EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 27th April 2015. Currency
Buying(NGN)
Central (NGN)
NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 27th April 2015. GAINERS
Selling(NGN)
LOSERS
US DOLLAR
196
196.5
197
WAPCO
93.5
4.10
4.39%
SEPLAT
378.1
-19.90
-5.26%
POUNDS STERLING
296.2736
297.0294
297.7852
MOBIL
155
2.95
1.90%
NESTLE
915
-15.50
-1.69%
160.04
-7.96
-4.97%
155.5
-6.95
-4.47%
EURO
212.3072
212.8488
213.3904
CADBURY
42
2.00
4.76%
GUINNESS
SWISS FRANC
205.5715
205.0934
205.6153
NB
152
1.00
0.66%
TOTAL
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Tearful plea of Nigerians, others on death row in Indonesia...
Help! We don’t want to die like this INSIDE
ALLEGRI
Poster!
‘ONLY A MAD MAN WOULD TAKE KIDS TO THE g 30 STADIA IN ITALY’
EUGENIE BOUCHARD
g X2-3
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Segun Adio
MAYWEATHER v PACQUIAO: Sponsorship Hits $13m
Group News Editor
•••The
tears have begun to flow, ceaselessly – across the globe. For the four Nigerians, and five others convicted for smuggling narcotics into Indonesia, the rat-tat-tat of guns, trained against them on fatal errands, is set to begin today. Indonesia has refused all pleas, even from the United Nations (UN). The names of the Nigerians are given as: Martin Anderson, 50; Silvester Obiekwe Nwolise, 47; Jamiu Owolabi Abashin, 50; and Okwudili Oyatanze, 41. The others are Mary Jane Veloso, 30, Philippines; Serge Atlaoui, 51, France; Zainal CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
WENGER Unconcerned In Rivalry With
MOURINHO g
Nwolise, 47
X4
Life&
TIMES Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Vincent Opurum Oyatanze, 41
The budding thespian
L2
P
Teen’s world: Drug & alcohol abuse L7 P
Relationship: Coping as a step-parent PL3
ON DEATH ROW: Nigeria’s Martin-Anderson, 50, and his co-convicts (right)
FG denies recall of envoys from South Africag12 Abashin, 50
Jonathan releases NNPC audit report
Govt names streets after GEJ, Sambo, g4 Ajunwa, g5 Yekini, others •Sacks NHIS boss, appoints Gwarzo, Peter Obi to head SEC
APC kicks as Ondo Assembly sacks Deputy Governor g 4
2
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
3
Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Regulating Nigeria’s mining sector
R
ecently, the Nigerian Miners Association (NMA) raised alarm at the influx of unregistered Chinese companies into the mining sector. According to its President, Alhaji Sani Shehu these companies’ recruited Chinese labourers to do the jobs usually reserved for Nigeria’s lower and middle class workers. We call on the authorities to investigate this claim with a view of putting a check it before it gets out of hand. There is no self-respecting country that gives foreigners unfettered access to its mines, neither would it encourage competition at expense of the locals. It is very shameful that the Inspectorate Department of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development charged with monitoring operations in the sector has become incapable of enforcing the rules. That unregistered Chinese companies are displacing Nigerians in the local mines speaks volume on the state of rot and decay in the sector. Question is who gave the foreign nationals the permission to go into mining for precious stones and other metals in Nigeria. Definitely, these foreigners are engaging in illegal mining, which to all intents and purpose should not be tolerated in the country. There is no gainsaying that the Chinese labourers in Zamfara and Nasarawa mines are also engaged in smuggling of gemstones across the borders. Moreover, such illegal mining activities have constituted a cog in the activities of corporate investors. Statistics show that some of those licensed to engage in legal mining have either abandoned exploration/exploitation or are contemplating such a line of action, in the absence of security guarantees.
We also should be bothered by the severe degradation that such illegal and unregulated mining does to the environment. It is known that some of the disused pits in many states are oozing highly hazardous waste and polluting rivers in areas contiguous with mining fields. It is therefore time the government brought sanity to the mining of solid minerals. We advocate for properly organised production activities and development of local expertise in processing minerals. Nigeria can learn from examples of Thailand, Israel and India that have grown their gemstones and jewellery industry from cottage level to vibrant multi-billion export oriented sector. Besides, the industry offers vast opportunities to teeming unemployed youths. There is the need for Nigeria to take up the development of her non-oil sector, including the solid minerals industry which has the potentials to give her some level of sound reprieve in times of such unhealthy gale in commodity prices. Reports from the Mining Cadastral Office and Nigerian Geological Survey Agency have it that Nigeria could deliberately plan an economic life outside of crude oil with more than 33 commercially viable mix of solid minerals deposit across the length and breath of the country. An active solid minerals sector in Nigeria will guarantee internal and external revenue from exports and use in domestic industries. If well managed, Nigeria with her solid mineral abundance might as well be on the path to building a brighter economic future with minimal reliance on crude oil.
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Will Nigerians learn from the Indonesian executions? Sam Nzeh
•••Barring
last minute shift or change of mind, four Nigerian drug convicts will, alongside five others from Australia, France, Brazil and the Philippines, be executed by firing squad by the Indonesian authorities anytime from now. In spite of spirited efforts to discourage Nigerians from drug trafficking, many still persist in it, thus embarrassing family, friends and the nation at large. The four Nigerians are Okwudili Oyatanze, aged 41; Jamiu Owolabi Abashin, aged 50 and otherwise referred to as Raheem Agbaje Salami by Indonesian authorities; Sylvester Obiekwe Nwolise, 47,
and Martin Anderson, 50. While the Indonesian authorities are right to insist that the Nigerians and nationals of other countries who violate its laws on drug trafficking be executed, not a few are worried that such executions have failed to dissuade Nigerians from the illicit trade. No week passes without the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arresting drug traffickers at airports across the country. Also, from outside the country come reports on a regular basis of Nigerians being caught trafficking illicit drugs. Unfortunately, when such persons are caught, they either blame poverty or the devil for their actions. Added to this those who are caught in countries outside Nigeria who expect that the govern-
Words On Marble :
dailytimesng
ment and other groups come to their rescue after committing heinous crimes. But as the current case of the four Nigerians about to be executed in Indonesia has proved, there is a limit the Nigerian government or international bodies can go in seeking reprieve for persons who deliberately violate the laws of their host countries especially by trafficking of illicit drugs. To avoid the consequences of the illicit trade, there is the need for Nigerians to always walk the straight path. Individuals must embrace legitimate ways of making money and jettison the desire for quick wealth. The society must also refrain from according recognition to people of dubious means, whose source of wealth is shrouded in secrecy.
STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER
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Group Managing Director
Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects
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The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.
Mohammed Ali
Kofi Annan
Unknown
“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on Brown people in Vietnam while socalled Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?
Many African leaders refuse to send their troops on peace keeping missions abroad because they probably need their armies to intimidate their own populations.
Politicians and diapers have one thing in common – they both should be changed regularly and for the same reason!”
News 4
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Jonathan releases audit report on NNPC
Egena Egena Abuja
•••President
Goodluck Jonathan on Monday reacted to reports attributed to President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, that the incoming Federal Government would re-visit the alleged missing $20bn after the inauguration of his administration. Jonathan insisted that his administration had nothing to hide on the alleged unremitted money. Few hours after he instructed relevant agencies to release the full forensic report on the allegation, the Federal Government released it to the media. Jonathan ordered the relevant agencies of government to release the report of the forensic audit that was conducted following the allegation by former Governor
of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), now emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammad 11. The audit report by PriceWaterHouseCooper (PWC) had recommended that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) refund $1.48bn to the federation account. The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, on Monday addressed State House correspondents on various issues in Abuja. He said: “President Jonathan is deeply concerned by the continuing suggestions that his administration still has anything to hide about the unproven allegation that about $20 billion is unaccounted for by the NNPC during his tenure. “To lay the matter to rest, President Jonathan in line with Sec-
tion 7(2) of the NNPC Act, has directed that the full report of the PWC Forensic Audit of the NNPC accounts be released immediately to the public so that all Nigerians will be properly informed on the matter.” Jonathan also took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC) over allegations that his administration is engaging in last-minute looting of the public treasury, rushed privatization and hurried recruitment into the federal civil service. President Jonathan described the statement credited to APC spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as unfair and combative. He noted that the incoming administration of Buhari had the liberty to review all the actions of his government as it may deemed fit, adding that the incumbent
government would continue to discharge its duties of governance until the handover date. Abati said: “We have noted with concern, the allegation by the spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed that officials of the Federal Government are engaged in “last minute looting of the nation’s resources, rushed privatization of key institutions and hurried recruitment into the public service. “We also consider as most unfortunate and uncharitable, the suggestion by Alhaji Mohammed that the Jonathan Administration is trying to “tie the hands” of the incoming government merely by continuing to discharge its constitutional responsibilities until the end of its tenure. “The Jonathan Administration
Mimiko, Ondo Assembly replace deputy governor, APC kicks
Continued from page 1 Abidin, 50, Indonesia; Rodrigo Gularte, 42, Brazil; Andrew Chan, 31, Australia; and Myuran Sukumaran, 34, Australia. From their solitary, condemned prisoners’ cells, the convicts have continued to let out heart-rending cries: Help! We don’t want to die like this. They are pleading for help, even when the signs are clear that all hope is forlorn. The UK Daily Mail on Monday reported the tearful cry of the convicts and the failure of lastminute efforts to save them thus: “Led by the hand through a scrum of reporters to an Indonesian prison island, the six-yearold Filipino looked confused and frightened as he made one of his final visits to his mother before her execution. “During the visit to Nusakambangan Island, Filipina maid Mary Jane Veloso gently explained to six-year-old Mark Darren and her second son, 12-yearold Mark Danielle, that she would not be coming home. “She tried to explain again,” Veloso’s elder sister Marites VelosoLaurente told AFP during an interview in Cilacap, the port town that is the gateway to the island. “If Mumma does not go home, just think Mumma is in heaven.” As the clock ticks down on the execution by firing squad of eight (nine) foreign drug convicts, heartbroken relatives who have fought for years to save their loved ones are rushing to say final farewells. The convicts, who also include nationals from Australia, Brazil and Nigeria, all recently lost clemency appeals to President Joko Widodo. They could be put
which continues to do its best to ensure a smooth and peaceful handover over of power to the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, deeply regrets the unfairness and combative frame of mind reflected in Alhaji Mohammed’s statement. “President Jonathan has done his best in the past five years to discharge his constitutional responsibilities for good governance and effective leadership of the nation. “Without any prejudice whatsoever to the freedom of the incoming administration to do as it pleases, within the confines of extant laws when it assumes office, the Jonathan Administration will continue to discharge its responsibility to govern until May 29, 2015. Continued on page 6
Tosin Ajuwon Akure
•••
Location of the prison and some of the convicts.
PHOTO: REUTERS
‘We don’t want to die like this’ to death as soon as Tuesday after they received official notification of their executions at the weekend. Veloso’s two sons travelled with their family -- some of whom had never flown -- from an impoverished community north of Manila to hear a message almost impossible for them to take in. Veloso, 30, was convicted of trafficking heroin into Indonesia in 2009, but says her only crime was to fall victim to international drug gangs who are now threatening to kill her family if they speak out. Her case has drawn huge attention in the Philippines, with supporters calling for clemency
at regular rallies in Manila. Even world boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao pleaded Monday for her life to spared, taking time out from preparations for his fight against Floyd Mayweather. - Clinging to hope Two other high-profile inmates are the Australians, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, ringleaders of the so-called “Bali Nine” heroin-trafficking gang. Numerous family members and embassy officials have been rushing to visit them since notice of execution was given. On Monday one of the lawyers, Todung Mulya Lubis, returned from the prison where they are be-
ing held carrying a self-portrait by Sukumaran, an accomplished artist, entitled “The second last day”. Veloso’s family are clinging to hope her execution will be delayed so they can pursue an application for a second judicial review of her case -- but with formal notice now served, such efforts are looking increasingly futile. While the execution of drug traffickers has broad support in Indonesia, there has been some sympathy for Veloso, as many Indonesian domestic workers have also been executed while working Continued on page 6
The Ondo State House of Assembly (ODSHA) on Monday impeached the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi over alleged gross misconduct. Olanusi’s impeachment followed the submission of the report of a seven-member investigative panel chaired by a retired Chief Magistrate, Olatunji Adeniyan set up by the Chief Judge, Olasehinde Kumuyi. At a sitting presided over by the Assembly Speaker, Jumoke Akindele, the House said that the report of the investigation panel found Olanusi guilty of the gross misconduct. The motion of the impeachment was moved by the Majority Leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu representing Ondo West II. The report of the investigative panel read in part: “Having found that all the seven allegations established against Alhaji Ali Olanusi, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State and placing reliance on the meaning of gross misconduct as defined in Section 188 (11) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. “We hereby find that the allegation of gross misconduct has Continued on page 6
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
News
Æs Sokoto guber: Court to determine Tambuwal’s fate May 26
Senate President, David Mark (right); Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma Egba (middle) and Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais during the opening ceremony of the 8th National Assembly Induction Certificate Course at the International Conference Center in Abuja… on Monday Photo: TEMITOPE
Andrew Orolua Abuja
•••
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, reserved ruling till May 26, 2015 on the suit challenging the emergence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State. When the matter came up yesterday, Tambuwal, who is now Sokoto state governor-elect, told the court, through his counsel, Jibril Okutepa (SAN) that the suit filed by Senator Umaru Dahiru, challenging his candidacy as APC governorship candidate in Sokoto, has become an academic exercise and that the court should decline jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.
Abandoned structures worry FCT Exco
Collapsed Kano bridge claims another victim Yakubu Salisu Kano
•••
A tricycle driver died on Monday when another portion of a pedestrian bridge in Kano which collapsed on Sunday gave way again. Five passengers in a taxi had died on Sunday when the bridge, which was under con-
struction on Sheik Jafar Road, collapsed. The remaining part of the bridge collapsed crashing on a tricycle driver, Sani Ismail. Efforts to speak to any staff of the construction company proved abortive as none of them was willing to talk to the press. An officer with the Kano
State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) who pleaded anonymity faulted the construction work. He noted that the company built only three pillars for such a long bridge. Secretary to the Kano State Taxi Drivers Association, Mustapha Ibrahim, who spoke to Daily Times at the Kabuga head office, said the driver of the ill-
fated taxi cab was their member, 52-year-old Abdulkarim Saleh, with serial number KN 113. He was in the car with two female passengers not six as reported, he said. He added that the driver and one of the passengers, a young girl on her way home from hospital, had been buried yesterday.
FG names streets after Jonathan, Yekini, Okadigbo, others Idu Jude
Abuja
•••
President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent Nigerians have been honoured by the Federal Government through the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration by naming major streets in Asokoro Extension, Guzape, Wupa, Wuye and Maitama Extension districts after them. FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who disclosed this on Monday, during the FCT Executive Committee meeting, held at his official residence, reeled out the names of the honorees
5
as President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, former Speaker, House of Representatives and Katsina State Governor-elect, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari. Others include former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapha, Business moguls, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and several others. The soon-to-be commissioned Inner Southern Expressway which dissects Abuja city centre was named after President
Jonathan while the longest Wuye district boulevard express road, measuring 1,730 metres was named after Dr. Atiku Abubakar. Another major road in the same district was named after Vice President Sambo. Other prominent personalities also honoured by naming streets after them in Asokoro extension district, include former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Anan, South African anti-Apartheid activist, late Walter Sisulu, former President of Sudan, Gaafar al-Nimeiry, former Minister of State for FCT, the late Prof.
Miriam Ikejiani-Clark, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi and 16 others.
Jonathan
Idu Jude Abuja
•••
The FCT Executive Committee (EXCO) has expressed grave concern over numerous uncompleted and abandoned buildings dotting the Federal Capital City, Abuja. The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, said this on Monday during the Exco meeting, at his residence. “The EXCO noted the huge security implications of these buildings on the lives of the residents and directed the FCT Department of Development Control on how to minimise it”, the Minister emphasised.
Ogun Police rescue kidnapped boy in Lagos Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta
•••
The Ogun State Police command, on Monday, rescued a kidnapped five-year-old boy, Abraham Adeyemi. Abraham, who gave his parents’ name as “Mummy Sarah and Daddy Sarah” was kidnapped by unknown persons in Lagos, but was rescued by the police at Imedu-Nla, in Mowe. The boy was found around 2pm on Sunday by a pastor attached to the FourSquare Gospel Church. The Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, told reporters in Abeokuta, that a Pastor found the boy within the premises of the Foursquare Church, Imedu - Nla, after the close of the Sunday service.
News 6
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
APC kicks as Mimiko, Ondo Assembly replace deputy governor Continued from page 4 been proved against Alhaji Olanusi the holder of office of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State Nigeria”. This was immediately seconded by Hon. Oyebo Aladetan representing Ilaje I Constituency. The Speaker thereafter ordered the lawmakers at the sitting to rise and raise their hands to affirm support for the impeachment. Twenty-two out of the 26-member Assembly raised their hands and supported the motion through voice vote after counting the numbers of those present. The Speaker then ordered Olanusi impeached and instructed him to immediately hand over all government property in his possession to the Permanent Secretary in his office. Akindele said the Permanent Secretary should ensure that lawful means are used in retrieving all property from the impeached deputy governor should he fail to hand them over immediately. Upon the impeachment, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo was nominated by Governor Mimiko as the new deputy governor. The nomination was approved by the House. Oluboyo, is an indigine of Ikare Akoko, in Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state. A letter seeking his consideration was received by the House from the governor and was read to the members of the Assembly at the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk of the House, Mr. Bayo Akinyelu. The Speaker immediately ordered the Deputy Speaker, Hon Dare Emiola to supervise the House Committee on Selection to screen the nominee. In its report presented to the House, the Deputy Speaker said the selection Committee found Oluboyo competent and worthy of the new position. Thereafter, the lawmakers approved the appointment of Oluboyo as the new deputy governor. The new Deputy Governor immediately took a bow and moved to the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Government Office, where he was immediately sworn-in by Governor Mimiko. Addressing cheering supporters at the Hall, Governor Mimiko noted that the impeachment was novel in the state. “This is the first of its kind in Ondo State where we would have an impeached deputy governor and at the same time installing a new one”, he said. Mimiko noted that the execu-
tive would always respect and support the action of the lawmakers and promised to smoothen the synergy among the three arms of the government, adding there was joy in the state immediately the name of the new deputy governor was mentioned. In his remark, Oluboyo pledged100 percent loyalty to the governor. He said the fact that an Akoko man disappointed Mimiko should not be seen that all people from the area were bad and promised to be efficient while discharging his duties. On Friday, DailyTimes had gathered that drama ensued at the Ondo State High Court Conference Hall, Akure, where the panel of investigation into the seven-count charge Olanusi, was sitting. Journalists were shut out of the scene, but it was learnt that the defendant’s counsel stormed out in anger. According to the invitation sent to Olanusi by the Chief Magistrate, the former deputy governor was summoned to the sitting by 10am on Friday as defendant at the High Court Complex. Though the state Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN) had been on strike since January 5, the entrance of the premises was under heavy lock as the parties invited for the panel were stranded outside the gate with restrictions from the gate men who claimed that they were instructed not to allow anybody into the compound. The Deputy Governor, who ditched the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for All Progressives Congress (APC) 48 hours to the March 28 Presidential election, was represented by his counsel, Dr. Benson Enikuomehin who claimed he got a call from his client’ son to make an appearance before the panel in protest. According to the counsel, he argued before the panel that his counsel had not been served a notice, and further that the document containing the allegations levelled against the deputy governor were not attached to the notice of summon pasted in the defendant’s house. Enikuomehin who reterated that he appeared for the defendant in protest, urged the panel to disregard the allegations because they had no locus standi and bearing in law, thereby emphasizing that the panel could not continue with the impeachment process. But the Counsel to the state House of Assembly, Mr. Akinlaja Days (SAN) prayed the panel to continue with the matter argu-
ing categorically that the deputy governor had been duly served the notice as specified in law, and refuted the claim by Enikuomehin that his client travelled out of the country. Meanwhile, the APC in Ondo State has described the as the height of impunity by the PDP-led government in the state.
The party also said the impeachment was temporary and vowed to reclaimed the mandate of Alhaji Olanusi through legal means. In a statement signed by the State Publicity secretary, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya issued to journalists in Akure, the state capital,
said the impeachment was laughable and comical. Adesanya, who described the state parliamentary as “rubberstamp House of Assembly” expressed dismay that the lawmakers could hurriedly impeach the Deputy Governor, and accept nomination of another person.
Govt releases audit report on NNPC Continued from page 4 “In continuing to fulfil the obligations of his office however, President Jonathan has not, and will never condone any form of unscrupulous conduct on the part of state officials. “President Jonathan will also never authorise any attempt to create any problems for the incoming administration as the APC spokesperson, who ought to know that the outcome of the March 28 presidential elections does not imply a cessation of governance, unjustly alleges. “As Alhaji Mohammed threatened in his statement, the incoming administration will be perfectly within its rights to review
all actions of the present government as it may deem fit. “We see nothing wrong with that. After all, the present Administration reviewed the actions of previous governments on assumption of office with resultant benefits for policy and project implementation.” The President has relieved the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr. Femi Thomas of his appointment with immediate effect. According to a tweet by Abati on Monday, the President has also approved the appointment of Mr. Olufemi A. Akingbade as Acting Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the scheme.
Akingbade hails from Ekiti State and holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science as well as a Masters in Business Administration. He was the General Manager, ICT in the NHIS until his new appointment. President Jonathan has also approved the confirmation of Mr. Mounir Haliru Gwarzo as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Mr. Gwarzo who has been acting as Director-General of the Commission, was appointed to the Board as Executive Commissioner in January, 2013. Again, the President approved the appointment of the former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi as Chairman of SEC.
A Cross section of Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund during a protest on the non-payment of their 53.4 arrears increase pension by the Federal Government in Abuja… on Monday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN
‘We don’t want to die like this’ Continued from page 4 abroad. As her family wept and prepared to cross to Nusakambangan for what could be the last time on Monday, supporters turned out waving “Save Mary Jane” banners and urging them to keep their spirits up. But the show of support could do little for Veloso’s mother Celia. Her calls for Widodo to spare her
youngest child are growing increasingly desperate. “She says ‘My daughter is innocent... it’s not easy to lose someone like her’,” Father Harold Toledano, a Filipino priest assisting the family, told AFP. Veloso is hoping for an 11thhour miracle and Laurente is appealing directly to Widodo to spare her sister. “I would like to convey to you it’s only God who has the right to take
away the life of anyone,” she said in her message to the president. Laurente is particularly fearful for Veloso’s young sons, who played happily with toy cars at their hotel, oblivious to the family’s mounting desperation and officials swirling around them. But she knows Mark Danielle will always keep a watchful eye over his younger sibling, recounting a pledge he had made to his mother in recent days.
