? Of course, if for show of solidarity I believe that yes, a task force of that number may be okay but if you really want to get the job done, the job will be got done by Nigerian troops who are properly trained, properly motivated, properly equipped, with high morale and properly led; not asking what force do we have in these other countries for a country of 180 million people and the resources that we have I believe it leaves a little bit to be desired. So, let us see what they are going to do; maybe as I said something monumental.

Possible fear of life after office for President Jonathan

I believe that the President’s concern is not about being out of office. He and I have had occasions to talk about this both seriously and jovially. I believe the President wants an opportunity to disengage peacefully and have a nice, decent and glorious exit. I believe the President’s fear is particularly motivated by whom he sees as his likely successor, that is Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. I believe people would have been telling him that, ‘look, Buhari is a hard man. He will fight corruption and may end up in jail if not in the grave. I think people would have told him that sort of thing, and he not being the only one afraid of Buhari. But, why I will say that Buhari should have learnt his lessons. If he has not learnt his lessons, he would probably be the most unlearning human being. Now, if he has learnt his lessons, he will know that you do not fight corruption by putting (people) in jail for 200 years. This has been done by my

We’ll resume Niger Delta agitation after polls

Jega

Jonathan

‘Jonathan must submit to the people’s will’ own predecessor in office, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. He recovered over 750 million dollars from Abacha’s estate without putting anybody in jail, without harming or hurting anybody. When I took over, we recovered over 1.25 billion dollars from the same Abacha estate without hurting anybody, without harming anybody and in fact what would be rather unfortunate is the fact that our lawyer who is still alive and who is still able, who was chasing this money all over the

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been done outside of the Niger Delta and some people seem to think that that is a minus for him. It ought to be a minus for him, from where he comes but not for the rest of Nigeria. The rest of Nigeria should not judge Jonathan on that, actually, we should be complaining. But because Jonathan is

Corruption must not remain a part of our national life. We must encourage a successful fight against corruption

from the Niger Delta, we have not complained but again, Nigerians expect us to complain so I promise that we will complain, but let us just finish with the election, we will start with complaining about ownership of the resources. That will be the first agitation that will come out from the Niger Delta. So, the beneficiary of the Goodluck presidency is Nigerians not the Niger Deltans. I don’t mean that

world, said to us that there was still about well over 1 billion dollars to be recovered from the Abacha estate. The unfortunate aspect of that is that my successor cannot do anything about it even though it was in my handover note. So, I do not think the President is afraid of being out but as I said when we talk about this and I said there is life after Aso Villa, it will depend of course to a large extent on how he descends or how his descent takes place and how his exit takes

Corruption must not remain a part of our national life. We must encourage a successful fight against corruption. Recklessness and impunity must not continue to be our way of life, whether it is recklessness and impunity in the management of our economic affairs or any of our finances or even in political affairs. That must not be allowed to remain part of our life. With these reasons, his track record like I said I will look at track records of candidates to see what they can do or what they cannot do. I believe he will try to fight corruption. He has tried to do it before. I believe that he will give firm leadership, which is necessary for a country like ours. I believe, of course, when he was there he was the military and the military government is both the executive and legislature. In a democracy, that is not possible. I believe he knows the military that the damage that has been done to the military now because the military has been rendered almost impotent by a number of things that have happened. I believe he will do something about it and if he does not do it, then shame on him. Because, what else will he say he knows? I believe that he can preside over an efficient, an effective economic team. He has the knowledge, he has the experience; he may not be a bowl of fire as an economist, but he can preside over it.

On Ekiti elections and rumour of plan for removal of Jega I don’t want to comment on Ekiti State, because Ekiti State is a great disaster and it will continue to be so. I think the President in that interview in his media chat dispelled that rumour. But, of course, I know the president very well. I will CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

in a negative way for Jonathan, I meant that in a positive way for Nigeria. You were part of the people who participated in the National Conference. How would you describe its resolutions? The resolutions of the national conference, as far as we are concerned, these are well thought-out CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Annkio Briggs

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resolutions. Nigerians sat down together and came to those conclusions on issues that we discussed on behalf of Nigeria. We considered a lot of things even though we were not allowed to discuss the unity of Nigeria. We considered all of those things: from state creation to autonomy, to creation of more local governments. Broadly, we looked at everything and fortunately for Nigeria we looked at everything from the holistic perspective of Nigeria and Nigerians. We didn’t look at it from our position as to what we wanted but what everybody wanted. So, there was giveand-take; that report, in my opinion, is a well-balanced report. Again, it is in the interest of Nigeria, it is geared towards maintaining Nigeria as a nation. Recently, some members of the confab including you, called for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference Report. Are you nursing any fear that the report may not be implemented? Well, one hopes not; one always hopes for positive thing. I believe that it is better to hope for positive things than to feel that something negative would happen. But, there are some parts of the report that do not need to go to the National Assembly; that really need only the decision of the president, the pronouncement of the president. There are some parts of the report that should go to the National Assembly. So, the ones that don’t need to go to the National Assembly, there is no need for not implementing them immediately. The national conference came to an end almost five months ago, I think that by now, Nigerians by should begin to see implementation or the process of implementation of the recommendations that do not need to go to the National Assembly. That is why we were calling for that. I have always said that the National Assembly is made up of men and women that we put there and they are supposed to do what is good for the nation. The 2014 confab could be described as a brain child of President Jonathan even though Nigerians have long

‘Jonathan must win fairly, or risk crisis’

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

‘Expect Niger Delta agitation after polls’ been yearning for it. But implementing the recommendations of the report seems to be a problem. What do you think is responsible for that? As you rightly said, Nigerians have been calling for a Sovereign National Conference even before the president became deputy governor of Bayelsa. That is how far the yearnings of Nigerians to sit down and discuss has gone. That he as the president of Nigeria with the power that he has was able to take the bold step, it was then a very bold decision because I remember even the president during the 2011 electioneering campaign, when he was asked about convoking a national conference, he said he did he didn’t believe that Nigerians needed a sovereign national conference. So, for him to turn around and just place Nigerians in that position by just saying that do not discuss whether Nigeria will breakup or not breakup; that was the only no-go-area even though we objected to it. But we still felt that this was an opportunity that must be taken because, really, no

Annkio Briggs Nigerian’s heart desires to breakup Nigeria. Whenever the issue of breaking up Nigeria has come up, it came up in the process of people

being frustrated with the system of governance. So, this is a Federal Government that is not really federal. If it is, then we should not be talking about resource control, resource ownership and stuffs like that because, automatically you would pay tax to the Federal Government. That is what the Federal Government is. Because government after government in Nigeria wants to pretend to itself that it is a federal government that is why people like me and many other people begin to feel that that there may be other way out but to discuss the possibility that if we cannot accept to find a way to live together, then we must find a way where we don’t live together peacefully. Then on the issue of whether there is a problem of implementing or not implementing, I do not see a problem and there should not be a problem because there are people we can hold accountable; we can hold the National Assembly accountable and we can hold Mr. President accountable for not implementing the thing that he can. If it is not implemented, I will

hold myself responsible; I would hold other Nigerians accountable because we must make sure that our desires and our hopes and aspirations are carried out by the people that we have put in power to do those things for us. What would you say is Nigeria’s main problem and what could be done to solve it? The Nigerian problem is not insurmountable. It is the people that are hanging round the Nigerian problem. What is the Nigerian problem, who created the Nigerian problem? The Nigerian problem goes as far back as the creation of Nigeria; the amalgamation is the problem of Nigeria. The amalgamation was a fraudulent move by the British government to fraudulently create an area in Africa for themselves for economic reasons and they called it Nigeria. In that process they brought many people together who, really, culturally, religiously, development wise, have nothing in common, they brought us together. Now we’ve been together for 100 years. The first solution is not to breakup Nigeria, the first solution is to sit down for the first time and say ok, we accept that we are a 170 million people, made up of so many ethnic groups that speak different languages, have different cultures and have different desires. How do we relate together as a nation? That is the Nigerian problem.

Obasanjo wants to head interim govt – Presidency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

“It is obvious from Chief Obasanjo’s serial vituperations against President Jonathan who is doing his best to positively transform Nigeria for the benefit of all of its people that he has willfully chosen to close his eyes to the present administration’s good works and intentions. For reasons best known to him, Chief Obasanjo has set his mind on regime change by fair or foul means. “Otherwise, it would be completely senseless, irrational and out of place for Chief Obasanjo, who still claims to belong to the same party as the President, to

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want to believe him but I will only believe what I see and not what I hear. I believe that after Jega had been boxed to a corner, he had no choice but to accept the fait accompli and postpone the elections. I believe that it is unfortunate because in the past this same Jega had changed the date of elections when he found it that it was not

accuse President Jonathan of plotting to win the rescheduled presidential elections by “hook or crook” and planning to plunge the nation into crisis if he loses the election. “For the record, President Jonathan has no such intention and will continue to give the greatest possible support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant federal agencies to ensure that the rescheduled elections are successfully conducted. “Indeed, it is not President Jonathan who remains faithful to his oath of office who is trying to plunge Nigeria into crisis, but

Chief Obasanjo who is scheming to plunge the country into chaos in pursuit of a selfish and highly egocentric agenda. “Chief Obasanjo’s plot with others within and outside the country to thwart the general elections and foist an unconstitutional Interim National Government, which he hopes to head on the nation is well known to us, but by the Grace of God Almighty, his odious plan to return to power through the back door will fail woefully. “We know very well that it is in pursuit of this nefarious plot that the former President continues to sow the seeds of discord and crises in the polity by purporting to

remain in the ruling party while openly consorting with the opposition, endorsing its candidates and predicting victory for opposition candidates in a manner most unbecoming of a supposed elder statesman. “Thankfully, the vast majority of Nigerians who are patriotic and right-thinking cannot be fooled by Chief Obasanjo’s antics. “We urge them to be assured that President Jonathan’s commitment to democracy in all its ramifications remains constant and that he will never be party to the use of any unlawful means to remain in office or gain political advantage over his opponents.”

suitable, so it is the duty, responsibility, function and jurisdiction of INEC to determine whether the situation allows or does not allow them to go on with the elections. That is their job. Nobody should twist their arms, blackmail them or force them. If they do that, that is their legal job. If anything is done to remove Jega, it will actually heighten the

disbelief of people about the President wanting to have a fair free transparent election and credible election. Even if the President wins the election genuinely, many people will not believe. He would have undermined the credibility of the result of the election. But he has said that it is a rumour. Let it remain in the realm of rumour and let us hope for the best. I have

offered some warnings but let me also offer some appeals and the appeals for me will be for President Goodluck Jonathan; appeal to him not to do anything to destroy the fledgling democracy that we are enjoying. Democracy is not a destination, it is a process and the more we strengthen the process of democracy, the institutions and the factors, the better it is for us.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Features NECO director, Ojebode in retirement breach saga

As the crisis in the National Examination Council (NECO) lingers, more allegations are beginning to fly as its Director of Finance and Accounting, James Adesokan Ojebode is accused of overstaying his tenure. PITA CHIKWEM reports from Minna, Niger State.

s These are surely not the best of times for the National Examination Council (NECO). While the crisis of confidence between its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Promise Okpala, and the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, continues, a new scandal has reared its head in the organisation.

Its Director of Finance and Accounting, James Adesokan Ojebode was last Thursday embroiled in a retirement drama as he was said to have overstayed his tenure as a civil servant. Just last week, Okpala, briefed the press in Minna, on the reasons he is still in-charge and at work in the Council. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

NECO Director of finance & account, Dr James Ojebode

And the killings by Fulani herdsmen continue...

Young victim of the Fulani massacre

Residents of Ketu in Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun State have been living in fear under the siege of Fulani herdsmen for many years. The recent massacre and rape of indigenes, and the fear that the trend is not about to end sometime soon, have sparked waves of protests and anger. ABIODUN TAIWO reports from Abeokuta.

Motorcycle said to have been burnt by the herdsmen Residents of Ketu in Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun State have had their peace shattered every dry season, due to the ravaging herdsmen from the Republic of Niger. Just a few years ago, no fewer than 21 indigenes of Ketu were

slaughtered, while women, young and old, including a bride, were raped.Among those allegedly killed were five members of a family. Their offence: Failing to release their farmlands to the herdsmen for cattle to feed on. While narrating their ordeal in

the hands of the herdsmen who, according to them, always lurked at the border areas close to their community at the approach of the dry season,some Ketu residents accused the Ogun State Government CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

A victim of herdsmen’s attack

How herdsmen raped woman, 24 hours after her wedding CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

of ignoring their cries for help, saying the government seems to value the herds more than human lives. A spokesman of the residents told the story of a bride, who was raped on her way to fetch water from a river in the communityabout 24 hours after she wedded. The spokesman, LasisiAdewole, who represented the leadership of socio-cultural groups, which included Ketu Advancement Front,

NECO’s most Senior Director Human Resources, MR. John Asuwe

Ketu Alliance and Ketu People’s Assembly, claimed that no fewer than 21 people had been killed since 2000 when the herdsmen first invaded their farmlands. Adewole and three farmers in the area, Phillip Akanan, from Owode-Ketu;AmosuOlofinjin and Akinola Tunde from Agbon-Ojodu, said they were fed up with the annual killing of their people by the marauding herdsmen. They insisted that unless the Ogun State government and se-

Are you a judge? Are you the head of Service? – Ojebode

curity agencies took urgent steps, more lives would continue to be wasted every dry season. “Many of our sons and daughters have been gruesomely murdered in a manner that appears as if we don’t have government. Our brilliant ones, including our wives, have been raped and assaulted. How would you feel if I mention your wife’s name as one of those raped by the cattle rearers? Many of our wives and daughters, who have been raped, were taken to hos-

pital in Abeokuta, the state capital. “We are losing people; we arealso being prevented from doing what we know how to do best because of the grazing of our farmlands by the herdsmen’s cattle. With the terrible experience of the raping of our daughters and loved ones, our communities are no longer safe. In a matter of days, they will enter the country through our communities and destroy our farmlands again,” the spokesmen observed. After series of protests, with

no positive response from the government, Ketu Advancement Front(KAF) and other socio-cultural groups in the area, wrote to the state government on their Plight. The letter, titled ‘Before it is too late’,stated:”It is a known fact that our people are been confronted by the problem of the marauding Fulani/Bororo herdsmen, who

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long he has worked as a civil servant, Ojebode’s response was sharp. He said: “Please, I don’t have time; are you the Head of Service? Please leave that to me and leave that one for the government.” He said further: “Are you a judge? I said you are not concerned about this matter because that is my personal life.” He continued: “Have I ever

come to you to ask who your girlfriend is?” Seeing that the journalists were determined to hear more from him, Ojebode pointed to the door of his office and said angrily, “Please, please, please for God’s sake, leave my office; I say leave my office now! How can you be asking me questions? Who are you?

