Daily Times of Nigeria newspaper, January 2, 2015

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.15

Jonathan’s scorecard abysmal – Amaechi 6

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Baby Ogunnaike, first baby of the year, born at 12.01 a.m. at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, on Thursday.

Photo: Bolaji Olasunkanmi

My opponents are desperate, says president 6

Boko Haram hits Gombe church on new year’s day

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suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates of a church in Gombe city during a New Year service, wounding eight people, an official for Nigeria’s Red Cross told Reuters on Thursday.

“This morning while people were

in church for the New Year worship, a suicide attacker rode on a motorcycle trying to gain entrance to the premises of the church. When he was stopped at the gates by the church guards...he blew

INSIDE XT Exclusive

Tottenham tears Chelsea apart in EPL cracker

DROGBA

DIDIER DROGBA

Personal information Full name:

Tébily Didier Yves Drogba

Date of birth:

March, 11 1978 (age 36)

Place of birth:

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Height:

“I don’t say Didier was the greatest player I have worked with because I have had so many great players, but he was a great player, a great friend and somebody who will be part of my life forever. He would say the exact same about me. We created the kind of emotional links that are more than football.”

JOSE MOURINHO

1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)

Playing position: Striker Current team: Number:

Chelsea 11

Youth career 1989–1991: 1991–1993: 1993–1997: 1997–1998:

Abbeville Vannes Levallois Le Mans

Senior career 1998–2002: 2002–2003: 2003–2004: 2004–2012: 2012: 2013–2014:

Le Mans Guingamp Marseille Chelsea Shanghai Shenhua Galatasaray

2014–till date: Chelsea

National team 2002–2014:

Ivory Coast

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Pillars fire Ammani, 9 others

GOAL KING

ENYIMBA PLACES $1.2m PRICE TAG ON UDOH

X7

Murray beats Lopez in WTC opener

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Sportlitics

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

“I have won many trophies in my time, but nothing will ever top helping win the battle for peace in my country.”

Poster!

At last!

Emem Eduok Signs For Esperance X3

SOUTHAMPTON STUNS SHAKY GUNNERS

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Politics Page Three

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Editorial Call for violence-free elections

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s Nigerians prepare for the polls in February 2015, fears have continued to be expressed over the conduct of the elections. These fears are informed by the history of violence that always trails their outcome. Many a time, elections in country have been marred by vote rigging and other underhand manipulations by those charged with conducting them. Such fears are responsible for recent calls by prominent Nigerians on politicians to control their supporters before and after the poll, to nip any violence that may occur in the bud.

One of such Nigerians is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi. In an open letter to the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari respectively, Akinyemi recalled the conditions before the post-election violence of 2011. He raised the fears that what we witnessed in the past could be child’s play when compared with the already over-charged political atmosphere of the present times. He suggested a way out of the looming doom: The two presidential candidates should sign a Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) that will commit them to a civil and peaceful campaign, devoid of threats.

We are in support of Akinyemi that the elections should be held in

a violence-free atmosphere. There is no gainsaying that there are fears and apprehension on whether the country would remain one entity after the elections. This is predicated on provocative statements by politicians on both sides of the divide as well as alleged stockpiling of arms and ammunition as the nation approaches the 2015 election.

The 2008 vote was marred by skirmishes that left more than 200 people dead. Today, we are back at the same crossroads again, except that now is more precarious than the last time. We say this because of the very notorious prediction from United States semi-official sources that the world is expecting a cataclysmic meltdown of the Nigerian nation in 2015. Of course, most Nigerians have taken umbrage at this prediction for their country. But there are Nigerians who are indifferent to the outcome of this prediction.

That would be certainly living in fool’s paradise. Incidentally, the certainty of violence after the 2015 elections is higher than it was in 2011. This stems from the fear that if Jonathan wins, the North would erupt in violence as it did in 2011 and if Buhari wins, the Niger Delta may also go up in flames. That is why we are calling on all law enforcement agencies to live up to their responsibilities and check the activities of those people who are threatening to plunge the country into violence should results of the elections not favour them.

The effect of an explosive firework (Banger) on New Year Eve at Gaskiya College Road, Badia, Lagos…Yesterday.

RE: ‘Leadway’s assurance of controversy’ Right of reply Dear Sir, We refer to the above subject matter reported in the Daily Times of Nigeria newspaper of Wednesday December 31, 2014 by your correspondents alleging a default on the part of Leadway Assurance Company Limited (Leadway) to meet the obligations on a purported Policy under which a Mrs. Nike Oladunni Omorodion is claiming for the loss suffered following a fire damage to a property at 8 Aduke Close, Maryland, Lagos, which is NOT the property insured by us.

For clarity, we confirm that: 1. A Mrs. Oladunni Olunike Morenike is our insured, not “Mrs. Nike Oladunni Omorodion” and we are aware she suffered fire damage to a property at 8 Aduke Close, Maryland, Lagos which is NOT the insured property.

2. The property she insured with us is another property at 5 Olaperi Street, Shonibare Estate, Maryland, Lagos.

4. The relationship with the Insured was effected through Standard Chartered Bank as one of our sales outlets and the insurance application form (which forms the basis of insurance) did indicate the address as 5, Olaperi Street, Shonibare Estate, Lagos and NOT 8, Aduke Close, Maryland, Lagos.

It is a misrepresentation of facts and an unwarranted attempt at intimidation by the insured with the aim of obtaining, fraudulently from us, a claim on uninsured property.

3. The property insured with us has not been affected by fire and is the subject matter of insurance. You are free to visit the said property.

Yours faithfully, LEADWAY ASSURANCE CO~ANY LIMITED Sunday Oroleke Company Secretary

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head, Sales & Marketing

Managing Editor

Head of Operations

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Chinua Achebe

Goodluck Jonathan

Arthur C Clarke

Editor

Online Editor

Head Graphics

Deputy Editor

Business Editor

Deputy Head Graphics

When old people speak, it is not because of the sweetness of words in our mouths; it is because we see something which you do not see

“If you mean well for the country, the country is nobody’s personal estate.

If the people want you to serve, you serve. If they don’t want you, you leave.”

A sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic

Noel Anosike

Gabriella Osamor Yinka Olujimi Yemi Ogunsola

Bisi Abidoye

Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Moses Ebong

King Ododoru

Afeez Odeseye

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

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2014

5 News

I paid my tax under PAYEE ...Abia PDP gov candidate replies critics Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, on Thursday responded to publications in some media that he did not pay his tax, stating that he paid it under Pay-As-You -Earn system.

Addressing newsmen in Umuahia, Dr. Ikpeazu said he has been around government job for over 12 years, even as Abia State Passenger Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme for four years and as the Assistant General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency in charge of Aba area.

Ikpeazu disclosed that every public servant pays tax through PAYEE which is a compulsory deduction upon payment of salaries.

Some people, he said imported what they thought was a tax paper of one Chief Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu,

Ndoma Egba surrenders, urges supporters to sheath swords Akra Ubong, Calabar

ÏÏÏOwing

to his recent defeat at the Senatorial Primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba has urged his supporters to sheath their swords and work towards the advancement of democracy in the country.

It would be recalled that the Ndoma-Egba who currently represents Cross River Central Senatorial district at the Upper chambers of the National Assembly lost to member representing Etung/Obu-

who is a businessman and comes from Obingwa as Dr Ikpeazu that did not pay tax.

His critics, he said had brought the matter before an Abuja High Court, but unknown to them, he had a complete tax document which he presented to the court, leading to the award of costs against t hem upon withdrawal of the matter.

He described himself as credible having made 172 political speeches while consulting with more than 48 elders before coming out to contest.

He described his opponents as having preconceived motive against others, stating that he is in the race to consolidate the achievements of Gov. Theodore Orji as well as taking the state to higher level.

Ikpeazu who claimed that he did not doctor his Doctorate degree and operates from his Umuobiakwa in Obingwa country home, said that there is a lot of hypocrisy in politics.

Navy rescues foreigners abducted by colleagues in Delta Emmanuel Addeh, Warri

ÏÏÏIn a twist to cases of

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Godswill Akpabio (left), presenting 2015 Budget Proposal to the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon, in Akwa Ibom, recently.

Fashola’s wife calls for improvement in the health sector Lara Adejoro

ÏÏÏWife bra federal constituency, Hon. John Owan-Enoh in the PDP primaries held in December.

Despite losing his reelection bid, Ndoma-Egba, in a statement made available to Daily Times in Calabar on Thursday, said he will continue to play leadership role in a manner that would attract dividends of democracy to the people of his constituency and the country at large.

The statement which was signed by DirectorGeneral of his campaign organization, Mr. Ernest Irek stressed that “despite the grueling campaign by the leadership of the Cross River state PDP against the Senate leader`s wish through a faulty process which took place last month, it became absolutely necessary for the Senate Leader and his teeming supporters to sheath their sword for peace to reign.

of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, has charged stakeholders in the health sector in the state to continue improvement in the sector.

Mrs Fashola made the call on Thursday on the occasion of her visit to public hospitals in the state to welcome the first baby of the year 2015.

Expressing her heartfelt appreciation to the management and staff of

the three hospitals visited for their commitment to the successful implementation of the various reforms in the health sector in the past years, the First lady however urged them “to keep up the good work and not to rest on your laurels, as there will always be room for improvement.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, called for an end to rivalry in the health sector.

“The fact is that we have

challenges in the health sector nationally but we need to work together as a team. We can’t do it alone.

The doctors, the nurses, the pharmacists, laboratory scientists and others need to come together and work as a team” Idris said However, baby Onyejieke born at exactly 12:01am to Mrs Ogechukwu Onyejieke emerged the winner of the baby of the year.

Baby Onyejieke who weighed 2.5kg was born on a normal delivery.

Two remanded over murder, kidnap of German expatriates ÏÏÏAn

Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded two persons in prison over the alleged murder of a German expatriate and the kidnap of another.

The Prosecuting Counsel, Mrs Gloria Nyang, alleged that the accused, Umaru Ibrahim, 33, and Saidu Mu-

hammed, 30, committed the offences on Oct. 24 at Ogbere, Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun.

She said the accused conspired to cause the death of one Frank Sieberg in the attempt to kidnap him and another victim, Walter Limbacher.

The expatriates were both

employees of Julius Berger Construction Company.

Nyang said that the offences contravened sections 516, 364 (2) and 316 (3) of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The accused persons had no fixed address, occupation and counsel while their pleas were not taken by the court.

kidnapping in the waterways of the Niger Delta, two foreigners, Canon Didier, a German, and Henry Roussel, a Belgian who allegedly abducted their co-workers for a ransom, have been apprehended by the Nigerian Navy.

The Navy also rescued their victims identified as Radu, a Romanian and Sergei, Captain and Chief Engineer respectively, who were working aboard a Panamanian vessel, MT Equinox, at a tank farm in Sapele, Delta state.

Daily Times learnt that Didier and Roussel, the suspects, seized their victims and held them captive in a popular hotel in Warri for over two weeks, with the intent of collecting a huge ransom.

The hostages were reportedly working on a lease contract for Ringadas Oil Company, operators of the Sapele tank farm where they were forcibly taken away.

It would arguably be the first time foriegners had been complicit in the abduction of oil workers in the Niger Delta as accusing fingers had always been pointed in the direction of militants and unemployed Niger Delta youths.

Uduaghan

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Suicide bomber hits Gombe church Continued from page 1

Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Church, Paul Enenche; and his wife, Becky, welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan to the new year day church service at Dunamis International Gospel church in Area 1, Abuja on Thursday.

‘Jonathan’s scorecard is abysmal’ Idu Jude, Abuja

R

IVERS State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has described the performance of the Goodluck Jonathan administration as extremely poor.

He also accuses the Jonathan administration of seeking to profit from the success stories of other people.

Questioning the scorecard of the administration, the governor told the Daily Times that the “PDP’s scorecard is abysmal and leaves much to be desired Amaechi, who is also the Director General of the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, made the statement in reaction to a statement by the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Mu’azu had, while faulting scathing criticisms of the Jonathan administration by the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the five former PDP Governors who are joining the opposition to criticize the ruling party share in the success and failure stories of his party.

Muazu had in a press statement accused the APC of elevating propa-

ganda to an art, to win people’s sympathy in the coming election. The statement was signed by Mu’azu’s Chief Press Secretary, Chief Tony Amadi.

In it, the PDP chairman said: “There is no need to spin and manufacture propaganda to win elections because the PDP has done a lot to deserve reelection of the President in the 2015 elections next month.”

According to him, APC is spinning out of control and has succeeded in elevating propaganda into an art form.

He stated further: “All the People’s Democratic Party has to do is state the facts of our achievements on the ground over and over as they stand because Nigerian voters are not dumb or silly. They know that propaganda don’t win you votes, they only complicate matters because sooner rather than later, their propaganda and lies will fall flat on their faces.”

Mu’azu continued: “The Nigerian electorate know that leopards don’t change their skins overnight. The change Nigerians need is a change in their standard of living, transformation of the basic infrastructure to better roads, better bridges, and better educa-

tion standard, better management of the economy as well as better health infrastructure which make us a better country and not change to a political party just to achieve their personal desires”.

He noted that the APC politicians, who consistently point accusing fingers at the PDP for allegedly failing to make a difference in the governance of Nigeria over the past 15 years, share more of the blame for the socalled “incompetence and cluelessness.”

“This is because as they point one finger at the PDP, four of their fingers are pointing back at their APC,” he said.

“How can the gang of five governors who left the PDP in 2013 extricate themselves from those accusations when they were all part of the decision making organs of the party? For the better part of the eight or four years they governed Rivers, Sokoto, Kano, Adamawa and Kwara, they executed PDP manifesto before they decamped to join the All Progressive Congress where they have continued to execute PDP blue print for success.

“Nigerians should ask Governor Amechi if he has executed any other

manifesto other than those of the PDP even after he left the party. Ask Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso whether his infrastructural successes were not planned by PDP government that he headed in Kano state? Has Sokoto’s Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko done any work that was not originated by the PDP government through which he came to power?”

In reaction, Amaechi told the PDP chairman not to seek to profit from the hard work and success of others.

In a telephone text conversation with the Daily Times last night, the Rivers State’s Commissioner for Information, Ibim Semenitari, declared: “It is unfortunate that Mr Mua’zu doesn’t know that governance is about the passion and vision of the chief executive.

She added: “Rather than try to glory on other people’s successes, the PDP should prove itself by showcasing the scorecard of its flagbearer and party leader, Mr President and his ministers with a 50 percent depreciation of the Naira and an economy on a free-fall, PDP’s scorecard is abysmal and leaves much to be desired.”

himself up and injured eight people,” the official said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

It was the second attack in two days in state capital and the fourth attack in two months. The city’s military barracks were attacked by a suicide bomber on New Year’s Eve. A suspected suicide bomb had on Wednesday gone off in an open-air recreational area at a military barracks in the city, a security source and a local journalist at the scene told Reuters.

The journalist, David Hassan, said he believed there were fatalities but did not have details.

A source from within the barracks said the bomber arrived at the Mammy Market area of the compound, where soldiers go to eat and drink after hours, on a threewheel motorcycle.

The area is usually busy with people, especially on New Year’s Eve. There were no immediate claims of responsibility.

A suicide bomb also went off in a bus in Yobe State earlier on Wednesday, in which at least six people were killed, according to a witness.

President: My opponents are desperate ÏÏÏ“IT’S an election year.

Some people don’t mind burning the country to achieve their aim. I insist we must have a country and the people first before we can rule. I pray God gives us, the politicians, the wisdom to exercise decorum in our campaign.”

With those words, President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday accused some of his political opponents of adopting desperate tactics to wrest power from him.

He also disclosed his new year action plan to include tackling the major issues that disturb Nigerians.

The President, who spoke at a New Year special service held at the Dunamis International Church in Abuja, admitted that corruption, insurgency and slump in oil prices were the major challenges Nigerians are currently most concerned about.

On corruption, he said the battle goes beyond arresting suspects and showing them on television, adding that in the new year his administration will concern itself with building institutions and strengthening existing ones so that the system can on its own deal with the issue of containing the scourge.

President Jonathan also

pledged that in the new year, government would redouble its efforts in the battle against the Boko Haram sect, adding that with the same level of unity of purpose, the country would deal with insurgency the same way it chased ebola away.

He said: “The issues that disturb Nigerians most are terrorism, corruption, slump in oil prices.

“We are coming up with different plans to tackle slump in oil price and corruption. It’s about having a plan and strengthening the institution and system in such a way anyone who soils is hand is dealt with by the system. It’s not just about arresting people and showing them on TV.” He continued: “There are a lot of conspiracies that the country is facing, both internal and external. But I am assuring you that like ebola, we will defeat terrorism. “ The President thanked the congregation and other Nigerians for their prayers which he said were responsible for the relatively calm and peaceful festive period.

He noted that aside the prayers, government also put a lot measures in place to ensure Nigerians were not exposed to danger during the yuletide.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Weekend Starter

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I was no scheming, back-stabbing editor Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former Governor of Ogun State, has not always been a politician.

Renowned as one of Nigeria’s best reporters, editors and media managers – in that order – Osoba tells TAYO ADELAJA about his growing-up years, his exploits in the journalism profession and explains some of the controversies that have been associated with his name in the industry. Excerpts

When and where are you born?

I was born in Osogbo and I grew up in Osogbo. My father was one of the people that developed Egbatedo (Egba’s quarters) in Osogbo. My father’s house is still there to date. Sunny Ade grew up in my mother’s hand and that is why we’re very close.

He and my brother went to the same primary school. I was born on July 15, 1939.

I used to read star predictions but I don’t believe in horoscopes.

I love arts and I used to collect art works until people started saying that I am worshipping idols. There were rumours when I became governor that I had a place dedicated for the idols and that I worshipped the deities because of my love for artefacts.

That made me dispose of all of the artefacts. I gave almost all of them out to people.

When I grew up in Osogbo, my father used to buy Akede Eko, a Yoruba newspaper that summarised the weekly events. It was a weekly paper and very famous in the 40’s. It was then that I imbibed the culture of reading newspapers. It was there that I got my initial non-conventional training as a journalist. The Editor was the father of Isaac Thomas, my colleague at the Daily Times.

I was at the African Church School, Osogbo. I went to the Apostolic Teachers Training School, Ilesha, but I was kicked out for being too short. When the Inspector saw me, he said I was too young to be a teacher be-

The untold story of Daily Times, The Sketch, The Herald, and coup

Osoba cause of my height. My uncle then, the famous Apostle Joseph Babalola of CAC took me to the Teacher Training School. I used to spend my holidays with him at Efon-Alaye in those days. I had to move to Lagos and had to sit for entrance examination into Methodist Boys High School, Lagos.

After leaving school, I was on the staff of the Lagos City Council as a Building Inspector. We were trained for few weeks in Inspectorate education. At that time, there was serious evaluation of construction sites. No cases of building collapse.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Osoba’s Background ÏÏÏ Date of Birth: July 15, 1939 ÏÏÏ Place of Birth: Osogbo, Osun state ÏÏÏ Education: African Church School, Osogbo. Apostolic Teachers training School, Ilesha.

Methodist Boys High School, Lagos

Weekend Starter 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

‘My first face-to-face contact with corruption’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

How did you find the job and why did you quit it eventually?

I ran away because the place was loaded with corruption.

At that time, Lagos did not go beyond Apapa Road. All the areas of Iganmu and Western Road were swampy and bushy.

Ojuelegba didn’t go beyond Yaba.

Then, people used to construct buildings that we referred to as contravention once they didn’t have building approvals. The corruption then was to close your eyes for a fee and allow the people to contravene.

My first terrible experience was when my boss took me around and asked us to close our eyes when somebody was constructing a house at Iganmu.

Our senior bosses also had informants who gave them information about such building. The following week, I was asked to lead a team that would demolish the building. It pricked my conscience and I told my boss that I wanted to leave the job.

He didn’t agree but posted me to another unit where I was to inspect buildings at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Modupe Johnson, and those LSDPC buildings that were built to specification. I inspected the house of the late Peter Obe, the ace photographer. As building inspector, I would just get to the site and perform my duties.

Then, they would even leave some money for the Inspectors but I didn’t collect such money.

As a result of the corruption, I not comfortable with the place anymore, I opted for my A levels. Within a year, I made my three papers. After my A levels, I was to go into university when Alhaji Jose asked me to come for holiday job in Daily Times. I was then offered employment in Daily Times on June 8, 1964 and that was the turning point in my life. I resigned from the Lagos City Council and joined Daily Times 50 years ago.

How did you meet Alhaji Jose?

My guardian that I lived with in Apongbon, Alhaji A.K. Aimakanju was his cousin.

Alhaji Jose usually brought the first edition of the paper to our house. He offered me a holiday job. With the publication of my first story, I was offered employment and sent to the training school under an expatriate from the UK’s Daily Mirror.

When Awolowo came out from prison, he told me how he kept sending messages to them not to boycott that election.

So you preferred the Daily Times job to that of the Lagos State Council?

When I was at the Methodist Boys High School, I was involved in the school’s magazine called Magnet. I imbibed the rudiment of journalism from there, as I used to write and edit. I also wrote letters to the editors on issues even before I joined Daily Times. I had interest of a kind in journalism even though my interest was to read Law. That interest was truncated by Alhaji Jose deliberately. Within my first six months in Daily Times, he told me not to go for Law but immediately sent me to the University of Lagos to go for a session course in journalism sponsored by the International Press Institute (IPI) in collaboration with UNILAG. IPI had a school of journalism in Kenya, two expatriates were sent down to UNILAG to train journalists.