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
7 News
Charles Agent Okah’s trial: arraigned for Prosecution to tender N360,000 additional rent theft exhibits Titilope Joseph
•••
L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr.Olusegun Aganga; Chairperson, Intellectual Property Committee, Mr. Afam Nwokedi; Chairman, NBA Abuja Chapter, Mr. Agada Elachi and Chief Executive Officer, Copyright Society of Nigeria, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, during the Intellectual Property Committee Day in Abuja… on Monday. Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN
Adamawa Assembly shut over impeachment threat Wale Akintunde, Yola
•••
In what appears to be a power play by lawmakers, Adamawa State House of Assembly has remained shut for the second week. This was consequent upon the alleged plot by 11 members of the house to unseat the Speaker, Hon. Ahmadu Umar Fintiri. According to the aggrieved members Fintiri’s sins, amongst others were his high-handedness and maladministration. The House was scheduled to sit last week, but shifted it to Monday, following threat by 11
of the 25 lawmakers to pass a vote of no confidence on Fintiri. However, some lawmakers and staff, who showed up for work on Monday, were denied entry by policemen, who said there was a directive not to allow anybody in. A statement from the 11 lawmakers signed by their spokesman, Umar Abdulkareem, representing Nassarawo/Binyeri, pressed for the opening of the House for normal legislative business. “We members of the Adamawa House of Assembly, under the leadership of Hon. Jerry Kumdisi, wish to, categorically,
state that the Adamawa State House of Assembly complex, which is under seal, should be unsealed to enable the house to resume its legislative functions. “By tradition, the chamber is the designated place for legislative business, though, it can sit in any part of the state to legislate for good governance, peace and stability. “The stalemate in the House is as a result of high-handedness and maladministration of Ahmadu Umar Fintiri. “We, therefore, urge the good people of Adamawa State to be calm and remain law abiding, as this stalemate will soon be resolved,” Abdulkareem said.
A 51-year-old property agent, Taiwo Oluwo, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for stealing N360.000, belonging to one Pastor Praise Judah, after promising to let out a land space to him. The accused was said to have committed the offence on December 15, 2014 at 8B, Ejigbo Road, Orisunbare, Lagos. Taiwo was arraigned before Magistrate A.O. Akinde, on atwo-count charge, including stealing. According to the prosecutor, Chinalu Uwadione, the offence was contrary to Section 278 and punishable under 285(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria. When the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty. Akinde, however, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties with evidence of tax payment and a verifiable address. The case was adjourned till June 11, 2015.
MASSOB slams FG over alleged marginalisation of S’East Nkiru Nwagbo, Awka
•••
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB0, on Monday, in Onitsha, Anambra State, accused the Federal Government of marginalising the motherless babies and physically challenged persons, particularly in the South East geopolitical zone. Speaking to journalists, the organisation’s National Director of Red Cross, Engr. Osondu Okparaeke, stated that the marginalisation was part of what informed the struggle by MASSOB for a sovereign state of Biafra. “You see, that is why we want to stay alone, as a sovereign state,
instead of being with those who feel that the leadership of this country is their birthright. “This marginalisation by the government in power and Northerners has continued to worsen the move for a united Nigeria, so it is ‘to your tents, oh Israel.’ “We have now resolved to help our own destitute, the motherless babies, physically challenged and the sick. We have been to the Orlu junction Red Cross Motherless Babies Home, Owerri, Imo State, where we donated some tubers of yam, babies’ wears and N5, 000,”Okparaeke said. He stated further that: “We prayed to God to save them from marginalisation by the government that is supposed to bring
succour to them. He recalled that they were earlier at Anambra East and Oguta, during the era of flood disaster, where they donated relief materials and cash to the flood victims. The Red Cross boss also disclosed that the Biafra war heroes at Oji River were abandoned in the bush until their leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike rehabilitated them, built self-contained apartments for each of them at Okwe, in Imo State. Reiterating that the Red Cross would not relent in giving succor to the downtrodden, Okparaeke regretted that those at the corridors of power see the poor as cursed ones adding that: “No condition is permanent”.
Andrew Orolua, Abuja
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The lead prosecution counsel in the trial of Charles Okah, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), on Monday, told a Federal High Court in Abuja, that the team was ready to tender additional exhibits as proof that Okah and Obi Nwabueze committed the October 1, 2010 Independence Day anniversary bombing in Abuja. The team had, last week, tendered 14 exhibits, including an old Mazda car with registration number Lagos BY 318 FKJ, military wears, camping materials and other items that were recovered from the accused. At the resumed trial, on Monday, Izinyon said that the prosecution team had two other important documents to tender, but, the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, said it would be time consuming to tender the document in bits. He advised the prosecution to make the documents available to the accused’s counsel for examination. Meanwhile, a prosecution witness, John Afolabi, told the court that all the exhibits tendered and admitted, were given to him by Abdul Ganiyu, a member of the State Security Services (SSS), investigation team that probed the incident.
Buhari: More oil firms’ll return to Nigeria- Arthur Eze Augustine Aminu, Abuja
•••
Uwazuruike
A businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, has said that the recent victory of General Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential election has given more confidence to more oil companies to return to the country. Eze, who is also an oil magnate, revealed that the oil industry would support the Buhari administration, “because God has giving him power.” Speaking in Abuja, on Monday, after a closed-door meeting with the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, Eze, who came in company of Managing Director of Total Upstream Companies of Nigeria, Elizabeth Proust, assured Nigerians that Buhari would change the country.
8
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Politics Women group wants female as Deputy Senate President
Æs
Politics Editor: Akinjide Akintola Email: akinjide.akintola@dailytimes.com.ng
Wale Akintunde Yola
Senator Aisha Alhassan
Chief John Odigie-Oyegun
Following the failure of a female to emerge as the first woman governor of Taraba State, some groups of women are canvassing for the emergence of a woman as the next Deputy Senate President in the 8th Assembly. This is coming as jostle for posi-
Buhari should probe where necessary
– Anglican Primate
Yusuf Ali, SAN
It’s a new dawn in Nigeria, many have said; how do you feel about the change? The only constant thing about life is change itself. Every one appreciates change especially the one that they believe would be positive. So change is always welcome. Nigerians expect so much from the new administration, what are your expectations? My expectation is that this country needs to be fixed and healed. All challenges facing this country would have to be ad-
dressed squarely and the people should be carried along as they move on. There must be transparency in governance. The government should let the people know what exactly is involved in every problem they intend to solve, so that their effort can be appreciated. People would ask what government is doing about what. The problem of unemployment, insecurity, poor road networks, non functional hospitals, water supply, power, housing and I mean all the problems. So government must communicate effectively with the people
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Defectors cannot be trusted
– Yusuf Ali, SAN Nigerians should be patient, governance not magic Ali A nationalist, an orator and advocate of a better Nigeria, Yussuf Olaolu Ali is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He spoke with KEHINDE AKINPELU, on the Presidentelect, the recent elections and other topical issues. Excerpts:
tions in the incoming government appears to have reached fever pitch. History was almost made in the last governorship election in the country when a woman, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Taraba
on what they intend to do and what they are doing. Looking at the last elections, the pattern of voting sent a message about Nigerians, what is your view? From my own analysis, SouthWest, North Central and North – East are the places one can say immediately that the candidates had real contest; in the North West, South-South and South – East, it was like to your tents O’ Israel. A pattern that ‘Oh this is our son, we must vote for him. These are the areas that we must address as this country moves on. This king of hegemonic voting pattern is not ideal for a country like Nigeria but I believe it will be addressed at the fullness of time. It appears Nigerians need
reorientation about attitude to religion, ethnicity and tribalism in this new world order, what is your take on this? Nigerians do not have any problem when it comes to all these issues; it is the political elites that promote all these divisive tendencies. So the appeal is to the political class that they should leave out these base sentiments during campaigns. Winning an election does not require all these. There is a purpose for having more than one religion in the world and God has a purpose of allowing things to go that way. It pleased God to distribute us into different ethnic groups, so if a politician comes in and during campaign is emphasizing CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
The Primate of the Metropolitan Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has urged President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to ignore political defectors as they cannot be trusted. The archbishop who made the appeal at the All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra, shortly after the consecration of three new bishops urged Gen. Buhari to stop giving such defectors any attention. His words: “If I were the President– elect, I will not give attention to anybody because they are not people to be trusted; they lack credibility and are people who are destroying the country. “They did not work for the party so why are they joining the party now,” Okoh added. According to him, this administration is an incoming one, it has set its programmes and the one who needs advice is not the new governCONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Archbishop Nicholas Okoh
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
9 Politics
Women group votes for female as Deputy Senate President CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
State was reportedly leading in the five most populated local government areas of the state. Hopes were initially raised but later the results of elections in some areas were cancelled while it was rescheduled for last Saturday April 25 which Alhassan, a serving Senator eventually lost. Consequent upon this, women groups are canvassing that in order to give women the necessary encouragement and pride of place in the incoming administration, the position of Deputy Senate President be conceded to women so as to make change meaningful and complete since a woman failed to become a state governor this time around. As a result, a coalition of women under the aegis of Adamawa State coalition of women has made case for the election of Hon. Binta Masi Garba as Deputy Senate President in the 8th National Assembly. Addressing journalists in Yola, the chairperson of the women coalition in the state, Mrs Helen Mathias Mamza said the group which consists of more than 20 major women groups noted that the election of a woman to man the position will make the 8th senate unique in many ways. “In this era of change, the status quo must change so as to give women their right place in the assembly “They posted that, the Adamawa state coalition of women, is throwing its weight behind the Senator elect of Adamawa north senatorial district Hon. Binta Masi Garba for the post of deputy sen-
Senator Aisha Alhassan ate president in the 8th assembly,” Mamza said. She stated also that the group was inspired by the surfeit of achievements made by Binta Masi Garba including her passion for service to humanity, her effort at ensuring the upliftment of the
Hon. Binta Masi Garba womenfolk. “Binta was the first Vice President of Common wealth parliamentarians under common wealth parliamentary association, the first female chairman of a major political party in Nigeria. “She is the only politician to rep-
resent two different constituencies in two different states and the first parliamentarian to start poverty alleviation programme for women and youth which was later adopted as constituency projects in the National Assembly in 2003,” she said. Mamza added that the emer-
gence of Hon. Masi as deputy senate president if the position is zoned to the north east, will be a huge plus for the Nigerian women, and APC and a true testimony that the new government meant well for women.
Why Buhari should ignore defectors, by Primate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
Buhari
ment but Nigerians adding that the administration needed the cooperation of all Nigerians to make its programmes a success. “So we ask Nigerians to please cooperate with them in our own interest, because if we cooperate, they will do good work but if we don’t, they cannot do anything”. He however, urged the incoming government to keep to its campaign promises saying: “We know that
no government can touch everything in the comprehensiveness of human life; it is the duty of the incoming government to study areas embodiment in their campaign promises. “I believe it was the manifesto that enabled them to win, so they should look at it and see that they implement it.” To the newly consecrated bishops, Okoh advised them “to be Sheppard and not a wolf to the flock of Christ. “Feed the flocks and do not devour
them; seek the lost, uphold the weak, restore health to the sick, lift the down trodden, ensure discipline but forget not mercy”, he stressed. He thanked Gov. Willie Obiano for being committed to resolving the frosty relationship between the Roman Catholic and the Anglican Churches in Anambra. In an address, Obiano said that this was the first time he had witnessed the consecration of bishops and reminded them that the flock they
would oversee “is everybody under your jurisdiction, not minding religious or ethnic affiliations. “You must not exploit the flock, but must grow the flock, be honest with them if you want them to respect and obey you and be compassionate,’’ the governor said. The newly consecrated bishops are Moses Tabawaye as the Bishop of Gwagwalada; Johnson Ekwe as the Bishop of Niger West and Isaac Oluyamo as the Bishop of Ijesha North.
Politics 10
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Nigerians should be patient, governance not magic – Ali CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
those things that are natural, it’s a sign of not having something to say. So in essence, the people want to know what the plans of the political class are for them; how they would put bread and butter on their tables. There were myriads of criticism against the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari bordering on his certificate, health and age. How would these issues not come up again during his administration? Those who are talking of ageing, every one ages, when I first met you, you were younger than this, so who does not age or what were they talking about? And when it comes to health, everybody has his or her own health challenges; no human being does not have one issue or the other on health to contend with, some health challenges are debilitating, which holds one down while others are what one can manage. So I don’t see any point in those issues on his health or age. As for the certificate scandal, let those who made the allegations come out to prove that the man never went to school, but like I said earlier, those points are immaterial, the people wants to know what plans of a better life for the people. Did you go out to vote on Election Day? I went out to vote, not only that, I was an election observer, I went to several poling units here in Ilorin and I can confirm to you that elections here in Ilorin was free, fair and transparent. Some people are of the opinion that the Presidentelect should not engage in probing any activities of past or outgoing administrations, what is your take on this? Let the new administration hit the ground running; I didn’t say that where it is necessary people should not ask about the past, because if you don’t know about the past how would you plan for the future? But the fact is, the government need not set up an elaborate committee for probe. It will consume time and energy whereas people want to see improvements as proves for change. What you are able to do
Buhari for the people in a short period is of more interest to the people. Looking at the general conduct of the elections, what do you say about the INEC chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega? So far, he has done very well, especially in the use of the card reader, he has added credibility to the conduct of elections in Nigeria to the extent that the US ambassador remarked that voting in Nigeria is more advanced than that in United States. The Chairman of INEC proved to be a principled person, he stood firm even in the face of daunting challenges and odds.
Ali The Outgoing President is now a statesman what is your view on it? Yes, naturally that’s what it should be. The Presidency of Nigeria is not a titular chieftaincy, not limited to one family or a set of people. When you go to a contest, you are either in or out, so he has done well for himself and for posterity. On the last elections, events in Rivers State have been generating some discussion, would you add your voice to it? Election is about allowing the people to express themselves by votes to make their choices;
Rivers should not be an exception. Quoting from what Professor Jega said on the investigation he ordered into complaints about happenings in Rivers on the elections, he did not say there was nothing wrong with the election he only said the allegations were not substantial enough to cancel the election. The people of Rivers should be given the opportunity to freely elect the leaders of their choice. As we anxiously await the inauguration of the new regime of General Muhammadu Buhari what message do you have for Nigerians? Nigerians should be patient
that is my first plea. There is no magic in governance; Things that have taken many years to be run down will take longer years to resuscitate, so let’s give the incoming administration ample time to settle down properly, articulate its policies, see the problems on ground and we should not stampede them, either for personal reasons or for whatever reasons. Governance is a continuum and no government acts like God, it’s only God that decrees thing to happen and it happens immediately, humans cannot do such. So lets be patient with our leaders and give them benefit of doubts.
For now, defectors to APC will queue – Duhu
Dr, Umar Duhu
Dr Umar Duhu is the immediate past Interim National Vice Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the North- East. He was instrumental to the establishment of APC structures in the North East states. In this interview with SUNDAY ISUWA, the former ANPP Chairman in FCT and Adamawa State explained how he lured Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar into the APC. He also spoke on Buhari and other important National issues. Excerpts:
The 2015 elections have come and gone. What really happened in North-East and Adamawa State in particular? Well, we thank God for making it possible that in Nigeria, elections have come and gone and results declared and we are enjoying peace. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
11 Politics
2019: What Buhari would do for APC - Duhu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
What we expect from this government is to be magnanimous in victory and ensure that all the key players in the APC, particularly some of us that have really paid our dues and been in the opposition for the past 16 years without changing a political party should first be considered before others who either joined in the process or recently. We were in APP, ANPP then when we merged to form APC, I was the first National Vice Chairman of the party in the North East. I know what I went through to ensure that this party becomes cohesive particularly in the North East. In Bauchi, where there were so many divergent interests, so much outcry, I ensure a structure was put in place. The same was the case in Gombe State, there were so many crises but I was able to surmount it. I went to Taraba, the same thing, even in my home state, Adamawa, I surmounted all the pressures. When I took the APC there, people refused to key into the party. But today, we’ve won elections across board, and some eminent leaders have begun joining. We won three Senators, we won about six houses of Representative seats and one is still in contest. By God’s Will, the House of representative seats would be seven out of eight. If you look at the APC that time, there was no single stakeholder that can truly say he is a financial stakeholder of this party apart from former Vice President Atiku. But the local people, who are the major ingredient in the polity, accepted the APC and voted massively for the party, this where we are today. When I took this party to Adamawa, people like Gen Marwa, felt uncomfortable because they thought it would be business as usual. They wanted to control the structure of the party, but I stood my grounds that it should be all inclusive, but they felt unsatisfied and left the party. I believe they will be desirous to come back to APC which they originally belonged, and the party to beat in Nigeria today. You were the ANPP chairman in FCT, Adamawa and when your party merged to form the APC you still emerged as the North-East National Vice Chairman. People from PDP are now showing interest to join the APC. What is the party’s position? The president-elect has said something and the party con-
Buhari curred. So, I will reiterate here that party polity is open. Everyone can come into APC at any time, before, during and after elections. But you cannot say that someone who has cooked food and is about taking it to the dining table just for your visitor to want to snatch it away from you. That’s not possible. Let them come to the APC, let them join the queue and start making contribution to the party and at a point in time; when we feel their expertise are needed, certainly we’ll utilized them. But as it is today, there are people that have sacrificed for this party. This people that have sacrificed for the party deserved commendation because they have been out of government for the past 16 years, working to ensure that a reasonable set of people takes the mantle of leadership. Whatever that has happened to the PDP, I expected that these politicians will remain in PDP and weigh their strength and weaknesses to make amends. But if they now feel they always want to be in corridors of powers, it’s not going to be business as usual. APC has a lot of committed politicians that can hold any key position in this country. They have devoted their time and energy and resources for this party for the past 16 years. You don’t expect somebody coming in now probably with his money and
But I can tell you that APC will deliver dividends of democracy to Nigeria so that by 2019, the APC will be allowed to stay in office beyond the four years term.
you expect him to assume the role of a stakeholder in the party and dictate to the party how it should be and how appointment should be made. The leaders of the party are sensible enough that they have to look at all the parameters. They have to look at all the parties that formed the merger called APC so that each basket would be delivered to the party that had a stake in the merger. And when we retire back to our initial constituent families,
we then put forward who should do what. I can tell you, as a party, we will ensure that the doors are open and a level playing field is created for all comers both new and old. But it will be very difficult for them to be considered for political appointment at least for now because they have been in government for 16 years and they have not sacrificed for the party to deserve appointment. But if a chief executive feels very safe and secured with any of them, and the constituency he is coming from allows that, so be it. Buhari, having been in the opposition for a very longtime, what advise will you give him in handling the affairs of this country? My advice to Buhari is in three areas. First is that he should stamp out corruption. He should also ensure that energy, electricity or power is stabilized. Then, he should tackle security issues. When these are tackled, Nigeria will be a better place. These three things are so fundamental. Energy is everything and when you have energy, security will be there because all the street lights will be on. When there is energy, many jobs will be created because with power, many people would have work to do. So, am calling on Buhari to focus on these issues before focusing on education. If you tackle security and stamp out corruption, the education sector would be revamped. Wealthy people would now take their pupils to public schools. Once the legislators legislated that, everyone in government, his children must attend public schools, and go to public hospitals, in this vein, the standard of these facilities definitely improve. With health tourism oversees, a lot of money is being wasted. But when it is foisted on government officials to attend public institutions here in the country, these two institutions would be revamped. It should be a place where both the rich and the poor would feel they belong and Nigeria would be a better place for all of us. Department and Agencies would be instrumental in running a good government under Buhari. But you find out that some DGs were even card carrying members of the PDP and some have been staying for about 10 to 13 years. What will the APC government do about that? Basically, in trying to stamp out corruption, a lot of heads will roll.
So many agencies will be force to account for their excesses. It is true that the processes of accountability, the issue of moral decadence in the economy would be wiped out. One thing I know, Buhari is an anti-corruption crusader. And once corruption is stamped out, the civil service rules would be followed. Once you stayed in office beyond the time you are supposed to served, you must go, particularly if your appointment is not renewed. We can have sanitized agencies, Ministries, department and paralstatals. For example, NIMASA has been one place that has been so endemic in corruption and Gen Buhari would have to set-up an investigative panel to look at it. Not only that, Petroleum Ministry and the NNPC must be properly investigated if Buhari is sworn-in. These places are instrumental to the running of any government as serve as the cash cow of any government; hence, they must be thoroughly checked to ensure sanity in its contributions to the economy and its accountability. PDP is strategizing for 2019. If you look at history, the then APP won many states in 1999 but before 2003, a lot decamped. APC has won a lot of states in the 2015 election. What is the party doing to ensure they did not lose some of these state governors before 2019? In politics, viable opposition is what serves as check to the party in government. Am talking of an opposition that will put the APC on its toes and to also suggest better alternatives to do things. So, I will not be happy to find APC making Nigeria a one party state. I will encourage PDP to re-strategize and give APC the fight of the polity. But I can tell you that APC will deliver dividends of democracy to Nigeria so that by 2019, the APC will be allowed to stay in office beyond the four years term. Let me remind Nigerians that, if there are no changes in government like what happens in Nigeria in the 2015 elections, that country will be in limbo. The PDP thought they were delivering services to this country, not knowing that the common person was not happy it the government. So, if we think that we have won an election and that we will go to sleep, we will have it tough in 2019. That is how democracy develops across the globe. So, government and particularly, our government must evolve ways of doing things better than the outgoing government.
News 12
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Presidency denies recall of envoys from South Africa Egena Egena Abuja
•••
Contrary to reports, the Presidency on Monday said Nigeria did not recall its envoys in South Africa. The news media had reported at the weekend that the country had recalled its envoys from South Africa in reaction to the xenophobic attacks against African migrants, especially. Nigerians. But the Presidency described the reports as fallacious, saying that the envoys were only invited
for routine briefing. Presidency's Spokesman, Reuben Abati said at a media briefing in Abuja that the recall of an envoy is a serious issue, and that had not happened. He said: "It is not true that Nigeria has recalled its envoy in South Africa on account of recent xenophobic attacks in that country. "There is a mix-up and misinformation on the matter. The truth is that Nigeria has not recalled his envoy from South Africa. "What has been done is to in-
vite the Charge d’Affairs in that country for routine consultation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the government and people of Nepal over weekend's devastating earthquakes that claimed about 4000 lives. The President in a separate statement by Abati said: "On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the government and people of Nepal
over the loss of thousands of lives in the devastating earthquake that has occurred in the country. "President Jonathan notes that the tragedy has caused deep sorrow, not just for the Nepalese but all humanity. "The President assures the government and people of Nepal of the deepest sympathy and solidarity of the people of Nigeria as they mourn those who lost their lives to the earthquake and begin the onerous task of rehabilitating survivors and rebuilding affected parts of their country.