According to the rules, a civil servant is not to work more than 35 years in active service, but Ojebode, who has been in active service since 1973 may have violated the civil service rules after spending 42 years. When newsmen met him at his office to get his response on his appointment and how

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

We do not have any Acting Director – John Asuwe Shekarau

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If you want any information, go to Admin and don’t come to me again. Just leave my office now!” Shekarau had recently directed Okpala to proceed on terminal leave before retirement, but the Registrar insisted that his tenure would not end until April. He told journalists at a press conference that his tenure is guaranteed since he is not a

23 Features

career civil servant. He also cited a letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, which according to him supports his belief that his tenure will not end until April. Again, he cited the minutes of a stakeholders’ meeting which agreed that he should continue in office until the approved terminal date. Ojebode recently granted an interview to a radio station in Oyo State, in his capacity

as acting Registrar contrary to the spirit of a second letter and a reconciliation meeting where every present was informed that Okpala must continue and finish his tenure since he is not a civil servant. Only last year, Ojebode prepared a memo titled ‘Cost Reduction Strategies’ where he suggested that staff be paid 50% DTA for monitoring of examinations, for NCEE, BECE and for marking of SSCE 2013 CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Hoping against hope on killings by Fulani herdsmen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

invade our land on a yearly basis, killing innocent people and destroying our property with impunity. By our record, over 20 people have been sent to their early graves as at February 2014. Suffice it to say that the names and towns of the victims were made available to the state government and the state House of Assembly. “Surprisingly, it took very strong protest and tortuous negotiation process to get the Ibikunle Amosun government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among parties involved in the yearly clashes. We like to note with regret that since Tuesday, December 17,2013, that the MoU was signed, the government has shown no modicum of commitment towards its implementation, despite repeated pressure mounted by us.” The letter further stated:”We recall a crucial meeting which our group held with the local governmentchairman and APC leaders in the residence of Chief T.E. Akinola, where the chairman was mandated to work with the Governor on the implementation of the MoU.Regrettably, the chairman (our so called No 1citizen) has been callously unconcerned and clueless about an issue that bothers on the security of lives and property of the poor people. We have decided,therefore,to write this open letter to Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosu, GYNLG party leaders in particular and theKetu People in general for a number of reasons, namely: a) That we owe it a duty to let the world know our efforts at getting the APC government in Ogun State to do what is right for our people, else, we would be seen to be partial and partisan; b) To reiterate our resolve to galvanise our people towards defining a common course of action, as well

Homes, property destroyed, by herdsmen as mobilising them against any government that is insensitive to our yearnings and aspirations, as we approach another general elections; c) That it is imperative to also put the issue of APC on record for posterity’s sake, as we did with the last government. “It is against this backdrop that we hereby declare the APC government a total failure to the people of Ketu Constituency, as well as pass a vote of no confidence on the party, while we wait to unfold further steps to be taken,” they declared. The KAF, while briefing newsmen on the contents of the MoUthe Ogun State government signed with Fulani herdsmen and other stakeholders, said the document provided that the state chapter of

the Association of Fulani Chiefs of Nigeria would ensure that all Fulani herdsmen coming into the state register with the government at designated entry points to facilitate issuance of identity tag and license to them. It also stated that grazing in the community would be done on designated grazing areas only and not on farms and farmlands, while traditional rulers and community leaders are to discourage farming activities along designated cattle routes within their domains. In the same vein, under-aged nomads would no longer be allowed into any of the Ketu communities, unless accompanied by their parents or family heads, and the herdsmen are forbidden from carrying weapons while grazing their

cattle. In his response, Alhaji Dara Adekunle, a community leader from Yewa North Local Government andone of the signatories to the agreement,commended the Ogun State government for its concerted efforts, which culminated in the signing of the MoU and pledged the commitment of his people towards achieving enduring peace in the community. The MoU, which was drafted by a seven-man panel, according to Secretary to the Ogun State government, Barrister TaiwoAdeoluwa, opined that all issues resulting in the prolonged friction between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Ketu inYewa North Local Government area of Ogun State and its environs have been laid to rest.

Adeoluwa said: “The consistent efforts of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration at resolving the contentious issues climaxed about a month ago with the inauguration of a seven-man committee saddled with the responsibility of drawing a workable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreeable by both parties. Barr. TaiwoAdeoluwa noted that all the terms of the MoU were suggested and agreed to by the parties and hinted that an Implementation Committee, comprising law enforcement agencies, representatives of the Fulani and farmers, would soon be constituted to ensure compliance. While expressing optimism that the signing of the MoU would bring enduring peace to the community, Barr. Adeoluwa warned that government would not condone any further breach of peace and enjoined them to be genuinely committed to ensuring peace in the area. “I am convinced that with the signing of this MOU, we have seen the end of the frictions between our people in Ketuland. Government wants peace in Ketu and Ogun State in general. It is only in an atmosphere of peace that your businesses can thrive,” the SSG said. On his part, Head of the Fulani Community in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Kabir, pledged that his men would abide by the agreement, expressing optimism that with the support of the law enforcement agencies and the government, bad eggs among them would be fished out and brought to book. But just two weeks after the signing of the MoU, two people were reportedly killed in a clash between the natives and the herdsmen. It happened that some Fulani herdsmen invaded a farm with their cattle, during which some crops were destroyed and the owner of CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Okpala has positioned the system on the path of progress CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

External, to enable the Council save more money to offset part of its indebtedness, while 75% and 50% be paid for Headquarters and State Office Staff respectively. Meanwhile, Okpala, who was first appointed for a fiveyear tenure in 2007 and a second tenure of three years in 2012, is due to retire from the Commission by the 8th of April, 2015. After the Registrar had briefed journalists, the Director of Human Resources Management, Mr. John Asuwe who, incidentally, is the next most Senior Officer in the organisation, told our correspondent in a chat that as the most Senior Director, he drew the attention of the Minister to the fact that he (Asuwe) was appointed Director on January 1, 2012, while the three other Directors, including Ojebode, had their appointments in 2014. “We do not know or have any Acting Director,” Asuwe stressed, “Because after we

had a large Management meeting in Abuja, we all pledged our loyalty and support for Prof. Okpala as our Registrar. “During his eight year spell at the helm of affairs, Okpala can be described as a trailblazer, who brought in a lot of innovations that have been infused into the educational sector.” Meanwhile, NECO’s Non-

Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institution (NASU) have called a press conference to pressurise the Registrar to obey the Minister’s order. NASU’s Chairman, Comrade Abdulrasheed Rabana had earlier faulted Okpala’s refusal to comply with Shekarau’s directives.

NECO, Dr OJEBODE and Prof. OKPALA, when the going was good

NECO Admin block

NECO office

Mrs Balogun was raped before being hacked to death CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

the farm, Mr. Fasola Simeon, was allegedly shot when he resisted them. An unconfirmed report added that Simeon died as a result of the gun shot, though debunked by the state police command which confirmed the attack, but said the victim is receiving treatment at the Ilaro General Hospital. However, it was gathered that three armed men attacked some herdsmen in Ibese area of Yewa South Local Government council, killing one of them, UmaruBabuga. Meanwhile, spokesman of the state police command, MuyiwaAdejobi, confirmed the attack, describing it as a likely reprisal. Adejobi said colleagues of the late herdsman didn’t report the incident to the police, stressing that until a survivor comes forward, the police might not be able to unravelthe mystery of the crisis. Hardly had the people contended with the incident when another calamity befell them just last week.

This time, a middle aged woman, Mrs.AyesiBalogun, was raped before being hacked to death in her farm in Asa inYewa North Local Governmentby unknown Fulani herdsmen, promptinga release signed by Ketu Advancement Front Coordinator and Secretary, KunleAbiose and Joseph Bankole, respectively, and sent to relevant authorities. It read, in part: “For the umpteenth time, we members of Ketu Advancement Front (KAF) want to register our strongest protest with the government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun over her callous abdication of her constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security of lives of Ketu People from wanton killings by marauding herdsmen. “We are sad to announce that MrsAyesiBalogun, a poor mother of three, was raped and hacked to death on her farm in Asa, Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun State, over the weekend by Fulani herdsmen. On sighting her entering the farm, the killerherdsmen, who had taken over her farm, pounced on her, probably

gang raped her before hacking her to death. “Mrs.Balogun’s case brought to over twenty-five, the number of theinnocent and poor people, who have been sent to their early graves in seriously agonising and dehumanising circumstances, not to talk of several others who have been maimed. “The latest in the series of the ceaseless murder cases has been reported at the Oja-Odan Police Station for anybody to confirm. Our displeasure is premised on the fact that despite our unabating protests, including the signing of anMoU with the government and the herdsmen in 2014, the government, which has the overall duty of security and peace of our people, has turned deaf ears to our people’s plight. “Not even our strong and repeated demands for the implementation of the MoU as an instrument of peace endorsed by all parties had moved government a bit to perform its constitutional duties, KAF added. “It may interest the whole world to know that the

herdsmen’s practice is to invade our land at the dawn of every dry season, destroying farmlands, other properties and killing the hapless peasants.” “Notwithstanding the fact that our people have been forced to abandon their homes and farmsteads since October 2014 to avert breakdown of peace, while waiting for government to act, the herdsmen have continued their onslaught on our people. While we will not take the law into our hands, what we want to assure the government of the day is that the day of reckoning has come and our people will definitely take the desired action against a government that places no value on their lives.” But the Police Public Relations Officer in the state said the killing of Mrs. Balogun has not been established. He said there has been series of fights between the Fulani herdsmen and youths in the town and that about three days ago, the corpse of a Fulani man was found in the bush in the town and concluded that the Police have invited youth leaders in the

town and some Fulani men for a meeting. Nevertheless, a coalition of socio-cultural groups including Ketu Advancement Front (KAF), Ketu Alliance and Peoples Assembly at Tata said government must harken to their call by protecting them from the unabated murders and arson being committed against them by Fulani herdsmen, urging the governor to speedily constitute implementation committee as contained in the MoU. Ketu is an historical region in a part of Ogun State in South-West Nigeria with some of them living in what is now the Republic of Benin, in the area of the town known as Kétou (Ketu). Those of them that fell on Nigerian soil inhabit the border towns in Yewa North area of Ogun State. It is one of the oldest capitals of the Yoruba speaking people, tracing its establishment to a settlement founded by a daughter of Oduduwa, also known as Odudua, Oòdua and Eleduwa. The regents of the town were traditionally styled ‘Alaketu’.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Chronicle Today in History

s Cartoon from our Archives

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1923 Archaeologist opens tomb of King Tut On this day in 1923, in Thebes, Egypt, English archaeologist Howard Carter entered the sealed burial chamber of the ancient Egyptian ruler King Tutankhamen. Because the ancient Egyptians saw their pharaohs as gods, they carefully preserved their bodies after death, burying them in elaborate tombs containing rich treasures to accompany the rulers into the afterlife. In the 19th century, archaeologists from all over the world flocked to Egypt, where they uncovered a number of these tombs. Many had long ago been broken into by robbers and stripped of their riches. When Carter arrived in Egypt in 1891, he became convinced there was at least one undiscovered tomb--that of the little known Tutankhamen, or King Tut, who lived around 1400 B.C. and died when he was still a teenager. Backed by a rich Brit, Lord Carnarvon, Carter searched for five years without success. In early 1922, Lord Carnarvon wanted to call off the search, but Carter convinced him to hold on one more year. In November 1922, the wait paid off, when Carter’s team found steps hidden in the debris near the entrance of another tomb. The steps led to an ancient

1959

Castro sworn in

1959 Castro sworn in On February 16, 1959, Fidel Castro was sworn in as prime minister of Cuba after leading a guerrilla campaign that forced right-wing dictator Fulgencio Batista into exile. Castro, who became commander in chief of Cuba’s armed forces after Batista was ousted on January 1, replaced the more moderate Miro Cardona as head of the country’s new provisional government. Castro was born in the Oriente province in eastern Cuba,

sealed doorway bearing the name Tutankhamen. When Carter and Lord Carnarvon entered the tomb’s interior chambers on November 26, they were thrilled to find it virtually intact, with its treasures untouched after more than 3,000 years. The men began exploring the four rooms of the tomb, and on February 16, 1923, under the watchful eyes of a number of important officials, Carter opened the door to the last chamber. Inside lay a sarcophagus with three coffins nested inside one another. The last coffin, made of solid gold, contained the mummified body of King Tut. Among the riches found in the tomb--golden shrines, jewellery, statues, a chariot, weapons, clothing--the perfectly preserved mummy was the most valuable, as it was the first one ever to be discovered. Despite rumours that a curse would befall anyone who disturbed the tomb, its treasures were carefully catalogued, removed and included in a famous traveling exhibition called the “Treasures of Tutankhamen.” The exhibition’s permanent home is the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. 1951 Joseph Stalin attacks the United Nations In a statement focusing on the situation in Korea, Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin charged that the United Nations has become

the son of a Spanish immigrant who had made a fortune building rail systems to transport sugar cane. He became involved in revolutionary politics while a student and in 1947 took part in an abortive attempt by Dominican exiles and Cubans to overthrow Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. In the next year, he took part in urban riots in Bogota, Colombia. The most outstanding feature of his politics during the period was his anti-American beliefs; he was not yet an overt Marxist. In 1951, he ran for a seat in the Cuban House of Representatives as a member of the reformist Ortodoxo Party, but General Batista seized power in a bloodless coup d’etat before the election could be held.

Daily Times February 16, 1961 “a weapon of aggressive war.” He also suggested that although a world war was not inevitable “at the present time,” “warmongers” in the West might trigger such a conflict. Stalin’s comments in response to queries from the Soviet newspaper Pravda were his first public statements about the nearly yearold conflict in Korea, in which the United States, South Korea, and other member nations of

Various groups formed to oppose Batista’s dictatorship, and on July 26, 1953, Castro led some 160 rebels in an attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba--Cuba’s second largest military base. Castro hoped to seize weapons and announce his revolution from the base radio station, but the barracks were heavily defended, and more than half his men were captured or killed. Castro was himself arrested and put on trial for conspiring to overthrow the Cuban government. During his trial, he argued that he and his rebels were fighting to restore democracy to Cuba, but he was nonetheless found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

the United Nations were arrayed against forces of North Korea and communist China. Coming just over two weeks after the U.N. General Assembly’s resolution condemning China as an aggressor, Stalin’s statement turned the tables by declaring that the United Nations was “burying its moral prestige and dooming itself to disintegration.” He warned that Western “warmongers,” through their aggressive posture in Ko-

1984

rea, would “manage to entangle the popular masses in lies, deceive them, and drag them into a new world war.” In any event, he confidently predicted that Chinese forces in Korea would be victorious because the armies opposing them lacked morale and dedication to the war. Despite the rather blistering tone of Stalin’s words, Western observers were not unduly alarmed.

Bill Johnson becomes first American to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing

1984 Bill Johnson becomes first American to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing On February 16, 1984, Bill Johnson became the first American man to win an Olympic gold medal in downhill skiing, a sport long dominated by European athletes. Johnson quickly became a national hero, though his fame was short-lived, and he never again competed in the Olympics. William Dean Johnson was born March 30, 1960, and grew up in a working-class family in Oregon. He was frequently in trouble as a child and was once was arrested for stealing a car.