I was picked by Alhaji Jose as a cub reporter with experienced journalists for the programme.

When I came back, within a year and half, I was sent to UK for a session at the Commonwealth Press Union. That changed my life and made me to devote my life to journalism.

Which beat did you cover when you started journalism?

In our days, we started with what we called Police report as we used to go to the Police station every morning. They used to have overnight report of cases, so I started with crime reporting. From crime reporting to magistrate’s court, and then to high court and within a year I was moved to the parliament.

In my time, you had to graduate as a reporter from a stage to another.

I covered the parliament in my first year in journalism at the Tafawa Balewa where I had close interaction with the likes of Maitama Sule, one of the youngest ministers then; Chief Okotie Eboh, Matthew Mbu, Tafawa Balewa, Adeniran Ogunsanya and so many parliamentarians and ministers. From the parliament, I was posted to the political desk. I was fortunate to cover the likes of President Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sardauna of Sokoto and Obafemi Awolowo before the coup of 1966.

What about the emergency years? What was your level of participation as a journalist?

Full participation! As a young

Who then gave them the authority to boycott the election since Awolowo as the leader was not in support of it?

Adegbenro was the party leader at that time. Awolowo was in jail. It was an agreement between Adegbenro and Opara.

Osoba

“The corruption then was to close your eyes for a fee and allow the people to contravene”

reporter, during the 1964 federal election I was posted to Ogbomoso to cover S.L. Akintola, the then Premier and Dr Christopher Adeoye who was also from Ogbomoso and contesting under the banner of the Action Group.

Interestingly, I went to stay with Dr Adeoye because I had my leaning towards Action Group.

Then, they had UPGA (United Progressives Grand Alliance), an alliance between NCNC and AG. Suddenly, they decided to boycott the 1964 election. I argued with him not to boycott it, but he had to obey the party’s instruction.

In the West, there was total boycott. Opara and co in the East went ahead with the election.

That was the beginning of the first crisis in Nigeria because the minority that did not have the support of the people became parliamentarians in the West.

Awolowo was then in prison.

As a reporter then, were you involved in any lifethreatening situation or dangerous assignment during the crisis?

The real crisis started after the Western region election in 1965 when the NNDP called Demo massively rigged the election. I was posted to Abeokuta. I stayed with Soji Odunjo the son of late J. F. Odunjo the man who wrote Alawiye. I stayed with him in Ibara, Abeokuta. It was my first experience of deep investigative journalism.

We linked up with the Police. Then, we had the Post and Telegraph department (P & T), it was the period of analog telephone system. There was one district officer in Abeokuta called Justin. The Premier, the late Akintola, used to call him Justin. Akintola gave Justin instruction on what to do and how to rig the election. Anytime Akintola called Justin, the people at the exchange would linked me up with the telephone at Soji Odunjo’s house and I would listen to all their conversations as if it were a conference call. Then, I eavesdropped on the Premier’s conversation and I knew all their game plans.

I was involved in that election in which the NNDP rigged against the wishes of the masses and that led to the major crisis in the Western region then, which led to the popular Operation We ti e.

How did you secure the confidence of staff at the P & T? Chief Kehinde is still alive, though an old man now. He can bear witness to some of these facts. Daily Times at that time was a very deep paper that ensured that its reports were concise and first class. For me, I didn’t drink and I didn’t smoke but I socialised a lot.

That helped me a lot during my days as a reporter. It made me to become close to a lot of people who would see me and say, ‘Ah, CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Daily Times reporter!’ I gave them my telephone number and they easily linked up with me.

More so, they approached Action Group because they were not happy with what was happening in the society as at then. There was massive support for Action Group from the public servants against the DEMO people.

9 Weekend Starter

How I became editor of Daily Times ... The true story

How did you come by a personal telephone as at that time?

I’m a communication man.

Ask any of my friends, if you phone me even as a governor, I will return your calls. Even now, if you call and I miss your call, I will call you back. The awareness has been with me for a long time. I have deep interest in Communication a long time ago.

Moreso, as a media man, I saw it as a tool to enhance my job then. It was a novelty then but I applied and got a phone because I saw it as a young reporter that I needed it. I got my telephone in my first year as a reporter.

At a point in time, Alhaji Jose made me a reporter at large, no specific beat because he discovered that I was a mobile person.

Then, I bought a Vespa which was like a car. Then, I developed my contacts and nurtured them.

There were stories that you were possibly the only reporter with a telephone in the whole country.

Yes, I was living in a room with a telephone. The number is 3003. I was fortunate.

Does it not show that you were a rich reporter as at that time? Does that mean that the brown envelope syndrome assisted you in being a rich reporter?

I won’t say that I was rich but I was a comfortable reporter. In our days, if you were enterprising, you would make more than your salary. Though there were brown envelopes as at then but my colleagues will tell you that I abhored brown envelope. There was an election into NUJ Presidency, I led the campaign against the man who was the master collector of brown envelope and we brought up a dark horse in the person of late Mike Pearse who just came from Kaduna to Lagos. He defeated the man who had been in Lagos because we supported him, we strongly campaigned against the idea of brown envelope. We used that to campaign against him as the man was called, “Baba brown envelope”. Mike Pearse, an underdog who came from New Nigeria, Kaduna, won that election and became the National

Obasanjo President.

I can speak confidently that despite the fact that there were brown envelopes then, from Sardauna to Okotie Eboh, Awolowo, Azikiwe, Balewa and so many others, as close as I was to them, I never asked them for any favour or help because we were trained by Alhaji Jose to be confident and professional about our job. If you are good on a job, you will be comfortable.

He had a system of giving you bonus if you had good stories.

I was getting a lot of scoops and exclusive stories, so I was getting a lot of bonuses. Every week, we had a pink sheet, it was our claims sheet. Every Friday, based on our performance, the editor would approve it. So, we had extra money in our pockets for the weekend.

As time went on, apart from my job at Daily Times, I was correspondent for the BBC, American Associated Press and Newsweek, and I was making foreign exchange from these areas. I wrote to Daily Times to take permission before embarking on it. What I was giving to those organisations was not in conflict with my work in DAILY TIMES. Alhaji Jose encouraged me and others to grow unfettered using our abilities and talents.

How did you become the editor of Daily Times?

It was on the day of a coup.

I got a call from my military friends that I should put on my radio. As I turned it on, I heard General Joe Garba announcing the overthrow of Gen. Gowon.

Tried to stop Osoba’s job at Sketch newspapers

I quickly dressed up and went straight to the office. I was the first to get to the office around 6.30am. Alhaji Jose came in shortly after from Ikoyi. Then, I was Deputy Editor to Areoye Oyebola. Alhaji Jose and I started working on the production of the paper for the day. We had Evening Times at that time.

I was monitoring the radio while Alhaji Jose was editing and casting the headlines. By the time we were about finishing production, Oyebola came in and Alhaji Jose was already furious and bitter. When Oyebola greeted him, Jose didn’t answer, and by 12.30pm to 1.00pm we were through with the production. I went back home after the production to eat and take my bath.

All telephone exchanges on the island were cut off, while tele-

phones exchanges in other part of the country were working.

Then I contacted General Abisoye who was my source, I now had his permission to reveal my source of information at that time. He was at Army Barracks, Yaba and he told me that he had just returned from a meeting of top Army officers in Dodan Barracks. He asked me to meet him.

I drove immediately to his house in Army Barracks Yaba.

He told me the story of what had happened, that all the Service Chiefs and the head of Police, the Chief of Staff and his deputy had been dismissed.

He then joked that you people in Daily Times have been harassing Gen Murtala. He has now been appointed as the new CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Weekend Starter 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

How Obasanjo tried to stop my job in Sketch newspapers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Head of State, go and face him now. Before the appointment, Murtala was the Minister of Communication. He had just awarded a contract of ITT to Chief Abiola. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, one Chief Akindele had written in opposition to the contract; that the Minister exceeded his power.

Those were the days of courageous civil servants. He stated that the Minister awarded the contract without going through the normal channel. He awarded the contract not because he was corrupt but because he wanted things to move fast.

General Abisoye was Minister of Health, General Obasanjo was Minister of Works, while Papa Edwin Clark was in charge of Information. I was worried and I asked him how much of the information he gave me I could use. He told me that I should use my discretion. He however promised that if I ran into trouble, he would stand by me.

I left his house around 5.30pm. I drove back to the office but met an empty office as the editor had dismissed everybody on the excuse that there was curfew and that everybody should go home before the curfew started. By the time I got to the office, the curfew had started and there was no way I could contact anybody.

All around Kakawa were heavily armed and fierce-looking military men. On the island, the telephone had been cut-off. I was in a dilemma. In Lagos, night clubs were still running but once you were inside a club house, you couldn’t go out again. Then, I remember during the civil war how as a young reporter despite the permanent curfew we were able to move around. What we did then was to go along with copies of our papers. Whenever we got to a check point, we would give copies to the soldiers, they would hail us and allow us passage. We were given exemption. I went to the production room and collected about 50 copies of the paper and started giving it to the soldiers.

At that time, Alhaji Jose as the Managing Director was also the Editorial Director; that is, the Editor In Chief. He used to meet with all of us every Monday so we had direct access to him. I decided that the best option was to drive from Kakawa to Ikoyi to take his permission to change the front page of the paper.

When I got there, I told him that

this is the story I have from a reliable source. Then, I couldn’t tell him my source. Later before he died, I did tell him my source because General Abisoye had given me permission to do so.

When he heard the news, Alhaji Jose followed me back to the office, and we both worked on the story. As the lead story, my story was full. The following day, because there was tension in the country, around 9am or so when Murtala came on air as the new Head of State. What we had before then was just the Joe Garba statement. It would have been terrible if we did not publish the story because the curfew was only in Lagos. At Ibadan, there was Sketch, Observer in Benin, Chronicle in Calabar, Tide in Port Harcourt, Star in Enugu, Herald in Ilorin, New Nigeria in Kaduna.

All the other papers published the broadcast of Murtala, what that means is that if I hadn’t gone back to the office, Daily Times would not have published the Murtala story. The extract I got from General Abisoye made our story juicier and bigger than the other media houses. We didn’t finish production until 4am. We slept in the office because it was too late for us to go home. We had to wait until after the curfew before I could go home the following day. That led to Alhaji Jose calling the Board of Directors which led to the change.

But your predecessor has always accused you of stabbing him in the back It is a good excuse for him. The problem with him is that he did not have the practical knowledge of newspapering. If he did, he would not have ordered that the paper should be closed during that period. I will give you an example. The first day I discovered Tafawa Balewa’s body, I went to Peter Enahoro’s house but he had gone out. I kept the story till the following day, Saturday morning, to give to Peter Ochuko who was the Acting Sunday Editor. Alhaji Jose told me then as a young reporter in 1966 that when I didn’t see my editor, why didn’t I come to him as the Editorial Director who would have decided what to do with the story.

He ordered me to go back to the site where I saw the corpse with Peter Obe but on getting there, the corpse had been evacuated.

Secondly, the practice in Daily Times was that there was always a Night Editor with a reporter.

I used to sleep in the office with someone from the sub desk dur-

paring for the day’s work when it was announced on the radio that I had been appointed as the General Manager of Herald.

I went with my wife the following day. I was not happy but I had to go. It was my first major experience in newspaper management. As God would have it, Peter Ajayi and I were able to turn it around. It became a serious challenge for other newspapers. We made a success of Herald.

Obasanjo ing the war to cover events that might happen at night.

I and Idowu Sobowale were used to staying back to cover events which was the way we were able to get exclusives those days. An example was the Dick Tiger fight that we volunteered to stay back and it fell around 4am Nigerian time, our paper was the only paper that carried the story. I was surprised that people who were experienced in newspapering, like Mike Alabi, Aofolaju, Chief Ola and others agreed with the editor to close the paper when the normal practice was that some people should stay behind to monitor events.

Lade Bonuola is still alive, he went to the Human Resources Director to make fund available so that they could buy snacks and some people could stay behind. The man said he couldn’t overrule the editor’s decision.

Bonuola as a season journalist

at the sub desk was wondering how an editor could order the newspaper shut. It shows that he lacked experience. If he said betrayal, he should have attributed it to his inadequacies and inexperience. He was advised but he refused to heed advice. I became editor after that incident.

How did you become the Managing Editor of Herald?

As a result of my appointment, there was crisis in Daily Times. I had a friend then, S. B. Awoniyi who called me and said if there is crisis over your appointment why not leave the paper and help us to revive Herald?

I told him that I could not leave Daily Times in crisis; it would be as if I was abandoning the ship.

More so, I was reluctant because I could not imagine a sociable person like me going to live in Ilorin, a semi-rural capital. I was at an editorial conference pre-

“That was how an editor sacked in the morning was returned to his post before nightfall”

How did you leave Herald?

Col. Taiwo gave us free hand but when Major Inih came in, he wanted to be editing the paper.

He was meddling in the editorial affairs. One day, he sacked the editor, Peter Ajayi because he said that we were not from Kwara. He had forgotten that my mother was from Kwara. Since I was on secondment, I called Lagos that I was returning to Daily Times. Obasanjo got wind of the story, and he ordered him to return the editor. That was how an editor sacked in the morning was returned to his post before nightfall. Eventually, he was sacked and Peter took them to court. I, as the GM, gave evidence against my company that he did nothing to deserve the sack. The late Justice Kawu gave judgement in favour of Peter.

I decided after the case to leave Herald and return to Daily Times. Dele Cole was in charge then, they could not find a suitable place to fix me, Alex Ibru and I decided to start work on The Guardian. Before The Guardian came out, there was vacancy in Sketch, I applied and got the job. Before getting to Sketch, there was crisis as I was touted as Awolowo’s boy.

Obasanjo stopped the job, but unfortunately for him, Awolowo’s party won the three states that controlled Sketch and as they were sworn in, I was asked to resume based on my earlier letter of appointment.

The saying in some quarters is that you thrive in crisis and that people are not surprised about the crisis in APC in Ogun?

A successful life is full of ups and down. The top of the mountain and the valley. Ebenezer Obey summarises it that it can’t be sunny all the time, there will be cloud. No matter how beautiful your life is, there will be time for sorrow. Life is dynamic. A successful man must go through fire, must go through crisis,

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

11 News

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (right), Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu (2nd right), All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left) and Managing Director, Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), Mr. George Noah (left) during the grand finale of the 2014 Count Down at the Bar Beach, Lagos, on Thursday.

Killings in PDP forced me out –former ACN scribe Eno-Obong Okon, Uyo

ÏÏÏFormer

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Publicity Secretary, Mr. Thomas Akpan, has said that the unprecedented killings in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prior to 2011 elections in Akwa Ibom State led to his defection to the defunct ACN. Akpan, who recently defected back to PDP, said he dumped the opposition because he no longer had the strength to fight the ruling party.

Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday during a press conference organised by

Groups may dump Ogun PDP Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏAnother

faction of the Ogun State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imole group, led by the former Deputy Governor of the State, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye, yesterday threatened to dump the umbrella Party if the national working committee (NWC) of

Akwa Ibom Democratic Alliance, he stated that five prominent people were killed in his own local government area of Ibesikpo/ Asutan before the 2011 elections in the state.

“I left the Peoples Democratic Party for the then Action Congress of Nigeria because of unprecedented killings prior to the 2011 election.

“In my own local government area of Ibesikpo/Asutan, five prominent persons were killed. I thought we could win election under the opposition so that we could correct the anomaly then.” the party failed to accede to their demands.

The threat is coming barely 48 hours after three groups within the Party in Ogun State reportedly dumped the umbrella party for the Social Democratic Party, SDP. The group which claims to have about 150,000 members threatened that it would dump the PDP for another party if the leadership of the PDP fails to honour the agreement it had reached with it while joining the party on October 2013.

Boat owners, JTF, raise task force against oil theft, piracy Akam James, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏBoat owners and driv-

ers in Bayelsa State on Thursday unveiled a security partnership with the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) code-named Operation Pulo Shield , just as they set up a special task force to identify and assist security agents arrest suspected sea pirates and illegal oil bunkerers in the state.

The partnership between the maritime workers under the aegis of the Maritime Workers Union (MWU) will witness exchange of intelligence information, en-

gagement of unemployed Youths by the task force and campaign in coastal communities against illicit arms dealing and other violent crimes.

Chairman of the MWU, Lloyd Sese, while addressing newsmen in Yenagoa, said the partnership with the JTF and the setting up of the Maritime Task Force will commence in January with a call on youths involved in illicit activities along the waterways and creeks of the state to drop their arms and embrace the task force programme.

He also said the program

would afford youths the opportunity to help security operatives in the state to curb the activities of sea pirates and crude oil bunkerers that are crippling the economy of the state.

“I want to call on all the youths involved in sea piracy to drop their arms and work with security agents in the state to ensure safe maritime transportation. In this age, the society is free for everybody that wishes the good things of life to achieve them, so I want to call on them to drop their arms and leave the creeks and do something meaningful with

their live.”

“In January 2015 we intend to set up a special maritime task force to help security agents to combat sea pirate activities and many of our youths would through this programme be gainfully employed. I want them to abandon sea piracy and embrace the various skill acquisition programmes the government intends to provide.

Comrade Sese also commended the commander of JTF, Major General E. J Atewe for effectively providing security for travellers in the water ways during the yuletide period.

Female worker alleges assault by Ondo official Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏA

top official of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), has been accused of assaulting a female worker, Funmilola Alao- Kawbe, over a wage dispute.

The victim, amidst tears, told Daily Times that trouble started when she called the

official to complain about her wage increase.

Alao-kwabe said, “Our salary was increased and I noticed an injustice in the increment. They increased salaries of workers below me to N40, 000 while mine was increased to N42, 000; that is just N2000 naira difference. I called the chairman and com-

plained …. I even sent him a text message after which he called me for a discussion.”

The lady, who claimed to be the manager in charge of maintenance in the agency, said in the course of discussion, she was ordered out of the office by the official. This she said led to a fracas.

She said: “He invited me

down to his office and asked why I sent him such text message. I explained the reasons to him but instead of listening properly to me he was flexing muscles. In the thick of the ensuing argument, a young lady walked into the office probably to know what was happening, but I sent her out immediately.”

Africa12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 2, 2015

Egypt court orders retrial of al-Jazeera journalists ÏÏÏEgypt’s

top court has ordered a retrial of three alJazeera journalists jailed on charges of spreading false news.

The decision was made after the hearing in Cairo of an appeal by the three, Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, against their conviction.

Prosecutors acknowledged major problems with the verdict, defence lawyers said. A new trial will occur within a month but the trio must stay in custody.

Al-Jazeera called on the authorities to release its journalists quickly.

United Nations peace keepers record details of weapons recovered from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda militants after their surrender in Kateku,in Democratic Republic of Congo, recently.

Libya unrest: Gaddafi’s ex-aide accuses West ÏÏÏThe West bears a portion

of the blame for the ongoing unrest in Libya, where rival militias are locked in a heightened power struggle, according to a former close aide of the slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

“The West offered financial and military assistance to militants during their war to oust the Gaddafi regime.

They later used this assistance to turn whole towns in Libya into strongholds of terrorists,” Ahmed Gaddaf al-Dam, a cousin of Gaddafi, told dpa in Cairo.

Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for more than 40 years, was deposed in 2011 in a Nato-supported armed revolt. He was later caught and killed by rebels in his hometown of Sirte.

Libya has in recent months seen its worst violence since Gaddafi’s overthrow, amid international fears that the oil-rich country is sliding into chaos.

Former rebels, who participated in the anti-Gaddafi uprising, are battling each other, mainly for control of oil facilities in eastern Libya.

Libya has two rival parliaments and two governments at present.

“The country now has no army or police. Weapons are in everyone’s hands, and the big loser is Libya,” Gaddaf al-Dam, said.

“The size of weapons available now far exceeds those left behind from the Gaddafi era.”

Gaddaf al-Dam, 64, served as a co-ordinator for Egyptian-Libyan relations under Gaddafi.

Last year, an Egyptian court refused to extradite him to the Libyan authorities for alleged

corruption.

“Libyans have started to miss the Gaddafi days after all trouble and sweeping chaos they have seen in recent years.”

In August, Islamist-led insurgents seized the Libyan capital Tripoli and installed their own government and parliament, forcing the internationally-recognised government and elected legislature to move to the eastern city of Tobruk.

The violence has prompted several countries to evacuate their citizens and diplomats from Libya.

AU calls for calm after failed coup in Gambia ÏÏÏAfrican

Union Commission chief, Nkosazana DlaminiZuma, has voiced her “preoccupation” and called for calm while stressing the need to deepen “democracy and the respect for human rights”.

Banjul, a small tropical city which lies on an island in a river leading to the Atlantic Ocean, was tense but calm on Wednesday, but there were many soldiers and police on the streets.

But, Gambia’s iron-fisted

ruler Yahya Jammeh said on Wednesday plotters would never win, as fears mounted of possible reprisals by his regime a day after a failed coup.

Jammeh returned overnight on Wednesday from Dubai where he was on a private visit when the putsch attempt was staged in the west African country.

