Daily Times of Nigeria Newspaper

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.38

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Political violence in Lagos, eight killed 6

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INSIDE

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Life&

TIMES Wednesday February 4, 2015

Muna Obiekwe’s

candelight procession turns political L4 P

Take a trip to Malawi L5 P

Relieving menstrual cramps L7

P

Dakore

and motherhood L P

Why Wizkid, others won’t vote!

L3

P

3

Chadian forces chase Boko Haram on Nigerian soil

Chadian troops on Tuesday set foot Ï 0ƏƆ ƅ ƈƏƍƋ Ɔ ƏƆƅƅƆ ÏÏÏ on Nigerian soil in hot pursuit of the Boko ƈ ƑƏ Ɔ Ɛ ƐƏ ƋƗ Haram insurgents. It is a sign of increased CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Police killing sparks unrest in Edo

5

INSIDE XT Exclusive

Ivory Coast X3 targets AFCON trophy

Redknapp quits QPR over health reasons X2 Wednesday, February 4, 2015

STARS OF YESTERYEAR

Ideye

denies West Brom exit plans X2

Odiye:

Rock-solid defender haunted by own goal X6

REAL MADRID

RONALDO

worth £300m – Mendes

X8

2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Politics Page Three

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s

Editorial

Tackling pipeline vandalism

T

he news that former militants under the aegis of the Niger Delta Youth Mandate for Transformation Agenda (NDYTA),have promised to partner the Pipeline Products and Marketing Company(PPMC) in curbing the perennial problem of pipeline vandalism across the country gives cause for cheer. According to leader of the group, Pathfinder Fiawei, the ex-militants will tackle the menace through a series of awareness campaigns in the different oil producing communities. This initiative coming from those accused of being behind vandalism cannot but be applauded.

We say this because pipeline vandalism and the resultant damage to the economy are capable of crippling the effective distribution of petroleum products across the country and foist on the nation increased trucking option which comes with enormous risks and cost.

This development complicates the efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) to effectively distribute petroleum products. It is also leading to colossal financial losses to the organisation and country.

According to the corporation, a total of 16,083 pipeline breaks were recorded within the last 10 years. Of these, 398 pipeline breaks representing 2.4 per cent

were due to activities of vandals.

More over, activities of pipeline vandals in recent past have led to the unplanned exit of some oil companies in the Niger Delta, which in turn has affected the economy of the region and the country.

Statistics reveal that several people including vandals themselves have died as a result of oil pipeline explosions.

It is all too easy to consider that government initiatives to protect pipelines and other oil installations had actually exacerbated the woes that the intervention was meant to address due sometimes to the connivance of saboteurs amongst them. Stories abound of back hand deals between these vandals and security operatives.

Such allegations lend credence to widely held suspicions that soldiers and other security personnel lobby their superiors to be posted to the JTF because of the lucrative nature of the assignment.

In coming to the realisation of the enormous damage that their unholy activities have wrought on the country,the NDYTA should be encouraged to get in contact with their colleagues who are yet to renounce their evil ways to do so.

In renouncing vandalism, they will be helping the economy find its bearing at this perilous times, while their partnership with the PPMC will in the long run benefit the region and its inhabitants.

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Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏIt is fast becoming a

fad for Nigerians to speak out only when it is convenient for them or when those who represent their interest(s) are not the subject of discourse.

This is what the uproar that has greeted the threat by some leaders of former Niger Delta militants to go to war should President Goodluck Jonathan lose his re-election bid has shown.

Since the ex-militants’

leaders issued the threat, former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma has called for their arrest. He is joined by the Arewa People Forum (ACF) The ex-militants’ leaders have also come under the hammer of the two major parties in the country- the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). None of these issued a word when some others issued similar threats in the past.

This trend of speaking up when it is convenient or when those who represent their interest(s) are not the subject of discourse negates

Words On Marble :

More info: www.dailytimes.com.ng https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

Time to call spade, spade! unity of the country.

Nigerians must speak up when individuals or groups make pronouncements that are volatile and capable of setting the nation on fire.

We must speak up when things go wrong irrespective of who is involved. We must see wrong as wrong no matter the side of the political or religious divide we belong to.

A situation where we gloss over a statement, action or disposition of individuals or groups which clearly threatens the peace and development of Nigeria is to say the least unpatriotic.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Deputy Editors Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head of Operations

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Bisi Abidoye Segun Adio

Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Sports Editor

Head, Sales & Marketing

Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Moses Ebong

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics

Abubakar Shekau

Alex Badeh

Chief Awolowo

Deputy Head Graphics

We killed the people of Baga.

We indeed killed them, as our Lord instructed us in His Book

We are not taking the utterances of those threatening violence lightly.

There is freedom of speech… but there is a limit to frreedom of speech

Any system of education which does not help a man to have a healthy and sound body and alert brain, and balanced and disciplined instinctive urges, is both misconceived and dangerous

King Ododoru

Afeez Odeseye

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

4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

5 News

CJN inaugurates Election Petition Tribunals Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏChief

Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Tuesday, inaugurated the election petition tribunals to hear complaints that might arise from the 2015 general election.

Addressing the 242 judges selected to serve in the various tribunals, Justice Mohammed warned that the

National Judicial Council will not hesitate to deal with any judge who allows himself to be influenced by any interest group.

“Let me use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to all Judicial Officers. Do not allow any political party or politician to compromise your integrity or your future. We must never again be used as tools to truncate our nation’s democracy,” he reiterated.

He added that any judge found wanting would only have him or herself to blame.

He said that serving on the bench of the Election Petition Tribunals is certainly a special task, a national assignment for which there can be only one outcome - Justice.

Justice Mohammed urged them not to be deterred by the uncomplimentary comments of

some politicians and litigants anytime judgement is given against them.

The Chief Justice explained that what is important in doing Justice to the petitions is to be careful and very thorough in their review of the petitions and responses, the pleadings, the physical evidences, and the arguments of counsels to the parties.

“You must ensure that all petitions must be founded

upon grounds which are contained in Section 138 of the Electoral Act and not on extraneous provisions of law, as the Tribunals are not a court of vain inquisition,” he advised.

Stating that not only that the judges would be on trial but also the entire judiciary, the CJN urged them to listen attentively, enquire appropriately and not to descend into the arena. “It is also important that you

consider all evidences before you carefully, deliberate conscientiously, and adjudicate swiftly and justly.”

According to the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, all petitions must be filed within 21 days of the declaration of the result of an election. And all petitions must be heard and judgement rendered in writing and delivered in open court within 180 days of the filing of that petition.

Polls: Prisons boss cautions foreigners Daniel Jolly Bauchi

ÏÏÏThe

Comptroller, Nigeria Prisons Service, Bauchi State Command, Odeje O. Usman, has cautioned foreigners that the February 2015 election exercise are meant for Nigerian nationals only.

The comptroller, who made the disclosure during a meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for electoral stakeholders, recently in Bauchi, warned that aliens should on no account be found close to either the polling units or registration centers during these electoral activi-

Pandemonium in Benin as policeman shoot middle-aged man Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThere

was pandemonium on Tuesday night, at the New Benin market, in Benin, the Edo State capital, following the sudden death of a middle-aged man.

The man, whose name could not be ascertained as at the time of this report, was allegedly shot dead by a policeman close to the traffic light along the busy Upper Mission road in the state.

It was gathered that the incident occurred following an argument between the trigger happy policeman and a commercial bus conductor.

ties, as stiff penalties await defaulters as stipulated in the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

He, however, said any alien who, acting on the promptings of their sponsors, attempts to register to vote during the electoral processes the full wrath of the law would be visited on such.

According to him, election matters is not a do-ordie affairs, as such should be handled with extreme decorum in order not to overheat the polity. He Urged politicians to abide by the rules of the game to ensure that the contest is not only decent but rancour free.

A source, close to the troubled spot said the policeman had shot the bus conductor at close range over an unknown reason.

The ugly development forced owners of shop and other business outlets within the area to scamper for safety while ticketing agents of the state government, made a detour to unknown location as miscreants took advantage of the tensed atmosphere to unleash terror on every available trader and market women with the intention of extorting money from them.

Angry bus drivers and others who were moved to sympathy for the deceased, and the manner of his killing in the hands of the policeman went wild in protest and attempted setting ablaze the divisional Police station close to the New Benin market.

L-R: Chairman of the session, Sen. Femi Okurounmu; Presenter, Prof. Marien Tenuche, and Sen. Nimi Barigha-Amange, at a symposium on National Confab and 2015 general election, in Abuja… on Tuesday

I’m not sympathetic to Buhari, says Gov Aliyu Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏNiger

State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has refuted reports that he was sympathetic to the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, adding that Buhari truncated his political career in 1983.

Aliyu, who made this known during President

Jonathan, PDP plot to re-enact ‘June 12’ scenario, says APC

Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidential campaign rally in Minna on Tuesday, said the retired general had upset him in the past, saying: “I was elected into the House of Representatives then, but he truncated my career when he took over power.

However, I have forgiven him, because I was able to use the period to pursue my masters and Phd degrees.

He also stated that “We may admire Buhari for

his honesty but, believe me, those qualities do not translate into public policies and the way society is contained.”

Aliyu challenged those who defected from PDP to relinquish all the acquired while in the party, if they claim the party is bad. “I believe in loyalty. I am a PDP man and, if I had left PDP, I would have resigned because my mandate was given to me under the PDP.”

Aliyu

Augustine Aminu

Goodluck Jonathan.

The APCPCO said in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, signed by Garba Shehu, its director of Media and Publicity, that it is more galling that one of these people, better dubbed as ‘Association of Jonathan-organised National Conference Attendees’, with a history of armed insurrection by way of attempted military putsch against a united

Nigeria, had the effrontery to offer admonition against the conduct of the election, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended, for the virility of the Nigerian State.

The organisation warned that it is possible for an undiscerning Nigerian not to understand the ostensible reasons of this group of unpatriotic zealots from their real motives.

ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has observed the gathering of individuals with the sole objective of truncating the general election, particularly the February 14 presidential poll, thus preventing an embarrassing defeat for their benefactor, President

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Political violence rocks Lagos, eight feared killed Segun Adio, Lagos, and Victor Jibrin, Kaduna

ÏÏÏ As the February elec-

tions draw near, Lagos State is gradually turning into a theatre of war, the Daily Times can authoritatively report.

No fewer than eight persons have been killed at different flashpoints between Monday and Tuesday.

A dozen others have sustained various degrees of injuries at a political rally in the state.

On Monday, six people were killed when suspected party thugs clashed at Amukoko area of Ajegunle in the metropolis.

On Tuesday, it was gathered that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Lagos West Senatorial District, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, a.k.a Yayi, had gone to the Boundary area of Ajegunle in continuation of his campaign before the violence broke out.

Daily Times gathered that two political thugs factions invaded the campaign ground and after the cam-

paign exercise, the candidate was about to go when the suspected thugs demanded for money.

The candidate, it was gathered, handed out an undisclosed amount of money to one of the leaders of the thugs and fighting broke out

when the man who got the money wanted to bolt with it with his group.

The other faction of the thugs there and then took up arms with the other and the whole market area of Ajegyunle went in flames. At the end, two people were killed

while a dozen others were injured.

It took the intervention of men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to bring the situation to normal. The market was immediately deserted as well as adjoining Nasamu Street.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna, the convoy of Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, was on Monday attacked by suspected “thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, the GovContinued on page 8

L-R: Oyo State Governor and APC gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi (2nd left) exchanging pleasantry with former Governor of Oyo State and gubernatorial candidate (Accord Party), Sen. Rashidi Ladoja (right) at the Splash FM- gubernatorial debate in Ibadan on Tuesday. With them are gubernatorial candidate, (SDP), Engineer Seyi Makinde (left) his counterpart in (PDP), Senator Teslim Folarin.

Photo: OYO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Eligibility suit: We’ll meet in court, says PDPPCO Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏDirector

of Legal Affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode has described the eligibility suit filed against President Goodluck Jonathan as “an exercise in futility”.

Prince Kayode, a former Minister of Defence, similarly accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of violating the laws with its planned to use Card Readers in this month’s general elections.

The legal luminary tagged the eligibility suit against President Jonathan as a “political game” being played for the umpteenth time, and said, “we will meet in court”.

The plaintiffs in the suit are Prof. Tunde Samuel, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, Mr. Razak Adeosun and Yahaya Ezemoo.

They are praying the court Continued on page 8

UK lawmakers okay three-parent-baby therapy

Chadian forces chase Boko Haram on Nigerian soil

ÏÏÏIn

Continued from page 1

yet another major step to battle genetic diseases in humans, United Kingdom lawmakers on Tuesday voted in favour of a law permitting the use of DNA from three persons in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) techniques.

The technique could prevent mitochondrial diseases but also raises significant ethical issues.

The measure was passed in the House of Commons, 382 to 128, Speaker John Bercow said.

A further vote must be held in the UK’s upper house, the House of Lords, before the measure can become law.

Passage of the law is opposed by Catholic and Anglican church leaders, partly

because the process involves the destruction of an embryo.

One in 6,500 babies in the United Kingdom are thought to develop a serious mitochondrial disorder, which can lead to health issues such as heart and liver disease, respiratory problems, blindness and muscular dystrophy.

Problems with mitochondria, the “powerhouse” cells of the body, are inherited from the mother; the proposed IVF treatment would mean that an affected woman could have a baby without passing on mitochondrial disease.

But the cutting-edge IVF technique, which involves transferring nuclear genetic material from a mother’s egg

or from an embryo into a donor egg or embryo that’s had its nuclear DNA removed, raises ethical questions.

The new embryo will contain nuclear DNA from the intended father and mother, as well as healthy mitochondrial DNA from the donor embryo -- effectively creating a “three-parent” baby.

The amount of donor DNA in the mitochondria will, however, be much less than the parental DNA in the nucleus, which determines the baby’s characteristics.

The Church of England’s national adviser on medical issues, the Rev. Dr. Brendan McCarthy, described the step as representing an ethiContinued on page 8

regional pressure on the Islamist rebels.

Also, French fighter jets were on Tuesday sighted carrying surveillance missions to help coutries bordering Nigeria tackle the insurgents.

The Chadian action comes after the African Union (AU) last week backed a regional fivenation, 7,500-strong force to take on the extremists

amidst growing fears about their threat to regional security.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade however denied that the presence of foreign troops on Nigerian soil compromised the country’s sovereignty.

“Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains intact,” he said.

“Contrary to the impression being pushed in some quarters, it is the Nigerian

OUR ERROR A report on our website, published at the weekend, that the Managing Director of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), Engr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje, had been removed has been found out to be untrue. We apologise for the error.

– Editor

forces that planned and are driving the present onslaught against terrorists from all fronts in Nigeria, not the Chadian forces, as is being propagated by some media,” he said.

Olukolade said there were contingents from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad in the operations, which allowed “a massive move against terrorists from all angles.”

Joint deployments and patrols have been conducted in Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria, he added.

“Chadians and others are however keying into and working in concert with the overall plan for an all-round move against the terrorists, as agreed,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

L-R: Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Alhassan Nuhu; Acting Director General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Mr. Moses and representative of Director General, Mrs. Adetokunbo Idowu, during a 2-day national platform for disaster risk reduction preparation in Abuja... on Tuesday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Court fixes Thurs for Uba, Oduah, Ekwunife’s suit against Obiano, INEC Doris Nnabuenyi Awka

ÏÏÏThe Federal High Court sit-

ting in Awka, Anambra State, has fixed tomorrow, February 5, 2015 for hearing in a suit brought

by Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Princess Stella Oduah and Senator Andy Ubah Plaintiffs/Applicants, against Governor Willie Obiano and five others.

The suit, with No:FHC/AWK/ C.S/06/15 was filed to challenge the defendants for arresting and detaining them while campaigning or soliciting for votes from the electorate towards the February 14 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Daily Times recalled that the state House of Assembly, had on January 19, passed a bill known as the Unlawful Assemblies Prohibition Law 2015 of Anambra State compelling the police to arrest and detain anybody whose name was not published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a candidate in any of

the elections. It was assented to by Obiano on the same day.

But on January 26, the trio of Ekwunife, Oduah and Uba filed a suit against the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, the state Attorney General, Anambra State House of Assembly, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission praying the court for an order to bridge to two days the time granted to the defendants to file their memorandum of appearance, counter affidavit and other processes in the suit.

The plaintiffs, had in the suit, with an attached 32-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion exparte, as well as an eightparagraph affidavit of urgency deposed to by Hon. Uche Ekwunife (1st Plaintiff /Applicant on record) asked the court for an order of interim injunction restraining the Governor, State Attorney General, House of Assembly, State Commissioner of Police and the

Nigeria Police Force, the 1st , 2nd , 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in that order by themselves or agents or privies from arresting, detaining, prosecuting or in any other manner preventing the plaintiffs who are candidates for various offices in the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats in Anambra State in the February elections .

The order, the plaintiffs prayed the court, should restrain the defendants from arresting them while advertising, publishing and soliciting for votes or in any other way campaigning for themselves or any other persons in the said elections in the enforcement of or on the basis of the breaches of the peace and Unlawful Assemblies Prohibition Law 2015 of Anambra State pending the determination of the motion on notice filed by them.

Justice I. Gafai, presiding on Tuesday, after reading the affidavits in support of the motion and that of urgency deposed to by the 1st plaintiff and after hear-

ing Fidelis Anyanegbu Esq, Joel Omedeli, Esq and Ngozi Asomadu (Miss), counsel to the Plaintiffs/ Applicants and having listened to and considered the submissions of counsel, made an order granting accelerated hearing of the suit.

The court also made a further order abridging to two days the time granted to the defendants to file their memorandum of appearance, counter-affidavit and other processes in the suit, adding that the Plaintiffs/Applicants’ motion be immediately served on the Defendants/ Respondents along with the enrolled order of the court on the ruling.

ÏÏÏGovernorship candidate of the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has faulted Governor Babatunde Fashola for paying N12,000 instead of the N18,000 stipulated minimum wage.

He, however, said that his administration would improve the lot of the workers.

According to him, “Civil ser-

vants of Lagos State, the government in place that has refused to pay the minimum wage is laying claim to the Centre of Excellence.

Lagos State pays N12,000 instead of N18,000. “Be assured we shall pay you the N18,000 minimum wage.”

The PDP candidate spoke at Awolowo Way, Ikeja, where the party stopped on Tuesday to canvass for votes. Also present were Agbaje’s running mate, Mrs. Safurat Abdulkarim; PDP State Chairman,

Captain Tunji Shelle, (rtd.) Secretary, Alhaji Wahab Owokoniran, and several executive members.

Agbaje predicted a change in government from the ruling APC to PDP in Lagos State, saying, that Lagosians were sick of the party in power and its anti-people tendencies. He added that this was aside the fact that Lagos civil servants were denied leave allowance and bonuses. He, however, expressed happiness that the people had re-

Navy pledges to support INEC Emma Obi Calabar

ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Navy has said

that it would assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River State in conveying sensitive electoral materials to riverine areas.

Rear Admiral Henry Babalola, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, disclosed this on Tuesday in Calabar during a familiarisation tour of naval units and facilities including the Primary and Secondary School, hospital, barracks and shipyard.

Gov primary divides Plateau PDP Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe

crisis that rocked the governorship primary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Plateau State to produce Senator G.N.S Pwajok as the party’s candidate has divided the party with the emergence of PDP II. PDP II sees itself as the Reformed PDP with its state secretariat at 2, Helen Gomwalk Road.

The group which made itself known to the public on Tuesday, via a press statement, said it had to re-establish the Reformed PDP because the former (PDP), had, allegedly, been hijacked by the incumbent governor, his family and friends.

Gunmen attack Kwara PDP guber candidate’s convoy Ola Yekeen Ilorin

ÏÏÏGunmen suspected to be thugs Uba

Agbaje promises improved welfare for Lagos workers Jonathan Eze

7 News

solved to reject APC in the coming polls, adding that the forces of the ruling APC were incapable of stopping the people’s determination to produce a change in the governance of Lagos.

He told the cheering crowd that a PDP government would stop the controversial policy of deporting non-indigenes from Lagos State, because the state gets value from the joint contributions of both indigenes and non-indigenes.

on Monday attacked the campaign convoy of Kwara State PDP governorship candidate, Senator Simeon Ajibola, at Oke Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area.

The attackers, according to PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Chief Rex Olawoye, escaped with N250, 000 from Ajiola’s jeep.

Olawoye, who made this known in a press statement on Tuesday, said the gunmen also shot at the Director General of the campaign, Mr John Dara and that the matter had been reported to the police.

He also said that a supporter of the party, one Ayesoro from Share suffered machete wounds at Maraba, Ilorin sometime in January for his alledged refusal to hoist the APC flag on his vehicle.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Eligibility suit: We’ll meet in court, says PDPPCO Continued from page 6 to restrain President Jonathan from contesting, putting himself forward and or accepting to contest for the office of President, Federal Republic of Nigeria at the 2015 presidential election.

However, PDPPCO Legal Director said the case was a flagrant and desperate abuse of court process.

Said he, “Even though,

President Jonathan was sworn in as President in 2010 by the operation of the Constitution (sections 146(1), it was mainly to conclude President Yar ‘Adua’s tenure, not to serve a four year elected tenure.

“That tenure expired on May 29th, 2011, when, if Yar’Adua were alive, he would have had to vacate office. Unless, of course, if he had secured a second term mandate.

“The kernel of Section 135(2) relates to the date of taking oath of office of any president, alive or dead. This provision reiterates the four year tenure of an elected president, and no more.

“A presidency expires after every four years, irrespective of who started or concluded the tenure. Thus Section 135(2) of the 1999 Constitution relates to the tenure of an elected president or the vice- president who may con-

clude the tenure where the elected president could not conclude his tenure. That is the purpose of Section135 (2).

“The other constitutional issue is the meaning that may be given to Section 137(1) (b) which provides: ‘A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President, if (b) he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections’.

“The purport of Section 137(1) (b) is to stop any per-

son from being elected into the office of the President more than twice. A person is no longer qualified to contest for the office of President if he had been elected to that office on any two previous elections.

“The main issue is not about taking oaths of office, but about being elected. So to be qualified to contest, a person (Jonathan) must not have been elected as president on any two previous elections”, he explained.

Kayode pointed out that the idea behind the case was to cajole Nigerians into

thinking that unless General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wins, then the election could not free and fair, noting that the president has always delivered good elections.

He also alleged that the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, was being harassed into believing that unless he returns Buhari as president, he has not performed.

He continued, “INEC is being forced and tricked into violating the law by doing electronic voting using the card reader.

MP’s okay three-parent therapy Continued from page 6

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at Kajola Ward during re-election campaign rally of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area on Monday while his running mate Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (left) looks on. PHOTO: DAVID IDOWU

cal watershed and said more research and wider debate were needed.

“We accept in certain circumstances that embryo research is permissible as long as it is undertaken to alleviate human suffering and embryos are treated with respect. We have great sympathy for families affected by mitochondrial disease and are not opposed in principle to mitochondrial replacement,” he said.

“Our view, however, remains that we believe

Eight feared killed in Lagos political violence Continued from page 6 ernor’s media aide, Ahmed Maiyaki announced.

According to him, the Governor was on his way to a campaign rally when his convoy was attacked by thugs who unleashed terror on members of his campaign team at Bakin Ruwa in Igabi Local Government area of the state.

Although no casualty was recorded, sources hinted that the Governor’s campaign vehicles were touched.

In a statement he issued to this effect, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki said “the thugs were obviously hired by the opposition party to attack the convoy with the sole aim of

throwing the state into confusion”.

Yero, he said, is commitment to peaceful electoral process but warned that “Government will not fold its arms and continue to watch as a violent minority seeks to intimidate the majority of our people into submission.

Maiyaki said: “It is unfortunate that the same APC that is chanting change has resorted to violence and threats. This show of desperation by the APC since the beginning of campaigns by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a clear indication that the opposition party is afraid of an imminent defeat in the forthcoming polls.

“We condemn the negative

antics of the APC in influencing youths to take to violence.

The PDP shall continue to resist any attempt at causing mayhem in Kaduna State”.

In a swift reaction, APC said Gov. Yero should be held responsible for the mayhem that erupted in parts of Kaduna metropolis on Monday.

In a statement signed by General Muhammed Sani Saleh (rtd), a Senator representing Kaduna Central, APC recalled that at the launch of his campaign last month, Yero incited his supporters to violence and “threatened the property, liberty and freedom of movement of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, our candidate for the governorship of this

state.

“Our response to this threat was to ask our supporters not to respond to provocations. We also wrote to alert the National Human Rights Commission and representatives of the international community to this blatant instance of hate speech”.

According to Saleh, before the mayhem unfolded on Monday, there were reports of protests against the governor’s failure and incompetence by angry citizens along his route from BirninGwari and in Udawa in Chikun Local Government area.

In another development, a Kaduna based Islamic cleric, Dr. Ahmad Gumi,

heir apparent of late Mallam Abubakar Gumi, has strongly kicked against any attempt to have this month’s elections postponed.

Reacting to the call for postponement of the elections from various quarters, the cleric who argued that from all indications, the level of preparation for the forthcoming elections was better that the 2011 and therefore supported the conclusion of the democratic exercise. He appealed to politicians to be sportsmanlike by accepting the result.

The cleric however advised whoever feels shortchanged to seek redress through the court of law, rather than taking laws into their hands.

that the law should not be changed until there has been further scientific study and informed debate into the ethics, safety and efficacy of mitochondrial replacement therapy.”

