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Xenophobia:

South Africans plan massive attacks today Ï ơƾ Mƈ ƆƏƈ è 1 ƈ Ɛ Ə Ɠ ƈ Ɛ LƆƗƈƐƐƆƏ Ɔ Ɔ Ï `Ɔƍ Ɗ 01 Ɛ ƏƆƅ ƋƋ Ɔ ƒ ƕ

Henry Omunu & Augustine Aminu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Foreigners in South Africa have been warned of possible massive attacks on them today by their xenophobic hosts.

Relatedly, a row among illegal migrants on a boat from Libya to Italy resulted in “multiple aggravated murder motivated by religious hate,” the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported on Thursday.

Fifteen Muslim migrants Some of the illegal migrants on arrival in Palermo, Italy... on Thursday

Buhari, Shekau Ezekwesili, Adichie, make TIME 5 100 list

Photo: AP

Strange disease kills ...headache, loss of sight, 14 in Ondo after few hours they die

4

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Why I conceded defeat 4 – Jonathan

I also abducted Magodo children – Nanny 7 Air traffic controllers ground domestic flights 12

2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Shameful xenophobic attacks in South Africa

O

ngoing xenophobic attacks by South Africans on nationals of other African countries are not only troubling but also condemnable. According to reports, those targeted include nationals from Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana and others whose business premises are being looted or destroyed, while many are now seeking protection with the South African police. These attacks in Durban and Johannesburg have once more exposed the ingrained xenophobia among South Africans towards other Africans resident, and earning a living, in their country.

Unfortunately, the reason for the attacks is that foreigners are taking away jobs from South Africans.

Such reasoning is atrociously mischievous. This is not the first time xenophobia-induced violence will be directed against other African nationals living in South Africa. In 2008, more than 62 foreigners were killed in xenophobic attacks, while the latest violence has left six killed and more than 5,000 homeless in Durban, the main city in KwaZuluNatal province.

Incidentally, tens of thousands of people from other African countries have been living in South Africa since white-minority rule ended in 1994. It was alleged that the latest attacks began as result of a statement credited to King Goodwill Zwelithini of Kwazululand telling foreigners to “please go back to their countries”.

While we condemn in its entirety, the barbaric attacks on Africans

immigrants in South Africa, we demand that the authorities protect their lives and property from the misguided xenophobes. Allowing the present situation to degenerate further would be putting at risk the existing relationship between South Africa and other African countries, especially those whose citizens are affected.

The consequences will be too grave to consider, given that South African investments in other countries could be targets of revenge attacks. It is a crying shame that just about 20 years after apartheid, some South Africans are yet to appreciate the enormous sacrifices made by other Africans to free them from oppressive white rule.

There is no doubt that youth unemployment and inequality are fermenting an atmosphere of discontent and anger in the country. However, this is not peculiar to South Africa.

While there is need to address the high youth unemployment, the South African government should also shape in a positive way the narrative around African immigrants. It should stress some facts around how migrants create jobs as opposed to taking them and even how they are helping in keeping the unemployment rate from rising even higher. While we welcome the condemnation of this violence by the ruling African National Congress, it is proper that the African Union (AU) lend its voice in calling for understanding between all parties, for peace to reign.

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African integration: South Africa as an albatross?

Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏThe

latest bout of xenophobic attacks in South Africa has once more proved how difficult it is for the African countries to be integrated into one economy, a major goal of the African Union (AU).

Recall that as at April 14, no fewer than five persons were killed in the renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa’s Kwazulu Natal province.

The attacks which began earlier this week come three months after a similar one in Soweto, near Johannesburg.

The attacks have seen South Africans looting homes and shops owned by foreign

nationals, Nigerians inclusive, and the maiming of several foreign nationals. Videos of the attacks have since gone viral online and have angered many across the globe, particularly other Africans whose countries provided shelter for South Africans during the fight to unseat the infamous apartheid regime.

Though the causes of these xenophobic attacks have not been officially explained by the South African Government, the underlying reason, many say, is the anger of South Africans at foreigners who they see as taking over their businesses and jobs.

They also accuse the foreigners of being behind the high crime rate in the country.

As much as it is understandable for South Africans to be angry at their economic

Words On Marble :

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conditions, it beats the imagination that foreign nationals are made to bear the brunt of their frustrations. It clearly negates the African spirit of brotherliness. So these attacks must not continue.

The South African Government has a crucial role to play in ending these attacks and it should begin by arresting and prosecuting those behind the attacks as well provide adequate security for foreign nationals to live and carry on legitimate businesses in the country. More importantly, the government must address the issue of joblessness among black South Africans.

The government also has to drum it into the citizens that resentment and attacks on foreigners mostly from other African countries is an illwind that blows no good.

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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.

Abraham Lincoln

Norman Vincent Peale

Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.”

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”

“Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. If you must be without one, be without the strategy.”

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

South Africans plan massive onslaught on foreigners Continued from page 1 were arrested for throwing their Christian fellow migrants from Nigeria and Ghana into the Mediterranean sea. The Muslims are from Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali and Guinea.

Leaflets making the rounds in South Africa warned of a planned massive attack today. On Thursday, the House of Representatives

asked the Federal Government to recall the Nigerian envoy from South Africa in view of the ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreigners by citizens of the former apartheid country.

On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, pledged that the Nigerian government would spare no effort in protecting all Nigerians in South Africa.

South Africans have unleashed a

reign of terror on foreigners whom they blame for unemployment and their economic woes.

There are fears that at least four Nigerians, among tens of other African nationals, have been killed by the South African mobs who also loot shops belonging to foreigners.

However, Wali insisted that no Nigerian has been killed yet.

One of the leaflets, released by the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), read: “Af-

Former Vice Presidential candidate of General Muhammadu Buhari in 2011, Pastor Tunde Bakare (right) and the President Elect, when Bakare paid a congratulatory visit to Buhari in Kaduna State…on Thursday

rican Diaspora Forum. Tomorrow (Friday) is D-Day for all foreign nationals. South Africans are planning a massive attack like never before! They will be stopping taxis and beating up all foreign nationals found. Help combat it by sending this message to all your contacts.

Act NOW and FAST!!! The lives of our fellow Africans is at stake. ANCYL.” Yet another leaflet by the African Diaspora Forum (ADF) read: “Alert! Alert There are South Africans who came to attack migrants in JHB (Johannesburg) CBD – Central Business District – (Bree street, President cnr Pritchard).”

It read further: “They (the attackers) noticed that they are (were) few and migrants are (were) in numbers and ready to face them.”

It disclosed that tension was rising, and advised foreigners not to move near Johannesburg. It read: “Police presence is there. We receive another report from Kesington of South Africans attacking migrants already. Warn Migrants not to go now in town (JHB).”

The House of Representatives asked the executive to urgently recall Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.

The directive followed a resoluContinued on page 6

Why I conceded defeat – Jonathan ÏÏÏ“Democracy has to be nur-

tured to grow. Strong democratic institutions are the backbone and future of our democracy. They must be protected and nurtured.

As for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first.”

With those words, President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday explained his decision to concede defeat to Major General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the May 28, general election.

The President, who sought reelection on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), placed a congratulatory call to General Buhari before the final results of the election were collated, once it was clear that his challenger had won.

Jonathan gave the explanation during separate meeting with the new ambassadors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia.

He said he could not allow his personal ambitions to scuttle a democratic system he had helped nurture in a manner that could result in collective tragedy.

Continued on page 6

Strange disease in Ondo, over 14 dead Obanikoro, Amaechi in ‘Twitter ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏThe Ondo state government

has confirmed the outbreak of a strange disease in Ode Irele, Irele local government area of the state, which has killed over 14 persons in the community.

The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju confirmed the outbreak to journalists on Thursday, at a briefing in Akure, the state capital.

Adeyanju said the community outbreak control team informed the Ministry about the outbreak of the epidemic in the community adding that the Ministry has been on top of the situation.

He said “Most presentation has to do with headache, loss of sight and after few hours they would die.

He disclosed that a preliminary investigations into the outbreak shows that the strange ailment isn’t “Ebola” as currently being spread in the town as it doesn’t

manifest any of its symptoms.

He revealed that a delegation comprising officials from the state Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) had already visited the community for first-hand information.

The commissioner disclosed that those infected by the strange disease have been quarantined at the Ode Irele General hospital to curtail its spread to other community.

Adeyanju noted that the investigation to unravel the cause of the epidemic and effective ways of treatment has also begun while the officials have taken samples and sent to Lagos for laboratory analysis.

He cautioned the people of the state against spreading false information, and advised that breaking report on the strange ailment should be immediately notified at the nearest health facilities.

“What is important to us is

to allay the fear of the people of Ondo state and the country at large and assure them that we are on top of the situation. All cases must be reported so that we can track the spread of the disease.

“One thing we have noticed is that the disease has been distributed across the whole place and we cannot trace its source and we have not been able to identify if it had come out of a particular source”, he said.

The Commissioner warned against raising false alarm mostly on the social media on the epidemic “I have no doubt in my mind that within the period of 24 to 48 hours we would have the idea of what we are looking at, we would do our outmost best to ensure this curtail”, he said.

The health commissioner also advised people to inform the government on how to properly bury their corpse at this period, which he emphasized, would help contain further spread of the disease.

war’ over Rivers guber poll ÏÏÏThe

simmering political differences between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Musiliu Obanikoro, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken another dimension as they are now locked in a war of words on the micro-blogging online site, Twitter.

The crux of their ‘war’ is the April 11 governorship election in the country. There have been allegations and counter-allegations of electoral malpractice from both political parties against each other.

In Lagos, the home state of Obanikoro, the PDP had, immediately after the APC governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode, was declared the winner, rejected the result, accusing APC of electoral fraud, including ballot box snatching.

Obanikoro contested the PDP primary for the governorship ticket but lost to Jimi Agbaje, who lost the election to Ambode.

The same scenario played out in Rivers, home state of Amaechi, APC Presidential Campaign Director, where his party rejected the result which gave victory to the PDP governorship candidate, Nyesom Wike, a former minister, amidst allegations of ballot box snatching, intimidation, killing, and interference from the Presidency, through the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Amaechi’s favoured candidate in the election, was Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

Obanikoro, had, in a tweet, on Monday night, announced that he had congratulated Ambode as the Lagos State Governor-elect, and advised Amaechi, and his “cotravellers”, to emulate his sportsContinued on page 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

5 News

We’ll protect Nigerians in South Africa - Wali Monday Agu Jnr

ÏÏÏThe Minister of Foreign Af-

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle); French Ambassador, Denis Guaer and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali when Guaer paid a courtesy visit to Jonathan at the presidential villa, Abuja… on Thursday

fairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, has given assurance that the Federal Government would spare no effort in protecting Nigerians in South Africa against any form of xenophobic attack.

He spoke to State House correspondents on Thursday against the background of reported attacks on non-nationals by locals in South Africa.

He said the head of Nigerian mission in South Africa had taken precautionary measures by instructing Nigerian nationals

Cholera outbreak claims 20 lives in Ebonyi Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

ÏÏÏNo fewer than 20 persons

lost their lives following cholera outbreak in seven Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.

The State Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr. Chris Achi, who made this known in Abakaliki, said the outbreak was recorded in

Abakaliki, Izzi, Ebonyi, Ohaukwu, Ishielu, Ezza North and Ohaozara Local Government Areas.

According to him, 10 undergraduates of the Ebonyi State University were affected by the disease, out of whom one died, while 15 students of Girls’ High School, Azuiyiokwu, who were also affected, had been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, for medical atten-

tion.

He also disclosed that the outbreak was recorded in 12 Apostle College, Sharon and Annunciation schools, St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki.

Achi, who was a former Commissioner for Health in the state, explained that those who died, though on self-medication, had renal breakdown before being taken to hospitals for medi-

cal treatment. He discouraged people from defecating indiscriminately around their vicinities and drinking contaminated water, while calling on those seeking house as tenants to ensure they live in houses that have toilet facilities.

Achi further enjoined the people to ensure personal hygiene and desist from eating foods which preparation they were not sure of .the disease.

Owerri

ÏÏÏA

member of the Board Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Wednesday expressed concern over the future of democracy in Imo State under Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Iwuanyanwu, who briefed the media in his office said his fear was born out of the antecedents of a new crop of politicians with inordinate ambition for power. According to him, they could do anything

AIT Vs Tinubu: Court adjourns N150bn libel suit to May 27

Court refuses to stop Gov Fayose’s impeachment Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏEmbattled

to get to positions of power.

The PDP chieftain noted that a lot of desperation and criminality was brought into the last governorship election in the state. According to him, “My voice was cloned last week by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Imo State Government and used to mislead Imo people telling them to vote APC. My voice was played every five minutes on the governmentowned Orient FM soliciting votes for APC. “When I called Orient FM, they said it was sent to them from the

Imo Government House. Former Governor Achike Udenwa’s voice was also cloned; I have never seen this level of fraud, dishonour and impunity in my political life.”

He expressed regret that the country’s democracy would have made no progress if after more than half a century of Nigeria’s independence, ‘the governorship charade in the state on April 11 is upheld.’

“In this same state, an INEC official made the statement before cameras that she was kidnapped and forced to write election results

at gunpoint and nothing has been said or done about this.”

Iwuanyanwu lamented that utterances credited to Governor Okorocha were grossly uncharitable.

“I learnt over 1,000 thugs had been trained and armed. I was also warned to steer clear of the polls or risk assassination. With the arrests recorded by security agents during the election, we confirmed the information that police and army uniforms were freely issued and government vehicles repainted to bear police colours.

Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State and his deputy, Olusola Kolapo, will have to wait till Wednesday, April 29, 2015 to know if there will be reprieve from court on the impeachment notice served on them by the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

Fayose and Kolapo, had on April 8, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja with an ex parte motion for an order to stop Ekiti House of Assembly Speaker, Adewale Omirin and other All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers from their plots to impeach the governor and his deputy.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, refused an oral application made by Fayose’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN) for a specific interim order of status quo that would bind all the parties in dispute.

Raji moved the oral application citing the fact that lives had been lost amid tension in Ekiti State, even though the matter is subjudice. He also complained that attempts were being made by the law makers to use a primary school as site for the impeachment.

Titilope Joseph

adjourned the suit after listening to the submissions of Tinubu’s counsel, Mr. Ayodele Adedipe and Mr. Jeffery Kadiri, who represented AIT. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu had instituted the N150 billion suit against AIT for allegedly spreading false accusations on his personality through a documentary titled “Lion of Bourdilion”

According to the former governor, the documentary was politically sponsored in order to tarnish his reputation in the eyes of the populace.

The judge had granted an interlocutory injunction on April 1st stopping AIT from further airing the documentary, pending the determination of the libel suit.

Tinubu’s counsel, Adedipe, at the proceedings yesterday, informed the court that the claimant had filed Forms 17 and 18 which had been served on the defendant.

In his response, Kadiri agreed to the fact that the defendant had received the processes but was still within the 42 days period to respond to the applications.

Democracy on trial in Imo – Iwuanyanwu Val Okara

to remain indoor and shut down their businesses until normalcy is returned.

According to the minister, the South African authorities have also stepped into the matter with a view to ending the unrest.

He said: “With the discussions I have been having with Nigeria’s Head of Mission in Pretoria, no Nigerian has so far been affected.

“They informed me that they have called the Nigerian community and addressed them and told them to close their shops, stay home and keep out of trouble and obey the laws of South Africa.

ÏÏÏThe N150billion libel suit

filed by the National leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, against the African Independent Communications (AIT), was adjourned before an Ikeja High Court, on Thursday, to May 27 for further direction.

Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Why I conceded defeat – Jonathan Continued from page 4 According to him, any contrary action by him at that point could spell doom for not just Nigeria but the continent as well.

He said: “You need to have a nation before you can have an ambition. It should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle national progress for personal ambition.

“Since I assumed duty, I have been involved in quelling political crisis in some African countries and I know what they passed through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy,’’ President Jonathan declared.

He urged world leaders and international institutions to give their fullest possible support to

the incoming administration of Buhari.

He also called on all Nigerians to do their utmost to help the incoming president succeed in leading the country to greater heights of accomplishment.

The president appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation, which, he said, Gen. Buhari will need to move the country forward to greater, peace, security and progress.

Speaking with the new French ambassador, Denis Guaer, Jonathan urged France to extend the support and assistance it gave to his administration to the incoming government.

“President Francois Hollande was our guest in Nigeria during the celebration of Nigeria’s centenary. He has been very supportive of the country in the fight against

terrorism. I expect that the same warmth and goodwill will be extended to the incoming government. I expect that France will continue to work with the new administration, especially on issues of terrorism,” he said.

Jonathan continued: “The United Nations has been supportive as well. Our troops, supported by regional forces, have done very well in fighting the terrorists in recent times. What we need now is support to help our people get back their lives.”

The ambassadors commended the President for setting a record of humility, patriotism and courage in safeguarding the democratic process in Nigeria and Africa.

“Nigeria is not only an economic power in the world today, but also a great democratic example.

And it is all by your effort, Mr.

R-L: Chairman Ekiti State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Com. Ayodeji Aluko; Chairman Trade Union Congress, (TUC) Com. Sola Ojo and other stakeholders of the union during the Press Conference of Peace and Stability in Ekiti State… on Thursday

President. The last elections and your response was truly a great achievement and you will always be remembered for it,” the French ambassador told the President.

Guaer, the new Ambassador of Senegal, Baboucar Sambe, and the new Ambassador of Ethiopia, Samia Zekaria Gutu, who were at the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence to Jonathan, also assured him that they would do their best to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their countries during their tenure.

Jonathan

Obanikoro, Amaechi at war Continued from page 4 manship and congratulate Wike as the Governor-elect of Rivers State.

“I congratulated Ambode, based on the larger interest of Lagos State. Amaechi and his cotravellers in Rivers State, should learn from this,” he said.

This advice did not go down well with Amaechi who replied Obanikoro the next day saying: “If your values are so debased and rotten, that you saw nothing wrong with the election in Rivers State, mine is not. Never will.

Because of the larger interest of Rivers State, I, and most Rivers people, will not accept that daylight robbery ‘they’ called election”.

He stated further, “The election was a sham, a disgrace, an affront on democracy. Please read the reports of the (European Union) EU and other (Independent National Electoral Commission) INEC-

accredited election observers, before you open your mouth to spew rubbish. If your values are so debased and rotten that you saw nothing wrong with the elections in Rivers State, mine are not. Never will.”

The very next day, Obanikoro, responded, describing Amaechi’s agitations as “senseless”. “If you, EU and other observers, can be blind to the massive underage votings in the North, and an over two million votes in Kano, without a single voided vote recorded, then saving your people the senseless agitation for personal gains is meaningful.

“Don’t also forget the history of how you became (the) Governor of Rivers State.”

The Rivers governorship election has continued to generate controversy and comments from various quarters, including the European Union election observers, who described the election as a sham.

Reps direct FG to recall envoy from S/Africa over xenophobic rage Continued from page 4 tion passed when lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent matter of public importance moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, Abike DabiriErewa, on the xenophobic attacks on Africans by South Africans.

Passing the resolution, the House noted that the attacks which had left many foreigners dead, resulted in the closure of their businesses and looting of their shops, was roused to action by a statement attributed to the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, who was said

to have asked African migrants to return to their countries as they were no longer welcome in South Africa.

The lawmakers’ resolution read: “Nigeria frowns at the attacks and will no longer tolerate the killing of its nationals in South Africa. President Goodluck Jonathan must immediately convey this to President Jacob Zuma as a matter of urgency.”

“Nigeria should recall its high commissioner from South Africa pending when the attacks will stop,” the House also resolved.

The lawmakers asked the Fed-

eral Government to apply the diplomatic principle of reciprocity in dealing with South Africa, adding that if South Africa or its nationals continue to frustrate Nigerian businesses, Nigeria must also do the same to South African businesses here.

The BBC reported Italian police as saying that they had arrested the Muslim migrants for allegedly throwing the 12 Christians overboard following a row on a boat heading to Italy.

The Christian migrants were all feared dead.

In a separate incident, more

than 40 people drowned after another migrant boat sank between Libya and Italy.

Almost 10,000 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean have been rescued in recent days. Italy has called for more help from the European Union to handle the crisis.

More than 500 people from Africa and the Middle East have died making the perilous crossing since the start of the year. Earlier this week, 400 people were believed to have drowned when their boat capsized.

The 15 Muslim migrants involved in the row with Christians

were arrested in the Sicilian city of Palermo.

The suspects were among 105 migrants travelling in an inflatable boat that left Libya on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses told police how the altercation resulted in Christians being thrown overboard, and that some of the survivors had formed human chains to avoid a similar Also on Thursday, the Italian navy plucked four survivors - a Ghanaian, two Nigerians, and a man from Niger - from the sea.

They said their inflatable boat had sunk after leaving Libya with 45 people on board.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Kano Reps caucus opposes Jibrin’s Speaker bid Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏ

The House of Representatives caucus from Kano State has rejected the candidature of Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin, who represents Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency, to become the Speaker of the House, when the 8th National Assembly is inaugurated in June.

Rep. Jibrin had, last week in Abuja, declared his intention to vie for the speakership of the House. The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Finance, has since commenced campaign for the exalted position.