“Those who advocate and sponsor violence for regime change should know that they are not only acting in violation

Zuma

of the human rights and legitimate interest of those affected, but it is also against the will of the Almighty Allah,” Jammeh, a devout Muslim, said in a New Year address.

He, however, did not specifically mention the putschists.

A group of heavily armed men led by an army deserter attacked the presidential palace in the capital Banjul before dawn on Tuesday, but were repelled by forces loyal to Jammeh, who has ruled for 20 years.

France warns of Libya becoming terrorist haven ÏÏÏFrench

Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday called upon the international community to act to prevent Libya from becoming a “sanctuary for terrorists”.

Three years after dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled and killed in a Nato-backed revolt, Libya is awash with weapons and powerful militias, and run by rival governments and parliaments.

Le Drian warned that the situation in Libya was “no more and no less... the resurgence of a terrorist sanctuary” that was dangerously close to Europe.

Somali journalists injured in grenade attack

ÏÏÏTwo

Somali journalists were injured on Wednesday after attackers lobbed two grenades at the office of a radio station in the country’s centre, the national journalists’ union said.

The pair, the station’s number two - Shiine Abdi Ahmed and presenter Abdullahi Mohamud Aden - suffered leg and arm injuries respectively but their lives were not in danger, it said.

The body denounced the attack on the Radio Galkayo, in the city of Galkayo.

“The first hand grenade was hurled at the station’s building around 19:40 which hit the balcony where several journalists were sitting,” Iman Mohamed Jama, a representative of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 2, 2015

13 World

India, Pakistan trade blames over Kashmir killings ÏÏÏPakistan is accusing rival

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, left, former President Hamid Karzai, center, and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, right, attend a ceremony marking the completion of security transition to Afghan security forces in Kabul on Thursday.

N. Korean leader open to ‘dialogue’ with South ÏÏÏNorth Korean leader Kim

Jong Un said he is open to expanding “dialogue and cooperation” with the country’s rival, South Korea.

During a traditional New Year’s Day speech, Kim said he would consider resuming “stalled high-level meetings” with Seoul.

“If the atmosphere and environment is there, there is no reason not to hold a high-level summit [with South Korea]. We will make every effort to advance

dialogue and cooperation,” Kim said.

It is not clear at what level the talks proposed by Kim would take place.

The proposal comes after South Korea this week offered to hold high-level meetings with North Korea in January.

Seoul’s Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae on Thursday welcomed Kim’s comments, saying if the North Korean leader is “sincere,” then he should accept the South’s offer of talks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, pays his respects to his grandfather and North Korea founder, Kim Il Sung, and his father, Kim Jong Il, at Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on Thursday“Our government is looking

Fire destroys hundreds of Philippines’ shanties

ÏÏÏA

huge fire, believed to have been ignited by firecrackers, razed hundreds of shanties in a creekside slum in metropolitan Manila on Thursday in one of more than a dozen fires reported across the country as Filipinos welcomed the New Year.

Village officer Noel Carino said the fire, apparently sparked by firecrackers set off by children, erupted after dawn and was spread quickly by strong winds through nearly a kilo-

metre-long row of shanties in a village in suburban Quezon city. Firefighters struggled to get near the burning shanties because of narrow alleys.

“It’s really a tragic way to welcome the New Year,” Carino said.

Residents struggled to save anything they could from the fire, including pet cats and dogs, with many using improvised floating devices to cross a murky river to escape from the fire.

forward to holding talks between South and North Korean authorities in the near future regardless in what format,” Ryoo said.

The last high-profile interKorean meeting occurred in February 2014. The two Koreas agreed in October to restart the dialogue but did not follow through.

The talks traditionally have covered areas of cooperation, such as resuming reunions between families separated by the 1950s Korean War. The two countries remain in a technical state of war, since the hostilities were ended by a truce and not a peace treaty.

Over 28,000 U.S. troops remain in the South. The North views this as a threat and has developed a nuclear and weapons program in response.

Three rounds of North Korean nuclear tests, accompanied by threats of nuclear war, have raised tensions on the peninsula in recent years.

India of ambushing and killing at least two border security officers it says were invited for a routine meeting in Kashmir by their Indian counterparts, Reuters reported.

Islamabad summoned a senior Indian diplomat to lodge a “strong protest” over the incident, which began late Wednesday near the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.

India, however, has accused Pakistan of initiating the incident, which it said killed an Indian soldier earlier in the day and prompted retaliatory fire from Indian border forces.

The border security force director, General D. K. Pathak, alleged Thursday that Pakistani troops targeted more than a dozen Indian outposts overnight after the Pakistan border guards

were killed. Islamabad denied the charges.

The Indian officer said Pakistani forces “promised to end the firing, but surprisingly they began unprovoked mortar fire after midnight.” He said the exchange of fire between the two nuclear-armed nations continued until Thursday morning.

Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought two wars over control of the Himalayan region since they won independence from Britain in 1947.

Pakistan, which controls roughly one-third of the Himalayan territory, maintains that Muslim-majority Kashmir should have been included in its territory when British-ruled India was partitioned into independent India and Pakistan. India rejects that.

Afghans take over country’s security ÏÏÏAfghanistan assumed full

responsibility for security from departing foreign combat troops on Thursday, a day after Afghan army mortar shells killed at least 20 civilians attending a wedding party in volatile southern Helmand province.

The move will test the readiness of 350,000 Afghan forces who will bear responsibility for fighting increasingly organized Taliban insurgents.

The U.S.-led coalition troops formally ended their combat mission more than 13 years the Islamist Taliban government

was toppled in late 2001 for sheltering the planners of the Sept.

11, 2001, attacks on American cities.

However, about 13,000 foreign troops, mostly Americans, will remain in the country under a new two-year mission named “Resolute Support” to train Afghan troops.

“I want to congratulate my people today that Afghan forces are now able to take full security responsibility in protecting their country’s soil and sovereignty,” President Ashraf Ghani said in a speech to mark the handover.

Dozens killed in Shanghai stampede ÏÏÏZuo Zhijian says the heavy

crush of bodies around him on the Shanghai waterfront left him unable to move his legs.

“I also had someone grabbing my hair from the back, struggling and breathing heavily,” Zuo said.

“A girl in front of me held me desperately and said, ‘Help me, help me, please. I can’t make it anymore.’ There was also a girl completely motionless underneath.”

Zuo was one among many people caught up in the stam-

pede on the Bund, an area along the Huangpu River in China’s most populous city that draws big crowds for New Year’s Eve festivities.

He described his traumatic experience on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform on which he’s a verified user.

The stampede, which began roughly 25 minutes before midnight, killed 36 people and injured 47 others, the Shanghai city government said. Many of the victims were female students,

state media reported.

“I was surrounded by the sounds of girls crying and shouting for help with their last strain of effort, and of people fighting and throwing curses at each other,” said Zuo, who works in the media sector.

Another witness, 28-year-old Tian Ye, who works in importexport logistics, told CNN how he’d gone down to the waterfront to enjoy the festivities because he lives nearby.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Where are the President’s men?

A

Aloy Ejimakor

s APC continues its relentless onslaught on Goodluck Jonathan and his administration, there is this telling near-silence from the ranks of PDP and others that bear the most duty and possess the best information and wherewithal to defend him.

It is profound enough for one to wager that if they are too cowed to defend the President, chances are that they are also lacking the will and fighting spirit to go on the offensive against the President’s tormentors in a season of rank partisan politics.

The only occasional forays you see comprise the spontaneous gusts from Doyin Okupe, and then the few reactionary press releases from Olisa Metuh, the PDP National Publicity Secretary. There might be a few others here and there but nothing yet comes close to counteracting or rebutting the barrage of mean-spirited attacks hauled daily at Jonathan and the institutions he commands.

There is no day you open the newspapers or venture into social media without being hit with this barrage of serial attacks on the

President’s person and policies, issuing from the APC and those that despise Jonathan. Conversely, you hardly see anything from the PDP or administration hawks geared to telling Nigerians their own story.

If they believe that their few paid cliche-laden advertorials will cut it, they are dead wrong because Nigerians don’t trust advertorials, especially of the political kind.

They form their opinions from articles, features and news which content, true or false, get vested in their minds when not contradicted.

We don’t hear about the quantum leaps in the construction of the Lokoja-Abuja expressway; we don’t hear about the humongous success that has become of Nigerian railways since Jonathan; we don’t hear about the many civil/ infrastructural works completed and ongoing; we don’t hear about jobs created, the Abuja light rail, and the many new tertiary institutions, almajiri education, airport projects, etc. We don’t hear anything, not even some explanations of why some few things have defied solution.

And on the hot-bottom issue of terrorism, you don’t see much hay being made of the string of successes regularly recorded by Nigerian military against terror-

ists, plus the many attacks our gallant but harried security services continue to nip in the bud by the day. What we hear are failed missions, continually celebrated and played-up to down the collective spirit of well-meaning Nigerians, and there is no counter-point. No strong play and celebration of our fellows that fell in the line of duty.

Instead, you read annoying traducers egging Nigerian military to go on suicide mission in Chibok, like the Americans did in Yemen recently. They figure that such mission will be bloody and bound to fail; and once that happens, it will then be played up for maximum negative effect. Daily, on the web and hard copy, we read pieces baying blood and we remain silent.

It has become so pathetic that an undefended Nigerian military has done the unusual of taking to social media to respond to the hate and lies consistently being spread against it. You can imagine the toll on morale; yet, civilian political leadership gives the military no media rearguard, no soft landing.

Sad. Why are we not hearing from the Minsters and other political appointees? Why are they not telling Nigerians the details of what Jonathan has achieved? Do they believe that every Nigerian is

supposed to sniff out Jonathan’s achievements and travails, or are we supposed to know without being informed about the milestones and the details? Why are administration and party points-men keeping silent while the record of what they have done is being mercilessly distorted? And where is the famous PDP grassroots appeal? Yet, in the suburbs, in rural Nigeria, in the wards where the votes are, all you see is APC swagger sans challenge.

After conquering mainstream media, APC has now moved pronto to social media and is fast besting PDP there too. Don’t they know that apart from city folks, Nigerians in rural areas mostly and firstly access social media for news through their phones and androids? This is the single factor most responsible for the looming new high on Buhari. Or doesn’t the PDP know that there’s such a new high, even though nurtured on unchecked propaganda and false hopes. Bayelsa (and Rivers), have you forsaken thy son?

Your complacence is so open and notorious, such that those that despise Jonathan for his roots are now convinced that he is Igbo, just because it is Igbos that appear most to have taken up the case for Jonathan.

Sharing Nigeria’s cake

T

Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani

he political party primaries in Nigeria have drawn to a close and voters now have a clearer picture of whose turn it might be to divide up the national cake after the elections in February 2015.

But the winning candidates won’t be the only ones taking their share of the country’s riches.

In Nigeria, news of a person’s success in an election often travels at the speed of light, over rivers and mountains and past fields and forests, to his kindred in all corners of the globe.

Those with no jobs believe their days of unemployment are coming to an end; those with no education think it will soon pose no barrier to climbing the corporate ladder; those in faraway lands begin plans to return home.

Soon, these kith and kin launch their pilgrimage towards the successful candidate.

They ring his phone; they send text messages; they knock at his

gate.

They offer to help his campaign in any way they can; they organise prayer sessions for his victory, usually late at night in his living room.

The most unforgivable sin a politician can commit is to forget ‘his people’ after he assumes office” A friend of mine who lives in Lagos told me last week that he was travelling to Benin city.

His friend had just “picked up” a spot in the House of Assembly there. Another person he knew was set for another top position.

“He’s a good friend of my elder brother in Florida,” he said. “I’ve already told my brother: ‘You’d better come down and rub minds with him and introduce us to him.’”

Another friend whose husband is a close associate of a winning candidate in one of Nigeria’s choicest states told me her phone did not stop ringing after his victory was announced.

People had been calling to offer congratulations. Indeed, even I

had called for that very reason.

In Nigeria, the culture has always been that anyone who gets into power, who suddenly finds himself holding a knife with which to cut the national cake, must invite his clan to both slice and eat it with him.

Friends and family of candidates take to the streets to celebrate if their man is triumphant at the polls The most unforgivable sin a politician can commit is to forget “his people” after he assumes office.

He must “remember” his sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, schoolmates, and so on. Preferably through contracts, appointments and jobs.

Failure to do so will lead to taunts and ostracism and on the day his tenure expires, he will find himself completely alone.

Long after his funeral, the bitter tongues will continue wagging.

Local history will forever record him as having denied his kindred their turn.

I have heard several amusing stories regarding the influx of people from the Niger Delta region into Abuja, the Nigerian capital, after their kinsman, Goodluck Jonathan, was elected president in 2011.

One of my favourite tales was told by my British-Nigerian friend who teaches in one of those Abuja schools where the children pay stupendous fees in dollars and make fun of their teachers’ cheap mobile phones.

She was shocked when a particular pupil, during a science lesson, seemed to know more about crustaceans than you would expect of a child his age in the city.

This child stood before the class and described in great detail how the creatures are caught, cleaned and cooked.

At the end, my friend called the boy aside and asked how he knew so much about the topic.

The child explained that he had grown up in the creeks, where his family petty-traded crustaceans for a living.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

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Probate Court 16 Woman sweeps court, premises over contempt of court Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

ÏÏÏA

housewife, Damilola Abdul, was “sentenced” to an hour of sweeping the court and its environs for attacking a bailiff and tearing up court summons. She was also ordered to vacate the room she was staying in her husband’s house with immediate effect.

Her husband, 56-year-old Debo Abdul, on Tuesday had urged an Igando Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his 18-year-old union to Damilola due to his wife’s alleged fetish way of life.

Abdul, a builder, who lives at 20 Fatoye Street, Ogba area of Lagos, urged the court to dissolve his marriage to Damilola for neglecting her matrimonial duties.

He told the court that his wife would go out in the mornings and return at nights and that that she has

failed to perform her duties as expected of a housewife.

The father of three also told the court that apart from being irresponsible, his wife is also fetish. ``I once wanted to have my bath, but to my surprise, I saw a charm under the bucket. When I called my wife, she couldn’t say a word, and then I knew I had to be watchful. Thirteen years ago, when I wanted to make love to her, I saw an incision on her chest; I couldn’t go further because I knew it connoted bad omen. Since then, I haven’t made love to her. As if that was not enough, I also saw cob webs in front of my bedroom door, each morning I woke up,” he said Abdul also told the court that his wife allegedly killed his neighbour’s son after a fight with the mother and

also allegedly killed one of the children another woman had for him.

“Living with her is hell, I don’t want to lose my life, I want a divorce before she kills me,” he said.

However, the respondent, Damilola, 50, told the court that she had nothing to say. The court president, Sam Aluko, said the respondent fought with the bailiff who gave her the court summon and also tore the summon paper.

“That is contempt of court, in view of this, you will sweep the court and the environment for one hour,” he said.

He also ordered the respondent to vacate the room she was staying in her husband’s house with immediate effect.

Aluko adjourned the case to January 23 for judgment.

My husband slept with my best friend –Wife Stories by Funmi Salome Johnson

ÎÎÎA

housewife, Abosede Ajani, last Monday told to an Ikeja Customary Court in Lagos, that she once caught her husband in bed with her best friend.

Abosede, 38, was responding to Ajani’s petition, urging the court to dissolve his 10-year-old marriage for alleged threat to life and lack of respect from the respondent.

“My husband is simply heartless. He slept with my best friend and is not even remorseful about it. He is a womaniser; I caught him making love to my best friend right on our matrimonial bed. I refused to employ any house help because of his frivolous lifestyle. He had virtually turned all the house helps I have employed into sex machines,” Abosede claimed.

She said that she stopped having sex with Ajani, 45, since August because on several occasions he had infected her with sexually transmitted diseases.

She vowed not to wait for him to infect her with HIV/ AIDS before she takes necessary precautions.

“On several occasions, I have contracted venereal diseases from him after making love with him and that is the reason I stopped having sex with him since Au-

gust,” she said.

The mother of two said that barely a month after their wedding, her husband abandoned her to stay with another woman after telling her that he wanted to travel to the village to see his mother.

“I called his mother when he did not show up for days, but his mother told me that she did not see my husband.” Abosede said, adding that she later found the telephone number of the lady in question in her husband’s handset and she called her to leave her husband alone.

“After the warning, my husband rushed home, dragged me naked out of the bathroom, beat me up for calling his girlfriend. It was my brother-in-law that ran out to cover my nakedness.”

The respondent, therefore, urged the court to grant her husband’s petition, saying that she was no longer interested in the marriage. The petitioner had told the court that his wife always threatened his life with dangerous weapons. “Whenever we are fighting she always picks up knife or other sharp objects to stab me,” he said.

He described Abosede as a pompous and disrespectful: “She is so full of herself and does not have respect for me despite all I have done for her. I bought her four cars within our 12 years of marriage, yet she does not have regard for me. She does

“She is so full of herself and does not have respect for me despite all I have done for her. I bought her four cars within our 12 years of marriage, yet she does not have regard for me

Justice scale

things without telling me. She even travelled out of Nigeria without my consent.”

According to him, his wife has made his house miserable for him as she fights him and always rains curses on me. The petitioner accused his wife of living an extravagant life with lots of money spent

on luxury items like jewellery. He said that he would have divorced her two years ago, but he thought she would change for the better only to discover that it was getting worse.

“Her behaviour became unbearable for me. We live as enemies in the house. We stopped talking to

each other since June last year,” he said.

He, therefore, begged the court to dissolve the union on the ground that he was no longer in love with hiThe president of the court, Mr. Sam Aluko, adjourned the case till January 22nd for further hearing.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Politics

17

s

Aliyu

Majority of voters won’t vote in Niger –Gov Aliyu Page 18

Akala I will break the 2nd term jinx Akala

ÏÏÏ Former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala in a recent interview with journalists expresses optimism that he will break the second term Jinx as well as what he will do differently if re-elected. REMI OLADOYE was there. Excerpts: It’s somewhat worrisome that you could dump the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) which you have served for over 10 years?

Man proposes but God dispos-

es; our wishes are not God’s wish at times. I have also found out that if you are with God you are with the majority. It’s about the injustice meted to me and other committed members of the party.

The way they nominate and select candidates is unjust and the best thing is to leave. The way they nominated candidate and composed delegate list is not what we agreed upon. I was shocked when the party said 10 percent of those that will form the real delegates are to partake in the primaries.

I and my people didn’t belief in such arrangement and I had to leave. Like I said in my speech, I was not forced to leave but I can’t continue to waste my time where they were cancelling congresses, they are not trying to be fair, a level playing ground was not provided. They turned a deaf here to our complaints and my people said we should move and I move.

Sir, we were made to underCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Majority of voters won’t vote in Niger –Gov Aliyu Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu has warned that majority of eligible voters in the state may not vote in the forthcoming elections.

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has bungled the collection of the Permanent Voters Cards PVC a major requirement for voters to exercise their franchise at the polls.

“As I speak to you, myself, former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar have not collect our voters cards”, the governor said.

Painting a very gory picture of the development in the collection of the cards, Aliyu said only 11 out of the 25 local government areas got materials even with a lot of problems insisting that not more than 12 eligible voters out of 500 received their cards in most of the polling units where the distribution took place.

Dr Aliyu also said that in most of the collection centres, it was either the machines brought for the exercise did not

function well or the officials of INEC abandoned their duty posts.

The development, the Governor added has resulted in people claiming that the exercise has been deliberately bungled to disenfranchise some voters and give undue advantage to a certain political party which is a minus for credible election.

Governor Aliyu who is the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum advised INEC to wake up to its responsibility and correct the anomaly though he said that the INEC Chairman has promised that necessary corrections will be made.

He however advised that since everybody cannot get the PVC INEC should consider allowing all eligible voters to make use of the temporary voters cards so that no one will complain of being disallowed to vote.

The Governor Also said that all the state houses of assembly and the National assembly should meet to take a common stand on the situation to avoid a situation where the 2015 election will be declared not free and fair.

Yahya Jammeh: Gambia president home after coup plot Jonathan Eze with Agency Report The Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh has returned to the country after a reported coup attempt, sources say.

Heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in Banjul on Tuesday but officials say the military takeover was thwarted. Details remain sketchy - an official told the BBC that everything had now returned to normal. Mr Jammeh seized power in the tiny

Jammeh

West African nation in 1994, and is accused of not tolerating any opposition. Journalist Omar Wally told the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme that businesses had reopened, after closing on Tuesday.

He said military checkpoints had been set up at the Denton Bridge which links the island capital to the mainland and cars were being searched.

Residents walk on an empty street in Banjul, Gambia - 30 December 2014 Banjul was deserted on Tuesday but businesses have now reopened The pro-opposition Freedom newspaper reports that four people were killed, including the alleged ringleader Lamin Sanneh, a former head of the presidential guards, but this has not been confirmed.

Mr Jammeh was said to have been in either France or Dubai during Tuesday’s unrest but different sources agree he has now returned.

Aliyu

Michael Bamigbola, Osogbo The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the six states of the South West will support President Goodluck Jonathan in the February Presidential election, assuring that the President will sweep all the six states of the South West geo Political zone.

The party also decried the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign in the South West, saying all attempts to rubbish President Jonathan by the APC leaders in the region will fail.

The PDP noted that no President in the history of Nigeria has achieved greatly like President Jonathan, stressing that the achievements of Jonathanled administration in the South West cannot be matched with those of his predecessor in office.

