Dtn 4 1 16

PENGASSAN kicks against sale of refineries ÎÎÎThe Petroleum and Natural Gas

Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), on Sunday, opposed the sale of the refineries as scrap as suggested by the Independent Petro-

leum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), saying it is a fraudulent way of ripping the country off its national assets.

Speaking on the issue, PENGAS-

SAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana, described the call by IPMAN as sabotage against national interest.

He lauded the efforts of the gov-

ernment in ensuring that the four state owned refineries are back on stream, especially with the recent reContinued on page 6

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 15

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 31st December 2015.

NESTLE

825

860

35%

NB

124

136

12%

JBERGER

43

42

-1%

CUTIX

1.71

1.66

-0.05%

FO

315

330

15%

DANGCEM

164.95

170

5.05%

CADBURY

18.05

17.15

-0.9%

SKYEBANK

1.62

1.58

-0.04%

Borno hunters to Army:

Let’s help chase Boko Haram out of Sambisa ÎÎÎHunters in Borno on Sunday

called on the military to allow them to join in the war against in-

surgents in Sambisa Forest, and help chase them out.

Malam Mai-Gana Mai-Durma,

the Borno Emir of the Hunters, made the appeal in Maiduguri while addressing newsmen.

Mai-Durma said that the call became imperative because the hunters were familiar with the terrain

at the dreaded forest, the hideout Continued on page 6

L-R: Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communication, Dangote Group, Engr. Ahmed Mansur; Director, Student Supports Services, National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. (Mrs.) Rakayatu Gurin; Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie; President/CE, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; and Chief Executive Officer, Zouera Youssoufou during NUC’s courtesy visit to the Dangote Corporate Headquarters, Lagos... at the weekend

At Aso Rock Chapel, cleric declares six days prayer, fasting monthlyg12 10 stockbrokers account for 48% gB1 transactions on NSE in 2015

Celebrities to watch in 2016 g L1

Fresh crisis threatens PDP reform plans g 8

Maku calls for removal of immunity clause from constitution g6

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial As Nigerians welcome 2016

A

fter a turbulent 2015 with its many apprehensions and cliffhanger moments, Nigerians finally welcomed 2016 with subdued optimism. One does not need any clairvoyance to understand the reason. Such reticence is the result of experiences in the just ended year that confronted the nation with problems of immense magnitude. Very many Nigerians would readily admit that 2015 left behind scars of poverty, unemployment, restiveness and general insecurity in the land.

This is why Nigerians have every reason to wait for signs and assurances before rushing to embrace the New Year. Of utmost importance is the desire for peace and prosperity for them and the country. Incidentally, wishes are not horses. Therefore, for Nigerians to bring their dreams of good fortune to fruition, they and the government must brace up for the difficult days ahead.

For the country to escape what is predicted to be a gloomy year, the president and the ruling party must work harder towards the fulfillment of their campaign promises. It goes without saying that not much has been done by the present administration in the past eight months to give Nigerians any room for optimism.

There is no gainsaying that partisan politics ought to have ended immediately after the general elections in March and April 2015. Unfortunately, the citizens are yet to savour the fruits of victory they laboured for. Every Nigerian is aware of the parlous state of the economy. They also know that government cannot meet their expectations when the economy is in the doldrums. That is why they want an urgent resuscita-

tion of the economy. Incidentally, the continuing fall in oil prices is not helping matters. Due to this, we expect the government to shift emphasis from oil to other sources of wealth generation, particularly agriculture, tourism, Information Technology and solid minerals.

We have always argued that the revival of agriculture would not only boost revenue for the country, but also create an array of jobs for the teeming unemployed in the country. No one doubts the fact that Nigerians are a patient and resilient lot. But these attributes must not be taken for granted. Our leaders are in the habit of espousing a search for a new course while pursuing more of the same under a new name.

It bears repeating that many Nigerians now exist at the margins of society and unless something drastic is done in 2016 to restore their hopes, the country may be in for a long season of dissent. If there is any time to rectify the wrongs of the past, it is now. Interestingly, Nigerians are not waiting for hand out from their government. Rather, they are seeking for an enabling environment to better their lot. This can only come when the authorities put the requisite infrastructure in place to make life worth living. That is why we advise that the Buhari administration give priority attention to the power sector in 2016. There is no doubt that a functional power sector will have multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy. In all, we look forward to tackling once and for all the irritation of continuing fuel shortage that has been responsible for bringing the economy to its present woeful pass. Nigerians expect and look forward to a more prosperous 2016.

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

ÏÏÏOne

pronouncement of President Muhammadu Buhari during last Wednesday’s Presidential Media chat that has unsettled Nigerians, especially lovers of democracy and rule of law, is his statement that former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will not be released on bail as directed by the court.

The reason for their continued incarceration, according to President Buhari, is due to the enormity of ‘atrocities’ committed by the duo and the likelihood that they may jump bail.

The former NSA is being tried for allegedly diverting and sharing over $2.2

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Buhari’s pronouncement is also an affront to the rule of law and against the spirit of separation of power as enshrined in the 1999 constitution (as amended).

Clearly, the President by his statement during the media chat, not only pronounced Dasuki and Kanu guilty but convicted them.

By the pronouncement, he inadvertently tied the hands of the judiciary, particularly the courts handling Dasuki and Kanu’s cases. The courts must therefore not rule otherwise.

But should this be allowed to hold? Should we with our eyes open allow Mr. President to usurp the duty of the Judiciary?

Should we bid goodbye to independence of the judiciary? Only those who do not wish Nigeria well see nothing wrong in Mr. President’s pronouncement justifying disobedience to court orders.

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billion dollars meant for arms procurement to prosecute the Boko Haram war.

He has been granted bail by three different courts, yet the Department of State Services (DSS) on each occasion refused to allow him enjoy the bail.

On his part, Kanu, who is leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra, under the aegis of IPOB, has been granted bail by two courts in Abuja. He too was also re-arrested by the DSS, which has since slammed fresh charges against him.

While President Buhari’s reason for not allowing Dasuki and Kanu enjoy the bail granted them by the courts is noted, fact is that his position is contrary to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) particularly the provision that says accused persons remain innocent until otherwise proven by the court.

Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye

Is Buhari circumscribing the Judiciary?

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Bola Tinubu

Onyeka Onwenu

Audu Ogbeh

“There are no short cuts to take to greatness, but there also is no reason that we cannot attain that greatness.”

“Nigeria still has a lot of credible women who can make their mark in various aspects of national development and the economy if given the opportunity.”

“The Nigerian elite, either military or civilian, consistently look down on agriculture to the extent that whoever takes interest is looked upon as a failure, it is the destination for the never do wells, it is the place for the poor peasants, for the nameless villager”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016 Friday, November 13, 2015

‘PEACE ADVANTAGE’ Frequent Flyer Program

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The “Peace Advantage” FFP aims to clearly communicate to Air Peace customers the value Air Peace places on their patronage & Air Peace’s commitment to building long lasting mutually beneficial relationships with its customers. The basic principle being that – The More You Fly with Air Peace, The More You Get Back From Air Peace.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

5

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

PENGASSAN kicks against sale of refineries Continued from page 1 port credited to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, that the Kaduna and Port Harcourt Refineries will soon commence production after a long while.

Ojugbana said: “Nigerians need to ask the IPMAN leadership why they want the refineries which can be said to be in good form now to be sold as scrap. Even when the government has shown that the refineries can work and take care of 75% of the nation’s local demand of refined products.

He noted that the proof that the refineries are still viable and profitable was exhibited by the Port Har-

court Refining Company (PHRC), which posted a net profit of N11.2 billion for December 2014, representing N8.2 billion or 250 per cent above the N3.2 billion posted by the company in preceding November 2014, adding “This was attributed to the improved financial performance for the phased rehabilitation programme, which was done by the workers.”

“The challenge confronting the functionality of the refineries is not the ownership. We have examples of countries even in West Africa such as Ghana and Chad Republic, just to mention a few where refineries are owned by the government. The refineries in

those countries are not only functioning but Nigeria even imported from them in the past.

“IPMAN should know that aside from the challenge of Turn-Around Maintenance (TAM) of the refineries, adequate and regular supply of crude which is the main feedstock is another major impediment to the efficient and effective operation of the refineries.”

The union leader stated that workers in the refineries are poised not only to produce refined products but also to add the needed value to the crude oil, adding that the adverse effect of rationing or not feeding the plant with crude oil is

that the plant remains idle for long.

“When the plant is idle for too long, this breeds residual faults and problems whenever there is an attempt to start up, since the design of a refinery is better when it is continuously operated. We are again demanding adequate and regular supply of crude oil to the four refineries to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and reduced or eliminate subsidy payment, considering the plunge in global oil prices,” he said.

He also challenged the government to grant the managements of the refineries autonomy for effective accountability while sustaining the rehabilitation process already initiated.

Pipe-borne water indeed! A child fetching water at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Oke- Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State… on Sunday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

“If any of the refineries fails to pay back the funding (if granted financial autonomy) and refuse to make commensurate returns to the NNPC within one year, the government is free to apply appropriate sanctions,” he said.

Ojugbana, who reminded IPMAN of earlier privatisa-

Female lawyers advocate creation of rape crisis centres ÎÎÎSome

female lawyers in Abuja have advised the Federal Government to create rape crisis centres, counselling service and other victims assistance agency as measures to address the menace of rape.

The lawyers gave the advice in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

They noted that the creation of such institutions would help in addressing the high rate of rape and its attendant effects on the victims.

A lawyer, Mrs Chinelo Oputa, told NAN that rape incidents were increasing in different parts of the country and there was an urgent need for government to assist the victims.

ÎÎÎFormer

Information Minister Labaran Maku on Sunday called for the removal of immunity clause for elected executive officers from the country’s constitution.

Maku, a gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nasarawa state in 2015, made this call while fielding questions from newsmen in Waka-

ma, Akun Development Area of the state.

He explained that the removal of the immunity clause would help tackle corruption and ensure good governance.

He specifically advocated for the removal of the clause that protects the president, governors and local government council chairmen from facing prosecution in breach of office.

He said that the immunity clause had created an umbrella for some state governors to tamper with their state resources, thereby leading to underdevelopment at the grassroots.

The former minister also advised Nigerians to pray for better things in the New Year as well as pray for permanent peace to reign in the country. ``Let us also pray for the

peace of the country and give President Muhammadu Buhari the needed support and cooperation to enable him tackle the challenges facing the country. ``I believe that the immunity of state governors should be removed, no governor needs immunity and if it is removed, this will help to check fraud, corruption and mismanagement,’’ he said.

Oputa said that effective and well managed crisis centres and counselling units would help the rape victims to learn how to cope with the emotional trauma and physical impacts of the assault.

The lawyer identified impunity as a major factor for the high rate of rape cases.

She said that reported cases of rape were, in most cases, not properly investigated before charging suspects to court resulting in letting the suspects off the hook or giving them light punishments.

Oputa said that this accounted for many offenders to see rape as a joy ride and therefore encouraged to keep perpetrating the crime.

Let’s help chase B’Haram out of Sambisa – Borno hunters Continued from page 1

Maku calls for removal of immunity clause from constitution

tion done by government in other sectors such as the Ajaokuta Steel Company, NITEL and NIOMCO, said that PENGASSAN is not against full deregulation of the oil and gas industry but will resist sales of functional national assets to economic saboteurs who are enemies of Nigeria.

and operational base of the terrorists. ``We are appealing to the military authorities to allow us join the fight against Boko Haram at the Sambisa forest. ``We are ready to pursue the terrorists because we know the terrain very well,’’ Mai-Durma said.

He said that the military should align them with members of the vigilance group, popularly knwon as the Civilian JTF, for effective result. ``We will overrun Sambisa in partnership with members of the civilian JTF if given the opportunity. ``This will help to comple-

ment the effort of military in the anti-terrorism operation,’’ Mai-Durma said.

He lamented that hunters from the 27 local government areas of the state had been rendered idle by the Boko Haram terrorism. ``Hunters from all the 27 Borno LGAs are all in Maiduguri with our leaders doing nothing at present because of Boko Haram. ``Rather than idling away, we will want to assist the military in crushing Boko Haram terrorists,’’ Mai-Durma said.

He lso appealed to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, to assist in forwarding the request to the military authorities for consideration.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

7 News

Adamawa gov. promises opposition members juicy posts ÎÎÎGovernor

Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, on Sunday, promised to appoint members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state into political positions.

He urged them to accept his confirmation as governor by the Court of Appeal and work with him for development of the state.

Ishaku made these remarks in Jalingo while addressing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyalists who congratulated

him over the victory.

The court had upheld the election of Ishaku of the PDP and set aside the state Elections Petitions Tribunal declaration of Sen. Aisha Alhassan of APC as the governor.

According to him, there are “many jobs” in his government that can go round the APC members.

He noted that the series of litigations that followed the April 11, 2015, governorship election had slowed down the pace of

development of the state by 30 per cent.

“I am calling on all APC members to accept this judgment and come so that we can work together for the socio-economic development of our dear state.

“Sincerely speaking, I have so many jobs to share with them. Let them come.

“My mandate is for four years but we have spent many months in the court.

These litigations are not helping the state,” Ishaku

said.

The governor said his immediate focus after the victory was to consolidate his effort of bringing peace and development to the state.

“I deliberately informed our supporters to celebrate our victory in confinement as against wild jubilation that could trigger violence.

“I am glad to hear from the security chiefs here that not a single person was hurt before and after

the delivery of the verdict.

“My priority remains to develop the state as you can all attest to the fact that there is massive improvement in water and electricity supply in Jalingo.

“We intend to now ex-

Northern youths task Nigerians on peace, stability Yakubu Salisu ,Kano

ÎÎÎThe

Chairman Board of Trustees, Northern Youth and Elders Awareness Forum, Alh. Naseer Kura has called on Nigerians to adopt attitudes that promote peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in the country for national unity and continual existence.

The chairman made this call when he led a delegation of the forum to the palace of Lamido Adamawa, Muhammad

Heap of refuse at Bonojo Road, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State… on Saturday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Okorocha to focus on youths to tackle crimes

ÎÎÎGovernor

Rochas Okorocha, on Sunday, said that his administration would pay particular attention to the youths in the state this year (2016), especially in the area of employment and empowerment.

He added that the interest of the youths must be placed above that of the older ones.

Governor Okorocha made the remark at the church dedication of his grandson, Master Jidenna Anthony Anwuka, on Sunday, at Saint Joseph Catholic Chaplaincy, Imo State University, Owerri.

He stressed that engaging the youths gainfully would check crimes like kidnap-

ping, fraud, armed robbery and so on. The couple, Dr. Tony Anwuka Jnr and Mrs. Uju Okorocha, parents of the baby are the son and daughter of Gov. Okorocha and Prof. Anwuka, Minister of state for Education respectively.

His words: “It cannot be explained why people who are more than 50 years and above would be in the system working, while their children or those between the ages of 20 and 35 would be idle, roaming the street, even with the required qualifications. The situation does not call for celebration at all.

“Go and check, all those being arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery and other heinous crimes are

always between the ages of 18 and 35. You can hardly get a man above 40 years getting involved in these serious crimes against the society. So we must act now to secure the future of these young ones”.

According to Governor Okorocha, the “factory, factory, factory and job, job, job,” crusade of his administration and the young millionaires club initiative of his administration were all targeted at getting the youths meaningfully engaged in the overall interest of the society, adding that his government would take some radical steps in this 2016 to have this lofty dream for the youths realised.

Minister of state for Edu-

cation, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, in his short speech at the service said, both the government at the centre and the one in the state all meant well for the citizenry and asked for prayers for both, stating that it was the wish of God that his son would marry the governor’s daughter, with the marriage being blessed now with a baby boy.

Earlier, the officiating minister, Rev. Father Jerome Okonkwo urged every Christians to reconcile with God in the spirit of the New Year, adding that the celebrations that go with the entry into the New Year should reflect in our lives as children of God.

pand our operations to other council areas, focusing more on health and education,” Ishaku said.

Earlier, the state PDP Chairman, Mr. Victor Bala, said the judgement indicated that the PDP had reclaimed its mandate.

Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha to commiserate with the monarch over the demise of his mother, Hajiya Saadatu Aliyu Mustapha, who passed away on Wednesday, 23rd of December, 2015 at the age of 87 after a brief illness.

According to Naseer, at a time the country is struggling to regain its lost glory and overcome challenges such as insecurity, economic challenges, unemployment and a whole lots of other problem bedeviling the country, little or nothing at all

Bayelsa: APC accuses Gov. Dickson of plans to decamp ÎÎÎ

The Bayelsa state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that Governor Seriake Dickson’s recent visit to the presidential villa, Aso Rock, was to beg President Muhammadu Buhari to join the APC. The party’s allegation was made through the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation (SICO), in a statement signed by its Director, Media and Publicity, Chief Nathan Egba.

Egba, who said the governor was at the seat of power without invitation, further said Dickson who sought to seek audience with Buhari, was also denied access to meet with the Chief of Staff to the federal government, Alhaji Abba Kyari.

He said: “Our sources confirmed to us that Governor Dickson went to beg the

Gov. Dickson presidency to forgive him over his derogatory and inflammatory statements during the election and to prevail on the APC candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, to soft pedal in Southern Ijaw LGA to enable him win the forthcoming rerun election in the area.

“In return for that favour, the governor proposed to forment an artificial crisis in the PDP at the national level and use that as a basis to decamp from his party to the ruling APC.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Politics

Æs

The politics of Senator Shehu Sani’s suspension

Shehu Sani

Odigie-Oyegun

el-Rufai

There is no doubt that the crisis presently engulfing the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kaduna State may have a dangerous effect on the Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai. This follows the allegation that his office mobilised the ward and state executive officers of the ruling party to suspend Senator Shehu Sani, his arch critic, from the party.

El-Rufai and Sani made their en-

tries into elective office for the first time in their political lives via the last general elections which brought the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state to an end. Since then, they have been engaged in verbal war over the latter’s administrative policies. The rift snowballed into suspension for Senator Sani for a period CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Fresh crisis threatens PDP reform plans

Secondus The embattled Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) may have started the New Year on a bad note as a fresh crisis threatening the leadership of the party appears to be unfolding.

This is coming amidst plans by the party this year for its reforms and repositioning in preparation for the 2019 general election when it hopes to bounce back into reckoning.

This followed the order of a Federal High Court in Abuja which directed its controversial acting National Chairman, Uche Secondus to vacate office.

Consequently, Special Adviser to former President Goodluck

Ahmed Gulak Jonathan on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, who took the party and Secondus to court has declared himself the Chairman of the party, cancelling all arrangements so far made for the forthcoming congress by the Uche Secondus-led PDP. In a statement, Gulak’s media aide, Ochuba Emmanuel, predicated his principal’s action on the declarative judgment by the High Court in Abuja, on December 16, 2015, which ordered Prince Secondus to vacate office as the Acting Chairman of PDP, not later than December 29, 2015, and hand over to Gulak or any other person from the Northeast zone of the country.

My worries about huge borrowings for 2016 budget – Lagos Chief Whip Popularly called the ”Barometre” of the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Lateef Rotımı Abıru ıs the Chıef Whıp of the Lagos House and represents the people of Shomolu Constıtuency 02.

In this ınterractıve sessıon wıth ALADE TASMA, he spoke of efforts of the Buharı-led APC government towards brıngıng the expected change to Nıgerıans ın the last seven months and shares hıs vıews on the N662.5bn 2016 budget estımates presented by the State Governor, Akınwumı Ambode, among other ıssues. Excerpts:

celled the congresses already scheduled by Prince Secondus, declaring it illegal as the National Executive Committee (NEC) did not meet to ratify the dates.

He said new dates shall be announced in due course after a NEC meeting,” he said.

The ex-presidency official further charged all PDP members across the country to remain calm and law abiding, assuring that the party shall soon be rebranded with his new leadership.

Gulak had taken the party to court over the choice of Secondus as acting National Chair-

Sıx months ınto the comıng of the Lagos 8th Assembly, can you do a comparatıve assessment of the House wıth the 7th Assembly under the same perıod of revıew vıs-a-vıs meetıng the expectatıon of Lagosıans?

At the Parliament, we usually inaugurate the prıncıpal offıcers on the day of proclamatıon of the parlıament and of course, the parlıament works mostly through the commıttees of the House but pendıng formation of these commıttees, we worked through adhoc commıttees and these ad-hoc commıttees were able to carry out assıgnments of the House. After the executıve eventually came up wıth the number of mınıstrıes whıch guıded the House ın the composıtıon of ıts standıng commıttees and thıs did not come to be untıll the mıddle of October. But agaın, we had ıssues

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Muazu His words:, “The Court went further to make an Order of perpetual injunction against Prince Uche Secondus, restraining him from continuing to act in the office of the National Chairman of PDP. In disobedience to the court Order, Prince Uche Secondus did not vacate office, nor hand over to the plaintiff, or any other person from the North-east zone of Nigeria” as directed.

Emmanuel continued that a detailed letter by Gulag’s counsel to INEC and BoT of PDP also specified that Gulak is now the ‘authentic National Chairman’ of the PDP, pending the election of a national chairman.

“Alhaji Gulak has also can-

Abiru, Lagos Chief Whip

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

9 Politics

The politics of Senator Shehu Sani’s suspension CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

of eleven months.

The suspension order emanated from the senator’s ward and ratified by the state executive of the party. But barely 24hours after the development the bubble burst as it was alleged that the suspension was induced with bribery of N500,000.00, a revelation that is casting aspersion on the political and administration of Governor El-Rufai.

A chieftain of APC at the local government level, Arc. Ado Muhammed Sani let the cat out of the bag. Arc. Sani is the APC Chairman, Ward 10 in Kaduna South Local government area of Kaduna state as well as the Secretary, Forum of APC Ward Chairmen in the Local government which covers Tudun Wada, Senator Sani’s Ward No.6.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, December 30 2015, Arc. Sani was at the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Secretariat, Kaduna to clarify issues regarding the suspension slammed on Shehu Sani.