In January 1984, the little-known Johnson, then 23, became the first American man to win a World Cup downhill race, at Wengen, Switzerland, and he boldly predicted he would take home a gold medal the following month at the Olympic Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. To the amazement of the skiing world, the prediction came true on February 16, 1984, when he finished the men’s downhill with a time 1:45:59 and beat Switzerland’s Peter Muller, a favourite to win the race, by .27 seconds. Johnson won two more World Cup races that season.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Our heritage

Kudos as Kaycee Records, Afro Moni -Entertainment join forces for greater music industry Stories by Moses Kadiri Kaycee Records, UK and Afro-Moni Entertainment, Belgium, are set to redefine music and video production to attain global standard and acceptance, with their, arguably, the biggest merger in the Nigerian entertainment industry, The deal, which took almost two years of negotiations to complete, would see Kaycee Records producing the artistes and Afro-Moni Entertainment releasing the videos. With this union, the Nigerian music scene would, surely, witness a new transformation in sound quality, video production and packaging. “Kaycee Records is, already, known in Europe, America, and Africa, the label is an outfit with bias for unknown artistes and give them a new lease of life; the label is on a mission to con-

quer the entire music scene,” the CEO of Kaycee Records, Mr. Kaycee Richard Akubeze said. Talking of the merger, he said it would give Nigerian artistes the opportunity to be heard, globally. “When you talk of standard video quality, then you think of Kacyee Records and Afro-Moni Entertainment”, he said. “We are setting up our headquarters in Nigeria. What we are doing, is that Nigerians will no longer travel to South Africa, America, UK, and other parts of the world to shoot their videos because, they will get all the things needed right at their door steps in Nigeria. My experience in running a Nigerian club in England, where we promote Nigerian music, is coming to bear in the merger. “I am the master of music promotion in England as far as Nigerian music is concerned. Before an album is released, I

Akubeze know about it and all the Nigerian artistes that come to England to perform know how I contribute to such endeavours. So now, I am coming back home, for those whose voices have not been heard, now, they will be heard through the new partnership that will take over the music industry,” he disclosed.

We have come to take over the music landscape

“Kaycee Records is for these type of artistes to promote their work, and give them a voice. That is why we are giving the music scene a new direction. We have state-of-the-art studio for recording. We have come to take over the music landscape”, he added. Kaycee, had been in the music

business for 20 years running and is one of Africa’s frontline music ambassadors in England. He said the union was to promote good songs, “people want to close their eyes and listen to good songs with clear lyrics and enjoy it. I can assure you that with Kaycee Records UK,

Continued on page 27

Tara touches lives through art

Tara

SHE needs no introduction when it comes to the art of beauty make-up; Tara Fela-Durotoye, is a master in the art. The Chief Executive Officer of the leading beauty brand, House of Tara, credited with the setting up of the first makeup studio and establishing Nigeria’s first make-up school in 2004, is very passionate in touching people’s lives with her

beauty outfit. Inspired by her stepmother’s beauty routine and her work as a make-up artist during her university days, Tara said she was, inadvertently, drawn to cosmetics, after seeing “what make-up, actually, does to enhance a woman’s self-esteem.” While talking about her passion for teaching, Tara said: “I am still a teacher; the only thing

is that, this time, I am not teaching Mathematics or English, but, I am teaching enterprise, I am teaching make-up artistry, as a platform for enterprise.” Making a difference in young lives is part of the mission for the 37-year-old cosmetics guru. “There are certain things that tell you that you cannot make it; that you will not make it; that Nigeria is not a place where peo-

ple make it,” says Tara, adding “I beg to differ.” She revealed that the Tara beauty range was born out of her frustration at the lack of suitable cosmetics in Nigeria, “Importers didn’t know, exactly, what was right for the Nigerian women, so, I want to fill the gap, while encouraging pride in home-grown glamour.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

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

Sam Mukoro preaches peace with ‘Stop the Violence’ A US-based artiste, Sam Mukoro, has urged Nigerians across the world, to embrace peace as the 2015 elections draw closer. In his new release, Stop the Violence, the Delta Stateborn artiste shares his passion for a safer world, starting with Nigeria. Many Nigerians living abroad have expressed the desire to participate in the polls, while several groups continue to clamour that the Nigerian Government should allow people in the Diaspora to vote in the elections. So Mukoro decided to reach out to a larger audience with his latest work, inspired by the security challenges in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Sam Mukoro

At last, DJ Jimmy Jatt unveils Glasses Up Moses Kadiri Frontline disc jockey, Jimmy Adewale Amu (a.k.a Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt), has released the video to the song entitled Glasses-Up. The video, from his latest album, The Industry Volume 1, serves as the anniversary theme song of Jimmy Jatt’s 25 years as a DJ and music producer. Teaming up with Jimmy Jatt, in this TY Mix-produced track, include TuFace Idibia, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy and fast-rising act, Naija Ninja’s first lady, Young GreyC. The afro-pop inspired single video takes one through different scenes of Jimmy Jatt’s silver celebration and album launch of The Industry Volume 1. It also features cameos from MTVBase VJ, Ehiz, Mode 9 and Shaydee. “Glasses Up takes my musical work a notch higher, befitting my silver jubilee in the industry,” said Jimmy. “The choice of Tu Face, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy and Young GreyC, was to ensure we deliver a truly special song for my ardent fans through this year,” he said. The dancehall video was shot on set in Lagos and directed by Patrick Elis. Jimmy Jatt is a renowned disc jockey, known for setting the pace for hip hop music in the industry. An icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry,

Harrysong drops Ofeshe video Five-star artiste, Harrysong has released a new video, Ofeshe, directed by Adasa Cookie/Squareball. The song, which is a freestyle, was produced by Amir. Harrysong sings about the lady who arrested his attention, singing “the feeling in his heart is affecting his brain”. The video has a dance concept, with cameo appearances from Skibii, VJ Adams, Bryan Okpara and a host of others.

27 Our heritage

Jimmy Jatt he had nurtured many deejays including DJ Waxxy, DJ Syl-D, DJ Funky J, Mix Master Tee, DJ Osar, DJ Hotega, DJ Tony Blaise, DJ XGee. His first single, Stylee, featuring TuFace Idibia, Mode 9 and Elajoe, enjoyed heavy airplay and the music video stayed

Kaycee Records, Afro Moni -Entertainment joins forces for greater music industry Don Velli

Glasses Up takes my musical work a notch higher, befitting my silver jubilee in the industry

on the MTV Africa countdown for weeks. This earned him several awards like Channel O Africa Music Video Award, Hip Hop World Award, SoundCity Music Video Award, Nigerian Music Video Award and Nigerian Music Award nominations.

Continued from page 26 and Afro-Moni Entertainment, there will be a shift from what the people are used to, they will begin to see quality videos and hear good music on the airwaves. We did our homework, which was why it took us this long to seal the deal. It is a unified force to achieve a creative aim.” CEO of Afro-Moni Entertainment, Mr. Don Velli, said the merger was one of this year’s greatest achievements. “It is, practically, having everything under one roof, the best of en-

He also has an album, The Definition, which is a mix tape, featuring over 50 of Nigerian’s best artistes. DJ Jimmy Jatt has a T.V programme called Jimmy’s Jump Off, currently airing on local and international stations.

tertainment, both in audio and vocal production, music video production with the best cameras up to post-production stage.” He disclosed that this had never happened before in any music industry, “it is usually a separate entity, a label like Kaycee Records UK and Afro-Moni coming together is like building a strong entertainment tower. Afro-Moni Production is a unit of Hustle-Hard Empire, founded by Don Velli, (a.k.a Don Kuluku), in Belgium before a branch was established in South Africa.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Business Times

Ecobank appeals $26m judgement Adesola Akindele

Tanoh, Former CEO, Eco Bank

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, parent company of the Ecobank Group, has said the company was confident of upturning a $26 million judgement against it through the appellate courts. Ecobank, through the NSE stated that it held a special meeting in Accra to discuss recent court judgments in Côte d’Ivoire and Togo. These judgments awarded over US$26 million to the company’s former CEO, Mr

Thierry Tanoh, whose appointment was terminated in March 2014 after he had spent less than two years in the position. ETI stated that the Board evaluated its legal position in regard to these judgments, and resolved to pursue its appeals. It is confident about the robustness and merits of these appeals, and feels assured that the higher courts will ultimately uphold them. It also resolved to continue other legal proceed-

ings against Mr Tanoh. ETI also stated that its new Board of Directors, which was constituted in 2014, is a highly credible and vastly experienced board; under its guidance, the group’s management has subsequently completed a rigorous 51-point action plan to implement best practice governance controls and systems, including quarterly reporting to regulators.

Nigeria’s tech sector attracts increased investments from Finland Tony Nwakaegho

The Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, has announced plans by more Finish companies to increase their business investments in Nigeria. Suomela-Chowdhury said this in Lagos, adding that the companies were interested in Nigeria and Ghanas’s information technology, power supply, infrastructure and meteorological technology sectors. The envoy added that though there were also some Finish companies currently doing business with Nigerian partners, more of the country’s investors had indicated interest in Nigeria’s investment environment. ``There are presently only few Finish companies in Nigeria and Ghana, including Nokia and Baracella, a power company. ``We have found out that Nigeria and other West African countries have not really witnessed so much investment from Finland. ``But there are presently a growing interest of Finish com-

panies to come and do business in Nigeria today,’’ she said. Soumela-Chowdhury said that her country’s representative in East and West Africa met recently on how best Finish companies could harness the huge investment opportunities in the continent. The ambassador also disclosed her government’s plan to soon follow-up on its company’s interest in Nigeria with high level visits to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Soumela-Chowdhury urged the Nigerian government to create the right investment environment for foreign investors through the provision of adequate security. ``We, however, look forward to a positive operating environment in Nigeria because no foreign company or investor would want to invest in place with security problems,’’ she said. Soumela-Chowdhury restated her country’s commitment to sustaining political, trade and economic relations with Nigeria in the years ahead.

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 13th February 2015

Suomela-Chowdhury, Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria

Market Capitalization and All Shares Index Trend for Equities

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

Selling(NGN)

Day

Market Capitalization (N)

Index value

US DOLLAR

167

167.5

168

Monday 9/02/2015

9,796,554,933,417.45

29,360.55

POUNDSSTERLING 256.9629

257.7323

258.5016

Tuesday 10/02/2015

9,718,189,103,308.73

29,125.69

EURO

190.6305

191.2013

191.772

28,721.27

179.6472

180.185

180.7229

Wednesday 11/02/2015

9,583,247,950,654.20

SWISS FRANC YEN

1.4047

1.4089

1.4131

Thursday 12/02/2015

9,321,157,313,972.05

27,935.77

CFA

0.2698

0.2798

0.2898

Friday 13/02/2015

9,204,936,459,916.40

27,585.26

Capital Market Report

NSE All Share Index declines as market investors trade N27.8 billion Adesola Akindele Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange traded 1.950 billion shares worth N27.836 billion in 19, 337 deals last sweek. This is in contrast to a total of 2.027 billion shares valued at N20.627 billion that exchanged hands penultimate week in 23,436 deals. The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation depreciated by 8.00% to close on Friday at 27,585.26 and N 9.204 trillion respectively. Similarly, all indices finished lower during the week with exception of the NSE Oil & Gas Index that rose by 0.38%, while NSE ASeM Index closed flat. Eleven (11) equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than forty-two (42) equities in the preceding week. Fifty-three (53) equities depreciated in price, higher than twenty-nine (29) equities in the preceding week, while one hundred and thirty-two (132) equities remained unchanged higher than one hundred and twenty-five (125) equities recorded in the preceding week. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.521 billion shares valued at N13.760 billion traded in 10,967 deals; thus contributing 78.01% and 49.43% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with a turnover of 177.396 million shares worth N10.822 billion in 3,622 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with 171.830 million shares worth N549.426 million in 1,463 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely- FBN Holdings Plc, Access Bank Plc, and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 793.727 million shares worth N7.789 billion in 5,168 deals, contributing 40.70% and 27.98% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. ETPs Also traded during the week were a total of 112,499 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N1.698 million executed in 36 deals compared with a total of 114,221 units valued at N2.074 million transacted last week in 28 deals There was no activity recorded in the debt board this week. However, a total of 133 units of FGN bonds valued at N138,632.44 were executed in 1 deal in the previous week. On New Listings, The N2billion 5-Year 15.5% Fixed Rate Secured Bonds Due 2019 issued by Fidson Healthcare Plc (Corporate Bond) was admitted to trade at the Exchange on 11th February, 2015.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Jobless pilots: FG commended over new directive Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The directive by Federal Government that pilots who were not gainfully employed should be given jobs aboard all aircraft flying in Nigeria has been commended by Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Captain Nogie Meggison. Meggison made the commendation while fielding questions from aviation correspondents in Lagos, noting that about 327 pilots were without jobs in the country. According to him, despite Nigeria’s population, only one out of every 100 African aviators was a Nigerian. Meggison who is also the grand patron of the Association of Unemployed Professional Pilots added that the recent policy of the Federal Government was a welcome development and will take more people out of the streets. “If we can have one out of every four black man to be a Nigerian, why can’t we have one out of every four African aviator to be a Nigerian?” he asked rhetorically. “It is only logical and mutually benefitting and makes more sense when any airline operating and taking off from the country creates avenues to create jobs for the people. It is not a novel idea that Nigeria is standing alone to say that any cockpit operator or anybody flying in Nigeria is expected to take

create jobs and take people off the streets,” he added. While stressing that many unemployed pilots will benefit from the directive of the Federal Government, Meggison said it was cheaper to get Nigerian pilots than it is to get their foreign counterparts. He added: “Today, we have about 327 unemployed pilots who are registered and looking for jobs. The minister made a statement,

he said there are 90 airplanes and private jets operating in Nigeria with foreign registrations. There are two sets of crew per airplane so if you even take 90 alone and two sets of crew per airplane, they cannot fly continuously. “So, if you take two per airplane immediately, that is 180. If you take the helicaopters people fly in the nation, there are maybe about 50 to 70 helicopters, times two, that is 140.

Passengers cash-in on British Airways special fares slash Passengers have begun cashing in on British Airways recently announced special low fares to air travellers on its World Traveller and World Traveller plus cabin from Lagos & Abuja to select global destinations including London, Europe and North America. The special fares, which went live from Friday, 30 January, offer customers great value for money with return flights to the

UK and Europe starting from as low as $309. According to British Airways Country Commercial Manager for West Africa, Mr. Kola Olayinka, said with $309, customers travelling to London can book on British Airways World Traveller cabin and $341 to Europe. For customers going farther, Olayinka said they can book via Terminal 5 to New York from $722 in World Traveller and

Medview operations expand into Jeddah, Dubai Medview Airlines has secured slots for flights into Jeddah and Dubai in Saudi Arabia and the United Arabs Emirates (UAE), its managing director, Alhaji Munner Bankoke, has disclosed. Bankole said the airline was granted four weekly flight slots from the Lagos - Abuja - Kano airports into Jeddah by the General Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia. The airline he said was also granted three weekly slots for flight on the Abuja - Dubai route. Bankole spoke in an interview in Lagos, while Medview took delivery of a Boring 737- 400 aircraft that flew in from Thailand to boost its operations. He said another Boeing 767300 aircraft extended range will arrive in three months to service its long haul operations. He said with the increasing aircraft fleet the airline will open new domestic routes, which he listed to include: Asaba, Uyo and Kano. He disclosed that the Jeddah and Dubai operations will soon be unveiled as the airline was putting We hope to improve our ser-

Bankoke, Medview, boss

vice delivery by developing new routes that will contribute to the economic development of Nigeria. In doing, we remain committed to the training of our pilots, and other key personnel, which is our bedrock to add value to aviation business. We call on government to put in place policies that will drive private investment for the growth of air transport.” On the Accra operations, Bankole said: ”We suspended flights into Ghana to watch developments there because of Ebola, as the situation improves, we will resume flights and connect Accra into the other parts of West Africa.”

NAHCO engages NSCDC to beef up terminal security

Meggison, AON Chairman

Nigerians in the cockpit. This will

29 Aviation

$1585 in World Traveller Plus. “At British Airways, we are always looking for opportunities to provide our Nigerian customers excellent value for money with an unparallelled service that they have come to expect from us. With these great fares we are hoping that our customers are spoilt for choice when choosing their favourite destinations,” he said.