A Leader of the party in the South West, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa said despite the fact that the APC presidential candidate picks his running mate from the South West, the party

2015: Why Jonathan will win in South West

Jonathan will fail woefully in the region.

He said the antecedents of the APC”s Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari were enough for the people of the South West region to vote against him.

Olaoluwa who is also the Osun State chairman of the PDP noted that Buhari’s running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is not a popular politician in the South

West and cannot command the votes of the people of the region.

“Osinbajo is not known in the South West. He has no impact in the region. We do not know him and our people cannot support a man they do not know. Prof.

Osinbajo cannot lay claim to any contribution he has rendered to the South West region as a person from the region,” he stressed.

He maintained that the APC Presidential candidate cannot get the support of the people of the South West, despite the fact that his running mate hails from the region, saying “both Buhari and Osinbajo have nothing to offer for the people of the South West.”

“We need people like Jonathan to continue leading us in Nigeria. This is a man who has done greatly in all sectors of the economy. He has done greatly in the South West and we can see all that he has done for us. This is a man we need for Nigeria to move forward.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

19 Politics

Akala: I will break the 2nd term jinx CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

stand that some leaders of other big parties tried to woe you to their side while some PDP leaders who realised your political weight didn’t want you to leave?

Yes that’s true, don’t forget I am a leader and I have to listen to my followers. When you are leading and you do not listen you will go astray, so I follow the dictates of my followers.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Akin Oke who is your kinsman from Ogbomoso said you will regret going to Labour Party?

For Gods sake what is his own business, why is he taking panadol for my own headache?

People are of the opinion that maybe you chose the path of Dr Mimiko and will return to PDP after your re-election?

When we get to the river we shall cross it.

You have spent more than 10 years in the PDP and you must have made friends in the party across the country. What’s the disposition of your friends to the steps you have taken on PDP? Many of them are aware of what is going on as I’ve been giving them situation reports. Most of them were among those encouraging me to cross over, they saw it all and they insist I leave the party where our aspiration cannot be achieved because of the injustice.

What’s the reaction of the presidency when they learnt about your exit from the party?

I am not in the presidency I don’t know their mind.

Did they try to reach you to

Alao

kind of smiles I put on their faces when I was there as a governor and since they have decided to ask me to come for service again, I have to listen to them. A lot of them tell me when I was in government, money was in circulation, when I was in government they were enjoying themselves and when I was in government things were going the way it should go; so they came to me and said: ‘Akala we want you back in government’ and it is part of my principle to make people happy, that is part of the arrangement, the four way test of Rotary that is my own idea of life.

find out why?

My friends among them called me; they wished me good luck in my decision.

Now that you have left the party, Seyi Makinde too has gone to the SDP, how will you describe the position of PDP now in Oyo State?

We are not bad losers, the party will remain strong if things were done in a normal way, they didn’t tell us that there is going to be election without delegates, they are supposed to elect those people through ward congress and somebody just woke up one day to bring out a list and say that’s what they are going to use; it means there is a conspiracy somewhere.

We are back in the era of breaking the jinx?

(Cuts in) having three former occupants of the office in the race.

Yourself, your former boss, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Teslim Folarin, Engineer Seyi Makinde and Senator Abiola Ajimobi are in the governorship race, what’s the chance of LP? What I know is that my party will win, I don’t know the level of preparation of other parties and I don’t want to be interested in their preparation all I know is that my Party will win.

Now that LP does not field a presidential candidate, will you work for President Jonathan?

I will obey my party, whatever and whoever they endorse I will support. The interest of my party is sacrosanct because I am a party person wherever the party decided, I will go.

Sometimes ago, you said that without you, PDP is dead in Oyo State?

I can also tell you that the party can’t win in Oyo State in the next election, you don’t need a pathologist to tell you that, we all live here and you also see things for yourself, time will tell.

When the news of your defection to LP filtered in at the Liberty Stadium during the primary election of PDP where you were supposed to attend, some of the people who were unhappy about it said they

Everybody knows that I won the two congresses in the state and why didn’t they give it to me?

Can we now say that this time around, the jinx will be broken?

Yes, with due respect to other contestants, the governor is among the three of us and maybe the jinx has to be broken and I am the one to break that jinx.

Alao

I know how to handle and keep the people of Oyo State safe I have done that before, the issue of the NURTW people is not a threat to the security of Oyo State because that’s how they change their leadership

know how to cage Alao Akala?

Cage me? Unfortunately I am older than any them, I am more experienced than all of them, the person who will beat my experience among them must be either a political scientist or a political editor who must have read thoroughly. I have caged somebody before, I cannot be caged.

If you have lost fairly in PDP will you have stayed in the party?

Oh yes, I would have exhibited sportsmanship, I will wait but in this case, I will look stupid to remain in the party. Everybody knows that I won the two congresses in the state and why didn’t they give it to me?

Why do you want to come back as a governor?

A lot of people want me back because they are not getting the

The issue of violence during your tenure?

What do you want to say about the recent happening at Bere, Born Photo when arsonists moved to peoples’ house and began to kill people and burnt down houses. That is an indigenous crisis. The only crisis that you can hear of during my tenure is National Union palava. I am a security man, I know how to handle and keep the people of Oyo State safe I have done that before, the issue of the NURTW people is not a threat to the security of Oyo State because that’s is how they change their leadership. This case is isolated, if you are not a member, they won’t come to you they only fight their members and I want to tell you that we’ll make Oyo State safe.

Would you say the so called Abuja politicians distort the process of conducting a free and fair governorship primaries in the state?

Imagine a situation whereby CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

NURTW crisis in Ibadan

Politics 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Greedy elites

They manipulate the masses through religion and ethnicity ÏÏÏ As the election draws closer, political campaigns are already on with the atmosphere tensed up. In this interview with Mal. Muhammad A Diso, a Senior History Lecturer at Federal College of Education Kano (F.C.E), Diso spoke on political activities in the country advising that present politicians should emulate past leaders who made sacrifices for the growth of the nation.

What has Leadership been like in Nigeria?

After the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, leadership rested with the colonial masters though exploitation was one or their major aims of occupying Nigeria but they did their best in providing virtually all social amenities During the first republic, we had regional governments but the various leaders in the regions were selfless leaders who willingly gave themselves to the service of their people. They made sure that people didn’t lack the basic needs of life. The regional tendencies of the premiers of the three regions did not affect their desires to see to the progress and development of their areas. This was so because of their political will and foresight.

For instance, the premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello ensured the development of his region by building Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, one of the most popular universities in Nigeria and in West Africa as a whole; the establishment of textile factories that employed thousands of staff; establishing the NNDC and a host of others that made the North to be envied.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo the then premier of Western Nigeria, equally ensured that his people

Do you see history repeating it self in 2015 election?

This time around, history will not repeat itself where the power of incumbency is used to rig elections. The level of political awareness the electorate have garnered will make them to stay and protect their votes; the untold hardship they have been subjected to by the present politicians will make them vote the right persons in the next election and i can say that Nigerians are more united nowadays and no one could turn them against themselves despite some unpatriotic comments made by some persons in government about blood flowing or forming another government should they fail in the up coming election.

“All hands must be on deck to see to it that only leaders with the requisite political will are elected” became highly educated through the establishment of University of Ibadan (UI), University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) etc, a situation that has made the Yorubas the most educated and exposed individuals, courtesy of the exploits of the then premier.

Are there any differences between politicians of old and the present day politicians?

Yes the differences are so obvious that even a blind man in his blindness could see it. They are not the same at all. The then leaders or politicians were selfless leaders who were preoccupied with the worries of their people.

They were servants who served with all sincerity. They were not out to enrich themselves but the well-being of the masses. It was not a do-or-die affair then, they were not enemies and never resulted to violence to achieve anything. They never stole from the nation. The same cannot be said about present day politicians who are out to fill their pockets and bank accounts and who are willing to go to any length to get what they want and have no tolerance for failure in election.

If truly they are out to defend

Diso the interest of the masses, they should emulate the first republic leaders How would you describe the polity in Nigeria today?

The polity of Nigeria has been characterised by religion and ethnocentrism. The elite always resort to the manipulation of religion and ethnicity. This state of affairs keep on retarding and

over heating the polity due to the fact that they benefit from it directly or indirectly. What should concern an average Nigerian now is the leader that will provide purposeful leadership irrespective of his religious inclination and which ever part of the country he comes from.

The masses who have been at the receiving end are tired of this type of manipulation.

What lesson must Nigerians learn from the events of the past?

That the political will to govern well is not the exclusive preserve of any particular ethnic group.

We should be ready to vote for the person who we are convinced will be able to provide purposeful leadership wherever he comes from and whatever religion he belongs to.

The attitude of sticking to a particular group of persons as the only people who must rule must be discouraged in the oncoming election as we are all feeling the pinch of our past mistakes. All hands must be on deck to see to it that only leaders with the requisite political will are elected so as to checkmate corruption, unemployment insecurity and other problems hindering the smooth growth of Nigeria failure to do this means another four years of untold hardship.

Akala: I will break the 2nd term jinx government for about four years now?

Cuts in, I went on sabbatical leave.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

you are changing the rules of the game in the middle of the game.

They set up an ad hoc committee because by all means they want to favour a particular candidate. The directive is not from the presidency, they have wreaked so much havoc in the party through their

Alao injustice. Look at the scenario in Ebonyi where the entire state moved to Labour Party including the governor. If there is justice, things would not be like this.

You were the governor between 2007-2011, and out of

Now what are those things that you really want to change?

You see nobody is perfect, we learn everyday and anything I have left undone now I will do it and those one I have done well I will do better. That is why they say anything you know how to do in life, do it well as it will form part of your life. I’ve known better

too because I am now on the other part of the divide. I know what we did that interest people them and I am better experienced and fit to effectively run the state, the job is for experienced people and not novice who is just desperate to be governor. And like I did in the first term, I will make my government accessible, interact with people to know their minds.

Why the choice of Sarafa Alli as your running mate?

You will all agree with me that

Sarafa Alli is an experienced politician; he became chairman of a local government before he was 30 and now he is above 50, you know the kind of experience he must have gathered. He has been a Chief of Staff, Secretary to the state government and we have worked together before when I was the Deputy governor. He is a seasoned administrator and I needed somebody like him to work with me as my deputy. He is a grassroots politician and people love him.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Features Okwelogu

Scrabble can standardise Nigeria’s Education System

By Okey Chris, Awka, Anambra State

ÏÏÏ In this interview with our re-

porter, Okey Chris in Awka, the young man, popularly known as “SIDESPIN” while recounting his experiences and ordeals in the hands of NSA officials, recommended possible ways of resuscitating Nigeria’s education sector and the world of scrabble.

Excerpts: Mr. Chinedu Okwelogu is a na-

21

s tive of Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra state.

He is a force to be reckon with in scrabble game having played over a hundred local and international scrabble champions, and won many prizes.

Okwelogu, who was the first Kano State Scrabble Coach (2004 to 2005), read English and Literary Studies at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, and at present, Assistant Director with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Anambra state

chapter.

You have been in scrabble over many years now, please tell us your feats Scrabble is a game of words.

It is a mental sport enhancing ones analytical ability in English, Logic, Mathematics, among other subjects and problem solving courses.

I have been winning the game naturally. I became a National CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Okwelogu

Court-martialed Navy chief’s SOS to Jonathan:

Look into my case

Agozino Agozino

90 years old Pa Chiazor

Commander Onwura Z Chiazor, (PSC JSSC), is a man of many firsts: He is the first Black Queen Commissioned Naval Officer, and first African to be enlisted in the Canadian Navy.

He is also the first Nigerian Cadet Training Officer, who co-wrote the pioneer rules and regulations of the Nigerian Navy. He commanded the Independence Day Parade on first October 1960 and instructed a junior officer who lowered the British Union Jack for the Nigerian Coat of Arms.

He was the personal Aide de Camp (ADC) to Nigeria’s first President Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe.

At 90, you would expect such a man to be happy, surrounded with his children and grandchildren.

Pa Chiazor is anything but happy.

He is filled with deep anger at the Nigerian state. He has a burning issue that he wants addressed if he is to die happily or to forgive the country. His sterling career was truncated by an allegation of fiscal misconduct for which he was courtmartialed. Blessed with longevity but knowing that he is at the departure lounge of life, waiting to meet his creator, Pa Chiazor says he has no reason to tell a lie.

He wants the Federal Government and military authorities to review his affirmation of innocence and clear his name while he is still alive. ‘‘As you are passing through Marina you will see the house

“His sterling career was truncated by an allegation of fiscal misconduct for which he was court-martialed” where Zik lived. That was the place I stayed at. That was my house. During my time when I was Zik’s ADC, I used to receive foreign visitors and dignitaries who visited him,’’ the frail repository of the nation’s history told Daily Times as he managed to pick his walking stick.

Pa Chiazor, who spoke in tears at his home, explained that he suspected envy and jealousy by some people who felt threatened by his career to be the brains behind his travail, He was courtmartialed.

He is appealing to President

Goodluck Jonathan to right the wrong done to him in the Nigerian Navy before he dies.

Forgotten totally in his village community of Atuma-Iga, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, where Daily Times met him, regretting his decision of leaving the lucrative and rewarding career with the Canadian Navy to serve his fatherland, Pa Chiazor, could not imagine the humiliation, embarrassment and suffering he has passed-through since he was summarily dismissed from the Navy.

He pointed out that he had two regrets in his life: One was that he left the Canadian Navy as a Queen Commissioned SubLieutenant to become a pioneer Officer of the Nigerian Navy, where he was later court-martialed in 1966.

His second travail stirs up controversy over who actually lowered the British Union Jack (the British Flag) on first October 1960, and who hoisted the Nigerian flag.

Pa Chiazor contends that he commanded the Nigerian independence parade in Lagos, insisting that the Nigerian government is erroneously recognising for that historic duty. He therefore wants his due recognition given to him by the nation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Features 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

L-R: Pa Chiazor, last Governor General of Nigeria, Sir James Robertson, State House photographer and a visitor to the government house before independence.

Independence Day parade commander seeks independence from guilt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Chiazor is also asking Naval authorities to look into his case considering his sacrifices and contributions towards the formation and growth of the Nigerian Navy since inception. ‘‘Because of my condition now, I can’t just can’t walk straight now. My doctor said that I was lucky for what the illness had intended was to paralysis half of my body. Fortunately, it did not.

As you can see, I can’t even go down the steps here. The other day when I tried to go down, I fell. Because I was alone, I had to crawl until my maid who is looking after me came back and assisted me into my room.’’

Pa Chiazor expressed disappointment with Nigerian Navy

because of the way he has been treated. According to him, ‘‘So far I have been in this condition since the Nigerian Navy made game with me because of envy.

At the first material time, I was the first Nigerian British Commissioned Officer. I was commissioned in Canada. And even in Canada, I was the first African to be commissioned Naval Officer.’’

Tracing the genesis of how he was lured back home, used and dumped, Pa Chiazor said that it was the late Premier of defunct Midwestern Region Dennis Osadebey, who persuaded him to come back home. Though Chief Osadebey had good intentions, others conspired against him. ‘‘It was Denis Osadebey and the then Governor, James Robertson, that brought me back to Nigeria.’’

Pa Chiazor said further: ‘‘At the material time when I went to the Canadian University, there were other West Indians, but no African. I remember one day we were just sitting and chatting and I told them I wanted to join the force. They laughed at me that it was not possible; they said that I am a nigger. But I told them that I would prove to them that an African could do it.

That summer holiday, I went to Ottawa. When I got there, I reported at the Ministry and told them I wanted to join the Navy.

They asked where I came from, I told them that I came from the Queens University. They gave me a form which I filled. A few weeks later, they invited me, asked me some question and that was all.’’

He continued: ‘‘During the summer month, they sent for me and I went to Vancouver, in British Columbia, Pacific Ocean. That particular summer, I was in Haweyien waters when I received a call from the Commanding officer in Vancouver that they wanted me immediately. When I came back to Vancouver, they said that my people, Nigerians, were visiting Canada and they wanted me to entertain them. They gave free access of anything I wanted to entertain the visiting Nigerians. When we set the table, Chief Denis Osadebey came with about seven others. Then when I was passing at the back behind Osadebey, he asked me my name and I told CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Okwelogu

Scrabble can re-engineer reading culture

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Champion in 1994, and subsequently won the Edo Open in 1996, Shell Port Harcourt Open in 1998, Kano Open in 1998, and Delta Open in 2008. I also won the first Scrabble Association of Nigerian (SCAN) International in 2001. (SCAN is now known as Nigeria Scrabble Federation, NSF).

I made my international debut in 1996 at the then African Championship hosted in Nigeria.

I came 10th, but missed the 1998 tournament in South Africa due to lack of sponsorship. However, I came second in the year 2000 at Ghana. The record remained like that till 2008 when one of my colleagues, Faloye Ibuku broke it at Kenya.

Nigeria scrabble is one of the dominant scrabbles in the world.

After I won SCAN National Championship in 2001, I couldn’t win again till 2008 sequel to some CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

23 Features

‘Look into my case’

Okwelogu Scrabble can check insecurity, joblessness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

L-R Sir James Robertson (2nd left), late Nigerian President, Nnamdi Azikiwe (middle), Pa Chiazor (2nd right) and others in the pre-independence.

little problems which started in 2004. Then, our officials connived to deny us of our financial reward the Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had pronounced. We learnt that Mr. President gave the Falcons N1million naira each for their four victories in four attempts, while we were given only presidential handshake after emerging victorious in five out of six games we played. We revolted and President Obasanjo approved the similar amount to be dished to us. Unfortunately, my colleague Faloye and I were shut out of the money till date, plus suspension.

Also, I was suspended after receiving presidential award from the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. My first suspension was in 2005, and when it ended in August 2008, I began winning again only to be suspended a second time in 2011.

Why were you suspended?

It was a blanket suspension for the entire team. We were suspended because we refused to give the officials some share of the money President Jonathan gave us. They demanded for 30 percent of the money per a player. Those who received N1 million were supposed to give the officials N300, 000. Some were later pardoned upon paying their blackmail money. But I protested it and was suspended for daring to expose the scam.

Pa Chiazor, behind the then Indian Prime Minister, late Indirah Ghadhi, during her visit to Nigeria.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

him Onwurah Chiazor from Asaba, Nigeria. He shouted that, ‘this is my son.’ I was in uniform and was surprised because I didn’t know what he was saying.

Because already I had been commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant.

He asked me if I would like to come back to Nigeria and I said, ‘yes, if the condition is good. ‘‘They left and a few months after, I got a letter inviting me to Nigeria. They said I should sell everything I had, even my shoe, that it would be replaced as soon as I returned home. There was a car waiting for me at the airport.

The car took me from there to

“I was the first Nigerian British Commissioned Officer. I was commissioned in Canada. And even in Canada, I was the first African to be commissioned Naval Officer”

Apapa, my house was Number 5, Point Road.’’

Pa Chiazor disclosed that he assisted many Nigerian Officers, especially those he met upon arriving in Nigeria. ‘‘When I came back M.T. Mbu was the Minister in charge of Naval Affairs and Commodore Kennedy was in charge of the Navy. I was appointed secretary to Commodore Kennedy. I and Kennedy wrote the first rules and regulations of the Nigerian Navy,’’ he said.

The elder citizen continued: ‘‘In 1960, October 1, I commanded the guards that lowered the flag.

If you watch (the video) you will see me with my sword. I asked

the boy Akowo to lower it. But Nigerians now say that he was the one who did that.’’

Pa Chiazor however absolved himself of blame over the allegation that led to his court martial by the Navy, saying it is now known that it was a plot set by one Commander who was then in charge of purchasing in Navy stores. He said that the commander set a trap for him as he was about going for leave as if he, Chiazor centralized Navy purchasing department to make money. As soon as the commander left, Chiazor was arrested and

Which award was that?

It was Ghana 2010. We went and cleared everything. It wasn’t first time we cleared everything but that year’s own was so unique because it was first time Nigerian players went out and pulled 1-10 outside the country.

Later, Mr. President through the ministry of sports decided that athletes who had excelled between 2009 and the end of 2010 deserved an award. So, all the gold medal winners at the African Championship and the Continental level were offered N750, 000. At the Olympic level, and the World Championship level, I think it was N1.5 million. So, each one of us received N750, 000. When they

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Features 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Okwelogu: Scrabble can standardise Nigeria’s Education System CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

wanted to get a share of the money paid to us, all of us in the team resisted. And the entire members were banned in 2011.

I was also maltreated in Malaysia in 2010. As a result, I dragged our National President to EFCC. It is a very long story. If I tell you what he did, you will understand why I took such measure. My price in Ghana was 1500 dollars but it wasn’t given to me there, just as we were about to go for the world team championship in Malaysia 2010. Then I had no domiciliary account. The National Secretary received 800 dollars on my behalf, deducted 300 dollars from it as charges, and asked if I had a domiciliary account. I said no, and told him to send the money through President’s domiciliary account. That was how I went to Malaysia with nothing; no money, yet I performed very well. I was the best performer for Nigeria in a tournament of the best 10 teams in the world. 9 of the 10 world champions participated. But out of the 9, I met six before disaster occurred and set me off the track.

I even beat five out of the six.