At the event where he described the senator’s suspension as a “charade”, Sani alleged that “the ward exco which carried out the purported suspension were bribed with N500,000.00”.

He denied knowledge of the development saying the local government is not aware of the letter of suspension. That he said, “accounted for the reason why the so called suspension letter was not signed by the ward 6 chairman”, adding that “one

Shehu Sani

of the signatories of the letter was an impostor”.

According to him “a meeting of the ward exco was facilitated by the Senior Special Adviser on Trade and Investment to the Governor, Muktar Ahmed Monrovia where the exco members were given the said money

to carry out the so called suspension.

“The meeting was facilitated by the Senior Special Adviser at the Polo Club in Murtala Square where he gave them five hundred thousand and promised them a lot more to come. They signed the document thinking it was an attendance only

for some of them to discover that what they signed was a suspension letter” he disclosed.

Although effort to get Governor El-Rufai’s office to confirm or deny the allegation was not successful, the state Ag. Secretary of APC, Hon Yahaya Baba Pate who was contacted for a reaction said “the bribery allegation was not true. It is a total lie that the Ward officials collected N500,000.00. Nobody can induce any leader at any level”.

Speaking on the impasse between the Governor and the Senator, he recalled “ as a way of finding solution to the matter, we the forum of Chairmen of the local government invited Comrade Shehu Sani and we had a meeting with him and told him we were not happy with what was going on between him and the governor”, stressing: “what was happening was affecting our baby party and he gave us his side of the fracas.

“Thereafter, we invited the Senior Special Adviser on trade and Investment to the governor and we had a meeting with him the same day and pleaded that he arranges a meeting between us and the executive governor and told him all that transpired between us and the Senator who is ready for a round table to address the matter.

“He promised to facilitate a meeting between the forum and the Governor. On Monday I called him on the said meeting, he told me he was at home and promised to call. He acCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Why the ‘Change Mantra’ is delayed, by Abiru, Lagos Chief Whip CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

wıth the composıtıon of these commıttees whıch engaged our tıme and not untıll a few days ago that we fınally come out wıth the membershıp of the commıttees.

In the absence of these commıttees, we have not been able to pass any bıll but at least we have made some pronouncements and resolutıons to support the government polıcıes. Comparatıvely wıth the 7th Assembly, however, I can say we have not done as much and the stastıtıcs are there to show and of course, the reasons are not far feched. If you observe closely, the body of the prıncıpal offıcers of the 7th Assembly then you wıll agree wıth me that they

Abiru, Lagos Chief Whip

Buhari

are people wıth experıence of House leadershıp. Is ıt Hon. Kolawole Taıwo who was, prıor to hıs becomıng the Deputy Speaker ın

the last Assembly was the Majorıty leader ın the 6th Assembly? The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeyemı Ikuforıjı has been two term Speaker before

the 7th Assembly, Hon. Adeyeye was formely deputy majorıty leader before becomıng the Majorıty leader, Hon. Rasaq Balogun has always been a prıncıpal offıcer sınce he got to the House and Hon. Chıef Mrs. Lola Akande was formerly deputy Whıp before becomıng deputy majorıty leader ın the last Assembly. They all had the experıence of the prıncıpalshıp to the advantage of the House and don’t also forget that ever than before we now, have more new members among whom eıght are members of the opposıtıon party.

Prıor to the proclamatıon of the Lagos 8th Assembly, you aspıred to lead the House as CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Secondus

Fresh crisis threatens PDP reform plans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

man following the resignation of its National Chairman, Adamu Muazu, who was virtually forced to resign sequel to the dismal performance of the party in the last general election.

Gulak had claimed that since the position was zoned to the North West, the acting chairman ought to have equally been picked from the same zone.

However, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State had rejected the call saying the position of the National Chairman should be zoned to the South West instead.

However, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh has refuted the take over by Gulak saying the change of guard was not true. According to him, it was impossible for Gulak to emerge as PDP national chairman without the Appeal Court delivering a ruling on the stay of execution filed by the party over the issue.

His words: “We don’t have a new political party. What we have is the PDP and the acting national chairman is Prince Uche Secondus. So it is not true, it is not possible and nobody can be rewarded for saying that Gulak is the new PDP national chairman. We have filed a stay of execution at the appeal court.

“There is no judgment that Gulak should be made the national chairman of the PDP. We don’t expect a new PDP national chairman without NEC. With the stay of execution filed at the Appeal Court, you can’t expect a new national chairman of the PDP now until this season is over,” he said.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Buhari has returned professionalism to the Military – Abiru CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Speaker, at what poınt dıd you settle for the posıtıon of Chıef Whıp?

I settled for the posıtıon of the Chıef Whıp at the poınt the leadershıp of our party made theır posıtıon known as regards the leadershıp composıtıon of the House. Thıs was a day to the proclamatıon of the House and as a party man wıth respect for ıts leadershıp, ı therefore, do not thınk ıt’s wıse and reasonable for me to contınue to aspıre for the posıtıon after the party has made known the dırectıon of ıts thınkıng. The APC ıs seen as a famıly ın Lagos State and we all revered the natıonal leader of our party who had gıven dırectıon and had contınued to hold the party together. He was a former Governor of the State who successfully found replacement for the offıce to the ultımate benefıt of Lagosıans and ıf at the ınstance of such person, a posıtıon was taken and I was gıven the posıtıon of the Chıef Whıp, I thınk I should move on.

It took sometıme before membershıps of the House commıttees were constituted thıs happened several weeks after the chaırmen were announced, thıs ıs clear departure from the House tradıtıon. Can you tell us what actually caused the delay?

Abiru

Buhari

We found ourselves ın a sıtuatıon we never envısaged, but I can say for fact that the selectıon commıttee actually worked assıdously and agreed on some names, but somehow we dıscovered lopsıdedness and leaders of the Assembly needed to make some ınput too just as we also have complaınts from members, some of them were addressed whıle others were gıven reasons why they could not get the commıttee of theır choıce as requested. Whıch ever way, you can not devoıd polıtıcs from what we are doıng here.

When the chaırmanshıp of the commıttees were announced,

one of them, Hon. Funmı Tejuosho who accussed the leadershıp of the House of vıctımısatıon openly rejected the posıtıon but thıngs appear to have been sorted out now. What actually played out?

Lıke you rıghtly saıd, thıngs have been sorted out and she has sınce taken charge as the chaırman House commıttee on Judıcıary, Human Rıght, Publıc Petıtıon and LASIEC, she has hıt the ground runnıng. Talkıng about what went wrong, yes the lawmaker has every rıght to reject the chaırmanshıp of the commıttee ıf she so wıshed

but what she dıd on the floor of the House that day was a sımultaneous reactıon to an unexpected mentıon of her name as the commıttee chaırman on Judıcıary. In my own opınıon, I thınk she dıd not properly reject the posıtıon whıch she could have done vıa a letter to the selectıon commıttee or to the Speaker of the House but chose to openly vent her annoyance but lıke ı saıd earlıer, there ıs always power play, polıtıkıng and polıtıcal ıntrıgues but when there ıs an ıssue, we have the knowledge and our ways of resolvıng them and what you saw played out ın the case of Hon. Tejuosho was a deployment of dıspute resolutıon mechanısm of the House and the ıssue was fınally put to rest whıle the Hon. member has sınce been performıng her dutıes as chaırman, Judıcıary, Human rıght, Publıc Petıtıons and LASIEC. Lagos State governor, Akınwumı Ambode recently presented a budget of N662.5bn and also President Buharı presented a budget of over N6trillion in this era of dwindling economy and unprecedented drop in oil revenue, how will you react to that, do you see these budgets performing?

As for the budget of the governor, the people’s budget, the governor has brought before us a budget of N662bn of which 58 percent of it

is for capital expenditure, while 42 percent is for recurrent, also the governor has signaled his intention to massively invest in the area of security, transportation, infrastructural development, job creation, conducive learning environment, completion of ongoing projects in fulfillment of some of his campaign promises. Yes there is nothing wrong in all of that, but as for me I am a bit worried as regards the source of funding for this estimates, a close look at the budget suggest that the state intends to raise close to N400bn from internally generated revenue and this is a bit worrisome to me and for the fact that we are at the recovery stage in Nigeria, I do not want us to incur the wrath of members of the public by embarking on aggressive revenue generation drive, because from what we are witnessing from happenings at the Federal level, it appears Nigerians will experience some level of discomfort in 2016. I am sure Nigerians are willing and ready to be discomforted, but to the extent that at the end of the tunnel they shall find light, I must give it to Nigerians, a lot of people have shown a high level of understanding to the government at the federal level, alluding some of the challenges that the new government is facing to some CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

The politics of Senator Shehu Sani’s suspension CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

tually called but said the Governor was out of town. To our chagrin, this same person who was supposed to facilitate the meeting between us and the governor, went ahead to organize a meeting between the Exco of ward six Tudun Wada at Murtala Square, to be precise, at Polo Club where he gave them five hundred thousand naira and a lot of promises that they should sign a paper for him.

“Most of them that signed the paper said they did not know what they signed and at the end of the day, we met some of these exco members who cannot even speak English.

They said they thought what they signed was an attendance paper”, Arc. Sani remarked.

With this development, observers of political events in Kaduna believes that if the crisis between Governor El-Rufai and Senator Sani

Shehu Sani

Odigie-Oyegun

is not quickly nipped in the bud, the chances of the party may be adversely affected in 2019 general elections.

This possibility did not also escape the mind of Arc. Sani. Consequently, he said “we are calling on all our

party members irrespective of whoever side you are, the Governor and the Senator owed Kaduna people a lot. We went out to campaign and rallied support for them. What Kaduna people expect from them is

dividends of democracy in terms of positive development.

“The crisis is not going to augur well for the party in the state.

Some people are talking of suspension but somebody cannot be suspended through a fake arrangement through somebody we thought will help to bring about the resolution of the conflict. What is happening today is not normal”, he lamented and appealed to all parties involved to embrace peace.

Concerned elders and stakeholders of APC in the state who are of the same feeling with Arc Sani have also expressed worries that “the party is disintegrating because of crisis rocking it at the State level”.

Former commissioner of education in the State, Mr. Mataimaki Tom Maiyashi is one of the revered elders of the party. In a press statement he signed, he called on the national leadership of the party to

exercise its responsibility to arrest the drift arising from absence of an effective and functional party in the State. Other stakeholders who signed the statement included Dr Stanley A. Mamman, Mr Joel Giwa, Senator Lawal Aliyu (Silver), Alh. Auwal Isah Gote, Hajiya Hauwa Baba-Ahmed, Alh. Yaro Makama Rigachikun, Mohammed Kabir Ajuji, Murtala Abubakar, Alhaji Aminu Sani, Alhaji Kabir Salihu including Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, Hajiya Aisha Galadima, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed , Ambassador Sule Buba, Alhaji Kabir Umar, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaro and Abdullahi Tanimu.

The statement read: “We are elders and leaders in Kaduna State All Progressive Congress (APC), in touch with popular concerns and sentiments, and concerned over the deteriorating state of our party in Kaduna State.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

11 Politics

Why the ‘Change Mantra’ is delayed, by Abiru CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

of the bad deeds of the past administration and Nigerians are being patient with us. In the speech of the governor, he identified the fact that oil price has dropped, he also tried to seek the support of the Federal Government in adopting the principle of fiscal federalism, whereby resources generated from Lagos more of it can come to Lagos; he also tried to canvass a special status for Lagos, so that we can equally be remunerated by our vantage position.

From the budget, the government intends to do a borrowing of N120bn, there is nothing wrong in borrowing to finance capital projects, but part of my observation is that of the part of the N120bn to be sourced to finance the budget, N83.3bn or thereabout is meant to come from bond issuance and from the figures I see from the budget presented I can only see provision of N50bn as a sinking fund provision in the budget and from my little knowledge of budget I know that it is very important that the amount to be issued for bond should also be merged with the sinking fund in the budget, it may be that the government want to take a global approval for the N83bn bond and do the bond issuance in tranches, it is not forbidden, it is not impossible, but these are some of the things we need to be sure of when these agencies come before us for appropriation. we must see how they intend to repay some of these loans that they intends to take, so we will be on our guard we will watch and see, yes government of Lagos has just created a new office, a global office of investment, I am sure this also should have something to bring to the table.

Government has issued a policy that MDAs should no longer retain revenue, that all revenues should go

Abiru

Buhari

to the consolidated revenue fund, but I think there is need for the revenue generating agencies to come up with strategies with which they want to improve the revenue of the state, so that we won’t disappoint Nigerians with all the good gestures that the government wants to use the 2016 budget to achieve.

Nigerians are fast becoming impatient with the APC-led Federal Government, saying that nothing really has changed in the last seven months, even with all the promises made to them by the APC during the campaign, what in your view is responsible for this?

I want to belıeve that you are sayıng the mınd of Nıgerıans, because I know that things have been happening, some people may see it as slow, but don’t forget, there is need for caution in dealing with some of the things that the new government may have met. I, for instance never knew that the office of the National Security Adviser could

be used as a conduit to siphon funds.

From revelations opened to Nigerians, what is happening to the funds recovered; and the Abacha loot, nobody is saying anything, how far they have gone and how much recovered?

Well, you see in the eagerness of this government, that sometimes in November they took a position to the National Assembly of wanting to provide stipends for non-working Nigerian graduates, but that could not be achieved because such monies were not appropriated for in the budget of 2015 and irrespective of how eager government may be, some of these things have to be legitimised.

But can’t that come up through supplementary budget?

Government can only propose a supplementary if there is evidence of improved or increased revenue generation and now that the 2016 budget is before the National Assembly, I can only crave the indulgence of the National Assembly to

give it a speedy hearing so that the Federal Government can kick off, but part, what I think is our major problem as a people is our disposition. It is our attitude towards fellow Nigerians, towards government properties and there is need for us all to really go back and consider how we relate with ourselves. What our wish is for a better nation and be able to tolerate one another and somehow, I can tell you that this new government is taking the right step in the right direction. It may not have manifested to anything tangible for people to see, but I can see people right now wanting to put the right attitude into the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

Again, the challenges that insecurity has posed is variously and seriously being looked into, to the extent that the insurgents have actually changed tactics, though they still carry out their nefarious activities. You will agree with me that the rate and number of casualties is not as much as the way it used to be and hardly will they carry out any attacks without them having some casualties on their part. What you see them do is get someone who is well dressed and kitted up to go and die. Now, I can say that professionalism is gradually returning within the ranks and file of the Nigerian Military, the Military can stand now to face these insurgents, this was not the case a few months back. We have some soldiers who have actually been court marshaled for turning down orders of superiors. This is a marked difference from what we used to have. Now, with the revelations from the office of the NSA, I am sure those in public office are thinking twice on how to handle government money. But these changes may not have transcended into bread and butter yet for Nigerians to really see, but they are all

steps in the right direction and you know to bring down, to destroy does not take time but to build takes a lot of time. I am sure the harm done to the economy before now has been enormous and it takes time to reverse.

Talking about the Military and corruption within, some people are of the opinion that those soldiers who were sentenced to death because they mutinied against authority who allegedly embezzled monies meant for them, whose sentences have been commuted to 10 years in prison should be pardoned and allowed to go home based on recent revelations from the office of the NSA, do you share this view?

I may not support the views of those calling for the outright release of the officers, I am happy that the sentence has been commuted from death to 10 years, but the offıcers have not behaved like professionals, whichever way you look at it, as people who swore to defend the sovereign rights of Nigerians, people who swore to keep the country from aggressors, I think they have erred by that act. It is not as if I am averse to plea for leniency on their behalf, but I think they should equally be punished, I will not be part of those calling for complete let go of those officers, because they reneged on part of what they swore to do on behalf Nigerians.

There are other ways they could have expressed their displeasure, not by exposing the country or abdicating their responsibilities, because it is unlikely that the information got to them on the field that very day, they must have heard before then and I expected that they should have made better use of the information, because two wrongs do not make a right.

Igbuya did not fail in advising the executive branch of the government on how to make progress, saing Nigeria could no longer depend on oil and gas based economy.

“To grow our way to a higher standard of living in 2016, we must diversify the country’s economy.

We must think of new revenue sources”, he said pledging to work with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to improve the lots of the people of the state.

‘Happiness of the people is the foremost objective of the current administration. The state is taking giant steps forward. Governor

Ifeanyi Okowa is leading by building consensus on all issues” he said.

He said the state would be stronger, united and prosperous in 2016, saying: “2016 is our year of hope and great expectations” and commended the people for their commitment to democracy and desire for positive change in the state.

“Whatever political or personal differences we may have, the love for the state should be a shared focus, enough for us to work handin-hand for its continued development”, he said, urging Nigerians to remain peaceful and united.

Delta Speaker lists achievements The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya has spoken on the first seven months of the Sixth Assembly, describing it as “wonderful”.

Igbuya in a statement by his media aide, Ebireri Henry Ovie said that the period would remain evergreen in his memory.

He listed the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency Law, 2015, Delta State Technical and Vocational Education Board Law, 2015, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Law, 2015, Delta State Appropriation (Amend-

ment) Law, 2015 and the Delta State Contributory Health Commission Law, 2015 as major achievements of the Sixth Legislative Assembly.

Igbuya, who described the performance of his colleagues for the first seven months as impressive, pledged to introduce more growth and reforms in the state.

He urged his colleagues to set new goals to quicken the pace of development in the state.

“I am committed to deepening legislative measures that will support government’s effort at guaranteeing peace, welfare and security of Deltans.

Delta Speaker, Igbuya

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

At Aso Rock Chapel, cleric declares six days prayer, fasting monthly Ï ` EƆ Ƌƕ ƍƏƆƗƈƅƐ ƏƆ Ɛ Ɔ Ƈ Ə Mƈ ƆƏƈ ÎÎÎA clergy, Pastor Joseph

Malomo, on Sunday, urged Nigerians to pray and fast in the first six days of each month of 2016 for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country.

Also, renowned international gospel artiste, composer and evangelist, Ron Kenoly, on Sunday, predicted that Nigeria would emerge one of the greatest nations on earth in future.

Pastor Malomo declared the six days fasting and prayer each month during

his sermon at the first Sunday Service at the Aso Rock Chapel, Abuja.

He said that one of the things that should preoccupy Nigerians in the first Sunday of 2016 was thanksgiving, adding that Christians should be realistic in thanking God for sparing their lives for the New Year.

The sermon, titled ``It is High Time to Awake’’, enjoined all to apply ones heart to wisdom in order to belong to the side of God. The cleric said that God is

calling on Nigerians to work right, faster, smarter and gloriously to attain greatness.

Malomo advised Nigerians to shun excessive merriment in the New Year and apply themselves to things that could assist them wriggle out of the economic and social malaise plaguing the nation.

Meanwhile, Kenoly who featured alongside his wife, Diana, during the service, noted in a brief speech that Nigerians should not regret the disappointments of their

leaders in its 55 years of nationhood.

According to the Florida, U.S.-born artiste, Nigeria is a young country when compared with older democracies.

He said when U.S. was 55, it was the ``most corrupt, vile and violent nation on Earth’’ and busy with slave trade. ``The whole world is looking at you now because the whole resources of the world are in the continent of Africa and Nigeria is the leader

of the continent. ``I see you as becoming one of the greatest nation’s in the world. The future of wealth in the world is in Africa. ``Your strength, salvation and exultation as a country will not come from politics, not economy but from God,’’ he declared.

Kenoly, however, said that the nation needed prayers now as righteousness exalts a nation.

He said that the way to reach the forward line was to build the country in such a way that the whole world would look up to the country

as the light through religion.

The 71-year-old artiste called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religious backgrounds, to be steadfast in prayer for the nation.

He said that Nigeria is one of the most resourceful and prayerful nations in the world and the Almighty will not abandon the country.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, in an interview said that the service was to thank God for the administration and pray for the leaders to deliver democratic dividends.

APC sweeps Zamfara LG polls ÎÎÎThe

Gé`ë LƆƐ Ɨƈ Ɛ ƈ ƍ Ƈ &ƒ ƆƋƈ ƌ Ɨ #ƈ ƅƈƍƋƆ ƈƍè `Ɛê `ƆƒƗê &Ɨ Ɗ ƌƑƐ ì ^ƏƆƋ ƐƆè 6ƈ &ƌƈ Ɔ ƅƆè d ƌƑƆƋ ƑƊƓƑƆƌƆƊ E Ƒénƅ Ɔì `Ɛê `ƆƒƗê RƋ Ɨ ƍ Rƌ Ɛ ƕ Ɨ ^Ə Ɛ é^ƏƆ ƄƕƐƆƏè LƆƐ Ɨƈ Ɛ ƑƏƅ Ƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ è yƆƏƕ `ƆƒƗê dƐƆƍ Ɔ ƗƆ ƄƈƐƆè Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ MƆƓ Ɔ Ə dƆƏƒƈƅƆè ƈ G Č Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƓƆƆƊƆ Ɨê

PHOTO: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE.

All Progressive Congress (APC) has won all the Chairmanship positions in the Saturday’s local council election in the state.

The Chairman of the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZSIEC), Alhaji Garba Muhammad said on Sunday in Gusau that all the candidates of the party in the 14 councils had met all the provisions of the electoral law and had been declared winners of the election in their respective councils.

He said 14 political parties including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) participated in the election.

The PDP, however, in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Hassan Nasiha on eve of the election, said it was boycotting the election.

The party also said since it was still challenging the election of the Gov Abdulaziz Yari at the Supreme Court, it would, therefore, not participate in the election.