Ground handling operator, Nahco Aviance, has signed up the services of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in its continued efforts to shore up security at the nation’s foremost airport, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja. The deployment of the NSCDC operatives is a fallout of the fracas which ensued between men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and licenced agents in November last year. The fracas led to the closure of the Cargo terminal for about two weeks by the Federal Government. Armed operatives of the NSCDC had since January taken up positions in various sections of the terminal. They would have the responsibility to further enhance the security of the terminal. The operatives who are about 25 in number would complement other security arrangements already put in place by the ground handler, who also has a subsisting MoU with the

Nigeria Air Force. According to the Head, Corporate Services, Nahco Aviance, Mr. Bashir Ahmed Gulma, all will be done to ensure that the terminal is sanitised in line with the stakeholders’ agreement of December 2014. He said, “The deployment of Civil Defence operatives in several areas of operations is just one in our series of efforts to ensure that the cargo terminal meets international requirements. We are committed to fulfilling our own part of the agreement we have with the Nigeria Customs Service.”

NSCDC men

Energy 30

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Uninterrupted Electricity not achievable now – Prof Nebo Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Expectations of Nigerians to get uninterrupted electricity will remain unrealistic for now as the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has said that it is impossible to provide constant, uninterrupted electricity to everyone in Nigeria in the near future. The Minister made this statement while speaking with newsmen in London recently, adding that “Nobody in the world can provide 24/7 electricity everywhere in Nigeria.” He noted that 160,000 megawatts would be needed to do that while the current capacity is 4,500 megawatts. “The cost of providing electricity per megawatt on average is $2billion. To get to where South Africa is, you will need about $3.2trillion (about N672trillion). Where will you find that kind of money?” Nebo asked rhetorically. According to him, apart from the huge amount of money involved, power projects also take time to come to fruition, stressing that it takes between four and six years to deliver the power projects. “You don’t buy these things off the shelves. It takes time to design, study, procure, manufacture, install and commission,” he said. The Minister explained that the government had done so much on generation capacity, transmission and distribution infrastructure, which are key necessities in power supply. Essentially, he said, 20,000 megawatts was needed to en-

Nebo, Minister of Power

sure constant power supply to major cities in the country that have been connected to the national grid, but it would require a lot of resources and time to achieve the feat. He lamented that some saboteurs were bent on ensuring that the target is not achieved by vandalising gas pipelines on a regular basis, even though the current facilities and infrastructure on the ground had the

capacity to provide more than 5,000 megawatts in the country. Commenting further, he said that the demand for electricity in Nigeria is so huge that “no matter what you do, once electricity gets to a place, people acquire more facilities, buy refrigerators and air-conditioners, and before you know it, what you think is enough for everyone has to be shared by so many people”.

Africa’s Energy Ministers, law experts tackle legal issues next week

Tan, CEO Magenda Pte Ltd

African Energy Ministers and Law experts are to convene for the Africa Oil & Gas Legal Summit 2015 from February 2426 in Johannesburg to tackle the latest legal issues in the oil & gas industry. The conference-organising firm, Magenta Global Pte Ltd of Singapore in a statement issued said that the Africa Oil & Gas Legal Summit 2015 along with its Pre-Summit Masterclass will be held on February 24-26 at the Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa. The CEO of the conference-

organising company, Magenta Global Pte Ltd of Singapore, Ms Maggie Tan, said: “This Summit will provide an excellent opportunity for Government-toGovernment, Government-toIndustry, and company-to-company informational exchanges on recent developments in Africa Oil and Gas Law, issues and challenges. Get clarity on regulatory compliance and mitigate risks. This is an important strategy summit for both Governments and oil and gas companies on likely regulatory changes and enforcement developments.”

NNPC laments stolen crude debt burden The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has described as wasteful and burdensome the huge debt it incurs from stolen crude and fixing of vandalised pipelines. The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha, disclosed this as fallout of the recommendations of the recent forensic audit report undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, while fielding questions from the media in Abuja. Dawha clarified that the highlights of the Forensic Audit Report directed the corporation to reduce its unnecessary expenditure, adding that huge debt incurred on stolen crude and fixing of the damaged pipelines occasioned by acts of sabotage was uncalled for. He lamented that NNPC was operating under a very difficult environment with no special budget for the fixing of vandalised pipelines, which had to be done whenever the occasion arose. “I quite agree with you that some expenditure is unnecessary, especially when they are sabotage. We operate under very difficult environments. Expenditure of fixing pipelines and accounting for crude that were deliberately stolen are not expenditure the nation can afford. “We will rather have a system whereby crude is put in the pipeline and arrives at its destination and they are refined. This is a normal operation but we are really in abnormal operation,” the NNPC boss said. He hinted that the Corporation has ended its controversial contract with “community services” in the provision of secu-

Dawha, NNPC boss

rity for oil and gas pipelines, a situation he described, could have led to the rise in pipeline vandalism across the country. On his part, the Group Executive Director in charge of Gas and Power, Dr. David Ige, said vandalism was one of the biggest threats to NNPC operations and aspiration of the Federal Government having recorded over 50 cases of pipeline attacks across the crude oil pipeline and gas pipelines. According to Ige, “The pipelines are located in a very difficult terrain to access. If there is an attack on the pipeline, the logistic of getting it repaired is expensive. We continue to bear the cost of this, which we consider to be unnecessary. “We are struggling with this problem. Since January alone, we have seen more attacks more than often. The last time the NNPC engaged “community services”, which involved using local people to protect the pipelines, was in 2012.

Bonga South West/Aparo project not abandoned, SNEPCo insists The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) has denied recent reports that it has stopped the development of SNEPCO-operated Bonga South West/Aparo (BSWA) project due to the slump in oil price, insisting that the implementation of the project was on course. Managing Director, SNEPCo, Tony Attah 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.” The BSWA 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. The BSWA field straddles Oil Mining Leases (OML) 118, OML132 and OML140.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

FAO seeks $116m to avert food crisis in Sahel region The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has requested for $116 million emergency fund to avert looming food shortages in the Sahel regions of Africa as the crisis situation looks likely to deteriorate rapidly in 2015. FAO disclosed that about 20 million people are still affected by food insecurity in the Sahel, among them, 2.6 million people already require urgent food assistance. FAO stated that population displacements due to insecurity and conflicts in the Central African Republic, Mali and Nigeria exacerbated this precarious situation. In Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali and Mauritania, nearly 3 million people are deprived of their livelihoods and no longer have access to adequate food. “Displaced people and refugees often rely on the limited food reserves and resources of their host communities. In order to prevent a further deterioration and respond efficiently to the growing food insecurity in the region, an immediate support to the livelihoods of communities relying on agriculture is needed. In 2015 and in the framework of the United Nations Strategic Response Plan for the Sahel, FAO is appealing for a total of USD 116 million to assist more than 5.4 million people.

31 Agric

Cassava bread fund: BoI pledges sustainable impact Olaoluwa, Managing Director, Bank of Industry

Stories by Charles Okonji Bank of Industry (BoI) has reiterated that implementation of the cassava bread fund initiative of the Federal Government was on course, pledging to sustain the fund’s economic impact through proper supervision. BoI in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development are supporting about 174 Members of the Association of Master Bakers of Nigeria who have indicated interest in the Cassava Bread Fund Initiative. The Scheme involves the provision of fund for the acquisition of baking equipment to enable the bakers achieve principally the inclusion of about 20 per cent cassava flour into wheat flour for baking of cassava bread as well as other confectionary as part of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration. To this end, the sum of N2.2 billion was earmarked for this category of beneficiaries in form of grants and loans. The

members were grouped in two batches. Already the sum of N989 million has been disbursed to the first batch of 100 beneficiaries which represents 92 per cent of the approved sum of N1.074 billion. According to BoI, of the remaining 74 beneficiaries, only 60 have met basic conditions precedent to facilitate the disbursement of 50 per cent grant amounting to N537.93 million. The Bank of Industry (BoI) has stated that it is not only highly committed to ensuring that the objectives of the Cassava Bread Fund are achieved but places on its front burner the sustainability of the Scheme by conscientiously managing the Scheme. The Bank also explained that in the discharge of its duties as fund managers, it has professional and fiduciary obligations to ensuring that the fund remains viable so as to make the expected developmental impact. As Partners, the Bank enjoins the beneficiaries to ensure timely fulfillment of the agreed conditions precedent to loan disbursement as specified

in the agreement governing the Scheme to enable the Bank serve them better. Acco0rding to a statement issued by BOI, the Fund is a revolving one and the sustainability of the scheme is considered paramount. Consequently, the Bank’s Regional Officers have been engaged in visiting and verifying the effective and efficient utilisation of the funds in terms of equipment delivery, installation and efficient operation across the nation. BoI added that N350.0 million was earmarked for 35 High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) Millers for the upgrade of their mills comprising 50 per cent grant and 50 per cent loan. The sum of N195 million or 55.7 per cent in form of grant and funds for the reconfiguration of their factories have been disbursed to 20 beneficiaries who are grouped in batches of 10 each. The Bank stated that while equipment for the first batch of 10 beneficiaries have been installed, the delivery and installation of the second batch of equipment to another 10 beneficiaries is on–going and that with

the pace of work, it is expected to be completed on or before February 20, 2015 all targeted at enabling the beneficiaries meet the desired HQCF volume. Furthermore, of the remaining of 15 beneficiaries, only eight have fulfilled the agreed conditions precedent for disbursement and as such, an additional N32.20 million being 50 per cent of the approved amount of N64.400 million is being processed for this batch of beneficiaries. The supplier only submitted the Performance Bond to facilitate disbursement on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2015. Regarding the N425.0 million earmarked for working capital loan, the development institution explained that about N100.0 million has been disbursed to those that have been supplied the basic items of equipment, while the balance is being disbursed in tranches to the remaining beneficiaries as they complete the installation and test runs of their equipment in line with the agreed milestones.

Expert urges NAICOM to enlighten SMEs on insurance Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) management consultant, Mr. Adeola Adessy, has called on insurance regulator, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), to elevate the level of insurance awareness among SMEs in the country. Adessy, who is the Managing Director, Greenfocus Global Ser-

vices, told Daily Times that the incessant outbreak of diseases, flood, fire, collapsed structures, motor vehicle accident, health, death and other associated risk in crops and livestock production, makes it imperative that the insurance awareness should be further deepened to mitigate these risks, especially at the mi-

cro business level. “Sourcing funds is one of the fundamental problems facing the growth of Micro and Small Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. Many entrepreneurs either do not know where to get the funds or assume that it is too difficult to get, or due to some administrative challenges. The financial

institutions are also not very disposed to lending to either farmers because of many other challenges that make agricultural investments risky, or inability to meet up with the banks requirements by the SMEs, these makes the contribution of SMEs to the GDP very low,” he said.

Adessy

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Features

Politics

Jonathan must win fairly, or lose with dignity -Obasanjo P17 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.46

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These are surely not the best of times for the National Examination Council (NECO). While the crisis of confidence between its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Promise Okpala, and the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, continues, a new scandal has reared its head in the organisation.

News

Price: N150

dailytimesng

Deadly shootings rock Danish capital

NECO Director of finance & account, Dr James Ojebode

– Prof Nebo

Partial ceasefire holds in Ukraine

Young victim of the Fulani massacre

The aborted coup

vance of the deadline, especially around the disputed transport hub of Debaltseve, resulting in more than a dozen deaths. Merkel and Hollande telephoned Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Putin on Saturday to ap-

ard Basurin, accused the Ukrainian military of attacks in Debaltseve. Meanwhile, civil defence authorities reported early on Sunday that a Russian “aid convoy” had crossed the border into eastern Ukraine.

India building collapse kills 13 family members

and one in hospital, officials said. Local police superintendent Chandauli Muniraj said construction appeared to have been hurried. Police are looking for the building contractor and an investigation has begun.

are attributed to substandard building materials and lax safety standards.

The city of Chennai was the Africa’s Energy Ministers, law experts tackle legal issues next week scene of a major collapse in July 2014 when an 11-storey building African Energy Ministers Schmidt gave way, killing 61. and Law experts are to convene for the Africa Oil & Gas Legal Summit 2015 from February 2426 in Johannesburg to tackle the latest legal issues in the oil & gas industry. The conference-organising firm, Magenta Global Pte Ltd of Singapore in a statement issued said that the Africa Oil & Gas Legal Summit 2015 along with its Pre-Summit Masterclass will be held on February 24-26 at the Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton Tan, CEO Magenda Pte Ltd

ÎÎÎWe are in a peculiarly

If Primate Olabayo had predicted some 20 years ago that a day would come when the bulk of “human rights activists” in Nigeria would line up behind those who were bent on denying about 26 million voters in the country their fundamental liberty, no one would have paid him a heed.

silly season in Nigeria at the moment .No event has signposted this malady in the land than the recent rescheduling of the 2015 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the time permitted by the electoral law. Section 27 of the 2011 Electoral Act stipulates that election must hold not earlier than 150 days and not later 30 days to handover. The last set of elections rescheduled to April 11 still leaves about 48 days to handover. Reactions from segments of our society have moved from the ridiculous to the sublime. Desperate politicians have used words like “illegal” to describe the decision but are unable to point out any leg of legality that was removed. Even some senior lawyers who should know better have also said that the rescheduling was “a coup against the constitution”. We wait for these luminaries to hold our hands to point to the section of the constitution that was violated by what even the poster boy of the grand conspiracy against the electorate, Attahiru Jega- says is within the law and at no extra cost to the commission. If Primate Olabayo had predicted some 20 years ago that a day would come when the bulk of “human rights activists” in Nigeria would line up behind those who were bent on denying about 26 million voters in the country their fundamental liberty, no one would have paid him a heed. A brief look at the populations of 223 countries of the world shows that there

are about 178 countries of the world who do not have 26 million people inhabiting each of them. Yet this was the figure the sheer incompetence or orchestrated mischief of Jega would have denied the right to vote as their Permanent Voter Cards were not delivered into their hands a week to elections. A large layer of our “community of conscience” would rather consider the interest of politicians who give themselves away as having plotted a scheme to take power without the imprint of the greatest number of the registered voters. They were buoyed by these desperate politicians and their lobbied “international community” who in the last two and half decades have taken away the independent will of that community through poisoned chalice of grants with strings attached. The God who rules in the affairs of men instantly made a butt of practical joke with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) within five days of