I was in top ten moving when my 500 dollars arrived, and the scrabble President told me that what he could offer me was only 36 dollars. You could imagine out of 800 dollars sent to you, you ended-up receiving 36! My mind shattered. I lost the remaining nine games to the three remaining world champions that I hadn’t played. So, I came 22nd after losing the 9 straight games. As I returned back to Nigeria, I spilled the beans to everybody. That was the genesis of the problem.

In January when there was no apology from the officials, I took them to EFCC. While this was

Angele Andrews awarding Division A 1st place to Chinedu Okwelogu

Theresa Brousson vs. Chinedu Okwelogu (Round 30 Board 1)

Chinedu Okwelogu displays his 1st place award in Malta

Chinedu contends with Siu Hean Cheah of Singapore going on, I made up my mind to quit. Since I was talented in scrabble and might be their victim of maltreatment forever, the best thing was to quit and be on my own. So, I went my way.

How long have you been on your own, and the journey so far?

I am now a scrabble consultant; a scrabble player, scrabble coach, scrabble analyst and commentator. I have been going out to play

on my own team for three years now. What I had done in the past was to borrow money to sponsor it myself. The last trip I made during which I won the Malta International game, I obtained a loan of N450, 000 (payable in two years) from UBA Bank, and the money is being deducted from my salary.

In 2011, for instance, I used the money President Jonathan gave me to travel abroad. I came 2nd at the European Championship and 7th at the International.

My vision has been to establish a Nigerian society where illiteracy, drug abuse and gangsterism would be eliminated through youth intellectual involvement in scrabble. While my mission is to restore the dignity of the Nigerian Scrabble Player by stopping their financial emasculation and by increasing their earning capacity, and to maintain Nigeria’s formidability through promoting the volitional, contributory and multiple retreat culture.

This is why I am planning to organise Anambra State Secondary School Scrabble Tournament, first of its kind, but my major setback is inability to get sponsors, both the government and private individuals.

Why secondary schools?

As I said earlier, scrabble is a mental sport. It is a game of words which enhances players (people’s) vocabularies, analytical ability in English, Logic, Mathematics, among other problem solving subjects and courses. It encompasses all areas in life, and embedded with lots of potentials yet to be explored in Nigeria. Hosting the tournament among Nigerian students in primary, secondary and/ or tertiary institution level would help in standardizing Nigerian education system, avail students greater opportunities to pass their both internal and external examinations like WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NABTEB, etc.

Independence Day parade commander seeks freedom from guilt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

court-martialed. He said that if there was anything wrong at that material time, the culprit should have been the Commander, who was actually in charge of Navy stores. All attempts to plead his innocence since then have fallen on deaf ears.

‘‘Commander (names withheld) was in charge of supply and secretariat. He went for a course, he knew everything about the stores and I knew nothing! When I took over, I didn’t know that he was responsible for centralizing purchasing. I did not tamper with Navy fund. But they came back and accused me that I centralized

purchasing. That is what they Court-martialed me for’’.

Chiazor stated that all his efforts to convince various administrations in the country had proved abortive. ‘‘By the grace God, I am still alive today, most of them who did all this nonsense have gone. But God is with me.”

He however thanked people like former Governor of Rivers State Diette Spiff, former Chief of General State, Ebitu Ukiwe,(Rtd) for remembering him once in a while.

Apart from the two, Chiazor mentioned many other Nigerians of goodwill. He mentioned a day he called former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and the for-

mer leader was amazed to discover he was still alive.

He implores the Federal Government to look into his case and calls on Nigerian to come to his aid. He said that he has discovered that the allegation of centralizing purchasing leveled against him was a trap by few individual.

Coconut oil P26 and your hair

28

Davido, Olamide, P Phyno, Burna Boy, others emerge MTV Base hottest men 2014

My worst hair experience 28

P

Oritse Femi I didn’t see the

success coming

Halima Abubakar 26

P

Entertainment 26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 2, 2015

My worst hair experience – Halima Abubakar

Halima Abubakar isn’t your regular kind of girl. She’s a go-getter as far as going for whatever she wants.

At a young age, Halima kicked against the usual Northerner’s way of life when she dumped Kaniwood for Nollywood – a move which earned her backlashes and almost ruined her career. However, her persistence has indeed paid off today, as she’s grown to become one of Nollywood’s big girls.

Enjoy her hair experience with OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO.

ÏÏÏWhat does your natural hair look like?

I’m just trying to regrow my hair back because i lost my frontal hairline due to too much tight hairstyles and braiding which made me cut it all off. So I’ve been wearing my natural hair. What I do most of the times is wear lace wigs.

Are you doing anything to make your receeding hairline grow back?

What I did was to stop fixing or braiding. Then I treat my hair with Nigerian hair products and the result has been fantastic How did you feel when you lost your frontal hairline?

I felt really bad. In fact, on the day the larger chunk of it fell off, my scalp bled because the hairstylist didn’t handle my hair very well. I was angry and reported her to her boss. But because I didn’t want her to be fired, I had to take it easy with them. My hair is okay now and I still use same salon.

Which hairstyle is your favourite?

I have a round face so, I love center parting a lot because it brings out my face and makes me look like a baby. I love long wavy weave-ons because it can go with any dress that I choose to wear at

Coconut oil and your hair

ÏÏÏFor those who know its val-

ues, coconut oil is said to be one of the best oil for hair treatment and conditioning. When used on hair, it gives shine to dry hair. Its also a good treatment for dandruff.

Making a hair treatment out of a good and quality coconut is easy.

Follow these steps: A – Buy a good quality coconut oil from a health food store. use a virgin coconut oil that is made from fresh coconut meat rather

than a refined coconut oil that has been stripped off its beneficial nutrients.

B – brush hair thoroughly and comb out all the tangles C – put sufficient amount of coconut oil into a cup. Put the cup in a pot of warm water to melt the oil gently D – add essential oils like rosemary, neem, tea tree, cedarwood to enhance the coconut oil treatment.

any time. Fringe is also one of my favourite hairstyles. I don’t like straight weave-ons. I don’t also do all-back. I love human hair alot.

Do your moods dictate your hairstyles?

No. I don’t allow whatever I’m going through to dictate how I look. So Even when I’m sad, my hairstyles still look good. The farthest I can go is tie my hair with a scarf.

What about using colours in your hair?

I used to like braiding my hair with wine extensions but, that was when I was younger. Now, I’m older and have let go of such. The only colours I can use are black and brown.

Which hairstyle can’t you be caught wearing?

You can’t catch me dead with Suku Why? Because it’s funny looking but, my mother loves it and any time I go visit them, she’ll ask me to loosen the one I have so that she can weave Suku on my head. And she still does it uptil date.

Why does she prefer Suku on you?

That’s because she’s an old school woman.

E – pour some of the warm oil into your hands and massage scalp for few minuites F – cover your haead with a shower cap. Leave the treatment in it overnight for very dry hair.

For oily hair ot normal hair, leave treatment on for two hours.

G – Wash out hair with a gentle shampoo. Hair may have to be shampooed out twice to get all the oil out. Skip using a post shampoo conditioner.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Alamieyeseigha puts up Dubai house for sale Isaac Oguntoye ÏÏÏSaying 2014 was not a good year for ex-Bayelsa governor, Diepreye Alamasiahga is like stating the obvious.

The money launderer who was eventually granted amnesty by the government lost his son to the cold hands of death in Dubai.

As if that was not enough, we gathered that the has Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) shut down, Margaret Alamieyeseigha’s hotel in Yenagoa over tax evasion.

The first civilian governor we gathered from closed source, has decided not to have anything to do with Dubai any more, a more reasn why he announced the sale of his 1.7billion naira

mansion which has been put up for sale over two months now.

Genesix boss celebrates wife’s 40th birthday Isaac Oguntoye ÏÏÏDe Genesix Hotel and suites is an international four star hotel located within the heart of Ogba. The owner, Sunny Ilozobhie is one of the busiest entrepreneur we have in the country today.

Last week Friday, Dec. 26, his wife, Bukola Ilozobhi celebrated her 40th

Olorogun Emerho tangos with Niger Delta youths Isaac Oguntoye

Alamieyeseigha

birthday with friends, family and well-wishers in attendance.

The event which took place at De Genesix Hotel and Suit owned by her husband, also had top socialites, business associates and politicians in attendance.

It was indeed a celebration galore as the celebrant kept thanking God for a fulfilled life.

ÏÏÏHis name, Olorogun O’tega Emerho does not need much introduction in the business circle as he’s the CEO of Standard Alliance Capital and Asset Management.

The recipient of the national honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), is presently vying for the post of governor of Delta State come 2015 general election after winning the APC primaries.

However, it will interest you to know that this man has been boasting among friends about his chances in 2015 election.

When Daily Times reporter asked the cool headed

ÏÏÏThis week’s episode of Official Naija Top 10 hosted by MTV Base VJs Stephanie Coker and Ehiz Okoeguale reveals the list of hottest videos aired on the show in 2014 The list includes ten chart-topping videos that

Olorogun

stayed on the number one spot for many weeks during the course of the year.

Runtown’s Gallardo holds the number one spot followed by Davido’s Aye and Dr Sid’s Surulere on numbers two and three respectively.

Other videos that made the list include Jaiye Jaiye, Show you the money andYawa dey.

See full list below: 10. Patoranking – Girlie O 9. Olamide – Turn Up 8. Burna Boy – Yawa Dey 7. Wizkid – Jaiye Jaiye

6. Wizkid – Show U D Money 5. The Mavins - Dorobucci 4. Burna Boy – Don Gorgon 3. Dr. Sid ft Donjazzy - Surulere 2. Davido – Aye 1. Runtown Ft Davido – Gallardo

Phyno in clothing line mess!

Isaac Oguntoye

Bolaji Esho

father of many youths about his chances in the coming general election penultimate week at the Eko Hotel & Suit, he said; “I think my chances are very strong except I didn’t do what I’m meant to do.

The problem we have been having in Delta State is rigging of election. We believe we have experience, we know what we do has a very bright chance and my number one priority is to get Delta engaged.

Delta people are not engaged.

That is why you see a lot of youth doing all sort of things. There are no employment because the engaged hand can never be the devil’s workshop.”

Dorobucci, Aiye, others make MTV Base Top 10

Bolaji Esho to revive SideOne’s musical career ÏÏÏLagos socialite, Bolaji Esho is a fun-loving dude who has been doing tremendously in the hospitality business. Penultimate Friday, the Eldorado boss snuck into a new club, Club Haze around Egbeda in Lagos for his usual Friday groove.

While at the club, we scooped that SideOne, a hiphop artiste who has been struggling with his musical career lately, was also performing at the club same night. Esho we learnt, was impressed with SideOne’s performance and has decided to help the dude with a slot in the ongoing Guinness Made of Black Campaign.

27 Society

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Phyno

ÏÏÏWhile some are being served with good news to begin the year 2015, ‘Alobam’ dude, Phyno is being torn apart.

If news reaching us is anything to go by, it means the clothing line, ‘Alobam’ which Phyno has been going around saying belongs to him, is nothing but a pack of lies.

Note worthy is the fact that, since Phyno dropped his hit single ‘Alobam’ in 2014, the song quickly became more like a sing-along tune. And before we knew it, t-shirsts and hoodies with ‘Alobam’ written on them

started flooding the market.

And of course, his fatefuls were quick to jump at them, rocking the wears all around town.

A Daily Times source revealed us that the ‘Alobam’clothing line doesn’t truly belong to Phyno like he made everyone believe.

According to our source, Phyno is nothing but a norminal partner in the business as someone was said to have put down the real capital for the business.

We heard that Phyno is only being used to sell the wears as the originator of the ‘Alobam’ name got from his rap hit ‘’Alobam.

Society 28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

I didn’t see the success coming – Oritsefemi When Oritsefemi first made his debut into the Nigerian music scene, not many people took him seriously as his music was more tuned to the taste of the rough, rugged and raw ghetto folks.

However, 2014 was a year he too wouldn’t forget in a hurry as his song, ‘Double Wahala’ became one of the songs on every lips, even children were not left out in the national hit vibe.

And guess what, ‘Double Wahala’ earned him a plaque at the 2014 Headies Awards- a feat he agreed he wasn’t expecting until 2016.

Oritsefemi opened up to ISAAC OGUNTOYE. Read his story: ÏÏÏYou were recently involved in a car accident. How did it happen?

To me, I believe ‘who no go, no know’ meaning if you’re in a particular place, there is no way you will know what happened there. What happened that day was ridiculous because we didn’t expect it. We’ve been moving with security men right from the first day we bought the car. But that very day, we didn’t go out with any security personnel because we were not expecting such an incident. Meanwhile, we thank God that we survived that accident. It is always difficult to know the mind of people around you but it’s all good because everybody is just hustling and we need to see ourselves as brothers. I’m not the richest man so I don’t know why anyone would want me dead. I’m not against anybody but as a street boy, I believed street people will always carry their people along and not want their downfall. Even if I buy more than four cars tomorrow, I remain a husteler

Ini Edo

Now that the car is gone, are we expecting another one soon?

A new car is already on ground.

It’s the same model but this new one is more beautiful than the one that crashed. It’s white in colour You won the ‘best street pop’ at the just concluded Headies Award. How do you feel about it?

Honestly, I’m so happy. I know some of my fans thought I should have won more but to me, that one is a big thing for me. When you drop a song on the street, even when you reside in Victoria Island, the song will still get to you because the song will be played from one busstop to the other. So winning in the street song category which had the likes of Dorobucci, Aiye and others is a huge one. Dorobucci and Aiye were also more like songs of the year becauseNigerians liked them. So, it’s a privilege to have won that category and I say kudos to Headies. I know 2015 will be another greater

Oritsefemi

year. Another secret is that, this is my first time on Headies stage, first nomination and I eventually won it.

‘Double Wahala’ is a popular song enjoyed by almost everybody. Did you see the success coming?

I won’t lie to you. I can’t say I didn’t see the success coming because I actually invited the success.

First, I told myself that I needed to get a hit. Before now, I’ve been dropping good songs like ‘Mercies of Da Lord’ ‘For Everyone’ and others but, I thought to myself that I I needed to do something in the libe of afro-pop since it’s the in-thing.

Although I started from the Ajegunle which made people refer to me as an Ajegunle artiste. But from that Ajegunle level, I started being associating with my region which is Delta State.

After that, the Niger Delta people started liking my songs and again, people restricted me to the Niger Delta artiste and I didn’t get shows except in Worri. So one day, I asked nyself why I haven’t been able to break into the Lagos market since I was born and brought up in Lagos.

I went back to my drawing board.

During that period and ‘Double Wahala’ was composed. When Fela was still alive, I was one of the artistes that saw Fela one-on-one before he died. My father is also a Fela fan.

So, now that Fela activities is taking over the music scene, I told myself that I had to be the number one although I didn’t know It would be this big. I was also looking for a song to become a Lagos artiste but then, as God would have it, I end up becoming a Nigerian international musician. It’s a huge success for me. I will never forget ‘Double Wahala’. Now, that I’ve became a well known artiste internationally, I’m looking for a bigger hit to break into the international market just like the Gangnam Style.

Continued on page 29

Ini Edo errects multi-million naira house in Lekki

Davido, Olamide, Phyno, Burna Boy, others emerge MTV Base hottest men 2014

ÏÏÏIt’s no longer news that since Ini Edo became a single lady once again, things around her also took a turn around for good.

The beauty who recently bought herself a brand new 2014 N38m G-Wagon, has again launched herself into the clique of house owners in Lekki.

The actress pulled all, including Funke Akindele, Tuface Idibia and wife, Annie, Uti Nwachukwu and her colleagues in Nollywood to the warming of her newly built house which gulped millions of naira.

ÏÏÏDavido, Olamide, Phyno, Burna Boy and OC Ukeje are the hottest males of 2014 on MTV Base #OfficialNaijaTopTen. The list appears on the special Christmas edition of the show hosted by MTV VJs, Ehiz and Stephanie Coker.

The duo also reveals the sexiest women of 2014 list, which includes actress, Osas Ighodaro, singers, Tiwa Savage, Cynthia Morgan, Seyi Shay and OAPs, Fade Ogunro, Tosyn Bucknor and Maria Okan.

The lists celebrate some of the most attractive guests that appeared on Official Naija Top Ten show during the course of 2014.

Davido

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

29 Buzz byte

Tiwa Savage, Teebillz expecting first child!

Opeoluwani Akintayo ÏÏÏCongratulations are in order for Tiwa Savage and her husband, Tunji Balogun, as the couple are presently expecting their first child together after nine months of waiting.

Shame to bad belles! We got served this plate of hot news on January 1, 2015! What a nice way to begin the year.

The couple savoured our new year with the news of their baby

after Tiwa shared a photo of herself with a potruded stomach, her husband holding her from behind while a pair of cute little footwear adorned her palms.

After sharing the photo she wrote; “2015....Just the 3 of US... #AllGloryToGod”.

Her husband confirmed the news when he shared a photo message on his Instagram which reads, “The Bills 2015: coffee, tea, milk” Prior to the break of their baby

news, the couple were victims of marital rumours in 2014 as reports filtered in that the duo were on the verge of breaking up.

Rumour had it that Tiwa has been going through maltreatments from Tunji as he often beats her up, womanise and drinks to stupour.

At one time, Tiwa was allegedly said to have moved out of her husband’s house, dumped her husband as his manager and was severally spotted at events without her wedding rings.

Timaya’s newly built mansion

Tiwa Savage and Teebillz

I’m a hustler Continued from page 28 What do you have to say concerning the issue between you and Ozone?

I don’t want to talk about it. We’re all human being and I don’t talk about my friends. For instance, if you do something bad to me tomorrow, that won’t make me say bad things about you. The people you see as bad people today might turn out to be the good people tomorrow.

What should we expect next from you?

I’m dropping a new song titled, ‘Igbeyawo’. So many people have been singing about marriage but they’ve not actually hit the nail on the head when it comes to the meaning of marriage. And that is the mistake we’re making in the Nigerian entertainment industry today- we’ve not be able to explain the true meaning of ‘marriage’. Aside that, I’m also dropping my album. I have plans and I work towards my

ing for?

My brother, I’m a neutral man.

I can play for anybody irrespective of their political parties or the position they are vying for. I’m a musician.

plans-that is why you see things working for me. .

You’ve worked with Dbanj, Davido and others. Who should we be expecting now?

I’ve worked with virtually all the Nigerian stars. This time around, I’m looking forward to working with international artiste.

Can one say that Oritse Femi has finally dumped the freedom seeking songs for the most secular music?

I think music is all about season.

I’ve not dump that aspect of me but when that time comes, I might drop something like that. If I’m going to describe my kind of song, I will say my genre of song is called ‘Conscience Music’ because my songs touches everyone that has conscience.

You’re one of the most successful act now, when will Oritse Femi walk down the aisle?

Oritsefemi Very soon and it’s very close. As you know, everything has its time and season. I’ve said it earlier on, I don’t like to expose everything I’m doing to the public.

This is an election period and artistes have been endorsing different politicians. Do you have anyone you’re campaign-

Lastly, you lost your dad this year, what do you have to say about this?

My dad would have added to my success story if he was alive.

I won’t forget all his advice. He’s a lovely human being who didn’t like problem. Initially, my father did not support my music because he wanted me to grow up in a Christian way. If you happen to meet my brothers,you’ll notice that they are calm and religious. My father knew that I’m the only different one within the family. So, he didn’t want me to go astray. My father taught me how to do engineering work because he’s a mechanical engineer. He taught me to be focus.

My father spoke in proverbs alot and that’s where I get most of the proverbs in my songs. My plan was to get him a brand new car with customized plate number “Papa Oritsefemi” written on it but death took him when he would have enjoyed the fruit of his labour.

Society 30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

The Wolf of Wall Street named ‘Most Pirated Movie 2014’ ÏÏÏ‘The Wolf of Wall Street, a movie done by Martin Scorsese’s and basedon a true life story of Wall Street excesses and corruption, has been named the most pirated film in 2014, with over 30 million illegal downloads.

This was made known by a Variety

of the most pirated flicks were also popular mostly adapted from books like -Divergent, Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Check out the full list below; The Wolf of Wall Street, 30.035 million Frozen, 29.919 million RoboCop, 29.879 million Gravity, 29.357 million The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, 27.627 million Thor: The Dark World, 25.749 million Captain America: The Winter Soldier, 25.628 million The Legend of Hercules, 25.137 million X-Men: Days of Future Past, 24.380 million 12 Years a Slave, 23.653 million

and analytics company Excipio. It was closely followed by Frozen which was second on the list.

While the top 20 most downloaded films included some prestigious movies like 12 Years a Slave (at number 10) and Gravity (at number four), the majority

I am not broke – Mathew Knowles speaks out ÏÏÏLast week, it was reported that Beyonce and Solange’s father, Mathew Knowles was broke and had taken to selling their old souvenirs to make a living.

Now, Mathew is clapping back at those who speculated that he was broke in a recent interview with a Houston news outlet.

“Somehow that became we are going out of business, homeless and selling all of Beyoncé’s stuff to stay alive, which as you can see it’s just the opposite,” he said in the during.

“If I needed money, I wouldn’t sell $5 Tshirts,” Knowles said.

“I’d sell a Grammy or an MTV award. So that

is insulting to think we need to sell $5 T-shirts.

No, I don’t think so.”

On why he sold those items , Mathew claims he needed the space and will probably only take home $2,000 from the sales.

No word on wether or not he plans on giving his daughter a cut of that money.

Mathew Knowles and Beyonce

Rihanna sparks pregnancy rumors as sonogram surfaces online ÏÏÏWhile fans are anticipating the release of Rihanna’s new album in 2015, rumours continue to swirl that the Barbadian beauty is pregnant, and even a photo evidence of the singer’s alleged sonogram has surfaced online.

According to Hollywood Life on Tuesday, December 30, alleged photos of Rihanna’s first child surfaced from an online magazine, claiming to be real photos of the singer’s child.

The site claims that the singer has been pregnant since early December, with Rihanna’s real name, Robyn Fenty, on the bottom left corner of the sonogram as “Fenty, R.” In addition, they claim that Rihanna is only 9 weeks pregnant.

However, despite the evidence, sources close to the songstress confirm that she is in fact not pregnant. Meanwhile, the site also points out that it’s most likely the victim of Photoshop--which has been responsible for fake sonogram reports in the past, including the likes of Selena Gomez.

Rihanna

Bill Cosby hires private investigators to discredit his accusers ÏÏÏBill Cosby has reportedly hired multiple private investigators to dig up negative information about the 23 women who have publicly accused him of sexual assault, according to a New York Post.

The comedian, who is drowned in a sea of accusations that he sexually assaulted more than two dozen women over many years, is paying a huge amount of money to private investigators for information that might discredit his alleged victims.

According to a source who has worked with Bill Cosby for over a decade, it’s a

strategy that has been successful thus far.

He claims that they have already found negative information about two accusers, including supermodel Beverly Johnson.

He said this to New York Post.

“We found out that Beverly never told her live-in lover of several years what she’s now telling the media and we found that to be strange,” the source is quoted as saying. The investigators also reportedly dug up information about accuser Katherine McKee, including old internet posts which complimented Cosby and his stand-up act.

32

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Money

s

Jonathan pledges better funding for real sector Ïj ƄƆ ƍƆ Ə Ɔ ƗƆƗ Ƅƕ ƏƆƋƆƒ Ɛ L# Stories by Augustine Aminu

ÏÏÏPresident Goodluck Jona-

than on Thursday re-committed that his administration would work towards realising a much more prosperous country by providing an unspecified number of financial instruments to real sector operators in the country.

He also gave assurances that the naira would be stabilised and all speculative behaviours that caused market exchange pressures, would be effectively curtailed.

Jonathan, who gave the assurance in a nationwide New Year broadcast in Abuja, said government would continue to promote policies that ensured economic stability.

According to him, Federal Government will be introducing a broad spectrum of financial instruments to boost sector-specific enterprise areas in agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturing, and oil and gas.

He said these instruments were meant to enhance the nation’s aggregate supply capacity, reduce poverty, promote job creation and increase the general well-being of the people. ‘‘These efforts and other measures being spearheaded by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, are geared to ensure a secure future for Nigeria and create a much more prosperous country, where

people live more peaceful and fulfilled lives,’’ he said. He said his administration would also continue to lay the foundation for a vibrant economy to attract more significant Foreign Direct Investment. ‘‘We will continue to build and maintain a healthy external reserves position and strengthen fiscal buffers. ‘‘We will ensure the Naira remains strong, and gives foreign investors the clarity and certainty that they need, to guide future investment decisions. ‘‘We will continue to improve our payment systems and strengthen risk-based supervision mechanism for Nigerian banks to ensure overall health and stability of the banking system.

The President also enumerated some of the achievements of his administration in the past four years According to him, the federal government has rehabilitated and expanded the nation rail transportation network, and successfully privatised power generation and distribution.

He disclosed that his administration had significantly reformed and increased local participation in the oil and gas industry, and improved nationwide access to potable water from 57 percent in 2010, to 70 percent at present.

He further revealed that the Federal Government’s Youth Employment in Agriculture

d ƏƐ MƆƓ Agriculture

1 ƌƄƆ Ɛ ƈ ƉƆƅƐ MƾêƤƄ ƈ Ɛ Ƈ Ɨ ƆƅƑƏƈƐƕ ƍƏ ƉƆƅƐ ÏÏÏGombe State Government

Jonathan Programme (YEAP) targeted 750, 000 market-oriented young agricultural producers.

He said that 100 million dollar Fund had been earmarked to provide affordable long-term financing to support the development of small and medium agribusinesses in the country.

The President stated that this was in addition to a N50 billion Farm Mechanisation Support Fund set up by the Central Bank to establish 1,200 agricultural equipment-hiring enterprises.

He maintained that both funds would become fully operational this year.

concluded that about N2.8 billion in the 2015 budget would be invested towards attaining food security in the state.

The government plans to prioritise efforts that would increase crop and animal production in the state.

Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo said this in Gombe on Wednesday while presenting the 2015 budget to the State House of Assembly. ``We are all aware that agriculture is the main stay of our economy and the largest employer of labour. ``To support this endeavour, we shall be flagging-off the disbursement of N600 million Gombe state Revolving Agricultural Fund in early 2015, in our bid to increase access to credit by our farmers’’, he said.

Dankwambo explained that the fund would boost crop and animal production by encouraging mechanised farming. ``Statistics show that out of every 10,000 households in the state, six are engaged in one form of livestock farming or the other. ``The determination of my administration to support this endeavour as well as the need to recapture and protect pastoral resources, informed our decision to create a whole Ministry for Animal Husbandry and Nomadic Affairs. ``We plan to consolidate efforts in the state, our targets are to make livestock farming a thriving business that would create employment and generate wealth’’, he said.

TEM January 1 date not ceremonial - FG ÏÏÏThe

Nebo

federal government has reiterated that the announcement to commence the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM) reform on January 1 2015, should not be viewed by contractual parties as a mere ceremonial date.

According to a statement from Prof. Chidi Onyia, the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Power,

33

Prof. Chinedu Nebo, TEM is the most critical milestone in the power reform process since November 1, 2013 when power generation and distribution assets were handed over to the new owners.

“With the commencement of TEM on January 1, 2015, all contracts entered into at privatisation will be activated and activi-

ties in the electricity market will carry the obligations outlined in the contracts. A framework of contracts, regulations, market rules, systems and processes will drive the electricity market under TEM. This milestone has never been achieved in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, before now,” he said.

Continued on page 34

Dankwambo

Money 34

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Nigeria: USPF offers access to under-served areas

By Tony Nwakaegho

ÏÏÏThe

Electrical installations

Electricity market enters new phase Continued from page 33 He further disclosed that while the benefits of the power sector reform were expected to be gradual due to decades of neglect suffered by the sector, the commencement of TEM increases the performance expectations for all the new market participants and facilitates the much needed discipline in the market. “It demonstrates that the power sector is maturing and advancing in the right direction under the right conditions, within the right environment”.

He stated that under TEM “all parties pay for services received and are paid for services rendered.” Unlike before, there are consequences for market participants who fail to deliver on contracted services. It is expected that the activation of contracts

will lead to market behaviour that will produce sustainable and comprehensive electricity supply to Nigerians.

“You will recall that in our press release issued 22nd December, 2014, on the proposed 1st January, 2015 date for Transition Electricity Market (TEM), the official position is that, from that date, emphasis and importance should be attached to honouring contractual agreements and obligations by all market participants, in line with the rules and regulations and not “declaration in ceremonial or symbolic activity,” he said.

Onyia explained that as it is in other climes electricity markets around the world, tariff will adjust automatically when there are changes in key market inputs such as gas, however, within a regulatory framework.

Federal Government in its quest to continue to seek means and measures to bridge the gap in terms of access to Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) has come up with structures and plans for the adequate and proper deployment of ICT infrastructures across cities and communities to aid access to ICT services thereby connecting the unconnected and underserved areas.

In Nigeria, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has come in handy for Ministry’s quest to see that both the underserved and unserved areas within the nation get ICT services delivered to them in order to have access to voice and data service, offering subsidised data service to such areas that are either unserved or underserved.

However, it is said that out of the estimated 170 million Nigerians, about 40 million still lack access to basic Information and Communication Technology services and products.

Access to ICT is said not to be a privilege but a right and as such, governments in Africa are working towards a connected Africa through various initiatives like the Smart cities initiative, Smart States, Smart Africa, and Seed Funds to Support ICT growth and so on.

Nigeria is however on the threshold to achieving that digital economy in all parts of the country through its broadband plan to achieve access to all.

In November 2014 the Minister of Communications Technology, Dr (Mrs) Omobola Johnson, commissioned a Base Transceiver Station, (BTS), in

Omobola Johnson Igbo Olodumare in Ondo State in the quest to see that both the underserved and unserved areas within the nation get ICT services delivered to them.

Again the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) through its seed funds promised connecting about 111 communities in South West Nigeria to various telephone services to be followed by the deployment of more than 200 BTS across Nigeria which will enable more than 300 communities with an esti-

“The mandate of the fund is to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians’’ mated population of 1.6 million gain accesses to ICT services.

Omobola Johnson at a recent industry forum to unveil the new USPF website, and launch of clusters of ICT gap said that the USPF in pursuit of its man-

date to stimulate the deployment and utilisation of ICT services in unserved and underserved communities and groups in the country, has continued promoting and deepening ICT access and availability in the rural areas of the country.

“The mandate of the fund is the backdrop against which it developed the SMP 2013-2017 to guide the execution of sustainable ICT projects which will improve the quality of lives of Nigerians and facilitate socioeconomic development,” she said.

The good news is that the Ministry through the USPF has continued to forge ahead by collaborating with the telecoms operators to closing access gap and setting Nigeria on the path of being a digitalised nation.

The Minister who doubles as the chairman of the USPF board said that the task is to make ICT access in the country a reality using the interventions in targeted communities and groups, while allaying the fear of making access possible in the country comprising six geo-political zones.

5G most likely to be playing catch-up in 2020- research

By Tony Nwakaegho

ÏÏÏABI

Research in its new Market Data has predicted that 5G is likely to be in the rear in 2020 as it will take more than five years for 5G to reach 100 million subscriber marks in 2025, two years longer than 4G. 4G subscriber growth was much faster than with previous generations, fuelled by the capabilities of increasingly powerful smartphones and the

availability of 4G devices.5G subscriber growth will likely be a bit more muted at first due to the increased complexity of 5G cells and networks, but will pick up in 2023.

“There are a number of commonalities between countries that are early builders of 5G networks. They have a large population, of which a large percentage is living in urban areas.

They also have many companies pushing the envelope with IoT

strategies. These countries will drive 5G subscriber volumes.

These are the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom in order of 5G subscribers in 2025.

“5G will be a spectrum of evolution to revolution-it will be an evolution of the way the core network and network topology is transforming now, but it will be clearly delineated as a fifth generation mobile air interface on which the mobile network

of the 2020’s and 2030’s will be built,” Research Director Philip Solis said.

5G will encompass spatial division as the foundation of the air interface, leveraging techniques like massive MIMOachievable in devices because of the high frequency of spectrum that will be used-and 3D beamforming to form narrow beams that divide the space around a 5G base station.

Solis

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe –Exiting in style Niyi Omo-Okiri

ÎÎÎOnly

500 individuals will own the next all-new Cadillac CTS as part of its send-off for the current-generation CTS-V which will be replaced next year.

At least in sedan form Cadillac will build 500 special-edition coupes for 2015. The unique model doesn’t look terribly unique, what with its CTS-V coupe–standard looks, but Cadillac has bundled together several optional extras to create an appealing end-of-generation offering.

Compared to its predecessor, that reawakened the world’s recognition of the brand as a true luxury car company, the all-new Cadillac CTS is an utterly impressive car, perhaps even more so. Soon, an all-new CTS-V will join the upgraded CTS, but in

the meantime, a special edition model of the 2015 CTS-V Coupe will find 500 lucky owners.

The Detroit-based automaker says 2015 CTS-V Coupe will consist of 500 limited-edition cars available during the second half of 2014. It will be the last model before the next generation of the V-Series debuts next year.

Special-edition customers get the 556-hp CTS-V’s optional satin graphite colored 19-inch wheels, red-painted Brembo brake calipers, black chrome grille, Recaro seats, suede steering wheel and shift knob, and Midnight Sapele wood trim for $72,195.

That’s marginally less than a similarly equipped regular CTSV coupe, but special-edition buyers also get exclusive red contrast stitching for the interior, so to those who place a heavy value on red this is the CTS-V coupe to

get.

A sunroof ($700) and just three exterior colors are available Crystal White, Black Diamond ($995), and Phantom Gray but that lack of choice is compensated for by the far more important option of selecting a manual transmission.

Next year, the CTS-V coupe and wagon, as well as the outgoing V sedan, will bow out ahead of the 2016 CTS-V sedan’s arrival. By the looks of things, the two- and five-door V-series models unfortunately won’t be returning.

To be built during the second half of 2014, the 2015 CTSV Coupe special edition will include the usual magnetic ride control dampers, Brembo brakes, and the monstrous, melodious 556-horsepower supercharged LSA V-8 engine.

In addition, it will get exclu-

sive Ebony leather interior with red contrast stitching, Recaro seats, metal pedals, microfiber suede steering wheel and shift knob covers, satin graphite wheels, red brake calipers, and a handful of other aesthetic tweaks.

Exterior color options are limited to Crystal White, Phantom Gray, and Black Diamond.

Both automatic and manual versions can be ordered.

While the 2015 CTS-V Coupe special edition is an appearance upgrade package, hints at what to expect of the next-generation CTS-V come from Cadillac’s chief marketing officer, Uwe Ellinghaus, who said in a release, “The special edition is a stepping stone to the next-generation V-Series, which will move to the next level with more dynamic design and technical sophistication.”

35 Auto

Auto News

It seems that the “friendly competition” between Audi and BMW has been settled at least temporarily with a lighting-technology victory for Audi.

The boys from Ingolstadt have revealed the first production car with laser headlights, a specialedition R8 LMX for European markets. The new model debut ends a one-year-long back-andforth between Audi and BMW over which would be first to market with the new lighting technology.

It would be recalled that last year BMW announced its plan to offer laser headlights on the i8 plug-in hybrid.

At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Audi Research and Development chief Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg one-upped the Bavarians with: “We will be the first car brand to put laser light into production.”

Simple ways to prevent your car from being stolen ÎÎÎCar

theft is nothing new because everything of value attracts thieves and therefore extra care must be taken to prevent the loss of one’s valuables like a car to thieves, who most times strike when and where

you least expect.

A car doesn’t have to be expensive to be a target. Thieves often steal vehicles just to strip them of their parts and metal components. Others steal cars to use as getaway vehicles while commit-

ting other crimes. It doesn’t matter if you drive a new luxury sedan or an old pickup truck. Car theft is a reality that you need to guard against. Multiple devices are available that help protect against your vehicle getting sto-

len.

Car theft is a serious problem, and there is no right or wrong answer as far as what you should use to prevent it. However, always lock all your doors, keep your windows up and follow

basic common sense whenever leaving your vehicle. Additional security measures do help prevent your car from being stolen, but only if you use them consistently and in the way they are intended.

Gobal business 36

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Boeing 787 dreamliner

China December factory PMIs suggest economy cooling ÏÏÏChina’s

factory activity sputtered in December, underlining the challenges facing the country’s manufacturers as they fight rising costs and softening demand in a cooling economy.

After a rough 2014, the world’s second-largest economy looks set to start the New Year on a weak note, reinforcing expectations that Beijing will roll out more stimulus to avert a sharper slowdown which could trigger job losses and debt defaults.

A property slump is expected to last well into 2015, companies will continue to struggle to pay

off debt and export demand may remain erratic, leaving only the services sector as the lone bright spot in the economy.

China’s official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) slipped to 50.1 in December from November’s 50.3, a government study showed on Thursday, its lowest level of the year and clinging just above the 50-point level that separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a reading of 50.1.

“This indicates that industrial growth is still in a downward trend, but the pace (of declines) is slowing,” Zhang Liqun, an

Ambac sues Bank of America over mortgage bonds ÏÏÏAmbac

Assurance Corp sued Bank of America Corp to recoup hundreds of millions of dollars of losses from insuring roughly $1.68 billion of securities backed at least in part by risky mortgages from the bank’s Countrywide Home Loans unit.

In a complaint filed on Tuesday in a New York state court in Manhattan, Ambac accused Countrywide of lying about how well it underwrote so-called “pay option adjustable-rate mortgage negative amortization” loans that backed the securities.

The securities were issued in

eight transactions between 2005 and 2007, Ambac said.

Ambac said it faced potential claims exceeding $600 million as of Oct. 31, and that pools of loans supporting its insured certificates had suffered $3.07 billion of losses by Nov. 30. It also said it would have never guaranteed payments had it known of Countrywide’s deception.

“Countrywide’s fraud is borne out by the transactions’ dismal performance,” said Ambac, which in September 2010 had filed a similar lawsuit against Bank of America.

economist at the Development Research Centre, said in a statement accompanying the report.

“The current economic situation is in the process of returning to stability from slowing down,” Zhang said.

A similar private survey on Wednesday showed activity shrank for the first time in seven months in December. That survey focuses on smaller companies, which are facing greater strains, notably higher financing costs and problems getting loans.

The official survey looks more at larger, state-owned firms, which have been more resilient

to the protracted downturn, partly due to generous government subsidies and better access to credit.

Many analysts expect economic growth in the fourth quarter to slow only marginally from 7.3 percent in the third quarter, though a raft of weak data suggest that may be too optimistic.

That means full-year growth will undershoot the government’s 7.5 percent target and mark the weakest expansion in 24 years.

Economists who advise the government have recommended that China lower its growth target to around 7 percent in 2015.

Boeing exceeds targeted 787 orders for 2014 ÏÏÏBoeing appears to have de-

livered 111 of its 787 Dreamliners in 2014, topping its forecast of 110, after the company said on Wednesday it had delivered Etihad Airways’ first 787-9 jet.

Boeing, the world’s largest plane maker, declined to immediately confirm the count, which was based on its stated deliveries through November and additional deliveries tallied

by All Things 787, a website that closely follows Boeing’s Dreamliner production. Reuters observation of Boeing’s production earlier this month found it was on track to hit its target of 110 Dreamliner deliveries.

Oil ends on a low after halving in 2014 ÏÏÏOil prices fell on Wednesday to a 5-1/2-year low and ended with their second-biggest annual decline ever, down by half since June under pressure from a global glut of crude.

Just before the close, Brent and U.S. oil futures bounced off session lows. But prices still settled at their lowest since May 2009. Weekly U.S. data showed crude oil stockpiles fell more than expected, but inventories at the oil hub at Cushing, Oklahoma, grew, keeping prices depressed.

Oil prices have collapsed this year as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries opted to maintain the same level of output despite a global glut

caused by expanding U.S. shale output and diminished demand growth from China.

Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group, said the mood was “sour” and trade choppy as dealers continued to hunt for a bottom, with volatility exacerbated by thin holiday volume.

Flynn

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Today in History

37

s

1980 Sherry Lansing named first female studio Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

ÏÏÏ1980

Sherry Lansing named first female studio production head “Former Model Named Head of Fox Productions” ran the headline in the January 2, 1980, issue of the New York Times, over an article announcing that Sherry Lansing had been selected to lead the production department at 20th Century Fox. After signing a three-year contract at a minimum of $300,000 per year (plus the possibility of hefty bonuses based on box-office returns), Lansing became not only the first woman to head production at a major movie studio, but also one of the highest-paid female executives in any industry.

Though Lansing later expressed irritation at the prominent mentions of her modeling career in the press coverage of her promotion, there was no doubt that she had an unusual resume for a top studio executive. Just 35 years old at the time, the Northwestern University graduate was a former high school math teacher who was later featured in television commercials for Max Factor hair products. A role in the John Wayne movie Rio Lobo hooked Lansing on the film industry, and she landed a job as a script reader for an independent producer. Rising through the ranks from executive story editor to executive vice-president of creative affairs at Metro-GoldwynMayer, she left that studio for Columbia Pictures, where she rose to vice-president of production and later senior VP. 1971 Football fans crushed in stadium stampede Sixty six, (66) football (soccer) fans are killed in a stampede at a stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, as they attempt to leave a game after a late goal by the home team. Initial reports suggested that the disaster was caused by fans returning to their seats after hearing of the last goal, but in fact it was simply the crush of spectators all leaving at the same time on the same stairway that led to tragedy. This was not the first time that disaster had struck the stadium.

Ibrox Stadium was built on the south side of Glasgow in 1900

and suffered its first serious incident only two years later. Just minutes into a match between England and Scotland on April 5, 1902, the weight of the fans on the stadium’s wooden west terrace caused a partial collapse of the structure. Dozens of spectators fell 45 feet to the ground.

To make matters worse, the collapse caused a general panic and hundreds of people were injured in the subsequent rush to the exits.

1905: Russian fleet surren-

ders at Port Arthur During the Russo-Japanese War, Port Arthur, the Russian naval base in China, falls to Japanese naval forces under Admiral Heihachiro Togo. It was the first in a series of defeats that by June turned the tide of the imperial conflict irrevocably against Russia.

In February 1904, following a Russian rejection of a Japanese plan to divide Manchuria and Korea into spheres of influence, Japan launched a surprise naval attack on Port Arthur, decimating the Russian fleet. In the sub-

1980 U.S.-Russia detente ends ÏÏÏIn

a strong reaction to the December 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, President Jimmy Carter asked the Senate to postpone action on the SALT II nuclear weapons treaty and recalls the U.S. ambassador to Moscow. These actions sent a message that the age of detente and the friendlier diplomatic and economic relations that were established between the United States and Soviet Union during President Richard Nixon’s administration (1969-74) had ended.

Carter feared that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, in which an estimated 30,000 combat troops entered that nation and established a puppet

government, would threaten the stability of strategic neighbouring countries such as Iran and Pakistan and could lead to the USSR gaining control over much of the world’s oil supplies.

The Soviet actions were labeled “a serious threat to peace” by the White House. Carter asked the Senate to shelve ratification talks on SALT II, the nuclear arms treaty that he and Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev had already signed, and the president called U.S. ambassador to Moscow Thomas J. Watson back to Washington for “consultation,” in an effort to let the Kremlin know that military intervention in Afghanistan was unacceptable.

sequent fighting, Japan won a series of decisive victories over the Russians, who underestimated the military potential of its non-Western opponent.

In January 1905, the strategic naval base of Port Arthur fell to the Japanese; in March, Russian troops were defeated at Shenyang, China, by Japanese Field Marshal Iwao Oyama; and in May, the Russian Baltic fleet under Admiral Zinovi Rozhdestvenski was destroyed by Admiral Togo’s fleet near the Tsushima Islands. These three crucial

defeats convinced Russia that further resistance against Japan’s imperial designs on East Asia was hopeless, and in August 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt mediated a peace treaty at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Japan emerged from the conflict as the first modern nonWestern world power and set its sights on greater imperial expansion. For Russia, however, the disastrous performance in the war was one of the immediate causes of the Russian Revolution of 1905

2009 Rare Bugatti found in British garage

parked in his garage since the early 1960s and hadn’t driven it in five decades. The car was built in May 1937 and originally owned by Francis Richard Henry Penn Curzon, the 5th Earl Howe. Curzon was also the first president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club and a winner of the 24 Hour Le Mans race.

When it was built, the 57S Atalante Coupe was capable of reaching speeds of more than 120 miles per hour at a time when the average car couldn’t do more than 50 miles per hour.

It was also notable for its lowslung frame and V-shaped radiator and featured pig-skin upholstery. At the time of the auction, Carr’s car was said to be in good condition and had 26,284 miles on its odometer.

ÏÏÏOn this day in 2009, media

outlets report that a rare unretired 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupe has been found in the garage of a British doctor. A month later, on February 7, the car sold at a Paris auction for some $4.4 million.

The black two-seater, one of just 17 57S Atalante Coupes ever made by Bugatti, had been owned by English orthopaedic surgeon Harold Carr since 1955.

Carr, who died in 2007, reportedly had kept the rare vehicle

News 38

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

Wife of Osun Governor, Ambassador Sherifat Aregbesola, with first baby of the year 2015.

With her is Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Pharm Omolara Ajayi; father of the baby, Mr Rauf Adekunle, and his wife , Bisola, at Ijugbe Oja-Ale Primary School, Ode-Omu, State of Osun…on Tuesday.

Fashola calls for unity in achieving credible polls Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏLagos State Governor,

Babatunde Fashola, has enjoined Nigerians to embrace unity of purpose in the effort to deliver a free and fair election as a way of restoring the nation back to global reckoning.

In his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, Fashola said the nation has an innate greatness while pointing out that this is the time for Nigerians to tap into that strength to change those things which over the years had made the

Fayemi

country to lose face in the comity of nations.

The governor, who noted that the country has made her mark globally especially in her contribution to global peace, pointed out that she has sacrificed men and materials to keep other nations stable adding, “She has led mostly from the front to bring political and economic stability to some nations, particularly in the Continent of Africa”.

Reiterating that one important way the country could return to global reckoning was through

Ekiti 2014 Guber Poll: No regret voting against fayemi, teachers reply APC

Fashola delivery of free and fair elections this year, Governor Fashola pointed out that the eyes of the whole world would be upon the country to prove that she is ready for greatness.

He noted that individual

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏEkiti Teachers, under

the aegis of Nigeria Union of Teachers, on Thursday said they have no regret for voting massively against ex-governor Kayode Fayemi during the June 21 , 2014 governorship election in the state.

Its members in the state had every reason to vote against Fayemi for allegedly introducing antiteachers policies during his reign, saying they have

Nigerians have also continued to make their mark in all spheres of human development including Science, Medicine, the Arts and Music, thereby building wealth and prestige for other nations.

In his words: “What is missing here is the orderliness which obedience to the tenets of the rule of law engenders in those countries. This begins with the ability of citizens of those climes to choose leaders of their choice”.

Describing the Year 2015 as a year of destiny for Nigeria, the governor fur-

ther declared, “it is a year when we must redraw the picture of failure and perceived inability to govern ourselves which we have, hitherto presented to the outside world. It is a year when we must endeavour to reclaim our glory.

“Our future greatness lies in our ability to move beyond rhetoric and practically rebrand our country and change the ugly picture that has unfortunately been presented to the world through the acts of very few of our countrymen who are in the minority”.

not apologized and cannot apologize for their action.

This reaction came following a programme anchored on an Akure, Ondo State based Radio Station, where some teachers were alleged to have phoned Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who was featuring on a live programme and apologized on behalf of members, having now spotted the difference between the former Governor and the incumbent, Mr Ayodele Fayose.

In a statement signed by the NUT Chairman, Comrade Samuel Akosile, the

NUT described those who rendered the apologies as Fayemi’s apologists and not members of the Union.

According to Akosile: “Do we need to apologize for refusing to sit for an examination that was meant to retrench us? Do we need to apologize for going on strike for demanding for our rights for the payment of 27.5%? Do we need to apologize for standing up as a union to oppose policies that are inimical to educational development and teachers’ welfare?”

LP urges Nigerians not to despair Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Labour Party, LP,

has urged Nigerians not to despair in spite of all that happened in the year 2014.

Rather, the party appealed to them to be hopeful and see the year 2015 as a year that is pregnant with momentous changes and positive turn around.

The advice was contained in a New Year message issued by the party through its National Secretary, Dr. Kayode Ajulo.

The Party, however, said that such hope will only come to fruition if Nigerians, once and for all, are resolved to make a clean break with attitude of cold complacency and fatalistic acquiescence to their oppressed state.

According to the LP, “the year 2014 will go down in history as that with the record of worst degeneration of human condition in Nigeria since the end of the civil war in 1970.

Thugs set shops, buildings, properties worth millions of naira on fire in Ondo Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏSome

hoodlums have set a private school and several shops, including properties worth millions of naira on fire at Odosida road, in Ondo town, Ondo State.

This is coming barely two weeks after Dr. David Oguntuase, the Head of Pediatrics at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, in Ondo state, was found dead in his Universal Medical Clinic in Akure as a result of fire incidence.

An eyewitness told Daily Times that some group of boys believed to be thugs came to Odosida road in a Toyota Camry car without a number plate and started wielding dangerous weapons to harass resident and shop owners before setting the buildings in the area on fire.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

39 News

Remember history and vote against Buhari – Fasehun Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏFounder of the newly

registered Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, has urged Nigerians not to turn their back on history, so that development will continue under President Goodluck Jonathan, in place of voting for the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate,

General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) on February 14, 2015.

In an interview with the Daily Times on Thursday, Fasehun admonished Nigerians to vote overwhelmingly for the incumbent as a way of showing gratitude.

According to him, Jonathan is a leader, who has worked hardest for the

peace, unity and development of this nation, despite all the obstacles placed on his path.

Fasehun said: “One of the unfortunate attributes pinned to Nigerians is our collective amnesia. Nigerians tend to give the impression that they have short memories. Erected on the tombstone of our untimely deceased memories are

sculptured tombstones, etched with the annoying words, “forgive and forget.” And yet, it is said that a nation that turns its back on its history will never embrace development.

“Even if we forgive, must we forget? And then, must we forgive people who deliberately scripted the misfortune of their own nation? Must an en-

Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏOndo state Governor,

Kogi women told to embrace Wada’s transformation agenda ÏÏÏThe wife of

the Kogi state Deputy Governor, Mrs Tokunbo Awoniyi, has urged the people of the state, especially women, to embrace the transformation agenda of the governor, Capt. Idris Wada, for more dividends of democracy.

Awoniyi, who stated this on Tuesday, in a New Year message to the people of the state, expressed optimism that the state would record more progress and

life; that mistake that we, as Nigerians, have been unable to wean ourselves from?

“The problem of Nigeria is not our politics, but the fact that we forget too soon. We feel the pain of our flagellation just at the time we are being floored.

Afterward, we go about as if nothing has happened,” he rebuked.

General elections will be peaceful - Mimiko

L-R: Proto Presbyter Methodist Church of the Trinity Tinubu, very Rev. Stephen Tunde Adegbite; Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche; Chaplain to the Prelate, very Rev. Rufus Atoloye, and Media and Public Relations Officer, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, the New Year Service at the Methodist Church Tinubu, Lagos.

Photo: Taokeek Babajide

Ibrahim Momohjimoh, Lokoja

tire nation subscribe to the self-serving blackmail of an individual or his sectarian interest group?

Can we not stop to think of the political possibilities in our chequered political history? Do we really lack the faculties to remind ourselves of the lessons of history lest we fall into that mistake that keeps recurring in our political

development in 2015.

She assured that with a plan of action for women that is all-inclusive and strategic, the Wada administration would meet the expectations of women in the state to be financially independent.

Awoniyi pointed out that 2015 being an election year holds so much for women, urging them to use their votes wisely by voting the PDP, noting that the policies of the party holds so much for the women.

She commended the

Wada positive impact of the Kogi Women Empowerment Network, (KOWEN), the pet project of Kogi state’s first lady, Hajia Halimat Wada, recorded in 2014,

and called on the women to show more interest in politics.

While calling on the women in the state to caution their children against election violence, Awoniyi said the youths, as future leaders, must not allow themselves to be used as political thugs in the forthcoming general elections.

She urged the people to live in peace with one another, as development, according to her, can only be attained in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has expressed optimism that the forth-coming general elections in the country would be peaceful.

Mimiko gave this assurance in his New Year message after a late night service held at the Agape Christian Assembly in Akure, the state capital.

He also assured that Nigeria would overcome her numerous challenges with fervent prayers by the people, stressing that worshipping God, in truth, would also assist the nation greatly.

He thanked the people of Ondo state for their support and prayers for his admin-

ÏÏÏLess

than 50 days to general election, PDP is set to inaugurate President Jonathan campaign team.

A release by the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Rufai Alkali, a professor, on Thursday said the inauguration will take place at the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] presidential campaign office at Legacy House, in the Maitama District of Abuja by 2p.m.

According to the release, the Chairman of the Board of trustees of the PDP, Tony Anenih, has been appointed the national campaign adviser, while a former Na-

Mimiko istration, noting that he would continue to add values to their lives through the provision of more dividends of democracy.

He said: “Election will come and go and Nigeria will not go back to Egypt again. We will pray fervently and continue to worship God in truth. I’m very optimistic that we will overcome our challenges.”

PDP names Jonathan’s campaign team tional Chairman of the PDP, Ahmadu Ali, will serve as the Director-General of the campaign organisation.

A former minister, Tunde Adeniran, will serve as deputy director general of the campaign’s head office, while the duo of Special Duties Minister, Kabiru Turaki and ex-Anambra governor, Peter Obi, will serve as Deputy Directors-General for north and south respectively.

of the blame for the ongoing unrest in Libya, where rival militias are locked in a heightened power struggle, according to a former close aide of the slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

“The West offered financial and military assistance to militants during their war to oust the Gaddafi regime.

By used Okey Chris, They later this assistance Awka, Anambra State to turn whole towns in Libya into strongholds terrorists,” ÏÏÏ In this of interview with our reporter, Okey Chris a incousin Awka, the Ahmed Gaddaf al-Dam, young man, popularly known of Gaddafi, told dpa in Cairo. as “SIDESPIN” while recount-

Features

Okwelogu Features

Scrabble can CourtP21 standardise martialed Nigeria’s Navy Education chief’s SOS to AU calls System

for more than 40 years, was deposed in 2011 in a Nato-supported armed revolt. He was later caught and killed by rebels in his hometown of Sirte.

ments and two governments at “Libyans have started to miss present. the Gaddafi days after all trouDaily Times Nigeria “The country now has no ble and sweeping chaos they Friday, January 2, 2015 army or police. Weapons are in have seen in recent years.” everyone’s hands, and the big In August, Islamist-led insurLibya has in recent months loser is Libya,” Gaddaf al-Dam, gents seized the Libyan capital said.

Tripoli and installed their own seen its worst violence since “The size of weapons avail- government and parliament, Gaddafi’s overthrow, amid interable now far exceeds those left forcing the internationally-recnational fears that the oil-rich behind from the Gaddafi era.” ognised government and elected country is sliding into chaos.

Gaddaf al-Dam, 64, served as legislature to move to the eastFormer rebels, who particiern city of Tobruk. tive of Okija, Ihiala Local Gov- chapter. a co-ordinator for Egyptian-Libpated the anti-Gaddafi up- yan relations under Gaddafi. ernmentin Area of Anambra state.

The violence has prompted He is a force be reckoneach with other, You have been in scrabble rising, are to battling Last year, an Egyptian court several countries to evacuate in scrabble game having played over many years now, please mainly for control of oil facili- refused to extradite him to the their citizens and diplomats over a hundred local and interna- tell us your feats ties inscrabble easternchampions, Libya. and tional Scrabble is a game of words.

Libyan authorities for alleged from Libya.

Auto

21

s

News

Starter

volt, Libya is awash w ons and powerful mi run by rival governm parliaments.

Le Drian warned tha ation in Libya was “no no less... the resurgen rorist sanctuary” that gerously close to Euro

Somali journalists in grenade attack

ÏÏÏTwo Somali j 2015 Cadillac AU calls for calm I was no P7were injured on W Weekend Starter s after attackers lobbed CTS-V Coupe – after failed coup scheming, nades at the office of a in the country’s c I wasback-stabbing no scheming, tion Exiting in style in Gambia P12 national journalists’ u for calm after failed coup in Gambia The pair, the station back-stabbing editor editor two - Shiine Abdi Ah P35 Jonathan:Look presenter Abdullahi Yahya Jammeh said on of the human rights and legitiAden - suffered leg ÏÏÏAfrican Union Commis- ruler Wednesday plotters would never mate interest of those affected, injuries respectively sion chief, Nkosazana Dlaminiinto my case win, as fears mounted of possibut it is also against the will of lives were not in dang ing his experiences and ordeals in the hands of NSA officials, recommended possible ways of resuscitating Nigeria’s education sector and the world of scrabble.

Excerpts: Mr. Chinedu Okwelogu is a na-

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.15

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 2, 2015

It is a mental sport enhancing ones analytical ability in English, Logic, Mathematics, among other subjects and problem solving courses.

I have been winning the game naturally. I became a National

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Okwelogu

Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former Governor of Ogun State, has not always been a politician.

Renowned as one of Nigeria’s best reporters, editors and media managers – in that order – Osoba tells TAYO ADELAJA about his growing-up years, his exploits in the journalism profession and explains some of the controversies that have been associated with his name in the industry. Excerpts

ble reprisals by his regime a day after a failed coup.

Jammeh returned overnight on Wednesday from Dubai where he was on a private visit when the putsch attempt was staged in the west African country.

“Those who advocate and sponsor violence for regime change should know that they He wantsZuma the Federal GovernAgozino Agozino are not only acting in violation ment and military authorities to

When and where are you born?

I was born in Osogbo and I grew up in Osogbo. My father was one of the people that developed Egbatedo (Egba’s quarters) in Osogbo. My father’s house is still there to date. Sunny Ade grew up in my mother’s hand and that is why we’re very close.

He and my brother went to the same primary school. I was born on July 15, 1939.

I used to read star predictions but I don’t believe in horoscopes.

I love arts and I used to collect art works until people started saying that I am worshipping idols. There were rumours when I became governor that I had a place dedicated for the idols and that I worshipped the deities because of my love for artefacts.

That made me dispose of all of the artefacts. I gave almost all of them out to people.

When I grew up in Osogbo, my father used to buy Akede Eko, a Yoruba newspaper that summarised the weekly events. It was a weekly paper and very famous in the 40’s. It was then that I imbibed the culture of reading newspapers. It was there that I got my initial non-conventional training as a journalist. The Editor was the father of Isaac Thomas, my colleague at the Daily Times.

I was at the African Church School, Osogbo. I went to the Apostolic Teachers Training School, Ilesha, but I was kicked out for being too short. When the Inspector saw me, he said I was too young to be a teacher be-

The untold story of Daily Times, The Sketch, The Herald, and coup

the Almighty Allah,” Jammeh, a devout Muslim, said in a New Year address.

He, however, did not specifically mention the putschists.

A group of heavily armed men led by an army deserter attacked the presidential palace in the capital Banjul before dawn on Tuesday, but were repelled by Osoba’s Background forces loyal to Jammeh, who has Goodluck Jonathan to right the ruled for 20 years. wrong done to him in the Nige-

Court-martialed Navy chief’s SOS to Jonathan:

Look into my case

Commander Onwura Z Chiazor, (PSC JSSC), is a man of many firsts: He is the first Black Queen Commissioned Naval Officer, and first African to be enlisted in the Canadian Navy.

He is also the first Nigerian Cadet Training Officer, who co-wrote the pioneer rules and regulations of the Nigerian Navy. He commanded the Independence Day Parade on first October 1960 and instructed a junior officer who lowered the British Union Jack for the Nigerian Coat of Arms.

He was the personal Aide de Camp (ADC) to Nigeria’s first President Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe.

At 90, you would expect such a man to be happy, surrounded with his children and grandchildren.

Pa Chiazor is anything but happy.

He is filled with deep anger at the Nigerian state. He has a burning issue that he wants addressed if he is to die happily or to forgive the country. His sterling career was truncated by an allegation of fiscal misconduct for which he was courtmartialed. Blessed with longevity but knowing that he is at the departure lounge of life, waiting to meet his creator, Pa Chiazor says he has no reason to tell a lie.

review his affirmation of innocence and clear his name while he is still alive. ‘‘As you are passing through Marina you will see the house

“His sterling career was truncated by an allegation of fiscal misconduct for which he was court-martialed”

7

Osoba

cause of my height. My uncle then, the famous Apostle Joseph Babalola of CAC took me to the Teacher Training School. I used to spend my holidays with him at Efon-Alaye in those days. I had to move to Lagos and had to sit for entrance examination into Methodist Boys High School, Lagos.

rian Navy before he dies.

Forgotten totally in his village community of Atuma-Iga, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, where Daily Times met him, regretting his decision of leaving the lucrative and rewarding career with the Canadian Navy to serve his fatherland, Pa Chiazor, could not imagine the humiliation, embarrassment and suffering he has passed-through since he was summarily dismissed from the Navy.

He pointed out that he had two regrets in his life: One was that he left the Canadian Navy as a Queen Commissioned SubLieutenant to become a pioneer Officer of the Nigerian Navy, where he was later court-martialed in 1966.

His second travail stirs up controversy over who actually lowered the British Union Jack (the British Flag) on first October 1960, and who hoisted the Nigerian flag.

Pa Chiazor contends that he commanded the Nigerian independence parade in Lagos, insisting that the Nigerian government is erroneously recognising for that historic duty. He therefore wants his due recognition given to him by the nation.

After leaving school, I was on the staff of the Lagos City Council as a Building Inspector. We were trained for few weeks in Inspectorate education. At that time, there was serious evaluation of construction sites. No cases of building collapse.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

The body denounc tack on the Radio G the city of Galkayo.

“The first hand gre hurled at the station’ around 19:40 which h cony where several j were sitting,” Iman Jama, a representati National Union of So nalists (NUSOJ) said.

ÏÏÏ Date of Birth: July 15, 1939 ÏÏÏ Place of Birth: Osogbo, Osun state ÏÏÏ Education: African Church School, Osogbo. Apostolic Teachers training School, Ilesha.

Methodist Boys High School, Lagos

Poverty and crisis in Africa ÎÎÎWho

For example, France is able to preach about liberté and égalité while supporting dictators like Mr. Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso and Mr. Paul Biya of Cameroun

Price: N150

Zuma, has voiced her “preoccupation” and called for calm while stressing the need to deepen “democracy and the respect for human rights”.

Banjul, a small tropical city which lies on an island in a river leading to the Atlantic Ocean, was tense but calm on Wednesday, but there were many soldiers and police on the streets.

But, Gambia’s iron-fisted

won many prizes.

Okwelogu, who was the first Kano State Scrabble Coach (2004 to 2005), read English and Literary Studies at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, and at present, Assistant Director with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Anambra state

benefits from the narratives of portraying more than a billion people as poverty stricken and an entire continent as nothing more than wastelands for numerous crises?

These are questions that I have often pondered especially with my knowledge of the enormous wealth in most African countries and my exposure to the western media narratives. Recently, my attention was drawn to the questions and answers from an article issued to fourth graders titled “Crisis in Africa.”

Upon reviewing the contents it read like a how low you can diatribe on the stereotype, prejudice, and bias representations of the African continent.