AIT barred from covering Buhari •••Security
L-R: Special Adviser to Abia State Governor, Sir Joshua N. Ogbonna; Anglican Bishop of Umuahia, Ikechi Nwosu and Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, Prof Chibuzo Ogbuagu at the closing ceremony of 2015 SYNOD held in Igbere L.G.A. Abia State… at the weekend
I’m going on four years sabbatical, says Niger gov
Saka Bolaji Minna
•••
Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has said that he would be proceeding on a four-year sabbatical from politics at the end of his tenure. His second term will end on May 29, this year, and having not succeeded in going to the National Assembly, as a senator, he said he would not be politically visible for another four years. Aliyu made the disclosure in Minna, on Monday, after inaugurating some projects constructed for the newly established Niger State University of Education and the Niger State College of Education, both in Minna.
Aliyu did not say in what role he would be coming back into the politics in 2019 but he has been a serious advocate of a reorganisation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which suffered a serious defeat in the general election held recently. He has also been very vocal in asking his colleagues, who lost in the election, not to allow their defeat to make them jump ship to the new party that would be at the helms of affairs in the country, with effect from May 29. He spoke against allowing the APC to turn Nigeria to a one party state which, he argued, would not be democratic and would also be against the political growth of the country.
Aliyu
advisers of the President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday barred the television crew of the African Independent Television (AIT) from covering the activities of their principal until further notice. It was gathered that the security team cited adverse security reports and ethical issues as reasons for their action. Members of the AIT crew, who were at Defence House, venue of a meeting between the President-elect and a visiting Cuban delegation, led by its Ambassador to Nigeria, were asked to leave the vicinity until further notice. The crew, who did not speak on record, insisted they would remain and continue to do their jobs because they had yet to be “formally informed.” “Yes, we were told but we cannot just leave; we have a job to do. In any case, we have not been officially informed about what we have done wrong,” one of them said. The spokesman of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO), Mallam Garba Shehu, confirmed the development. He told Daily Times last night that the measure was temporary and would be resolved very soon. Malam Shehu was quoted to have said that the Buhari camp expressed concerns over security and the need to sort out some ethical issues with the AIT.
Edo monarch denies gun-running allegation Titus Akhigbe Benin
•••
The traditional of ruler of Sasaro in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Oba Azutorome Unuaikhazor, on Monday, denied media report of an alleged gun-running, as reported in some dailies that a police rifle which was, last week, seized by angry protesters, over the death of a youth in the community, was found in his palace by the police. It would be recalled that youths of the sleepy community protested over the death of an employee of a quarry company owned by a Lebanese national. A policemen deployed to calm the situation was overpowered by the youths and, in the melee, his rifle was taken from him. The monarch, who said he was traumatized, following the report, went to the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, (NUJ), in Benin City, described the report as untrue and a clear misrepresentation of what transpired ,adding that he “took the rifle for safety in order not to fall into wrong hands.”
Two factional NLC chairmen emerge in Ebonyi Jacob Mbam Abakiliki
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Crises has rocked the Nigerian Labour Congress,Ebonyi state chapter leading to the emergence of two factional chairmen after the union’s election. The factional chairmen; Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor and Sampson Uneke came as a result of the separate congresses held in Abakaliki the state capital at the weekend. It could be recalled that the two factions had parallel congresses where all vacant positions in the union executive in the state congress were filled. The two congresses were held simultaneously. Our correspondent gathered that the congress which produced Nwafor was held at the Abakaliki Township Stadium with officials from the National Secretariat in attendance.
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Togo elections: President Gnassingbe in early lead
•••The Togo's President Faure
Gnassingbe took an early lead in the first results from Saturday's presidential vote released on Monday. Results from six of 42 voting districts showed Gnassingbe with 64 percent, ahead of 33 percent for his nearest rival, Jean-Pierre Fabre, the head of the election commission said. The rest of the votes were shared between the three other candidates, election commission chief Issoufou Taffa Tabiou told reporters. More results are due later in the day. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon praised Saturday's vote and called on the country's political leaders to "continue to maintain the peaceful atmosphere" of the election process. An observer from the regional bloc ECOWAS said Sunday there was no major incident in the voting. Togo's Independent National Electoral Commission has until six days after the polls closed to announce the results. Officials said turnout among the 3.5 million eligible voters was between 53 and 55 percent, which is far lower than the nearly two-thirds of voters who took part in the 2010 presidential election.
Egypt hangs five for murder, theft •••
Authorities in Egypt have hanged five people convicted of murder and theft, the interior ministry said on Sunday. They were executed in a prison in the southern province of Assyut after the appeals process had been exhausted, a ministry statement said. No more details were supplied about the individual cases. Dozens of Islamists have been sentenced to death over political violence since the army overthrew Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in 2013, but only one has been executed. A court sentenced him to death after he was caught on camera taking part in an attack on rival protesters who were thrown off a water tower.
13 Africa Sudan accuses peacekeepers of killing seven civilians
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Incumbent presidential candidate, Faure Gnassingbe casts his ballot in Lome April 25, 2015.
President Gnassingbe is seeking a third five-year term, which would keep his family in power for nearly 50 years. He assumed office in 2005 upon the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the former French colony for 38 years. Rights groups have criticized Togo for using violence against protesters.
Opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre, who also ran for president in the last election, is expected to come in second in the singleround presidential poll. Given Togo's history of postelection violence -- hundreds died in clashes after the 2005 vote -- diplomats and observer teams have called on leaders to maintain the
peaceful atmosphere. Security forces stepped up patrols as results were ferried to the seaside capital, Lome, for compilation. The ballot was delayed by ten days to allow election experts to clean up the voter rolls, which the opposition said contained numerous errors that might favor the incumbent.
Guinea's Ebola: Low-key independence opposition calls celebration in S’Leone •••Sierra Leone marked the battle." new protests 54th anniversary of its indepenKoroma said government •••Guinea's
opposition has called for renewed protests over the country's disputed election timetable in a show of defiance after days of deadly clashes between activists and security forces. The coalition of main opposition parties issued a statement late on Saturday saying it was planning "another peaceful march" in Conakry on Thursday followed by a nationwide demonstration next week. The call for renewed protests follows two weeks of clashes between anti-government activists and security services which have left several people dead and dozens wounded in the country's largest towns and cities. A delegation of the European Union in Conakry called for an end to the bloodshed which it said was "a very worrying signal at a time when all political actors should be working together to eradicate Ebola".
dence on Monday by setting out a four-point "post-Ebola plan" to put the devastated country on the road to recovery from the deadly epidemic. Almost 4 000 deaths have been registered since the epidemic spread from Guinea a year ago, although health authorities admit the real toll could be significantly higher. "Today, we cannot celebrate our independence anniversary as we used to, as the nation is in mourning," President Ernest Bai Koroma said in a nationwide televised address to mark the anniversary. "The Ebola outbreak has been very tragic for the nation and many of our compatriots have died. Ebola is a war against our very humanity and many of our doctors, nurses and health workers have fallen in the midst of the
strategy would focus on "health, education, social protection and economic recovery through private sector development" to drive the country's rehabilitation. He added that the government would set aside a national day of "thanksgiving" to honour the victims of the epidemic, which has claimed around 11 000 lives in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. The former British colony gained independence as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth on April 27 1961, staging elections a month later which saw Sir Milton Margai become its first prime minister. Independence Day, normally a public holiday marked by events throughout the country, began largely unmarked, with no official programme of festivities and its annual civic honours ceremony called off.
Sudan's government on Sunday accused peacekeepers in Darfur of killing seven civilians, disputing the UN-African Union mission's version of events in which it said its forces had repelled two attacks by gunmen. The UN-AU Mission in Darfur (Unamid) had said 40 gunmen fired on a patrol in South Darfur's Kass area on Thursday, before the peacekeepers returned fire and killed four assailants, and another patrol came under fire the next day. But the foreign ministry said Unamid peacekeepers at a water point in Kass were pursuing a group who had stolen their vehicle, when they opened fire on five men who were looking for their "stolen cattle" in the same area, killing them. It said the peacekeepers fired at residents protesting over the incident at the mission's base in the area later the same day, killing one person, and another when they fired on a second protest on Friday.
Five die in Burundi protests •••
Protesters demonstrated in Burundi for a second day on Monday after activists said at least five people were killed in unrest a day earlier sparked by the president's plan to run for a third term, a move critics say violates the constitution. "The fight continues," protesters chanted in the Musaga district of the capital Bujumbura. A Reuters witness saw about 200 people demonstrating and said tyres were being burned. Prominent activist Pierre Claver Mbonimpa said at least five people were killed in the capital on Sunday, three of them in protests and two more in an attack by the ruling party's youth wing. The police and officials had no immediate comment.
Mbonimpa
World 14
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Afghan president meets NATO leaders after Taliban attacks •••
Afghanistan’s president was forced to briefly delay his trip to India after hundreds of Taliban attacked police and army check posts in the northern Kunduz province Monday. During the delay, Ashraf Ghani met with NATO’s top commander General John Campbell. The fighting began Friday to mark the opening of the Taliban’s spring offensive. The militant group claims to have gained ground in the provincial capital and its spokesman Zabiullah Mujhahid tweeted Monday it has entered a bazaar in Kunduz. Meanwhile, Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqi told VOA the military had dispatched reinforcements to the area and “enough forces” are dealing with the situation. He also claimed that at least 40 Taliban insurgents have been killed in the "clearing operations" underway since Sunday, while the Afghan military has lost five of its soldiers. "There is nothing to be concerned about because Afghan forces are capable of defeating the
enemy,” Sediqi said. In another development, Afghan media reports President Ghani's special envoy for provinces and reforms, Ahmed Zia Masood, survived a mortar attack while he was visiting northeast-
alition forces in 2001, borders Tajikistan and Badakhshan borders China. On Sunday, Afghanistan’s provincial governor said the militants killed in the clean-up operation involved several foreigners, including Tajiks and Chechens.
Half of world's rural populations can't access health care - UN •••
•••
Putin
into Poland. Each of them will individually receive a decision denying them entry into Poland's territory,” Sienicki said. Some Russian bikers had been seen entering Poland earlier, but they appeared to belong to another organization whose members are allowed entry. Many Poles view the Night Wolves with suspicion because the pro-Putin bikers have rallied against the Ukrainian government and celebrated Russia's annexation of Crimea. The German government has also expressed unease at the bikers and said they would not be welcome. “This is not a normal bike club. They are tools in the hand of Vladimir Putin to make propaganda,” said Tomasz Czuwara, spokesman for the Open Dialog Foundation, a Polish group that supports Ukraine.
More than half the population of rural areas worldwide do not have access to basic health care, with four in five rural Africans lacking services, the UN said Monday. In the first report of its kind, the UN's International Labour Organisation found that the ruralurban divide was omnipresent from the richest countries down to the poorest. Fifty-six percent of those living in rural areas worldwide were not covered by basic health care against 22% in cities and towns, according to the report, with data from 174 countries. "The results that we found are really shocking. We find that the rural-urban divide is a consistent feature at global, regional and national levels," the report's author Xelia Scheil-Adlung, told a news conference. "The place of residence can be considered as the entry door to access to health care or as the key barrier to be excluded from health care," she said. An overwhelming 83% of Africans in rural areas were left uncovered, the report said. "The situation is worsened by the lack of health workers in the
•••
Afghan officials say five civilians were killed when a bomb detonated inside a house in the southern Zabul province, while in the north, Taliban insurgents are clashing with police. Atta Jan, head of the Zabul provincial council, said Monday that two children and a woman were among those killed in the explosion the night before in the Shinkay district. In the northern Kunduz province, meanwhile, the Taliban battled police three days after declaring the start of their annual springtime offensive. Provincial Governor Omer Safi says reinforcements have been sent in. He says there have been casualties on both sides, but was unable to provide precise figures. The Taliban escalate their attacks every year when the warm weather allows them to more easily traverse the mountains along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
Nepal quake victims get aid
A group of Taliban fighters are seen in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, April 18, 2015.
Polish border guards deny entry to 10 Russian bikers Polish border guards on Monday blocked entry into Poland for 10 Russian bikers who said they were following a path commemorating the Red Army victory's over Nazi Germany 70 years ago. Border guard spokesman Dariusz Sienicki announced the decision after members of the Night Wolves, a nationalistic Russian group loyal to President Vladimir Putin, approached the border and tried to enter Poland. Polish authorities said last week they would ban entry for the group, with leaders calling their plans to ride through Poland as part of World War II commemorations a provocation. The Night Wolves vowed to enter anyway and 15 were seen Monday morning at the border crossing between Brest, Belarus, and Terespol, Poland. Belarusian guards let them pass, but they were then held in a hangar by Polish officials. “These people will not cross
ern Badakhshan province, where Taliban insurgents killed nearly two dozen Afghan security forces in clashes earlier this month. Kunduz, the last militant stronghold before the Taliban was driven from power by U.S.-led co-
Bomb kills five in southern Afghanistan, clashes in north
world's rural areas," the report said, adding that although half of the world's population lived in these areas, only 23% of the global health workforce was deployed there. An extra seven million health workers were needed to make up for the shortfall in rural areas across the world, the report on iniquities in rural health protection said. Scheil-Adlung, who is ILO's health policy coordinator, said the countries with the highest ruralurban divide in Europe were Italy, followed by Greece, Andorra and Cyprus. The lowest gap was in Monaco, a tiny principality in southern France which is a tax haven for the world's rich and famous, followed by Switzerland, she said. The biggest divide globally was found in East Timor. In the impoverished half-island nation that was occupied by Indonesia for over two decades, 75% of the rural population remains outside the purview of medical care, against 18% in cities. The main reasons for this were underfunding, negligence and investments in "prestige" projects in urban areas, said Scheil-Adlung.
•••
International rescue and relief teams are converging on Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, even as hopes fade that more survivors will be found in the aftermath of a massive quake Saturday that has claimed more than 3,700 lives. The capital's airport was so congested with military planes attempting to land that a flight carrying 70 members of Japan's national search-and-rescue team circled futilely and eventually had to be rerouted to Kolkata for refueling. The quake triggered a deadly avalanche on Nepal's Mount Everest.The quake triggered a deadly avalanche on Nepal's Mount Everest. The crew has been warned to expect a "chaotic situation" at Kathmandu's airport, where a control tower was evacuated during aftershocks and where people trying to leave the country have crowded the facility. The U.S. Geological Survey expects further moderate tremors in the area this week. Ongoing aftershocks pushed Kathmandu residents to sleep in the streets for a second night Sunday, fearing further structural collapse. Some huddle under tents, tarps or other improvised shelters. Huge tented camps are springing up in Nepal's main towns, but similar assistance has yet to reach remote areas.
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
15 Opinion
Political businessmen as ethnic champions
I Osatohamwen Nosakhare
t is now history that ‘Change’ has come to take its roots in Nigeria with the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the March 28 elections. Since then, there have been alignments and realignments by the political class with many quickly dumping the sinking PDP ship to embrace the new bride, APC. In Edo, the gale of defections saw to the jumping ship of former Governor of the state, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor; gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in the 2012 election in the state, Gen Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), one-time Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, three-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ehioge West-Idahosa, renowned hotelier, Mr Sunny Aguebor, one-time die-hard PDP member Mr Sunny Erengbo and Edo Noth PDP stalwart, Mr Richard Lamai among many others. While many of the decampees gave several unintelligible reasons for dumping the PDP, others have rather chosen to, while still
bona fide members of the PDP, regale the world with their largerthan-life roles and their anti-PDP activities in the elections. In this class is a certain businessman, of Bini extraction who prefers to see himself as a politician, rather than the businessman he is, even as it is doubtful if he know where his polling booth is or the number of wards in Edo south. It is amusing that lately, many different syndicated articles have been published praising Captain Hosa Okunbor, or Kapi, of his political sagacity and wizardry; of how he virtually “single-handedly” won Edo South for the PDP in the March 28 elections. There is no doubt that Kapi played a role in the March 28 election, with the way he rolled out the war chest, dishing out mouthwatering funds through his agents in the PDP to subvert the will of the people. Of course, Captain Hosa as a businessman had to roll out the cash in his futile bid to ensure the return of Goodluck Jonathan to Aso Rock, knowing full well that only that would ensure the sustenance of his business patronage from Abuja. However, it must be pointed
out that not one chieftain of the PDP in Edo State can claim to have worked hard for the votes recorded for President Goodluck Jonathan in the election. This is because many Edo people, like in the South-South generally, voted based on ethnic affiliation. Captain Hosa knows that the slogan “he is our brother’’ became popular a few days to the election and President Jonathan would still have made a good showing without his money. The meat of Captain’s syndicated articles is to the effect that he is Bini and he is standing in the gap for the Binis in Abuja. He also said his newfound love is to support another Bini man, national Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and ensure his success. Really? All the effusive praises heaped on Captain Hosa in the write-ups are so ingenious as to obfuscate his real intentions. Now there are a few posers for him. How is Captain standing in the gap for the Binis in Abuja? What have the Binis gained throughout his ‘standing in the gap’ period? How many ministerial posts or other positions have Captain attracted to the Binis. Is Kapi just becoming aware that Chief Odigie-Oyegun,
his brother, a former Governor of Edo State and a fellow Bini man is the National Chairman of the APC? Why did he work against his brother’s interest through the deployment of resources to buy the conscience of the people in the March 28 election? It is curious that Captain Hosa attributed and arrogated the marginal gain of the PDP in the March 28 election to himself alone. He forgot that others made heavy financial contributions to the election; he forgot that the PDP has never, ever, won any election in Edo state since Comrade Adams Oshiomhole became Governor in 2008. Captain’s case is akin to what Ola Rotimi called “a butterfly thinking himself a bird”, in his classic book, “The gods are not to blame”. He thinks he is a master of the political game, whereas he and his PDP have been roundly beaten over and again in Edo State. Captain knows that he is not the leader of the PDP in Edo South, he hardly makes any meaningful contribution to the life of the average Bini man and he definitely is not the leader of the Binis either in the state or in Abuja or even the Diaspora, He should stop arrogating to himself what he is not.
Buhari: Ethnic cleavages, conspiracies and betrayals
N
Franklin Otorofani
igeria’s dreaded general elections have come and gone and for the most part, they were peaceful and uneventful. While there were sundry reports of pockets of retail violence in certain parts of the country, there were no wholesale violent incidents worth bellyaching over. For the first time in her tortured electoral history the blood of innocent Nigerians did not flow in the streets; no heads of electoral officers were chopped off in the North; and no burning and looting occurred in any parts of the country to the disappointment of the global media whose cameras were primed for a feeding frenzy of footages of bloodletting and arson, war chants, world press conferences denouncing the results of the elections and demanding their cancellation; and total chaos and break down of law and order that was not to be. It is fair to say that more than anything else is, they had converged in Nigeria not necessarily to report on peaceful and orderly election, but on the probable, wished for, disintegration of Ni-
geria. This time around, Nigeria refused to score an own goal by shooting herself in the foot. She behaved herself to her glory, universal praise and commendation. And for the first time Nigerians at home and abroad are walking with their heads held high and their carriage a little upbeat even with Boko Haram still on rampage and our girls still missing and unaccounted for. Talk about a huge oasis in the middle of a desert. Now all that is left, at least for those of us in this business, is to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the elections and their results, and indeed the election cycle itself as a whole. That task, with all its partisan flavorings, has only just begun and will continue for a long time as political analysts pour over the datasets, pinpoint the forces at play, map and chart the trend lines of the nation’s political development. There is so much to write about that it certainly cannot be compressed into one single article much as I have tried to in this rather detailed piece of work. Elections are more than just voting and declaring results. It’s not enough for people to go out and vote in the performance of
their civic duty and the results duly announced with winners jubilating and losers wringing their hands in pain and asking themselves what went wrong. The series of activities that precede elections, some open and others hidden, are more important and telling than the elections themselves, for they determine electoral outcomes. Election victories and loses, as the case may be, are not fortuitous or chance events that no one planned for and executed. There are certain subterranean dynamics at play in each election underlying the voting patterns of the electorates and the results of an election. Electoral outcomes are shaped not just by the mood of the electorate at any given point in time which can be addressed by smart and proactive candidates looking out to nip them in the bud, but by the electoral strategies of the candidates and their parties, which the opposing candidates and their parties must study carefully, understand the counter, just like army generals planning for war. To ignore them is to court electoral disaster as has just been witnessed by the PDP. As far as Nigeria is concerned,
it is beginning to look like ex-army generals rather than civilian career politicians are getting the upper hand in politics as demonstrated by General Olusegun Obasanjo who not only won two terms but also singlehandedly secured late Yar’Adua’s victory against General Muhammadu Buhari in 2007. Government houses in the state and National Assembly are filled with ex-army generals as governors and lawmakers who have invaded Nigeria’s political territory upon retirement and made quite a success of it. In addition, in this, General Olusegun Obasanjo is in a special class of his own. He has not only made himself perpetually relevant but has in fact, dominated to this day the politics of present dispensation. In addition, he is not one to be on the losing side. He promptly jumped ship before the doomed PDP ship went down into the depths, refusing to go down with it. In addition, the same thing he did to President Musa Yar’Adua before the man suffered death. In addition, dare I add Chief MKO Abiola too, to the list before he met his premature death? There will be time to analyze the Obasanjo enigma or factor in Nigerian politics.
News 16
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
157 persons die in fire disasters in Lagos Kehinde Ayinla
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At least 157 persons died in 1,932 fire disasters and other emergency developments across Lagos State in the last 15 months. Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Oyinlomo Danmole, and Director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, made this known at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, while rendering account of activities of the ministry between January 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Oyinlomo added that N23.02 billion worth of property were destroyed, while N138.12 billion properties were recovered from fire during the year under review. Danmole explained that of the 157 persons reported dead, 137 were recorded in year 2014, while 20 persons died between January 1 and March 31, 2015. 253 persons were rescued from fire in the year under review. The commissioner noted that in 2011, 79 died; 2012, 215 died and in 2013, 99 died in fire disasters, saying “this brings the cumulative lives lost in the fire disasters recorded in four years and three months (January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2015) to 550.” He noted that a total of 1,932 emergency calls, which include fire calls, were received and responded to by the state Fire Service, in the last 15 months, adding “many of which were avoidable.” A breakdown of the calls showed that the State Fire Service
L-R: Chairman, governing council, college of eduaction minna, prof. Muhammed daniya; niger state governor, dr. Babangida aliyu; provost, prof. Faruk rashid haruna and minna state commissioner for tertiary education, prof. Mohammed kuta yahaya during commissioning of the new college clinic at the school premises, minna, niger state… on monday
officials responded to 1,787 fire disasters, 132 rescue calls and the 13 collapsed building. However, no fewer than 370 false calls were made by the residents of the state in the year under review. Lamenting over the statistics, the commissioner said a lot of Lagos residents still take fire safety percussion for granted, saying: “Many of the fire disasters were due to carelessness. Even the so called elites, they don’t adhere to the preventive measures.”
