Daily Times of Nigeria

UN agency kicks as Nigeria deports 100 Togolese asylum seekers ÏÏÏThe

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Monday expressed displeasure with the

deportation of about 100 Togolese asylum seekers by Nigeria, which it said took place last Saturday.

The world body’s agency, according to agency reports, said that the asylum seekers were “loaded onto buses” and dailytimesng

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driven to Togo through Benin Republic.

The group of Togolese had come to Continued on page 6 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

N150

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.186

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 7th September 2015.

DANGCEM

168.69

4.69

2.78%

GUINNESS

129

1.005

0.78%

UAC-PROP 7.83

-0.41

-5.24%

NAHCO

41.31

-0.14

-3.25%

FLOURMILL

23.1

1.10

4.76%

STANBIC

24.1

0.90

3.73%

CAVERTON

3.24

-0.34

-10.49%

HONYFLOUR

2.47

-0.13

-5.26%

Don’t harass me over assets declaration– Buhari g6

President Muhammadu Buhari waving to enthusiastic crowd during his one day visit to Ghana. (right) His host, President John Mahama.

Obasanjo seeks end to Europe’s migrant crisis g6

Senate summons ex-ministers of power g5

Uwazuruike reports self to Police g 12

Owa, g12 Orangun at war over headship of Osun rulers council

2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Non-payment of pensioners

A

ny society’s reputation derives from the way and manner it treats its senior citizens, especially after their retirement from active service. This is because with advancing age, they are not only frail; they are also vulnerable to the vagaries of diseases which make them dependent on their families and also government for sustenance. Due to this, the society is obligated to look after them until they are no more living. It is therefore morally reprehensible that some elderly citizens who toiled for the country’s development in their active days are being left to live and die in penury.

It is even more pathetic seeing some of them braving the elements while queuing in the open, sometimes for days and weeks, just to collect their pensions and gratuities. In the process, some are known to have developed serious health problems and other severe complications leading to incapacitation and even death. Retirement, which ordinarily should be embraced with joy, has become a source of sorrow, frustration, panic and agony, replete with stories of fraud, embezzlement, illegal lodgements of funds and illegal deductions.

Time was when these retired citizens were known to receive their pensions and other entitlements as and when due. Today, the situation has taken a turn for the worse, as the various tiers of governments owe a backlog of pension payments, some as much as a period of five years.

No day passes without images of frail looking elderly citizens on electronic and print media protesting the nonpayment of their pensions. From Imo to Sokoto and from Osun to Cross River states the story is the same, that of mindless abandonment to their fate. We are therefore calling on all governments still withholding the pensions of these citizens to pay them immediately. Priority ought to be given to the welfare of these senior citizens who had dedicated their lives to the service of the nation.

The question is: why would their entitlements be delayed for months and even years? Before now, some governments were quick to dispel any insinuation of being financially broke. Incidentally, situations like this have exposed their lies, and point to the fact that they lack judicious management of funds.

It is unconscionable to subject pensioners to such inhuman treatment, knowing full well that the majority of them are too old and weak to seek alternative means of livelihood. It is such degrading treatment that led to the 2004 Pension Reform Act, aimed at ensuring that anyone who worked in the public or private sectors receives his or her entitlements on time. The reform was designed to act as a relief to pensioners and instil sanity in the country’s pension scheme. Even when it has not cured all the defects in the system, it did provide a template for a robust transformation.

Unfortunately, many state and local governments have refused to implement the Act, citing lack of funds. We may ask what they have been doing with their monthly allocations from the Federation Account. It is sad that while state governors, top government functionaries including local government chairmen and their councillors have been collecting their salaries and emoluments without disruptions, those of pensioners have become the ‘sacrificial lambs’ that are made to wait indefinitely.

It smacks of wickedness that while many governors spent billions of state funds to campaign in the last general elections, many senior citizens were denied the little pittance due them. In a country that deemed it fit to hand over billions of naira to former presidents and governors as retirement benefit - despite their less than dignifying performances in office - should also be expected to be serious in providing a permanent remedy to the sufferings of its senior citizens many of whom despite advanced years are still breadwinners of their families.

Endless wait for the ‘Change’ train to take off?

Sam Nzeh

ÎÎÎWhen on July 28, 2015,

the former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urged Nigerians to allow President Muhammadu Buhari at least a 100 days honeymoon, many who had already become impatient with the apparent slow pace of governance under the President reluctantly decided to heed Tinubu’s call.

They decided to let the president be, hoping that before the President clocks 100 days in office, the critical building blocks of the administration would have been put in place and actual governance kicked off.

They also hoped that by the time Buhari clocks 100 days in office, the unending whining by the Presidency and the APC over alleged misdeeds of the immediate past administration would have given way to visible achievements by the Buhari-led ‘Change’ administration.

Now the 100 days, September 5, 2015 to be precise, has come and gone but sadly not much has taken place. The much anticipated ‘change’ train is yet to be in full speed, 100 days after.

Rather, the Presidency and the APC are busy changing the narrative and recanting the ‘change’ promises.

First was Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the President on Media, Shehu Garba, who asked why Nigerians should split hair over the President’s 100 days in office.

Words On Marble :

To cap the recants, Mohammed, APC National Publicity Secretary on Tuesday night, disowned the party’s ‘One Meal A Day’ billboard erected in the build-up to the last general election.

The question is if President Buhari did not promise to do anything in 100 days as the Presidency and APC officials want Nigerians to believe, then what did he promise to do? Were promises made by Buhari and the APC on which basis Nigerians voted for Buhari and the APC just for fun?

If the foregoing is anything to go by, then Nigerians are in for a long wait.

Fact is that if things don’t change for the better and that soon, the patience of Nigerians may run out and this President Buhari and the APC must strive to avoid.

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Thabo Mbeki

Ben Murray Bruce

Abiola Ajimobi

“Africa faces the great challenge of large volumes of capital leaving the continent illicitly – money that our continent needs to address the challenges of development.”

“Quota system and federal character lead to a sense of entitlement in beneficiaries and resentment in others. Merit is a better way of life.”

“We should blame the culture of spending without saving, lifestyles of Nigerians, ourselves and government for the position we find ourselves today.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Civil service must draw from vision of political leadership –Buhari Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari on Monday declared that the civil service needs to understand the vision of the political leadership of the country, to be able to fashion out the right skills required.

Buhari also noted that since a nation’s future is intrinsically tied to the Civil Service, it needs clear answer to fundamental questions such as ‘’what is the vision of the political leadership for the country’’ to be able to play its role satisfactorily.

Without a clear answer to such posers, he argued, the Civil Ser-

vice might not be in a position to fashion out the right ‘’skills set, learnings or education which are required to equip the civil servant to birth and nurture the desired future.’’

President Buhari posited accordingly, that the inability to clearly articulate a vision, rather than poverty of ideas and capacity was responsible for the perception of decline in the Civil Service. ‘’ Many who mourn the decline of the civil service today from its days as ‘primus inter pares’ in the Commonwealth to one which has earned a reputation for inefficiency, low productivity, corruption and insensivity to the needs of the public, fall into the error of think-

ing that the problem is a poverty of ideas and capacity on the part of the Civil Service. ‘’it is the inability to clearly articulate a vision, ensure that the service develops the required capacity to articulate and implement the various components of the vision,’’ President Buhari noted.

He spoke through Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the launch of two capacity building programmes for public servants at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

According to him that lack of vision and clear cut ideological worldview and objective would only make the Service to ‘’grope in

the dark and take the government and people along with it on a blindleading-the-blind voyage’’.

Accordingly, Buhari challenged the Civil Service to articulate the appropriate vision and ‘’ensure that the Service develops the required capacity to articulate and implement the various components of the vision.’’

The President assured the gathering that the zero tolerance for corruption of his administration was not merely a moral or ethical stand but a developmental construct that recognised that corruption if not brought to its knees would destroy all institutions, the economy and eventually the society.

5 News

First Bank gets new MD designate ÏÏÏFirst Bank of Nigeria Plc. has

announced the appointment of Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, as the Managing Director designate of the bank.

He will succeed Mr. Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, the current Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of the bank.

Adeduntan (FCA) was appointed to the Board of the bank in 2014 as Chief Financial Officer. Before this appointment, he was a Director and the pioneer Chief Financial Officer of Africa Finance Corporation. He has served as Senior Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer of Citibank Nigeria Limited and was previously a Senior Manager in the Financial Services Group of KPMG Professional Services where he managed high profile assurance, financial and risk advisory engagements.

Anti-graft war not a one-man battle, says Kolade

Sylva, ex-envoy join Bayelsa guber race

Alimi Ahmed

Abuja

Tom Okpe

ÏÏÏNigerians have been urged

to ensure that the fight against corruption starts with them and not leave the task for President Muhammadu Buhari alone, as it is not a one-man battle.

This charge was made by former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, on an interview with Channels Television last Sunday.

Assessing President Buhari’s first 100 days in office on three main platforms - fight against terrorism, improvement of the economy, and anti-corruption, Kolade said: “One of the handicaps that we have embraced is that we build up expectations, and if expectations are to be fulfilled, then all of the parameters for building up the expectations must be in place. In other words, if the President says he’s going to fight corruption, then the necessary weapons for fighting corruption must be in place.”

Furthermore, the former envoy said: “How is he going to do this?

He has at his beckon and call, a civil or public service which has been in existence for some time, and therefore even the corruption that he’s going to fight was taking place, that public service was there, he’s going to use the same public service to fight the corruption, so something has to change.”

He continued: “Now he also has the people who are not in the public service or in the government, but many of us are participants of corruption; if we didn’t make demands on the leaders that are outside of what they should do, they probably wouldn’t do them.”

ÏÏÏAs

Anambra State former Governor, Dr. Peter Obi(middle); late Prof. Dora Akunyili's husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili(3rd left); with other children of Prof. Akunyili after one-year memorial lecture held in Enugu… on Monday

Power: Senate set for probe of Obasanjo,Yar’Adua, Jonathan *As Ad-Hoc Committee anchoring probe meets today Olufemi Samuel

Abuja ÏÏÏAll is now set for the Senate probe of the huge sums of monies voted by successive governments since the period of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, till the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan. According to the Senate, the probe will commence in full swing on Tuesday (today), with principal officials of government expected to be in attendance.

The clerk of Senate Adhoc Committee on Power, Cletus A. Ojabo in a statement indicated that former Ministers of Power had been invited to testify on issues being probed by the Senate.

Before going on recess, the Sen-

ate had set up the ad-hoc committee to probe the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was alleged to have committed $16 billion into the power sector, with no result.

Successive governments headed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Jonathan equally committed huge resources into the sector which, to date, has not shown significant improvement in power supply in Nigeria.

Ojabo, said the power sector probe would be in form of investigative hearing/interactive session.

He said the investigation would centre on funds appropriated for the power sector since 1999 and the unbundling of the Power Holding

Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The committee is headed by Senator Abubakar Kyari, (Borno North) and is charged with looking into the entire power value chain including generation, transmission and distribution with a view to identifying what the problems in the sector are.

Obasanjo

the race for the Bayelsa State governorship election hots up, former Governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva and former Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Emmanuel Otiotio, on Monday, swelled the ranks of aspirants seeking to secure the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the party primaries.

Both Sylva and Otiotio were at the national Secretariat on Monday to submit their nomination forms.

Addressing newsmen after he had submitted his forms, Sylva accused the incumbent governor of the state, Seriaki Dickson of abandoning all the projects he executed when he was the governor.

He said: "As at 2012, we were poised to celebrate in 2013 one year of uninterrupted power supply in Yenogoa city, I had installed turbans and there is a turban that was 93 percent complete when I was ousted. The outgoing government refused to commission it because they did not want me to take credit for it.

"I built a hospital that would have been one of the best in Nigeria and was to be commissioned in May 2012. The outgoing government has refused to go near that hospital since I was ousted.

There are a lot of projects that I embarked upon which were deliberately abandoned on the altar of politics. We were to commission the Bayelsa state Library, but today, that project has been overgrown by weeds because somebody wants to mislead Nigerians.”

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

‘Don’t harass me over assets declaration’ Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari on Monday urged journalists to desist from harassing him over his assets.

He also restated plan to name his cabinet this month.

The President made the declaration in Aburi, Ghana during a working visit.

A statement by his Spe-

cial Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said Buhari gave the assurance at a joint press conference with his host, President John Dramani Mahama.

On the declaration of assets, President Buhari challenged Nigerian journalists to be more investigative in their work and by looking for details of his assets declaration, which he said he had done four times since

1975, instead of harassing him.

Buhari was responding to a question from the Ghanaian press on how he could impress it on other African leaders and public office holders to emulate him by making assets declaration a priority in governance.

The Nigerian leader affirmed that it was a constitutional requirement that all public office holders in Nigeria should declare

their assets before and after their term in office.

He said: “I recall that in 1975 when late Murtala Mohammed became the Head of State, we were lined up - governors, ministers, members of the Supreme Military Council.

“Officials of Ministry of Justice were brought and every individual was made to declare his assets.

“All Heads of States and Government, governors,

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman; Chairman, Regulation Review Committee, Engr.

Kayode Ajiboye and representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Engr. Musa Hassan at the stakeholders workshop on the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations held at Ikeja, Lagos… on Monday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Obasanjo urges end to migrant crisis in Europe ÏÏÏFormer

President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for concerted efforts to stem the current tide of illegal immigration to Europe by people fleeing war in the Middle East and Africa.

Obasanjo, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recalled how his administration and the government of the late Muammar Ghaddafi in Libya resolved a similar crisis in the year 2000.

The template can be used to resolve the current crisis, he added.

The statement reads: “Sometime in September 2000, Libyan leader Col. Muammar Ghaddafi called me and brought to my attention, the presence in Libya of thousands of Nigerian illegal immigrants attempting to

make their way to Europe.

These illegal immigrants almost entirely consisting of young men and women, who were prevented from using the facilities of Libya to sail to Europe, had constituted themselves into a menace. Some of them were involved in crimes and anti-social activities such as credit card fraud, burglary, drug trafficking and even violent crimes such as armed robbery.

There was tension between the illegal immigrants and local Libyan communities resulting in the immigrants often being subjected to violent attacks.

“I agreed with Ghaddafi on the need to take immediate action to repatriate the immigrants to Nigeria. In this regard, I instructed the National Security Adviser to raise

a team of officials from the Security Agencies to proceed to Libya to document all the illegal immigrants from Nigeria.

I also approved funds for an aircraft to be chartered to evacuate them to Nigeria.

“The team worked assiduously over a period of two months with the cooperation of their Libyan colleagues. They travelled all over Libya and brought out to safety and provided protection to Nigerians who were in hiding for fear of attacks from local Libyan gangs. A camp was provided by the Libyan authorities where the illegal immigrants were accommodated, provided with basic necessities and documented. I also spoke to other West African leaders whose citizens had found their way to Libya

and encouraged them to accept responsibility for the repatriation of their citizens back from Libya.

“Those who lacked the capacity to effect the repatriation were assisted

by Libya and Nigeria-Libya by providing additional aircraft and Nigeria by accepting the return to Nigeria of citizens of ECOWAS countries, who I then arranged to be transported to their countries from Lagos. I had instructed our special team in Libya to extend support, documentation and protection for our ECOWAS brothers.

This process resulted in the return of over 17,000 Nigerians back from Libya. Considerable numbers of illegal immigrants were also Continued on page 12

ministers, permanent secretaries have to declare their assets because it is a constitutional requirement.”

Buhari added: “I have declared my assets four times.

When I was governor in 1975, I declared. After being Minister of Petroleum and as a member of Supreme Military Council, I declared. When I was Head of State and now as a President, I have also declared.”

On the naming of his cabinet, Buhari said: “After I was sworn-in, I said I will have my cabinet in September. I expect that Nigerians should ask me questions after the 30th of September if I do not do so,” according to the statement.

He also told reporters that the Nigerian military, in close collaboration with the Multi-National Joint Task Force, had recorded remarkable progress in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed office as President, the statement added.

Buhari was also quoted as saying: “The first thing I did after I came into office was to reorganize the military and clear orders were

given to them in terms of retraining, re-equipping and redeployment of troops.

“In the northeast, the military is gaining ground and Boko Haram has been limited to the Sambisa forest.

“Internally Displaced Persons are gradually moving back home and they are being reintegrated into their respective communities.”

Earlier, President Mahama said both leaders had fruitful discussions on how to enhance bilateral relations and improve regional security.

He added that Nigeria and Ghana would soon begin the process of reviving their joint commission for cooperation.

The Ghanaian President disclosed that both leaders also agreed to encourage closer cooperation between the intelligence and antigraft agencies of both countries.

He thanked President Buhari for his visit and assured him of Ghana’s support and cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

UN agency kicks as Nigeria deports 100 Togolese asylum seekers Continued from page 1 Nigeria in July after Benin Republic, which had hosted them for nearly a decade, stripped them of refugee status.

It quoted one Sogbo Maonou, said to have been among those deported, as saying that they were loaded onto the buses by Nigerian soldiers in Lagos.

Brigitte Eno, deputy representative for the U.N. Refugee agency in Nigeria, said the group should have been counselled before being repatriated. .

“They were supposed to be informed individually and counselled but immigration did it their own way,” Eno said, adding: “We were not even aware of the fact they were being put on buses.”

The agency quoted the general manager of the Lagos State Emergency

Management Agency, Michael Akindele, as saying that due process was followed, adding that they were all interviewed but their requests for asylum were rejected.

Many of Togolese asylum seekers claim they face repression at home, having fled political violence after the 2005 election. Some said they witnessed family members being arrested and killed by the military because of their support for the opposition.

Amnesty International reported in February that Togo sometimes tortures detainees. Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe was reinstated in April after succeeding his father in 2005 elections marred by violence and rigging to perpetuate a family dynasty that has ruled nearly 50 years.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

3rd Idoma carnival commences Oct. 3 Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe third edition of the An-

nual Idoma National Carnival, slated for December 23-25 this year, for all Idoma speaking ethnic group of Benue state, will be formally unveiled by the organisers on October 3.

Prince Edwin Ochai, President of the Agila Social and Economic Carnival, organizers of the Idoma National Carnival, who disclosed this in Abuja, said the primary objective of the two-day event is to provide a platform to showcase

the rich cultural heritage of the Idoma people of Benue state, as well as expose the world to the rich potentials of the Idoma culture, and its positive effects on business investment and tourism in the state and country.

Prince Ochai said the drive behind the carnival was to reinvigorate the rather latent heritage of the Idoma people and create a platform for economic negotiations, mobilisation of capital and the initiation of investment partnerships, by identifying business potentials and resources in Idoma land. He added that through the instrumentality of music, dance, masquerades, cultural parades and beauty pageants, the carnival also hopes to engender youth empowerment and economic revival not only in Idoma land, but the entire Benue state.

Kwara: Drama at Tribunal over Forensic report's date Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏThere

was a mild drama over a forensic report admitted in evidence against Senator Bukola Saraki, in a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Kwara Central Senatorial Election, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq.

The report was dated March 28, 2014, a year before the contested poll was conducted, Counsel to Saraki, Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali observed.

Ali told Justice Josiah Majebiled three man Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal that "the date shows the document was prepared in anticipation of the election."

Saraki's counsel also told the tribunal that the document was not

addressed and unsigned, describing it as "incurable afflictions."

Ali prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petition.

Four volumes of report of forensic analysis, carried on electoral materials used in four local government areas in Kwara Central, had been marked as 'Exhibits P4'.

But A O Oladoke, who spoke for the Petitioner's Lead Counsel, Francis Obumse attributed it to "typographical error."

Saraki

NCAA now monitors sale of Kerosene as aviation fuel – DG ÏÏÏThe Director-General of

the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, has said that the regulatory agency is monitoring the alleged sale of kerosene as Jet A1 (aviation fuel) to airline operators in the country.

Usman also said that the agency was on the verge of recovering the debts owed it by the airline operators both within the country and outside.

Speaking with journalists in an interview, after he delivered his welcome address at the Stakeholders Workshop on the Proposed Amendment in Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR), Usman said that before the major oil marketers supplied fuel to airlines, it goes through a lot of processes and inspections, which made it difficult to sell adulterated product to

the operators.

He, however, agreed that Jet A1 was the highest grade of kerosene, but noted that it was not for domestic usage.

Said he: “Aviation fuel quality control goes from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), to the Oil Marketers, and also from our own side, we do ramp inspections and random checks on fuel qualities that are being supplied.

“In addition, the engineers do their own checks, and of course the pilot during refueling, does its checks to ensure that the grade that we get is what is required for safe operations of our aircraft in Nigeria. So, as NCAA, the regulatory body, we are doing all that is possible to ensure that whatever quality of fuel that our aircraft used in Nigeria is up to standard.”

7 News

Chief of Army Staff, Major-General. Tukur Buratai (left) in handshake with Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima during the 2015 Nigerian Army RSM convention held in Maiduguri, Borno State… on Monday

Abia teachers, pensioners threaten strike over unpaid salary arrears Ifeanyi Onwunemeu

Umuahia Few days to the resumption of schools in Abia State, teachers have cried out to the state government to expedite action on the payments of arrears of salaries owed them, as moves are on to get the bailout fund from the Federal Government.

The call came on the heels of the amount published in dailies that is accruable to Abia, just as the members of the Nigerian Union of Pensions (NUP) have pleaded with the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration to make haste in saving them from their present calamities. The chairman of the NUP, comrade Chukwuma Udenzi, in his plea, said that “It is better

ÏÏÏ

to pay the living so that they can take care of their health and other problems of the family, rather than expend money on road contracts at this rainy period or other frivolous projects.”

Comrade Udensi, in an interview with Daily Times, contended that their plights were considered in the bailout fund and as such should be made available to them, urging those concerned not to misappropriate the funds.

He stressed that “no fewer than 10 members had since died as a result of ill-health, malnutrition, caused by lack of money for medical care, while many more are still on sick beds.”

Also, he disclosed that most of them were being owed between

7-10 months, while some trek to the Sub-Treasury Office, a far distance, for meagre pensions of less than five thousand naira, pointing out that most of them are yet to have their pensions harmonised.

A teacher in one of the primary schools boldly told Daily Times that “we do not care losing our jobs unless we are paid before the resumption of schools, because to return to classroom on empty stomach means death. Most of us reside in rented apartment and are being threatened by our various landlords to pack out.

“Others who are indebted to either foodstuffs or health care providers cannot breath fresh air, as we are often disturbed”, Mr Lazarus Ajike lamented.

Kaduna SEMA seeks synergy with NEMA, Red Cross Sunday Isuwa

ÏÏÏKaduna

State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Red Cross Society of Nigeria to collaborate with them in disaster management and mitigation.

SEMA's Executive Secretary, Hon Ezekiel Baba-Karik stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the offices of the North West NEMA Zonal Coordinator, and that of the Nigeria Red Cross Society in Kaduna.

Baba-Karik, who said it was unfortunate Kaduna lost two persons in the recent flood disaster in Kachia Local Ggovernment Area, added that there was the need for an active collaboration between

SEMA, NEMA and the Red Cross in order to stem duplication of efforts. "It was unfortunate we recorded two deaths in the last flood despite our familiarisation tour to the local governments that were prone to the flood prediction," Baba-Karik said.

"I want to use this medium to thank NEMA Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Ilellah and his Director General, Sani- Sidi for all their support. NEMA is doing well nationally. As one of the earlier setup State Emergency Management Agency in Nigeria, Kaduna SEMA is determined like never before, to avert every disaster. In cases where it happened, we should be able to response as quick as possible. That is why we are calling

on NEMA to collaborate with us to achieve this set target," the Executive Secretary said.

At the office of the Red Cross, in which he was received by its Secretary, Shehu Usman, BabaKarik said the society has always been doing good things to Kaduna people, adding that they embarked on the courtesy visit in order to strengthen the relationship. "Both Red Cross, NEMA and other stakeholders in disaster management will be invited to train SEMA staff on relevant areas. This week, we intentd to visit our stakeholders such as: The Nigeria Army, Air Force, Police, NSCDC, FRSC, National Orientation Agency, UNICEF, KAPWA, KEPA, KASUPDA, JNI, CAN and RUWASA.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Politics

Æs Drama as group asks EFCC to probe Aregbesola

Aregbesola

Lamorde

There was a drama of sort at the operational offices of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos when a group stormed the place to present a petition for the investigation of the Osun State Governor, Comrade Rauf Aregbesola.