The questions and answers of the Crisis in Africa article covered themes that the text and teacher wanted the 4th graders to gain mastery on, such as how the G8 nations are going to save Africa.

Nonetheless, I fired up an email to the head administrator of the school to demand some

explanations. How could relationship between Euyoung malleable children ropean and African elites. be availed with such one For example, France is sided narratives about a able to preach about libold Pa Chiazor geographical space that90 yearserté and égalité while is bigger than the com- supporting dictators like bination of America and Mr. Blaise Compaore of Western Europe? Why Burkina Faso and Mr. did the article’s questions Paul Biya of Cameroun. and answers concentrate Switzerland on the other on issues of poverty, dis- hand is notorious for acteases, starvation, malnu- ing as coconspirators of trition, and war? What is these multi-millionaire the justification of a que- gangsters that steal from ry like- “African children African nations and deoften don’t go to school posit billions in European because?” Why is there financial banking instituthe underreporting and tions like the original Euneglect of the different ropean imperialist. nuances that are prevaOn this side of the lent in each region of that Atlantic, Europeans in massive continent? For Washington speak of freeexample, suicide clusters dom and democracy while in Northern Virginia and supplying rulers in EthioAlaska don’t indicate en- pia, Ugandan, and Djiboudemic suicides in North ti with weapons to derail America which includes the interest of their massCanada, Mexico, and es. United States Agency some Caribbean nations. for International DevelAfter examining the opment (USAID) and the listed hypotheses and European Union (EU) testing them against want to utilize Non-Govhistorical and contem- ernmental Organizations porary realities it was (NGOs) to spread the mesnot hard to identify the sage of poverty and crisis major benefactors of the on the continent whereas status quo. The poverty facilitating the exploits and crisis propaganda of western companies. about Africa serves the Some folks are going with incestuous and imperial the flow and joining the

where Zik lived. That was the place I stayed at. That was my house. During my time when I was Zik’s ADC, I used to receive foreign visitors and dignitaries who visited him,’’ the frail repository of the nation’s history told Daily Times as he managed to pick his walking stick.

Pa Chiazor, who spoke in tears at his home, explained that he suspected envy and jealousy by some people who felt threatened by his career to be the brains behind his travail, He was courtmartialed.

He is appealing to President

winning side. How can Africa be simultaneously poor with business profit margins that are off the chain? European oil corporations like Royal Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil, and British Petroleum which are ranked as the riches worldwide corporations have been exploiting Africa for centuries.

However, Europeans are not the only ones talking out of both sides of their mouths that think the rest of us are stupid and/or blind. African rulers and their cohorts are major agents in this global conspiracy. For example, it is alleged by some publications that the Democratic Republic of Congo which is now the second biggest African country, is also the poorest in the world. But Congo is one of the largest producers of coltan which is in many electronic devices including cellphones. The African rulers in Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and South Africa have generated billions from the Congo basin through dubious refining and extracting activities. Con-

The phoenix

rises

BREAKING NEWS | POLITICS | BUSINESS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT

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golese women have become synonymous as the collateral damage of the various schemes to steal resources.

Liberia which is also listed as one of the poorest countries in the world has some thriving mining and forestry industries.

The former and present rulers of Liberia are mostly millionaires and Mr. Charles Taylor gave out diamonds to his lovers. Liberia is so poor that Firestone Tire and Rubber Company has generated billions by extracting rubber from Liberian plantations. But the saga continues because Africa remains under assault from within and without.

For example, African rulers in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone signed off on the arrival of Corgenix Medical Corporation and Professor Robert Garry of Tulane University for the manor river project. In 2007, on the guise of assisting those countries, bioterrorism research began at the manor union and now we have the first recorded Ebola outbreaks in West Africa.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

XT Exclusive

Tottenham tears Chelsea apart in EPL cracker

“I have won many trophies in my time, but nothing will ever top helping win the battle for peace in my country.”

Poster!

DROGBA

DIDIER DROGBA

Personal information Full name:

Tébily Didier Yves Drogba

Date of birth:

March, 11 1978 (age 36)

Place of birth:

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Height:

“I don’t say Didier was the greatest player I have worked with because I have had so many great players, but he was a great player, a great friend and somebody who will be part of my life forever. He would say the exact same about me. We created the kind of emotional links that are more than football.”

JOSE MOURINHO

1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)

Playing position: Striker Current team: Number:

Chelsea 11

Youth career 1989–1991: 1991–1993: 1993–1997: 1997–1998:

Abbeville Vannes Levallois Le Mans

Senior career 1998–2002: 2002–2003: 2003–2004: 2004–2012: 2012: 2013–2014:

Le Mans Guingamp Marseille Chelsea Shanghai Shenhua Galatasaray

2014–till date: Chelsea

National team 2002–2014:

Ivory Coast

X4,5

X6

!

Pillars fire Ammani, 9 others

GOAL KING

A B M I Y N E m 2 .

1 $ S E PLAC N O G A T PRICE UDOH

X7

Murray beats Lopez in WTC opener

X2 X8

Sportlitics

At last!

Emem Eduok Signs For Esperance X3

SOUTHAMPTON STUNS SHAKY GUNNERS

X6

X2

!

Friday, January 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

GOAL KING

Udoh was goal king with 23 goals in the league.

ENYIMBA PLACES $1.2m PRICE TAG ON

UDOH E

nyimba have placed a price tag of $1.2 million on all-time Nigeria league record scorer Mfon Udoh after they rejected a $650,000 from a top Egyptian club.

Enyimba have reportedly slammed a $1.2m tag on the striker who netted a record-breaking 23 goals in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) last season.

The Aba Elephants are believed to have already turned down a $650,000 offer from an Egyptian club for the Akwa Ibom State-born dare-devil striker.

Udoh himself has revealed that he has received offers from several clubs from Africa and Europe.

The player, who is presently in the Eagles camp ahead of their two-legged friendly in Dubai against Cote d’Ivoire and Sudan, revealed that he is still studying some of the offers.

“Actually clubs are calling but we have not arrived at anything yet,” he said.

“Like I have said I am not in a hurry to leave Enyimba, but once the right offer comes I will decide.”

s r e th o 9 i, n a m m A re fi s r la Pil

C

hampions Kano Pillars have released Nazifi Ammani and nine other players ahead of the new season.

Also, among the other players laid off by the Kano-based team are Bello Musa Kofarmata, Kingsley Udoh and Kabiru Umar.

Fullback Ammani has endured longterm injuries in the last two seasons, same as former Enugu Rangers and Heartland striker Kabiru Umar.

Pillars, who will represent Nigeria in the 2015 CAF Champions League alongside Enyimba, have signed several other players including Nasarawa winger Tony Edjomareigwe, Samuel

Tswanya from Bayelsa United and Christian Obiozor of Enugu Rangers.

The Nigeria league champions will resume training on Monday after a short break for Christmas and New Year holidays.

Nazifi Ammani out of Pillar after injury problems.

Friday, January 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

! t s a l t A

X3

EMEM EDUOK SIGNS FOR ESPERANCE

Ï Joins Eagles camp

Ebimobowei

S N I H P L O D SIGN UP

EBIMOBOWEI D

olphins FC have completed the signing of last season’s third leading scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Peter Ebimobowei.

The details of the contract for Ebimobowei still remain undisclosed, but Dolphins tidied up the move on the last week of 2014.

The striker has been immediately registered by the Port Harcourt club for the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup. But inside sources at Dolphins revealed to supersport.com that the striker may have agreed to play on loan for the Garden City club in the coming season.

“Dolphins have sealed a deal with Peter Ebimobowei. The Dolphins manager, Stanley Eguma,

clearly made him a target and after talks he agreed to join the club.

It was a late move which paid off and he has since been included in the squad for the Confederation Cup,” an official of Dolphins said on New Year’s Day. Another official said: “We did dot the Is and cross the Ts in the deal. But I understand that Peter will be joining on loan. However, I will give you further details on the deal later.”

Ebimobowei had initially been reported to have joined Warri Wolves last month.

The striker scored 18 goals, all from open play, last season for Bayelsa United. He was nominated for the Player of the Season in the 2014 League Bloggers Awards (LBA).

Dolphins’ coach, Stanley Eguma

Eduok

Idu Jude Abuja

Top Tunisian club Esperance has finally signed Dolphins star striker Emem Eduok on a contract for three and a half years.

A former top Esperance official told AfricanFootball.com from Tunis: “Emem has signed a contract for three and a half years after he passed a medical with the club.”

Other details of the deal are still very sketchy.

Eduok scored a record-equaling 20 goals this past Nigeria Premier League to attract interests from overseas.

Meanwhile, in readiness for the scheduled international Grade A friendly in Abu Dhabi, former Dolphins of Port Harcourt hot shot, Emem Eduok, has given the camp of the Super Eagles a boost with his arrival from Tunisia on Thursday morning.

Though, he missed the morning training session, he was present for the evening session at the Abuja National Stadium under the watchful eyes of Assistant Coach, Daniel ‘The Bull’ Amokachi.

The former power-playing Everton of England forward said with the arrival of Eduok, the team is not expecting any other player as Godwin Igudia earlier invited has sent a message that he is nursing an injury.

He reiterated that only 19 players will be taken to Abu Dhabi from the 24 players currently sweating it out for shirts.

Eduok, himself said his trip to Tunisia was a huge success, but he will still need proper clearance from his parent club, Dolphins of Port Harcourt, after the two friendly games against Cote D’Ivoire and Sudan.

“The trip was okay, I have done my medicals and concluded terms with my new club, but Dolphins will still have to clear me after our friendly games,” he said.

X4

Friday January 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

Personal information Full name:

Tébily Didier Yves Drogba

Date of birth:

March, 11 1978 (age 36)

Place of birth:

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Height:

1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)

Playing position: Striker Current team: Number:

Chelsea 11

Youth career 1989–1991:

Abbeville

1991–1993:

Vannes

1993–1997:

Levallois

1997–1998:

Le Mans

Senior career 1998–2002:

Le Mans

2002–2003:

Guingamp

2003–2004:

Marseille

2004–2012:

Chelsea

2012: 2013–2014:

Shanghai Shenhua Galatasaray

2014–till date: Chelsea

National team 2002–2014:

Ivory Coast

Friday January 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

“I have won many trophies in my time, but nothing will ever top helping win the battle for peace in my country.”

DROGBA

“I don’t say Didier was the greatest player I have worked with because I have had so many great players, but he was a great player, a great friend and somebody who will be part of my life forever. He would say the exact same about me. We created the kind of emotional links that are more than football.”

JOSE MOURINHO

X5

X6

Friday, January 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

Danger man! Harry Kane (3rd from left) scores for Tottenham Hotspurs.

Tottenham C tears Chelsea apart in EPL cracker

helsea were stunned 5-3 by a Harry Kaneinspired Tottenham to surrender their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Diego Costa’s tap in put Chelsea ahead, but Kane’s low shot levelled before Danny Rose followed up a rebound.

Kane was tripped by Gary Cahill for an Andros Townsend penalty, with Kane’s turn and shot giving Spurs a fourth.

Eden Hazard’s run gave Chelsea hope, but Nacer Chadli’s deflected effort ensured John Terry’s late goal from close range was only a consolation.

That Terry goal does, however, have Chelsea equal with Manchester City in terms of points, goal difference and goals scored, meaning the pair are officially classed as jointtop of the table.

If that situation remains at the end of the season, they

Sanogo could make loan move -Wenger Arsene Wenger has revealed that striker Yaya Sanogo could be allowed to leave Arsenal on loan this month. The 21-year-old has made only six appearances for the London club this season and the likes of Aston Villa, Bordeaux and Lorient have been linked with the Frenchman.

Wenger

Red Devils held at Stoke

M

anchester United lost further momentum in the Premier League title race after drawing 1-1 with Stoke City at a windy Britannia Stadium on New Year’s Day. Radamel Falcao equalised for the visitors after former United trainee Ryan Shawcross had scored the first Premier League goal of 2015 in the second minute, but it was a third draw in four games for Louis van Gaal’s side. United, who lost Ashley Young to an apparent hamstring injury, remain third.

Stoke caught United cold by taking the lead inside second minutes, with Shawcross volleying into the net from close range after Peter Crouch had helped on a corner.

would play-off for the title.

That Jose Mourinho’s side have relinquished top spot is only one aspect of a result made especially notable for the manner in which Spurs dismantled a team they had failed to beat in their previous 10 attempts.

On November 22, Chelsea had an eight-point advantage over City but have now lost two and drawn two of their last eight games.

Chelsea began the new year at the top of the table - a position they have occupied on each of the three previous occasions they have won the Premier League - but they have been joined by a City side that have taken 22 points from a possible 24.

Meanwhile, Spurs go fifth by extending their unbeaten run to six games and by becoming only the second team in Mourinho’s managerial career to score five or more past a team coached by the Portuguese.

Mame Biram Diouf, another United old boy, then spurned a glorious chance to extend Stoke’s lead when he bundled his way past Jonny Evans, only to curl wide with his left foot. Falcao equalised in the 26th minute, hooking home left-footed at the back post after Wayne Rooney’s corner had been flicked on by Michael Carrick to register the third goal of his loan spell from Monaco.

Amid difficult, blustery conditions, both sides had chances to win the game, with Robin van Persie volleying narrowly wide for United and Crouch glancing a header against the post for Stoke. Stoke also felt that they should have been awarded a penalty when a shot from Crouch struck Chris Smalling on the arm.

Friday, January 2, 2015

EXTRATIME ATHLETICS

X7

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Newcastle, Burnley in six-goal thriller George Boyd scored a late equaliser for injury-hit Burnley to deny Newcastle caretaker-manager John Carver victory.

Carver, who was in charge ahead of Alan Pardew’s expected departure, saw Steven Taylor head Newcastle in front before a Paul Dummett own goal made it 1-1.

Jack Colback fired Newcastle back ahead after 26 minutes with Burnley then losing a third player before halftime.

Danny Ings made it 2-2 and after Moussa Sissoko had put United in front for a third time, Boyd grabbed a point.

Having fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Manchester City last time out, when Boyd also scored, this was another remarkable comeback from the Clarets to take the edge off Carver’s big day.

Van Gaal demands United’s improvement

Southampton punished two errors by Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to stay fourth in the Premier League.

SOUTHAMPTON STUNS SHAKY GUNNERS PREMIERSHIP TABLE

S

outhampton punished two errors

by Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to stay fourth in the Premier League following a 2-0 win.

Szczesny raced from his goal in the first half to allow Sadio Mane to curl into an empty net from a narrow angle.

Saints’ keeper Fraser Forster superbly saved from Alexis Sanchez before Szczesny kicked a loose ball while on the floor to Dusan Tadic, who poked in for the second goal.

Southampton could have scored more, with Graziano Pelle’s shot cleared off the line, as Arsenal stay fifth.

Saints’ manager Ronald Koeman suggested his side could finish above Arsenal this week, a feat which seemed unlikely in the summer as almost £100m of players left.

A run of four league defeats from late November issued a reality check at the south coast club but dreams of a top-four finish once again seem realistic with 10 points taken from the last 12 on offer.

Without the suspended Morgan Schneiderlin - a reported target for many teams in January - Koeman’s side were solid all over the pitch, none more so than goalkeeper Forster, who saved brilliantly from Santi Cazorla and Sanchez either side of Mane’s opener.

By contrast, Szczesny made errors which proved the difference between the teams.

Referee Craig Pawson issued only a yellow though and despite Arsenal introducing Theo Walcott for the first time since November, they rarely threatened to reduce the arrears.

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS

TEAM

P

PTS

1. Chelsea

20

46

2. Man City

20

46

3. Man United

20

37

4. Southampton

20

36

5. Tottenham

20

34

6. Arsenal

20

33

7. West Ham

20

32

8. Liverpool

20

29

9. Swansea City

20

29

10. Newcastle

20

27

Stoke City 1 - 1 Man United

11. Stoke City

20

26

Aston Villa 0 - 0 Crystal Palace

12. Aston Villa

20

22

Hull City 2 – 0 Everton

13. Everton

20

21

Liverpool 2 – 2 Leicester City

14. Sunderland

20

20

Man City 3 – 2 Sunderland

15. Hull City

20

19

Newcastle 3 - 3 Burnley

16. QPR

20

19

QPR 1 – 1 Swansea City

17. West Brom

20

18

Southampton 2 – 0 Arsenal

18. Crystal Palace

20

17

West Ham 1 - 1 West Brom

19. Burnley

20

17

Tottenham 5 – 3 Chelsea

20. Leicester

20

14

Louis van Gaal has called on his Manchester United side to improve their away form following New Year’s Day’s 1-1 draw at Stoke City. Radamel Falcao’s third goal for the club earned United a point at a blustery Britannia Stadium after Ryan Shawcross had given the hosts an early lead.

Atletico buoyed by Torres return Amid the excitement over Fernando Torres’ return, Atletico Madrid can apply pressure at the top of La Liga when Levante visit on Saturday. The Spanish champions signed fan favourite Torres from Milan on an 18-month lon deal during the mid-season break, although the former Chelsea and Liverpool forward will not be available to feature at the Calderon this weekend.

Hughes frustrated by penalty denials Mark Hughes condemned referee Michael Oliver for denying Stoke City two penalties after their 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Oliver failed to point to the spot in the second half of the New Year’s Day clash at the Britannia Stadium despite a clear Chris Smalling handball.

Podolski denies ‘storming out’ of training Lukas Podolski has hit out at claims in the British press that he stormed out of Arsenal’s training ground this week.

The German forward has been a peripheral figure at the Emirates Stadium this term and has regularly been linked with a move away, most recently to Serie A club Inter.

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Friday, January 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME TENNIS

CYCLING

Marathoner begins world record attempt W

Murray

MURRAY BEATS LOPEZ IN WTC OPENER A

ndy Murray be at Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (7-1) 5-7 6-4 in the opening match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (WTC) in Abu Dhabi.

The Scot won on his fifth match point and faces world number three Rafael Nadal in the semi-final today.

Murray, 27, said: “Lopez had break points and I had a lot of match points so I’m happy just to get through.”

The six-man exhibition event is the unofficial season opener and Novak Djokovic is also taking part.

Nadal and world number one Djokovic receive byes into the last four as the top-

ATHLETICS

ranked players.

The 2014 Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka played Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in the other openinground match on Thursday.

Murray is using the event as part of his build up to the Australian Open that takes place in Melbourne from January 19 to February 1.

Doping bans increased to four years D

rug cheats in sport face a minimum four-year ban under new rules which came into effect from January 1.

Changes to the World Anti-Doping Code, which unifies anti-doping rules for global sports, have increased the suspension for doping from two years.

Other changes will see less leniency given for missed tests but possible reduced bans for helping investigators.

UK sports minister Helen Grant said

the changes would “better protect clean athletes around the world”.

“Successful implementation will mean an innovative and robust anti-doping programme that reaches further than ever before, to more athletes, more support personnel and more sport lovers, all of who want to be part of sport free from doping,” she added in a statement via UK Anti-Doping.

“We will see tougher sanctions - not just for athletes, but also for those who

hile many people were recovering from a hangover, Englishman Steve Abraham began cycling more than 200 miles on New Year’s Day. And he then aims to do the same again every day for the remainder of 2015 as he attempts to break a record that has stood for 74 years and many consider to be unbeatable.

It was set by another Englishman, Tommy Godwin, who covered 75,065 miles (120,805 kilometers) in a calendar year -- an average of 205 miles (330 km) per day.

What is more, Godwin continued on to complete a staggering 100,000 miles (160,930 km) in 500 days, finishing his epic ride in London on May 13, 1940.

Abraham, 40, who lives in Milton Keynes in central England, knows only too well just how tough the mark will be to beat -- it’s the equivalent of cycling around the world three times.

He will need to be in the saddle, riding a steel-framed Raleigh bike similar to that used by his hero Godwin, for up to 20 hours per day, surviving on minimal sleep, particularly in the more favorable summer months.

But Abraham, a veteran of other long distance cycling challenges, has been building up to this attempt for a number of years.

“It’s just something I fancied doing, but it is a bit extreme,” he said.

The heyday for the record was in the 1930s when various cycling publications ran competitions to encourage attempts but according to the official website for Abraham’s 2015 bid, the year record has never been formally sanctioned by a national cycling federation, or ratified by the Guinness Book of Records.

Instead, it is being run under the rules of the Ultra-marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) -- which stages the annual Race Across America and other distance classics. It will be tracking Abraham’s progress using technology and random checks.

The UMCA has also assigned its 24-hour champion Chris Hopkinson to support his fellow Englishman and offer valuable advice.

The 47-year-old Hopkinson, from Yorkshire, where the Tour de France started in 2014, told CNN that Abraham was made of the right stuff.

Volunteers from the cycling community have pledged to support him on food stops and Abraham is grateful for their help and encouragement.

Abraham has had to give up his job as a warehouse worker to free up the necessary time for such an allconsuming record attempt. He is also single.

assist in the doping process.”

The punishment for missing three tests within a 12-month period has been increased from 18 months to two years.

While deliberate cheating leads to a four-year ban, athletes guilty of “inadvertent doping” will receive a two-year ban - although they can get a reduction if they have “substantial proof that they were not at fault or intending Steve Abraham (2nd from right) chose a local 10 mile time trial organized by his club to cheat”.

North Bucks RC to make the ‘official’ start to his challenge.