Oyinlomo added: “And when we realised this, we commenced enlightenment campaign, using different medium. But, it is pathetic that residents of Lagos have failed to make good use of the platforms to learn how to prevent fire and if it occurs, what to do.” For this, Fadipe said: “The State government began to equip the fire-fighters to record modest success in fire and rescue operations. And during the year, 32 firefighting trucks were procured, 30
dragon pumper and snow dragon fire trucks and other equipment were provided. “Also, two fire stations were constructed, 175 fire hydrant points were constructed to reduce the travel time of fire service officials in getting water. And due to the stress the officials encountered daily in fighting fire, the government decided to increase the hazard allowance of the fire-fighters from N833 to N5,000 monthly,” he revealed.
2015 polls: PDP’s loss, temporary setback, says Alkali Lateef Ibrahim Abuja
••• The Special Adviser to the
President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, has described the outcome of the 2015 general election, in which the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a temporary setback, stressing that it was not the end of the party. Alkali, who stated this on Monday in Abuja, however appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s supporters to use the transition period as a time for self-reflection to heal and restrategise.
According to him: “I wish to appreciate and thank all the groups and individuals that have contributed, one way or the other, to support President Jonathan during the election. “We should all see the outcome of the presidential election as temporary setback, not a full-stop in a long sentence of the political history of this great country – Nigeria,” he said. Alkali said that although the President and the PDP lost in the election, it was only a busstop but certainly not a terminus, as all the supporters of Jonathan were still the most critical political assets of the PDP and awaits the direction of the party. “It is conceivable that as a
result of this unprecedented setback, our members and supporters may lose focus, hope and direction and even be tempted to engage in divisive activities. Nonetheless, we should be more united than ever before, as the task now is to join hands together to strengthen the party,” Alkali stated. He thus called on all supporters of President Jonathan nationwide, especially the men and women that contributed to the campaigns and stood for the President in the just concluded presidential election, to remain calm and resolute, as the country prepares for the May 29 handover to the in-coming administration.
Several killed, trapped as trailer loses control in Imo Val Okara Owerri
•••
A trailer with registration number Anambra XB82HAL, on Monday, crashed into the fence of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO), killing yet to be identified number of persons, near Imo State University junction on Okigwe Road, Owerri. An eyewitness told Daily Times that the truck, loaded with bags of cement, lost control, while descending a hill. When Daily Times visited the scene of the accident, it spotted some charred bodies of the victims, while others were suspected to have been buried nearby. The number of persons affected was yet to be known ascertained, but it was gathered that some commuters, who were standing by the road side waiting to board commercial buses, may have been affected.
Thunderstorms wreaks havocs in Osun Sodiq Adekunle,
Osogbo Many areas in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, were affected by a downpour, accompanied by thunderstorms, during the weekend. The rain destroyed buildings, and electrical poles. The areas affected by the rain included Oja Oba, Igbona, Ago Wande and Ibokun Road, among others. While the rainfall was light in some areas, it was heavy and fierce in other places, where it lasted for more than 10 minutes.
•••
NGE: Ajimobi lauds Adesina’s re-election
•••
Alkali
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the reelection of Mr. Femi Adesina as the President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) as a reward for robust leadership and unwavering commitment to journalism excellence in Nigeria. The governor stated this in a congratulatory message issued in Ibadan, on Monday, by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo. He acknowledged the fact that Adesina’s re-election was borne out of his noteworthy and commendable contributions to best journalism practice in the country in the last two years.
Business Times Æ s
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
17
Business Editor: Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Email: emmanuelogbonnaya@dailytimes.com.ng
Banks of industry, agriculture up for bidding Augustine Aminu
From left Alhaji Remi Bello, Deputy National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Chief Bassey Edem, Acting National President; Iyalode Alaba Lawson, 2nd Deputy National President and Dr. Herbert Ajayi, Past National President during a media briefing by NACCIMA on the State of the Nation held in Lagos on Thursday.
Diversification, only strategy for economic stability - NACCIMA Charles Okonji Diversifying the Nigerian’s economy from over-dependence on crude oil has been described by the Nigerian Assoccition of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) as the only strategy to effectively resuscitate and bring stability to the economy of our nation. In a media chat held in Lagos, the Chamber’s Acting National president Bassey Edem, said: “It is urgent and of great priority for the incoming government to intensify the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and avoid the negative consequences of volatile oil prices.” Edem stressed that Government needs to work assiduously towards making the required investment that would boost the growth of other non-oil sectors, such as, agriculture, manufacturing, solid mineral develop-
ment and transport, which hold greater prospect of yielding huge revenue to the economy if properly harnessed. He explained that the continued decline in crude oil prices was negatively affecting the nation’s revenue base and the national budget with the resultant effect on business direction. “We have been very consistent in our warning against the country’s over reliance on export of Crude Oil as a major source of revenue, which price is prone to volatility, due to factors such as the OPEC Quota, unrest in the Middle-East, pipeline vandalisation and demand substitution. NACCIMA however urged the outgoing administration and National Assembly to ensure the passage of the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) before May 29 handover date. “We want to passionately ap-
peal to the National Assembly and Federal Government to hasten up the process of as earlier promised so as to frontally and effectively address the above challenges.” Edem said. NACCIMA further tasked Government to overhaul existing refineries and encourage building of new ones, most especially modular ones all around the country to enable the country increase her refining capacity for local consumption. This will support export of refined products and thereby maintaining local employment and saving the nation of foreign exchange used in the importation of refined products. “There is also the need for the government to further empower the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Niger-Delta to tackle the problem of Oil Thieves and pipeline vandalization.” On cost of governance, the
umbrella body for the organised private sector in the country Noted that, the cost associated with the running of the government has increased considerably over the years and has significantly increased recurrent expenditure of the government, thereby decreasing the government expenditure on public project in vital sectors of the economy. “NACCIMA has been consistent in the call for reduction in the cost of running the government by pruning down the numbers of political appointees as well as the expenditure of the National Assembly. It is important for the incoming administration to start considering ways by which the country’s recurrent expenditure can be reduced beginning with a lean and efficient government administration.” Edem said.
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has announced its plans to commence the privatisation process of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX). This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Bureau’s Head, Public Communications, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe. The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) had in 2014, approved the privatisation of three Development Finance Institutions in the country. According to the statement, the NCP had approved the Financial Bid Opening for BOA, BOI as well as the Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX). “The Council has directed BPE to immediately invite the prequalified bidders that met the benchmark scores of 75 per cent in the initial evaluation to proceed to the Financial Bid Opening Stage. “For the BOA, the BPE was directed to invite Banca Leonardo Consortium (Germany); Barclays Consortium (Nigeria), CPCS Consortium (Barbados) and PWC Consortium (Nigeria). “After the Financial Bid Opening, the contract should be awarded to any of the consortia adjudged to have made the best offer based on quality and cost selection guidelines of the World Bank,” the BPE said. It also stated that the BPE was directed to invite CPCS Consortium (Barbados), BDO Consortium (UK) and Barclays (South Africa) that emerged pre-qualified bidders for the BOI.
Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, BOI boss
Aviation 18
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
SAHCOL warns staff against external inducement
..... As unions declare war Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo
The Management of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited SAHCOL has cautioned it’s workers against being used by external forces in the aviation sector to thwart the giant stride by the company. Reacting to a statement from the National Union of Air Transport Employees NUATE and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association ATSSSAN, the general manager public affairs of SAHCOL, Basil Agboarumi, said “We are aware that some external forces who are unhappy with SAHCOL’s current achievements are working towards discrediting our successes through blackmail and incitement of the stakeholders against the company” “SAHCOL places so much value on the welfare of its staff and as a result since the privatization of SAHCOL in 2009, the Management of SAHCOL has ensured that salaries are paid as
at when due, while every staff is aware of the move by the Board to carry out a review of staff incentives after the completion of the new warehouse project” Agboarumi said the issues raised by both unions concerning four workers of SAHCOL amounted to gross insubordination and wilful disobedience to constituted authority. He said the gross misconduct by the said staff could lead to loss of revenue to the company. “It is conclusively clear that the four officers in question have turned themselves into a parallel government within the company” “These individuals were invited for a meeting with the Management through a memo dated 13th April, 2015 and they failed, neglected and refused to attend the meeting” Meanwhile, the two Unions NUATE and ATSSSAN had earlier written to the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Owolabi, demanding the resignation of the GM, HR, David Olorundade for gross acts of impropriety, victimization, harassment and violation of the rights of their members to
decent wages, lack of review of their conditions of work, casualization and contract engagements, lack of promotion, stagnation and against unwholesome anti-union hostilities. The unions explained that since June 2014, the management of SAHCOL had promised severally to meet with them for the review of the outdated Conditions of Service but till date, those promises according to them were mere empty promises. They cited a instance “Just last week, in the course of the workers general assembly (called Congress) called to deliberate on welfare issues, one of which was the outstanding severance benefits owed the workers but being held by the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), the Managing Director was reported to have personally gone to the meeting to disperse the workers, claiming that they had overstayed the time given to them to hold such a meeting, which was followed with a query issued to the four officers mentioned earlier by the General Manager, Human Resources”
FAAN advocates collaboration for African Airports The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will continue to play a leading role in advocating collaboration among aviation partners to address major challenges of air transport development in Africa. Engr. Sale Dunoma, Managing Director of FAAN stated this at the 53rd Airports Council International (ACI) Africa board meeting and Regional conference and exhibition which took place in Morocco. According to him, “the conference will certainly offer us an excellent opportunity to share our experiences and best practices in sustainable development as well as in airport safety and security”. Speaking further, Eng Dunoma stated that the introduction of the aviation portal, toll free call centres and the liberalisation of the aviation sector has stimulated awareness and growth in the sector. “Nigerian airports are playing important international roles in linking the most populous country in the African continent to the rest of the world, and the containment of the Ebola virus remains a shining example of a successful collaboration” added. The theme of the conference which is “Collaboration for Safe, Secure and Sustainable Aviation in Africa” will address improvements in aviation safety and security in the light of new threats affecting the industry.
Dunoma
Angela Gittens, the DirectorGeneral of ACI worldwide, harped on the benefits of collaboration within the industry from the perspective of the airports. Earlier, while welcoming delegates, Pascal Komla, President of ACI Africa said with the event provided a unique opportunity for aviation executives, experts and exhibitors from across the globe to network, share information and forge a common vision for the future businesses of African Airports. The 53rd ACI Africa Board meeting and regional conference and exhibition presented a platform for industry experts to come together and explore the challenges faced by the continent and find solutions that would boost the economic growth of Africa.
Medview partners First Bank on internet payment
Agboarumi
Med-View Airline recently signed a partnership agreement with First bank of Nigeria for online payment platform called “MasterCard Internet Gateway Service” (MIGS) where customers with Master / Visa cards anywhere in the world could make payments online. This is to ensure that MedView brings its service closer to its numerous clients who desire to buy their tickets online within the comfort of their home or offices without stress. This option of payment is in addition to the Interswitch platform designed mostly for customers with Naira Master cards and the book-on-hold platform where customers could walk
into any bank in Nigeria and pay for their reservations made online. To achieve this, customer can make reservation online and choose the option “I want to pay with Master / Visa card” when they get to the payment platform. This will automatically prompt the Master card and Visa Card logos from where customer can now click the logo of their desired card for payments, enter the required card details and wait for confirmation for payments. Once this is achieved, ticket will be automatically sent to the email provided while making reservation.
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
19 Aviation
Agbakoba makes case for sustainable aviation policy Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo A Maritime Lawyer and former President Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Barrister Olisa Agbakoba, has said that for Nigerian aviation to compete favourably with aviation sectors in the developed countries, it must have a sustainable aviation policy. The legal practitioner, who said this at a media briefing in Lagos, also called for a review of the over 70 Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) signed by Nigeria with other countries, as they have not been beneficial to Nigeria. Agbakoba, who was represented at the briefing by Partner, Corporate Commercial and Public Sector Group, Olabisi Akodu and Head Corporate Commercial, Olisa Agbakoba Legal, Victor Nwakasi, stated that Nigerian aviation cannot be built on nothing, calling on stakeholders to partner to provide a sustainable policy for the industry.
Akodu said that the major challenges the aviation industry has is the non-existence of aviation policy, lack of political will by both present and previous government to implement government policies and policy somersault. She frowned at a situation where a project started by one government was jettisoned the moment the initiator was out of office and another government takes over. Speaking on Fly Nigeria bill, she said that government sponsored passengers constitute a significant percentage of the flying population with billions paid to foreign airlines annually as capital flight. She added that United States took advantage of this fact by enacting the Fly America Regulation, which according her, requires Federal employees, dependent, consultants, contractors, grantees and other persons government financed air travel to US flag air carrier. Akodu said they will still push
forward with the Fly Nigeria Act but when all the necessary requirements were put in place by the organisation through a legislation. On the absence of a national career, the legal luminary said it was sad for a country of over 170 million people to be without a national carrier adding that the country has lost over N5tr and between, N100b and N 200b annually without an airline. She was over the opinion that setting up a national carrier will encourage the Fly Nigeria Act adding it has been the impediment to the policy. Akodu appealed to service providers at the aviation sector especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN to
Agbakoba
Summer: British Airways discounts early bookings British mega carrier, British Airways has announced amazing discounts for the coming summer with fantastic fares in its Club World, World Traveller and World Traveller Plus to an exciting range of worldwide destinations from Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. The amazing discounts apply to all existing and potential customers of British Airways, who want to get great deals on flights to the United Kingdom, Europe or North America when booked from 16th April to 15th May, 2015
build capacity that can accommodate bigger aircraft in the near future. She further called for the inclusion of Aviation into the National Development Plan as a result of its important role in the economy adding that there must be an action plan the sector.
ASECNA team scores NAMA high
and for outbound travel from 16th April to 30th November, 2015. With this offer, World Traveller customers can fly to Europe from $257 and to North America from $541. Customers on the World Traveller Plus however can fly with $1,585 to North America and those on the Club World can fly from $3,599. Commenting on the amazing discounts, British Airways, Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Kola Olayinka, said
the latest offer was in line with the company’s desire to offer great deals to customers desirous of spending as well as celebrating with their family members and friends abroad during the summer period. Olayinka added, “We are always determined to offer our customers good value for their money and continuously support them with amazing discounts, especially during the summer, when most of them will be travelling outside the country to see their loved ones.’’
Members of the ASECNA team that recently visited the country to calibrate the navigational equipment of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA have commended NAMA management for improved navigational facilities on ground at airports across the country. Speaking at the end of the ten days exercise in Lagos, ASECNA team leader, Engr Nganan Jorin said this year’s calibration exercise was the best in the series of its calibration in the past ten years. Engr Jorin, a Senegalese, explained that the calibration assignment was made possible without stress based on the NAMA management involvement through the provision of necessary logistics needed before their arrival for the exercise. According to the ASECNA boss navigational equipment in the system were up to date stressing that accurate facilities will further enhance safety of
the airspace in the country. It was a successful calibration campaign, NAMA was prepared even before we came and they improved on the system without us having difficulty in carrying out the calibration” With its headquarters in Dakar, Senegal, ASECNA an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) was established in 1959 with 18 member states such as Chad, Cameroun, Gabon, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, the Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Comoros, Niger and Madagascar. The managing director of NAMA Engr Ibrahim Abdulsalam while responding, commended the team for a job well done stressing that it was the best in the series in the last ten years. Abdulsalam expressed optimism that future exercise will be improved upon and hope to see them back in June this year.
Energy 20
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Investing in African energy sector, critical to EU – Expert Stories by Tony Nwakaegho
Eni Oil and Gas Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Claudio Descalzi, says that Africa has the potential to power the European Union in years to come. This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the CEO. Descalzi said global energy companies had a unique role to play in helping to develop energy sources in Africa. He projected that Africa would soon become a source of energy supply to the world and themselves. ``Africa represents an enormous opportunity because there is a strong complementarity with Europe. We must invest in infrastructure in Africa. ``We must work with Africa to create an environment of peace and security. But this cannot be entrusted only to oil companies or the market. It is also a political
Meter
Descalzi
issue,’’ he said. Descalzi said that at the moment, his company was exploring low cost natural gas like the Liquefied Natural Gas in Mozam-
bique. He urged other operators to invest in Africa, especially the subSaharan, to quickly realise the potential the continent holds.
Nigeria may lose $10bn from crude sales in 2015 – OPTS Nigeria’s oil and gas revenue will likely drop by 10 billion dollars in 2015, if crude oil price average 53 dollars per barrel compared to 77.5 dollars in 2014, the Oil Producer Trade Section (OPTS) has warned. Mrs Elizabeth Proust, Chairman OPTS and Managing Director of Total Upstream companies in Nigeria, gave the warning on in Abuja at the 2015 Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum. OPTS is a private sector group comprising indigenous and international companies that operate 96 per cent of the total oil and gas production in Nigeria. Proust spoke on a theme, ``Global oil price dynamics: impact and strategic solution for Nigeria.” She said the low oil price witnessed globally was having adverse impact on revenue of both producers and host government. ``Unfortunately Nigeria is not immune to this revenue squeeze.
``We estimate that if crude oil price average $53 per barrel, compared to $77.5 in 2014, Nigeria’s oil and gas revenue will decline by $10 billion this year or a gut wrenching 30 per cent. ``Total allocation to state governments was N620 billion in the last quarter of 2014, as the oil price was sliding 15 per cent lower than in the same quarter of 2013 ``This is resulting in the slowing or cancelling of many infrastructure projects that Nigeria desperately needs,” Proust said. She, however, said that in response to this challenge, businesses were adding more rigour to cost optimisation programme to boost the bottom line. She said most of the cost drivers in the industry were relatively inelastic in the short term of one to two years due to existing commitments. ``This means that there is a time lag between movements in
crude oil prices and costs. Thus, we cannot expect near-term costs relief. ``Additionally in Nigeria, long contract approval times and other bureaucracy further slow any gains from cost adjustments to low crude oil prices,” she said. Proust said low crude oil prices had significantly reduced the level of investable funds, at a time when competition for investments is sharpening.
Proust
Ikeja Electric has revealed that it is investing $100million (about N20bn) in order to lift its customers with free smart prepaid meters to be distributed to them starting from June. A pilot scheme for the deployment of the meters the company said would begin in May, with 2,000 units to be distributed, after which it would roll out another 5,000 in June and 12,000 to 15,000 units in subsequent months. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje said that the company two greatest challenges are inadequate power supply from the grid and inadequate metering. “We didn’t have the opportunity of studying the system by the time we took over; so, it took a lot of time for us to look at the metering types that we need that will suit our type of environment and our type of customers. “We have concluded that now and we have signed an agreement to the tune of almost $100million for us to meter all our customers starting from the first week of June. We are going to bring in smart meters. When we present them to the customers, everybody will be happy, and we are going to roll them out massively over the next three years,” Ajifowobaje said. He explained that going by the purchase agreement with the government, the distribu-
Ikeja Electric plans free meters for customers tion companies are supposed to meter all customers within five years, adding that Ikeja Disco decided to do it within three years at no cost to the customers. “But at Ikeja, we have decided that we are going to do that within three years at no cost to the customers. We are not going to collect money from our customers. We are going to issue the meters free of charge. “I would have said we are going to start in May; but in May, it is going to be a pilot scheme, which is about 2,000 meters. By the time we get to June, when we will roll out massively, we are going to start with 5,000 and every month, we are going to be installing 12,000 to 15,000 meters. That is the plan”, he said. He hinted that currently the company does estimated billing when people don’t have meters or when customers have obsolete, faulty or burnt meters. “If you go to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) website, there is an estimated billing methodology, which is what we are following to the letter in Ikeja. We try as much as possible. I am not saying that this thing is perfect because no matter how well you give somebody estimated billing, what he wants is a meter and that is why people have asked why we have not rolled out our meters,” the Ikeja Electric MD/CEO said.
Uganda uncertain of 2018 oil target The Central Bank of Uganda said it remains uncertain whether the country will be able to produce its first commercial oil by 2018 as previously forecast due to a slump in global prices as well as the higher costs of developing its waxy reserves. The Bank was quoted in a report seen by Platts that going by the bank’s monetary policy report for April, oil production might be pushed back from 2018, given that the profitability of oil investments may remain depressed for the foreseeable fu-
ture. The report also said the global oil price outlook places a large question mark over the speed at which Uganda’s oil resources can now be developed, especially given that its proven oil reserves are waxy, which increases the cost of moving them to the coast. It will be recalled that last month, UK-based Tullow Oil cut its labour force in Uganda due to low global oil prices and delays by the government in awarding production licenses.
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Today in History Æ s Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola
Cartoons from our Archives
1916 Ferruccio Lamborghini born On April 28, 1916, Ferruccio Lamborghini, the founder of the company that bears his name and was known for stylish, high-performance cars, was born in Italy. After World War II, Lamborghini founded a business making tractors from reconfigured surplus military machines, near Bologna, Italy. He later expanded into other ventures, including manufacturing air-conditioning and heating systems, and grew rich. Lamborghini’s success enabled him to purchase a variety of luxury sports cars, including a Ferrari, considered one of the top cars of the time. After experiencing mechanical difficulties with his Ferrari, Lamborghini decided to start his own rival sports car company, even hiring a former top Ferrari engineer. Automobile Lamborghini was officially established in 1963 in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, and the same year debuted its first car, the Lamborghini 350 GTV, a two-seater coupe with a V12 en-
1945
gine. The company’s logo featured a bull, a reference to Ferruccio Lamborghini’s zodiac sign, Taurus the bull. Various Lamborghini models had names related to bulls or bullfighting, including the Miura (named for Don Eduardo Miura, a breeder of fighting bulls), a mid-engine sports car that was released in mid-1960s and gained Lamborghini an international following among car enthusiasts and a reputation for prestige and cutting-edge design. In the early 1970s, Lamborghini’s tractor business experienced problems and he eventually sold his interest in his sports car business and retired to his vineyard. Automobili Lamborghini changed hands several times and in the late 1990s was purchased by German automaker Volkswagen. The company continued to build high-performance cars, including the Murcielago (capable of 250 mph) and the Gallardo. Ferruccio Lamborghini died on February 20, 1993, at the age of 76.