However, the All Progressives

Congress (APC)’s National Executive Committee is expected, in the coming days, to take a decision on the zoning of positions for the legislative arm of government.

The North West zone, where Rep. Jibrin hails from, has already produced the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

Sources informed Daily Times that the APC House caucus met in Kano, the same day Rep. Jibrin formally declared his intention to contest the speakership, and reached a concensus to abide by the party's zoning formula.

The meeting was said to have been convened by a ranking lawmaker, Rep. Mohammed Ali Wudil, and lasted for four hours.

Our correspondents report that during the caucus meeting, no mention was made about Rep. Jibrin's ambition, even though the lawmakers were aware that he had declared his intention to become the next speaker.

Furthermore, it was learnt that 20 out of the 24 members attended the Kano meeting while those, including Jibrin, who were absent sent their apologies.

The four members that were absent at the meeting are Abdulmumin Jibrin, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Abdulkadir Tijjani Jobe and another House member from the state. Those who attended the meeting include, Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, Musa Ado,

Nasiru Ali Ahmed, Sani Mohammed Aliyu, Bashir Baballe, Munir Babba Dan-Agundi, Badamasi Ayuba, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, Garba Ibrahim Mohammed, Nasiru Sule Garo, Nasiru Baballe Ilah, Umar Garba, Suleiman Romo, Ahmed Garba Bichi, Aliyu Sani Madaki, Mukhtari Mohammed Chiromawa, Abubakar Nuhu Danburam, Mohammed Ali Wudil, Shehu Usman Aliyu and Aminu Suleiman Goro.

A source, who chose condition of anonymity, confirmed that “Jibrin never consulted with any of us about his bid for the speakership or deputy speakership. He is on his own and he should stop because it will soon backfire.

Handover: Jonathan, security chiefs meet

Buhari

U.S. ready to work with Buhari – Obama’s deputy ÏÏÏ

The United States Vice President, Joe Biden, has assured the President-elect, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) that the U.S. government is willing and ready to work with him.

Biden gave this assurance when he made a phone call to Buhari on Wednesday.

In a statement made available to our correspondent by the White House on Thursday, the U.S. vice president spoke with the All Progressives Congress standard bearer and winner of the March 28 presidential poll to congratulate him on his victory in the recent election “and affirm that the United States stands ready to expand collaboration with Nigeria on issues of common concern, including economic and security matters.”

Amosun’s wife tasks FG on return of Chibok girls

ÏÏÏ President Goodluck Jona-

than, on Thursday, met behind closed doors with security chiefs and relevant ministers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting was said to have assessed the on-going anti-terrorism war in the North Eastern part of the country, as well as preparations for the May 29 handover.

Vice President Namadi Sambo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Pius Anyim; National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.); Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Muhammed Adoke (SAN); Minister of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Gusau; Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro and the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Jelili Adesiyan, also attended the meeting that lasted over three hours.

7 News

ÏÏÏ Wife of

Lagos State's Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right); Lagos State senators-elect, Olamilekan Adeola (left), Oluremi Tinubu (2nd left) and Gbenga Ashafa, during public presentation of Certificates of Return to them by INEC at Archbishop Vinning Hall, Ikeja, Lagos...on Thursday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

I also abducted Magodo children – Kidnapper of Orekoya kids ÏÏÏ The nanny, Mary Akinloye,

who kidnapped three children in the Surulere area of Lagos State on Wednesday, has confessed to kidnapping two kids (Raphael and Michael Esharegan) from the Magodo area of the state last year.

Mary Akinloye was arrested on Wednesday evening in the Shasha area of Lagos State by police, after she was tracked by “technological tools.”

She said her team, which consisted of her brother-in-law, sisterin-law, her husband and herself, collected N2 million for the Ma-

godo kidnap, which occurred in December, last year.

She had been employed as a maid by the Magodo couple through the same OLX, an online sales portal.

The suspect added that after the ransom was paid, she was given N30,000 as her own share.

She revealed that her real name was not Mary Akinloye and she was not 23-year-old.

Speaking in Yoruba, she begged the Orekoya family to forgive her.

“It was not my fault, Mrs Orekoya. You were very nice to

me and you took care of me. I was pushed to do it,” she said.

The suspect has four children.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, also confirmed this on Thursday, while speaking on a live Channels TV programme, Sunrise Daily.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Kenneth Nwosu, said Akinloye was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), while a manhunt was on-going to apprehend other fleeing accomplices of the house help.

Ogun State governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, has appealed to the Federal Government to speed up actions to ensure the safe return of the Chibok girls, so as to have them reunited with their parents.

Mrs. Amosun said this during a road-walk in commemoration of the one year anniversary of the abduction of the girls.

The road walk commenced at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, and terminated at the Governor's Office, OkeMosan, in the state capital.

The Ogun State first lady said there was need for concerted efforts by government, security agents and all Nigerians towards the release of the over 200 girls who were abducted by Boko Haram last year.

According to her, "The good people of Ogun State raise our voices once again to God in solidarity for the return of our Chibok schoolgirls and we believe there shall be positive change in Nigeria and miraculous release of our girls."

8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Politics Barack Obama

Group to Obama: Renew Military assistance to Nigeria

s

Politics Editor: Akinjide Akintola E-mail: akinjide.akintola@dailytimes.com.ng

A group, Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans, (CANAN), has made a passionate appeal President Barack Obama to renew its military and technical assistance to Nigeria.

This, the group said was necessary in order for the Nigerian government to improve its efforts at confronting terrorist activities within and outside its shores.

In a statement by its coordinator, Laolu Akande, CANAN said President Obama should not rule out

any potential effort in destroying and degrading Boko Haram including military options side by side with the regional force currently fighting the terrorists.

According to it, Boko Haram is as brutal as ISIS and both groups are now clearly making connections, signaling to the global community that the time to strike Boko Haram hardest is now.

CANAN is “calling on the US President Barack Obama to reinvigorate America’s support to the

effort to rescue the over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted exactly one year ago by Boko Haram terrorists.

“As the whole world marks one year after the disturbing abduction, CANAN wants the US government to renew and upwardly review its military and technical assistance to the Nigerian government’s effort and those of the neighboring countries in confronting the terrorists.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Impeachment: How Buhari’s victory saved Obiano Nkiru Nwagbo

Before the 2015 general election, the mood in Anambra State cut the picture of the peace of the grave yard following stories making the round that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has concluded arrangement to impeach Gov. Willie Obiano.

This was coming despite the prevailing alliance All Progressives Grand Alliance the (APGA) had with the PDP all along.

According to a reliable source who spoke with Daily Times then, the faceoff between former Governor Peter Obi and his successor was fast getting to its climax and Obi was no longer comfortable with the style of Obiano’s administration.

Besides, the alleged rude manner Peter Obi was literary frus-

Muazu

trated out of the APGA by some loyalists of its National Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh did not go down well with Obi’s supporters who are not in the PDP. With Obi out of APGA, aggrieved party members and some PDP stalwarts in the state began the scheming of how to unseat the incumbent governor after the general election.

Indeed, before then, some executive council members of Obiano’s administration were allegedly leaking sensitive secret government information to the governor’s political foes.

These information were said to have been packaged as impeachable offences of Obiano which would be contained in the proposed impeachment notice to be served at an appointed date.

When Obiano’s opponents dis-

PDP faces more woes as members begin siddon look

covered that the current State Assembly members were not ready to play ball, they resorted to their Plan B. The second game plan was to return all the 30 PDP State Assembly members into the Legislature thereby having a strong majority to unseat the governor after the general election.

To further remove elements of resistance from any quarter, the party made sure that the 11 House of Representatives seats in Anambra were won by the PDP; though the party lost just two seats to APGA. Similarly, it returned the three senatorial seats of the State to the PDP apparently creating a good ground for Obiano’s ultimate impeachment.

Ironically, the alleged cabals CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Rather than diminishing, the woes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appear to be increasing the more aftermath of its crushing defeat in the last General Election.

A Daily Times investigation within its members nationwide revealed a party that appears to be in disarray with discontent and regret written all over many of the members.

Obiano

This is contrary to the assurances given by the Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, (BOT), Mallam Walid Jibrin that the party will not die a natural death, but still has a bright future.

The PDP lost the presidency and quite a number of the states to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded elections making po-

litical observers to conclude the imminent death of the party.

Besides, with the loss of the party at the centre and in many states, a lot of the party’s bigwigs have been decamping to the opposition APC, a development that further heightened the fear that the party would soon collapse like a pack of cards.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

9

Politics

Help Nigeria in terror war, group urges Obama CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

According to it, last year April 14, Boko Haram abducted the Nigerian schoolgirls while sitting for examinations in their school in Chibok, Borno State. Since then some of the girls managed to escape, but most of them are still being held captive.

CANAN said it agreed with the United Nations SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon who said earlier: “we must never forget the kidnapped Chibok girls, and I will not stop calling for their immediate release and their safe return to their families.”

He noted that in the past year, the terrorists “intensified its brutal attacks on boys and girls in Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Hundreds of thousands of children have been displaced from their homes, and deprived of their rights to live and grow up in safety, dignity and peace. Boko Haram’s killing, abduction and recruitment of children, including the use of girls as “suicide

Buhari

bombers”, is abhorrent.” CANAN is saying today that this has to stop!

It said the time has indeed come for instance that the US government should reconsider its previous decision to disapprove Israel’s readiness to sell Cobra Military helicopters to Nigeria as required in the Boko Haram war.

“While we acknowledge that there is an appreciable progress in the fight against Boko Haram with the involvement of Nigeria’s neighbors, still, much has to be done to completely root out this organization of terror from its bases in Africa and across its northeastern borders”, it stressed.

CANAN pointed out that while there have been conflicting claims on the fate of the girls, it is encouraged by a recent BBC that said some of the girls were sighted in Gwoza stressing that intelligence efforts be intensified with the active involvement of the US and the African militaries

involved to locate, and rescue the girls and also dislodge the locations of the terrorists especially the Sambissa forest. it expressed the hope that with the advent of a new government in Nigeria next month, there are renewed expectations the insurgency in Northeastern Nigeria will now be frontally dealt with and reminded President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President-elect Professor Yemi Osinbajo to keep their promise, adding that it was indeed encouraged that General Buhari has spoken of his readiness to confront the terrorists with the “collective will” of all Nigerians.

CANAN added that it will continue to support and advocate globally for the victims of terror in Nigeria as it is exploring ways to work with other national and international agencies in this mission based on the Global Platform launched late last year with United Nations agencies.

Atiku: Elections should not be militarised Troops should not be deployed near polling units Former Vice President and APC Chieftain, Atiku Abubakar has counseled against militarizing the proposed bye elections in Taraba, Imo and Abia states fixed for April 25.

Besides, he also wants INEC and security officials implicated in the conduct of last weekend’s Governorship election in Taraba State be removed and replaced with new personnel in the rerun election in the state.

The former Vice President made the suggestion on the heel of INEC’s decision to cancel the gubernatorial election results in some local government areas of Taraba State and declare the outcome of last Saturday’s polls in the state inconclusive.

In a statement, the Turaki Ad-

amawa was in agreement with the widespread reports of irregularities in some local governments of the state saying: “these irregularities included using armed personnel to intimidate voters”.

The Former Vice President alleged that armed soldiers were attached to Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; Joel Ikenya, a current minister; as well as Senator Anthony Manzo, chief of staff to senator David Mark pointing out that these soldiers engaged in brazen acts that violated the electoral act including ballot-box snatching.

“Elections should not be militarized,” Atiku said, adding: “Nigeria is a democracy, not a dictatorship. Citizens should be able to go out and vote without fear of being threatened with the nuzzle

of a gun.”

He said that these election violations were noticeably perpetrated in Southern Taraba, specifically in Wukari, Takum, Kurmi and Donga local councils as well as in the North, particularly in Lau and Yoro where Manzo comes from, noting that thousands of troops were deployed to these areas and electoral officers were heavily compromised.

“These people should not be allowed to go back during the rerun election,” Atiku stated, adding: “no troops should be allowed nearby.”

He also called on the Inspector General of Police to replace security personnel in Taraba with new teams from neighbouring Gombe, Bauchi and Adamawa, during the period of the rerun elections.

Atiku

“Nigeria is a democracy, not a dictatorship. Citizens should be able to go out and vote without fear of being threatened with the nuzzle of a gun.”

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Plot to impeach Obiano hits the rocks

Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

lost sight of the dynamics of Nigerian politics and when they had run away with the belief that the coast is clear, the unexpected happened. President Goodluck Jonathan lost his second term bid to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) hence, creating a fresh confusion within the ranks of the cabal.

The body became apprehensive in the belief that any move of impeachment may be counter productive as the new party that would soon assume power may not be disposed to their antics.

Besides, most PDP chieftains in Nigeria are now seating on the

edge oblivious of what the Buhari led government is capable of doing when it assumes office.

As the State Assembly election in Anambra was ongoing, the desperation of the cabal was made manifest when top PDP chieftains and major financiers allegedly condescended to the level of thuggery. Ballot boxes and sensitive electoral materials were being snatched at every corners under the watch of security operatives.

The show of brigandage and the display of irresponsibility against democratic principle led to what the APC in Anambra State called a rape of peoples

wish and aspirations.

According to the State Chairman of the party, Barr Emeka Ibeh who spoke to reporters “We commend INEC for cancelling the so called elections in Ekwusigo State Assembly Constituency.

It is the right thing to do. Hopefully, when the election eventually takes place, the security agencies will guard against the breach of the law and the constitution which led to the stalemate. We expect that Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah for security breaches perpetrated in the super RAC and Mr Emeka Offor should be arrested for hosting INEC materials in his house in Orifite, which is neither a super RAC nor a polling unit, where the materials should be at that time” he added.

With the plot to return more PDP candidates to the State Assembly, Gov. Obiano had to take on the fight as it came. Several meetings were held within APGA circles on how to beat the PDP in their own game and the governor came out with what observers described as a master plan.

In a state-wide broadcast, Obiano noted: “Fellow citizens, I want to assure you that the dubious victory of the PDP in the National Assembly Elections of last Saturday shall not stand! We have assembled the necessary documentary and material evidence that will expose the barefaced lies of the PDP and retrieve the mandate that you graciously gave to all APGA candidates from the law courts. We shall do everything humanly possible to ensure that justice is done to our people and we shall not relent until victory is achieved. Please, don’t lose hope!” he assured.

Not surprisingly, Obiano’s

Obi

‘‘With the plot to return more PDP candidates to the State Assembly, Gov. Obiano had to take on the fight as it came. Several meetings were held within APGA circles on how to beat the PDP in their own game and the governor came out with what observers described as a master plan.’’ words chimed in with the outrage of the people. It began to suddenly dawn on Ndi Anambra that the cheeky manipulation of their electoral power should not go without a challenge. It began to occur to them that silence was not a virtue where outrage

was required and that if they did nothing, the invading army would be emboldened to move in and finally crush their collective will. So, spontaneous reactions ensued. Prominent citizens of the state came out to openly condemn the results of the March 28, 2015 election.

A coalition of Igbo youths took to the streets, fanning out across the Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha to register their displeasure. Groups of independent observers of the election addressed press conferences and discredited the results of the election. A war of words ensued between the invaders and the innocent citizens whose only wish was to be allowed to lick their electoral wounds in peace.

It was upon these troubled waters that Governor Obiano made his second broadcast, rising like an astute general to calm the waves and restore the confidence of the people in the capacity of his administration to maintain the peace.

“We have once again come to CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

PDP’s misfortune unsettles members CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Jonathan

The investigation revealed that the fear of PDP collapsing is real as many of the members who have not decamped to other parties have started shunning political activities involving the PDP. One of them, a former governorship aspirant from one of the south west states said he has gone back to his chambers to face his legal practice fully as

the future of the party cannot be guaranteed in the new political dispensation.

“I was even in court yesterday.

Since I cannot decamp to another party, the best is to take a back seat now in politics after spending over 25 years and let others take over”, he said.

“I am not a desperate or hungry politician to decamp to another party without honour and since I do not share the same ide-

ology with the new party at the centre, I do not see myself associating with them in anyway. So the only thing left for me is my law practice which I’m now facing squarely”, he added.

Asked about the future of the party, he said it is left for new generations as he has done his beat saying he could not say what the future holds for the party for now.

It would be recalled that the

BOT Secretary had said that inspite of the present challenges facing the party, it still has a bright future.

Jibrin, expressed optimism that the party will soon bounce back, urging chieftains not to dump the party.

His words: “I want to tell you and the whole world that the various PDP governments since the inception of the party, had done CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

11

Politics

How Buhari saved Obiano CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

the crossroads of history. A time comes that rarely comes in life when a people who are desirous of a lasting change must say so in a profound way. Ndi Anambra; that time is now! The time to secure our future with our votes has finally come…We have demonstrated that when government is sincere, open and honest, our people will heed the clarion call for greatness.

“We have shown that power belongs to Ndi Anambra and that together we can build a prosperous state…Ndi Anambra, anyi bu ife!

(We are the light).” Such words that were intended to pull at the strings of the people’s heart and stir them to full consciousness.

He said.

According to an APGA source which pleaded anonymity, ‘’The security formations were built up for the state and governor, who is the chief security officer had to impress all the security personnel to be alive to their responsibilities.

“Even those of us in APGA had to be mobilized so that those people will not come up against our governor. You saw what happened on that day, how the PDP people were lamenting and accusing us of rigging the election. But

that is not true because all their plans failed because we were proactive,” he added.

In his frustration, immediate past governor of the state, Obi, who was visibly unhappy, called for the cancellation of the election, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.

Similarly, the federal might of the Army, civil Defence and the police were not there to assist the PDP in manipulating the electoral process due to the victory of Buhari of APC. Also embattled by the turn of event is senator- elect Uche Ekwunife who accused Obiano of using thugs. ‘’What happened today is shocking and very undemocratic.

A lot of hoodlums and thugs have been recruited by the APGA government to rig the election. This shows desperation and it is not good for the polity. They have been going about spreading falsehood that the PDP wants to impeach Obiano after election and I wonder why they are doing that. ‘‘They are talking about impeachment and I ask why the governor is afraid of impeachment, He is the governor and he has the choice of running a populist government that would impact positively on the lives of the people, if he does that, he will become a

‘‘And according to our source, the plot would have been climaxed by the conduct of a bye election in Anambra to elect a new governor that would certainly be a PDP candidate.’’ hero but if he fails, he has himself to blame. If he commits an impeachable offence, he will face impeachment, as far as I am concerned nobody wants to impeach him,” she said.

Interestingly, the plot for Obiano’s impeachment was said to have been endorsed by top PDP members in Abuja and according to our source, the plot would have been climaxed by the conduct of a bye election in Anambra to elect a new governor that would certainly be a PDP candidate.

Umeh Though it was not clear who the next governor would be, three persons had already been penciled as alternatives in the event of Obiano being impeached.

In what appears to be a twist of fate against the PDP, its Presidential candidate did not win the said election, instead, Buhari emerged victorious hence the impeachment plot appears to have failed at the moment.

President-elect Buhari, who is known to be the uncompromising type it was gathered has warned against over heating the polity insisting that the due process of government business must be followed.

“So those who want to remove the governor with trumped up charges of committing impeachable offences have failed. Their party is no longer in power and the confusion in PDP is much that they are only interested in their safety and political future

rather than destabilizing Anambra State”, an inside source told Daily Times.

Political watchers are of the view that Gov. Obiano owes his survival of the impeachment plot against him to the victory of APC in the last general election.

They posited that if not for that development, his opponents in the PDP would have over ran the state and throw him out like a villain.

A top civil servant in Anambra who spoke with Daily Times noted: “The crisis and the confusion that Anambra would have experienced had President Jonathan won his election would have made the 2003-2006 political crisis look like a mere child’s play. This state would have experienced a nose dive to the detriment of the common man on the street who have so far found the governor as one that is determined to give governance a human face’’.

PDP members rue party’s fate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Muazu

a lot in fighting poverty, hunger, unemployment and youth restiveness as well as empowering women.

“Also promoting peace and boosting the socio-economic development of the country. “ Besides, President Jonathan had transformed the education, agriculture, economic, health, judicial, commercial sectors, the electoral system, among others.

“His transformation agenda had touched and improved the lives of every Nigerians positively. Nigerians have seen what the PDP government had

done in terms of establishing and equipping secondary and tertiary education, creating job opportunities, provision of infrastructural facilities, tackling insecurity and , prompt payment of workers’ salaries, among others.

“In spite of the defeat our great party, PDP, suffered during the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections, losing the presidential seat to APC, PDP will not and will never die. It will continue to exist and we will win all positions in future elections”, he stressed.

He had this to say about President Goodluck Jonathan, who

conceded defeat to PAC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election: “For President Jonathan to accept defeat when he lost his second term presidential ambition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accorded him great respect from all Nigerians and even from the international community.

“This shows that President Jonathan is a true democrat who has the interest of Nigerians at heart and we will continue to pray for him and other newly elected leaders, to enable them to succeed”, he stressed.

News 12 Drugs: NDLEA launches online counselling ÏÏÏThe

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has said that online anti-drug abuse/trafficking counselling services are now available to interested members of the public. According to Giade, the agency has taken this step to address the growing need for anti-drug abuse/trafficking sensitisation. He also disclosed that a total of 21,634 persons benefitted from NDLEA offline counselling service nationwide between 2010 and 2014.

Said he: “Online counselling will complement existing offline counselling platforms across our formations nationwide. We introduced online counselling to provide our services to people, especially youths at the comfort of their homes. Besides, it is easy to access, providing clients greater comfort and convenience. The confidentiality involved also makes whoever is seeking information to be open-minded and bond easily with counsellors. Already, the services can be accessed via email address ddr@ndlea. gov.ng and twitter handle @ ndlea_nigeria. Very soon the facebook account and tollfree phone calls will be activated to further expand our scope of operation.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Taraba: APC carpets INEC, seeks fresh collation ÏÏÏThe All Progressives Con-

gress (APC) in Taraba State has demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should set aside its declaration that the governorship election in the state was inconclusive.

According to the APC, what ought to be done was for INEC to cancel the results of 11 Local Government Areas, where large scale electoral fraud allegedly took place, after which, a fresh collation should be done and a winner declared.

National Chairman of the party, Chief John Adigie-Oyegun, made the demand in Abuja, yesterday.

Oyegun spoke during a press

briefing by the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Senator Aisha Alhassan, on the botched election.

He explained that after receiving briefings from its candidate in the race, it was convinced that there was a high powered conspiracy by “powers that be” to thwart the will of Taraba people, who voted massively for Alhassan.

In response to the APC allegation, Taraba State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Emmanuel Bello, dismissed the allegations leveled against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The APC is only being jittery and desperate because it knows that it can’t win this election in a predominantly PDP state like

Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun displaying his Certificate of Return presented to him by the INEC Commissioner incharge of Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti states, Prof. Lai Olurode at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta...on Thursday PHOTO: DAVID IDOWU

Air traffic controllers’ strike grounds domestic flights ÏÏÏDomestic

flights across the country were grounded for over six hours on Thursday, as a result of the industrial action embarked upon by Air Traffic Controllers in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, NATCA Thursday evening, issued a press statement threatening to commence indefinite strike as from Monday next we should government fail to meet their demands.

The latest threat was contained in statement signed by Mr Victor Eyaru and Olawode Benjamin, President and

Taraba,” Bello said.

Earlier, Alhassan had said the APC was only demanding justice because it was evident that the outcome of the election in the affected local government areas was fraudulent.

She said, “INEC should set aside the declaration of inconclusive result for Taraba State.

The results of all the areas affected by irregularities in the 11 local governments should be cancelled out rightly, after which a fresh collation should be done and a winner declared.

The APC candidate said the affected local governments areas are Wukari, Kurmi, Yorro, Karim Lamido, Ardo Kola, Sardauna, Zing, Bali, Lau, Donga and Takum.

General Secretary, respectively.

Thousands of passengers were left stranded at various airports in Nigeria during the period that the strike lasted.

Sources at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, told our correspondent that the strike was due to a lingering crisis between the controllers and their management.

A senior official at the NAIA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The Air Traffic Controllers are agitating for the

payment of certain amount of money which was meant to be paid by their management since last year. But this money has not been paid, despite several pleas and threats. So they want to use this opportunity to let everyone know and if possible knock out the management.

“It is clear that the strike is to force their management to pay them and to also make the government aware of what is happening in their organisation.

Since morning, flights have been disrupted all over Nigeria, except international flights.

Ebonyi LP to challenge guber election result Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

ÏÏÏEbonyi State chapter of La-

bour Party (LP), has disclosed its intention to challenge in court the outcome of the National Assembly, governorship, and House of Assembly elections held in the state on ground of rigging, falsification and highscale killings that trailed the exercise.

The chairman of the party, Comrade Sebastian Obiya, stated, on Thursday, that it had reviewed all that went on during the elections and came to the conclusion that as a law-abiding political party, it would challenge the outcome of the elections in court.

“We have reviewed all that went on during the elections and come to the conclusion that we, as a law-abiding political party, focused on probity and credible election must challenge the outcome of the March 28 and April 11, 2015 elections in court,” the party said.

Elechi

Gov Aliyu signs law on rape Pita Chikwem Minna

ÏÏÏAs a result of the incessant rape cases in Niger State, Governor Babangida Aliyu, on Thursday, assented to the

Aliyu

State House of Assembly bill seeking stiffer punishment for rapists and people engaged in sex offences.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Israel Ebije said other bills passed into law and assented to were the laws that provided for the constitution of Sharia Courts in Niger State and the law to establish the Niger State Livestock and Fisheries Institute.

Ebije intimated that the law seeking for stiffer punishment against rapists and sex offenders was necessary, adding that it would serve as a deterrent to perpetrators and give succor to victims.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Xenophobia: South Africans rally against attacks

Some foreign nationals seek refuge from xenophobic violence, in places such as this makeshift camp outside Durban

ÏÏÏ Attacks on foreigners have

spread across South Africa in recent weeks and up to 5,000 people are marching in South Africa's coastal city of Durban in a major rally against xenophobia, following attacks on foreigners.

President Jacob Zuma condemned the attacks, in which at least five people have died, as 'shocking and unacceptable'.

The Zulu king has been accused of fuelling the violence but he de-

nied the accusation. Many jobless South Africans accuse foreigners of taking jobs in a country where the unemployment rate is 24 percent.

"No amount of frustration or anger can justify the attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of their shops," President Zuma told parliament on Thursday. He also urged for calm to be restored to the areas most impacted by the violence.

Protesters marched through Durban chanting "Down with xenophobia" and "A United Africa", led by the city mayor and the premier of KwaZulu Natal province.

Marcher Vanessa Govender told the BBC people: "It's just a mammoth show of support for all those foreigners who have fallen victim to the past two weeks of xenophobic violence."

Anti-immigrant gatherings were also reported in both Dur-

ban and Johannesburg on Thursday, but were later dispersed by police.

The violence, which broke out in Durban and surrounding townships, has spread to other parts of the country, including the economic capital Johannesburg.

Foreign nationals were seen closing up their shops near Johannesburg on Thursday Some are seeking refuge from the violence in places such as this makeshift camp outside Durban Police reported flare-ups of violence in Johannesburg overnight, with foreign-owned shops attacked and dozens of foreigners seeking refuge in a police station.

Malawi has said it would evacuate its nationals from South Africa while Mozambique has set up border camps to cope with the exodus of its citizens.

Many foreigners, mostly from other African states and Asia, have moved to South Africa since white-minority rule ended in 1994.

At least 62 people died in xenophobic attacks that swept South Africa in 2008. The governmentbacked South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is investigating two complaints of hate speech made against Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini.

He was widely quoted as saying last month that foreigners should "go back to their countries".

Ousted Zim vice president still gets salary – Minister ÏÏÏ Zimbabwe has not stopped

paying ex-vice president Joice Mujuru her salary, although some payments to her account may have been delayed, Information Minister Jonathan Moyo said on Thursday.

"Nobody can take away her constitutional entitlements. No! Delayed disbursements, maybe," Moyo tweeted in response to a story in the privately-owned Newsday. The paper said Mujuru's sal-

Furore in Egypt over destruction of books corrupting kids

ary had been stopped as part of a government campaign "to reduce her to an ordinary citizen after expelling her from the ruling party and government". Mujuru was sacked in December, last year, following accusations that she and her supporters had plotted to overthrow long-time president Robert Mugabe, 91. She was Zimbabwe's first ever female vice president and had held the post for 10 years.

Under Zimbabwean law, a for-

ÏÏÏ

An Egyptian education official under investigation for burning library books from a school, suspected of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood, has defended her decision, saying she herself is under fire for trying to weed out extremist ideas that "corrupt" children.

Bothaina Kishk, an Education ministry official from Cairo's Giza district, and a number of government officials burned the books in the courtyard of one of the

mer vice president (and a former president) must be paid their salaries for the rest of their lives.

It is not clear exactly how much Mujuru was paid during her term of office. Mugabe last month said he was paid $12 000 per month and was "suffering". Moyo, who is part of a faction of Zanu-PF that supported Mujuru's sacking, said that the former army commander's widow's terminal benefits might have been delayed.

Mujuru

Fadl Schools earlier this month.

Photos showed them standing in a circle, some waving the Egyptian flags, as the books burned.

When the pictures first appeared in a local newspaper, it unleashed a torrent of angry comments from parents, government officials, media personalities and even members of the committee that helped select the books.

The outcry prompted the Minister of Education to refer Kishk to investigators.

"Fighting terrorism will never be by burning books," Education Minister Moheb el-Rafie said in a statement to journalists.

But the incident highlights the challenges Egypt faces in fighting the rising tide of Islamic extremism amid a governmentsanctioned crackdown on Islamist groups, and a media and public frenzy against the Brotherhood after the military ouster of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in 2013.

13 Africa UN urges DR Congo to exhume mass grave ÏÏÏ

The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has asked the government, on Wednesday, to exhume more than 400 bodies buried last month in a mass grave, the head of the organisation's human rights office said.

Local authorities in the capital, Kinshasa, have said they buried 421 corpses overnight on March 19 in the rural commune of Maluku.

The government says the bodies were unclaimed foetuses, stillborn babies and homeless people from the city morgue.

However, rights groups suspect that some might be people killed in anti-government protests in January or an earlier crackdown on criminals in Kinshasa.

"We recommended doing the exhumation but it is up to the authorities to take all measures to reassure the population and to combat rumours," José Maria Aranaz, director of the UN's DRC-based Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), said at a news conference.

Burundi refugees flee as tense polls approach ÏÏÏ

Burundian farmer Emmanuel Minani knew it was time to leave, when the gang who had terrified him for months told him directly that they would torch his house and kill him.

As elections in Burundi approach, thousands of people are fleeing into neighbouring Rwanda, fearing violence from the hands of the ruling party's youth wing, the Imbonerakure.

Minani, 44, crossed into southern Rwanda last week with his wife and four children, because of what he said were threats from the Imbonerakure ahead of elections in May and June.

"The Imbonerakure threatened to kill us because we are not members of the ruling party, and we refused to vote for the president," said Minani, a supporter of the opposition Uprona party, Burundi's main Tutsi political group.

"At night, they [the Imbonerakure] patrol the area and threatened to burn our house," he added, surrounded by a group of terrified Burundians who also fled across the border.

World 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

US, others to resume nuclear talks with Iran next week ÏÏÏ Negotiators from Iran and

a group of world powers will hold their next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program next week in Vienna.

The European Union announced the April 22 and 23 talks on Thursday. The two sides will be working on taking the framework agreement they crafted earlier this month and turning it into a final deal by their selfimposed June 30 deadline.

The group that includes Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany wants Iran to curb its nuclear activity to ensure it is not building nuclear weapons, in exchange for lifting sanctions that have hurt the Iranian economy.

Also on Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency said it had completed a round of "constructive" talks with Iran, as part of an on-going, but separate, effort to address Iran's nuclear activity. The U.N. watchdog said the process will continue with more meetings in the near future.

Meanwhile, Iranian President says Iran is in talks to reach a final nuclear agreement with six world powers, not with U.S. lawmakers.

Rouhani's remarks were an ap-

parent reaction to developments Tuesday in Washington, where President Barack Obama pledged to sign a bill that would subject the agreement to U.S. congressional review.

In a speech to thousands of Iranians in the northern city of Rasht, Rouhani also reiterated

over an Islamic penal code that stipulates stoning for adultery and amputation for theft has put a spotlight on Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's struggle to secure the majority Muslim vote and fend off attacks on his leadership.

The 'hudud' controversy was triggered by the Islamist party that rules Kelantan, a northern state where nightclubs are banned and there are separate public benches for men and women.

Parti Islam se-Malaysia's push to have 'hudud' recognised under federal law, so it can be implemented in Kelantan, risks splitting the national opposition coalition to which it belongs: an already wobbly three-party alliance.

The opposition's squabbles would be heartening for Prime Minister Najib were it not for the divisions that the row has highlighted within his own party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

to certify every 90 days that Iran is living up to the deal curbing its nuclear activity. Sanctions levied

by Congress would be immediately reimposed in case of a violation.

Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

The head of Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi (right) looking over papers before meetings at the Beau Rivage Palace Hotel on March 28, in Lausanne.

Malaysian PM under fire over ‘controversial’ Islamic law

ÏÏÏ Feuding

his stance that Tehran will not sign a final nuclear deal unless all sanctions are simultaneously lifted.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed a measure on Tuesday after a bipartisan compromise that calls for a 30-day review period and for the president

Stunned by the desertion of ethnic Malay votes in the 2013 election, conservatives within UMNO see the issue as an opportunity to burnish the Islamic credentials on which their party built its power base in this Muslim-majority country.

Malays make up almost all of Malaysia's Muslim population.

UMNO lawmakers in Kelantan openly backed the push for hudud, a calculated decision "not to offend the sensitive Malay vote base", according to a senior UMNO leader. At a national level, though, the party has yet to make a public stand on the issue.

Najib himself has not stated a view, but he is widely seen as a moderate on Islamic issues.

"Hudud has always been there in Malaysia. The only difference is that it was kept under control by previous leaderships," said Wan Saiful Wan Jan of the Kuala Lumpur-based Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) think tank.

Vatican plans legal action against sex abuse ÏÏÏ The Vatican is preparing

to introduce legal procedures to establish the responsibilities of bishops and Catholic hierarchy found guilty of protecting priests who have sexually abused children, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The issue of accountability was discussed in the presence of Pope Francis by the C9, the group of senior cardinals who advise him.

Victims' groups accuse the Church, the Vatican and the pope of refusing to take action against hierarchy, who have turned a blind eye to paedophile acts. In some cases, the priests were simply moved to different areas or different jobs. The group of senior cardinals said the rules "were not sufficiently clear to deal with this kind of problems".

They called for "routes to be explored to proceed on the legal front against abuses of power and omissions" by bishops and other Church hierarchy, Vatican spokes-

person Federico Lombardi told a press conference.

He said the procedures would be put in place "in a diligent manner". US cardinal Sean O'Malley, a member of the C9 and head of a committee for the protection of minors set up by the pope, told his committee of his concerns during the meeting.

A working group established by the C9 committee met O'Malley at the weekend to discuss the controversial nomination of a Chilean bishop, Juan de la Cruz Barros, who is suspected of having shielded a paedophile priest.

Pope Francis

'Dalai Lama could decide to reincarnate'

ÏÏÏ It is up to the Dalai Lama

to decide whether he would be reborn, Tibetan Buddhism's third highest religious leader has said, after Chinese officials repeatedly said the exiled Dalai Lama had no right to abandon reincarnation.

Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who holds the title of Karmapa Lama and lives in exile in India, told Radio Free Asia in an interview in Washington that he had "complete belief" in the ability of the Dalai Lama to decide his fate after death.

"In Tibetan traditions, we don't talk much about the reincarnation of a living master," he said late on Wednesday.

"However, now many questions are being generated. In my view, it is only the Dalai Lama himself who should decide about his future reincarnation. So I am confident and have full trust in his decision. There are many presumptive statements and guess works, but I am not worried," he said.

S’Korean president vows to raise sunken ferry ÏÏÏ

South Korean President Park Geun-hye has vowed to raise the Sewol ferry, agreeing to a key demand of the families of the 304 people who died when the vessel sank last year.

The president's comments came in a speech on Thursday to mark the one-year anniversary of the sinking of the overloaded Sewol, which capsized during a routine turn off the southwest coast of South Korea.

The boat, which was carrying mostly high school students, remained submerged upside down in the same location where it sank - a reminder of one of the country's worst maritime disasters.

"I think now is the time for us to be prepared for the ship salvage," the president said. "We'll make all necessary procedures promptly, so that the ship can be raised as soon as possible."

President Park also vowed to locate the bodies of the nine passengers who remain missing.

Earlier on Thursday during a visit to a memorial site, many victims' family members had refused to meet with the president, until she agreed to raise the ship.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

15 Opinion

Defection as political cancer

A Sola Ogunmosunle

s the dust raised by the 2015 general election is gradually settling down, it is essential to begin taking stock of certain issues and events that characterised the elections.

Since the return of the country to democracy in 1999, no election has generated so much fretfulness and tension like the 2015 elections. Many soothsayers had forecast doomsday for Nigeria. Their prediction had pointed to the disintegration of the country from the expected crisis that will erupt as fallout from the presidential poll. The tension was heightened by the ethno-religious trump cards played by the political class to take advantage of the mindset of the populace to win votes.

The election has now come and gone and it has been adjudged from various quarters to be largely peaceful, even though it is skirmished by pockets of violence and bloodletting in some parts of the country. Winners have emerged in a new trend that is uncommon to our political climate, with losers conceding defeat (for the sake of our national integration) with laudable equanimity! For the first time since 1999, the opposition party has been able to unseat the ruling party and this election has, no doubt, marked

a watershed in Nigeria.

However, one particular development thrown up by the election is the gale of defections across some political parties. Even though ‘carpet crossing’ is not a new or rare practice in Nigerian politics, the rate at which many notable politicians and their throng of followers are decamping from the hitherto ruling party to the newly elected party is alarming and therefore calls for concern. Some of the notable defectors include Ahmed Gulak, former Legal Adviser of the PDP and the party’s candidate in the Ondo State’s 2012 governorship election, Olusola Oke, Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Ahmad Mahmud, Edo State PDP’s governorship candidate in the November 2012 governorship election, Maj.Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd.) just eight days after the presidential election.

This development is leading to the depletion of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which should now form the major opposition to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the dearth of a viable and formidable opposition portends danger for our fledgling democracy. The notion of opposition as an integral feature of our political system must not be conceived to be merely dissenting; it is essential for the sound working of democracy. In every popular

government, opposition is not only natural but when conducted on liberal principles, it is highly necessary and useful.

Unless there is a vigilant opposition constantly on the alert and ever watchful of government’s policies and actions, the ruling party would tend to get complacent and tardy or become arbitrary and autocratic.

The constant presence of a formidable opposition is an obstacle to despotism. When there are wellinformed critics ever ready to expose the wrongs committed by the government and to bring to light its acts of omission and commission, the ruling party can hardly afford to be negligent in the performance of its duty towards the country. The constant tug-of-war between the majority party and the opposition keeps the government on its toes and ensures good governance.

As a country, we should emulate some advanced democracies where the oppositions are galvanised into a formidable force that catalyze good and effective governance. The British Parliament is universally acknowledged as one of the best model for effective opposition in the world. Nearly all the government systems of world democracies including the U.S.A. and Australia are based on this system.

Another outstanding contribution of effective opposition is that

it educates the people on political matters and assures active and intelligent participation in public affairs. Lindsay, the well-known American political analyst, says, “The democratic problem is the control of the organization of power by the common man.” The citizens of a democratic country must be ‘thinking men and women’, possessing independent opinions and capable of taking intelligent interest in public affairs. Without education, there can be no intelligent discussion and participation in the processes of governance. Education produces rational human beings, having the power of discriminate between good and bad’.

If we are desirous of strengthening our democracy in order to stimulate good governance that will bring about growth and development, we must begin to ensure the entrenchment of a viable opposition structure in our political arrangement. The time to start that is now!

The PDP may want to borrow a leaf from the APC on how its tenacity and resilience has been a huge factor in wrestling power away from the PDP after sixteen years.

The Nigerian political class must realise the transient nature of power and the most important thing to do is make the best use of it whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Imperative of an inclusive government

T

Chinedu Uche Okoye

he absence of a government in a nation will lead to an anarchic situation as some people will tyrannise and oppress others for sundry reasons. Government performs many functions: the protection of lives and property, provision of social amenities, formulation and implementation of policies among others. The existence of governments dates back many centuries ago. The Greeks founded and popularised democracy. Now, from Europe to America, from Africa to Asia, democracy is the most acceptable type of government. Before the coming of the white imperialists to Africa, African kingdoms had their diverse types of pre-colonial governments. However, the white colonisers dethroned those governments and brought democracy.

After decades of political conflicts, some African countries have achieved political stability. Liberia and Sierra-Leone readily come to mind. In Nigeria, the people have been enjoying 16 years of unbroken democratic governance. One civilian regime has succeeded another

without the country descending into political disorder. Surprisingly, in 2015, an incumbent President lost re-election bid. Before now, it was an unprecedented happening in our political annals. Instead of clinging to power, as people expected him to do, he congratulated his political opponent before the country’s national electoral body announced the winner.

President Jonathan’s election loss is an indictment of his leadership of Nigeria by disillusioned Nigerians.

His lack-lustre performance is too evident not to be noticed. There is infra- structural rot and security issue threatening our corporate existence as a country. More so, millions of university graduates are still searching for jobs after graduation.

However, can APC, whose mantra as well as slogan is Change, be better? Mohammadu Buhari, won Nigeria’s keenly contested 2015 presidential election on the platform of APC. But some topnotch members of APC migrated to that party from the much- maligned PDP. Will those corrupt and unscrupulous politicians in APC thwart the efforts of Buhari, to fight corruption and take the country to unprecedented

great heights?

So far, Buhari, has given decorous, courteous, and soul-lifting speeches.

But he should not dwell forever on his electoral victory. President Goodluck Jonathan displayed a rare act of exemplary patriotism by conceding defeat before the final result was announced. That was commendable.

I am advising the president Buhari, not to embark on vindictive action against those who traduced him during the electioneering period.

If he does so, it would deepen our religious and ethnic fissures, and threaten the corporate existence of Nigeria. We are all aware that political instability is a disincentive to national growth.

