Dtn 29 10 15

FAAC: ƋƋ ƅ Ɛƈ ƗƏ ƍ 01è dƐ ƐƆ è G1 ƏƆ MƢƤÖêÖƢÕƄ Mathew Dadiya, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe monthly revenue allocation to the

three tiers of government has continued to dip further as the Federation Account Allo-

cation Committee (FAAC) shared the sum of N389.936 billion for the month of September, 2015, making a deficit of N47.144 billion when compared to the amount shared in the previous month.

Giving the breakdown, the Chairperson of the FAAC and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Nwokobia, disclosed that the gross statutory revenue of N321.996 billion received for the

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month of September was lower than the N369.140 billion received in the previous month of August 2015 by N64.444 billion.

Continued on page 6

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.219

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 22nd October 2015.

BETAGLAS

45.15

2.15

4.76%

PZ

26.1

0.92

3.52%

GUINNESS 142.2

-8.60

-6.05%

UNILEVER 42.85

-1.98

-4.62%

GLAXOSMITH

39.99

0.99

2.48%

OANDO

10.4

0.53

5.10%

OKOMUOIL 32.16

-3.47

-10.79%

DANGCEM 163

-1.55

-0.95%

Tension as Senate votes on Amaechi today

Ï ^#^ dƆ Ɛ Ə ƌƆƆƐ Ɛ ƍƆƏƇƆƅƐ ƍƋ Ï M ƈ ƐƏƈ ƑƆ ƓƈƋƋ Ɛ ƍ ƌ Ɔƅ ƈô ƅƋƆ Ə ƅƆ – Ndume Olufemi Samuel ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe

screening of President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominees for ministerial appointments came to a close in the Senate on

Wednesday as the Upper Chamber is now set to confirm additional 18 nominees today (Thursday).

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators are not relenting on stopping the clearance of the nominee from

Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and his counterpart from Cross River, Usani Usani Uguri, as they held a crucial meeting after Wednesday’s plenary on the next line of action to take on the two nominees.

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, confirmed that the last batch of the nominees who had been screened would be confirmed today (Thursday).

Those screened during Wednesday’s plenary include Mr. Oke-

chukwu Enyinna Enelamah, Anwuka Anthony Gozie, Mohammed Musa Bello, Adamu Adamu and Aisha Abubakar.

The only nominee who was Continued on page 6

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Ranking Nigeria’s business environment

T

he World Bank has recently ranked Nigeria 169 out of 189 countries in its latest report on the ease of doing business globally.

According the bank’s Head of Communication in Nigeria, Mr. Obadiah Tohomdet, the report takes into consideration the ease of obtaining construction permits, getting electricity, enforcing contracts, registering property and trading across borders among other parameters. Even at that, the ranking showed an improvement over that of 2014 when Nigeria was placed 170.

Nevertheless, such marginal improvement does not give room for cheers, as the country still ranks among the laggards on the African continent. For example, Mauritius was ranked 32 globally but first on the African continent, performing particularly well in the areas of paying taxes and enforcing contracts.

In addition, Rwanda came second in Africa with global ranking of 62.

Botswana was third in Africa but with global ranking of 72,followed

by South Africa at 73, Seychelles 95, Kenya 108 and Uganda 122.

Though the report showed that the Sub-Saharan African economies were among the world’s top improvers of business climate, it noted that it still performs poorly in the areas of trading across borders and registering properties. This is not only an indictment on the sub region but more so on Nigeria which has continued to struggle under a welter of poor infrastructural deficit. The deficits include lack of sufficient and reliable power supply, poor road networks, inadequate water supply, and outdated rail networks. More telling is the fact that the country is reeling under the weight of stodgy and unreformed

bureaucracy and massive corruption.

Such impediments have for long constituted cogs in the wheel of doing business in Nigeria. More intriguing is the fact that those charged with facilitating the ease of doing business in the country are more of the culprits and obstacles. The country must therefore exorcise itself from the ghosts hampering business development if it is achieve the target of industrial development in the next 20 years. Towards achieving this, it must set to simplifying and reducing multiple taxes that businesses pay, while shortening the time for obtaining and registering a business. In addition, the authorities should facilitate easier credit lines and improve road, railway and sea transportation networks.

Above all, the poor power supply must be effectively solved if Nigeria is to attract foreign investments. No modern business in the world can succeed without adequate power supply.

Ironically, the country is short of this crucial ingredient for good business climate.

It is a paradox that with even with a surfeit of natural energy sources, the industrial sector relies mostly on generators for more than 80 percent of its power supply.

Until this is resolved, the business environment would continue to remain unattractive to investors. For the country to get out of this quagmire and getting the right business climate, that can attract investors it needs to reform its business regulations.

We therefore urge government to introduce smarter regulations that are friendly to businesses and at the same time are beneficial to the overall interest of the country. What is required is the will to pursue these smart and business-friendly reforms.

Abati’s unsavoury attack on Clark Babatunde Scott

ÎÎÎNot

a few Nigerians were excited over Dr. Reuben Abati’s unsavoury vituperation on elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark, penultimate weekend.

Clark had few days before Abati’s attack accused former President Goodluck Jonathan of weakness and lack of will to fight corruption during his tenure.

But Abati, ex-President Jonathan’s spokesperson, who had kept his cool and unheard of ever since his principal lost his bid to return to Aso Rock Presidential Villa, could not let Clark’s outburst go without reply.

In turn, Abati rose to

the defence of the former president, pouring venom on the elder statesman.

Undoubtedly, Clark had been a regular guest of President Jonathan during the years that he held sway at the Presidential Villa and yet he never deemed it fit to call his political son to order when he felt that Jonathan’s administration was derailing.

Or was his frequent presence at Aso Rock Villa to see Jonathan just to feather his nest or what? Did he discuss matters affecting the nation with his political godson or was it that his son refused to take to his godfather’s advice? With Clark’s actions, it shows politicians are fair-weather friends.

But can Abati say he does not know the antics

Words On Marble :

of politicians? They vilify, crucify and shout hosanna when their pockets are lined. That the elder statesman came down heavily on Jonathan does not mean Abati should shout himself hoax. We know the antics of some politicians who are fond of romancing any government in power (AGIP), so Clark’s action was not unexpected. Perhaps, the elder statesman was looking for relevance of some sort.

Interestingly, the former president has not complained ever since Clark’s outburst. So, Abati should leave his erstwhile principal to write his memoir while in office for the teeming public to read his stewardship and see if he will take the likes of the elder statesman to the cleaners.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Ag Head Operations Segun Bamigboye

Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714

Adverts/Partnerships/ Corporate Subscription Ifeanyi Emefu 08086296714 Konnie Agu 09033765031

Group Head Accounts & Control Samson Abiodun Technical Adviser To Publisher Innocent Nwankwo 08033072614

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Sophie Oluwole

Williams Kumuyi

Femi Fani-Kayode

“We need to attach reasonable importance to our indigenous languages and culture to ensure our origin is not traded for anything. “

‘’For the church to support the fight against corruption, preachers must teach our people to learn how to contribute positively to the progress of the country wherever they are.’’

‘’We want peace but it cannot be at the expense of our lives and the liberty and safety of our people’’.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

5

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Tension as Senate votes on Amaechi today Continued from page 1 screened without a question posed to her by Senators was Aisha Abubakar from Sokoto State as she was asked to bow and go in the name of Senate’s gender sensitivity.

Senators were mild on the nominee on the basis that of all the 36 names filed before the Senate for screening, only six are women, according to Senator Biodun Olujimi.

Earlier, the three Senators had agree to allow the screening of the Aisha Abubakar, just as Senator Ibrahim Gobir announced the withdrawal of a petition he had earlier filed to

stop her screening.

Meanwhile, the Thursday’s plenary is expected to witness some drama against the backdrop of tension already generating among Senators on the final clearance of the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

Senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have not hidden their disdain for Amaechi and had made attempts to scuttle the process of his screening, with a complaint that he was screened without the consideration of a report on the petition against him by a group from his state known as Integrity Group.

The PDP Senators are equally opposed to the screening of a nominee from Cross River State, Pastor Usani Usani Uguri.

The opposition Senators had raised issues against him, arguing that he failed to declare his assets before coming up for screening, an omission they argued had set limitation for his screening.

Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had also complained that the nominee had slighted the PDP by saying “God forbid” when a member attempted to associate him with the opposition party.

In the same vein, the PDP Senators raised issues

against his CV, which they said did not contain his status as a Pastor, even though he was being addressed as one.

It was apparent after Wednesday’s sitting that the PDP Senators were prepared slug it out with the majority party on clearance of Amaechi and Uguru whose clearance they are likely to oppose.

Indications to this emerged immediately after the plenary when the caucus of PDP dissolved into a meeting to discuss the issue of clearance of the last batch of the nominees.

A member after the meeting hinted that members of the opposition would

protect their interest by opposing those to be opposed during the process of clearance of the nominees today.

The PDP member, however, refrained from giving detailed information on what the caucus actually discussed at the meeting.

Senate leader, Ali Ndume, had earlier assured that the PDP Senators, no matter the intrigue they come up with, will not prevent Amaechi’s clearance.

He harped on the numerical strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a factor that will facilitate the clearance of the nominees.

His Deputy, Senator Ibn Na’Allah, in a chat said the Senate will not deploy sentiments in clearing the nominees.

He said the Senate would be “guided by the overriding national interest” in determining who among those so far screened that will scale the hurdle of clearance during today’s plenary.

He said: “We had made a commitment collectively to the public to make the 8th Senate one of the most compliant Senate in the history of this country.

“The implication of that is that our actions will largely be determined by our oath of office, the provision of the constitution and the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria together with established usages of convention of a democratic assembly.’’

More than a week ago, the Senate had approved the screening of 18 Senators whose names it had forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointments.

Prominent among those so far cleared are Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Senator Hadi Sirika, General Abdulrahman Bello Danbazau, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Raji Babatunde Fashola, Senator Chris Ngige, Dr. Ogbonnya Onu as well as Chief Audu Ogbeh.

Army declares Shekau, 99 insurgents wanted Ï `Ɔ ƅƑƆ ƢƢƤ ƍƆƏ ƆƋƗ Ƅƕ ƆƅƐ Monday Agu Jr. Abuja

ÎÎÎChief Father of new Ooni of Ife, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi (left) and new Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan on his arrival at Ile-Ife … on Wednesday

FAAC: ƋƋ ƅ Ɛƈ ƗƏ ƍ 01è dƐ ƐƆ è G1 ƏƆ MƢƤÖêÖƢÕƄ Continued from page 1 Mrs. Nwokobia said that for the month of September 2015, the gross available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N56.399 billion as against N69.945 billion distributed in the preceding month.

She attributed that a drastic drop in Crude Oil Export, shut down and shutin of production for maintenance at different times and terminals during the month of August were the major issues that negatively im-

pacted crude oil revenue.

According to her, there was revenue loss of $32.07 million as a result of drop in average price of crude oil from $56.76 in July to $47.32 in August 2015.

The Federal Government got N151.343 billion representing 52.68 percent of the total amount shared.

The state governments got N76.763 which is 26.72 percent while the local government Councils got N59.181 represented 20.60 percent of the total revenue shared.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the distributable statutory revenue for the month is N389.939 billion, adding that the sum of N6.330 billion was refunded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federal Government.

She said that the present amount of money in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) is $2.257 billion, the same as it was in August.

The sum of N27.505 billion representing 13 percent derivation of mineral reve-

nue of oil and gas was given to the oil producing states.

Giving a further breakdown of the revenue distribution for the current month, the sum of N2.686 billion was given to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as 4 percent cost of revenue collection, while the Nigerian Customs Service got N2.966 billion representing 7 percent cost of the revenue collected for the month.

The Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR) got N1.552 billion.

of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday, declared leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, and 99 members of the sect wanted.

This is even as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops at fringes of Sambisa forest have rescued about 338 people held by the Boko Haram sect.

Buratai stated this at the Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where he unveiled the publicity materials containing the names and pictures of the suspects.

Buratai appealed to members of the public to provide useful information on hideouts and residences of the suspects in the north-east.

Assuring the people that information given will be treated in confidence, the

army boss gave the following telephone numbers: 0818155888, 08160030300, 07053333123, as lines to reach the military.

“The fight against Boko Haram insurgency is a collective responsibility of all, including the media. “These photographs of terrorists’ suspects are to be identified with their numbers attached to each of the 100 photos, while members of the general public could send in more information on the locations or whereabouts of these Boko Haram sect members that appeared in these special photo identifications.

“If any member of the general public identifies the location and whereabouts of these suspects, please contact these three telephone numbers.”

Buratai launched the posters shortly after delivering a paper titled ‘ConContinued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Chief Justice of Nigeria,

Hon Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has admonished politicians, most especially Heads of Government, to refrain from disparaging the integrity and reputation of the Judiciary.

This was against the backdrop of reactions to outcomes of some governorship, National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal matters, where some persons – including state governors and even lawyers to some litigants, had averred that the tribunals’verdicts were influenced by money and political pressure.

A statement by Media Aide to

CJN slams critics of judiciary CJN, Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, said Justice Mohammed insisted that the fight against corruption was a collective responsibility, especially amongst public officials, particularly the state governors, who are equally the chief security officers of their respective states.

He said that it was not just enough to say the judiciary was corrupt or that that judges were bribed to deliver a judgement; critics should also look look into cases of thugs entering courts to beat up judges, disrupt court processes and bomb the courts to prevent the delivery of some judgements.

NLC fumes over Emir Sanusi’s call for naira devaluation Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏNigeria

Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday, condemned Emir Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II’s position on naira devaluation and fuel subsidy, describing the position as anti-people and should be ignored.

The former Governor of Central Bank has been widely quoted by some newspapers to have openly canvassed the devaluation of the Naira, as well as a total removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the Federal Government.

But the NLC in a statement believed the Emir was expressing his private opinion and not speaking for the traditional institution or his emirate where industries had collapsed leaving the emirate with one of the highest population of victims of anti-people

Ebonyi revenue collection unit disbanded over extortion Jacob Ogodo

Abakaliki Ad-hoc staffers jointly constituted to oversee collection of revenue by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), and Amagu community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have been disbanded for alleged extortion from unsuspecting electricity consumers in the area.

A statement by the leadership of Amagu Town Union Development said the decision became necessary following the actions of the group did not go down well with the community.

They noted that the group had turned the electricity consumers

ÏÏÏ

7 News

policies powered by neo- liberal interests.

The body in the statement signed by its president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said that the eminence of his position as an emir should not be rubbished with constant proclamations or campaigns for policies that had proven, over the years, as not only damaging to the national economy, but targeted against a majority of the people who flounder in abject poverty.

The traditional institution, the congress said should speak for and protect the poor; and must not be turned to outposts of neoliberal institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank and their cohorts who imposed policies such as the Structural Adjustment Programme under which the Naira was devastatingly devalued while production halted with the near- total collapse of industries. in the community into machines that spun money for their private gains. “They have been doing so by levying and collecting outrageous EEDC bills from the consumers in our community.

The union discovered that the consumers had not been informed about the monthly huge bill given to them; outrageous bills not affordable by poor consumer”, the statement read. Consequently, the community has constituted a tenman committee to take up the responsibility of electricity revenue collection in the area.

Gov. Umahi

R-L: President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie; Vice President, PSAN, Mr John Isesele and member, Mr Mekwunye Sunny at a press conference in support of the Board and Management of Stanbic IBTC held in Lagos… on Wednesday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Bujari won’t appoint co-ordinating minister of economy – Osinbajo Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏVice-President,

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday, said that the Buhari adminstration would not designate anybody as Co-ordinating Minister of the economy; a practice introduced in the last administration.

A statement from his media office said Osinbajo made the explanation while receiving the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Richardson, in his office.

Osinbajo had at the National Economic Summit, in Abuja, four weeks ago, asserted that as Vice-President his role was to supervise the economy.

He reiterated at the parley with the High Commissioner that, “We are not going to have a system

like where there was a coordinating minister. No, there would not be anything like that.”

He said as Vice-President his role “is to ensure that everyone that is involved in economic activities, that there is a way by which the President is fully apprised of what everyone is doing such that we are all on same page and to make it easier for the President to make decisions.”

Osinbajo also expressed the willingness of the Federal Government to deepen the existing bilateral relations especially in the area of economic co-operation with the Government of Australia, in mining, agriculture, shipping and transport sectors, as well as in the area of infrastructure development.

Explaining the reason for Nigeria’s interest in the deepening of

economic co-operation between the two countries, Prof. Osinbajo said “the Federal Government would be interested in exploring deeper relationship on economic co-operation as it is a major area in diversifying our economy’’.

He lauded Nigeria’s excellent bilateral relations with Australia and commended the Australian government for the various capacity-building initiatives in Nigeria and its investments in some key sectors of the economy.

Richardson noted that his country’s bilateral relations with Nigeria had grown over the years, adding that Canberra was seeking to enhance relations with Nigeria in areas of commercial development and ready to offer technical assistance in some sectors which the country had given priority.

‘Boko Haram members still hiding in Sambisa caves’ Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏIn recent times reports indi-

cated that there has been a heavy bombardment by the Air Force fighter jets to chase out Boko Haram insurgents out of the dreaded Sambisa forest, but men of the vigilantes revealed that the insurgents were still hiding in caves inside the forest.

The vigilantes who returned from Sambisa forest told our correspondent in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, on Wednesday, that there were caves and enclaves that had never been visited by them or the military.

The Chairman of the vigilan-

tes in Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Usman, said that some of the insurgents were still hiding in Sambisa forest around Gwoza, Madagali and Krichinga border towns between Adamawa and Borno States.

He said that nobody had entered into the core of the forest, adding that they were making efforts to enter and ransack every nook and cranny of the forest.

Usman said they noticed anytime that the Air Force bombarded the forest the insurgents normally hide inside caves.

Due to the mountainous nature and thickness of the dreaded Sambisa forest, he suggested that the only way out was to send foot sol-

diers there to clear the insurgents.

He added that the vigilantes were ever ready but sought the collaboration of the military to storm the forest. He was of the view that the bombardment by the military had done a great job at reducing the strength of the insurgents camping in the forest.

He however expressed optimism in the fight against the Boko Haram militants, saying that the military were making frantic effort and very soon by God’s grace peace would return to the region.

A female vigilante, Mrs Adisa Tola, told our correspondent that she joined the fight against insurgency because of her desire for peace to return to the region.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Politics Ajimobi to Ladoja: You will fail again if you appeal

Æs

Ajimobi

Following last Tuesday’s judgment of the Tribunal which confirmed the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in last April’s governorship election, the governor has threatened his main challenger of the Accord Party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja not to appeal against the judgment.

According to Ajimobi, if Ladoja, a former governor of the state should go on appeal, he will lose again.

Ajimobi said that no amount

Ladoja

of intrigues, blackmail and manipulations by the opposition Accord Party and its gubernatorial candidate in the last general elections, Senator Ladoja, could unseat him as governor.

He stated this while addressing hundreds of artisans, traders, market men and women, as well as religious bodies who thronged the Governor’s Office, Agodi, to congratulate him on his victory CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Itsekiris rage against Biafra Republic Stories by Akinjide Akintola and Adedeji Sulaimon THE Itsekiri ethnic nationality of Warri, Delta State, has raged against the call for the Republic of Biafra as being championed by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

Itsekiri leaders who recalled the dark days that the defunct Biafra republic invaded its towns of Warri and Bening dissociated themselves from the calls for creation of a Biafra Republic out of Nigeria as being drummed by some Igbo interest groups in the South-East.

The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, (ILT), expressed the group’s concern over the Igbo agitation in a statement by its Chairman, Pa Johnson Ayomike and Secretary, Edward Ekpoko.

The body said it is disturbed that the proposed Biafra Republic as widely reported in the social media includes the whole of Delta State.

According to the statement: “We recall with pains the day the defunct Biafran Army invaded Warri and Benin in the then Midwest Region on August 9, 1967. Never again will the Itsekiri tolerate such invasion”, the leaders stressed, adding, “The Itsekiri nation is committed to the unity of Nigeria and will do all it can to promote and protect it as one indivisible country”.

According to them, “as Major General Philip Effiong said on January 14 1970, the Republic of Biafra ceased to exist. We, the Itsekiri, wish it to be eternally so for the peace and development of our great nation.”

It would be recalled that recently, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon stated that for the defunct Biafra Republic, it was over.

Also, a pressure group in Enugu,

Ralph Uwazuruike known as “Concerned Citizens of Enugu State, (CCES),” has condemned the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), over the continued detention of their leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested in Lagos.

The group described the recent protest by the pro-Biafra group in Enugu as illegal, unacceptable, anti-democratic and an adventure that was capable of undermining

Ojukwu the unity of the country and the existing peace and tranquility in the state.

However, Intersociety, a human rights group said the detention of Radio Biafra director, Nnamdi Kanu has graduated from judicial detention to extra-judicial detention because he is no longer being detained on the orders of a Magistrate Court upon the court’s harshly imposed bail conditions.

Rather, the group said, Kanu is

Gowon now being detained extra-judicially according to administrative and operational whims and caprices of the Department of State Service, DSS, since these administrative and operational whims and caprices lately deployed by the DSS are totally unknown to both the principles of the rule of law, constitutional democracy, the 1999 Constitution, local and international human rights and humanitarian norms.

In a statement in Onitsha, Anambra State, jointly signed by Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, and Obianuju Igboeli Joy, Head, Civil Liberties and Rule of Law Programme, Intersociety contended that if the court had granted Kanu bail on October 19, the DSS ought to have completed its verification process by Thursday, October 22 CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Yet, knocks, kudos for Buhari over appointment of INEC boss Barely a week after the appointment of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), by President Muhammadu Buhari, knocks and kudos

are still trailing the announcement across the country.

While some are praising the president over the appointment, others have continued to lampoon him.

Concernerd political lead-

ers and professionals from the six states of the South-South geo-political region faulted the decision by President Buhari to appoint Professor Yakubu as new INEC boss, saying “the appointment is biased and an act

of nepotism.”

Speaking under the Voice of the (VSS), the group the President had

the aegis of South-South said though the preroga-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

9 Politics

Yet, knocks, kudos for Buhari over appointment of INEC boss CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

tive power to appoint a chairman for the commission, it however, maintained that the choice of Yakubu was “a deliberate show of bias, moral corruption and nepotism against the existing geo-political zones”.

In a statement issued in Yenagoa by the Bayelsa State chairman of the association, Barr.

Alex Dumbo, VSS stated that the past administrations of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan conducted free, fair and credible elections due to their considerations for other regions and zero tolerance to nepotism, adding: “But the action of President Muhammadu Buhari shows a profound case of nepotism and moral corruption.”

“While Obasanjo appointed INEC boss from the South-East, former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed from the North.

Both are away from their kinsmen to avoid bias in the electoral processes. Jonathan’s unbiased appointment into INEC and the outcome brought President Buhari into office. But we are more concerned about the conspiracy of silence among the scores of public critics and commentators during the Jonathan administration.

“We have observed that the appointment of the new INEC

Ralph Uwazuruike

Day Biafra soldiers invaded Warri, by Itsekiri leaders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Buhari Chairman, who is another of President Buhari’s kinsmen, is a deliberate show of intent to rig and manipulate the coming December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State and other elections in states of the SouthSouth, “the group alleged.

“As we have pointed out before now, the ongoing anti-corruption crusade of President Buhari has

Mahmoud Yakubu become a mere charade targeted at manipulation of situations and Institutions in the quest to occupy some regions and geopolitical zones, including the South-South and the South-East.

Corruption is not only about money, some moral acts that are against a people are also corruption,” Dumbo submitted.

However, the Democratic

People’s Congress (DPC) commended President Buhari for appointing, Professor Yakubu, as the INEC Chairman.

In a statement issued by Mr Olusegun Peters, DPC National Chairman, in Abuja, he said that INEC was a critical institution in the political process that deterCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

and caused Citizen Kanu to be released in compliance with the order of the court.

“We wish to further inform authoritatively that upon meeting all draconian bail conditions leading to refusal by the DSS to release the detained Biafran self determination activist, the presiding Magistrate made an express Production Order on Friday, October 23, 2015, for the DSS to produce Citizen Nnamdi Kanu before his court same date and explain why it failed to release the detainee upon meeting the imposed bail conditions.

The Production Order was communicated to the DSS by the Court’s bailiff and the Magistrate’s orderly on October 23, 2015, but disappointedly, they were sent back by the DSS and the order was flagrantly and rapaciously disobeyed.

You will fail again if you appeal, Ajimobi tells Ladoja CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

at the election petitions tribunal.

The group comprised over 25 professional associations including the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Employees (NUPENG), National Council of Muslim Youth Organization (NACOMYO), National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Igede Development Association and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) among others.

In apparent reference to Ladoja’s decision to appeal against the tribunal’s judgment, the

Ajimobi

Ladoja

governor said his mandate was of God and no amount of blackmail could change the will of God and the mandate freely given by the people of the state.

His words: ``When I heard

that my egbon, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, said that he was not satisfied with the tribunal judgment and that he vowed to head for the Court of Appeal, I said he (Ladoja) should go to wherever he

wants to go. ``But I want to assure you all and the good people of Oyo State that thousands of Accord Party and its candidate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, cannot unseat me. This mandate is of God and popularly given to me by the good people of this state. ``We must all work together to develop Oyo State. We must never allow enemies of this state to thrive again. We give glory to God that he has taken care of all the troublers of our state. So what should be our concern now is how to ensure that this state is taken to greater heights.’’

While thanking the people of the state for their unflinching support for his administration, especially before, during and af-

ter he succeeded in breaking the second term jinx, he promised to spare no effort to ensure allround development of the state.

Governor Ajimobi pledged that his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes that would promote the well-being of artisans, traders and all professional associations as a deliberate step to boost small and medium scale businesses.

The Deputy State Chairman of NATA, Alhaji Rahman Oyediran and Alhaja Motilade Adedeji, President of Pepper Sellers Association, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked God for the victory and pledged their unalloyed support for the Ajimobi’s administration.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Politics of bail out funds

Wada Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been crying out against alleged politicisation of the recently released bail out funds for many states of the federation finding it difficult to cope with the financial straits they found themselves.

Affected mostly are Bayelsa and Kogi states where governorship elections are coming up later in the year with the governors Seriake Dickson and Idris Wada respectively alleging that they were being starved of the much needed funds until after the elections.

The aim, according to them is

Dickson to frustrate their efforts in discharging their responsibilities to the electorate in order to discredit them before the election.

Already, Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada has raised the alarm over ongoing plans by the All Progressives Congress, (APC), gubernatorial candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu and President Muhammadu Buhari to starve Kogi State of its legitimate bailout funds pending the outcome of the November 21 governorship election.

Wada raised the alarm against the recent statement credited to Audu where he al-

Fayose legedly boasted at a campaign rally that he had already prevailed on Buhari to immediately discontinue the release of the bailout funds to Kogi workers and pensioners till the governorship elections were concluded, a plan aimed at frustrating his efforts and blackmailing him before the electorate.

Speaking through his Chief Communications Manager, Phrank Shaibu, Wada said despite that blackmail, the state government would not compromise its rights even in the face of persecution by the APC governorship candidate.

Already, the refusal of the Federal Government to release the bailout fund for Kogi and Bayelsa states as well as balance of the fund requested by the Ekiti State government for the payment of arrears of Local Government workers, Primary school teachers, pensioners and others has been described as a wicked political tool employed by the APC-led Federal Government to weaken the PDP in the affected states.

An Abuja based group, One Nigeria Movement (ONM), which made this known in a statement by its Convener General, Alhaji Ahmed Sodiq-

Mugoro, said withholding Kogi and Bayelsa States bailout fund because of the forthcoming governorship election was inhuman and wicked.

The group also expressed its displeasure over what it termed deliberate plot to set the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose against the local government workers, teachers and pensioners by refusing to release the full bailout fund requested by the government.

It decried the release of N34.988bn to a state like Osun while only N9.604bn to Ekiti State that requested for over N29bn as partisan.

Yet, knocks, kudos for Buhari over appointment of INEC boss CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

mines who rules the country that INEC should be headed by a patriotic Nigerian with exceptional integrity, credibility, nobility, accountability and transparency.

According to him, the need for a person with unimpeachable character devoid of controversy and partisanship to lead the electoral umpire cannot be overemphasised.

“We congratulate Prof. Yaku-

bu and urge him to build on the foundation laid by Prof. Attahiru Jega in the 2015 general election adjudged to be free, fair and acceptable”.

The DPC chairman urged Yakubu to ensure that outstanding permanent voter cards were produced and distributed to registered voters.

He also advised him to ensure the supply of adequate and quality card readers for future elections, particularly in the

Buhari

forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections.

He said Nigerians expect peaceful, credible and successful polls in these states and would not tolerate any rigging and brigandage.

“The task ahead of INEC is enormous. It is time to retrain its personnel for effective service delivery”, he said.

He urged INEC to deepen its collaboration with the nation’s international development part-

ners to train political parties’ leaders.

Peters said that the capacity building would equip the leaders on the task of building a strong, virile, progressive and prosperous democratic nation.

He urged the commission to provide a level playing field for political parties in its activities, programmes and elections, noting that this was the only way to strengthen Nigeria’s “frail democracy”.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

11 Politics

Like Tukur, Clarke, another PDP chieftain retires from politics …Calls on Ibomites to liberate themselves Sequel to the loss of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, another bigwig and elder statesman in the party, Obong Victor Attah has called it quits with partisan politics.

He is the third leader of the party to quit party politics this year, citing age and the need to be an elder statesman giving advice to the younger ones.

Others who had similarly done so in the last two months are Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former Governor of the old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the party who turned 80 recently as well as Chief Edwin Clarke, a former Information Minister in the first Republic, also an octogenarian.

Victor Attah, a former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong, declared his withdrawal from partisan politics, stressing that his action should not be misconstrued as joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said, at 77 on November 20, he has become an elder statesman.

According to him, there had been other statesmen who had served and would continue to serve Nigeria eminently without carrying any party card.

Speaking in Uyo during a press conference organised in his honour by Akwa Ibom Liberation Coalition, Attah said he had always been a committed professional in politics and not a professional or career politician.

“So, I can formally state that

Bamanga Tukur I have quit partisan politics to play the role of an elder statesman and to continue to serve this country with love, strength and faith with integrity to the best of my ability.

“Let nobody take this to mean that I want to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party or therefore jump to the opposite conclusion that I am going over to the APC or any other party for that matter,” he said.

The former governor, a PDP Board of Trustees member, criticised the interview the PDP

Edwin Clarke National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, granted to a national newspaper on Sunday, where he doubted Attah’s membership of the PDP. The ex-governor said when Metuh was asked why the Ekweremadu reconciliation committee did not contact him (Attah), he (Metuh) asked if the former governor was still a member of the PDP. He also alleged that Metuh accused him of having “made utterances for PDP to fail”.

Attah added: “Indeed, I made

Obong Victor Attah several utterances and I stand by all of them, including those ones for which I was, from time to time, accused of anti-party activities. The tragedy for the PDP is to now blame its failure on such utterances rather than its perilous refusal to heed the warnings they conveyed.

“Elections are conducted to fill vacancies, but PDP would start by announcing that there is no vacancy. Then it would offer automatic tickets to a set of people. And when pressure mounts, it would switch the same auto-

matic tickets to another set of people.

“To bounce back as Metuh claims it will, the PDP must stop looking for who to blame and reorder its ways along the aims and ideals of its founding fathers of which I am one.”

Attah urged Akwa Ibom people to take the opportunity created by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal that sat in Abuja, ordering a rerun in 18 local government areas in the state, to liberate themselves from imposition and impunity.

Gov Badaru: No rift with my deputy; has no intention of resigning

Gov Badaru

Amidst speculations that the Jigawa State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan was contemplating resigning from the government, the state governor, Alhaji Mohammadu Badaru has said his deputy has no such intention.

The media had been awash with reports that following irreconcilable differences with the governor, the deputy governor was about to resign from the government.

But the Jigawa Government had denied the media reports on purported plan by the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan, to resign.

The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in the state, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, said in Dutse that the report was untrue.

Ibrahim said the Deputy Governor never contemplated to resign from office, pointing out that the rumour was from “mischievous

elements “who did not wish the government well”.

He said the state Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, treasured and respected his Deputy so much that they operated as brothers.

He said the relationship between the Governor and his Deputy and other government officials remained cordial.

The commissioner urged the people to support and cooperate with the present administration in the state to succeed.

Ibrahim Hassan

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Buhari: Recovery of stolen funds will deter corrupt public office seekers Ï óRƑƏ ƍ ƋƈƅƈƆ ƌ ƕ ƑƏƐ ƄƑ ƈ Ɔ Ɔ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƏƐ ƐƆƏƌô Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhammadu

Buhari on Wednesday in New Delhi, India, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to curbing corruption, plugging all loopholes in public sector accounting and deploying available resources for the good of all Nigerians.

Buhari made the assertion while addressing members of the Nigerian community in India, an e-mailed statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and

Publicity, Femi Adesina, said.

Also, President Buhari on Wednesday said despite the fall in oil prices, his administration remained fully committed to maintaining macro-economic stability and improving investor confidence in Nigeria.

He declared that the recovery of stolen funds and prosecution of persons who have been indicted for corrupt practices will also continue to be vigorously pursued.

The President said that he expected the ongoing re-

coveries and prosecutions to serve as a deterrent to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain.

President Buhari, according to the statement, assured the gathering that his administration fully recognised the devastating consequences of the illegal diversion of public resources meant for national development into private bank accounts, and was doing all within its powers to stop such diversions.

“The anti-corruption campaign will be on-going

for many years. We are committed to the enthronement of good governance that plugs the loopholes in public sector accounting, and the use of scarce resources for public good.

“We are determined to demonstrate exemplary leadership that will make our citizens to change their ways in a manner that lays a solid foundation for reconstruction and development.

“In the meantime, we will continue to prosecute those who have been indicted for corrupt practices and ensure

that stolen funds are recovered, to serve as deterrence to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain,” President Buhari was quoted to have said.

Meanwhile, President Buhari said on Wednesday in New Delhi that despite the fall in oil prices, his administration remained fully committed to maintaining macro-economic stability and improving investor confidence in Nigeria.

Buhari spoke in New Delhi at an interactive session with Chief Executives of Indian companies with interests in Nigeria, according to an emailed statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

President Buhari ex-

pressed the belief that with its abundance of human and material resources, the Nigerian economy did not have to suffer unduly from low oil prices, despite its severe impact on government revenues.

“What is required of us, to which we are strongly committed, is the implementation of tight expenditure controls, effective fiscal and monetary policies, including the husbandry of scarce resources which our introduction of the Single Treasury Account has begun to address.

“We are aware some of these measures may hurt operations of some businesses in the short term, but we believe they are right for a sustainable economy,” the President said.

Army declares 100 insurgents wanted Continued from page 6

Oyo State Governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi addressing a mammoth crowd who stormed his office to celebrate with him on his victory at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal... on Wednesday

Senate kicks against N64b Abuja airport runway Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Senate on Wednes-

day kicked against the sum of N64 billion approved for the construction of the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

It has, therefore, urged the Federal Government to ensure the approved cost is reduced accordingly.

The Senate also urged the government to monitor the contract for the construction of the runway which has since 2009 been

generating controversies when it was first awarded.

The Senate took the stand during its plenary through a motion moved

by Senator Dino Melaye, which described the cost of construction of the runway as outrageous.

Melaye had called the attention of the Senate to the anomaly in the cost of the contract, which he said, stood at N8 billion when it was first awarded in 2009, while it was jerked up to N64 billion in 2010.

He recalled that with the

intervention by the House of Representatives then, the contract was reviewed and pegged at N48 billion.

Melaye said while Nigerians felt that even the amount of N48 billion approved for the contract was still bogus, the contract surprisingly resurfaced and was again pegged at N64 billion.

He urged the Senate to ensure that a moderate cost is approved for the construction of the second runway as he made references to construction of

a similar runway in the United Kingdom, most especially which he noted never cost more than N28 billion.

The Senate while approving the motion called on the government to ensure that due diligence is followed in the design and construction of the runway.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who seconded the motion, noted that the contract was cancelled by the PDP government which he said was believed to be corrupt.

temporary Warfare, War Reporting and Dilemma of Military Leadership’ at the three day 2015 DAPR Study Period that ended on Wednesday.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari’s deadline to end Boko Haram was not directed at the military alone, but to all Nigerians.

The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, had said that most of the faces on the poster are those of kingpins of Boko Haram still at large.

He said: “Members of the public that have any credible information on any of the wanted terrorists should call any of the phone numbers printed on the posters.

Usman said the information given would be treated discreetly and professionally.

Meanwhile, the De-

fence Headquarters said on Wednesday that troops at fringes of Sambisa forest have rescued about 338 people held by Boko Haram sect as well as killed over 30 insurgents.

The Army in a statement

by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations and made available to newsmen stated that the troops of 28 Task Force Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Bitta and Pridang carried out a successful raid on suspected Boko Haram terrorists camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages along Bita and Damboa road at the fringes of Sambisa forest on Tuesday. The troops to killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists.

The unit also rescued 338 persons that were held captive by the terrorists in the enclaves. The rescued persons which comprised of male 8, female 138 and children 192, have since been evacuated to Mubi.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday October 29, 2015

13 International

Ouattara wins second term as Ivory Coast president ÏÏÏIvory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara has won a second five-year term in office, according to official election results.

The country's election commission said early Wednesday that Ouattara took 83.66 percent of the vote in Sunday's election.

The commission has already estimated turnout from Sunday's vote at around 60 percent, though a civil society group put the figure at 53 percent.

The opposition National Coalition for Change expressed further doubts about the turnout, saying many Ivorians stayed home and fewer than 20 percent actually voted.

Three opposition candidates pulled out before the vote and alleged irregularities, such as concerns about a voter list they said had many people registered twice. On Sunday, some voting stations had to stay open late after voting materials did not arrive on time and computer tablets used to verify identities malfunctioned.

But international observers, including those from the African Union and the West African bloc ECOWAS, said the voting was free and fair.

AU accuses S’ Sudan warring parties of war crimes ÏÏÏThe

Ivorien president Ouattara after casting his vote during the election.

The election is seen as an important test for the country following the post-vote violence five years ago that left at least 3,000 people dead.

Ouattara said he wanted to win a "first round knockout."

In 2010, Ouattara lost the first round to President Laurent Gbag-

bo, but official results showed him winning the run-off election.

A Gbagbo-controlled constitutional council threw out some of the ballots and declared Gbagbo the winner.

The international community recognized Ouattara as the winner, but Gbagbo refused to step

down, setting off five months of violence that ended with Gbagbo being captured by pro-Ouattara forces backed by French special forces. Ouattara later assumed power.

Gbagbo is in custody at the International Criminal Court and due to go on trial November 10.

long-awaited African Union Commission of Inquiry report on the South Sudan conflict has been released. It finds that both the South Sudan government and rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar committed human rights violations, some of which the report says constitute war crimes. The report says the violations included killings and murder, torture, cruel, inhumane and other degrading treatment, abductions, rape and other sexual and gender-based violations.

But the commission says it did not have any reasonable grounds to believe that the crime of genocide was committed during the conflict. The commission says it has identified possible perpetrators on both sides that might bear the greatest responsibility.

South Sudan government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Australia accused of paying people smugglers

S’ Korea develops China slams US for sending warship ÏÏÏAustralian officials paid peoattack drones to ple smugglers to take their cargo in disputed islands of migrants back to Indonesia, counter North's to an Amnesty InternaÏÏÏChina lashed out at the Unit- sound out warships, lock them by related to questions of sovereignty according tional report released on WednesUAVs over areas that also are claimed by ed States for sending a warship ÏÏÏNorth Korea is believed to

have a fleet of military drones.

And now, South Korean researchers are testing unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, to take on that threat.

The South Korea unmanned craft is no ordinary drone. It is designed to detect and attack an enemy UAV in mid-air.

Shim Hyun-chul, head of the unmanned systems research group at the science and technology graduate school KAIST, and his team of students recently tested the new technology. He said drones can be made by anyone these days.

“The fear is that the drones are very easy to build… They can do a lot of things. It appears as a very new threat,” said Shim.

North Korea’s military power was on display at a recent celebration in the capital, Pyongyang.

That included what appears to be a fleet of drones, some of which might already have crossed the border.

South Korea’s defense ministry says that since 2014, it has recovered four crashed North Korean drones.

near disputed South China Sea islets and reefs claimed by Beijing, while Washington promised to conduct more such patrol missions.

Beijing's foreign ministry said Wednesday it summoned U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus to deliver a formal protest over the Tuesday incident, which represents the U.S.' boldest challenge yet to China's controversial territorial claims.

"This action by the United States threatens China's sovereignty and security interests and endangers the safety of personnel and facilities on the reef, which is a serious provocation" Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui said.

An editorial in the Communist Party-run Global Times said the U.S. patrol mission amounted to "harassment," and urged the Chinese government to take steps to show the U.S. it is "not frightened to fight a war with the U.S." "We should first track the U.S. warships. If they, instead of passing by, stop for further actions, it is necessary for us to launch electronic interventions, and even

fire-control radar and fly over the U.S. vessels," said the paper, whose opinions generally reflect the views of the government.

A U.S. Defense official said Tuesday it is likely the U.S. Navy will make more patrols in the area.

Speaking with VOA, the official, who did not want to be identified, said, "This is not going to be the last one."

He added there were several Chinese vessels operating in the vicinity of the USS Lassen, with one of the vessels clearly "shadowing it" as it passed within 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) of a small reef that China has been expanding into a larger island through large-scale dredging operations.

"All maneuvers by Chinese vessels and aircraft were safe and professional," according to the official.

He added it is "quite typical" for a Chinese vessel to shadow a U.S. vessel when its operating in the South China Sea. "It is not out of the ordinary," the official said.

Military officials in Washington said the approach to the Chineseheld Subi reef was a "freedom of navigation" exercise that is not

Vietnam and the Philippines.

In Washington, Senator John McCain, a decorated war hero who served in the Navy and was held prisoner during the Vietnam War, said the U.S. naval maneuver was a long-overdue gesture.

"As China mounts increasingly routine challenges to the freedom of the seas through the Asia-Pacific region," McCain said, "it is more important than ever that the United States fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows. And the South China Sea must be no exception."

Obama

day.

The findings, based on interviews with crew members in prison, confirms earlier reports of the May incident, but comes amid persistent refusal to comment from Australia's then Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

The report titled By Hook or by Crook says the officials paid $32, 000 to six crew of a boat taking 65 people seeking asylum in New Zealand, to instead take them to Indonesia.

The officials also gave them a map of Indonesia and told them where to land, the report said.

It raises questions about whether Australian officials paid the crew of another boat turned back in July, the report said.

Indonesian police confirmed they found the cash in crisp $100 bills on the crew when they arrested them, Amnesty said.

"All of the available evidence points to Australian officials having committed a transnational crime by, in effect, directing a people-smuggling operation," said Anna Shea, refugee researcher at Amnesty International, in a statement.

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Reps to probe N400b airport remodeling funds Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to probe the N400 billion expended on the remodeling of Nigeria's airports based on a report aired by the Cable News Network (CNN), rating three of the nation's international airports amongst the 10 worst in the world.

Following the House resolution, the chamber mandated its committee on aviation to undertake an investigation to find out the factors that led to the embarrassing grading of the nation's airports and report back to the House within two weeks.

As part of the probe, the com-

mittee is also to investigate how N400 billion appropriated for airport remodeling during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan was spent.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent importance sponsored by Hon. Garba Datti.

While moving the motion, the lawmaker said that it was highly disturbing to know that Nigeria has some of the worst airports for air travel in the world, according the CNN global survey.

According to him, the development was uncharitable given the huge amount of money spent on remodeling the airports in Nigeria, including a $1billion Chinese loan obtained for that purpose.

"We are aware that over N400 billion was appropriated by this House for the remodeling of airports to international standard.

"But, it's surprising to hear that despite the huge investment made to remodel these airports, we still have some of the worst airports in the world according to the survey.

"Notable among these deathtraps of airports are the Enugu International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the nation's capital.

"Another eye sore in the list of the worst airports is our own Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, which is the gate-

way to the commercial hub of this country.

"Over the last five years, over N400 billion was appropriated for the expansion, modernisation and management of our 17 domestic and five international airports.

"With the whopping funds injected into the airport upgrade project, rather than turn out to be symbols of national pride, they have become objects of condemnation, "he said.

Contributing to debate on the motion, Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe said, "If our key airports are being downgraded by international observers and technical team, then it should be a thing of concern for this parliament.

Edo plans teacher posting reforms Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏComrade

Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that the state will carry out reforms on the recruitment, deployment, promotion and posting of teachers in the state to ensure fairness in the system and promote optimum performance of the teachers.

The governor made the revelation during a meeting with the Chairman and Members of the State Post Primary Education Board in his office, on Wednesday.

Comrade Oshiomhole said, “The key issue in appointment is competent and in recruiting these numbers, we would start from the top, from those who score the highest mark. The idea here is to give priority to the employment of the best in our schools. Our teachers must be the best. In those days, when you are very brilliant, you go into academics.

“Just that things have changed now, the brilliant ones go into banking, oil industry, they want to go to customs, immigration and all of that but we need the best brains to impart knowledge and that is why we are ready to pay special incentives to those who are involved in Science Subjects.”

Oshiomhole

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai (right); Decorating Commander, of The 28 Task Force Brigade fighting insurgents,with a medal, Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, during Burutai's visit to Mubi … on Wednesday

Police arraign artisan for rape of physically-challenge Abiodun Taiwo

Abeokuta A 40-year-old man, Adewunmi Adedoyin, has been arraigned in court for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old speech defect girl in Magboro town, located in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The suspect, who claimed to be a carpenter, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1, Owode-Egba with charge number M00/365c, which said the accused has committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 218 of the criminal code, volume 1 laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

It was learnt that the suspect resident of 58 Miracle Avenue, Magboro, Ibafo, allegedly committed the offence on October 18, 2015 and apprehended by neighbours on hearing the unusual noise of the victim, whose mother was said to be away in the church some few metres to the home.

The suspect was immediately handed over to the police in Ibafo, subsequently transferred to Ogun State Police Headquarters in Abeokuta, and thereafter charged to court in Owode-Egba town after investigation.

ÏÏÏ

PDP holds emergency national caucus meeting today Lateef Ibrahim

Wild jubilation in Ife as new Ooni arrives for coronation rites Sodiq Adekunle

Osogbo An unprecedented crowd on Wednesday, at Ile-Ife, received the Ooni-elect, Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi, when he arrived the ancient town.

The crowd mounted different strategic places in the town since about 09am to catch a glimpse of their new monarch.

The crowd, among whom are IleIfe based groups and associations displayed banners welcoming the new king. Markets women, traders and commercial drivers also suspended their trading activities to honour the arrival of the Oonielect. It was also learnt that the Ooni-elect will bear the title of Ojaja II, during his reign.

When our correspondent arrived Ile-Ife, police and other security agencies were all situated at

ÏÏÏ

strategic locations.

The Ooni-elect, however, acknowledged accolade from the mammoth crowd by raising his right hand on top of a black vehicle. Ogunwusi, who arrived amid fanfare, is expected to begin rites that will enable him access the throne and palace. Among the rites is his initiation into the cult of Sookos tonight.

When the Ooni arrived at few minutes past 2pm, he headed to the Ife toll gate where the other monarchs, led by Lowa of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaodola were gathered.

Earlier, the Osun State Police Commissioner, Kola Sodipo, has said officers from the army, the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps were mobilised to maintain law and order.

When asked if there was any crisis, he said, "I am very happy

to see the way the people have been peaceful and have conducted themselves. I know that we are up to the task in case of any development.”

Meanwhile, the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have congratulated the indigenes and the people of Ile-Ife on the emergence of the new Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the ViceChancellor, who expressed happiness at the emergence of the new Ooni, urged the new monarch to use his wealth of experience in the business world across the globe to further uplift the ancient city of Ile-Ife industrially so that the teeming youths in Ifeland would be gainfully employed.

Abuja

ÏÏÏWorried

by the rulings of election petition tribunals which have been largely unfavourable to it, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will today in Abuja hold an emergency national caucus meeting to discuss the development.

The election petitions tribunal sitting in Abuja, it would be recalled, had on Saturday nullified the election of Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and ordered a fresh election in the state.

The same election tribunal equally annulled the election of 20 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, who were elected on the platform of PDP. Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State election petition tribunal equally ordered a re-run election in 18 Local Government Areas of state.

Just like the case of Rivers State, PDP candidate, Mr Udom Emmanuel won the Akwa Ibom State governorship.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

15 Opinion

Rogue judges and corruption war in Nigeria

N E.E Eke

igeria as a theatre of the absurd no longer surprises.

Nonetheless, it is understandable actions, which exposes the extent to which lack of probity and respect for what is moral and logical, does not cease to cause pain. The latest twist in the Saraki case has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that, without a root and branch reformation of the Nigerian judiciary Nigeria will remain a lawless jungle, where power is to serve personal and selfish ends.

It is an understatement to say that the Nigeria judiciary is corrupt.

A corrupt judiciary will influence judgement for the wrong motive, while pretending that it is dispensing justice. It will also endeavour to remain true to the overriding objective of facilitating just, quick and cheap resolution of matters. This is not the case with the Nigerian judiciary. The Nigerian judiciary, based on its recent pronouncements does not seem to be mindful of these fundamental objectives of the court in the way and manner it issues injunctions and or adjournments.

Many of the judges are audacious and inventive in their subversion and perversion of justice. Increas-

ing numbers of Nigerian judges are hiding behind the law to do the bidding of their paymasters. What is happening in Nigeria is that the judiciary having lost its soul and moral compass has become a pun in the hands of the politicians.

The aims of the Nigerian judiciary, would seem to include, frustration of the very process it was set up to expedite, validating criminality and giving corrupt politicians a legal way to avoid justice.

What many Nigerians do not seem to appreciate is the incestuous nature of the relationship between politicians and the judiciary in Nigeria, which leaves the judiciary too compromised to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.

The politicians appoint judges and recommends lawyers for the honour of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN). While the judges and SANs ensure that politicians I was told that one corrupt politician once boasted that he made a particular lawyer attorney general and a SAN, and wondered aloud what else the lawyer wanted from him.

Few years ago, when Peter Odili obtained a permanent injunction to end his trial for corruption, many people thought it was a joke that the judiciary will purge itself of its rogue elements. So far, nothing has happened. The Nigeria Supreme

Court has not sat to declare the idea of permanent injunctions that completely rule out the revisiting of the case perverse. The Supreme Court has not done anything because Peter Odili’s wife, seats at the Supreme Court. Today, Odili walks the street a free man.

Enter Olusola Saraki, who seems to have gone a step further. He got a judge to permanently adjourn his case. Again, in the hope that the court will give him the same protection, it accorded Peter Odili. I find the idea of a indefinite adjournment in the way it is understood and applied in Nigeria difficult to conceptualise.

‘Sine Die’ adjournment is simply adjournment, without a return date. I hope that the intention of the judge is not to ensure that the case against Saraki permanently remains in the cooler.

Even though the court has both an inherent power and statutory power to adjourn the hearing of any matter in appropriate circumstance, I cannot imagine a British judge granting permanent adjournment under the circumstance they have been in Nigeria courts. It would seem perverse for a judge to think of adjournment as something thing that can be permanent in a criminal case. Not with their understanding that justice delayed is justified

denied. A learned and honest Judge would struggle with the idea of permanently suspending the wheel of justice. Not so, with Nigeria evil genius judges, who seem to believe that, if they can think it, they can do it.

Why would a judge act to supplant the aim of court to attain justice?

How does granting indefinite injunction to the accused aid the justice under the circumstance? Why would an honest judge frustrate the trial of an accused in a criminal case because of a procedural error?

The indefinite adjournment of the case against Saraki is an audacious and shameless abuse of position to frustrate a judicial process.

Therefore, the Supreme Court should convene and set aside both judgements to restore faith in Nigerian judiciary. There is an urgent need to begin the modernisation and reformation of the Nigerian justice system to ensure that legal technicalities would no longer hamper trial of corruption cases.

We cannot allow Nigerian to see judges the way we see politicians.

Once the faith in the judiciary is completely lost, there is no hope for Nigeria. Nigerian must redefine justice and judicial process for its corrupt judiciary and beleaguered lawyers. We must now end the charade called trial in Nigeria.

The arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kalu

Temple Chima Ubochi

It is not the business of government to make men virtuous or religious, or to preserve the fool from the consequences of his own folly.

Government should be repressive no further than is necessary to secure liberty by protecting the equal rights of each from aggression on the part of others, and the moment governmental prohibitions extend beyond this line they are in danger of defeating the very ends they are intended to serve (Henry George)

R

ather than tackling the myriad problems besetting Nigeria, President Buhari goes about looking for whom to arrest and detain.

Buhari has not jettisoned his dictatorial tendencies, as he wants to gag the press and abolish freedom of speech and association. He still thinks that he is a military ruler. The arrest of Nnamdi Kalu for operating Radio Biafra was a catastrophic blunder by this administration. Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Biafra Television and the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), after he had flown from the UK, to Lagos. We learnt he is being held in an

underground cell, and, in the midst of other hardened criminals, and, that he is not eating the food they are offering to him, fearing that he might be poisoned. It is remarkable how Nnamdi Kanu has been making Buhari tremulous all along! According to Vanguard, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a separatist movement that call for the independence of Nigeria’s former Eastern Region - proclaimed the Republic of Biafra in 1967 and re-annexed to Nigeria three years later, following a civil war that claimed between one and three million lives.

Mr. Kanu has been granted bail, but has not been released, as he is yet to meet the bail conditions, and has been denied access to a lawyer.

His arrest has led to pro-Biafra rallies and demonstrations in Port Harcourt, Asaba, Onitsha, Enugu, Aba, Owerri, Umuahia and all over Igbo land. Unfortunately, those rallies and demonstrations have led to the killing and maiming of some of the pro-Biafra demonstrators. The federal government that Buhari is leading has ordered police to shoot unarmed people protesting the detention of Nnamdi Kanu. Buhari went to the United Nations some weeks ago to preach freedom for the Palestine people, and their right to have their

own nation, while here in Nigeria, he is doing something else, and has ordered the arrested of a young man who is only using his Radio Station to bring hope, enlightenment and knowledge to his people. How can Buhari make a speech at the United Nations supporting freedom, and self determination for other peoples, but, in his own country, peaceful demonstrators against the unlawful detention of Nnamdi Kanu, who is asking for the freedom and the self determination of his people, are being shot, maimed or arrested? The whole thing smacks of self-deception.

Buhari has turned Nnamdi Kanu into an instant hero; even the Member of the British Parliament representing Nnamdi Kanu’s constituency has joined the fray among other world leaders. We just read where the Member of Parliament representing Camberbell and Peckham in the British House of Commons, Ms. Harriet Harman, has petitioned the House of Common for the illegal detention her constituent member is exposed to in Nigeria. The British MP had in the petition requested that the Nigerian government to immediately release Nnamdi Kanu or charge him to court for offences committed.

President Buhari, as the fugleman or leader, should beware of his

actions and utterances. Nothing lasts forever. He might heed the warning of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall”(New Living Translation), and, George Ayittey (1945) wrote that “Dictators cause the world’s worst problems: all the collapsed states, and all the devastated economies…leaving in their wake trails of wanton destruction, horrendous carnage and human debris”. Buhari should know that all those people protesting in the former Eastern Region are not only doing that because of Nnamdi Kanu, but, are also using the opportunity to vent out their disappointment, frustration, anger and hatred for the ruling class.

For those who were fooled initially by the messiah-like portrayal of Buhari, and who now remain concerned over the direction of Nigeria under a man, whose leadership resembles that of an imperialistic president, what more could be expected from one elected to Aso Rock, whose perceived self image is paramount, and who had never before even managed anything well? One thing is that history tells us that narcissistic pride (love) of self and false aura of superiority, such as surrounds and abides in President Buhari, is bound to be pierced in time.

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Business Times Æ s Digital migration: MCI, KAON to set up $1bn plant Friday Atufe Nigeria has marched forward towards its migration from analogue to digital switchover (DSO) target of 2017 with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Media Concepts International (MCI) and South Korean firm, KAON for the establishment of N197 billion ($1bn) Set Top Box (STB) manufacturing plant in Lagos.

MCI is one of the 13 indigenous companies licenced by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)) for the manufacturing of STBs in the country. The STBs will be used to convert analogue television sets to show digital channels at the homes of millions of Nigerians.

The construction of the manufacturing plant will begin in Decem-

Adesola Akindele Sterling Bank Plc yesterday released its interim earnings report for the third quarter showing steady growth in the top-line and bottom-line. The nine-month report for the period ended September 30, 2015 showed that the Commercial Bank remained consistent in its growth strategy against macroeconomic and industry headwinds with gross earnings and net income rising by 12 per cent and 6.9 per cent respectively.

Key extracts from the earnings report showed gross earnings of N82 billion in the third quarter of 2015 compared with N73.1billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014. Non-interest income grew by 13.3 per cent from N18.1 billion in 2014 to N20.5 billion in the period under review. Profit after tax rose by 7 per cent or N400 million to N7.5 billion in the third quarter 2015 as against N7.1 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014.

Chevron pledges support for education

ber this year and will be completed by the end of 2016 thereafter, manufacturing activities will kick off.

It is envisaged that the STB plant will employ over 1000 technical staff that will be trained on local assembly in the first instance and full manufacturing of set top boxes locally. Nigeria’s digital switchover (DSO) driven by the private sector will lead to production of set-top boxes and viewing of digital channels by TV viewers in line with the directive of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Speaking at the MoU signing agreement in the presence of Mr. Emeka Mba, Director- General of NBC, Mr. Babatope Agbeyo, Chairman of Media Concepts International (MCI) said their technical partner, KAON of South Korea

which is among the top three STB manufacturers in the world would not just bring its expertise but would ensure technology transfer in the manufacturing and maintenance of STBs as well as invest as an equity holder in the Nigerian plant.

He said it is a massive project that would redefine digital media broadcasting and fast track the digital migration process with the conversion of analogue television sets digital broadcasting.

“We chose KOAN as our technical partner because it is among the top three STB manufacturers in the world with footprints in Asia, Europe, Latin America and now Africa.”

Agbeyo said KOAN recently established set top box manufacturing plant in South Africa and

would be helping the digital migration processes in South Africa, Kenya, and Senegal and in addition to Nigeria. “In the less than one year, we will come back and show the STBs manufactured locally” he said.

Mr. Young Kang, Sales Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa region for KAON said on the long term, the manufacturing which would be located in Abule Egba, Lagos would be expanded to manufacture mobile phones, tablets, routers and television sets in the country to encourage technology transfer. “It is a really big step for Nigeria to build its STB factory.

“We are here to invest and ensure technology transfer. We are here for the long term as an investor in the plant and the Nigerian broadcasting industry. We will

17

not limit ourselves to technology transfer but encourage local production of STBs, phones, tablets, TV sets, routers, etc. We have just opened a factory in South Africa and we will team up with MIC to open another here that will produce STBs that are full high definition (HD),” he said.

On his part, the DG of NBC, said MCI was the first STB manufacturer licences that paid its N50 million authorisation fee over a year ago and has now commenced the process for local manufacturing of set top boxes.” As you know, we missed the June 17, 2015 deadline but we have made progress since to ensure that will meet the 2017 target.

“We see a digital future driven by set top boxes that can give digital channels, internet access and enhance digital lifestyle and shorten the digital divide in Nigeria.

We believe this is the future which requires bold steps. Local investors like MCI are making investments that will create technology transfer that will permeate beyond television to bring job creation and economic growth,” he said.

Sterling Bank’s profit up 7% in nine months

Basic earnings per share however fell by 20 per cent to 26 kobo from 33 kobo, while net assets dropped to N704.35 billion 10 per cent lower than N781.7 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014.

Commenting on the results, the Managing Director of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said: “the third quarter performance was in line with expectations as the Bank continues to prioritize efficiency in the management of its balance sheet in response to a challenging operating environment”.

He explained that in spite of the pressure on earnings, the Bank was able to achieve a 12% growth in top-line revenue to N82 billion, driven by a 13% increase in noninterest income and a 210 basis points improvement in cost-to-income ratio.

Opeoluwani Akintayo Multinational oil company, Chevron, has promised continuous support towards better education in Nigeria, especially in the area of arts. The pledge was made yesterday at the 2015 Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation / Chevron joint venture National

L– R shows Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market, Operations and Technology, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); and Rose Mambo, Chairman, Africlear and Chief Executive CDSC Kenya at Closing Gong ceremony held yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange

Art Competition for Nigerian secondary schools, held at the Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos State .

The NNPC /Chevron Joint Venture (JV) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, initiated the National Art Competition for Nigerian secondary school students in 2005. African Artists Foundation (AAF), a non-governmental organisation

dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African Art, is the implementation partner to the competition which creates a platform for students to exhibit their talents through their art works.

The competition which is in its 10th edition, saw both public and private schools across the country, put in to win the coveted prize.

In his address of welcome, Chairman and Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Clay Neff, said the sponsorship of the competition is in line with the company’s vision of helping Nigeria lay a foundation of creative and productive youths who, by the virtue of their education, can stand tall among their peers in any part of the world.

Business News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

EU extends €6.5bn grant to Nigeria Charles Okonji

From right is the Commanding Officer, HMS Lancaster, Commander Peter Laughton MBE with British Defence Adviser, British High Commission, Abuja, Col Dom Fletcher, during the visit of HMS Lancaster to Lagos .

Stakeholders seek linkage of local content with economy Adeshina Oluwaseyi

Experts in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have called on the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to move a step further to ensure the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 would generate direct benefits to the larger economy of Nigeria.

The industry stakeholders, who spoke separately at the recent 5th Practical Nigerian Content Conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State yesterday acknowledged that a lot of progress has been made in the implementation of the Act in the oil and gas industry but argued that the implementation of the NOGICD Act should not be limited to the oil and gas industry alone.

The Chairman of the Petroleum Contractors’ Trade Section

and Managing Director of Schlumberger Nigeria Limited, Mr. Andrew Olotu said in the areas of capacity building and transfer of knowledge, a lot had been achieved in the implementation of the Act but stressed that linkages should be established between the oil industry and the entire economy.

According to him, the vision of those who promoted the Nigerian Content 37 years ago was to use the oil and gas industry to develop local infrastructure.

“When Mr. A says that he wants oil block, that is okay but he must build a refinery, say in Yenagoa or a power plant. That was the vision of the original promoters of Nigerian content.

“When it comes to within the oil and gas industry, we have done much but we need to do more in the economy. We have done more in the area of transfer of Knowledge but that is a baby step because it is still within the oil and

gas industry. We should not be addressing the industry alone. We need to look at the larger economy because the oil and gas industry does not create jobs. It is just an enclave, which must be broken in order to generate employment.

When you have a population of 170 million people and the rate you generate job opportunities is low, you are bound to generate problems,” Olotu explained.

“We should avoid Dutch disease – that is, neglecting other sectors of the economy because we discovered cheap oil,” he added.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr. DenzilAmagbeKentebe said the country had passed the stage where foreigners were coming into Nigeria to take over the oil and is now at the stage where there is indigenous participation.

“Right now, we have indigenous participation in asset ownership; we are going to make sure that they have that 100 per cent in

European Union (EU) has stated that total sum of €6.5 billion for every four years till 2035 has been agreed upon by the EU to provide financial trade related development assistance for Nigeria’s growth and development.

The EU Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Michel Arrion explained that the move was to demonstrate the Union’s strong believe and confidence in the Nigerian market.

He said; “EU will be making strong commitments in terms of financial development assistance.

The EU and its member states have all agreed to provide a minimum of €6.5 billion of trade development assistance every five years till 2035. Every five years, we are committed to give grants, development assistance. EU and the 28 member states have agreed to give a minimum of €6.5 billion for every five years. In the last five years it was €8.5 billion. We are very comfortable to provide this development assistance.”

Arrion during a media luncheon to announce its 4th EUNigeria business forum tagged “Unlocking opportunities for diversification” however noted that the EU has no offensive agenda for Nigeria and other countries in the region. ”Nigeria is maintaining import

bans against ECOWAS. You can do this outside ECOWAS but not within. You are part of the same community and bound by some rules relating to free movement of goods and people. We have no offensive agenda for Nigeria because we believe that Nigeria and ECOWAS are very interesting places where European or other non European businesses could invest because there is enough room for investment,” he said.

He assured that the EU will not invade the West African market with products that could compete with domestic products of what Nigeria and other countries in the region would be producing, pointing out that the EU has removed all its export subsidies to the West African market.

On the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), he said the EPA establishes a partnership based on common objectives and asymmetrical obligations in West Africa’s favour, stressing that all West African exports are granted immediate duty-free access to the EU. “In turn, West Africa will gradually reduce duties on 75 per cent of EU imports over a long transition period of 20 years. There are many safeguards to support domestic production, infant industry and food security and the EU will not use subsidies on agriculture exports to West Africa,” he said.

Arrion

African artists hold premier photo festival in Nigeria Omobolaji Afolabi

African Artists Foundation has held the first and only international photography festival in Nigeria.

The Photo Festival event is a month long festival which kicks off with the opening ceremony include exhibitions, workshops, artist presentations, discussions and large scale outdoor prints displayed throughout the city with the aim of reclaiming public spaces and engaging the general public with multifaceted stories of Africa.

This year’s exhibition was

launched at the Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos witnessed the presence of many art lovers and influential artists in Africa. Also features the first Mobile Phone Photography Exhibition with the award-winning celebrity photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi showcasing his work done entirely with the Huawei P8 smartphone. Kelechi had earlier in the year demonstrated his unrivalled technical ability using the light painting feature exclusive to the Huawei P8.

Kelechi Amadi- Obi said he was inspired by the music of Nigeria’s afrobeat legend Fela Aniku-

lapo Kuti to produce his work. His photos were produced using light photography, which is a process of using Huawei P8 smartphone light painting feature. It’s astonishing how this smartphone can ignite ones creativity.

Kelechi said, “I’m using this work to demonstrate that creativity is about having fun when you think of stuff. Don’t think about the money just have fun and express yourself by enjoying what you.”

The P8 smartphone further proof to Huawei’s dedication to bringing the latest technology to consumers, offering a world of

opportunities, creating extraordinary experiences and realizing dreams for people everywhere.

This is achieved through the R&D centers established around the world in countries such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Russia, India, and China. Huawei has more than 7,000 R&D employees focused on consumer products and solutions, comprising more than 50% of Huawei Consumer BG’s total workforce.

The Huawei stand at the festival gave visitors the chance to have firsthand interaction with Huawei’s mobile technology, per-

fectly embodied by the current flagship phone, the Huawei P8.

Interestingly, Lagos Photo, the parent organization for the festival, has set one of its main objectives for this year’s event, as educating visitors about photography. The festival is therefore a natural habitat for the famed Huawei P8 smartphone, which was the star attraction at the event.

Also, the festival used photography for the exploration of historical and contemporary issues, the sharing of cultural practices, and the promotion of social programmes.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Union Bank unveils new brand identity

Emuwa

19 Brands and Marketing Stories by Godwin Anyebe Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, one of the leading financial service providers in Nigeria has unveiled a new brand identity. The refreshed brand is in line with the bank’s strategic ambition to become a highly respected institution for quality financial services in Nigeria.

At the event, the chief executive officer and managing director of the bank, Mr. Emeka Emuwa said: “We believe that critical milestones we have achieved in the past three years have laid a solid foundation for us as a bank.

The launch of this refreshed identity signals a new phase of Union Bank’s transformation as we set our sights on attracting a new base of customers while remaining focused on providing simple and smart banking solutions to all our customers.”

Union Bank has been a trusted name for Nigerians for nearly a century and we will continue to leverage our heritage as we embrace a rapidly changing world, he added.

On his part, the chairman of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. Senator Udo Udoma, said: “I am proud of the strides the bank has made during my time as chairman and I commend the board, management and staff on their hard work over the years and I am sure the bank will continue to succeed as it embarks on a new phase with a refreshed brand

identity.”

Speaking on the new brand identity, the head, corporate affairs and corporate communications, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem said; “Union Bank, is one of the longest standing financial solutions in Nigeria and our new identity pays homage to our past and carries with it our proposition for the future.”

Continuing, she posited that,” In developing the new identity, remaining true to our brand proposition of simplicity was foremost in our minds. Our iconic white stallion, which represents strength and passion, is now in motion, cantering forward with energy and dynamism. We have introduced a modern typeface and updated our colour to a fresher and more vibrant blue”.

“Since 2012, under the leadership of Emuwa, Union Bank began rebuilding its banking business by redefining its business model, rebuilding its technology and physical infrastructure and reengineering its works force.

During this time, the bank has rolled out a new banking platform, oracle flexcubeUBS 12.0, and launched Smarter Banking Centres targeted at the technology savvy customers who are looking for convenient banking service.” She noted.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a massive replica of Union Bank’s iconic white stallion in its new form and new Union bank’s logo.

CHI wins 2015 customer service excellence award CHI Limited, the makers of Chivita, Hollandia, Capri-Sonne and SuperBite range of products, has won the 2015 Nigeria Customer Service Excellence Award for being the best Customer Service Company in the Beverage sector.

The Nigeria Customer Service Awards (NCSA) is a prestigious annual award that celebrates service excellence in Nigeria, by recognizing companies that deliver effective and exceptional customer services.

Speaking at an impressive award ceremony recently in Lagos, Co-ordinator, Nigeria Customer Service Awards Limited, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, disclosed that the brand was adjudged as the winner of the award having fulfilled all the stipulated criteria and received vast majority of nominations from customers on the various voting platforms.

According to him, CHI Limited emerged as the best Customer Service Company in the FMCG/

Beverage sector through appreciable feedback from the following criteria: nominations from Nigerians; customer feedback, review of employee job satisfaction/performance standards; and mystery shopping services.

Acknowledging the award, The Managing Director, CHI Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, while thanking the organizers of the award said the company thrives on the support and patronage of its customers and would therefore stop

at nothing in ensuring that customers get excellent product and quality services.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and strategy employed by the company to satisfy the needs of our esteemed customers and fulfill their expectations. It is dedicated to our numerous customers who believe in our relationship with them and support us to actualize our vision of creating value that is timeless,” he stated.

Strongbow Apple Ciders enters Nigerian market

Strongbow Apple Ciders, arguably the world’s biggest and most popular cider brand is set to enter the Nigerian market this month courtesy one of Nigeria’s leading brewing company, Nigerian Breweries Plc. Commenting on the product launch, Senior Brand Manager, Strongbow, Ngozi Nkwoji said, “Strongbow is an alcoholic drink that is globally popular and that Nigerians will love, especially those who want to try something new. We believe Strongbow will be best enjoyed by young Nigeri-

ans as they wind down after work or on a night out with friends, we call this the Golden hour. The Golden Hour is that time of the day just before the sun goes down, it signifies a time to let loose with friends and to enjoy the refreshing taste of ice cold Strongbow.”

At the recent product launch to trade partners in Lagos and Abuja this month, the Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries, Hubert Eze said, “Strongbow premium apple ciders is made from real apples and is a natural and healthy alternative which is enjoyed by both

men and women. Strongbow apple ciders is the first ever locally produced cider in Nigeria and is very distinctive, stylish, with no sweeteners and has a very unique and premium package.”

The introduction of Strongbow apple ciders marks an important milestone, as it now becomes Nigeria’s first ever locally brewed cider. In addition, Nigerian consumers will get to experience the cider making process and sample of the world’s famous Strongbow in a purpose built exhibition in Lagos.

Naaman

Bournvita partners Indomie for Celebration Campaign Bournvita, a leading brand from the stable of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, has partnered Indomie, for the Bournvita Celebration Campaign. The partnership aligns with Bournvita’s commitment to providing consumers with more value and nutrition.

The Bournvita Celebration campaign is billed to last for 3 months -October till December.

The campaign will see the introduction of specially designed Bournvita – Indomie celebration packs into the market. The coming together of these two iconic brands for this innovation is a remarkable development in Nigeria’s food and beverage sector.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign at Cadbury’s office, Ikeja Lagos, managing director, Cadbury West Africa, Mr. Roy Naaman, stated that both Cadbury and Tolaram have the same vision of providing nutritional vitality to families through their brands.

He said, “We are joining the power of two iconic brands in the country. Bournvita and Indomie are leading brands who have decided to collaborate in order to provide more value to our consumers. We have two packs of 500 and 900 grams Bournvita which contain 3 and 5 packs of Indomie noodles respectively. The price for both 500 and 900 grams of Bournvita remain the same. The additional packs of Indomie noodles comes at no extra cost.”

Mr. Naaman added that in today’s difficult economic clime, both brands believe in reaching out to consumers responsibly by providing great value.

“With the Bournvita Celebration campaign, consumers will now enjoy a great snacking experience of Bournvita and Indomie under one umbrella at great value.”

Motoring 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

LG invests $250m in Chevrolet Bolt Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Chevrolet Bolt promises to deliver over 200 miles of range on a single charge, not an easy feat for an affordably priced all-electric car. To help achieve its goals, Chevrolet has enlisted LG to supply some of the Bolt’s key components, including the electric drive motor and battery pack.

LG will also supply the Bolt’s on-board charger, battery heater, battery cells, and power invertor module. The contribution isn’t

just limited to the EV bits, as LG is also supplying GM with components for the car’s instrument cluster and infotainment system.

LG Electronics has invested more than $250 million in an engineering and manufacturing facility in Korea to support the development of Bolt EV parts.

Commenting, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Mark Reuss said “Chevrolet needs to be disruptive in order to maintain our leadership position in electrification.

By taking the best of our in-house engineering prowess established with the Chevrolet Volt and

Spark EV, and combining the experience of the LG Group, we’re able to transform the concept of the industry’s first long-range, affordable EV into reality.”

This is far from GM’s first rodeo with the electronics company.

First, GM called on LG Electronics to supply the automaker with its OnStar telematics system.

Then, LG Chem became the sole supplier for battery cells for the first-generation Volt.

The Chevrolet Bolt heads to production in late 2016 at GM’s Orion assembly plant near Detroit. When it arrives, it is expected to start around $30,000 after a

Hyundai Motors, Diamond Bank inaugurate vehicle credit facility

Hyundai Motors Nigeria in partnership with Diamond Bank Plc have inaugurated yet another vehicle finance initiative tagged:

‘Hyundai-Diamond Dream Deal: It’s time to own a brand new Hyundai.’

The unique credit initiative is

aimed at helping desiring patrons and fleet managers to access low interest bank credit for the procurement of discounted Hyundai vehicles without necessarily paying commitment and management fees.

Both corporations brokered this agreement recently in Lagos at the launch of the scheme designed to ease challenges associated with accessing bank credit to procure choice cars.

Hyundai Motors head of sales and marketing, Jatin Nadkarni said “The credit scheme is in line with Hyundai strategy and direction of making vehicle acquisition a seamless experience.”

Mr. Nadkarni said: “Success-

ful customers would aside these seamless benefits enjoy series of other offers including free 6 months service including labour and consumables; interest rate as low as 14%; discounted prices; 5-year or 100, 000Km warranty and free Samsung Galaxy tab for every car purchased.

Also noting credit facility has become a common practice in advanced markets, Hyundai Motors Nigeria sales and marketing helmsman said: “Our goal is to encourage more prospective customers to buy new Hyundai vehicles particularly now that the federal government is committed to the National Automotive Industry Development Plan

(NAIDP).

Hyundai Motors Nigeria listed some of the models that can be procured during this campaign as Automatic Transmission (A/T) powered Accent 1.4/1.6litre; Grand Xcent i10 1.2litre; Elantra 1.6/1.8litre; Sonata 2.0/2.4litre and Azera 2.4litre cars. Others are premium Hyundai Genesis 3.8litre with 2.0litre powered iX35 and 2.4litre Santa Fe sport utility vehicles.

He dismissed any hidden agenda, remarking that Hyundai Motors - Diamond Bank Dream Deal was initiated to assist more customers including those without functional account with Diamond Bank to access the facility.

21 News

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, October 29, 2015

Okorocha calls for review of President, Govs salaries, allowances Ogunyemi Esther

ÏÏÏThe

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, on Wednesday urged the Chairman and members of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) to, as a matter of urgency, review downward the salaries and allowances of the President, Governors, National Assembly members, and all other political office holders both elected and appointed, at least by 50 per cent.

This, he said, would make

the offices less attractive and check the excesses that go with the fat payments for such offices.

Okorocha spoke when he hosted the chairman of RMFC Engr. Elias Mbam, and other members of the commission to a breakfast meeting at the Government House, Owerri, at the end of their annual retreat in the state.

He added that with the downward review of salaries and allowances of po-

MODUPE JEMILAT ADEYEMI

MRS JULIANA UCHECHI NWAKANMA

I formerly known and addressed

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliana Uchechi Agugo now wished to be known and addressed as Mrs Juliana Uchechi Nwakanma. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State University, UTURU and the general public should take note.

as Modupe Jemilat Durodola now wish to be known and addressed as Modupe Jemilat Adeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

MERCY EBI ADONIS DAVID I formerly known and addressed as Maria Ebi Ocheme now wish to be known and addressed as Mercy Ebi Adonis David . All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

litical office holders such positions or offices would become less attractive which would also reduce the tension caused by the contest or scramble for such offices.

Okorocha also explained that the drastic reduction of the take-home pay of political office holders would, to a large extent, reduce poverty among the populace and also reduce crimes that were mostly borne out of envy occasioned by bloated

salaries and allowances of political office holders.

According to Okorocha, by making the salaries and allowances of political office holders less attractive, only those keen in rendering genuine service to the people would go for such public offices and no more those who are coming for the privileges or benefits of the offices.

He continued: “If one knows that at the end of the month your total pay as gov-

ernor or National Assembly member would be less than N500,000, most people would stay away. And only those with ideas and genuine spirit of service would aspire for such offices.”

He suggested that “the huge amount spent on recurrent expenses should be directed to infrastructure, while the paraphernalia of offices should be drastically reduced. Genuine people who are ready to sacrifice for their people should be

encouraged for leadership positions, while those coming for the gains of the offices should be discouraged.”

Okorocha

AFRICAN YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

MRS EYINADE TAWAKALITU BUSOLA

ADE – DANIEL ABIOLA ELIZABETH

This is to inform the general public that Ifelodun Importers foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under “Part C” of the

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Hassan Tawakalitu Busola, Now wish to be Known and addressed as Mrs Eyinade Tawakalitu Busola. All Former documents remain valid. The general public take note

I formerly known and addressed as Adeyemi Nimota Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Ade – Daniel Abiola Elizabeth.

All former documents remain valid. Lagos State University and General public should please take note

Companies and Allied Matters Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Farounbi Oluwole Raphael – President 2. Alegbe Toba Anthony – Secretary 3. Esan Adebola Sarah –Member 4. Makanjuola Yemisi – Member 5. George Charles Seun – Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE Using the game of baseball and softball to develop youths in Africa

MRS. AGBAPUONWU OBIANUJU LORETTA

MRS OGUNBANJO EJIRO ADEFEMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Nweke Obianuju Loretta,

I formerly known and addressed

Now

Now wish to be Known and

wish

to

be

Known

and

Any objection to this registration shall be forwarded to the Registrar General,

addressed as Mrs. Agbapuonwu Obianuju Loretta. All Former

Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, FCT- Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

documents remain valid. general public take note.

SIGNED: Dada John Mayokun (Esq.)

The

as Miss. Enemigin Ejiro Adefemi, addressed as Mrs Ejiro

Adefemi,

Ogunbanjo All

Former

documents remain valid. General Public Take Note

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

German envoy calls for NDLEA partnership against criminals

Ogunyemi Esther

ÏÏÏThe

German Consul General, Mr. Ingo Herbert has called for strategic partnership among law enforcement agents against criminal syndicates. The Consul made the call during his first official visit to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Herbert, who was accompanied by a senior official of the consulate, Mr. Dominik Muller said that the visit was to strengthen ties with important partners.

According to the envoy, “strategic partnership is

needed to checkmate the activities of criminal groups who are also forming alliances across the globe. This visit is part of efforts to meet with important partners since my resumption a month ago in Nigeria. Drug trafficking undermines societal development. It is important for us to collaborate because even criminal groups also seek collaborators across the globe. The German Government and the Federal Criminal Office is pleased to partner with Nigeria in the fight against drug trafficking and money laundering”.

Enugu Justice panel makes case for forensic laboratory Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏThe

Enugu State Justice Reform team, made up of members from NBA, FIDA, TAMARSAC, J4A, Customary Court of Appeal, etc, has made case for the establishment of a forensic laboratory in Enugu state to aid quick dispensation of criminal cases.

Facilitator of the committee, Mrs Justina Offiah, one time Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, who led the team on a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi in his office, said criminal cases are often delayed because forensic lab is only lo-

cated in Lagos.

Offiah therefore posited that with the establishment of a forensic lab in Enugu, criminal cases that hitherto lingered in courts would be dispensed with easily, and in the process decongest police cells and prison custody.

She pointed out that because of the non-existence of a forensic lab in Enugu, judicial process is often delayed while waiting for results from the Lagos Forensic Lab. The former Attorney General said that part of the reasons why they embarked on the visit was to intimate the Speaker about a proposed bill on Justice Reform that might soon be presented to the House for consideration.

Technology, skill acquisition can fasttrack Nigeria's devt, say Dep. Speaker Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Deputy Speaker of

the House of representatives, Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun, has called for the enabling environment for professionals to practice what they learn, declaring that Nigeria can only develop through the promotion of technology and skill acquisition.

He said that an enabling environment should be created for professionals and engineers to practice in the country rather than allowing foreigners to suppress local engineers.

The Deputy Speaker made this remark when the man-

agement of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors visited him on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, "our society can be developed through the promotion of skill acquisition and if professionals are allowed to practice what they learnt in the higher institution.

"It is saddening that since independence, we still have foreigners dominating the sector that could develop the nation's technology", adding that "I feel pained that our professionals are not being utilised maximally; technology is about trial, practice, failure and correction before success could be achieved".

NSCDC vows to eradicate pipeline vandals, terrorists Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe Nigerian Security

and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has vowed to increase its intelligence and training to ensure eradication of pipeline vandals and terrorism in the country.

The Assistant Commandant-General of (NSCDC), Mr. Jacob Oladapo said the NSCDC is synergizing with the Nigeria Navy and other paramilitary agencies to make Nigeria a crime-free society for all citizens.

“Arepo is a vandal-prone area, but we are dealing with the situation. Our men are on ground 24 hours and

as I talk now the menace of vandalism had reduced.

Though, there were a lot of dynamism in the way the oil thieves operate, but we are dealing with the situation.

“But the oil thieves were desperate, they were operating from interland, where many of our officers cannot reach. But we have got their antics and we are marching them up because oil is the only resource we all rely on and nothing is too much for us to do to protect it”, he said .

Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday after interacting with men and officers of the State Command, Oladapo,

who is in Charge of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun States, said the NSCDC had issued a stop and search directive to his men to be able to apprehend terrorists.

Oladapo said his men had received international training in Russia, America and Ireland on how best to increase intelligence gathering and contribute effectively in counter-terrorism, to be able to deal with terrorists and vandals in Nigerian society.

“As I talk to you, our men under my jurisdiction have commenced stop and search on vehicles and human beings.

“If you wear unusual

cloth, unusual glasses, and shoes or move in an unusual or suspicious manner, we have our intelligence officers that would stop you and probably get you arrested” Oladapo added.

On the issue of incessant pipeline vandalism in Arepo and Ogere in Ogun State, the NSCDC boss revealed that efforts were being made by his men and officers to deal with the menace.

Oladapo added that his officers had successfully botched several attempts by vandals to cart away cables and other private and public utilities in the zone, leading to arrests and prosecution of several suspects.

L-R: Founder, Mercy of God to the Aged Foundation, Mrs. Lawal Ayodele; President, Inner Wheel Club of Okota, Loretta Aipoh; President, Nightingale Senior Citizen Care Ifako-Ijaiye, Pastor Modupe Oke; President, Family Ark Mission, Dr. Dare Mark Okusanya; Elder. Margaret Folasade Solarin; Founder, Community Child Education and Development, Mrs. Omolara Otujo and Deputy Director, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Rasheeed Ade Kolade, during the 2015 World Elders day held in Lagos… on Wednesday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

APC seeks arrest of Fayose's aides over murder of union leader Gbenga Sodeinde

Ado Ekiti ÏÏÏThe All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has asked the police to arrest the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Ajayi Owoseni and Governor Ayodele Fayose's media aide, Lere Olayinka, over their alleged roles in the manipulation of investigation into the murder of driver’s union leader in the state, Mr. Omolafe Aderiye.

The call came on the heels of confessional statement by the prosecution's star witness, Gbolahan Okeowo, who on Monday in court, recanted his earlier statement implicating APC members, including Adeniyi Adedipe (aka Apase), Sola Adenijo

(aka Solar), Rotimi Olanbiwonnu and Deji Adesokan (aka Jaru), who is still on the wanted list of the police as suspects in the murder.

Okeowo had during the last hearing of the case listed the men as Aderiye's murderers. But on Monday, he recanted his earlier statement, saying he was not at peace with his conscience in the implication of innocent men facing death for the crime they knew nothing about.

In an affidavit in support of his claim, Okeowo said Owoseni and Olayinka allegedly tore his original statement and both men took him to Owoseni's office where they wrote another statement with a list of those to be implicated. Also in the af-

fidavit, Okeowo said he was forced to implicate Adedeji as the one who pulled the trigger and later came back to the scene to confirm that Aderiye was stone dead before fleeing the scene.

But all that changed on Monday in court when the witness told Justice Lekan Ogunmoye that he could not stand the guilt of being the cause of the death of four men for the crime they did not commit Reacting in a statement

by APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the party said the latest revelation by the principal prosecution witness pointed to the culpability of the governor's aides in their attempt to obstruct the course of justice in the

Fayose

murder trial.

"We have always insisted that Governor Fayose was bent on crippling APC as he often boasted while campaigning and as demonstrated during the election by using federal might in the military to rig the election during which our leaders were herded into jail over trumped-up charges.

"The trend continued after the governorship election to have more APC supporters in jail and this time the targets were active young members of APC who could work for APC success in the parliamentary elections," Olatunbosun explained.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

PDP drags Niger govt to court over LG polls Pita Chikwem minna

ÏÏÏTHE

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken the Niger state government to court over the confusion that has continued to plague the conduct of the local government elections earlier scheduled for November 7.

The State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), on Tuesday, shifted the date for the polls to January 16, 2016 citing inability of the state government to release funds for the prosecution of the project and the use of card readers as exhibits at the various tribunals sitting in the state.

The PDP, however, wants the court to determine if by virtue of Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitu-

tion (as amended) local government areas in the state could be administered by any system of government other than democratically-elected local government councils.

The suit, filed in a Minna high court, on Tuesday, also wants the court to determine that provisions of Sections 90 and 92 of the Niger State Local Government Law 2001 (as amended) are not in conflict and inconsistent with the provisions of Sections 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Joined in the suit are the Attorney-General of Niger State, the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) and the Niger State House of Assembly.

The PDP is also seeking a determination by the court whether it is

not unconstitutional and unlawful for any other system of administration, other than a democratically-elected local government to perform the function of a local government council as enshrined in the fourth schedule to the constitution and Part V111 of the Local Laws 2001 of Niger State.

Also, the party wants a determination of the court that having regards to Sections 162 (3) (5) (7) and (8) of the 1999 Constitutions monies allocated /accruing to local government councils in Niger State from the Federation Account or any other source can be distributed, shared or in any manner appropriated to any body entity, individual, other than a democratically-elected local government council.

Expert worried over FCTA new road worthiness scheme Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

life span of the ultramodern computerised vehicle inspection of road worthiness, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, may go the usual way of other white elephant projects, if the words of the Managing Director, CEO of Temple Resources Mr. Segun Obayeno, is anything to go by.

He told Daily Times that business which is being operated under public private partnership, PPP has not been the best and a far cry from what is obtainable across the globe, since the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had refused to enforce the law that would enable motorists patronise his business.

According to him, the low pa-

Adamawa senators pledge support for youths Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏTwo

L-R: Governorship candidate of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 2015 general election in Ogun State, Otunba Rotimi Paseda; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Mrs. Aminat Olatunbosun during a courtesy visit to Gbadebo at his Ake palace, Abeokuta… on Wednesday. Photo: DAVID IDOWU

ASUU faults UNIJOS VC’s claim on strike Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe Academic Staff Union of

Universities (ASUU) at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), on Wednesday, faulted the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hayford Mafuyai, on his claims that the ongoing strike by the union was a surprise to him, because the management was not given a prior notice.

“We consider the VC’s claims that we did not give him and the management any prior notice as an insult. We are not a lawless union. We followed due procedure to the letter to embark on the strike,” an ASUU member, Dr. Christopher Piwune, told Daily Times in Jos. “We know the procedures and there is none that we have circumvented. We keep to the

labour laws of the country.”

Piwune gave instances of due process the union followed with written communications and one meeting where the ASUU national leadership was in attendance, to prove his case that the on-going strike is not illegal.

The VC had in his first ever reaction to the strike, since it was embarked upon, last Thursday, said he was taken by surprise.

“The strike took me by surprise because I was not given any notice, as required by the industrial law.

There was completely no fair hearing; the university management, students, parents and stakeholders are shocked and in the dark over the development,” Mafuyai had said.

But Piwune provided evidence of written communication and

warnings, showing that the union wrote to the VC on June 19, reminding him of several promises made by the management to pay the Earned Academic Allowance, and Post-graduate Supervision Allowance to members.

He insisted that there was a prior warning from ASUU if its demands were not met.

“The VC replied us through the Deputy Registrar, on June 23, promising that the balance of the Earned Academic Allowances would be paid in two weeks; and the Postgraduate Supervision Allowance, at the end of July,” he said, adding that on August 6, following the failure of the management to fulfil its promise, a meeting was held between the union and its zonal leadership and the management.

23 News

senators representing Adamawa Central Senatorial zone and Southern Senatorial zones have restated their commitment towards youths advancement in order to move the state forward.

Senator Muhammad Abubakar Malamyidi, who spoke on behalf of the other senators during a condolence visit to the state to commiserate with Jambutu last Friday Jumma’a prayer bomb blast that killed 30 people, with 92 injured.

tronage coming from two centres used as the first phase of the project in Kugbo and Kubwa, provided less than ten per cent of the capital investment, making business seemingly difficult to operate in the FCT, as all its financial institutons had turned down requests for an increased loan funding.

He said "the project needed to run in three phases of six computerised vehicle road worthiness centres. We had two at the pilot stage while two come between and another two come last. These six centres are to man all the major entrance into the Federal Capital Territory. But as it stands, our bank reasoned that it could be stupid to make more financial commitment on investment, since the first centres were not put to optimum utilisation and in revenue generation.”

The senator gave the assurance at the medical centre, in Yola in an interview with journalists. He said that poverty and lack of skills were the major factor that had contributed to the menace of Boko Haram insurgents. He advised the youths to remain resolute and to disagree with anybody that may want to induce them with little money that can course them to lose their lives.

Among the senators who paid the condolence visit were senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial zone, Alh. Abdulaziz Nyako, Senator Malamyidi representing Adamawa Southern Senatorial zone, Sarki Abba Personnel Assistance to President Muhammadu Buhari and Co-ordinator of Buhari's campaign in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Bapetel.

Oyetubo Olabimpe

ÏÏÏLagos State Attorney-General Lagos AG advocates and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, has pledged the continuous co-operation and support of the Executive for the Judiciary in a bid to promote efficient and speedy administration of justice and the rule of law.

Kazeem made the pledge when he led top management staff of his ministry on a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Funmilayo Atilade on Wednesday.

He said the meeting was aimed at setting the tone for a cordial relationship between the judiciary and the executive arms of government, adding that the judiciary was an important arm of government and essential for the operation of the principle of the separation of powers.

Recognising the vital role of the judiciary both as an arm of the government and in dispensation of justice, Kazeem said there was

prompt dispensation of justice a need to bridge the gap between both arms of government, just as he promised to address some of the challenges encountered by the judiciary in effective administration of justice and seek means of finding lasting solutions.

Responding, Atilade said the Judiciary was looking forward to a good working relationship with the state government.

Ambode

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Mohammed Abacha in court over N32m debt Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏThe eldest son of Nige-

ria's former military Head of State, late Sani Abacha, is facing prosecution before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, for an alleged debt of N32, 161, 000.

Alhaji Mohammed Abacha who is the 4th defendant in the suit, was charged to court by one Alam-Hyriel Ezeugo and Total Support Securities Limited over alleged failure to honour a security contractual agreement with the security company.

Other defendants in the suit are Sabaco Limited, Paramount Floor Mills Limited and Strategic Properties Limited as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants, respectively.

The matter which was fixed for hearing on Wednesday, before Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan could not hold as the court failed to sit.

The claimants hold that on April11, 2000, they went into an agreement with one Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, who was the Chief Security Officer of the 1st defendant and one Alhaji Haruna Abdullah who was the General Manager of the 1st defendant, to provide security services to defendants’ 20 duplexes located at Raji Rasaki Estate, Phase 2, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, at the salary rate of N5, 000 per duplex, per month, which was N100, 000 per month for the entire 20 duplexes.

They explained that the cost was later reviewed to

N20, 000 per month per duplex from February 2005, adding that the buildings were taken over by miscreants and hoodlums due to a near total abandonment of same by the owners whom investigations revealed to be the Abacha family, which at that time was in disarray following the demise of General Sani Abacha, and the prosecution of Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, the 4th defendant, who was in detention for the alleged murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.’

The claimants said that after taking over the security of the duplexes, ‘unpaid security salaries due to the claimants began to accumulate’ but was pacified by one Captain Sulaiman Sanusi,

“who advised me to exercise patience and that as soon as Alhaji Mohammed Abacha regained freedom from Federal Government investigations, due payment would be made.”

According to the claimants, all efforts to recover the money, including a letter dated May 25, 2010, allegedly written to Mohammed Abacha proved abortive.

It added that a letter dated November 1, 2004, was also forwarded to the President Olusegun Obasanjo intimating him of the situation, and a reply dated November 25, 2004, from the Presidency indicating that the matter had been referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.

L-R: Managing Director, Golden Chance Lotto, Mr. Charles Arthur; one of the winners, Mr. Phillip Attah and Manager, Golden Chance Lotto, Mr. Samson Adeyemi during the quarterly presentation of tricycle to principal agents held at Ikeja, Lagos… on Wednesday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

I won’t rest until Appeal Court sacks Jang from Senate – Gov. Lalong Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe Plateau State gov-

ernor, Hon. Simon Lalong, on Wednesday said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) would soon regain its mandate stolen in the March 28 Plateau North Senatorial elections.

It would be recalled that the immediate, past governor of the state, Jonah Jang, was declared winner of the elections.

Lalong stated this, on Wednesday, while addressing a crowd at Government House, Little Rayfield, following his victory at the tribunal.

The Governorship Elec-

tion Petition Tribunal, sitting in Jos, the state capital, on Monday, affirmed the April 11, 2015 election of Lalong.

The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Johnson Candide, dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate (PDP) candidate in the election, Gyang Pwajok, for what he called lack of credible evidence to prove his petition.

According to Lalong “the APC in Plateau would not sleep till the Court of Appeal also recover our senatorial mandate from Jang.

We are in court because we are confident that we won

the elections and we would ensure that our mandate is given to us.

Lalong also offered an olive branch to members of the opposition, stressing that his administration would carry along the 53 tribes along.

“I am not surprised at my victory at the tribunal, because we won the elections.

The APC administration in the state is on a rescue mission and we would proffer solutions to the myriad of problems in the state.

That is why we are calling on the opposition to come and work with me in the interest of the state. With this victory, I can now settle

Buhari congratulates Ouattara on re-election Egena Egena

Abuja ÏÏÏPresident Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire on his re-election for a second term in office.

Buhari also commended the people of Cote d’Ivoire for putting the unity, stability and progress of their country above all other interests.

In a statement on Wednesday by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari applauded the peaceful conduct of the election, which

ÏÏÏOyo

State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Wednesday, said that no amount of intrigues, blackmail and manipulations by the opposition Accord Party and its gubernatorial candidate in the last general elections, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, could unseat him as governor.

He stated this while addressing hundreds of artisans, traders, market men and women, as well as religious bodies, who massed at the Governor’s Office to congratulate him on his victory at the Election Petitions Tribunal on Tuesday.

The group comprised over 25 professional associations including the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Employees, National Council of Muslim

Police declare Enugu lawmaker wanted Moses Oyedira Lalong

down to work for the people of Plateau State, who gave me their trust and mandate to pilot the affairs of the state to a greater height.”

He also said his government was committed to ensure that lasting peace was restored to the state.

Also speaking on the occasion, the APC Chairman, Latep Dabang, thanked the people of the state for voting Lalong and for standing by him.

Enugu

ÏÏÏThe

police in Enugu State are on the trail of a councillor of Nsukka Legislative Council, who, on Tuesday, led some youths in Eha-Alumona Community of Nsukka LGA, to attack the Umabor police station.

Among the things destroyed includes police vehicles, windows and other valuable at the station.

A young man in the area, who pleaded anonymity told the Daily Times that the protest was as a result of indis-

Ouattara won with almost 84% of the votes.

“President Buhari believes that the relatively high turnout of voters, despite calls for a boycott, was a clear testimony of the commitment of the people of Cote d’Ivoire to peace, unity, stability and progress in their country.

“The President trusts that in his second term, President Ouattara will continue to do his best to foster national unity and faster socioeconomic development for the benefit of all Ivorians.

He looks forward to continuing to work with President Ouattara to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, and accelerate the pace of economic integration in the West African sub-region,” the statement added

You’ll fail again if you appeal, Ajimobi tells Ladoja Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Igede Development Association and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) among others.

In apparent reference to Ladoja’s decision to appeal against the tribunal’s judgment, Ajimobi said that his mandate was of God, which no amount of blackmail could change. criminate arrest of youths in the area led by the DPO Joseph Otuboh (DSP) at relaxation spots.

“For some time now the DPO has been going round the area with his boys arresting youths who go to relaxation spots to drink and watch football matches.

They take nothing less than N10, 000 from them before they are released. I think this was what angered them and made them to protest,” he said.

Daily Times gathered that the quick intervention of the chairman of the Nsukka council, Hon. Charles Ugwu, prevented the youth from burning down the station.

Ugwu who hails from the community added that he had to plead with his kinsmen.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

25

Features Æ s Aircraft in ground collision Increasing incidents involving aircraft clipping each others’ wings at airport aprons, taxi-ways and runways nationwide is attracting concerns among experts who warn that unless the ugly trend is addressed, the ground may be building for air disaster. CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO reports.

Experts in the aviation industry are worried over the recurrence of on-the-ground incidents involving aircrafts at major airport runways, taxiways and apron.

This frightening dimension has brought to the fore critical questions bordering on the implementation of safety management systems (SMS) by the affected airlines as well as the regulatory authority.

Some experts, including secretary of the industry’s thinktank group, Aviation Roundtable (ART), Group Captain John Ojikutu (Rtd) have attributed the rising incidence of ground collision of aircraft to the failure of the NCAA to implement safety recommendations issued by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

Ojikutu said unless urgent steps are taken, the rising incidents of ground collision by aircraft at the apron, taxi-way and runway may gradually be setting the stage for avoidable accidents.

“Though we know accidents must happen, the relevant authorities, including the airlines must take urgent steps to learn useful lessons to avoid any recurrence.

“But rather than taking urgent steps to address the safety challenge, airlines and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have been shifting blames; the recurring incidents should be re-examined with the regulatory authority held responsible. If the NCAA were doing its job well, we should not be witnessing such incidents.”

Ojikutu recalled what happened a few years ago when an Arik Air aircraft collided with a Nigerian Air Force aircraft collided in Jos Airport. The whole incident ended up in a blame game.

Incident Investigation Reports After the June, 3, 2012 DANA Air crash, the AIB recommended over 150 safety recommenda-

Of recurring aircraft ground collision and air safety tions, but the NCAA did not implement up to 30 per cent of the safety concern, investigations revealed.

Lending his voice to the vexed issue, the President of Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN), Kingsley Nwakoma said if the size of aprons at airports nationwide is not expanded, the industry risks more incidents at the airside.

He said the recurring incidents could be reduced if there is illumination at the airside at airports nationwide.

Aircrafts in ground collision

The facilities put in place many decades ago can no longer match the size of aircraft flown into the apron for either passenger or cargo operations. I think the authorities are not doing enough to expand apron facilities.

This explains the increase in aircraft ground collision. Until urgent steps are taken, the ugly trend may continue.— Nwakoma

Nwakoma accused the airport authority of not doing enough to expand airside infrastructure, which he said is long overdue.

“The facilities put in place many decades ago can no longer match the size of aircraft flown into the apron for either passenger or cargo operations. I think the authorities are not doing enough to expand apron facilities. This explains the increase in aircraft ground collision. Until urgent steps are taken, the ugly trend may continue.”

A few months ago, a Boeing 777-200LR belonging to Emirates Airline with a domestic airliner B737-400 owned by HAK Air were involved in ground collision at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Worried over the incident, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) deployed a team of investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident with a view to making possible safety recommendations.

The Emirates Airlines aircraft marked A6-EWD, according to the spokesman of the AIB, Tunji Oketumbi was taxiing for a take-off en-route Dubai when its wing tip cut into the B737400 HAK aircraft parked on the apron of the domestic wing of the airport.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Features 26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Authorities not doing enough to expand apron facilities - Airlines The regulatory authorities will also need to enhance oversight of the Marshallese and their authorisation to arrest the growing incidents of aircraft damage on ground in Nigeria which is embarrassing. Besides the huge losses that First Nation and other airlines suffer as a result of avoidable ground incidents — Ndubuoke

One of the deadliest collision on record

Synopses of aircrafts collision

Continued from page 25 While the Emirates aircraft had little damage on its wing tip, the HAK Air B737 sustained substantial damage.

The Emirates flight was aborted as a result of the accident A few weeks later, two aircrafts belonging to First Nation Airways also collided at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos State.

The incident occurred when one of the planes was reportedly taxiing from the runway to MMA2 to drop off passengers while the other aircraft was preparing to take off for PortHarcourt.

Confirming the mishap, the then General Manager, Public Affairs of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Fan Ndubuoke said there was no casualty and that the incident had been referred to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) for further investigation.

However, First Nation Airways has blamed officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the incident involving two of its aircraft. An official of the airline, Rasheed Yusuf in a statement said if FAAN officials were diligent in their duties the incident would have been avoided.

“We wish to clarify the ground incident that occurred on Friday, July 17, 2015. Our Aircraft Registered No. 5NFND wing tip touched the wing tip of another sister aircraft already parked at another gate.

“This incident would have been avoidable if the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria Marshallese had been diligent to avoid marshalling the aircraft wrongly,” the airline said in a statement.

“We urge the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to retrain the Marshallese as we understand that those at MMA2 are deployed by FAAN under an MoU with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the operator of MMA2, Ikeja. It is important to emphasize that at no time was the safety of passengers at risk.

“The regulatory authorities will also need to enhance oversight of the Marshallese and their authorisation to arrest the growing incidents of aircraft damage on ground in Nigeria which is embarrassing. Besides the huge losses that First Nation and other airlines suffer as a result of avoidable ground incidents. You will recall that a similar incident involving Emirate aircraft occurred only a couple of days

ago.”

The aircraft industry loses up to US$11 billion worldwide each year due to accidents and incidents on the ground. Commercial aviation is a multibillion dollar industry employing high level technologies to maintain exacting safety standards. The world’s fleet, which includes both passenger and freighter aircraft, will grow from 15,750 beginning of 2009 to nearly 32,000 by 2028.

The current high level of flight safety has been achieved by investment in overlapping

safety systems such as surface movement radar, altitude transponders, TCAS, EGPWS, etc. with the aim of preventing a single source error leading to a reduction in safety margins.

Such fail-safe principles use independent checks to prevent a single unmonitored error causing a reduction in safety margins.

However, the same systems cannot be utilized to protect the aircraft from collisions during ground operations. This remains the one area where single source human judgment

remains unchecked, namely clearance between the aircraft structure and obstacles during aircraft maneuvers on the airport ramp and taxiways. A single ground crew member usually makes decisions on safe clearance during “pushback” or a flight crew member during taxiing to and from the standard positions.

It is hoped that these recommendations would be taken into account by the airport regulatory body before it results in further embarrassing and life costing incidents.

JUST HUMAN

8.45 am. Little bride and groom, rehearsing for the future. Kingway Intl Ministries, Maryland, Lagos.

Photo Gods Covenant Snr/096.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

27

Crime Æ s COLLECTION OF MARKET TOLLS TURNS AWRY AS...

Day Iyaloja was bathed with hot pepper soup

The popular saying: ‘you will be in hot soup’ has come true in the life of an Iyaloja (head of market); only that this time around, the woman was bathed with hot pepper soup, the same local delicacy many relishes at different relaxation joints. BABAJIDE OKEOWO and MUTIAT ALLI report the attack which has left the woman bedridden with severe burns.

For Mrs. Oluwayemi Monsurat Owolabi, wife of Hon. Owolabi Alaoseniyan, a former member of Lagos State House of Representatives, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency, the sight of a steaming bowl of pepper soup, a local delicacy, will elicit fear in her for years to come.

It was with the hot substance that she was bathed in the evening of Monday, 12th of October, 2015 by social miscreants allegedly on the orders of a woman with whom she has been having a running battle.

Trailing the conflicts that led to the attack, Daily Times gathered that Monsurat has been having a long feud with the suspect since she first appeared on the scene some years ago, presenting herself as the one who would be collecting tariffs from traders at Yaba Market.

“Some years ago, this woman came and presented herself as the one who will be collecting revenues on behalf of the local government, I, as the Iyaloja, asked her to go and bring a letter of introduction from the local government to that effect.

This didn’t go down well with her and she threatened she would deal with me.

“But after that she started collecting revenues from the market and we were complying. Things however got awry when we were asked by the Lagos State Environmental Task Force to move into Tejuosho

Main Market as they wanted to demolish the market. I told the task force officials that Tejuosho Market is under Surulere Local Government jurisdiction while Yaba Market is under Yaba Local Development Council.

“The task force officials told me to inform the local council to come and defend our case; it however came as a surprise to me when I went to the Executive Secretary (ES) who is the caretaker chairman to the LCDA and I was told that they were not going to intervene as the market was not remitting any money into the coffers of the LCDA. “I disclosed to the ES that we were remitting our revenue as at when due to the woman; the ES asked us to go and fetch the woman and ask her to come with the receipt of money she remitted to the LCDA. This led to a further shocking discovery that the last time the woman remitted any money into the account of the LCDA was in 2012.”

In order to save the market from the demolition threat, the Iyaloja said she volunteered to collect some additional revenue from the market and pay it into the coffers of the LCDA, but, not after she had informed her cotraders not to pay any money to the woman until further notice.

This was said to have infuriated the woman who swore to deal with Monsurat for trying to usurp her authority.

“She told me that it will be over her dead body before I can

Monsurat after the peppersoup attack

As I made to bend down to remove some of the wares displayed on the cars of some of the traders, I felt a heavy drenching of hot liquid on my back and I saw my body emitting steam, it didn’t take long for me to realise that it was hot pepper soup that had just been prepared that was poured on me.— Monsurat

Owolabi before the attack

be able to collect any money from the market, she solicited the assistance of another person in the area and together they continued collecting the tolls from the market. A part of the market was paying to me while other parts of the market were paying to her. With the money I was able to raise, we were able to save the market from been demolished.”

If Monsurat thought that

peace would reign after that, she was mistaken as the woman made good her threat of dealing with her on the evening of Monday, October 12th, 2015.

According to the Iyaloja, “earlier that day, Lagos State task force officials came to Yaba market and chased those selling by the roadside; in the process, some wares belonging to some traders were seized. I was called as the Iyaloja and I promised to ensure the release of the wares.

As I was coming, I saw some people still displaying their wares on the road and I instructed them not to display their goods by the road as instructed by Lagos State Task Force.

“You know that refusal to adhere cause us to be penalised

and I would be blamed for non compliance.

“But as I made to bend down to remove some of the wares displayed on the cars of some of the traders, I felt a heavy drenching of hot liquid on my back and I saw my body emitting steam, it didn’t take long for me to realise that it was hot pepper soup that had just been prepared that was poured on me.

“I lost consciousness and was rushed to a private hospital but was rejected because of the degree of the burns I suffered.

From the private hospital I was rushed to another hospital before I was referred to Gbagada General Hospital where I am still receiving treatment,” she wept as she spoke.

Crime 28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

RRS nab five for selling adulterated water to banks

The gang of water adulterers

The road to illegal money making venture closed on a gang of adulterated water producers during the week as the long arm of the law caught up with them in Lagos. GOD’S COVENANT SNR reports.

Men of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad have on Thurs-

day October 22nd, 2015 arrested two suspects who specialise in the adulteration of dispensable jar water and sachet water.

Acting on a tip-off, the swift move by RRS operatives led to the arrest of the suspects, Chukwuma Uzor (48) and Ofonime Ikpe (44) as well as three other accomplices at 3, Adesola Street,

Ago-Palace Way, Okota in Lagos.

Narrating his ordeals to men of the RRS, producer of the water which the arrested suspects were adulterating, Mr. Sunday Nnaduaga, said one of the suspects, Uzor Chukwuma, had once worked for him as a marketer but absconded after sometime.

“I noticed that he just stopped coming to office and efforts to reach him via his mobile phones proved abortive as all his lines were switched off. Sometimes ago, a friend of mine hinted me that he saw him distributing dispensable water to our customers, mostly banks and other big companies in Lagos.

“Since that day I started to keep tab on him until I caught him red-handed selling produced water with several registered names in an unkempt environment. Afterwards, I hinted RRS team on patrol which led to the arrest of the two suspects,” he revealed.

Nnaduaga lamented that this criminal act has greatly affected his water business because customers have seized to come.

While confessing to the crime, one of the prime suspects, Chukwuma, who hailed from Mbaise Local Government in Imo State, said he decided to use the brand name because it has a ready-made market.

“We had many customers particularly new generation banks that patronise us.

Before now, I had worked as a marketer for him but he was paying me poorly despite all the huge sales I made for him. And, the only way to make my own sales was to use his brand name which is acceptable to many

people,” he stated.

His accomplice, Ofonime Ikpe, who also adulterated another brand of table water, said that he only accommodated him to produce the water in his factory.

“I made a big mistake for allowing him to be producing the water in my factory. I regret aiding and abetting him in committing this heinous crime. He paid me just token from profit he made from the sales,” Ofonime confessed.

The Commander of RRS, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olatunji Disu revealed that the suspects were not only adulterating popular brands, they were also pouring untreated water in jars and sachets in an unwholesome manner as well as selling them to various companies such as banks and unsuspecting members of the public.

The Commander advised members of the public to be wary of buying of unhygienic water, particularly as the festive period approaches.

Hundreds of assorted brands of empty dispensable jars were among the items recovered from them.

The two suspects and other co-workers have been transferred to the State Investigation and Intelligent Bureau in Ikeja.

MURDER IN ENUGU STATE

Liquor merchant shot dead before his nine-year-old daughter

Residents of Ukehe town in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu state are still in shock at the brutal murder of their illustrious son on Wednesday. MOSES OYEDIRAN reports from Enugu.

Policemen at Ogbede Police Division, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State have a nut to crack in the murder of a liquor merchant, Chief Fidelis Eze in the late hours of Wednesday October 21st.

Reports said the businessman was gunned down by unknown gunmen who robbed him of cash and valuables before disappearing into the night.

Widow of late Eze, Mrs. Mercy Eze amid tears and pains, narrated how two men came into their bar for a drink but later trailed her husband as he drove home and shot him.

“When my husband came back from making supplies to customers around 8.30 pm, he asked me to serve him his dinner immedi-

ately that he was tired and needed rest. He was about to lock up the shop so that we can all go home for the day when two men entered the shop and asked for drinks.

“Seeing they were strangers, my husband inquired to know who they were but they declined and said they just came around to buy drinks. I then asked one of my children to serve them drinks.

The two men took two bottles of hero beer each and later requested for more bottles.

“At this point my husband asked me to lock up the shop and he took two of our children, Ukamaka and Goodluck home.

“As I was locking the shop, I suddenly realised that the two young men had disappeared without paying for the drinks they bought, but as I made to go home, I heard the sound of a gunshot. Fearfully I asked my first child who was with me whether he heard that gunshot.

“As we made to run for our lives, the assailants accosted us with pointed touch lights on us

Late Eze

and ordered us to stop or they will shoot us.

“They collected everything we had, including my phone and bag and left immediately. It was at this point it dawn on me that the gunshot took place in our house.

“My child and I summoned courage to get home only to see my husband lying in the pool of his own blood, reeling in pains and asking me to call his broth-

ers.

“I rushed to a nearby bush calling neighbours to assist me save the life of my husband; when I came back, I lifted his shirt and saw he has been shot on the chest and the bullet has shattered his hands.”

The widow blamed managements of the two hospitals her husband was rushed to for demanding for both police report

and money before attending to her husband.

“At the first hospital, even in the face of emergency, the nurses on duty asked that I produce a police report before attending to my husband; all my pleas fell on deaf ears.

“Nurses at the second hospital told me that my husband will be taken to the theatre for operation but that I have to deposit N20, 000 before they can start. I pleaded that there was no cash with me; I even pleaded with them to attend to him that I will bring the money in the morning of the next day but they wouldn’t listen to me.

That was how my husband died.

The robbers shot my husband, but the doctors and nurses killed him,” and she wept.

Also narrating the ordeal of her father, Ukamaka (the nine year old daughter of the late Fidelis Eze) said she witnessed helplessly how the assassins shot her daddy while he shouted that I should not come down from the vehicle.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Health Æ s Gowon, Jega urge pharmacists to fight quackery, spread of fake drugs

Polio eradication: WHO calls for vigilance To achieve polio eradication in Nigeria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged that the country must be vigilant in ensuring that in the next two years no child is paralyzed due to polio.

The advice comes after the historic achievement of the country in interrupting the transmission of wild poliovirus for a period of 15 months, which exceeds WHO’s target for interruption.

Only 2 countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) remain polio-endemic, down from more than 125 in 1988.

To recognize this landmark achievement, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, attended an official ceremony at the State House to formally announce to the Government of Nigeria, through President Muhammadu Buhari,

29

Margaret Chan of WHO

WHO’s decision to remove Nigeria from the polio-endemic list.

“It is my pleasure to congratulate the people and the Government of Nigeria on the interruption of wild poliovirus transmission and to inform that Nigeria has been officially removed from the list of polio-endemic countries,” said Dr Moeti, CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon and the former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega charged the newly inducted fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy to fight against quackery and spread of fake and substandard drugs in the country.

They both gave the charge while speaking at the Annual General Meeting/Investiture in Lagos in Lagos.

Urging the new fellows of the academy, Gowon said, “One area we expect from you is to stem the adulteration of drugs. Although NAFDAC has done much over the years to curb it, unfortunately, a number of people are still in this business, importing substandard drugs just to make profit out of it. This menace has to be arrested, not only in Nigeria but worldwide.

“According to the World Health

Organisation (WHO), over 50 per cent of global population receives fake drugs and 70 per cent of people use it. Please join hands with the security agencies to fight this menace. You will need to help our government make our drugs safe.”

Also speaking Prof Jega, who was given NAPharm Lifetime Achievement Award at the event, also urged the academy to join hands together to fight quackery and the abuse of drugs in the country.

President of the Academy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said the idea of the academy was to bring together successful senior pharmacy professionals who have distinguished themselves in the corporate world, in academia and public service, adding that the product may not be perfect , but it is a qualitative beginning by any standard.

He said the academy will pro-

Gowon

vide expert opinion and thought leadership in the education and practice of pharmacy.

“Every effort has been made by the organisers to ensure that fellows of the Academy are drawn from the widest possible spread professionally, occupationally and geographically.

“The product may not be perfect, but it is a qualitative beginning by any standard. We must all know that the government cannot provide all the things Nigerians need; pharmacist must rally and support the government in nation building,” Adelusi-Adeluyi said.

We’re working to save lives on our roads— Adeyanju In this interview with ‘TOSIN AJUWON, the Commissioner for Health in Ondo State, Dayo Adeyanju spoke on how the state is gradually overcoming the rampant cases of accidents with its initiative of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the state. Excerpt: Tell us about the EMS initative?

It means the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). We have the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency (ODEMSA), it’s an agency established by the government, having been able to successfully save lives from pregnancy related deaths as well as save the children from dying before the age of 5. ODEMSA was established purposely to be able to respond to road crashes and accident on the highways with the intention to provide access to health-care that would stabilise and save the lives of the victims. We realised that road accident is the leading cause of death globally, and this is not different in Nigeria and Ondo state is not an exception. We looked at the accident-prone areas in

the state which are: Ondo-Ore, Ilesha-Akure, Akure-Owo, OwoAkoko, Ondo-Akure and the government ensured that a ‘base station’ was positioned in each of these highways. The base station has a building that can house the ambulances. It is well equipped with the assistance of paramedics (well trained nurses), throwing trucks (extricating vehicles); it also has the waiting area, the changing room, shower and a kitchen net.

How does this really work?

The EMS is designed in such a way that when an accident occurs, a call is made to the information centre and there are sixty calls well-trained dispatchers saddled with the duty of responding to the calls. They can take minimum of fifty calls per-minute. When a call comes in, they are routed to the nearest base station. Immediately this occurs, the ambulance in such base-station gets deployed, with the paramedics and the extractor. The extractor first goes in order to make sure the roads are clear and the people are condole off and the victims are evacuated followed by the ambulance. Definitely, in-

government. There are also General Hospital, Igbara-Oke and Comprehensive Health Centre in Ilara Mokin. When the patients are stabilised, those who would require complicated surgery would be the ones to be taken to the trauma centre where a stateof-the-art equipment has been installed in case the patient suffers a burn during the accident. When we started, the government gave us the mandate of twenty minutes in the first year but today, we use only twelve minutes as our response time. In the last one-year of operation, we have been able to successfully rescued more than three hundred and twelve accident crashes. We have observed that the crashes tend to be more in the Akoko areas because there are times we do more than five in 24hrs. The initiative is another life saving programme of this present administration and has helped to save hundreds of lives.

Adeyanju

terventions take place at the site from where the victims are evacuated and taken to the nearest hospital. Five hospitals have been designated and they are; State

Specialist Hospitals Ore, Ondo, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo. There is a purposely-built Trauma Centre at the FMC donated by the state

What are the efforts being made to key people into this initiative?

The initiative is complemented with the community component called FACT (Fist Aid Support CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Health 30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

WHO: Fighting Polio requires vigilance CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

who is representing the WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan.

“The remarkable achievement is a true testament of what political will, government leadership, community ownership, and the collective efforts of partners can achieve when united behind a global public health good. To achieve polio eradication, we must ensure that in the next two years no child is paralyzed due to polio. There is no time for complacency and we must remain vigilant,” added Dr Moeti.

The dramatic progress in the fight against polio in Nigeria has been greatly facilitated through the involvement of the states and local government areas (LGAs).

To sustain interruption, they will play an instrumental role in re-doubling efforts and ensuring consistent, routine immunization is made available to all children as well as strengthening surveillance to timely detect and respond to any polio case.

However, President Muham-

madu Buhari made an impassioned call to further create community demand and strengthen access to immunization, particularly in the most under-served, high-risk and insecure areas in the country.

“Health care workers, community mobilizers, religious and traditional leaders have been the real unsung heroes in helping to reach every last child with life-saving polio vaccine.

The combined, coordinated efforts of these front-line workers in Nigeria has brought us to where we are today, a step closer to global polio eradication.”

President Buhari also committed that the government will sustain the needed funding for operations and vaccine procurement for the programme.

Also, the Presidential Taskforce on Polio Eradication will be reconstituted under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health to provide political direction and oversight in order to avoid complacency and ensure certification by 2017.

‘ODEMSA was established to respond to road crashes’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Team). It is basically to know how our communities respond to crashes knowing that they don’t have to crowd around or leave the patient in his or her fate but call the EMS while all the necessary stakeholders, which include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), The Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria ( ACOMORAN), RETAN, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fire brigade and other security forces work together for the success of the initiative.

The FACT has a sensitisation component of the community, which has started already in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Areas of the state. We educate all those people around the highways and the opinion people in the community while the paramedics were trained by the educate-Uk while professionals from South Africa trained the extractors’ handlers and the call dispatchers.

What are the main challenges being face with this initiative?

What would excite us most is to have our three digits number and this has been one of the greatest challenges of this programme.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is yet to give

us the digits, which will make it very easy for people to memorize but we are still using our normal digits and it’s cumbersome for people to retain. However, we will definitely get there. Also, the call centre was built with a mast of its own and has some booster stations all across the base stations to help ensure network problem won’t portend a challenge. This is one of the major reasons we cannot predict the respond time because it depends on when the calls come in. Funding is also a great challenge. We are in collaboration with some partners like the NURTW mostly on having to get stickers on the vehicles so that they will know that the commuters inside such vehicles are entitled to Emergency Medical Services in case of mishap and when they have overwhelming situation, they call us; and when they are just one or two, they just refer straight to the referral hospitals.

What about its sustainability?

We are working on the bill that will be passed into law and gazette in such a way that nobody comes and just rubbishes it. We want to be able to work it out, stabilise it, so that we know all that we put into the sector at the final stage.

Holloway resignation: Groups call for probe

Oluwafemi

Lara Adejoro Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for playing a pivotal role in spurring controversial former Group Managing Director of the Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC) Shayo Holloway to resign his post.

The group urged the governor to go beyond merely accepting the resignation of Holloway by probing the management of the agency since 1999.

Holloway quit the LSWC on Friday 16 October 2015 following a strongly-worded query issued by the office of the Head of Service demanding he explain the parlous state of water infrastructure in all parts of Lagos even after receiving huge sums in the last 16 years.

Holloway became head of LSWC in 1999.

The agency, apart from budgetary allocations, has attracted loans from the World Bank and international donor agencies to fund water supply expansion schemes such as the Iju, Adiyan, and Ishasi Waterworks, as well as expansion of distribution networks. These loans, running into billions of naira have not

translated into improved water supply for residents. Over 18 million Lagos residents – about 90 percent – still lack daily access to clean and safe water, exposing citizens to water-borne diseases like cholera.

ERA/FoEN and partners – Corporate Accountability International, Public Services International (PSI), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and a coalition of civil society advocates including Dr. Joe Odumakin, Priscilla Achakpa, and Auwal Rafsanjani, had written to Ambode on 9 October 2015 demanding that he publicly reject the public-private partnershipmodel (PPP) water privatization scheme that Holloway was promoting, on the grounds of proven failures across the globe.

Former governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness Rilwanu Akiolu also received similar letters from the groups, asking that they side with the ordinary citizens of Lagos in rejecting the PPP. In a statement issued in Lagos, ERA/FoEN described Holloway’s ouster as “a welcome development” which should

send a clear message to the World Bank and promoters of PPP-model water privatization schemes that Lagos citizens will defend their rights to a free gift of nature which water represents.

ERA/FoEN Deputy Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi said: “We commend Governor Ambode for taking this first step to deliver universal access to water for Lagosians, and the obvious next step is to reject the PPP water privatization scheme Holloway has been promoting once and for all. Holloway’s resignation will only make sense to Lagos residents if he now explains what the funding from donor agencies in the last decade was used for.”

Oluwafemi noted that resignation does not answer for the poor performance of LSWC in delivering water to the people nor the grievances of staff of the corporation who have been sidelined in decision-making and initiatives that would have made the agency work better. He added that it was not only the responsibility of the Ambode administration to get to the root of the causes of the decay, but also a welcome opportunity to show pro-people leadership.

The ERA/FoEN boss also said, “We feel encouraged by the governor’s latest action, and want to re-echo our demands that Governor Ambode’s administration fully uphold the human right to water as an obligation of the government, representing the people and integrate broad public participation in developing plans to achieve universal access to clean water.”

“The governor should openly reject contracts that pursue corporate water management, especially those designed by or involving the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – the private arm of the World Bank which operates to maximize private profit – and disclose all IFC and World Bank activity and discussions with Lagos government officials regarding water, including formal and informal advisory roles.”

“With Holloway’s resignation, we look forward to working cooperatively with the next LSWC head and Governor Ambode to grow public investment in a democratically accountable public water system, rather than enable corporate profiteering,” Oluwafemi insisted.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

31 Opinion

Which Way Nigeria at 55 Years Old?

ÏÏÏHappy 55th Indepen-

dence Day Nigeria!!!

The geographical expression called Nigeria is 111 years old. I mean British/European/Berlin Conference ‘Nigeria’.

Erudite scholar, Bala Usman, had shown most brilliantly in a work that I will dwell on in great details in this column in future why the geo-social expression that Britain came to call Nigeria has probably existed for hundreds if not thousands of years. Bala Usman does not mean it was one country politically or diplomatically speaking. He meant it in terms of the various peoples naturally knitted by the Niger and the Benue Rivers closely relating with one another. Britain only came to exploit what our various peoples had clearly established aided by nature.

Independent Nigeria is 55 years old. Are we a wasted generation, a la Soyinka? Or are we a nation of promise as some others have equally opined? 55 years. It is a good time to take stock. A fool at 40 is a fool forever.

That is the old saying. We do not want to be a fool at 55, talk less of 111 years old. Hence the need for deep Nigerian elite in-

trospection now. Not for our children, but for ourselves. At this moment, we are excused if we do not fight for the future but for our own immediate survival, corporate and individual. Only our generation’s ability to survive can pave the way for a future for our children and subsequent generations.

We are, to put it mildly, in a big mess. What is the nature of this Nigerian national mess? Unemployment: our citizens are not working. There is no work for them to do. Many of them have turned to militancy, in the South; and insurgency, in the North, and several other abominations in-between. The two and the rest are not isolated but connected, by youth unemployment. Suffice to underscore for now that the immediate cause of mass unemployment is the truncation of the massive industrialisation that was hitherto the norm in Nigeria, that is, before the event, the legal theft, which I wish to highlight and explain today. Nigeria’s fast growth industry of roughly mid50s to mid-70s, that giant local industry, North, East, West and Midwest,

Okowa

was killed by legal theft.

What is the true and fundamental reflection and root cause of the globally notorious Nigerian crisis of underdevelopment and incessant violent conflicts both in the Niger Delta and several other regions of the country, notably ethnic and religious crisis in Northern Nigeria?

Shocking as it may sound our research reveals that Nigeria’s problem is not corruption. It was a finding that would be amazing to many students of the country. Our research shows that if we understand Nigeria’s

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Niger Delta region oilrelated conflict, in-depth, we would understand the core problem of Nigeria. We would also begin to see a way out for the country as a whole. This is simply because the background of the way forward is the realization that Nigeria is a country that had demonstrated great economic potentials between 1955 and 1975.

The genesis of socioeconomic and political decline of the Federation of Nigeria is that the country, especially through military usurpers of political power,

have made laws, notably section 1 of the Petroleum Decree of 1969, section 1 of the Land Use Decree of 1978, section 40(3) of the 1979 Constitution, and section 44(3) 1999 Constitution. These laws expropriate the wealth of mainly minority Niger Delta peoples.

The country appropriates this minority-generated wealth to itself. It then decides what to give to the minority region’s peoples for the fact that they produce this wealth of the nation. At a time it was nothing. Then it became 1.5%. Then it became 3%. It is now 13%.

All determined by federal military fiat. This clear theft, legal theft, from the perspective of common law, if not moral justice, this militaryled desecration of the fiscal federalism union constitutions of 1960 and 1963, this legal theft that majority Nigeria has imposed on its minorities in the Niger Delta in particular and the ordinary Nigerian peoples in general, arguably borders on international illegality because it violates the minorities’ economic rights, which are protected by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, a law to which the Federation of Nigeria is not only signatory but which the country has incorporated into its extant laws as a local legislation, making it binding both under domestic as well as international law. I am saying these retrogressive laws violate the spirit and the letter of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly Ar-

ticles 14, 21, 22 and 24 of the Charter, which guarantee peoples’ rights to freedom to dispose of their wealth and natural resources.

The continued appropriation of Niger Delta economic resources, notably oil and gas, to the Nigerian federation account, from the perspective of international law, human rights and justice, national security, economic and political integrity, is an unsafe albeit nationally selfimposed situation. It is unsafe, not only for the Niger Delta minorities but for the corporate existence of Nigeria as a whole.

The majority theft of Niger Delta oil resources has gone on for many years, beginning in 1969.

The length and depth of our collective illegality against the Niger Delta peoples has complicated the twin issues of peace and development. But complexity does not justify continuity. We, majority elites in Nigeria, are wrong. And it is in our long term interest that we stop this constitutional theft of Niger Delta oil and gas. We must give oil back to the Niger Delta Peoples to secure holistic peace and development, not only in the Niger Delta region but in the nation of Nigeria as a whole.

In this column next week, I will bring this special Nigerian 55th Independence Anniversary series to a close. I will show how we can grow up from being a crawling 55-year old to a sprinting giant, socially, economically and politically.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.219

– Siasia Claims

NFF FAILS TO PAY MY SALARIES FOR THREE MONTHS

IBRAHIMOVIC – X8 ‘BUYS HIMSELF A CHURCH’ IN STOCKHOLM

Price: N150

FIFA PRESIDENCY: I DID MY – X3 BEST FOR ODEGBAMI –PINNICK

Mike Otanwa

W

ith just a month to their participation at the 3rd CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia has accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of failing to pay his salaries for three months.

Speaking to Hot FM in Abuja on Wednesday, Siasia claims he is yet to be paid for three months and as a result, morale is low in their camp.

“I have tried to play along but for three months, I have not been paid, just promises and all that. Where am I going to have the energy to perform from?” Siasia said in the interview.

The 48-year old also claims his players have no training kits, and adds that as well as not having an official car, they are yet to

be paid a dime for their bronze medal finish at the last All Africa Games.

“We are yet to be paid for our participation at the All Africa Games but CHAN Eagles qualified and got their money.

“The way we travel is a mess. We have no training kits. It’s a shame a national team has no kits to train in with.

“I have kept quiet for almost a year now, but nothing is happening. I haven’t been paid in three months and I have no car,” Siasia claimed.

This is coming just a month before the start of the CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations, which serves as qualifiers for the Olympic Games.

It would be recalled that Nigeria U17 coach, Emmanuel Amuneke had three months ago, complained of not being paid by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Life&

TIMES Thursday, October 29, 2015

Kelly

Hansome On becoming relevant as an entertainer

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

I am not near where ‘How to fortify our entertainment industry’ He was one of the super stars under the Kennis Music Label releasing back to back music and remaining stable on his game with a landmark achievement with the release of Maga don Pay but suddenly he went underground doing other progressive moves. Born Orji Kelechi Obinna but popularly known as Kelly Hansome, the super talented act says he is back to his first love for music and this time for good. The Owerri, Imo State-born star and Computer Science graduate of Madonna University in this session with MUTIAT ALLI, speaks at length on his new music, records and plans for the industry as a comeback. Excerpts: What has Kelly Hansome being up to lately?

Well, I have been in the studio cooking as usual, went back to school basically.

Following the release of your new hit track “Akunatakasi,” how has the reception been?

The reception has been awesome, thanks to Now Muzik. We’re making remarkable progress.

What has been the biggest hit of your career so far?

Well, I can’t really pinpoint a particular track because most of my songs have not enjoyed the kind of exposure via airplay that some have.

Like they say, the beautiful ones are not yet born but for now I think ‘Maga Don Pay’ is

Life&

T E A M

still

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

– Kelly

the monster track.

Do you think you are where you should be in terms of success in the music industry?

Well, No and yes. Yes in the sense of maturity and wealth of experience. No in the sense of general career advancement and accomplishment and most importantly, I am not near where I want to be. I wouldn’t say where I should be because there’s a reason for everything. I have set goals, I want to be the best I can be, nothing more, nothing less.

Where do you see yourself in the next one year following your comeback?

Telling you where I see myself is no issue, the real issue is this; will you believe me? Nobody knows tomorrow but I really have a lot of big projects coming up. Let me not count my chicks before my eggs hatch.

Why did you join Now Muzik?

Because they are the best in what they do by all standards and I deal with nothing less.

They have exactly what I need to be where I need to be. Briefly, Now Muzik believes in collaboration and partnership in business and that’s one thing a lot of companies don’t.

They’re simply professionals with great wealth of experience and negotiation skills and off course credibility.

What’s the structure of Maga Music, do you have any artiste signed to the label yet?

We are still working on the structure. I am the only one signed under the imprint for now and it’s a lot of work too but the learning process is worth it because I’m surrounded by a bunch of intellectual juggernauts, so I’ll be good. I have a line-up of talented monsters underground and in due time, I will unleash them.

What’s the difference between Ugly Beatz and Maga Music?

Ugly Beatz is basically a production company. We produce, buy, sell, market and licence beat. It’s a coalition of producers basically. We accept upcoming producers and engineers then conduct an intensive hands-on training to sharpen their skills to be professionals, ensure profitability and maintain a peak-productivity-level. We are still building, it’s quite a huge task but someone has to get the job done while MAGA music is the label arm.

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

What’s the meaning of Akunatakasi?

First of all, ‘AKU’ is an Igbo word that means wealth or riches. ‘AKUNATAKASI’ means ‘Wealth bites’. Money is not wealth. Wealth = GOD and GOD = LOVE. So, even if you have billions and you have no love, show no love to your fellow humans, discriminate in terms of colour and status or treat the poor and/or mistreat your woman, then you ain’t wealthy.

Wealth comes from God and the only way to attract his covering is by showing love. Especially to the people who were there for you during the rainy days, in the case of my song, your woman, man, girlfriend, boyfriend or lover.

Loyalty is the key here, so you can be called an AKUNATAKASI if you have no love.

From being abroad, what do you see that they have in terms of producing music that we lack in Nigeria?

Nothing much. They’ve got talented people and we do; they’ve got media and we do but our media don’t stay in the middle, they take sides most of the time depending on who has more to offer them which is a professional taboo. They’ve got record labels and we do too.

They’ve got money and we got it too. There’s a publishing/licensing company in Nigeria now called 5IVE MUSIC and a lot of artistes probably don’t know about them, a few smart ones are already enjoying their services. COSON and PMAN are also there and many more. All we need is to educate these artistes on what and what they need to know. I have a book on that coming out soon, so watch out for it.

We need to be educated on how the industry works and that’s all. The talented mind has to marry the rules of how entertainment and business co-relate and work together. We have too many uneducated, inexperienced and uninformed record label executives who know nothing about the business and the problem is that they think they do. This has to change, we have to organise conferences to strengthen and fortify our entertainment industry. Only then will the international market embrace us fully.

Was Akunatakasi recorded in Nigeria or abroad?

AKUNATAKASI was recorded in the United States of America.

Do you work with producers outside Ugly Beatz or it’s always in house?

I am open to working with producers outside UGLYBEATZ off course depending on how good they are. Why not? Nobody knows it all.

Can you tell us the role you played in the upcoming movie Akunatakasi?

Yeah I did. I played a role in the movie and I was also the project manager for the project.

I would love to stay silent on the role descrip-

Graphics Onyemali Kingsley

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

I want to be…

Hansome

tion for now until the movie drops but hey, it was quite a lovely experience. Basically everybody goes through tough times to stand in life and there are always fewer people around when the going gets tough but those are the real people and they deserve a better place in our lives when we finally make it through and become successful people but, there’s always a high probability to lose focus when all starts going well. I want people to go back to loving themselves because that will actually help prevent wars and fight tribalism. The rate of divorce these days is alarming. Every day the media report these ugly situations and it’s gradually becoming a subconscious norm and that’s bad for the younger generation because they learn and pick up quickly. I just wanted to make a few songs that will diffuse that as much as it can so that people will come back to terms with the realities and essence of life and living instead of just following media trends.

Who is your favourite actor?

I love Mr Ibu. Did you take any acting lessons?

Yeah I did, in church basically.

Our church had a drama group and I was a part of it. I worked under someone called Bro Dan back then and I attended a couple of stage acting and production workshops.

What genre is the movie?

Well, I cannot say but I know it’s a Nollywood movie.

Are any star actors going to be in the movie?

Definitely, Charles Okocha, Chinwetalu Agu, Ngozi Ezeonu and lots more.

Will you welcome more movie roles if you are called to act?

Off course, I will. Mr. Ibu has been encouraging me to come on board and I’m really thinking like hey, it won’t be a bad idea. So I’m open to more scripts.

What are the challenges of being a father and entertainer?

Well you just have to provide for your child. I guess that’s what every father does. It’s not really more a challenge but a responsibility. I take it as it comes, one at a time.

Some people may disagree with you about grinding together and balling together. The argument is that if a guy can’t take care of a woman, he shouldn’t date her. What do you think?

I don’t expect everyone to agree with me but the truth is, life is what

you make it. It’s all you. If you want judge your specifications of a man by his financial status alone then that’s a wrong way to go because my people say and I will quote in Igbo, ‘owuhu onye oriila mma taa k’oga ariila mma echi” and that is to say in pigeon English, “no be who e better for today, e go better for tomorrow”. The broke struggling but focused man you know today might be the next big thing. You just never know, so it’s basically a gamble so play safe and stay realistic in your decision making. Don’t lie to yourself.

Will there be an album from Kelly Hansome any time soon?

Yes, pretty soon, watch out for it.

Which artistes in the industry right now do you wish to collaborate with?

Don Jazzy, Tubaba, 9ice, Flavour, MI, Asa and off course a whole lot of them. They are all unique in their own different ways.

In your press release for Akunatakasi, it was mentioned that you are schooling in the states currently; what are you studying?

I am on a couple of certifications - Logic, protools, JAVA (Software/mobile applications development), project management (PMP) and I am getting me another degree in entertainment business.

Do you get gigs to perform at when you are in the states?

Awesome, they love that original African flavour.

Which artistes influence you the most?

Internationally - Michael Jackson and Jay Z. Tuface, Morocco Maduka, Osadebe and Asa inspire me a lot but trust me, I love me some Adegun - 9ice. Anybody listen to O’gara and anytime by 9ice?

That’s some real timeless music right there.

How is your relationship now with individuals you’ve had issues with in the past?

We’re cordial now, I don’t even remember all that. It feels like naughty things you did when you were a growing kid.

In your song “Baba Olowo” you sang praises to Keke Ogunbe; what is the present state of your relationship with him?

He is still my Godfather regardless. I love and respect him so much.

What is your motto in life?

My motto is ‘Live how you wish

to be remembered’.

D o y o u h a v e any advice for upcoming artistes?

Education is important, get it.

As a graduate of Computer Science, do you plan on exploiting/ exploring that field someday?

Yes, I have a couple of other plans I will like to explore soon. Everything will happen at the right time.

L3 Interview

Movie Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Photo speaks:

AY drags Funke Akindele in ‘A Trip to Jamaica’ Few months after his movie 30 Days in Atlanta made cinematic history, Comic act, Ayo Makun, otherwise known as AY, has employed the services of Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe-Etim and few others who are currently filming yet another comic movie titled, ‘A Trip to Jamaica.’

Produced by Makun, ‘A Trip to Jamaica’ will chronicle the adventures of Akpors, a character created from the AY Show’s ‘Who Wants to Be a Billionaire’ hilarious skits.

‘A Trip to Jamaica’ will also star Eric Robert of Hollywood, Jamaican Movie icon Paul Campbell, and Rebecca Silvera to mention but few.

Annie Idibia goes bald

Desmond Elliot, Femi Adebayo for Islander international Mag award

Desmond Elliot

Top celebrities that includes actor turned politician, Desmond Elliot, Tayo Sobola, Dejumo Lewis, Mercy Ebosele are few of Nollywood practitioners who will be honoured at the 3rd edition of the Islander International Magazine awards billed to hold November 22, 2015 at the Bespoke event centre, Lekki.

According to the publisher of the fast selling soft sell magazine, Ola Muhammed, the award in its 3rd year will commend the contributions of certain set of societal personalities, entertainers who have in one way or the other made in-depth values to the society at large. ‘This year’s occasion is unique as it is supported by the Rhoda Michael School of Fashion where guests and celebrities present will go home with a made cloth by the fashion school at no cost’.

Expected to grace the event includes Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief Mrs Shade Okoya, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chief Abbah Folawiyo, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa(Lagos State Speaker), Hon. BalogunYakubu, Aare Bashir Fakorede, Alh Laide Olohunwa, Yemi Rhoda Agbeyo, Hon. Shola Giwa,Hon ,Saheed Osupa, Korede Bello, Shina Peller ,Igos of Wazobia,Seyi Shay, amongst others.

BON 2015: Ini Edo, Iyabo Ojo battles for Best actress spot

ini edo

…..As Stephaine’s Dry movie scoops 11 nomination Preparation is already in top gear for this year’s edition of the popular Best of Nollywood award. Having hosted the event in Asaba, Port Harcourt, and finally this year’s award will hold at the Dome centre, Akure, Ondo State on December 12, 2015.

With categories spanning up to 40, few of the best hands in the industry that have made the nomination list includes Iyabo Ojo, Ini Edo, Hilda Dokubo, Stephaine Okereke-Linus and Nse Ikpe-Etim who are expected to go head-to-head in the Best actress in Lead role (English).

It is important to note that new mother, Stephanie, who recently welcomed her first child, topped the nomination list as her latest movie ’Dry’ scooped eleven nomination.

Other lucky nominees in the various categories includes Muyiwa Ademola, Saadiq Daba, Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Ali Nuhu, Yvonne Jegede, Alex Ekubo, Lancelot Imaseun, Kunle Afolayan, Omowunmi Dada and a host of others.

Ahead of the breast cancer awareness campaign, wife of pop singer, Innocent Idibia (2face), Annie Idibia took a bold step as she recently released a campaign picture where she went bald.

The aim of the awareness drive called “FightTheOdds” is to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote self-examination.

35 Nigerians listed for Chris Ihidero’s ‘Story Story’ Masterclass

Chris Ihidero

The final list of selected participants for the inaugural edition of Chris Ihidero’s ‘Story Story’ has been made public, following a four week screening period that saw entries from hundreds of Nigerians from all over the country. The completely free three-day workshop, which kicked off on Tuesday October 27, 2015, is in partnership with The British Council, True Nollywood Stories and X3M Ideas.

In a statement, founder and lead facilitator, Chris Ihidero, said 35 candidates have been admitted to participate at the master class session at The British Council office in Ikoyi.

‘We always knew that there was a need for capacity building in storytelling but it was nonetheless intriguing to see that the workshop was three times oversubscribed. I think we are on to something here and it will be a real pleasure to engage these participants over the course of the next three days’.

‘Story Story’ has been described by pundits as another intervention project, capable of bridging the skills gap in an industry that could potentially be a driver for the Nigerian economy.

The selected participants are drawn from varied industries, including photography, filmmaking, public relations, media, writing, poetry, blogging, and marketing.

Chris Ihidero’s Story Story Masterclass will also feature a faculty of creative professionals who will be narrating realities in storytelling. Established and respected in the industry, these experts includes producer and director, Tope Oshin; publisher, journalist and PR Expert, Ayeni Adekunle Samuel. Others are award-winning writer, journalist and PR Consultant, Toni Kan; advertising guru, Steve Babaeko; culture journalist, Jahman Anikulapo; writer and TV producer, Nkiru Njoku and producer, Emmanuel Uduma.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

L5 Music Gists

Mutiat Alli

Guinness #Madeofblack party train moves to Port Harcourt and Benin

...creates unlimited excitement across cities.

Phyno and Olamide,

Olamide, Liz Ashdown and Phyno

Ajele, others for Texas’ AHBEA Awards

Recently, the Guinness Made of Black train berthed in Benin, Edo State capital, after delivering amazing experiences to consumers in Enugu, Lagos and PortHarcourt. In its continuous bid to discover and celebrate some of Nigeria’s unsung heroes, the Guinness team has travelled across different cities in Nigeria for an exceptional celebration of outstanding Made of Black Heroes.

The Port-Harcourt party which held at Cubana lounge hosted the heroes to a special evening which saw a large turnout of fans and Guinness lovers who trooped out en masse to celebrate their city winners following several weeks of nomination.

It was a unique style of celebration in Port-Harcourt

as the made of black Ambassadors; Olamide and Phyno took to the streets to pay surprise visits to the Made of Black Heroes in their neighbourhoods. After the visit, the heroes joined Olamide and Phyno in a live radio interview on popular Wazobia FM to share their inspiring stories.

Just when everybody thought the event was over, Olamide and Phyno turned up the tempo of the party with a heroic Made of Black performance and a superb delivery of their hit tracks which left the guests spellbound and asking for more as they sang along.

The Port-Harcourt heroes are Goodluck Uchendu, a philanthropist, who has given a lot to his society, Kenny Oziri aka Mr. Wet paint,

Imotar, ID Robert, Kingsley Nnah, Ufuoma Egbamuno, DJ Deeflex, Eng Billy Eugene, Adekunle Tijani and Stanley Sylvester. Their unique stories are a clear demonstration of the black attitude i.e. Ufuoma, stands out for his numerous contribution to sport journalism in Port Harcourt. Though physically challenged, he has defied all odds by doing his job excellently as an O.A.P, sports caster and news editor.

We believe he is truly made of black.

The Benin heroes who were nominated were Osagie Irhue, Rosemary Kahain, Phynix Lee Banks, Sandra Onwualu, Bonaventure Anyawu, Mrs. Tonia Babaobi, Steven Odih, Jedeye, Amakhian Best, Philtown, theirs were tales of remarkable contributions and whole hearted sacrifice from

selfless people who have contributed to improving and impacting the lives of other people in their communities, an attribute for only the people who are truly Made of Black.

Speaking at the spectacular events, Portfolio Marketing Manager, Guinness, Ms. Liz Ashdown, said the #madeofblack campaign celebrates individuals who are made of more, bold and determined in achieving whatever they set their minds to accomplish.

This year, Guinness is turning the camera around to focus on the real ‘Made of Black’ heroes from various strata of life across Nigeria.

This is our own way of taking the Made of Black experience to the streets and making Nigerians a part of it”, she said.

Myro drops Plantain Remix Riding on the success of his hit track like Plantain, Ocha and Ngala, and widely known as Myro, his real names are Oghenemairo Daniel Ozah, a multi-talented singer, rapper and songwriter born in the suburb part of Lagos in Ajegunle.

Myro is an artiste currently signed unto masterpiece Entertainment, where he dropped singles like Plantain, Ocha and Ngala.

By popular demand from teeming fans, he teamed up with musical Taliban Oritse Femi to record the remix of his street anthem ‘Plantain’ produced by Puffy T, which is currently gathering momentum and gaining massive air play on radio throughout the country.

Ajele Afro Heritage Broadcast and Entertainment Awards is set for Saturday, October 13, 2015 in Texas, USA. Fastest growing comedian, MC Ajele alongside broadcast and entertainment big wigs will all converge at the prestigious Phoenix Hall, 15156 Bellaire Boulevard Houston Texas for an entertaining evening of celebration. Ajele, who will be anchoring the award night, was contracted to thrill his anxious fans who have been clamouring for MC Ajele in America.

The graduate of Architecture from Caleb University, is the brain behind Phyno’s Alobam graphics concept. Myro has performed in many shows in and outside the country. He got a major breakthrough when the visuals of his song ‘Ocha’ which was shot in South Africa by Godfather productions got massive rotation on TV.

New Act Alert:

Didi

drops Alafia

A statement from AHBEA Awards’ Chairman, Sola Olaniyan, described Ajele as ‘a pillar of strength and tower of motivation. Notable among media and showbiz gurus expected at the award includes ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, Fuji Musician, Sule Alao Malaika, star actress, Liz Anjorin and renowned juju singer, Queen Ayo Balogun. Ajele will be leaving the country today.

Ajele on the other hand is expected to return to Nigeria November 6, 2015 for a memorial Golf tournament/concert in honour of Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Wuraola Adeojo; the late wife of Toyota Nigeria Limited’s Chairman, Chief Adeojo.

Myro

Didi

In a bid to become a household name in the music industry despite the massive influx of up and coming artistes, Dada Dolapo, well known by his stage name DIDI, is not relenting on his way to the top by giving a follow-up to his subsequent song titled “Emi”. Didi is out with another single titled Alafia which he infused his creativity laced with Yoruba and Pidgin English.

The act is set to take over the airwaves as his new record label imprint, Sweet Muzik, is set to deliver his project to the general public.

Music & Movie Gists L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Davido’s Dodo

Olajide Dolapo

Sisters at war:

Expensive costume!!! No story line

Indeed a pretty lady Davido has really surprised us this time around with his music titled dodo. Dodo was produced by Kiddominant and was released on the 22nd of September, 2015.

The music is a unique one, a very nice track. The dress code is kind of old fashioned, and it reminds me of ancient times. Davido has really done it this time, the beat of the song is moderate and fascinating.

The music tries to portray that fat ladies are sometimes not the best for guys to date, that some guys prefer slender ladies, but I totally disagree to that. People are different and so are their opinions. The lady in the video should not have used love portion in to get his attention. He (Davido) should have fallen in love with her naturally why the love portion?

The video degrades fat women, and he views the fat lady as a slender one in order to like her.

The music is good, the number of dancers are not too much, not too less it’s just that their faces are not too visible. The music is a cool one, a very nice one, I say kudos to you Davido. I rate it 7/10.

Afolabi Omobolaji The cast Michelle (Jackie Appiah) and Ayah (Okwah Shaznay) lose their father unexpectedly to a heart attack during a party and are now desperately wishing for his wealth.

Frank Rajah Arase’s Sisters at War is a story that has not only been told on serval occasion, but one that is blandly enacted. If you saw Last Weekend Who killed Pa Reuben? a Reginald Ebere film, staring top actress and actor like Genevieve Nnaji, Nkiru Sylvanus, Ramsey Noah, etc. when seeing this movie it would surely become boring an uninteresting because it is like watching a similar film over again the movie turn out to be just simple and not catchy but sisters at air is a movie you won’t stop watching in years to come because the effect was mouth blowing in Sisters at War unlike in Last Weekend where you are anxiously waiting for a sudden and catching event, to unfold in Pa Reuben’s polygamous home.

It is superfluous to spend money on expensive costumes and props if there is no story to tell or if the story is too weak to hold anyone’s attention like that of Sisters at War. The end product is a film, in which the cast put in too much effort to make up for the lack of an interesting story. The supposed twist and turns only serve to make the tale more ridiculous.

Similar movies which tell almost the same tales as Sisters at War rely on entertaining storylines rather than tell the story in a new fresh angle to draw the audience attention which has been dramatized too many times. Sister at War fails to match such older films as Gold Diggers, Blood Brothers, Not Your Wealth, In the Cupboard and The Widow.

African Film-makers in these parts of the world should know that it is only when there is a marked improvement in the quality of our films that we can receive more patronage from our local audience and grab the desired international attention as well. Films like Sisters at War raise the creditability question on what we can do.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

L7

Mutiat Alli

Oritsefemi

hosts loyal fans

In a bid to give back to the society, musical Taliban Oritsefemi played host to few fans recently at Club Eclipse with an autograph session where fans had the opportunity to dine, wine and party with the Igbeyawo crooner.

The musical Taliban took time to feed audience with sizzling performances of songs that include Sukus, Redi Dance, Double Wahala, and Mercies of the Lord amongst others According to a close ally of the musician, the occasion was not just for the fans alone but for clubs that have the supported the Oritsefemi brand.

Meanwhile, a couple of days ago, Oritsefemi shot a new video titled Sukus where he teamed up with 5 Star music group act, Harrysong.

Speaking on why he featured Harrysong on his work, Oritsefemi noted that Harrysong is a prolific entertainer and worthy to be on the work.

Asa, Tiwa Savage, others make COSON award list The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) is set to hold their awards and a number of songs are up for the awards billed to hold Friday, November 6, at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.

Top entertainers that includes Tiwa Savage, Lil Kesh, Davido, Asa, Frank Edwards and a number of acts are all set for the awards in various categories.

However, rave of the moment, Kiss Daniel’s Woju is expected to slug it out alongside P-Square’s Taste the money, Davido’s Aye, Orezi’s Garrit and Omawunmi’s Magbele in the best song in melody category.

Falz to release album next month Son of popular lawyer, Femi Falana, Falz is set to release his sophomore album in November having made a remarkable year with his comedic alter character as all is now set for the release of his official album.

Although details of the album is still sketchy but an insider hinted that already album is on its last stage. “The album will be released in November, and when it is time we will go public with all the details. For now we are putting our end together”.

However, the album is expected to contain singles that include Celebrity Girlfriend, Karishika, Marry me amongst others.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 29, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

163 MZANSI WETHU Channel

161 Magic World

22:00

22:10

Thu, 28 Oct | 13V

Thu, 28 Oct | 16VNL

A girl wants out of an abusive relationship. She finds the chance when she meets a seemingly righteous man, but great consequences follow her decision. Nolwazi Mfaniswa, Mzamo Zungu. (2013) Mzamo Zungu

101 M-Net

00:00 Hello Ladies: The Movie 01:30 Entertainment Now! 02:00 Crush 04:00 The Voice 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Middle 06:30 NCIS: New Orleans 07:30 Chicago PD 08:30 Hercules 10:30 The Goldbergs 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Carte Blanche 14:00 The Good Wife 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 Mike & Molly 17:30 The Voice 18:30 My Story 19:30 Hawaii Five-0 20:30 NCIS: New Orleans 21:30 Secrets & Lies 22:30 Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

118 Telemundo

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

L8 Television

A witty crime comedy from the writer of Lethal Weapon. Robert Downey Jr and Val Kilmer are the stylish, but mismatched partners in a bizarre murder investigation. Val Kilmer, Robert Downey Jr., Corbin Bernsen. (2005) Shane Black

120 BBC Entertainment

00:15 Miranda

11:00 My Family

00:45 The Weakest Link

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:30 Scott And Bailey

12:20 Top Gear

02:20 Come Dine With Me

13:15 Come Dine With Me

03:05 EastEnders

14:10 Dragons’ Den

03:35 QI

15:10 The Weakest Link

04:05 Top Gear

16:00 EastEnders

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

05:25 QI

17:15 QI

05:55 Miranda

17:50 Would I Lie To You?

06:30 EastEnders

18:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

19:15 Open All Hours

07:55 The Weakest Link

19:50 Call The Midwife

08:45 The Cube

20:55 Mrs Brown’s Boys

09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

21:30 Miranda

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

22:05 Live At The Apollo

155 AfricaMagic World

00:30 Star Gist 01:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 02:02 Music Block 03:02 Good Morning Africa 04:01 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Life Begins 08:30 Tenant 09:20 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block

00:20 Most Shocking 01:20 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 01:45 Rude Tube 02:15 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 02:45 Jerks With Cameras 03:15 Impractical Jokers 03:45 Most Shocking 04:35 South Beach Tow 05:00 I Bet You Will 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 What Went Down 07:35 Caught On Camera 08:35 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers

154 AfricaMagic Family 00:00 Tinsel

128 SONY MAX

12:35 What Went Down 13:05 Caught On Camera

13:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas

14:05 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago

14:00 53 Extra

14:35 South Beach Tow

14:30 Comfort Zone

00:00 Music Block

14:00 Star Gist

15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh

01:00 Good Morning Africa

14:30 Star Gist

02:05 Deal Or No Deal SA

15:00 Star Gist

16:00 Prem

03:00 Music Block

15:30 Lies That Bind

16:30 Tenant

04:10 The Dzigbordi Show

16:00 The Dzigbordi Show

17:30 Mashariki Mix

05:00 Good Morning Africa

17:00 So Wrong So Wright

18:00 Jane And Abel

06:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd

17:30 So Wrong So Wright

18:30 Jane And Abel

07:50 Star Gist

18:00 The Dzigbordi Show

19:00 Tinsel

08:25 Star Gist

19:30 Star Gist

09:00 Good Morning Africa

19:00 Through The Eyes Of An African

20:00 Star Football Superfans

10:00 The Dzigbordi Show

20:30 The Peace Mission

19:30 Through The Eyes Of An African

11:00 Deal Or No Deal

20:00 Revelation

21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

21:40 Family Ties

12:00 Deal Or No Deal

21:00 Bad Omen

22:00 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

22:10 Living With Trisha

13:00 Music Block

22:00 Music Block

22:30 Most Shocking

15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 Caught On Camera 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 South Beach Tow 19:30 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 20:00 The Boondocks 20:30 Rude Tube 21:00 Rude Tube

g X3 CÔTE D’IVOIRE EYE GHANA COMEBACK

UCHE

Fires Fourth Goal In India g X2

Poster!

g X7

AZUMAH NELSON

D I S E R FIFA P

N E V SE S E T A D I D N A C D E M R I F CON

g X2

NELSON

Despite all his early achievements and being undefeated in 13 fights, Nelson was virtually unknown outside Ghana. Because of this, he was a decisive underdog when he challenged WBC featherweight champion Salvador Sánchez on July 21, 1982 at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

Despite losing that fight by a knockout in round 15, Nelson’s stock as a boxer rose after that fight, and he established himself as a deserving leading contender in the eyes of many fans. Further, Nelson was put at a significant disadvantage when his custom mouthpiece was stolen and he had to make do with a makeshift one purchased from a store and cut to his mouth with a knife, leaving him in pain for the whole fight.

The Sánchez-Nelson fight would be Salvador Sánchez’s last fight, as he died almost two months later after suffering a car accident in Mexico City.

In 1981, Nelson beat Bozzou Aziza in Togo; it was Nelson’s first fight abroad. He then beat Miguel Ruiz in his first United States fight, held in California. He added the Commonwealth of Nations’ Featherweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Brian Roberts.

Nelson had a stellar amateur career, competing at the 1978 Commonwealth Games where he won a gold medal in the Featherweight class, and compiling an Amateur Record of 50-2.

Professional Career Nelson’s professional boxing debut, in 1979, did not generate much attention, except in Ghana, where he was known because of his family ties.

Internationally, Nelson lacked the recognition for such an event to be given its due importance.

With the years, however, all of that changed because he garnered worldwide fame as a boxer.

He beat Billy Kwame in Accra by a decision in eight to mark his professional debut. In his third fight, he fought on March 3, 1980, he knocked out Henry Sadler in the ninth round to win Ghana’s regional 126-pound title. On December 13 of that year, he knocked out Joe Skipper in round 10 to add the African continent’s belt to his Ghanaian regional championship.

Azumah Nelson is a Ghanaian former professional boxer. Widely considered the greatest African boxer of all time, he held the WBC featherweight title once and the WBC super featherweight title twice.

Amateur Career

About

Longtime Trainer Buffalo Martin Dies Nelson’s longtime boxing trainer, Joe ‘Buffalo’ Martin, was killed in a car crash in January 1998.

He then trained with Joe Goossen. However, despite several comeback attempts in the next 10 years, Nelson never won a bout again without Buffalo in his corner.

Legacy The Azumah Nelson Sports Complex at Kaneshie in Accra was named after him.

Nelson

Azumah

g X4,5

Azumah Nelson Name: The Professor Nickname(s): Zoom Zoom The Terrible Warrior Featherweight Rated at: Super featherweight Lightweight 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) Height: 173 cm (68 in) Reach: Ghanaian Nationality: July 19, 1958 Born: Accra, Ghana Orthodox Stance: Boxing Record 47 Total fights: 39 Wins: 28 Wins by KO: 6 Losses: 2 Draws: Medal Record Men’s boxing Competitor for Ghana Commonwealth Games Gold medal – first place 1978 Edmonton Featherweight

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4 Thursday, October 29, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

Thursday, October 29, 2015

WHY MOURINHO IS FACING g X3 PERFECT STORM

WADE

READY FOR ANOTHER TEST CHANCE

: E C A R ENTIAL

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Thursday, October 29 , 2015

X2

Thursday, October 29, 2015

EXTRATIME

UK INVESTIGATES WORLD CUP MONEY LAUNDERING

B

ritain’s serious fraud office (SFO) said Tuesday that it was looking into potential moneylaundering offences relating to the award of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

“We are still examining issues around possible money-laundering,” SFO director David Green, was quoted by the Guardian as telling a parliamentary select committee. “There are several aspects to it and some new information has come to us quite recently.”

The awards to Russia (2018 World Cup) and Qatar (2022) were made in 2010.

Green said the United Kingdom bribery act could not be used in relation to the bidding process.

UCHE

Money-laundering could be an offence though if cash has passed through the UK. Green said one payment being investigated was $333,000 payment made by the Australian 2022 bid committee to then now banned former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.

Uche

Fires Fourth Goal In India

N

igeria’s Kalu Uche netted his fourth goal in as many matches when he scored twice on Tuesday to help Pune City beat Kerala Blasters 3-2 in an India Soccer League game.

Pune City top the league table with 12 points from six games.

The former Espanyol forward scored in the 16th minute to level score at 1-1 and cancel Mohammed Rafi’s first minute goal.

Uche gave Pune City the lead for the first time in the game at 2-1 in the 23rd minute.

The 32-year-old striker has played for Espanyol, Neuchatel Xamax, Wisla Kraków, Al Jaish, Al Rayyan, Bordeaux and Kasimpasa.

Platini

FIFA PRESIDENTIAL RACE:

SEVEN CANDIDATES CONFIRMED

F

IFA has announced the names of the seven candidates to replace Sepp Blatter as its president with that of David Nakhid not amongst them.

Nakhid, a former Trinidad and Tobago international, had stated his intention to stand but was absent from the list released by the governing body yesterday morning.

That suggests Nakhid may not have received the five nominations required to stand and his absence means the list now contains just one former player in Michel Platini, who is currently banned from

football.

The seven men who will now go forward to the February 26 election are Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, Liberian FA president Musa Bility, Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman, former diplomat Jerome Champagne, South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale and UEFA president Platini.

The latter’s participation in the election depends on the status of the ban he is serving. Platini - the one-time favourite for the job - was suspended from football

for 90 days pending a disciplinary hearing into a £1.3million payment signed off by outgoing president Blatter in 2011.

If his ban is lifted, FIFA said in a statement that Platini’s candidacy would be put in the hands of its Ad-hoc Electoral Committee which would “decide, depending on the respective exact point in time, on how to proceed with the candidature concerned.”

The candidates Michel Platini The UEFA president had been the runaway favourite until his campaign was stopped in its tracks by a provisional 90-day ban from FIFA’s ethics committee pending a disciplinary hearing into a £1.3million payment authorised by outgoing president Sepp Blatter. Many outside football believe the Frenchman is terminally tarnished whatever the outcome of the hearing.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

EXTRATIME

Why MOURINHO is facing perfect storm

FIFA PRESIDENCY: I DID MY BEST FOR ODEGBAMI –PINNICK Stories by Mike Otanwa

N

FF president, Amaju Pinnick, has said he did everything for Nigeria’s Segun Odegbami to get the five FA nominations for him to beat the deadline for the FIFA presidential race.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday after returning from the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Pinnick said he did his best to get Odegbami cleared, but claims the former Green Eagles captain didn’t get the required nominations from five other football federations. “On the part of the

Mourinho

J

ose Mourinho’s parting comment at the Britannia Stadium was that of a man who feels he has been treated differently from, and worse than, everyone else. “It is a bit strange because when a few months ago I won so many matches and was champion of England, people were saying there were some things more important than the result,” he complained. “Now results are everything.”

But then results have always been everything to Mourinho. He has defined himself by them, partly because they have been better than everyone else’s.

Now they are extraordinarily poor.

Chelsea have become also-rans, out of the title race and the Capital One Cup before November arrives.

It has prompted a search for a scapegoat which, as Mourinho is under particular pressure, is pointing to the manager’s door. And, indeed, as he endures the worst season of his career, he has mishandled and misjudged much. Yet blaming Mourinho alone is to deflect from a wider problem. This is a catastrophe caused by the failings of

the many, not the few.

Mourinho ranks prime among them.

His tried-and-trusted tactics have failed, on and off the field. His teams have lined up in their favoured 4-2-3-1 formation as ever. But they have been caught on the counter-attack more than usual, conceded from set-pieces in uncharacteristic fashion and been overpowered in midfield in ways they were not in the past.

The Portuguese has adopted his favoured approach of trying to instill a siege mentality. The world, he has suggested, is conspiring against Chelsea. Yet if they have been luckless at times, the conspiracy theories have backfired. The squad’s indiscipline, and their manager’s, means their name has been dragged through the mud. That matters at an image-conscious club.

Many of the refereeing decisions that have gone against them have been perfectly reasonable. Mourinho’s mood has infected his players and at times they have seemed more intent on waging war with officials than defeating opponents.

NFF, we were just meant to nominate,” said Pinnick, “Then we thought he had gotten the nominations he needed, ours was just supposed to be the icing on the cake.

“We didn’t know he had not gotten those nominations and before we knew, it was too late. We did our best even within the short period we had, but most federations were already committed to so many other people.”

On the allegations of him being arm-twisted to sabotage Odegbami’s bid, Pinnick said he isn’t aware of any sabotage, adding that he couldn’t have

C

been arm-twisted.

“You don’t bring me in the middle of this because I did my best as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation. And before God and man, I did my extreme best and I was in touch with him every one hour from Cairo to update him.

“I don’t think Segun Odegbami can say I was arm-twisted and I don’t think anybody can arm-twist me. Whatever happened, happened,” Pinnick said.

The failure of Odegbami to get the required nominations means he isn’t one of the eight confirmed candidates to stand for the election.

FAILED FIFA BID: BETTER RESTED AT THE ALTAR OF HISTORY – ODEGBAMI F ormer Nigerian international, Segun Odegbami, has said his turbulent attempt to become the next Fifa president is better rested at the altar of history.

The former chairman of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) is Nigeria’s candidate for the world football body presidential election but his name was conspicuously missing on Monday, October 26, which was the deadline for the submission of a nomination form.

Odegbami said his quest to vie for the coveted position of Fifa’s topmost position was doomed to fail from the start as the lofty intention was treated with disbelief.

“I don’t want to say that the process was sabotaged from the word go but that’s the truth staring us in our faces.

“At 2pm yesterday (Monday) I got an email requesting the nomination, sent to Fifa and copied to me.

“That’s the first document I needed to seek endorsement from other five countries, and I got that vital document at exactly 2pm.

“Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, was in Cairo, Egypt, where some big heads of Caf were meeting and he promised to use his weight to get the required five endorsements.

“I was not in Cairo but information

CÔTE D’IVOIRE EYE GHANA COMEBACK ote d’Ivoire’s local team will host their counterparts of Ghana in Abidjan on Friday (tomorrow), in the return leg of their 2016 African Nations Championship Zone West B qualifying tie.

Initially scheduled last weekend, the game was postponed due to the general elections in the country.

Skipper N’Guessan Yao Serge and his

X3

teammates have to overturn a one-goal deficit after falling 2-1 in Kumasi in the first leg, with the local Black Stars coming from behind to claim the win thanks to goals from Asokwa Deportivo striker Joel Femeyeh.

Runners-up in Côte d’Ivoire in 2009 and in South Africa in 2014, the Ghanaians are eyeing a fourth consecutive appearance

at the continental event, while the local Elephants are seeking redemption after missing out on the previous edition.

The match will kick off on the artificial turf of Stade Robert Champroux at 17h30 CAT on Friday, October 30 with the aggregate winners to compete at the final tournament which will take place between January 16 and February 7, 2016.

Femeyeh

filtered in that some Nigerians were determined to stop Pinnick from getting the endorsements as they insisted that somebody else has been endorsed.

“Eventually, Pinnick could not get the five endorsements but I think the federation did not want to do it from the start anyway.

“I think the Nigerian government must call for an inquiry into the circumstance surrounding the whole episode because I believe we just wasted a rare opportunity for a Nigerian to take a shot at the Fifa presidency.

“I think the whole exercise is all about bad blood, I did it. Nobody asked me to do it.

NELSON Azumah Nelson is a Ghanaian former professional boxer. Widely considered the greatest African boxer of all time, he held the WBC featherweight title once and the WBC super featherweight title twice.

About

Azumah Nelson Name: The Professor Nickname(s): Zoom Zoom The Terrible Warrior Featherweight Rated at: Super featherweight Lightweight 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) Height: 173 cm (68 in) Reach: Ghanaian Nationality: July 19, 1958 Born: Accra, Ghana Orthodox Stance: Boxing Record 47 Total fights: 39 Wins: 28 Wins by KO: 6 Losses: 2 Draws: Medal Record Men’s boxing Competitor for Ghana Commonwealth Games Gold medal – first place 1978 Edmonton Featherweight

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4 Thursday, October 29, 2015

EXTRATIME

Nelson

Azumah

Professional Career Nelson’s professional boxing debut, in 1979, did not generate much attention, except in Ghana, where he was known because of his family ties.

Internationally, Nelson lacked the recognition for such an event to be given its due importance.

With the years, however, all of that changed because he garnered worldwide fame as a boxer.

He beat Billy Kwame in Accra by a decision in eight to mark his professional debut. In his third fight, he fought on March 3, 1980, he knocked out Henry Sadler in the ninth round to win Ghana’s regional 126-pound title. On December 13 of that year, he knocked out Joe Skipper in round 10 to add the African continent’s belt to his Ghanaian regional championship.

In 1981, Nelson beat Bozzou Aziza in Togo; it was Nelson’s first fight abroad. He then beat Miguel Ruiz in his first United States fight, held in California. He added the Commonwealth of Nations’ Featherweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Brian Roberts.

Despite all his early achievements and being undefeated in 13 fights, Nelson was virtually unknown outside Ghana. Because of this, he was a decisive underdog when he challenged WBC featherweight champion Salvador Sánchez on July 21, 1982 at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

Despite losing that fight by a knockout in round 15, Nelson’s stock as a boxer rose after that fight, and he established himself as a deserving leading contender in the eyes of many fans. Further, Nelson was put at a significant disadvantage when his custom mouthpiece was stolen and he had to make do with a makeshift one purchased from a store and cut to his mouth with a knife, leaving him in pain for the whole fight.

The Sánchez-Nelson fight would be Salvador Sánchez’s last fight, as he died almost two months later after suffering a car accident in Mexico City.

Longtime Trainer Buffalo Martin Dies Nelson’s longtime boxing trainer, Joe ‘Buffalo’ Martin, was killed in a car crash in January 1998.

He then trained with Joe Goossen. However, despite several comeback attempts in the next 10 years, Nelson never won a bout again without Buffalo in his corner.

Legacy The Azumah Nelson Sports Complex at Kaneshie in Accra was named after him.

Amateur Career Nelson had a stellar amateur career, competing at the 1978 Commonwealth Games where he won a gold medal in the Featherweight class, and compiling an Amateur Record of 50-2.

EXTRATIME

Thursday, October 29, 2015

X5

X6

Thursday, October 29, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW

I’M STILL HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS

more recognition.

Our game is based on our collective play. That’s what’s most important in this France team.

You have been playing at the highest level for a number of years, but it feels like the world has only just discovered you this year. Are you frustrated that it has taken so long for you to receive recognition?

I felt frustration when I was no longer in the France team, so I’m not frustrated by only getting recognition now.

It’s a kind of revenge for me because I kept working and never gave up and now the world is discovering me, you might say. I’m very happy because maybe it might never have happened at all. I’m still Amandine from Olympique Lyonnais who started out at her little club, but I feel like it’s reached a whole new level. In fact, I played three good games at the World Cup and all of a sudden

– Henry

For fans of women’s football, Amandine Henry needs little introduction. A Lyon player since 2007, she has amassed an impressive collection of medals at the club, both on the domestic scene and in Europe. So much so that her various coaches have all acclaimed her as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, the Lille native having also shone for France since 2009.

It was with France that she raised her profile immensely this year, and no one who watched her at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 is likely to forget her name soon. Awarded the adidas Silver Ball for her performances, Henry scored a superb goal against Mexico and proved that she belonged on the world stage after having been left out of the France side for over two years – during which time she missed the 2011 edition.

Shortly after her displays on Canadian soil, Henry finished second in the voting for the UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe Award, and she has started the new season in fine form with both Lyon and Les Bleues. Henry also finds herself in the running for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award, one of many subjects she touched on in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com.

A

fter finishing runner-up in the best player stakes at Canada 2015 and the European player of the season award, are you expecting to be voted runnerup for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year prize?

Amandine Henry: (laughs) In my wildest dreams, yes. I really didn’t expect to be voted second best player at the World Cup because, after being eliminated in the quarter-finals, there didn’t seem any chance of finishing among the best players. I was surprised, proud and happy. And then the UEFA vote came right after that. It was fantastic just to be in the top ten, but to finish second was super. I don’t want it to end there, but in terms of the Ballon d’Or nominations there’s still a lot to do this season, both at club and international level. I’m not thinking about it, but I’m still hungry to progress.

And are you expecting to finish second in the league with Lyon?

No, that’s inconceivable. That would be our worst nightmare. We’re not thinking about coming second. At OL, it’s unimaginable to finish second. Last year, we were eliminated by PSG in the Champions League, and that was very tough because the season is very long when you get knocked out early. Luckily the World Cup lay ahead because that kept me in form and motivated to improve and be in top form at the end of the season.

Lyon players tend to forget the

meaning of the word ‘defeat’. Can that be potentially harmful ahead of your few big games each season?

‘Defeat’ is a banned word for us.

When you play for OL, there’s a lot of pressure, which is normal because the President [Jean-Michel Aulas] puts a lot of means at our disposal to get good results. It’s inconceivable for us to then not succeed. And we have a very good squad with lots of good players, so if we want to keep our place and our spots in our national teams, we have to prove our worth every day. That’s why we need to keep proving ourselves and always stay motivated. If you want to improve, you have to be at your best all the time. That means never losing.

We need a little bit of luck and more of a killer instinct. If you watch our match against Germany, we had a lot of chances.

France have never seemed as strong as they do now, but you did less well at Canada 2015 than at the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympic tournament.

What do Les Bleues need to do to reach the next level and come away with a medal?

We need a little bit of luck and more of a killer instinct. If you watch our match against Germany, we had a lot of chances. Sure, we won the Fair Play Award, but that’s not the one we were after (laughs).

Do you still have regrets after dominating Germany only to lose on penalties? Was it this year or never in

terms of going all the way?

You can’t have regrets if you give everything. If you look at the chances we had, we can feel a little frustrated. But all of us can look ourselves in the mirror because we did everything we could. Germany used to be on a whole different level, but we managed to cause them problems and surprised them even. It came down to small details, but that game has motivated us for the future because our inferiority complex has gone now and we know we’re capable of competing with them. The same goes for USA. We met them several times last season.

They’re a huge nation, but we no longer have to feel embarrassed about our performances against them. France has become a great football nation, but we need to prove it in competition.

Before the World Cup, there was a lot of talk about stars such as Homare Sawa, Abby Wambach, Celia Sasic, Nadine Angerer and Lotta Schelin – a list that included no French players, even though France were seen as one of the favourites. Do you think that has changed since your adidas Silver Ball and second place in the voting for the UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe award?

When a player gets singled out, I can’t tell you how much pressure she then feels under to play well. And if everything depends on one player, it becomes easier for the other team – they just

have t o take care of her. Our game is based on our collective play.

That’s what’s most important in this France team. And what’s also true is that we don’t just have a good team ethic, we have very good players as well.

However, recognition also comes through winning team titles at international level. When you look at all the great players, they’ve all won trophies and medals. That’s what we lack at the moment, and I hope that’ll change because there are some very good players in France who deserve

everything exploded. Meanwhile, I played three good seasons at club level but that never had the same impact. It’s incredible, and you see how it comes down to very small details. But that’s how it is at the highest level. You score a great goal at a World Cup and you become huge, whereas if you score a great goal in the league, no one talks about it. Take Carli Lloyd, for example. People weren’t really talking that much about her before the World Cup, but then she scored a hat-trick in the World Cup Final – and it wasn’t any old hat-trick either. The day you get a star on your shirt can be the turning point of your

career.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

EXTRATIME

X7

Rugby Neymar

Claydon titans v Bishops

Wade

WADE

A

ustralian wicket-keeper batsman Matthew Wade has expressed his readiness to take on the challenge of playing Test cricket once again if he is given a second chance by the selectors.

Between 2012 and 2013, Wade played 12 Test matches for Australia but was only able to score 623 runs at an average of 34.61, while accounting for 33 catches and three stumpings.

Wade played three matches of the 2013 Border Gavaskar Trophy in India and averaged just 18.83 with the bat and has been overlooked for the Test spot ever since.

The 27-year-old admits that he was not at his best when he made his Test debut for Australia which led him to lose confidence in his abilities.

“I feel a lot better.

“Two years ago I lost all confidence and probably all my technique through that period of Test cricket.

“That’s probably the worst I’ve ever

kept.

“No doubt, that was the worst I have ever played.”

However, Wade feels that he is in a good position right now and is assured that the Test recall will come if he keeps doing well in domestic cricket. “(But) I feel really comfortable now.

“I am probably more confident in my technique than I was when I first got picked for Australia.

“So if I can continue improving and doing the right things, good things will happen hopefully.”

With the retirement of Brad Haddin, a spot for the wicket-keeper’s role has opened up for Australia, but Peter Nevill seems to be the frontrunner, having played four matches in the 2015 Ashes.

The 30-year-old failed to impress with the bat in his first Test series after a haul of 143 runs from the four games but was impressive behind the stumps having claimed 17 catches.

Kvitova in to WTA Finals with Safarova win Tennis

P

etra Kvitova got her WTA Finals campaign back on track with a hard fought 7-5 7-5 victory over Czech compatriot and Fed Cup team mate Lucie Safarova to record her first win of this year’s elite eight-woman event yesterday.

Both women had lost their ‘White Group’ openers on Monday so were desperate to pick up a much-needed

Battle Past Bishops At Hyde Park

Cricket

READY FOR ANOTHER TEST CHANCE

win and it was the double Wimbledon champion who made the most of her opportunities on the key points to help her emerge victorious The powerful left-handers took to court in identical outfits and were also almost impossible to separate on the scoreboard, with each player racing through their service games in a tight first set high on winners and low on unforced errors.

TITANS

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aunton Titans managed to squeeze pass Bishops Stortford in a very tense, stop-start, yet entertaining game at Hyde Park where the lead changed five times, writes Keith Brooking.

The Titans were first on the scoreboard with a penalty kicked by full-back Gary Kingdom before Bishops score two tries in three minutes.

The first was started deep in their own half where a couple of missed tackles allowed Stortford

to make their way up into the Titans’ 22 where an excellent inside ball to the onrushing Sam Winter allowed him to go in under the posts.

This was converted by full-back Pier Dotta.

Straight from the kick-off another missed tackle allowed Bishops to get their second when centre Dom Morris dived over after several quick phases.

The conversion was missed but the visitors now had a nine-point lead.

The play moved from end to end with both teams seeming to spill the greasy ball in vital areas.

The hosts got themselves back into the game when winger Jack Claydon went over after some great work in a narrow channel to score.

Kingdom added the conversion and then added a penalty on the stroke of half- time to send the Titans in at the break with a onepoint advantage, 13-12.

Bishops started the second half well claiming the lead once more with a penalty kicked by Dotta.

MCILROY’S

Sights fixed on winning race to Dubai

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ormer world number one Rory McIlroy believes he is close to full fitness as he seeks to end an injury-disrupted season in style by claiming a third Race to Dubai title.

McIlroy ruptured a ligament in his left ankle during a game of football with friends on July 4, ruling him out

Golf

Mcilroy

of the Scottish Open and the defence of his Open and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational titles.

The 26-year-old returned to action in time to defend his US PGA title at Whistling Straits and played in three of the FedEx Cup play-off events before starting the new PGA Tour season with a tie for 26th in the

Frys.com Open in California.

This season’s European Tour still has four events remaining and McIlroy, who enjoys a 271,214-point lead over Danny Willett in the Race to Dubai, will play in this week’s Turkish Airlines Open, the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

“I’ve started to train the way I was before the injury again, and I’m happy about that” - Rory McIlroy “I guess I’m more concerned about form than fitness at this point. My fitness is totally fine,” McIlroy at a pre-tournament press conference yesterday(Wednesday), where it was announced the Turkish Airlines Open will continue on the European Tour until 2018 at a new venue of Carya Golf Club.

“I’m pretty much back to where I need to be.

X8

Thursday, October 29, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

IBRAHIMOVIC ‘BUYS HIMSELF A CHURCH’ IN STOCKHOLM Z

latan Ibrahimovic likes to invest the vast fortune he brings in each week in prudent property purchases, and he’s apparently made a shrewd decision in buying a church in Stockholm.

The PSG forward has, according to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, spent 110 million Swedish Kronas (£9.4 million) on a church in Ostermalm, Stockholm.

HIDDINK hints at Chelsea return

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uus Hiddink has hinted that he could return to Chelsea as the pressure continues to mount on manager Jose Mourinho.

The Dutchman’s last outing in management ended in disappointment, as he resigned from the Netherlands during the nation’s failed Euro 2016 qualifying bid.

Asked about possibly stepping in should Mourinho get the sack, however, Hiddink refused to rule it out.

“Top-class football is always attractive. I’ve had some offers come my way recently, but there were no jobs I wanted to get in to right away. We’ll see, we just have to wait now,” he said.

The veteran manager also stated that the speculation over his Chelsea return should “be left as just that,” and refused to say more directly on the subject.

Hiddink’s last spell at the club took place in 2009, when he replaced sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari on a temporary basis.

Under his guidance, the Blues reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and lifted the FA Cup.

It was reported that Ibrahimovic will convert the church into a residential property and, perhaps not surprisingly, he will choose to live elsewhere.

We do hope that Ibrahimovic won’t install stained-glass windows of himself…

Ibrahimovic has bought himself a House Of God for a HUGE amount of money. #DareToZlatan https://t.

co/33mTEcW6ME pic.twitter. com/tZ6UqKiXgp — Troll Football (@Troll__ Football) October 27, 2015 While the story of the 34-yearold investing in another property is interesting, rumours are rife that he could be poised to join David Beckham’s MLS franchise in Miami are even more fascinating.

Ibrahimovic

Barcelona KOUYATE Faces hails West Ham Potential team effort Expulsion

Kouyate

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est Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has credited team effort for their good form in the English Premier League (EPL).

The Senegalese has been one

of Hammers’ best players in this 2015/16 EPL campaign, having netted three goals in nine league matches.

The Hammers are coming off an impressive 2-1 victory over the defending EPL champions Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.

“I am happy with my form, and also playing so well against Chelsea.

But it is about the whole team, and everyone played well from Adrian through to Sakho,” Kouyate said.

“Andy Carroll has come on, and done well. It is about all the players, and we are one team. We need to carry on this good form, and stay positive,” he added.

“The start has been very good for all the players. The staff have worked very hard and all the players have enjoyed a good start to the season,” Kouyate concluded.

The 25-year-old central midfielder, and his Hammers teammates will take on Watford away in their next EPL game this Saturday.

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he La Liga champions face potential expulsion from the Spanish top-flight if a motion for Catalan independence passes and they have been offered a place in the French division.

A referendum on the issue of Catalan independence looms, and Javier Tebas – the chief executive of La Liga – has previously stated that Barca could be expelled from the division if the referendum is passed.

‘If Catalonia became independent, taking into consideration the Sports Law that would be enforced by the rest of Spain, Barcelona wouldn’t be allowed to play,” Tebas said.

As such, Valls has extended an offer to the current La Liga champions,

Laporta

insisting that they could join Monaco and PSG in the French top-flight.

“Monaco play in Ligue One, so why not Barcelona? I’m a huge football fan, a Barca fan,” he told French political magazine Challenges.

“They’re in my blood. France knows it and they ask me about it on the streets.”