Benito Mussolini executed
On this day in 1945, “Il Duce,” Benito Mussolini, and his mistress, Clara Petacci, are shot by Italian partisans who had captured the couple as they attempted to flee to Switzerland. The 61-year-old deposed former dictator of Italy was established by his German allies as the figurehead of a puppet government in northern Italy during the German occupation toward the close of the war. As the Allies fought their way up the Italian peninsula, defeat of the Axis powers all but certain, Mussolini considered his options. Not wanting to fall into the hands of either the British or the Americans, and knowing that the communist partisans, who
1977 Red
Army Faction trial ends
Daily Times April 28, 1961
1965
U.S. troops land in the Dominican Republic
had been fighting the remnants of roving Italian fascist soldiers and thugs in the north, would try him as a war criminal, he settled on escape to a neutral country. He and his mistress made it to the Swiss border, only to discover that the guards had crossed over to the partisan side. Knowing they would not let him pass, he disguised himself in a Luftwaffe coat and helmet, hoping to slip into Austria with some German soldiers. His subterfuge proved incompetent, and he and Petacci were discovered by partisans and shot, their bodies then transported by truck to Milan, where they were hung upside down and displayed publicly for revilement by the masses.
In an effort to forestall what he claimed will be a “communist dictatorship” in the Dominican Republic, President Lyndon B. Johnson sent more than 22,000 U.S. troops to restore order on the island nation. Johnson’s action provoked loud protests in Latin America and scepticism among many in the United States. Troubles in the Dominican Republic began in 1961, when longtime dictator Rafael Trujillo was assassinated. Trujillo had been a brutal leader, but his strong anticommunist stance helped him retain the support of the United States. His death led to the rise of a reformist government headed by Juan Bosch, who was elected
president in 1962. The Dominican military, however, despised Bosch and his liberal policies. Bosch was overthrown in 1963. Political chaos gripped the Dominican Republic as various groups, including the increasingly splintered military, struggled for power. By 1965, forces demanding the reinstatement of Bosch began attacks against the military-controlled government. In the United States government, fear spread that “another Cuba” was in the making in the Dominican Republic; in fact, many officials strongly suspected that Cuban leader Fidel Castro was behind the violence. On April 28, more than 22,000 U.S. troops, supported by forces provided by
some of the member states of the Organization of American States (a United Nations-like institution for the Western Hemisphere, dominated by the United States) landed in the Dominican Republic. Over the next few weeks they brought an end to the fighting and helped install a conservative, nonmilitary government. President Johnson declared that he had taken action to forestall the establishment of a “communist dictatorship” in the Dominican Republic. As evidence, he provided American reporters with lists of suspected communists in that nation. Even cursory reviews of the list revealed that the evidence was extremely flimsy--some of the people on the list were dead and others could not be considered communists by any stretch of the imagination.
In Stuttgart, West Germany, the lengthy trial of the leaders of the terrorist BaaderMeinhof Gang, also known as the Red Army Faction, ended with Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin, and Jan-Carl Raspe being found guilty of four counts of murder and more than 30 counts of attempted murder.
Each defendant was sentenced to life imprisonment, Germany’s most severe punishment. The Red Army Faction was founded by ultra-left revolutionaries Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof in 1968. Advocating communist revolution in West Germany, the group employed terrorist tactics against govern-
ment, military, and corporate leaders in an effort to topple capitalism in their homeland. Baader was imprisoned in 1970 but escaped, and Meinhof was captured in 1972. In 1976, Baader was recaptured, and Meinhof hanged herself in her cell. During the trial of Baader and his associates, the few Red
Army Faction members still at large continued their program of violence and assassination. In 1976, two Baader-Meinhof guerrillas took part in the Palestinian hijacking of an Air France jetliner that ended with the Israeli raid on the Entebbe airport in Uganda. Both Germans were killed.
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
23 News
'Millions of Nigerians suffering from glaucoma' •••
Several millions of Nigerians are said to be suffering from glaucoma and needing urgent medical attention, before their eyes are damaged. This was the position of an optical expert, Dr. (Mrs.) Regina Morgan, chief consultant ophthalmologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, during a chat with Daily Times. Glaucoma is second to cataract in the cause of eye blindness globally. According to Dr. Morgan, many Nigerians are unaware that they are affected by this eye disorder. Though the optical expert maintained that glaucoma is in no way infec-
tious, she, however, urged Nigerians to go for regular eye check-ups. Said she: “Contrary to some perception, glaucoma is not an infection. It is not infectious; it is an optic-neuropathic. It is not like Apollo, which is infectious. Even if you share eye glasses with a sufferer of glaucoma, it does not mean it would transfer to you. “The problem is that most people do not know they have glaucoma. More and more people, especially those above 40 years old, need regular eye test at least once a year. Our emphasis is always on early detection.”
Obiano donates salary to less privileged ••• Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has resolved to donate his salaries to the less privileged members of the society in the state. Obiano said in Awka, on Monday, that he had sent a written instruction to his Principal Secretary, Mr Willie Nwokoye, to implement his wish with immediate effect. “I have been donating it to the church since I became governor.” He said that giving help to the less privileged in the society, through properly structured charity organ-
Niger govt, APC in war of words over recruitment exercise Pita Chikwem Minna
Obiano
isations, would make for more impact. “After spending many fruitful years in leadership positions in the private sector, I earned enough pensions to sustain the needs of my modest family. “So, I felt that my salary would be more useful if it puts a smile on the faces of some underprivileged members of the society to whom the smallest amount of money will make a huge difference,’’ Obiano said.
Kidnapped Bayelsa council chairman regains freedom
••• The kidnapped Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Mr, Enaye Abah, has been released, after five days in captivity. Abah was abducted in the early hours of Wednesday, along the Otuasega-Okarki Express road by armed men, while on his way to a political meeting at the council headquarters in Ogbia town. It was learnt that the abducted chairman was released on Sunday at about 8.45pm by the kidnappers, who took him to their den in the deep mangrove swamp of Abua Odua area of Riv-
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (right) in a handshake with President Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Mines and Agriculture, Dr Abdul-Alimi Bello at the 36th Kaduna International Trade Fair held at Trade Fair Complex Kaduna… on Monday
ers State. Though it could not be immediately ascertained if any ransom was paid to secure his release, the chairman was said to have been abandoned at Ogonoko waterside in Abua Odua council area of Rivers State by his captors. Contacted, the Bayelsa State Police Command spokesman, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the release of the council chairman. He said the abducted Abah was abandoned by his kidnappers, following attempts by the special taskforce of the state's Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to invade their hide-out in the area.
••• The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday, uncovered plans by the Niger State government to recruit more workers, in order to force the incoming government to rationalise the work force. Daily Times reliably gathered that the state government’s aim of embarking on the mass recruitment of workers is to leave behind a large workforce that will weigh down the next administration. APC spokesman, Mr Jonathan Vatsa, in a press statement, said: "We receive with shock, the grand plan
of the out-going government, which we consider wicked, callous and selfish. This has further shown that they don't have the interest of the state and that of the entire workers of Niger state at heart. "We, therefore, want to bring it to the notice of all Nigerlites that the plan of the out-going government is to create fresh troubles, apart from the ones earlier caused by mismanagement," it declared. The statement further said: "We are also surprise that the governor has come up with the idea of recruiting for one university of education in Minna. The question is that 'where are the
structures for the university, beyond hiding under the TERTFUND projects of the College of Education, Minna?" It asked. Reacting to the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babangida Aliyu, Mr. Israel Ebije, described APC's claims as spurious, shameful and a gross misplacement of agenda. He said it was regrettable they have decided to embark on errand of cheap blackmail to veil their sinister agenda against the people. Ebije, therefore, alleged that the incoming APC-led administration intends to reduce workforce in the state civil service. He inti-
mated that the state civil servants must prepare for hard times, adding that mass retrenchment looms. The spokesman of the governor maintained that the establishment of the new university was done in the best interest of the state and the entire north. He said the north has deficit of qualified teachers, adding that the new university will set the pace in grooming teachers in the region and beyond. He, therefore, alerted the incoming governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, to be mindful of self-based politicians around him who do not have the interest of Nigerlites at heart.
Probe: Enugu lawmakers engaging in false propaganda – ENSUBEB Moses Oyediran Enugu
••• The Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) has reacted to the on-going probe against its activities by the Enugu State House of Assembly, describing it as a 'false propaganda'. The lawmakers had, during their plenary last week, invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe alleged fraudulent activities of the board and equally froze its bank accounts. However, the board, in a
statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Mr. Eberechukwu Nnaji, said it was “surprised and alarmed that the Enugu State House of Assembly moved a resolution, based on wild and unsubstantiated allegations made by two former board members.” It stated that “one wonders why a Legislative house that believes in due process would pass a resolution that portrays ENSUBEB in poor light, based on allegation from two, out of its nine board members. “We want to assure our over 12,000 hardworking
teachers, head teachers, volunteer teachers, school supervisors, non-tutorial staff and our service providers, that ENSUBEB will continue to pay their salaries as and when due. “Education should be separated from politics and, since our primary role is to ensure good quality education for the children of Enugu State, we will continue this service diligently. “ENSUBEB is not a contract agency. It is an education board established for the welfare of our children. We take our vision and mission very seriously and we
will not allow dirty politics to interfere with the education of our children. “The current leadership of ENSUBEB, headed by Ms. Nneka Onuora, is a strong believer in transparency and accountability and properly follows due process in all its dealings. "The two former board members in question had taken active part in all board activities, including board meetings, tender committee deliberations, bid openings, training workshops, project monitoring and other committee assignments," it added.
NNPC Reports
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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
See full report on www.dailytimes.com.ng
the people would spell doom for the state.
"Anyone that is planning to change the will be prepared for the consequences because we
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
25 News
Ogun signs $3b rail contract with Chinese firm Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta
•••
Ogun State Government, on Monday, signed a contract agreement with the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), for the construction of intra and inter-city railway network across the state. At the agreement signing ceremony between the state government and the CCECC, at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Amosun, who signed on behalf of the state, said the fastest way to transform the State is through
Group calls for transparency in LGs
Moses Oyediran Enugu
•••A
Non-Governmental Organisation, Human Development Initiative (HDI), has called on local government chairmen in Nigeria to be more accountable to the people by publishing annual financial reports and making them accessible to the people. A Senior Programme Officer of the organisation, Ms. Bolanle Dare, said this in Enugu on Monday, in a town hall meeting organised for stakeholders in Enugu North senatorial district. She said for the people to benefit from the main objective by which the Federal Government established 774 LGAs, the chairmen must be transparent and accountable to the people. ‘We demand that council chairmen publish annual financial reports of their council and make it accessible to the grassroots so that people will know the income and expenditure of their council areas. “We believe this will ensure transparency as well as enhance grassroots development and overall national development."
l of the people should would resist it. Delta
infrastructural development. The ceremony, had in attendance, the Chinese Consul-General, Loin Kan, CCECC chairman, Cao Baogang and the company's Managing Director, Li Qinyona. Amosun, who described the rail project as a total redesigning of Ogun State, reiterated that his administration would continue to initiate projects capable of enhancing infrastructural development of the state. His words: "If you go to China today, the only reason why they are now rated one of the economic pow-
ers of the world, is because they have infrastructure in place. If you visit Dubai, you will see infrastructure there, go to Europe, in France, everywhere you will see infrastructure, without infrastructure, there can't be any development. "When there is infrastructure, you will have a positive impact in curbing security challenges. "Aside the fact that it will give us development, when we put these infrastructure in place, our people will be the beneficiary, they will be working alongside those that will
be helping us and this will assist us with transfer of technology. The governor explained further that the rail system would connect locations within the Abeokuta metropolis and be extended to other locations like Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Agbara and Idi-Iroko. This project, according to him, would, greatly, reduce pressure on roads in the state when completed. He urged CCECC to work round the clock and ensure the project reached an appreciable stage by next year, when Ogun State clocks 40 years.
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•••Niger State Governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has admonished Nigerians to pray for the success of the incoming administrations at both national and state levels saying that doing otherwise, will amount to a failure of the community. Aliyu made the call in Minna on Monday, after commissioning projects executed by the managements of the Niger State College of Education and the new University of Education, Minna. ‘We should all pray for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government at the federal level and those that will
Mark decries Jonathan's court action against constitution review
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take over in the states, we should not pray for their failure, because failure will be failure of the community", he noted. Aliyu said the society would benefit from the success of the new leadership in the country, which therefore required the support of all Nigerians. He, however, spoke against what he described as a plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state which he said would be undemocratic and inimical to the political growth of the nation. As a result, the governor said there must be a virile opposition, meaning all those that lost out in the last general election, especially in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party should not run to the APC.
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•••The National Assembly has raised concerns over the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to institute a legal action against the recently conducted constitution amendment by the lawmakers. Speaking yesterday at the International Conference Center (ICC) in Abuja, during the induction ceremony of the newly elected lawmakers, the Senate President, David Mark, said the decision of the President to resort to Court action as a way of addressing the crisis between the executive and the legislature on the amendment of the Constitution iwa uncalled for since the document is still a Bill. "The President has taken the Bill to the court. It is a Bill at the moment, unless it is signed, I really don’t see why that should be taken to court; but it is democracy, so anybody can go to court", Mark said. According to Mark, the
said litigation against the bill by the President is strange to the Senate and by extension, the entire National Assembly because "the President as allowed and practised in any Presidential democracy like ours, will sign the bills that he wants to sign, the ones he doesn’t want to assent to, he will return to us and we will do the needful. "Now, on the bill in question, the matter is said to be in court but I really don’t see why it has to be in court at this stage because it has not been signed into law or vetoed to be so by the legislature, but anybody can go to court and we will see what will be the outcome later". Also speaking, the Deputy Senate President, Ike EKweremadu, in his own reaction, declared the said litigation as non existent as far as the National Assembly is concerned. According to him, no court process on the issue has been served on the National Assembly and even not the letter Bayo Ojo was said to have written to NASS in that respect has been received.
Law 26
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Law
Æs
AGBAKOBA
It’s a shame lawmakers are law breakers
Agbakoba
Chief Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate and former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in this interview with PETER FOWOYO, took a swipe at the members of the National Assembly for the outrageous salaries being paid to the lawmakers by the Revenue Fiscal and Mobilization Committee and quickly call on the President-elect to revert same without delay. He also spoke on corruption, the need for constitutional reform and sundry other issues.
What informed your decision to write the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, before his assumption of office? Well, I challenge the political leaders, at this auspicious moment of an interesting transition from one president to the other which has not happened in Nigeria history is a big opportunity for the incoming president to stand at the summit of history and resolve Nigeria’s most important challenge which is disorder, indiscipline, lack of peace and stability, without this, if you don’t set the framework for order we are going nowhere. Think of a man who has four
wives and many children, he has not sorted out the peace and stability and how he will provides for his home, even if he is a billionaire, he won’t have peace. Nigeria’s problem is not her economic resources, Nigeria’s problem is not her finances, Nigeria’s problem is lack of peace and it has a history in the shape of three political constitutions we have operated. The colonial constitution was not in the interest of Nigeria, the civil constitution that lasted between 1960 and 1966 wasn’t in the interest of Nigeria, the military constitutions were designed to enable the various heads of states we had from
Gowon to General Buhari interestingly and General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and his interminable transition process up to the late General Sani Abacha. They didn’t have the Nigeria’s interest at heart, they were ruling for the sake of themselves and their constituency therefore there wasn’t any peace and that was why the pro-democracy movement rose to challenge and confront them so, this is the first time, then of course, we’ve had both the Obasanjo and Jonathan’s attempt to find peace so, the national conference is really about peace and stability. That is why the biggest power that the president enjoys is the power given to him by section 5 of the constitution to order the state of things in Nigeria for the peace and good governance of the country but unfortunately the national conference process starting from Obasanjo who had a third term agenda so, it wasn’t genuine, as you will remember and the Jonathan process which I was a party to but was incomplete has meant that as I speak to you, we don’t have any political compass for Nigeria. We are a mass of peoples with various cleavages and fault lines, religious, ethnic, linguistic, roaming in a vast territorial space called Nigeria which Chief Obafemi Awolowo referred to as a geographical expression because we have not condescended Nigeria into a national spirit we can say for the love of country, we haven’t. Unless this is tackled and that is why I’ve written this letter to the incoming president to be aware of the bobby trap he has a historic moment to deal with the lack of constitutional order that is why I identified this as the number one issue. Once this is resolved there can be peace and stability. If you’re building a house and the architecture gives you a design then to build the house is easy but Nigeria lacks the constitutional architecture. If we don’t do that we can’t go anywhere. I have identified that and I have talked about the second most important thing, corruption. What is your assessment of
“Nigeria’s problem is not her economic resources, Nigeria’s problem is not her finances, Nigeria’s problem is lack of peace and it has a history in the shape of three political constitutions we have operated.” the out-going administration especially in the areas of anti-corruption crusade and what is your advice for the incoming administration? President Goodluck Jonathan as we all know paid lip service to the issue of corruption but, General Buhari has presented himself as a person and he has gotten ground swell of support from Nigerians across to tackle corruption. He has to be held accountable to the political promises he made. If he can first of all deal with the unconstitutional salaries payment of the National Assembly, the Revenue Fiscal and Mobilization Commission set salaries but the National Assembly refused to follow it and get paid with large sums of money, you remember when Mallam elRufai and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi accused them of been paid large sums of money, that is true. Why won’t I want to go to the National Assembly if as a member of the House of Representatives, I can get an average of about N600million a year why won’t they kill themselves? Some of them in other side of the House get as much as N1 billion a year so the desire to be there is intense, it is not to go and pass laws and that is why they performed below average, it’s the money that is there. So, what General Buhari CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
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has to do is to confront that challenge and see it as a corrupt practice. The National Assembly must be brought to book, they must conform with the constitution, it is a big shame that the lawmakers are the ones who break the constitution, pay themselves the type of stupendous salaries that they take home. I put this as a litmus test, if president elect can be able to bring the National Assembly within the lawful pay structures of some Nigerians, I will clap for him but, of course, the life style of the political offices has to go, 10 aircraft on the presidential fleet when we have no Nigeria Airways is unacceptable. The national security votes of states governors is more than two trillion naira which is half of our entire budget so you can see that the life style has contributed to the fight to finish of politicians. If as a governor I have N2billion every month that I don’t account to anybody, in this case, permitted by law, in the case of the National Assembly not permitted, you can imagine why people will not like to die for that job, not for the love of country but, for the love of pocket so, this is the task, it is not rocket science, it is very easy to do this thing, the presidential villa spends about N50 billion and everybody who goes there feels entitled to a meal, why? Why should they be entitled to a meal like if you go to White House and after meeting president Obama, he will say go to the kitchen and have a meal? All of that has to stop, the culture that does not promote accountability, that if you go to visit someone you will get a meal, I don’t see why you should get a meal, visit and go. So, those are the things that President Buhari needs to do different otherwise, it will be same old story. We are tired of election promises, this time we have a president who has come to office on the major campaign slogan of incorruptibility, public accountability and so it is the duty of us who speak out to hold him into account.
27 Law
No political compass for Nigeria –Agbakoba In the first 30 days, we want to see result. I give the example of Nigeria reminding me of the great depression in the US when president Roosevelt was the president, the country had collapsed, people where despondent, Nigeria has the same parallel so what Roosevelt did is what I hope president Buhari will do. Have massive plans of actions which will be executed because having being elected president, he must have come with a clear idea of what he wants to do and who will assist him to develop the plan. So what is the way forward for the aviation sector? The way forward is to redeploy all aircraft in the presidential fleet to form the hub of a national carrier. Business for this new national carrier is easy to generate. I have proposed a Bill; the fly Nigeria Bill, to ensure that every government naira used to purchase a ticket must originate and terminate on a Nigeria carrier. The fly Nigeria Bill when passed into law will create an instant market for our national carrier. What is your take on our legal system; do you think this sector is in need of reform? The legal and justice sector has suffered institutional failure over the last three decades. Comprehensive and radical reform of the legal and justice sector is overdue. The rule of law is vital to economic development. But lip service is paid to this vital process. Investors, whether local or international will not invest in a lawless country. We must give urgency to this sector and reverse legal failure. Expectations are high; in what areas of the economy would you advise the president-elect to concentrate
“Any president who is not concerned with whether Nigerians are getting oxygen is not fit to be our president, you must be alert to what the banks are doing, the banks are supposed to lend to consumers not to traders, if they lend to everybody, if the money is readily available then you can easily borrow to meet your needs.”
Agbakoba so as to meet the expectations of the people that voted him into power? It is inconceivable that a person in UK will not be entitled to mortgage after employment, none of you here has a house that you owned, you’re all tenants but you have jobs. Now in the UK, you will be owners of a house because the same ability to pay rent, remove the rent and put mortgage that’s all. A lot of what they do in abroad isn’t rocket science because they have legal framework and they have policies that promotes public good. Now, a bank in Nigeria is not going to give any loan, they are going to give three, four, five big men who will trade and return the loan. I challenge a single bank in Nigeria to say that they are bank in the proper sense of
the word, they are all money lender. The duty of a CBN and the financial regulatory authority is to prevent banks from exploiting the system to their own advantage, it has happened in the United Kingdom where their own CBN punished even Berkley’s bank, you find the regulators are also at alert to push the banks in the direction of the public interest. Now, an area where I hope President Buhari can work strongly is the financial sector why? It is the oxygen, it is the blood of the system, if you stop breathing now you know what will happen so, the banking system delivers oxygen to the system. Any president who is not concerned with whether Nigerians are getting oxygen is not fit to be our president, you
must be alert to what the banks are doing, the banks are supposed to lend to consumers not to traders, if they lend to everybody, if the money is readily available then you can easily borrow to meet your needs, this is called consumer banking. In Nigeria, we have trader banking, the economy is bleeding. Banks do two things before they crash first, they give money for importation of diesel, petrol, kerosene and two, they gave money to buy shares, that’s all. Go to the bank that you want to borrow money as a consumer, you cannot get it. We need to see policies; I have identified what policies are required to correct the problem. In aviation, I don’t understand how we don’t have a single aircraft in the air called Air Nigeria yet, we have foreign airlines dominating our airspace because you see, if you’re a prudent business man, money comes when you get here, there and then you put them together so, I don’t know whether Nigeria policy makers understand that money cannot only come from oil, money will come from oil, agriculture, aviation. Now, Nigeria’s entire cash package is only N4trillion but in just one sector, the aviation sector, foreign airlines take away a quarter of our budget. MTN that is giving us problem in South Africa makes more money than Dangote group and all the banks in Nigeria yet they have nothing here, how can any serious policy planner allow such a thing where people are allowed to come into the country, make money, take it away, you will bleed. The financial planning required by Buhari is complete reform. The statement credited to Minister Obanikoro is not acceptable, if I were him; I will summon the South African envoy and tell him if this continues, it will have grievous consequences on our relationship.
“Nigeria’s entire cash package is only N4trillion but in just one sector, the aviation sector, foreign airlines take away a quarter of our budget. MTN that is giving us problem in South Africa makes more money than Dangote group and all the banks in Nigeria yet they have nothing here.”