I would like Buhari, to heal our divided country by forming an allinclusive government. If he includes members of the opposition party in his cabinet, it will be an exemplary precedent, and will become part of our democratic culture. Aren’t there distinguished, hardworking, and performing ministers in the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan? Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Chief Osita Chidoka and a handful of others in the out-going government performed creditably well in

the discharge of their duties, and have lived up to our expectations.

Dr. Adesina revived our waning interest in agriculture by adopting and implementing measures that revolutionised agricultural practices in the country. Now, Nigeria exports agricultural produce to other countries.

Who doesn’t know Osita Chidoka, the aviation minister who endeared himself to Nigerians with his stellar performance as FRSC’s boss? He succeeded in reducing the rate of vehicle accidents on our roads by implementing far-reaching measures.

He brought about the digitalisation of the processes and procedures that led to easy acquisition of driving licences. During his headship of FRSC, thousands of university graduates were recruited into the organisation. His good performance as Corps Marshal recommended him for his current position of Aviation Minister. He has formulated and enunciated pragmatic policies, the implementation of which would transform our aviation industry and take it to enviable height. I urge Buhari to place Nigeria’s interests above other interests when forming his cabinet.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

bringing it all together www.bglgroupng.com

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Features

Gov Akpabio’s home along Ikot Ekpene Abak Road

s

Features Editor: Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr. E–mail: gbubemi.godscovenantsnr@dailytimes.com.ng

Ikot-Ntuen: Akwa Ibom’s model wonder town

EDIOMU ABASI in Uyo travelled down to Governor Akpabio’s home town and reports a transformation that can truly pass as uncommon.

The outgoing governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio has stripped away the local imagery of what the word ‘Ikot’ (a village) was known and has elevated it to a standard that makes people wonder if this is for real.

REGRETS OF MAN WHO ORGANISED THE 1977 RAILWAY WORKERS STRIKE:

This is not the independence we fought for –Pa Adio Mosanya

For those old enough to remember the stormy political days of First Republic politicians, this personality will make their weekend memorable. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR met the octogenarian, an unapologetic loyalist of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, all the days of his active and retired life. His report.

The old gentleman reclined on a sofa in his parlour at his 196, Ipaja Road, Agege residence, surrounded by old photographs of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and some laminated articles on the intrigues of the political maneuverings between Britain, the North, the East and Western Region during the struggle for independence.

Of note was a particular article, published on Page 5 of the Daily Times edition of May 19, 1953 with a kicker, ‘A REPLY TO CRITICS’ titled “REFLECTIONS ON THE CRISIS” written by one M.A.O. WILLIAMS. A second article was an editorial in the West African Pilot of the same week, among others.

Now full of age at 86, Jacob Adebayo Adio Mosanya, from Ibara, Abeokuta Omida, was a young College boy at St. Gregory’s College, Obalende when his soul was knit together with Awo’s.

An Awoist in soul, spirit and body, Pa Mosanya spent his meagre salary as a head guard in the running section of Nigerian Railway Corporation to form the youth wing of Action Group Youths Association (Railway Station, Mushin) in 1962.

Hear the octogenarian: “When I was in elementary school, my father told me he

17

would like his child to emulate two persons: Chief J.F. Odunjo, who wrote the Alawiye books and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“When Awolowo was in his youthful days, he stayed in Ibara Abeokuta; he was attending Ogbe Methodist School from where he went to Wesley College and later he became a journalist. From journalism he became a produce buyer, managed the transport union or so; but in those days he stayed in Ibara, in my father’s area of Abeokuta. Awolowo was a good example for many parents who knew him when he was an aspiring young man.

“So as I was growing up, I started to love Awolowo the more.

I was in form four at St. Gregory’s College, Obalende in 1963 when I started to track the careers of all the politicians of that time, from Nnamdi Azikiwe, Awolowo, SadCONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Adio Mosanya

Now, the village, Ikot Ntuen, which was a physical expression of what a typical Anan village was in the days before Akwa Abasi Ibom, Local Government Area was carved out of the five CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Aba–Ikot Ekpene road has reduced accidents by 95 per-cent

Ikot-Ntuen:

The villagers look like city dwellers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Southern Senatorial Districts that made up the old Cross River State during the 2nd Republic, is under Ukana Clan. There are two main family lineages in IkotNtuen, namely Nto-Udoh and Nto-Ntuen; the immediate family of the governor is Nto-Udoh and the Local Government Area is Essien Udim.

The compound of the Akpabios where the governor was born is one of many family

Independence:

‘We worked underground after Awo’s arrest’

compounds facing the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road on both sides of the road; a road the Governor has transformed into an express road resulting to a transformation which natives here estimate that the massive network of roads have reduced the accident rate on this particular road by 95 per cent.

But whether deliberately of inadvertently, Akpabio’s family house does not compete in affluence and architecture with most buildings along the Ikot EkpeneAba and Abak roads in this vil-

lage, many of which call pictures of the exclusive ‘Park & View’ (Park View) estate in Ikoyi, or those exclusive houses in Lekki peninsula both in Lagos, except that these houses are not as large and expansive but the roads here really beg the question of which is the city, and which is a village?

The plainness and traditional life of the family was further revealed when our correspondent walked around the compound and found, behind the simple palace eastwards, a typical village kitchen with a young man

frying processed cassava into gari the way it was discovered and produced many centuries ago.

Like all other family homes, everywhere wore bright colours with architectures that took away the connotation of ‘village’ from Ikot Ntuen and the transformation is so pronounced that a visitor commented ‘it appears there is no poor man in this village!’ The governor has set an ambience that has catapulted everyone who had never experienced city life or expected to be

a city dweller to rise up to the challenge.

Mr. Ukobong Isaac of Ikot Obio Eema in Etim-Ekpo Local Government Area which shares the same boundary with Essien Udim LGA put up a good defense for his Governor. While acknowledging we are in Nigeria where y the notion is charity begins at home, Isaac defended Akpabio’s rebranding of ‘Ikot’, not only in Ikot-Ntuen but in other local government areas of the state.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

crisis took place, I followed Awolowo.

“At this point, I talked with some like-minded friends to let us start a youth wing of Awolowo’s Action Group party. We were all living at Mushin, near the Railway Station at that time. So we started contributing money, about 2 Shillings every pay day. That was how we formed the Action Group Youths Association which started at the

Railway Station, Mushin; that was in 1962.”

What gave rise to the Youth Association idea?

“During the Akintola-Awolowo crisis, we felt Awolowo was not well treated, so we decided to sensitise and gear up the people, especially the market women, to support Action Group party, and we couldn’t do that individually, so we needed a party and that was

how the Youth Association idea came to my mind.

“The take-off was very successful; we had five branches, five units in each ward. Each unit sent two delegates to the Central Executive meetings which held every Sunday.”

Though the concept was his, Mosanya was not the first chair-

uana of Sokoto, Tafawa Balewa.

But I so loved Awolowo’s ideology the most that I became endeared to him.

“I was reading the Daily Service newspaper, and later the Tribune newspapers regularly; later the Sunday and Daily Express and Sketch. In 1962 when the Asongo

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

19 Features

‘Division among Yorubas has worsened’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

man of the association.

“Mr. Fashomo was the first chairman; when he was transferred to Ibadan by the Railways, I took over as the second chairman and that was when we formed the Central Executive. One of my CE members was Alh. Kabiesi Amzat, he was Commissioner for Transportation under the Jakande Administration.”

Did the Youths Association ever attract the leadership of the AG party?

“At that time Awolowo had been detained and later sent to prison, so we were working underground and everywhere. But mama, H.I.D. Awolowo was very active, going from one place to another, anywhere members invited her, she went. Incidentally,” he recalled, “we formed AGYA in the whole of Western Region and it was headed by Senator Ayo Fasanmi based in Oshogbo. He was a top member of Afenifere and when Afenifere divided, he joined Tinubu’s Progressives. But in 1962-63, Fasanmi was AGYA President.

“Fasanmi led five others who were in the University of Ibadan at the time --- Wunmi Adebomire, Professor Banji Akintoye, Akin Omoboriowo and few others--were all under Fasanmi’s captaincy. We invited the Central Regional Leadership and held a meeting at

the roadhouse Cinema hall called Jebako Cinema, Idioro, Mushin to plan a very strong strike action to protest Awo’s imprisonment.

“The last day Akintola spent as Premier, we held a massive political rally throughout the Region. It was very successful and, as we finished that meeting, Akintola dissolved the Western Region House of Assembly which we had been advocating all along.

But he banned any form of political meeting or gathering of any kind.”

Mosanya led his association to draw attention to what they perceived was injustice done to the person of Awo and the AG party. But why did the AGYA agitate for the Region to be dissolved?

“The reason was that the NCNC party, led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and NPC led by Saduana of Sokoto, installed Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister. It was the Federal Government that planned the trouble in the Western Region because on all fronts, Awolowo outclassed them in achievements for the common people. So they said they must destroy the Action Group.

“I remember Azikiwe saying, ‘All right-thinking Nigerians must cooperate with God-fearing compatriots of the North to annihilate the Action Group.’ That was the extent of Azikiwe’s closeness with the North. Fani Kayode’s

Daily Times article of 1953 father was one of the people supporting Akintola; he was deputy premier then.

“You should know they fought in the House; honourable members were flying out through the

windows, so you should know that fighting, breaking of bottles and chairs in the house did not start with this generation of politicians (Chuckles). After that, the Western House of Assembly was

Ikot-Ntuen Every house wore bright colours CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

‘The people will not forgive the Governor if he develops the whole state and his own village is not developed. From the developments around the state Governor Akpabio can never be said to be partial; if you see what he is doing in other communities, you will understand what I mean.

‘Initially when he fixed that big road passing through his village, people criticized him that he has constructed the best road that passed through his place; but now if you see what he did in Uyo, even what Governor Attah did in his own village compared to what Governor Akpabio has done is a child’s play.”

As our correspondent strolled from the palace on the Ikot Ekpene Road (with the local Cot-

tage Hospital that looked like an exclusive wing of a teaching hospital) to the left to Victory Villa on Abak Road, an old lady in her 60s, Eka Mandu Mfonabasi, looking fit as a fiddle came hawking a home backed delicacy we gathered is made from melon, and it was clear she wasn’t hawking for survival but merely keeping up a dying tradition and the way the young folks received her confirmed this. Four ‘village’ ladies looking like city dwellers that never saw a village hut surrounded the old dear who served them all with joy. The stuff is called Ikon Ikpan and Mandu had ground and seasoned pepper for people who needed it. The picture of this people and their environment tells just how wonderful a diligent ruler can really bring joy home to roost.

Ikot-Ntuen ladies. Note the side walk and the street behind them

dissolved.”

Adio Mosanya acknowledged that his generation looked at Awo with awe, and everybody admired CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Features 20

Awolowo

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Ahmadu Bello

Azikiwe

FG planned the trouble for Western Region CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

his every word and every move.

“I was fanatical about him but was not directly in touch with him until after the dissolution of the Western Region House of Assembly and his arrest and imprisonment. When he came back from prison in 1966, I succeeded in meeting him.”

During Awo’s incarceration, Mosanya had written a book titled Martyrdom of Chief Obafemi Awolowo followed by others and this drew the attention of AG chieftains to his activities.

“One of Awo’s chief supporters who got wind of my book, the late Chief Shonibare (he founded the Maryland Estate), invited me and congratulated me and said he was highly impressed that they could see young men who knew what they were doing and what was at stake; so that when they die, my generation will carry on.

He congratulated me again and gave me ten pounds.

“That was in 1963, the year I had my first son, Oluleye who’s abroad now. I used that money to buy one box of special baby food for the baby, the food was called Pelagon Orange Baby Food.”

Face to face with Awo “I was in Ikene for something else when Awo was released from prison, so I took the opportunity

to visit the house. When he shook my hands, he said, ‘So you’re the Mosanya?’, and I replied, “I am the Mosanya”. Awo congratulated me and encouraged the youths to continue in the vision of AG.” Now, at 86, he has ‘seen it all’, is he glad we had the independence, is he satisfied with our democracy?

“I am not satisfied, and I am highly disappointed. Only I can’t pray God to take away my life. One Nigeria is a blessing from God. I am not happy because this is not what we fought for when we were fighting for independence. I believe Nigeria would have been better than America if the resources that God implanted in this country were rightly administered.

“Britain was wicked to this country; what Britain planted here is what is worrying us. They went so bad that they introduced tribal football teams in this country. I was in Lagos in those days.

Ibo had their team where Fred Anyia played; Yoruba had their own where Thunder Balogun played. Whenever they met in a match, when the Yorubas won the match, there would be trouble; when the Ibos won, there would be trouble and, because majority of the Nigeria police at that time were Ibos, they would be beating everybody with their baton! That was the handiwork of Britain --- to

divide us.

Why is there so much division among the Yoruba?

“That is what my second book, the Faults of the Yorubas addressed. Up till this 2015, the problem is not corrected. In fact, the ethnic divide, individual interest and disagreement among the Yoruba have worsened.

The religion factor planted by the military boys has destroyed the whole country. In Yoruba land, religion was never an issue. My mother was a Muslim, my father was a Muslim before he became a Christian; my grandmother was a pagan; I lived with her and she took me to shrines. Even though I was a Christian boy, the day I drank palm wine, she asked me to be rubbing my mouth on the floor to appease the gods to forgive me, but I was a Christian, so we never bothered about religion.

So Britain knew what will delay and trouble our independence even though we have independence and they sponsored it in our midst.

“I could remember Awolowo making a speech that ‘It was better we test the ship in the small river before we place it on the Ocean to sail because if we don’t do that, and we just place the ship on the Ocean, the ship may sink, and the ship, that is, our independence, has been sinking ever since.”

Adio Mosanya

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

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22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Today in History Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

s

Cartoons from our Archives

1917 Second Battle of Gaza As the major Allied offensive masterminded by Robert Nivelle was failing miserably on the Western Front, British forces in Palestine made their second attempt to capture the city of Gaza from the Ottoman army on this day in 1917.

In the wake of the failed British assault on Gaza of March 26, 1917, Sir Archibald Murray, commander of British forces in the region, misrepresented the battle as a clear Allied victory, claiming Turkish losses to be triple what they actually were; in truth, at 2,400 they were significantly lower than the British total of 4,000. This led London’s War Office to believe their troops were on the verge of a significant breakthrough in Palestine and to order Murray to renew the attack immediately.

Though the previous assault had caught the Turks by surprise, the second one did not: the German general in charge of the troops at Gaza, Friedrich Kress von Kressenstein, was by now well aware of British intentions.

1936

By the time the British launched their second round of attacks on April 17, the Turks had accordingly strengthened their defences and extended their forces along the road from Gaza to the nearby town of Beersheba.

Still, as in the First Battle of Gaza, British soldiers outnumbered Turkish troops by a ratio of two to one. Moreover, the British employed eight heavy Mark-1 tanks and 4,000 gas shells (used for the first time on the Palestine front) to ensure victory. The tanks proved unsuitable for the hot, dry desert conditions, however, and three of them were captured by Turkish forces, which again put up a blisteringly effective defence despite their inferior numbers.

After three days and heavy losses—the British casualty figure, of 6,444 men, was three times that of the Turks—Murray’s subordinate commander, Sir Charles Dobell, was forced to call off the British attacks, ending the Second Battle of Gaza with the city still firmly in Turkish control.

A single horsehair uncovers a murderer

After a week of tracking down every conceivable lead, police finally found the evidence they needed in order to break the case of Nancy Titterton’s rapemurder in New York City. Titterton, a novelist and the wife of NBC executive Lewis Titterton, was raped and strangled in her upscale home on Beekman Place on the morning of April 10, 1936.

The only clues left behind were a foot-long piece of cord that had been used to tie Titterton’s hands and single horsehair found on her bedspread.

These small traces of evidence proved to be enough to find the killer. The detective in charge of the investigation had ordered his team to trace the source of the cord. After a full week of combing every rope and twine manufacturer in the Northeast, the cord was finally found to have come from Hanover Cordage Company in York, Pennsylvania. Company records showed that some of the distinctive cord had been sold to Theodore Kruger’s upholstery

shop in New York City.

Since the investigation of the horsehair had already led police to suspect John Fiorenza, an assistant at Kruger’s shop, this new evidence only solidified their suspicion. Fiorenza and Kruger were the first to discover Titterton’s body, when they arrived to return a repaired couch (which had been stuffed with horsehair that matched the one found at the crime scene) on the afternoon of April 10. However, they both denied entering the bedroom that day.

When investigators learned that Fiorenza had been at the Titterton house on April 9 and had been late for work the morning of the murder, they looked deeper into his background. Fiorenza had four prior arrests for theft and had been diagnosed as delusional by a prison psychiatrist.

Detectives first gained Fiorenza’s trust by pretending to need his help in solving the crime and then sprang the cord evidence on him.

Daily Times April 17, 1961

1969

Architect of Czechoslovakia’s Prague Spring resigns

Alexander Dubcek, the communist leader who launched a broad program of liberal reforms in Czechoslovakia, was forced to resign as first secretary by the Soviet forces occupying his country. The staunchly pro-Soviet Gustav Husak was appointed Czechoslovak leader in his place, re-establishing an authoritarian communist dictatorship in the Soviet satellite state.

The trend toward liberalization in Czechoslovakia began in 1963, and in 1968 reached its apex after Dubcek replaced Antonin Novotny as first secretary of the party.

He introduced a series of farreaching political and economic reforms, including increased freedom of speech and an end to state censorship. Dubcek’s effort to establish “communism with a human face” was celebrated across the country and the brief period of freedom became known as the “Prague Spring.”

On August 20, 1968, the Soviet Union answered Dubcek’s reforms with the invasion of

Czechoslovakia by 600,000 Warsaw Pact troops. Prague was not eager to give way, but scattered student resistance was no match for Soviet tanks. Dubcek’s reforms were repealed, and the leader was replaced with the staunchly pro-Soviet Gustav Husak, who re-established an authoritarian communist regime in the country.

In 1989, as communist governments folded across Eastern Europe, Prague again became the scene of demonstrations for democratic reforms. In December 1989, Husak’s government conceded to demands for a multiparty parliament. Husak resigned, and for the first time in two decades Dubcek returned to politics as chairman of the new parliament, which subsequently elected playwright Vaclav Havel as president of Czechoslovakia.

Havel had come to fame during the Prague Spring, and after the Soviet crackdown his plays were banned and his passport confiscated.

1970

Apollo 13 returns to Earth With the world anxiously watching, Apollo 13, a U.S. lunar spacecraft that suffered a severe malfunction on its journey to the moon, safely returns to Earth.

On April 11, the third manned lunar landing mission was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying astronauts James A. Lovell, John L. Swigert, and Fred W. Haise. The mission was headed for a landing on the Fra Mauro highlands of the moon. However, two days into the mission, disaster struck 200,000 miles from Earth when oxygen tank No. 2 blew up in the spacecraft.

Swigert reported to mission control on Earth, “Houston, we’ve had a problem here,” and it was discovered that the normal supply of oxygen, electricity, light, and water had been disrupted. The landing mission was aborted, and the astronauts and controllers on Earth scrambled to come up with emergency procedures.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

23 News

Benue IDPs get succour from UNHCR Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, displaying his certificate of return after winning Abia Central Senatorial election in Abia State… on Thursday

INEC not happy with elections conduct – Commissioner Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ

The National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in charge of Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti states, Professor Lai Olorode, has said that the commission was not happy with the conduct of the just concluded general elections.

Olorode also identified indiscipline of political party leaders, security challenges and voter apathy as threats to electoral process in the country.

He made this known on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during

the presentation of Certificates of Return to newlyelected members of the National Assembly and the governor-elect in the state.

Olorode assured that those who perpetrated electoral frauds during the just concluded elections would be brought to book.

He said that INEC had done everything possible to ensure free, fair and credible elections but, in Nigeria, some people behave recklessly for selfish interest.

The National commissioner also explained that the issue of voter apathy, which did not allow active participation of voters in the electoral process,

should be discouraged by stakeholders.

Olorode called for Election Offences Commission that would deal with election security challenges in the country, adding that the country needed to make examples of big men who perpetrated electoral crimes.

“Political parties, as an institution, and political party leaders treat political party constitutions with impunity. Political parties are regarded by some people as private companies, whose profits must be appropriated,” Olorode remarked.

The INEC commissioner said that voter apathy is a major minus in INEC's re-

solve to conduct credible elections, noting further that: "The apathy is fostered by social discontent, feelings of disinterestedness, despondency and disillussionment.”

According to him, INEC statistics showed that less than 50 percent of those who had permanent voter cards participated at the last polls in Ogun State.

Olorode, however, submitted that "in African countries like Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, sensitive materials of electoral bodies are taken home by officials without any incident", regretting that it is a shame such cannot yet be practised in Nigeria.

Abubakar says no big deal meeting Diezani Monday Agu, Jnr

ÏÏÏ

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), on Thursday, described those misinterpreting his meetings with Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison- Madueke, as mischief makers.

Abubakar, who chaired the National Peace Committee for the 2015 general election, admitted that in his capacity as peace maker, he had met a lot of ministers and other key stakeholders.

He said there was nothing attached to his meeting with Alison- Madueke.

It was speculated in online media that the minister had been running to the

former Head of State to help her talk to Buhari's aides so that her alleged shady deals would not be looked into.

He said: "I think people are just trying to be mischievous. I have been meeting with a lot of people and a lot of ministers in the course of this transition. So there is nothing strange in my meeting with anybody.

"I wonder if you go through your records to see the number of meetings I have been engaging in, I don't know why the last one will be a subject of media chat. This is not the first time I have been meeting her and a number of ministers, so I don't see what the whole hullabalu is all

about. People are just being mischievous."

Incidentally, Deizani drove into the Presidential Villa and headed straight into the President's office minutes after Abubakar arrived for a meeting with the President.

According to the former Head of State, his frequent meeting with Jonathan and Buhari among others were meant to ensure peaceful and smooth transition.

"As the chairman of the peace committee, there is always interaction between the incoming and President Jonathan, in order to ensure that the peace we clamouring for is sustained.

"So, naturally I'm here to

touch base with him and also to give him a report of what the committee has been doing," he stated.

He denied serving as an emissary between Jonathan and Buhari, even as he commended the roles of the two leaders that had brought about peace in the country.

He continued: "I'm not serving as intermediary. I told you I'm coming here as the chairman of peace committee and naturally we have to interact. I always see Gen. Buhari and I also see the President, all in an effort to make sure that this transition goes on smoothly and we must maintain the peace".

Freddie Adamgbe Makurdi

ÏÏÏ Governor Gabriel Suswam has commended the partnership between the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Benue State government, which has brought succour to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

Suswam, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Philip Ierkwagh, stated this while receiving relief materials from the commission on Thursday in Makurdi.

He maintained that the international agency had

N’Delta youths laud Sen Bala

Akam James

ÏÏÏ Youths from the Niger Delta region, on Thursday, said the region would forever remain grateful to Senator Bala Mohammed, for his role in the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as president.

The youths also lauded Mohammed for the President's safety during the six years of his administration, saying such loyalty

Ola Yekeen Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for conducting free, fair, credible, acceptable and violence-free elections.

The state Chairman of the party, Mr. Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, awarded Jonathan pass mark, while appearing on Radio Nigeria's Harmony FM, 'Idofian Live' programme, titled: “PDP on the Move.”

Oyedepo, who appeared on the programme with the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Dr. Rex Olawoye, noted that Jona-

remained one dependable platform, whose contributions in the area of capacity building, direct material support and other governance initiatives was reliable.

The governor stressed that the state would never forget such invaluable gesture by the UN commission, especially during the 2012 and 2013 floods that rocked the state. Mr. Wahid Ben Amor, senior liaison officer to UNHCR, who stood in for the High Commissioner, Madame Angele DikongueAtangana, said that the UNHCR relationship with Benue was reciprocal, as the state government had equally been supportive over the years. shall never be forgotten by the people of the region.

According to them, aside from the contribution of the senator for moving the famous motion of “Doctrine of Necessity”, that made Jonathan, then an Acting President and later the President of the country, the dedication to duty as the minister of the FCT created a sense of peace and security for the activities of government in Abuja.

The group, in a statement through its Co-ordinator, Prince Afoke Okporus, lauded the political and supportive role played

by Mohammed, so that Jonathan ended his administration on a good note.

Kwara PDP rates Jonathan high on elections than had delivered on his promises to lay a solid foundation of credible elections processes in Africa.

According to Akogun, over 2,300 election petitions and a gale of violence trailed the 2007 general elections conducted by former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria 0ƏƈƗ ƕè ƍƏƈƋ ơƣ ƾƠơǀ

NGF pledges loyalty to governors-elect

0 Ƒ Ɨ Ɛƈ Ə ƈ Ɔ Ƌ Əƌ ƒƆƏ ƈ ƅƏƆ ƆƗ ƅ Ɔ Ƈ ƑƐƈ ƌ

Lateef Ibrahim

ÏÏÏ

Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), an umbrella body for elected state governors in the country, has pledged its loyalty to all new and returning governors of the Forum.

The Forum, in a statement by its Director-General, Dr Asishana Okauru, on Thursday in Abuja, said that he was highly elated that winners had emerged in almost all the states.

According to the statement: "While congratulating winners, we urge them to be magnanimous in vic-

tory and, at the same time, urge other contestants to be gallant and gracious in defeat. "We recognised, as reported by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), that a number of states recorded violent incidents, targeted at polling units, INEC officials, voters, election materials and that lives were lost. May the souls of all those that died rest in eternal peace.

"We strongly advise all aggrieved candidates to seek legal redress within the parameters set by our laws, rules and regulations," the statement added.

The NGF assured all

ILERO YOUTH PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

governors-elect of its absolute loyalty and support.

Dr. Okauru stated that the forum looks forward to a fruitful partnership with the new state chief executives.

It added: "By the victory at the April 11, 2015 governorship election, the governors-elect have become automatic members of the NGF. "We pray to God to give them the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to govern their respective states", the statement added.

It would be recalled that the activities of the forum had been seriously affected, following the factionalised 2013 NGF election

that saw two Governors – Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) and Jonan Jang (Plateau) laying claims to its leadership.

Jega

STOP THEM BEFORE THEY STOP YOU PRAYER MINISTRY

Akor Ejumene Abuja

A non-government organisation, Thoughtful House Autism Foundation, has expressed concern over what it termed as increased incidence of autism spectrum disorders among children all over the world, in-

cluding Nigeria.

Autism, experts said, is a development disorder that occurs on a spectrum that affects children and impairs their social, communication and cognitive abilities.

But, at a pre-Autism Awareness Walk press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the co-founder and trustee of the foundation, Omagbitse Barrow, said statistics has put the incidence of autism at 1 in 100 new births, describing the situation as worrisome.

FAFOWORA OLAYIMIKA OJUOLAPE

KOKRANNU ORIYOMI FINAYON

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Shonibare Olayimika Ojuolape, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fafowora Olayimika Ojuolape.

All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Apari Oriyomi Finayon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kokrannu Oriyomi Finayon.

All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public please take note.

OCHEM MARYANN ONYINYE

ADEYINKA IREMIDE IREOLUWA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obiwulu Maryann Onyinye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ochem Maryann Onyinye.

All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Kolawole Susan Aduke, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyinka Iremide Ireoluwa.

All documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public please take note.

SMILE & LAUGH DENTAL CARE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Bello Hamed Adebayo -President 2. Ogunkanbi Olalekan Miche -Secretary 3. Tijani Tajudeen Olatunji -Member 4. Adekunle Liadi Adeyemi-Member 5. Fasasi Rasheed Adebayo -Member

The trustees are: 1. Festus O. Ogieriakhi-General Overseer 2. Beautrice O. Osagie 3. Blessing Osagie 4. Hubu Kastina 5. Edith Osagie

The trustees are: 1. Olugbemiga Oluwafemi 2. Odulate Oluwatoyin 3. Olsonfajimi Mary Elizabeth

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. To foster unity among the members.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. To help the less privileges with dental care problem.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off aguiyi irons I street, maitama Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off aguiyi irons I street, maitama Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off aguiyi irons I street, maitama Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Festus O. Ogieriakih General Overseer

Signed: TEE-JAY CONSULTING

LOSS OF ORIGINAL C OF O This is to inform the general public that the original copy of the certificate of Occupancy (C of O) with Number 2/2/1993F located at 24, Osoro Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos State. Belong to MR. ADESINA OKUNOLA ADESANYA is missing at the said Certificate of Ocupancy(C of O) got lost in transit and that this affidavit is now needed for record and official purpose and to enable me to obtin the Certify True Copy of the C of O. The general public should please take note.

CHRIST COUNTRY MINISTRY The general public is hereby notify that the above named MINISTRY has apply to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration, under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

Signed:Signed: Pastor Aina

UKOH UNITED CLUB OF ENUGU The general public is hereby notified, that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration, under Part ‘’C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ozor Paschal Okwudili 2. Okolo Chijioke Sebastian 3. Onyejekwu James Vincent 4. Onyejekwu Ifeanyi Zardok

The trustees are: 1. Pastor Temisan Thompson- Chairman 2. Mrs. Freda Thompson- Secretary 3. Mrs. Linda Val Ugbeide- Treasurer.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the Gospel of our lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

-

-

-

Chairman Secretary Finan. Secretary Treasurer

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To foster and promote Love, Peace and Progress among members and the society in general.

2. To promote and ensure the welfare of members.

3. To engage in community work and rural development.

4. To assist the poor and indigent members of the society.

Any objection to these registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of these publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

MEGA & MERITORIOUS CLUB This is to inform the general public that the above named club has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees.

1. John Oluchi Onyebuke-Chairman 2. Ekekwe Abba John - Secretary 3. Nwaigbo Chinedu – Member 4. Ogburu Bernard Nwndinnia – Member 5. Nwaeke Osinachi Henry – Member Aims and objectives.

1. To foster brotherly love among members 2. To foster unity among members 3. To promote welfare of members Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed ; Trustees

DE MARTINAZ CHILDREN HOME FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notify that the above named FOUNDATION has apply to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration, under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Mrs. Martina .M. Tilley - Gyado - President.

2. Mr. Zegey Emmanuel Anemba - Vice President.

3. Mrs. Enamudu .D. Josephine -Secretary.

4. Mrs. Nguseer Gin- Maikano.

5. Mr. Moses Leke Ayua.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

STREET TO CREEK AWARENESS INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notify that the above named INITIATIVE has apply to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration, under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The trustees are.

1. Mpakaboari Oruwari - Chairman.

2. Ngeripakaibiya Oruwari - Vice Chairman.

3. So-Okobaa Eweleye Fiyasiri - Secretary.

4. Monima Iyiabo - Tresurer.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. To raise orphan, abandoned, poor children in the home for their schooling, food and lodging.

2. To rescue more and more under privileged children from their physical poverty.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: secretary.

Aims and objectives.

1. Giving support to the less privileged and skilled youths.

2. Creating awareness for healthy lifestyle .

3. Canvassing for transparency and peaceful co-existence among people.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: secretary.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

25 News

Cleric seeks God’s wrath on thieves of 200 case files in Enugu

Plateau Governor-elect, others receive Certificate of Return

Moses Oyediran

Chijioke Kingsley

Enugu

Ă?Ă?Ă?A

cleric, Rev. Fr. Dr. Paul Obayi, of the Oku N’erere Adoration Ministry, has prayed God to expose the perpetrators of the burning of case files in Justice Fidelis Ngwu’s court.

Obayi said such people wanted to pervert the course of justice and smear the image of one of the incorruptible judges in the country.

Daily Times gathered that since Justice Ngwu was posted to Nsukka from Obollo-Afor Judicial Division, his court had been invaded thrice by hoodlums, whose plans was to get rid of exhibit files and confidential documents.

In December 2013, when the court was burgled for the first time, exhibit files were carted away. There

was a repeat in January 2014.

The most recent case witnessed the burning of over 200 files of on-going cases.

Obayi made the call at the High Court while Justice Ngwu was presiding.

He also prayed for the Judge and lawyers and urged them not be discouraged by the criminals, whose acts were geared towards truncating justice, stressing that the hoodlums had failed as they would be exposed in no distant time.

The unannounced arrival of the Catholic priest into the court took everyone by surprise including Justice Ngwu as he hurriedly adjourned the proceedings of the court for few minutes to allow the priest carry out his mission of spiritually cleansing of the court.

Osun labour crisis: TUC disowns factional chairman, condemns strike Michael Bamigbola Osogbo

Ă?Ă?Ă?The

crisis rocking the Osun State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Thursday, took another dimension as the national secretariat of the union disowned a factional chairman, Mr. Francis Adetunji, who has since been parading himself as the recognised head of the union.

The body also condemned the strike embarked upon by workers in the state, arguing that the directive to commence the strike did not emanate from the recognised leaders of the union and was not backed by the national secretariat of the union.

The National Secretary General of the union, Comrade Musa Lawal, who was on a solidarity visit to the

I have high regards for Oyo workers, says Ajimobi

Aregbesola

state said the tenure of Adetunji ended a year ago and had thus ceased to be the chairman of the TUC in the state.

He queried the rationale for the strike embarked upon by workers in the employ of the Osun State government, noting that the national secretariat of the union was not aware of the strike.

Ă?Ă?Ă?The Governor of Oyo

State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has said that, in spite of the widespread belief that some workers in the state civil service did not vote for him and his party – the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last elections, he still had high

Jos

Ă?Ă?Ă?The

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Plateau State, on Thursday, presented Certificate of Return to all elected office holders, who participated in the just concluded general election.

The presentation was done by National Commissioner, representing Pla-

Ambode, NASS members-elect get Certificate of Return Kwasu Alhamdu

Ă?Ă?Ă?Lagos

State governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and other newly elected members of the National Asembloy were yesterday presented with their Certificates of Return.

The certificates were presented to them by IENC National Commissioner in charge of Osun, Ondo and Lagos states, Professor Akinola Salau.

At the ceremony, Prof.

Salau urged the Governor and National Assembly members-elect not to forget the electorate who gave them their mandate, noting that without the voters they would not have been what they are.

He also commended the people of Lagos State for the peaceful way they conducted themselves during the elections.

Speaking on behalf of those elected, Ambode said he would always cherish the mandate given to him by the people and would fulfill all his electoral promises to them. regards for them.

Ajimobi said that the state civil service can rank with any other civil service all over the country, in terms of personnel and professionalism.

He made this known at the 60th birthday ceremony of the immediate past State

teau State, Nasarawa and Kogi states, Dr. Abdulkadir Oniyangi.

Mr. Simon Lalong, was presented with his certificate as Governor-elect.

While accepting the certificate, Lalong said: “We are here to celebrate a resounding victory that many did not believe would be possible. I see myself as a child of destiny and I also see this opportunity to serve as an act of God.

By the grace of God, I will utilise this God-given opportunity to unite all Plateau people, irrespective of political party, tribe or religion. We shall together build a Plateau State of our dream.�

Lalong was also quoted to have said all the 53 ethnic groups on the Plateau would be well represented and that the focus of his administration was to sow peace among the people of

the state.

He thanked Governor David Jang for given him the enabling platform on which he thrived to become the in-coming governor.

Other recipients of the certificate were Jonah Jang, Senator-elect, Plateau North, former Governor Joshua Dariye to represent Plateau Central zone at the Senate, and Jeremiah Useni, Plateau Southern Senatorial District.

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Head of Service, Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu.

Ajimobi said that if his belief in the efficacy and efficiency of the civil service was fifty percent before he came into office, it had soared, tremendously, in his four years of administering the state and encoun-

tering the cerebral qualities of the workers. “I can say that there are so many of them, who are very intelligent, knowledgeable and professional, not minding whom they voted for,� he said.

According to him, the state had one of the best

crops of civil servants, who had contributed meaningfully to the development of the state.

He expressed appreciation to civil servants in the state, who voted for him and the ones who didn’t, stating that he would be governor of all.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Tourism

Dilapidated Orunmila House in Usi Ekiti

Tayo Adelaja Orunmila (known as Orúnmila, Orunmilá, Orúnla, or Orúla in Latin America) is the Yoruba deity (orisa/irunmale) of wisdom, knowledge, and divination.

Orunmila is recognised as a primordial Irunmale who was present both at the beginning of creation and again among men as a priest teaching an advanced form of spiritual knowledge and ethics.

Orunmila is also “eleri ipin” (witness of fate/destiny). Priests of Ifá are known as babalawo’s and priestesses are known as Iyalawo’s.

Orunmila, while on Earth in physical form was considered a sage, a great benefactor of humanity and man’s main advisor. Till today, reveals the future through the Ifa oracle. He is also regarded as a great healer.

Orunmila is the first prophet of the Yorùbá religion, sent by Olodumare to control the births, the diseases and the development of the human race and other species.

It is believed that Orunmila who was an itinerant babalawo has a house in Usi Ekiti, a town about an hour’s drive to Ado-

‘Forbidden island’ of Cuba

s

Orunmila Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.

An aged woman, popularly called Iya Oniru, who is about 120 years old disclosed that she grew up to know the house. She related that her parents told her about the house which is just barely three feet

tall and built with mud like in the ancient time.

The house is almost at the centre of Usi town, a few meters away from the major road that links Usi with other neighbouring towns.

Every first Saturday of June every year, Ifa faithful converge at Ile-Ife to celebrate the World Ifa Day. It is on record that in 2012, over 3,000 visitors were at the ceremony from Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Trindidad and Tobago, United States of America among others.

Owolabi Aworeni, Olori Iwarefa (the head of Iwarefa who are the officials in charge of Ifa shrine) and a renowned babalawo said, “The World Ifa Day has always been big and celebrated worldwide. It is a pity that Nigerians can travel to South Africa to see the place where Mandela was imprisoned, to Israel where Jesus who came after Orunmila was born as well as Saudi where Mohammed too holds sway.

What about what we have in Yoruba land that shows the creation of the world, our culture and tradition which has no equal?”

A tour operator in Lagos, Kehinde Lola, observed, “It is unfortunate that the Ekiti State Government did not tap into this Orunmila House and make it a tourist delight. It is not just Ekiti but most of the states in Nigeria that concentrate on just allocations from the Federal Government, whereas they could have boosted their IGR through tourism.”

Cuba is far from seeing a McDonald’s or Starbucks open any time soon, but the diplomatic thaw with the United States is bringing more American visitors to the sweltering island.

While the U.S. embargo against Havana still forbids regular tourism to Americans, a growing number have flocked to the Caribbean destination under easier-to-get

special permits.

Excitement about visiting Cuba has grown since U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro made the shock announcement in December that they would restore diplomatic relations.

While the two countries have yet to reopen their mutual embassies, Obama and Castro will take a new step in the warming

relations with a possible historic meeting at the Summit of the Americans in Panama this week.

Cuba has fascinated tourists from around the world because it appears frozen in time, with its aging buildings and old Buicks from the 1950s that are still around as the embargo prohibits imports of U.S. cars.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

HOUSE:

The forgotten tourist treasure

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

27 Tourism

‘Forbidden island’ of Cuba CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 “Cuba is in fashion in the U.S. because people don’t know about it, they’re curious because we think it’s like being back to life 50 years ago,” said Walton, a retired professor from New Jersey who walked along Old Havana with a tour group.

Walton and his group were visiting Cuba under an education licence, one of the 12 categories permitted by U.S. authorities. The others include cultural, religious, artistic and sporting visits.

“People in the U.S. feel that as soon as it opens up more ... there will be more and more tourists,” said Larry, a visitor from California.

“It’s wonderful, the climate is great, everything is fine,” said Larry, admiring Havana’s National Capitol, whose design took inspiration from the U.S. Congress.

U.S.-based companies that organize visits say demand has soared this year. In January, Obama made travel under the special categories a bit easier by no longer requiring that U.S. visitors ask for permission before getting on a plane to Cuba.

“The measures ... that we have softly implemented have achieved what we wanted, which is to increase contact among U.S. and Cuban citizens,” Ricardo Zuniga, Obama’s top Latin America advisor, told reporters in Washington on Tuesday.

Recalling that Obama urged Congress to lift the embargo in January, he said, “We think that it’s through dialogue and contact that we will be able to see an improvement in the conditions of Cuban citizens.”

Tom Popper, president of tour company Insight Cuba, said his firm sends 3,000 to 5,000 Americans to Cuba per year but hopes to double or triple that figure this year.

“Cuba and travelling to Cuba is on the mind of most Americans,” said Popper, whose New York-based company organised visits last year by Major League Baseball legends, Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin.

Alina Fernandez, president of Cuba Travel U.S.A, said interest has quadrupled for the next high season, which is between December and May. Some 100,000 Americans visit Cuba every year, a figure that could rise by 30 to 50 percent this year, Fernandez said. The problem, she said, is that the country lacks the hotel capacity for a major tourism influx.

The warming U.S.-Cuba ties has raised hopes among Cubans that the rapprochement will be coupled with renewed business between the two countries, bringing more money to a country where people make $20 per month on average.

“The American tourist is the best in the world. Americans are splendid when it comes to tipping. We’ve had many here in the past months,” said Victor Hugo Felipe, owner of the Kilometro 0 restaurant, one of the private “paladares” that have opened in recent years.

The U.S.-Cuba detente appears to have also had an impact on tourism from other countries. Cuba’s government says three million tourists from around the world visited the island last year. But a recordshattering one million came just in the first quarter of this year -- a 14 per cent increase from the same period last year.

The surge has been fuelled by traditional visitors from Canada, Germany, France, Britain and Italy, but the tourism ministry has also registered a 29.5 percent increase in American visitors.

Johan Dorssemont, director of the Havana office of Belgian travel agency, Transnico Internacional, said the increase in tourism can be attributed to a new marketing message among tour operators in Europe: “If Americans come, everything will change, they’ll put a McDonald’s anywhere they want.”

“Tourists want to come now to see Cuba because it’s different” from other destinations, Dorssemont said.

Aregbesola

UNWTO, Basque Culinary Centre organise 1st world forum on food tourism Tunde Atobatele Gastronomy and tourism are natural allies and mutually reinforce one another. The many links between gastronomy and tourism and the opportunities for closer cooperation between both areas will be explored at the 1st UNWTO World Forum on Food Tourism, jointly organized by UNWTO and the Basque Culinary Center (Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain).

The 1st UNWTO World Forum on Food Tourism will provide a valuable platform to exchange experiences, enhancing the understanding of food tourism and how to successfully manage this growing tourism segment worldwide.

Topics such like the concept of food tourism, current trends, and the links between gastronomy and tourism branding are to be debated with international experts such as the former chef, best-selling author and television personality An-

Abuja Bantaba postponed, as ‘Accra Weizo’ debuts Joy Ekeke The leading travel and tourism event Organisers in West-Africa, Lagos-based Akwaaba Travel Market Ltd, the organisers of Abuja Bantaba and Africa Travel Market in Lagos has announced the postponement of Abuja Bantaba scheduled for 25th April due to the shift in Nigeria’s election.

According to the Executive Director of Akwaaba, Rita Ikechi-Uko, “the Nigerian Elections postponed from February 14th to March and April coincides with the dates and period for Abuja Bantaba hence, the need to cancel the event for this year scheduled for 25th of April. Also, due to the elections and lessons learnt from the Ebola epidemic in 2014, our flagship event --- the 3-day African Travel Market--- will now hold from the 22nd to 24th of November 2015 at Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Lagos. It was to hold in Oct, 2015.

Aside the postponement, the Event

Aregbesola

Organiser announces the launch of Accra Weizo, a day travel event. Accra Weizo, according to Rita, will be an Aviation meeting Tourism and Immigration Event with heavy weight Speakers which are already lined up for the event. She enthused, “It promises to be exciting”.

Rita disclosed that the organisers are already working with the Ghana Tour operators Union (TOUGHA), to be able to cater for over 150 delegates expected from all over Africa. Seminar, workshop and exhibition at the one day event will take place in Accra, Ghana on the 3rd of July, 2015.

Ikechi-Uko

thony Bourdain, Executive Director of the World Food Travel Association, Erik Wolf, and renowned Spanish chef, Pedro Subijana.

The event will also feature several workshops where participants will have the opportunity to interact closer with food and tourism professionals from across the globe and learn more about branding, strategy and key success factors for food tourism destinations among other topics.

“Getting a taste of local cuisine has become an essential part of the travelling experience, and as such gastronomy presents a vital opportunity to enrich the tourism offer and stimulate economic development in destinations all around the world, not the least in rural communities. I trust that this Forum will further strengthen the ability of food tourism to create local job opportunities and spur renewed interest in traditional cultural heritage”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

The Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borrego, encourages participation in this important event, as Spain is a country to savour, with many exquisite and typical regional dishes.

The “tapas”, the “pintxos”, some of the best wines in the world and an avantgarde cuisine have made Spain one of the most prominent destinations for Gastronomy tourism in the world.

Mrs. Borrego also reminds tourists that the Spanish diet is synonymous with the Mediterranean diet, which has been inscribed in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2013, comprising a combination of nutrition and other factors related to the Mediterranean culture.

The 1st World Forum on Food Tourism is jointly organised by UNWTO and its Affiliate Member, the Basque Culinary Center, the first Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences in Spain that also incorporates a Food, Gastronomic Science and Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation Centre, in collaboration with Basquetour, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and the Donostia-San Sebastián citycouncil.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Business Times

s

Business Editor: Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Email: emmanuelogbonnaya@dailytimes.com.ng

Bank deploys banking software to boost service delivery

L-R: Mr. Phillip Fothergill, Presenter/Producer, Global Banking and Finance Review, London; Ms Foluke Aboderin, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Ecobank Nigeria with award and Mr. Noel O’Leary, Production Coordinator, Global Banking and Finance Review, London, at the presentation of Best Corporate Bank Nigeria 2015 Award to Ecobank Nigeria in London.

Sack imminent in NNPC top management Tony Nwakaegho There is palpable fear in the oil and gas industry that the Nigeria’s President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari has concluded plans to sack and replace all top management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), as part of his mission to overhaul the oil and gas industry.

All Progressives Congress, (APC), sources revealed that the new administration will first sack and replace the top management of the state oil company and it will then review its accounts to restore credibility.

A bill will be drafted to break the NNPC into four entities, as already prescribed in the latest Petroleum Industry Bill, (PIB) draft. But it will also, crucially, remove the oil minister from the NNPC’s board of directors to curb political interference, one APC source said.

Others said more generally that the minister’s current pow-

ers would be heavily trimmed.

Oil and gas will have separate companies for upstream, with a third covering pipelines and refining, and a fourth will be an inspectorate. It could be submitted to parliament in the first quarter of next year, one parliamentary APC source said.

“We need to address the structural issues and leave the fiscal for now,” Senator Bukola Saraki, whose APC party controls both houses of parliament after a landslide win, told Reuters.

“A more transparent NNPC is needed with reasonable accounting,” he said.

The sources, however said oil firms keen to know how Nigeria’s president elect Muhammadu Buhari plans to tax them could wait a long time as he address ending corruption and reforming the opaque national oil company his most urgent sector priorities.

Four party sources from Buhari’s APC told Reuters the issue of fiscal terms, seen as crucial

by the industry, will have to wait on current thinking about oil and gas policies for Africa’s leading producer.

Crude output has stagnated close to two million barrels per day (bpd) over the past few years, owing partly to under-investment.

Buhari’s electoral victory on March 28 is seen as fallout from the masses perception that President Goodluck Jonathan allowed corruption to flourish in the oil sector with NNPC tainted with multibillion dollar oil corruption scandals.

Buhari was seen as one of the few Nigerian leaders to have cracked down on corruption during his military rule in 1983-1985 and many Nigerians hope he will repeat the feat.

Jonathan’s administration also re-drafted a Petroleum Industry Bill, (PIB), in 2012 which is meant to change everything from fiscal terms to overhauling the NNPC, environmental rules and revenue sharing, but

its comprehensive nature caused disputes between lawmakers, making it to remain in the works for a decade.

The oil companies are worried about tax in the proposed bill which is 20 per cent tax on offshore projects and 50 per cent for onshore. Shell, Exxon and other majors had all complained publicly that the terms are unfair, given the risk associated with operating in Nigeria.

Interestingly, the fiscal terms of the bill have been holding back billions of dollars of investment, especially into capitalintensive deepwater offshore, leading some to propose the bill be broken up into several pieces debated separately.

“It doesn’t need to be an omnibus, you can take things piecemeal,” one APC source said.

According to Control Risks’ Thomas Hansen, “the cabinet needs to strategise first and fiscal terms are likely to take longer and require discussions with the international oil companies.”

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (UBN) has deployed the Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking Solution 12.0, to modernise its infrastructure, improve business operations and enhance the customer service delivery.

UBN deployed Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking Solution 12.0, which is the latest version of the software as the single operating platform for its countrywide network.

The bank which is one of Nigeria’s top tier lenders with an extensive network of over 320 branches across Nigeria,seeks to better its operations with the new platform to address its corporate, retail and investment banking needs, thereby positioning itself as a highly respected provider of quality banking services in Nigeria.

Chief Information Officer, UBN, Mr. Yomi Akinade, was quoted in a statement as saying that with the new platform, the bank would enhance and standardise its operations across the country by leveraging on the capabilities of the new technology.

“We will have a common operating platform in our extensive network of over 320 branches across Nigeria,” Akinade said.

Akinade disclosed UBN went live with the new platform on April 7, 2015, adding that the new technology puts lender at the top with this state of the art technology.

He said since the bank embarked on restructuring in 2010, his team has implemented well over 70 technology projects.

“There are three key areas on the over 70 technology projects, which include: improving customers’ services, securing customers and the bank’s data as well improving our productivity as an institution,” he affirmed.

Union Bank headquaters

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

MTN Nigeria Business boosts drive for financial inclusion

Nokia buys Alcatel-Lucent in N3.295trn deal After months of speculations and lengthy discussions between Paris and Helsinki, culminating in the tentative offer of April 14, Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent Wednesday announced it has finally sealed the deal to combine to create an innovation leader in next generation technology and services for an IP connected world.

The two companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding under which Nokia will make an offer for all of the equity securities issued by Alcatel-Lucent, through a public exchange offer in France and in the United States, on the basis of 0.55 of a new Nokia share for every Alcatel-Lucent share.

Facts already made known by the two companies however, show that the all-share transaction values Alcatel-Lucent at EUR 15.6 billion ($16.6 billion) (N3,295 trillion) on a fully diluted basis, corresponding to a fully diluted premium of 34 per cent (equivalent to EUR 4.48 per share), and a premium to shareholders of 28 per cent (equivalent to EUR 4.27 per share), on the unaffected weighted average share price of AlcatelLucent for the previous three months. This is based on Nokia’s unaffected closing share price of EUR 7.77 on April 13, 2015.

Each company’s Board of Directors has however approved the terms of the proposed transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2016. The proposed transaction is subject to approval by Nokia’s shareholders, completion of relevant works council consultations, receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

Meanwhile, the combined company will be uniquely positioned to create the foundation of seamless connectivity for people and things wherever they are.

This foundation is essential for enabling the next wave of technological change, including the Internet of Things and transition to the cloud.

29 ICT

Oladapo

ANCO delegation in Ghana to scout market opportunities Stories by Tony Nwakaegho In pursuit of a new frontier for courier operation in the West African sub region, the courier operators under the aegis of Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO) has despatched a five-man delegation to Ghana to scout for new market opportunities.

The Nigerian team and their Ghanaian counterpart in the courier/postal sector are neck deep in discussion on areas of interest ahead of the emergence of regional and continental courier associations.

President of ANCO, Mr. Siyanbola Oladapo, said that the move to explore new opportunities was part of his election campaign promises to ensure members do not rely largely on deliveries from the capital market or remain local champions.

“We intend to expand to other West African markets. The synergy among has been there too,

even in the Europe. Again, we intend to achieve an Association of West African Courier Operators (AWACO). That will trigger the benefits accruable to West African people and increase the business opportunities.

“Before the end of the year, we should have set in motion machineries to make this happen and it can lead to the emergence of Association of African Courier Operators (AACO). The intent still is to create a market for the Continental operators. Members will also see the need to standardize their business processes; ready for global competitiveness.

Once that is done, it means most ‘charlatans’ will excuse themselves from the industry,” Oladapo said.

Oladapo explained that ANCO members are now disciplined and committed to professionalism following several trainings organized by both the executives and the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) of NIPOST recently.

MTN Business, the businessto-business unit of MTN Nigeria, has urged Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), to embrace cost-effective and operationally efficient solutions in the management of their businesses in a bid to boost their operations of helping them to reach out to the country’s unbanked and financially underserved population.

This formed the focus of a recently held MTN Business forum, organised in Lagos, with the theme: MTN XaaS – Helping MFIs Drive Financial Inclusion.

Speaking at the forum, the Acting Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Tsola Barrow, who was represented

by Senior Manager, Enterprise Marketing, Mr. Olutayo Egunjobi, said that technology “has become a key differentiator and enabler for businesses”, adding that the MTN XaaS Micro-Banking Software-as-a-Service solution was introduced to take the operations of MFIs to another level.

According to him, the idea was to provide a highly secure, cloudbased solution that, by design, could be implemented within a short time without licensing or setup costs.

“MTN Business is committed to delivering value and driving business growth in Nigeria through tailor-made, productivity-enhancing solutions. We also recognise that microfinance banks provide a huge funding platform for SMEs. Thus, enhancing the service delivery of these banks makes access to funds easier for SMEs, ultimately impacting positively on the economy,” Barrow added.

However, the Managing Director of MBA Microfinance Bank Limited, Mr. Bode Ajayi, described MTN XaaS as very fast and as the best of all the software solutions he had used till date.

Ajayi also said that the solution provided remote access and authorization to carry out transactions from anywhere via a secure

private or public connection.

“I really feel good knowing that I can login from anywhere in the world and query transactions being done in Nigeria. It gives me a sense of control and authority,” he noted.

MTN XaaS was launched in 2012, in collaboration with Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc. It offers a range of cloud-based services designed to provide server, software, storage and security benefits over a secure internet connection without any of the associated IT infrastructure costs.

With this Solution, MFIs in Nigeria can avoid tying down huge capital in expensive ICT infrastructure since the service is offered on a subscription model.

MTN XaaS provides, in addition standard banking applications in the form of Core Modules and Value Added Services that include: Customer Services, Credit Risk Management, Fixed Deposit, Cheque Book Management, Cheque Clearing, Authorisation, Interests and Charges, Fixed Asset Depreciation, Reports and Electronic Financial Analysis Surveillance System (EFASS).

Barrow

Kaymu MD, others to speak at Mobile West Africa conference Adeesola Akindele

Stephen Elop, Nokia CEO

As part of activities to mark the 5th edition of the most progressive and interactive mobile focused event in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mobile West Africa Conference, the Managing Director of Kaymu Nigeria, Evangeline Wiles will join other panellist to discuss the future of the mobile industry in Africa on the 22nd of

April,2015.

The two day conference which will take place at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos will feature the very best of local and international speakers from organizations such as Facebook, Mozilla, Gamsole, BattaBox, Kaymu, HKLM, Eskimi, MTN Nigeria, Jovago, amongst others.

The conference tagged ‘’Let’s Take the Mobile Industry to the

Next Level’’ has been split into distinct sessions over the two day period and will feature for the first time, a session on the debate surrounding the future of mobile money.

Wiles, in the company of Raphael Afaedor Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Supermart.ng, Vytas Paukstys Co-founder and CEO of Eskimi, Marek Zmyslowski, Man-

aging Director, Jovago.com and Robert Lamptey entrepreneur and ex CEO of Saya will be provide intel on ensuring a higher rate of success in West African start-ups.

Each year Mobile West Africa brings together the best brains in the mobile ecosystem and covers the evolution of mobile data, products and services in West Africa.

Maritime 30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Shipping line orders largest container ships The world’s third largest container line, CMA CGM has finalized orders for the largest containerships.

The order came after posting a 43.2per cent jump in net profit in 2014 to $584million.

In continued proof that scale is beneficial in mainline container shipping profit growth of 43.2per cent, last year far outstripped volume growth of 8.1per cent as the line handled 12.2million Twenty Equivalent Units (TEU) last year. Revenues in 2014 were up 5.3per cent at

$16.7billion.

Breaking the recent record 20,000 teu capacity containership orders by Mitsui OSK Lines and Evergreen Group, the French line said it was finalizing orders for a trio of 20,600 teu new buildings to be delivered in 2017.

The CMA CGM Group Vice Chairman, Mr. Rodolphe Saade said: “CMA CGM’s performance in 2014 was extremely robust.

By combining operational excellence, disciplined financial management and innovation, we have delivered strong growth

in results with one of the industry’s highest margins and an even healthier balance sheet.”

But he declined to disclose the yard where the ships would be built.

Early this year, Oceans Three Alliance, United Arab Shipping Corp (UASC) and China Shipping Container Line (CSCL), have new buildings in the 18,000 teu – 20,000 teu class being delivered.

CMA CGM will take delivery of six 18,000 teu ships this year, three of which it owns.

Agents demand 5% of Customs revenues Stories by Funmi Coker Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has urged the incoming government to give the association five per cent of the total revenues generated through customs.

Its President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who made the plea in Lagos, said that freight forwarders should be compensated for their contributions to revenue generation.

He added that government should consider giving the customs agents the five per cent commission on duties collected, so that there would be dramatic increase in revenue generation.

Shittu said: “Government pays commission to all their agents. They use contractors, they pay all consultants. We are consulting for the Federal Government. That is why revenue generation has been going up.

‘We are supposed to be part of it in order to encourage port compliant and commitment.

Government should concentrate on maritime industry as alternative to oil revenue because there are a lot of untapped resources in the maritime industry.”

He said that the auto policy, should be reviewed and do an

Shittu

amortization for five years before we can scrap used vehicles.

Shittu added that the disparity between the few paying duties of 20 per cent for brand new vehicles as against ordinary Nigerians bringing their own at 70 per cent should be reviewed.

He advised government to establishment of small-scale industries to produce vehicle parts would enhance job cre-

ation.

The president said: ``our ports should be made more competitive by reviewing all the tariffs in all the spheres within the maritime industry so that diversion of cargo to neigbouring countries would stop.”

Shittu advised the Federal Government to monitor the Internally Generated Revenue of the maritime industry.

Chiazor-Anishere

Group to establish maritime women federation African women in the maritime profession have rose from a two-day conference in Luanda, Angola and resolved to establish a Continental Maritime Women Federation (CMWF).

This was contained in a communique by Mrs Jean ChiazorAnishere, President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria.

The communique noted that Africa lacked a continental manifesto and a common agenda to resolve gender issues in the maritime sector.

Chiazor-Anishere said that the communique reflected the proceedings of the conference, first of its kind, on the ``Empowerment of African Women in Maritime.’’

She added that the conference discussed “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the AU-2063 Agenda/AIM 2050.’’

Also, the participants at the conference noted that all existing sub-regional, national and local maritime women associations currently worked independent of each other without coordination.

They also observed that women worked without the existence of any binding or effective form of ongoing regular communication among them.

The communique explained that the conference was convened in response to the United Nations call to bring gender equality into focus as well as to the 24th African Union Summit call for women empowerment in Africa.

It said that this was aimed at achieving the goals of Agenda 2063.

The conference focused on measures to advance gender equality and women’s economic and political empowerment in the maritime sector at all levels.

It said that these include: edu-

cation, trade, logistics, fisheries and other areas relevant for African maritime women to benefit better from Africa’s Maritime Domain (AMD).

Participants also discussed the vast potential for wealth creation. ``The issue of gender and empowerment of maritime women has been under consideration and discussed for decades within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under its `Empowering Women Programme’, participants said.

The communique said the programme had promoted the emergence of Female African Regional Maritime Organizations, The conference’s central theme was essentially based on the need for the African Maritime Women to actively participate in building Africa’s Blue Economy.

The theme constituted the approach of how Africa should effectively learn from the lessons of the past; and strategically exploit all possible opportunities available in the immediate and medium term.

The conference said that this would ensure positive socio-economic transformation within the next 50 years.

The conference tagged: `WIMAFRICA 2015’ was organised by the Angolan Women in Maritime Association (AMMPACA), in collaboration with Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).

The communique said that contacts were established and collaboration and participation of the AU Commission of the African Union was achieved.

Other organizers of the conference were: African Ship Owners Association (ASOA), WISTA, African Union (AU) and several regional, continental and international cooperating partners.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

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

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Features

Features 18

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.88

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Ikot-Ntuen: Akwa Ibom’s model wonder P17 town

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Politics

Business

Sack imminent in NNPC top management P28

Barack Obama

Aba–Ikot Ekpene road has reduced accidents by 95 per-cent

Ikot-Ntuen:

The villagers look like city dwellers Southern Senatorial Districts that made up the old Cross River State during the 2nd Republic, is under Ukana Clan. There are two main family lineages in IkotNtuen, namely Nto-Udoh and Nto-Ntuen; the immediate family of the governor is Nto-Udoh and the Local Government Area is Essien Udim.

The compound of the Akpabios where the governor was born is one of many family

compounds facing the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road on both sides of the road; a road the Governor has transformed into an express road resulting to a transformation which natives here estimate that the massive network of roads have reduced the accident rate on this particular road by 95 per cent.

But whether deliberately of inadvertently, Akpabio’s family house does not compete in affluence and architecture with most buildings along the Ikot EkpeneAba and Abak roads in this vil-

lage, many of which call pictures of the exclusive ‘Park & View’ (Park View) estate in Ikoyi, or those exclusive houses in Lekki peninsula both in Lagos, except that these houses are not as large and expansive but the roads here really beg the question of which is the city, and which is a village?

The plainness and traditional life of the family was further revealed when our correspondent walked around the compound and found, behind the simple palace eastwards, a typical village kitchen with a young man

frying processed cassava into gari the way it was discovered and produced many centuries ago.

Like all other family homes, everywhere wore bright colours with architectures that took away the connotation of ‘village’ from Ikot Ntuen and the transformation is so pronounced that a visitor commented ‘it appears there is no poor man in this village!’ The governor has set an ambience that has catapulted everyone who had never experienced city life or expected to be

a city dweller to rise up to the challenge.

Mr. Ukobong Isaac of Ikot Obio Eema in Etim-Ekpo Local Government Area which shares the same boundary with Essien Udim LGA put up a good defense for his Governor. While acknowledging we are in Nigeria where y the notion is charity begins at home, Isaac defended Akpabio’s rebranding of ‘Ikot’, not only in Ikot-Ntuen but in other local government areas of the state.

The Extra Mile

Charly Boy

Independence:

‘We worked underground after Awo’s arrest’

ÎÎÎThe victory of Buhari

at the polls has elicited various kinds of celebrations from admirers of APC who believe change has come. Ranging from broom-clad streets, cars and motor bikes to accolades and well carved speeches on social media and in the national dallies.

One celebration sure takes the cake.

I am excited about the determination of Hasheem Suleiman, the 33-year-old man who, in fulfillment of the promise he made that if General Buhari won the 2015 presidential election, embarked on a trek from Lagos to Abuja.

On all the social media portals, the story of this young Nigerian is trending like crazy. It is sick.

Suleiman set out on his journey since the 1st of April determined to get to Abuja before the swearing in ceremony. For the past 14 days, Suleiman has made it as far as Lapai in Niger State, and many eyes are now on him for his exceptional courage and tenacity. He has been getting a hero’s welcome in many of the villages and towns he has passed through. Suleiman, I am sure can’t help but be pleasantly surprised at the outpouring of love and warmth shown him

by Nigerians in this journey.

Eve though he must have made adequate financial provisions for his one of a kind trek, he confessed that he has not spent much money due to the much love and benevolence of the people he has encountered so far on this memorable trek.

This story has caught my fancy because this guy is being celebrated today for the same virtues the brand CB is built on: tenacity, focus, determina-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

uana of Sokoto, Tafawa Balewa.

But I so loved Awolowo’s ideology the most that I became endeared to him.

“I was reading the Daily Service newspaper, and later the Tribune newspapers regularly; later the Sunday and Daily Express and Sketch. In 1962 when the Asongo

tion and daring to think deeply and do things differently.

It’s obviously something that we have never seen before.

Suleiman is teaching young people a lesson in doggedness and daring to do the unthinkable.

I have always said that the survival of Nigeria still lies in the hands of its exceptional youths.

Youths who are not sitting on their ass to do the normal, youths who are not afraid to dream up something unusual, something

Group to

Vatican Obama: plans Renew legal action Military against assistance sex to Nigeria abuse P14

Nkiru Nwagbo

dailytimesng

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Politics Editor: Akinjide Akintola E-mail: akinjide.akintola@dailytimes.com.ng

A group, Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans, (CANAN), has made a passionate appeal President Barack Obama to renew its military and technical assistance to Nigeria.

This, the group said was necessary in order for the Nigerian government to improve its efforts at confronting terrorist activities within and outside its shores.

In a statement by its coordinator, Laolu Akande, CANAN said President Obama should not rule out

Politics

Impeachment: How Buhari’s victory saved Obiano P8

any potential effort in destroying and degrading Boko Haram including military options side by side with the regional force currently fighting the terrorists.

According to it, Boko Haram is as brutal as ISIS and both groups are now clearly making connections, signaling to the global community that the time to strike Boko Haram hardest is now.

CANAN is “calling on the US President Barack Obama to reinvigorate America’s support to the

effort to rescue the over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted exactly one year ago by Boko Haram terrorists.

“As the whole world marks one year after the disturbing abduction, CANAN wants the US government to renew and upwardly review its military and technical assistance to the Nigerian government’s effort and those of the neighboring countries in confronting the terrorists.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Impeachment: How Buhari’s victory saved Obiano

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crisis took place, I followed Awolowo.

“At this point, I talked with some like-minded friends to let us start a youth wing of Awolowo’s Action Group party. We were all living at Mushin, near the Railway Station at that time. So we started contributing money, about 2 Shillings every pay day. That was how we formed the Action Group Youths Association which started at the

Railway Station, Mushin; that was in 1962.”

What gave rise to the Youth Association idea?

“During the Akintola-Awolowo crisis, we felt Awolowo was not well treated, so we decided to sensitise and gear up the people, especially the market women, to support Action Group party, and we couldn’t do that individually, so we needed a party and that was

Before the 2015 general election, the mood in Anambra State cut the picture of the peace of the grave yard following stories making the round that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has concluded arrangement to impeach Gov. Willie Obiano.

This was coming despite the prevailing alliance All Progressives Grand Alliance the (APGA) had with the PDP all along.

According to a reliable source who spoke with Daily Times then, the faceoff between former Governor Peter Obi and his successor was fast getting to its climax and Obi was no longer comfortable with the style of Obiano’s administration.

Besides, the alleged rude manner Peter Obi was literary frus-

trated out of the APGA by some loyalists of its National Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh did not go down well with Obi’s supporters who are not in the PDP. With Obi out of APGA, aggrieved party members and some PDP stalwarts in the state began the scheming of how to unseat the incumbent governor after the general election.

Indeed, before then, some executive council members of Obiano’s administration were allegedly leaking sensitive secret government information to the governor’s political foes.

These information were said to have been packaged as impeachable offences of Obiano which would be contained in the proposed impeachment notice to be served at an appointed date.

When Obiano’s opponents dis-

covered that the current State Assembly members were not ready to play ball, they resorted to their Plan B. The second game plan was to return all the 30 PDP State Assembly members into the Legislature thereby having a strong majority to unseat the governor after the general election.

To further remove elements of resistance from any quarter, the party made sure that the 11 House of Representatives seats in Anambra were won by the PDP; though the party lost just two seats to APGA. Similarly, it returned the three senatorial seats of the State to the PDP apparently creating a good ground for Obiano’s ultimate impeachment.

Ironically, the alleged cabals CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Obiano

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

how the Youth Association idea came to my mind.

“The take-off was very successful; we had five branches, five units in each ward. Each unit sent two delegates to the Central Executive meetings which held every Sunday.”

Though the concept was his, Mosanya was not the first chair-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

that has never been done and to have the balls to create a buzz with it. I am impressed any which way, biko. Chai!

Today the nation celebrates Hasheem not for being a group soul, but for being an outstanding, exceptional, thinkoutside-the-box youth. I hear telecom companies are already lobbying to sign him on as brand ambassador. CNN, BBC and several other media both home and abroad have put the spotlight on him besides the cheers of the

Muazu

PDP faces more woes as members begin siddon look

Rather than diminishing, the woes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appear to be increasing the more aftermath of its crushing defeat in the last General Election.

A Daily Times investigation within its members nationwide revealed a party that appears to be in disarray with discontent and regret written all over many of the members.

crowd that greet him at every stop over town.

I hope that this action will cause most young Nigerians to have a rethink as far as their mindset is concerned. There are no shortcuts.

In this environment only tenacity, focus, doggedness and standing out will make you succeed and get noticed. This is how one comes to limelight – an extraordinary idea and following hard to ensure we walk our talk, not by sycophancy and thuggery.

This is contrary to the assurances given by the Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, (BOT), Mallam Walid Jibrin that the party will not die a natural death, but still has a bright future.

The PDP lost the presidency and quite a number of the states to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded elections making po-

litical observers to conclude the imminent death of the party.

Besides, with the loss of the party at the centre and in many states, a lot of the party’s bigwigs have been decamping to the opposition APC, a development that further heightened the fear that the party would soon collapse like a pack of cards.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Hasheem Suleiman has demonstrated that he is ready to go the extra mile for the things he believes in; that it is only by being outstanding that he could be exceptional not like every other normal Nigerian youth looking for quick fixes and short cuts.

We must sacrifice for our dream, it will not just fall like manner from Heaven.

Mba! How I wish Nigerian youths can grab this spirit and just run with it. This will put an end to so many of the issues we see in our country, like unemployment. God has given each and everyone of us a gift, we must find what it is so we can live our lives with purpose. The youths of Nigeria must realize that this change we so desire must start with us. We must begin to change our mindset, to embrace values like integrity, tenacity, focus, doggedness and outof-the-box mentality.

Suleiman has challenged us.

Guys, it’s time for you to go that extra mile to achieve your dream.

Na my own be dat, how you see am?

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

Life&

TIMES Friday, April 17, 2015

Princess

Elizabeth Obanla A force to reckon with among men L2 P

The dead also clamour for change L6 P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Women are marginalized in freight forwarding business

-Princess Elizabeth Obanla Isaac Oguntoye

pany as Clerical staffs or secretaries whose only job was to do documen-

The freight forwarding business is not a sector where you

Princess Elizabeth Obanla Adeola has through sheer dint of hard

gos, Nigeria, an organization she of Allizzy Cargo Services Nigeria grace rise in freight forwarding in

Allizzy Cargo service is a popular company in freight forwarding business but some people might not really know the brain behind it. Can you tell us more about yourself?

Well I am the managing director of Allizzy Cargo Services and to anthe chairman of the company, my husband, Ibrahim Obanla Akeem is.

How challenging has it been running the company?

the only challenge we have is not -

-

No woman hustled with the men. I can say it authoritatively that I was the only person that started it. I was with men at the Muritala Muhammed international airport. Sometimes I would be locked up for days in the police station we call Tanko City, at International Airport. Then I could remember vividly, the chairman of our association trying to discourage me from continuing by asking me, “How many women do you see here?”

And he will order the policemen to go and lock me up. Immediately they release me, I will be back to my business. Later on when he realized what he was doing, giving me tough time, he decided to let me be. My male colleagues also tried their best to discourage me by asking me the same question, “What are you doing to do instead of wasting your time here.” Despite the discouragement, I refused to quit. I just knew deep down within me that, this was what I wanted to do and so I remained focused and determined. So, today I thank God that I was able to endure the pain and established myself.

What will you say was the driving force during those trial moments?

When you want to start a particular thing, some people will say they want to do it for a certain period of time while some will be determined to

run away with your money” and all sorts of things. Some will take pity on me and give me the job while some will withdraw their documents. But I thank God that today, I was able to break that jinx.

Did you think of quitting at any point?

Never, not for one day. Such thoughts never struck my mind because I was too focused to be distracted then. I just loved the job and then. A few people around me kept encouraging me, to keep pushing on and never give up. I have some airline managers and some custom

Can you readily recall one day you will never forget as a freight forwarder?

It is a very long story but I will summarize it for you. There was a day I went hustling for a client at Bourdillon road, Ikoyi. I had never met him but I felt I may likely get the job. On getting there, I met with the man and I explained to the man but instead of him to give me the job, he called the police and I was arrested. It was so embarrassing but at the end of the day, he allowed me to do the job because I told him that I am not a thief and that I can deliver. Another was when one of my customers imported a gun used for hunting. The man was from Ibadan. I was just doing my thing; I cleared the gun but before I knew what was happening, I found myself at the former IG MD

liver the job, you will just be lost.

Life&

T E A M

As a woman in a male dominated terrain, what were some of the obstacles you faced trying to establish yourself in the industry?

I thank God today because when I started it was very rough. I started about 26 years ago and when I started, men were the ones that dominaten interested in it because the men refused to accommodate them. The only woman I knew who was in this sector then was the late Obokun Boladare. She was very popular then.

All other women I met in the industry were either employed by the com-

When I started, I already knew at the back of my mind that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. So, I was focused and determined especially when I had people saying that women can never be successful doing this. It made me want to do more.

I was determined to make it in that sector. In fact it was so tough then that it became a huge challenge to even get a customer to work with because everyone kept asking me the same question, “What are you doing in this business?”. Sometimes I will be negotiating with a customer and the men around will be discouraging them from giving me jobs. Some of

Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427

commissioner of police at the International Airport. I was arrested and told to provide the man before I would be released but I was later release through the intervention of our chairman. From that point on, I started getting favour from the police; they stop arresting me and the chairman allowed me to do my business without disturbing me.

As the president of the Association of women freight forwarders, how well have you been doing your bit to encourage women to come into this business?

doing something good, some people would want to emulate you.

When I was still struggling to establish myself, I made a vow stoop low to debase womanhood and today, I got married to one of my colleagues.

Some people believe that women freight forwarders do not have the capacity to keep a home but today I thank God -

Continued on page 7 Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893

Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478

Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397

Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, April 17, 2015

L3 Society

Isaac Oguntoye

APC set to reward Abike Dabiri’s efforts and loyalty

Abike Dabiri

Broadcaster turned politician and three time member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is in the news again. This time, it is about her calculative move before the just concluded 2015 general elections. Arewa as she is often referred to has proved beyond reasonable doubt that she is a master of the political game having made smart political maneuverings and calculations in recent times. Indeed, she made a smart move when she decided not to contest for either the lower or upper chamber, but rather, allowed someone else take her place. Besides, she has proved to be a very valuable member of the All Progressive Congress party and has grown to become an integral member of the party. Also, all through the presidential election campaigns, she made herself very visible and useful. To this end, according to news making the rounds, she has already been penciled down for a national assignment now that a member of her party, General Muhammadu Buhari rtd., won the Presidential elections.

For former HITV boss, Toyin Subair, life goes on Life they say is full of ups and downs, like a seesaw. This notion best

Elvina Ibru jets out

She is one of the children of business mogul, Olorogum Michael Ibru. The down-to-earth lady who is a mother of one, in addition to acting and singing, is also on air personality with Classic Fm where she presents the programme, Mellow Magic, on the night belt. So good is she at her job that she has been able to garner a large listening audience who have since grown to become addicted to the programme. Well, for those who will be listening in to her progranme from now on, they may hear her familiar voice come on, as the once upon a time buxomly lady will be off air for a few weeks, apparently on vacation. She plans to visit some continents as she lets off steam.

Elvina Ibru

Friends desert Rotimi Makinde

played out. Seen by many as a failure, this apt description is not unconnected to how he allowed his reckless lifestyle consume him, causing him to run HITV, which supposedly held some promises, aground. At the moment, the trained lawyer has relocathibernating and from all indications, seems to have put the ugly incidence of HITV in the past where it belongs and has moved on with life

Toyin Subair

Gov. Babatunde Fashola and wife rejoice over Ambode’s victory Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and his lovely wife, Dame Abimbola have been in a joyous mood since Akinwunmi Ambode was announced the winner of the 2015 governorship poll in Lagos State. Immediately the INEC resident electoral commissioner announced the results and declared Akinwunmi Ambode winner, both Fashola and his wife began dancing at their residence, not minding who was watching. According to insiders, Dame Abimbola really showed

Rotimi Makinde

These days, Osun State born actor cum politician, Rotimi Makinde now operates in isolation as friends have now distanced themselves from him. Life & Times gathered that when he was newly elected in 2011 to represent Ife federal constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, he deliberately isolated himself from members of his constituency. He was said to have treated them like lesser beings each time they were opportune to run into him.

And now that his days at the House of Representatives is almost coming to an end, coupled with his inability to get a return ticket, he has now been left in isolation to lick his wound. Even his colleagues in the movie industry are said to be happy he did not make it back to the National Assembly.

How Dr. Chris Okafor predicted Akinwunmi Ambode’s victory If you are among those who do not believe in prophecies, then we have good news for you.

Precisely 72hrs before the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections took place across the nation, the Senior Pastor of Liberation City Church, Dr Chris Okafor, authoritatively declared to his congregation that the ruling party in Lagos state which is the APC and win the election. He went even further when he said that the elections would be keenly contested but that the APC candidate would win by a slim margin and that was exactly what happened. On the Benue state governorship election, Pastor Chris declared that one of the governorship candidates with initial “O” would be declared winner and it turned out that Samuel Orton, the APC candidate won the election.

of and at a point, the governor practically had to beg to be released from Fashola and wife, Abimbola dancing

Dr. Chris Okafor

Society L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Isaac Oguntoye

Teslim Folarin allegedly Remove Community Transformer Wonder they say shall never cease as the People Democratic Party Guber Candidate in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin, is siad to have allegedly removed the transformer he donated to a community over his election loss. We gathered that the Senator sent his aides to remove the transformer he donated to the community, few days before the election. Members of the community raised an alarm when they sighted transformer in the early hours of Sunday but the aides were not moved as they carried on with their assignment.

Between Zenith Bank and the People Democratic Party Zenith bank PLC is one of the most respected new generation banks and since its inception, has raised the standard in the banking sector. In the just concluded general elections, it cial transactions carried out by the ruling party were made through the bank. In fact the party agents and a number of people who worked for the party during the elections were paid through the Zenith Bank debit card.

After each election, we scooped that the party leader would hand over the debit cards to members of the party who worked assiduously during the elections, with a special code to withdraw money from the ATM.

Jim Ovia

What now becomes of Olusegun Osoba’s Dele Momodu becomes Glo Social Democratic Party?

Ambassador

Teslim Folarin

The political empire of the former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba may litical lieutenants are now abandoning him in droves. According to information made available to Life & Times, some of his party faithfuls have defected to the All Progressive Congress party after the general elections. One prominent person who was in the camp of Osoba was Kayode Tejuoso, younger brother to APC Ogun Central Senator-elect and a former commissioner in Ogun State, Prince Lanre Tejuoso.

Kayode has also jumped ship and has gone back to APC where he was before, to join his brother.

It has been a long time coming, what of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga. The former presidential aspirant who is based in Ghana has remained a social crusader and activist since he has been unable to win any political election. To reward him for his loyalty, the Chairman decided to make him a Globacom ambassador. He made his debut in a new Glo commercial which has since been shot and has been on air for a while now. The veteran journalist joins actor, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Sammie Okposo, Omawunmi and King Sunny Ade.

Olusegun Osoba Dele Momodu

KWAM1’s Daughter, Damilola Olanbiwoninu Marshal takes business to Instagram ments in rebranding Fuji music and taking it to a greater heights will forever be appreciated by his fellow Fuji musicians and fans.

Call him one of the happening big boys who make things happen on the Island sosometimes now, no one seems to know of his whereabouts. The one time socialite who used to be the toast of many Fuji and Juju musicians, was once said to have moved to United Kingdom while some believe his absence on the scene is as a result of the personal problems he is currently facing.

his musical dexterity but about his daughter, Damilola Olanbiwoninu Marshal who is doing remarkably well in her buying and selling business. Recently, Dami as she is fondly called, took to Instagram to advertise her business. For those who respond, a free album of her father with his autograph and the purchases above 15 thousand naira.

Where is Kunle Aleshinloye?

Damilola Olanbiwoninu

Kunle Aleshinloye

Daily Times Nigeria

L5

Friday, April 17, 2015

Society

Stories by: Isaac Oguntoye and Nkarenyi Ukonu

How Ladi Delano and Japheth Omojuwa’s roles cost President Goodluck Jonathan the election -

Aftermath of President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential election loss: Gani Adams buys himself a new toy

Japheth Omojuwa -

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Ladi Delano

Tope Olagbegi makes fashion moves

Gani Adams

Grace Egbagbe resurfaces -

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Unmasking Oyindamola Adeyemi -

Grace Egbagbe

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Societal Issue L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 17, 2015

Even the dead are clamouring for change!

Isaac Olutoye At a moment when the average Nigerian craves for change in all sectors of the economy, it will astonish you to know that, even the dead who are buried in public cemeteries are clamouring for change as well. A visit to public cemeteries, makes one to one wonder if indeed the dead are actually resting in peace. Or how else can one explain the congestion in public cemeteries and the unkempt state in which they are? Or being upgraded to become a haven for ritualists and other diabolical characters, who would not allow the dead to rest in peace?

Picture this horror scene where a middle-aged man was caught with seven human skulls, hidden in a sack.

During interrogation by the Nigerian police who caught him, he told the police that he got those skulls from Atan cemetery, Yaba. He explained further, how it was a normal routine for him to in the dead of the night, to exhume corpses and thereafter sever their heads from the trunks. It has become almost like a regular occurrence for people of questionable character to be caught with human skulls or fresh human heads, all straight from public cemetery. To say that the deplorable state of public cemeteries in the country leaves much to be desired, would be stating the obvious.

This negative trend has however set the stage for an emerging trend where those who can afford to give their dearly departed beloved place, can now do so. Current realities now point to the fact that death is no longer the leveller for mankind as the wealthy now chose to bury their dead in a way status. Private cemeteries are now the in-thing and it is fast catching on with quite a number of private cemeteries dotting a few high brow areas across the Lagos metropolis. A thriving business no doubt and this is simply because public cemeteries

are not well maintained, due to the lackadaisical attitude associated with running of government institutions and parastatals. One of those privately owned cemeteries is the Victoria Court Cemetery, located on Lekki-Epe Expressway. Established in 1997, it is owned and operated by an Isreali construction company, HFP Engineering.

Investigations reveal that a vault there goes for over half a million naira which you are required to pay upfront for before arrangements are made to receive the corpse for burial. This is in addition to the in-house chapel which sits 140 guests, where funeral services could be held, if the family of the deceased so desires but with the famThere is also the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi cemetry situated beside the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and owned by Olakleen Group. Here, some of the tombs are done up in marble, red brick, tiles or granite.

It boasts of single, double and triple vaults and the prices vary from half a million to two million naira. And it has a hall for funeral services, which attracts N100,000 fee for two hours duration.

Vaults and Gardens has a mausoleum section too, which is only made available on application with a price tag that could go as high as N10 million.

While some only pay for the vaults when there is a loss, others buy and keep the tombs for any eventuality or even for themselves.

These private cemeteries cupancy that is renewable after 25 years for vaults paid for.

A few elites who have the privilege of resting in eternity in this serene environment are the late Abibat Mogaji, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and mother to the National leader of All Progressive Congress party; Esther Osuande, sister to billionaire business mogul, Mike Adenuga; Gbegi Ojora, the Otunba Adekunle Ojora; late Tayo Aderinokun, co-

founder of Guaranty Trust Bank and several others.

Interestingly, the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, recently con-

Late Abibat Mogaji’s epitaph

he bought his own vault four years ago.

Unfortunately, the lower class has little or no chance of breaking free from this vicious cycle of poverty which extends even in death.

Or how else can one explain the congestion in public cemeteries and the unkempt state in which

Private cemetery for the rich

they are? Or being upgraded to become a haven for ritualists and other diabolical characters, who would not allow the dead to rest in peace?

Public cemetery

The resting place of late Tunji Okusanya of MIC caskets

Abibat Mogaji’s final resting place

Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, April 17, 2015

L7 Interview

Women are marginalized in freight forwarding business Continued from page 2 -

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Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, April 17, 2015

Showing on

107 M-net Movie Romance

00:35

L8 Television Showing on

126 Fox Crime

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Fri, 17 Apr | 16VNL

Fri, 17 Apr | 16LV

The Griswolds win a game show and the prize is a vacation to Europe. The bumbling family have to survive being tourists in several foreign countries. Chevy Chase, them from entering.

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

154 AfricaMagic Family

120 BBC Entertainment

155 AfricaMagic World

128 Sony Max

SKIPPER JOINS KAZAKHSTAN CHAMPIONS

FALCONS’ X2

PLOTS

K C A B T FIGH

X8

Federer, Wawrinka

bow out of Monte Carlo Masters

X7

X4,5 Name:

Nationa l team 2006–2 007: 2012: 2007–P resent:

Senior career 2005–2 006: 2006–2 007: 2007–2 011: 2011–2 014: 2014–P resent

Luis Suarez Luis Alberto Suarez January 24, 1987 Díaz Salto, Uruguay (age 28) 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) Striker

Barcelon a 9

Uruguay U-20 Uruguay U-23 Uruguay

Liverpoo l Barcelon a

Naciona l Groninge n Ajax

Naciona l

SUAREZ

LUIS

LUIS SUAREZ

Youth career 2003–2 005:

X4

Playing position : Current team: Number :

PERSON INFORMAL ATION

Poster!

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height:

XT Exclusive EXTRATIME

Friday, April 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

Friday, April 17, 2015

M H LABAYERN

Kaymer, Donald

tee-off at Irish Open

X7

X5

Friday, April 17, 2015

X2

Friday, April 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

Nwabuoku

FALCONS’ SKIPPER JOINS S

uper Falcons’ skipper, Evelyn Nwabuoku, has signed for reigning Kazakhstan League champions, Biik Kazygurt FC. The former Rivers Angels midfield maestro, who arrived the club on Monday evening and went through the mandatory medicals, which she passed, has already began training with the team.

A delighted Nwabuoku told Super Falcons Media Officer, Gracious Akujobi from her base that she was happy to be at the club and that her reception was awesome.

“I’m so happy to join them. They were all excited to have me in their

KAZAKHSTAN CHAMPIONS midst when I arrived. I like the club and the people I see around me. The Coach is nice to me, and the structure here is perfect.

“The prospect of playing in the prestigious Champions League with this team

also necessitated my signing for them and I’m looking forward to playing in the big league because that is where the show is,” she said.

Nwabuoku signed a one-year deal, with an extension clause.

Supersand Eagles edge Cote d’Ivoire

N

igeria’s Supersand Eagles fought bravely, despite being a man down for all of the last two periods and overtime, to edge Cote d’Ivoire 7-6 in Victoria on Thursday and finished comfortably at the top of Group A of the 2015 African Beach Soccer Championship.

A semi-final ticket was already on hand before the match, but the 2011 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists put their best legs out and aimed for outright victory from the first blast of the referee’s whistle.

However, Cote d’Ivoire scored first before the Eagles leveled, and then the game became a see-saw of sorts after Nigerian player Igudia Godspower was

shown the red card late in the first period.

Captain Isiaka Olawale led the charges well on the beach and Emeka Ogbonna could not be stopped, and Abu Azeez was the song on everyone’s lips in what the commentator called ‘Match of the Tournament’.

Olawale and Ogbonna earned a brace each, with a goal each from Azeez, Bartholomew Ibenegbu and Adams Taiwo. Ogbonna, who now has six goals, scored the overtime goal that gave Nigeria victory after full time ended 6-6.

Nigeria will now play the second– placed team in Group B in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Dream Team goes on break today

T

he U-23 National Team, known as Dream Team, will go on break from today.

The Samson Siasia’s wards, who recently booked a spot at the Men’s Football Tournament of this year’s All Africa Games, will resume on May 25.

Addressing the players and officials, the Head Coach Samson Siasia advised the players not to see their qualification for the All Africa Games as the ultimate, but to see it as a wakeup call to work harder and qualify for the Olympics taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next year.

He disclosed that Nigerians will only accept them as true heroes if they qualify for both games, as the nation has not qualified for the football event of these games at the same time for a very long time.

While congratulating them for making the nation proud, Siasia said any player who has not measured up will be dropped for those who can add value to the team, and that he intends to have a look at some overseas-based professional players who should be on break in May/June to see those who can bolster the squad.

Friday, April 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

Federation Watch

With Osaretin Emuze

Lagos Taekwondo Classics hold next week

T

he 2015 Lagos State Taekwondo Classics will hold in Lagos from April 23—26 at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Taekwondoists are expected to feature in the two-day meet from different countries and will compete in eight weight categories in the male and four weight categories in the fe-

male.

The President of the Taekwondo Federation (TFN) George Ashiru said the federation is yet to fix the price money for the championship.

“As I am talking to you now no price money has been fixed, but surely money would be at stake at the tourney,” he assured.

Ashiru hinted that the athletes for the All Africa Games will go into open camp after the competition.

“Taekwondoists will be called to camp in preparation for the All Africa Games holding in Congo Brazzaville in September. Majority of them will be selected from the classics,” Ashiru affirmed.

George Ashiru , TFN boss

DSTV Men’s Basketball League action between Customs and Union Bank during the 2014 edition.

S E Z I R P X I F F B NB S ’ N E M V T S D R FO T E U LEAG

tv prize money for DS BBF ) has fixed the (N ion rat e de th Fe of all tual winner he Nigeria Basketb 15 season; the even 20 e th for er ue nn ag wi Le ce d pla Basketball Men’s N1.5m, while the 3r me N2m, runners up league will take ho at the n told Extra Time th gets N1m. ion Patrick Omorodio rat nith de Ze Fe e e th th of of 1 er e of the Phas The Media Offic . tes for the opening da ium d ad ve St l pro na ap tio o Na als e B of the Abuja Federation has ag ck Pa e th for e th led , while ue schedu eting is for April 24 Bank Women’s Leag April 23, Technical Me on is ms tea of l iva He said arr y 4. from April 24 to Ma ed because of the competition will run for March was shift led du he sc r rlie ea e The women’s leagu s. on cti Ele ral Gene

NSC applauds NBBF’s feat H aving successfully qualified to defend her All African Games title in Congo Brazzaville, and also having an opportunity to vie for a place at the 2016 Rio Olympics by qualifying for the 2015 FIBA Africa Championship in Tunisia, come August, NBBF has received thumbs up from the National Sports Commission (NSC) for her recent accomplishments.

Following the meeting between the hierarchy of the NBBF and the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, President of the

X3

Nigeria Basketball Federation, Mr Tijjani Umar, disclosed that the NSC DG was impressed and immediately requested that NBBF submits her national programmes to the Commission to ensure basketball receives optimum support to succeed in the various competitions leading to the Olympics.

“We’ve set a huge precedence in qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics. We qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games in London and we want to repeat that experience in Rio de Janeiro next year.

“In order for us to achieve this, we have outlined programmes that will ensure that both the men and women national teams are well prepared to compete at the 2015 FIBA Africa Championships so that we can qualify for the Olympics Games,” Umar noted.

The NBBF boss further disclosed that the Federation has set up a 2-man task force that will travel to the United States to meet with the Nigerian players abroad in order to carry them along with the national team programmes having continued

to maintain communication with the home-based players who persecuted the qualifiers.

“We have so much talent pool that can serve the national team home and abroad, so we have decided that we will present two national teams that will persecute the AfroBasket and All African Games just to ensure we keep all the national team players integrated into the national team programmes. This will ensure that we can always have the best talent available at every point time,” he concluded.

Warri to host Africa Athletics Grand Prix

T

he city of Warri, Delta State, will play host to this year’s Confederation of Africa Athletics Grand Prix on May 18 at the Warri Stadium.

A total of $119,000 will be on offer in the one-day event.

Break down of the money showed that $42, 800, has been earmarked for the premium events where the winner is guaranteed $4000.

The organizers said second and third place winners in the premium categories will go home with $2,500 and $1500. Adding that winner of the Promotional Events will get $1000, second $800, and third $600 respectively.

The winners of the Classic Events will take home $2000, $1500 and $1000 respectively.

Fourth to eight place winners will receive various amount of money, as athletes have been warned to send their entries before April 23, if they hope to take part in the meet.

AAG: Gumel hails D’Tigers, Falcons, Dream Team qualification

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resident of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr.

Habu Gumel has hailed the qualification of three national teams to the 11th All Africa Games holding in Congo-Brazzaville from September 4 to 19, describing it as a positive sign for Team Nigeria in its quest for medals at the Games.

Nigeria’s national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, started the qualification bliss after dumping Burkina Faso’s national basketball team.

Then followed by Super Falcons (the female national football team) that overwhelmed a hapless Mali 8-0 in the second leg to qualify in flying colours. Also against all permutations, Samson Siasia’s Dream Team restored hope of a fine outing at the Games by beating Zambia 2-1 after a barren draw that made many lose hope of qualification in Abuja. ‘’I’m overjoyed to hear that our teams are qualifying for the All Africa Games. It is an indication of the good things that will come the way of Team Nigeria in Congo,” Gumel who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee said.

Secretary General, Hon Tunde Popoola who also saluted the teams, however, assured that the NOC and the NSC are working together to ensure that Team Nigeria gets the best of comfort in Congo-Brazzaville.

Youth c areer 2003– 2005:

Name: Full na me: Date o f birth: Place o f birth: Height: Playing positio n: Curren t team : Numbe r:

Luis Su arez Luis Alb erto Su arez Día January z 24, 198 7 (age Salto, U 28) ruguay 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) Striker Barcelo na 9

PERSO N INFOR AL MATIO N

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EXTRATIME

Friday, April 17, 2015

Urugua y U-20 Urugua y U-23 Urugua y

Nacion al Groning en Ajax Liverpo ol Barcelo na

Nacion al

SUAREZ

LUIS Nation al team 2006– 2007: 2012: 2007– Presen t:

Senior career 2005– 2006: 2006– 2007: 2007– 2011: 2011– 2014: 2014– Presen t

Friday, April 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

X5

X6

Friday, April 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW

IT’S MY DREAM TO PLAY AT

CANADA 2015

–KESSLER Although a quick look back at Nadine Kessler’s performances in 2014 makes it clear why she was named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, the VfL Wolfsburg captain could still scarcely believe the news almost an hour after her name was pulled from the envelope. The 26-year-old admitted in an interview about her initial disbelief, but her achievements speak for themselves. Her past year included victory with Wolfsburg in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Bundesliga, while she was also part of the Germany team that lifted the Algarve Cup. Having already been named UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe back in August, adding the world’s most prestigious international award to her collection rounded off an exceptional 12 months for the midfielder marred only by a knee operation. Kessler discussed with FIFA.com her journey to becoming a top performer and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. Excerpts: Although you won the double with VfL Wolfsburg and lifted the Algarve Cup with the national team, you had to undergo an operation on your left knee back in October. How was 2014 for you?

You can certainly split the year into two parts. The first half was definitely positive; in fact it was pretty much perfect. There just wasn’t anything wrong with it. The second half of the year was dominated by my injury, so it hasn’t been such a happy time for me. Naturally I hope the situation will continue improving.

How are you doing after your operation?

I’m optimistic that we’ll continue to make progress.

The tension in the Champions League final was almost unbearable, and the same was true in the final round of the German championship. Was the experience just as nervewracking for the coaches and players?

It was exciting for us players too, but nerves are definitely something different; they take hold when you’re looking in from the outside and can do nothing but watch. As the team, we were still able to take matters into our own hands. That feeling stayed with us the entire time, which produced some really exciting games.

How would you describe your role with Wolfsburg and in the national team – to bind the

team together and provide direction?

My job and my efforts as captain have always been to lead from the front and ensure that we all continue to improve, feel comfortable and stick together as a team. That’s a crucial factor for success.

You were resigned to watching from the sidelines at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 before becoming a European champion with Germany in 2013. How would you describe your journey to becoming a top performer on the international stage?

The last few years have been very positive and I’ve been able to consistently improve. I’m also extremely happy to have spent so much time playing for the national team. It’s always an honour to represent your country, and I’m proud to have been selected to do that.

The Women’s World Cup in Canada is now on the horizon. Your national coach Silvia Neid believes eight teams will be title contenders: Norway, France, Sweden, USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil and Germany.

Which teams do you think could mount a serious challenge for the trophy?

I agree with Silvia Neid’s assessment and think it’ll be possible to single out title favourites before the tournament. There are plenty of friendly matches in the run-up to the competition, so that will give us a chance to

see how each team might develop.

Expectations of your team are unlikely to subside after Germany’s men won the World Cup in 2014 just a few weeks before the U-20 women’s side triumphed in Canada. Do you see that as an incentive or a burden?

It just spurs us on to build on those achievements. It’s great to see what our men and U-20 women have accomplished, and it would be perfect for our country if we could follow in their footsteps. If there’s any pressure involved, I see it as a positive thing.

How important is 2015 for you in sporting terms?

Extremely important. At club level, we’ll be defending our Champions League title, so we’ll want to show what we can do in that competition once again.

My personal goal is to go to the World Cup and play well there.

What would it mean to you to take part in the World Cup? It would be a childhood dream come true for me, there’s no doubt about it. That has always been my goal and it would be so, so amazing to achieve it.

What’s your goal for 2015?

Apart from going to the World Cup, I’d personally like to stay fit and then do my very best. My aim is just to be out on the pitch with my teams and to succeed with them.

Kessler

Friday, April 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

Tennis

Kaymer

Federer

Golf

KAYMER, DONALD

tee-off at Irish Open

U

S Open champion Martin Kaymer and former world number one Luke Donald are the latest big names to confirm entries for next month’s Irish Open.

Kaymer and Donald will join a Royal County Downfield which includes Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and world number one Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy’s charitable foundation is hosting the May 28-31 event and he has coaxed a host of top stars to compete.

American Patrick Reed and England’s Lee Westwood will also participate.

In addition, the field will include major winners Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington.

The prize fund for the European Tour event has also increased by 25% with this year’s purse just under £1.8m.

Rugby

I

X7

MONTE CARLO MASTERS:

, R E R E D FE A K N I R WAW T BOW OU W

orld number two Roger Federer and defending champion Stan Wawrinka both suffered third-round defeats at the Monte Carlo Masters.

World number nine Wawrinka, the 2014 Australian Open champion, title. beat fellow Swiss Federer last year to win his first and only Masters 1000 . minutes 54 in Dimitrov 11 number world ’s Bulgaria to But he lost 6-1 6-2 the Monfils, Gael an Frenchm by (7-5) 7-6 6-4 beaten was Federer seed Second world number 18 and 14th seed.

It was a second consecutive win on clay for Monfils over the 17-time Grand Slam champion after his straight sets victory during last year’s Davis Cup final.

Federer, 33, four times a beaten finalist in this event, was competing for the first time since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Indian Wells final nearly four weeks ago.

He was broken in the ninth game of the first set and then en Cup triumphs, two Pro12 titles and a squandered a 5-3 lead in the second set tie-break, losing four European Challenge Cup success during successive points. his three seasons with the Irish province.

Wawrinka had won two of the previous three meetings with He then steered Ireland to the Six NaDimitrov, including a clay court encounter at the 2013 World Tour tions championship during his first 12 Masters in Madrid. months in charge in 2014 and his team But the 30-year-old Swiss made 41 unforced errors and had retained that title last month following a four winners against the ninth seed. just successful autumn campaign which inwas guilty of 13 of those unforced errors as Dimitrov raced He cluded wins over South Africa and Aus4-0 ahead, and failed to convert four break points in the sixth game tralia. of the second set.

Ireland look to extend Schmidt deal

rish rugby bosses have opened talks with Ireland coach Joe Schmidt with the aim of extending the New Zealander’s contract until the 2019 World Cup. Schmidt’s current Ireland deal expires at the end of next season.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) know that Schmidt, 49, is likely to be a man in demand after guiding Ireland to

Athletics

Eugene’s 2021 Worlds award ‘unfair’ –SAA

back-to-back Six Nations triumphs.

“We’re in discussions with Joe,” the IRFU chief executive Philip Browne told reporters.

“He’s just off the back of the Six Nations and he’s been away and I’m sure those discussions will come to some sort of conclusion over the next couple of months.”

Schmidt guided Leinster to two Heinek-

T

he decision to hand US city Eugene the 2021 World Athletics Championships was “unfair”, according to the Swedish Athletic Association (SAA).

It claims the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) was aware of its desire to host the championships in Gothenburg.

The IAAF bypassed the usual bidding procedure to name Eugene as hosts.

“This is not fair play - we were tak-

en by surprise,” said Swedish athletics’ general secretary Anders Albertsson.

The IAAF has been contacted for a response to the claims.

When asked whether Swedish Athletics was aware of a change to the bidding procedures, Albertsson added: “We’ve stated the question on numerous occasions and been told the normal procedure would be applied in 2021.”

According to Albertsson, the dead-

line to show official interest was April 2016, followed by a bid submitted in August before an announcement of the host in November.

The IAAF website has a section on the process for bidding for a World Athletics Championships, stating that a potential candidate should submit interest five years before the event.

“We told the IAAF of our intentions back in 2012 and then had a meeting with them when we hosted the Indoor Worlds in 2013. We wanted

to host the 2021 championships so it would coincide with the city’s 400th anniversary,” said Albertsson.

“We were preparing the documents for the political decisions that had to be made in Gothenburg. The federation and city put a lot of effort into the dream of hosting the championships.

“We congratulate Eugene - they will make an excellent hosts and there are no hard feelings. But we would have been happy to get to the starting line.”

X8

Friday, April 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME Wenger A rsene Wenger has criticised the timing of Arsenal’s FA Cup semi-final against Reading, with the Wembley tie clashing with Manchester United’s Premier League trip to Chelsea.

Arsenal and Reading kick off their semi-final 10 minutes before the high-profile league encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The decision to play the two games at almost the same time attracted criticism from Reading manager Steve Clarke, and opposite number Wenger has pointed to a “conflict of interests”

Oscar

shocked over FA Cup scheduling

between television companies.

The Frenchman, whose side are also involved in the title race, told reporters: “Something should be done about it.

“I am surprised that they did not analyse that in television deals.

“Basically what happens there is that two television channels who have paid a lot of money for football have conflicted interests in promoting games and that insider conflict shouldn’t happen.

“We would like it to be a unique competition that’s played, especially a semi-final or final, and you wouldn’t want it to be conflicting with other competitions.

“It’s a very big game at Chelsea. It’s a surprise to me.”

wary of Red Devils

Oscar

A

s Chelsea prepare to host Manchester United this weekend, midfielder Oscar is wary that Louis van Gaal’s inform visitors could derail team’s charge to Premier

Lahm

h i s League title.

Jose Mourinho’s men are seemingly destined to lift their first title in five years next month, enjoying a seven-point lead over Arsenal having played a game fewer than their London rivals.

But third-placed United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday on the back of six successive league victories, and Oscar is well aware of the threat posed by Van Gaal’s men.

“They were struggling in the beginning but they’ve shown a lot of improvements,” the Brazilian said.

“They are playing very well at the moment. One can see that Man United found their ideal starting XI and we will face a tough opponent this coming weekend.”

Although Chelsea look well placed to seal a third league crown under Mourinho, Oscar insists the race is not over yet.

“I wouldn’t go that far. It seems easy but it’s definitely not,” he added. “We will face Man United and then Arsenal. Those will be like two finals for us.

“After that we will have a clear idea on how close we are from the title. We will certainly fight until the end of the season.

But we hope we can be the champions as soon as possible.”

The form of Marouane Fellaini and exChelsea man Juan Mata have been two bright sparks in United’s recent run, but Oscar says their rivals have dangerous players all over the pitch.

M H LABAYERN

PLOTS

K C A B T FIGH BRIEF

Walcott

Wenger hopeful of Walcott stay Arsene Wenger is hopeful that Theo Walcott will remain at Arsenal amid reports the forward is set to begin contract talks. Walcott has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, with Liverpool among the clubs said to be interested in the England international. The 26-year-old last month rubbished talk of a bust-up with Wenger, but stated he had not yet entered negotiations over a new deal with just over a year remaining on his current contract.

P

hilipp Lahm believes it will be “tough, but not impossible” for Bayern Munich to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat at Porto.

Ricardo Quaresma struck twice in the first 10 minutes and Jackson Martinez was on target in the second half after Thiago Alcantara had pulled a goal back for the Bundesliga champions in their last-eight first-leg loss.

Bayern captain Lahm warned the Bavarian giants must not dwell on their surprise defeat at Estadio Do Dragao and stressed that all is not lost ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena next Tuesday.

“The team reacted well to the agony of going two down after 10 minutes. We could easily have lived with losing 2-1, but their third was a bad goal to concede and hurts us a bit.

“It makes it tough, but not impossible. But cursing our luck won’t help us now, we have to move on from here. Winning 2-0 or better at home is a possibility.

“Porto have a couple of important players like Alex Sandro and Danilo suspended for the return. We have to play our football, create chances by controlling possession and put them away. That would give us a very good chance,” he said.

Thomas Muller knows Bayern have given themselves a lot to do, but the Germany forward is also optimistic that they can move into the last four.

BRIEF

Guardiola

Porto quality no surprise to Guardiola Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola was unsurprised by Porto’s early pressure in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, conceding the match “did not go well” for his team. A brace from Ricardo Quaresma in the opening 10 minutes set up Porto’s surprise 3-1 victory on Wednesday.