LƈƔƆƗ ƏƆ ƅƐƈ ƐƏ ƈƋ 01ô ƗƆƅƈ ƈ Ɛ ƒ ƈƗ ƍƋƆ éƄ Ə ƈ ƓƈƐ ƐƏƆ ƑƏƕ Ƌ ƐƆƏ ÎÎÎLawyers in the FCT on

Sunday expressed mixed feelings over the Federal Government’s decision not to consider plea-bargain being contemplated by treasury looters and their cronies.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami, had declared that the Federal Government was more interested in recovering to the last kobo, all public funds stolen and stashed away by top politicians and their cronies under the guise of arms purchase.

The government said that such plea bargain only allowed looters to go away with stolen public assets.

Speaking with in Abuja, a lawyer, Mr Silas Onu, said that government’s stand was in order because pleabargain was unconstitutional. ``Plea-bargain is not in Nigerian laws and so the refusal of the government to subscribe to it is not misplaced; government is only strictly following the laws. ``If you remember, the former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru

Musdapher, spoke about the illegality of plea-bargain. ``EFCC just invented a legal proceeding that is not known to our laws; and the way we even apply it in Nigeria is not as it should be. ``Plea-bargain has been used in Nigeria as pardon for criminality; but plea-bargain shouldn’t be like that. ``It should be as is operated in America, where it should only earn you a reduction in punishment; it shouldn’t set you free,’’ Onu said.

Mrs Uche Asiobi, another lawyer, who holds a different

opinion, stated that plea-bargain should be considered if it will be to the benefit of the members of the public. ``I think sometimes you have to lose something to win something. ``I agree that it is hard, particularly when you are thinking of the economy and what has happened. ``You will think that these people should pay the full penalty, but if you take that angle, you might not get the full justice you require. ``So, if you realise that you will gain more through plea-bargain, it is better to

apply it and recover more funds. ``Remember that even with plea-bargain the reputation of these people is already tarnished. ``So, plea-bargain should be used if the generality of the public will benefit from it instead of just one individual pocketing the loot,’’ Asiobi said.

Another lawyer, Ms Grace Ehusani, thinks that though the Federal Government would prefer to uphold justice, applying pleabargain would encourage more treasury looters to

confess. ``When you provide an opportunity for people to confess and admit to their crimes knowing that because they confessed, the punishment will be lighter, they will be more willing to come to an agreement with the government,’’ she said.

NAN reports that the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and several others are currently being investigated and are facing prosecution over alleged diversion of $2.1 billion meant for the purchase of arms.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

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News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

FG earmarks N108bn to clear 2015 subsidy payments Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, has said that the Federal Government has set aside an extra N108 billion to defray subsidy payments to oil marketers for the year 2015.

He disclosed this in Abuja while announcing the new pump price of petrol, explaining that the money was meant to clear payment for the month of October, November and December, 2015.

FG had recently paid an outstanding N407 billion

subsidy claims to oil marketers up to September, 2015, which the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said included arrears from the 2014 financial year, as well as payments for 2015.

In the meantime, the PPPRA boss said that his agency had completed the verification of marketer’s documents for the months of October and November, which would be sent to the Debt Management Office (DMO) before it is handled by the Ministry of Finance.

He said that, “For October, November and December, PPPRA has been verifying subsidy claims. The verifica-

tion only commences when the marketers bring in their documentation. We have been able to verify October and November and we are going to send everything to the DMO for payment.

“Already there has been a budget for that because we have appropriated about N108 billion for these three months. It has come down because of the drop in the price.”

He further maintained that marketers would not have problems with payment of subsidy arrears for 2015, because the Federal Government was up to date with the payment.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Esther NnamdiOgbue, has disclosed that with effect from January, the company would begin real time tracking of products distribution with a view to checking diversion and artificially induced scarcity.

She maintained that the agency has been involved in manual tracking of every truck leaving any of its depots be it in Lagos, Warri, Oghara, Port Harcourt or Calabar, but now want to begin real time tracking where defaulters would be brought to book.

Kwara teachers begin strike over unpaid salaries ÎÎÎ

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Kwara State has said that primary school teachers would embark on strike on Monday in protest against the non-payment of their four months’ salary arrears.

The Chairman of the union, Comrade Musa Abubakar, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday, in Kaiama, Kaiama Local Government Area.

NAN reported that the strike action would begin just when schools were expected to resume from their first term holiday.

Abubakar said that the union could no longer guaran-

Group wants Aregbesola to raise IGR ÎÎÎ Perturbed by the finan-

Remains of burnt Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure Ultra-Modern Market in Minna, Niger State … on Sunday.

tee industrial harmony in the state, following the non-payment of their four months’ salary arrears.

He said that the primary school teachers in the state had been loyal and dedicated to duty in spite of the failure of the government to pay them salaries for months.

“I want to believe they have tried. If the members of the National Assembly are not paid for four months, I doubt if you will see anybody in the red or green chambers. I recall that in Oyo State where they were not paid for just two months and some House of Assembly members did not going to work,” Abubakar said.

cial crisis rocking Osun State, a non-governmental organisation, the Forum for Nation Builders and Social Development (FNBSD), has charged the state government to explore the state’s economic potentials in agriculture and tourism to improve upon its income.

The group said that the adverse effect of dwindling federal allocation and low internally generated revenue (IGR), in the state would be drastically cushioned, if government could invest in agriculture and tourism.

According to the group, in a communique issued at the end of an economic summit tagged: “Enhancing Osun Economic Development: Agriculture and Tourism as Key Indicators,” held in Osogbo, there was an urgent need to

shift the state’s focus from the monthly federal allocation to agriculture and tourism.

Also in the communique signed by Messrs Ayo Odeyemi, the convener of the group, Babajide Bewaji, Chairman of the Summit Committee and Ismaeel Uthman, Secretary, the FNBSD harped on a need to promote agriculture and enhance farming.

It specifically suggested that the state government should revamp the moribund farm settlements in the state and upgrade themtoagriculturalindustrial centres tobeclusteredinacommunity of 5,000 people, who are predominantlyinclinedtofarming.

It added that government should make provision for crop mapping that would be made according to crop niche areas, calling for mass production of crops with emphasis on production, processing and export.

APC explains Gov. Yari’s 2016: There’ll be employment boom in Lagos, says Ambode Zamfara absence at LG polls party’s upcoming leaders in previously in power now be- nor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, booming.

Benjamin Omoike

ÎÎÎGovernor

Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State is very optimistic that there would be employment boom this year. He said this at the 2016 Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Lagos State Government, held at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday.

He also said that artisans and skill vocations would thrive in Lagos. He made these remarks in reaction to the predictions of economic doom for 2016. The governor stressed that it would not stop the state’s economy from

“We are determined to achieve inclusive progress in governance. Employment will boom, Lagos will grow in leaps and bound,” he said.

He thanked God for sustaining Lagos all through 2015 and for bringing him to power. He said despite the fears that the 2015 general elections would be violent, God took control.

Ambode added that he was happy that the elections turned out to be free and fair and one that led to a change in government, in which the opposition party took over power, while the government

came the opposition. “The fact that we are gathered here today shows that God is with us,” he said.

The event witnessed inspirational songs from the choir of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), as well as gospel artiste, Frank Edwards amongst others.

Dignitaries at the thanksgiving service included Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, RCCG; Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Rev. Mercy Ezekiel of the Christ Pentecostal Mission (CPM), wife of the Gover-

wife of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Olusola Obasa; Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo and Archbishop Adewale Martins.

Also present were Chief Kemi Nelson, All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader in Lagos, Rev. Felix Meduoye, General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Olufunmilayo Atilade, Alabi David, Chairman, Conference 57; Rev. Moses Aransiola, Pastor Wale Adefarasin of the Guiding Light Assembly, among others.

ÎÎÎThe

All Progressives Congress (APC), in Zamfara State, has explained why Governor Abdulaziz Yari and other key party figures did not participate in Saturday’s local government elections in the state.

Speaking with journalist in Talata-Mafara, on Sunday, the party’s scribe, Alhaji Sani Mono, said that it was a deliberate move to ascertain the capacity of upcoming party chieftains to handle such critical election matter.

“They did not participate in the election because they wanted to see if they have successfully nurtured the

the state.”

The News agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the governor and all National Assembly members from the state were absent during the polls.

The election was, however, boycotted by the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the party in a statement by its State Chairman, Mr. Hassan Nasiha, the PDP would not participate in an election organised by a government it was challenging at the Supreme Court.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

15 Opinion

The Zaria massacre’ and a defective federation

T Chido Onumah

he recent violent confrontation between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) should not come as a surprise to anyone who understands the Nigerian state. It was bound to happen.

In a country where truth is a scarce commodity and where impunity is the norm, it will be difficult to know exactly what happened in Zaria on December 12, 2015. Since nobody takes responsibility for anything in Nigeria, that egregious crime will go unpunished.

It is not for nothing that events like the “Zaria Massacre” have become a dominant feature of our socio-political life. To understand that event, we must understand the psychology of the Nigerian military which explains its actions since 1999 – whether in Odi, Zaki Biam, Gbaramatu or other internal theatres of war it has been pre-occupied with in the past 16 years.

How did we get here? The Nigerian state has been essentially a military state since 1966. Nothing has changed. The 1999 constitution that passes for the supreme law of the federal republic – just like that of 1989 and 1979 before it – is a military decree writ large! The inheritors of

the military-induced transition of 1999 didn’t see – neither were they interested in seeing – the constitution they were inheriting. Even when it was clear, the desire not to be left out of the gravy train of national despoliation was too much of a temptation to resist.

Even though the president is commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the federal republic, there is no effective civilian control over the military enshrined in the constitution. For almost five decades since it first emerged on the national scene, the military has managed to contrive a nation in its own image.

One glaring example of this is the continuous ugly spectacle of military officers still featuring as ADCs, standing like zombies behind our presidents at every public function.

This can only happen in the kind sham democracy that Nigeria is.

Unfortunately, ours is not a political but a deeply politicised military, often reserving loyalty not to the Nigerian state but to the ruling party. The Nigerian military, as an institution, has done more than any other group to destroy the social fabric of this country.

Yet, it is ironic that the military has put itself in a position that it has become the bastion of our unity, the perfector of our national dreams and aspirations. We may not like it, but

that is the reality.

The action of the IMN and the attendant “massacre” is, therefore, understandable if not excusable.

The IMN has been described as an “armed” group that sees itself as being above the laws of the land; the military says the attack on the group was carried out according to “rules of engagement” (rules of engagement in a war or civil disturbance?) and the president described the tragedy as a “military affair”.

This phenomenon is rooted in corruption which has weakened the social fabric of the country; but more important, it is the fallout of the structural dysfunction engineered and sustained by the military. For Nigeria, the chickens have come home to roost. After five decades of military-inspired malfeasance, including the orchestrated destruction of the principles of federalism, it is clear that we need to go back to the drawing board.

The Nigerian state has long abdicated its responsibilities to citizens. It is only natural; therefore, that Nigerians have shifted their allegiance from the state to religious groups and all manner of contrivances that have provided them succour.

The Nigerian state has all but collapsed, often inducing violent

self-help and pockets of states within the state. Much of this is attributable to corruption, the erosion of the productive relationship between the central government and the federating unitsin a federation and of course the unholy alliance between the state and religion manifested, for example, in the state’s support for pilgrims, building of religious institutions, patronising so-called imams and pastors for special prayers.

Today, religious institutions and groups of every hue hold us hostage and there is no recourse.

For me, the carnage notwithstanding, the most troubling aspect of the “Zaria Massacre” was listening to our military high command pontificate about its commitment to keep Nigeria united; “one Nigeria; one destiny,” as they described it. By its admission, the military is saying Nigeria is a country at war with itself. But let us not forget for once that the military brought us to this sad end.

Nigeria is sleepwalking to disaster. Now is the time to reclaim the country and the starting point would be to put in place a people’s constitution.

That is the only way to save Nigeria and put an end to the messiah complex of the Nigerian military.

What is presidential about Buhari’s Media Chat?

A

Jude Ndukwe

fter months of addressing Nigerians from outside the country on issues that are largely local, granting interviews to foreign media outfits while neglecting the local media, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), was finally convinced to host a presidential media chat in Nigeria. Before now, Nigerians had expressed strong reservations on why Buhari had chosen to always make policy abroad. For those who might not understand why, the president’s media chat shows it.

Apart from the fact that the chat was drab and largely patronising, it exposed Buhari’s unbelievably shallow understanding of national issues and the skill expected of a president of 21st century Nigeria, to answer questions in ways and manners that give the people hope in the face of growing socio-economic challenges.

With the benefit of hindsight, one now understands why Buhari has always shied away from such important engagements. Apart from lacking the finesse of a modern day president, Buhari confirmed fears that he does not understand elementary issues confronting the country.

It is most unfortunate that Nige-

ria’s president still thinks that for him to devalue the naira it has to be against a particular foreign currency.

Asked his thoughts on this issue, he charged at the panellists asking which currency he would devalue the naira against; would it be the US dollar, the British pounds, the French francs or the German deutsche mark.

It is shameful how our president does not know about this. If he does not understand simple economic issues as this, how much more complex ones needed to drive Nigeria’s economy!

Does this not explain why our economy recently adjudged the biggest in Africa under President Goodluck Jonathan is now among the worst in the continent?

It is alarming that Buhari did not know or feigned not to know that domiciliary account holders cannot operate their accounts to the extent that they cannot withdraw a mere £200 for their needs. In his magnanimity, Buhari promised to ask the CBN governor why that is so! The implication of this is that while ordinary Nigerians are denied access to their accounts and suffer as a result of this, Buhari must have been receiving his own estacodes without any qualms.

What asked if he had intelligence that the Chibok girls were still alive, retorted quite regrettably “We are still

waiting for a credible Boko Haram leadership to tell us that”!

Furthermore, Buhari expects to take a stand on the Shi’ite/military issue after the army has conducted an investigation into an issue it was an active party, thereby making the army a judge in its own case.

For a president who prides himself as one having no minister with any corruption case in court, he forgot to tell Nigerians that the APC fielded two governorship candidates (Timipre Sylva for Bayelsa State and Abubakar Audu for Kogi State) who have corruption cases in court running into humongous billions of naira.

The worst answer of the night was the one he gave to Ibanga Isine’s concern on the continued dangerous trend of state security institutions flagrantly disobeying court orders and deliberately undermining the judiciary, especially as it concerns Sambo Dasuki, Kayode Are, Nnamdi Kanu, Patrick Akpobolokemi who all have had judicial pronouncements on them violently violated by security agencies. Dasuki has met bail conditions from three different courts and every time he met those conditions, he was re-arrested and clamped into detention despite orders of the courts.

Nnamdi Kanu on his part had told Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that he would rather remain in detention than stand trial as the DSS had shown disdain for the judiciary by not obeying the earlier orders of the courts discharging him. Agreeing with the position of Kanu despite vehement opposition from the prosecution, the judge had to exempt himself from the case.

The same scenarios have played out in the cases of others earlier mentioned. Rather than express regrets over these unfortunate developments and promise Nigerians a better deal, Buhari confirmed our worst fears that the brazen lawlessness of the DSS was ordered by him declaring that allowing these individuals on bail would allow them “run away”. He even expressed dismay at Nnamdi Kanu holding dual passports of Nigeria and Britain as if that was a crime in itself.

While expressing his readiness to dialogue with Boko Haram, the world’s deadliest terror group, he thinks that Nnamdi Kanu should be crushed by all means possible including disobeying court orders concerning him simply because he “brought in sophisticated radio transmitters into the country”.

16

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Features

17

Æs

Why chronic diseases are common among the wealthy

By Lucy Osuizigbo With the decline in the prevalence of many infectious or Communicable Diseases, there has been a steady rise in the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) also referred to as chronic diseases.

Experts say NCDs are the leading causes of death worldwide.

They include heart/cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic kidney and respiratory diseases and are responsible for the majority of NCD-related illnesses and deaths in Nigeria.

The National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP) reeled out a frightening statistics that indicates that no fewer than 80,000 Nigerians die from various forms of cancer annually.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) report of 2014, says there were 3.9 million Nigerians who were diabetic.

The recent report by Stephen James Stroke

Centre of Excellence in Abuja indicates that 168 people die of stroke daily in Nigeria, while 18 stroke cases are recorded every hour.

It also indicates that Nigeria records 160,000 cases of stroke annually and that is indeed, worrisome. It underscores the seriousness of the problem of hypertension and the endemic nature of chronic diseases.

Dr Ebun Bamgboye, President-elect, Nigeria Association of Nephrology and Chief Medical Director, St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, says 36.8 million Nigerians (23 per cent) are suffering from various stages of kidney/renal disease in Nigeria.

This is becoming worrisome but it became more bothersome when even those who are wealthy in society and who can afford the high cost of medical treatment and management of these

diseases are the most affected.

The list of notable Nigerians who are also perceived to be the wealthy in the society and who recently fell, that is, died, survived or are managing NCDs is endless.

The low income earners or the poor in the society are also affected, but the wealthy or people perceived to be the rich in the society and can afford the best of medical check-up and treatment in the best of health facilities around the world are most hit.

Oftentimes, they manage and live with these diseases or never return alive. One begins to wonder why this trend?

Dr Emmanuel Eche, Medical Director, Providence Clinic, Isheri-Osun, told the news Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that rich Nigerians are more prone to heart attack than the poor.

According to him, these health conditions that can lead to sudden death are more common among the rich.

Eche says that the rich can afford to eat

foods that cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol every day. Obesity related to diet is one major issue why affluent Nigerians are dying. ``The affluence that comes with political offices in Nigeria is alarming. For instance, a man who used to be slim will suddenly become fat after taking up a political appointment. ``He will suddenly start drinking more alcohol and eating westernised foods that encourage weight gain. ``They have chefs, drivers and others employed to do everything for them. ``They are not tasking themselves physically and the result is weight gain and the accompanying heart attack and sudden death,’’ Eche said.

In the same vein, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, a Professor of Human Nutrition at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo, says that almost half of all deaths attributable to NCDs have nutrition as the predominant risk factor.

Nutrition is the process of providing food necessary for health, growth and wellbeing; it plays a significant role in the quality of life and longevity.

Onimawo, a former President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), explained that most chronic diseases experienced in adulthood originated from the kind of nutritional habit in the first 1, 000 days of life.

The period, he said, was a unique window of opportunity to prevent these diseases.

He said that the first 1,000 days of life, from pregnancy to a child`s second birthday, if not properly taken care of, was irreversible and could lead to the development of chronic diseases later in life. ``Seventy per cent of brain development and normal formation of the organs such as the heart, kidney, pancreas, liver, body tissues and cells, take place in the womb. ``And when a pregnant woman does not eat rightly to get adequate nutrients, the foetus will be compromised. ``It will result to low birth weight which is below 2.5kg as against normal birth weight which from 2.5 kg to 4 kg. ``The remaining 30 per cent of a normal development of a child takes place from when the child is born till his second birthday. ``If the mother does not breastfeed this baby exclusively for the first six months of life, and later with timely and adequate complementary feeding till he is two, we

Continued on page 18

Features 18

Kemi Odukoya

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Ebun Bamgboye

Prof Ignatius Onimawo

Affluence, urbanisation mean new kinds of unhealthy lifestyles Continued from page 17 have little or no control over what happens later in life.

A good example is if the Pancreas is not properly formed, it will not produce enough Insulin to prevent diabetes. ``That is why when such individual has grown with all the riches, resources and knowledge to eat right with adequate nutritional habits, the organs that were not properly formed during the first 1, 000 days of life will not be able to handle or cope with those nutrients and they begin to have problems and fail. ``So, once these diseases set in, no matter how wealthy you are, there is little or nothing that can be done to cure them, but such patients could manage and live with the disease throughout their lives,’’ he said.

Onimawo harped on the need to better educate expectant and nursing mothers to make informed decisions regarding nutritional care in the first 1,000 days of their babies’ lives.

By the same token, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, National President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, told NAN that six months exclusive breastfeeding can remedy some of the problems associated with low birth weight.

Nnam lamented the low

rate of adherence to exclusive breastfeeding in the country.

Nnam, a Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, noted that most nursing mothers preferred to feed their babies with animal milk instead of the human breast milk. ``The protein content in the animal milk is higher than that of the human breast milk, which is why an animal will be delivered today and immediately it starts to walk. ``When you feed a baby with animal milk, it will cause the cells in the baby’s body to increase in number and size, more than it should. ``This is why a young child will grow fat, become overweight or obese and even look older than his or her age. ``Obesity comes with increased risk of chronic diseases and causes death such as hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, mental illness such as depression, breakdown of cartilage and bone within the joint and some cancers. ``Even when that obese child becomes an adult and tries slimming mechanisms, they may not work because those cells are still there in the body.

``Therefore, mothers refusing to breastfeed are disservice to themselves, the baby and to humanity. And when you child is fat, don’t take it as being healthy, that child is obese,’’ she said.

On what can be done when the 1,000 days window opportunity has passed, Dr Kemi Odukoya, a Consultant Public Health Physician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, says that affluence and urbanisation mean new kinds of

``When you feed a baby with animal milk, it will cause the cells in the baby’s body to increase in number and size, more than it should.

This is why a young child will grow fat, become overweight or obese and even look older than his or her age.”

unhealthy lifestyles.

It also implies new kind of diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use among others which can increase the risk of NCDs. Odukoya says that Nigeria has witnessed a rise in the number of fast food restaurants serving meals with high salt and sugar content as well as preservatives, often containing saturated fat.

She says that this goes hand in hand with an increase in the availability of bottled drinks, adding that canned fruit juices were becoming fashionable and replacing natural fruits.

According to her, these eateries are patronised by people across all economic bands in the society. ``The working class and the wealthy in Nigeria consider eating outside as trending and as such, people of limited resources also tend to follow the emerging trend. ``These trends cause overweight, which is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart diseases, renal disease and cancer. ``Thus, an increasingly obese population will bear the increased burden of these chronic diseases. ``But one-third of these diseases can be prevented through lifestyle modification by eating healthily, maintaining normal weight,

and exercising throughout life. ``Also avoid tobacco use and consumption of alcohol to address disease prevention, control risk factors and sustain good health,’’ Odukoya said.