Bishop John Sherrington, in a statement posted online by the Catholic Church in England and Wales, urged lawmakers not to rush into taking such a serious step.

“It seems extraordinary that a licence should be sought for a radical new technique affecting future generations without first conducting a clinical trial,” he said. “There are also serious ethical objections to this procedure which involves the destruction of human embryos as part of the process.”

The California-based Center for Genetics and Society, in an open letter to UK lawmakers last month, said that although the proposed goal was noble, “the techniques will in fact put women and children at risk for severe complications, divert resources from promising alternatives and treatments, and set a policy precedent that experimentation on future generations is an acceptable biomedical/fertility development.”

A team at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, led by professor Doug Turnbull and based at Newcastle University in northern England, has been leading the research into the pioneering IVF technique.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

US group endorses Ihedioha for Imo gov

National President Odua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun, (right) and 2nd Vice President OPC, Chief Olasukoni Balogun (left) during a rally for peaceful election and support of Goodluck Jonathan second term in office held at National Studium Sulurere Lagos… on Tuesday Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Former Speaker, Etteh, defects to APC Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏFormer Speaker, House of

Representatives, Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, has defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Etteh, left her former party, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), along with thousands of her supporters in her constituency of Irewole, Ayedaade and Isokan Federal constituency of Osun State.

The former Speaker, in a rally led by the Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, to the federal constituencies to drum up support for the candidates of APC in this month’s elections, noted that her coming to the party was long overdue.

Polls: Abia alleges use of fake soldiers Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏAbia

State government on Tuesday, has alerted the Federal Government of the use of fake military men by All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) during campaigns in the state.

Addressing newsmen in Umuahia, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere, alleged that the governorship candidate of APGA

Okay Osuji

ÏÏÏA

US-based organisation, ‘Mbaise Association of Maryland’ (MAM), has endorsed the candidacy of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, as the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Imo State. Speaking in Maryland, US recently the president of the association, Dr. Laur Nnamdi Onyekwere, said that

9 News

Ihedioha has through the years in the National Assembly, exhibited good traits in governance, hence, their support for his gubernatorial ambition.

He noted that Ihedioha comes as one with immense political, experience in governance, including impeachable and academic records, coupled with humility.

“This young man sets himself aside from the rest. These are qualities a leader must possess” he said.

Onyekwere further stated that MAM represents one of the largest communities of Mbaise indigenes in the US, even as the resolve to back Ihedioha is informed by the intrinsic values in him which are in tandem with the philosophy that Igboland deserves the best.

Jonathan pledges to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company Ibrahim Momohjimoh Lokoja

ÏÏÏAhead of February 14, 2015, presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

According to him, in other to guarantee smooth operation of the company, all the legal issues surrounding the ailing iron and steel company in Kogi State, has been resolved.

President Jonathan, who stated this on Tuesday, in Lokoja, during the presidential campaign rally of the People’s Democratic Party

in the state, Dr. Alex Otti, parades men in military uniform, whose authenticity is doubtful.

Agbazuere disclosed that no other candidate in the state uses the army, stating that, “it is possible that Mr. Alex Otti, may have sewn the military uniforms and procured arms to equip hoodlums to appear as military personnel to facilitate his dream of rigging in the forthcoming elections” in the state.

The Commissioner said reports indicate that “Otti uses his army to display physical force, intimidate and harass law-abiding citizens”.

While alerting INEC on this development, he called on the Chief of Army Staff to urgently intervene to guarrantee the “patience” of the citizens.

(PDP), said his administration will never toy with the sectors that are critical to the economy of the country.

“The legal process of Ajaokuta Steel Company has been completed, investor can now come in to harness the opportunities which abound in the steel company. We are coming up with automobile policy where vehicles will be assemble in the country and Ajaokuta Steel Company will be empower to produce flat sheets for their use” the President stated.

He added that vehicle assembly plants will be mandated to source 65 percent of their raw materials within the country to boost the na-

tion’s economy as well as generating employment opportunities for the people.

The President, who enjoined the people to vote for his re-election for another four years, said all the promises he made during his inaugural speech in 2011 had been fulfilled.

Earlier, the State Governor, Captain Idris Wada said the people of Kogi State have no reason not to vote for President Jonathan saying that the Federal Government have touched the lives of the people positively in the areas of education, agriculture and road construction.

According to him, “President

Jonathan

Jonathan has touched our lives in many ways like the ongoing dualization of Abuja -Lokoja -Okene - Benin road. His agricultural revolution have created jobs for our youth, making Kogi State to bear the name of the food basket of Nigeria”.

South West Lawyers Support Buhari/Osinbajo Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏHundreds of lawyers in the

South-West of the country, under the aegis of Lawyers4Change, on Tuesday, embarked on a peaceful solidarity rally in Abeokuta in support of Buhari/Osinbajo, ahead of the presidential election.

The lawyers, led by Adesina Ogunlana, moved round the Ogun State capital to sensitize voters and residents on the need to support Buhari and Osinbajo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The legal practitioners who called themselves progressives lawyers were seen with various pro Buhari/Osinbajo plac-

ards with inscriptions such as ‘Change is here, be part of it’, ‘Vote Buhari/Osinbajo for a better Nigeria’, ‘We have had enough of bad governance’, ‘Vote for the future of your children’, ‘Vote for good governance not Goodluck’, ‘Change is what we need’ says lawyers’, among others.

The rally, which kicked off in front of the court in Isabo area of the town, saw the lawyers distributing leaflets in support of Buhari/Osinbajo to motorists, passerby and residents of the town.

They also stormed some markets which include the popular Kuto, Omida and June 12 markets to distribute leaflets and sensitize the traders.

Addressing the traders and others, the rally leader, Adesina Ogunlana, noted that in a few weeks’ time, Nigeria shall go to the polls, to choose those who will rule the nation and manage national affairs for the next four years and asked, ‘the big question is do we continue with the present leaders of our country or do we need change’.

‘Our answer is change. We have to change our rulers. Aso Rock must have new tenants, if we want our dear country to survive and make meaningful progress.

Things have become so bad in the country that almost nothing works well or works at all. Fellow Nigerians, we need change!

News 10 2015: Don’t flee FCT, PDP chief urges residents Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏChairman

of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), FCT Chapter, Alhaji Yunusa Sulaiman, has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory, not to leave the city because of rumoured post-election violence.

Residents of the FCT have been observed trooping to the

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

motor parks to board vehicles to their home states to avoid being caught napping in the eventuality of post-election violence.

Yunusa, made the call in a telephone chat with Daily Times in Abuja, adding that the capital city, like other states in the country would not experience any post-election violence as tight security measures were in place to avert a repeat of the 2011 post-election violence.

He however, advised the opposition parties in the Federal Capital Territory, to walk the talk, by respecting the Abuja Peace Accord and play politics without bitterness as the general election holds Saturday, next week.

Niger declares holiday for PVC collection

Minister allays fear over bird flu

Saka Bolaji Minna

Akor Ejumene

ÏÏÏNiger

State Government has declared February 5 and 6 as work-free days to enable eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ahead of the general election.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babangida Aliyu, Israel Ayegba Ebije said the two-day holiday would enable eligible voters to collect their PVCs before the new deadline of February 8, set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lapsed.

Abuja

ÏÏÏAs the threat of Avian InfluAliyu

Ebije urged the civil servants to use the period to mobilise the grassroots to collect their PVCs. INEC had earlier announced February 8, 2015 as an extension for the collection of PVCs to ensure that all eligible voters in the country got their cards for the general election.

Lawyer, youth leader decry political violence in Osun Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏSecretary

of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilesa Branch, Osun State, Olayinka Sokoya and Minority Leader of the state Youth Parliament, Temitope Sally, have frowned at the increasing rate of political violence in the state.

While speaking in exclusive interviews with the Daily Times, they condemned the heightened political tension in the state and vandalism of billboards, posters and cars of political candidates ahead of the forthcoming general election.

According to Sokoya, political parties have failed to realise that elections were not won by vandalism.

HRH Francis Akenzua, Enogie of Evbonogbon (left) and Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during the governor’s visit to the traditional ruler to seek royal blessings for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general election in the State… on Tuesday

“Nigerians are wiser now, they want to know what you have in stock for them. They want to know your manifesto. They want to see whether you have any generous idea that will take Nigeria to its Eldorado, not by destroying posters and violence.”

Sally appealed to politicians not to expose youths to social vices, warning them to desist from vandalism and attack on each other.

She said, “Many youths in Osun are well-educated and we won’t, ordinarily, involve ourselves in political violence. Politicians should realise that the future of the youth lies in our hands. If they cannot desist from using youths for violence, who do they want to leave the future they are building for?”

enza, also known as Bird Flu continued to ravage some states in the country, the Supervising Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, has assured Nigerians of government’s proactive measures to curtail its spread.

The minister, who spoke at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, urged the public not to panic but ensure that they adhere to personal health habits to prevent the spread of the disease.

While highlighting some of the steps the ministry had taken since the outbreak of the Bird Flu, Alhassan disclosed that all

state Ministries of Health have been alerted of the outbreak and advised to reactivate their Avian Influenza control mechanisms.

He said that the Federal Ministry of Health had intensified its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to tackle the issue headlong and that the same collaboration was being replicated at the state level.

Alhassan explained that disease surveillance systems have been placed on alert to arrest the situation adding that field teams have been deployed by state Ministries of Health to examine exposed persons on affected farms and live bird markets.

He added that the Avian Influ-

enza laboratories of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), have been receiving samples from field teams deployed to affected poultry sites and have been analysing them, while about 20 samples so far did not test positive for the disease.

While calling on the public to remain calm and avoid panic, he assured that poultry meat and other poultry products were safe to eat provided they were well cooked.

He also advised Nigerians to report cases of symptoms of respiratory illness to the nearest health facility, especially, where there is a history of contact with sick poultry adding that they should avoid eating sick or dead birds.

S’Court affirms Ilomuanya as Imo Traditional Council chair Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏThe

almost four-year legal battle between the Imo State Government and the Obi of Obinugwu, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya over the chairmanship of the state Council of Traditional Rulers, has finally been put to rest by the Supreme Court.

The five-man panel of justices, on Monday, February 2, 2015, overruled the appeal of Governor Rochas Okorocha against the earlier judgment

of the Owerri Division of the Court of Appeal on July 5, 2013, which affirmed Ilomuanya as Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers.

A statement by the media aide to the monarch, Mr. Kennedy Eweama issued on Tuesday said that the Supreme Court, after listening to arguments from the counsel, upheld the position of Ilomuanya’s lawyer, Obiora Obianwu, SAN, and, consequently, dismissed the governor’s appeal.

According to him, the apex court noted that the appeal by

Okorocha was fraught with irregularities and, therefore, concluded that “the appeal was incompetent”. This is about the seventh time Okorocha had lost suits in the court in his battle with Eze Ilomuanya since he became governor on May 29, 2011.

The Court of Appeal, had, in its earlier judgment, ruled that the governor acted unlawfully, when, on June 6, 2011 vide a statewide broadcast, dissolved the State Council of Traditional Rulers headed by Eze Ilomuanya.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

11 News

Osun health workers to resume today

We’ll deliver Plateau for Jonathan – Jang

Sodiq Adekunle

Chijioke Kingsley

ÏÏÏHealth

ÏÏÏPlateau

Osogbo

workers in Osun State are expected to resume work today after about two months’ strike.

National Administrative Secretary, Nigeria Union of Applied Health Professionals, Mr. Godwin Ogbonna, said this on Tuesday.

It would be recalled that the health workers, under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) embarked on strike on November 12.

The strike was suspended on Monday according to an announcement by the National Chairman, Ayuba Wabba.

Ogbonna explained that though the strike had been suspended, there was still a need for health workers to hold congresses at local levels.

He said: “We have suspended the strike since President Goodluck Jonathan intervened and had put machinery in place to ensure implementation. Our demands are legitimate and he pleaded that we should give him time till after the election.

Anambra task force exhumes baby in MASSOB shrine Eche Nwaobasi Nnewi

ÏÏÏThe

Anambra State joint task force on security over the weekend, raided the hideout of members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) at Okpoko in Ogbaru L.G.A and other spots in the state.

During the raid, security team discovered and exhumed the decomposing body of a baby of about three years old buried inside one of the shrines used by members of MASSOB. The team also destroyed a total of eight shrines and uncompleted building used as operational base by the group.

Other spots raided by the joint security team included Sokoto, Venn Road, Moore Street, all in Onitsha metropolis.

Jos

State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Jonah Jang, has assured President Goodluck Jonathan that the state would vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming elections.

He stated this during a reception held for the PDP governorship candidate in the

forthcoming elections, Senator Gyang Pwajok, at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos on Tuesday.

The Governor said: “Plateau is PDP and the people of the state would continue to support the party. The PDP shall form the next Federal Government.

The PDP will win the governorship election in Plateau State this year and we will do it by God’s guidance. We shall campaign hard to ensure victory for our party at all levels”.

Jang added: “PDP has done well in transforming the nation and would do more, if voted into office in February”.

Also, speaking on the occasion, Pwajok expressed optimism that the PDP’s chances of winning the elections were bright, saying he was overwhelmed by the turnout of people, who came to the airport to welcome him home from Lagos, where he was presented the party’s flag as the governorship candidate.

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Riskat Akiyode; KOWA Party presidential candidate, Prof. Remi Comfort Sonaiya; former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof.

Modupe Adelabu; Special Adviser to Osun State Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Eso Williams and Regional coordinator, DFID South West, Dr Adesina Fagbenro at the Lagos State Women in Government conference... on Tuesday in Lagos.

Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

Don’t destabilise Ekiti PDP – Raji-Rasaki Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏA Peoples Democratic Par-

ty senatorial candidate in Ekiti State, Hon Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, has described members who have resorted to taking the party to court over the conduct of the primaries as being used by the opposition.

Raji-Rasaki, who is a former member of the House of Representatives, also described the PDP as a party with preference for women in occupying elective positions, saying her candidacy was a great testimony to her claim.

Speaking on the litigation surrounding her emergence as senatorial candidate in Ekiti Central Senatorial district in Ado Ekiti on

Tuesday, Raji Rasaki clarified that she was never defeated by Mr. Lateef Ajijolu, one of the aspirants that contested the primaries.

She advised Ajijola, who is contesting the primaries in court to have a rethink and stop being inordinately ambitious for the ticket.

“Our party has not hidden the fact that it has an ample space and recognition for women.

There is a provision in our party’s constitution that winning the primaries is not enough for you to fly the party’s flag. The party has control over the ticket and it can give it to whoever it likes based on experience and integrity.

“What happened at the primaries was that, votes that were supposed to be voided were counted in

Ajijola’s favour. And when I called the attention of the electoral officers to it, they agreed and the deduction of such votes counted in my favour and I was declared the winner,” she said.

She advised Ajijola to withdraw the case to prove that he is a loyal party man and should stop portraying himself as being used to scuttle her chances in the February polls.

Boasting that she would defeat the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Amb Gbenga Olofin in the election, Raji-Rasaki said: “During the time I was in the House of Representatives, I helped over 57 graduates to get paramilitary jobs. The main problem of Ekiti people is unemployment.”

Jang

Umar Nasko bags peace award Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏThe Commonwealth Youth

Council (CYC) has called on youths in the country to work towards ensuring that the forthcoming elections are conducted peacefully.

President of the Council, Comrade Ahmed Adamu, who made this appeal in Minna, when he presented the Niger State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Umar Nasko, with a Grand Peace Award, said that no election is worth the blood of anyone.

According to him, the forum was working towards ensuring that no youth or citizen of the country was killed because of politics, stressing that the youths were the ones to ensure peaceful elections.

“During the 2003 election, 100 young people were killed, 300 young people, during the 2007 elections, while in the 2011 elections, 800 young people were killed and thousands others injured.

“We do not want anyone to be killed because of politics, we are here to preach peace and campaign against election violence in the country. The youths are the ones to ensure peaceful elections in the country.

“Please youths, do not allow yourself to be used in any kind of violence. Ensure that you cast your votes and make your votes count peacefully”, Adamu said.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Mixed feelings greet Kenya’s new diaspora policy

Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta delivers a speech during Mashujaa Day -- also known as Heroes Day -- at the Nyayo National Stadium, in Nairobi, Kenya.

ÏÏÏKenya has launched its first-

ever diaspora policy to encourage investment, keep track of Kenyans abroad and involve them in the country’s development, but members of the diaspora have concerns about the policy.

When Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced at the end of January the creation of a new national policy aimed at managing the country’s diaspora, millions of

Kenyans around the world sat up and took notice.

Like many African countries, Kenya’s diaspora is extensive - an estimated 3 million Kenyans live abroad. And like many African economies, Kenya’s has long been subsidized by their remittances.

These amounted to about $1.3 billion last year, according to the Central Bank of Kenya.

African governments rarely

make a point of engaging their diasporas directly. But as Kenyatta said at the policy’s launch in January, Kenyans abroad have the potential to contribute to the country’s development.

“Given the abundance of skilled, knowledgeable and patriotic Kenyans outside our borders, it is now a matter of the highest priority to integrate the diaspora into our national development

Al-Jazeera reporter renounces Egypt citizenship for freedom ÏÏÏAl-Jazeera

journalist Mohamed Fahmy, has renounced his Egyptian citizenship, his family said on Tuesday, in a bid to follow his Australian colleague, Peter Greste, being released from a Cairo jail.

Fahmy’s surrender of his Egyptian passport is a necessary first step for him to be released and deported as a foreign national under a decree issued by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in November. He also has Canadian citizenship.

The news came after Canadian foreign minister John Baird said that Fahmy’s release was “imminent” following the freeing of Greste on Sunday.

The two men were arrested in December 2013 along with Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed, and later sentenced to up to 10 years in prison on charges of aiding the blacklisted Muslim Broth-

erhood.

Their jailing sparked a global outcry and proved a public relations nightmare for Sisi, who has cracked down on Islamists since toppling president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

“He signed the papers more than a week ago” giving up his Egyptian citizenship, a relative of Fahmy told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“It was very hard for him because he is a proud Egyptian who comes from a family of military servicemen.”

An Egyptian official following the case told AFP: “The final legal procedures for his deportation are being completed.”

He said Fahmy’s renunciation of citizenship had already been finalised.

Soon after Greste’s release, Fahmy’s fiancee, Marwa Omara, told

AFP: “We are expecting Mohamed to be released in the coming days.”

Egyptian police arrested the three journalists at the peak of a diplomatic row between Cairo and Qatar, which owns Al-Jazeera.

The broadcaster had been critical of the deadly crackdown on Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood following the Islamist leader’s overthrow.

Qatar has since moved to mend ties with Egypt, and Al-Jazeera has closed its Arabic-language Egyptian affiliate which backed the Brotherhood.

Last month, the three men’s convictions were overturned by an appeal court which ordered a retrial but kept them in custody.

After his release, Greste, who is currently resting in Cyprus before heading home to Australia, expressed hope that his two colleagues would be released soon.

agenda,” the president said.

But Kenyans living in the diaspora have mixed feelings about the new policy.

Comfort Mwangi runs the Confederation of Kenya Diaspora Organizations from Jacksonville in the southern U.S. state of Florida.

Mwangi says many Kenyans abroad have felt marginalized by the Kenyan government, including during Kenyatta’s recent visit to the United States.

“The president talked to us as a group, as a diaspora, and he told us one or two things. But when it came to serious matters, he had a meeting with Americans our age and gave them opportunities. We need to be treated the same. We’d like to see more to it that they include us,” she says.

Benson Kakui, who lives in Dallas, in the southwestern U.S. state of Texas, agrees that the policy is a step in the right direction. He welcomes its focus on investment opportunities, saying many Kenyans face difficulties investing back home. But the policy also involves keeping track of Kenyans abroad and keeping a database of their details. This, Kakui says, has some people worried.

“When you are giving the government your information, you don’t know what this can be used for. That’s a fear.

Togo holds general election in March ÏÏÏTogo’s

constitutional court announced on Monday that presidential elections have to be held by March 5, “at the latest”.

Voting in the West African country had to take place at least 60 days before the end of President Faure Gnassingbe’s second term, which officially runs out on May 3, the court said in a statement read on national television.

The announcement comes as lawmakers debate a constitutional reform bill that would limit the number of presidential mandates to two five-year terms, barring Gnassingbe, 48, from seeking reelection.

A first draft of the bill was rejected in June by parliament, which is dominated by the president’s ruling Rally of the Togolese People.

Gnassingbe has been in power since the 2005 death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled with an iron fist for 38 years.

Cairo airport on alert after bomb scare ÏÏÏCairo

airport authorities tightened security on Tuesday after finding two bombs near the arrivals hall and a homemade explosive device exploded in central Cairo, security officials said.

The target of the blast near a busy square in downtown Cairo was not immediately clear. Two people were slightly wounded, security sources said.

The bombs at the airport were detected with electronic devices early on Tuesday. Airport security officials were reviewing video footage to try and determine who planted the bombs, security sources said.

Islamist militants seeking to topple the government have carried out numerous bomb attacks on soldiers and police since the army toppled President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in July of 2013.

Last week, Islamic State’s Egyptian affiliate claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks in the Sinai Peninsula which killed more than 30 security personnel.

Egypt has been trying to project an image of stability ahead of an investment conference in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in March that the government hopes will generate ventures worth billions of dollars.

The bulk of attacks on security forces have occurred in the Sinai, which borders Israel and the Gaza Strip, but the insurgency has spread to other parts of Egypt, a US ally.

Over the past year, police have frequently discovered homemade bombs planted near their vehicles and in public places in Cairo.

Political turmoil and militant violence after the 2011 uprising that toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak have hammered tourism, a pillar of the economy.

President Abdel Fattah alSisi, who as army chief toppled Mursi and then launched a security crackdown on Islamists, says Egypt is fighting a long, hard war against terrorism.

Mursi

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Civilians die as fighting rages in Ukraine ÏÏÏUp to 16 civilians have been

killed and dozens more injured 24 hours in fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Government officials and representatives of the rebels reported deaths in locations across the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Ukraine’s army also said five soldiers had died during fierce clashes with the pro-Russian rebels near the strategic town of Debaltseve in eastern Donetsk.

Civilian casualties have risen sharply in recent weeks amid a rebel offensive.

The latest deaths were in the city of Donetsk, Debaltseve and several villages under government control in the Luhansk region.

The exact numbers could not be independently confirmed.

There has been heavy fighting around Debaltseve, site of a key railroad junction, for the past week, with rebels trying to surround government forces.

A Ukrainian soldier stands watch on a road between Debaltseve and the Ukrainian-controlled town of Artemivsk in the Donetsk region - 2 February 2015 Rebel fighters are trying to surround government forces in the strategic town of Debaltseve Ukrainian troops help a wounded soldier after clashes with proRussian rebels near Debaltseve in the Donetsk region - 2 February 2015 Ukrainian officials said five soldiers had been killed in fierce

fighting over the past 24 hours A firefighter looks at a house destroyed after shelling in Donetsk 3 February 2015 The rebels accuse Ukraine’s army of killing civilians during the shelling of residential areas The BBC’s David Stern in Kiev says reports suggest there is a growing humanitarian crisis in the town, which is virtually cut off by the battle.

A Ukrainian journalist who visited told the BBC that Debaltseve had been virtually destroyed and many residents were trapped - hid-

ing in basements, without food, electricity or water supplies.

In another development, the government in Kiev announced new rules limiting the documents that Russians can use to enter Ukraine, in a move correspondents say will increase tensions with Moscow.

From 1 March, Russians will need a passport to gain entry to Ukraine rather than just their internal identity documents, a government decree said, ending a previous visa-free travel agreement with Russia.

UN human rights chief Zeid

Ra’ad Al Hussein said there had been a “clear breach of international humanitarian law which governs the conduct of armed conflicts”.

“Bus stops and public transport, marketplaces, schools and kindergartens, hospitals and residential areas have become battlegrounds in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine,” he said in a statement.

According to the UN, the death toll now exceeds 5,350 people and more than 12,000 other people have been wounded in the fighting.

Venezuela’s economic crisis deepens, President Nicolas Maduro has stepped up accusations of plots against his leftist government, lashing out most recently at US Vice President Joe Biden.

Just ten days ago, Maduro had fondly referred to Biden as “comrade”, but on Sunday the Venezuelan leader was livid.

At a rally with several thousand supporters, Maduro angrily accused Biden of going behind his back in talks with regional leaders “to announce the overthrow of my government”.

State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said the allegations were “baseless and false”, and an attempt to distract from what’s taking place inside the country.

“The Venezuelan government

Pakistan hangs two for sectarian murder

ÏÏÏPakistan hanged two sectar-

ian militants on Tuesday for the murder of a Shi’ite Muslim doctor in Karachi, officials said, the latest executions since the government ended a moratorium on the death penalty.

Attaullah, alias Qasim, and Mohammad Azam were convicted of killing doctor Ali Raza in 2001 at the busy Soldier Bazaar area of Pakistan’s largest city, which is racked by rising sectarian violence.

A total of 22 people have now been executed since the government brought back hangings in terror cases amid public outrage over a Taliban massacre at a school that left 150 people dead.

“They were hanged at 06:30 this morning and their bodies have been handed to their relatives,” a prison official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Seven burnt to death as Bangladeshi bus bombed ÏÏÏSuspected

Ukrainian medics helping a victim into an ambulance as fighting rages.