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015
EXTRATIME
EGUMA
D Eguma
olphins coach Stanley Eguma was not happy that his team fell 0-2 to Akwa United over the weekend. He described Sunday’s game as good, but added that he will not blame his players for the penalty they conceded in the first half. “The loss of concentration cost
MOURINHO takes swipe at Arsenal fans
fume’s at Dolphins’ performance
is the game but I have to exonerate them for the penalty,” he said. “They fought hard but couldn’t avoid that penalty. I think it wasn’t a bad game. We lost but we must go back and work harder for subsequent games.” Zachary Baraje of Akwa United said he will only agree that things are Carver
C
Mourinho
helsea manager Jose Mourinho has aimed a jibe at Arsenal’s home fans for their “boring boring Chelsea” chants during their goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium. A point against Arsenal ensured that Chelsea will win the Premier League title if they beat Leicester City and Crystal Palace in their next two games. The Arsenal fans, who were hoping for a win to keep the title race interesting, vented their frustration at the away side and termed their style of football in the 0-0 draw boring.
RELEGATION WOULD BE DISASTROUS – CARVER
even when they go away from home to get a point or three. “This victory will certainly help in building the confidence my boys are losing, but by the time we pick a point away, I think I will have a better team,” Baraje said. Dolphins welcomes Lobi Stars in Port Harcourt tomorrow.
N
ewcastle’s player, John Carver, has said he was not even thinking about the threat of a “disastrous” relegation – despite Newcastle United’s perilous position. The club is five points above thirdfrom-bottom Sunderland with four games left to play after Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat to Swansea City. I’m not thinking about that disaster – let’s make that clear. Get that out of the back of our minds Half of the teams below Newcastle have a game in hand, including Saturday’s in-form opponents Leicester City. Bookmakers have slashed the odds on United – who have lost their last seven games – going down. But head coach Carver says he can’t allow himself to think about relegation.
Mertesacker
My swift recovery ‘A big miracle’ – Mertesacker
P
er Mertesacker has praised Arsenal’s medical team for helping him defy the odds and complete a full 90 minutes against Chelsea. The vice-captain was only given an outside chance of returning from the ankle injury he suffered during the FA Cup semi-final, but Mertesacker led the team out on Sunday and was outstanding at the back. “It’s a big miracle and I have to give a huge thanks to all the people who contributed, especially our medical team who did a fantastic job to get all the fluid out of my ankle after I twisted it badly,” Mertesacker said.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
EXTRATIME
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F
lying Eagles coach, Manu Garba, has stated categorically that is the FIFA U-20 World Cup title or nothing for them, ahead of the championship in New Zealand. The Nigerian U-20’s are African champions and one of Africa’s representatives at the competition and despite have had some relative success at this level, they are yet to win it. And Manu, whose team has been touted as Nigeria’s best U-20 team ever, says it is about winning the U-20 World Cup or nothing for them. “The only wish and expectation is to get to win the World Cup,” he said. “We want to have a good representation for Nigeria and Africa and it is either we win the World Cup or nothing for us,” he said. He added that the work they have done with the team right from the U-17’s, has always been geared towards winning the U-20 World Cup. “The work we have done right from the U-17’s has been about this stage; the U-20. This is a team that has done very well at both the U-17 World Cup and most recently, the Africa Youth Championship.
, s u r o f g n i h t o n r o p u C / W s ’ t I
OKOCHA
Okocha
eyes NFF presidency Stories By Mike Otanwa
Garba
s t s a o B A B R A G BBC Women’s Footballer Award Nomination, Excites Oshoala
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L
iverpool Ladies forward Asisat Oshoala has been shortlisted for the 2015 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. She said she is surprised and excited by to be nominated for the award. “I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be nominated and I feel much appreciated,” said Oshoala. The 20-year-old, who scored her second league goal of the season for Liverpool Ladies in a 2-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday, has made a name for herself in the past one year. Seattle Reign’s Kim Little, Veronica Boquette of FFC Frankfurt and Wolfsburg star Nadine Kessler are the other contenders completing the five-woman list.
Oshoala
he Nigeria Football Federation has said they will not be making announcements on Stephen Keshi’s assistants just yet, as he begins work into his new 2-year contract to continue as the Super Eagles coach. Daniel Amokachi has been Keshi’s first assistant since he took over in November of 2011, and has taken charge of the team in the Big Boss’ absence. But strong indications from the Glass House suggests the former Everton of England striker will not be retained following a reported falling out with Keshi, with Salisu Yusuf penciled as Amokachi’s replacement. But the NFF have refused to deny or confirm the reports, with first vice president Seyi Akinwunmi saying they will only announce Keshi’s assistants in ‘due time’. “We are not presenting any assistant coaches now, we have only presented the chief coach and that is how it is.
F
ormer Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, has said he has no plans of going into coaching but hopes to one day be the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). “No, not for the moment. I’m more interested in the executive positions. I prefer to be the one who appoints them and tells them what to do,” Okocha said. However when asked about eyeing the NFF presidency in the future the former Fenerbache, Bolton, PSG, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hull City playmaker responded positively to his ambition. “Why not? Yes. In fact, I’ve just been named the chairman of the Delta State Football Association, which I’m delighted about. Who knows what the future has in store, though?”.
NFF: No assistants for Keshi for now
Keshi
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015
EXTRATIME
REAL continue Barca pursuit against Almeria W
ith home fixtures against bottom-half clubs in midweek, Barcelona and Real Madrid are expected to keep winning and prolong their thrilling La Liga title push. Leaders Barcelona host 13th-placed Getafe, while Real welcome 16th side Almeria to the Santiago Bernabeu. Should results go to script, Barca will retain their two-point lead heading into the final four games, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side hoping the visitors to Camp Nou can cause an upset. A slip up from Barca against Pablo Franco Martin’s men at home would not be without precedent, as Getafe struck late to earn a 2-2 draw in Catalonia in May 2014 - a result which dented Barcelona’s title hopes.
Ancelotti
Mancini on scouting mission at Parma and Palermo clash
I
nter boss Roberto Mancini was in the stands at the Stadio Ennio Tardini during Parma’s home clash with Palermo on Sunday afternoon to watch a number of potential targets. The Nerazzurri coach is desperate to reinforce his squad for next season, and was on hand to run the rule over a number of players during the Ducali’s
1-0 victory. It was reported that Palermo’s impressive trio Achraf Lazaar, Franco Vazquez and Paulo Dybala were all being watched by Mancini, but turned in underwhelming performances for the visitors. Parma’s highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder Jose Mauri was also under
surveillance, and Mancini will have been impressed by the youngsters performance. With Parma a near certainty to be relegated to Serie B despite the victory, Inter hope to establish an unofficial partnership with the club so that they can loan their youngsters to the club to grow and nurture.
‘Only a mad man would take kids to the stadia in Italy’ – Allegri Torino’s supporters react after a firework explodes during their side’s first Serie A win over Juventus since 1995.
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he Juventus manager, Max Allegri, has claimed that ‘only a madman’ would take their kids to a football stadium in Italy after their Turin derby defeat over the weekend was blighted by yet more crowd trouble.
Before Torino’s 2-1 victory at the Stadio Olimpico – their first Serie A win over Juventus for 20 years – Torino fans attacked the bus carrying Juve’s players as it approached the stadium, breaking a window. Juventus supporters retaliated by throwing
fireworks at their Torino counterparts inside the stadium, injuring several. It is the latest incident in a lengthy list of crowd trouble in Italy – just this month Roma were ordered to close part of their stadium after fans displayed banners insulting
the mother of a Napoli fan who died following clashes between rival supporters last year while black players in Milan’s U-10 team were allegedly subject to heckling and racist abuse during a match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Dybala
Giroud cannot fire Arsenal to title – Henry
T
hierry Henry knows what it takes to score the goals to win the Premier League, and he says Olivier Giroud cannot do it for Arsenal. Arsenal cannot win the title with Olivier Giroud as their lead striker and are four players short of challenging for the Premier League, says club great Thierry Henry. Giroud has been in excellent form in 2015, scoring 12 goals in all competitions this calendar year. “I think Giroud is doing extremely well. But can you win the league with him? I wouldn’t think so,” he said. “He does a job, and he does it ever so well, but you can’t win the league.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
EXTRATIME
FEDERATION WATCH
31
With Osaretin Emuze
BOXING:
: o ia u q c a P v r e h t a e Mayw m 3 1 $ s it h ip h s r o s n o p S I
t’s by now well-worn territory that Mayweather-Pacquiao is raining money down for the fighters, the promoters, and Las Vegas in general. It’s also has been reported that sponsorship alone has pulled in over $13 million, by far a new record. The lead sponsor for the fight is
Tecate, which put in a $5.6 million bid to be the official beer of the event, beating out Corona’s $5.2 million bid. If that alone doesn’t sound impressive, understand that the most total sponsorship for any fight before now is believed to be between $3.5 and $4 million.
GOLF:
Rose revels in Zurich Classic crown
ATHLETICS: Radcliffe reflects on ‘Emotional’ run
A
Mayweather
CRICKET:
SHARMA
Sharma
prays for quake-hit Nepal
M
umbai Indians skipper, Rohit Sharma, has said he is praying for the people affected by the Nepal earthquake. More than 3,500 people have died, while 6,500 have been injured in the
earthquakes and aftershocks which rocked the Himalayan nation over the weekend. “What happened in Nepal is really a sad thing. It was an unexpected incident. As doctors and other helping hands have reached Nepal, it
is good news and a good feeling that many countries are coming to help Nepal,” Rohit said. The 27-year-old was also happy that the Indian government has come forward to help Nepal in this time of crisis.
TENNIS:
NISHIKORI retains Barcelona title B
Rose
Justin Rose has revealed his delight after securing the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana. The 2013 US Open champion has managed to bounce back after finishing as runnerup to Jordan Spieth in Augusta at the Masters with his win in New Orleans. Rose, who now has seven PGA Tour titles to his name, claimed the top prize by one shot, with the American Cameron Tringale his closest competitor. The Englishman was delighted with the victory and now feels like he will have plenty of confidence for the major tournaments to come this year. He said: “This is great to build on. The Masters was huge, but it’s a second place.
Pacquiao
arcelona Kei Nishikori was crowned Barcelona Open champion for the second consecutive year after a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 victory over surprise Spanish finalist Pablo Andujar on Sunday. It was the ninth career title for the top-seeded Japanese, who again showed his improved endurance as he battled to come out on top against the world number 66. “I didn’t think about winning the tournament at the start of the week because of the strength of the players here, especially the Spanish, but now I am very happy,” Nishikori said.
Nishikori
tearful Paula Radcliffe admitted emotion almost got better on her London Marathon farewell. The 41-year-old returned to the scene of her finest hour to bring the curtain down on a glorious career on Sunday. The world record holder shouted her thanks to the crowds lining the route and linked hands with a club runner down The Mall as she crossed the line in her final competitive marathon in two
hours 36 minutes 55 seconds. The tears could then flow freely as she embraced her husband Gary Lough and children, daughter Isla and son Raphael. “Part of the reason that I wore sunglasses was I thought it might help me to keep control of my emotions a little bit, but they definitely did hide quite a few tears along the way,” said Radcliffe, who was the 199th participant across the line.
Radcliffe
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Implications of Section 8 of NITDA Act 2007
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South Africa and the end of Ubuntu •••
Debbie Ariyo
Their pain was our pain – all for one. Many South Africans who managed to escape the apartheid regime were given a home in Nigeria.
If you grew up in my generation in Nigeria, you could not fail to know about apartheid South Africa. At school we learnt about Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Amandla, Oliver Tambo, the 1976 Soweto killings of fellow school children and the brutal effects of the apartheid regime. Our parents were asked – and many did not object - to having money deducted from their salaries to help fund the work of the anti-apartheid movement. On TV we learnt about how men, women and children were reduced to second class citizens in their own country. The image of Soweto as a horrible slum where many black people were restricted after dark was etched on our memories. Nigeria of course was at the forefront of pushing for economic boycott of South Africa in solidarity with the oppressed blacks and as a way of forcing the apartheid regime to relent. Former President Obasanjo, desperate and exasperated even came up with the idea of using “African juju” to fight the racist Pieta Botha and his ilk. If there was ever any demonstration of “Ubuntu” - “all for one” in
action, the key role that many African countries like Nigeria played in supporting and pushing for change in South Africa was a key one. But aside this, the struggle for freedom in South Africa was also etched on my mind as part of my personal growth and educational development. As an undergraduate at the University of Benin, I was opportune to have strong “Marxist” lecturers like Tunde Fatunde and Frank Dimowo who mentored so many students. I still remember Tunde Fatunde’s office. It had a huge poster of the young Nelson Mandela. That memory of the poster was so engrained on my mind that I was a bit lost when Mandela was released from prison – he looked so much older than in the poster! Nigerians therefore did not just financially support South Africa. Their pain was our pain – all for one. Many South Africans who managed to escape the apartheid regime were given a home in Nigeria. I have friends who named their children “Mandela” or Amandla” – all signs of support and solidarity with the anti-apartheid
movement. Even though I had left Nigeria in 1990 when Mandela was released from prison, it was such a joyful moment to see him walk hand in hand down the street with the great Winnie Mandela – my hero! This little bit of a background is essential to provide an insight into the mind of an average Nigerian like myself in relation to the recent xenophobic attacks and killing of foreigners by black South Africans in the country. Of course this is not the first time such violence would occur. The first outburst of violence was in 2008 when Thabo Mbeki was President (Thabo Mbeki also spent time in Nigeria in exile during apartheid). The attitude and response by the government was delayed and tepid – very much like now. I was so appalled by the images I saw on TV, I decided not to visit the country and only made it last year in 2014. However, five years down the line and those images are back – but this time more brutal, more gruesome and more deadly. It seems like black South Africans who for about a century had been
oppressed, suppressed and hurt are now waking up to their pain with a relentless attempt at vengeance. Only the vengeance is misdirected. The new victims of South Africa’s brutality are the black African foreigners and the non citizens like the Nigerians, the Zimbabweans, the Malawians. The people being targeted are those perceived to be weaker and more vulnerable – a sort of pedagogy of the oppressed, the weak oppressing the weaker. It is not difficult to understand some of the factors responsible for the anger most black South Africans feel. Years after the end of apartheid and the instalment of black majority rule, most of them still live in abject poverty. So many jobs that cannot be filled by citizens have been opened up to foreigners. It is said that over 40% of the medical doctors in the country are of Nigerian origin. Unfortunately, what South Africans don’t realise is that attacking foreigners is not in any way going to solve their problems. Indeed, while this is a wake-up call for the South African govern-
ment, the consequences of these xenophobic killings and attacks are far reaching. The bond between South Africa and the rest of the continent – built and sustained by the spirit of “Ubuntu” in the fight against apartheid is well and truly broken. In retaliation for the attacks on their citizens, South Africans and South African businesses in other countries are being targeted. There are diplomatic rows between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Robert Mugabe who also played a key role in supporting exiled members of the African National Congress during apartheid is of course mightily disappointed by how his country is now being repaid by so called “brothers”. It will take a long time for the wounds caused by this great betrayal to heal. For now, the spirit of Ubuntu is no more, killed no less by those who birthed it. ...Ariyo OBE is Chief Executive of AFRUCA UK (www.afruca.org) and a postgraduate student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Tech Times Æ s
TT 1
Inye Kemabonta, Editor, Tech Times inye@technologylaw.com.ng
Implications of Section 8 of NITDA Act 2007
Mr Austin Okere, CEO CWG, receiving his Special Recognition Award from DG, NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack
In recent times attention has been put on the ICT sector as a key foreign exchange earner for Nigeria and major contributor to the nation’s GDP. In fact ICT is now looked upon as a possible replacement for oil. In other words, the attention on ICT is now similar to that placed on oil and power in terms of their importance to national economy and as critical sectors. As oil inexorably plummets, ICT is inevitably on the ascendency. ICT, under the leadership of NITDA and its parent Ministry, is leading the drive for the diversification of the nation’s economy. But as always, human capital will be the single most important factor to the rise of the ICT sector. Time-honored institutions such as the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) contributed to the rise of the oil and gas industry. So did mainstream government corporations like NNPC, DPR, NAPIMS, etc. Professional associations like the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the Nigeria Gas Association (NGA) also helped to mitigate the “human infrastructure” deficit in the sector over the years. For ICT, the institutional framework for the rise of the sector was
forged in 2011. Before then the industry was gravely fragmented. Interestingly, NITDA, by an Act of Parliament, is at the heart of the ICT evolution. The Agency is well placed to inspire and catalyse the growth of strong trade and professional associations akin to those found in the oil and gas industry. Such associations include NAITEOC (the National Association of IT-Enabled Outsourcing Companies) for the outsourcing sub-sector, and emerging ones like the National Digital Literacy Council (NDLC) and the Intellectual Property Rights Group (IPRG). The founding of NiRA and GBB (and the new Office for Nigerian Content) as spin-offs from the NITDA mandate have also brought a measure of development to the ICT industry. NITDA, by its 2007 law, has been the fulcrum and the heart of it all. There are several provisions of the 2007 Act which justify this center-piece status of NITDA. But one that is hardly ever referenced and appears obscured by usually verbose and effusive legalese is section 8 (4). The clause says: The terms and conditions of service including remuneration, allowances, benefits and pensions of the staff and employees of the Agency shall be determined by the Board in such a manner as to attract and retain quality and high caliber manpower (empha-
sis mine) As simple and ordinary as the clause appears, it is actually the foundation for human capacity development in Nigeria’s IT Agency. It also has a much wider implication. To begin with, it means that a successful implementation of the provision will create opportunities for Nigerian ICT professionals in the Diaspora to come home under a planned, deliberate and sustained program of human capacity development in NITDA, in the first instance, and then with a consequential ripple effect on the whole indigenous ICT industry inspired by NITDA. The key words in the clause are: attract and retain quality and high caliber manpower. Such quality and high caliber manpower abound in the Diaspora. It is a well-known fact that there are thousands of Nigerian experts abroad who would love to come home and contribute to nation building if the conditions were right. Section 8 (4) of the NITDA Act 2007 is a distinct mandate given to NITDA to make the ‘conditions’ right. That power can certainly be exercised for the good of the industry. And I hasten to add that it goes beyond ‘good’ salary. The clause in section 8 (4) gives no limits to the Agency. The intendment of the clause is construed very widely to include
‘‘Interestingly, NITDA, by an Act of Parliament, is at the heart of the ICT evolution. The Agency is well placed to inspire and catalyse the growth of strong trade and professional associations akin to those found in the oil and gas industry.‘‘ any imaginable condition which the Agency can propose and fund to attract and retain quality and high caliber manpower. This year’s Diaspora conference on ICT should be an opportunity to negotiate the various possible NITDA platforms and conditions upon which the Diaspora Nigerians can begin to contribute to the growth of ICT in the country. The clause also implies that the conditions of service in the IT Agency need not in any way be like those in mainstream civil or public service. In fact, by that simple clause, the law gives NITDA the power to have independent, agile and forward-looking conditions of service better than what is available in oil and gas, finance and banking and, if you will, politics!. This is so because the Act of Parliament in question seeks not only to place a premium on Information Technology but also to establish exceptions to insulate it from the stifling constrictions of the civil service. The draftsmen of the law clearly foresaw that ICT would be the driver
for national economy and a key contributor to GDP, and so sought to make legislative provisions to catalyze it sooner than later. Another effect of the law if implemented creatively will be the earnest desire of Nigerians to acquire degrees and certifications in Information Technology. This would make the ICT profession a coveted one. The brightest and the best will naturally gravitate to the industry because it would rank as one of the best paying and lucrative. In time, the critical mass of professionals would be developed and Nigeria would be a main exporter of skills in ICT. Outsourcing would boom, the service industry would experience a spike and the nation’s workforce in technology would easily enable her to dominate the rest of Africa. The indubitable effect of all of these is enormous wealth and job creation in the country. The starting point is in that prima facie simple clause in section 8 (4) of the NITDA Act of 2007. By Inye Kemabonta
Tech Times TT 2
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
NITDA DG, others confirmed to grace NiDICT 2015
L-R: Philip Obioha, Chief Operating Officer, James Agada, Chief Technology Officer both of CWG Plc, Mrs. Nnena Ugwu, Alumini Director, EDC, Austin Okere, Chief Executive Officer CWG Plc and Peter Bankole, Director EDC during the visit of the EDC delegation to CWG PLc Head Office in Lagos, recently.
CWG partners EDC to boost SMEs development Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Computer Warehouse Group Plc (CWG) has concluded plans to partner with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University to afford Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) access to business enabling solutions. This development followed a visit by a delegation led by the Director, EDC, Mr. Peter Bamkole to the Corporate Headquarters of CWG Plc in Lagos. Bamkole said on the visit that “We are considering integrating OPENSHOPEN and SMERP for now into our certificate in entrepreneurial management training. With this, entrepreneurs can begin to experience the viability of technology as a solution for their business efficiency, right from the classroom. He expressed his satisfaction with the capacity of the CWG 2.0 products to sufficiently provide the leverage SMEs require to improve their business output. According to him, “our aim at
EDC is to de-risk the SME sector, so as to increase SMES access to funding. Your solution will help entrepreneurs change their business model from costly asset acquisition to services utilisation on a subscription basis, thus making it easier and affordable.” The CWG 2.0 products feature a range of SMEs focused and Cloud based IT solutions. They include SMERP, which is designed to address the challenge of accounting and inventory management, and financial record keeping; a requirement for accessing loans. The Diamond Yello Account (DYA) allows individuals open a bank account using the mobile phones, without having to visit the bank. POSapp is a Point of Sale (POS) system that allows merchants receive payments, sell services and offers the unique functionality of keeping sales inventory. While, Openshopen is an eCommerce platform that aims at giving business owners the exposure they need to sell beyond their vicinity and guarantee increased sales and expansion.
Interestingly, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc, Mr. Austin Okere, on his part appraised the initiative by EDC to avail entrepreneurs with technology. According to Okere, “The SMEs space boasts of a number of key players with quite distinct roles, in their bid to promote the growth of the sector. However, we believe that these players need to work together seamlessly. Such synergy will ensure that rather than experience arithmetic progression, we will together have quantum leaps of success. This underscores our willingness to collaborate with the EDC to provide the support that SMEs need to succeed. If each SME grows their business to the extent that they can add one additional employee, that will generate an additional 17million jobs, given the total number of SMEs in Nigeria. This is much more than any single large employer can provide. “The impact of the program on the success of the SME’s businesses is however, dependent upon the commitment of the en-
trepreneurs themselves. It is not that CWG and EDC are going to do something magical for them to grow. Rather, CWG and EDC are helping them to do something magical for themselves.” In his contribution, the Chief Technology Officer of CWG, Mr. James Agada, reiterated the commitment of the company to continue to develop a robust franchisee model with all institutions involved with SME development to expand the accessibility of her technology service platforms solution to the larger entrepreneurial segment and thereby championing inclusive growth and job creation. Daily Times learnt that the CWG’s collaboration with EDC adds to the list of CWG’s strategic partnership with SMEs focused institutions, including the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) that aims at providing ICT technology platform for MSMEs on a subscription based model.