Dr Emmanuel Enabulele, blamed the lack of nutritional care practice by pregnant women and mothers on the deteriorating state of the economy. ``In Nigeria where the environment and the economy have been unfriendly with unavailability of resources, how do you expect a pregnant woman to eat the required foods? ``Or what she does not have and cannot afford? This is because these good foods are very expensive. ``Government at all levels need to do something about this problem by ensuring a better and affordable life for all the citizens. ``They can begin by ensuring that the health and nutrition of women and children are given adequate attention. ``Specific actions such as enlightenment and education programmes geared towards quality of diet to protect, promote and support breastfeeding needs to be improved upon and sustained,’’ Enabulele said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Nuhu Mamman

As the new electricity tariff approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) finally kicks off, BABAJIDE OKEOWO analyses the pros and cons of this new order and felt the people’s pulse on the new tariff. His report.

It has been long in coming.

Finally, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has increased electricity tariff and removed fixed charges for all classes of electricity consumers. This was contained in a statement on the agency’s website.

According to a statement, “The new electricity tariff regime approved over the weekend by NERC has removed fixed charges for all classes of electricity consumers.

Henceforth, from the next billing period, distribution companies will no longer charge their customers monthly fixed charges.

“Under the new tariff regime, electricity consumers will now only pay for what they consume from month to month. This is in line with NERC’s mandate to be fair in all its regulatory interventions,” the statement read The new tariff and its modus operandi It is pertinent to understand how the tariff and billing system works.

This, the commission’s chairman Dr. Sam Amadi explained as good news for consumers “This is good news for electricity consumers who have long asked for a more just and fair pricing of electricity. The regulatory

Sam Amadi NERC CEO

19 Features

Olumayokun Joseph

Mixed reactions greet new electricity tariff commission had promised to address all the complaints against fixed charges through a regulatory process that promotes investments in the electricity industry without unfairly burdening electricity consumers In the new tariff regime for instance, residential customer classification (R2) in Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will no longer pay N702.00 fixed charge every month. But, their energy charge will increase by

To me this is far better than the former tariff. A situation whereby I have to pay #750 without power supply is not only absurd but also a complete fraud. With this new tariff, I am rest assured that it will be pay as you use – Justice

N9.60. Also, residential customers (R2 customers) in Eko and Ikeja electricity distribution areas will no longer pay N750. 00 fixed charges rather they will be getting N10 and N8 increase respectively in their energy charges.

Similarly, the burden of N800.00 and N750.00 fixed charges would be lifted off the shoulders of Kaduna and Benin electricity consumers.

These consumers will see an increase of N11.05 and N9.26 respectively in their energy charges.

Explaining further, Amadi said that the new tariff is also good news for commercial consumers. For example, commercial customers’ classification C2 in Ibadan and Enugu will no longer pay fixed charges of N17, 010. 00 and N22, 141.

00. Their energy charge will increase

by N12.08 and N13.35 respectively,’’ he added Pros and cons of the new tariff In the word of Amadi, the advantages of the new tariff regime is the elimination of fixed charges and estimated billing.

“Henceforth, from the next billing period, distribution companies will no longer charge their customers

monthly fixed charges. Fixed charge is that component of the tariff that commits electricity consumers to paying an approved amount of money not minding whether electricity is consumed or not during the billing period.

“Under the new tariff regime, electricity consumers will now only pay for what they consume from month to month,” Amadi said, adding, “This is good news for electricity consumers who have long asked for a more just and fair pricing of electricity.

He went further to say that the onus is now on the Discos to provide residents with prepaid meters.

“Henceforth every disco should meter all its customers. The metering policy will be strictly enforced. For those willing electricity customers who paid for meters under the Cash Advance Payment Metering Initiative (CAPMI) but are yet to be metered within the allowable 60 days they would no longer be billed by the electricity distribution companies under the new tariff regime.

“The discos will not disconnect them. There is zero tolerance Continued on page 20

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Laudable step, but, Prepaid Meters first–OLAWUYI Continued on page 19 for overbilling of customers.

An unmetered customer who is disputing his estimated bill would not be expected to pay the disputed bill. He would pay his last undisputed bill as the contested bill go through the dispute resolution process. This is a departure from the old practice which prescribes that customers should first settle the bill while dispute resolution is in process.”

However, like all new policies, the new tariff regime is fraught with some disadvantages chief among which is the increase in tariff.

According to Amadi the new tariff regimes comes with an increase in energy charges, but, he advised consumers to conserve energy consumption.

“The objective of the new tariff is to enable prudent consumers to save money on electricity bill as they can now control their consumption and not pay monthly fixed charges,” he said Knocks, kudos greet new tariff regime In order to know the level of acceptance of his new tariff, Daily Times went to town to feel the pulse of the people on this new tariff.

According to Nuhu Mamman Lafiya the new tariff is not a welcomed development at this time.

“This is wickedness, NERC has indirectly and systematically increased energy tariff from N14.70k to N24.30k. In the last tariff, a person that consumes 210kwh will pay N3978.45 including fixed charge & VAT. But in the new tariff he will pay N5358 including VAT only. Therefore, I say no to this increment,’’ he vented.

He is not alone in the agitation against the increase in tariff, Lawal Abdullahi Dabai called on President Buhari to personally intervene in the hike.

“President Buhari must directly intervene in the extortion of poor Nigerian power consumers and stop this scam. Stopping the power sector rots and coercing poor Nigerians to pay for darkness as is still happening in this country, is not only unfair but inhuman,” he lamented.

It is not only individuals that are against the new tariff. Joining in the agitation against the increase is The National Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) which has come out discredit the increase and warned the federal government not to go on with it.

The National Vice-President of NACCIMA, Prince Billy GillisHarry, who gave the warning in Abuja, said there was need to involve

A power plant, (inset) the old meter

The decision should come from pool of opinion, every stakeholder should be part of it because the negative impact would be on all looking at economy that is - Prince Billy GillisHarry

The new Pre-paid meter

stakeholders in the deciding what the consumer will pay Gillis-Harry said it was not proper for the government to just wake up and say this is what the consumer would pay for electricity without involving them.

“The decision should come from pool of opinion, every stakeholder should be part of it because the negative impact would be on all looking at economy that is,” he said.

However, it is not only knocks, as some has hailed the decision as a step in the right direction.

According to a consumer who gave his name simply as Justice,the new tariff is better than the old one as it eliminates fixed charges “To me this is far better than the former tariff. A situation whereby I have to pay #750 without power supply is not only absurd but also a complete fraud. With this new tariff, I am rest assured that it will be pay as you use.

Furthermore, this will go a long way in the conservation of our electrical energy. Also, government should open up the market for more genco and disco for competitive market at the long run masses will be the gainer,” he said.

According to Olumayokun Joseph Olabisi, he hoped that the new dawn in electricity lasts. “I pray that this should last long. The government should first and foremost ensure that meters are provided to consumers in the right quantity and quality,” he admonished.

For George Olawuyi, it is a laudable step in the right direction, while he urged the commission to address the issue of prepaid meters.

“What a laudable step in right direction.... Prepaid meter first please. So many Nigerian homes and offices are without prepaid meter.

Prepaid meter first,” he repeatedly said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

21

22 News

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Sultan, Ekiti monarch back end to night grazing Gbenga Sodeinde Ado-Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe Ewi of Ado Ekiti,

Oba Rufus Adejugbe and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, have recommended a total ban on night grazing of cow herds in Ekiti state as part of efforts at putting an end to incessant clashes between farmers and cattle rearers in the state.

At a parley held at the Ewi’s palace in Ado Ekiti,

the traditional rulers emphasised that night grazing should be prohibited from 6pm to 6am, adding that committees made up of farmers, cattle rearers, security agencies, representatives of traditional rulers and representatives of local government areas should also be established at community, local government area (LGA) and state levels.

The parley which was organised to settle the persistent conflicts over al-

leged grazing rights and destruction of farms by cattle herds in the state, was attended by representatives of the state government, led by the state commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Kehinde Odebunmi; members of the Ewi in Council; representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto and national leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), led by its National President,

Alhaji Muhammadu Kirwa Hardon Zuru; representatives of the Police and State Security Services (DSS), as well as various farmers’ groups and leaders of the cattle rearers in the state.

Commending the state government for efforts at maintaining peace in the state, the stakeholders stressed the need to curb the ugly trend, noting that though Ekiti people are reputed to be hospitable, it would not only be unchari-

table but also unwise to take them for granted.

Other recommendations made at the meeting include, establishing local vigilante groups comprising of natives and Fulani cattle rearers that would be closely monitored by the security agencies, generating a comprehensive census of cattle owners in the state, and decentralisation of the leadership of the cattle rearers in the state to comprise an Ardo/Seriki

Kano flood victims to receive help from govt

Ex-Osun LG boss loses mother ÏÏÏFormer Chairman

Yakubu Salisu Kano

ÏÏÏKano State Emergen-

cy Relief and Rehabilitation Agency has revealed plan by the state government to provide assistance to victims of 2015 flood disaster this week. This was made known by the Secretary of the agency, Alh. Bashir Ali, during a press briefing with some journalists in Kano last weekend.

According to Ali, those whose houses were destroyed by flood particularly in Albasu Local Government Area and are still displaced would be compensated. Although, no detail was given about the nature of the assistance but he emphasised that help is on the way as the state government has concluded plans to relieve them of their sufferings latest by Tuesday Investigation however revealed that majority of the victims have been subjected to lots of hardship since the flood without much help from the authorities, as most of them squat with their neighbours, praying and waiting patiently for succour, particularly from the state government.

Fulani in each Senatorial district in the state with a new head at the state level that would be responsible to the national body.

The stakeholders emphasised the need to reposition the leadership of Miyetti Allah Association for effective control of herdsmen in the state, stressing that grazing routes and reserves must however be developed to serve as a permanent solution to the problem in the long run.

Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso (left), in a handshake with Iyalode of Egbaland, Alaba Lawson during a New Year Eve Service held at African Church Cathedral of St. James, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, Ogun State… on Thursday.

PHOTO: DAVID IDOWU

Bayelsa poll: Pro-Dickson group blast defectors to APC Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏA social political cam-

paign group for the re -election of the Bayelsa state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, the Dickson Support Movement, on Sunday, slammed the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, Chief Remember Ogbe and

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other former aides of the state government for alleged signs of disloyalty and defection into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the group, the recent show of disloyalty and decision to defect into APC by former aides to the governor is condemnable and signs of breach of trust by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) in the state.

Among those accused of alleged disloyalty include the Chairman of the Southern Ijaw Local Council, Chief Remember Ogbe and the Special Adviser to the governor on AIDS/HIV campaign, former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Furoebi Akene and the Chairman of the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA), Dr. Temple Iluma.

The group, Dickson Support Movement, in a statement issued on Sunday by the State Coordinator, Comrade Tarilayefa Beinabi, said the intelligence unit of the Governor Dickson’s campaign organisation has discovered the lacklustre and disloyalty attitude of the identified aides to the re-election bid of Governor Seriake Dickson.

of Ifelodun Local Government in Osun state, now Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Bola Ajao, has lost his mother, Alhaja Atikat Ajao. She died on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 after a brief illness at the age of 78.

According to Muslim rites, a special Fidau prayer was recently held in her honour at Akinorun Grammar School, Ikirun.

The late Atikat was a devout Muslim who spent her life on propagation of Islam. While alive, she had served as Dawah officer for the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) for several years before the change of guards.

Late Alhaja Ajao

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Ojo Maduekwe fumes over Abia A’Court verdict

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Appeal Court judgement, which nullified the election of the Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu last week Thursday has continued to ellicit condemnations from Abians.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Ojo Maduekwe, who paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ikpeazu, leading political stakeholders from Ohafia

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ÏÏÏThe

Local Government Area, described the judgement by the Appeal Court, as strange and unusual.

Maduekwe, urged the Supreme Court to ensure that a decision that will be consistent with the aspirations and desires of the people of the state, as democratically expressed in the last election, will be the final outcome and called on the people to avoid anything that will disrupt the peace of the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe Osun State House

of Assembly, under the leadership Honourable Najeem Salaam, has charged Nigerians to approach the New Year with high sense of hope, optimism, positive attitude and payment of tax.

It also called for fervent prayers for peace, a prerequisite for development, spirit of sacrifice from the citizenry in view of the myriads of challenges confronting the nation, as well as mutual trust needed for nation building.

The calls were made through a statement to mark the New Year (2016) celebration, issued by the Chairman House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, on behalf of the House.

Describing the year 2016 as one of great expectations, hope, possibilities and challenges, the House said that though the nation was presently at economic crossroads and not yet the nation of our collective dream, it potentially still remained a land of illimitable opportunities and

Ex-Senator deplores high poverty rate in Ogun Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏThe

immediate past senator representing Ogun Central, Mr. Olugbenga Obadara, has lamented the level of poverty and hardship plaguing the residents of the state, vowing to assist in liberating them from the monster.

Obadara, in a release issued in Abeokuta, and made available to newsmen, vowed to press the development of the state and the liberation of the citizenry with great vigour, even when confronted with setbacks, because Ogun State cannot afford to take the back seat after the enduring foundation laid down for us by our founding fathers.

Obadara maintained that, “Our founding fathers laid a strong foundation which some of us have religiously emulated.

23 News

Osun Assembly seeks new attitude to tax payment in 2016 great possibilities.

The parliament said Nigerians of all faith must unite to make the country the giant of Africa that it was destined to be.

Stressing that Nigeria had every ingredient for greatness, Oyintiloye maintained that with tenacity of purpose, a reversal of the current economic and social crises was achievable.

He said that the challenges facing the country may be obvious in socio-economic front, there was a need to build confidence in the capacities of the present government to achieve its developmental goals.

The House expressed confidence that the change project was on course, and stressed that the initiative of President Muhammadu Buhari to reposition the

country was robust and believable.

“Despite the crippling weaknesses of today’s economy imposed on us by the huge corruption of past government, drop in the price of oil and all such factors that undermine genuine development, it is needful to support a wellfocused leader and government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Nigerians, collectively, must assume their duties to work with the present democratic government in fighting our challenges, especially as it relates to corruption, economy and insecurity to guarantee social equality that will guide us to our envisioned society,” the Osun lawmakers said.

To make a government thrive and achieve the collective goal of nation-build-

ing, the Assembly said the people must fulfil their obligations to the state and nation as a whole as individuals and organisations.

These obligations, according to the parliament, included prompt payment of taxes, obeying environmental and other laws, and, most importantly, respecting the rights of others in all spheres of life, among others.

Youths decry campaign of calumny against Kuku ÏÏÏNational

Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace, Ignatius Kaigama (right), distributing food items to the less privileged to mark the extraordinary jubilee year of mercy in Jos… on Sunday.

Buhari inherited bad economy from past govt –Minister Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏMinister

of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has lamented that President Muhammed Buhari inherited bad economy from the past administration, but has been working hard to fix it through diversification of its base.

Onu made this known while addressing leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Ebonyi State in his Uburu coun-

try home who came to celebrate the New Year with him.

He gave an assurance that there would be a turnaround in the economy of the nation very soon as a result of measures put in place by Buhari, especially in the area of fighting corruption.

Onu called on the people of Ebonyi State to support the Buhari administration as they could not afford to be in opposition.

He restated his commit-

ment to reposition the ministry of Science and Technology to make it vibrant.

He alleged that Facebook account created by unscrupulous elements in his name was being used to defraud people and warned against it.

He said that in the first place he doesn’t operate any Facebook account and wondered why people were using his name on it book with his pictures to do all manner of business.

“Many people have

called me on phone that they were the ones chatting with me on Facebook, and I stand here to say I don’t operate Facebook account.

“If anybody creates Facebook account with my name and pictures and said he is chatting with me, the person is a criminal. Ignore such a person. Some persons have been using my name and pictures to do all manner of business.

I want to warn them to desist from this”, he said.

Committee of Yoruba Youths (NCYY), has condemned what it described as campaigns of calumny against former Special Adviser to the President on NigerDelta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku.

The group said it had observed a sustained attempt by some political foes of Kuku to sully his image by sending frivolous petitions to the anticorruption agencies, as well as using the media to spread falsehood against him.

A statement by the group said Kuku did not deserve the treatment being meted out to him, having rendered meritorious services to the country worthy of emulation by the youths.

The statement, which was issued at the weekend, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, was signed by the President of the group, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, and the Registrar, Oyewole Olurin.

No excuse for non-performance, Umahi tells LG chairmen Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏGovernor

David Umahi of Ebonyi State has challenged the Caretaker Chairmen of the 13 local government areas in the state to remain committed to the provision of

the benefits of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

Umahi told them, when they paid him a New Year visit at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, that they must think outside the box to generate

income and not cite the general economic problem facing the country as a reason for non-performance.

He also encouraged them to have the fear of God and passion for the people at heart.

His words: “God did

not make a mistake by bringing you on board at a time like this. You have to sit down and think of what you can do. And if you fear God and you have passion for the people, God will definitely meet you at the point of your need.

Kuku

24 News

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Furore over selection of second-in-command to Ooni Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe controversy sur-

rounding the selection of the new Second-in-Command to the Ooni of Ife caused rancour among the supporters of the ten contenders from the Aga ruling house of Ile-Ife on Sunday.

It would be recalled that the position became vacant sequel to the death of the late Obalufe of Ile-Ife,

Oba Solomon Omisakin.

According to tradition, the Obalufe is the traditional ruler of Iremo in Ile-Ife; head of Ife kingmakers and next to the Ooni in hierarchy.

To fill the vacant post, a committee headed by Comrade Ayoola Olafiranye, was inaugurated as a part of the process of selecting a new Obalufe.

Shortly after its inauguration, our correspondent gathered that the Olafin-

ranye Committee invited all the 10 aspirants for screening.

But some of the contenders accused the Committee of planning to announce the name of an aspirant called Elu Abayomi.

According to them, Abayomi was not even qualified to contest, because he allegedly hailed from a female lineage.

In order to make their agitation known, supporters of the complaining

contenders threatened to shut down the town, if Abayomi was announced as alleged.

A traditional ruler in Ife, Chief Atimi Bada, Logun Apata of Ile-Ife, explained that the contenders for the vacant stool of the Obalufe must come from male lineage.

He said, “This rancour would not have arisen had the Committee done the right thing; in a transparent manner. We all know

that the female lineage can contest only if there was no competent person from the male lineage.

“But in this situation, there are nine contenders from male lineage, yet, the Committee attempts to pick the only one person that came out from the female lineage. That won’t be right.”

Olafiranye said he would prefer not to speak on the outcome of the screening of the aspirants.

Niger govt warns against lateness to work

“What else can I say when they have already rubbished everything we did and they have dissolved the Committee when we have not even presented the reports of our findings to the ruling family. I cannot say anything on the issue,” Olafiranye said.

Also, Head of the Ruling House, Chief Bello Adiyeloja suggested that the dissolution of the Committee to prevent avoidable trouble in the town.

Group commends Buhari’s call for new Nigeria

Pita Chikwem, Minna

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

ÏÏÏA

Niger State Government, on Sunday, warned that it would dismiss any civil servant that disobeys civil service rules by coming late to work.

This was contained in a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, saying that coming to work late would not be tolerated by this administration.

Vatsa urged civil servants in the state to change their altitude towards coming to work late and going home early, adding that the state government viewed it as sabotage to the development of the state.

According to him, “The idea of coming to work any time you feel like is gone.

Workers in the state must wake up to their responsibility or face the wrath of the law.”

R-L: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; his Wife, Foluke during the 2016 Annual Thanksgiving Service at the Lagos House, Ikeja… on Sunday.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

Find solution to rustling problems -Don Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏThe

Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Olusola Oyewole, has charged the Society for Grassland Research and Development in Nigeria (SOGREDEN), to play a vital role in resolv-

ing the rustling activities that were causing disaffection among traditional herdsmen and indigenous crop farmers in the country.

He made the call during the maiden, biennial conference of the society, tagged: “Towards a Sustainable Utilisation of Forage and Grassland

Resources for Improved Livestock Production in Nigeria”.

Oyewole urged members of the society to come up with modalities that would make government policies adequate to resolve the recurring clashes between herdsmen and indigenous crop farmers that have led to the loss of lives and wan-

ton destruction of property.

Professor Oyewole, who is also the President, Association of African Universities (AAU), therefore, appealed to the federal and state governments, as well as members of the society, to support cutting edge research, in a bid to putting an end to the problem.

Mimiko to recruit 1, 500 teachers ’Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏAs part of

a move to invest into the state’s educational system, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, has directed that one thousand and fifty (1,050) teachers should be recruited in government schools.

Mimiko, who made the disclosure during a flagoff ceremony and presen-

tation of letters of promotion to the staff of public secondary schools, held in Akure, the state capital, added that about two thousand five hundred Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), had been promoted.

Mimiko, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo, said the presentation of the pro-

motion letters was a clear demonstration of the commitment of the present administration to the welfare of the workers in the state.

“Today’s event is vital and important because it is a day set aside to appreciate our men and women, who have continued to render selfless service and dedicated themselves to the upliftment of education in the state,” he stat-

ed.

Mimiko said that promotion was an employee’s reward for good performance, noting that it was very important for the beneficiaries to know that the promotion was a recognition of their hard work.

He added that the promoted staffs should reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that they put in their best, to effectively discharge their responsi-

bilities towards their students at all times.

The Commissioner for Education, Jide Adejuyigbe, thanked Mimiko for releasing funds for the 2,500 teachers, who were promoted.

Adejuyigbe, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Steve Awosika, described the promotion as benevolence by the government and appealed to the beneficiaries

civil society organisation, Think Nigeria First Initiative (TNFI), has said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) led government of President Muhammadu Buhari’s performance since inception in May, 2015, was a step in the right direction calling on all the people of the country to give it their support, especially in the fight against corruption and injustice in the land.