13 World

Business

ÏÏÏA shooting at a free speech event featuring an artist who had caricatured the Prophet Muhammad and a second shooting hours after an attack by Taliban mili- lice, Nasir Durrani, said that wor- later outside a synagogue left tants in Peshawar on 13 February shipers prevented one of the at- two dead and five police officers 2015. Over the past decade, Paki- tackers from detonating his vest. wounded in Copenhagen, stirring Daily Times stan has experienced an increas“People here showed great fearsNigeria that another terror spree was ing number of sectarian attacks. courage. They grabbed one ofMonday, the underway February 16, in a2015 European capital a In Peshawar, TV footage on Fri- attackers from his neck, and he month after 17 people were killed day showed people running from couldn’t detonate [his explosives], in Paris attacks. the scene, some carrying wound- and he was shot and killed.” Police couldn’t say whether the ed people on their shoulders. The Pakistani Taliban said shootings at a cultural centre on Police chief Mian Saeed said their fighters had carried out the Saturday afternoon and in front the militants stormed the mosque attack, claiming that it was in re- of the synagogue early on Sunday wearing suicide vests. However, venge for the execution of one of were connected, but didn’t rule it only one attacker managed to their members. out. In both shootings, the gunman detonate his. The Taliban have carried out a got away. The other two reportedly threw number of atrocities in Peshawar, “We are looking for two perpegrenades and shot at worshippers including an attack on a school trators,” police spokesman Allan gathered for Friday prayers. in December in which 150 people Wadsworth-Hansen told reporters. Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The head of the provincial po- were killed. Two hours later, police announced they had shot and killed Expectations of Nigerians a man who shot at them near a to get uninterrupted electrain station and were investigattricity will remain unrealistic for now as the Minister of ing whether he could be linked Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has to the two shootings. The police said that it is impossible to prostatement posted online says the vide constant, uninterrupted shooting occurred after they had electricity to everyone in Nigeput an address near the train staria in the near future. tion under observation. The stateThe Minister made this statement said no police officers were ment while speaking with newswounded. men in London recently, adding The first shooting happened that “Nobody in the world can shortly before 16:00 on Saturday. provide 24/7 electricity everyDanish police said the gunman where in Nigeria.” used an automatic weapon to He noted that 160,000 megashoot through the windows of the watts would be needed to do that Krudttoenden cultural center durwhile the current capacity is ing a panel discussion on freedom 4,500 megawatts. of expression following the Paris “The cost of providing elecattacks. A 55-year-old man attendtricity per megawatt on aving the event was killed, while erage is $2billion. To get to three police officers were woundwhere South Africa is, you will ed. Two belonged to the Danish need about $3.2trillion (about security service PET, which said N672trillion). Where will you the circumstances surrounding More than 40 people were wounded in the Pakistani attack. find that kind of money?” Nebo the shooting “indicate that we are asked rhetorically. talking about a terror attack.” According to him, apart from the huge amount of money inThe gunman then fled in a carvolved, power projects also take jacked Volkswagen Polo that was ÏÏÏ A building in northern India time tobecome to fruition, stressfound later a few kilometres away, has collapsed, killing 13 people Motorcycle said to have been burnt by the herdsmen ing that. it takes between four police said. family ÏÏÏA ceasefire between the Kiev peal to them to stick to the Minsk lieved to be from the same Nebo, Minister of Power and six years to deliver the powResidents of Ketu in Yewa Lars Vilks, a Swedish artist who slaughtered, while women, young the hands of the herdsmen who, The three-storey building in Utgovernment and pro-Russian reb- agreement. Further calls were exer projects. North Local Ukraine Government and old, including a bride, were according them, always has faced numerous death threats tartoPradesh state lurked was near comels in eastern appeared pected on Sunday . sure constant power supply to capacity to provide more than “You don’t buy these things of Ogunholding State have had raped.Among thosegovernment allegedly withat the border close to their for caricaturing the Prophet Mupletionareas when it fell on a family toarea be largely after it was The Kiev major cities in the country that 5,000 megawatts in the country. their peace shattered everytodry killed were five members of a fam- community at the approach of theoff the shelves. It takes time to hammad,to was one of Commenting the main implemented overnight Sunday . held judgement on the state of the of weavers asleep on the ground have been connected the nafurther, he said season, due to the ravaging herds- ily. Their offence: Failing to release dry season,some Ketu residents ac-design, study, procure, manufacspeakers the event,that titled The pause in fighting that start- ceasefire on Sunday. “The first few floor, police said. Among the victimstional was grid, the but it wouldatrequire the“Art, demand for electricity ture, install and commission,” men from the Republic of Niger. their farmlands to the herdsmen cused the Ogun State Government blasphemy and freedom expres-is so huge that “no At least three escaped unhurt building’s owner, Mohammad ed at midnigh is part of a peace hours are very important, which a lot ofKaresources and time to in of Nigeria he said. Just a few years ago, no fewer for cattle to feed on. sion.” He was whisked away by you do, once elecin marrudin, and two children, plan hammered out in the Belaru- is why we are observing the situa- when the structure came down Supt achieve the feat. matter what CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 The Minister explained that than 21 indigenes of Ketu were While narrating their ordeal in histhat bodyguards unharmed the to a place, people of He lamented some sabotricityasgets sian capital Minsk on Thursday. Muniraj tion together with the military. It is Dulhipur village near the thecity government hadsaid. done so shooting were bent on began. ensuring acquire more facilities, buy reIt was brokered by German still too early to draw any conclu- Varanasi. A local capacity unit of , theteurs National much on generation that the target is not achieved frigerators and air-conditioners, India has suffered a transmission series of Chancellor Angela Merkel and sions,” government spokesperson Disaster Response Force helped and distribution vandalising gas pipelines and before you know it, what in part in the French President Francois Hol- Sviatoslav Zegolko said on his similar incidents, blamed rescue meinfrastructure, which areoperation key by and on a regular on poor regulation andnecessities housing in lande, with Russian President Facebook page. chanical diggers to basis, even though you think is enough for everypower supply . were deployed Vladimir Putin also in attendance. bodies. The leader of the pro-Russian pressures. Essentiallyretrieve , he said, 20,000 the current facilities and infra- one has to be shared by so many Twelve people died at megawatts the scene was There was heavy fighting in ad- rebels in the city of Donetsk, EduMany suchtoincidents in Indiaon the ground had the people”. needed en- structure CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

ÏÏÏ

Taliban militants have attacked worshippers at a Shia mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar with guns and grenades, killing at least 20. Two weeks ago, another attack on a Shia mosque in Sindh province’s Shikarpur district left more than 60 people dead. Sunni militants linked to the Taliban said they had carried out the Shikarpur attack, which was the deadliest in years. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his grief for the loss of life and said that the government remained committed to “eradicating the menace of ter-

Yinka Odumakin

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 16, 2015

Taliban militants attack Uninterrupted Taliban And the killings Shia mosque, 20 dead militants attack Electricity by Fulani mosque,Energy 20 not 30 achievable herdsmen And the killings byShia Fulani now dead P 30NNPC laments stol continue...continue... herdsmen Uninterrupted Electricity P21 – Profnow Nebo crude debt burden P13 not achievable

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Features

NECO director, Ojebode in retirement breach saga

this absurd festival. The delegates’ conference of the central labour body, which also supported going ahead with the election which Jega was shoddily prepared for, ended in chaos with exchange of blows and chairs meant for delegates’ butts whacking their heads in a fit of rage. All because Jega’s counterparts at the NLC brewed a similar wine to what Jega was about to serve our country on Valentine’s Day. What would have become of Nigeria if 170 million people had to stage what 3000 delegates did at the NLC elections fiasco? Just like the labour delegates did a fist interrogation of Abduwaheed Omar and his team tampering with contestants list at the last minute as well as the manipulation of ballot papers, there could have been similar querying of why Jega in four years was unable to give millions of voters their cards. Voters in Lagos would have wanted to know how Jega was able to get 80% of cards for voters in Boko Haram’s enclave of Adamawa and only 39% for a peaceful city that

has exercised modern franchise since 1922. A street inquiry could possibly have been instituted to ascertain how Ogun would have only 36 % compared to ravaged Yobe’s 79 %. The South-West as a region would have wanted to know how the zone got only 54 % of its registered voters having cards as against 72 % for North East and 79% for North West just a year away from National Census. The most discomforting in all this is the egging of Jega in his galling impunity by our perverts, complemented by some silly editorials we have read in the last few days. His official irresponsibility in the whole sordid tale has been beclouded by the folly going on and this suggests we may just have postponed the evil day. There is no way Jega would address the wrongs he has not admitted with all his feudal cockiness. His buck-passing of the only reason for the rescheduling of the polls to “security” with no apology to the disenfranchised millions suggests that there is

in Johannesburg, South Africa. The CEO of the conference-

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has described as wasteful and burdensome the huge debt it incurs from stolen crude and fixing of vandalised pipelines. The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha, disclosed this as fallout of the recommendations of the recent forensic audit report undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, while fielding questions from the media in Abuja. Dawha clarified that the highlights of the Forensic Audit Report directed the corporation to reduce its unnecessary expenditure, adding that huge debt incurred on stolen crude and fixing of the damaged pipelines occasioned by acts of sabotage was uncalled for. He lamented that NNPC was operating under a very difficult environment with no special budget for the fixing of vandalised pipelines, which had to be done whenever the occasion arose. “I quite agree with you that some expenditure is unnecessary, especially when they are sabotage. We operate under very difficult environments. Expenditure of fixing pipelines and accounting for crude that were deliberately stolen are not expenditure the nation can afford. “We will rather have a system whereby crude is put in the pipeline and arrives at its destination and they are refined. This is a normal operation but we are really in abnormal operation,” the NNPC boss said. He hinted that the Corporation has ended its controversial contract with “community services” in the provision of secu-

Bonga South West/Aparo proje abandoned, SNEPCo insists The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) has denied recent reports that it has stopped the development of SNEPCO-operated Bonga South West/Aparo (BSWA) project due to the slump in oil price, insisting that the implementation of the project was on course. Managing Director, SNEPCo, Tony Attah said “We can confirm that we are currently progressing the tender for the Engineering, Procurement and

some deliberate plot to disenfranchise millions of the electorate for some calculations that may yet unravel. The only logical interpretation of this is that there was a coup hatched against these millions which would have been carried out on February 14, a day after the 39th anniversary of the coup that killed Murtala. Our advocates and editorial writers are hereby called out to know that what would have amounted to a coup in all these shenanigans would have been taking away the constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. And I have been wondering like my friend Seni Ajayi why these folks whose bulk live in Lagos have not taken up the APC government in Lagos which appointed sole administrators for councils in Lagos without any explanation for why democratic elections due since October 2014 were not held. By the way, they have not asked for the results of the farce it conducted in 2011 which produced those whose tenure ended. A republic of ostriches!

WEATHER FORECAST FOR MONDAY 16-02-2015 LAGOS

BENIN CITY

ENUGU

Clear

Partly Cloudy

Partly cloudy

39 |24 °C 102 |76 °F

35 |24 °C 95 |75 °F

38 |25 °C 100 |77 °F

High

SW at 10 to

ABUJA

0% Chance

10% Chance

Precipitation

92F.

Winds 15 mph

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

Dawha, NNPC boss

rity for oil and situation he d have led to the vandalism acro On his part, t tive Director in and Power, Dr. vandalism was gest threats to N and aspiration Government h over 50 cases of across the crude gas pipelines. According to lines are locate ficult terrain to is an attack on logistic of getti expensive. We c the cost of this sider to be unne “We are stru problem. Since we have seen m than often. Th NNPC engage services”, whic local people to lines, was in 201

MAIDUGURI

Clear

39 |16 °C 103 |61 °F 0% Chance Precipitation

Construction (E support the pr the process h some delays, w for a final inve

in the 2015/16 t the right condit

The BSWA the constructio ing production offloading,( FPS an expected pea 225 thousand b day. The BSWA Oil Mining Le OML132 and OM

Life&

TIMES Monday, February 16, 2015

Uche Jumbo

can’t wait to L2 be a mom

Whitney Houston’s

family rubbishes Nick Gordon’s claim L3 P

Osas Ighodaro opens up on marriage

Eyola on New Year’s fashion resolutions PL4

Movie L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 16, 2015

Uche Jumbo Stories by: Mutiat Alli

Stella Damasus

opens production outfit in Lagos

excited about pregnancy

Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, who recently joined the radio world in the US, has opened the headquarters of her production outfit, SDA Productions Ltd in Ajah area of Lagos State. While tongues continue to

Stella

wag about the actual meaning of SDA, whether it stands for Stella Damasus Aboderin or Stella Damasus Ademinokan, a source, however, hinted that the star actress might be relocating to Nigeria to try her hand again in the movies.

Olaide Bakare delves into music

A few months after Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, reportedly, lost her pregnancy; it seems the Abia State-born script interpreter/producer is rocking another baby bump. The TV star, a Puerto Rican by marriage, shared a ‘selfie’ picture on Instagram, showing a protruding stomach.

Her concerned fans have since been praying for her safety and that of the unborn child. It was speculated that her last alleged miscarriage was the second in her three-year old marriage. Uche Jombo got married to Kenny Rodriguez on May 16, 2012, and has been staying with her husband in the US.

Star actress and Simline International CEO, Olaide Bakare has announced that she will be will rocking the microphone soon, like her other colleagues, who have veered into music. The actress disclosed to Life &Times that, aside going into music, she would also be setting up her own record label. In her words, “I am also delving into music, as I would be floating a record label, as the first woman to take up the challenge. I know it will be difficult, but I am ready to push myself beyond the limit, so that our young ones, who are talented in music, could be given the platform to express themselves and be given the opportunity to reach the climax of their dreams”. The mother of three also took time to deny rumours that her marriage to socialite, Oriowo, was heading for the rocks, noting that her family was doing well.

Olaide

Uche

Akpos & Company to begin TV airing soon

Osas Ighodaro gushes about Gbenro

Nollywood producer, Mike Nliam’s new comedy series entitled Akpos and Company, will be hitting the TV screens in Nigeria soon. According to the producer, the series is set to redefine comedy in contemporary Nigeria, as it x-rays the everyday life of the middle class. The comedy series, which gulped millions of naira, was funded by Project Act Nollywood which President Goodluck Jonathan created for capacity-building in the movie industry. Akpos & Company is directed by Abay Esho and star acts like Florence Onuma, as Lovinna: Jerry Onwordi, fondly known as Baba Nothing Spoil, as Ajaka; Eliel Etete as Old Soldier, Mario Davidson Omasoro as Akpos; Adaeze Jacqueline-Ajah, and Wilson Irabor Brown as Goddy. ON SET

Florence Onuma as Lovinna receives Instructions from Director Abay Esho,

From left: Old Soldier-Mike Nliam (Producer)Emma-And-Akpos on set

Osas and husband

Presenter, actress and former Miss Black USA 2010, Osas Ighodaro says she and her model cum actor fiancé, Gbenro Ajibade will soon tie the knots. She disclosed this in an interview with an entertainment magazine, Encomium, recently. Osas said she was thrilled about being engaged to Gbenro and couldn’t wait to marry him. “I feel great about it and for the wedding bells. Stay tuned, because it is coming up soon”, she said Osas, who met Gbenro on the set of popular TV sitcom, Tinsel, says his physique and love for God attracted her. “The fact that he is God-fearing, I admire a lot. His physique is attractive. But, it was when we got close and started talking that I got to know him as a person. That got me more attracted to him”, she said. According to Osas, the best valentine she ever had was the one with Gbenro. “The first valentine spent with Gbenro was my most memorable. He surprised me, took me to Obudu Ranch (Cross River State). It was very romantic and surprising”, she said. The two lovebirds got engaged in 2014.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 16, 2015

L3 Extra

Whitney Houston’s

family debunks Nick Gordon’s alienation claim Following Nick Gordon’s claim that Bobbi Kristina Brown’s family had stopped him from seeing his wife at the hospital, Whitney Houston’s family has replied saying, Nick Gordon has never tried to visit girlfriend, Bobbi Kristina, in hospital and hasn’t been banned from her bedside. TMZ reports that the late singer’s relatives have hit back at her 21-year-old daughter’s ‘husband’, after his lawyer, Randy Kessler, released a statement saying his client hasn’t been allowed to see the aspiring singer, who is fighting for her life at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, after being found face down in her bathtub on January 31. A Houston family source says they are furious with Gordon’s lawyer for suggesting they banned him from visiting his ailing girlfriend, and claims he had never once tried to make his way inside the medical facility. Gordon was recently photographed in front of the hospital, but the insider told gossip website TMZ. com that it was just a publicity stunt and he never tried to enter the building.

Gordon’s lawyer claims his client tried to visit Bobbi and was blocked from doing so, but he also recently stated he had no plans to take legal action to gain access to her bedside. Brown’s cousin, Jerod Brown, previously suggested Gordon was preparing to go to court in a bid to be granted access to her. Gordon was unofficially adopted by Whitney when he was 12 years old and he and Bobbi - whose father is Bobby Brown - claimed on Twitter in January, 2014, that they had married, but her father’s lawyer, recently, revealed they never legally tied the knots. Police have launched a criminal investigation to find out what happened to Bobbi, who is said to be slowly making progress, despite being in a coma.

Bobbi and Gordon

Will Smith talks on marriage challenges

Drake

releases album without notice

Following in the footsteps of Beyonce, rapper Drake surprised fans after releasing an album on iTunes on Friday, February13, without prior notice. It’s a 17-track album, entitled If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. The record features guest artistes, including Lil’Wayne, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Travi$ Scott, Times Live says. Drake’s previous album, “Nothing Was the Same,” went straight to No. 1 on the weekly Billboard 200 album charts in October, 2013. That studio album, his third, sold 658,000 copies in its first week. The move mirrors Grammy-winning pop singer Beyonce, who released her self-titled 14-song, 17-video album on iTunes with no fanfare in December 2013. Drake had written numerous hits, including “The Best I Ever Had,” and “Started from the Bottom,” and all three of his previous albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts. The hashtag #IfYoureReadingThisItsTooLate was trending nationally on Twitter by early Friday morning, with many users praising the album.

Smith and Jada

If you ever thought Will Smith’s 17-year old marriage to Jada Pinkett has been all rosy, wait until you her what Will has to say. Will Smith admitted his marriage of 17 years to Jada Pinkett-Smith has had ‘’some stormy days’’ and ‘’died’’ multiple times, but, insists that it is ‘’OK’’ for it to be that way. Smith, who wedded Jada in 1997, has admitted his relationship has ‘’died’’ multiple times in the past. He told The Sun newspaper: ‘’Whatever you have is gonna die and you are gonna have to rebirth something new. You have to be willing to ride the waves. ‘’There’s gonna be some flat days and some stormy days, and that has to be OK”.

Meanwhile, Jada, who has daughter Willow, 14, and son Jaden, 16, with the 46year old actor, had, previously, said Smith was more than just a husband to her. She explained: ‘’We used to have all these rules, [but] as you go on in your relationship, you just get into a flow. ‘’Will, to me, encompasses everything. It’s almost as if calling him ‘my husband’ is too small of a word for what he means in my life... I think I had a very stuck idea of what a husband looks like, what a wife should be. ‘’Once I broke all of that, a whole new world opened for me and man, oh, man, I got to see him in all his glory. And so that’s what it’s evolved into. And I’m just ecstatic about it.’’

Kanye West explains daughter’s temper tantrum

Kanye West’s daughter, North West, made headlines last Thursday, Feb.13, after making temper tantrums at her father’s fashion show in NYC. According to Hollywood Life.com, Vice’s fashion section i-D interviewed the rapper backstage at his show after Nori’s front row meltdown on Kim Kardashian’s lap, moments before the runway show started. The reality scion was photographed bawling and howling on her mother’s lap while Vogue editor Anna Wintour -- seated to Kim’s left -- appeared mildly miffed by North’s behaviour. The other stars seated front row, minus Taylor Swift, who was a no-show! looked at the tot, sympathetically, as she cried and flailed her arms. While the true reason for 19-month-old Nori’s tirade is unknown, West made fun of the incident backstage with i-D. “Maybe she was just scared for her daddy,” West, 37, remarked. “She just wanted people to stop being mean to her daddy. Because she knows that her daddy loves the world and just wants to make it a more beautiful place.” West was heavily criticised by people on the Internet this past week, after the rapper rushed to the stage -- in what many people initially thought was a joke -- before Beck accepted the Grammy for Album of the Year on Sunday. The rapper addressed the incident (yet again!) with Andre Leon Talley on Thursday. “I feel good. I feel like a human being. I feel like a man,” West said of the incident. “A man can make mistakes, a man can have an opinion. A man can be hypocritical. I feel like I have blood in my veins. That my blood hasn’t been turned cold by the concept of celebrity, or missed opportunities or perception feels good.”

North

Eyola L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 16, 2015

Another chance at New Year’s resolutions Series of Eight by Eyola

If January was a month of broken promises, it is not too late to set, re-set or re-think your New Year’s resolutions. Chinese New Year celebrations take place on February 19, so why not use this as an opportunity to recommit to your New Year’s resolutions. For those who procrastinate, you get a second chance to set some goals on how you could make improvement to your life. Reflect on your life and evaluate the direction you would like to aspire in one or more areas - relationships, style, health, fitness, wellbeing, finances, education, vocation, profession, self-improvement, compassionate selfawareness or contributing to a charitable cause during the year ahead. 2015 marks the 4712th Chinese New Year and slightly similar to zodiac signs, each year is represented by a 12-month cycle of animals, the Yin-Yang and the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth) that make up the Chinese zodiac. 2015 is the year of the Sheep, which is connected to earth, wood and fire in the Chinese Five Element Theory. Foreign to Chinese astrology, 2015 is also an Eight universal year in numerology. The number 8 resonates with personal power, confidence, good judgment, compassion, appearance, a desire for peace and love of humanity and world transformation. This special number is also associated with my fashion label, Eyola, with 8 being the brand’s number, playing a key role in all areas of the brand. The number 8 represents Eyola’s eight-piece capsule collections called ‘Octettes’. The Octette, an homage to Victorian corsetry, is derived from the figure 8 shape, also known as an hourglass shape, created when a woman wears a corset. Other 8 derivatives include the maximum number of production Eyola makes for each design and the number of ‘E’ designs found on the company logo. On the subject of fashion, here are 8 fashion resolution ideas to see you through 2015.

Determine your body shape and dress for your body type. Kick off the New Year by embracing your body type. First of all, you must know what sort of shape you have and understand what to avoid, what your best assets are and what styles compliment your shape. There are five general body shape categories: pear, rectangle, apple, inverted triangle and hourglass. Look out for my upcoming

article that can help you determine what body type you are and learn more about dressing for your body shape.

wo Choose quality over quantity. Buy less, buy better. By no means does this equate to breaking the bank by filling your wardrobe entirely with designer labels you just can’t afford. However, it does require a little bit of an investment which will surely pay off in the long haul. Think of it this way, poor quality, cheap, disposable clothing will only last a few wears. Once it has been through the laundering process a few times you will start to notice one or more of the following: fading, loss of shape and fit and fibre damage. Eventually your cheap item will find itself in the bin completely worn out after a short life-span. That’s just pouring money down the drain. Quality lasts longer as you are paying for durability and a long lasting garment and just as important, the fit far outweighs that of the cheap alternative. What’s more, if you choose timeless, one-of-a-kind and unique pieces, your quality clothing will be appropriate season after season. Set a monthly spending limit and be conscious when shopping for clothes. Buy a luxury well-made piece once a month or quarterly to gradually build a quality-longevity wardrobe. A core essential wardrobe isn’t necessarily a large amount of clothing, but the right pieces you can pair together, mix-n-match or dress up or down.

hree Discover your signature and become memorable. There’s nothing more stylish than sticking to a signature style, accessory, piece or scent. Identify what kind of style personality you have. This can be a fun process and requires an open mind. Test out a handful of different styles. Once you have tried out a wide range of styles, you are ready to choose a signature piece (or pieces) that will become a part of your style identity. 4our Have a ruthless wardrobe clear out. Out with the old and in with the new. Usher out items in your wardrobe that don’t serve you any justice. Garments that are too small or too tight fall under this category. Make a fun day out of it. Invite friends to help you decide what pieces in

your wardrobe are a “yes”, “no” or “maybe”. Or if you are more productive doing it on your own, have your favourite music in the background as an energy booster.

ive Dress up your daywear from time to time. All dressed up with nowhere to go needn’t necessarily be a bad thing. After all you never know who you might bump into on your way to the grocery shop. Life is too short to save clothes or accessories for a special occasion. You only live once so why not live life to the fullest expressing yourself through fashion. Dressing up is also a confidence booster increasing your self-worth and self-esteem.

Take fashion risks. Vow to try something you are a little afraid of. Break out of a style rut and think outside the box. If you find that you were always dressed in jeans and T-shirts in 2014, why not try dressing up in an LBD (Little Black Dress) and a pair of heels one day a week? For the more adventurous, disregard trends and mismatch your outfit to create something totally new, fashionforward and inspiring. Alternatively, road test an unexpected ensemble by experimenting with a mishmash of styles in one look – feminine with masculine, bohemian with preppy-chic or a dressy skirt paired with a casual T-shirt.

even Spoil yourself once in a while. Kill two birds with one stone and treat yourself while also maintaining your skin, hair, teeth and nails. Then top it off with some new staple, luxury, timeless clothing to compliment the new improved you. Taking great care of yourself requires commitment and a small investment. I certainly believe in regular facials, manicures, pedicures, hair treatments and dental care. A very effective facial to try, courtesy of Mrs Musa Adede, is the oxygen facial. A relatively new non-medical painless treatment, oxygen (moisturiser, vitamins and antioxidants) is gently pumped into the skin. The benefits are numerous. Skin is rejuvenated, wrinkles minimized and circulation is increased. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. Hydrate your body inside and out by replenishing it with moisture. Drink plenty of water and use a good body

moisturiser daily. Do not forget to moisturise neck, hands and feet - common tell-tale signs of ageing. If your budget is limited then focus entirely on a healthier, de-stressful, restful and positive lifestyle.

ight Re-love existing gems in your wardrobe. Resole (or re-heel) old shoes, re-hem dresses and skirts and re-vamp old clothes. Re-vamp an old leather blazer by replacing the buttons or the lining with something entirely new and eye-catching. A great starting point would be to organise your closet. The easiest way to go about this is to buy hangers, suitable for all or most clothing types, in the same colour and shape. Good luck with your chosen aspirations. Should charitable good-doing be on the top of your list and you have your heart set on more almsgiving, then please consider volunteering to provide

a great value of life to the less fortunate. Please give newly set up charity The M.A.Z.A.Y.A Foundation a moment of thought. This young charity could use your support. The foundation aspires to make a difference to the lives of women, children and the elderly. With a focus on the sick, the downhearted, orphaned as well as healthcare workers and education, the foundation endeavours to touch the lives of those who are less fortunate. The rationale behind the foundation is to steer clear of requesting monetary donations. Instead, donations can be made in the form of indispensable supplies, skills and other supportive tools to the charities and individuals the foundation supports. You can donate in many ways. Offer an apprenticeship program at your company recruiting young graduates, lend your skill by sharing your expertise with orphaned children or open the doors of your business for a few hours to educate less privileged children - giving them an opportunity to broaden their choices when it comes to choosing a career. Other suggestions are welcome. Get in touch with The M.A.Z.A.Y.A Foundation on 0809 505 5555. Contact me: @WorldEyola using the hashtag #AskEyola, Facebook. com/Eyola, Website www.eyola. com, Eyola’s Private Showroom Lekki, Lagos 0809 505 5555, Email info@ eyola.com

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 16, 2015

Wellness L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 16, 2015

Irreplaceable benefits of breast milk Breast milk is the best precious food of life for new born babies from the moment they are cleaned, oiled and dressed till their six months stay on earth because it is the nature’s way of insuring that babies get the stimulation they need for optimal brain development. National Policy on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Nigeria proffers exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life followed by the introduction of complementary foods that are safe, appropriate, locally available and nutritionally adequate, with continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond. A professor of Pediatrics at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Dr. Chinyere Ezeaka said, breastfeeding provides antibodies, living cells, enzymes and natural hormones that protect the body from infections and diseases later on in their life. On the benefits of breastfeeding, to both mothers and children, Ezeaka said, “it helps reduce the

risk of chest and ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia, constipation, rashes and mothers could naturally enjoy birth control. “It also reduces risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, rapid loss of pregnancy weight, lower rate of obesity,” she said. According to her, the declining rate of breastfeeding in Nigeria contributes to the high new-born and infant mortality in Nigeria. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), recommends that breastfeeding is the most effective and inexpensive way of saving a child’s life. However, the National Council of Health of the Federal Ministry of Health, shows that over 50 per cent of Nigerian infants is given complementary foods too early and they are often inadequate in terms of energy, protein and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin A. Also Dr. Lota Kanu at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin, Edo State

said, consequences of children not fed with breast milk as supposed include impaired immune system leading to significant illnesses, recurrence and severity of diarrhea, malaria and acute respiratory infections. “In the long term, malnutrition can result in impairment of intellectual performance and work capacity. It could also have adverse reproductive consequences, delayed mental and physical development as well as death during childhood.” Kanu said, children who are breastfed have Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores averaging seven to ten points higher than formula-fed. “One key ingredient in breast milk is a brainboosting fat called DHA (docasahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid for growth, development, maintenance of brain tissue and nervous system. It has a lot

Other benefits of breast milk Ï ƍƄ ƎƅƄƄƕƆ Ƌƍ Ɗ ƎƄ bonding between mother and baby: Breastfeeding stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in the mother’s body which promotes the development of maternal behaviour and also bonding between mother and offspring.

Ï ƍƄ Ǝ ƊƆƉƈ Ɔ Ɗ ƍƄ ƕƆ Ƅ ƎƆƂƉƄ than formula: human milk contains an enzyme that aids digestion.

These contractions also shut off the maternal blood vessels and discourage excessive bleeding.

Ï9Ǝ ƄƉƋ ƋƍƄƐƄ Ǝ Ƌ ƎéƋ ƍƎƏƊ hemorrhage: Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which stimulates contractions which help shrink the uterus back to pre-pregnancy.

Breast milk is nutritional source that cannot adequately be replaced by any other food. Need we say more?

of cholesterol that provides basic components for manufacturing nerve tissue in the growing brain,” Kanu said. Advising mothers, she said, “during the first two years of your baby’s life, the brain grows rapidly, and baby’s

everyday experiences shape brain growth. Brains cells, called neurons, multiply and connect with each other until the brain circuitry resembles

miles of tangled electrical wires. “Aside from its smarter brain development, human milk is made up of hormones, enzymes, growth factors and substances that fight infection and help develop the immune system. Breast feeding lowers the rate of infection and obesity in later life of babies.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 16, 2015

L7 Nutrition

Judith Frank-Edet

Feed yourself, breastfeed your baby

Here we list some specific foods and fluids that support the chemistry of lactation. This diet will increase breast milk supply and keep you and your little one happy while you are breastfeeding.

Water

This is the most important drink to take to ensure you have an adequate milk supply. According to studies, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. You don’t need to drink three gallons a day, but you do need to be adequately hydrated—8 glasses (64 ounces) of fluid each day is an absolute must. Also, other fluids like juice, milk, coconut water are also helpful, but the ultimate is water.

Carrots

Carrots are high in beta-carotene and Vitamin A, both of which lactating mothers have an increased need for. Carrot juice is especially great for breastfeeding moms. It is believed to provide extra energy needed by lactating women, and it may improve the supply and quality of breast milk.

Eggs

Eggs are full of high-quality protein as well as vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, iron and zinc. Eggs can be prepared in dozens of ways, which also makes them a convenient and versatile food for nursing mothers. Yogurt Yogurt is high in calcium and protein, the two nutrients you’re most likely to need extra doses of while you’re breastfeeding. Some yogurts contain probiotic bacteria –a beneficial micro-organisms that help maintain good gastrointestinal health for both you and your baby.

Fish pepper soup

This contains lot of proteins, which help a mother to improve her hydration. It also stimulates breast milk production. It should be taken more often. However, most fish contains mercury. Exposure to excessive amounts of mercury through breast milk can pose a risk to a baby’s developing nervous system. To limit your baby’s exposure to mercury while breast-feeding, choose seafood that’s low in mercury, such as shrimp, salmon, tuna and catfish

Porridge (Pap)

Whether it is made of maize or millet, porridge contains carbohydrates that help in restoring the lost calories during milk production. Nursing requires many calories each day to prevent mothers from having fatigue, hence creating room for best milk production.

Dark Green Vegetables

Dark green vegetables such as lettuce, water leaves, spinach and broccoli are full of nutrients, especially calcium. They also contain phytoestrogens that may have a positive effect on milk production. Add at least three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit to your daily meal plan.

Oats

Oats contain minerals that help in stimulating the oxytocin hormone that produces milk. They also help in reducing cholesterol. Oatmeal is a comfort food.

When a woman sits down and eats a bowl of oatmeal, it may help her to relax, which in turn may cause her body to release oxytocin (a hormone involved in milk production). In addition, being relaxed may help with the milk let-down process.

Coconut water

Yes, coconut water is a wonderful way to increase milk supply and it can improve immunity, increase metabolism, detoxify. Most importantly, the lauric acid found in coconut water is the same as human breast milk. Lauric acid fights against viruses and bacteria

Garlic

Among its many curative properties, garlic is said to help in increasing breast milk supply. Studies have shown that the infants of mothers who eat garlic tend to feed for a

longer time, and many babies seem to like the flavour in breast milk. Though garlic can be eaten on its own, used as a condiment in foods. Also Garlic milk is a good option traditional post-delivery drink given to nursing mums in some other counties.

Foods, drinks to limit or avoid while breast-feeding Certain foods and drinks deserve caution while you’re breast-feeding.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a no-no for a lactating mother. But if you must do alcohol, don’t breastfeed untill the alcohol is cleared from your breast milk. It takes two to three hours for 12 ounces (340 grams) of 5 percent beer, 5 ounces (142 grams) of 11 percent wine or 1.5 ounces (43 grams) of 40 percent liquor, depending on your body weight. You can pump and dump to help maintain milk supply but it doesn’t speed the elimination of alcohol from your body.

Caffeine

Caffeine in your breast milk might agitate your baby or and it keeps your baby awake.

Soy Protein

Soy protein comes in the form of soybeans, soy products such as tofu, soy milk and soy protein powders which can be added to foods or beverages.

Soy has many benefits, but it may not always be appropriate for breast-feeding women. Some infants have soy allergies. According to Kellymom.com, a popular online breast-feeding resource, soy could lead to infant allergies.

L8 Television

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 16, 2015

Showing on

Movies Showcase

110 Movies Action

23:00

Sun, 15 Feb | 16 VNL

Sun, 15 Feb | 16 NL

A stellar cast of award winners star in this Depression-era Western. Three brothers are in a life or death struggle against mobsters and a corrupt deputy. Jessica Chastain, Tom Hardy, Shai LaBeouf. (2012) John Hillcoat.

Personal and professional demons are confronted in this tense drama starring Chris Evans. A drug-addicted lawyer is drawn into a pharmaceutical conspiracy. Chris Evans, Mark Kassen. (2011) Adams Kassen, Mark Kassen.

101 M-Net West

00:00 American Hustle 01:50 Jack Taylor: The Guards 03:30 Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom 06:00 Caught On Camera 07:00 Restaurant Start Up 08:00 Modern Family 08:30 Celebrity Masterchef South Africa 09:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 The Chateau Meroux 12:30 2 Broke Girls 13:00 Restaurant Start Up 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 Perception 16:00 Nashville 17:00 The Last Ship 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 Mom 19:30 Restaurant Start Up 20:30 The Last Ship 21:30 Mysteries Of Laura 22:30 Elementary 19:30 Fearless Heart

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

00:00 Aurora 00:30 The Queen Of The South 01:20 The Queen Of The South 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 The Queen Of The South 03:50 The Queen Of The South 05:20 Where Is Elisa? 06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 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

128 Sony Max

00:00 The Thunderbolt Fist 00:30 Bruce Lee: Martial Arts Master 00:00 QI

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

01:25 Video Zonkers

00:10 New Tricks

07:55 The Weakest Link

01:50 Video Zonkers

01:05 Come Dine With Me

08:45 The Chase

02:15 Video Zonkers

01:55 The Honourable Woman

09:30 Total Wipeout UK

02:45 World's Most Amazing Videos

02:50 The Cube

10:25 The Cube

03:35 World's Wildest Police Videos

03:35 EastEnders

11:20 New Tricks

04:30 Video Zonkers

04:05 EastEnders

12:20 Top Gear

05:00 Ninja Warrior

04:35 Mr. Bean

13:15 Come Dine With Me

05:25 Ninja Warrior

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

14:10 Total Wipeout UK

05:50 Cheaters

05:25 QI

15:10 The Weakest Link

06:40 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

05:55 Hebburn

16:00 EastEnders

07:40 World's Wildest Police Videos 08:40 I Bet You Will

06:30 EastEnders

252 Silverbird 154 AfricaMagic Family

00:00 Shattered Mirror 01:20 Shattered Mirror 03:15 Windows Of Hope 05:30 Lyiza

06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Channel O 07:30 Deep Ends 08:30 Click Africa 09:00 Ise Dale 09:30 The Dzigbordi Show 10:30 Living It 11:00 Kakibe Ki 11:30 Lies That Bind 12:00 Rolling With Faith History 12:30 Prem 13:00 Channel O: Volt 13:30 Tinsel 14:00 Trouble Waters 14:30 Foot Prints 15:00 The Dzigbordi Show 16:00 Ise Dale

00:00 Boom Town

14:30 This Life

01:00 Music Africa

15:00 Dynamix On TV

02:00 Boom Town

15:30 Brights

02:30 STV Sports Café

16:05 Nickelodeon

03:00 Local Movie

17:00 Young Scholars

05:00 Gospel Rhythms

17:30 NNPC

06:30 Insights For Living

18:02 MTV Base

07:00 STV AM News

19:00 STV News @ 7

07:30 Today On Stv

19:30 Taste of Love

09:30 Patitos Gang

20:00 Dream Movie

10:30 STV Sports Café

21:30 Politicscope

11:00 101 Business

22:00 STV News @ 10

11:30 Play Ground

20:00 The 5 Brides

12:00 Nigeria Decides

20:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

21:30 Tinsel

14:05 Reel Entertainment

21:00 Jara

22:00 The Dzigbordi Show

REVEALED!

GUARDIOLA talks football at 3am –Robben X8

Poster!

YELENA ISINBAYEVA X4,5 Monday, February 16, 2015

LA LIGA

N A 10-M

s n u t s l o Espany

A G A L A M BOLT

vows to break 100m X6 record

EAGLES, BOLIVIA,

clash in Uyo March 26

Monday, February 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

La Liga: 10-man

Espanyol win

at Malaga

spanyol, Sevilla and Real Madrid were among the winners in La Liga at the weekend, the trio all keeping clean sheets. Espanyol held on for a gutsy 2-0 win at Malaga, while Sevilla thrashed Cordoba 3-0. Sergio’s men claimed victory at La Rosaleda courtesy of goals to Alvaro Gonzalez and Ser-

gio Garcia, but not before they were reduced to 10 men. Diego Colotto, seconds after gracing the field as an 80th-minute substitute, incredulously flung his hand at a goal-bound effort from fellow sub Javi Guerra. The brain snap saw Colotto dismissed and a penalty awarded, but Espanyol goalkeeper

Espanyol’s hitman Sergio Garcia (left) celebrates his opening goal with team mate Alvaro Gonzalez against Malaga at the weekend. Kiko Casilla was the hero - diving low to his left to keep out Nordin Amrabat’s spot kick. Malaga, who were trailing 1-0 at the time, continued to push to earn a point against their undermanned opponents, with Ruben Duarte using his head to deny the hosts an on-target shot moments later. Garcia sealed the three points late in injury

Fournier wary of in-form PSG L

yon coach Hubert Fournier believes reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are starting to look like “the PSG of last season”. Lyon have been one of the stories of the 2014-15 Ligue 1 season so far with Fournier’s youthful side having moved to the top of the table ahead of Marseille and PSG a month ago.

Fournier is wary of PSG, who held Lyon to a 1-1 draw last week and seem to be finding form after a scratchy first half of the campaign. “Honestly, the way they’ve been playing in the last three or four weeks, they’re starting to look a lot like the PSG of last season,” Fournier said. “They’re maybe still a bit inconsis-

tent in some games but they’ve got a certain amount of room to move that we don’t possess. “The title should really be PSG’s when you consider the money they’ve invested and the quality of their squad. “Now we’re not sulking about the fact we’re top of the league. It wasn’t easy for us at the start but we’ve been

time for the visitors, their second league win on the road in their past four trips. Espanyol ended a two-match losing run, and inflicted back-to-back losses on Malaga who sit seventh on 35 points. Sevilla climbed to fourth with a home rout of Cordoba, with both sides finishing with 10 men.

JUVE not after DORTMUND tie, says Fournier on an unbelievable run in the last five months, only losing one game, and we deserve to be where we are.” Fournier admitted Lyon’s consistent winning form has exceeded his expectations, considering how young his squad is and that they have missed the likes of Clement Grenier and Yoann Gourcuff to long-term injuries.

FERNANDES

tasks Ramsey on QPR’s top job

Q Ramsey

PR chairman Tony Fernandes wants Chris Ramsey to prove he should remain as manager into next season and beyond. It was confirmed on Friday that Ramsey will remain in charge until the end of the season after he and Kevin Bond took over temporarily following Harry Redknapp’s sudden resignation earlier this month. The managerial change had an immediate impact as QPR secured their first away win of 2014-15 with

a crucial 2-0 victory at Sunderland on Tuesday to lift the side out of the Premier League relegation zone. And Fernandes is open to the idea of the Ramsey remaining in the Loftus Road hotseat, providing he proves he can cut it in the top flight. Fernandes posted on Twitter on Saturday: “We found a great guy to manage us from next season a dream manager but actually we had a dream candidate right in front of us Chris Ramsey.

Allegri

uventus will not let concentration wander to their UEFA Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, according to Massimiliano Allegri. The Italian champions face Dortmund in the first leg later this month, but take on Atalanta before then in Serie A. We’re after a vital three points to keep our advantage intact,” he told reporters prior to their clash on Saturday against Cesena at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi. “There will be changes and we will be better trained to face Atalanta after our match against Cesena, then the one with Dortmund, which is not only important for me but for everyone, for the fans, for society, for Italian football.”

Allegri

Monday, February 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

EAGLES

battle Bolivia

March 26 in Uyo Andrew Ekejiuba

Super Eagles line up before a match.

Rio 2016: NFF

agreement

Andrew Ekejiuba

on qualifiers

FA elections:

Umeh inaugurates new LG football councils Andrew Ekejiuba

ike Umeh, Chairman of Anambra Football Association (AFA) has inaugurated newly constituted Local Government Football Councils (LGFCs) ahead of the state congress. The committees include a chairman and two members who were elected in each of the 21 council areas in the state. Inaugurating the new grassroots executives, Umeh charged them to go to the hinterlands and bring development of the round leather game closer to the grassroots in line with transformation agenda of the federal government in the sports sector. He also said that the new councilors would constitute the delegates to the state congress which would hold later this month in

line with the directives of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), on state FAs elections which is expected to be concluded by February 28. “The task is much, you are expected to revive the game at the grassroots, this committee has not been there for some time and it is important to set them up so that we can have people who will participate in the state congress. “I congratulate you and wish to remind you of the determination of federal government to develop and grow sports and football in particular; we must complement them at this level,” he said. Uzor Epundu, chairman of the LGFCs election committee said he was glad to have conducted a successful exercise, adding that it was a rule in the football circles that elections should begin at the Local Government Areas.

Ejo calls 20 to camp for Beach Soccer

secures Mali’s

he Mali Football Federation (MFF) has accepted a proposal by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for a qualifying fixture of the Women’s Football Tournament of 2016 Olympic Games between both nations to be moved forward. African champions, Super Falcons, were scheduled to host the Malians on May 23 with the return leg in Nigeria on May 30, in the second round of qualifiers for the Women’s Football Tournament of the 2016 Olympics. “We had to write to Confederation of African Football and the Malian Football Federation to consider bringing the matches forward by

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon, have confirmed that the Super Eagles, will tackle Bolivia in a Grade A international friendly in Uyo on Thursday, March 26. “We have had to work at a pace to seal agreement for this match, after the Brazilian Football Federation initially opted out at the last hour. “However, we believe that the Bolivia team will give the Super Eagles a good match, as we continue to work on a second match for the Eagles for March 29,” NFF President Amaju Pinnick said on Friday. The game at the magnificent Akwa Ibom Stadium, will be the first for the Super Eagles this year as they commence action for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later in the year. “The NFF is committed to ensuring that the Super Eagles are occupied on every FIFA window, with quality games,” Amaju added.

Chairman of Anambra Football Association, Chief Mike Umeh.

NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu. two weeks in order for our teams to be able to head to Canada by May 19, for the final training camp for the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals,” NFF General Secretary Musa Amadu said at the weekend. CAF had given the go-ahead for the NFF to contact the Malian Federation for both National Associations to agree between themselves. In its reply, dated February 13, General Secretary Yacouba Traore said the Mali Football Federation had agreed in principle. This means that the first leg will now take place in Nigeria on May 9, with the return leg in Bamako on May 16.

ead Coach Audu Adamu Ejo has called 20 players to the camp of the Beach Soccer National Team as the two-time African champions come together again for next month’s Power Horse Invitational Tournament in South Africa and the qualifiers for the African Beach Soccer Championship. Ejo, who led the Supersand Eagles to a credible seventh place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna, Italy in 2011, has ordered his charges to report to camp for serious sessions between February 23 and March 4. The eight–nation Power Horse Invitational Tournament takes place in Durban, South Africa from March 6th to 8th, while Nigeria hosts Libya on March 14 in the first leg of a qualifying fixture for the African

Beach Soccer Championship. The return leg takes place in Libya on March 20. The 2015 African Beach Soccer Championship is scheduled for Seychelles between April 14th and 19th. Among the invitees, who are expected to report at the Beach Soccer Camp in Badagry, Lagos are Bartholomew Ibenegbu (nicknamed Mosquito), Victor Talle and Abu Azeez. Others are Oladipo Olalekan, Ehibhi Festus, Ndubuisi Maduji, Chinedu Richard, Emmanuel Ohweferi, Idowu Olatunbosun, Atiku Sulaimon Dayo, Lati Sani, Ogunjobi Kamoru, Isiaka Lawal and Emeka Ogbonna. Others are Badmus Babatunde, Jamal Akewusola, Samad Kadiri, Edwin Opawe, Okeke Leonard and Akintunde Idowu.

Bartholomew Ibenegbu (r), in action for Nigeria against Kevin Camargo of Venezuela during a Beach Soccer tourney.

ISINBAY YELENA X4

Monday, February 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

TION INFORMaAyeva L A N O S R b PE Yelena Isin : Full name : ty li Nationa Born: irth: Place of b

Russian ) 82 (age 32 June 3, 19 R, FS S n ia Russ Volgograd, n Soviet Unio ) m 4 .7 ft 8.5 in (1 lb) Height: 5 65 kg (143 eld athletics fi d Weight: n a Track : Sport Pole vault ofimov Event: Yevgeny Tr : y b d e ch a Co 2013 Retired:

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QUOTES

untry, ctful to our co “It’s disrespe pport gay su r citizens to ÏÏÏ 9 Ɔ Ƃ ƓƄƐ Ƒ ƊƄƕ 0ƄƊ ƉƄ Ǝ ƉƄƎƄ ƅ ou to l fu ct pe sres ians.” Ǝ Ƅ Ƅ ƍ ƂƓ Ǝ Ƅ 9 0 Ɔ Ƽƞƞƽè Ƽƞƞƾ ƕ ƼƞƞƢè di e we are Russ people becaus va ye ƕ z ƍƉƕ dƋ ƍƎ Ƒ Ɗ ƅ Ǝ Ƅ Ƅ ƍ ƂƓ G ƏƍƄƏ –Yelena Isinba Ɔ Ƽƞƞơ ƕ ƼƞƞÖê d Ƅ Ƒ ƆƐƄ Ǝ Ƅ ^ƍƆ ƃƄ ƅ ƎƏƍƆ Ƒ ƍƕ ƅ ƍ dƋ ƍƎ Ɔ ƼƞƞÖê d Ƅ Ɔ an European e different th “Maybe we ar Ƅ ƅ ƉƓ Ɔ Ƅ Ǝ ƉƄƎƄ æ Ɖ ƑƆƎ y ƉƄƍƆƄ t lands. We en le from differ op pe d an ƕ Ɗ è n Ɔ ƉƎè yƄƍ Ɔƃ ƊƋƂƄƉƉé ƍ Ƒ è le respect. peop eryone has to C ƃƌƏƄ 0ƍƄƆƎ è EƆƍ Ɔ C ƊƄ è C ^ƆƎƎƊ è have our law which ev y to untries, we tr # Ɔ d ƊƏƄƉ è ƕ # ƐƆƕ dƎ ƍƉç Ǝ ƑƆ Ƒ ƍƉƕ to different co go e w va n ye he W inba les.”–Yelena Is ƃ ƊƋƆ ƆƋ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ Ɠ ƏƎ è ƇƏ Ɔ ƍè ƕ Ƅ Ɔ ƍ follow their ru ƉƄƐƄƉ ƅ Ǝ ƉƄƎƆƃ ƄƐƄ Ǝê

AYEVA

Monday, February 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

Yelena Isinbayevaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements and titles World finals Outdoor: 2003, 2005, 2007 Indoor: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 Regional finals Outdoor: 2002, 2006 Indoor: 2005 Olympic finals: 2004, 2008 Highest world ranking: 1st (2005â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009) Personal best Outdoor: 5.06 WR (2009) Personal best Indoor: 5.01 ER(2012) Medal record Olympic Games Gold: 2004 Athens (Pole vault) Gold: 2008 Beijing (Pole vault) Bronze: 2012 London (Pole vault) World Championships Gold: 2005 Helsinki (Pole vault) Gold: 2007 Osaka (Pole vault) Gold: 2013 Moscow (Pole vault) Bronze: 2003 Paris (Pole vault) World Indoor Championships Gold: 2004 Budapest (Pole vault) Gold: 2006 Moscow (Pole vault) Gold: 2008 Valencia (Pole vault) Gold: 2012 Istanbul (Pole vault) Silver: 2003 Birmingham (Pole vault) World Cup Gold: 2006 Athens (Pole vault) World Athletics Final Gold: 2004 Monaco (Pole vault) Gold: 2005 Monaco (Pole vault) Gold: 2006 Stuttgart (Pole vault) Gold: 2007 Stuttgart (Pole vault) Gold: 2009 Thessaloniki (Pole vault) European Championships Gold: 2006 Gothenburg (Pole vault) Silver: 2002 Munich (Pole vault) European Indoor Championships Gold: 2005 Madrid (Pole vault) European U23 Championships Gold: 2003 Bydgoszcz (Pole vault) World Junior Championships Gold: 2000 Santiago (Pole vault) European Junior Championships Gold: 2001 Grosseto (Pole vault) World Youth Championships Gold: 1999 Bydgoszcz (Pole vault)

Monday, February 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

ATHLETICS

Bolt

k a e r b o t vows d r o c e r m 0 0 his 1

t n e m e r i t e r before

F1 bosses differ on 2016 car

MOTORSPORT

changes

ormula 1 bosses are split on the timing and implementation of rules intended to make cars more exciting. All are in favour of a plan to make cars look more dramatic but there is disagreement on whether changes should be made for 2016 or 2017. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner wants change quickly, while Mercedes believe more time should be taken to ensure the right decision is made. There is also no agreement on how to achieve the goal of 1,000bhp engines. The complexities of the chassis arguments are being played out at

a meeting of technical chiefs. Red Bull are pushing for modifications to the cars and tyres in 2016. Some believe this is because they think it will help them reduce the significant advantage Mercedes have held since the introduction of the new engines last year. A change for 2016, sources say, was agreed by a majority vote at the last meeting of the F1 strategy group of leading teams, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and governing body the FIA. The desire for change is being driven by declining television audiences in some key markets although numbers have gone up in some countries such as the UK and USA.

amaican sprinter Usain Bolt says he will break his 100m record before retiring from athletics after the 2017 World Championships in London. The 28-year-old six-time Olympic gold medallist also says that he will just focus on the 100m in 2017. Bolt had suggested that the Rio Games in 2016 would be his last major championship but he now appears to have changed his mind to make a return to London. “That was the initial plan, to sign off after Rio,” he said. “But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year; to 2017 and London. “But I’ll be doing one event, the

GOLF

100. I’ve already discussed it with my coach. I can concentrate on that, and on retiring on a winning note.” Bolt’s main focus for 2015 will be the World Championships in Beijing from August 22-30 where he will be looking to add to his haul of eight world golds and the 28-year-old also has one eye on breaking his own 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009. “If everything goes well this season...in my life anything is possible. If I can get myself in good shape, it should be wonderful this season,” he added. “I live for competition. I thrive on competition. I live to compete against the best.”

Woods

WOODS takes

indefinite break from golf

iger Woods is taking an indefinite break from golf, saying his game is “unacceptable for tournament play”. Woods, 39, withdrew injured from last week’s event at Torrey Pines after just 12 holes, having missed the cut at the Phoenix Open the week before. “I need a lot of work on my game

and to spend time with people that are important to me,” said the American. “I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level. When I think I’m ready, I’ll be back.” Woods, a former world number one who has won 14 majors, has withdrawn from three of his last eight competitive tournaments.

New Zealand CRICKET humbles Sri Lanka in W/Cup opener

o-hosts New Zealand got off to a winning start at the weekend with a resounding 98-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the World Cup in Christchurch. Captain Brendon McCullum struck 65 off 49 balls as the Black Caps put on a rapid 111 for the first wicket. Kane Williamson added a composed 57 before Corey Anderson blasted 75 off 46 balls to help the hosts to an imposing total of 331-6

from their 50 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka subsided to 233 all out, with Daniel Vettori taking 2-34. New Zealand, who play England next, have reached six World Cup semi-finals without ever going on to make the final. The Black Caps, however, are one of the favourites for this tournament, and this powerful performance against the 2011 finalists underlined why they are so highly-rated.

Monday, February 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

FEDERATION WATCH

With Osaretin Emuze

Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo

he National Sports Festival earlier scheduled to hold from April 9-19, may now hold in May 2015. Extra Time gathered from a source close to the Sports Ministry that the Sports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC) Tammy Danagogo will soon meet with stakeholders to shift the National Sports Festival to May. The Festival was postponed due to the rescheduled Presidential and Governorship election which was moved from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 respectively. “The Sports Minister wants the event to hold before the rainy season and has fixed the first week of May as new date, but would rely on the stakeholders to deliberate upon and approve it,” the source said. The NSC boss we can reveal has called for a meeting of the National Council to pay a visit to the host state to see how ready the facilities are in Calabar to enable the Main Organising Committee (MOC) rectify the May date. The festival tagged, ‘Centurion Games’ was to be held in November 2014, but was postponed because the facilities were not ready.

National Sports

FESTIVAL holds in May

NCF prepares busy schedule for players

ollowing the FIDE rating boom achieved by numerous chess players last year, there are strong indications better chess empowerment await all the ambitious players following the activities lined up for the year by the board of Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF). According to the Media Officer of NCF, Femi Solaja, the board agreed at the last board meeting held recently in Asaba, Delta State, that a total of rated tournaments are available both within and outside the country this year and the availability of these events according to the President of NCF will add value to the develop-

ment of the game in the country Solaja said the registration and licensing of players is on-going alongside the affiliation fees to the World Chess body, FIDE. Meanwhile NCF has released its programmes of activities. In March, Achiever University in Ondo State will stage the maiden National University Chess Championship in Owo from February 25th-29th. For the first time in the history of chess at the National Sports Festival (NSF), the event will be FIDE rated aside the medals to be awarded all the players. The annual Friends of Chess will hold in April from 3rd-4th and Malogy Chess Championship will come up immediately after and both events are to be rated and will hold in Lagos. The famous C4 National Chess Championship organised by the Players’ Union annually in Lagos and South West Zonal Championships in Ibadan will take centre stage in May 2nd-3rd and 28th-31st respectively. The famous Millionaire Chess Satellite Championship will debut in Abuja from 3rd-7th of June and the Southsouth Zonal Chess Championship in Benin will follow from 10th-28th.

YSFON set for

NTF boss, George Ashiru (right), attends to an athlete during an International Taekwondo Federation instructors course.

NTF uncovers visa racketeering syndicate

he Nigeria Taekwondo Federation NTF) has uncovered a visa racketeering syndicate who has been using the Federation to ferry Nigerians abroad. The Qatar Taekwondo Federation earlier last week revoked issued visas of a total of 16 persons who fraudulently obtained visas by posing as members of the Nigeria Taekwondo team, seemingly scheduled to attend the prestigious 1st Qatar International Taekwondo Opens, a G-1 ranked World Taekwondo Federation sanctioned event, billed to hold at Qatar from March 6th to 9th. Coincidentally, some members of the actual Nigeria Taekwondo Team that won medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games are also billed to compete for Nigeria at the event. The unscrupulous scheme was revealed as part of an aggressive drive by the International Department of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) to tackle visa racketeering through sports head-on, where the first step of the progressive NTF is

a constant check on the websites of international ranked tournaments to see if there are any suspicious names registered as members of the Nigeria Taekwondo Community. A routine check earlier this week revealed the registration of 16 persons, not in any way associated with the sport of Taekwondo in Nigeria, set off the alarm bells. Unknown to the perpetrators, the Qatar Taekwondo Federation has an existing relationship with the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, who immediately contacted their Middle East counterparts to checkmate the fraudsters. The names of the sixteen persons include: Oyeniyi Ilesanmi, Idris Adeoye Adelakun, Oluyinka Rebecca Adalawo, Emeka Henry Oboyo, Kelechi Kanu, Akeem Ayodeji Adekola, Ghandi Maduka, Michael Chukwuma Obianukor, Kamarudeen Owolabi Gbagba, Gbenga Ojo Adeyemi, Elvis Mike Erinmwionghae, Mariam Damilola Abeeb, Rilwan Oluwasegun Wahab and Yinka Usman Orimidara.

Oba

of Benin Youth Cup

outh Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) is set for this year’s Oba of Benin U-13 boys and U- 18 girls championship which comes up in Benin City from March 19 to 24. The Secretary of the Federation, Patrick Okpavuerhe, told Extra Time that all was set for the 2015 All Nigeria U-13 Boys and U-18 Girls Soccer Tournament, tagged ‘Oba of

Grassroots soccer action. Benin Cup’. “We have written to all the states to start preparation for this year’s tourney, by seeking sponsorship from their respective state governments, corporate bodies, banks etc, to enable them take part in the five days competition,” he said. Okpavuerhe stressed that each team has been asked to present 20 players strictly of the ages of 13 for

boys and 18 for girls respectively as at March 31. “The teams are expected to arrive Oba Palace, the venue of the competition on the 18th of March where members of the Edo State YSFON will receive and accommodate them,” he said. The Oba of Benin has sponsored the tournament for the past 24 years.

Monday, February 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME REVEALED!

GUARDIOLA

DISCUSSES FOOTBALL AT 3AM –ROBBEN B

ayern Munich winger Arjen Robben claims he could call coach Pep Guardiola at 3am to chat about football. The Spaniard has been in charge at the Allianz Arena since 2013, winning both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, since his arrival. And Netherlands international Robben says he has developed a strong bond with the former Barcelona coach.

“We have a very good relationship,” he began. “I like the way he thinks about football and his tactical flexibility means we’ve played a few systems. “It’s not like we are a 4-4-2 team. We use all kinds of formations with Pep and this means I can play inside or outside, just behind the strikers or even as a striker. “That’s fantastic because the way he wants to play, with a very dominant style, suits me perfectly. And

you can discuss anything with him. If it’s 3am, Pep would be happy to talk to you about football. “After Wolfsburg’s 4-1 defeat you could see on his face how much it hurt him. He hates losing. But every great manager hates losing. If Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho loses 4-1, he doesn’t sleep well. They are winners. They’re so strong and that’s why they are so successful.” And Robben believes his game has come on hugely under Guardiola.

ARENA, GERRARD hold talks on MLS move Gerrard

COLOGNE

condemn boiler-suit pitch invaders Cologne have moved to condemn the behaviour of individuals who invaded the pitch wearing boiler suits during their 1-0 derby defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. Tens of fans donning the white outfits emerged from a section of the ground housing away supporters after Granit Xhaka had netted a stoppage winner for the hosts.

A Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena is to meet incoming star Steven Gerrard for the first time ahead of LA Galaxy’s preseason tour of Europe next week. Liverpool captain Gerrard signed a pre-contract agreement with the Galaxy last month, and will move to Los Angeles upon the expiry of

LA LIGA RESULTS

Almeria 2 - 2 Real Socieda

Sevilla 3 - 0 Cordoba

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Deporti vo Granada 0 - 0 Athletic Bilb ao Malaga 0 - 2 Espanyol Valencia 1 - 0 Getafe

Guardiola

Roon

ouis van Gaal has admitted he would play Wayne Rooney up front if he were manager of Eng-

LIVERPOOL chairman

hopeful on STERLING deal

Sterling

LVG: ey my best striker TODAY’S MATCH Eibar v Elche (20:45)

his deal with the Premier League club at the end of the season. The Galaxy are currently in Europe as they ramp up their preparations for the new MLS campaign with friendlies against Swedish side Hammarby and Shamrock Rovers of Ireland this week.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner is confident the club can agree a new long-term deal with forward Raheem Sterling. The 20-yearold England international is out of contract at the end of next season, with talks between the club and his representatives yet to be finalised. However, Werner remains upbeat that an agreement will be reached to keep one of the club’s most prized assets.

Rooney

land. Van Gaal has been using Rooney in midfield at Manchester United in the interests of “balance”, even dropping him into a deep-lying position for part of the recent victory over Burnley. Hodgson this week said he had no plans to alter Rooney’s role as his captain closes in on Sir Bobby Charlton’s alltime goalscoring record, and van Gaal reckons the England manager is right. He said: “In the composition for Mr Hodgson, Rooney is probably giving more contribution to the English team in the striker’s position, then I would put him there too if I was the English manager. “He has to compare Rooney with other strikers in his line-up and that is another consideration I have to make. I have to choose between Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and all the other strikers I have, then it is my consideration that is a different way.”