Director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Peter Jack and others are to grace the Nigeria in Diaspora Information Communication Technology (NiDICT) Conference that has been slated for Washington DC between May 12 and 13, 2015. The Nigeria Computer Society in its recent e-Update said that Washington DC, the political capital of the USA, will host the 2015 edition of the Nigeria Diaspora ICT Conference, tagged NiDICT 2015, where Prof. Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, will be chief host of the conference. NiDICT 2015 with the theme: ‘Leveraging on Diaspora SkillsPool for Nigeria’s Transformation’, will build on the successful 2014 edition that held in Detroit, MI, USA. It will be recalled that the 2014 edition created a unique avenue for Information Technology specialists at home and in the diaspora to synergize and produce joint partnerships and solutions for Nigeria. Confirmed Speakers/Attendance include Ojo Maduekwe, Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Habib Baba Habu, Consul General, Consulate General of Nigeria, New York, USA, Mr. Peter Jack,director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Professor of Computer and Information Science at the University of Michigan, Prof. Kiumi Akingbehin; Region III Advocate for Small businesses in the Mid Atlantic states of the USA, Ms. Ngozi Bell, Senior Creative Designer for General Motors and Project Team leader for the Design of the Chevrolet Volt, Jelani Aliyu Founder of the International Association of African Non Governmental Organisations (IAAN), Joyce Rogers Halliday, among others. According to the statement the theme areas includes: Promoting Institutional synergies in human and learning capacities; Local content and building multistakeholders and multinational partnerships; Promoting ICT startups/sustaining the future of Nigeria ICT economy; Cyber security/Cybercrime challenges in Nigeria; and Exploring the potential for BPO outsourcing/software testing. Also, synergy building is expected in mutual areas of interests including: Cloud computing, Software development, Cyber security, Mobile-Apps, E-government and Computer graphics.
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
TT 3 Tech Times
Glo unveils three exciting offers for subscribers
Omobola Jonhson
Infracos: MainOne, IHS set to connect 60 cities to broadband Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Indication has emerged that the planned push by the licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), MainOne Cable and HIS are on the verge of having improved broadband services to link Lagos and about 60 other cities in the North Central zone of Nigeria. MainOne Cable is in charge of Lagos and IHS is focusing on the North Central states of the country and Abuja. MainOne, which landed a submarine cable in the country, about four years ago and recently unveiled a Tier III data centre in Lagos, will provide InfraCo service to about 20 million people in the state. Industry analysts believed that Lagos offers huge investment returns because it is the commercial capital of Nigeria, where expansive and affordable broadband access would impact significantly on more than 12 per cent of the population and nearly 60 per cent value of corporate Nigeria. IHS, which operates about 22,000 towers across Africa in sharing deal, has been licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to focus on states including Benue; Kogi; Kwara; Nassarawa; Niger; Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
IHS will first of all focus on 60 cosmopolitan areas in the region it won which includes Benue: Makurdi, Gboko, Katsina Ala, Adikpo, Otukpo, Korinya, Makurdi Tar Vandeikya, Aliade, Otukpa, Lessel, Oju, Okpoga, Awajir, Agbede, Ikpayongo and Zaki-Biam. Kwara: Ilorin, Jebba, Offa, Oro, Esie, Omu-Aran, Lafiagi, OkeOyi, Pategi and Ajasse Ipo. Niger: Minna, Bida, Suleja, Kontagora, Lapai, Mokwa. Plateau: Jos, Akwanga, Bukuru, Barkin/Ladi, Pankshin, Shendam, Langtang and Vom. Kogi: Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Kabba, Okene, Idah, Koton-Karie, Dekina. Nassarawa: Lafia, Akwanga, Keffi, Kuru, Wamba, Eggon, Nassarawa and Doma. It is said that no broadband services can be found in any of these towns at the moment, even where mobile Internet access does exist courtesy of mobile network operators. Daily Times gathered that the likely changes expected of the InfraCos will include developing network connectivity; unlocking growth through broadband; promote infrastructure sharing; transform the beneficiary states to smart states; improving rural telephony; building new revenue streams for the government; transforming Nigeria into digital economy; providing wholesale
Layer 2 transmission services on a non-discriminatory, open access, price regulated basis; deployment of metropolitan fibre and provides transmission services, available at access points in neighborhoods among others. The NCC said recently that it has plans to license seven InfraCos for the six geo-political zones of the country and Lagos, because of its peculiarity. The Federal Government on its part would also give tax holidays of between five and seven years to cushion investments, accelerate the process and makes it more attractive to the investors as MainOne and IHS are gradually getting the plans off the ground. Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, who confirmed the government position said that as part of Nigeria’s drive to attract additional investments into the country’s vibrant ICT industry, the country would be focusing on the Open Access Model, which has been adopted for the licensing round, beneficiaries of the licenses shall get tax holidays to encourage the Infracos to invest and guarantee adequate returns on investments. Principal Partner of KPMG, Joseph Tegbe, consultants to the licensing regime, disclosed that the investors would be encouraged to veer into areas where many consider to be less com-
Telecom subscribers on the Glo network are in for exciting times as the total Information Communication Technology (ICT) solutions provider unveiled three exciting offers meant to enrich their communication experience. The offers which includes 200 per cent Bonus Airtime and Data, Glo Bounce and Data Bundles on Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and Samsung Galaxy S6 Flat smart phones were unveiled at a press conference held at Globacom’s headquarters in Lagos by the company’s Regional Chief Marketing Officer, Ashok Israni. On the 200 per cent bonus, Israni explained that any recharge of N200 and above instantly gives Glo subscribers 200 per cent bonus which, unlike other offers in the market, can be used to call any network at any time of the day within seven days. They will also get extra N200 which they can use to call 10 family and friends. The Family and Friends feature is activated by dialing *101*1*phone number of the family or friend#. The subscriber, he said, also gets 15megabyte (MB) of data instantaneously as well as one minute free for every three minutes of call to one person, adding that subscribers who load N100 get instant bonus of 100 per cent and 5MB of data. According to him, the 200 per cent bonus offer was aimed at empowering Globacom subscribers to derive much more value and satisfaction from using the
network, while subscribers have to dial *200# to get on the bonus platform. Commenting on Glo Bounce, he said the product allows subscribers who sign up to the platform to call each other at a heavily discounted rate of 11 kobo per second. This, he stated, would facilitate seamless and affordable communication among young telecommunication subscribers. The Bounce product, which has been significantly enhanced, also has a feature tagged ‘Campus Zone’ which when activated by customers will enable them to call other Glo lines at the rate of 11 kobo per second. In addition, they get 15MB for every recharge of N200 and above. They also get free, unlimited short message service (SMS) with the offer. On how to get on the Bounce platform, Israni noted that subscribers are required to dial *170*4#.To opt for Campus Zone, they are to dial *170*9#. Subscribers, he hinted, can also choose to migrate to Generation G to enjoy 200 percent bonus on every recharge of N500 and above; 100 per cent bonus on recharges of N200; and 50 per cent bonus on recharges of N100. To get on Generation G platform, customers need to dial*170*5#. Also launched at the press conference is the third offer on the latest Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, comprising Samsung Galaxy S6 Flat and Samsung Galaxy Edge.
Thorium car, drives for 100yrs before refuelling Laser Power Systems has created a new Thorium car is completely emission-free, turbine-free, and is electricity generated. It’s one of the new sustainablepowered engines to show just how unnecessary modern day propulsion engines are and also offer an exciting alternative. Fuelled by nuclear thorium lasers, this engine only needs 8 grams of fuels every 100 years. Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Connecticutbased company, Charles Stevens, confirmed the claims that one
Thorium car
gram of thorium yields the energy of 7,500 gallons of gasoline. Harnessed by heating the energy from an external source, the energy becomes so dense the molecules produce heat. A vehicle that needs refilling once a lifetime. It seems many countries and military agencies have been experimenting with this type of energy to power vehicles for a number of years. And now with designs to create a car for the public, those who find their gasoline budget a sensitive topic may find relief in this model.
Tech Times TT 4
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 28, 2015
ITU unveils plans for 150th anniversary
Mr Shola Omole, BON Chairman
Paucity of fund slows down Nigeria’s digital broadcast migration-BON Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) has said that paucity of fund has slowed Nigeria’s digital migration, barely two months left for the country to transit from analogue to digital broadcast. BON Chairman, Mr Shola Omole, has said that Nigeria has not achieved up to 10 per cent digitalization of its broadcast industry with just two months to the expiration of the deadline of June 17, set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for all countries under it to transit from analogue to digital broadcast. Omole, made this known while addressing a press conference in Abuja to announce a two day International Digital Broadcasting Summit to be held on May 6 and 7, stressing that the ITU would neither penalize the country nor shut it out of broadcasting even as it was becoming clearer that the country would not meet the deadline. Omole explained that since many other African countries had not achieved the digital
switch over, Nigeria’s inability to do so would not constitute any problem to our neighbouring countries. Speaking on the summit, the BON chairman, who is also the Director General of NTA, said the 2-day industry summit will provide broadcasters and other industry stakeholders in Nigeria with vital information and industry knowledge on the opportunities and challenges in the evolving digital age. On his part, Executive Secretary of BON, Mr Segun Olaleye, said Nigeria would have to phase out analogue gradually through multicasting. Speaking in the same vein after the press briefing, the Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Emeka Mba, said it was doubtful if Nigeria would switch over by June 17, as lack of funds and none availability of set top boxes have inhibited the switch over project. Mba explained that the devices’ manufacturers needed incentive from government before they could start production but they have got nothing as NBC was not buoyant enough to give them.
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has lined up activities to celebrate 150 years of excellence in connecting the world to the benefits of telecommunications and information and communication technologies. ITU has developed a series of activities to promote this landmark 150th anniversary amongst which is the ITU150 poster competition in three categories: 5-7 years; 8-11 years; and 12-16 years open for applications, with the deadline set for 1 May 2015. We are delighted to launch ITU’s historical timeline, which recounts a well-researched history of telecommunications starting in 1772 with the Semaphore system – the first ‘telegraph’, progressing through key moments in world history intertwined with ITU’s own historic development and contributions to global communications. Six ‘nuggets of information’ are attached to each key milestone, providing insights into this fascinating history. The new ITU 150th Anniversary smartphone App includes an interactive quiz on the history, development and structure of ITU as well as access to ITU’s historic timeline, monthly feature stories, ITU150 news, international events and connection to the worldwide #ITU150 community. The ‘ITU 150th Anniversary App’
is available on iTunes, Windows and Google Play stores. On 17 May, a special ceremony will take place in Geneva to commemorate the founding of ITU with the signing of the International Telegraph Convention in 1865. The event will include the ITU 150 Awards ceremony, high-level speeches and talks, technical and innovation demonstrations, and a special video showcasing the innovative use of ICTs around the world. Register to attend this special celebratory event here. Each month, ITU tells a personal story to highlight the monthly theme showcasing the positive impact of ICTs and how they are transforming lives around the world. For February’s theme ‘Youth and Innovation’, Fatoumata Kebe, winner of the ITU Telecom World 2014 Young Innovator Competition, told us how she is using the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to deploy smart irrigation solutions to address the looming food crisis and empower women in Mali. For the theme in March, ‘Innovation and Intelligent Transport Systems’, James Fu introduced us to the driverless car that he and researchers at the Singapore-MIT Alliance have developed. In April, Alja Isakovic explained how she is helping to engage women in ICTs through coding for the theme ‘Girls and Women and Innovation’.
Apple’s Worldwide Developers conference scheduled June 8 Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2015 will be held in San Francisco’s Moscone West Centre from 8th to 12th June where it is expected to announce details of next operating system iOS 9. The company used last year’s WWDC to launch iOS 8, making it a likely showcase for the new system. Further details on a revamped version of Beats Music streaming service and a sprucedup version of Apple TV are also expected to make an appearance. WWDC 2015 is likely to feature presentations from chief executive Tim Cook, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller and senior vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi. A beta version of iOS 8.4 was earlier released, featuring an all new Music application featuring a new MiniPlayer, improved Now Playing feature and streamlined iTunes Radio. The company however, states that selfie sticks “or similiar monopods” have been banned from the conference centre and the Yerba Buena Gardens.
Business Connexion donates computer lab to the blind
BCX donate comp. labs to the blinds
Business Connexion (BCX) has donated a computer laboratory to The League of Friends of the Blind (LOFOB) as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ‘let me learn initiative’, to align with the South African government’s goals of education for all. The initiative is to advance the lives of those less fortunate through information technology. LOFOB is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) situated in Grassy Park, Cape Town that provides a wide range of independence development services to partially sighted and blind
people. Having first opened their doors almost 82 years ago, the NGO works tirelessly to assist and integrate visually impaired individuals into society through programmes designed to offer them opportunities to be employable. The computer laboratory is designed to offer learners computer skills, through software designed by BCX that has a voice instructor which ensures learners take themselves through the programme without the assistance of an educator. Eleven learners with ages ranging from 20 to 40 years come to the laboratory on a daily basis to take the computer course. Most hope to move on to become switchboard operators or data capturers post the course. Group Manager, Marketing Operations and Corporate Social Responsibility at Business Con-
nexion Arnold Beyleveld said: “Education is an important aspect of our society and at BCX we are passionate about changing lives with what we do best. To enrich communities by making the impossible possible through technology is not just a statement to us; it is what we strive for. LOFOB is an example of the magnitude of the impossibilities we wish to make possible. “Business Connexion computer labs have been rolled out to a number of schools around the country, which we support on an ongoing basis to ensure sustainability. These computer labs come fully equipped with advanced technologies that will provide educators and students with immediate connectivity — making critical communications possible in challenging and diverse environments.
ALLEGRI
‘ONLY A MAD MAN WOULD TAKE KIDS TO THE g 30 STADIA IN ITALY’
Poster!
EUGENIE BOUCHARD g X2-3 Tuesday, April 28, 2015
R E H T A E W Y A M v PACQUIAO: Sponsorship Hits $13m
WENGER Unconcerned In Rivalry With
MOURINHO g
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015
EXTRATIME
THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT BOUCHARD
Eugenie Bouchard of Canada plays a return to Angelique Kerber of Germany during their women’s singles quarterfinal match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London, Wednesday, July 2, 2014. She advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals, and became the first Canadian to make the singles semifinals at the prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournament. After Bouchard’s big win over Angelique Kerber, her ranking is expected to rise to at least no. 8. She is set to play third seed Simona Halep in the semis on Thursday. 1. No stranger to Wimbledon •While Bouchard made history by becoming the first Canadian to reach a Wimbledon single’s semifinal, she’s no stranger to the All-England Club. •In 2012, Bouchard won the Wimbledon Junior Girls’ title. She later said that the win against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina was “very special” and a career highlight for her. •In 2011 and 2012, Bouchard also won the Wimbledon junior doubles titles with partners Grace Min and Taylor Townsend, respectively. 2. WTA Newcomer of the Year •In November 2013, she was named the Women’s Tennis Association’s “Newcomer of the Year.” Bouchard was awarded the honour, which is voted on by members of the media, after a standout year which saw her reach her first WTA final in Osaka, Japan. •Bouchard started 2013 ranked at no. 144 and finished the season at no. 32, according to Tennis Canada. 3. Sharapova is her childhood hero •In a promotional video released last year, Bouchard names Sharapova as one of her childhood heroes. •In the video, Bouchard said she remembers being inspired to play tennis after watching
PERSONAL ON INFORMATI Full name: Date of birth: Birth place: Residence: Plays: Singles ranking: Doubles ranking:
Eugenie Bouchard February 25, 1994 Montreal, Canada Montreal, Canada Right Handed (Double Handed Backhand) 7 1079=
TOURNAMENT INFO Wimbledon Championships Played: Events Entered: Best Singles Performance: Best Doubles Performance:
2 Ladies’ Singles, Ladies’ Doubles Finalist (2014) 3rd Round (2013)
Sharapova win Wimbledon when the Russian tennis star was •“It just looked so cool, I wanted to do exactly what she was d video. 4. Early start •Bouchard, who hails from Westmount, Que., knew from an ea play professional tennis. •“I’d say probably when I was nine, when I travelled out of C first time (when) I travelled to a tournament in France, I thoug I want to make a career out of this,’” she said in the video. •So at the age of 12, Bouchard moved to Florida to train unde Saviano continues to serve as her coach. 5. ‘The Genie Army’ •Bouchard is active on social media, with over 209,000 Twitter subscribers to her official Facebook page. There is also a dedicated fan club to Bouchard, dubbed the “G •Based out of Melbourne, Australia, the group’s Facebook p subscribers, and regularly updates its members on Bouchard’ •Group member Filippe Ricciardi told CTV News Channel on W fellow “army” members first noticed Bouchard at last year’s W “We thought, let’s support her… she’s young, she’s talented playing style,” he said. •Bouchard isn’t afraid to show her life off of the court on socia and fellow professional player Laura Robson showed a lighte spoof of the monster hit video “Gangnam Style.”
s just just 17. 17. doing,”” Bouchard Bouchard said said in in the the doing,
arly age age that that she she wanted wanted to to arly
Canada and and the the U.S. U.S. for for the the Canada ght ‘Wow, ‘Wow, this this is is really really cool. cool. ght
err U.S. U.S. tennis tennis coach coach Saviano. Saviano.
followers and and over over 24,000 24,000 rr followers
Genie Army.”” enie Army. page has has more more than than 4,000 4,000 page ’s progress. s progress. Wednesday that that he he and and his his Wednesday Wimbledon tournament. tournament. Wimbledon and she’s she’s got got aa wonderful wonderful and
al media media either. either. In In 2012, 2012, she she al er side side of of the the WTA WTA tour, tour, in in aa er
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
EXTRATIME
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015
EXTRATIME
EXTRATIME
ARSENAL
WENGER unconcerned in rivalry with
MOURINHO A
rsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stressed that he doesn’t give too much importance to his personal rivalry with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. Arsenal and Chelsea played out a 0-0 draw at the Emirates and the result meant that six more points will see the Blues captain John Terry lifting the Premier League title this season. A draw also meant that Wenger stretched his winless streak against Mourinho to 13 games but the Frenchman said that the rivalry doesn’t interest him. The Arsenal boss stressed that the game was about his team taking on Chelsea and not about his personal rivalry with the Blues boss. He added that he wanted to win the game for the club and not to end his voodoo against Mourinho. “It’s about our club and our team, not about me”, Wenger said.
Mourinho
Wenger
MERTESACKER
takes blame for missing chances
RAMSEY
SNUBS MORGAN HANDSHAKE
Bellerin
C
elebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan has hit out at Aaron Ramsey following our 0-0 draw with Chelsea, lashing out because the Welshman refused to shake his hand. The journalist has been heavily critical of Ramsey in the past, and during the midfielder’s recovery from injury Morgan was one of those calling for his exit. With the 24-year-old since turning into a fantastic midfielder, Morgan has changed his tune somewhat. Ramsey was arguably among the best midfielders in the world last season, and while he has struggled in comparison this time around, he has still shown his quality since recovering from a string of hamstring issues. After slamming the player he branded “Whatshisname” at almost every turn, Morgan thought everything would be smoothed over with a handshake.
I’m benefitting from Winger’s knowledge –Bellerin
A Ramsey
rsenal full-back Hector Bellerin believes that his game has benefited from operating as a winger earlier in his career. Bellerin has often been trusted in the Gunners side by boss Arsene Wenger this season and he lined up for the club in 0-0 draw against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
The Spaniard has consistently provided a threat going forward along with performing his defensive duties and he believes he is reaping the rewards of knowing what it is like to play further up the pitch. Bellerin said: “As people know I used to be a winger before, so I like to get forward a lot.
P
er Mertesacker regrets having rushed into a shot when he got the opportunity to score and put Arsenal ahead in the second half against Chelsea on Sunday. “I rushed myself. When you are a defender in that position, you still need to learn how to deal with those situations. I rushed a bit, nobody told me that I had time. It came out of a set-piece and it was more than a coincidence. Our focus was strong today,” he said. The Gunners were held to a goalless draw by Chelsea and John Terry put in a massive shift in front of the goal as the Blues restricted Arsenal from getting shots on target. “Performance-wise it was a good one but it wasn’t enough to get the vital three points we needed to compete for the first place,” Mertesacker said.
Mertesacker
Life&
TIMES Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Vincent Opurum The budding thespian
Teen’s world: Drug & alcohol abuse L7 P
Relationship: Coping as a step-parent PL3
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Interview L2
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday April 28, 2015
Yes I am handsome but I am not a womanizer - Vincent Opurum
Chilaka Patrick Simply known as Vincent Opurum, is one of the rising hunks in the movie industry. A recent chat with the Imo State born actor revealed the other side of him which many yearn to know. The amiable actor who is also an ambassador of peace opens up about his life and why he sometimes likes to keep his personal life private. How did your journey to acting begin? It started in Kaduna in the year 2000. I was in Kaduna when I had an opportunity to be part of a movie my very first movie actually called Pain of a teenage mother sponsored by the Ministry of Women Affairs Commission. The story was about teenage mothers and the pains they go through when they are denied by the society they live in. Before my first movie, actor, Ramsey Nouah was my role model and he visited Kaduna with Genevieve Nnaji back then for a movie that was directed by Lancelot Imasuen. I saw them on location doing their thing and instantly decided to be an actor. So when the opportunity presented itself, I made up my mind to follow my calling. Did you continue with your career in Kaduna? No I came into Lagos in 2003 to continue my career. So which movie would you say gave you your big break? Honestly I can’t tell because I acted in so many films at that time but I suddenly realized that people were beginning to take note of me and in no time the celebrity bug caught me too. How would you describe your rise in the industry? I will simply say, to whom is chosen by God, comes a King. I give God all d glory People say you are one of the most handsome actors in the industry right now. How does that make u feel? I am simply humbled What do you look out for when accepting a script? Anything that is not the norm. It has to be challenging.
How would you describe the transformation of Nollywood from the days of Living in Bondage till date? It’s changing for the better now. The Nigerian movie industry has a long way to go, but with hard work and creative talents coming up these days , I am sure we will get soon. What do you think are some of the shortcomings of the film industry in Nigeria? We lack a standard to operate with amongst movie practitioners. It is high time mediocres shouldn’t be allowed to run the show. Are you implying that the present crop of people into movie production are not professionals? What I said is a general food for thought. But if there is a standard in our movie industry, mediocrity won’t come in through the back door. We have a large number of well respected professionals in this industry but mediocres and pirates are our major challenge. How much do you think is needed to shoot a standard Nollywood movie today? It all depends on the story line, number of casts, the locations\logistics etc. These are the primary things that your budget. So it’s not a stable budget. How many movies would you say you have to your credit till date? Honestly I have lost count. But have you shot past the 100 mark? Of course, it’s over hundred movies now and counting. A lot of your colleagues have gone into movie production and directing. Do you have plans to follow suit ? I have my plans and aspirations close to my chest and with time, you will see and hear from me. Who are your role models in the industry? Locally, like I said, it is Ramsey Noah. Internationally they are Leonardo Di Caprio, Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, and Denzel Washington.