The Director-General of the group, Alhaji Abubakar Tsanni, addressing a world press briefing tagged: “We can Fix Nigeria’s problems with National Consciousness”, at the weekend, in Abuja, to mark its inauguration, said that the group was aimed at stirring the culture of discipline among Nigerians to make them imbibe the spirit of national consciousness in the fight against insurgency, corruption, banditry and other vices that have continued to portray the country in bad light.

Buhari

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

25 Opinion

No to ‘Moderated’ Rule of Law

Yinka Odumakin ÏÏÏ Prof. Femi Odekunke is a professor of Criminology who served as aide to Lt Gen Oladipo Diya when the latter was second-incommand to the tyrant Gen Sani Abacha.

He was one of the people put on trial by the Abacha junta when his boss, Diya, was accused of a plot to remove from office by force.

It was by sheer fortitude that Diya and Odekunle came out of the gulag after Abacha died a day before the coup convicts were to be executed.

Since he came out of that experience, Prof. Adekunle has been prominent in one circuit or the other making sense here and doing less than that there. His views at times makes you wonder what quality of advice he made available to Diya when he worked with.

I saw him on NTA hours after the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2015. He was asked to analyze the speech of the president.

He shocked many listeners when he said he would not have allowed the president to acknowledge the good measure of his predecessor conceding defeat if he

were an adviser to him.

He eventually had the opportunity to become an “adviser” of some sort to the President when he was made a member of the Sagay’s Anti-Corruption committee.

It was in that capacity that he spoke with Sunday Vanguard of January 3, 2016.

The interview headlined “I don’t believe in unmoderated rule of law” without mincing words exposed the dangerous mind with Odekunle professes.

He was asked on what basis the EFCC continues to re-arrest accused persons granted bail by competent courts with an order that such people should not be re-arrested and he answered. “You see, one of the problems we have in this country is that we put the interest of the individual above the interest of the collective. As a professional criminologist, I am not for unmoderated democracy, I’m not for unmoderated rule of law in which the rights of the individual will be so hyperbolised and override those of the collective”.

“If a man is accused of stealing N1billion, and he goes to court and the SANs, with all their shenanigans and technicalities, using the Constitution, to say you have committed a bailable offence whereas the consequences are more than what is bailable, then you are able to get bail; then tomorrow, we find that you have stolen another billion naira, that is another offence and, therefore, you should be arrested. To me, once you get a bail for a particular offence that does not mean

Odekunke

you cannot be arrested for another offence. As far as I’m concerned, the government has even been very gentle and constrained in doing its job and dealing with this monster of corruption. If you know the damage that is done to us morally, psychological, socio-culturally and financially, image wise, you will not be going into this discussion about the human rights of certain people who are actually ruining us. If we don’t make examples of these characters, sooner than later,

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our future and that of our children are jeopardized”.

His views above typify a mind that would not mind using the corruption of the system under the guise of corruption. Yes, we are all agreed that corruption has become a monster in our society and must be fought holistically. However, we cannot void our rights provision because of hastiness. We need diligent prosecution and due compliance with the rule of law in dealing with corruption in our land.

Any talk of “moderated”

rule of law is nothing but its violation. We need to remind Prof. Odekunle that he could be talking of “moderated” rule of law when he was advising the Abacha regime but such balderdash has no place in a constitutional democracy.

Let us pray that this kind of dangerous professions belong exclusively to Prof. Odekunle and not a reflection of the mindset of the Sagay Committee.

The rights enshrined in our laws and constitution were fought for and cannot be taken away by seasonal advisers.

For many years, the men in brass hats who invaded our polity and violated our due process of law have always argued that there was no atrocity they committed that were not facilitated by civilians working with them. Prof. Odekunle has just proved them right.

The war against corruption must continue but let no one “moderate” the rule of law. If we signed up for the violation of our judicial process because it is being done against those accused of corruption, the same process will be deployed against those fighting just causes later.

The warning of Rev. Martin Niemoller when Adolf Hitler and the Nazis surfaced in Germany are still instructive: First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—

and there was no one left to speak for me.

And for those who may be in doubt as for the need to protect the independence of the judiciary, the words of Justice C. Oputa are worth repeating: “Without judicial independence, no Judge or Justice however well prepared by qualities of heart, mind and professional training, can give full effect to the enduring values enshrined in our basic law - our constitution. Since the independence of the judiciary is a concept and a role which have been unconsciously and sometimes willfully misunderstood, as the judiciary trying to turn itself into a government within government, it becomes necessary to emphasize that any freedom, any immunity, any privileges accorded to the judge are not accorded so much for their own sake, as for the sake of the public. No judge tries his own case, nor should he try any involved. Any power given to the judge, therefore is not given for self - advancement or self aggrandisement. Such powers are necessary for greater efficiency in the administration and dispensation of justice. They are given for the advancement of - that being free and independent in judgment, so that they may better and more efficiently and more effectively perform their necessary duties to the course of justice including protecting all of us - the government and the governed; the powerful and the weak - from power and its abuse. A weak - kneed and dependent judiciary can be awful, an ill-wind that blows no one any good.”

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Our Heritage Æ s Centuries before Nigeria even existed as a national entity it had a rich and vibrant culture, including the Nok civilisation that emerged around 1,000 BC, ninth century metal working culture of IgboUkwu and Ife artifacts dating back to the 12th century.

The advent of colonialism resulted into the significant number of these masterpieces being stolen from the country and many of them are now found in museums in Europe. Indeed, the British Museums has a collection of Benin bronzes looted from the ancient Benin kingdom during a British naval expedition in the 19th century.

With such a pedigree, no wonder modern Nigeria has made such an impact in the arts. The past 55 years has seen a flourishing of Nigerian culture, with names like Prof. Wole Soyinka and late Chinua Achebe making a global impact.

A product of the University of Ibadan, Soyinka became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, following a string of important play that included The Road, 1965, and Death and the King’s Horseman, 1975. Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart , was listed among the world’s all-time 100 top works of fiction, and led him to be honoured with the Man Booker International Prize in 2007.

His novels inspired Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of the award-winning Half a Yellow Sun and Purple Hibiscus.

In 2001, Helon Habila won the Caine Prize for Love Poems, the first of many laurels.

Also, there group of lesser known writers that have nevertheless had huge influence in Nigeria itself. In the 1950s, Peter Nwana who captivated the Eastern parts of the country with his popular novel Omenuko.

Written in Igbo language, they pioneered a literary movement that extended the 1970s which became known as the Onitsha Market Literature, the forerunner of modern Nigerian literature.

Others outstanding figures of this movement to a crop of young anti-colonial activists, are Ogali Ogali, author of the hugely successfully Veronica My Daughter, and Orlando Iguh as well as renowned fiery nationalists like Mokwugo Okoye, Osita Agwuna, Adegoke Adelabu and Mazi Mbonu Ojike.

The contributions of these

National treasures Over four decades of political independent and 16 years of uninterrupted democracy may not have given many Nigerians cause to smile, but for the arts and entertainment sector, there is something to cheer. Agozino Agozino writes

The late Achebe

Soyinka

modern Nigeria has made such an impact in the arts. The past 55 years has seen a flourishing of Nigerian culture, with names like Prof.

Wole Soyinka and late Chinua Achebe making a global impact writers to the development of Nigerian literature through their books, essays, newspaper columns among other interventions also appear not to have been well noted by promoters of the country’s art.

Daniel Olurunfunmi Fagunnwa better known as D.O. Fagunwa, also inspired many postindependence writers in the country. Fagunnwa, who reportedly got drowned while trying to cross the River Niger, in former Eastern region, had between 1939 and 1961, published about six novels in Yoruba. Drawing largely on Yoruba mythology, his play, Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole, was translated from

Yoruba into English by Wole Soyinka, and titled, Forest of Thousand Demons.

Writing in English language, Amos Tutola’s engaging Palm Wine Drinkard, was based on Yoruba folktales and continued to set the pace of Nigeria’s literary development, even though it was frowned upon officially.

Actor, playwright and musician, and theatre icon late Hubert Ogunde was clearly a phenomenal talent who funded the the Ogunde Concert Party, the first professional theatrical company in Nigeria. His Yoruba Ronu in which he pleaded with his Yoruba kinsmen to think again about the violent politi-

cal crisis ravaging the old Western Region at the time, resulted in his theatre company being banned from there. Among his earlier hit stage productions included, Strike and Hunger, which supported the struggle of Nigerian workers against the injustices of the colonial administration, and The Tiger Empire, which marked the first instance in Yoruba theatre that women were billed to appear in a play as professional artists in their own right.

In the visual arts late Aina Onabolu, Prof Ben Enwonwu, Akinola Lasekan, laid the foundation of modern Nigeria’s post independence art scene. Justus

Akeredolu, Etsu Ngbodag, Best Adigwe, Tayo Aiyegbusi, Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Demas Nwoko, Emmanuel Odita, Jimoh Akolo, Solomon Wangboje , all members of the Zaria Art Society that attempted to develop a new aesthetics.

Further down the line, the art critic, writer and poet Okwy Enweozor made history as the first African artistic director of the remarkable Documenta II in Germany in 2002 edition. He also served as the artistic director of the 2nd Johanesburg Biennale (1996-1997), the Biennale international de Arte in Spain, the 7th Gwanju Biennale in South Korea, 2008 and the Triennale d’ Art of Paris in 2012, among his many achievements.

Also, in 2005, Osun Grove, venue of the yearly Osun Osogbo festival in Osun State became endorsed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Obudu Reserved in Cross River State and the State’s TINAPA project shot to international limelight.

Music cannot be out of it because Nigerians are the mover and shakers of music scene in Africa. In any part of the world, a visitor can be treated to the music of late Fela Anikulapokuti (Abami Eda) Sunny Ade, late Osita Osadebe in faraway New York, Johannesburg and Tokyo than those other African countries.

Again, Nigerians are clearly the movers and shakers of the music scene in Africa as younger musicians seem to have taken over the African continent since R&B singer; Tuface Idibia broke record being the first African to win the MTV Base award in 2005.

D Banj, P Squre, 9ice among others has followed with several international awards.

The stand-up comedy acts from Alibaba, to Okey Bakassi, Julius Agwu, Basketmouth among others have become so successful, locally and international that they now host shows across continent and own firms that are doing very corporate business.

Finally, it may be right to say that 16 years of uninterrupted democracy may not have given many Nigerians cause to smile or celebrate, but for the arts and entertainment sector, there is something to cheer. This is because the sector has become a bride of some sort, especially with the realisation by artists that the creative industry is key to the creation of wealth.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Festivity, memento in Nnewi Ofala festival Agozino Agozino As the world celebrates Christmas recently, the people of Nnewi, in Anambra State, were not left out in a joyful mood.

There was wide jubilation when organisers of the recent carnival in the town decided to paint the town red during the yearly Nnewi Ofala festival.

The celebration attracted a lot of citizens of the land from home and abroad as well as guest, business moguls and dignitaries who travelled from several part of the country to rejoice over what has been described as the biggest carnival of the town.

The festival, a very know part of the town’s history, serves as a regular platform to showcase the cultural heritage and social values of the land.

Traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu 111 expressed gratitude to God for another year festival, noting that the people were celebrating this year’s anniversary with heavy hearts because of the unfortunate fire incident in Nnewi which claimed lives recently.

The respected monarch used the occasion to pray for the town’s progress and also urges the excited crowd of how he moved from grass to grace, in spite of life challenges.

He called on the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to help the Nnewi community by re-

constructing the Okofia-Otolo road which leads to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University College of Medicine and the road that leads to the permanent site of NAUTH Nnewi. The royal father appreciated the governor’s efforts in ensuring that Anambra people received democratic dividends. Igwe Orizu who observed his 90th birthday also used the festival to mark his 52 years on the throne.

While speaking, Gov. Obiano noted that he has given security to the people of the state which according to him is the first basic necessity for growth and meaningful development to take place in any society.

He assured the people that his administration would continue to do everything possible to make the state a pride of every Anambra citizen despite challenges.

The festival witnessed a large gathering of youths who converged at the carnival ground, in Igwe Orizu palace, dressed in flamboyant costumes and paraphernalia. They danced elegantly as they joined the carnival train, which moved round the major part of the town all the way to festival ground.

During the celebration, various cultural dance groups came out to perform unique steps and acrobatic display round the palace ground after paying homage to Igwe Orizu.

Hilltop Art Centre rekindles creative light of Minna youths Several up and coming writers in Minna, Niger State capital got their creative light rekindled recently at a one week literary review, Bombay Book Review, held at the Hilltop Art Centre, Minna, Niger State.

The event which featured young and established writers had all the faculties of a festival. There was celebration, commemorative readings and a carnival atmosphere for writers who attended the event from around Niger State and Abuja.

Coordinated by the head of the Bombay Review, Saddiq Dzukogi

and supported by David Ishaya Osu, the event featured art exhibitions, music, Open MIC and a reading of Abubakar’s debut novel, Season of Crimson Blossoms.

The event which started a little past 4 pm was attended by past chairmen of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA) Niger State Chapter, Aminu Sheikh, Abdullahi Ismaila, Almamun Mahmood and several others.

Also at the event was the popular political columnist Gimba Kakanda, Fodio Ahmed, Zainab Manko, Maryam Manko, the Amab-HSB flash fiction finalist Awwal Abdul

and the literary critic, Olu Jacobs.

Students of the Hilltop Art Centre exhibited their various paintings, and lifted the spirit of the house with a short drama presentation and music al interlude.

During the open MIC, both emerging and established writers read their various literary works to the audience.

Also at the event, Nigerian writers were commended on their 2015 triumph, Maryam Bobi who won the ANA prize for prose, Halima Aliyu, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim and Maryam Bobi for winning grant awards.

27 Our Heritage

Rangers shop for Technical Director Amapakabo continues as Rangers boss.

E

nugu Rangers have announced they will interview candidates for the team’s posts for technical director and team manager on Friday, January 8.

According to a statement signed by Rangers spokesman Foster Chime, applications for these positions are expected from Monday.

Already the club have

confirmed the re-engagement of Imama Amapakabo is head coach on a year’s deal.

He will be assisted by Chukwuma Agbo and Tony Bulus Tokpe and John Edeh.

Goalkeeper trainer is Shuabu Sulaiman with Obeta and Ndubuisi Ajomiwe as trainers.

Page 28

g 31

ldo Rona move out rules into coaching Monday, January 4, 2015

Oliseh returns, steps up Eagles’ CHAN

Musa

warns Ighalo against quitting Watford

C

SKA Moscow winger, Ahmed Musa believes a move to a “bigger” club would detrimentally affect the career of Watford attacker, Odion Ighalo.

Ighalo has been a revelation for the Hornets this campaign, hitting 14 league goals to power the newly-promoted side to the top half of the English Premier League standings.

Spanish club, Atletico Madrid reportedly watched him on no less than five occasions this season with a promise to double his wages as they tried to lure him with the prospect of tabling a £12 million

pound deal for his services.

Musa however feels a move in the January transfer window would unsettle Ighalo.

“When it comes to issues like these, you usually leave the decision to the person that it affects directly so it is not really for me to say.

“However, if I was to advise him, I would ask him to remain at Watford at least for now because if he leaves, it could affect him.

“I also believe he will score a lot more if he chooses to remain at Watford,” Musa said.

HAAC athletes to compete at

Access Bank Lagos Marathon ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

wenty-five elite athletes from the High Altitude Athletics Club (HAAC) of Jos, Plateau State and some fun runners will be in Lagos to participate in the February 6, 2016, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Plateau State and adjoining states like Bauchi, Kaduna, Gombe and others have the highest number of long distance, road races and marathon runners in Nigeria.

Coach Steve Nuhu, owner of the High

Altitude Athletics Club said the return of the Lagos City Marathon is one of the best things to happen to Nigeria sports in recent times, “We are talking about youth empowerment, unemployment and other vices, what better way to engage our youth than having many marathons and road races in Nigeria. I hope and pray that many other states, especially states in the Northern part of the country with a very high percentage of distance runners who train year in, year

preparation Ighalo

The Super Eagles captain concluded by voicing his sentiments on the “important” role he expects Ighalo to play in Nigeria’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double header with Egypt in March.

“Ighalo is one of the players we expect to play an important role in the two games against Egypt in March.

“I am sure he will do well and that will help us to qualify for the AFCON,” he added.

Watford have since issued an official statement to the effect that Ighalo is not for sale under any circumstances.

out, but are not involved in competitions because of dearth or even absence of competitions will take a cue from Lagos and organize more road races, half and full marathons.’’

For the February 6 race in Lagos, Coach Nuhu is optimistic that his athletes will not only win the national title but give the elite athletes from other parts of the world a good fight for the ultimate prize, “For us, the February 6 race is a celebration of our sports. We are coming to Lagos with 25 elite marathoners and many fun runners. Our target is not just the prizes for Nigerians, but also the ultimate prize. The reason why our athletes are not running fantastic time is because we don’t have competitions regularly like the Kenyans. The moment we start and make money on the road, we shall compete more and rival East Africans for the best prizes around the globe,’’ said Nuhu.

S

uper Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh is fully recovered from a virus infection that kept him away from Nigeria and has already got cracking in his preparations for the 2016 CHAN, which kicks off on January 16, officials have said.

On Saturday night, Oliseh, who was not part of the team’s training camp in Abuja, received the Eagles squad in Pretoria and the following day they were training under his supervision.

“Oliseh is fully recovered now. We met him at the hotel on our arrival and he started training the team on Sunday,” says Oliseh’s special assistant Tijani Babangida.

“He put the boys through their paces, correcting their mistakes and joining them in the game itself. He’s looking a lot healthier.”

On Wednesday, the Eagles will play a warm-up game against another CHAN-bound team, Angola.

They are also slated to face Cote d’Ivoire on January 11 before they depart for Rwanda.

Oliseh

Monday, January 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

29

SPECIAL FEATURE

2016:

My cr ystal ball!

Segun Odegbami

I

am supremely confident that 2016 holds great promise for sports around the world particularly in the aftermath of the earth-shaking scandals that rocked athletics (doping) and football (money and power).

For the administrators of IAAF and FIFA the past year could not have been darker or longer. Nothing could have prepared them for the monumental scandals that both organisations had to contend with in 2015. What is clear to me as I peer into my crystal ball beginning from the first day of 2016 is that the disappointments of 2015 will morph into blessings this year. Both organisations will never be the same again, for good!

Sir Sebastian Coe, president of the IAAF, has pledged that the issue of doping that has threatened the credibility of track and field sports and that could destroy the very foundation of the Olympic movement will be dealt with decisively and transparently by his administration.

In FIFA, the organization has been so badly wracked by scandals of unprecedented dimension that the reforms and elections coming up in February 2016 to elect a new

president, will ensure that things never return to the dark days of 2015 again. Although, no one knows for sure how the final drama of the elections will play out my crystal ball shows clearly that even as Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are still fighting to restore their reputations, both gentlemen are nowhere on the radar in 2016. Effectively, they have come to the end of the road as far as their leadership and ambitions in FIFA from 2016 are concerned.

For us in Africa, 2015 held one very pleasant surprise. One of our own, Issa Hayatou, through the intervention of fate, has indirectly fulfilled our ambition to have a black man as president of FIFA even if on an interim basis.

Beyond that, my crystal ball does not show the man anywhere on the radar screen of 2016. That means that Issa will not return as CAF president. He should therefore not tempt fate and the elements by attempting to contest after what happened to Blatter and Platini.

Haba, what is he still looking for?

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, as we have seen so clearly in the case of Blatter and co.

That Issa has managed to stay clear of all the splashing murk in FIFA in 2015 is fate’s best gift to him in 2016.

Now let me look beyond the politics

Sepp Blatter (left) and Michel Platini may have come to the end of the road in their leadership ambitions in FIFA in 2016. of sports and delve into technical matters as I peer further into my crowded crystal ball to see what 2016 holds.

Let me start, of course, with my favourite team in the world, FC Barcelona.

I can clearly see the current best team in the world still looking incandescent in 2016. There are several trophies in their kitty again, almost a repeat of their feat of 2015 - a rich chest of the highest trophies in club football in Spain, in Europe and the world.

I can see him also. The talisman of Barca, Lionel Messi, is among the finalists again at the event to determine the world’s best player in 2016. I can’t see beyond that,

though.

If he remains healthy and free of any serious injuries Messi would probably still be in serious contention for the award again.

His place is already secure in history in my humble reckoning as the most exciting and one of the best football players the world has ever seen.

Neymar, fast maturing into a more formidable player, will give Messi a run for his money in 2016.

His confidence level is rising rapidly and he seems to be coming into his own, playing more confidently and enjoying it thoroughly.

He still has a little bit more to do to become the complete package, so,

he will not win the Ballon D’or this January. But by the 2016 edition I see his faint outlines as a likely person that would end the decade-long reign of Messi and Ronaldo.

As far as Cristiano Ronaldo is considered he is already in a steady slide down the slope of the best in the world. Even the best-oiled machines eventually start to stutter from wear and tear. That’s Ronaldo, the razor sharp edge is getting blunted.

I am peering into the crystal ball again. I see Chelsea and Manchester United continue to stumble and struggle; Leicester City continue to advertise the best of typical English football by putting up a brave fight all the way to the end but failing to change the tradition that the Premiership is a monopoly of a only a few clubs to deep purses!

Arsenal FC are undoubtedly the most impressive of the teams this season, so far, but they still look occasionally brittle, vulnerable and inconsistent. A champion team needs to be consistent to last the distance.

I see a few other things.

Serena Williams will win only one grand slam tournament in 2016; Djokovic will not be as dominant as he was in 2015; Nadal, my favourite tennis player will continue his slump; sprinter Usain Bolt will retain his titles in Rio; Nigeria will return from Rio without a gold medal again.

Talking about Nigeria, unfortunately, I see a brewing crisis in Nigerian football administration.