Venezuelan leader lashes out at Joe Biden ÏÏÏAs

13 World

should focus on the legitimate grievances of its people, which include repeated violations of the freedom of speech and assembly, as well as due process under the law,” she said.

Psaki also announced that the United States has imposed visa restrictions on more current and former Venezuelan officials who it deems to have engaged in human rights abuses and “acts of public corruption”. The officials were not identified.

Maduro on Monday responded calling the new sanctions as “vulgar” and “offensive”.

Maduro’s popularity has plummeted to 20% over the past year, as the oil-rich country’s many woes - dire shortages, a shrinking economy, and high crime - have grown worse.

Signs that the government feels under siege have become more pronounced with the plunge in the price of oil, the mainstay of the Venezuelan economy.

Maduro spent 19 days out of the country in January, seeking to shore up oil prices and attract investments in visits to the Middle East, Russia and China, with little to show for his efforts.

His brief stays in Venezuela, meanwhile, have been punctuated by angry denunciations of plans for “a coup d’etat,” “psychological warfare,” “ambush,” “plotting” and “economic war.”

“Maximum alert!” Maduro warned his followers on Sunday.

“A plan for a bloody coup d’etat has been put into motion and we must unite popular forces and the military to defeat any coup scenario.”

The attacks against the US vice president began on Friday, four days after Biden wooed Caribbean leaders who rely on Venezuela for subsidised oil supplies at a conference on energy security.

Nicolas Maduro

anti-government protesters threw a petrol bomb at a bus full of sleeping passengers in Bangladesh on Tuesday, leaving seven people dead and several others fighting for life as deadly political unrest deepens.

Police said the bus was attacked near the eastern town of Chuddogram. The deaths brought the number of people killed in protests unleashed by opposition leader Khaleda Zia last month to 53, with hundreds more injured -- most in firebombings of buses, lorries and cars.

“Seven passengers were burnt to death in the bus after the petrol bomb was thrown at 04:00,” district police chief Tuttul Chakrabarty told AFP by phone.

“Five of the passengers are fighting for their life as 40-80% of their bodies were burnt. They have been shifted to a hospital in the capital,” he said.

At least 10 people were also injured after they jumped from the bus’s windows, trying to escape the blaze, he added.

Police inspector Mahfuzur Rahman told AFP that authorities have raided villages near where the attack took place, but no arrests have been made.

Zia urged supporters last month to enforce a nationwide blockade of roads, railways and waterways to try to force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to call a fresh general election.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

No going back on presidential debate

M

Iyoha Darlington

eritocracy is welcomed by many liberal democracies across the globe. Many nations under the sun encourage debates by contenders for any elective post with a view to assessing their mental intelligence and capabilities. The importance of this can not be overemphasised considering the opportunity it offers.

It affords the electorates the chance to know the calibre of people at the helm.

In a rigid class society like Nigeria saddled with many problems, varying from our individual complexity to frustration factor, care must be taken when selecting leaders. Today, the poor and the common wage earners abound while unemployment has become a national phenomenon that promotes crimes particularly violent ones.

However, I remain unshaken in the conviction that the totality of this broad spectrum of our population must be fully mobilised by competent technocrats

and economic managers in a truly nationalistic sense. This is where meritocracy comes in handy.

Descending to pedestrian analysis, meritocracy is the holding of political power in a country by influential class of educated and able people. This is difficult to come by without conducting a debate among aspirants to enable the electorates know those to choose from during elections.

Aspirants who know the peoples’ problems capable of acting as spokesperson for the country on the foreign scene are those Nigerians urgently stand in need of not brainless dolls that will bring shame and disgrace to us.

There has been a hue and cry about presidential debate between the two strong contenders for Nigeria’s plum job, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and incumbent President Jonathan. While the former’s educational qualification and background are under serious contention, the latter’s is not in dispute being a PhD which makes him a cut far above his major opponent.

Debate between them is absolutely necessary to enable us see who will best proffer

solutions to the problems plaguing Nigeria as a nation. In this connection, we must not allow meritocracy be sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity. It is on good authority that the All Progressives Congress(APC) presidential standard bearer is shying away from this all important debate.

Let us see briefly see why this presidential debate is very important. Televised debates have been seen, in hindsight, as crucial to a challenger’s successful campaign.

In liberal democracies, Britain, for instance, there was a televised debate between the contenders preceding the election that brought David Cameron to office.

Recalling, we saw it all on TV before Britons went to the polls and the power of incumbency which Gordon Brown had hoped in did not yield any fruitful dividend to give him an overwhelming victory at the polls.

Nigeria’s case must not be different. Nigerians must insist that the presidential debate be held because what they want to see is a confident, skilled communicator and not a cast of neophyte actors or old brutes that want to subject everyone to their whims and

caprices.

Words are often seen to have more substance capable of convincing voters, men who are strangers to their hearts are not hard to know during crossquestioning. Nigeria has marched past the era of brute force. We are no more under the jackboot of the military where anything goes.

The presidential debate between Buhari and Jonathan will in no small measure enable Nigerians know who among them is a self-interested plutocrat who is unaware or unconcerned by the conditions in which ordinary Nigerians live. History, would be repeating itself calling to mind the disgrace suffered by Alhaji Bashir Tofa when he was trounced by the uncrowned winner of 1993 presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola in the presidential debate.

I wonder how Buhari, who says he alone could stabilise world oil price – a sheer display of ignorance and mediocrity- could face and possibly do better than Jonathan under whose administration Nigeria rose to become Africa’s largest economy and of course the third fastest growing economy in the world!

Jonathan and the promise of second term

I

Prof. Jacob Olupona

’m not here to sing the praises of President Goodluck Jonathan but to offer fellow Nigerians my candid views regarding next month’s presidential election. I have, therefore, zeroed in on salient and larger issues beyond Jonathan that Nigerians must take into account rather than on Jonathan’s accomplishments or lack thereof. There is more to democracy than development programmes and projects.

While the Jonathan administration may or may not have delivered on every single promise made, the important thing is that it is working tooth and nail to deliver on its promises under very difficult circumstances.

However, it’s not enough just to bash the opposition candidate without more.

Democracy can be likened to an egg which is tender and fragile and can easily be broken in the hands of undemocratic, dictatorial and tyrannical elements.

After periods of trials and errors, it would appear that democracy has finally come to stay in Nigeria having grossed 16 unbroken years.

In and of itself, this is the great-

Jonathan has demonstrated clear level-headedness, tolerance, focus and completely detribalised disposition that stand him out in African political leadership est achievement of all regardless of what naysayers in the opposition would have us believe.

Without democracy there would be no general elections to begin with. The right to vote and be voted for comes with democracy and that right cannot be taken for granted. It must be protected at all times. It takes democrats to run and sustain a democracy. At this moment in time, it is fair to say, in spite of everything, that PDP has delivered on the promise of democracy to Nigerians. It could

have been a whole lot worse given the nature of violent opposition in Nigeria.

While the glory belongs to Nigerians and PDP in general however, Jonathan best exemplifies the democratic qualities and disposition necessary to deepen Nigeria’s maturing democracy.

He has allowed the opposition a free hand to operate even to a fault with the opposition even inciting the military against his administration.

True democrats have an inherent weakness of political tolerance but in that weakness lies their strength and, by necessary extension, the strength and resilience of democracy itself. Coming from command and control military era, however, it is perfectly understandable why Nigerians might be just a little nostalgic of dictatorship.

Jonathan has demonstrated clear level-headedness, tolerance, focus and completely detribalised disposition that stand him out in African political leadership. He is at home in every part of the country regardless of ethnicity or religion coupled with a sound educational background unmatched by any previous ruler in the na-

tion except, of course, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Jonathan represents the goal and aspirations of every ethnic nationality in Nigeria whether majority or minority to the Nigerian presidency. Thanks to the PDP, that Nigeria has, once and for all, shattered the seeming political taboo of having a member of minority ethnic group ascend the Nigerian throne. If an unknown, humble school teacher from a small village in Bayelsa State could rise to become the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Africa’s largest nation and biggest economy, it is nothing short of total liberation of not just minorities, but every Nigerian, from the status of second-class citizens in their own country, hitherto denied the right to the presidency.

Jonathan is the torchbearer, symbol and embodiment of our political liberation. And in spite of everything else, Nigerians must not let the flame of freedom go out prematurely by voting in a man who fervently believes in the right to rule dogma. To do so is to betray our hopes and aspirations and turn back the hands of the clock.

15 15

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015 Wednesday, February 4, 2015

What benefits await me at NISTF? I would be grateful if TIMESEARCH could help contact the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Abuja to enable me know the type of benefit I am entitled to after my retirement in 2015.

I would want to know what I should expect as regards the benefit administration before and after the new contributory pensions dispensation.

I am interested because I have been a regular contributor to the scheme, and would also want to know more about the types of benefit paid before I know the next steps to take as soon as I am ready to retire next year August (2015.)

Bolaji Soduni 53 Sholanke Street Akoka,

WINDING UP

Timesearch Yaba Lagos State

The enquiry of Mr. Bolaji Soduni was taken up with NISTF headquarters, Abuja, with one of the top officials who preferred anonymity. He said, “ NSITF Scheme is no exception, more so that ours is a defined benefit scheme.

“Whether we register contributors (employers and employees) collect contributions from registered contributors, monitor contributors’ Compliance positions, or we invest the funds collected in lucrative ventures in accordance with the guiding Laws and Regulations, all such efforts are geared towards sustaining the scheme to guarantee hitch-free benefit payments to bona fide members who qualify for one type of claim or the other.

“He then asked for time to contact the authorities before further comments. He therefore fixed another date for the interview to commence.

He also advised the enquirer to call on the fund if he finds anything difficult to understand.

NEWLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIMITED (RC: 987565) NO. 13, OLAYINKA ADENUBI STREET, AVIATION ESTATE, LAGOS FINAL MEETING OF NEWLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIMITED WITH RC: 987565 (IN LIQUIDATION) The final meeting of NEWLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIMITED Held on 2nd February, 2015 at No. 13 Olayinka Adenubi Street, Aviation Estate,

Will JAMB, NECO be scrapped?

Lagos.

IN ATTENDANCE: 1. Barr. Obatayo Bukola - Liquidator 2. Mrs. Folasade Ibiyinka Johnson - Director 3. Dr. Mrs. Adrienne Tikolo - Director 4. Tikolo Olu - Director 5. Saliu Keji - Secretary OPENING: The meeting was declared open at 10:00am by Dr. Mrs. Adrienne Tikolo. She welcomed all members present and briefed them on the importance of the day’s meeting.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: Final meeting of the company as regards to the winding up process.

The final account of the company as regards to the voluntary winding up by members was presented by the liquidator. The members unanimously

I would be happy if TIMESEARCH can help find out from the appropriate authorities if it is true that the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) would still be scrapped based on the Steve Oransaye Report?

I would want to know if this government would still

accepted the explanation and all the necessary steps taken so far toward the winding up of the company.

The liquidator stated that according to the final account, all the outstanding debts and liabilities incurred before and during the winding up process have been settled. No objection was raised by the members present.

The Chairman Mr. Tikoplo Olu thanked all those present for their immerse contribution to NEWLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIMITED during her life time and encourage them to be steadfast in all their future undertakings.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as Miss Ajayi Omodunni Busayo now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Omodunni Busayo Edareno. All former documents remains valid. General Public take note.

The meeting ended by a closing prayer taken by Mrs. Folasade Ibiyinka Johnson at about 12: 00 pm.

This is a true extract of the minutes of meeting dated 2nd February, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, formerly known as Miss Bridget Mbaveren Godo now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Bridget Mbaveren Anundu . All former documents remains valid. General Public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

HOLY GHOST MOUNTAIN MINISTRY PRAYER ANSWER LAND

AS-SAKEENAH ISLAMIC FOUNDATION

This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees: 1. Olorunisola Deborah Falilat - General Overseer 2. Adelere Afusat Adebusayo - Secretary 3. Alfred Adedimeji Odunayo 4. Olarinde Victoria Oredola 5. Shotunde Motunrayo Mufuliat 6. Lawal Mujidat Bolatito 7. Adegoroye Deborah Aderotimi 8. Oluponmile Titilayo Bose 9. Adelabu James Sayo 10.Edowmonyi Sunday Imutiey

The Trustees Are: 1. Awoniran Kazeem Oluwafemi.

3. Badewa Maruf Abiodun.

5. Shittu Kazeem Olanrewaju.

Aim and Objective: To preach the word of Jesus Christ.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: TRUSTEE

PUBLIC NOTICE THE ASSOCIATION OF INTERLOCKING AND BLOCK PRODUCERS BORNO CHAPTER This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Baba Kura Idris 2.Alh.Mustapha Baba Musami AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To promote peace and unity amongst its members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Secretary

2. Lawal Jubril Ajibade.

4. Akindele Shakirullah Olayemi.

6. Famuyiwa Dauda Alabi.

Aims.

1. To promote brotherhood among Muslims.

2. To preach peace and peaceful co-existence among the people.

3. To remind Muslims of their duties to their creator.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed. S. A. Bakare (ESQ) Solicitor.

PUBLIC NOTICE ST. STEPHEN CHURCH OF ALADURA INTERNATIONAL This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Rev. Apostolic Mother Bola Oluseye - Gen Overseer 2. Snr . Apostolic Segun Adesola - Deputy Gen Overseer 3. Evang. Sola Bamidele - Secretary 4. Apost. Sunday Oluseye - PRO 5. Apost Oyeyemi Bode - Member 6. Propha Abosede Ajayi - Member 7. Mother In Israel Grace Dupe - Treasurer Aims And Objectives: 1.To propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ 2.To preach the words of God as in the Holy Bible Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: GABRIEL MOSES - 08062433488 (SOLICITOR).

go ahead for the scrapping of the examinations bodies or not because very soon, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) would soon be written all over the country.

Mr. Obinna Ogbuife 58 New Ipaja Rd, Alimosho Lagos The enquiry of Mr. Obinna Ogbuife was taken up with the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) Headquarters, Bwari, Abuja, with the public relations department, where it was revealed that the recent reports about the scrapping of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, (JAMB) on the recommendations of the Steve Oransaye Report had been denied by the then Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyeson Wike.

According to one of the officials in the department, Mr. Wike made the disclosure during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Education in Abuja.

“The minister stated that the federal government had at no point given a directive for scrapping of the examination bodies,” the official said.

It was revealed further that the report about the federal government scrapping of NECO and JAMB was a ploy to destabilize government by over-heating the polity.

The minister reportedly declared: “There was no time that this government scrapped NECO or JAMB, it is unfortunate. I do not know where anybody got that information.

“What I want to assure is that whatever will be done will be done in the interest of Nigerians.”

However, the minister made it known that “the Ministry of Education supports the existence of NECO and JAMB but what people should know is that the Oransaye committee queried why we should have NECO when we have WAEC.”

PUBLIC NOTICE THE FOUNTAIN OF FAITH JESUS PRAISE MINISTRY This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Pastor Reginald ugochukwu Nwankwo-G.O. 2. Pastor mrs Joann Bessem Nwankwo-secretary.

AIMTo preach the love of God in Christ Jesus through the vehicle of repentance, revival and restoration.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed-N.A.WEYINMI & CO. 08033544839.

PUBLIC NOTICE GOD’S PRAISE POWER PACK CHURCH This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES: 1. Pastor (Mrs.) Onyeka Ugoma Catherine 2. Pastor Onyeka Clifford Onwualu 3. Mr. Onyeka Chukwuma Chidozie 4. Mr. Nwerri Ikechukwu Chukwuelu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.Propagation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, teaching all men the essence of true Gospel both home and overseas.

2. To engage in the healing and counseling of people by the power of God 3. Fostering love, unity, understanding and cooperation amongst members both home and overseas.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE OBA IWA ASSOCIATION OF BAMBOO & PALM TREES MACHANTS This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 Trustees 1 Mr Bolaji Oke 2 Mr Olayinka Falana 3 Mr Adebowale Adeyemi 4 Mr Tola Awosanya 5 Mr Joseph Udoh 6 Mr Onyema Eze 7 Mr Pius Okeke 8 Mr Olatunji Adegoke 9 Mr Lamidi Gafari 10 Mr Monday Adesina Aims: To Promote Unity Among Its Members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

PUBLIC NOTICE

t

LIFE ASSURANCE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990 The Trustees Are: 1.Pastor Olorunfemi Temitope Rotimi -President 2.Elder Oladimeji Taoreed Afolabi -Secretary 3.Pastor Babalo La Mustapha -Member 4. Mrs. Olorunfemi Basirat Omolara -Member

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed:Ajayi Moses 08035797477 , 08094210036

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE TROPICAL ESTATE AGENT ASSOCIATION

KING’S IN CHRIST ASSOCIATION

19, Ososa street, Oworonsoki, Lagos.

34, Bankole Street, Famous Bus stop, Palm grove, Lagos This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 Trustees: 1. Snr. Apostle Babatope Abe - Chairman 2. Rev. Samuel Oludele Oyelami - Vice Chairman 3. Pastor Olajide Ariyibi - Secretary 4. Pastor Michael Shodimu - Treasurer 5. Prophet Rotimi Abiodun Eliah - Member Aims & Objectives 1. To preach the Gospel of peace to all Nations 2. To promote and protect the interest of members of the Association 3. To serve as effective innovators among non-governmental organization in Nigeria 4. To have branches and agencies in Nigeria 5. To carry on philanthropy activities in Nigeria 6. To conduct and perform Association’s child naming, dedication, camp meeting, house fellowship and organize crusade using internet, radio and TV for Association activities.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General.

Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 OLD TRUSTEES 1.Adesanya Adio- Chairman (Deceased) 2.Abiola Ajayi- New Chairman (Retained) 3.Jackson Odele- Secretary (Retained) 4.Patrick Omotayo- Ceased to be member 5.Kehinde Omojoye- Legal Adviser (Retained) 6.Christopher Oyekeye- Member (Retained) 7.Johnson Adesanya- Member (Retained)

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Jackson Odele Secretary (Board of Trustees)

PUBLIC NOTICE MEGA WORD GLORIOUS MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:1.Rev. Daniel Okorie - General Oversea 2.Ogonnaya Daniel - Assistant Pastor 3.Ugochukwu Uzodimma - Pastor 4. Mr. Kemakolom Nwanuo 5. Mr. Ahamefule Nweke

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST FOR THE DEFENSE OF HUMAN & COMMUNITY RIGHTS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990

Trustees: 1. Com. Prophet Oladele Olaniyi Johnson - President 2. Pastor Adetoye Johnson Oluwaseun- Gen. Sec. 3. Mrs. Ademulegun Anne Nkiruka- Treasurer 4. Mrs. Akperi Oluwafunmilayo Felicia- Ass. Sec. Gen. 5. Com. Mrs. Oladele Florence Bosede- Matron 6. Mrs. Odiowei Ebino Cecelia 7. Mrs. Olasunbo Funmilayo Fajemisin- Publicity Sec. 8. Apostle Emmanuel Abayomi Adebo - Ass. Pub. Sec. 9. Pastor Diafe Sunday- Financial Sec. 10. Awe Peter Sola - Patron Aims and Objectives

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To win souls for Christ.

3. To promote & sensitize people to participate in the development of the communities.

5. To assist youths in their academic careers and to mobilize them for the growth of the nation.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: REV. DANIEL OKORIE General Overseer

PUBLIC NOTICE GIDEON SOLDIERS EVANGELICAL MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of

the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 The Trustees Are : 1- Akingbade Segun Joseph 2- Mrs Funmilayo Festus Jesubanwo 3- Rev. Samuel Oriade Edun 4- Pastor Samson Olaposi Olasupo

NEW TRUSTEES 1.Bayonle Adeyemo- Vice Chairman (Elected) 2. Alhaji Taiwo Abolaji Oba- Member (Elected) 3. Alhaja Haolat Adurosakin- Member (Elected) 4. Alhajji Ashimiyu Adeyoyin - Member (Elected)

Aims and Objectives 1.To promote and protect the interest of members of Assosciation 2. To contribute to the development of sports and assist charitable organizations in the country 3. To abide by the property laws of the country

Signed: Pastor Olajide Ariyibi Secretary (Board of trustees)

- Chairman - Secretary

Aims and Objectives: 1- To preach the everlasting gospel of Christ kingdom 2- To organize Christian seminars 3- To plant Christian churches in Nigeria and abroad Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Secretary

7. To monitor and observe domestic and international elections.

8. To preach and evangelize the Word of God and to win souls for Christ.

9. To save the life of accident victims.

10. To establish private nursery and primary school to train less privileged children.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

PUBLIC NOTICE NGOZOLA RISING FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ugiomoh Emike Apesomi 3. Monica Ngozi Abass -Chair Person 5. Eleshin Bamidele 7. Abass Oladimeji Ademola -Secretary

Aims and Objectives : 1. To win souls for Christ 2. To advance and preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through evangelism, public crusade and worship 3. To evangelize to the world about Jesus Christ our savior 4. To show the world the light of the living God. 5. To deliver the oppressed

Signed; Trustees

t

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To offer scholarship assistance to brilliant but indigent students 2. To offer skill acquisition solutions through vocational training and empowerment for social change and development 3. To create advocacy programme to raise awareness on health, hygiene and disease control in the community.

4. To create a platform of opportunity for young people to achieve their development plans Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE ORPHANS WITH LIVING PARENTS FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 1. Mrs. Ogidi Christiana Ekomena - President 2. Mr. Ogidi Justin Anaemhomhe D. 3. Pastor Adeleke Asenowo 4. Mrs. Omotayo Olayinka 5. Mr. Olorunfemi Edward Monday - Secretary 6. Mrs. Akande Felicia Oluwafunmilayo 7. Mr. Udom Victor Uko. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

SIGNED : Owolabi Olukoya Esq Owolabi Olukoya & Associates. Legal Practitioners, 3rd Floor, Eleganza House, 15b, Joseph Street, Lagos.

PUBLIC NOTICE KUBWA EXTENSION II RELOCATION RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Engr. Adekunle Joshua 3. Ajayi Oluwaseyi 5. Mr Gabriel Oyo

2. Ambrose Emoghene 4. Pastor Ransom Emenari 6. Mamuda Bello

Aims and Objectives: To promote peace and unity amongst its members.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Com. Prophet Oladele Johnson Olaniyi Omoniyi 27B, Adekoya Street, off Prophet Oladele Bus Stop, AIT Raypower Road, Ilapo, Alagbado, Lagos.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The public is hereby notified that the right of occupancy NO. KAC/FCDA/LA&S/DT1192 AND PLOT NO. A152 for a parcel of land situated at new Pasali layout, Kuje, Kuje area council, Abuja belonging to Edore David is missing. All efforts to find it have proved abortive.

Any one who finds it should please contact his solicitor on this number 08033069759 or report to the nearest police station.

Signed: Raphael Origho (ESQ) Solicitor

2. Ugiomoh Lydia Ruth 4. Ugiomoh. Emake Ambruce 6. Eleshin Kemi Anu 8. Ehiaghe Anthony

Signed: SECRETARY

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss Edu-Uwem Sunday Udo now wishes to be addressed as MRS Edu-Uwem Christian Effiong .

General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as M i s s Gbadamosi Kudirat Oluwakemi now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Kashaam Kudirat Oluwakemi. All concerned authorities and the General Public, pls take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Olowo Olakunle Gbenga now wishes to be addressed as Olowo Turquoise Olakunle Gbenga. All former documents remains valid .

General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss.

Edmond Gift Oluchi now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Gift Oluchi Akinboye.

General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss Yewande Olayemi Aje now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Yewande Olayemi Aje-Afunwa. Lagos State Judiciary and the General Public, pls take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Hussein, Arikewuyo Musedik now wishes to be addressed as Hussein, Arikewuyo Musedik-Dedji. All former documents remains valid. General Public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Politics Okoye

February polls: Postponement will create crisis –Okoye

Atiku

17

s FESTUS OKOYE, a Kaduna-based Human Rights Activist and Constitutional Lawyer, is the Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor. He has been involved in monitoring elections since the return of democracy, almost 16 years ago, in the country. In this interview with VICTOR JIBRIN, he took a critical look at the level of preparations for the 2015 general election with a view to accessing the readiness of INEC, political parties and other stakeholders, based on complaints from the general public and concluded that with the facts on ground, INEC is set to conduct the elections.

While condemning calls for postponement of the elections, warning that it will throw the country into serious constitutional crisis, he faulted attempts by politicians to divide Nigerians along religious and ethnic lines. Excerpts:

In a couple of weeks from now, we shall be having the general election.

How do you see the level of preparations?

Constitutionally, INEC has the responsibility to organise, undertake and supervise all elections other than local government elections. To that particular extent, it has the overall responsibility for this election. But election as you know is a multi-stakeholder venCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Moddibo

Atiku registered PDM as fall-back option –Medan Teneke Chief Medan Teneke is a former Chairman of Labour Party (LP) in Adamawa State. A grassroot politician and current Deputy Chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in Adamawa State, he described Dr. Ahmed Moddibo, the PDM gubernatorial candidate in the February polls as the Messiah that will take the state out of the woods. In this interview with select journalists in the state, he boasted that the next governor of the state after the elections will be the candidate of the PDM explaining that he and others left the PDP following the imposition of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as the party’s candidate. He said with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar backing the PDM, the party will surely win next month’s polls. WALE AKINTUNDE was there. Excerpts:

What prompted your defection to PDM? Injustice made me and others to run away from PDP before the party exploded. There is no doubt that I have been one of the Political gladiators and key players in the PDP not only in the state but at the national level. There is a limit to how one can inflict injustice on someone. Even your pet dog, if you push it to the wall, it will bite you. Some of us have passed through this type of terrible situa-

tion in the past where a candidate that did not work for the party emerged as the party’s standard bearer and became a governor. He eventually ran the state to the dissatisfaction of everybody. This is ousted Governor Murtala Nyako who did not pass through any PDP primaries before he became governor. That was how former President Obasanjo, Ahmadu Ali, the then PDP national chairman and Professor Jibril Aminu who was coordinating here brought Nyako

in by imposing him on the party.

This time around another group is trying to do the same thing by exhibiting injustice. Under this premise, we felt that we have to protest because my religion and church are protestants. It is not out of place if I and others protest against this injustice. What we are saying is that we have to look for another platform to see that we achieve what we really want CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Politics 18 As campaigns for 2015 next month’s elections hot up, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai has assured the people of the state that he is not coming to inflict pains on them. Rather, he will improve the quality of lives and give them sense of belonging by embarking on positive policies and programmes.

He gave the assurance against the background of speculations that if elected, his administration will sack people in the employment of the state government, particularly teachers, as well as rendering others homeless by demolishing their houses. The fears, he noted, stemmed from his planned staff auditing and his antecedent when he was minister.

El-Rufai was at a programme designed by the Organised Private Sector (OPS), Kaduna State chapter, for gubernatorial candidates in the state to unfold their developmental agenda with a view to assessing their suitability/capability in running the affairs of the state.

Fielding questions from his audience, El-Rufai who described the feelings about him as political said he is committed to quality of education in the state hence the need to audit teachers to know their level of deficiency and organise necessary training for them just as he blamed the media for amplifying the issue of demolition to sell their papers.

“We are committed to improving the quality of education in Kaduna State. But in this case, I don’t see how we can improve the quality of education without

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

El-Rufai: I will not demolish houses, sack workers ensuring that we have teachers of quality.

“I think what we have learnt from other states is that, the teachers audit went into stormy waters because the intention of the government of those states was to weed out unqualified teachers”, he explained and said “that is not our plan”.

Worried by the increasing rate of unemployment in the country with attendant despairs, he declared: “we don’t want to lose jobs in the state as much as we can” as according to him “we already have a good unemployment problem in the state.

“We are going to audit all the teachers in this state and our plan is to sponsor them for a training programme to achieve better qualifications”.

To this end, he stressed: “we are lucky that in Kaduna State, we have National Teachers Training Institute and the Institute of Education in ABU Zaria.

So, at a very low cost we can El-Rufai

The fears, he noted, stemmed from his planned staff auditing and his antecedent when he was minister

train and upgrade the teachers” but for the meantime, “we are going to be hiring many university graduates without certificate of education as teachers. They will also need to go through that training programme.

“Our intention is to enhance the qualification and capacity of our teachers. That is the pur-

pose of the audit. You cannot enhance one’s capacity unless you know the gap in his knowledge and skill. So our audit is not to sack but to determine the type of training needs of our teachers,” he added.

While assuring that there is no cause for alarm, El-Rufai said “the Nigeria Union of Teachers

is aware of this and is already cooperating with us. So, I don’t see any problem”.

Speaking further, he said although he has not made any statement on his Housing policy, he noted that people are worried about demolitions in Kaduna because “they think that all I did in Abuja was to demolish buildings but those that lived in Abuja know that we did more than that.

Our tenure was not about demolition. It was what the media led headlines did to sell newspapers.

It is not about demolition.

“We are in Kaduna to develop the state”, lamenting that “the state has suffered some underdevelopments”. Although he said “demolition is not necessarily development”, he however argued that “if a person who is a big man decide to build his house in the centre of Ahmadu Bello Way, it has to be demolished. I want you to understand and this is the rationale behind what we did in Abuja.

“Whatever the building we took down, we took it down because it was to effect the overall interest of the people of Abuja and that is to be the principle.

Any building that is a threat to the overall interest of the people of Kaduna will go. But it will go after following due processes. If you have your certificate of occupancy and approved building plan, we will pay you compensation.

Ribadu is good, but he will lose to PDM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Ribadu

to give to the Adamawa electorate dividends of democracy; we want the common man to know that the purpose of government is to serve the people. Another reason for the platform is that our own son of the soil, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar can use it to reach out to the people. Turaki actually had this foresight as a founding father of PDP that anti democracy elements may later hijack PDP. And it has already happened when we were disfranchised in the PDP primaries.

This is why we jumped to the PDM as alternative platform after my principal and I had promoted

PDP, wasted our time and resources in the party only for them to bring somebody from nowhere and imposed him on us as if we are robots. This is not fair to the people.

We are not saying that Malam Nuhu Ribadu is bad, He is our son and a polished person, internationally recognised, we respect him, he has the capability to contribute to the development of the state. But the process that brought him in was wrong. We know those that brought him in when the time come, if he becomes governor, they will put him under their armpit and do what they want to do with the state resources. I think this is not good for this state.

What dream does Moddibo

Turaki actually had this foresight as a founding father of PDP that anti-democracy elements may later hijack PDP. And it has already happened when we were disfranchised in the PDP primaries

have for Adamawa State?

If Dr. Moddibo wins, he will run an open government and make sure that every penny of the state is accounted for. Moddibo really wants to take the state out of the woods, he is passionate about the people of the state and wants to give back to the society that made him what he is. He is better educated than other candidates, he interacts with the two major religious bodies more than the other aspirants because he went to a missionary school in Wusasa in Zaria.

He was brought up in a Christian school therefore, he knows how to balance the equation between the CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

ture. And being a multi-stakeholder venture, there are some other agencies, organisations and individuals that also have responsibilities to make sure that we have free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections. These include security agencies, political parties, civil societies and organisations, the voters and international communities.

At the level of electoral body, they said they are ready, although we still have very challenging issue like the distribution of permanent voter’s cards. But I think that we are encouraged by the assurance by the Chairman of INEC that no Nigerian would be disenfranchised on account of non possession of permanent voter’s cards and that they will make sure that all those who were eligible to have the permanent voter’s cards have the card. They have also extended the period for the collection of voter’s cards up to the 8th February 2015. Now with the challenge relating to the recruitment of ad hoc staff by the electoral management body and their training, I believe it is important and fundamental that all these ad hoc staff are recruited, trained and deployed on time so that we can have credible elections. As training is key, everybody needs to be trained. The fact that you are a university professor or have multiple degrees does not mean that you understand electoral processes. So, I think that the electoral management body should pay very good attention to the issue of training and deployment of ad hoc staff. There is also a big challenge about the security of the elections. We believe that for this election to succeed and for us to have peace and stability after the elections, all the security agencies must be above board, seen to be transparent and non partisan.

Any form of partisanship on any part of the security agencies will have dire consequences on the elections. So, we support the present efforts at training all the security agencies that will be involved

19 Politics

‘Court workers’ strike will affect polls’ in the electoral duties so that they can be non partisan and do their works professionally and ethically.

We also expect political parties to play by the rules of the game.

The current attempt by some of the political parties to divide the Nigerian people along religious and ethnic lines is not helpful for the electoral process. We believe that there are many fundamental issues that bother the Nigerian people like the economy and the dwindling of oil revenue accruing from it; the issue of insurgency and the security of lives and property of the Nigerian people; high level of unemployment and Nigerians want to know how they are going to address it; Nigerians want to know when electricity and power generation will improve so that other people can do their businesses outside the purview of government.

These are some of the issues bothering the Nigerian people and not the issue of religion and

ethnicity which are the two major poor plans in the Nigerian federation. It is also important for political parties to find their own platform for purposes of campaign and rally. The present tendency for them to go and hijack the platform of religious organisations for purpose of passing their campaigns and programmes is not helpful. I said this because the law has made it very clear that places of religious worship, police stations and such other places shall not be used for purposes of campaigns or rallies, promote or further the ideological contest of any political party. They should leave religious and traditional leaders alone and go and appeal directly to the Nigerian people. These are some of the things that are bothering Nigerians, created anxiety and panic within the electoral process just because political parties are not doing what they are supposed to do but showing a lot of desperation to retain power or to

We also expect political parties to play by the rules of the game. The current attempt by some of the political parties to divide the Nigerian people along religious and ethnic lines is not helpful for the electoral process

Okoye

grab power. Electoral process will not grow and mature if we adopt this attitude.

Before now, you have been involved in monitoring elections.

Are you satisfied with the level of preparation by INEC for this election?

Well, INEC is an organisation made up of human beings, and an organization that is not always there. This is because it is only since 1999 that we have had uninterrupted elections and it is since 1999 that we have been having series of elections. To that particular extent, what I expect from the electoral body is to prepare in such a way that they can deliver to the Nigerian people a substantially free, fair and transparent elections. That is what is required.

The electoral body says it is prepared but there are hiccups here and there and that they are going to address those hiccups. So I think if they said they are prepared, I believe they are prepared

for this particular election.

From your own experience, do you see us moving towards free and fair election?

I am very convinced that the ordinary people of this country have accepted democracy and democratic processes as the best way to go. Secondly, I believe that the ordinary Nigerians want free, fair and credible elections. I believe that the ordinary people of this country want a process where it will be one man, one vote, one woman one vote, and one youth one vote. I believe that the Nigerian people are ready to go to the polling units on Election Day to go and cast their votes under a very good environment devoid of violence, thuggery and any form of crisis. Unfortunately, these optimisms and directions the Nigerian people are moving towards is diametrically opposed to the directions which political elites are moving to. As at today, I beCONTINUED ON PAGE 20

PDM is our party in Adamawa CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Teneke

two religious bodies. I strongly believes that if Dr Moddibo is there, he is going to correct all the abnormalities which is not good for the development of the state.

Some People are alleging that PDM has turned into personal estate of Dr. Modibbo and his wife who is also contesting at the same time under the platform.

Democracy is all about freedom. This type of democracy we are practicing is copied from American presidential system.

How many Bush families have contested in America under the same political platform, no one raised such eyebrows in America the way some mischief makers are doing here. Democracy allows an individual to test his popularity.

Secondly we should not forget that

former president Clinton and his wife all contested under the same platform. So the issue of Hon Binta Binani and Dr. Ahmed Moddibo should not be over politicised. Hon. Binani was already in the National Assembly before Moddibo joined active politics, should we now say because Moddibo decided to contest, Binani should withdraw her mandate at the national assembly where she has contributed her quo-

ta to the development of Adamawa State and the nation at large? Alternatively will people say because Moddibo want to take the state out of the present woods, he should ask his wife to retire from active politics?

Moddibo is not taking Binani as his deputy because as he has already picked a Bachama man as his running mate in person of CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Why Feb. polls should hold creative ways of making sure that the vote of the Nigerian people does not count. These are really the challenges we are facing. But I am convinced that with better awareness, better education, the Nigerian people can engage in very creative and comprehensive mandate protection initiative that will make it impossible for election riggers to achieve their aim.

Jega CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

lieve that the dominant elites are not yet at home with the concept of one man, one vote, one woman, one vote and one youth, one vote.

They still want to cut corners with electoral processes. They still want to win with or without the vote of Nigerian people and this

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Hon. Anthony Maduwate from Numa Federation. I don’t see any reason why people should be playing politics with this but for pull him-down syndrome.

PDM is a relatively new party in the state where APC and PDP are dominating its landscape, how do you think your party will have a breakthrough in the general election?

PDM is not a new platform per say. PDM is a locally formed party and sold to the people of Adamawa State. All other political parties are new in the state including the PDP in which I served as Zonal Vice Chairman. PDM was formed by our son, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. If there is any party that Adamawa people have, it is only PDM they can boast of because that is a party of our own. We have sold it to Katsina and many other states. Therefore PDM is not a new party we have members of PDM at the national assembly, state assembly and so

is what is causing problem. That is why, rather than training their party agents well so that they will engage on mandate protection of theirs at the polling units, they train them on how to be thug and give them drugs, machetes, sticks and weapons to use in harassing the voters. Thirdly, most of them are also interested in finding very

Some people have earlier called for the postponement of this election and now the National Security Adviser (NSA) has aligned himself with the calls when he advised for the postponement. What is your reaction?

Nigeria is a constitutional democracy and I also recognise the fact that this is the most competitive elections since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. That has also created anxiety within the political processes. Now, is there a constitutional or legal basis for the postponement of this election?

My answer is No. One, section 135 sub section 3 of the constitution says that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can with the concurrence of the National Assembly, postpone elections by a period of six months in the first instance only on one condition.

And that is if the federation is at war in which the territory of Ni-

geria is physically involved. But Nigeria is not at war. Cameroun has not attacked Nigeria. Niger has not attacked Nigeria. Chad has not attacked Nigeria. So, the provision of section 135 sub section 3 does not apply.

Secondly, the electoral act 2010 as amended has also given the INEC the power and discretion to postpone an election but it domiciles that power within a certain frame work. And it says that INEC can only postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace

But Nigeria is not at war. Cameroon has not attacked Nigeria. Niger has not attacked Nigeria. Chad has not attacked Nigeria. So, the provision of Section 135 sub section 3 does not apply

is likely to occur, if the election is proceeded with or it is impossible to conduct the election as a result of natural disaster or other emergency. These two reasons must be reasons that are cogent and verifiable. In other words, they cannot be reasons that are in the air, they must be cogent and you can verify them. So if you claim that you are postponing election as a result of natural disaster, it must be a natural disaster that people can see and verify. The National Security Adviser did not give any indication in relation to that. The only thing he is talking about is the issue of permanent voter’s cards, and the national electoral body has stated unequivocally that as at the last count, over 71 percent of the registered voters have collected their voter’s cards and it has also extended the period for the collection. I believe that before the elections, we are going to achieve 90 percent collection and for me, that is reasonable for purposes of conducting the elections.

So, there is no form of emergency or likelihood of any breach of the peace that will necessitate anybody calling for the postponement of this election. I do not support it and I will not support it because it will throw us into bigger constitutional crisis and we may not get out of it.

Modibo will not be another Nyako on. Today Atiku is national leader of APC how is your party going to confront him and his party candidate in the forthcoming polls?

Atiku is a vast politician. He is a political god father in the North East Zone. All the candidates of various political parties in this zone belong to him. Nobody in Adamawa State has attained his height when it comes to politics.

Senior citizens like Bamanga Tukur, Professor Jibril Aminu and others; Atiku has beaten them hands down; he has overshadowed them in politics. We cannot say because Atiku did not win APC presidential election he is not a factor to be reckoned with; we respect him here in Adamawa State a lot as our political leader, if not for Atiku, we would not have had this PDM as alternative When PDP dealt with us politically.

During Nyako’s led administration there was controversy

over who becomes the first lady of the state among his wives won’t we experience the same thing since your candidate is a

Nyako’s case is a different issue entirely; we don’t know where he came with that policy that his four wives should serve as first lady.

Nyako wanted to dominate Adamawa State with his four wives, he wasn’t fair to the people of the state

Muslim and has more than one wife?

Decision to pick a woman for the office of first lady is solidly in the governor’s hand. Remember when Shagari was the president, he had more than one wife, and did we witness any wrangling among his wives on who is the first lady?

Also When Buhari was the head of state, nobody knows his wife to be the first lady. Even Abdulsalam Abubakar was not crazy over the post of first lady. Nyako’s case is a different issue entirely; we don’t know where he came with that policy that his four wives should serve as first lady. Nyako wanted to dominate Adamawa State with his four wives, he wasn’t fair to the people of the state. Am saying this because I know Moddibo cannot be so self centred and do the same thing, Moddibo is more polished than Nyako. He is Academician; he has a PHD he cannot make horrible decision as Nyako did.

Moddibo is not a stack illiterate; you may not even see any first lady like Shagari did. Like many Muslim governors did in the north that nobody know their first lady up till today. Adamawa should not expect Moddibo to emulate Nyako.

At present, many IDPs may not cast their votes, are you not worried?

As a politician, I’m bothered because we are depending for is votes from eligible voters. We want each eligible persons to vote.

If the situation continues, all of us will be worried. If there is free contest, we are ahead of other political parties. Many gubernatorial candidates in the race have disappeared only Dr. Moddibo is on ground meeting the electorate face to face. We’ve been beating them hands down because the common man are with us. IDPs or no IDPs, PDM will surely win next polls.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Features z Ɛ the woman up for discusover the weekend, and ƌ ƊƆ ƕ Ƒ sion it turned out that the men have been waiting for Ɠ ƗƆƏ Ɛ Ɔ folks this opportunity to erupt! respondent spoke from ƌ Ɛ Ƅ ƑƐ Each a personal, experiential enwith the mystery of Ɛ Ɔ Ɠ ƌ î counter the woman. His report.

DAN OKPOSIO brought

21

s It would be foolish to argue that the woman is not a creation of mysteries and intrigues. Even the all knowing Creator regretted embarking on project mankind on account of the woman. Below are reactions from some of the men that have been bruised spiritually, emotionally and physically by the mystery of the woman. zRL&M 6 y& j6& M jn`& R0 dM E&

Lawrence Isimar Onipan, Lagos

(Artist)

The woman and the snake share the same nature. The snake is very calculative, always watching and monitoring you to know where your weakness is … then it will strike - and that’s the description of a woman: she always schemes to know your weakness and would capitalize on it.

When you talk of intelligence, I don’t think they’re intelligent because they do some dumb CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Larry

Mathematics is the missing link in Nigeria’s education Ï Əƕ Ɔ ƈƅ & ƈ ƆƆƏ Ɠ ƄƑƈƋƗ ƌ Ɛ Ɔƌ Ɛƈƅ Ƌ Ƅ Ə Ɛ ƏƈƆ Ƈ Ə ƅ Ƌ For those who may not be familiar with core mathematics, especially further maths and its engineering terminologies, the rendezvous gave a clear definition of cryogenics.

“Cryogenics is derived from the Greek words “kruos” for frost, and “genos” for origin or creation. Simplified, it is the study of the phenomena, techniques and concepts occurring at temperatures below 120k (-153 degrees C). Cryogenic engineering therefore is the scientific applications of those concepts, phenomena and techniques that occur at very low temperatures.”

He may have easily been another Prof. Chike Obi of his generation, but preferred to be unsung, working behind the scenes in the oil and gas fields, building mathematics laboratories and creating models to demystify and simplify the teaching of mathematics. But let us know something about his background.

His personae

Born on March 18, 1953 at Abigi, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, Obinaike, received his school education at the Methodist High School, Ifo, Ogun State from 1969 to 1972. He attended the Federal School of Science, Victoria Island (now defunct) for A-levels from 1974 to 1976 and subsequently gained admission to

RƄƈ ƈƊƆ

the University of Lagos to study Chemical Engineering in 1976.

He graduated in Chemical Engineering with second class upper division in 1980.

Still thirsty for deeper insight into technical education, Obinaike took up employment with BOC Gases Nig. Plc, a subsidiary

of one of the world’s industrial gases giants, the BOC Group in 1981, as Operations Engineer.

Two years later, he proceeded for Masters Degree course in cryogenics and applications at the Institute of Cryogenics, University of Southampton, United Kingdom and graduated in 1984.

What inclined you to study cryogenics?

From childhood, I’ve always had a pull towards the unusual, and cryogenics sounded strange and very unusual in this clime in the eighties. Secondly, I was already working in the gas industry, and cryogenic temperatures

could only be achieved when certain gases are liquefied. It is indeed unusual and exciting when you talk of temperatures in the neighborhood of absolute zero (e.g. liquid Helium temperaCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Features 22 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

ture).

Do you have family history of technocrats?

My father was a blacksmith and a bicycle technician. Although somehow introverted, he had a knack for knowing how appliances work. My elder brother is a professional electrician, I am a chemical engineer and I have also a child who is a computer engineer. So it is probably safe to say it runs in the family.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Mathematics is a subject most students find very difficult to cope with

Career history

Obinaike climbed the corporate ladder to become General Manager (operations) at BOC Gases Nig. Plc, a subsidiary of one of the world’s Industrial Gases giants, the BOC Group in 1981 and became member of the directorate in 2001 when he was promoted Technical Director, and voluntarily retired in 2005 at the age of 52, after 24 years of meritorious services in the gases and allied industry. In between, Obinaike attended several management courses locally and internationally.

Daily Times asked why a technocrat should ‘voluntarily retire’ at 52; even now he just stepped into the 60s pathway.

“A lot of people wondered why I should be asked to go; the company called for a voluntary retirement and I obliged, but I think they were trying to reduce their overhead. But to me, I just believe time was up. If you wanted somebody, you’re not likely to ask him to go.

How have you been spreading the message of mathematics?

In 2010,I was invited to come on board as the MD/CEO of a new Independent Power Producing (IPP) company, which had acquired 80 percent of the assets (inclusive of liabilities) of an existing IPP company.

This was in the wake of the economic meltdown and it was extremely difficult for us to raise the necessary funds.

Within two and half years, with lot of personal sacrifices from the senior management team, we were able to build a 3 km, 11KV mini-grid, being fed by two generating stations, serving more than 10 off-takers, besides liquidating a substantial part of the liabilities acquired. I left voluntarily after three and half years to pursue a divine call.”

That would be one voluntary retirement too many; but how are you defining your academia, given the Nigerian educational situation?

I think that was what drew me into my vision, because I noticed that mathematics is a subject most students find very difficult to cope with naturally. But this is compounded by lack of relative

G. P. James

Women have a way of burrying the hatchet infrastructure in the educational system, input by government and in private schools, so I tried to put something together which I call mathematics laboratory. In what you might call a test case, I adopted a public school to start with.”

A resident of Igando, under Alimosho Local Government Area, Obinaike’s adopted; Egan Senior Grammar School is just behind his house.

“I started with the 2011/2012 session, teaching them mathematics at the foundation level; I later added further-mathematics to strengthen their intellectual buildup, and the first year, the school scored 98 percent in mathematics; in the second year, they made 96 percent, but this always depends on the students; the enthusiasm of the students of those years was much more than what we have now.”

This is compounded by lack of relative infrastructure in the educational system and input by government and private schools

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

things that make a man wonder and say, how can you do this?

HER CAPACITY TO LOVE

G.P. James (Lawyer, Cleric and political analyst) I wonder about the woman’s capacity to love; not sexual or carnal love, mark you, but her inherent altruist kind of love.

A mother may have three, four or five children with each so different from the other, and some of them could be outright vagabonds; Now if the child does those stubborn, even bizarre things, the mother may raise hell and threaten to burn down the house; but the essential things like giving food, showing concern if the child takes ill or falls into any danger, etc, women have the inherent capacity to show concern and even weep genuinely for the child.

All those things a child will do and the father will say, I disown you, you’re no longer my son or daughter, etc. you can hardly hear a woman say that.

And it is that same capacity to love that will make a woman to adopt a child and still show so much love to him or her that, except know of the adoption, you can never know that the baby is not child of her womb.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

23 Features

Women make decisions based on their whims CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Women have a way of burying whatever that will otherwise hinder them from exhibiting that love, and that is why people say that when a woman leaves a husband and marries another man and the fault was not hers, except she is consciously suppressing it, the tendency for her to go back to her former husband is always there. I don’t know whether it is because God made them to be helpmeet that He gave them that capacity to fill the gap.

I acknowledge too that some women do restrain that capacity out of ego; they don’t want to show it because it would make them appear to be weak, but it is there; in their sober and quiet moment they will tell you.

Scientists say it is their hormone, that women have progesterone that is more capable of accommodating emotion while men have terestron; but I think it is more spiritual than scientific because the capacity to show compassion, empathy and love in a woman, I don’t see a man, no matter how well groomed that can replicate it. That’s the thing about a woman I wonder the most.

Their Contrary Nature

Ghariokwu Lemi, Artist, La-

gos That’s a deep question; I think the wonder in a woman is her mind, the intrigues of her thinking. As a man married for some 38 years, women, to me, think in the contrary way to a man’s thinking.

Though we’re all emotional generally, but women are more emotional than men. On a broad subject like this let us base it on a scale of 100 and on that, women score 60 to 70, so they express themselves more emotionally

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

I think the wonder in a woman is her mind, the intrigues of her thinking. As a man married for some 38 years, women, to me, think in the contrary way to a man’s thinking.

Omotola

Many schools don’t even offer mathematics again “The other option is to go and lecture in the university, but when I do that, I will benefit personally, but the children will suffer, there will be a void in the foundation.”

You consider students should be mathematically formed before entering the university?

“Yes! Some of them are better at that level. By the time they get into the university, if the foundation has been well laid in maths and further maths, they are supposed to have sorted themselves out.

“Besides, there are so many lec-

turers and mathematics professors that will teach them. What I develop is at the foundation level, to fill the gap that exists at that level. So if a child has A1, when he gets into the university, he will be able to cope. Many of them had B, some C, and so on. When the foundation is fixed the child is made. What I discovered is that many schools don’t even offer further mathematics again; they tell the students they don’t need it; what they require is mathematics; then when the students get into the university level, they are confronted with the need for calculations they never learnt.

So, for a science or engineering

student, or for someone who is aspiring to become an engineer, you certainly need to study further mathematics at the ordinary level, so that you have a good foundation”.

As a scientist, how do you see government’s action in shutting down the Federal School of Science?

“You’ve asked a multimillion naira question. Federal School of Science was established, principally, to encourage and boost science education. Two others were established in Ogoja and one other state. Government came, first, with a dilution by turning them to schools of arts and science, and then scrapped them altogether for

no justifiable reasons. I suspect the action could have been a result of the North-South politics.”

I was lucky during secondary school years; I had a teacher who eventually became my lecturer at the university; he grounded those of us that were serious in mathematics; he is Dr. Victor Funsho Adeniyi and he is still in the Chemical Engineering Department of the University of Lagos.

He was the one that thoroughly grounded me in mathematics.

Why are you holding your knowledge from the tertiary institutions?

“If I get there, I won’t do much more than the lecturers are doing, but nobody is doing what

I am doing now; I prefer to fill that gap because that is the core foundation for the future of the serious student. My advice is that every school should have a mathematics laboratory which I can put together”.

The specialised mathematics laboratory “When I developed that package, it was a revelation I had that drove me to this. I left my room for the bathroom; I wasn’t praying, then I heard very clearly the word: mathematics.

At first I didn’t know what to do. After, I joined someone to do a CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Features 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

The woman is built to take many heats and remain standing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

than men. They make decisions more on a whim than men. Men also on the scale of 60 to 70 percent make their decisions more on practical realities; men tend to think twice before they react to things, while women react instantly. So it is their opposite way of thinking, and contrary actions to ours that intrigues me wonder the most about the womenfolk.

HER FERTILITY (Dr. Idowu Shogbesan, gynaecologist)

The fact that some get pregnant almost every time they meet a man and deliver as many babies as they want; they may

even decide to control it or stop delivering altogether; while some others are barren and die childless. I wonder about the yardstick for that.

“Also, I wonder about the fact that the pain of childbirth is so great for a woman, yet the pain of not going through it at all is far greater for her to bear. It’s something I can’t fathom.

HER CAPACITY FOR GOOD AND EVIL

Aniedoabasi Inyanguwem (Building engineer, Ojodu, Lagos.)

I wonder most about the woman’s inherent spiritual capacity for good or for evil; and her ability to use that capacity to elevate, humiliate or destroy the men in

Lemi

I wonder about the fact that the pain of childbirth is so great for a woman, yet the pain of not going through it at all is far greater for her to bear.

It’s something I can’t fathom.

her life.

Daily Times recalls a medic and social worker in Lagos, Ms Oluyomi Adeosun who, at a talk workshop in Lagos recently said: “The woman is the head of the home. Any man who believes he’s the head of his house does not know what he’s talking about because the woman has the capacity to motivate and mould the character of the house. She

is the head and model of the children and of the husband. No man can succeed except his wife wants him to succeed. The woman has the capacity to make him succeed or make him fail.

Furthermore, the woman is built to take many heats and still remains standing; but if the man receives a few heats, he goes under!”

Somebody, help the men folks.

We need mathematics infrastructure in our educational system CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Comment on the educational structure in Nigeria today?

small business, but it didn’t work.

I later heard in my spirit, that is not what I asked you to do. So I went back to prayers; then I visited a friend who is an architect.

As I was sharing the revelation with him, a lot of ideas rushed through me and right on his table, I produced about 20 sheets; then he said he knows one IT fellow who can anchor it for me, so we developed some templates on those lines; that was in 2007, 2008.”

Satisfied he has a package that will revolutionise and simplify the teaching and learning of mathematics, Obinaike went to some private schools to market it, but he got a shocker. ”They loved it, but didn’t want to pay; and someone had told me that private schools don’t like paying fees; in fact one of the school proprietors looked at my face, maybe he thought I am a very rich man, and he said, give it to us so that your children will enjoy it. That dampened my spirit, so I settled with what I am doing with these children; but I think it is a good idea if every school will have a mathematics laboratory.”

“Mathematics infrastructure is the missing link. If Nigeria is to raise a generation of thoroughly grounded technocrats who will lay a lasting structure, then we need mathematics infrastructure in our educational system.

“I have mentioned that mathematics is a subject most students find difficult to cope with, but this is compounded in Nigeria by lack of relative infrastructures in our education system.”

On the way out “Mathematics is taught all over the world, but you need a very good teacher for it.

Now, Nigeria will be fit to take on the world if every school, private or public, can have a mathematics laboratory, which is the foundation infrastructure for the student in secondary schools.”

these laboratory equipments so they can effectively impart the knowledge to the children. To understand mathematics, you need to reduce the level of abstraction that makes it uninteresting; though it is not everything you can take abstraction away from.

But when you start with those things they can see, touch and feel as they are hearing; there is a way it gingers them up. So for areas where there are lots of abstractions, they will be able to follow because the interest is there.”

How do you reduce the level of abstraction?

What is the purpose of the models you make?

“Some of the models, I use to teach students on how to reduce the level of abstraction, and drudgery associated with mathematics.

After setting it up, teachers would be trained on how to use

Obinaike

“By teaching them with the models and in a laboratory setting where they can carry out some related activities, your cognitive ability will drive home what the teacher is teaching; that’s the whole essence of the mathematics laboratory.”

Gender equation in mathematics The class I adopted to teach is mixed as the school. There are girls, but the boys are on the higher scale in number. Also, I must state that we have had girls scoring much higher marks in mathematics, but the higher block is occupied by the boys.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Chronicle Today in History

25

s Carton from our Archives

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1967 Oba Akran, Ademiluyi jailed 14 years Oba Cladius Dosa Akran, Minister of Finance in the suspended Government of Western Nigeria and Prince Adeleke Ademiluyi, former Chairman of the Western Nigeria Development Corporation, were at Ibadan Assizes jailed seven years each for stealing.

They were found guilty by Mr. Justice Kayode Esho of stealing £504, 750 belonging to the Nigersols Construction Company Limited, Ibadan. But the judge directed that Oba Akran should serve his sentence without hard labour.

Immediately after his summary, Mr. Justice Esho asked Oba Akran: “Have you anything to say before I pass my sentence on you?”

Oba Akran, 68-year-old natural ruler from Badagry, said solemnly: “I would like to say that it has never been my wish to steal money even from for party purposes.

As I have stated in my statement in court, I had an instruction from the late Premier of the region, Chief Samuel Akintola that this money was to come from an Israeli” 1789 First U.S. president elected George Washington, the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, is unanimously elected the first president of the United States by

1915

1915 Germany declares war zone around British Isles A full two years before Germany’s aggressive naval policy would draw the United States into the war against them, Kaiser Wilhelm announced an important step in the development of that policy, proclaiming the North Sea a war zone, in which all merchant ships, including those from neutral countries, were liable to be sunk without warning.

In widening the boundaries of naval warfare, Germany was retaliating against the Allies for the British-imposed blockade of

all 69 presidential electors who cast their votes. oJohn Adams of Massachusetts, who received 34 votes, was elected vice president.

The electors, who represented 10 of the 11 states that had ratified the U.S. Constitution, were chosen by popular vote, legislative appointment, or a combination of both four weeks before the election.

According to Article Two of the U.S. Constitution, the states appointed a number of presidential electors equal to the “number of Senators and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in Congress.” Each elector voted for two people, at least one of whom did not live in their state. The individual receiving the greatest number of votes was elected president, and the next-in-line, vice president. (In 1804, this practice was changed by the 12th Amendment to the Constitution, which ordered separate ballots for the office of president and vice president.)

New York--though it was to be the seat of the new United States government--failed to choose its eight presidential electors in time for the vote on February 4, 1789.

Two electors each from Virginia and Maryland were delayed by weather and did not vote. In addition, North Carolina and Rhode Island, which would have had seven and three electors respectively,

Daily Times February 4, 1961 had not ratified the Constitution and so could not vote.

That the remaining 69 unanimously chose Washington to lead the new U.S. government was a surprise to no one. As commander-in-chief during the Revolutionary War, he had led his inexperienced and poorly equipped army of civilian soldiers to victory over one of the world’s great powers. After the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, Washington rejected with abhorrence a suggestion by one of his officers that he

Germany declares war zone around British Isles Germany in the North Sea, an important part of Britain’s war strategy aimed at strangling its enemy economically. By war’s end—according to official British counts—the so-called hunger blockade would take some 770,000 German lives.

The German navy, despite its attempts to build itself up in the pre-war years, was far inferior in strength to the peerless British Royal Navy. After resounding defeats of its battle cruisers, such as that suffered in the Falkland Islands in December 1914, Germany began to look to its dangerous U-boat submarines as its

best hope at sea. Hermann Bauer, the leader of the German submarine service, had suggested in October 1914 that the U-boats could be used to attack commerce ships and raid their cargoes, thus scaring off imports to Britain, including those from neutral countries. Early the following month, Britain declared the North Sea a military area, warning neutral countries that areas would be mined and that all ships must first put into British ports, where they would be searched for possible supplies bound for Germany, stripped of these, and escorted through the British minefields.

use his pre-eminence to assume a military dictatorship. He would not subvert the very principles for which so many Americans had fought and died, he replied, and soon after, he surrendered his military commission to the Continental Congress and retired to his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.

When the Articles of Convention proved ineffectual, and the fledging republic teetered on the verge of collapse, Washington again answered his country’s call

1974

On February 4, 1974, Patty Hearst, the 19-year-old daughter of newspaper publisher Randolph Hearst, was kidnapped from her apartment in Berkeley, California, by two black men and a white woman, all three of whom are armed. Her fiance, Stephen Weed, was beaten and tied up along with a neighbour who tried to help. Witnesses reported seeing a struggling Hearst being carried away blindfolded, and she was put in the trunk of a car.

Neighbours who came out into the street were forced to take cover after the kidnappers fired their guns to cover their escape.

and travelled to Philadelphia in 1787 to preside over the Constitutional Convention. Although he favoured the creation of a strong central government, as president of the convention he maintained impartiality in the public debates.

Outside the convention hall, however, he made his views known, and his weight of character did much to bring the proceedings to a close. The drafters created the office of president with him in mind, and on September 17, 1787, the document was signed.

Patty Hearst kidnapped Three days later, the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), a small U.S. leftist group, announced in a letter to a Berkeley radio station that it was holding Hearst as a “prisoner of war.” Four days later, the SLA demanded that the Hearst family give $70 in foodstuffs to every needy person from Santa Rosa to Los Angeles. This done, said the SLA, negotiation would begin for the return of Patricia Hearst.

Randolph Hearst hesitantly gave away some $2 million worth of food. The SLA then called this inadequate and asked for $6 million more.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Our heritage

s

E-mail Please do not hesitate to send us your feed back: agozinoagozino@yahoo.com

Design Indaba Festival 2015 announces artists Organizers of Design Indaba Festival 2015 has announce artists for the event scheduled to hold this month.

William Kentridge: Visitors to Design Indaba Festival will be able to experience South Africa’s most globally acclaimed artist at four different events, a performance-lecture at the Conference, a talk/book signing at Expo, a chamber opera (Refuse the Hour) and an exhibition (The Refusal of Time).

The wood whisperers: The duo behind Nairobi-based Studio Propolis will present at Design Indaba Conference five projects where he use deft design to create works within tight restraints.

Manifest: Ghanaian wordsmith and musician, fresh from a tour with Damon Albarn, this internationally acclaimed rapper will wow audiences at Design Indaba Music 2015.

German-born, South Africaneducated Nongoma will show off her versatile vocal talents at Design Indaba Music 2015.

She will sample her entrancing sound Knitting the social fabric back together.

Mozart

Leonardo da Vinci

World’s unfinished masterpieces Agozino Agozino SOMETIMES, if many times, artists come across as enigmatic. For every great work, in the literary, visual or performing arts there are many greater works laying, incomplete, in artists shelves just abandoned for inexplicable reasons.

Some art buffs will later attribute the abandonment to some wars, political strife, lack of fund or the death of its creator.

But majority of the works are lost and forgotten. They include fabled ‘incomplete masterpieces’ by such masters as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Carvallio, Rembrandt, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and many others legendary creative minds.

The following are some of the very famous unfinished works of art in history.

Kentridge

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Gran Cavallo: Known to quickly lose interest and move onto other projects, Da Vinci is said to have left behind quite many unfinished works of art. His most famous unfinished masterpiece, however, was left incomplete due to circumstances outside his control. In the 15th century, Da Vinci was commissioned by the Duke Of Milan to sculpt a statue of a horse to honor his father. Da Vinci spent 12 years working on it. In 1492 he unveiled the 23-foot tall clay model of the piece, Gran Cavallo. It was praised by many as one of the most beautiful works of art ever created. But before the mold of the horse could be cast in bronze, war broke out between France and Italy. The Duke then decided to donate the 200,000 pounds of metal intended for the horse to the military, which used it to build cannons. Da Vinci’s

massive horse statue was never completed, and it is said that the invading French archers later used his clay horse model for target practice.

Mozart’s Requiem: Shortly before his death in 1791, the famed composer Mozart was contacted by a mysterious stranger and commissioned to write a Requiem to be played at a ceremony for the man’s deceased wife. Mozart, who was ailing from an unidentified illness, supposedly took the task as a sign of his own impending mortality, and even came to believe that the piece he was composing was actually a requiem for his own funeral. Mozart died before the piece could be completed.

The missing movements in the composition were finished by one of his students, Franz Sussmayr.

The piece was then given to the mysterious patron, who turned

out to be Franz Von Walsegg, an eccentric count who was known for secretly commissioning works of music and then passing them off as his own compositions. Mozart’s wife Constanze, eventually identified the piece as belonging to her husband. But the issue was unclear as beyond this the story is filled with rumours and barely clear facts. It is such that to date it is not known for certain which parts of the Requiem were altered or added on or just why the famed composer became so paranoid and fearful in his final days.

Bruce Lee’s Game of Death: In the early 1970s, Asia born Hollywood martial films star, Lee had already made three acclaimed films and was quickly gaining a reputation as one of the exciting martial artistes in the world. In 1972, he began filming Game Of

Continued on page 27

Bamako Encounters calls for applications Pan-African Exhibition is calling for applications for its10th edition of the Bamako Encounters for African photographers and video artists.

The Bamako Encounters is a meeting place for African pho-

tographers.

Organised by the Malian Ministry of Culture and Institut français, the Bamako Encounters is the first and principal international platform dedicated to African photography on the conti-

nent. A veritable platform for discovery, exchanges and interaction, the Bamako Encounters has other art professionals from across the world who also participate in the programme.

This year’s programme is scheduled to hold in Bamako, Mali from 31October to 31 December 2015. The Bamako Encounters is open for African photographers and video artists from 15 January to 30 March 2015.

Malian Ministry of Culture and Institut français

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

In London, Shonibare’s Dildo sexes up art fair Recently, Britain’s frontline art fair house, the Multiple Stores, opened a show featuring the latest works of the Nigerian-born British artist, Yinka Shonibare.

It is entitled Dildo, a works showcasing Shonibare’s latest edition of his usual moulded art trajectory, but this time, more of what collectors says has more of erotic look.

The Nigerian born British naturalized artists whose work are rendered on manicured batik has made name for his arts.

At £3,000, Shonibare’s recent offering viewers says is pricier than the average sex toy, but for that sum art lovers also get a miniature version of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, with the female nude replaced by a well-endowed male figure.

The image is visible when peer through a hole in the polished brass end.

Shonibare says: “Kaleidoscope is a comment on patriarchy of the female body in the media, by what film theorist Laura Mulvey called the ‘male gaze.”

Collectors said the batikpatterned sculpture is sure to inject a bit of colour into the art fair.

World’s unfinished masterpieces Continued from page 26

title.

Death, which was to be the ultimate expression of Jeet Kune Du, the fighting style he had been perfecting for years. However, halfway through filming, Lee was given the chance of a lifetime to star in the hit film, Enter The Dragon. Hence the production on Game of Death was halted while he worked on Enter The Dragon which ultimately consolidated his stardom. But before he could return to work on Game of Death he mysteriously died of cerebral edema at the age of 32. Five years after Lee’s death, the director of Enter The Dragon pieced together a workable version of Game of Death from Lee’s footages with newly shot materials for a new

USSR’s The Palace of Soviets: This was a massive architectural project undertaken by the former Soviet Union at the outset of WWII. It was a building in Moscow designed to be an administrative center and congress hall.

And if finished it would have become the world’s tallest structure.

Construction on the building began in 1937, as at 1941 the building’s huge steel frame had been erected. Russian involvement in WWII brought an abrupt end to the construction, and the building’s steel frame was eventually cut, dismantled, and used to build fortifications and railway bridges in and around Moscow. After the

war ended, there was much talk of completing the project which has remained an illusion till today.

Gran Cavallo by Leonardo da Vinci

Jimi Hendrix’s First Rays of the New Rising Sun: In the late 1960s, Hendrix recorded a trio of albums that established him as one of the most talented guitarists of all time. Hendrix was a prolific songwriter, and following the breakup of his band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, he began work on an ambitious double album called First Rays of the New Rising Sun. Unfortunately, before the recording was fully realised, Hendrix died of an overdose of sleeping pills.

Kwara is state of harmony KWARA is popularly known for preserving traditional artistic objects. Agozino Agozino finds out what makes the State unique

One of engaging works by Shonibare at the show

27 Our heritage

Created in 1967, Kwara State is large and complex social entity. Geographically located at the nation’s centrepoint, it has common boundaries with Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Kogi and Niger States.

The State attracts people from different ethnic groups like the Yoruba, Igbira, Nupe and Hausa. Kwara state, lost some of its local areas to Kogi state, on August 27 1991, when President Ibrahim Babangida announced a new 30 state structure for the country.

The tourist symbolism of Alfa Alimi’s Mosque and residence directly behind the palace of the gate of Emir’s at Ilorin has qualified its preservation as a national monument. Alfa Alimi,

a Fulani muslim scholar from the north built the mosque as far back as 1831. The pottery “workshop” at Ilorin, Oke-Agbonna at Apado, Shango shrine at Shao and the Odu Shrine at Shao are also centres for tourism in Kwara state. They possess adequate potentials which have considerably made them achieve greater recognition in the world of tourism. The multimillion Naira Kainji Dam Complex, built on the River Niger at Kainji, about 103 kilometres upstream of Jebba offers the best tourist attractions in the country. The Dam, which its construction started in March 1964 and was completed in 1968, has a height of about 71.6m. Kainji lake, which has attractive potentials like the fill dams, the spillway with multifarious openings and the powerhouse, provides a good source of fish supply for the country. The Kainji lake Nation Park, the first of its kind in

Images of historical soapstones in Kwara State

Nigeria and the biggest in West Africa, covers an area of 5340.82 square kilometres. Bordered by the Kainji lake in the East and the Republic of Benin in the West, it has a variety of animals like the elephants, hippos, buffaloes, lions, leopards and local and migratory birds.

The Esie Stone Images which have been in preservation since 1775AD and representing different ethnic groups in the state link the past with the people.

It’s origin, which is surrounded with historical myths affects

much about civilisation of the olden days mythologically. The images are regarded to be actual human beings who turned into stones through supernatural means. The stones, being preserved at the Esie Museum have served as a good source of tourist attraction.

The wreckage of Mungo Park’s Boat, another source of tourist attractions in Kwara State, is located at Jebba, about 108 kilometres from Ilorin, the state capital.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Business Times

s

PIB will correct lapses in oil sector – Jonathan The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB, waiting to be passed by the National Assembly, has been tipped by President Goodluck Jonathan to correct anomalies in the oil sector.

President Jonathan, made the assertion in Abuja, on Monday, when he received the Forensic Audit report on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from the international auditing firm, Water House.

He said that the report would help to address the lapses in the oil industry and help the administration to address the misconceptions in the industry. ``Everybody knows that the sector needs to be reformed and I believe that by the time we go through the petroleum industry bill and make it a law, most of

these lapses would be corrected and the misconceptions will be properly addressed by the different administrative structures. ``I thank you for what you have done. It will help us, it will help this country to set things right. We will handle it decisively based on the information that we have. ``The figures being branded in the newspapers are ones that Nigerians will be interested in. ``Indeed, you mentioned the issue of the reforms in the sector. Based on the preliminary information, Nigerians need not be so scared about the kind of stories that we hear.’’

President Jonathan thanked the audit firm for turning in the report on time and for clarifying the issues in the petroleum

Firm gets NERC license to generate 500MW from coal

Jonathan

ministry.

He observed that both chambers of the National Assembly had delved into the matter in the past; and that with the report, the issue of leakages in the petroleum industry would be laid to rest.

The president, however, directed the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr Samuel Ukura, to look into the report and release major findings to the government within the week.

He also told him to liaise with the firm to clear any grey areas in the report.

The president said that the

kind of figures mentioned in the newspapers`` looked so ridiculous``, noting that they were figures that he could not imagine the country earned. ``I am quite pleased that you have taken a forensic audit. I will give it to the professionals, the auditor-general of the federation, so that within the week we will get the key findings,’’ the president said.

He described the report as ``a precious document’’ which could be used as future reference material to improve operations in the oil industry and for academic purposes.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has licenced Trombay Power Generation Limited to operate a 500 MegaWatts power plant.

Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi commended the company’s Group President, Jitendes Kumar Sachdeva for the painstaking process he was subjected to in the course of the application for the coal- powered plant.

The 500MW power plant is located at Wajari Village along Dadinkowa Road, Yamaltu local government area of Gombe state. ‘’I commend your patience and perseverance to follow through your application. Coal power plant is becoming important the effort to in diversify our fuel source’’ ‘’I hope you will follow through your timelines in constructing your power plant with the same dedication you displayed in the course of this application.’’

Amadi said.

The Commissioner, Legal Licensing and Enforcement, Dr Steven Andzenge in his response to the commendation by the Chairman said ‘’ this is a milestone in the sense that it is in line with NERC’s objective of diversifying our fuel source’’ In his response, the Group President of Trombay Power Generation Limited, Jitendes Kumar Sachdeva described the exercise as most welcoming. He commended the Commission for its transparency and commitment in processing the application.

ICT experts urge stakeholders to raise impact level in 2015 Tony Nwakaegho Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts have commended the performance of the sector in 2014 and advocated for better performance in 2015 in order to impact on the lives of Nigerians.

Analysing the sector, the Chairman of Mobile Software Solution, Dr Chris Uwaje said ICT growth in 2014 was impres-

sive, but did not lead to IT development, adding that Nigeria could have done 10 times better if a more constructive and innovative strategy was deployed.

Uwaje, a former President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), said the country’s ICT strategy showed that it was heavily consumer oriented and critically foreign/import dependent; does not inspire and support large scale innovation and creativ-

Uwaje

ity and currently not concerned about the poor state of ICT in education with respect to curriculum, teachers’ intensive training and capacity building.

He said the sector was yet to promote knowledge clusters and reward merit, adding that strategy does not challenge innovators and is not stakeholders inclusive, as large pool of creative minds are outside the national ICT decision making process.

Amadi

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

29 Maritime

Shippers’ Council to train more Judges on Admiralty Law The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello, on Monday said that the council would train more judges on admiralty law to adjudicate correctly.

He said this in Lagos, stressing that learning the admiralty law would enable quick dispensation of maritime cases, adding that such cases lingered long in the court. ``Cases linger long in the court.

Is just like cargo lingering for long time in the ports. So, we need to adjudicate correctly too. Shipping is an international thing. ``Admiralty is a branch of in-

Former Head of State, Ernerst Shonekan (middle), opening the APM Terminals ultra-modern Staff complex in Apapa, Lagos, recently.

Customs impounds N1.5bn pirated books, DVDs Stories by Funmi Coker The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded three containers of pirated textbooks, dictionaries, novels and home videos worth N1.5 billion.

Speaking while handing over the containers to the Lagos

Impounded DVDs

Zonal Manager, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Chris Nkwocha, in Apapa, Controller of the Command, Comptroller Charles Edike, said that the containers, which were imported from China, were discovered during physical examination.

Edike reaffirmed the commitment of the NCS to collaborate with sister agencies in curtailing illegal imports into the country even as he assured that the Service would continue to protect the interest of stakeholders in the copyright community as well as the entertainment industry.

“The Comptroller General has been instructing us that

PTML bags World Customs Organisation award Ports & Terminal Multiservices Ltd (PTML) has been decorated with the prestigious World Customs Organisation (WCO) ‘Merit Award’ for showing exceptional support and collaboration for Customs towards the realisation of its mandate.

The award certificate, signed by the Secretary-General, World Customs Organisation (WCO), Kunio Mikuriya, was presented to PTML by the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi, on

the occasion of International Customs Day celebration, at the Nigerian Customs Service Headquarters, Wuse, Zone 3, Abuja recently.

Mikuriya

we must make sure that none of such material gets into the Nigerian market because this is a huge lose to the intellectual strength and capabilities and money both to the owners and to Nigeria. All of these would have just gone down the drain if these officers did not get the containers,” he said.

Giving insight into how the containers were impounded, Nkwocha said: “We monitored the consignment from China and we allowed the importer and the agent to do all the payment. Just at the last point of exit, Customs officials stopped the containers on the instruction of the Controller.”

A mild shift in the speeds of containerships, especially on the head-hole, can be expected as new liner mega alliances endeavor to speed up their transit times, according to UK shipping consultant Drewry.

Aiming to polish up their brands, liner giants that have joined their operating pools are likely to speed up so as to attain greater performance reliability, which has spiraled down over the past few months.

The latest data from Drewry shows that the aggregate on-time performance for the Asia-Europe, Transpacific and Transatlantic trades dropped to 58 per cent in December, down from 62per cent

Bello

ternational commercial law but hitherto the judges were at loss and also the lawyers that practice before them as to what to do with admiralty cases which were vast, technical and transnational.

APM Terminals Apapa opens ultra-modern staff complex Former Head of Interim Government and Board chairman of APM Terminals Apapa, Chief Ernest Shonekan, has commissioned a new ultra-modern staff building at the terminal.

While performing the commissioning ceremony, Chief Shonekan commended the management and staff of APM Terminals Apapa for maintaining high standards and efficient service delivery.

He said: “I am quite impressed with what I have seen here today.

I believe this will enhance service delivery at the terminal.

“I must commend all of you for making the dream of building a modern world class container terminal in Nigeria come true. It is not only about money.

You may have all the money but if you do not have the right people in place, it would be difficult to achieve any meaningful progress.”

The former of state said that

Slight modification in ship speeds expected in November and 64 per cent in October.

The gentle shift toward higher speeds is likely to be influenced by the oil price drop as well.

However, structural overcapacity will remain a barrier in how much can these speeds be accelerated since there is not enough cargo to satisfy the number of existing ships, especially having in mind their ever increasing size.

the operation of APM Terminals Apapa was important to the wellbeing of the Nigerian economy.

Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Andrew Dawes, who conducted Shonekan and other guests round the new building, said the facility has some noteworthy features which include energy saving dimmable lighting brought about by movement detection; lighting fixtures near windows designed as daylight controlled lighting fixtures which respond to daylight sensors (photovoltaic cells) for power saving and energy efficient air conditioning and ventilation system.

Dawes said the building is constructed over three floors with Canteen, Locker rooms, Break rooms and Clinic for APM Terminals staff.

He said the facility also contains a new Customer Service Office on the ground floor and a 200sqm office for Nigeria Customs Service.

New West African ports threaten West Med hubs The double digit growth at the West Mediterranean hubs is likely to be cut as the development of deep water hub ports in the Gulf of Guinea gains momentum, according to UK shipping consultant Drewry.

Mediterranean ports like Morocco’s Tanger Med transshipment hub or Algeciras have recorded a significant growth over the last few years.

Labour 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

NLC warns against postponement of polls

ITF dockers in solidarity with jailed Russian union leader ITF dockers’ unions have launched collective action this week in support of imprisoned Russian trade union leader, Leonid Tikhonov.

The Dockers’ Union of Russia (DUR), said Tikhonov has been falsely accused of embezzling money by the managing director at Vostochny Port when in fact he was being victimised for legitimate union activity.

The DUR has been under growing pressure since June 2012, when it organised a dockers’ rally against the loss of bonuses for working in hazardous conditions, vacations and other social guarantees.

A solidarity campaign this week sees dockers calling on Russian president, Vladimir Putin, to intervene to secure the release of Tikhonov and includes messages of support being sent to Tikhonov and the DUR. DUR president, Vasiliy Kozarenko, said: “This is an injustice against Leonid Tikhonov, against dockers in Russia and against port workers all over the world. We hope that the solidarity being shown globally is going to have an impact in this situation, showing that dockers are united and won’t stand for this kind of anti-union activity.”

Joy Ekeke

agenda 2063, the africa we want african union

African leaders adopt agenda for women empowerment Government leaders at the annual conference of the African Union, in Ethiopia on January 30 and 31 declared the empowerment of women as a major goal for its agenda heading towards 2063.

The AU has declared 2015 the year of women’s empowerment and has put gender equality at the heart of its 50-year plan, also known as agenda 2063 or ‘the Africa we want’. The agenda calls on all segments of the African society to work together to build a prosperous and united Africa.

The AU is made up of 54 Af-

rican states and the conference was addressed by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon.

The UN chief applauded the African community for submitting this proposal, saying he hoped African leaders will adopt it at the summit. He observed that Africa may be home to parliaments and cabinets with the highest percentage of women members, but added that women and girls on the continent needs better access to secondary education, decent work and economic opportunities.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to postpone the general elections slated for February 14 and 28, 2015.

In a statement, the congress argued that though the dangers in the land were unmistakably real, there were greater dangers in postponing the elections.

NLC General Secretary, Dr. Ozo-Eson in the statement said: “Recently, the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), citing security concerns, urged the government to postpone the general elections. Some organisations and individuals have since lent their voices in support of a shift in date of the polls amidst equally vociferously dissenting voices which accused the government of orchestrating the postponement campaign, with some going as far as saying that government would rely on litigation and or street protests to achieve its objective”.

“While we at the Congress appreciate the security situation in the country, especially in the North East, we stand to be counted on the side of those who argue for holding of elections on their prescribed dates. Certainly, the dangers in the land are unmistakably real. Nonetheless, we do believe, there are greater dangers in a postponement. For instance, what assurance do we have that the security situation will improve in the next couple of months?

“Secondly, a postponement has the potential of lending credence to circulating allegations of manipulation by government. But beyond all this, the 1999 Constitution is clear and unambiguous about when and how elections are to be conducted and every effort should be made to meet with the provisions of the constitution”.

The NLC therefore urged the government to as a matter of urgency, create an enabling environment for holding of elections in every part of Nigeria.

Omar, NLC president

Metalworkers’ strike banned in Turkey

Erdogan

The Turkish Government has issued a Cabinet Decree to postpone the metal industry strike launched by IndustriALL affiliate Birlesik Metal-Is in 19 companies on January 29.

The decree also covers 18 companies where the strike will start on February 19.

Turkish Law on Trade Unions and Collective Labour Agreement, coded 6356, has a provision which rules that “a lawful strike or lock-out that has been called or commenced may be suspended by the Council of Ministers for 60 days with a decree if it is prejudicial to public health or national security. The

suspension shall come into force on the date of publication of the decree“.

The Government decree, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the entire cabinet, considered the metalworkers’ strike as “prejudicial to national security”.

This is not new to the Turkish trade unions. In 2014, strikes in the glass and mining sectors were banned by the same Government with the same argument.

“The right to strike no longer exists in Turkey”, says Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL Global

Union Assistant General Secretary. “This fundamental right, guaranteed by the Constitution of the country and international norms ratified by the government, exists only on paper, not in reality,” he added.

The law also reads: “If an agreement is not reached before the expiry date of the suspension period, the High Board of Arbitration settles the dispute upon the application of either party within six working days.

Otherwise, the competence of the workers’ trade union shall be void”.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Kaymu, LCCI build e-commerce capacity for entrepreneurs Adesola Akindele As part of activities to wrap up its two year anniversary, kaymu.com.ng, one of Nigeria’s online marketplace, held a training workshop for SMEs in partnership with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI. The workshop tagged Kaymu Entrepreneurial Workshop, took place at the LCCI Training and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

According to the Managing Director of Kaymu, Evangeline Wiles, “Kaymu’s partnership with LCCI was founded out of the need to drive e-commerce consciousness amongst entrepreneurs to give them a competitive advantage in the Nigerian market.”

Speaking at the workshop, Head of Seller Acquisition and Retention, Kaymu, Kayode Adeyinka, stressed the importance of small and medium scale enterprises to leverage on e-commerce.

“The average Nigerian is online 70 per cent of the time thereby the smartest decision for every business owner is to tap into the online audience,” he said.

Adeyinka in a demonstration, guided the workshop participants through the process of setting up their online stores.

Kaymu’s Head of Seller Management, Adetayo Olabajo, further emphasised the importance of the online marketplace, challenging entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Kaymu platform to run their businesses from the comfort of their homes and see the massive turnout.

The Director, Membership and Trade Promotion, LCCI, Deli Alimi, thanked the management of Kaymu for their contributions to the SME sector and pledged to further consolidate efforts with Kaymu to promote entrepreneurial activities in Lagos State.

Global B2C e-commerce sales to hit $1.5 trillion in 2015 According to eMarketer’s latest forecasts, worldwide businessto-consumer (B2C) e-commerce sales will increase by 20.1 per cent this year to reach $1.500 trillion. Growth will come primarily from the rapidly expanding online and mobile user bases in emerging markets, increases in ecommerce sales, advancing shipping and payment options, and the push into new international markets by major brands.

Presentation of Certificates by Dele Alimi Director Membership and Trade Promotions LCC and Evangeline Wiles MD of Kaymu

Dates and locations enough to ID credit card owners - MIT Credit card users may be dismayed by findings of MIT Researchers reported last week in the journal Science: Just a few pieces of vague non-identifying information, namely the dates and locations of four purchases, were enough to identify 90 percent of people in a data set of 1.1 million credit card users over a three-month transaction period.

So-called “anonymised” customer data really isn’t anonymous at all, MIT researchers have discovered. It takes very little credit card information

to correctly trace transactions with specific customers. “As this becomes a bigger problem, smarter companies will enter the market that use consumer data privacy as a main part of their value proposition,” said David Giannetto, author of Big Social Mobile.

When the researchers went to work with three pieces of less vague information, such as three receipts, or, say, one receipt plus an Instagram photo of the customer and a tweet the customer sent, there was a 94

percent chance of being able to extract the subject’s credit card records from a million other people -- even though the data set seemingly was scrubbed clean of identifying information such as names, addresses and credit card numbers.

The study highlights what is a privacy concern for individuals, Chris Czub, security research engineer at Duo Security, told CRM Buyer.

“This data is supposed to be anonymised and stripped of identifying information.

31 E-market

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Each respondent spoke from ƌ Ɛ Ƅ ƑƐ a personal, experiential enwith the mystery of Ɛ Ɔ Ɠ ƌ î counter the woman. His report.

Creator regretted embarking on project mankind on account of the woman. Below are reactions from some of the men that have been bruised spiritually, emotionally and physically by the mystery of the woman. zRL&M 6 y& j6& M jn`& R0 dM E&

Lawrence Isimar Onipan, Lagos

(Artist)

know where your weakness is … then it will strike - and that’s the description of a woman: she always schemes to know your weakness and would capitalize Daily Times Nigeria on it.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015 When you talk of intelligence, I don’t think they’re intelligent because they do some dumb

13 World

Civilians die as fighting rages in Ukraine Nutrition Features Newsmissing Politics Mathematics is the ÏÏÏUp to 16 civilians have been

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Larry

Pakistan hangs two for sectarian murder

ÏÏÏPakistan hanged two sectarian militants on Tuesday for the murder of a Shi’ite Muslim doctor in Karachi, officials said, the latest executions since the government ended a moratorium on the death penalty.

Attaullah, alias Qasim, and Mohammad Azam were convicted of killing doctor Ali Raza in 2001 at the busy Soldier Bazaar area of Pakistan’s largest city, which is racked by rising sectarian violence.

A total of 22 people have now been executed since the government brought back hangings in terror cases amid public outrage over a Taliban massacre at a school that left 150 people dead.

“They were hanged at 06:30 this morning and their bodies have been handed to their relatives,” a prison official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Politics 18 Relieving Mathematics Civilians die as El-Rufai: I will is the missing fighting rages in not demolish menstrual L7 I will not sackdemolish link in Nigeria’s Ukraine El-Rufai: P13 houses, crampsÏ Əƕ Ɔ ƈƅ & ƈ ƆƆƏ Ɠ ƄƑƈƋƗ ƌ Ɛ Ɔƌ Ɛƈƅ Ƌ Ƅ Ə Ɛ ƏƈƆ Ƈ Ə ƅ Ƌ L7 Nutrition houses,workers sack workers P 18 education 21 killed and dozens more injured 24 hours in fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Government officials and representatives of the rebels reported deaths in locations across the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Ukraine’s army also said five soldiers had died during fierce clashes with the pro-Russian rebels near the strategic town of Debaltseve in eastern Donetsk.

Civilian casualties have risen sharply in recent weeks amid a rebel offensive.

The latest deaths were in the city of Donetsk, Debaltseve and several villages under government control in the Luhansk region.

The exact numbers could not be independently confirmed.

There has been heavy fighting around Debaltseve, site of a key railroad junction, for the past week, with rebels trying to surround government forces.

A Ukrainian soldier stands watch on a road between Debaltseve and the Ukrainian-controlled town of Artemivsk in the Donetsk region - 2 February 2015 Rebel fighters are trying to surround government forces in the strategic town of Debaltseve Ukrainian troops help a wounded soldier after clashes with proRussian rebels near Debaltseve in the Donetsk region - 2 February 2015 Ukrainian officials said five soldiers had been killed in fierce

fighting over the past 24 hours ing in basements, without food, Ra’ad Al Hussein said there had A firefighter looks at a house de- electricity or water supplies. Daily Times been aNigeria “clear breach of internaWednesday, 4, 2015 law which stroyed after shelling in Donetsk In another development, the govtionalFebruary humanitarian 3 February 2015 The rebels accuse ernment in Kiev announced new governs the conduct of armed conUkraine’s army of killing civilians rules limiting the documents that flicts”. during the shelling of residential Russians can use to enter Ukraine, “Bus stops and public transport, areas in a move correspondents say will marketplaces, schools and kinderThe BBC’s David Stern in Kiev increase tensions with Moscow. gartens, hospitals and residential 2015 says reports suggest there is As a campaigns From 1 for March, Russians will areas have become battlegrounds next month’s elections hot growing humanitarian crisis in need a passport to gain entry to in the Donetsk and Luhansk reup, the All Progressives the town, which is virtually cut off Ukraine rather than just their in- gions of Ukraine,” he said in a Congress (APC) Governorship by the battle. identity documents, a gov- statement. candidate internal Kaduna State, MalA Ukrainian journalist lam whoNasiru vis- El-Rufai ernmenthas decree said, ending a preAccording to the UN, the death assured ited told the BBC that Debaltseve vious visa-free agreement toll now exceeds 5,350 people and the people of the state that travel he is notand coming to inflict pains on had been virtually destroyed with Russia. more than 12,000 other people have them.

Rather, UN he will improve many residents were trapped - hidhuman rights chief Zeid been wounded in the fighting.

link in Nigeria’s education Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 4, 2015

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

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Bonaventure Melah

For those who may not be familiar with core mathematics, especially further maths and its engineering terminologies, the rendezvous gave a clear definition of cryogenics.

“Cryogenics is derived from the Greek words “kruos” for frost, and “genos” for origin or creation. Simplified, it is the study of the phenomena, techniques and concepts occurring at temperatures below 120k (-153 degrees C). Cryogenic engineering therefore is the scientific applications of those concepts, phenomena and techniques that occur at very low temperatures.”

He may have easily been another Prof. Chike Obi of his generation, but preferred to be unsung, working behind the scenes in the oil and gas fields, building mathematics laboratories and creating models to demystify and simplify the teaching of mathematics. But let us know something about his background.

dailytimesng

Relieving menstrual cramps

the quality of lives and give ensuring that we have teachers them sense of belonging by em- of quality. barking on positive policies and “I think what we have learnt programmes. from other states is that, the He gave the assurance against teachers audit went into stormy the background of speculations waters because the intention of that if elected, his administra- the government of those states tion will sack people in the em- was to weed out unqualified ployment of the state govern- teachers”, he explained and said ment, particularly teachers, as “that is not our plan”. well as rendering others homeWorried by the increasing rate less by demolishing their hous- of unemployment in the counes. The fears, he noted, stemmed try with attendant despairs, he from his planned staff auditing declared: “we don’t want to lose and his antecedent when he was jobs in the state as much as we minister. can” as according to him “we Suspected anti-government El-Rufai was at a programme already have a good unemployprotesters threw a petrol bomb at designed by the Organised Pri- ment problem in the state. a bus full of sleeping passengers vate Sector (OPS), Kaduna State “We are going to audit all the in Bangladesh on Tuesday, leaving chapter, for gubernatorial candi- teachers in this state and our seven people dead and several othdates in the state to unfold their plan is to sponsor them for a ers fighting for life as deadly politidevelopmental agenda with a training programme to achieve cal unrest deepens. view to assessing their suitabil- better qualifications”. ity/capability in running the afPolice said the bus was attacked To this end, he stressed: “we fairs of the state. near the eastern town of Chudare lucky that in Kaduna State, Fielding questions from his we have National Teachers dogram. The deaths brought the audience, El-Rufai who de- Training Institute and the Instinumber of people killed in proUkrainian medics helping a victim into an ambulance as fighting rages. scribed the feelings about him as tute of Education in ABU Zaria. tests unleashed by opposition political said he is committed to So, at a very low cost we can leader Khaleda Zia last month to quality of education in the state 53, with hundreds more injured hence the need to audit teachers El-Rufai -- most in firebombings of buses, to know their level of deficiency lorries and cars. and organise necessary training train and upgrade the teachers” pose of the audit. You cannot enfor them just as he blamed the “Seven passengers werecapacity burnt unless you but for the meantime, “we are gohance one’s media for amplifying the issue ing to be hiring many the gap in his knowledge touniversity death in theknow bus after the petrol of demolition to sell their pagraduates withoutbomb certificate andat skill.

So district our audit is not to was thrown 04:00,” should focus on the legitimate Signs that the government feels The attacks against the US vice pers. of education as teachers.

They sack but to determine the type of Chakrabarty grievances of its people, “We which under siege have become more president began on Friday, four police chief Tuttul are committed to improvwill also need to go through that training needs of our teachers,” include repeated violations thequality pronounced with in the plunge in the days after Biden wooed Caribbean told AFP by phone. ingofthe of education training programme. he added.

“Five of the passengers are fightfreedom of speech and assembly price mainstay of the leaders who rely on “Our Venezuela for is to enhance Kaduna ,State.

Butofinoil, thisthe case, intention While assuring that there is ing for their life as 40-80% of their as well as due process under Venezuelan economy.

I don’tthe see how we can improve subsidised oil supplies at a confer- and the qualification capacity no cause for alarm, El-Rufai said bodies have beenof Teachers the quality of education without law,” she said.

Maduro spent 19 days out of ence on energy security . teachers. That of our is thewere pur- burnt. “the They Nigeria Union

Seven burnt to death as Bangladeshi bus bombed ÏÏÏ

The fears, he noted,

Venezuelan leader lashes out at Joe Biden stemmed from ÏÏÏAs

Venezuela’s economic his planned staff crisis deepens, President Nicolas auditing and his Maduro has stepped up accusaantecedent when he tions of plots against his leftist government, lashing out most was minister recently at US Vice President Joe Biden.

Psaki also announced that the the country in January, seeking His personae Just ten days ago, Maduro had United States has imposed visa to shore up oil prices and attract Born on March 18, 1953 at Ab- RƄƈ ƈƊƆ fondly referred to Biden as “com- restrictions on more current and investments in visits to the Middle igi, Ogun Waterside Local Govrade”, but on Sunday the Venezu- former Venezuelan officials who it East, Russia and China, with little the University of Lagos to study of deems one of the world’s industrial elan leader was livid. to have engaged in human to show for his efforts. ernment Area of Ogun State, What stays inclined you to study cryogenics?

Chemical Engineering in 1976. giants, the“acts BOC inHis brief At a rally with several thousandgases rights abuses and of Group public in Venezuela, Obinaike, received his school From childhood, supporters, Maduro angrily corruption”.

The officials were not meanwhile, have been punctuated I’ve always He graduated in Chemical Engi- ac-1981, as Operations Engineer. education at the Methodist High cused Biden of going behind his identified. by angry denunciations of plansthe unusual, had a pull CONTINUED towards neering second class upper Two years later, he proceeded FROM PAGE 17 body. Calcium-rich foods may Caffeine another no-no.

Drinking Celery Ifo, Ogun State from We all know fluids are essentialwith back inistalks with regional leaders School, 1969 Maduro on Monday responded for “a coup d’etat,” “psychological and cryogenics sounded strange also help minimise menstrual cramp lots ofannounce coffee or pop your of myfor Masters Degree course in Smart says eating celery can also when your body isdivision cramping or in 1980. “to theduring overthrow calling the new sanctions as “vul- warfare,” “ambush,” “plotting” to 1972.

He attended the Federal symptoms. help fight fluid retention during your bloating. Smart recommends period can increase higher levels of to give to the electorate and very unusual in Adamawa this clime in government”.

Still thirsty foranxiety. deeper insight cryogenics and applications and at “economic gar” and “offensive”. war.” tension and time of the month.

Yes there are drinking two to three litres of water School of Science, Victoria Isdividends of democracy; we want State education, Department spokesperthe eighties.

Maduro’s popularity has plum- Uni-“Maximum alert!” Secondly Maduro , I was alBeans for Protein and Fibre some food stores you can get celery during your period. into technical Obi- the Institute of Cryogenics, the common man to know that the (now defunct) for A-levels son Jen Psaki said the allegations meted to 20% over the past year, as warned his followers on Sunday.

Legumes, such as beans land and in Nigeria.

Avoid: Too Much Sugar inof the gas induspurpose government is to serve naike tookwere up “baseless employment with of Southampton, United ready working and anversity lentils, provide rich amounts of fibre Excessive sugary and foods,false”, even Tea the oil-rich country’s many woes “A plan for a bloody coup from 1974 to 1976 andGreen subsethed’etat people.has Another reason for the try , and cryogenic temperatures and protein, minus the saturated fat Fish when you’re not menstruating, can Tea is an easy wayBOC to replaceGases your attempt Nig. Plc, a subsidiary and graduated in 1984. to distract from what’sKingdom - dire shortages, a shrinking econbeen put into motion and we must platform is that our own son of the quently admission to especially, green tea. also prevalent in animal-derived protein triggerplace cramps.inside the country.

A plate ofgained salmon or tuna fish is caffeine craving, taking omy, and high crime - have grown unite popular forces and mili-Vice President Atiku soil,the Former sources. A high-fibre diet that high in Omega-3 and helps fight Though some green tea contains “The Venezuelan government worse.

Nicolas Maduro can use it to reach out tary to defeat any coupAbubakar scenario.” limits animal fats can significantly inflammation. caffeine, try decaffeinated green tea Avoid: Alcohol

What Obasanjo will do on February 15, 2015 Judith Frank-Edet

Menstrual periods can be uncomfortable, and sometimes, drain your body of energy. If you’re looking for ways to avoid the pains, eating healthy and drinking fluids is one way to help ease painful periods.

Here are some smart foods that can help ease cramps and foods to avoid: Soy Milk for Isoflavones and Calcium Soy milk helps reduce menstrual pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It contains natural plant chemicals called Isoflavones, which act like estrogen in the

improve your estrogen levels, leading to reduced menstrual pain. One Dark Chocolate cup of cooked lentils provides over If you’re craving chocolate, make 10 grams of fiber and 19 grams sure it’s over 70 per cent cocoa. This of protein. One-half cup of cooked bittersweet treat will help you relax kidney beans supplies about 8 grams your muscles. of fiber and 3.5 grams of protein.

Water

Ribadu is good, but he will lose to PDM

Anything that can damage your liver should be off the list.

Avoid: Dairy Avoid getting calcium from dairy Avoid: Red Meat Red meat is also known to cause products, Smart says milk and cheese can, actually, trigger cramps. stomach upsets and cramps, avoid them.

Avoid: Caffeine instead

Ribadu

ÎÎÎSaturday

February 14, 2015 is Valentine’s Day. That day, millions of Nigerians would be out on the streets to choose the nation’s leader. But former President Olusegun Obasanjo will not vote that day. This is because he has no candidate. It is quite true that Obasanjo is finished with President Goodluck Jonathan, yet he cannot endure a Buhari presidency. So he would stay at home while Nigerians vote. If Obasanjo decides to go out at all, he would deliberately void his paper by thumb-printing at the wrong place.

Then on Sunday February 15, while the result of the election is being awaited, Obasanjo would make a public statement saying the election failed to meet minimum international standards and should therefore be cancelled. In its place, Obasanjo would suggest the setting up of a Government of National Unity. This is the project Obasanjo is currently working on. Why? Following the collapse of his third term agenda in 2006, a top security leader who had been in the system for a long time and who was working with Obasanjo at that time gave us this massive story lead that Obasanjo was planning to install Katsina State Governor Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as the president to succeed him. The source who is still a top security leader in the current government, told us that Obasanjo had on his table, a Security Report on Yar’Adua which revealed

clearly that the then Katsina State Governor was having terminal illness.

We had entitled the report with a screaming headline OBASANJO’S SECRET AGENDA: TO INSTALL A SICK PRESIDENT ON NIGERIA. The story was done with a byline we called Mojid Mustafa. While working with Sentinel, I equally did covert reporting with Elendureports. com for which I did a follow up on the Yar’Adua story.

Days later we published on Elendureport.com our findings which went thus: YAR’ADUA, OBASANJO’S CHOICE OF PRESIDENT HAS KIDNEY INFECTION. In both the reports we ran in New Sentinel and on Elendureports.com, the story line was that Obasanjo wanted to install a weak president that he could manipulate and control since his plot to perpetuate himself in power had failed. Obasanjo fell out with Yar’Adua barely six months after the man came to power (Read Segun Adeniyi’s Book on Yar’Adua era). Yar’Adua’s first prominent critic was Obasanjo and the antagonism between the two continued until Yar’Adua died in 2010. In Obasanjo’s book, he bitterly attacked and vilified Yar’Adua, calling the late president an ingrate among other uncomplimentary names.

After Yar’Adua’s death, Obasanjo moved in quickly to see that Jonathan was made president. With that done, Obasanjo was happy that another of his ‘puppets’ was in control. So

Jonathan was always consulting Obasanjo in almost everything he did. Obasanjo was shell-shocked when Jonathan started doing things without first consulting him. Immediately, he began throwing verbal stones on the President including writing toxic letters. It was for the same reason that Obasanjo initially refused to back Jonathan when he wanted to contest the 2011 election until Jonathan went, begged and assured his Baba that he would be a good boy henceforth before Obasanjo supported his 2011 bid and worked for Jonathan.