The group, Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State, (CSEOS), comprising of over 20 human rights, community and faith based organisations had

marched in their tens to the office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, carrying placards and calling on the EFCC to save theme from the hands of Aregbesola, whom they accused of ruining the state through mismanagement.

Led by their Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Sulaiman, they called Aregbesola unprintable names but were prevented from gaining entrance into the premises as armed security men stopped them and al-

lowed their leader an aide to go in and submit the petition.

But another drama ensued when they were directed to an officer who was supposed to receive the petition from them, but who on sighting the petition declined to accept it on the basis that it was not properly addressed.

However, when Sulaiman threatened to expose them to the media CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PDP members protest e-registration over high levy Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country have kicked against the plan e-registration of the party due to high charges.

This development may affect plans by the party, to restrategise and reclaim power in the country.

The plans have suffered a huge setback following the disagreement by some of its members over a levy of M1000 for e-registration.

Some aggrieved members across the country, have outrightly rejected the amount imposed on each member describing it as too high.

The pilot phase of the e-registration exercise scheduled to commence in Edo State last week, failed to take off, as some of the party members protested the proposed registration fee.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, had on 23 August, announced that the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, had approved the resuscitation of the online registration of its member, using Edo state as pilot for the project.

The party’s NWC also revealed that the project, which is to be handled by the PDP’s e-Membership Registration Committee, headed by Mr. Raymond Dokpesi, was aimed at returning ownership of the party to its members and strengthening the various structures of the party.

At a meeting held at the Edo

Uche Secondus State secretariat located along Sapele Road, Dokpesi explained that the e-membership registration cards to be issued to the party members would capture their bio-metric information, including bank details.

He also disclosed that a total of 250 machines had been deployed for the exercise in Edo North

Ayo Fayose Senatorial District where the project was to kick off, to ensure that the PDP registered as many members as were willing to join its fold, adding that, the party would engage the services of the local government and ward chairmen to make the project effective.

“In the far north of Weppa-

Wanno, I think we have been sensitising the people and, as of today, all the women that are on the register have been so sensitised and have actually been paying into Skye Bank for this e-registration. It’s N1,000.

“If you like you, you can pay the N1,000 by your debit card. If you like, you can do it by trans-

fer from whichever bank that is based in Nigeria, details of which will be provided,” Dokpesi announced.

The announcement was however greeted with murmuring among the party members present at the meeting, expressing CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

9 Politics

PDP e-registration threatened as members protest high fees CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

their unwillingness to pay for the registration.

One of the party members in Oredo Local Government Area who preferred anonymity, described the fee as expensive, adding that, bulk of the party supporters reside in the rural areas.

“That fee is too much for many of us. I do not expect a market woman or farmer, who earns little, to pay that amount just to be a member,” he added.

The acting National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, however told journalists at the end of the meeting that the party would work out details of the procedures for the exercise, noting that, the party had resolved to carry out a digital reform in order to re-position it as a national political party.

He said: “The most important thing is that everybody has accepted, they have agreed that we must migrate from analogue to digital. In digital, we are able to access everybody. And the people at the local level, through their handsets, can access us on twoway interaction and this is the way the world is today.

“INEC has been reformed, the political parties must be reformed, our party must be reformed. We must comply digitally and that is why we are here to interact with our members.

“The party will now belong to all. As long as you register, you are a member of the party and you have equal rights”.

The plan is to have the party belong to all not to a few members who are moneybags.

Jonathan However, there are fears that the money may be mismanaged by the party officials following recent revelations by workers of the party In another development, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has assured that it would conduct free and transparent primaries for upcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa.

Acting National Chairman of

Olisa Metuh the party, Chief Uche Secondus, gave the assurance while receiving Governor Seriake Dickson’s nomination form for the Bayelsa State governorship poll. Dickson is seeking re-election.

Secondus said that the NWC would ensure a process that would be acceptable to the people of Kogi and Bayelsa in its primaries.

“Today we affirm that we are going to keep to our rules and

party’s Constitution. After the primaries, if you are successful we will come to Bayelsa to campaign with you. This party must be open to all; this party must be taken back to the grassroots,’’ he told Dickson.

He said that the NWC would no longer tolerate any act of intimation and harassment of its members by the operatives of the Department of Security Services (DSS).

Secondus said that the party made the resolve following recent activities of security operatives, particularly the alleged ransacking of Akwa Ibom Government House in the early hours of Friday.

Earlier, Dickson expressed optimism that the PDP would win the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa, saying “no other party has the kind of support that PDP enjoys in the state.”

Group asks EFCC to probe Aregbesola CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Aregbesola

whom he said had been informed before hand, the officials (names withheld) asked them to cancel the written address which he said was wrong and write the correct addressee before he could take the petition from them.

Sulaiman told journalists that he gave the EFCC 21 days within which to commence investigations on the case or he would take

them to court for trying to cover up for Aregbesola and prevent his investigation.

He said even though Aregbesola is covered from prosecution, by section 308 of the amended 1999 Constitution, he is not barred from investigation as ruled by the Supreme Court in the case of Chief Gani Fawehinmi against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The group alleged, in their petition that Aregbesola, despite the

huge allocation of over N500 billion from the federation account, still plunged the state into over N500 billion debts all in the name of infrastructural development most of which they alleged have been abandoned.

They claimed that the accumulated loans were obtained from Infrastructural Bank, Commercial Banks, Bonds from Stock ExCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

The group alleged, in their petition that Aregbesola, despite the huge allocation of over N500 billion from the federation account, still plunged the state into over N500 billion debts all in the name of infrastructural development most of which they alleged have been abandoned.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Critics should let Buhari be – Primate Alder Primate Ebenezer Babalola Alder, is head of the Cherubim & Seraphim Church of Christ, The Worshippers. As the church turns 40 next month, he bares his mind on some matters of the pulpit and nation. Excerpts: Could you share with us the establishment of this church, The Worshippers?

We were initially with Mrs. Abiodun Emmanuel, co-founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, but when a disagreement occurred, we left as efforts to plead our case failed. I did not have the intention to found a church, but I did not want to abandon our predecessor’s legacy; that was why we decided to occasionally go to the beachside to pray. We first started to gather as a church at No 65, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

There was a revelation on the mountain that we should continue the ministry, which necessitated the existence of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Christ “The Worshippers” today. It was on that mount that the ministry was named “The Worshippers” on the directives of the Holy Spirit.

At what point did you decide to

form a church or when did the Holy Spirit directed you to do so?

We spent three years there before we finally moved to the church building erected by the grace of God at No 55, Olatilewa Street, Lawanson area. We have been able to found branches at various settlements and have as well been waxing stronger day by day since then.

Although, there have been misunderstandings and challenges occasionally, but God has always intervened. This is the evolution of this ministry.

In the last 40 years since the establishment of this church, what significant signs and wonders would you attribute to the church?

The Lord has proven Himself in the ministry. At inception until we could not go there as before, our church used to be a well-known church at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for the spiritual miracles the Lord had done

through the ministers of the church. So the signs and wonders of the church are immeasurable. It may not be easy here now to begin to mention the miracles and wonders that God had used this church for both in Nigeria and overseas.

What is the participation of your church in the C&S Unification Church of Nigeria today?

Our church has always and will continue to play pivotal roles in the Unification of all C&S churches. We are trying as much as we can to make our membership count as well as contributing to the development of the church. At a stage in the history of this church, we produced the then chairman of the Building Committee of the Unification in the person of General Supt. Apostle Omoshein. Under his watch, the Unification was able to avail us with a land at Kilometre 40, CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Primate Alder

Group asks EFCC to probe Aregbesola CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

change, SUKUK Bond and others in the name of one project or the other which he added were not feasible and also moribund in the state.

The group asked the commission to investigate the criminal increment of the wage bill of workers, pensioners and political office holders even when there was no political office holder in office.

It also asked the EFCC to investigate how funds such as Sure-P, SUBEB Fund, Ecological Fund, Excess Crude Fund, Internally Generated Fund, states and local government funds from the federation account, constituency allowances of Federal lawmakers, pension contributory fund, unremitted cooperative loan deductions of workers, Sukuk Bond, Infrastructural Bank and Commercial banks debts and lately the Nigeria Natural Liquid Gas NNLG Fund accrued to the state from August 2010 till August 30, 2015.

The group also asked for credible investigation and forensic audit of the account books of the 30 local governments coun-

Aregbesola cils in the state and should also investigate the roles of their executive secretaries and heads of administration and directors of finance over alleged doctoring of their books through a circular of June 26, 2015 and signed

Lamorde by permanent secretary, Mr. S. A. Oyetade.

Comrade Sulaiman warned that if the petition was not investigated, it would assume that the commission was colluding with Aregbesola and others to

siphon the finances of the state.

He alleged Governor Aregbesola and other of committing the various degree of financial blunders, ranging from inflation of contracts sum, duplication of contracts sum, engage in

moribund projects, money laundering, among others, with the sole aim of siphoning the State resources into the private pocket of certain individuals, including Aregbesola’s son, Kabiru,urging the EFCC to conduct proper, thorough and credible investigation into the alleged financial misconduct of Aregbesola’s government from November 2010 to August, 2015 and as well as forensic audit of the Osun State government Account books.

Comrade Sulaiman who further alleged that Aregbesola began his fraudulent activities with the criminal increment of State wage bill of workers, retirees and political office holders alike from N1.3 billion to N3.6 billion ,when no fewer than five(5) thousand workers retired voluntarily from the service of the State government in December 2012,as a result of the Pension Contributory Scheme policy of the Federal government ,maintaining that Aregbesola like now, did not also constitute the members of his cabinet for period of eleven months, but still claiming the same amount of wage bill in the period.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

11 Politics

Religion, not the cause of insurgency, says Primate Alder CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Sagamu Expressway.

Now that you mentioned the Building Committee of the Unification, there appears to be some tardiness in some projects embarked upon. Why is this so?

In my own opinion, it is the result of the inconsistency, untruthfulness and selfishness of some leaders of the various churches making the Unification.

Many are sincere and are working assiduously to ensure that the work of God go unhindered, but a few are not. In actual fact, our own Church has not made some contributions lately, but it is due to some pressing projects in our church. Although, we have not made any contribution recently, it is because of the tasking projects we are confronted with. Nevertheless, I think we all need to do more for all the projects before us in the Unification.

But the truth is that some of our people in the Unification do not always make financial contributions when they are asked to.

Fund is one important ingredient in a ministry of God which must always be taken seriously. But holes have been left on the wall in regards to financial contributions in the church. Of course, whereas some churches are not so forth-coming, some have been doing really well like the C&S Movement Church, Sacred C&S Church, Gospel C&S Church and so on.

Our programmes can only thrive with financial contributions of our people. So, I urge people to turn a new leaf regarding this financial issue in order for the Unification to continue progressing.

Now that you mentioned the importance of money in the work of God is this why some churches allow ill-gotten wealth in their midst?

Our church, C&S Church of Christ, The Worshippers does not accommodate politicians who have soiled their hands in corruption and other vices. We do not even want them in the first place.

So, no ill-gotten wealth can be brought into our church. The fact is, we would be glad to have our own members in such high places, because I am sure if they get there, they will be guided by

Primate Alder the teachings we give for a holy life. Even if a corrupt politician or individual comes into our church, we will minister to him and encourage him to atone for his sins while we will not allow blood money to stain us. One of the morals we teach our children is for them to refrain completely from unrighteousness; money and worldly wealth cannot ascertain one’s prosperity in the afterlife. It is the fear in God that is paramount.

Nigeria as a country is going through trying times as corruption has pervaded the entire spectrum of the society.

What is your take on this?

If the head is questionable, they say, the whole body is useless. So, there is no way Nigeria can move forward without a good government; a good leadership. Prior to the military era in the country, there was a misconception that military rule would come to sanitise the system, but Nigerians were proven wrong. Similarly, when civil rule also came, they are even worse than the military.

The way out of this is for us in Nigeria to switch our prayer gear towards making sure the Lord chooses for us, God-fearing lead-

Buhari ers to pilot the nation’s affairs.

I believe our prayers are being answered already in President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo. For example, I have noticed a significant impact since President Buhari’s assumption of office. For one, there is tremendous change in the power supply now compared to what obtained until the recent past. If he should continue this way, I believe things will be better.

But some people believe he is too slow to act…(cuts in)?

What do you mean by being too slow? Those saying that apparently do not know the man’s antecedent. I have heard people complain that he refused to appoint ministers and other aides. I think they should allow the man study situation well before they begin to judge him. He even said that he has no money to carry out many things like these large ministries of the past; that there is no money to even pay their salaries.

Things are so bad and the man needs time to study the situation before he begins to appoint. He cannot be appointing for appointing sake.

Like you mentioned that things are rotten, even in

churches where some of these corrupt politicians are members?

You are right because many of these churches know and habour these looters of the nation’s resources. These looters are among their church members, but because those loots benefit their churches, they refuse to expose them. I will not want to mention names. Many so-called men of God are even more corrupt than some politicians that we talk about. Today, we see men of God ride in aircraft; palatial yachts, exotic cars when the Bible tells us that love of money is the root of all evils.

So, ministers of God should make sure they have the fear of God in them in whatever they do.

The Ten Commandments given to us by God must be strictly adhered to so that the Lord will answer our prayers. However, it is not only in Christianity that such things happen in Nigeria; it is also prevalent in other religions too. So, care must be taken at all spiritual corners of the country.

Today we battle with insurgency by those they call Boko Haram members. No one appears to be safe in the country

again. What is the way out of this?

The main cause of insurgency is traceable to corruption in the final analysis. Like I had said earlier, the cankerworm of corruption has been so endemic in the country that people can do anything for money. We have heard how underdeveloped most parts of the country are. Maybe if those youths had been well catered for, they would not be preys to Boko Haram and join them, but see where we are today. If it had not happened that way, there would have been nothing like Boko Haram insurgency.

Insurgency is also traceable to lack of contentment of some politicians. As a matter of fact, religion is not the cause of insurgency in Nigeria, because both Christians and Muslims serve the same God. I want us in Nigeria to be righteous and follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Covetousness is equally part of the causes of insurgency; when a politician wants to live large than his income. The only way out for such a person is to devise other means to meet up. Regarding the ministers of God, they should have fear in God in them.

There is also high level of immorality today even in churches… (cuts in) Those are signs of the end time.

All these have been foretold by our Lord in the Holy Bible. Imagine what we hear today a man marrying a man and a woman to a woman. Sodomy exactly. The way young men and women dress nowadays leaves much to be desired. But part of the problem is that some all these in the Bible and they should not be strange to us. Ministers of God should consistently be of the so-called ministers of God encourage this too. Maybe because of money they cannot control their members. Morality has even been lost in some homes. Many parents cannot control their children to the path of God again. Like I said, these are signs of the end time.

We had been forewarned about righteous in their preaching. If they do this, their followers will complementarily walk in righteousness.

In other words, Ministers of God should endeavour to always discourage immorality in the society.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Owa, Orangun at war over headship of Osun rulers council Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe

recent demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, has thrown the Osun State Council of Obas into a whirligig, the Daily Times can authoritatively report.

The simmering crisis blew into the open on Monday, pitting two First Class Osun State monarchs against each other.

At stake is: who heads the council now that Oba Sijuwade has joined his ancestors?

Before his demise, the Ooni was the chairman of the council. Before the exci-

sion of Osun State out of the then Oyo State, the traditional council had similarly been locked in a fierce leadership tussle between Oba Sijuwade and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111.

Sources close to the Osun Traditional Rulers Council told Daily Times that a condolence advertorial allegedly published by Oba Aromolaran over the demise of the Ooni, stirred the feud that blew into the open on Monday.

It was alleged that in the advertorial, the Ijesa monarch was referred to as the acting chairman of the Council of Obas.

It was also alleged that

in the said advertorial, Oba Aromolaran named the Council of Obas as Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Addressing a news conference in his domain on Monday, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Adedotun Bibire declared that the Owa remains a co-Deputy Chairman of the council and frowned at the Ilesa monarch’s alleged attempt to claim the position of acting chairman of the council.

The Orangun was accompanied by other traditional rulers from the Osun Central and the Osun West Senatorial Districts, including the Timi of Ede, Oba

Munirudeen Adesola Lawal; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Olatunde Olabomi; the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Samuel Ibironke; and the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye among others.

Oba Bibire described the alleged action of Oba Aromolaran as illegal, unconstitutional and capable of distorting historical facts about traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

According to him, “ the reference to Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland as Acting Chairman is not only an error but also a deliberate action meant to rewrite the history of Obas in Yorubaland.”

He continued: “It is a known fact that Orangun of Ila takes precedence over the Owa of Ilesa and no overt or covert mischief can sufficiently subvert historical fact, in this respect.”

While the late Oba Sijuwade was the Permanent Chairman, as approved by the state government, “the arrogation of the position of Acting Chairman by the Owa is to say the least illegal,” the Orangun declared.

He added: “I am surprised to have found the name of Orangun of Ila below that of Owa Obokun in the publication which must have sent wrong information to mil-

lions of Nigerians.

“There is no iota of truth in the false claim of Owa Obokun who is at best is next to the Orangun of Ila in the Osun State Council of Obas.”

While stating that historical position of the Orangun of Ila is well known in the hierarchy of the children of Oduduwa throughout Yorubaland, he added that ascension to any position of authority in Yorubaland is purely a matter of tradition.

He maintained that the Orangun of Ila is the first son of Oduduwa adding that the alleged action of Oba Aromolaran was not backed with any authority.

Obasanjo urges end to migrant crisis in Europe Continued from page 6

Executive Director, The Inclusive Friends, Miss Grace Jerry (right); with the project officer, Mrs Patricia Pam during the dissemination workshop on what violence means to Women With Disabilities in Jos, Plateau State… rececently

Uwazuruike reports self to Police Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏLeader

of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike on Monday turned himself in to the Imo State Police Command, Owerri barley 24 hours his residence in the city was raided by about 40 armed policemen.

Uwazuruike, who arrived at the Police headquarters, Owerri, at about 10am

walked straight to the office of the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu where they had a closeddoor chat for more than 45 minutes.

The MASSOB leader was moved to the zone 9 headquarters, Umuahia, under tight security to continue similar discussions with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone.

According to sources, Uwazuruike’s invitation to

the Police command was on the order of the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase over the activities of his members.

It was learnt that the leader of the separatist group was neither arrested nor detained by the Police.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Enwerem said that the MASSOB leader was invited by the authorities over the activities of the group, noting that MASSOB is one of the outlawed

groups in the country.

Daily Times gathered that police arrested over 20 members of MASSOB at the residence of Uwazuruike in Owerri on Sunday during the raid. They detained at the police headquarters but were later released on Monday.

As at press time, an aide to the MASSOB who pleaded anonymity told Daily Times that Uwazuruike was asked to go home after his meeting with the AIG zone 9, Umuahia.

repatriated back to other countries by air and by road. According to reports I received, Ghana evacuated 5,000 of its citizens and Sudan 3,000.

“With the cooperation of the Nigerien and Libyan authorities, our security agencies acquired the necessary intelligence on which action was taken to dismantle several human trafficking rings operating in Lagos, Benin City, Sokoto, and Kano in Nigeria, Agadez, Maradi, Dogondoutchie and Niamey in the Republic of Niger and Gatroun and Sabha in Libya.

“It is thus a matter of considerable sadness for me when I witness the current wave of desperate youths risking their lives to travel to Europe and the futile efforts of European countries to deal with those who have already set sail or have even reached shores of the European continent.

“Although there are strenuous efforts to deny it, it is undeniable that the vacuum created by the lack of effective governance in Libya precipitated by the direct action of Western powers is responsible for the current anarchy in

that country. The current inflow of African refugees into Europe from Libya is a direct consequence. The government in Libya which in 2000 acted humanely and responsibly to stem the outflow of illegal migrants to Europe has been replaced by unconscionable bandits and terrorists who have forcibly seized the instruments of state to facilitate human trafficking and illegal migration for their own material benefit.

“It is time for the international community and particularly African leaders to take a good look at the factors responsible for the death and destruction with the Mediterranean by illegal migration of youths from Africa and address the causes in an honest, responsible, humane and holistic manner rather than the current futile attempt to half-heartedly deal with the symptoms rather than the cause. The sure way of prevention is the elimination of conflict and abject poverty and creation of employment in the countries where migrants originate. In the meantime, let AU form a bulwark to stem the spate of migrants from Africa across the Mediterranean to Europe.

It can be done.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday September 8, 2015

13 Africa

S/Sudan rebels to ratify peace deal Tuesday

Swaziland critics lament repression

South Sudan's rebel leader, Riek Machar speaks about the situation in South Sudan following last week's peace agreement with the government, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Aug. 31, 2015.

ÏÏÏ

South Sudan’s rebel leader says his group will ratify the recently signed peace agreement on Tuesday as part of efforts to restore peace and end the country’s nearly two year long conflict.

Former Vice President Riek Machar told VOA Sunday he is committed to the full implementation of the agreement. But he said

Al-Shabaab retakes Somali town

ÏÏÏAl-Shabaab supporters took

control of a populous town in central Somalia on Sunday after African Union forces left the area - the third town the Islamist insurgents have seized since Friday, militants and local officials said.

The group, which seeks to overthrow the Western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islamic law, has remained a potent threat in the Horn of Africa country after it was forced from the capital Mogadishu in 2011.

The African Union peacekeeping force, AMISOM, withdraw from Buqda on Saturday night, less than a month after taking control of the town, an economic centre of the Hiran region, from al Shabaab. Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab's military spokesperson, said: ""We have taken Buqda town peacefully. The town is now under our control."

Residents said they had been treated brutally by both sides, but some said they welcomed the return of al-Shabaab. "The problem is that the government cannot keep control of the town and it does not want al-Shabaab to rule it," said local elder Nur Ibrahim.

he has petitioned mediators and regional leaders about the government’s continuous violation of the peace agreement signed by both parties.

“My team will be ratifying this most likely on the 8th (of September) and the cease-fire has not been holding. So we need the cease-fire to hold first and a

workshop conducted for the permanent cease-fire and security arraignments, then after that we can kick off the second phase of forming the transitional government of national unity,” he said.

President Salva Kiir signed the agreement 15 days later than originally scheduled after expressing reservations about stipulations in

the accord, which he said undermines South Sudan’s sovereignty.

So far, both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement. But Machar said the administration is to blame for endangering the accord.

“I can’t say I am satisfied because the government has been breaking the cease-fire. It has not stopped its offensive despite the fact that the government declared a cease-fire. So, this is not satisfactory,” he said.

Machar called on South Sudanese and the international community to pressure the administration in Juba to ensure a full implementation of the cease-fire agreement.

“I have complained, I have protested on the violations done by the government, and I have written to IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development] leaders and those who witnessed the peace agreement.”

Machar's comments came after reports that the U.N. Security Council was considering imposing sanctions following accusations of attacks that could endanger the peace agreement. Machar denied his rebels violated the accord.

Rwandan member of parliament said the process of rebuilding Rwanda into a normal society following the country’s 1994 genocide has been delicate and costly, and President Paul Kagame has been a good steward during that period.

As a result, parliamentarian Juliana Kantengwa told VOA, the citizens have appealed to parliament to change Article 101 of the constitution to allow President Kagame to seek a third term because they do not want to risk experimenting with another leader during this period.

Kantengwa was responding to U.S. State Department criticism last Friday of the Rwandan parliament’s decision to set up a Constitutional Reform Commission that may amend or remove presidential term limits thereby allowing President Kagame to seek a third term in 2017. State Department spokesman John Kirby said while the U.S. respects the ability of any parliament to pass legislation that reflects the will of the people it is elected to represent, it does not support those in position of power changing constitutions solely for their political self-interest.

“When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, it risks instability and strife – as we’ve seen in Burundi. And this is often just a first step down a perilous path,” Kirby said.

But Kantengwa said the parliament was simply honoring the wishes of more than 3.6 million eligible Rwandan voters who petitioned their lawmakers during a nationwide consultative tour to change Article 101 of the constitution. She said it’s not President Kagame who is asking for the constitutional changes, but rather the citizens are demanding he stays on as president during Rwanda’s reconstruction period. Kantengwa said members of parliament are under oath to serve their constituencies.

“When we see numbers increase up to 3.6 million and more, that’s slightly more than half of the total voting adult population of Rwanda. So as parliament, we were compelled to respond to what the citizens were doing,” he said.

Kantengwa said parliament received “massive” information from the people during the nationwide consultation.

anniversary of independence from Britain on Sunday, a rights group says the country is ruled by a repressive government.

Amnesty International says the country, Africa's last absolute monarchy, uses colonial-era laws to silence critics and detain political opponents.

However, a journalist recently detained for over a year after he reported on threats to the judiciary, wrote in a monthly magazine that he is hopeful the country's 2005 constitution will protect accountability and rights. Journalist Bheki Makhubu was detained along with human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko. Their conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court.

Swaziland is ruled by King Mswati III, who appoints the prime minister and his cabinet.

The World Bank reports about two thirds of the 1.2 million Swazi's live below the poverty line.

Hissene Habre: Chad's ex-leader carried into court ÏÏÏChad's

Rwandan lawmaker defends constitutional reform ÏÏÏA

ÏÏÏAs Swaziland marks its 47th

Kagame

“So we resolved to pass an act of parliament requesting the executive to establish a Constitutional Review Commission whose sole purpose is to support parliament to carry on the review process,” Kantengwa said.

She said parliament and the Rwandan people have been following every procedure as laid down in their constitution.

Kantengwa said the cost of restoring Rwanda back into a normal society has been heavy; the process has been delicate and painstaking and citizens just don’t want to risk it. “We’ve had presidents before and we’ve seen what leadership is like -- bad and good.

We’ve experienced good leadership under President Kagame, an unprecedented good leadership.

President Kagame is not too old to continue; we want to push him to continue until we get ourselves assured that we’ve passed that transition stage whereby we are unlikely to fall back to where we have come from,” Kantengwa said.

ex-leader Hissene Habre has been held down by masked security officers in the courtroom at the resumption of his trial for war crimes in the Senegalese capital Dakar.

Mr Habre had to be forcibly brought to court having refused to attend. He was restrained in the courtroom while the prosecutor read out a list of names of some of his alleged victims.

Mr Habre is accused of ordering the killing of 40,000 people during his rule in the 1980s, charges he denies.

The trial marks the first time one African country has prosecuted the former leader of another.

Earlier, new lawyers appointed to represent him told the BBC Mr Habre had refused to speak to them. If he refuses to recognise his newly appointed legal team, the judge will have to decide whether to adjourn proceedings or try Mr Habre against his will, reports BBC West Africa correspondent Thomas Fessy, who is in court.

With many Africans denouncing the International Criminal Court as neo-colonial, this trial is considered a chance for the continent to show it can hold its leaders to account, our correspondent adds. The trial follows a 25-year campaign to bring him to justice.

Many of Mr Habre's alleged victims have been calling for him to face justice since his overthrow and exile in Senegal in 1990.

World14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Refugees continue to pour into Europe

ÏÏÏThe stream of refugees into

Europe continued Monday.

The passage through Hungary is much smoother than it was last week, when the central European nation seemed ready to do whatever it could to prevent the migrants from entering the wealthier western European nations.

Hungarians are now posting Austrian train schedules for the refugees at Budapest's Keleti station. Last week, police teargassed the migrants at Keleti who wanted to go Austria.

One observer said the trains to Austria are now "just loaded" with migrants.

Upon their arrival at Vienna's Westbahnhof train station, the refugees are met with applause from Austrians who efficiently guide the travelers from one train to another in their journey to Germany. Very few of the refugees are opting to stay in Austria.

Many of the migrants already have relatives in Germany who are urging them to join their families there.

Germany – Europe's wealthiest country – said Monday it is making an additional $6.6 billion in public funds available next year to absorb the refugees into Ger-

man society. Germany has said it is willing to accept 800,000 migrants.

The newly arrived refugees are communicating through their cellphones and their Facebook pages with relatives and friends who are further back in the immigration pipeline to inform them of what to expect on their

journey to Europe.

For example, Budapest is currently a good jumping-off point for entry, but migrants are warning their loved ones that could be short-lived.

The train ride from Budapest to Vienna is not exactly comfortable, as refugees have to wait in long lines, but at least the journey

is possible, which it was not last week.

A migrant wrapped in a blanket eats an apple in a make-shift camp at the border crossing in Nickelsdorf, Austria, Sept. 6, 2015.

A migrant wrapped in a blanket eats an apple in a make-shift camp at the border crossing in Nickelsdorf, Austria, Sept. 6, 2015.

Middle Eastern migrants, who came from Germany by ferry and train Sunday night, walking from Rodby in Southern Denmark toward Sweden, Sept. 7, 2015.

Mexico’s official account on missing students rejected ÏÏÏAn

independent investigation into the disappearance of 43 Mexican students nearly a year ago has rejected the government's account of events. The government investigation said the bodies were burned at a rubbish dump hours after the students went missing. But the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights says it has found no evidence to support claims that the bodies were incinerated.

The Mexican government has now ordered a new investigation.

Shortly after the IACHR report

was published, Mexican Attorney General Arely Gomez said a new forensic team would return to the area where the bodies were supposed to have been burned.

Relatives have always rejected the official investigation.

They accused the authorities of covering up the alleged involvement of high-ranking officials and possibly the army in the killings.

The case shocked Mexico and led to weeks of protests against official impunity and the government of President Enrique Pena Nieto. This report confirms what

many people have believed for a long time - that the government's investigation into the disappearance of the 43 students was deeply flawed. The families of the missing disagreed from the start with the government's version of events now they've been vindicated.

There is a lot that is still unknown - the report doesn't explain what happened to the students and only suggests possible motives.

But what is clear is that the government needs to step up its efforts to get to the bottom of what actually happened. President En-

rique Pena Nieto has been hugely criticised for his handling of this case - this report will heap yet more pressure on him.

After a six-month investigation, the Washington-based IACHR released a report of nearly 500 pages urging the government to continue looking for the missing students. A Peruvian fire expert hired by the commission concluded that it was impossible for all the bodies to have been burned at the landfill site in the municipality of Cocula, in the western state of Guerrero.

Moldovans protest against missing money ÏÏÏTens of

thousands of Moldovans rallied on Sunday in the capital, Chisinau, demanding the resignation of the president and calling for early elections over a $1 billion bank fraud that has hit living standards.

The protesters streamed into the capital from all regions of the small, largely rural, ex-Soviet state in answer to an appeal by a new organization called "Da!" Police put protesters' numbers between 35,000 and 40,000 – bigger than mass anti-communist protests in April 2009 – though the

organizers put their estimates at three times as many.

The protesters, calling for the resignation of President Nicolae Timofti who has presided over a pro-European Union leadership since early 2012, chanted: "Victory! Bring the 1 billion back home!"

One of the protest leaders, Andrei Nastase, said a new president should be elected in a referendum.

In a scam that has exposed endemic corruption and highlighted the power of oligarch groups

in the country of 3.5 million, $1 billion has disappeared from the banking system – roughly oneeighth of Moldova's gross domestic output.

The fraud has caused a rapid depreciation in the national currency, the leu, stoking inflation and hurting living standards.

It has also tarnished the image of the pro-Europe ruling class for ordinary Moldovans, many of whom struggle by on a family income of about $300 a month.

Another protest leader, Stanislav Pavlovschi, who used to

serve as a judge in the European Court of Human Rights, condemned corruption in the judicial system.

Timofti

Air raid kills 11 Afghan drug police ÏÏÏAfghan officials said Mon-

day that an overnight airstrike in a restive southern province has killed at least 11 anti-drug police and wounded four others.

The Afghan Interior Ministry said Sunday that there were a total of 20 police personnel in Helmand's Sangin district at the time of the strike. It said four were unharmed and one is still missing.

Afghan officials initially said the strike was carried out by NATO, which said no airstrikes were carried out in Helmand at the time. A counternarcotics operation was said to be underway at the time of the air raid.

The victims were reportedly wearing civilian outfits and riding in private vehicles.

No other details were immediately available as to what prompted the air raid in the area where Taliban insurgents are also active. Helmand is a known major poppy producing Afghan province, where the Taliban has recently made territorial gains after bloody clashes with Afghan security forces.

Pakistan carries out first-ever drone strike ÏÏÏPakistan’s

military announced that a locally developed drone has carried out its first missile strike, killing at least three "high-profile” militants near the Afghan border.

Military spokesman MajorGeneral Asim Bajwa said in a statement the unmanned aircraft named Burraq attacked what he called “a terrorist compound” Monday in the volatile Shawal valley of North Waziristan, a remote tribal district.

No other details have been made available about those killed or whether any civilians were among the victims. The area is not accessible for reporters and aid workers.

Parts of the Waziristan region are still believed to be serving as hideouts for militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban and fugitive commanders of the Taliban insurgency in neighboring Afghanistan. The area has been the focus for nearly a decade of a U.S. drone campaign to eliminate extremist bases from the Pakistani border region, and to defuse the threat they pose to coalition and Afghan forces across the border.

Hundreds of militants linked to the al-Qaida and Haqqani network of Afghan insurgents have died in these missile strikes.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

15 Opinion

Corruption: Too much noise and no action

B

Temple Ubochi

uhari knows that prosecuting all those who looted our commonwealth is like music to the ears and that he would be praised, if he can pull it off.

However, for the war against corruption to be meaningful, Buhari must move beyond Jonathan and his administration to include other past rulers. Since Buhari claims he came to correct past mistakes, he should not limit his searchlight and probes only to Jonathan’s era.

If he wants Nigerians to believe he is serious, he should prosecute all those involved in the Halliburton scandal. Most of all, he should get down to business rather than making only noise. Corruption did not start and never will end with the Jonathan administration.

Buhari is making only noise about prosecuting the corrupt ones. Talk is talk and talk is cheap.

Buhari might be using this noise to cloak his parochial agenda. While making noise about corruption, he rules alone; appoints mostly northerners into positions of authority; sacks some southerners while replacing them with northerners, and loots our commonwealth. He might have helped in igniting the leadership fire that almost con-

sumed the national assembly in order to veer off the attention of lawmakers from the atrocities he has been perpetrating since he took office. The National Assembly is engrossed in leadership tussles and has no time to perform its oversight function over the presidency.

Buhari has been having a “field day”, operating with impunity with nobody asking questions.

The point is that making too much noise about probes and prosecutions is not the best way to go about it. The corrupt ones are not stupid; they will fight back to thwart all efforts to get them in prison. Some might leave the country to avoid arrest. It is better to quietly gather the evidence, secure arrest warrants from a court, take suspected criminals into custody and hold them for trial. Rather, Buhari has left the business of governance and is only sniffing around looking for allegations to pin on Jonathan and his appointees. That explains the lull in his administration.

If he is serious about tackling corruption, he should address the moral burden he now lives with.

That is an issue that will continually blight every effort at prosecuting anyone for corrupt enrichment or embezzlement of public funds.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is

a moral burden on Buhari. He is also a dent on whatever image Buhari professes to the world, as far as war on corruption is involved. Why probing Tinubu is important is that it will free Buhari to go after others. Otherwise, it will be ridiculous if Buhari seeks to prosecute perceived corrupt persons while shielding those immediately around him. If Buhari pretends not to have any evidence, he should reach out to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). I agree with PDP that President the Buhari-led APC administration should show integrity and commitment in the fight against corruption by first cleaning its house of the numerous sleazes going on under its watch.

During the campaigns, those who opposed Buhari’s candidacy were not because Jonathan was a wonderful ruler. All we were saying was that a better candidate should have contested against President Jonathan, because, we know who Buhari is. There are brighter, younger and dynamic northerners who are better than Buhari, but they did not have the chance where the old guards have refused to retire. Indeed given what is going on, one cannot imagine the difference there would be in the 100 days, if Nasir El-Rufai instead of GMB was

the President at this point! Look at the skill and political astuteness and sensitivity the former has brought to bear in the governance of Kaduna State in, while Buhari is pussy footing and almost derailing the hopes and aspiration Nigerians have invested in his administration by seemingly tunnel vision and inane clannish ness!

Nigeria is a plural society and it will be foolish for any leader to fail to realise that. The suggestion that a leader is for only those that voted for him is inept and in the case of PMB undermines the well-received mantra of his to be “for everybody, and not anybody! What else can one say? The guy who should be in Aso Rock is swimming in the small pond of Kaduna while the grandpa that should be playing with his grandkids in Daura is slowly sleep walking us to the precipice.

Buhari is only making noise; in four years time, we will see how far he went. The point is that there is something inherently wrong with Nigeria that does not allow any president to achieve much, no matter how he wants or tries. A country like Nigeria is better off with true federalism (everybody developing at his or her own pace and contributing according to his or her ability (to the common purse).

Can we save planet earth?

E

Tomiwa Erinosho

nvironmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil leading to the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. It is as any change or disturbance to the environment.

The destruction of natural habitats or depletion of natural resources leads to environmental degradation and efforts to counteract this problem include environmental protection and environmental resources management.

From the I=PAT equation, environmental impact (I) or degradation is a function of an already very large and increasing human population (P), continually increasing economic growth or per capita affluence (A), and the application of resource depleting and polluting technology (T).

T in the IPAT equation overlaps greatly with the current discourse on Global Warming and Climate Change resulting primarily from increases in atmospheric CO2 levels and forms the crux of this article. Discussions on global warming and climate change driven by increased greenhouse emissions have intensified in the last decade. Drastic changes in weather typified by hotter summers and severe winters have been reported. Global manifestations include the shrinkage

of glaciers in the arctic.

Climate change will further reduce the already low quality of life of many poor people. It will affect their health, access to water, homes, and infrastructure. By affecting economic growth in the hardest hit countries, income opportunities through the natural ecosystem will increasingly dwindle.

For example, the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has well-endowed ecosystem and contains one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity on earth. However, the region continually experiences a drastic loss of its inhabitable terrain because of activities of the oil industry. A 1983 report by the NNPC quotes “We witnessed the slow poisoning of the waters of this country and destruction of vegetation and agricultural land by oil spills which occur during petroleum operations. But since the inception of the oil industry in Nigeria, more than twenty-five years ago, there has been no concerned and effective effort on the part of the government, let alone the oil operators, to control environmental problems associated with the industry.” . The fourth assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggests 0.74 ± 0.18oC increases in global temperatures during the 20th century resulting from intolerable levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2).

Other postulates have earmarked 2050 as a standpoint at which global temperatures will skyrocket if current CO2 progression rates are uncontrolled. Meinshausen et al. in their 2009 Nature article report that CO2 levels increased from 325 ppm in 1960 to 380 ppm in 2000 and computational extrapolations further predict enormous increases at a 2 ppm per year rate which will lead to tremendous thermal fluctuations.

These estimates and postulates have prompted research into ways of lowering both atmospheric CO2 concentrations and input rates from secondary sources. Two methods been suggested are: i) CO2 capture and storage in deep ocean hydrothermal vents and ii) CO2 conversion and transformation. Whilst the latter is an active research area today, CO2 capture and storage has been utilised in the oil and gas industry. Potential effects can include earthquakes, tremors and tsunamis.

Despite the trace composition of CO2 in the atmosphere (less than 1 percent), contributions from other sources especially human related process have resulted in increased atmospheric concentrations. Trends in CO2 emission levels in industrialised countries resulting from processes such as fuel combustion, industrialisation and manufacturing raise concerns, and, finding ways of stabilizing the increasing trends of CO2 levels- the

driver for climate change- has become paramount.

This cemented the focus on environmental degradation and climate change in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), derived from the Millennium Declaration agreed by political leaders from all over the world in 2000. In passing, the comprehensive MDG document highlights in 2015 as the rallying-point to achieve concrete goals in poverty reduction, food access, education, gender equality, health and environmental sustainability.

Clearly, these objectives have not been surmounted but, there has been substantive progress on some of the goals whilst others are lagging behind.

Initially, the climate policy narrowly focused on mitigation – the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions to curb global temperature increase.

Hence, the goal of limiting rise of the world’s average annual temperature as far below 2°C as possible as established

by Kreft et al. (2010) has prompted three approaches; Firstly, industrialised countries’ fossil fuel and industrial greenhouse gas emissions would have to drop rapidly and almost be fully phased out by 2050.

This will have significant impacts of energy generation and improvement of green technologies.

Dr. Erinosho is the Director of Sustainable Development, Centre for Convention of Democratic Integrity.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Business Times Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

17

Arik gives reason for not employing Nigerian pilots hukwuemeke Iwelunmo CThe Chairman, Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide has shed light on why the airline hardly employ Nigerian pilots and engineers.

Speaking at a one-day forum organized by the Aviation Round Table, ART, in Lagos, Arumemi-Ikhide noted that when the airline commenced operations in 2007, the airline came in with brand new and new generational aircraft, which many Nigerians had no expertise on.

He however said that the airline then took it upon itself to train Nigerian pilots and engineers to be type-rated on the new aircraft, but decried that few months after training, they abandoned the airline for others especially among the Middle East carriers.

He lamented that the carrier regularly spent massive amounts of money on training of these personnel, but gained nothing in return.

He decried further that no fewer than four of the airline’s pilots had been poached by the Federal Government for executive presidential fleet, rather than training pilots for the industry.

He insisted that employing Nigerians would be far cheaper, more convenient for the carrier and create jobs for the teeming populace, but the attitude of the technical personnel had driven the airline to hiring foreign expatriates.

He said, “It’s in our own interest to have Nigerian pilots and engineers, as jobs would be created for the country.

Sterling Bank takes ‘Ready for Work’ initiative to SMEs

From left, Principal Partner, Public Health Partner Limited, Dr. Ubiame Omas; Chief Route Commander/Unit Head of Operation, Mainland, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mrs. Uche Ugbebor; Executive Director, Corporate Bank and Treasury, Keystone Bank, Mr. Hafiz Bakare and Eye Care Project Manager, Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Mr. Nwagala Paul, during the free Health and Eye screening exercise organized by Keystone Bank Limited as a CSR programme for Inter-State/Luxury bus drivers tagged Think Road Safety, Save Lives, in Lagos.

Manufacturers blame shrinking sales on policy inconsistencies Charles Okonji The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has attributed the shrinking of their products patronage to inconsistencies in policies, which has hindered the operational activities across the various sectors of manufacturing.

Prince Felix Oba Okojie, the chairman, Ikeja branch of MAN and also the managing director Phoenix Steel Mills Ltd stated this in a chat with Daily Times.

He said that electricity tariff was one of the major challenges facing the sector, adding that the association vehemently opposed

Adesola Akindele Sterling Bank has said its ‘Get Ready for Work’ initiative for this year will be extended to entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses to enable them add more value to their enterprises.

The bank’s Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Abubakar Suleiman who disclosed this at the weekend in Lagos, said apart from getting the youths ready to pursue their career choices and helping them acquire the re-

the recent unilateral increase in electricity tariff by NERC. He explained that the increase was ‘anti-manufacturers’ and breach of MYTO 2.0 agreement, adding that the steel sub-sector of MAN instituted a legal action against NERC/11 DISCOs in April 2015, obtaining an injunction restraining them from MYTO2.1.

“The snowballing negative effects of the Naira vis-à-vis the following agonizing indices; inflation, exchange rate, purchasing power and lending rate cum the direct un-cushioned effects on manufacturers. We had a constructive dialogue on the issue of

GAS franchisers, trying to make the price of Gas competitive.”

He stated that the association is constantly engaging government regulatory agencies at the national level like, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), NESREA, NERC, Nigerian Shippers Council and so on with all efforts geared towards creating a safer haven for its members.

“Nigeria is the economic hub of West Africa, recent indices and economic publications showed its economic prowess in Africa and by extension, the world. Now imagine; if the following problems are fixed,

where do you think Nigeria will be in the world economic hierarchy.”

“If the comatose energy supply can be fixed and companies now have constant or stable electricity supply, I bet you, Nigeria will compete side by side with china. However, it must be acknowledged, the improved power situation under the present administration. Kudos to the President. The Ajaokuta Steel Mills. Once this facility becomes operational, then the country’s over dependence on machineries, parts and accessories will be reduced significantly.” Okojie stated.

quired skills, the lender will also through the programme, reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

Suleiman, who spoke ahead of this year’s edition of the event coming up on the September 11, said that Get Ready For Work’, now in its third year, is the bank’s way of giving back to the society and equipping the youths with the right skills to succeed in their jobs.

He also said the lender is considering extending its ‘Get Ready For Work’ initiative to more

states of the Federation and encouraged other banks to join in the project.

He said that the lender was committed to helping to reduce the high level of youth unemployment in the country, pointing out that there would be serious consequences for the society if the problem is not addressed.

According to him, “There is no country in the world that would not be affected by a high level of youth unemployment. Once youth employment stands above 25 per cent in any country, that

country is heading for chaos.”

He noted that the problem of youth unemployment in the country had been made worse by the fact that what students are taught in schools these days often leaves them ill-equipped to handle simple tasks when they eventually secure employment.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy (FSD) Omowale Ogunrinde, commended Sterling Bank for investing in the future of youths in country through the initiative.

Labour 18

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Labour ministry seeks reclassification Kwara state assures workers of August salaries to reflect relevance to economy

Illoh

Stories by Joy Ekeke The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, has requested that the federal government reclassifies the ministry to reflect its contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.

Illoh, who recently had a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari to update him on the min-

istry’s activities so far, explained that in view of the ministry’s critical role to the survival, growth and development of the country, it would be nice that it be reclassified from a social to economic and security sector.

A statement from the ministry yesterday in Abuja noted that Illoh had made this request to Buhari.

“The need to place this minis-

Call for increase in electricity tariff, unjustifiable — Yobe NLC Chairman Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Yobe Alhaji Lawan Ibrahim, has described as ‘unjustifiable’ the call for increase in electricity tariff by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (Yola Disco) Speaking at a consultation forum with consumers, the chairman noted that even the current tariff needed to be reviewed downward in Damaturu.

He advised the company to place emphasis on the provision of prepaid meters to customers, instead of advocating for increase in tariff.

According to him, the prepaid meters will enable customers pay for exactly what they consume.

Earlier in his remark at the

try within the economic and security category with appropriate funding of its activities cannot be over emphasised as ministries of labour all over the world are key to national survival, growth and development; it is the nation’s human capital resources that are responsible for the attainments of these critical objectives,” Illoh was quoted in the statement to have told the president.

Notwithstanding his request, Illoh however assured the President that his ministry would continue to deploy significantly, tested and globally accepted strategies that include social dialogue, rule of law, due process, accountability, transparency and tact in a corruption free environment to make its contribution to the process of national growth and development.

He also affirmed his commitments to re-positioning the ministry for employment generation, enhanced national productivity, industrial relations harmony and social security protection for all Nigerians in line with the present administration’s change mantra.

The Kwara State Government said it had not received the N5 billion the Federal Government pledged to ensure the payment of local government workers’ salary and pension arrears.

Muideen Akorede, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communication, said although the state had paid arrears owed to state workers with its bailout loan from the Federal Government that of the local governments was yet to be released by the Federal Government.

“Although the August allocation has been released to the local government councils, the fund is inadequate to pay salary

of local government workers.

“The state government is therefore augmenting the allocation with N800 million to enable the local government councils pay workers,” said Akorede.

He assured that the N800 million augmentations will be finalised by next Thursday and the August salary will be paid within the week while government awaits the bailout fund from the Federal Government.

“The state government therefore emphasises with the affected local government workers and calls for their understanding as all necessary machinery has been put in place to pay the existing arrears and prevent a reoccurrence,” said Akorede.

Abdulfatah Ahmed, Kwara State Governor

Kenya: Meru county to replace striking nurses Wabba

forum, the Yola Disco Company Secretary and Head of Regulatory Affairs, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, had advocated for an upward review of electricity tariff.

According to him, an upward review will help sustain the current tempo in electricity generation and distribution.

Mohammed said that the forum was to sensitize consumers on the challenges they were facing in distributing electricity to consumers. ``We are glad that electricity supply has improved in recent times but adequate tariffs must be paid to sustain the current tempo,’’ he said.

The secretary said if the current power supply was main-

tained, government and private individuals could establish cottage industries to generate employment opportunities for the people.

He stressed that except bills were adequately paid and illegal connections avoided, the efforts to provide adequate power supply would be fruitless.

The Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Abbali, urged electricity consumers in the state to pay their bills regularly.

Represented by Alhaji Baba Hardo, the emir also advised the electricity company to take measures against its employees who encouraged corruption in the system.

The Meru County government is in the process of hiring new health workers to replace those on strike.

Governor Peter Munya on Sunday, however, said he was ready to listen to and address 10 grievances raised by the striking workers, who have paralysed services for the second week, as long as they resume work.

Speaking during a fundraiser at Ruiri Medical Centre in Buuri Constituency, Mr Munya said some of the issues raised were baseless as the county government had already addressed them.

“Medical workers have rights.

They are our people. We are pleading with them to go back to work but we will only dialogue with them when they are working.

“We have started employing others and those who want to work for the National Government can come and collect their letters. I have written the letters taking them (nurses) back to the National Government,” said Mr Munya who is also the chair-

man of the Council of Governors (CoG).

SALARIES PAID The county boss said the nurses had been paid their July and August salaries and 59 had already been promoted.

An additional 109, he said, will be promoted in October.

“I employed 200 the other day, and they should know we can’t promote them after such a short time.

“We are planning on carrying out more promotions depending on availability of funds.

“They must come back to work or face consequences. We cannot be held hostage by workers not willing to dialogue,” Mr Munya said.

The medical workers 10-point grievances include salary delays, lack of promotions, lack of hardship and transfer allowances, poor working conditions, lack of annual increments and punitive transfers.

Patients have been flocking to private hospitals to get treatment since the boycott started.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

MultiChoice showcases biggest content in Africa

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

It was a magical night filled with #OnlyTheBest of African entertainment when MultiChoice Africa commenced its second #OnlyTheBest Content Showcase Extravaganza in spectacular style at the Outrigger Resort.

The star-studded guest list read like the who’s who of Africa’s entertainment and media as the guests walked down the African media Walk of Fame onto a redcarpet that opened up to a sensational night of dazzling entertainment.

The event, dubbed ‘Night of a Thousand Stars’ saw all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood come to life on the island paradise, as guests that include Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot and Ramsey Nuoah were given the full movie-star treatment. Flavour, Stonebwoy and The Mavins kept the guests on their feet with their popular hits while the night’s MCs IK and Eku kept the glamorous proceedings running smoothly.

Guest also experienced host

IK who also brought his popular show, High Lites with IK, to the stage in Mauritius with a delightful interview with Nigerian crooner Banky W alongside music by DJ Sose.

MultiChoice Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Jacobs also took to the stage to welcome guests with a promise that the video entertainment service provider will do all it can to make only the best content available to its subscribers on any platform, on any device and at any time.

“We believe television is an extremely powerful tool that can educate, entertain and inform.

The evolution of this medium has become fast and furious and as a business we are constantly evolving to stay ahead,” said Jacobs at a glittering ‘Night of a Thousand Stars’ event.

“MultiChoice’s business is built around three key pillars: people; content - in the form of great entertainment, news and sport - and the latest cutting-edge technology. Our mission is to ensure that our subscribers do not miss out on any of the stories, events or moments that are shaping our

NiRA reviews role on use of internet, child protection

Nico Meyer, MultiChoice Africa CEO

future.”

Jacobs commended the success of MultiChoice’s GOtv DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) offering, which currently operates in 8 countries, bringing low-cost digital television to homes and supporting governments in freeing up vital broadcast spectrum by switching from analogue to digital signal.

He also acknowledged the challenges which the business faces thus: “Our growth over the last 20 years has been a result of mas-

sive investments we have made in people, content and technology – but as with any business, not all of these investments or changes have hit the spot…. so we have from time to time re-evaluated our position and made changes to our strategies.

At the end of the day however it is really our subscribers we have to thank for staying with us, trusting us to deliver the best television experience and customer service to make their experience world class,” Jacobs said.

Etisalat expands ‘You & Me’ EasyStarter Package Etisalat, Nigeria’s most Innovative Telecommunications Company has announced new benefits on its leading family product, EasyStarter in keeping with its commitment to provide top-class telecommunication experience.

On the EasyStarter package, customers can now register five ‘You & Me’ numbers and stay connected to more members of their community of family and friends. Customers on the ‘You & Me’ platform get free N300 airtime to call any of the 5 ‘You & Me’ numbers for every N200 they recharge weekly.

Etisalat is in addition offering free 10MB of data weekly on recharges of N100 and above on the EasyStarter package.

The new EasyStarter package also offers unlimited connection to 2go, Whatsapp, WeChat, Matthew Willsher, acting CEO, Etisalat Nigeria

19 ICT

Facebook and BlackBerry for only N150 weekly.

Speaking on the improved offer, the Director, Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Wole Rawa, explained that EasyStarter is repackaged to give more value to customers, with which they can connect more with their families and friends.

“As a network that prides itself with meeting the communication needs of its esteemed customers, we have improved our family-oriented EasyStarter package to help our customers keep aglow the bond of unity among their family members and community of friends and colleagues. Our customers on EasyStarter can now enjoy more services for less; simply dial 200 and press 1 or dial *244*2# to activate EasyStarter

and then dial *233*1*etisalatnumber# to register each of your 5 special You & Me numbers”, he said.

In about seven years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of 22 million in a highly competitive market.

Its portfolio of voice and datacentric products include – easy starter, easycliq, easybusiness, and easyblaze; all tailor-made to meet the needs of its customers.

Etisalat Nigeria is one of the 19 operations of the Etisalat Group that spans across Africa, Middle East and Asia serving over 182 million subscribers; and it is committed to delivering innovative and quality services to its growing subscribers.

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) said it is now reviewing its role in protecting the child on the use of the internet, which the Association recognizes as a very exciting place for the youths, including children where they pick up skills and information easily online With each visit to a website, NiRA said in its bi-monthly enewsletter said, children are interacting with the largest distributed database in the world, which is collectively known as the Domain Name System (DNS).

Without the Domain Name System, the Internet as we know it would be unable to function.

According to NiRA, “The Internet is part of our everyday lives.

The Internet provides opportunities, serves as a channel for Children’s Education, a fun place to interact with the world, endless possibilities in socialising, creativity, self-expression and most importantly learning”.

“Unfortunately”, NiRA regretted, “some individuals and Organisations take advantage of the relative freedom the Internet provides. With this freedom, comes the possibility of irresponsible and inappropriate use of the Internet that can often put children and youths at risk. Without proper precaution, the Internet quickly exposes the young ones to vulgar words, sexual/explicit materials, cyberbullying, graphics violence and predators that search chat rooms for innocent preys”.

The Association said, its operations are guided by polices that relate with the nation’s Cultural values.

“For instance, NiRA does not allow profane words, certain obscene words and vulgar words for .ng domain name registration.

NiRA also maintains closed domains for some of its .ng extensions (zones) e.g. gov.ng, edu.ng, mil.ng, net.ng, sch.ng. Registration under these closed zones must be verified before the registration can be done,” it stated.

Sunday Folayan, NiRA President

Money 20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Keystone Bank moves to reduce road accidents

Jalal

FG has no plan to ban used vehicles Funmi Coker

The Director General, National Automotive Council (NAC), Alhaji Aminu Jalal said in Kaduna that the Federal Government had no plan to ban the importation of fairly used vehicles, otherwise known as tokunbo into the country.

Jalal noted that what the council intended to do was to strictly implement the Federal Government’s industrial development plan which aimed at boosting lo-

cal manufacturing of vehicles in the country.

Jalal, who claimed that there was nowhere in the world where the banning of fairly used vehicles had been effective, added that government policies would force down the influx of used cars into the country.

One of such policies, Jalal said, was government’s approval of the mandatory patronage of made-in-Nigeria vehicles to boost the local automotive industry.

Keystone Bank, a leading commercial bank in Nigeria, has charged professional drivers who convey commuters across different cities of the country to pay attention to their health as a strategy to preventing road traffic accidents.

Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank, Mr. Philip Ikeazor who made the call in Lagos on Tuesday, said when the drivers are in good health, it would reduce the incidence of highway accidents.

Ikeazor, who was represented

by Mr. Hafiz Bakare, Executive Director, Corporate Bank and Treasury, spoke at the Health and Eye Screening project organized by Keystone Bank in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Public Health Partners (PHP) and the Eye Foundation Hospital.

The Keystone Bank health and eye screening initiative tagged Think Road Safety, Save Lives, is in line with the FRSC projection to reduce road traffic accidents by 50 percent by 2015. Similarly, it aligns with the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 2010 calling for a Decade of Action for Road Safety from 2011 to 2020.

The health screening exercise for long distant drivers held at the Ekesons Motor Park in Jibowu, Yaba and the Ojota New Garage Park, on Wednesday and Thursday last week.

Hundreds of drivers from several motor companies operating in several motor parks participated in the screening exercise and majority whose vision were found to be deficient got free

medicated eye glasses for improved vision apart from being counseled on healthy living.

In an address titled, Health in the Driver’s Seat, Mr. Hafiz Bakare said the Keystone Bank’s Think Road Safety, Save Lives project is one of the Bank’s CSR initiatives.

He said it is driven by the need to identify with and support the transport sector because “we believe that this would improve safety on our roads thereby saving lives.”

According to him, the scope of the exercise is for interstate commercial transport drivers to check for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol and to ascertain their blood group and the state of their eyes, while the Eye

Foundation personnel conducted tests for glaucoma, visual and automated refraction.

He Further stated that for “The bank, giving back to the community is well entrenched in the way we do business, which has led us to develop four cardinal pillars that guide our engagement with the different communities that impact our business as a financial institution, directly or otherwise. The four pillars are Health, Education, Women and Youth Development, and Staff Volunteering Scheme.”

Dr. Ubiame Omas, Public Health Partner Limited, advised the drivers to avoid driving whenever they consume alcoholic drinks.

Ikeazor

Customs realises N30.1bn in one month in Apapa Funmi Coker The Apapa Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it collected N30.1billion into the federation and non-federation accounts in August.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ekpa said in a statement yesterday that the amount is against N24.5 billion collected in July and the second highest it generated after it recorded N32.4 billion in March.

He said the amount collected into the federation account stood at N16. 082 billion while N14.066 billion was collected into the nonfederation account.

Ekpa said the sum was collected from import duty on wheat grain, rice levy, sugar levy and seven percent port levy among others.

He said during the period, 39 vessels called at the port compared to 51 that called in the corresponding period of 2014 adding that yard occupancy of the port was 45 percent as against 75 percent in August 2014 while import discharge was 16, 983 as against 27,722 of 2014.

The Apapa Customs Command spokesman said despite low vessel calls at the port in August, the command recorded an increase in its revenue profile mainly due to dedication of officers and by ensuring that all revenue loopholes were blocked.

In a separate development, the NCS said it collected N179.3 million from “merchandise-baggage” at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport between January and July, 2015.

This is contained in a statement released in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the airport’s command of the service, Thelma Williams.

Merchandise-in-baggage are items accompanying inwardbound passengers for which import duty are collected.

The statement noted that the generated revenue from the source would have been lost but for the devotion of `eagle-eyed’ officers at the airport’s arrival halls.

It said that First Bank was the designated bank for collection of the duty, which was processed through Passenger Electronic Baggage Entry System (PEBES).

“The duty payable is calculated based on the tendered invoice value of the items.

“Where invoices are unavail-

able, passengers are referred to the Valuation Unit where imports are assessed using valid data in the system,” it said.

The command explained that there was particular focus on methods of processing payment for merchandise-in-baggage, and implored travellers to be patient and honest during routine checks and questioning.

It advised members of the public to refer to Customs website, Help Desk and Public Relations Officer for issues about the duty payment.

According to it, this will enable them to make further clarification as to the items allowed as personal baggage by travellers and the quantity which might be brought in without incurring taxes.

“MMIA Command has been diligent in carrying out its responsibility with regard to trade facilitation, duty collection and the enforcement of prohibition,” the statement said.

It said that recent events at the arrival and departure halls of the airport had made it necessary to clarify issues relating to the operational modalities of officers posted to the arrival halls.

The command restated that passengers were statutorily required to make declaration of all cash in excess of 10,000 dollars at either point of entry or exit at the airport.

It maintained that its officers were committed to the ongoing reform in the country and were showing diligence in bringing positive change to the society.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

21

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(LAGOS) IFEANYI - 08086296714 (ABUJA) FEMI - 08033550468

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OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS DTN COMPLEX LATEEF JAKANDE ROAD, AGINDIGBI, IKEJA, LAGOS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 44 ADETOKNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT WUSE 2, ABUJA

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

MASSOB leader turns self in to Police Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏ The leader of

the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, on Monday, reported to the Imo State Police Command, Owerri, the state capital, barley 24 hours after his Owerri residence was raided by armed policemen numbering over 40.

Uwazuruike, who arrived at the police headquarters, Owerri, at about 10 a.m. and walked straight to the office of the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lekanu, where they had a close door chat that lasted for more than 45 minutes.

Uwazuruike was moved to the Zone 9 headquarters, in Umuahia, under heavy security, to

continue similar discussions with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone.

According to police sources, Uwazuruike’s invitation to the police commands was on the order of the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, over the activities of his members, adding that the leader of the separatist group was neither arrested nor detained by the police.

Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Enwerem, said that the MASSOB leader was invited by the Police authorities over the activities of the group, adding that MASSOB was one of the outlawed groups in the country.

Daily Times gathered that police arrested over

20 members of MASSOB at the residence of Uwazuruike, in Owerri, on Sunday, during the raid and detained at the police headquarters, but were later released on Monday.

At the time of filing this report, an aide to Uwazuruike, who pleaded anonymity told Daily Times that Uwazuruike was asked to go home after his meeting with the AIG zone 9, Umuahia.

Ekiti impounds 77 cars without valid particulars Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ No fewer than

77 motor vehicles and hundreds of motorcycles popularly called Okada were impounded by law enforcement agents during the first week of the general checking of vehicle particulars and driver’s licenses in Ekiti State.

Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on internally generated revenue (IGR), Mr. Ropo Ogunjobi, who made this known in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, explained that the exercise was to guarantee safety and security on the roads in the state, stressing that the move would ensure that only properly licensed drivers and vehicles with valid

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission,for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Orenuga Oyefunso Omotope - President 2. Oladapo Oyedele Oyewumi 3. Abiodun Muritala Dabiri 4. Orenuga Adebukola Olabisi - Secretary 5. Alaba Simpson THE AIM & OBJECTIVE IS:To advocate for policy change as it affects women.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral,Corporate Affairs Commission,Plot420,Tigris crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi street,maitama,Abuja,within 28 days from the date of publication.

SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

RICH LIFE INT’L ORGANISATION This is to notify the General public that an application has been made to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration of the above named CLUB under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are:1. Mr. Sunday Ezekiel 2. Mr. Oluwaseyi Bankole 3. Mr. Adeyemi Oladunni 4. Mr. Akinlabi Azeez THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To foster unity among the members 2. To empower people globally for financial freedom Any Objections to the registration of this Club are hereby invited and same should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot420,Tigris crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi street,maitama,Abuja, within 28 Days of this publication SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

of driver’s license, had increased tremendously, saying that the development would boost the current deplorable financial situation of the state occasioned by huge debt profile inherited by the Fayose-led administration from its predecessor and the dwindling revenue accrued to the state from the federation account.

Assuring that all impounded vehicles would be released to their owners as soon as the papers were perfected, Ogunjobi cautioned motorists against patronising touts, stressing that payments should be made at designated banks, while vehicle papers should be obtained at the Ado, Ikere and Ido Ekiti centres to avoid falling into the hands of fraudsters.

JOYFUL CALLERS COUNSELLING MINISTRY

SOLANUM TRADE & PROCESSING ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. Rev. Canon Dr James Adebayo Famonure 3. Dr (Mrs) Esther Adenike Luogon 5. Mrs Funmilola A. Kolade

2. Rev. Frederick O. A Luogon 4. Mrs Joyce Adeola Olufemi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To care for all categories people including the hurting and needy souls with the love of Jesus Christ and the comfort of the holy spirit 2. To help people in the areas of pre – marital and marriage counseling 3. To promote educational needs of adolescents and singles.

4. To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through Cross – Cultured mission awareness programme in churches, schools and public places.

5. To organize training and hold seminars, symposia, convention and conferences.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General,Corporate Affairs Commission,Plot420,Tigris crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi street,maitama,Abuja,within 28 days from the date of publication.

Signed by: BRAINTRUST & SPRINGBOARD CONSULT 08023078234, 07060991908

LUCTOR INITIATIVE FOR EMPOWERMENT

papers were allowed on the roads.

He added that the exercise was being executed through joint effort of staff of the State Board of Internal Revenue, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).

Ogunjobi said that the exercise would not only minimise road accidents, thereby saving lives and property of the people, it would, also, boost the state’s IGR, adding that there has been an upsurge of up to a million naira daily on IGR, since the commencement of the exercise.

According to him, the turnout of customers for registration and renewal of vehicle particulars, as well as applications for renewal

THE FLYERS FOUNDATION The general public is hereby informed that the above named foundation has applied for the registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. Adegboyega Michael Adekun 2. Sule Adedoyin Ayoka AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To campaign for sickle cell free society.

Any objections should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

DAYSPRING OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Mr. Adeleye Michael – Chairman 2. Prof Waheed Akinola Hassan – Vice Chairman 3. Mr. Adeleke Samuel Adebanjo – P.R.O 4. Mr. Auwalu Rabiu Yakasai – Secetary AIM AND OBJECTIVE :.

1. Processing of raw material & trading.

2. To carry on business as paste processors to wash sort, select, cut, dress extract, grind, mill, refine purify and otherwise prepared farm and agricultural produce for market use.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registration general Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the day of the publication.

Signed: Secretary

THE LORD’S CLEMENCY AND MIRACLE MINISTRY The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry has applied for the registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. Pastor Owolabi Odukoya 3. Samson Oluwatobi Odukoya

2. Thandi Dorris Nwadike 4. Uche Anthony Abor

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach and teach the bible the inspired and infallible word of God and witness to lordship of Jesus Christ.

2. To maintain a strong body of Christ’s followers for the advancement of worship of the father through Jesus Christ our lord.

3. To promote the evangelistic educational medical and welfare work of the church and further the interest through publication broadcasting media. The pulpit ministry and other means 4. To do any other thing necessary or incidental for the attainment of the foregoing aims and objectives.

Any objections should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Chibuikem Para (Legal practitioner)

NEW AND LIVING OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL

This is to notify the General public that an application has been made to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration of the above named outreach under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

This is to notify the General public that an application has been made to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration of the above named outreach under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are:1. Mrakpor Igho 2. Fasanmade Olufemi Adetola

The Trustees are:1. Mrakpor Igho 2. Fasanmade Olufemi Adetola

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To propagate and spread the word of God

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To propagate and spread the word of God

Any Objections to the registration of this Club are hereby invited and same should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot420,Tigris crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi street,maitama,Abuja, within 28 Days of this publication SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

Any Objections to the registration of this Club are hereby invited and same should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot420,Tigris crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi street,maitama,Abuja, within 28 Days of this publication SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

170 Anambra sickle cell patients died in three years – Group

Nkiru Nwagbo Awka

ÏÏÏThe South-East President of

the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, Mrs. Aisha Maureen Edward, has said that not less than170 registered members living with the disorder had died in Anambra State within three years.

She said several others had also died in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo, and that the number in Anambra was only for duly registered members, as some other unregistered members had passed on, unnoticed.

Briefing journalists, in Awka, on Monday, she regretted that sickle cell patients were being discriminated against in the area of jobs and other appointments, thereby aggravating their plight, which was already very excruciating.

“Most sickle cell patients are endowed academically, mentally and otherwise, and if given the opportunity will do well in several areas of endeavor. I am using this opportunity to call for people to look their way.

“I am also calling on government to do the right thing. For me, as a sickle cell patient, I was able to attain this height, because I was given the opportunity by the Nigerian Army, where I worked for 14 years and rose to become the spokesperson.

“I have carried my campaign to churches and seen that the churches are part of the problem we have. They are not so strict with their order when incompatible couples come to them for marriage.”

She said that the churches would rather rely on Christian s and hope that miracles would happen, rather than averting it by telling the couple the problem

they would encounter by giving birth to sickle cell patients, if they insist on getting married when certified to be incompatible.

Edward said that 80 percent of the drug addicts in the society were patients of the sickle cell disorder, and that some of them engaged in this, because they were frustrated and abandonedby their own family members.

She said, “Could you believe that after world sickle cell day, three patients called me secretly and said they would like me to link them up with suicide bombers, because they believe they have been condemned, so they want to also make others feel their pain.

“The pharmacists are also responsible for our plight, they sell pain-killers to sickle cell patients.

They will rather not tell them about of the addiction aspect of the drugs, but they buy more of the drugs and sell to our people, because it is a thriving business.”

ÏÏÏThe Chairman/Chief Execu-

tive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has redeployed the commander at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Command Lagos, Commander of Narcotics (CN), Hamza Umar to Kano State Command.

Hamza takes over as Kano State Commander from Commander of Narcotics (CN), Ahmadu Garba, who is now the Commander at the Lagos airport. The redeployment is consistent with the agency’s policy on command appointment and postings.

Hamza is a fellow of the Nige-

New Ebonyi CP threatens to discipline erring officers Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

ÏÏÏThe new Ebonyi State Police

Commissioner, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, has threatened to discipline any police officer deployed to man check points caught extorting money, harassing and intimidating tricycle operators and other motorists.

Abdallah, who gave the threat, while taking over the Command,

23 News NDLEA redeploys MMIA commander rian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). He is also a recipient of the prestigious National Award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Hamza who took over as MMIA commander in December 2009 headed the Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP) which is a multi-agency, anti-trafficking initiative that strengthens detection, interdiction and investigative capacities of participating airports in illicit drug source and transit countries. on Monday, stressed that the police would sustain its fight against criminality in different parts of the state.

He also stated that she had been briefed by the outgone police commissioner, Maigari Dikko, on the peculiarities surrounding the state, especially as it concerned communities within the 13 local government areas and assured the people that her administration would ensure sufficient police presence in the fight against crimes of different magnitude.

She called on the men and officers of the command to be proactive and shun every act of corruption in the discharge of their statutory assignment.

IGP assures luxury bus operators, travellers of maximum security Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

L-R: Representative, West African Ford Foundation, Mr. Innocent Chukumma; Legal Attorney, Programs Associate Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Mrs. Ugochi Okpe; Executive Director (SERAP), Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni and Deputy Executive Director (SERAP), Mr. Olukayode Majekodunmi at a press conference held in Lagos... on Monday

Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, said on Monday that the police would further improve on its strategy to ensure maximum security for luxury bus operators and travellers.

He said the problem of armed robbery on the highways would

Edo Assembly reverses suspension of LG boss Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThe Edo State House of

Assembly, on Monday, waded into the crisis rocking Ovia South West Local Government Area over the purported suspension of the Council Chairman, Hon. Morrison Ogunorobo-Ovia.

In a signed letter with reference number HA.270/Vol.11/149, by the Deputy Clerk of the House, James Omoataman, on behalf of the Speaker, Hon Victor Edoror, which was also copied the legislative arm, the Commissioner of

Local Government Affairs asked the aggrieved legislative arm to “stay action and the status quo remain pending the intervention of the House.”

Parts of the letter reads “I am directed by the Honourable Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly to inform you of the recent development in Ovia South West local Government Area of Edo state. The provision of Section 19 of the Local Government Law 2000, as amended, is instructive in this regard.

“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is for you to, as a mat-

ter of urgency, prevail on the legislative arm to stay action and the status quo ante remains pending the intervention of the honourable House.”

Meanwhile, the crisis rocking Ovia-South West local government area took a dramatic turn, on Monday, as facts emerged on how the councilors who purportedly raised a motion for the suspension of Ogunnorobo-Ovia, were financially induced to the tune of N2.5 million.

Ogunnorobo-Ovia, who at a press conference, at the weekend, described his alleged suspension

as illegal, unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect, said the councillors were playing a script written by fifth columnists.

Sources at the Council, who pleaded anonymity, said the money was rooted through one of the political leaders in the Council, who were determine to stop Ogunnorobo-Ovia’s second term ambition. The leaders were bent on removing the Ogunnorobo-Ovia and the Secretary, over N13.5M allegedly embezzled, which Ogunnorobo-Ovia has denied.

be tackled head-long. He gave the hint when Luxury Bus Owners Association visited him at the Force Headquarters, in Abuja.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole said that Arase further expressed police commitment to tackling all forms of criminality in the country through intelligence-led policing.

The President of Luxury Bus Owners Association (LBA), Chief Dan Okemuo, lauded, on the occasion, the Arase for his efforts to tackle highway robberies through the Safer Highway patrol unit.

He sought further police intervention in curbing attacks on buses and passengers along routes within the North-Central region and Zaria/Kaduna axis.

Arase

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

My bank account not frozen, says Kuku ’Tosin Ajuwon

Akure ÏÏÏMr. Kingsly Kuku, the immediate past special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Co-ordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, on Monday, said that his bank account had not been frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A national newspaper (not Daily Times) had reported, at the weekend, that “President Buhari Freezes Bank Accounts Belonging to Jonathan's Associates.”

But Kuku said the account identified as ”Keketobou Foundation” belonged to a charity organisation named after his mother

Mrs. Keketobou Kuku meant to meet the immediate needs of the paupers in the Ijaw-speaking communities area Ondo State.

Kuku also disclosed that the foundation had only N720,484 in its account.

He said the balance was realised from the proceeds of his book titled “Remaking The Niger Delta: Challenges and Opportunities”.

Kuku added that it was donated to charity, adding that the gestures which were borne out of his determined spirit, was also to give back to the society in return of its support.

He noted that the publication in question was false and an attempt to drag his reputable name in the mud.

“The said publication was politically motivated to smear his hard-earned reputation. “What on earth links my face to the alleged story about NIMASA? It is still all part of the anti-Jonathan onslaught.

“I am open to investigation as a public officer, but the ongoing activities of the distortion by the anti-graft agencies and some sections of media gives the impression of a witch-hunt and bad politics. I hope no desperate elements would deposit illicit funds into the foundation’s account to implicate me, because the full details of the account from the time it was opened to date is with us,” Kuku noted.

“Again, what links this

foundation to their so-called alleged seized billions and phantom security claims? I sincerely smell a rat as the account in question was not mine but a foundation’s account”, he said.

Kuku, however, also denied any link with either Mr. Kime Engozi or the N30 billion Maritime University contract located in Okerenkoko in the Gbaramatu area of Delta State.

Kuku

L-R: Secretary, 3rd Regular Course, Nigeria Defence Academy Alumni Association, Col. Samuel Osho (rtd); Chairman of the Association, Gen. David Mark (rtd) and member, Maj. Gen. Yunana Nom during the Annual General Meeting of the Association in Abuja… on Monday.

Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏThe Yola branch of the

Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), has urged Governor Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa State to honour his administration’s commitment to judicial autonomy.

The branch chairman, Mr. Abubakar Babakano, made the call when he led officials of the NBA, on a courtesy call on Jibrilla, at Government House, Yola.

Babakano who lauded the governor for intervening in the calling off of the six-months-old strike action

by Judicial Staff Union (JUSUN), in the state, said that the rule of law and human rights would not be guaranteed without judicial independence.

“We appeal to His Excellency to honour his administration's commitment to comply with Section 83 (3) and 121 (2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal

Dabiri advocates Diaspora Commission, database

ÏÏÏA chieftain of

the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Lagos State and former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Monday, in Ibadan, restated a call for the establishment of Diaspora Commission and Database to

Army vows to fish out bandits in Niger Taraba monarch, chief on

Pita Chikwem Minna

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Army has vowed to comb the hideouts of bandits who have made life unbearable for the people of Niger State – through such criminal acts as cattle rustling, kidnapping and rape.

The Brigade Commander 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, Brigadier-General Baba Ibrahim, told journalists, on Monday, during inspecting and handing over of 184 stolen cows and 83 sheep to the Chairman, Munya Local Government Area, Mr. Abdulkadir Mohammed Bida.

The handing over was done in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer in Sarkin Pawa Division and

the Village Head of Zazzaga community.

Bida, who was represented by the Commander in charge of Operation Restore Peace II, Lt. Col. Dzarma Zirkushu, said that one crime suspect, identified as Abubakar Hassan, was arrested, on Thursday, last week, in an operation led

by Lt. Col. Adamu Yakubu, Commanding Officer 313 Artillery Regiment, Minna, but that some of the rustlers ran away on sighting the soldiers.

According to him “We have, today, officially handed over the 184 cows and 83 sheep recovered during our operations on Thursday and Saturday, respectively, to the representatives of the state government. The

operation is an on-going exercise against all forms of banditry.

“We are doing our part here, in Niger State, to see that it is free from all forms of criminal act. We will continue with the exercise.

“I want to state, categorically, that the Brigade will not condone any form of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, rape or any form of criminality in its area of responsibility.”

He, however, gave an assurance that the army would ensure that the animals were returned to their rightful owners.

Bida commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army, especially for the fact that the fear of attack by rustlers had reduced.

peace mission killed ÏÏÏTwo

community leaders were, on Sunday, found dead at the outskirt of the Namnai village in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

It was gathered that the deceased were the village heads of Namnai, Malam Musa Kachalla, and his ward head, Malam Manu Jahun.

The Chairman of the local government, Mr Tukura Bashir, confirmed the incident to NAN in Jalingo.

Bashir said the leaders were on their way to settle a farmland dispute between herdsmen and farmers in the area, when they were killed.

He explained that family

members of the deceased raised the alarm after waiting for several hours without hearing from their loved ones on assignment outside the village.

The chairman explained that a search party was later organised by the community, which discovered the corpses in a pool of their own blood.

The people fled from the area for fear of possible reprisal.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the development.

Kwaji said the police recovered the bodies of the two persons, adding that they were murdered by yet to be identified persons.

Adamawa NBA tasks Bindow on judiciary Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) dealing with financial judicial autonomy as affirmed by the Federal High Court in 2014, so as to avert any further strike by JUSUN and to guarantee the independence of the judiciary.

"The sustenance of democratic process, the defence of rule of law and human rights cannot be guaranteed if the judiciary is not independent in all its ramifications,” Babakano said.

The NBA chairman said the association was ready to support and co-operate with the Jibrilla administration in the on-going reform in the state justice sector, particularly in the areas of review of obsolete laws and codification of the state laws to hasten justice delivery. know the number of Nigerians living abroad.

She made the call while delivering a joint Distinguished Personality Lecture at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. Abike, who represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency between 2007 and 2015, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to enact good policy on diaspora, ascent to the Diaspora bill and approve the creation of the diaspora commission.

She said, “There is no database of diaspora in Nigeria. We are only dealing with an estimate. There is a need for a reliable database.

I challenge the university and the department to find a way for this. There are many Nigerians suffering and doing well in the diaspora; half of the Sudan is Nigeria. Nigerians are doing well in Sudan. So, there is a need for diaspora database, which I hoped this government will do.”

"The best professor anywhere in the world is a Nigerian, it is annoying, that what you hear about Nigeria is bad, such as prostitutiton, drugs etc. While lamenting the hardship many Nigerians are facing abroad, she said, "We have about 600 Nigerians in the Indian prisons, China is uncountable, there are many examples, in Libya, Ghadaffi was killing Nigerians like chicken, our people have been dying like chicken.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Corruption: UPN lauds UK’s investigation team

L-R: Otunba Subomi Balogun his wife, Abimbola; Mrs. Stella Famutimi; President Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce, Chief Olabintan Famutimi; former Chairman of Berger Paint, Mr. Clement Olowokande and Iya-Ewe of Cathedral Christ Church Marina, Juvenile Harvest, Mrs. Iyabode Sholanke at the 2015 Juvenile Harvest thanksgiving held in Lagos...at the weekend Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏThe

Ugwuanyi okays mini secretariat, international market for Nsukka Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏEnugu

State government has approved the building of a mini federal secretariat in Nsukka, international market, as well as the dualisation of Opi/ Nsukka road in Nsukka LGA. The Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Council, Hon. Charles Ugwu, disclosed this during a meeting with Town Unions President–General (PG) in the area.

Ugwu said the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s plan was to ensure free flow of traffic on the road. He solicited the support and cooperation of communities in the LG, especially those the road passed through their communities when the construction work starts.

“I am happy to inform you that the governor has approved the dualization of

25 News

Opi/ Nsukka road, and very soon work would begin on the road.

“The dualisation of this road will ensure free flow of traffic, as well as reduce number of accidents recorded on this road yearly, ‘he said The council boss said the building of a mini federal secretariat in Nsukka would provide office accommodation to all federal agencies and departments that have offices in Nsukka, while adding that the international market will also boost commercial activities in Nsukka and its environs.

“The mini federal secretarial in Nsukka, when completed, will provide office accommodation to all federal departments and agencies that have their office in Nsukka district.

“As a way of making Nsukka the business capital of Enugu state, the state government has approved

the building of international market in order to boost economic and commercial activities in the area.

“The governor wants Enugu state to be like states like, Anambra, where government capital city is Awka, and business capital is Onitsha, Abia, while Umuahia is government capital, and Aba is business capital as well as, just like Nigeria, where Abuja is government capital and Lagos is business capital.

The council chairman said he was directed by the governor to summon the meeting so as to inform town unions’ presidents of the plan of the state government in Nsukka.

“What we need now is the support of all and sundry on these developmental projects that will enhance economic activities as well as attract investors to the zone.

‘Take this cheering news by the present adminis-

tration in Enugu state for Nsukka people to your various communities, ‘he said.

Responding on behalf of the President General, Barr.

Paully Eze, thanked the chairman for the meeting and pledged the maximum support of town unions in the area to the present administration in Enugu state “The message of the meeting will be circulated in all communities since all the PGs are here. Town unions in the area will mobilise people and support for the governor so that he will achieve his good intentions in Nsukka zone, “he said.

governorship candidate of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the last general election in Ogun State, Prince Olatunde Rotimi Paseda, has applauded the British government over the establishment of International Corruption Unit (ICU) to investigate corrupt cases related to Nigeria.

Prince Paseda noted that the move by the British government would further assist Federal Government to recover the nation's stolen funds overseas.

Kogi NUJ inaugurates task force on fake journalists ÏÏÏThe

Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has concluded plans to inaugurate its task force on fake Journalists.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Chairman of the Union, Mr Sunday Aro and Secretary, Alhaji Adeiza Momoh Jimoh, which was made available to newsmen on Monday in Lokoja, the state capital. They said the committee will be inaugurated today (Tuesday) at the NUJ press Centre by 11.00 am.

The statement further read, “the task force would draw members from the

Ugwuanyi

Anambra Judiciary workers embark on indefinite strike Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra

State Judiciary workers, on Monday, began an indefinite strike action over the state government’s refusal to implement the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) in the state.

Daily Times observed that the gates leading to the state judiciary complex were under lock and key as early as 7am.

Mostly disappointed by the strike action were

litigants, respondents and their supporters, who thronged the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal within the court premises for the day’s sitting.

The State Chairman of JUSUN, Mr Mark Ifezue, who spoke to Daily Times said that the union’s demand was for the State Judiciary Worker’s salary to be at par with other states.

He said: “The State governments of Ebonyi, Abia and Imo are implementing CONJUSS, so we want

our salary to be at par with what is obtainable in other states, especially in the South-East geo-political zone.

“In Ebonyi, a Grade Level 01, Step 1 judiciary staff is earning N41, 000, whereas in Anambra Judiciary, an officer on grade level 07 earns N33, 000; the disparity is not fair,” he said.

Ifezue recalled that the union had in 2011 embarked on similar strike action during the administration of Mr. Peter Obi, following the state government’s refusal

Police, the State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and members of the union, stressing that the task force was aimed at checking the influx of quacks into the profession".

As part of efforts to curtail the movement of unauthorised people into sensitive areas in the name of being Journalists, the statement pointed out that authentic Journalists from outside the state on official duties to Kogi State are expected to register their presence with the State Council of the union before going to the field for any assignment.

IGR: Ahmed seeks traditional rulers’ help Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

Nkiru Nwagbo

He added that the team should beam its searchlight beyond recovery looted Nigeria's fund, but also partner with Federal Government to investigate corrupt Nigerian politicians and public office holders living in Nigeria and UK. He equally demanded that politicians contesting the 2019 general elections should be adequately investigated and screen by the UK's ICU team irrespective of their location personality and businesses, stressing that the findings should form the yardstick for qualifying to contest the 2019 general elections.

to honour its agreement.

He noted that ex-Gov. Obi later offered five per cent increase to the salary of judiciary workers with an understanding that over time, the agreement will be reviewed.

“We have been working since then until 2014 when we reminded the state government through the Head of Service and the Attorney-General requesting for a review. Since our reminders, nothing had happened,” the union leader explained.

ÏÏÏKwara State Governor,

Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has called on traditional rulers as symbols of an institution to help in mobilising their people in fulfilling this civil obligation of paying taxes.

Governor Ahmed made the call last weekend during the presentation of Second Class Staff of Office to the Oloota of Odo Owa, Oba Joshua Oluwatoba Adeyemi in Odo-Owa, in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said it was important that key stakeholders, like the traditional institution assist the newly

established Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, in ensuring that the people of the state comply with the increased revenue generation drive by paying all dues, taxes, levies and commissions.

“No society can develop and thrive without a robust system for collecting, managing and utilising tax renewed for collective benefit.

“Consequently, increasing our Internally Generated Revenue is the only way to reduce our dependence on unstable federal allocation.

“We also need to raise the necessary funds for infrastructural development and empowering our people, especially the youths.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Law

Æs

Dr Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate and former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in this interview with PETER FOWOYO, chronicles President Muhammadu Buhari’s 100 days in office and concluded that though there have been nothing dramatic in the areas of rule of law, the era of impunity is gone with the last administration.

Besides, the activist spoke on the constitutional conference, special courts for corruption cases and sundry other issues.

How would you assess President Muhammadu Buhari’s 100 days in office in the areas of rule of law?

There has been nothing dramatic, that is the truth in the context of rule of law but again, rule of law has many meanings, in a sense they might get a pass mark because the rule of law is contrasted to the rule of impunity. I am a beneficiary of Apapa being cleared of traffic gridlock that is part of the rule of law, people now obey the rules of traffic, the trucks don’t occupy everywhere and we sit in traffic for six hours.

I am a beneficiary of better power supply which shocks me because I don’t think that any power capacity was put in so, I would therefore say that those who are managing the system are better, the question will be why and we see compliance by public servants to issues and the question is why and how, it does seem as if there is a silent understanding that the president mean to be tough on ministers so, if that is so, that is a pass mark but the wider question will be if that will ultimately wipe out corruption, there has been a lot of talk on corruption but what we are yet to see is, those who have been alleged to be corrupt are they jailed and how much did they steal?

But contrast it to the silence of government implying that they are really not interested in people going to jail, they are interested in recovering money and from what they say, a substantial amount of money have been recovered so if you take it to the streets and say the President has recovered money but he didn’t use the court, I don’t know whether people will be interested in it. So, President Buhari brings to office a different style that we have not seen in other presidents, methodical, apparently very focused on what he wants to do rightly or wrongly, I make no judgment on whether it is right or wrong

Agbakoba

Agbakoba: We need thematic amendment of constitution, not constitutional conference but I can see a president who appears to be methodical not really swayed by public opinion, just know that I have agenda. It’s a highly risky style which can go good or bad.

Why did you say it is highly risky style that can go good or bad?

If it doesn’t work out, people will say well, we said it, we knew this man from when he was Head of State before but, if it works out nobody will say anything. For instance, when I chaired the NBA conference themed: ‘Lawyers and National Development”, the Vice President set forth government’s agenda, in my sum up, I marked that this is the first time that any government will establish an agency that includes all,

first time and the Vice President made it clear when he was asked how can he afford this and he said it’s only N780 billion and we spend N4trillion on oil subsidy that benefits few people but now we want to spend about N1trillion for 25million people, so if policy from the government wins the common man’s support, Buhari will potentially be Nigeria’s greatest president, if it does not, potentially it will back fire.

It is only a matter of time, I don’t make judgment as to who to be appointed that is not unfolded but I also tell you that I, Olisa Agbakoba, I don’t care where they come from, I am sick and tired of “he is not from my area” whether he is Ibo, Yoruba or Hausa, what matters is let

them work, if North has more political appointees at the end of the day but, the president succeeds in revamping the economy, nobody will care. All this argument is the argument of the political class, they are the one presenting it but, the guys in the prison, in the hospitals dying wants to know if the President will announce that we are introducing Universal Health System like Obamacare, if Buharicare comes in then we are on course.

You know Obamacare was opposed by the political class, the conservative party, lawmakers, pharmaceutical industries because it will spoil their businesses.

Can the election petition tribunals of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States hold in Abuja?

I mean does Abuja haves the jurisdiction to entertain election petitions from other states?

Generally, no but I don’t know the facts. It has happened before but I am not aware of the facts, I do know that the general rule is to have election petition in the states of disputes, to have it in Abuja would suggest there is a strong reason why that is the case. I can’t answer that question because I have not really followed the reasons why this is so.

Insecurity was the reason given by the Federal Government. Can insecurity be a strong reason?

That sounds a bit tenuous CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

but again, I would refrain from making any comment, I like to give strong opinion on facts that I have. What I can say is that generally speaking, election petition tribunal should be in the place where it occurred, if it is not there then there has to be a strong reason.

Do you think the country need special courts to try alleged corrupt cases?

We don’t need a special court, what we need is to rebuild and strengthen the system. When the banks failed under General Abacha then we had the failed banks tribunal because the courts were not working, fix the courts, make the court structure strong, fund them, make them work, give them enough incentives not to be tempted by corruption, create modern IT tools so that Judges don’t spend time writing in long hands and then make the charges realistic not just the courts, if the prosecutor brings a thousand count charge whereas he can use two so, it’s an all-round process, everybody has to be retrained and modernized so, a special court will not necessarily do away with the problem.

I understand from the Professor Sagay’s committee that in the integrity test that was administered Judges even failed it so who is going to man the special courts? Is it not the same Judges? When the cause of my malaria ceases to have effect, the effect of my malaria will cease, when the cause of judicial not working well ceases to have effect, the judiciary will be a lot better. As I told the Judge in the case that I presented to the court as to the lack of funding of the judiciary, central to judicial incompetence is the way it is funded, for instance we would do a case, the client says where is the judgment? You begin to look foolish. You applied for the judgment but you find that the Judge has a 160 judgments pending and he is the only one but, if you compared a judge to a minister, a minister has about 20 people backing him up, a judge has one or two, mostly illiterates so, he has to provide the resources to type and vet and certified every judgment and he is giving two or three people a day. That is the problem but in America, it is not the function of a Judge to be worried about his judgment, once he delivered it, it is sorted out and brought back to him. So you can see part of the reason we have delay is because of the way the courts work.

I remember years ago before I declined to do election petition, we were there till about 9p.m and we were working under a lamp because that was the last day allowed by the rules to do the petition so the judge was

27 Law

We don’t need special court to deal with corruption cases –Agbakoba tired, absolutely tired because he had been writing all day by hand, the trick in the judiciary is not rocket science, they are supposed to have the tools. If you create a special court to avoid the problem in the ordinary court, very soon the special court will be caught up with the problem of the ordinary court.

If you want to tackle corruption, tackle it upstream, don’t go and start downstream and you think the problem is solved. If you create a special court, what about the prosecutors? What about the lawyers? Because it is a chain in the stream of justice so why are you picking on the poor Judge who is now faced with an incompetent prosecutor, who brings wrong charges and allowed clever SAN’s bring preliminary objections. So special court is not the answer, it is a much deeper problem.

Speculation is rife that President Muhammadu Buhari does not seem quite disposed to the constitutional conference of the last administration. More so, it seem the average Northerner is against the new derivation formulae, as one of the conferee, do you think the President should throw away the outcome of this conference or pick the useful aspect of it?

How did you know he wants to throw it away? The Vice President said the report is being considered, to what degree it may be considered is what I don’t know but it will be a big mistake to just throw it away.

At the NBA conference, he was asked this specific question and he said no, we are going to look at it, in fact, I heard him when he was talking about creating a social security agency that in my committee at the national conference, we recommended that chapter two of the constitution which creates a set of aspirations for those aspirations are very important because anyone who reads the aspirations will find out that if implemented Nigeria will be in good shape but they are not enforceable.

So what the Vice-President said and I asked him, are you sure?, was legalizing the unenforceable words in chapter two.

That is transformation if it happens, if it does happen making chapter two rights implemented by political programme, that will be headshaking and I tell

Agbakoba

“If you want to tackle corruption, tackle it upstream, don’t go and start downstream and you think the problem is solved. If you create a special court, what about the prosecutors?

What about the lawyers? ...special court is not the answer, it is a much deeper problem.”

you why this is so. Anything you do, is a very simple principle and I will use two examples, Olisa Agbakoba family and Olisa Agbakoba as President of the NBA. In my family, I make sure everybody’s interest is taking care of in different ways but, if you run away on holidays and you leave your children, you will create a problem. As NBA president, I was the first to create a policy of inclusion, everybody and I am very happy that Austine Alegeh SAN, has introduced universal suffrage, every lawyer can vote.

What Nigerians want is simply to be included in the action so, if you include the excluded, you become a hero, that is why I said if this thing can be implemented, he will have headshaking admiration, I will be happy, you will be happy, everybody will be happy. The issue now is, will he? That is the big question. That is the challenge and it will do away with,” Where is he coming from?” This “where is he coming from?” is because we are all hungry, is the minister from my town? If you’re getting all you need, you don’t care who the minister is. That in a certain sense will deal with this issue

of who are the people in government.

I think more fundamentally is that the government should really tinker with the structure of Nigeria, they will be mistaking not to because if you don’t then the personal popular appeal of Buhari will be confronted with the contradictions in Nigeria that we are people of diverse background and we need a new political system to capture our diversity and the only way you can do it is to devolve power to rebalance the federation so that the governors are not just glorified governors running to Abuja, they are really governors of their states with the power to do the work as ascribed by the constitution. This is the first time I am actually seeing governors staying away. Before, most governors were living in Abuja because they knew that Aso Rock was the center of power were they got their own envelops but if the governors now know that look, you don’t need to be in Abuja because you have been empowered to go to your state and do your work then we will see that the tension will begin to go down.

28

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

Stop experimenting with Eagles, NFF COMMENDS Mustapha warns EAGLETS FOR

Oliseh

F

ormer NFF electoral committee chairman, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, has warned Coach Sunday Oliseh to stop testing out players and rather play Nigeria’s finest if the Super Eagles are to qualify for AFCON 2017.

Mustapha, who midwifed the election that brought former NFF President Aminu Maigari to office, also revealed that Nigeria has no business playing a draw with a country like Tanzania.

The lawyer who is a close confidant of Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai who has the ears of President Mohamadu Buhari, noted: “Comparing ourselves with Tanzania in football is a mismatch. Tanzania is not a footballing nation. To show we are a serious footballing nation we should do what other big Africa footballing nations are doing which is to win our matches home and

GOOD CONDUCT IN KOREA

VIVIAN OREKYEH

T

Oliseh away.

“Every Nigerian feels we should beat Tanzania home and away anytime and we didn’t do that. And this is an indication that all is not well with our football. This is the time for us to walk the talk.”

Nigeria played out a disappointing goalless draw away to Tanzania on a weekend when Africa powerhouses, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, Morocco and Egypt all won away from home.

“Oliseh has a big task ahead of him.

Anything short of delivery results is

not good enough because I heard the NFF has given him everything.

“These are qualifiers not training matches. And I don’t think we should be testing players with qualifiers.

We are 170 million Nigerians and we should just go for the best players.

“For the fact that a player didn’t response to a telephone call is not enough to leave him out if he is one of our best legs. We need the best 11 players we can boast of in the world if we must go pass Egypt,” Mustapha concluded.

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised the Golden Eaglets despite finishing third at the 2015 Suwon Continental Cup International Youth (U-17) Football Tournament in Korea.

The Emmanuel Amuneke-led side that lost in a 3-2 dramatic manner to Croatia in their last game had earlier posted a 1-1 draw against Korea and earned a 2-1 win against eventual winners, Brazil.

Addressing the Golden Eaglets after the ill-fated loss to Croatia, NFF board member, Alhaji Ahmad Kawu and Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme gave kudos to the team for their overall performance and good conduct in Suwon.

“You have done well despite the fact that you lost to Croatia today in a dramatic way because over the three matches everybody saw you are a good side and we are confident you would get better before the World Cup in Chile,” said Kawu who gifted the Eaglets 500 US Dollars.

He added: “This is just my little appreciation to you and I want to commend the technical crew for a good job. I believe this team will get better before we get to Chile.”

Similarly, Ikpeme said the Golden Eaglets looked promising. Only six players of the 21 that earned the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 ticket at the African U-17 Championship were in Suwon and Ikpeme said the tournament was a good platform to expose the new lads.

Misfiring Haruna begs for another Eagles chance

R

ussia-based midfielder Lukman Haruna has begged for another chance with the Super Eagles after he disappointed and was hauled off after 36 minutes

against Tanzania at the weekend.

Haruna, who last featured for the Eagles at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, never got going in Dar es Salaam when he started

playing behind top striker Emmanuel Emenike and he was promptly replaced by Sylvester Igboun before half time.

Some angry officials were later

quoted as saying the midfielder has played his last for Nigeria.

“It was not me against Tanzania because the weather really affected me,” said an apologetic Haruna.

“I hope I will be given another chance to show what I can really do.”

The player has also represented Nigeria at U-17, U-20 and Olympic levels.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

29

FIFA Presidency: Ali faults Platini’s candidature M

ichel Platini is not the right man for the FIFA presidency as he is merely a “protege” of Sepp Blatter, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has warned.

UEFA chief Platini formally announced his candidacy for FIFA’s top job in July, after incumbent Blatter decided to step down in the aftermath of the corruption scandal that has engulfed world football’s governing body.

But Prince Ali, who was unsuccessful against Blatter in May’s presidential elections but hinted strongly that he will run again on Monday, believes the Frenchman would not oversee

the changes needed to restore FIFA’s beleaguered reputation.

Speaking at the Soccerex convention in Manchester, Prince Ali said: “I have tremendous respect for Platini as both UEFA president and a footballer, but there’s a difference between UEFA and FIFA. “Platini’s introduction into football governance was as a protege of Sepp Blatter. We need a new beginning.

“I’ve listened to Platini, but I want to know the future is different from the past and I’m not sure that’s the case.

It’s nothing personal.”

On Blatter, Prince Ali rejected the suggestion that the Swiss may have

Oliseh

been unaware of shady practices within his organisation, which resulted in the indictment of 14 individuals including nine past and present FIFA officials - on charges of racketeering conspiracy and corruption.

“I think anybody in a position like that should take responsibility,” he added.

“He should have stepped down a while ago and if he had the best interests of football at heart, he would’ve done.”

When asked if he will enter the race for the FIFA presidency again, Prince Ali replied: “Stay tuned, you won’t have to wait long to find out.”

Troubled e g a t s p u s k r Sha s r a l l i P s n o i p m cha

hails Eagles’ unity ANDREW EKEJIUBA Sports Editor

C

oach Sunday Oliseh has expressed delight at the unity in the Super Eagles’ camp as the group focuses on earning a place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

Nigeria could only draw 0-0 with Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the weekend as the race to Gabon 2017 reached a third of the way, but former captain Oliseh says he has confidence in his wards to steer Nigeria to the finals.

“I have said it over and over that I am no magician. We have to come to accept the hard fact that we are

Michel Platini (left) with FIFA President Sepp Blatter

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not right there at the top there, at the moment.

“No doubt, we have potential, and based on the unity I have seen amongst the players, and the willingness to work hard and accomplish, we will get back to the top in good time,” he said.

Oliseh spoke at a press conference at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt ahead of today’s friendly with the Mena of Niger Republic.

“We are building a new team, and patience is required. It is like starting from the scratch, because the fact is that we didn’t qualify for the last Africa

Cup of Nations.

“However, I have the confidence that this group will make Nigeria proud again,” Oliseh stated.

The Eagles’ coach will lead his troops out at the Adokiye Amiesieamaka Stadium against the Mena, who lost 0-2 to Burundi in Bujumbura on Saturday.

Today’s match starts at 3pm.

2003 and 2004, and has a 15 –year experience in African football, maintained that there is no cause for alarm as regards Nigeria’s quest for a place in Gabon.

“There is the tendency for people to start finding faults, to start pressing the panic button. I say no to anything like that. We have drawn the match against Tanzania but there are still four matches left in the race and I have confidence in the technical crew to give us the results we need in those matches to qualify.

“This is not the time for name –calling.

We should give support to the technical crew and the players. The Nigeria Football Federation certainly worked hard to see that the team won in Tanzania, but it didn’t happen and we just have to look ahead,” he said.

Anyansi-Agwu also posited that the present squad has a great future: “I see a great future ahead and I am very serious about it. When you are in a situation of rebuilding, you have to exercise patience.

It is the attitude that matters and I see a great attitude with this group.”

Oliseh

elegationtroubled Sharks deservedly beat champions Kano Pillars 1-0 on Monday to improve their chances of beating the drop.

The Port Harcourt outfit now have 30 points from 28 matches, while Pillars in 10th place on 40 points, 12 points adrift of leaders Enyimba.

Daniel Jackson’s delicately chipped shot after 62 minutes curled into the Pillars net to make the difference between Sharks and Pillars on Monday under pouring rain.

Sharks were resolute from the blast of the whistle, but

it was Pillars that created the best openings at the start of proceedings.

In the fourth minute Ubong Ekpai shot from a tight angle was off target, and in the 15th minute, Sharks bulky goalkeeper Henry Ayodele denied Bala Mohammed a chance to score.

But a minute later, Pillars goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai saved a free kick.

In the 37th minute, Afelokhai again denied Joseph Nathaniel a goal from a 19-yard effort.

Five minutes to the end of the game, Henry Ayodele shut out Rabiu Ali’s free kick to ensure a clean sheet and full marks for the home team.

Anyansi-Agwu advises against panic button

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

C

hairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu has advised football fans and enthusiasts alike against pressing the panic button, following the Super Eagles’ 0-0 draw with Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

The highly –experienced administrator, who steered Enyimba FC to two successive CAF Champions League titles in

Kano Pillars defender Adamu Murtala on the prowl.

30

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

EURO PULIS WARNS BERAHINO TO GROW UP

T

ony Pulis has told Saido Berahino that he must “grow up” and focus on his football, but is ready to welcome the unsettled striker back into his West Brom side.

Berahino was the subject of a number of failed bids from Tottenham during the transfer window and later hit out at West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace on Twitter, writing: “Sad how i cant say exactly how the club has treated me but i can officially say i will never play Jeremy Peace.”

Despite that claim, the 22-yearold was named in West Brom’s final Premier League squad and, having been granted a period of leave following an eventful deadline day last Tuesday, is expected to return to training.

Head coach Pulis is now keen to draw a line under the matter and warned Berahino that he has plenty of bridges to build to earn back the respect of fans and team-mates.

A

lan Shearer has hit out at Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal over his inability to build a winning team and has accused the Dutchman of letting his team play boring football.

United currently sit fifth in the Premier League table with seven points from four games and Shearer is not impressed with their performances so far this campaign, stressing that Saturday’s match versus Liverpool is a must-win for the Old Trafford side.

“I would argue Louis van Gaal cannot even afford to draw the game against Liverpool,” Shearer said.

“He has been asking for more time for his team to blend, for young players to develop etc. Time is up I’m afraid - the time is now.

“You cannot oversee the changes he has made, backed by hundreds of millions, and then claim you are a victim because it needs time to blend. It is your job to mould a side and I would suggest a year is plenty for a club of Manchester United’s standing.

“You can get away with the dull, functional football Van Gaal is dishing up if you are getting results.

But if you go back to the end of last season, Van Gaal’s league run over the last 10 games now stands at three wins, three draws and three defeats.

Fabregas

key in Chelsea move, says

PEDRO Pedro

P

edro has made it clear that fellow Spain international Cesc Fabregas played a major role in his transfer from Barcelona to Chelsea as he was the first to make contact on behalf of the Premier League champions.

The versatile attacker initially appeared to be on his way to Manchester United, but eventually joined Chelsea instead in a deal worth a reported €30 million.

“My transfer to Chelsea was done within a couple of days. It all started with a call from Cesc,” Pedro began.

“Mourinho then gave me a call and that helped me make a decision.

Mourinho made me feel important and gave me confidence.”

Pedro won numerous trophies with Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi and he was quick to admit that he will miss the Argentina international at his new club.

“Messi is an amazing team-mate.

He really is a great guy,” he added.

“We have achieved a lot together, played many important games and scored many goals. I will definitely miss Leo. “I will continue to see Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta with the national team, but I will clearly miss Messi.”

SHEARER: Van Gaal’s time is up!

“Van Gaal’s CV has afforded him the time that David Moyes was not given. But a poor result on Saturday and questions will start to be asked.”

United last won the Premier League title in 2012-13 and have since had to settle for seventh and fourth place in the table.

Van Gaal

DE BRUYNE WILL STRUGGLE TO DELIVER AT MAN CITY—BOATENG

B

ayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng believes Kevin De Bruyne might struggle to live up to the high expectations at Manchester City following his big-money move.

The Premier League leaders reportedly paid in excess of €70 million to lure the 24-year-old away from Wolfsburg during the summer transfer window, but Boateng is not convinced De Bruyne will make an immediate impact at his new club.

“The transfer fee they paid for him brings enormous pressure with it,” Boateng said.

“Manchester City have brought him in like he is the Messiah. They are expecting miracles from him.

“But life in the Premier League is nothing like in the Bundesliga.

Referees don’t whistle for fouls as often and the game is a lot faster as a result.

“A lot of teams still play long balls, even if City themselves employ a different style.”

Boateng then went on to discuss the large amounts of money spent

by Premier League clubs over the past few months and stressed that English clubs’ financial strength is not necessarily a bad thing for Bundesliga outfits.

De Bruyne

BRIEFS

Can targets hitting the goal trail at Reds

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has targeted an improvement in his goals and assists return to nail down a regular first-team spot. Can was utilised mainly as a defender during a debut 2014-15 season at Anfield that yielded just one goal in 27 Premier League appearances. The Germany international has started two of Liverpool’s four league matches this term in his more familiar midfield position and is keen to hone his skills in the final third.

Owen backs Martial to shine at Old Trafford

Michael Owen believes Anthony Martial will not be put off by the enormity of his move to Manchester United, providing he has the talent to make the grade at Old Trafford. United surprised many by signing 19-year-old forward Martial from Monaco on a four-year deal for a fee that could reportedly rise to €80million. Martial scored just 15 goals in his time at Monaco but earned his first France cap on Friday in a 1-0 friendly win over Portugal.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

EURO

Allegri:

LAVEZZI VOWS TO QUIT PSG

E

zequiel Lavezzi has made it clear that he has entered his last season at Paris SaintGermain as he appears to have no intention of renewing his existing contract with the Ligue 1 champions.

The Argentina international’s deal is due to expire at the end of the season and he is determined to end his time at the Parc des Princes on a high.

“I think that this will be my last year with Paris Saint-Germain and I want to end it in the best way possible,” the 30-year-old said.

“I could have left this summer, but I wanted to stay because I believe in this team.

“I have had some difficulties to get into the team, but the competition for places motivates me. Some important players have arrived and the team is even stronger than last year.

“I am very pleased with the arrival of Angel Di Maria. It is always good to see old friends.

He is a great player and I hope he will adapt as soon as possible.”

Barca to make NOLITO enquiry B

arcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has revealed the club will make an enquiry over the signing of Celta Vigo star Nolito ahead of the January transfer window.

The Catalans are currently banned from playing their new signings, meaning closeseason arrivals Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will have to wait until the New Year before making

their debuts for the club.

Spain international Nolito, 28, was with Barca as a youngster and saw himself regularly linked with a return to Camp Nou over recent months after two strong campaigns with Celta.

Fernandez has indicated he will make an approach to Luis Enrique’s former club to explore the possibility of signing the forward as he looks to replenish the club’s attacking depth following Pedro’s move to Chelsea.

“It is true that there are a series of players we are looking at,” Fernandez said.

“Nolito is a player that both Luis Enrique and myself know very well, but it is not an easy situation.

“It is a possibility in the winter market. We will see if it can happen or not.”

Fernandez also confirmed new contracts for Brazilian duo Rafinha and Adriano were close to being agreed and spoke of his confidence over upcoming talks with star forward Neymar, as well discussing his positive relationship with Luis Enrique.

Savic

Lavezzi

adapting to life at Atletico

BRIEFS

Bertolacci ruled out of Milan derby

Milan defender Andrea Bertolacci will miss the derby with Inter on Sunday after sustaining a thigh tear while playing for Italy. The 24-year-old only arrived at San Siro from Roma during the close-season and has featured in both of Milan’s Serie A outings this term. However, Bertolacci left Italy’s training camp on Friday after being forced off 55 minutes into the 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Malta a day earlier due to injury.

A

Pizarro secures Bremen return

Claudio Pizarro has joined Werder Bremen for the third time in his career after agreeing a deal until the end of the season. The veteran striker first represented the Bundesliga club between 1999 and 2001 before leaving for domestic rivals Bayern Munich.

Injured Piszczek out for 10 days

Borussia Dortmund full-back Lukasz Piszczek has been ruled of action for approximately 10 days with a calf strain. The 30-year-old was brought off just before half-time in Poland’s 3-1 Euro 2016 qualifying defeat to Germany on Friday. He subsequently withdrew from the squad before Monday’s fixture against Gilbraltar and returned to Dortmund. Further tests have shown that the defender is set for a small period on the sidelines.

31

Savic

tletico Madrid defender Stefan Savic is still finding his feet in Spain as he attempts to force his way into Diego Simeone’s first-team plans.

Savic swapped Fiorentina for Atletico on a five-year deal in July, but the Montenegro international is yet to feature for the La Liga hopefuls this season.

The 24-year-old has been an observer from the bench in Atletico’s first two league fixtures, with coach Diego Simeone preferring Uruguay pair Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez at the heart of defence.

“It takes time to adapt to the new team and the new league, but I think I’ll be ready soon,” said Savic, whose Montenegro travel to Moldova in Euro 2016 qualifying today.

“At all the big clubs there is a lot of competition. I’m ready to be at the club.

I think I could play an important role and we’re all going to work together for the good of Atletico.

“I’m Stefan Savic and I’m here to defend the colours of Atletico.”

JUVE’S SEASON STARTS NOW!

M

assimiliano Allegri has backed Juventus to recover from a poor start to their Serie A defence and says the champions’ season “starts this week”.

Juve won a fourth-straight league title at a canter last season, but a shock opening loss to Udinese was followed by a poor showing in a 2-1 defeat to Roma, leaving the club without a point after two matches.

However, Allegri believes that the signing of Hernanes from Inter and the imminent return of the injured Claudio Marchisio will improve the squad and is sure Juve will be able to make up the lost points.

“Our season starts this week,” Allegri said at the launch of his new mobile phone application.

“I’m sorry to be without a point but against Chievo starts a new adventure.

“Through the difficulties we will return to do the right things. We’ll have Marchisio back and we now have Hernanes.

“I do not see why we should not make up the lost ground. Juventus has the potential to play a great season. We have the chance to live another important year as with the last. It is right to put aside the many achievements of 2014-15 without forgetting them.”

Juve also won the Coppa Italia last term, while missing out on a treble after losing the UEFA Champions League final to Barcelona.

Allegri

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Awaiting the season of anomie Arthur A. Nwankwo ÎÎÎ At 73 yrs, I am not look-

ing for appointment from any Nigeria government. In my old age, I have a strong conviction that since this generation of Nigerian leaders has failed or rather refused to learn from history, it is necessary to continue on the path of truth at least for the benefit of the future generation.

That Nigeria has remained a theatre for circus governance is not in doubt. That in the execution of the Nigerian project Ndigbo have borne the burden of hubris is also not in doubt. That at critical points in our history, Ndigbo have been violently stabbed in the back by people they thought were their partners.

At each point, Ndigbo have been betrayed and subjected to ridicule and very often cast in the role of a felon.

In the course of time I have had intimate discussions with people like Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe at the Chancery of the Eastern Mandate Union before their deaths concerning their experiences in Nigeria and what nature of conspiracy has bogged Ndigbo in Nigeria before, during and after independence. In the run-in to the Nigerian civil war, for example, so many conspiracies took place against Ndigbo even

by certain individuals who held closed-doors with some of our leaders that time. For instance, Ojukwu narrated to me what he and other Igbo leaders agreed with certain leaders from western Nigeria on what to do on getting to Lagos. Somehow these agreements were reneged on the altar of political expediency. Ndigbo were traded off by the same people who ate, planned and dined with us.

Outside Igboland, I have also discussed extensively with people like M.D Yusuf, Chief Edwin Ogbu and Kam Salem.

My sources confirmed that what Ojukwu told me about massive betrayal of the Igbos was true; that agreements were reached which were later breached on the altar of political expediency. These are hard facts which will be found in my forthcoming memoirs.

Apart from the choreographed genocidal pogrom against the Igbo especially in the North, the Gowon regime, which prosecuted the civil war saw starvation as a weapon of war. The federal government adopted this policy of starvation and pursued it with devotion leading to death of thousands of Igbo children.

At the end of the war, the federal government gave out the paltry sum of twenty pounds (20) to all Igbos who had accounts in banks, i.e. irrespective of the amount that the person had in his or her account.

As if that was not enough, the federal government, at that time, formulated

and implemented the Indigenization Decree - a decree that effectively shutout the Igbo from the commanding heights of the economy. This unwritten policy of “identify and cut the Igbo to size” has continued even unto this day.

No energy is spared in cutting Igbo to size when the chance arises. The end point of all this has always been to destroy the Igbo economy.

Take the case of former Alpha Merchant Bank, for example. This was a Merchant bank that was doing exceptionally well at that time. It was owned by the late Eke Kalu with a Yoruba man, Jimi Lawal as the Managing Director. At that time, news came that some French businessmen who were substantial shareholders in Afribank wanted to divest their interests in the bank. Eke Kalu, the owner of Alpha Merchant Bank declared their interest to acquire the shares from the Frenchmen.

Consequently, Eke Kalu went to Cote d’lvoire to negotiate the deal with the French share owners. Eke Kalu was told that he would pay ten million pounds for the shares. Determined to raise the required capital, Kalu travelled to London where he floated Alpha Securities Ltd, through which he was able to raise the required amount.

By the time he came back with the funds, the French partners had sold the shares to Mandarin Bank of Zambia. Not ready to lose such opportunity, Kalu headed to France to further dis-

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cuss with the French share owners. The Frenchmen expressed regrets that they had sold it to the Zambian bank noting that there was nothing they could do. The French men however encouraged Eke to talk to Mandarin Bank and add perhaps another one million pounds to them; and they could possible do business. This condition was accepted and Eke travelled to Lusaka and struck the deal. The money was paid to Afribank.

But, you will recall that this was a period when the Abacha junta was trying to ingratiate itself into the psyche of Nigerians by parroting “war against corruption” and descending on banks. Incidentally, those running the Afribank at that time, especially a very highly placed management staff from the North alerted Abacha that an Igboman was at the verge of acquiring Afribank. Abacha was nonplussed.

Just as this information was coming in, the ex-CBN governor, Paul Ogwuma was leaving Abacha’s office with an instruction to liquidate the Bank belonging to one Alhaji Bello. As the information of the impending acquisition of Afribank reached Abacha, he called Paul Ogwuma and ordered him to liquidate Alpha Merchant instead and leave Alhaji Bello’s bank.

The papers for liquidation were duly filed before Justice Ukeje’s tribunal who declined the request to liquidate Alpha Merchant Bank

insisting that the Bank was healthy. Angry at her refusal, Abacha removed and reposted her to the ministry and appointed a more pliable judge to execute his programme. Most Nigerians at that time did not see this as a pervasion and travesty of justice. They were encouraging Abacha to go ahead with what he was doing.

Abacha only had to accuse a bank of being involved in one misconduct or the other; whether it is true or false, for him to take the bank out of business. The political class at that time kept urging Abacha to set up tribunals to try those accused of corruption.

Now the same old politicians have come again calling on Buhari to set up tribunals to try so-called corrupt politicians. Tribunal is antithetic to democracy.

It is an adhoc judicial structure set up by dictators to do their special bidding. Setting up tribunals to try corrupt people in Nigeria is absurd.

The courts are there, why circumvent them? I have had my own experiences with tribunals. If I had been tried by a tribunal in 1982 in the sedition suit instituted against me by Chief Jim Nwobodo, I would not have been free today. Even where the lower court had compromised its integrity and pronounced me guilty, the Appeal Court overturned that nebulous judgment and set me free in what has become a locus classicus in sedition cases in Nigeria. If the tribunal had tried me under Abacha I would have been rotting

away in jail by now. It was the High Court in Enugu that set me free before I took the matter to the United States.

Today, the same people are shouting all over the place asking Buhari to set up special tribunals for corruption trials; to jail people without trial. Is this a democracy or what? Buhari is not a stranger to tribunals. In 1983 he empanelled over ten tribunals to try politicians and even when the tribunals found men like Ekwueme, Pa Ajasin etc., not guilty, he still remanded them in prison custody. Today, he still thinks it is business as usual. This is a democracy and such unilateralism is unacceptable. Again Nigerian politicians are preparing the ground work for despotism and dictatorship just as they propped up Abacha, who decimated their ranks.

Why is it impossible for the Nigerian circulating elite to understand that this is not a nation yet; that we are treading the path of destruction; that the stiff-necked fowl usually ends up in the old woman’s pot of soup?

Why is it difficult for us to understand that Nigeria’s hope of survival is the round table; that we must come to a round table to resolve our differences? Tribunal is not the round table. Rather, it is the tinder that would spark the conflagration that is waiting to consume Nigeria.

Until we humble ourselves to the negotiating table, the fate of Nigeria remains precarious and uncertain like the flight of the butterfly.

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Life&

Times Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Adewale Lawanson

Minjin

Open to new label dealings and collaborations

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

As an artiste, if you don’t have fans, you’re not a star –Minjin Mutiat Alli Former Kennis Music recording artiste, Adewale Lawanson Junior, known by his peers as Minjin, is one of the fast rising musical artistes in the entertainment industry in the country having carved a niche for himself in 2010 shortly after playing a lead male character in the first all-black cast high school musical where he played the role of Troy. Not relenting on his first love for music, Minjin won the Centage musical contest and thereafter released several hit songs. In this interview with MUTIAT ALLI, the Oyo state- born act lead us into his world of music, why he left Kennis Music amongst others.

When did you discover your singing talent?

I’d always been singing but I started having the consciousness of being a singer at age sixteen.

At what point did you feel you were ready for stardom?

I have been doing music for quite some years about five years or more but started doing it real big when I got signed up into Kennis Music in 2010 and through that I was open to some process of doing professional music; the celebrity lifestyle of a thing and all that.

out as a different person and something that people can really listen to very well. I have recorded new songs and shot new videos that will be put on air very soon; I am open to collaborations as I speak.

You came out with the Coupe decale sound and got Nigerians dancing; should your fans expect such tunes again as a welcome back?

No, the kind of songs you would be hearing now are Africa contemporary sounds, R&B, something you’ve never been into before; so am just trying to get my composure so it won’t be like Coupe decale that you know me. I am trying myself on new things basically.

Talking about your style, how long do you intend to keep your dread?

I don’t know as long as my fans love it cause each time I want to cut my hair and I say I want to cut my hair, you see a lot of people, fans telling me not too; you know the reason why we are doing all this is for the fans. They are the people that made you who you are they are the ones that buy your

about winning because winning wasn’t new to me just that people just don’t redeem their promises. Surprisingly, this time around, I got a Prado Jeep.

Aside from the Prado Jeep, was there any cash?

There was no money attached to winning but there was a record deal and that deal I made sure I utilized it very well.

How have you been able to manage been an actor and musician?

Well, it’s something am used to because I have won a competition of an actor and have also won a competition as a musician; so it’s interwoven and it’s much task acting and singing but the only is that acting keeps one in a location for like two months straight but music is just to go into

Why the choice of your stage name ‘Minjin’?

My mum gave the name ‘Minjin’ to me when I was a few months old. It means ‘son of the most high’. She used to watch Asian movies a lot. That’s where she heard the name and gave it to her son.

I didn’t like the name at first but as time went on it was like nobody else had the name. So I took it up as a first name.

What informed your leaving Kennis Music?

Well for clarification sake, my contract expired and I refused to renew it with the Kennis Music group because I wanted to be open to many things I did not understand in music. We did not have issues before I left; I must state here that I still maintain cordial relationship with the management of Kennis Music.

Are you signed into another label now?

No, presently I am open to any record label. I have a lot of labels talking to me but am trying to weigh my options; I know what I went through and I don’t want to make the same mistake again.

Life&

T E A M

What have you been up to lately?

Well, I have been busy doing underground works with my music style trying to please Nigerian fans and come

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

CD; they are the ones that listen to your songs. So, as an artiste, if you don’t have fans, you’re not a star.

You won the Centage Superstar talent hunt; how were you able to achieve that?

I was preparing to go and collect the money for my form when I was called to come to the office that the show was about to begin. This was after about a year since I bought the form. We recorded songs and behold, I won. At the finals, when the winner was to be announced, I didn’t care

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Luke Utomi

the studio and record one song and you are done. But to make a movie, you have to spend like a month or two. That is the only thing between them but what to do, I know how to manage my time; sometimes I’m on location and when I’m free and done shooting, I just go to the studio and record and come back to the location.

What was growing up like?

Growing up for me was not the nicest of childhood. I went to Rising Sun Children School and later King Solomon Secondary School, all in Agodo-Cele Egbe, Lagos.

I was head boy at primary school but changed secondary school at the end of my third year. During that period, my parents separated so I missed out on a scholarship that I would have been awarded for coming first throughout junior school. I left with my mum and so changed to Fortune Private College where I struggled to find my feet because of the psychological impact of the separation. I was in Science department and represented the school at Cowbell Maths competition and stuffs like that.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

L3 Relationship

Why should he be blamed?

When relationship goes sour, who should the blame be placed on; is it the husband or the wife?

Mutiat Alli Life they say is not bed of roses, so also goes for love that would never be a promise of a rose unless it is showered with light of faith, water of sincerity and air of passion. This was all that Oluwadamilare showed during our stay together but as bad fate would want it, I left, leaving flimsy excuses. I was blindfolded by lust, not love. It took me so many years to realise the deadly mistake I made that have cost me a fortune. Come to think of it, will I ever be forgiven for that I have done? I need an advice please.

I woke up one morning hoping to have a wonderful moment with my so-called boyfriend, but to my surprise, all that was supposed to be nice became sour with the kind of attitude I put up just for the reason being that I saw a guy that I considered better than him. I realised I should have taken my time before taking that decision that brought a stigma to me. I never meant what I did, only that I was blindfolded by lust, not love. That decision I made changed everything about me and would love people to learn from that.

When I meant Oluwadamilare back in 2002, things were going smoothly because the chemistry between us was so strong that my colleagues in school had several feelings that it might lead to a blissful marriage.

My first meeting with Oluwadamilare was at the school library where I had gone to read in preparation for my forthcoming examination.

He starred at me in the library. Later that same day, he came running after me and all he said was friendship.

At first, I refused but later I gradually caved in to his advances. Things went on smoothly in the first six months of our friendship, but as time went on, I had no choice than to give in to his proposals because then, I was already in love with him. All I was even thinking before he made his moves was praying that he ask me out first since most of our course mate wants him too.

Although Oluwadamilare gave all that a lady desired but I just don’t know what went along the line, I told him I wanted a break for some while. Not that we had a misunderstanding, but I just felt the chemistry wasn’t working out any longer. Even before I told him my intention of quitting our 2 year-old relationship, the

sweet memories of the days shared together would continue to linger in my mind as the most remarkable one was the celebration of our one year relationship where we both had a nice treat at the popular Kuramo Beach in Lagos before heading to Eko Hotel and Suites also in Lagos where we had a memorable day together. One thing led into another as he demanded sex from me which I bluntly refuse.

At first, I thought he would be angry about that, but to my believe all he said was that; don’t worry my baby, I was only pulling your legs, I reserve that till when I get you married fully.

Instantly, I had mixed feelings that it was just a normal saying by guys of nowadays so I was not confused about him getting married to me, I thought it was one those lies used by men to flatter girls.

The day my world came crushing was when we had gone to attend a birthday party of his friend, Nifemi at the Nu-Grotto club on the Island. He inquired that we dance together while Oluwadamilare was still busy drinking his beers. We danced for some while before my baby boy joined us on the dance floor. I was impressed by the dance move of Nifemi as I monitored his moves while still holding Damilare closely.

All through the party, my eyes were closely focused on Nifemi, I was carried away by is handsomeness, he sexy lips and his bold smiles, I couldn’t take my eyes off him as all I was thinking was the possibility of him holding me close to his heart.

After the whole day partying with the birthday boy, it was time for us to leave but I made way by confusing Damilare for us to stay a little longer which he obliged as he continue to remind me of the fact that I was the apple of his eyes. Before our discussion ended, I had already gotten his number at the time; Damilare stepped out to use the toilet.

He promised to give me a call which he did as promised. All through the night even while sleeping close to my boyfriend, all I was thinking was the nice peck Nifemi gave me at the party.

It took me two months and half to set my eyes on him again as Damilare would not allow me follow him whenever he goes visiting.

It got to a stage that I would sneak out of the house to see Nifemi on several occasions.

Nifemi promised all I assume Damilare should tell me; he promised to make me his wife only if I am ready to quit my relationship

with Damilare. I told him to give me some time to think over the issue. After some time, I gave a call to him telling him that I have accepted his proposal.

I made all things possible towards finding a fault in Damilare as I started doing things that would upset him and eventually I got the better part of him as he slapped me after an argument erupted between the two of us.

I saw that as an opportunity to tell him that I was already sick and tired of the relationship.

Damilare felt remorse about his reactions; he pleaded but I gave a deaf ear to him since that was one of the opportunity I was seeking.

Few weeks later, I started a relationship with Nifemi. I must confess that the first nine months of the relationship was splendid as we had sizzling moments together ranging from the visitation to various places and much more the beach side experience.

Things worked out the way I thought as I had the dream of getting married to Nifemi as soon as possible, thus, the first visit to his parents was so nice as I was highly welcomed by his parents who later gave advices on things that would make our relationship last longer.

We made way for the preparation of our said wedding; all the arrangements were made so well, but the only disappointing aspect of it was when Nifemi told me that Damilare’s brother was to be his best man for the occasion. I had mixed feeling immediately as if it was a planned game. Nifemi gave me more courage that such would never happen as he never invited Damilare in the first place.

On the very day of our wedding, I was happy and at the same time sad at the other end as my heart told me something weird was going to occur. When the officiating pastor called for the exchange of vows, I was still not balanced; all I was hoping was that the programme comes to an end so soon. The pastor later asked for whoever will want to the wedding to take place, then Damilare was just coming in into the church; my mind was beating so fast and the top it all, I was already sweating abnormally. All I saw at the end was that he went to have his sit, at this time; my senses were just working as expected.

Later after the church and reception programme, he came congratulating us but later whispered into my ears that he was going to get me back at all cost after hugging me.

I kept on pondering on the word but never allowed Nifemi to know about it. Soon after

our blissful wedding, Nifemi demanded sex from me which I told him I was not ready due to the stress I had earlier experienced before and after the wedding; he never gave listening ears as he used to, but rather all he did was to pounce on me and worst part of it was that I was beaten blue black by him as he even dared to show me more if I refused to give in to him. Life later became much more miserable for me; as all I thought of was to have a wonderful marriage with Nifemi which later turned out to be soar.

Everything about the marriage was now unbearable for me; I could no longer cope with the behaviours of Nifemi. I kept regretting my walking out from my sweet relationship.

Things later got so bad that Nifemi never bordered about what goes on in the family as he barely asked if there was still foodstuff at home and things like that. All I noticed was that the little moves I took in preparing the meals, all he said was that he had taken enough on his way from the office.

He hardly ate my food, not to talk of sleeping on the same bed with me. I could no longer play along the whole situation, so I rather kept calm on the whole issue.

I couldn’t believe my ears as I had to shout back on the lady to leave my husband alone.

Nifemi only replied in place of the lady by giving a dirty slap.

It was at that point that I realised my presence was no longer needed in the house, so I had to pack out of the house to continue with me life.

My life struggle continues and after about a year and half, I met Damilare again. On sighting him, I thought of running but was held back by him as he asked after my family. As I turned to explain to me, tears dropped from by eyes.

One thing led into another again as he asked if we could continue our relationship and if possible seal it. He gave me courage to forget everything about my past.

The problem I have now is that I have promised to reconcile with him, but he gave me time to think about it. Therefore I am still contemplating if I should go back to him or rather go into another relationship with another person entirely.

So, what do you advise me to do?

Send feedback/response to 07035429758 (SMS ONLY), or mutiat.alli@dailytimes.com.ng

Fashion & Style L4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Diana Ross Diva Style Master class Eyola eyola@aol.com

Empowering music with a gravity-defying afro in tow, multi award-winning musician and actress Diana Ross has a style that commands attention. This legendary diva is best known for the sparkly ensembles she stylishly rocked during her tenure as lead singer of the most successful musical girl group of the ‘60s - The Supremes. Most of the outfits worn by her and her band mates were in fact made by Diana herself - an aspiring fashion designer who completed a design course at Cass Technical High School in Detroit (US). Diana made sure to merge her fashion talent with her musical career and like fashion pioneers before her (e.g. Gabrielle Chanel), Diana adopted a signature look that became her style uniform.

Still looking as youthful as ever in her early seventies, Diana’s afro continues to be her most iconic trademark. She also styled her locks in two hairstyles that have become synonymous with her iconic look - the beehive and sideswept bob. Hairstyles that always look shake-your-groove-thing ready, Diana embraces her natural kinky hair sending a powerful message to black women: embrace your natural hair.

The seventies disco-era queen continues her reign inspiring generations of musicians with the likes of Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, Madonna and Rhinana often taking style cues from the ‘70s style pioneer. Taking a leaf out of Diana’s book, these modern day celebrities have multiple costume changes, stage theatrics and special effects and wear eye-catching frocks during their stage performances. True to her own words spoken on stage in 1983 during a performance in Central Park (New York), “it took me a lifetime to get here, and I’m not going anywhere”, 71-year-old Diana proves that just like her music, her style is timeless.

Glamourous furs and feather shawls are staple cover-ups synonymous with Diana’s style. What makes her style so glamorous? It’s this simple: she always chose what she wanted to wear instead of wearing what current fashion dictated.

In her heyday, Diana was rarely seen without hoop earrings. Although it must be said that her upbeat, confident and approachable personality became part of her signature look. Another strong positive message to women can be divulged from Diana’s attitude and personality: love the skin you are in.

Big eyelashes and minimal makeup was, and continues to be, Diana’s beauty mantra. Her eyes have always been the focus of attention although from time to time she injects colour with her favourite shade: red, a staple hue she chooses for both lipstick and nail polish.

One of the advocates of androgynous dressing, Diana showed women that they could look both powerful and sexy in a trouser suit and demonstrated how to wear this style fashionably, out of office hours.

Diana always opts for bedazzled costumes covered in sequins, stones and beads, dresses you just wanted to reach out and touch.

Her commanding stage presence was complimented by her eye-catching colourful ensembles, all of which have inspired many musicians after her and undoubtedly inspired the wardrobe of protégés Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

L5

Teens World L6 Maria Anifowose The popular trend ‘Selfie’ is fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon that has not only gotten the attention of teenagers but even adults, artistes and celebrities alike. Likewise selfie syndrome has been on the increase in different nations of the world, among teenagers especially.

What is selfie syndrome?

It is pertinent that the word ‘selfie’ is first defined before the exposition of ‘selfie syndrome’ is given.

A selfie is a photograph that a person takes of himself or herself with the use of a smartphone, a camera or with the support of a selfie stick and is usually uploaded to social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

According to Child/Teen Development Specialist and Body Image Expert, Dr. Robyn Silverman, selfie syndrome is “a matter of adolescents and teens constantly trying to define themselves. They crave positive feedback to help them see how their identity fits into their world.

Social media offers an opportunity to garner immediate information [about their identity]. The problem is they are looking in a dangerous place.”

In its literal sense, selfie syndrome is the obsessive and excessive desire to constantly upload selfies online because of the voracious crave for attention and approval from people. As of press time, more than 31 million Instagram photos have been hash tagged #selfie, and according to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, 91 percent of teens have posted a photo of themselves online.

Factors responsible for the prevalence of Selfie syndrome in today’s world The core reason for peoples’ posting of selfies is for other people to see, like and comment on them. Thus, the underlying factor responsible for selfie syndrome is the quest for attention and identityapproval. Other desires that fuel the selfie syndrome include: § The yearning to be loved by others: A lot of people upload selfies in order to feel loved.

Naturally, it is an innate feature of all human beings to desire love and affection from people. However, the true demonstration of love is not inherent in the comments or likes that people give you but it is depicted in co-existence despite our different flaws and backgrounds.

Therefore if you feel that you are loved, based on peoples’ feedback on your selfies, you may as well be living in a lie. § The quest for acceptance: Today, many individuals, especially teenagers desire to be accepted by their peers. They want to feel among. But the hazard is that when you are among, you can get lost in the crowd, that is, you may lose your own uniqueness and

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Dangers of

‘Selfie’ Syndrome

end up living in another person’s shadow.

A large number of teenagers today, post pictures of themselves going on a trip or at a club house, with their girlfriends or in a luxurious place so that their friends would think they are cool and will accept them the more. But this is a wrong mindset and attitude because it means that it is what their friends comment or say about them that would determine their lives and actions. This is wrong! You were born an original, do not die a copy. § The longing for significance: Everyone wants to matter. Everyone wants other people to think highly of him or her.

Therefore, countless numbers of youths nowadays take and upload selfies of themselves in extravagant outfits or exquisite places so that their friends would be so impressed with their own kind of personality and term them as important. But the truth is: your significance does not lie in peoples’ opinions of you but in the impact you make on those around you. § The eagerness for connection: Social media is basically created to enhance networking amongst people.

However, there are some people who have an insatiable desire for connection. Their love for meeting people is at an extreme and is usually backed up with a desire to make profit from the people they connect with. Thus, this can equally be a reason for selfie syndrome, as a lot of such people would like to upload a lot of pictures of themselves on social media so that people can see them as lovable and also be interested in being their friends.

Ills of Selfie syndrome Selfies are not bad in themselves;

they actually help control one’s image online. But like anything, moderation is a good thing to exercise. Therefore, selfie syndrome is a norm that must be eradicated. Some of the dangers of selfie syndrome are outlined below. § Selfie syndrome makes people measure their self worth by superficial standards such as the ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ of others instead of higher benchmarks like character and unique talents.

Consequently, selfie syndrome makes people begin to tie their self esteem to comments and likes that they get when they post a selfie.

But it is very important to note that this feedback from people on social media is not based on who you are: they are based on what you look like. Therefore, it is a rather too shallow yardstick with which to measure your self-worth; it is like judging a book by its cover not its content. § The more an individual gets addicted to posting selfies, the more such individual’s life would be controlled by ‘comments’ and ‘likes’ from social media. As seen today, many people even go to the extent of posting partially or totally nude selfies on the net, all in a bid to get more ‘likes’ and ‘comments.’ In the hearts and minds of such people they think they are classy but in the true sense, their minds are out of control.

§ Selfie syndrome can have negative effects on ones’ career. For example, people can begin taking selfies of their activities in the office or of events that their profession takes them to. This can lead to the waste of precious man hours as time that is meant to be used for productive things at work would be channeled to trivial activities like taking of selfies. One can lose one’s job through this. § Too much posting of selfies that includes one’s location can attract stalkers (obsessed and anonymous followers of other people). Stalkers can begin to monitor your activities and begin following you around. This is very dangerous. § Selfie syndrome can make you never feel good about yourself until you get positive feedback on your pictures. Such people begin to suffer inferiority

complex and low self-esteem. § This syndrome can equally make you become narcissistic (that is, you develop a personality disorder in which you are excessively pre-occupied in self-love at your detriment and at the detriment of others). § How to get rid of selfie syndrome Parents should endeavour to teach their children about self esteem and factors that contribute to self-esteem so that their children or teens would not end up building their self esteem on the opinions of others.

Families should also involve their children in activities that would create an atmosphere of togetherness and love between them and their children/teens so that their children would not go about searching for love where there is none.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

L7

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

154 Africa Magic Family

141 Eva Channe

21:30

23:00

Tue, 8 Sep | PG13

Tue, 8 Sep | PG13

‘S5/E200 - 5/200’. Stay tuned for a close-up of Nollywood’s top actors, producers and directors.

Stay tuned for movie premieres, behind-thescenes footage and the latest celebrity gossip with Helen Paul and Uti Nwachukwu.

‘S1/E76 - 1/76’. Victoria goes to the halfway house and runs into Alejandra, the girl she desperately tried to protect for years from Edmundo. This is their opportunity to clear the air and finally talk.

101 M-Net West

00:30 Grassroots 02:15 Sex Tape 04:00 The Voice 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Big Bang Theory 06:30 Proof 07:30 My Story 08:30 Endless Love 10:30 The McCarthys 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Elementary 14:00 Revenge 15:00 Madam Secretary 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Odd Couple 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Chicago PD 19:30 American Crime 20:30 Battle Creek 21:30 Elementary 22:30 Secrets & Lies

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

154 Africa Magic Family

00:05 Tinsel 00:35 Star Gist 01:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Umbara Point 08:30 Tenant 09:30 The 5 Brides 10:00 Good Morning Africa

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

11:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 12:00 Music Block 13:00 Tinsel 13:30 Star Gist 14:00 Nowhere To Be Found 14:30 Comfort Zone 15:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 16:00 Tenant 17:00 The Dzigbordi Show 18:00 Mashariki Mix 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 19:55 Next Door To Happiness 21:00 Comfort Zone 21:30 Jara 22:05 Living With Trisha

00:45 The Weakest Link

11:40 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:30 Scott And Bailey

12:25 Top Gear

02:19 Come Dine With Me

13:20 Come Dine With Me

03:09 EastEnders

14:15 Live At The Apollo

03:39 QI

15:05 The Weakest Link

04:09 Top Gear

16:00 EastEnders

05:00 Spy

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

05:25 QI

17:10 Pointless

06:00 Miranda 06:30 EastEnders

18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

19:00 Getting On

07:55 The Weakest Link

19:35 QI

08:45 Pointless

20:05 Would I Lie To You?

09:35 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

20:40 The Graham Norton Show

10:25 Deal Or No Deal

22:10 Only Fools And Horses

11:05 My Family

22:45 QI

21:35 Mrs Brown’s Boys

155 Africa Magic World

01:00 Good Morning Africa 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Edge Of Paradise 04:00 Doctors’ Quarters 05:00 Good Morning Africa

06:00 The Mastermind 07:50 Star Gist 08:20 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 So Wrong So Wright 11:00 Jacob’s Cross 12:00 Jacob’s Cross 13:00 Music Block 14:00 Edge Of Paradise 15:00 Edge Of Paradise 16:00 Doctors’ Quarters 17:00 Jacob’s Cross 18:00 Jacob’s Cross 19:00 So Wrong So Wright 19:25 So Wrong So Wright 20:00 Brain Box 22:25 Music Block

128 SONY MAX

00:15 Caught On Camera 01:05 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 01:30 1000 Ways To Die 01:55 1000 Ways To Die 02:20 Body Count 03:40 Video Zonkers 04:05 Video Zonkers 04:30 South Beach Tow 05:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 05:50 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 Video Zonkers 07:30 What Went Down 08:00 Caught On Camera 09:00 1000 Ways To Die 09:30 South Beach Tow 10:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 11:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 12:00 Video Zonkers 12:30 Video Zonkers 13:00 What Went Down 13:30 Caught On Camera 14:30 1000 Ways To Die 15:00 Code Red: The Rubicon Conspiracy 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 Caught On Camera 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 South Beach Tow 19:30 1000 Ways To Die 20:00 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal 20:30 Hip Hop Squares 21:00 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

22:00 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Tech Times Æ s

TT 1

Inye Kemabonta, Editor, Tech Times inye@technologylaw.com.ng

NCC should do more concerning telecom‘s challenges— Ajayi

Ajayi

Engr.Lanre Ajayi is currently the President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).Lanre Ajayi has served Nigeria in several capacities. He was appointed as a member of the Presidential task force for the restructuring of the Information and Communication Technology sector in Nigeria.He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), a Fellow of the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) and a registered member of the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria(CPN)among others.Engr. In this interview, Lanre Ajayi spoke to Tony Nwakaegho on the issue that bothers the NCC/operator’s imbroglio and the ICT ecosystem. Excerpt: Recently the NCC set up a task force to look into the issue of QoS. How do you react to this?

I don’t know what informed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to set up a task force. I don’t think we should wait for a task force before the regulator monitors the Quality of Service. Ordinarily that ought to be the responsibility of a department of the commission, but I am sure they would have reasons for that.

Let us look at the issue of quality of service from holistic perspective in terms of certain factors that have been identified as bottle necks to actually meet up the demand of the customer. Do you think NCC is doing the right thing to help the industry rather than coming up the task force?

NCC certainly has to do more as a number of challenges have been identified in the sector. It is not that we are expecting the

problems to disappear overnight, but we expect accelerated action in some of the issues that have been identified. We all know the difficulty in getting the Right of Way (RoW) and they came up with the concept of Infraco, which is a solution, but that cannot be the only solution certainly. So we need to address the issue of right of way holistically and step up action to ensure that issue in that area is resolved. There are other challenges that need to be resolved as well.

The issue of unregistered SIM card has seen the NCC coming after the operators now and those that are not registered are to be barred from the operator’s network.

What is your view on this?

We all agreed now that every SIM should to be registered and Nigerians have come to accept that for our own security and for our own sake. So, if we accept that all SIMs should be registered we should also accept that

SIMs that are not registered that are on the network should be suspended. I think what they did is to suspend and not remove. In order words if they go back to reregister they will be re-activated back.

What about the money that have been spent on this issue of SIM registration initially, how has that money been justified in term of the budget and that spent by the operators?

Abinitio, my personal position is that it should have been left for the operators to do, but in the wisdom of government they decided that the regulator should also participate in it.

That has been done, so I think we should leave it as it is now.

We are talking of achieving 30% broadband penetration in 2018. When this digital migration takes place don’t you think that the spectrum that will be freed from the broadcast organisation to the telecom industry will help to

achieve the 30% penetration?

It is one of the reasons that will enable us to achieve it but it is not the only thing. There are basically two things of providing access to people and that involves optic fibre and the wireless, so we need spectrum to do the wireless. One of the spectrums that we need is digital dividend spectrums. It will help but certainly not the only magic wane.

At the end of the day, do you foresee us getting close to 30% or far away from it?

It is not only digital migration that will lead us there, but digital migration will help no doubt; it is a fact that we need those spectrums that are being use for broadcasting for broadband.

The other thing is about investment, you have to put money there so that operators can roll out network. Investment will come when the environment is right. If people see that when they put down their investment and see that they cannot have right of way, the environment is hostile and policy are inconsistent nobody will put down his money for investment. We need to expand the network and you need the right environment to be able to make that expansion.

What is your advice to the new government on the issue of broadband?

There is already a national broadband plan so they need to stick to the national broadband plan that is on the ground. Don’t distort it. The plan has highlighted some milestone, so they should follow the milestone and implement them.

The issue of sanction on the operator by the task force? Do you think it’s right for them to sanction the operators?

I don’t think sanction is the solution because there are challenges which have to be removed for us to get it right. If those challenges are removed and the operators are not doing it right then they can be sanctioned.

Let’s do a logical thing here.

The market is there and operators are not able to offer quality CONTINUED ON PAGE TT 2

Tech Times TT 2 Aderounmu advocates harmonisation of national database

Aderounmu

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Professor Sola Aderounmu, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has advocated for the harmonisation of the national database in order to avoid, duplications, wastage of public funds and man-hour.

This statement by Professor Sola Aderounmu, NCS’ President, according to a statement by the Society is coming on the heels of the recent charge by President Muhammadu Buhari on Ministry Department and Agencies (MDAs) that collect biometric data to harmonise the collection and usage of biometric data instead of replicating efforts.

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) while decrying several billions spent on multidata capturing in the country has thrown its weight on the statement by the President as not only welcome but an imperative one considering the huge cost implication biometric exercises have caused taxpayers in the past especially in terms of cost of data acquisition, cost of personnel, cost of storage of acquired data

and cost of making such data available.

NCS said this in addition to the general inconveniences to citizens who repeatedly have to queue long hours for registration, hence it delights the society that this cooperative model of data acquisition but vested in one agency of government is being embraced.

According to Aderounmu, “It is a right and fundamental step towards a true e-government society and will assist in the fight against crimes when agencies drew data from the same database.

“As the nation may want to recall that in our communiqué aftermath the 11th International Conference and 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society in 2013, we had strongly canvassed as follows: “That e-government when properly deployed is able to deliver continuous optimization of service delivery to the citizens thereby engendering the attainment of the Vision 20-20:20 of the Federal Government.

Tasks before NCC, by Ajayi ‘‘NCC certainly has to do more as a number of challenges have been identified in the sector. It is not that we are expecting the problems to disappear overnight, but we expect accelerated action in some of the issues that have been identified.’’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE TT 3

service. Do you think they don’t want to make the money by offering good quality of service?

Because they are handicap they will not be able to perform. Let’s remove the challenge and see whether they will expand their networks.

What quality do you expect in the person that will lead the ICT industry?

We need someone who is able to move with time and know that technology changes, the policy,

environment, regulatory environment also has to be dynamic.

So we need someone that is forward looking, a visionary that can quickly understand issue and attend to those issues. We need people who are experience and have good understanding of the industry.

Do you subscribe to the merging of Ministry Communication Technology and Ministry of Science and Technology?

There is nothing wrong with it.

NITDA begins stakeholders’ forum in Benin Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) commences a two days stakeholders’ forum on the “Review of Development of Website Authentication and Certification” in Benin City, Edo State from today at Protea Hotel, Benin at 10am.

A statement signed by the Director, Standards, Guidelines & Regulation Department, Barrister Lazarus Ikoti on behalf of the Director General, NITDA, Mr Peter Jack stated that the draft Standards and Guidelines have been developed and document is ready for stakeholders’ discussion today.

Experts identifies ‘fundamental flaws’ in cybercrime Act 2015

By Tony Nwakaegho (Managing Partner, Technology Advisor, Mr. Basil Udotai,) Nigerian Cybercrimes Act 2015 has been taken to the cleaner as legal luminaries and other key stakeholders in the nation’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry pick holes in the some provisions of the Act. The experts who spoke at a Technology Times organised review of the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act 2015 were unanimous in pinpointing that the Act which was one of the many bills passed into law by the National Assembly and signed by ex-President

Goodluck Jonathan at the brink of his administration tenure contains some fundamental flaws.

Managing Partner, Technology Advisor, Mr. Basil Udotai, who reviewed the Act, said Nigeria ranks third in the list of countries with high cybercrimes rates globally, stressing that this requires that “we put in place a robust laws that helps to checkmate the growing rate of cyber crimes in the country.”

Udotai insisted that though the law is comprehensive enough, it is beset with some challenging components.

“It was interesting that, at last, Nigeria has been able to put in place a law, however, the Act does not recognise a single enforcement institution, which is an aberration and a development that may lead to confused legal strategy.

“Also, the law is too heavy on the financial sector, thereby making it overtly transactional,” he said.

Udotai noted that the rod to having the law passed was long and tortuous, adding that “ICT is the only sector that is doing well in Nigeria and we cannot afford to be lax in coming with law on cybercrimes.”

He contended that there are already existing cyber laws in developed countries which are of international standard that Nigeria can adapt to without necessarily

making its cybercrime law cumbersome, all in the name of wanting to be original.

He expressed doubt as to whether there were public hearings held to discuss the Cybercrimes Bill before its eventual passage into law, noting that “We don’t need to be inventive; we just have to be creative.”

Speaking on the occasion, the event Convener and Founder, Technology Times, Mr Sina Badaru, said there was an urgent need to ensure that “our cybercrimes laws is robust enough to take care of the various sector of the economy which is currently being reshaped by ICT and in a way that it continues to build investors’ confidence in the nation’s economy.”

According to Badaru, “Nigeria’s ICT sector has attracted over $32 billion investment in the past 14 years of the sector’s liberalization and we cannot afford not to protect this investment and by extension, protect our digital domains and then be prepared for the emerging cyber welfare.”

On his part, Ex-Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, Mr. Alex Muoka, described the Cybercrimes Act as “the most unclear piece of legislation that I have ever seen because there are a lot of lacunas, lacking provision with regards to the enforcement institutions. I, therefore, foresee a big work for lawyers in using the law.”

Udotai

Commenting on the Act, the Head, Legal Services & Board Matters Unit, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Edet Emmanuel, said the law is technically asking for the impossible as there is a ‘very big gap that exists in the law’ adding that the “The law also dabbles into the consumer laws that ordinarily should not be a subject matter of the law. The

law is meant to prescribe punishments for anyone, who commits cybercriminal offences in the country.

“Most of the provisions in the laws are too specific, whereas in law, we should be more generic so that the law will still be applicable in case the current variables specifically mentioned by the law experiences alterations.

CONTINUED ON PAGE TT 3

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

TT 3 Tech Times

ATCON holds 21st anniversary October 30 Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has fixed the 21st anniversary for Friday, October 30, 2015 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Association was inaugurated on December 10, 1993 as a non-political trade association with membership opened to all companies operating in the Telecoms industry in Nigeria.

Speaking on the anniversary celebration, Engineer Lanre Ajayi, president of ATCON, said that the journey of the last 21 years had been so eventful for the Nigerian telecommunications industry with ATCON, as the umbrella body of all telecommunications companies, playing pivotal roles.

ATCON has been in the forefront of policy advocacy for the industry and has engaged all stakeholders, including the government, for the promotion of a sustainable business environment for investors and practitioners in the industry.

Ajayi said, “The journey so far has not been a fairy tale,

but we have been able to create a measure of impact in our collective efforts and have been able to develop an industry, which is considered a very vital economic sector and contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The result of all these efforts is the impressive performance of the industry today, which is visible for all to see.

“And for that, the Association has decided to take time out to celebrate our successes, evaluate its achievements and that of the industry and make projections for the future through the celebration”.

A press statement signed by Executive Secretary of ATCON, Ajibola Olude, quoted Ajayi as saying that during the anniversary dinner, there shall be an anniversary lecture to be delivered by a very distinguished personality and Telecommunications Merit Awards shall be presented to deserving industry players who have in one way or the other distinguished themselves in their personal and corporate contributions towards the rapid development of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

The award is to recognize out-

standing efforts of individuals and organizations towards the expansion of our telecommunications space as well as the overall development of the sector.

In the years ahead, ATCON will ensure that more and more people who have helped in the growth of our industry will be identified and accorded the necessary recognition and honour, which they rightly deserve.

Also, we intend to use the opportunity of the dinner to launch the Association code of Ethics, which has been approved by members of the association as the standard by which they would be expected to adhere to in the practice of their profession and in conducting their businesses.

The National Telecoms Advisory Council shall also be inaugurated during the dinner.

The council is an assembly of very eminent personalities with great accomplishment in Telecommunication who shall be advising the ATCON NEC on appropriate policy issues to advocate for and other matters that advance the course of our industry.

The dinner shall also provide us opportunity to appeal to in-

Olude

dustry stakeholders and all our friends to make donations towards the ATCON House Project (National Secretariat) which will is planned to be located in the Smartcity Innovation Hub, in Lekki, Lagos.

“In the years to come, ATCON will continue to show more commitment to the growth of the industry. We will continue to develop programmes that will sustain the growth of our industry.

We owe a lot of gratitude to the Nigerian press for the support and cooperation given to the Association and the telecommuni-

cations industry as a whole over the years.

“Through professional reportage of developments in the Nigerian telecommunications market, information sharing has been enhanced and confidence has been built in the industry leading to unprecedented level of investment in the industry.

We are very hopeful that the fourth estate will continue to be very supportive in our efforts at catching up with the rest of the world in terms of technological advancements, particularly, in the telecommunications sector”.

NgREN, Bandwidth Consortium Partners To Expand Services To West African Countries

Ajao

NITDA begins stakeholders’ forum

Nigerian Research and Educational Network (NgREN) and Bandwidth Consortium are partnering to expand bandwidth connectivity and network to higher institutions and research institutes in neighbouring West African countries.

NgREN is an initiative of National University Commission (NUC) aimed at interconnecting all federal universities and research institutes to a network that assist in research and other connectivity based projects.

NgREN also delivers bandwidth to all connected institutions. NgREN is expected to deliver to the connected uni-

versities 155mbps equivalent to Synchronous Transport Module, level 1 (STM-1).

But, Bandwidth Consortium is the brain child of Nigerian Information Communications Technology (ICT) Forum aimed at making bandwidth readily available and cheaper for research and higher institutions of learning in the country, which include Polytechnic, Colleges of Education among others.

Commenting on the initiative, the Operations Manager, Bandwidth Consortium, Dewole Ajao, said that discussion on the modalities which is un-

derway will enable the organisations to create West Africa network where it will be easy for a university in any West African country that connects to the network to share information and also allow Bandwidth Consortium to sale bandwidth to higher institutions in those countries at a cheaper cost.

Ajao explained that the main initiative of the Consortium is aggregating the needs of member institutions and presenting them to the network operators as a single wholesale customer.

“This acts as an incentive for the bandwidth providers basically undersea cable operators,

to reduce prices. The reduced pricing then enables us increase bandwidth for our members without being prompted. We also endeavour to build network management capacity among our member institutions. When members join the Consortium, they get to interact with other members and learn together how to better manage their networks as well as best practices in campus network management. We will be extending our focus to highlighting and sharing how to deal with those peculiar network problems that evolve as available bandwidth increases,” Ajao added.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE TT 2

Awoyemi, said “What we face really is the case of two worlds, the old ways and the new trends being gradually shaped with technology.

According to him, “Cybercrimes are not something we can just afford to toy with. It is the way of life for social, economic and politician interaction and that is

why we should have put individuals who are not only versed in the traditional world but understand the future trends being changed by technology in coming up with our laws in Nigeria.”

President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Mr. Sunday Afolayan explained that a lot of people were not aware

of the law so that they would be fully carried along to know that “a cybercrime law is not consumer protection and it is not data protection but rather should be a robust law the addresses both preventive and defensive approaches to tackling cybercrimes.”

“Cybercrimes laws should not

“So, for me, I want to believe that the Act has fundamental flaws, which I also think can be addressed to make the law of international standard.”

Highlighting the issue further, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Proshare Nigeria, Mr. Femi

CONTINUED ON PAGE TT 4

Tech Times TT 4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, September 8, 2015

A4AI names former CommTech minister, Omobola Johnson, new Chairperson

L-R: President of NITRA, Emma Okonji, Group Managing Director, Teledom Group of Company, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, and Head Consumer Protection Council Lagos Office, Mr Joshua Yakubu Ngana at the Second Quarterly Seminar Series of the Nigeria Information and Communications Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) held in Lagos, recently.

Fibre optic network, others key to ubiquitous broadband penetration Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The Senior Manager, Transmission Planning, MTN Nigeria, Olusegun Salami, stated that the key to ubiquitous Broadband penetration in the country lies in the deployment of Fibre Optic network and wireless access among others.

He stated this at the Second Quarterly Seminar Series of the Nigeria Information and Communications Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), titled: “Foreign Direct Investment-An Impetus To Achieving Ubiquitous Broadband Penetration” held in Lagos, stressing that the fibre optic which is cheaper should be invested in if the 30 per cent national broadband penetration target is to be achieved in 2018.

According to Salami, the nature of village settlement which is sparse makes it difficult for investors to obtain the required number of subscribers before putting down money for such investment in the optic fibre, but in the long run it is the way to go.

He lamented that access to the internet in the village is less than 1 per cent, which he explains has brought about the huge gap in

NITDA, stakeholders meet

broadband penetration between the urban and the rural areas.

He compared broadband penetration to the availability of signals to transistor radio in the villages and advocated low price smart phones, devaluation of the currency to attract direct foreign investment, utilization of fibre optic in the rural areas, the right of way, CTDs in the urban areas as key factors for the realization of internet penetration to the last mile, adding that attaining the 30 per cent target is still a possibility.

He thanked NITRA for organising the event called on the association which is the umbrella body of all ICT reporters in Nigeria, to do more reporting on the challenges that have hindered the deployment of fibre optic.

The former President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and Group Managing Director, Teledom Group of Company, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, who was the chairman of the occasion, said it is not enough to have infrastructure in place, but that what is essential is what you put in the infrastructure.

Ekuwem stated that content is a major issue for ubiquitous Broadband penetration, and disagreed

with those who clamour for devaluation of the Naira as a way to realize direct foreign investment for ubiquitous broadband penetration, adding that ‘no foreigner would love you more than his or her own country’.

On his part, the President of ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi said that the quarterly seminar being organised by NITRA is apt as it is helping the industry growth and charged the association to do investigative journalism to know why we are still having about 10 per cent broadband penetration, noting that the people who brought the infrastructure are lamenting that this is not what they bargained for.

Ajayi said that Nigerians are yearning for fast internet which is broadband; pointing out that 30 per cent is not too ambitious as Ghana and Kenya have attained the 30 per cent penetration, so Nigeria still at 10 per cent shows that something is wrong.

Earlier, the President of NITRA, Emma Okonji welcomed guests to the occasion with a call to the authorities to put up more efforts towards the realization of the national broadband penetration target.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE TT 3

Okigbo, called for an increased multi-stakeholders’ engagement towards addressing the challenges in the new law.

Nigerian mobile operators have raked in N689.96 billion ($3.45bn) from the sale of mobile towers otherwise known as base transceiver stations (BTS), which has led to massive fall in their capital expenditures.

MTN, Airtel and Etisalat have transferred their towers to third party infrastructure companies in the recent months.

only be enforced when the crime has been committed but also seeks to prevent cybercrimes from being committed,” he added.

A Consumer Rights Advocate, Mrs. Sola Salako, called for a concerted effort to ensure that the law protects digital consumers in their daily activities.

Following the many identified flaws in the law, Chief Corporate Services Officer, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tobe

Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) has named the immediate past Minister of Communication Technology of Nigeria, Dr. Omobola Johnson, as its Honorary Chairperson.

Dr. Johnson, in her new appointment would bring to bear her 30 years of experience, provide A4AI with strategic policy guidance and will lead high level international advocacy efforts, all designed to help the Alliance as it works to drive down unacceptably high broadband prices, and bring billions more online, fast.

Daily Times gathered that A4AI is the world’s broadest technology sector coalition, with over 70 diverse members. Working closely with governments, companies and civil society, the Alliance uses a blend of research, advocacy and on-the-ground engagement to create policy and regulatory change that pushes broadband prices down.

In under two years, A4AI has doubled membership and started work in five countries on three continents (Dominican Republic, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Myanmar), meaning over 300 million people stand to benefit from the Alliance’s work. A4AI’s global sponsors are Google, UK DFID and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the World Wide Web (WWW) Foundation serves as the secretariat. Other high-profile members include the Internet Society, MainOne, Microsoft, and UN Women.

An erudite ICT policy professional, Dr. Johnson brings to the role over 30 years of experience across both the private and public sectors. Between 2011 and 2015, she served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communication Technology, where she oversaw the creation and implementation of policy to enable affordable Internet, including the development and presentation of the country’s 20132018 National Broadband Plan.

During her time as Minister, the percentage of Internet users in the country nearly doubled from 24% (2010) to 43% (2014), and Nigeria became the first African country to join A4AI in 2013.

Prior to 2011, she spent over two decades at Accenture, including a five-year stint as country managing director for Nigeria.

Dr. Johnson holds a DBA from Cranfield University in the UK, and from 2014 to 2015 served as the Chair of the 18th session of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD).

Speaking on her new role, Dr. Johnson said: “In this era of technological innovation, it is simply unacceptable that policies and regulations still conspire to keep Internet access unaffordable for billions. Today, an entry-level mobile broadband package costs the average African over 15% of their monthly earnings, while an average European would pay just 1%. That affordability gap helps to explain why over 80% of European households are online, compared to just 11% of African households.

“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible power of the Web to improve health, education, economic and development outcomes, particularly for women and rural populations, and I’ve also seen how smart, collaborative policymaking can drive prices down fast.

Now, I’m excited to be able to use my experience and networks to accelerate the progress A4AI is already making.”

A4AI executive director, Sonia Jorge, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Omobola Johnson to the A4AI team. A long-time advocate of universal and affordable Internet access and active supporter of the Alliance’s work since our launch in 2013, Dr. Johnson brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in the ICT field.

Omobola Johnson Chairperson Alliance for Affordable Internet

BOLT ENDS SEASON, MISSES DIAMOND LEAGUE g X4

FABREGAS key in Chelsea move – PEDRO 1.55 m (5 ft 1 in) Forward Washington Spirit

Nationality: Height: Playing position: Current team:

She was also part of Nigeria’s squads at the African Women’s Championship of 2010 and 2014, winning both tournaments.

At senior level she played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments of 2011 and 2015. At the latter she opened her World Cup account by scoring Nigeria’s equalizing goal against Sweden on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg, Canada. The pulsating match ended 3–3 in the opening game of Group D.

Ordega represented the Nigeria women’s national football team in all levels. With the under 17, she played the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and with the under 20 at 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

From 2013 to 2015, she played for Pitea IF in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.

Ordega then moved across the North Atlantic and signed with Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League.

In 2011 she moved to Rivers Angels, a top club in Nigeria and a year later, she signed for Russian Women’s Football Championship club Rossiyanka.

Francisca

Bayelsa Queens Rivers Angels Rossiyanka Pitea IF Washington Spirit

ORDEGA FRANCISCA

Ordega

2008–2011: 2011–2012: 2012–2013: 2013–2015: 2015–Till date:

Senior career

14

Nigerian

Place of birth:

Number:

October 19, 1993 (age Gboko, Benue State

Date of birth: 21)

Francisca Ordega

Full name:

Personal information

g X2,3

Francisca Ordega, born October 19, 1993 is a Nigerian professional soccer player who also plays for Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League.

She represented Nigeria women’s national football team (Super Falcons) at both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and African Women’s Championship.

Ordega began her career at the youth level for Bayelsa Queens, before being promoted to the professional side in 2008 where she played at Nigerian Women’s Championship.

FRANCISCA ORDEGA

Poster!

About

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Savic adapting to

life at Atletico g 31

g 30

Stop experimenting with Eagles, g Mustapha warns

28

Oliseh

Gboko, Benue State

Nigerian

1.55 m (5 ft 1 in)

Forward

Washington Spirit

14

Place of birth:

Nationality:

Height:

Playing position:

Current team:

Number:

2008–2011: 2011–2012: 2012–2013: 2013–2015: 2015–Till date:

Bayelsa Queens Rivers Angels Rossiyanka Pitea IF Washington Spirit

October 19, 1993 (age

Date of birth: 21)

Senior career

Francisca Ordega

Full name:

Personal information

FRANCISCA ORDEGA

She was also part of Nigeria’s squads at the African Women’s Championship of 2010 and 2014, winning both tournaments.

At senior level she played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments of 2011 and 2015. At the latter she opened her World Cup account by scoring Nigeria’s equalizing goal against Sweden on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg, Canada. The pulsating match ended 3–3 in the opening game of Group D.

Ordega represented the Nigeria women’s national football team in all levels. With the under 17, she played the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and with the under 20 at 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

From 2013 to 2015, she played for Pitea IF in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.

Ordega then moved across the North Atlantic and signed with Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League.

In 2011 she moved to Rivers Angels, a top club in Nigeria and a year later, she signed for Russian Women’s Football Championship club Rossiyanka.

Francisca Ordega, born October 19, 1993 is a Nigerian professional soccer player who also plays for Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League.

She represented Nigeria women’s national football team (Super Falcons) at both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and African Women’s Championship.

Ordega began her career at the youth level for Bayelsa Queens, before being promoted to the professional side in 2008 where she played at Nigerian Women’s Championship.

About

X2

EXTRATIME Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Ordega

Francisca

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X3

X4

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

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EXTRATIME ing l c y C

B

ritain’s Liam Phillips won for the third time in this year’s UCI BMX Supercross World Cup to extend his lead in the series with one race left.

The 26-year-old, who also won in Sweden and Manchester, recovered from a poor start to hold off Australia’s Anthony Dean in Argentina.

He is 120 points clear of Dutch world champion Niek Kimmann, with 225 points awarded to the winner of each race.

s

etic l h t A

Phillips

earns third World Cup win “In Sweden I was in control and I made it work again here,” said Phillips.

“I’m really happy.”

The BMX Supercross World Cup comprises of five races, with the last in South Carolina in the United States on September 25-26.

Bolt

BOLT ENDS 2015 SEASON, MISSES DIAMOND LEAGUE

S

ix-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt will miss the Diamond League final in Brussels on Friday after deciding to end his 2015 season early.

The 29-year-old won gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at last month’s World Championships in Beijing.

Britain’s Liam Phillips (right) in action at the third BMX World Cup in Argentina.

BUTTON WANTS QUICK DECISION ON 2016 ort p s r to

M

cLaren driver Jenson Button wants his Formula 1 future to be decided “in the next few weeks”.

The 35-year-old Englishman was last year kept waiting until December before being retained.

He has a contract with McLaren for next year - but the team must decide whether they exercise their option to keep him.

Asked if he was keen to stay as Fernando Alonso’s team-mate, Button said: “That is something we need to discuss away from the circuit.”

The 2009 world champion added: “It’s always in your hands. Hopefully in the next few weeks we can decide

et k c i r C

Hossain

ll

ba Foot

“After the excitement of the past few weeks... I have decided not to race again in 2015,” Bolt wrote on Facebook.

“I am already thinking about next year and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio where I will attempt to defend my titles.”

The Jamaican said he would take

Akarandut

lifts club in Bahrain

Mo

either way.”

Alonso has a firm contract with McLaren until the end of 2017 and they will partner the Spaniard with either Button, Dane Kevin Magnussen - who raced for them in 2014 - or Belgian rising star Stoffel Vandoorne.

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier said: “We have two world champions and we do intend to keep them, so far.”

McLaren have not revealed when the option on Button’s contract expires, but traditionally the date for McLaren options has been at the end of September.

Akarandut

F

ormer Akwa United striker Orok Akarandut looks unstoppable in Bahrain after he scored again for Al Hidd in a 1-1 draw with Bahrain team on Sunday in a Cup game.

Al Hidd now have four points from two games.

Akarandut has now scored three

Hossain: Police hunt Bangladesh cricketer

a “short break” before returning to training next month.

Bolt was not in contention for the Diamond League title in either of the individual sprint events after an injury-disrupted season.

American Justin Gatlin will be crowned overall 100m champion if he finishes in the top three in Brussels.

goals in two cup games for Al Hidd.

The former top scorer in the Nigeria league revealed he would have loved his team to have won Sunday’s cup tie.

“I thank God for His mercies. It was a great goal, from a counter attack.

After they took a corner kick, I picked the loose ball from our half, dribbled

P

olice in Bangladesh are looking for cricketer Shahadat Hossain and his wife in relation to the alleged abuse of their 11-year-old domestic help.

The girl is now in hospital after she was found in the streets, while the police have registered a case against the 29-year-old fast bowler.

Hossain became the first

past two defenders to score. It’s great to have scored three goals in two games,” Akarandut enthused.

Two teams will qualify for the semi-final from the group made up of nine teams, namely Al Hidd, Riffa, Al Ettihad, Galali, Busaiteen, Al Ahli, Al Shabab, Bahrain team and Muharraq.

Bangladeshi to be added to the Lord’s Honours Board after taking five wickets against England at the ground in 2010.

He has played 38 Tests and 51 ODIs. Hossain last featured for the Tigers in the second Test against Pakistan in May, during which he twisted his right knee and was ruled him out action for six months.