On the political scene I see a bright daylight beyond the dark tunnel of 2015.

I wish everyone a happy New Year!

Culled from www.supersport.com

30

Monday, January 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

D

ejan Lovren has issued a rallying call to his Liverpool team-mates to change their mentality and show more fighting spirit following a limp display in the 2-0 setback at West Ham. Boss Jurgen Klopp labelled it “a day for being angry” after goals from Michail Antonio and former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll condemned the Merseyside club to defeat at Upton Park on Saturday.

Klopp’s tenure to date has included stunning highs – beating Manchester City and Chelsea on the road – and crushing lows – losses at struggling Newcastle United, Watford and West Ham. Lovren is well aware of the need to become more consistent.

BRIEFS

“We definitely need to change our mentality and we need to keep a better run of games and to fight more,” the defender said.

“We are disappointed. It wasn’t the best performance from us and we need to be angry with ourselves.”

Next up for Klopp’s men is a League Cup semi-final first leg at Stoke City on Tuesday, with Lovren keen for a response.

He added: “I don’t know the reasons why but we need to step up quickly from this because we don’t have time to think about it now. We have the game with Stoke on Tuesday.

“We have a game in the cup and it’s a big chance for us to get to the final.

“So we need to stay calm and we’ll start to prepare for the Stoke game and try to be in the final.”

Hiddink commends Chelsea players’ attitudes

G

uus Hiddink believes his Chelsea squad are united as he attempts to bring stability back to an embattled club reportedly beset by player unrest this season.

Speculation was rife that Jose Mourinho lost key sections of the Stamford Bridge dressing room following a poor start to the campaign but Hiddink has drawn his first two games back in charge since succeeding Mourinho and the Dutchman is complementary about the work ethic of the players he inherited.

n e r v o L issues rallying

L

call to Liver pool players

‘Utd transfer

Ranieri sets Leicester new target

eicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has set his players a new target of 79 points for the Premier League season. The Foxes were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, with Riyad Mahrez missing a second-half penalty in a match that saw them move on to 40 points. They sit second and after reaching the milestone in their 20th match, Ranieri feels his players should aim high and look to go one better than the 39 points they achieved in the first half of the season between now and May.

policy a disaster’ M

anchester United’s lack of planning in the transfer market has led to disastrous panic decisions, according to Matt Law. United sit just outside the Premier League top four after nine wins from 20 games, and manager Louis van Gaal has been linked with several big-money January transfers, including bids for Southampton’s Sadio Mane and Lazio’s Felipe Anderson.

Mane was dropped from Southampton’s starting line-up for their 1-0 defeat to Norwich on Saturday after arriving late for a team meeting, and speaking on the player, Law cast doubt on the forward’s suitability for United.

“We get to January and they suddenly need a striker,” said Law. “But how many goals has Mane scored this season? Three

in the league. You wouldn’t look at him and say traditionally he’s a United player based on that record. The policy has just become a bit of a disaster. It’s panic, panic, panic.

“Every transfer window we come to, there doesn’t seem to be any proper plan. It’s ‘oh, we’ll try and sign Neymar, we’ll try and sign Gareth Bale’ and actually they end up with Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

“It’s just a disaster, and you can see it coming with this transfer window again.”

Wenger

Wenger expects Arsenal signing soon

A Lovren

k n i d d i H azard H ’ y r g n u h ‘ s l i ha However, Hiddink had only

C

Hazard

helsea interim manager Guus Hiddink says he is seeing just how hungry Eden Hazard can be since the Belgian’s return from injury.

Hazard came under fire from Jose Mourinho earlier this season prior to the former manager’s sacking last month, the Portuguese having been critical of his star player’s workrate and perceived low pain threshold while suffering from minor injuries.

positive things to say about the mercurial playmaker, insisting he had seen evidence of determination from Hazard to return ahead of schedule.

“I haven’t experienced him as a coach in the past, and I’ve had him for just a few days because he was injured,” Hiddink said.

“But he came back with a strong character and wanted to play in the last games despite having only three days of training.

Normally if a player has been injured he likes to take time to get into good physical and mental shape, but he was eager to play against Watford.

“You could see when he was warming up, looking at me saying, ‘Bring me, bring me on.’ That is an indication he can get back to the performance levels we are used to.

“He had a difficult game at Old Trafford, where they were searching for him all over the pitch, but he reacted well. Very strong, his character. If he does that he will come back to the levels we are used to - and he is an outstanding player.”

According to the interim Chelsea boss, Hazard must learn to live with the rough attention his skill will attract from defenders.

rsene Wenger is confident of securing a new signing “in the next 10 days” to bolster Arsenal’s title chances.

The Premier League leaders are expected to complete a deal for Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny in the coming days, with the Egypt international reportedly awaiting international clearance to seal a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking after a 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday, Wenger refused to comment in detail on his transfer plans but the Frenchman hopes to see some movement before the middle of the month.

“I don’t give much away because I don’t know what’s happening with transfers,” he said.

“I want to talk about them and hopefully we are capable of doing something in the next 10 days.”

Wenger does not envisage making more than two signings during the window, however, as he expects some of Arsenal’s injured players to return to action within the coming weeks.

Monday, January 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

s o h n i Marqu

BRIEFS Neville reveals Valencia frustration

G

G S P t i u set to q

ary Neville says halftime team talks have proved to be his biggest frustration as Valencia head coach. The former Manchester United captain has yet to secure a win in La Liga since taking charge at Mestalla last month.

Neville acknowledged the language barrier has made dressing-room discussions difficult during his tenure, as the necessity of a translator means he cannot inspire the reaction he wants from his players.

P

aris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos says he may be forced to consider his future at the Parc des Princes if he fails to cement a first-team place.

The Brazil international joined the Ligue 1 champions in July 2013 from Roma, but has failed to become a regular starter, with compatriots David Luiz and Thiago Silva PSG’s favoured centreback pairing.

Marquinhos has made just 12 league appearances this term, with only seven of those starts, and Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United are re-

Partey

Marquinhos portedly monitoring his situation.

The 21-year-old insists he wants to stay and fight for a place in the

Ronaldo

Partey C happy to help Atletico

A

tletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has made a habit of making an impact off the bench, but the youngster is not getting ahead of himself.

Thomas was a second-half substitute and scored the winning goal in Atletico’s 1-0 win over Levante on Saturday to send his side to the top of the La Liga table.

His match-winning effort followed another impact off the bench against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, when Thomas set up the first goal in a game where Atletico struggled to break down the opposition.

Coach Diego Simeone was quick to heap praise on the young midfielder after his efforts on Saturday, saying his introduction increased the fluidity of Atletico’s play, but Thomas said he was keeping himself grounded and was just happy to help the team in whatever capacity he could.

PSG team, but may consider his position at the end of the season.

“Like everyone else, I always

ristiano Ronaldo has no desire to go into coaching once he retires from football.

The 30-year-old Real Madrid

superstar told reporters he has plenty of interests outside of the game to keep him occupied once he hangs up his boots and does not foresee a coaching

Ronaldo

rules out move into coaching

want to be a part of the starting line-up,” he said. “But we all must respect the choices of the coach and management.

or presidential role at any club interfering with this.

“There is another life after football,” he said. “I think at first it will cost a bit, but if you ask me now if I want to coach, I say no. Neither a club manager nor president.

“You can say you have the best job, money, cars, houses ... But that is not everything. An example: On Saturday there is a boxing match in Las Vegas and I would take my family and friends but I cannot because I have no time. But after football I want to live like a king.”

Ronaldo has established himself as Madrid’s all-time record goalscorer this season and won a third Ballon d’Or last year.

The forward attributes his phenomenal success to tough early years in the game, when he left his home of Madeira to join Sporting Lisbon’s youth academy before again uprooting himself to sign for Manchester United as an 18-year-old.

Toni undecided on retirement

I

talian veteran Luca Toni is yet to decide on his playing future, despite reports the striker is set to retire at the end of the season.

Toni turns 39 in May but has four goals in nine appearances for Verona this term, having topped the 20-goal mark in his first two campaigns at the club.

The well-travelled striker has enjoyed a career spanning over 20 years, having

31

Toni made his first senior appearances in Serie C with Modena back in 1994-1995, before breaking into Vicenza’s Serie A set-up in 2000, eventually playing for Fiorentina, Bayern Munich, Roma and Juventus, representing Italy 47

times, winning the World Cup in 2006.

His remarkable career may not be over just yet either.

“Everyone says I signed on to become a director of Verona, but the truth is I am still a football

Porto willing to sell Imbula -Ndangi

P

orto are willing to sell unsettled midfielder Giannelli Imbula in the January transfer window, according to the player’s agent, Willy Ndangi. Imbula joined the Primeira Liga side from Marseille in July for a fee of €20million on a five-year deal. However, he has struggled to settle in Portugal, and Serie A side Milan and Premier League outfit Stoke City have been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old.

I

Miranda surprised by competitive Serie A

nter defender Miranda says he has been surprised by how much more competitive Serie A is compared to La Liga. The Brazilian signed from Atletico Madrid in the offseason and, having now played half a campaign at the San Siro club, feels Italy’s top flight boasts a better balance than Spain’s elite. Roberto Mancini’s Inter are top prior to the league resuming from its mid-season break on Wednesday, with just four points separating the top five teams. player and I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll retire in June or in 2017,” he said.

“I’ve been supposed to quit for the last four years and I’ll make a decision in the spring. A lot will depend on how the season goes and how I’m feeling, so whether I want to keep challenging myself all over again.”

One thing the Italian great will not be doing, however, is turning to coaching once his playing days are finished.

“No, it’s far too stressful. I’ve seen some of my ex-team-mates get wiped out so fast,” Toni said.

Toni returns to league action with Verona on Wednesday, when he will line up against one of his former clubs and Serie A title chasers Juventus.

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mondaY, JanuaRY 4, 2015

VOL. 2. NO.14

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP RESULTS West Ham 2 - 0 Liverpool Arsenal 1 - 0 Newcastle Leicester 0 - 0 AFC Bournemouth Man United 2 - 1 Swansea City Norwich City 1 - 0 Southampton Sunderland 3 - 1 Aston Villa West Brom 2 - 1 Stoke City Watford 1 - 2 Man City Crystal Palace 0 - 3 Chelsea Everton 1 - 1 Tottenham LA LIGA RESULTS Villarreal 1 - 0 Valencia Espanyol 0 - 0 Barcelona Atletico Madrid 1 - 0 Levante Malaga 2 - 0 Celta Vigo Rayo Vallecano 2 - 2 Real Sociedad Granada 2 - 1 Sevilla Real Betis 0 - 4 Eibar Athletic Bilbao 2 - 2 Las Palmas

Price: n150

Musa warns Ighalo g 28 against quitting Watford

Deportivo La Coruna 1 - 2 Villarreal

Today’s Match Sporting Gijon v Getafe 20:30

Chelsea striker Willian (left) smashing home the second goal from a superb strike high into the roof of Crystal Palace net from 20 yards. INSET: Willian celebrates after doubling Chelsea’s lead on the hour at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

G

uus Hiddink enjoyed his first victory since taking over as Chelsea interim manager as the troubled Premier League champions crushed Crystal Palace 3-0 on Sunday.

After draws against Watford and Manchester United following his arrival as short-term replacement for the sacked Jose Mourinho, Hiddink was at last able to celebrate three points at Selhurst Park.

Oscar opened the scoring in the first half before Willian’s cracker and a Diego Costa strike extended Chelsea’s unbeaten run since Mourinho’s departure to four matches.

In such turmoil for much of a season ruined by the breakdown of Mourinho’s relationship with his squad, the Blues are slowly getting back in the groove under Hiddink and moved six points clear of the relegation zone after their first away league success in eight attempts.

After climbing into contention for a European place, Palace’s first defeat in seven matches left Alan Pardew’s men without a win or a goal in their last three games.

With torrential rain lashing Selhurst Park, Palace forward Wilfried Zaha

a e s l e h C n i e c a l a P n w do ! r e l l i r h t l a o 3-g

went close early on with a low strike that skimmed off the slick pitch.

Eden Hazard saw a long-range effort deflected wide at the conclusion of Chelsea’s first serious attack, but the Belgium playmaker began limping immediately after the shot.

Hazard, lambasted by Mourinho for not trying to play on when injured at Leicester last month, briefly carried on but in the 15th minute he decided he needed to come off.

Palace defender Damien Delaney had a pair of headers saved by Thibaut

Courtois as the hosts tried to take advantage of Chelsea’s tepid start.

But crucially Palace striker Frazier Campbell scuffed wide from Jason Puncheon’s cross midway through the half and Hiddink’s team finally awoke from their slumber to snatch the lead in the 29th minute.

Fabregas was the architect with a pass that sent Costa racing away from Delaney down the right edge of the Palace area.

Looking up, Costa unselfishly ignored the chance to shoot himself and, with goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey out of position, the Spain striker pulled the ball back to Oscar, who had the simple task of slotting home from close-range.

Hiddink had called for players other than Costa to take the responsibility of scoring and Oscar’s fifth goal of the season was a well-timed response from the Brazilian.

While Palace were typically

tenacious in their tackling, they were clearly missing the class of France midfielder Yohan Cabaye and influential winger Yannick Bolasie, absent through suspension and injury respectively.

Kurt Zouma should have doubled Chelsea’s lead when he rose highest to meet Willian’s free-kick, but the defender couldn’t keep his header on target.

However, Zaha was unable to summon the power or accuracy to beat Courtois from a promising position and Willian made Palace pay in the 60th minute.

When Scott Dann tried to block Oscar’s progress the loose ball ran to Willian and the Brazil winger smashed a superb strike high into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

Costa wrapped up Chelsea’s biggest league win of the season six minutes later when he claimed his seventh goal of the season from close-range after Hennessey pushed Willian’s shot into his path.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Dangote assures Nigerians on economic revival, calls for more investments Page B2

2016: CBN may revisit banking policies, directives of 2015 Page B3

NNPC posts N14.3b loss in November Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has recorded a loss of N14.3 billion in the month of November 2015, according to figures published in its latest monthly report on operational and financial transactions of the corporation.

The NNPC’s operating revenue after subsidy for the months of October and November 2015 were N173.56 billion and N155.10 billion, respectively, accounting for the NovemCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

10 stockbroking firms have accounted for 89.248 billion shares worth N1.3 billion between January 2, 2015 and December 31, 2015 in the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s (NSE) broker performance report for top brokers by volume. This represents 48.05 percent in volume and 67.11 percent in value.

Analysis of the transactions showed that CSL recorded the highest volume with 18.196 billion shares valued N244.233 bil-

FG to insure Armed Forces against insurgency threats, says Kari Page B7

New fuel price: Partial compliance in Lagos Ï MƆ ƄƍƆ slam Buhari over “irrelevant “ reduction Opeoluwani Akintayo L – R shows Mr. Dipo Omotoso, Head, Product Management, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE; Omotola Ekeinde, Nigerian actress, singer & philanthropist, and Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE at the 2015 Year End Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange recently.

10 stockbrokers account for 48% transactions on NSE in 2015 Friday Atufe

Monday, January 4, 2016

lion, representing 9.80 percent in volume and 13.57 percent in value.

Recap Securities (Nigeria) Limited followed CSL with a volume of 14. 618 billion shares valued at N205.873 billion, representing 7.87 percent in volume and 10.83 percent in value.

Stanbick IBTC Stockbrokers Limited traded 14.280 billion shares valued N257.908 billion, representing 7.69 percent in volume and 13.57 percent in value.

FBN Securities Limited executed trade for 7.481 billion

shares worth N91.514 billion.

This represents 4.03 percent in volume and 4.82 percent in value.

EFCP Limited also came up for reckoning during the review period trading 6.833 billion shares worth N159.215 billion, representing 3.74 percent in volume and 8.3 percent in value.

Dealers with APEL Asset Limited-BRD traded 6.833 equities valued N50.615 billion, representing 3.68 percent in volume and 2.66 percent in value.

Chapel Hills Denham Securi-

ties Limited-BRD traded 6.353 equities valued at N99.364 billion, representing 3.42 percent in volume and 5.23 percent in value.

Cardinalstone Securities Limited accounted for 4.928 trades, representing 2.65 percent in volume, Coronation Securities Limited traded 4.905 billion shares, representing 2.64 percent in volume while ARM Securities Limited-BRD accounted for 4.705 billion shares, representing 2.53 percent in volume.

As the new fuel pump prices took effect from January 1st, petrol stations across Lagos State are clearly at variance as per compliance with the new stipulated prices by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA. In a statement signed by the PPPRA Executive Secretary, Farouk Ahmed, as approved by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the new PMS price was pegged at N86.50 per litre for non NNPC stations, while NNPC stations are to sell at N86.00 per litre.

Going round some filling stations in Lagos, Business Times observed that aside many stations, NNPC inclusive, shut down at the weekend for lack of fuel for sale, most of those who had fuel, sold at the old pump price of N87.00 per litre, although the number of CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

NCC decides on MTN Nigeria’s $3.9bn fine today ÏLjM ƈ ƇƏƆ ƐƏ ƑƄƋƆ NCC denies involvement ƈ MƢƿƄ ƋƈƅƆ Ɔ ƗƆ Ƌ Tony Nwakaegho and Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Prof. Danbatta

Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), will today announce a decision on the fine it imposed on MTN Nigeria following expiration of the deadline.

Africa’s largest telecoms company had been fined $3.9bn for failing to disconnect some unregistered lines in the country. NCC had given MTN December 31st as deadline to pay the fine.

However, the deadline has passed and MTN, who had dragged the Nigerian government to court, has yet to pay the fine.

A source close to NCC under the condition of anonymity said the commission was expected to

take fresh decision on the telecom giant Monday 4 January.

“MTN did not pay the fine before close of work last Thursday and so the Commission will take a fresh decision on the issue Monday,” someone familiar with the matter said.

It will be recalled that the Nigerian communications ministry spokesman Victor Oluwadamilare said, “If MTN fails to meet the deadline, the regulatory body will enforce the fine.”

Oluwadamilare said the pending legal proceedings had nothing to do with the payment deadline, saying “the court case is not tantamount to extending the deadline.”

In a related development, MTN appears to be facing another new scandal as the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has distanced itself from the controversial N34 billion license deal the company struck with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

NNPC posts N14.3b loss in November

NDLEA Airport Command apprehended 139 drug traffickers in 2015 Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

ber loss.

This represents 56.72 percent and 50.68 percent, respectively, of the Corporation’s monthly budget.

The report also shows that the Corporation incurred operating deficits of N12.22 billion and N14.29 billion in the months of October and November 2015, respectively, as against the monthly budgeted surplus of N38.91 billion.

It further stated that the country’s refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna operated at zero capacity utilisation in the month of November.

A further analysis of the report indicates that the 59.63 percent year-to-date (YTD) deficit of N255.278 billion is mainly accounted for by claimable pipeline repairs as well as a management cost of N95.37 billion and crude and product losses of N56.68 billion from the incessant vandalism of petroleum pipelines.

The company said its total export proceed of $402.55 million was recorded in November 2015, with proceeds from crude oil export sales amounting to $296.99 million or 73.78 percent of the dollar payment compared with 72.97 percent contribution in the previous month of October.

It continued that gas export sales and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas feedstock amounted to $105.53 million, which represents a 26.22 percent contribution compared with 18.97 percent contribution in the prior month of October.

“The remaining $0.03 million was attributable to other dollar denominated receipts by the corporation,” noted the NNPC report.

Kachikwu

Dangote

Dangote assures Nigerians on economic revival, calls for more investments President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has urged Nigerians not to be despair but have abiding faith in the ability of the federal government to turn the nation’s economic around in no distant future, noting that the current challenges will soon be a thing of the past.

He appealed to Nigerians to contribute their own quota by always doing what is right and adequately paying their taxes for the country to record real growth and development, pointing out that what Nigeria is going through is an experience that would guide her to plan for the future.

Speaking to a group of businessmen visited him in his office in Lagos in the spirit of the season, Aliko appealed to Nigerians to play their own civic role in the task of changing the fortune of the nation for the better by paying their taxes, as part of their own respective contribution to the growth and development of the country.

He urged the citizenry not to be discouraged by various challenges facing the nation stating that, they are necessary steps needed for the nation to rank among the best in-

New fuel price: Partial compliance in Lagos

dustrially in years to come.

The business mogul called on both indigenous and foreign investors to invest more in the economy of Nigeria, revealing that Nigeria is still one of the best place to have good returns on investment.

Dangote explained that many investors whose businesses are thriving and doing well at present would have been discouraged if they had looked the nation’s economic indices which by mere observation might not look good for investments.

He explained that with the oil as the mainstay of Nigeria economic well being now unreliable, Government and other investors should focus more on agriculture and manufacturing as the potent alternative to lifting the economy out of the wood.

The President of the Dangote Group said his company will invest more in Nigeria, create more jobs as he has an unwavering faith in the nation’s economy.

He stated that all his investments would be tailored towards job creation for gainful employment so as to alleviate poverty among the people.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

vehicles on queues had reduced drastically.

Even when stations like MRS at 22 Road, Festac Town sold for N87.00, it still had the longest queue because many stations inside the Estate were shut down.

Mobil station at 23 Road Festac, had N87.00 clearly written on it display board although as at Saturday, December 2nd, the station was under lock and key.

Forte Oil at 21 Road Festac, complied and sold at N86.50k.

Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the NDLEA said it arrested 139 drug traffickers at the airport between January and November 2015 for various drug trafficking.

The airport commander of NDLEA, Garba Ahmadu also in an interview disclosed that out of the 139, suspects 119 were male while 20 female were apprehended.

According to Ahmadu, the command seized 590.9 kilo grams while between 115 and 120 cases were before Federal High Courts and 17 convicted.

Ahmadu explained that the command last year made a seizure of 436,065kg while it increased this year to 590,9kg.

According to him 129 suspects were arrested last year while 139 suspects were arrested this year. He attributed the increase in arrest to officers more awareness to tricks employed by traffickers and trainings of officers.

Ahmadu enumerated means

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

of drug concealment by drug traffickers to include, bags, shoes, injections adding that the more worrisome trend include the use of Indomie pack and tomato paste to concealed drugs.

He said that officers of the agency were at alert at the airport putting their trainings and machines to practice. Garba stressed the need for more training of officers and funding of the agency advising would be drug traffickers to steer clear of the airport.

NCC decides on MTN Nigeria’s $3.9bn fine today

(NBC) to use the 700 mega-hertz spectrum.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Umar Dambatta in its in-house newsletter released recently, categorically declared that the NBC-MTN deal was done without the involvement of the NCC and it would seek arbitration and mediation through the Frequency Management Council, which is the highest authority on the management of spectrum.

Professor Dambatta stated that the 700MHz spectrum shouldn’t have been auctioned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) because it is a telecommunication spectrum that is very important for broadband pen-

etration.

He said “We do not intend to join issues with them (NBC) but we intend to avail ourselves of existing mechanism for arbitration and mediation through the Frequency Management Council”.

However, the Director General of NBC, Emeka Mba said “it may be necessary to clarify the use of the band, 470-86MHz solely UHF Television Broadcasting Service on a primary basis in Nigeria predates both NBC and the NCC.”

Leaving Festac town, the Total filling station not far from Apple Junction, sold at N87. 00, while NNPC station at 2nd Rainbow along Oshodi / Badagry expressway, sold at N86.00 although it did not sell any fuel on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have expressed their disappointment at the new fuel pump prices, saying they were way “below” their expectations.

Many expressed the views that although there was a hint that the Federal Government was

going to scrap subsidy and reduced fuel pump price however, they expected President Buhari to prevail on the decision, and reduce it below what was later approved by the PPPRA. Fred Nwachukwu, a public bus driver, said the new price is “irrelevant and does not ease anything from the suffering of the common man.”

According to him, it was better the FG left fuel at the old pump price rather than the “whitewashed” price.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

B3 Money Market

Stakeholders uphold Buhari’s stance on nondevaluation of naira As the nation waits anxiously for better and improved economy in the New Year, 2016. Industry Stakeholders have expressed their different views on the current state of the Nigerian economy, most importantly on non further devaluation of the naira.

Due to continual discussion over the nation’s currency further devaluation, which has ensues the country in the recent past, renowned economists Dr. Abiodun Adedipe and Dr. Temitope Oshikoya have upheld President Muhammadu Buhari on his “No Stance” on naira devaluation.

In a separate telephone interviews, while speaking recently on WebTV, over the recent maiden Presidential media chat of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Managing Director/CEO, B. Adedipe Associates, Dr Abiodun Adedipe affirmed that devaluing the naira was not the solution for Nigeria’s economy.

Explaining further Dr Adedipe said that the economic transformation does not hinge on devaluation of the currency, adding that it was time to prioritize goods & He advised the President and his economic team to ignore the pressures to devalue the currency, underscoring the fact that it was time to focus on developing the domestic economy in Nigeria.

He, however, decried the fact that since the 70’s Nigeria has adopted the devaluation framework, which did not translate to sustainable economic development.

In his own reaction, Managing Director/CEO of Nextnomics Advisory, Dr Temitope Oshikoya, believed it was more of a “Monetary Policy Trilemna” framework from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a flexible exchange rate.

Oshikoya argued that it will be difficult to attract foreign portfolio investments, if the country devalues the naira amidst a low interest rate of 11percent.

With dwindling foreign reserves at the moment, Oshikoya said: “It was time to prioritize the forex to those who import necessary raw materials and capital goods for the economy.

He further stated that with the U.S interest rate hike to 0.25 percent, Nigeria was better off in economic terms without devaluation.”

L-R: Former, First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke; Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly,Hon. John Gaul-Lebo, Deputy Governor, Cross River State, Ivara Esu, Governor, Ben Ayade, and Directorate Head, Public Sector, UBA, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, at the Calabar Stadium venue of the International carnival, sponsored by UBA...on last week Tuesday.

2016: CBN may revisit banking policies, directives of 2015

Stories by Motolani Oseni

The year 2015 was a year that most Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), financial operators and other industry players would not forget in a hurry, as economists have urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to revisit its policy and directives in 2016, to ease the pressure in the banking sector.

The year was clearly characterised by several policies, directives and guidelines on the banking sector by its apex regulator, which analyst have said it put virtually all the banks on their toes and made them to deduce ways of sustaining their earnings profile as well as to boost their capital.

But the CBN has maintained that various stress-test conducted on the banks in 2015 showed that the banking system remained stable with key stability indicators showing robustness.

However, the apex bank continued to fine-tune demand management measures as well as implement appropriate supplyenhancing strategies to ensure effective demand and utilisation of foreign exchange in the country, complaints of dollar scarcity by businesses and banks was prevalent in the just concluded year.

On the restricted items from accessing foreign exchange from the CBN official window, Director, Trade and Exchange Department, CBN, Mr. Olakanmi Gbadamosi, explained that the items

were not banned, saying that importers desirous of importing them could do so using their own funds without any recourse to the Nigerian forex market.

JP Morgan As a result of the foreign exchange issues, the United States investment bank, JP Morgan removed the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Bonds from its Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) in 2015.

The investment bank in October, 2015, phased out Nigeria from its bond index and had warned that currency controls introduced by the CBN were making bond market transactions too complex to meet its rules.

“Foreign investors, who track the GBI-EM series, continue to face challenges and uncertainty while transacting in the naira due to the lack of a fully functional two-way FX market and limited transparency.

As a result, Nigeria will be removed from each of the six GBIEM indices started from September 30th, 2015”, the bank said.

Also, Barclays also announced that it would remove Nigeria’s sovereign debt from its emerging markets local currency government bond benchmark from February 1, 2016.

MPC Decisions in 2015 The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met a total of six times in 2015, while it left the benchmark monetary policy rate (MPR) unchanged in five of its meetings, the cash reserve re-

quirements (CRR) was adjusted at three meetings.

Specifically, at the MPC of January 2015, where the committee met against the backdrop of challenging external conditions and downside risks in the domestic economic environment, the MPC left the MPR at 13 per cent and also left the CRR for private sector at 20 per cent, while that public sector was left at 75 per cent.

Also, at the March MPC, the key monetary policy tools were also left unchanged. However, at the May 2015 meeting, when the committee met against the backdrop of the fragile but moderate growth and accentuating discrepancies in global output across regions and intensification of weaknesses, while the MPR was retained at 13 per cent, the CRR for both public and private sector were harmonised at 31 per cent.

While July edition of the meeting, left the CRR and MPR retained at 31 per cent and 13 per cent respectively. They however lowered the CRR to 25 per cent at the end of their September meeting. Nonetheless, in November, the committee took a bold step by lowering the MPR to 11 per cent and also the CRR was reduced to 20 per cent.

BVN issues There was pandemonium in most banking halls in the country in the first week of November as a lot of customers that either failed to register or link their accounts to their bank verification number (BVN) were unable

to transact business. Those affected were also not able to make withdrawals through ATMs. As a result of this, a lot of banking halls were crowded during that period. The customers affected mostly were also those with more than one bank account as the bankers said some of them failed to link their BVNs with their accounts. But most of the customers put the blame on the banks as they claimed that they had concluded the linkage process.

The CBN, in collaboration with the bankers’ committee, introduced the BVN on February 14, 2014. Initially, it was estimated that all bank customers would, within a period of 18 months, complete enrolment in the new system of customer identification. The enrolment for the scheme, which is on-going, can be done in banks across the country.

TSA and banks’ sanction Federal government this year introduced the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and a lot of banks had difficulties in adjusting to the policy. This led to sanction of some commercial banks that failed to comply with this directive on the remittance of government revenue to the TSA. Consequently, the apex bank fined First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc the sum of N4.819 billion. It also imposed a fine of N4 billion on Skye Bank for concealing funds belonging to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Stock market last week

Stock market index rises by 3.11% The Nigerian Stock market ended the year on a positive note as the lead indicator, the Nigerian All-star index increased by 3.11 per cent. The local bourse had closed trading activities for the year last Thursday, following the Federal Government’s declaration of a nationwide public holiday on Friday, January 1, 2016, to mark the New Year celebrations.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and other global markets will re-open market activities today.

At the end of trading last Thursday, the All Share Index grew by 864.42 points higher to close at 28,642.25 points compared to 1,014.59 points gained previously to close at 27,777.83 points, while market capitalization added N297.3 billion to close at N9.9 trillion compared to N351.5 billion added previously to close at N9.6 trillion.

The gains were as a result of significant increases in sectoral indices as they all closed positive with the exception of the NSE ASeM Index which closed flat.

The NSE Consumer Goods Index topped the sectoral indices with an increase of five percent due to gains recorded by Nigerian Breweries which added 9.68 per cent or N12 to close at N136 per share and Nestle which also grew by 4.24 per cent or N35 to close at N860 per share.

Market breadth likewise closed positive with 33 gainers pitched against 6 losers. Top three gainers for the day were Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc., which increased by 10.20 per cent or 35 kobo to close at N3.78 per share followed by Transnational Express Plc., which added 9.71 per cent or 10 kobo to close at N1.13 per share, while Nigerian Breweries Plc., gained 9.68 per cent or N12 to close at N136 per share.

Cadbury Nigeria Plc topped the losers chart with a decline of 4.99 per cent or 90 kobo to close at N17.15 per share, followed by Cutix Plc., which depreciated by 2.92 per cent or 5 kobo to close at N1.66 per share, while Skye Bank Plc., dropped 2.47per cent or four kobo to close at N1.58 per share.

L-R: Chairman, CountryWide Housing Company Limited, Ali Magashi; Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, Capt. Ado Sanusi; Managing Director, Arik Air, Chris Ndulue and Chief Pilot, Arik Air, Capt. Adetokunbo Adekunbi during the Wedding Ceremony of Capt. & Mrs. Jide Bakare held at Cilantro Event Centre Sultan Road, Kano over the weekend.

Total installs simulators to enhance safety Opeoluwani Akintayo Total Nigeria Plc has installed two high-tech driving simulators at its Truck Drivers Training School and Inspection Centre in Ibadan and its Head office in Lagos.

According to the company, the move is part of its commitment to improving road safety with the broad objective to replicate and model real-life driving conditions for the purpose of building safe driving practices and culture amongst truck drivers in the country.

The simulators are to serve as active training tools that will be used to prepare drivers for the management of unpredictable hazards that may occur when

driving, such as collision avoidance.

Studies have shown that motor vehicle crashes are significantly higher among inexperienced drivers during their first year of licencing, indicating also that crash risks decline with increased experience. With this knowledge, Total Nigeria has said training such drivers using these simulators significantly reduces crash risks.

Total’s Truck Drivers Training School and Inspection Centre in Ibadan, Oyo state was established March 28, 2011 with the goal of creating a fully structured and well-equipped learning environment for improving the knowledge and method of truck driving as well as encour-

aging safe driving behaviours in the country.

Backed by an ultra-modern facility housing an auditorium, a laboratory, and a loading gantry, Total Nigeria says this and similar initiatives from its stable are designed to improve products transportation, increase safety as well as commit to a better future, and better energy efficiency.

Total Nigeria Plc’s Management System for Transport Coordinator, Mr. Ajibola Abdulwaheed Alaga, said the Total Truck Drivers Training School and Inspection Centre in Ibadan, Oyo state, has witnessed series of remarkable improvements since it was established on March 28, 2011.

Ashaka Cement appoints Hoddinott director

Friday Atufe

Mr. Guillaume Roux, a nonexecutive director with Ashaka Cement has resigned his appointment from the board of the company.

In latter to the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, the company secretary of Ashaka Cement, Mr. Bello Abdullahi said Roux had been replaced by Mr. Peter Hoddinott.

Although, the statement did not disclose the reasons why Roux resigned from but it may not be unconnected with the recent merger of Holcim with Lafarge.

Peter was recently appointed Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc. Peter, a Briton, is a Mining

Engineer with vast operational experience. In the 80s, he spent his early career in the mines of Southern Africa, followed by growing some owner-managed businesses in the minerals sector as well as working as a lecturer at Imperial College.

He is not new to the cement industry - he joined Blue Circle in 1988. At Blue Circle, he worked in the Technical Centre, followed by some years managing UK cement plants, before going to the Philippines as CEO in 1999.

During the following four years, Lafarge took over Blue Circle and he stayed in Manila to integrate the two companies, leaving in 2003 to become regional president for Lafarge in Latin America.

In 2007, he became regional president for Western Europe - Cement, that later included Morocco. In 2012, he became Executive Vice President - Energy & Strategic Sourcing, responsible for worldwide energy strategy and sourcing of Lafarge’s $12B/ year externally sourced inputs.

In September 2013, he was appointed Group Executive Vice President - Performance. He is a Past-President of Cembureau, the European Cement Trade Association. He is passionate about his family, rugby, diving and safety, as well, of course, about reducing CO2 emissions!

Peter’s strong operational experience will add great value in the running of Lafarge Africa Plc. He is married with three

children.

About Holcim Holcim is a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of cement and aggregates (crushed stone, gravel, and sand), as well as other activities, including readymix concrete, asphalt, and associated services. The company holds majority and minority shareholdings in some 70 countries and on every continent. In 2013, Holcim recorded net sales of over 19.1 billion Swiss francs. Thanks to our market-oriented structures, product innovations, skilled employees and efficient environmental management systems, Holcim is in a strong position now - and for years. More information is available on Holcim website site: www. holcim.com In the same vein, a world leader

in building materials, Lafarge employs 63,000 people in 61 countries, and posted sales of €12.8 billion in 2014. As a top-ranking player in its Cement, Aggregates and Concrete businesses, it contributes to the construction of cities around the world, through its innovative solutions providing them with more housing and making them more compact, more durable, more beautiful, and better connected. With the world’s leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities in order to contribute to more sustainable construction and to better serve architectural creativity. More information is available on Lafarge’s website: www.lafarge.com

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

B5 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 31-12-2015

Business News B6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Freight forwarders decry high import tariff

Musa

National Association of Government Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) yesterday decried the high tariff imposed on importers by the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Chairman of NAGAFF, Mr Segun Musa, spoke with aviation correspondents at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

Musa appealed to the Federal Government to review the

National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) yesterday urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate federal roads in the country, to ease transportation of petroleum products.

Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, the South-West Chairman of the union, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Korodo said that the rehabilitation would reduce unnecessary delay of petroleum tanker drivers, who lose a lot of time on the roads before getting products to their final destinations.

“Most of the federal roads plied by petroleum tankers have become death traps and this is causing a lot of accidents to our tanker drivers, adding that Oshodi-Apapa Express Road, OkeneLokoja and Owo-Akoko roads are in deplorable conditions.

“Government should ensure that all these roads are repaired this year to ease the movement of all vehicles plying the roads,” he said.

policy, saying it was having an adverse effect on Nigerians involved in importation business.

According to him, the policy has forced many importers out of business while others have relocated out of the country in the last few months.

He called on the federal government to engage the private sector and stakeholders in policy formulation in order to get things right.

Musa said that the demise of some major industries in the country was caused by insecurity and lack of infrastructure and not due to importation businesses.

The NAGAFF chairman also advised the government to properly monitor the activities of customs officials toward blocking revenue leakages. ``The revenue leakage is more than the revenue collected in Nigeria, the tariff on imports are so high and that has taken a lot of businesses out Nigeria,” he said.

NUPENG calls for repair of federal roads The chairman urged the federal government to strive harder to protect NNPC pipelines from vandals across the nation.

He said that this would return normal loading activities at all abandoned NNPC depots nationwide.

Korodo also urged the federal government to ensure job security for workers in the oil and gas industry and drastically reduce the issue of contract staffing.

The chairman said that the union would give adequate support to the government to make it succeed in its efforts to keep Nigerians smiling.

He urged the Department of Petroleum Resources to withdraw or cancel the licence of any independent marketers that tried to frustrate its efforts.

-L-R, Sani Mohammed Ismail, Yobe State Liasion Officer in Abuja, Mohammed Suleh Yusuf, Head Government and Community Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Umar Abdu Mairiga, Progreamme Coordinator, Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and Euphemia Osuagwu, Etisalat Experince Centre Manager during donation of relief materials to IDPs through the NRCS in Abuja... recently.

Forex scarcity poses bond challenges to banks

Motolani Oseni

Following the persistence shortage of foreign exchange in the country, indications have emerged that the pending corporate bond debts, particularly banks, and its coupon repayments may now pose a greater challenge to the lenders.

Specifically, the nation’s deposit money banks have about $3.4 billion worth of eurobonds issued in the last few years, out of which $1.5 billion will be due for repayment in 2016, coupled with their respective coupons.

Daily Times notes that $1.5 billion worth of debt repayments this year, one of the banks has bond maturity to settle, while others would settle their maturing bilateral loan obligations.

While there are indications of banks’ ability to meet the coupon repayment obligations, there are likely challenges emerging from the possible sources of the foreign exchange to service the obligations and cost to the banks.

Notably, three major banks have been tangled already with the looming foreign exchange issues come January 2016, to the tune of $500 million, $419 million and $202 million each.

Given the assessed macroeconomic headwinds, with increased borrowing cost for banks by about 200 basis points, which is higher than six months ago, their profitability is also on the line, together with their inability to pass the cost to customers.

Already, the country’s foreign exchange earnings’ profile has not only fallen to a record level due to crude oil price volatility, but seems unending as the crisis persists, with prices inching closer to below $30 a barrel.

“Nigerian banks are dealing with foreign exchange liquidity issues and the challenges show no signs of abating just yet.

If anything, it is likely to first get worse before any improvements- making for a weak asset quality and earnings outlook for the sector,” the Sub-Saharan Africa Banking Analyst and Head of Research - Nigeria, Renaissance Capital, Adesoji Solanke, said.

However, it appears not all the banks involved are ready to face the looming challenge in 2016, as only one of the banks has identified its strategy for the repayments of the debt obligations.

The bank said it has sufficient reserves to redeem its debt in 2016, and there may have been a building up of its reserves for the purpose as it sourced $200 million from a multi-lateral institution in 2015 and has plans to raise additional amount in excess of $50 million from multilateral finance institutions before the year ends.

Meanwhile, the bank’s management said it might not reissue a eurobond in 2016, given pricing concerns and market conditions.

Solanke noted that the growing concern by investors in Nigerian banks’ debt is that as oil prices continue to decline, the

country’s foreign exchange liquidity situation worsens.

Again, a significant portion of banks’ foreign exchange borrowings were used to fund oil and gas loans, with the companies struggling to access foreign exchange to liquidate their obligations.

“This concern is valid and will remain a topical issue through this cycle. Given the worsening foreign exchange challenges, the sector went another leg down when some banks scrapped the use of debit cards for international transactions.

“This development could become a trend, should the situation persist. This follows the continued reduction by a number of banks of their debit card international spending limits, now to $5000-$15,000 yearly, from $50,000”, he said.

Given that customers’ international transactions create open-ended foreign exchange exposure for the banks, as they have to source foreign exchange to settle with MasterCard/Visa, the apex bank warned lenders to give according to their ability to source them.

Emefiele

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

B7 Insurance

FG to insure Armed Forces against insurgency threats, says Kari Stories by Isaac Agber With the lingering insurgency terror claiming lives of Nigeria’s Special Task Force in the battle field, the Federal Government is advised to insulate all members of the armed forces by granting them insurance cover against all terror-related threats.

This will bolster their confidence in the face of battle, reduce risks and scale down damages in the event of death.

The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Muhammed Kari, mentioned this at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Honorable Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, held in Abuja recently.

Kari expressed concern that the nation’s gallant forces fighting insurgency in the northern part of the country were not given due insurance cover, calling on the government to spread its protective arms on all the security forces and other employees. He, however, lamented that the patronage of local insurers was far below average, a situation he attributed to unsupportive attitude of the government.

“There is low patronage of insurance by government and its

L-R: Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, SEMA, Bauchi, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Musa receiving a sample of relief materials given to the IDP camp from the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri during the DG’s joyful celebration with the people in collaboration with National Troupe of Nigeria in Bauchi, Bauchi State recently.

agencies and the lack of effort to protect public assets. Even when it does insure, funding is haphazard. It is common knowledge that the ability of government to replace damaged or lost assets is not as sound as it used to be. As such, insurance in the country is the best alternative to no protection at all. Besides, employees, especially our gallant forces fighting insecurity challenges, need

to have the comfort of insurance protection as they confront their duties.”

Reports have shown that over 300 members of the special task force fighting insurgency have died between 2009 and 2015, leaving their families with little or no claims.

To overturn the situation, the NAICOM boss together with the Chairman of Nigerian Insurers

Association, GUS Wiggle, advocated for a review of insurance policies with a view to strengthen the local insurers and encourage government’s needed support at making their weight lighter through bailouts and capacity building.

In line with their advocacy, they insisted for a review of the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) 2007, to relieve business operators

the heavy tax burden enshrined in the law. Specifically, they want the Federal Government to suspend or waive some sections of the Act considered to be unfriendly in the harsh business environment.

Speaking further, Kari said that “the industry has complained of excessive and supposed unfair assessment modalities being used by tax authorities for tax computation of its finances. We plead with the new government and the tax authorities to pick interest on this and continue with the engagement with the industry to find lasting solution to this problem, so that the industry can play the expected role of investible and developmental fund provider for the Nigerian economy.’’.

On his part, the NIA marksman, Wiggle, said the obnoxious tax law placed a cap on expenses and claims payable by insurance companies, adding that it was discouraging to foreign direct investments in the insurance sector.

Wiggle urged the Minister to assist the insurance industry by setting in motion the process of amending the tax law to reflect present day realities and in line with global trends and best practices.

According to him: “We wish to draw your attention to the crippling effects of CITA 2007 on insurance business in Nigeria. The law expects insurance companies to pay 20 per cent of their premium as tax irrespective of expenses or losses incurred. We believe that it is not only punitive, it is also anti-investment.” He said.

NCRIB appeals to NAICOM over delisted brokers

Kari

How to boost prices of insurance stocks – Shareholder

The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has appealed to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to revisit the case of some of the 108 delisted broking firms as some of them made errors that are deliberate.

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Fatai Adegbenro, who made the ap-

peal in an interview with The Nation, said the Council also approach the National Assembly to make presentations on their case.

According to him, about 1000 employees have lost their jobs as a result, thereby causing untold hardship to them and their family members.

He said the delisting of the 108 broking firms means pushing all those working with the

firms into the employment market which will further create a terrible social problem for the industry and the country at large. He stressed that for every employer, there are about eight employees whose children’s education would be distorted.

According to him, Glanville has about 80 employees, believing that the problem of unemployment should not be compounded but be solved.

Adegbenro stated that while they do not encourage their members to flout the laws, the regulator should bear in mind that the problem is not an industry problem but that of a country that has in the past jettisoned orderliness.

He said the Council met with the Commission three weeks ago after they were intimated of the decision to delist the brokers.

The Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, says reducing the volume of insurance stocks as against the present huge volume in circulation would help push up the prices.

He said in an interview with newsmen that inadequate enlightenment is also contributing to the poor pricing of insurance stocks, adding that increased insurance awareness

would impact the price of the stocks “The issue of penny insurance stocks is as a result of enlightenment which is in adequate at the moment. In the past we can understand where they used to have delayed results, but it is not the same presently.

If you look at the capital base of insurance companies is as large as the banks, because the quality and pricing of insurance stocks is within the penny

rates, and the operators need volume of money to do their businesses, as a result, they put in a large volume of equity to the market, and these equity being in so many hands, affects the demand, hence, forcing the price down.

“When the equity is reduced, through restructuring and it is made slimmer, and a way that people would look for it definitely, the price would go up,” he said.

Nwosu

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Nigeria Customs must adhere to government policy on waiver, says Owolabi ‘‘This is why I will keep on re-emphasizing the need for government to review its tariffs on imported safety critical equipment.’’

Owolabi

Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Olurepo Owolabi in this interview with Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo decried the high cost of tariff on importation of machines for ground handling, saying there should be incentive regulations to encourage them by jettisoning the policy that gave Customs duty waiver for aircraft and airport equipment imports, remarking that it could threaten safety.

Excerpts: Lets look at cargo handling in 2015? Has the government addressed some of the challenges highlighted earlier; then what do you want the government to do in 2016?

Well, the year has run to an end and we are very, very grateful to God Almighty. The year itself on handling has been very, very productive, challenging and intimidating for investors, who may not feel like coming because of the commitments on the equipment, rates charges for clearing by aviation agencies and even some of the governments vis-à-vis the issue of been present in some of the airports that has been built.

This is because you need minimum of five equipment in any location successfully, which means you need a Ground Support Equipment (GPU), you need step, you need air condition and then you tow truck, you need baggage cart for loads, you need cargo king, which is for loading, without going for the heavy equipment. I am talking as or let’s say you have an aircraft Airbus A300-400 or 500, that is the one I am making reference to because when you now look at other areas of having tow bridges and so on then you will be thinking of

the FMC, push backs and heavy equipment being on it.

So that has been a challenge and do we really at SAHCOL address some of the issues not minding cost and what it has created looking at the foreign exchange and all that is happening in the country? Then the answer will be yes, that we have been doing that. Within the year we bought a lot of equipment and we even regretted because of the way the Customs is treating us at the port. A single push back was zeroed to pay almost about N60 million and that push back is very essential. It is the push back that pushes the aircraft just within five minutes, it is done.

And you can imagine how many aircraft it will push, but it is essential you must buy it and when you want to buy you must buy the correct one. This is why I will keep on re-emphasizing the need for government to review its tariffs on imported safety critical equipment.

And that is why the state governments in their own wisdom have decided to open up by building airports. If any government decides to build an airport, it should not only look at the idea of flying in and out of the air-

port; it should also look at the commercial value and abide by regulatory standard in ensuring that it has the necessary equipment for handling.

Maybe at the time they are built some of them may not have enough of such commercial value but in the long run he needs these things because of the way our roads are. No businessman wants to die on the road; they still believe that flying is still the best means of travel. And if we are looking for investment in your state then you must be able to provide such facilities as a governor.

You just mentioned that Customs charges are high but a few months ago government gave a waiver for such equipment for companies, who are players in this sector to come in without much duty, does it mean that SAHCOL is unable to tap into that?

We did, but it was a mere promise but the policy was never implemented. It was zeroed down to even spare parts for airlines and I don’t how they can pick airlines before picking the handling companies that are seriously in need of the equipment. Because come to think of it, we have about five handling companies in the country only two or three are noticeable if you look at it. There are five handling companies or six in the country today because they couldn’t even compete because of the heavy monetary attachment on this equipment that should be acquired. And you need these equipment to carry baggage, you need it to assist passengers to come down, you need to assist the aircraft to start their engine, you need to assist the aircraft in cooling the cabin; I can continue to mention the needs that without any handling company there is no airport, and without any handling company there is no airline because the airline relies on handling company.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) relies on us to provide these services to the airlines; yet, the charges they ask us to pay are outrageous. So we

are in a fix, FAAN is on our neck with heavy bills, we are in a fix, when we come to equipment the Customs are on our neck, even when we talk to some of them that these equipment do not even move out, that it is within the tarmac and by the time they come up with the bills, you don’t even make any effort to remove it, demurrage comes in and then you are at the mercy of demurrage and you are at the mercy of the Customs. I think the government needs to sincerely look into these issues that we have been shouting on as long as they are looking for improved safety in air travel.

And that brings me to the issue of what happened at Bauchi airport just recently when ladder was used to disembark passengers in a Boeing 737-500 aircraft.

As a policy we don’t use ladder. If you check all our statement that we have been issuing to the public, we have been re-emphasizing the need to give handling services to professionals. If you don’t handle you don’t get involved in what you don’t do. Handling is a professional job that you do and when you are doing it you are trained to do so. You have all the necessary things that it entails to do so. If you build an airport you need to call the handling companies to assist you in providing the enabling environment and the needed service, but you need to help them to set up. And the issue is very simple, you have some of these airports that are just handling one flight a day and I have enumerated all the equipment that needed to be put into that airport.

You need the staff, how much did they pay? Peanuts. Some of it does not even pay the salary of a single staff. So do you want us to put our equipment in these airports? The answer is no. We cannot do that but some of the governors in their own wisdom parley with us, they assist us in coming to their airports to put some of our equipment there.

And they assist us in a way for us to be able to locate and make sure that safety is part of their prerequisite and that is what we are

doing. We did it in Birnin Kebbi; we have our equipment there, we have assisted Air Peace when they arrived during the opening of the place. We have done it in Maiduguri, when the man insisted, we told him our problems, he said he is ready to assist in the logistics but at the same time they need to do more if they needed the services of a reputable handling companies.

What do you think state governments should do to insist that the relevant equipment are in place for those of them who are building airports and those who propose to build more airports because of safety and security?

Handling as I said is not Nigerian rules and regulations, it is an international norm; it is a standard. There is a standard. There are things that are needed in this airport, so when any government builds an airport or intends to build it should put those things in place. Just like Lagos State, they are trying to build an airport at Lekki, we have been called in to be part of them for their negotiations, we been part of it, briefing them as giving them advice at no cost. But when it comes to the final drawing they need to assist in getting equipment to those airports. Equipment are essential, whether it is a propeller aircraft, a Boeing B737 or Boeing B747, we never know, that is the more reason these three, four, five essential things that I have mentioned earlier are needed in any airport in the world.

There are some very small airline that do operate into the airport that do not need the service of steps because they have in built steps, so they use that but at the same time they need dolly, they need tow tugs, they need other things to be able to complement the load they are carrying.

But you observe that some of them, you see them sending loaders to the airport, that are not part of our staff to carry loads.

The security of every airport lies on FAAN. When you are not in the business of handling don’t get yourself involved.

Life&

TIMES Monday, January 4, 2016

Celebrities to watch out

for in 2016 L2,3

P

Celebrities L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Celebrities to watch out for in 2016

2015 was indeed a memorable year in the entertainment industry. While others could not join the train of trend setters, others sure had lovely experience to talk on. From one major hit to another, down to award-winning movies, giving a clear cut projection that 2016 is filled with lots of bumper packages. In no particular other, here are some of the few entertainers fans will love to see more body of work from; all other acts have been fantastic.

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon

Olamide Adedeji Popularly known by his stage name Olamide but popularly called Olamide Baddo, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artiste from Bariga, Lagos State.

He records mostly in Yoruba, his native tongue. Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc with several awards to his name.

He doubles as the CEO of YBNL housing other acts that includes Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Vic O. Crowned as own best entertainer in 2015 with several sold out concerts and four albums to his credit, Baddo is definitely needed to do more works in 2016.

Known by his stage name, Reekado Banks, Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon is a Nigeria recording artiste, rapper and a song writer, signed to Mavin records. He went by the stage name Spicy prior to his record deal with the aforementioned label. He was declared the Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014. He has different albums that are painting the world red. The albums includes Shake am, Katapot and so on.

Hoping to get more from him.

Mercy AigbeGentry She is one of the most sought-after actress, director and businesswoman. Mercy was indeed one of the busiest acts in 2015 storming one location to another. With several movies to her credit and recently released movie ‘Victim’ indicates that the actress still has a lot to offer in 2016. It is important to note that her latest movie earned her a nomination at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards

Ycee Oludemilade Martin Alejo popularly known by his stage name Ycee is a Nigerian rapper and a song writer currently signed under inny entertainment. He rose to limelight after one of his singles titled “Condo”, which features vocals from Patoranking, earned him two nominations at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He released a single titled “Jagaban” which received massive airplays and made him more popular among music critics.

Kunle Afolayan

Life&

T E A M

Kunle Afolayan is an actor and also a director. He is the son of the famous theater and producer, Ade Love.

He has made several extremely popular titles including The Figurine (Araromire) which was in the Yoruba and English languages. The Figurine won five major awards in the African film academy and experienced tremendous success in the Nigeria movie theaters. October First and also Phone Swap were other popular flicks of Afolayan.

Much therefore is expected from him in 2016 with The CEO starting off the New Year.

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Toyin Aimakhu She is an actress, firm maker, producer and a director. She started acting in the year 2003. Over the years, she has featured in many movies, produced and directed in several Nigeria movies such as Alakada, Alani Baba Labake, Eta Oko and so many. Watch out for many more in 2016.

Ibiyemi Seriki Known as Seriki, the darkest out of his family, he started music some years back knowing it fully well that making it in Lagos is getting a global recognition. He is always on the street trying to get those knowledge of what the street wants and put them into writing. He use his sword and word to speak the masses and has been real. He has featured with a lot of artistes and also has his own albums. The street expects more from him in 2016.

Omoni Oboli Omoni Oboli is a Nigerian actress and producer. In 2010, she won the award for Best Actress, Narrative Feature at the Los Angeles Movie Awards, and the award for Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival.

She was nominated for the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Awards. Omoni won Big Screen Actress of the Year award at the 2014 ELOY Awards, for her movie, Being Mrs. Elliot. Watch out for her movies in 2016.

L3 Celebrities

Femi Adebayo Femi Adebayo is a Nigerian lawyer, film actor, director and a producer. He won the City People Entertainment award for the best movie producer (Yoruba) of the year 2015. He has been a huge success in the Yoruba movie industry. He has a long list of movies to his credit which includes the much anticipated Sonto Alapata, Wura Ati Fadaka, Ma Wobadan and Buga (a very funny one) just to mention a few. Femi is the MD/CEO of J-15 Media Network Nigeria. He has a Master’s degree in Law. More of these are expected from him in 2016.

Lil Kesh Keshinro Ololade popularly known as Lil-Kesh is a Nigerian singer, rapper and song writer. He is currently signed to YBNL nation, a record label founded by Olamide. He rose to fame after his charttopping song titled ‘Shoki’ rose to critical acclaim for music critics. He is also known to be behind the massive airplay of songs like gbese, Efejoku and more.

He was also nominated in the best new act to watch category at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment awards.

Fathia Williams Fathia Williams formerly known as Fathia Balogun is a Nigerian actress, filmmaker, producer and director. She has starred, produced and directed several Nigerian films over the years and she has also bagged several awards including the Best Indigenous Language, Yoruba award for the work done in the film, Iya Alalake, at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA. She is a huge success to the Yoruba movie industry and we expect to see more of her in 2016.

Chinko Ekun Oladipo Olamide Emmanuel popularly known as Chinko ekun is a Nigerian rapper signed under YBNL record label. He is known for his singles like Eminare and alejo Oran, and we expect to see more of him in 2016 as he proved his skills at the second edition of the Olamide Live in concert held in 2015.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

L5

BMW 6 SERIES

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Wellness L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Oseni Damilola

Tired of that stretched mark?

Try this!

Stretched marks are caused by rapid stretching of the skin or rapid growth. It is also influenced by hormonal changes. Stretched mark is also usually formed during the last trimester of pregnancy, usually on the belly and most times on the breast, thigh hips, lower back, upper arms, under arms and buttocks. It is likely to appear in the place where larger fats are stored. Young women and pregnant women are most likely to have stretched mark. Increase in cortisone level also causes stretched marks. Stretched marks keeps some ladies away from putting on armless gowns, bikinis and some different kind of wears. Some have very thick stretched marks while some have the light one. Men don’t like stretched marks.

Below are ways you can get rid of your stretched mark today: Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is effective in the treating various skin problems. It can be used to get rid of stretched marks. Yyou can directly rub Aloe Vera on the affected skin area, leave it on for 10- 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.

1

Lemon juice: another way to get rid of strcehed marks is by using lemon juice, lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps reduce stretched marks, Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

2

Egg Whites: Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites which contain amino acids and proteins. Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush, Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water. Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized, Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch for positive results.

3

4

Sugar: Natural white sugar is one of the best way to get rid of stretch marks. Mix a tablespoon of sugar with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and other skin areas. Gently rub the mixture on the skin for a few minutes every day before taking a shower. Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks become lighter.

5

Potato Juice: Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells.

Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.

Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the starch from the potato covers the affected area.

Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash it off.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

L7 Nutrition

Food borne illness: Judith Frank-Edet

What When you hear someone was a victim of food borne illness popularly known as food poisoning, your mind is quick to go to a wicked person that poured some toxic substance in the person’s food or drink. Not exactly.

Food borne illness is caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms — including bacteria, viruses and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), unsafe food is linked to the deaths of an estimated two million people annually – including many children. Food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances is responsible for more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers.

Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any

point of processing or production.

Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked.

According to experts, food poisoning symptoms, which can start within hours of eating contaminated food, often include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Most often, food poisoning is mild and resolves without treatment. But some people need to go to the hospital.

Meanwhile, cases of food poisoning in Nigeria are also high.

According to Alfred Ihenkuronye, a Professor of Food Science and Technology, more than 200,000 persons die of food poison in Nigeria annually.

Causes Food poisoning can affect one person or a group of people who all ate the same food. It is more

common after eating out. Experts say when germs get into the food, it is called contamination. This can happen in different ways: Ò Water that is used during growing or shipping can contain animal or human waste. Ò Food may be handled in an unsafe way during preparation in sit outs, restaurants, or homes. Ò Food poisoning can occur after eating or drinking: Ò Any food prepared by someone who does not wash their hands properly Ò Any food prepared using cooking utensils, cutting boards, and other tools that are not fully cleaned Ò Frozen or refrigerated foods that are not stored at the proper temperature or are not reheated to the right temperature Ò Raw fruits or vegetables that have not been washed well

What to eat after food poisoning Drink lots of liquids The body losses a lot of fluid during food poisoning by vomiting and diarrhea so replacement of these fluids is certainly required. Try avoiding ingestion of foods or beverages that can worsen your condition. Once your vomiting has resolved, gradually replace fluids by drinking water.

Bananas Bananas are a good choice to settle an upset digestive system.

The high level of potassium in bananas helps to replace electrolytes that may be lost by severe bouts of diarrhea. Bananas are also rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps to absorb liquid in the intestines and thus move stool along smoothly. Bananas also contain a good amount of inulin, another soluble fiber. Insulin is a prebiotic, a substance that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal system.

Steamed Chicken Due to its bland nature, steamed chicken is an easily digested source of protein, thus providing a fairly safe way to get some nutrients into your body. Avoid deep-fried or sautéed preparations.

Green Tea

It has Green tea has the ability to kill the bacteria responsible for causing food poisoning. Drinking four or five cups of green tea every day can protect our bodies against harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning like bacillus cereus.

What to avoid eating after food poisoning Dairy products Avoid eating dairy products except some products that have low lactose levels (such as yogurt) because diarrhea manages to cause lactose intolerance which may be temporary. If you consume dairy products in large amounts even after weeks of recovery from food poisoning, you may develop some degree if indigestion or bloating type symptoms.

Spicy or fatty foods Spicy or fatty foods can cause total gas problems. Both of the varieties of food are not well tolerated under diarrheal circumstances so it’s best to keep your distance from them until you are finally recovered from food poisoning symptoms.

Foods with high fiber Fiber enriched foods add to the burden of already over-loaded digestive system. Fibrous foods in-

cludes vegetables and fruits along with their peels, seeds and nuts, legumes, whole grains and citrus fruits. By avoiding fibrous foods you can provide an opportunity for your digestive system to rest and recover.

However once the symptoms are assuaged you can add the fibrous foods back to your diet gradually.

Alcohol and Caffeine Alcohol and caffeine aggravate diarrhea. With active food poisoning, avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, hot cocoa, tea and chocolate. Best option is to keep yourself hydrated with water.

Apple and Pear juices Due to sorbitol, glucose and fructose present in apple and pear juices, they are to be avoided despite the fact that they are clear liquids because in some people consumption of these may worsen the diarrhea.

you must know

Ò Undercooked meats or eggs Ò Untreated water Many types of germs and toxins may cause food poisoning, including, Campylobacter enteritis.

Cholera, E. coli enteritis, Toxins in spoiled or tainted fish or shellfish, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella. Infants and elderly people are at the greatest risk for food poisoning.

General guidelines to prevent food poisoning Bacteria enters the body through either food or water from a contaminated source and cause poisoning which, in the majority of cases, turn out to be fatal. According to UNSCO NigeriaTVE indicative Practices to prevent food poisoning are: ◆ Observe the rules of food hygiene at every stage in the

handling of food. ◆ People known to be carriers of infections should not be allowed to handle food. ◆ Keep perishable foods under deep-freezer or refrigeration immediately after already present. ◆ Refrigerator should be kept clean, no spoiled food should be kept in it. ◆ Cook foods for a sufficient period of time and at temperatures high enough to destroy the bacteria. ◆ Do not keep foods exposed especially after cooking. If food is to be consumed later, it should be promptly cooked and put in refrigerator. ◆ If food has been refrigerated for a long time, it should be reheated before consumption. ◆ Keep storage, cooking and service areas clean and free from insects and rodents.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, January 4, 2016

Tinsel

Showing on

13:30 Mon, 04 Jan | PG13

Showing on 150 Africa Magic Showcase ‘S8/E1536 - 8/1536’. Tsav takes a huge risk to deliver a personal message to Amaka. The girls adjusts their travel plans as the Baale and Prince Ojo pay a very special visit. Bimpe confronts Nina and causes trouble for Soji.

101 M-Net

L8 Television 166 Channel

Married Again

08:00 Mon, 04 Jan | PG

‘S1/E94 - 1/94’. Yash’s father is accused of having another child outside his marriage. He agrees to take a DNA test to prove he is not the father. Aarti breaks into Radha’s house in search of ammunition and is shocked at her findings.

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

128 SONY MAX

00:20 Would I Lie To You? 00:50 The Cube 01:40 Call The Midwife: Christmas...

03:00 EastEnders 03:30 EastEnders 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Royal Pains 14:00 Arrow 15:00 Resurrection 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 The Goldbergs 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Grey’s Anatomy 19:30 Mysteries Of Laura 20:30 Elementary 21:30 Carte Blanche 22:30 Hello Ladies: The Movie

154 AfricaMagic Family

00:55 Out Of The Ghetto 02:30 Jane And Abel 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Scarlet 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Redial 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:25 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 14:00 Goge Africa 14:30 Nowhere To Be Found

04:00 EastEnders 04:30 EastEnders

03:50 The Impostor 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

15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:00 Prem 16:30 Tenant 17:30 Mary Slessor 18:00 Jane And Abel 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 19:55 Paul’s Puzzle 21:00 Nowhere To Be Found 21:30 Goge Africa 22:05 Living With Trisha

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

14:10 Total Wipeout UK

05:25 QI

16:00 EastEnders

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

06:30 EastEnders

00:30 Killer Karaoke

17:10 The Cube

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

01:30 Tattoo Nightmares

07:55 The Weakest Link

18:05 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

02:00 Most Shocking

08:45 The Chase

19:00 Celebrity MasterChef

09:30 Total Wipeout UK

20:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

10:30 The Cube

21:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

11:20 New Tricks

21:50 The Graham Norton Show

12:20 Top Gear

22:40 Would I Lie To You?

13:15 Come Dine With Me

22:30 Would I Lie To You?

15:05 The Weakest Link

155 AfricaMagic World

03:00 Most Shocking 04:00 Exposed 04:30 Exposed 05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos 08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:35 South Beach Tow

00:05 Music Block 01:10 Good Morning Africa 02:10 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 04:00 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd 07:50 Star Gist 08:25 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 19:00 Kumwesu 19:30 Kumwesu 20:00 Revelation 21:20 Jara 21:55 Music Block

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 Enemy Territory 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 Most Shocking