According to High Chief Edwin Clark, almost all the members of the various Federal Boards from 2011 were nominated by Obasanjo in addition to Ministers and Ambassadors. But Obasanjo is now Jonathan’s most avowed critic, and why not? Jonathan has successfully warded him out from both the Presidential Villa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which nobody thought Jonathan could ever do.

From the day his military regime ended, Obasanjo has been the worst nightmare of all governments that have ruled Nigeria to date. With a warped ego that makes him feel superior to the rest of Nigerians, Obasanjo is always restless and cannot endure seeing any other person being above him. Even though he voluntarily handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Obasanjo did not allow Shagari’s government to have peace for one

shifted to a hospital in the capital,” he said.

At least 10 people were also injured after they jumped from the

is aware of this and is already cooperating with us. So, I don’t see any problem”.

Speaking further, he said although he has not made any statement on his Housing policy, he noted that people are worried about demolitions in Kaduna because “they think that all I did in Abuja was to demolish buildings but those that lived in Abuja know that we did more than that.

Our tenure was not about demolition. It was what the media led headlines did to sell newspapers.

It is not about demolition.

“We are in Kaduna to develop the state”, lamenting that “the state has suffered some underdevelopments”. Although he said “demolition is not necessarily development”, he however argued that “if a person who is a big man decide to build his house in the centre of Ahmadu Bello Way, it has to be demolished. I want you to understand and this is the rationale behind what we did in Abuja.

“Whatever the building we took down, we took it down because it was to effect the overall interest of the people of Abuja and that is to be the principle.

Any building that is a threat to the overall interest of the people of Kaduna will go. But it will go after following due processes. If you have your certificate of occupancy and approved building plan, we will pay you compensation.

day. Then Buhari came and Obasanjo fought his regime from all fronts. The worst of Obasanjo was seen during the regime of Ibrahim Babangida with Obasanjo going about with camera as if he was a combination of journalist and civil rights activist. Of all Nigerians, Obasanjo did not support MKO Abiola’s ambition to become president. When the June 12 election was annulled, Obasanjo was in bed with those who opposed Abiola’s bid to form a government. With the fall of Babangida’s regime, plans to make Ernest Shonekan president did not receive Obasanjo’s blessings. He even described Shonekan’s Interim National Government as Illegal. He was found guilty of treasonable felony during Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime and was to face execution because of his blind opposition to

to the people. Turaki actually had this foresight as a founding father of PDP that anti democracy elements may later hijack PDP. And it has already happened when we were disfranchised in the PDP primaries.

This is why we jumped to the PDM as alternative platform after my principal and I had promoted

Abacha. But Abdulsalami Abubakar saved Obasanjo, released him from prison and helped to make him President in 1999.

What is Obasanjo’s coming plan? The former president wants to cause anarchy in the land. The underbelly motive for this plot is for Nigeria to be in serious crisis to the point of not having a legitimate government. When the inferno starts raging, Obasanjo expects leaders of thought and members of the international community to call for ways to get the nation out of the crisis. Then he, Obasanjo would be called upon to be the pathfinder to the Peace Process since he is now a ‘neutral person.’

It is for the reason of that neutrality that Obasanjo has distanced himself from the PDP and has refused to join the All Progressives Congress. He likes it now

could only bebus’s achieved whento escape windows, trying certain gases the are liquefied. blaze, he added. It Police inspector Mahfuzur Rahis indeed unusual and exciting man told AFP that authorities when you ofresourctemperatures PDP, wasted ourtalk timehave and raided villages near where es in theneighborhood party onlythe for attack themof totook in the absolute place, but no arTuraki actually bring somebody from nowhere and have been made. zero (e.g. liquidrests Helium temperaimposed him on us as if we are rohad this foresight Zia urged supporters last month

bots. This is not fair to the people. enforce We are not saying to that Malama nationwide blockade CONTINUED ON PAGE 22waterways of is roads, railways and Nuhu Ribadu is bad, He our son try to force Prime Minister and a polished person,to internationally recognised, we respect him, he Sheikh Hasina to call a fresh genhas the capability to eral contribute to election. the development of the state. But the process that brought him in was wrong. We know those that brought him in when the time come, if he becomes governor, they will put him under their armpit and do what they want to do with the state resources. I think this is not good for this state.

What dream does Moddibo

as a founding father of PDP that anti-democracy elements may later hijack PDP. And it has already happened when we were disfranchised in the PDP primaries

have for Adamawa State?

If Dr. Moddibo wins, he will run an open government and make sure that every penny of the state is accounted for. Moddibo really wants to take the state out of the woods, he is passionate about the people of the state and wants to give back to the society that made him what he is. He is better educated than other candidates, he interacts with the two major religious bodies more than the other aspirants because he went to a missionary school in Wusasa in Zaria.

He was brought up in a Christian school therefore, he knows how to balance the equation between the

that both PDP and APC leaders are visiting him at Ota and ‘begging’ him for support. So when the crisis comes, Obasanjo would be the ‘rallying point.’ It is for the same reason that Baba is writing books, disobeying court orders and saying whatever he likes.

He wants to remain at the front burner of public discourse, trying to project himself as a human and civil rights activist to the fancy of the Western world.

He is taking these risks as investment for the coming days.

08036062975 Email: melahbonaventure@yahoo. com Editor’s Note: This material was first published on Wednesday December 17 2014. It is being republished here, a few days to the presidential election

WEATHER FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY 4-2-2015

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Life&

TIMES Wednesday February 4, 2015

Muna Obiekwe’s

candelight procession turns political L4 P

Take a trip to Malawi L5 P

Relieving menstrual cramps L7

P

Dakore

and motherhood L P

Why Wizkid, others won’t vote!

L3

P

3

Buzz Byte L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 4, 2015

Etal Hotels boss, Funke Olowe adds ‘Rowaye’ to name Isaac Oguntoye

As you read this, Etal Hotel boss, Funke Olowe who secretly got married to Jubril Rowaye, popularly known in the oil and gas and society circles, as Akaba, has started validating the name of her husband on her image.

The society woman recently, has started telling friends, business associate and family members to start addressing her as Mrs. Funke Olowe-Rowaye. While Olowe is the boss of Etal Halls and Hotel located along Oregun Road, Ikeja, Lagos State, Rowaye is the boss of Brilla

Jimmy Jatt

Energy, one of the companies currently being investigated by the Economic and Financial crimes commission (EFCC) over subsidy scam.

It will interest you to know that, Olowe has a daughter, Sikeola, winner of 2012 edition of Sisi Oge. We learnt that Akaba who allegedly has two wives, met Olowe through a friend, Titi Aboyadecole.

After Titi introduced Olowe to Akaba on a business relationship, they both struck up with the cupid’s arrows of love and the rest is now history.

New music alert!

Iyanya ft.

Don Jazzy in ‘Gift’

Taiwo Afolabi

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Tripple MG boss, Iyanya is out with a new song titled, ‘Gift’.

Here, Kukere master teams up with Mavin boss, Don Jazzy as they deliver their lines an upbeat.

Produced by Black Jezie , the new jam which carries Iyanya’s usual fast tempo kinda of beat, sees Jazzy opening the floor with his unique voice.

Followed was Iyanya on the solo and it goes on and on.

sails on newly acquired yatch Isaac Oguntoye Ambassador Taiwo Afolabi, the man-in-charge of the Sifax Group is presently enjoying his money to the fullest. Unlike the popular saying that, wealth without pleasure is nothing but mere bondage, Dr. Taiwo would not be caught in the web of

billionaires who hardly have time for enjoyment.

Recently, the shipping lord had some few guests at his Osborne Ikoyi home, and despite having enough food and drinks at home we gathered that, he instead preferred to take his friends out for dinner at the Oba Otudeko owned Radisson Blu Hotel in

Victoria Island.

Afolabi then took his friends for a ride in his newly acquired yatch. And as they sailed around beautiful Island of Lagos, people who saw them alight from the boat that Sunday evening, admitted that the boat ride was a better way to flaunt his wealth .

Damy Krane’s new hairstyle Yay or nay?

AKA headlines Industry Nite today Opeoluwani Akintayo South African Hip Hop star, AKA will be holding it down as he headlines the weekly Industry Nite today, Wednesday, Feb.4, 2015.

AKA who was supposed to arrive the country last week but got his trip postponed due to an hitch in obtaining his visa, eventually arrived Lagos, Monday, Feb.2.

This week’s edition of Industry Nite will hold at Spice Route, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event will be hosted by MTV Base VJ, Ehis with Beat FM’s DJ Spinall on the wheels.

Funlola

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday February 4, 2015

L3 Cinema & Movie

Stories by: Mutiat Alli

The Johnsons plan sitcom Actress cum AGN vice president, Toyin Aimakhu Johnson and husband Adeniyi Johnson, have announced the commencement of the much publicized movie “Alakada”, coming soon on TV series.

The excited couple disclosed that the TV series of the movie, is coming as a result of popular demanded by fans.

According to them, the movie is also expected to carry additional scenes while the real content of the movie remains the same.

Alakada movie tells a story of a young village girl, Yetunde who chose to live a fake life in school in other to catch up with the trendy requirments in the society. Despite all her effort to meet up her colleagues lifestyles in school; everything boomerangs on her.

Dakore and daughter

Dakore celebrates daughter @1

Delectable Nollywood actress, Dakore Akande is obviously enjoying motherhood.

As you read this, her daughter turned a year old Sunday, Feb 1, 2015.

The excited diva posted on her social media platform “It’s our little angel, Dasola Zahara’s 1st birthday today!! I am not crazy about posting my kids pictures but really I can’t help…. she is just too special to me” she wrote.

Dakore has however been on and off movie scenes since she got married.

Toyin and Niyi

Showing from Jan. 30th- 5th Feb, 2015 in all cinemas across the state Barbie In Princess Power

Fury

Barbie stars as Kara, a modern-day princess with an everyday life. One day, after being kissed by a magical butterfly, Kara soon discovers she has amazing super powers allowing her to transform into Super Sparkle, her secret, crime-fighting alter ego who flies around the kingdom ready to save the day!

But it’s not long before her jealous cousin catches the butterfly and also transforms this time into Dark Sparkle, her nemesis.

April 1945, the Allies are making their final push in the European theatre. A battle-hardened Army sergeant named Don “Wardaddy” Collier (Brad Pitt), leading a Sherman tank and a five-man crew, undertakes a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Hopelessly outnumbered, outgunned and saddled with an inexperienced soldier (Logan Lerman) in their midst, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds as they move to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.

Director: David Ayer Running Time: 135 minutes Screenplay: David Ayer

Director: Zeke Norton Running Time: 74minutes Screenplay: Marsha Griffin

On set ‘Mother’s love’

America Sniper Growing up in Texas, Chris Kyle’s father teaches him how to hunt deer and shoot a rifle. Years later, Kyle is a rodeo cowboy when he sees news coverage of the 1998 U.S embassy bombings and decides to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he is eventually accepted for SEAL training, becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper.

Kyle meets Taya Renae at a bar, they marry, and he is sent to Iraq after the September 11 attacks of 2001. His first kills are of a woman and boy who attack U.S. Marines with a grenade. America sniper gulped a total of $58.8 million at time of production

Director: Clint Eastwood Running Time: 113 minutes Screenplay: Clint Eastwood and Robert Lorenz Cast: Jaiye Kuti, Tope Osoba, Yomi Gold, Tayo Adeniyi, Sheyi Ashekun Shot in: Lagos, Dubai, UAE

Produced by: Ales Ola Sanni Directed by: Dele Ogundipe

Issue L4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 4, 2015

Why politicise Muna Obiekwe’s burial?

Opeoluwani Akintayo & Mutiat Alli The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), last Sunday, held a candlelight procession for one of their own, the late Muna Obiekwe, at Ojez, Onikan Stadium, after embarking on a long walk from Masha Surulere.

The gathering was a disappointment, the expectation was that all artistes would be available to pay their last respects to a dead colleague, but, no, not even one member of the Yoruba movie genre was there except Lola Abuta. Again, the AGN Vice President, Toyin Aimakhu-Johnson was also conspicuously absent.

And as for Muna’s colleagues in the English speaking movie section, only a handful of the popular faces, including Ini Edo, Desmond Elliot, Omoni Oboli and husband, Victor Osuagwu, Ngozi Nwosu, the Aneke twins, Susan Peters, Mike Ezerunoye, Mama Ajasco, Ejiro Okurame and Sony McDon were present. Where were the others?

The fact that the event was poorly attended by his colleagues was just one painful part of the event. Another, the most sickening part, was when the gathering, meant to give the last respects to Muna, suddenly turned into a forum for political candidates such as Jimmy Agbaje and Desmond Elliot to canvass for votes.

While the pastor was still preaching, Agbaje walked in, and, immediately, the pastor stopped while political chants in honour of the PDP governorship candidate filled the air. While some shouted

“JK is Ok”, others responded with “Alausa straight”. The pastor, practically, had to wait for the noise to subside and for Agbaje to take his seat before he proceeded with the service.

Desmond Elliot, who is also gunning for a seat in the House of Assembly on the platform of APC, wasn’t ready to be sidelined too.

As he walked in, his supporters chanted the APC slogan.

While addressing the crowd, Agbaje claimed to have to been a part of Nollywood from inception.

How? But, he quickly chipped in that the night wasn’t all about him but about Muna. Really? One thing he said that made sense was that fallen Nollywood stars should be immortalised. We agree with that.

For all we know about the late Muna and his private lifestyle, he wouldn’t have liked that his burial be turned into a political campaign ground.

Taking turns to speak, Ini Edo pointed out that members of the industry were divided, which made it impossible to always ask after the well-being of one another. She, therefore, advised her colleagues to show more care for each other.

Ngozi Nwosu buttressed Ini’s point, adding that the existence of cliques in the industry was the reason why veteran actors were always forgotten. According to her, Muna was a good colleague and would be sorely missed.

Then, Ibinabo Fiberesima, suddenly dropped the spoiler, by diverting into political talks. She advised members of AGN to vote for whoever their conscience picked and not follow political parties. She

quickly chipped in that as for her, she would vote Goodluck Jonathan till 2019. She then asked members to support Desmond to win so that he can represent Nollywood in the House.

Ejiro Okurame pointed accusing fingers at some AGN members, saying that the late Muna had sent out messages asking for help but was turned down. Although, she agreed that Muna was very secretive, she stressed that members should have helped out when he needed them.

Speaking about the late actor, Desmond Elliot said the late Muna was a fantastic actor.

Ibinabo encouraged members to register for the AGN health scheme, shockingly stating that most of their colleagues claim they can’t afford N4, 900 to revalidate their membership.

Of note is that most Nollywood members expressed shock upon hearing that the late actor was married and had children. Many also claimed they never knew Muna was based in Lagos as they thought he lived in the eastern part of the country.

Life & Times investigations revealed that the bereaved family members didn’t visit him until his death was announced.

Shockingly, none of them was present at the AGN candlelight procession, except his wife, who remained sober and silent.

At the close of the procession, Muna’s wife asked members of the AGN to pray for her as her late husband’s remains were taken to Anambra on Monday, Feb.2 for final burial.

AGN members in procession

The widow being consoled at the candle night

Ejiro and Ibinabo

Cross-section of AGN members

Desmond in prayer mood

Agbaje and Deputy, Safurat Photocredit: Austine Agbovi

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 4, 2015

L5 Travels & Recreation

Malawi Mulani

Malawi Likoma

Liwonde

Malawi, warm heart of

Africa

Iyanu Oni-Orisan

Malawi shares borders to the north and northeast with Tanzania; to the south, east, and southwest with Mozambique; and to the west with Zambia.

Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, is the dominant feature of the country, forming the eastern boundary with Tanzania and Mozambique.

Malawi might not be one of the most beautiful countries in Africa but it definitely is a place to visit.

The variety of landscape and the wildlife it supports make this relatively serene country particularly attractive to visitors.

For couples who want to travel on honeymoon and might not like to spend a fortune, Malawi could just be the perfect spot for you. There are so many attractions in Malawi, ranging from their wildlife, national parks, their beaches and so many more.

I have been able to select a few of them and written a few fact about them and what they offer.

Lilongwe is Malawi’s capital, a pleasant enough city

where you’ll find embassies and government departments.

It’s a planned capital, and the population is smaller than Blantyre, at around 1 million.

The “new town” is spread out with modern office buildings and residential areas. The “old town” is much livelier with a really great market where you can buy everything from bikes to fans.

The Lilongwe Wildlife centre and the tobacco auctions are two of several worthwhile attractions in the capital. Some of the embassies and cultural centres host local art shows which are worth attending.

Lake Malawi is a beautiful fresh water lake that takes up about a third of the landlocked country of Malawi in Central/ Southern Africa. The lake is 360 miles long and 52 miles wide, (hence, sometimes, known as the “calendar lake”).Mozambique and Tanzania border the lake as well, and in those countries it’s known as Lake Nyassa. The waters of the lake are beautifully clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling among the thousands

of species of colorful Cichlids.

Golden beaches, sleepy fishing villages and plenty of budget accommodation makes Lake Malawi a favorite destination for backpackers and Overlanders.

The waters are mostly calm, clear as crystal and there are no big, ugly tourist resorts anywhere along its coastline. While you can sail, fish, ride horses and waterski around the lake, everything is low-key, quite affordable and relaxed.

The sunsets are spectacular, the beer is good and the locals are incredibly friendly. The shores of the lake are generally sandy and the resort areas are largely bilharzia-free. There are no tides or currents. Lake Malawi contains more species of fish than any other lake in the world: over 500 at the latest count.

Some of the rarest tropical fish in the world are unique to the lake, which is also the home of fish eagles, black eagles, and several varieties of kingfisher, tern, and many other birds.

Mulanje Mountain is a huge granite massif in southern

Malawi. Its highest peak Sapitwa reaches just over 3000m.

There are plenty of hiking routes to choose from to enjoy this mountain, with simple huts at the end of each one. This is a wonderful hike for families, with lots of streams and peaks to explore. You should spend at least two nights on the mountain. The Mountain Club of Malawi has good route information as well as information on fees and how to pay your porters. If you join the Mountain Club, you can use their cooking facilities stored in the huts. Enjoy the delicious smell of Mulanje cedar in the fireplace!

Most hikers will start out from Likhubula, so a night at Likhubula Forest Lodge is convenient to get an early start. The best time to climb Mulanje is between May and October.

The Mulanje Massif is one of Malawi’s most beautiful mountain areas. There are many fascinating spiritual beliefs associated with the mountain which are still part of the local culture and should be respected.

Lilongwe

Malawi Nyika

Malawi Lake

Likoma Island is, actually, in Mozambique waters, but is still a Malawian territory. It’s home to a huge cathedral built in the early 1900’s. Likoma Island has several lovely beaches with two excellent eco-friendly resorts including Kaya Mawa, and some budget accommodation (check out Mango Drift) as well.

Likoma is a very peaceful spot and there are just a few cars on the island. You can take some nice walks inland to visit local villages, the local market, or kayak around the island. There’s a diving school here as well that offers certification at very good rates. Dance troupes from other islands gather regularly for a “dance-off”, which is seriously entertaining. Getting to Likoma is half the fun, especially by boat; the MV Ilala stops here once a week. There are scheduled flights from Lilongwe as well as charters available.

Liwonde National Park is situated in the Shire Valley, south of Lake Malawi and north of Zomba, Liwonde is the most popular of the national parks.

The River Shire flows along the eastern border of the park allowing for boat safaris. The river is mostly populated by vast numbers of hippo, elephants and crocodiles can also be seen. There is a wide range of game in the park, including rhino and various antelopes. Through introductions, Liwonde will soon have the big five for visitors to see.

Nyika National Park is situated in the far north of the country, the park’s unique rolling grassland covers most of the Nyika Plateau, which lies at an altitude of 2000–3000 m (6562–9843 ft). The whaleback hills are broken by deep valleys and occasional patches of evergreen, natural forest, and bubbling streams. Nyika is known to sustain many rare birds and butterflies, game and a multitude of flowers, including an incredible range of orchids.

At Chelinda, there is a variety of accommodation including new luxury log cabins. The lodges and camps are set high up on the edge of a pine forest, overlooking trout-filled lakes.

a s y y

Photospeak L6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 4, 2015

Faces @ Lagos Country Club’s New Year gig Opeoluwani Akintayo

Trustee, Lagos Country Club Ikeja, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN); Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle 1; President, Lagos Country Club Ikeja, Mr. Kayode Moradeyo during the presentation of honorary membership and plaque to Olugbenle at the New Year party of Lagos Country Club

Mr and Mrs Soetan

o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng It was a day of fun, banqueting and dance as members, friends and well-wishers of the Lagos Country Club gathered to celebrate the beginning of 2015.

The gig, held Friday, January 30 at the lawn tennis court of the club, Ikeja, Lagos, witnessed the influx of the creame de la creame of the society.

Highlights of the soiree, which was anchored by popular Madam Kofo included an all-night performance by legendary music artiste, King Sunny Ade and his band and award and gift presentations to outstanding club members.

Madam Kofo and guest

KSA and his band performing at the event

Photo credit Olawale Rotimi

@ Hennessy red carpet Wizkid, Basketmouth, others won’t vote Feb.14 Opeoluwani Akintayo

Guess same situation applies to most celebrities come February 14.

In case the like of Wizkid, Basketmouth and other entertainers live

in your hood and you’re expecting to see them on the queue come February 14, when the presidential election will hold, then, you ‘all better think twice because they won’t even be there!

That’s because Wizkid and other celebs will be performing at Basketmouth’s Uncensored holding same day.

You may be asking why Basketmouth fixed his show for the same day

when he knew the election was holding that day, well, sorry to disappoint you, the show had already been fixed for that day, being Valentine’s Day, before the election date was announced.

Plantashun Boiz on

Hennessy Artistry 2014 grand finale wound up last year’s activities in a blaze of glory at the Landmark Event Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos.

Plantashun Boiz and Daddy Showkey performing at the show.

Daddy Showkey

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 4, 2015

L7 Nutrition

Relieving menstrual cramps Judith Frank-Edet

Menstrual periods can be uncomfortable, and sometimes, drain your body of energy. If you’re looking for ways to avoid the pains, eating healthy and drinking fluids is one way to help ease painful periods.

Here are some smart foods that can help ease cramps and foods to avoid: Soy Milk for Isoflavones and Calcium Soy milk helps reduce menstrual pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It contains natural plant chemicals called Isoflavones, which act like estrogen in the

body. Calcium-rich foods may Celery also help minimise menstrual cramp Smart says eating celery can also symptoms. help fight fluid retention during your time of the month. Yes there are Beans for Protein and Fibre some food stores you can get celery Legumes, such as beans and in Nigeria. lentils, provide rich amounts of fibre and protein, minus the saturated fat Fish prevalent in animal-derived protein A plate of salmon or tuna fish is sources. A high-fibre diet that high in Omega-3 and helps fight limits animal fats can significantly inflammation. improve your estrogen levels, leading to reduced menstrual pain. One Dark Chocolate cup of cooked lentils provides over If you’re craving chocolate, make 10 grams of fiber and 19 grams sure it’s over 70 per cent cocoa. This of protein. One-half cup of cooked bittersweet treat will help you relax kidney beans supplies about 8 grams your muscles. of fiber and 3.5 grams of protein.

Water

We all know fluids are essential Caffeine is another no-no. Drinking when your body is cramping or lots of coffee or pop during your bloating. Smart recommends period can increase higher levels of drinking two to three litres of water tension and anxiety. during your period.

Avoid: Too Much Sugar Green Tea Excessive sugary foods, even Tea is an easy way to replace your when you’re not menstruating, can caffeine craving, especially, green tea. also trigger cramps.

Though some green tea contains caffeine, try decaffeinated green tea Avoid: Alcohol instead Anything that can damage your liver should be off the list.

Avoid: Dairy Avoid getting calcium from dairy Avoid: Red Meat products, Smart says milk and Red meat is also known to cause cheese can, actually, trigger cramps. stomach upsets and cramps, avoid them.

Avoid: Caffeine

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday February 4, 2015

L8 Television

Showing on 113 M EDGE

Showing on 127 SONY

02:50

01:00

Wed, 4 Feb| 16

Wed, 4 Feb| 16V

‘S3/E7’. We reveal true stories of matrimonial murders and some of the most heartbreaking crimes of love gone horribly wrong. Interviews and dramatic re-creations take us through the sinister events that led to murder.

‘S2/E14- Heartless’. Fans of shows like Supernatural and Grimm will enjoy this show about the legend of the Headless Horseman. The team face off against Nick Hawley’s evil childhood caretaker. (2014)

101 M-Net West

00:00 The Last Ship 00:30 Marvel's Agent Carter 01:30 Hollywood's 10 Best 02:00 Gotham 03:00 The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty 04:50 Bears 06:05 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 Masterchef Junior USA 08:00 Mom 08:30 Perception 09:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 Captain America: The Winter Soldier 12:40 About A Boy 13:05 Masterchef Junior USA 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 Caught On Camera 16:00 The Lottery 17:00 Olive Kitteridge 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 The Middle 19:30 Masterchef Junior USA 20:30 Modern Family

00:00 The Queen Of The South 00:30 Aurora 01:20 Fearless Heart 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 My Heart Beats For Lola 03:50 Broken Angel 05:20 Where Is Elisa?

06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 My Heart Beats For Lola 08:40 Broken Angel 09:30 Where Is Elisa?

10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 My Heart Beats For Lola 12:50 Broken Angel 13:40 Where Is Elisa?

14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 My Heart Beats For Lola 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Where Is Elisa?

18:40 Aurora 19:30 Fearless Heart

128 SONY MAX

128 SONY MAX Pix- max 00:00 Cheaters 00:15 Unbeatable Banzuke 00:40 Unbeatable Banzuke 01:05 Rude Tube 01:30 Poorman's Bikini Beach 01:55 Chameleon 3: Dark Angel

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

03:20 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

04:05 Unbeatable Banzuke 04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke 05:00 Takeshi's Castle 05:25 Takeshi's Castle 05:50 Cheaters 06:45 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

07:40 World's Wildest Police Videos 08:35 I Bet You Will 09:00 Most Shocking 10:00 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

11:00 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

11:55 Cheaters 12:50 World's Most Amazing Videos 13:45 World's Wildest Police Videos

124 E! Entertainment Television

00:00 Fashion Bloggers 00:30 Fashion Bloggers 00:00 Total Wipeout UK

08:45 The Cube

01:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:30 Top Gear

09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

02:00 The Drama Queen

01:15 Inspector George Gently

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

03:00 Botched

02:40 Come Dine With Me

11:00 My Family

04:00 Botched

03:30 The Weakest Link

11:35 Hell's Kitchen USA

05:00 The E! True Hollywood Story

04:15 Top Gear

12:20 Top Gear

06:00 Macklemore's Big Surprise

05:00 Outnumbered

13:20 Come Dine With Me

07:15 Celebrity Style Story

05:30 QI

14:15 Hell's Kitchen USA

08:00 Giuliana & Bill

06:05 Spy

15:05 The Weakest Link

09:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

06:30 EastEnders

16:00 EastEnders

10:00 Party On

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

10:30 Party On 11:00 E! News

07:55 The Weakest Link

252 Silverbird 00:00 Brights

15:00 Daddy's Girls

01:00 Music Africa

15:30 Brights

02:00 Boom Town

16:05 Nickelodeon

02:30 STV Sports Café

17:00 Lies That Bind

03:00 Local Movie

17:30 In My Closet

05:00 Gospel Rhythms

18:02 MTV Base

06:30 Insights For Living

19:00 STV News @ 7

07:00 STV AM News

19:30 Taste of Love

07:30 Today On Stv

20:00 Dream Movie

09:30 Health Monitor

21:30 Head To Head

10:30 STV Sports Café

22:00 STV News @ 10

11:00 Edak Willie Show

20:00 The 5 Brides

11:30 Recreazion

20:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

12:05 Music Africa

21:00 Jara

14:05 Papa Ajasco

21:30 Tinsel

14:30 Artiste Zone

22:00 The Dzigbordi Show

XT Exclusive

Ivory Coast X3 targets AFCON trophy

Redknapp quits QPR over health reasons X2 Wednesday, February 4, 2015

STARS OF YESTERYEAR

e y e d I

denies m o r B t Wes s n a l p exit X2

Odiye:

Rock-solid defender haunted by own goal X6

REAL MADRID

RONALDO

worth £300m – Mendes

X8

X2

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

Briefs

Cazorla named Vitality Player of the Month

Santi Cazorla has been named the Vitality Player of the Month for the second time in a row. The Spain international was in fantastic form throughout January as he scored twice and claimed four assists on his way to polling just over 60 per cent of the votes cast.

Wenger

Arsenal needs boost

– Parlour Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes that Arsene Wenger and the club need to start spending more if they want to have any chance of competing for the Premier League title in the future. The Gunners bought Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista for £11.2million and signed 17-year-old midfielder Krystian Bielik in a £2.4million deal from Legia Warsaw during the January transfer window.

e y e d I

denies West Brom exit rumours

B

rown Ideye insists there was no truth in reports linking him with a move away from West Brom on transfer deadline day.

Ideye arrived at The Hawthorns from Dynamo Kiev for a club-record fee believed to be around £10million during the close-season, but has failed to

bion player, I don’t know where that news about me leaving WBA came from,” he tweeted on Tuesday.

“Have not started doing what I know how to do best, so I cannot just leave WBA like that.”

West Brom visits struggling Burnley in the English Premier League on Sunday.

Al Hussein

calls for fair FIFA fight

F

MERTESACKER

hails Gunners’ defence

Per Mertesacker has hailed Arsenal’s backline and revealed how he helped the squad get out of their “comfort zone” to become an effective defensive team unit. The Gunners thumped Aston Villa 5-0 on Sunday to move level with fourth-placed Southampton and just a point behind Manchester United.

impress and has scored only one goal from 13 Premier League appearances.

Reports on Monday suggested Ideye could be set for a cut-price switch to Qatar with Al Gharafat, but the Nigeria international insists there was no truth in the stories.

“I’m still a West Bromwich Al-

Al Hussein

IFA’s Presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein has called for an end to a “culture of intimidation” within the world football governing body.

The Jordanian FA boss, already a FIFA Vice President and member of the organisation’s executive committee, is among three remaining challengers to current President Sepp Blatter ahead of the May election.

And at the launch of his campaign Al Hussein, whose candidacy was supported by the Football Association, demanded a fair fight.

“There has been a culture of intimidation within FIFA,” the 39-yearold said. “In the past people have

taken a principled stand and they have ended up being punished for it.

I hope things are played fairly and in the right way now.

“Obviously the incumbent has a natural advantage but I want to assure the national associations we are moving in the right direction.”

Al Hussein also suggested the four candidates, who also include Dutch FA boss Michael van Praag and former Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo, should take part in a public debate “to set out our positions and for people to know exactly where we stand.”

The national associations of Malta, Georgia, Belarus and the United States joined those of Jordan and England in nominating Al Hussein.

Redknapp

Redknapp quits QPR over health concerns

H

arry Redknapp has announced his resignation as manager of Premier League strugglers QPR. The veteran boss says he is quitting his post because he will undergo knee replacement surgery in the coming weeks.

The 67-year-old took charge at Loftus Road in November 2012 but informed Chairman Tony Fernandes that he was resigning on Tuesday morning.

And QPR have announced that Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey have been placed in temporary charge of the team until further notice.

Redknapp has been under pressure this season and leaves with QPR second-bottom of the Premier League, having not earned a single point away from home all season.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

X3

AFCON 2015

!

A T A B F BATTLE O Ivory Coast set to end AFCON title drought I

vory Coast have a better balance between work horses and match winners allied with a steely determination to end a long drought in the Africa Cup of Nations, Coach Herve Renard said on Tuesday.

“This is not the Ivory Coast of the past. There are a lot of new players who I’m sure not many of you knew about before this tournament,” he told reporters ahead of today’s semifinal match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Bata.

“These new players worked very hard in the preparations and showed me they are able to play in the starting line-up. We have a good balance between those who work hard and those with a lot of talent. I think this combination is perfect of the Ivory Coast.”

Renard, who had previously complained of a defective team spirit with too many leading players pulling in different directions, said the bad experiences for many of his squad in previous Nations Cups was now proving useful.

At the previous five Nations Cup tournaments, Ivory Coast had started as favourites but crashed out on each occasion, earning them the moniker of “chokers”.

“The players with a lot of experience have many bad experiences,” Renard said. “But we seek to use the bad as a means to motivate and get success.

“We came here a fortnight ago with no expectations on us. No one was taking about us but this has changed over the last two weeks. Things change fast in football,” added Renard, who won the Nations Cup three years ago when Zambia beat the Ivory Coast in the 2012 final on post-match penalties.

“After our last two wins over Cameroon and Algeria, now we are the favourites of the bookmakers but that can be dangerous. It is also not important. What is important is what happens on the field. Now we are only four left. But the best position, the only position is No 1. We won’t be satisfied with anything else.”

Tunisia report Mauritius ref to CAF

T

he Tunisia Football Federation (TFF) has officially complained to CAF through a letter to the African football ruling body to investigate Mauritius referee, Seechurn Rajindraparsad.

TFF revealed that they held a meeting on Monday and decided to send a letter to CAF, asking them to start investigation against the referee and they asked CAF to meet their officials to talk about what happened.

Tunisia were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations at

the quarterfinal stage by hosts Equatorial Guinea.

Subsequently, the Carthage Eagles have blamed the match referee for awarding the hosts a penalty converted by Javier Balboa that led to their equaliser.

Meanwhile, Tunisia are facing punishment from CAF after their players attacked the referee at the end of Saturday’s AFCON quarterfinal loss to Equatorial Guinea and on Sunday, President of the Tunisia Football Federation, Wadii Al Jarii resigned from his position in the organising committee of AFCON.

Ref Seechurn Rajindraparsad (right) being protected by security operatives after Saturday’s AFCON quarterfinal match between Tunisia and Equatorial Guinea.

Second Tunisian goal remains my best –Balboa

Balboa

E

quatorial Guinea midfielder Javier Balboa says his second goal against Tunisia in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations was the best he has scored in his career.

The dreadlocked Balboa, who formerly played for Real Madrid, netted both goals in Nzalang Nacional’s controversial 2-1 victory on Saturday night.

Dussuyer tips Ghana for AFCON glory

Action recorded during Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea match at the ongoing AFCON in Equatorial Guinea.

His first was a hotly-debated penalty in injury time at the end of the regulation 90 minutes which the he coolly converted to send the game to extra time.

Balboa then put the home side ahead in the first half of extra time with a brilliantly executed free kick that rifled into the top corner of the goal and left Tunisia ‘keeper Aymen Mathlouthi

A

fter losing to a clinical Ghana side, Michel Dussuyer says the Black Stars are now favourites for the AFCON trophy.

The Guineans had come into the quarterfinal on Sunday on high spirits after an emotional

flapping at thin air.

“The free-kick was without doubt the goal of my life, for what it represents for the country and because it has taken us into the semifinals,” explained Balboa.

The Estoril midfielder will be a key figure for Equatorial Guinea when they tackle Ghana in a semifinal in Malabo on Thursday night. run throughout the qualifiers and the tournament itself.

But the emotional run - which had been heightened after they beat Mali in a draw of lots - was halted by three Ghana goals from Christian Atsu (twice) and Kwesi Appiah.

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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

X5

X6

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

Stars of Yesteryear

Godwin Odiye:

s ’ a i r e g Ni e c n e f e d ! n i p g n ki

Odiye

Godwin Odiye (left): A gentle, living legend, still making himself count in the lives of people around him through his football coaching prowess.

learned never to keep their eyes off him. Till that fateful day, his passes had been brilliant and as accurate as a Swiss watch in the rain, making many a fan believe that he had either eyes in the back of his head or was telepathically linked to both Chukwu

and Okala.

That fateful day, it was no different a pass except that it had so much at stake and that it did...not work.

Did he establish eye contact with Okala briefly? Why did Okala have to move? Could he have stretched further or had he had okra for lunch as opposed to his favorite and regular “bread and tea”? These are questions that have remained unanswered till date.

However, in revealing what actually happened that fateful day Godwin went down memory lane: “First s of all, if we had won that match at home, we were sharing useful tips as to how defender ing in Addis Ababa on the bus and not sure if we could make the World Cup because e. ntag adva an as for the Africa Cup of Nations, hold sun could use the sideline and Tunisia and Egypt still had a match to play. It would is sprinkled Andrew Ekejiuba that salt the is in 1976. rity senio re whe a In Afric any have helped though, if we had won the game. What ent rsem career, Odiye avoided playing for h endo yout this his e, In grav to international ers, on everything from crib happened was that during the game after being odwin Odiye is a former Nigeria s, even though all of them Rang red Godwin team secu e and leagu ent of plim com ate ultim He was the in 1956. in tied 0-0 in the first half, our chances of winning was football defender who was born ting Stars and Bendel Insurance cap Shoo first rs, his Rove y ah tuall Racc even more playing time and then Green getting harder and harder. made several appearances for more than glad to have him lace his e. been titut have ld subs a wou as on e cam he n g whe d Cup qualifyin

by Ethiopia y “So with about 15 minutes left we went into murk of h . Rather he became a fan favorite Eagles of Nigeria, including FIFA Worl bunc them a for s after pia boot Nigeria placed 3rd in Ethio 1980 Africa Cup le and later on the massive attack with Christian Chukwu overlapping matches, and played at the 1976 and the monster ed evolv nt chasing the leather bladder for Nest rime expe that from calls and e outfits! and supporting our midfielders. Then it happened. I of Nations finals. nal Bank of Nigeria - both non-leagu the ‘holy trilogy’ of Christian goal in a 1978 Natio Green defence that was called the in was ever, how , received a pass from Muda Lawal because he could party He is well known for scoring an own out Okala. ing l com anue His Emm and e Odiy in Godw Chukwu, st Tunisia. not attack due to the pressure from the opponents. and on re his timely clearances and pinpoint FIFA World Cup qualifying match again wore whe p nce cam defe es the Eagl as It is a known fact that ersity of San y to I got the pass from him and I immediately passed In 1978, Odiye was recruited by Univ full backs to me his trade mark. So was his abilit and beca s ps back swee half r othe ng forci g r grew olde After graduatin le it on to Sam Ojebode at left-back. “I remember him stab for the ball even when already on the the Francisco to play collegiate soccer. ing ined fight rema inue 3 e cont thes be rotated in and out -i-professional club dribbling down the line and we had a lot of players in 1983, he played for a local sem s throughout team nd. es’ grou Eagl n Gree the all to t the ld help win many a startled ingredien in the box of Tunisia, so I looked on to my right side, Greek-American A.C. which he wou His tenacity knew no bounds as the 70’s. n the world Chukwu had gone as well. So Ojebode crossed the 1985 and 1994 U.S. Open Cup. ld find out – the hard way! whe wou ker 1978 in attac day ul fatef that e ed cam Then star who work it was early ball into the Tunisian box, only to be headed out to a As a kicker, Odiye was a self-made An unconfirmed report had it that for Nigerian football. right from the ing out came to a complete stop hang ed start and met e Odiy his way up the ladder of success had mastered Tunisian who controlled the ball and sent it back to that e p Odiy cam g in youn ent, incid the ts to Prior ria-Ghana Spor the fabled IICC Academicals in 1975 during the Nige with Idowu “Bulldozer” Otubusin, ball backwards. Just like the Ojebode‘s position, and I was left alone to chase the a fridge that art of heading the to net mag a Like . nder defe Festival that took place in Accra.

Star ting Shoo fred Kaltz, he did it tons of player. As I delayed the player, I took a look on my right Man nder defe ace well German defence shoulder to see if our players were coming back to d towards each other regardless Odiye so marshalled the Nigerian itate grav they more with Okala. door never had a space mate times with Chukwu and tons made any help, but there was none. “So I made a decision that, that the Ghana Academicals side difference and soon the simple team have ld age wou the of that n visio l hera perip ated Using rian team defe more complex to operate. At the end, the Nige the world envious if the Tunisian player crossed the ball, I will go for a camaraderie was replaced by the Secret Service man on any force in since the games ip! ionsh relat Ghana, the second time ever nt ber, calculate his corner kick header. The player did what I expected mem mentor-stude team a spot often ld g he wou r” seemed to realize the youn inception in 1962. doze ball with precise from him and I dived in the air to prevent the cross, “Bull the The them d on his flawless and positioning and then pass but could not get there on time, and the ball brushed Odiye’s game was so superb base potential long before others did true r’s playe en accuracy.

Thompson Usiy one my head and into our goal. That was what happened d him as his heir apparent by and g performance that both he and nate borin r desig neve ally was virtu e In fact playing with Odiy r birds, ‘The Green to him that fateful day November 15, 1977,” he explained. were quickly invited to join the olde boots to training camp, sitting next his ing carry ry squad preparato Eagles’ and introduced into their

G

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

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X7

n: io ct le E FA KESHI NFF warns against lacks tactical discipline –Egbunam interference Ojieva Ehiosun

E

rstwhile Nigeria international Arthur Egbunam has said that the failure of Super Eagles qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations was as a result of the poor technical and tactical input by the Stephen Keshi-led coaching crew.

Egbunam who was disturbed by the level of low rating of Nigerian coaches, said it was important for them to upgrade themselves if the dream of plying their trade as professional coaches outside the shores of the country is to be actualized.

Speaking in a telephone interview

with Extra Time, he advised indigenous coaches to go for professional coaching courses to enable them excel in their chosen career.

“Coach Stephen Keshi is my good friend, and I have nothing personal against him, but you know that I’m a very blunt person by saying things the way they should be said.

I have told Keshi several times that he lacks technical knowledge about football and that he needs to improve himself now that Nigerians are behind him, but he would not listen.

“Yes, he was a good player in his good days, but it is not all professional players that can make a good coach,” Egbunam observed.

n is “The Nigeria Football Federatio Asball Foot serious about this. All the FCT the and s state sociations of the elines have a duty to observe the guid in the r, latte the to ns latio stipu the and Akinball,” true spirit of association foot

Andrew Ekejiuba

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reiterated its warning that, in line with the NFF Statutes, in there must be no external influence ds wunmi said. boar the into ions elect of uct the cond Elections into the Boards of the Foot the 36 of the Football Associations of es and Stat 36 the of ons ciati Asso ball tory. states and the Federal Capital Terri Februthe FCT have been scheduled for NFF day, Tues on a Speaking in Abuj states the of ber num a Akin- ary 15-28, with ions Acting President, Barrister Seyi elect their for s date ration having fixed wunmi, made it clear that the Fede dy.

-foul alrea ee, would not treat any state that runs The Elections Monitoring Committ cow. d sacre a as iso prov utive of this important Exec NFF the of ber - headed by Mem “We are sending this important mes ee and Chairman of Chairmen, mitt Com of ons sage to all the Football Associati Gusau, is presently going state Alhaji Ibrahim the 36 states and the FCT. Any ments submitted by the ence through docu where it is found that external influ conduct of the elections, with states for the had played some role will be visited s and delegates’ lists. eline guid including NFF boss Amaju Pinnick the full sanctions applicable.

Uche confident of Levante’s relegation survival Shehu Bello

S

Keshi

States in danger of missing Fed Cup deadline Andrew Ekejiuba

M

ost States of the Federation are in danger of missing the deadline for registration for this year’s Men and Women Federation Cup competitions.

Head of Federation Cup Unit, Miss Ruth David, said in Abuja on Tuesday that despite several phone calls and text messages to the football associations in the different states, only 10 states have registered for this year’s competitions, 10 days to the deadline for registration.

“It is important to remind all the States

that the deadline for registration for the 2015 Men and Women Federation Cup competitions is February 13.

“Late registration, is between February 16th – 20th and will attract a fine of N50, 000 for the men’s competition and N40,000 for the women’s competition.

“Submission of completed players’ licenses will be between February 23 – 27.

Late submission, is between March 9 – 16 and will attract a fine of N300, 000 to the defaulting club(s),” she warned.

The Grand Finale of this year’s Men and Women Federation Cup competitions has already been fixed for Sunday, August 16.

uper Eagles midfielder, Kalu Uche is confident that Spanish La Liga side, Levante will remain in the top division in Spain despite the fact that they occupy bottom spot on the table.

Uche joined Levente last Friday from Qatari club, Al Rayyan on a free transfer. The Nigerian made his debut for the Spanish side in their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

However, despite the defeat, the 32-yearold midfielder believes the side has what it takes to remain in the La Liga next season.

“I am very happy to be here, there were many things to be agreed upon but when I got the chance I said I accepted the offer. Levante is a great team, and we don’t deserve to be down, I am convinced that at the end of the league we are going to avoid relegation,” Uche said.

Uche

Ugbade

Flying Eagles must improve, says Ugbade Mike Otanwa

N

duka Ugbade, an assistant coach to the Nigeria national U-20 soccer team, the Flying Eagles, says the players are not yet the finished articles that the coaching crew desires, despite emerging winners of the just concluded Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super 6 competition in Abuja.

The Flying Eagles, who were invited to participate in the season curtain raiser along with the national U-23 squad, beat all other competitors, including Kano Pillars, Enyimba, Dolphins and Warri Wolves except the U-23 team with whom they drew 3-3.

Apparently unsatisfied with the outcome of the game against the Olympic team, Ugbade said the Flying Eagles failed to meet expectations and as such, would need to improve.

“We didn’t do well enough,” said Ugbade. “To be honest, we need to improve a lot of aspects

of our game.

“Maybe due to anxiety or fatigue, the players were quite not in that frame of mind to compete. Getting a draw against the U-23 is not bad but a win is what we wanted,” he oberved.

Meanwhile, the exploits of the Coach Manu Garba-led Flying Eagles have not ceased to amaze pundits including Salisu Abubakar, the Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Committee (LMC), who has tipped the team to win the elusive FIFA U-20 World Cup. He said: “We had the best of Nigerian football with great artistry and a worthy champion emerged.

“I’m absolutely amazed and happy with the U-20 team, because they played like the world champions they are; the current U-17 World Cup champions. We are confident they’ll repeat their soccer prowess at the World Cup proper,” he added.

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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

Real Madrid

C

ristiano Ronaldo would sell for £300m if Real Madrid decided to let him leave, the Portuguese superstar’s agent, Jorge Mendes, said on Tuesday.

Mendes said the Portugal captain was the “best sportsman ever”.

“He is the best player ever in the world. You can’t compare him with anybody else,” Mendes stated.

Ronaldo, 29, was voted the world’s best player for a third time last month, beating Lionel Messi to the award.

Asked how much he was worth, Mendes said: “Cristano Ronaldo? £1billion. His buyout clause is one billion pounds, so it is one billion. It is impossible to find someone like him.

“If for any reason the club decides to sell him tomorrow for 300 million, someone will pay.”

However, Mendes insisted his countryman, who cost Real Madrid a world record fee of £80m in 2009, would stay at the Bernabeu, despite his “love” for supporters of former club Manchester United.

Asked if he will finish his career there, Mendes said “for sure”. “He will not leave Real Madrid,” he added.

Mendes, who is reported to have brokered more than £1bn worth of transfers, has been described as the most powerful figure in the game.

“People have the wrong idea about agents. Being an agent means many different things. I’m someone normal,

Ronaldo worth £300m, says Mendes Title race:

I’m working hard every single day. I have ambitions, determination and being honest, doing the right things this is most important.

He described football as the “most important sport in the world” and defended players’ wages, saying they “deserve the maximum possible”.

Mendes compared working with his players on contracts as “like a family”.

“It is like when you talk with your son, with your family always to try to find the best way to support them.”

Mendes, a former DJ and nightclub owner, also represents Jose Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria, James Rodriguez, David De Gea, Victor Valdes and Diego Costa.

Ter Stegen hopes Real stumbles

Ronaldo

M

arc-Andre ter Stegen expects Real Madrid to slip-up in the La Liga title race and the goalkeeper said Barcelona must be ready to take advantage.

Ter Stegen has yet to feature in a league game for the Catalan giants - the German instead used in the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League with Claudio Bravo preferred by Luis Enrique for Spanish top-flight matches.

Real leads Barca by a point and also have a game in hand, but former Borussia Monchengladbach keeper believes Carlo Ancelotti’s side can be caught.

“We have to stay focused,” he told the club’s official website.

“In the league we hope Madrid stumbles, which they surely will do. To stay in the title race we have to keep winning our games.

“In the Spanish Cup and the Champions League, luck certainly is a factor; we have to make our own luck.

“We’ve also shown that we can be tough on defence if necessary.

“I think if we keep playing well defensively, we have a shot at succeeding in all three competitions.”

LA LIGA TABLE Team

P

PTS

1. Real Madrid

20

51

2. Barcelona

21

50

3. Atletico Madrid

21

47

4. Sevilla

20

42

5. Valencia

21

41

6. Villarreal

21

38

7. Malaga

21

35

8. Eibar

21

27

9. Espanyol

21

26

10. Celta Vigo

21

24

11. Athletic Bilbao

21

23

12. Rayo Vallecano

21

23

13. Real Sociedad

21

22

14. Deportivo La Coruna

21

21

15. Getafe

21

20

16. Almeria

21

19

17. Cordoba

21

18

18. Granada

21

18

19. Elche

21

17

20. Levante

21

16

Umtiti

Ter Stegen

Alba charges Barca flattered by Real’s interest to overcome

Real

L

yon defender Samuel Umtiti feels flattered that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him, but the youngster remains focused on his current club for now.

The 21-year-old has been in sublime form for Lyon so far this season and his fine performances have not gone unnoticed in the Spanish capital.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly sees the left-back as a useful addition to his defence and Umtiti has admitted that it could prove to be difficult to turn down a move to the Santiago Bernabeu side if they were to step up their interest, even though he is happy at the Ligue 1 leaders.

“I don’t pay too much attention to what the press say, but I have heard

Umtiti about Real Madrid’s interest and it is rather flattering,” Umtiti told reporters.

“It gives me strength and shows that my good work does not go unnoticed.

“But I still have some important goals here at Lyon. I am feeling great here and that is the most important for me.”

Umtiti - who has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Lyon this term - has a contract until June 2017 at Stade Gerland.

B

arcelona defender Jordi Alba has revealed that winning their own games should be the Catalans’ main concern if they are to overtake their rivals in the Liga table.

The Camp Nou side are currently trailing Carlo Ancelotti’s men by one point, though the Santiago Bernabeu side have a game in hand over both Barca and reigning champions Atletico Madrid.

“As a Barcelona man, I always want Real Madrid to lose,” Alba said. “But I prefer to focus on Barcelona, which is what matters the most. We need to win all of our games if we want to try and catch up, which is almost impossible.”