Life&
T E A M
So how would you rate the Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427
Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784
various award platforms for the film industry in Nigeria? We will get there, there is room for improvements, at least Nollywood is now ranked 3rd in the world in terms of movie making. What do you think the government should do to further assist Nollywood as a body to develop its steady growth ? It is obvious. We need an enabling environment such as building of a film village which is currently on going, make available financial assistance to help improve on what is already on ground. And if I may add, Power (PHCN) should be better improved to aid movie production better. And finally, to put Pirates in the place they belong to so that the industry will move forward.
limelight? Never. Tell me if you know any? What lessons has life taught you as a person? Life is a combination of the good, the bad, the ugly. All what we need is God’s direction and not to fall into the wrong h a n d s . Though the road to success is full of mysteries, only God knows it all.
How do you relax when you aren’t on movie sets? I love to play football, lawn tennis, table tennis, basketball, reading and watching movies.
Away from Nollywood what else occupies your time ? My business Which is ........? What I do isn’t for public consumption. People say you are a womanizer citing your looks as a tool. Is this true? My look has nothing to do with my attitude. I am a God fearing and helpful citizen of Nigeria. But there is no smoke without fire....... If you can point out a few of these victims then maybe I will agree with this saying. People just sit their homes and concoct stories about other people with no proof. May I remind you that what you see on television is the total opposite of who I am. I am a humble person and even shy most times. I only do my best to interpret roles given to me, that’s all. So are you saying that you have never broken any heart since you came to Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378
Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893
Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478
Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397
Daily Times Nigeria
Tuesday April 28, 2015
L3 Relationship
tween their parents and hate you for it. Loving them in spite of yourself, might pay off in the long run for both you and them (you’ll end up loving them).
Don’t allow ultimatums: Your
kids, mate, step kids, even your partner may put you in a position where you might want to choose sides, don’t! Let them know you need them in your life and make them feel needed also.
Give some space: Allow your
step kids, the other woman or man have one-on-one time with your spouse without you acting as a wet blanket, a spoil spot or a watch dog. Yemisi’s home is polygamous I agree, but a monogamous blended family can also learn and benefit from Yemisi’s home, it’s an idle set worth emulating.
Blended or step family syndrome Ngozi Ndubuisi
ngozindubisi2013@yahoo.com A Blended or step family could consist of children from a previous marriage of one or both couple with their own children. Or a family where the is more than one wife and children from the different wives. Or a family consisting of a couple, their children and children from outside wedlock. Blended because there are more than a set of children in the marriage. Most times, a blended family poses a lot of grief for the children, the wife, and invariably the husband. However, the realization that whatever these families go through today, has already been experienced by couples since the beginning of time, should be a source of comfort, inspiration, and a channel for useful information. Some of these families could be models that the modern blended families could emulate or learn from to correct and build their own. At the end, we hope to bring the modern blended families closer and build a strong, happy, united family and ultimately enjoy a blended family bliss.
Coping as a child in a blended family
Yemisi is the 12th child in a blend-
ed family of 16. Like in most blended families we see today, there are lots of squabbles, back stabbing, badmouthing and Yemisi’s family was no different, but through it all, the household struggled and found a rhythm that brought peace, love and togetherness in her home. How did they manage it? Did her parents contribute to this amiable, enviable bliss? Yes! And their secret? Parenting is never easy, especially when saddled with effectively bringing up your own biological children, 13 step-kids and other live-in extended family members. It is no piece of cake. According to Yemisi, “My father, step mother and mother did a great deal of maneuverings, loving, scheming and putting themselves out for us children, to create and achieve a oneness in the face of great oppositions from our relatives. What really helped my parents was realising that:
Know that it’s a different ball game: In a mono family
setting, it’s mostly about the spouse, but in a blended family, it’s all about the kids, your mate and making sure that everyone has a place in the family. This will go a long to smoothing out rough ends.
Do not compete with your counterpart: In other words, don’t try to be a better parent than their bio parent, because they will not want to admit or give you the satisfaction that you are a better parent. Instead, be present in their lives and avoid imposed fixing of things you are not called to fix. In other words, do not push your ideas down everyone’s throat.
Discover yours and step kids interest: As you would in
any friendship move, find a common ground of interests and do enjoyable things together. Choose a role other than an imposing parent and foster that relationship.
Defer to the biological parent: It’s a must do! Whether
it’s your mate or an ex parent, it’s important to refer to the biological parent for advice or discuss a better way to get to the child or children, even if it goes against your grain. If there’s a need for punishment, let your spouse deal with it, but support their decision.
Act lovingly even if it’s killing: Kids seem to act out, not
necessarily because they have or want to, but because they see the new addition as the cause or the threat of whatever is going on be-
What makes for a successful blended family?
Knowing that it might not be love at first sight, even if you are congeniality personified, is a step in the right direction. Know also that to have or continue having success in your relationship, you need to follow these basic rules:
Rock-solid marriage: Unlike most first marriages, you’ll not have enough couple time, so you have to grow and mature into the marriage while parenting because you have an already made family. Your faith and trust in your better half has to be solid enough to withstand manipulations from the kids and in polygamous marriages from your mates. Acceptance and honouring of developmental stages:
Understanding that members of your family have different needs and special attention because of their varying ages and make –up, makes for a better bonding and understanding of the situation at hand and this in turn will make for a more solid happy home.
Respect and civility: Respect
should not be age based, but that you all belong to the same family and so must and should respect and be civil to one another.
Communication is key: In every blended family, there should be two sets of rules; discipline and expectations. Ensure that you discuss ahead of time, things like values and beliefs; about limits and discipline, without which can result to conflicts which could trickle down to the relationship between the children and their stepparents. Blending and bonding your new blended family: As a parent in a step or blended family, your main focus should be developing a positive relationship and achieving great success in considering and meeting the basic needs of
everyone in the family with regards to; age, gender, temperance and personality Children of any age want to feel secured and safe and be able to count on their parents or step parents. Understanding that these children are traumatized by the disruption of their seemly blissful home will help you be patient with them and when they are not so eager accepting any new parent, talk more of added strange children, you will empathize with them.
Coping with teens in a blended family
Teenagers tend to interpret body language and identify emotions through facial expressions, while adults use the rational part of their brain to read emotions. Teenagers rely on gut reaction and therefore can often be wrong. Basically this means a teenager might mistakenly think their parent, stepfather or stepmom is yelling at them or a peer insulting them when in reality it’s not the case. Here’s are some of the developmental changes you might notice in your teenager child or step teenager child: • Developing sense of self and testing moral issues with you • Can be quite sullen and monosyllabic • Debate or argue a lot of what you suggest • Demand control over their own lives • Have an increased ability to reason ways not to do or accept your biddings • Older teens will naturally separate from their family as they seek to develop their own identity. • Very self conscious and sensitive to criticism • Can become upset if their views are questioned • Behaviour can alternate between that of a child and adult • Your teen or step teen will often believe their own faults should be overlooked? • Being impatient is their stock in trade.
JOKE OF THE DAY Bisi took her usual Saturday nap, waking up she told her husband Ayo her dream: Bisi: I just dreamt you gave me a pearl necklace. Honey, what does that mean? Ayo: (With a smile) Well babe, I’ll give you the meaning tonight. Later that night, Ayo came home with a small glittering package and gave this to his wife. Excitedly she opened the package and found a book titled The Meaning of Dreams. Send in your comments and contributions by mail to: ngozindubisi2013@yahoo.com
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Fashion L4
Eyola
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday April 28, 2015
instant slimming style tricks
Eyola@aol.com
Dieting is not everybody’s cup of tea. However from time to time we experience “fat days” and wish to lose a few pounds. Help is on hand to look 10 pounds thinner in a matter of minutes, with clothes, without having to diet or exercise.
Osas Ighodaro
Spanx Or shape wear improves your posture, helps streamline your silhouette and prevents visible panty lines. Shape wear is best in either a nude colour, one that matches your skin tone or in black. Avoid white spanx as they show through clothing, even when wearing white. Make sure to buy shape wear in your actual size and not in a bigger or smaller size, as this will provide no support.
High-waisted skirts or trousers They will give the illusion of longer legs while emphasizing the smallest part of your body, your waist. This is a look that is always chic especially when paired with a tucked-in silk blouse or camisole.
Mariam Adeyemi
Bola Balogun
Genevieve Nnaji Tonto Dikeh A-line skirts or dresses Whether you are curvy or have no curves whatsoever, A-Line cut dresses or skirts accentuates existing curves for curvy ladies and creates curves for women with a rectangle body shape. The slight flare from the midriff emphasizes your small waist, fashioning an elegant and stylish look.
Tailoring Far from hiding your bulges, shapeless, baggy, oversized clothing makes you look bigger than you actually are. Well tailored, slimfitting clothes are more flattering and slimming especially in sturdy fabrics such as wool and cotton. If your budget will allow, always get your clothes tailored to your shape for a slimming fit.
Blazer jackets Blazers are the king of the wardrobe, wearing the crown for the most versatile staple item women can count on no matter the season or occasion. The genius of the blazer is that it is guaranteed to streamline and flatter every figure, provided that you choose the right cut, length and fit. Opt for tailored singlebreasted blazers to instantly slim your waistline and for an all-round streamlined shape. Tailoring is a must for this wardrobe-slimming item.
Horizontal stripes They are the go-to prints when shopping for clothing that will instantly make you look thinner. Creating an optical illusion, vertical (as well as diagonal) stripes will make you look slender and lean.
Dakore Egbuson
Taje Prest Belts They are not only a great accessory to embellish your outfit, they also make you look slimmer. Whether you’re wearing a maxi dress, skirt, blouse, cardigan or shirt, simply wrap a belt around your waist to instantly appear slimmer. For the best results invest in a variety of colours, styles and widths.
High heels They are an age-old slimming trick that makes you feel sexier, taller and slimmer while lengthening your legs. A classic pump is the best shoe to achieve instant slimming. Try to avoid ankle strap heels as they make the ankle appear wider and legs appear shorter. To appear even taller, wear nude heels that matches your skin tone adding extra inches to your legs.ck pumps; in summer, try neutral skin-hue
Daily Times Nigeria
Tuesday April 28, 2015
L5
Kiddies World L6
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday April 28, 2015
Mutiat Alli
Know your heroes/heroines
Tai Solarin
Quote of the day The height that great men reached and kept was not attained by a sudden flight but kept toiling on their neighbour’s trait.
Brain teaser
1. Johnny’s mother had three children. The first child was names April, the second child was named May, what was the third child’s name? 2. A clerk at a butcher shop stands five feet ten inches tall and wears size 13 sneakers. What does he weigh? 3. Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world? 4. How much dirt is there in a hole that measures two feet by three by four feet? 5. What word in the English language is always spelled incorrectly? 6. Billie was born on December 28th, yet her birthday always falls in the summer. How is this possible?
Answer
Poem
The Smile There is a Smile of Love And there is a Smile of Deceit And there is a Smile of Smiles In which these two Smiles meet And there is a Frown of Hate And there is a Frown of disdain And there is a Frown of Frowns Which you strive to forget in vain For it sticks in the Hearts deep Core And it sticks in the deep Back bone And no Smile that ever was smild But only one Smile alone That betwixt the Cradle & Grave It only once Smild can be But when it once is Smild There’s an end to all Misery
Cartoon
Kuti, Wole Soyinka (Nobel Laureate), Ayodele Awojobi, Dele Giwa, Gani Fawehinmi (lawyer), and Ken Saro-Wiwa. For the majority of the first forty years after independence, Nigeria had no effective opposition to the mostly military government of the day. These activists acted as an effective opposition to the ruling government. In 1975, when the General Gowon Regime delayed returning power to a civilian regime, Tai published his “The Beginning of the End” statement, which he then physically distributed on the roadside. He was subsequently imprisoned for this act. Throughout his lifetime Tai fought running battles with various governments in a bid to improve the lot of Nigerians. Mr. Solarin was an intellectual guru for Nigeria’s disenchanted and disfranchised for four decades. His writings in magazines and newspapers, highlighting what he called the hypocrisy and vulgarity of the Nigeria of his day, frequently angered people in power. He was a vehement critic of military rule in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and an ombudsman in three states in 1976 and 1977. As a columnist, Tai was a relentless critic of Nigerian military rule, as well as of corruption in the government and the church. He was often jailed for his public remarks. He died on June 27, 1994.
(1)Johnny (2) Meat (3) Mt. Everest, it just wasn’t discovered yet. (4) There is no dirt in a hole (5) incorrectly (6) Billie lives in the southern hemisphere.
Born August 20th, 1922, Augustus Taiwo ‘Tai’ Solarin was a Nigerian educator and author. He established the famous Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State in 1956. In 1952, Solarin became the principal of Molusi College, Ijebu Igbo, a post he held till 1956 when he became the proprietor and principal of Mayflower School. Solarin’s exact birth date is unknown, but it is assumed that he was born in 1922 in Ikenne, Ogun State, in Western Nigeria. He attended Wesley College in Ibadan. He served with the Royal Air Force in the Second World War, and remained in Britain, studying at University of Manchester, and then at the University of London. Tai Solarin married English-born Sheila Mary Tuer in 1951. The Mayflower campus, which he established, is made up of hundreds of hectares of land, based in Tai Solarin’s birth Place, Ikenne, Ogun State. Approximately 8,000 students are in attendance. The campus includes classrooms, administration buildings, and small houses for many of the teachers, dormitory accommodations for about 2,000 boarders, and a farm. The school is noted for very high academic achievement. Tai Solarin is one of the postIndependence civil rights critics and activists in his native Nigeria; some others were Fela AnikulapoKuti (musician) Beko Ransome-
Daily Times Nigeria
Tuesday April 28, 2015
L7 Teen’s World
Parents-children relationship
Drug and alcohol use and dependency Pt. 1 Ngozi Ndubuisi
ngozindubisi2013@yahoo.com The use and abuse of drugs are serious issues that cannot just be wished away or ignored. If left untreated, the use and abuse can develop into full scale drug dependence. For this reason, it is important to recognize early, the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse among your peers. Most times, alcoholics and drug addicts are last to know that they have a problem without knowing they are exhibiting signs of their addiction. While alcohol and drug use and abuse, manifests in different ways, they share a number of common symptoms and signs such as:
Dishonesty: Most times because they live in denial, when confronted, will deny any use of them. They become artful liars and find ways and means to hide their addiction.
than normal. Often times, they wear sunglasses to cover the redness of their eyes.
Nose bleeding: This specifically relates to a drug addict who snorts all kind of stuff, from burnt rubber, to burnt toothpaste. When toothpastes finish too quickly, don’t just sweep it under the carpet, find out why. Personal grooming: Deterio-
ration in appearance and personal cleanliness and or Unexplainable wounds, cuts or abrasions. Most have unusual smell on their breath, body and clothing.
Unstable coordination: They
are wobbly, shaky, show tremors and are sometimes incoherent or slurred speech and exhibit generally, impaired or unstable coordination.
Unexplained change in personality and attitude: Sudden mood shifts, angry outbursts, laugh-
Blood shot eyes: They have ing at nothing, irritable, agitation,
perpetual red eyes and their pupils could be either too small or larger
hyperactive, drop in attendance at school or work, change in relationships, being unnecessarily secre-
tive, acting suspiciously.
addictions.’
Money problems: Unusual and unexplained need for money or having financial troubles, borrowing or stealing of money and valuables. Money starts to disappear in small amounts at first then later in large quantities.
Question: Some friends of mine have started smoking weed, calling it soft drug. What is the difference between hard and soft drugs? Answer: These are arbitrary terms with no clear criteria or scientific basis, however, hard drugs are drugs that are addictive and inject-
Paraphernalia: Finding drug
able, notably heroin, crystal, meth. Marijuana is generally the only drug amongst soft drugs, although some include nicotine and alcohol, because they are legalized for adult use only. The term soft drug could be termed ‘getaway’ drug also. But, I’ll like you to make up your own mind from the under listed:
items in any form, it could be excess drugs or cough mixtures, pipes, syringes, rolling papers, bongs, tourniquets, burned tinfoil or spoons; this signifies high possibility of drug use. Questions and answers Question: Can one have a harmless addiction? Answer: Potentially no! Others might argue that such things as ‘social use’ or ‘passion’ (e.g. watching T.V; sports, hobby; foods) might not be harmful. When your ‘passion’ or ‘social use’ is detrimental to your studies or morals, it is a harmful addiction. But as long as these habits or addictions don’t impact negatively on your life or cause problems for anyone else, then they are ‘casual
Teenagers
Music & Movie Chart Opeoluwani Akintayo and Mutiat Alli
Top 10 music chart
Nigeria
1- Tiwa Savage- My Darlin1,936,120(New Entry) 2- Kiss Daniel – Woju 999,585 views 3- Falz Ft. YemiAlade- Marry Me 905,275 views 4- Mavin- LookuLooku 806,979 views 5- Iyanya- Finito 669,120 views 6- Korede Bello- God Win 7- Phyno- Yayo 8- Olamide- FalilaKetan 9- M.I Ft Moti- Bad Belle 10- Charass Ft. Davido& PhynoCoco Butter
Top 10 music chart
International
1 Wiz Khalifa Feat. Charlie Puth See You Again 2 Mark Ronson Feat. Bruno Mars Uptown Funk 3 Ellie Goulding Love Me Like You Do 4 Maroon 5 Sugar 5 Omi Cheerleader 6 Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney FourFiveSeconds 7 Jason Derulo Want To Want Me 8 Flo Rida Feat. Sage The Gemini &Lookas G.D.F.R. 9 The Weeknd Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey) 10. Major Lazer Feat. DJ Snake & MO Lean On
Top 10 movie chart
English
1. October 1st 2. 30 Days in Atlanta 3. Black November 4. Invasion 1897 5. Head Gone 6. Tango with me 7. Devil in the details 8. Apaye 9. Keeping her Man 10.The Meeting
Top 10 movie chart
International
1. Furious 7 2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 3. Unfriended 4. The Longest Ride 5. Home (2015) 6. Woman In Gold 7. Get Hard 8. Monkey Kingdom 9. The Divergent Series: Insurgent 10.Cinderella (2015)
L8 Television
Daily Times Nigeria
Tuesday April 28, 2015
Showing on
Showing on
127 SONY Channel
104M-Net Movie Comedy
22:10
22:40 125 FOX Channel
Tue, 28 Apr | 16
‘S9/E4 - I Saw Her Standing There’. Richard calls on Dr Catherine Avery to help him with a complicated procedure. Out of consideration for Derek, Meredith stops talking to him about her surgeries.
‘S3/E127 - 3/127’. Everyone brings baggage into a relationship, but only on this game show do they bring it all to the very first date. Host Jerry Springer guides the fun as one dater chooses one of three possible love matches.
101 M-Net West
02:00 Argo 04:00 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 Two And A Half Men 06:30 Arrow 07:30 Celebrity Masterchef South Africa 08:30 Argo 10:30 The Middle 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 Elementary 14:00 Caught On Camera 15:00 Grey’s Anatomy 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 2 Broke Girls 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:30 Chicago Fire 19:30 Gotham 20:30 NCIS: Los Angeles 21:30 The Slap 22:30 CSI: Cyber 18:30 Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
120 BBC Entertainment
118 Telemundo
00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Fearless Heart 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Fearless Heart 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love
00:40 Top Gear
11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA
01:30 Silent Witness
12:20 Top Gear
02:20 Come Dine With Me
13:15 Come Dine With Me
03:10 EastEnders
14:10 Total Wipeout UK
03:40 Would I Lie To You?
15:10 The Weakest Link
04:10 Top Gear
16:00 EastEnders
05:00 Fool Britannia
16:30 Deal Or No Deal
05:25 QI
17:10 The Cube
05:55 Would I Lie To You?
18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
06:30 EastEnders 07:00 Antiques Roadshow 07:55 The Weakest Link
19:00 Big School 19:35 QI
08:45 The Cube
20:05 Would I Lie To You?
09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
20:40 The Graham Norton Show 21:40 My Family
10:20 Deal Or No Deal
22:15 Fool Britannia
11:00 My Family
22:40 Fool Britannia
155 AfricaMagicWorld
155 AfricaMagic Family
00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Living With Trisha 01:00 Star Gist 01:30 Making Of A Mogul 02:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Channel O: Volt 04:30 Channel O: Volt 05:00 Comedy Club Live In Kampala 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist
07:25 Betrayed 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:00 Comedy Club Live In Kampala 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Channel O 12:30 Channel O: Volt 13:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 14:00 Through The Eyes Of An African 14:30 Ise Dale 15:00 Making Of A Mogul 15:30 Coco Bill 15:45 Coco Bill 16:00 The African Child
00:00 Noose Of Gold 00:30 Good Morning Africa 01:40 The Dzigbordi Show 02:30 Good Morning Africa 03:30 Good Morning Africa 04:30 Noose Of Gold 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 Foot Prints 06:30 Foot Prints
07:00 Star Gist 07:30 Star Gist 08:00 Lies That Bind 08:30 Lies That Bind 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 So Wrong So Wright 11:00 Affections 11:30 Jara 12:00 Jara
12:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti 13:00 Music On Africa Magic 14:00 Noose Of Gold 14:30 Noose Of Gold 15:00 Deception 15:30 Foot Prints 16:00 Foot Prints 16:30 Lies That Bind 17:00 Lies That Bind 17:30 Star Gist 18:00 Star Gist
128 SONY MAX
00:00 Video Zonkers 00:30 Unbeatable Banzuke 00:55 Unbeatable Banzuke 01:20 1000 Ways To Die 01:45 1000 Ways To Die 02:10 Boiling Point 03:4 Panic Button Canada 04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke 05:00 The Thunderbolt Fist 06:30 Video Zonkers 07:00 Video Zonkers 07:25 Panic Button Canada 08:20 Most Shocking 09:20 What Went Down 09:50 Repo Games 10:20 World’s Wildest Police Videos 11:20 Video Zonkers 11:50 Video Zonkers 12:20 Most Shocking 13:20 Panic Button Canada 14:20 What Went Down 14:50 Exposed 15:20 Pootie Tang 16:40 Panic Button Canada 17:40 Video Zonkers 18:05 Video Zonkers 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 Most Shocking 20:00 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal 20:30 Hip Hop Squares 21:00 Freakshow 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 Tool Academy 20:30 Tattoo Nightmares 21:00 Hip Hop Squares 21:30Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny