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FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.20

Jonathan tackles Buhari

Ï d ƕ è ó9 ƄƑƈƋƐ ơƾ ƒ Ə ƈƐƈƆ è Ɠ ƆƏƆ ƏƆ ƕ ƑƏ ƑƏ ƆƏƕ ƅ Ƌ î Ï Ɗ è ó #ƈƗ Ɔ ƄƑƕ Ɔ ƏƈƇƋƆ Ƈ Ə ƋƗƈƆƏ ƌƈƋƈƐ Əƕ ƏƑƋƆƏîô Ï ƅƅƑ Ɔ ƍƍ Ɔ Ɛ Ƈ ƅƋ ƈ ƒ ƐƆƏ ô ƅ ƏƗ Ï M&0 ƅ ƏƍƆƐ ƍƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ ƒƆƏ 6 óƌ Ɛ Ə ƍ ƏƊô ƅ ƌƌƆ Ɛ

Boko Haram kills 100, destroys 16 villages in Borno

Football legends and former captains of the Super Eagles, Austin (Jay Jay) Okocha and Joseph Yobo endorsing the Daily Times at the Glo CAF Awards in Lagos on Thursday.

Photo: Fidelis Anosike

9ôƋƋ Ɔ Ɨ ƅ ƏƏƑƍƐƈ è Ƒ Əƈ ƍƋƆƗ Ɔ Akam James, Yenagoa

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ÏÏÏThe Presidential candidate for the

All Progressives Congress (APC), Maj.-

OBJ: I can die for Nigeria, not my party

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INSIDE XT Exclusive

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Friday, January 9, 2015

EXTRATIME

Poster!

Nationality: Date of Birth Place of Birth Current Team: Previous Teams:

Trophies Won:

X4,5

Arsene

CONTROVERSY DOMINATES JUVENTUS

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X5

1998 Premier League 1998 FA Cup 2002 Premier League 2002 FA Cup 2003 FA Cup 2004 Premier League 2005 FA Cup

Philosophy: “I believe the target of anything in life should be to do it so well that it becomes an art.”

Even though he has a degree in Engineering and a Master’s degree in Economics, football is what this 66-years chose as his profession. He is currently manager of Arsenal and has been there since 1996. He has earlier managed 3 other clubs including AS Monaco. He is fluent in French, German and English and also speaks a bit of Japanese, Italian and Spanish.

Wenger

‘GHOST GOAL’

GOLF BEGINS NEW YEAR WITH 3 EVENTS TO KEEP AN EAGLE EYE ON

Friday, January 9, 2015

EXTRATIME

French October 22, 1949 Strasbourg, France Arsenal (Premier League) Nancy-Lorraine (1984-87), Monaco (1987-94), Nagoya Grampus Eight (1995-1996) Monaco: 1988 French League

Nagoya Grampus Eight:1995 Emperor’s Cup 1996 J-League Super Cup Arsenal:

ARSENE WENGER

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Gen. Muhammed Buhari, has vowed to wipe out corruption that he says has

Nigeria won’t break up in 2015 – US

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NIGERIA MAY DROP OUT OF FIFA TOP 50 IN FEB

The best time of his life has certainly been spent at Arsenal. Not only that but Arsenal’s best time of their history has been under Arsene Wenger! Before joining Arsenal he was rejected by AC Milan for looking too much like a schoolmaster! They would later have been wishing had they accepted him as he won Arsenal the League in his first season in charge!

Earlier in his life he tried out as a football player also. He appeared for numerous small clubs and even made an appearance in the UEFA Cup but he paid more attention to his education rather than his playing career. After getting his Master’s in Economics though, he moved back to football and coached a local junior squad after obtaining a manager’s dimploma. He moved to a couple of clubs before moving to AS Monaco. He was a relatively unknown even when he was manager there but winning the League with them certainly raised his image. David Dein was the man who had the most faith in him an so appointed him as Arsenal’s manager. At Arsenal he has achieved milestones that no other manager has been able to. He led the team to the prestigious Double in his first 18 months as manager and repeated the same feat four years later. He also managed his team to a whole League season unbeaten, a feat that has not been achieved by any other top football manager yet. He has created football legends all by himself. Its Arsene Wenger’s special ability to spot talent and then nurture it. From Anelka to Bergkamp to Henry to Fabregas, Arsene Wenger has created some of the worlds best footballers in their time. In recent years he has developed Arsenal into a team that plays football the way its supposed to be played, the beautiful football! He has made Arsenal into the most delightful club to watch. Be it their beautiful slick passing game or the extremely talented youngsters being nurtured by him, Arsene Wenger is truly a legend. A legend not only of Arsenal but of football. He has undoubted passion and love for the game which has led him to great heights. Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houlier said “Arsene Wenger has the ability to eat, talk, sleep and drink football, and then come back for more.” He is admired by friends and foes alike for his exceptional managerial ability.

AKPOM, AJAYI’S EAGLES AVAILABILITY UNCERTAIN X7

X7

WIGGINS LAUNCHES HIS OWN CYCLING TEAM X2

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

bringing it all together www.bglgroupng.com

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Politics Page Three

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Editorial Why February polls must hold

T

he recent assurance by Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega that the February polls must hold is indeed welcome. This assurance is coming on the heels of apprehension by Pastor Tunde Bakare, former running mate to the presidential candidate of the now defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Muhammad Buhari.

Bakare had advocated that the polls be shifted given the insurgency in the North East and the setting up of a transitional government. But in dismissing such fears, Prof. Jega said, “Anytime there is an election in Nigeria, there is always some form of tension. I have been around for a while; I don’t think people should be afraid, even when it is also essential that we get ready just in case”. Definitely, we are in synch with the submission of the electoral body’ boss and also believe that anything contrary would send a wrong signal to Nigerians and the international community. In his New Year address to Nigerians, President Goodluck Jonathan stressed the preparedness of his administration to conduct free, fair and violence-free elections next month. It is this promise that all stakeholders should hold on to in order to prove the sincerity of the government over the elections.

We believe that postponing the polls would have handed a moral victory to Boko Haram insurgents

and all those bent on holding the country to ransom. Everyone is watching Nigeria and how it pulls through these trying times. Indeed, it is not just the image of the country that is at stake, the reality of Nigeria’s corporate existence appears to be hanging in the balance unless the election results, particularly the presidential poll, are not only fair and credible, but are seen by the right-thinking stakeholders and observers to be so.

And for violence-free elections to hold, government must, ensure it tackles insecurity in the country. It is in its own interest for the polls to hold. Anything short of this raises a constitutional question, especially when the entire country is not under a state of emergency. Those calling for transition government may unwittingly be playing the devil’s advocate for agents of mayhem and lawlessness as exemplified by Boko Haram and their supporters. No country worth its salt would ever succumb to threats from within especially in an election year.

Democracy is all about the people and their decision to choose their leaders. We believe no one has the right to abridge these freedom not even terrorists in our midst. In calling for the polls to hold, even in the face of insecurity, we are not oblivious of the fact that at end of the day, Nigeria would have proved to the world that it will not succumb to terrorism.

Man’s humbling genesis

ou hear the din too? They mount rostrums, puff, talk tough, bellow, some even rant. They want power over their fellow men: Jonathan, Obasanjo, Buhari, Lai Mohammed, Olisa Metuh, Marylyn, Tinubu, Tambuwal, Ambode, Agbaje.

But you know something?

Each of these men was once no bigger than the full-stops on this page. Look at these dots

again……………

You don’t believe me?

Remember, the human male sperm is so, so, tiny you can’t see it with naked eyes.

You need a microscope. In fact, a konkolo teaspoon-full of semen contains about 300milliom sperms. That’s approximately double the population of Nigeria.

The female egg is only a bit less tiny. Remember those specks you see on a cup of water if you look real, real close? Yeah, that’s about the size of an egg. It’s the union of these two--sperm and egg--- that forms an equally tiny thing called zygote. It is this zygote that keeps dividing until every one is formed --- including Baba’yabo.

It’s the gospel biologi-

cal Truth. Hulk Hogan, Idi Amin, and the Klistchko Brothers, even Obama, Putin, Mandela were all mere zygotes.

The Creator played a fast one on us all. Into our genesis he deliberately infused an element of ridicule --that at the height of our “powers” we may remember our genesis--- and simmer.

But now grown big and bewhiskered, how easily we forget our humbling genesis as Shakespeare reminds us: “Man, proud man/ Dressed in a little brief authority/ Most ignorant of what he’s most assured/ His glassy essence like an angry ape / Plays such fantastic tricks before high Heaven/ As make the angels weep…”

Analysis Yemi Ogunsola

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head, Sales & Marketing

Managing Editor

Head of Operations

Head ICT (Shared Services)

Editor

Online Editor

Head Graphics

Muhammadu Buhari

Lai Mohammed

Goodluck Jonathan

Deputy Editor

Business Editor

Deputy Head Graphics

All they (PDP) want to do is to remain in power by hook or crook; the rest of us do not matter

Why would the spokesperson of a national agency sound like a megaphone for the ruling party, freely castigating the opposition spokesman?

We talk of almajiri education…we initiated it, but now state governments are keying into it

Noel Anosike

Gabriella Osamor Yinka Olujimi Yemi Ogunsola

Bisi Abidoye

Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Moses Ebong

Banjo Ayorinde King Ododoru

Afeez Odeseye

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

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

At Acorn Petroleum, we remain committed to delivering unrivaled products and services to our customers. Acorn Petroleum Plc., your new energy

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Nigeria won’t break-up in 2015 – US ÏÏÏ Slams police over Rivers’ shooting With the rising wave of insecurity and electoral intolerance across the the land, Nigeria faces a huge challenge of sustaining her democratic process. United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle, said this, yesterday, in Lagos.

In a chat with selected journalists at the Consul General residence at Ikoyi, Entwistle, however, said that there were clear signs that the nation would overcome the challenges confronting her at the moment.

Responding to a question of the acclaimed report of the USA that Nigeria would disintegrate by 2015, the American envoy denies such report, saying there were no government document in his country with such a forecast.

Said he: “Since my arrival here, I have been plagued with this same question about disintegration of the country by an American report. But I have searched and I have not seen any document of our government that says Nigeria would disintegrate in 2015.

“As representatives of President Obama in this country, I do not see Nigeria disintegrating in 2015. That you face challenges, I

‘Night life returns in Anambra’

Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola (right) with Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, Commandant Balogun Tajudeen, during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Osogbo, recently. say ‘Yes.’ I am not worried in the least that Nigeria will overcome those challenges.”

The American envoy also advised Nigerian politicians to play the game by the rules. He called for more tolerance and

non-violence among politicians, urging them to allow the voices of the people to count. He continued: “If you (Nigerians) can do what needs to be done like corruption, insecurity, Nigeria will be great.

Commanding Officer, Naval Outpost, Onitsha, Navy Captain Mike Oamen, has said that the military joint task force had restored night life after several decades in Anambra State.

Oamen was referring to life in the area during the last Christmas and the New Year. He maintained that people were moving in all directions without fear or intimidation from hoodlums and crimes. ``The joint task force restored night life to Onitsha for the first time in many years. Christmas and New Year festivities happened without any significant security breach. ``Everybody had a wonderful time; the atmosphere was there for people to enjoy the Christmas and spend time with their families for the first time. ``I think that the credit goes to the efforts of the state government and of course co-operation of the security services and the people of Anambra State.’’

Osun teachers suspend strike Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has suspended it’s “sit down” strike by its members, saying that government has begun to supply instructional materials to some schools.

The teachers embarked on the strike in December, 2014, because of inadequate supply of instructional materials and non-payment of leave grants by the state government.

The suspension was announced in a statement by the NUT Chairman and Principal State Secretary, Wakeel Amuda and Abdulahi N.M. respectively.

A copy of the statement made

available to our correspondent yesterday, directing the teachers in the state to resume duty reads: “ The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Osun State Wing, hereby, suspends the ongoing sit-down strike embarked upon by the union due to lack of instructional materials, nonpayment of leave grants to secondary school teachers since December, 2013, non-payment of running grants to primary schools for the last six terms and non-payment of running grants to secondary schools for the past three years.

“The above decision was made due to an agreement reached between the government of the State of Osun and

the Nigeria Union of Teachers on 6th January, 2015. All teachers in primary and secondary schools are, hereby, directed to resume classes and work in line with the available instructional materials. No teacher is expected to run the school from his or her personal purse”, it added.

Public Relations Officer of the union, Comrade Boye Abodurin, told our correspondent that government had begun to supply instructional materials in schools.

“We have requested for instructional materials and the government has started supplying up to middle schools and they promised to supply that of high schools,” he added.

Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye, blamed the inadequacy of instructional materials on the reduction in the allocation accruing to the state from the Federation Account.

Olukoya, NUT president

5 News Fashola commissions new projects in Epe, Agbowa Jonathan Eze Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has commissioned projects in Epe and Agbowa urging Lagosians to ensure continuity in the governance of the State as the only viable means to continue to enjoy accelerated development.

Projects commissioned included a High and Magistrate’s Court House and Nigeria’s first solar powered Primary Healthcare Centre in Epe and the first phase of the 10,000 Housing Unit being undertaken in Agbowa by the Government in partnership with First World Communities Limited (Chois).

In his remarks at the commissioning of the Court House in Epe which he named after a former Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ligali Ayorinde, Fashola emphasised that the only way to ensure continued delivery of dividends of democracy such as have been enjoyed by residents in the last seven and half years, was to retain the ruling party in the State in the coming elections.

The Governor told the audience, comprising eminent indigenes of Epe, traditional rulers, party chieftains and supporters as well as top government functionaries that the issue at stake was to vote for someone with the needed experience in the governance of the State and not someone who would experiment with the State.

New aviation welfare scheme underway Chukwuemeka Iwelunmo.

A ministerial committee is seeking to harmonise differences in welfare package, pension, medical, appointment and promotions in the various aviation parastatals in the country.

This is to ensure a uniform scheme in the system, for the first time in the history of aviation in the country.

Daily Times investigations revealed that the Technical Committee arm of the Ministerial Committee is expected to submit it’s report to the general committee January 19 for adoption and onward despatch to the Ministry of Aviation for approval.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

I’ll end corruption, Buhari pledges Continued from page 1

President Goodluck Jonathan at the rally in Lagos... on Thursday

Jonathan angry, challenges Buhari to duel Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏA visibly angry President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday challenged his main opponent in the coming elections, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, to a debate on performance record.

He also admitted to supporters of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that his generation has failed Nigerians in virtually all facets of life and urged the younger generation to redefine the country.

The event was the flagoff of the PDP’s campaign in Lagos State and the handing over of the party’s flags to governorship candidates of various states ahead of next month’s election.

The president was, however, criticized sharply by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) over comments attributed to him on Wednesday that some former leaders were behaving like motor-park touts.

Jonathan reeled out the achievements of his administration in fighting

insecurity, corruption and building institutions that will outlive his generation but not without replying the opposition and his critics who had labeled him weak and unfocused.

He asked the youths to vote wisely so as to be relevant. His words: “I want to address the people who are voting for the first time. I crave your indulgence to say this and whatever I say now, please go back and ask your uncles, mothers, fathers that are about or over 60 years old.

“2015 election is about the young people. It’s a decision of either to continue to be relevant or irrelevant especially those of you who are between ages 18 and 23.”

“I’ve heard a lot of lies being spread against me and my government and this afternoon, I shall discuss insecurity, corruption and allegation of a weak government. But before then, I have directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that all Nigerians

must vote. They must vote and I mean it. Before 2011, No Nigerian complained of voters card but now, it has become an issue and relevant.

“Sadly, some people are already cloning cards.

They want to take us to the old days. Please, don’t go back to the old days because Nigeria is not for old people like us. The only way to do this is to ensure that all eligible Nigerians must vote.”

On insecurity, President Jonathan said he has

done well and will do more but not without a poser to his critics. His words” We have been accused of not being able to tackle insecurity and they have said that they will put an end to insurgency. But please ask him, when he was in charge, did he buy one rifle for the Nigerian soldier? Please, ask them what they did with the defence budget?”

The President spoke further: “Young Nigerians Continued on page 8

Boko Haram destroys 16 villages in Borno ÏÏÏAt least 100 persons

were killed and 16 towns and villages destroyed by Boko Haram Islamists in a renewed assault, local officials said on Thursday.

Heavy casualties were feared in the attacks on Wednesday in the remote north of Borno State, according to local sources, but there was no independent confirmation of the figures.

Head of the Kukawa

Local Government Area, Musa Bukar, said: “They (Boko Haram) burnt to the ground all the 16 towns and villages, including Baga, Doron-Baga, Mile 4, Mile 3, Kauyen Kuros and Bunduram.”

Head of Borno’s fish traders union and a Baga native, Abubakar Gamandi, also confirmed the attacks, adding that hundreds of people who fled were

trapped on islands on Lake Chad.

News of the latest attacks came as Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been criticised for his inability to end the insurgency, formally launched his re-election campaign.

Jonathan’s main opponent in next month’s elections, former military ruler, Continued on page 8

Shettima

eaten deep into the fibre of the Nigerian society since the inception of the Goodluck Jonathan led administration.

He also promised to restore the polluted Niger Delta environment if he is elected President.

The former Military Head of State, said this on Thursday during a rally organised by the APC in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

The rally, which was attended by a large number of party faithful, had in attendance Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi; National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva; former Governor of Ekiti, Segun Oni and member of House of Representatives, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, among others.

He said: “Lack of security and competent leadership has denied us development of our resources.

“The agriculture sector is neglected. You cannot fish well in the Niger Delta because of pollution of the environment. If elected, my government will restore the polluted waters of the region.

“We therefore make an undertaking that we will do a lot more in agriculture and fishing. This will encourage the majority of our people to go to farm.”

He also assured Nigerians that if he became President of Nigeria, corruption would be tackled headlong, stressing that “anybody who steals government must return it.”

He urged the people to ensure that they get their Permanent Voter Cards, vote during the election and to make sure their votes count.

In his remarks, Sylva, who made a first public appearance in the state since he was removed as governor, urged Bayelsans to vote Buhari and other APC candidates during the general elections.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

7 News

Lawyers call for end to JUSUN strike Ifeanyi Onwuneme Umuahia

ÏÏÏAn

Umuahia based lawyer, Barr Eberechukwu Okoro, has called on the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to do the private lawyers a world of good by telling the various state governments to expedite action in approving the autonomy given to state judiciaries, as directed by the court.

Barr. Okoro, who made the call in an exclusive interview with Daily Times in Umuahia, noted the fact that there are several sets of people that are usually affected whenever strikes are embarked upon in Nigeria by the labour unions.

She said in the case of JUSUN, the people hard hit are the private lawyers who depend on litigation for their daily meals, the awaiting trial people whose trials are stalled, and litigants whose matters in Court remain unmentioned, as long

as the strike lasts.

Others affected, though in lesser degrees, are the Judiciary workers, magistrates and Judges, the lawyers at the official bar, and the government itself.

Lawyers who thrive on litigations find it difficult to cope whenever these strikes are embarked upon, whereas both the Judiciary workers, lawyers in the official bar, magistrates and Judges are always paid their salaries during or after the strikes. No client gives any private lawyer a dime, as far as cases in courts are not mentioned,” she contended.

Another human rights activist and chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization, Bar Pedro Azuogu, in his contribution wanted to know, “if the officials of government that usually negotiate conditions of service with leaders, do not have the mandate before entering into the said negotiations?”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (middle), commiserating with his Deputy, Hon. (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right) while the Lagos State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Henry Ajomale (left) looks on during the Fidau Prayers for the father of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Late Alhaji Prince Jimoh Akanbi Kareem-Laka Orelope at their Egbeda residence in Alimosho LGA.

APC’ll win 28 states, says Ngige Doris Nnabuenyi Awka

IFAD, Niger plans N2b training for farmers ÏÏÏThe

International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Niger State government are to spend over N2bn on the training of cassava and rice farmers in three local government areas of Niger State over the next six years.

While IFAD will commit N328m annually to the capacity building programmes of the farmers in Wushishi, Katcha and Bida local government areas, the Niger State government will put in N79.9m for the same period.

Already, both IFAD and the state government have recruited and trained the staff that will handle the training programme.

The Niger State Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, who disclosed this to newsmen at the end of the state executive council meeting in Minna on Thursday,

said the training is aimed at improving the income of the farmers and also lead to a massive increase in the cultivation of the selected farm produce.

Professor Mohammed, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Muhammadu Danlami Ibrahim, explained that the idea of the Value Chain programme is to increase production and develop processing of the produce and secure market for harvested goods.

The commissioner said that very soon the effect of the programme would be felt across the 25 local government areas of the state, which also means that the state will be the leader in the cultivation and processing of the affected crops.

He, however, did not state the number of farmers who will benefit from the programme in the three local government areas.

ÏÏÏThe

fortunes of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was to have soared high, following confirmed reports that the party’s Presidencial candidate, General Mohammadu Buhari, would win the 2015 Presidental election in the country.

Comfirming this report, former Anambra State governor and Senator representing Anambra Central senatorial zone Dr. Chris Ngige, told reporters in

Awka on Thursday that the party would win 28 out of the 36 states of the Federation.

Ngige stated that the survey, carried out by independent observers, the party committee on election and several international bodies, said the opinion poll reports pointed to the result.

According to him: “We are going to win on the first ballot, make no mistake about it, and we will have it in the North West…and I can tell you clearly that the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) will not win.

Continuing, Ngige explained that ‘’our campaign is an issue based one and our people would be told why we must have a change in the country and we shall effect that change. ‘’We want to change things and change the country and get the man who has done it before as military head of state, to replicate the feat. If Buhari, at 40 years, could not impose one religion on the country, how much more now that he is in his seventies,’’ he assured Ngige announced that

Ngige Buhari would commence a campaign tour of the South-East geopolitical zone to drum home the message of change in the area.

Ogun PDP guber candidate assures of victory ÏÏÏOgun

State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has expressed optimism that the party will win next month’s governorship election with convincing margin.

Isiaka, who spoke at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where President Goodluck Jonathan flagged off his re-election campaign, said he was convinced that the

President will win the election with a wide margin that will be difficult for the opposition to contest.

He said the people of the South West are too sophisticated to be hoodwinked by pseudo-democrats masquerading as agents of change, adding that President Jonathan has performed creditably well and many Nigerians will want his good works to continue.

Isiaka, who was also pre-

sented with the party flag by the National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, said, “Nigeria is fortunate to have Jonathan as a President. Despite provocative statements and unwarranted attacks by the opposition, he remains level headed, and this explains why he has the best human rights records in Nigeria.

“People should not be carried away with the noise of the opposition, President

Jonathan will be re-elected

by Nigerians,” he opined.

Isiaka said he was convinced that PDP will return to Ogun State Government House by May 29, this year because the people have already issued red card to the out-going Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

He said, “Amosun is not only running an elitist government but there is a disconnect between his government and the people.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Jonathan challenges Buhari on performance Continued from page 6 must stand up and redefine Nigeria. I have built institutions to fight corruption and that is why we have adopted an approach of doing procurements directly from the source.

It is now government-togovernment as against the time we were using vendors. It is not easy but the truth is that we are getting there.

“I have being accused of being weak and unfocused just because I believe in due process. Late President Musa Yaradua was an apostle of due process and so am I. Because I have refused to take your fathers, uncles, brothers and drag them to Kirikiri, they have labeled me weak. Any country that does not obey rule of law is a jungle. Any country not bound by the rule of law is a jungle” President Jonathan added that the privatisation of the power sector is already yielding result. According to him, this is an interface period. He reminded the gathering that the Egbin power plant at Ikorodu got burnt in 2005 and it affected power supply but that it has been fixed.

“I want to tell you again.

Those of you between the age of 18 and 23 should be focused because my generation has failed Nigerians.

Only you, the youths can take us to the moon. I have invested in the youths. Before I came on board, there

Jonathan were 12 states that had no federal universities. I have built 12 in 12 states. I created schools for the Almajiris and programmes for out-of-school children.

Will a government that has no plan do all of this?

“Ask them if they built any nursery school for anybody! All they are interested in is to deceive people now that they won’t probe the past. They are

Buhari all lies. They want to lock up all their enemies but as for me, I have no enemy to fight.

“Ask them, when they were in power, how many women were in their cabinet? Not a single one. They want Nigerian women to die in the kitchen.”

Jonathan also reacted to a recent statement that MEND is not supporting him but the APC. His

words: “The leader of MEND is Orka. Where is Orka now? He is in South African prison.

Thank God he is not in Nigeria, they would have said that the president is persecuting him. He was the one that bombed Abuja on October 1. He wanted to assassinate me and now he is endorsing a candidate. Do you expect him to endorse me?”

“I implore you the youths. Leave us alone because we are half dead.

Make a good choice and vote for PDP. Look at the candidates who received flags this afternoon; they are all your age mates. We are interested in your future” Earlier, the Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo and the National Chairman of the Party,

Alhaji Adamu Muazu had praised the transformational agenda of the President and urged Nigerians to vote for continuity.

But to the APC, President Jonathan is only shedding crocodile tears with his lamentation over the fact that Nigeria has become more divided along religious and ethnic lines today than at any time in its history.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the opposition party declared: “Mr. President, there is no point being sanctimonious about an issue for which you bear the most responsibility. You are the most divisive leader in the history of Nigeria, having ceaselessly exploited the country’s fault lines for political gains.”

The APC statement was issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed. It said President Jonathan is the first leader to have turned the house of worship to a political arena, using the pulpit to make political and policy statements and making a show of what should ordinarily be a very personal religious affair.

APC said the President’s belated lamentation is aimed at pulling the wool over the eyes of Nigerians with a view to extracting undeserved political gains, especially a few weeks before next month’s elections.

Boko Haram destroys 16 villages in Borno OBJ: I can die for Nigeria, not my party Continued from page 6 Muhammadu Buhari, has blamed government corruption for the lack of sufficient firepower of the military.

Boko Haram fighters on Saturday captured Baga and the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which is made of troops from Nigeria, Niger and Chad.

Security analysts this week said that Baga was of strategic importance to Boko Haram, as it was thought to be the last town in northern Borno under

federal government control.

The militants, who have seized over two dozen towns in northeast Nigeria in the last six months, now control all three of Borno’s borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroun.

Bukar said the Islamists used petrol bombs and explosives to destroy Baga, a key fishing and commercial hub, and surrounding villages on the shores of Lake Chad.

“We have over 20,000 people displaced from Baga and surrounding villages in a camp in Maiduguri and we

are making arrangements to convey another 10,000 from Monguno where they ran to,” he added.

Some 560 villagers have been stranded on an island on Lake Chad since Saturday without food, he said.

“They told me that some of them are dying from lack of food, cold and malaria on the mosquito-infested island,” he said.

“I was in constant touch with them until this morning when the phone they were using went off which I assume was due to dead battery,” he added.

Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏFormer President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday said that his recent criticism of the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration was born out of love for the country.

He spoke while playing host to the presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Chief Martins Onovo, at his hilltop residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He said he had been putting the country first above every other things, adding

that his “first pre-occupation is what is best for Nigeria, Nigeria first, Party second and any other thing third.”

He added, “Nigeria first means I’ll not sacrifice anything for the interest of Nigeria and I can sacrifice my own life for the interest of Nigeria, I can’t sacrifice my life for the interest of a party, I’ll sacrifice my life for the interest of Nigeria.”

On why he had been making the comments, Obasanjo said “In this part of the world, we have a saying that ”If people sleep and they put their heads

on the same pillow, they are in danger and that means there should be some people that should be critically looking and watching and also (be) able to speak up when they should speak up, no matter what others may say.

“People may come up and say ‘Nigerian doesn’t belong to anybody’, I believe that is a stupid saying, Nigeria belongs to all of us because anything that doesn’t belong to anybody, anything can happen to it.

For me, Nigeria belongs to all of us and we are stakeholders in this country.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Kalu backs Jonathan’s assessment of Obasanjo

Ïôd ƌƆ ƆƋƗƆƏ Ɨ ôƐ ƒƆ ƏƆ ƍƆƅƐ Ƈ Ə Ɛ Ɔƌ ƆƋƒƆ ô SAKA BOLAJI MINNA

ÏÏÏFormer Abia State gover-

nor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed total support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s view that former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was behaving like a motor park tout.

It would be recalled that Jonathan flayed Obasanjo at a meeting he held with Northern Elders Forum, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

In a veiled reference to the former leader, Kalu said: “I don’t know which of the elder statesmen he was referring to, but definitely it is not Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Gowon, Shonekan, nor Shagari.

Some leaders should learn how to respect themselves” “I share the same view with the president that there are people, who should be of good conduct, but who, currently are acting rather rascally.”

The former Abia governor admitted that the polity is being over-heated and enjoined politicians to be calm, calling on those contesting election into various public offices to be patient.

He expressed belief that his party will form the govern-

Peoples Democratic Party Governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel receiving the guberna-

ment at the centre, but conceded that the party may not form a majority at the national assembly.

He said it was old-fashion a situation where politicians come out openly to abuse themselves.

Kalu said he was in Minna, as part of his practice, to visit former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

He said they both believed that despite its many challenges, the nation, “under our party

– the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is making progress.”

On the perceived face-off between and his political godson, Theodore Orji Kalu, Kalu said he does not abuse governors, because he was once a governor.

Fashola blasts DSS over alleged cloning of INEC PVCs

By Titus Eguaoje Benin

ÏÏÏGovernor Babatunde Fasho-

la of Lagos state yesterday blasted operatives of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) for exposing their incompetence and abuse of the law, in handling the matter involving the break-in into the data center of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

He also expressed deep concern over the allegation by the DSS officials that the party registered under aged persons as voters which was the fallout of their watery findings, describing it as one that was carried out at an amateurish level and breaking into the data center without a warrant.

Fashola told newsmen shortly after the book presentation on Judicial Integrity: Legal Essays and Materials in honour of Justice S.O. Uwafio, who recently retired from the nation’s Supreme Court and as part of his 80th birthday

anniversary celebration held at the Oba Ekenzua Cultural Center Benin, the Edo state capital.

On the occasion, stakeholders, members of the bar and bench, friends and associates of the jurist poured encomiums on him for sterling contributions and accomplishments as a Supreme Court justice aimed at strengthening the country’s judicial system.

The DSS had accused the APC of cloning the INEC’s permanent voters cards (PVCs) and in the process allegedly registered under-aged persons and foreigners as voters with the intention of using them for next month’s general elections.

Fashola, however, dared the security operatives on their threat to challenge the case in court and vowed that the evidence being canvassed by the DSS would never “stand the test of public scrutiny in court.”

According to him: “I think what you have seen is really investigation at the very amateurish level.

You break into a party’s data center illegally. You have had several weeks of to do what you like with the evidence without disclosing it to the public, and at the end of the day what did you bring forward?

You accused our party of registering under aged people.”

He said: “Assuming that was even the case, what is your business with the membership of a political party’s register? What was happening in that place was that people were registered and were given slips of papers and we were converting the data from hard copies into digital form.”

“We are challenging all the actions in court and they, too, said they were going to court. We will see whether that evidence will stand the test of public scrutiny in court.”

Former Attorney-General of Edo state and one of the editors of the book, Mr. Augustine O. Omonuwa, said on the occasion, that the celebrant was spotted at the dot of pen at the

Supreme Court and rose to the apex through judgments that had healthy effects on the country.

The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Gaius Jackson Obaseki, described Justice Uwaifo as a brand for his conduct, stock, courage and, not how much money or houses he could have, which constituted his makeup that stood him out in the nation’s service at the apex of the judiciary.

Fashola

9 News

Arrest Dan Orbih for arson, Ojezua tells Police Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏChairman of

the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Barrister Anselm Ojezua has called on the State Commissioner of Police to arrest the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr. Dan Orbih and other leaders of that party for sponsoring arson through a faction of the Students Union Government of the University of Benin.

Ojezua said, yesterday: “We are aware that Orbih and some leaders of the party sponsored a faction of the Students Union Government to commit arson by setting fire to a property belonging to Edo state government.

“We are also aware of the plan by Orbih and other leaders of the PDP to inject thugs into the ranks of the students of the University of Benin and unleash mayhem on unsuspecting members of the public and further commit heinous crimes, all in the name of protest.

“We call on the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, to arrest and interrogate Orbih and other PDP leaders for sponsoring arson and stop their plan to create mayhem in the state.

Sultan calls for end to insurgency ÏÏÏThe Sultan of Sokoto, Alha-

ji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Thursday, called on Muslims and Christians to come together to end insurgency in the country.

He made the call at the opening ceremony of the 29th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state. ``What is happening to our brothers in the Northern parts of the country is bad and we must come together to find an end to this insurgency,’’ he said.

He said that those perpetuating evil under the name of Islam had dented the image of the religion. ``As Muslims, we must all stand and counter this violence that has dented the image of Islam. ``Islam stands for peace, people doing so many things in the name of Islam should look inward and repent,’’ he said.

He urged religious leaders to continue to pray for the peace and unity of the country.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Nigeria requires varsity graduates as President, says Mimiko Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏAs

the build-up to the February Presidential elections gathers momentum, Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, says Nigerians will not accept any President who has anything less than a university degree.

He disclosed this while

speaking at the official flag-off of the Presidential campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

He said the people of the South West have concluded plans to rally support for the PDP candidate adding that anyone

who would become the president should be a university degree holder.

“I stand on firm ground to state, categorically, that hardly is there any home in Lagos and, indeed, the South West that cannot boast of a 10th generation school certificate holder.

This is why, among others, we will not settle for a President with

less than a University degree”, he declared.

The Governor described the president as a democrat noting that in spite of challenges and abuses on his person, Jonathan had remained committed to the unity of the country.

“You are, definitely, a true democrat (not a bornagain democrat). You are a true lover of Nigeria, a

democrat, in words and in deed, a believer in the rule of law, a leader who is genuinely humble, kind, accommodating, forthright, competent, transparent and tolerant.

A leader who, in spite of challenges, has remained cool, calm and level-headed.

“In spite of being the most abused and nega-

Don’t blame Jonathan for Nigeria’s woes –Oba Akiolu ÏÏÏ

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan should not be blamed for the problems of Nigeria.

Akiolu said this while receiving Jonathan in his palace in Lagos yesterday adding that many of the problems in the country predated the Jonathan administration.

The President was in Lagos for the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) presidential campaign at the Tafawa Balewa Square but made the Oba’s palace his first pointb of call to pay homage and seek his blessings.

Akiolu said that fighting corruption was the responsibility of every Nigerian. ``What will be, will be; God Almighty will give the best person the opportunity to lead this country. ``Mr. President, God knows the best; I am happy; what I want are free and fair elections.

He urged INEC to ensure distribution of voter’s cards, saying that Lagos has more than six million eligible voters and urged that security agents should not be unfairly used against any citizen during the general elections.

Earlier, Jonathan said that he was at the palace to pay homage to the royal father and get his prayers and support for his ambition.

Peoples Democratic Party Governorship candidate in Ogun State state, Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka receiving the gubernatorial flag from the National Chairman of the party Alhaji Adamu Muazu, while former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (left), looks on at the flag off the party’s general elections campaign at Tafewa Balewa Square in Lagos on Thursday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Daniel berates Amosun over neglect of Remo zone Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ

The immediate past Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has indicted the Ibikunle Amosun administration in the State of criminal neglect of Remo Federal Constituency, especially, the historical town of Ikenne where there is no visible government presence for almost four years.

Speaking at the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Remo Federal Constituency campaign held at the Ikenne Motor Park, Daniel lamented the state of the road linking Ikenne with

Sagamu, which was started by his administration, but had been abandoned by the Amosun administration for no just cause.

“We started the dualisation of the road linking Sagamu with Ikenne to open up the area for industrialisation but our successor chose not to complete the project for reasons best known to him.

This has greatly affected the development of the ancient town of our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“I challenge Governor Ibikunle Amosun to name any project he embarked on or mention the number of people employed from this area since his assumption in

Amosun office. The model school he promised to build at Ikenne is still a pipe dream with only five months to the end of his administration.

Speaking on the aban-

doned Agro Cargo Airport which the immediate past administration sited in the heart of the constituency, Daniel dared the Amosun administration to institute a probe if the allegations of foul play were true.

As a sitting governor, he has all the powers to investigate any shady deal but had failed to do so for close to four years. This shows the clueless nature and grand mischief of his administration. “No government money was spent on the project.

It was solely funded by the consultants who they chased away on assumption of office”.

Imo: Ihenacho presents running mate Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏGovernorship

candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State and former Interior Minister, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho has presented his running mate, Chief Ike Ibeh for the February 28 governorship election to the public in Owerri, the state capital.

According to him, “In choosing a Deputy Governorship candidate, it was more like choosing a Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in a thriving enterprise. Ibeh is trustworthy and reliable. His value, forthrightness, commitment to good governance and enviable pedigree of integrity stands him. ” He, however, said that the State needed men of proven integrity such as Ibeh who have the fear of God and are not weighed down by moral encumbrances and political baggage. Ihenacho further disclosed that his campaign train had covered the entire Imo North (Okigwe zone) with and tremendous progress.

“We are mounting a vigorous and robust campaign sweeping across the 305 wards and autonomous communities in Imo State.

INEC promises credible polls Ibrahim Momohjimoh Lokoja

ÏÏÏ

As Nigerians anxiously await the 2015 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said that it is ready to stamp out election malpractices in order to achieve transparent, free and credible polls.

Hussaini Halilu Pai, the new INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), for Kogi, said this during an interaction with journalists yesterday.

According to him, with the introduction of card reader and permanent voter’s card by the commission, it would be difficult for politicians to manipulate the 2015 general elections.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 9, 2015

Akpabio warns politicians against use of weapons at polls Eno-Obong Okon, Uyo Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, has warned politicians against the use of force through small and light weapons to disrupt the electoral processes.

Akpabio made this known on Thursday in Uyo during a 2-day stakeholders’ sensitisation forum on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, themed: ‘Ballot without bullets’.

According to him, power of the people to choose their leaders reside in their votes through the ballot box, and so any politician who used violence to scuttle the process has plotted a coup against the people.

Represented by Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Budget Office, Mr. Nicholas Ekarika, the governor said that voting was the civic obligation of all citizens, which must be exercised without intimidation, violence or cohesion.

“The power of the people is their votes and he who takes away this power to choose from them is plotting a coup.

“Therefore, this civic obligation must be exercised without intimidation, violence and cohesion. This is the concept of free and fair election,” he said.

Akpabio urged Nigerians to say ‘NO’ to electoral thuggery, violence and to ensure that their votes count. He added that individual Nigerian votes only matter when election is free of

violence.

He, however, declared that anyone who got power without the consent of the citizens, should not be allowed to rule over them because he would not care for their welfare.

He noted that the proliferation of arms and ammunition was the prime motivator of violence, conflict, insurgency and insecurity in the country, adding that though these weapons have been outlawed, they are found in the hands of the outlaws.

Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, stated that free and fair elections cannot be possible in an atmosphere of threat, intimidation and violence.

Jega, represented at the forum by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Austin Okojie, averred that the effect of stolen mandate often resulted in lack of legitimacy, insecurity and instability.

He said: “We must do everything to discourage the proliferation and use of arms during the coming elections.”

Chairman, PRESCOM, Am-

bassador Emmanuel Imohe, represented by Mr. Simon, a member of PRESCOM, said the committee has commenced the process of amendment of the Firearms Act of 1959.

According to him, the organization has carried out extensive training for targeted personnel of security agencies in the country within its core areas.

“We have also commenced the process of carrying out a small arms survey with the aim of building a clearer picture of what the challenges are and also developing a national data base on SALWs,” he said.

Lagos Ijaws pledges support for Jonathan The Ijaw National Council (INC), Lagos State chapter, has reiterated its support for the reelection bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

A statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Chief Patrick Keku, urged President Jonathan to continue the good works he had already started.

Keku said the declaration became necessary in view of some individuals who paid a visit to Governor Babatunde Fashola, claiming to represent Ijaw communities in Lagos and created a wrong impression that they were against the ambition of their son.

Restating its commitment to the re-election bid of President Jonathan, he said: “The Ijaw National Council, which is the umbrella body of Ijaws in Lagos State, view with dismay the propaganda machinery of APC that is seeking to portray a wrong impression that the Ijaws in Lagos are against their son, President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid.

“This is to state categorically that the Ijaw communities in Lagos is solidly in support of President Jonathan to continue his good works. The persons that visited Governor Fashola acted in their personal capacity and do not represent the Ijaw communities in Lagos,” he stated.

Kogi State govt defends 2014 budget performance L-R: Senate President, Senator David Mark; Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan and National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alh. Adamu Mu’azu at the flag off presidential campaign in Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos…Yesterday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Buhari’s endorsement: MEND slams PDP, IYC Joe Ogbodu, Warri

Buhari

11 News

Outlawed Niger Delta militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has hit back at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, as well as Publicity Secretary of Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Barr Eric Omare.

MEND described as very callous and irresponsible the recent question and statement credited to the duo after the endorsement of All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The group noted that the

question accredited to the PDP scribe thus: “Explain your connections with MEND,” had further confirmed and vindicated its views about Goodluck Jonathan, his alleged inept government and the PDP. In an electronic statement by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, MEND said that it “strongly denies any links with the All Progressive Congress (APC) and has never been approached for anything at any point in time by the party, as pettily alleged by Olisa Metuh.”

The group said that it stands strongly by its endorsement and full support of General Muhammadu Buhari “as the man

to lead the country out of its present calamitous state in the hands of Goodluck Jonathan.”

“MEND finds laughable the recent statement by Mr Eric Omare, the publicity secretary of a mere tribal assembly and political praise singers, known as the Ijaw Youth Council, the group said, adding that “MEND is a ghost”. We clearly understand their frustrations at our stance as it obviously came as a shock to them.

“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, once more, urges Nigerians to ignore the empty threats of this socalled ‘ex-agitators’ and the Ijaw Youth Council.

Ibrahim Momoh jimoh, Lokoja The Kogi State government has rose in defence of the performance of its 2014 Budget, saying that it has recorded success in the implementation of the budget, contrary to reports in some quarters of failures in the implementation of the appropriation.

The state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Alh. Ali Ajuh, who stated this in Lokoja on Thursday during the 2015 Budget breakdown and 2014 budget appraisal, also noted that the 2015 Budget was critically conceived to ‘Stabilize’ the state, contrary to reports that the budget is ill conceived and full of ‘inconsistencies’.

Ajuh said the 2014 Appropriation for Kogi State recorded 72.23 per cent performance in its recurrent expenditure and 18.2 percentage performance in Capital expenditure.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Turkey urges citizens to leave Libya ‘quickly’ ÏÏÏTurkey has urged all Turkish

Armed members of the militant group al-Shabab attend a rally on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia

Egypt court fixes 21 April forMorsi trial verdict ÏÏÏA court in Egypt is to de-

liver a verdict on 21 April in the trial of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and 14 others charged with inciting the killing of protesters, judicial officials said yesterday. The ruling will be the first against Morsi, who is facing several trials along with top leaders of his Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movement on charges that are punishable by death.

The trials are part of a crackdown by the authorities against supporters of Morsi since he was toppled by then-army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is now president, in July 2013.

The scheduled April 21 ruling by a Cairo criminal court concerns the alleged killing of at least 10 anti-Morsi protesters in clashes outside the capital’s Itihadiya presidential palace on 15 December 2012, judicial officials said.

Clashes erupted between proand anti-Morsi groups when demonstrators gathered to protest against a presidential decree giving vast powers to the then-president.

Morsi’s co-defendants include top Muslim Brotherhood leaders Mohamed al-Beltagy and Essam al-Erian.

Eight of the 15 defendants are in custody, while the rest are on

the run.

Morsi, Egypt’s first freely elected president, is also facing two other trials over charges of espionage and escaping from prison.

Since his overthrow, a government crackdown on his supporters has left more than 1 400 people dead, most of them in August 2013 when police broke up two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo.

Thousands of Morsi supporters have been imprisoned, while dozens were sentenced to death after speedy trials which the United Nations has called “unprecedented in recent history”.

Former Ugandan general seeks regime change from within ÏÏÏUgandan

renegade General David Sejusa, chairman of Free Uganda, said regime change in Uganda can only come about from within, not another country or through social media.

Sejusa returned home late last month after a brief self-imposed exile in 2013.

His lawyer, David Mushabe, said the general believes those seeking regime change must be seen enduring the same suffering that ordinary Ugandans experience on a daily basis.

“The general’s position is simple. Nobody causes a regime change from Europe or America.

Ugandan’s president, Museveni

citizens remaining in Libya to leave “quickly” due to the deteriorating security situation in the conflicttorn country.

Turkey on Wednesday condemned as “unacceptable” and “irresponsible” a statement allegedly made by the Libyan Air Force in a Facebook post warning all Turkish civilian and military planes would be shot down should they enter Libyan air space.

“We advise once more our remaining citizens in Libya to quickly leave because of the unstable security situation and negative developments... in recent weeks,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The warning came after Turkish Airlines suspended flights to Misrata this week, its only remaining destination in Libya after it had earlier pulled its flights to the capital Tripoli as well as Benghazi and the inland desert city of Sebha.

Libya has been in chaos for more than three years after dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled and killed in a Nato-backed revolt.

The country is awash with weapons and powerful militias, and has rival governments and parliaments.

The foreign ministry attacked the reported Libyan Air Force’s statement, “which is against international law [and] is totally unacceptable.”

Uganda in talks with US over fate of top LRA rebel ÏÏÏUgandan army officers have

met a top commander of the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels who is wanted by the International Criminal Court and in US custody, Uganda’s defence minister said yesterday.

LRA commander Dominic Ongwen, who faces trial at the ICC for crimes against humanity and war crimes and was one of the last senior aides to LRA leader and warlord Joseph Kony, surrendered this week in the Central African Republic. “Our officers met him in the custody of Americans, and discussions are ongoing if he will be handed over to us soon,” Uganda’s defence minister, Crispus Kiyonga, told AFP.

The minister had earlier said the captured rebel had been handed over to Ugandan forces, but later corrected his statement to say Ongwen still remained with American troops.

The LRA have been blamed for the slaughter of over 100 000 people and kidnapping of more than 60 000 children during a three decade-long campaign across five central African nations.

Kiyonga did not confirm whether Uganda wanted to try Ongwen in Kampala, or would send him to the ICC. “We are consulting with relevant authorities, the UN and African Union, on the course of action,” Kiyonga said.

Real change must emanate from the masses, and the real influence must be done from the ground.

You cannot influence the masses via [the] Internet or Facebook.

You have to be on the ground. People have to see that you are enduring the same suffering that they are enduring,” he said.

Mushabe described most opposition Ugandan politicians as “jokers” who he said do not quite understand the environment in which they operate and, as a result, have failed to bring about meaningful political change.

“What we have here in Uganda, most opposition politicians have been jokers and most of them

have made a career in opposition.

And, to make matters worse, most of them have been part of the old stock. To that extent, the current opposition that you want to call opposition has lost credibility,” Mushabe said.

In 2011, long-time opposition leader Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change launched his “walk to work” movement to protest Uganda’s high fuel and food prices. Security forces arrested Besigye and other opposition leaders.

Besigye also contested the presidency three times against Museveni and lost. He blamed widespread irregularities and fraud.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

13 World

N’Korea threatens war with US over sanctions

Ukraine blames Russia for German hack attack

ÏÏÏNorth

ÏÏÏUkraine’s prime minister has

Korea has threatened the United States “with a hail of bullets and shells on its own territory” if it does not withdraw sanctions, the North’s state news agency reported on Thursday.

US President Barack Obama issued an executive order last week authorising expanded sanctions against North Korea after a hacking attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment, which Washington blamed on Pyongyang.

North Korea, which has denied it was responsible for the hacking, routinely uses aggressive rhetoric, often warning of war against its sworn enemies the United States and South Korea.

“The US should roll back its hostile policy towards the DPRK of its own accord if it does not want to suffer a war disaster,” the KCNA news agency reported, citing the National Defence Commission, which is headed by leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“We have taken this stand be-

President Barack Obama, center, meets with, from left, Secretary of State John Kerry and Vice President Joe Biden

cause all ‘sanctions’ the US has imposed against the DPRK so far are based on the inveterate hostility and repugnancy towards it and Washington’s hostile policy towards it,” KCNA said.

“This is also because ‘sanctions’ were invented under ab-

surd pretexts and conditions.”

The new US sanctions are aimed at impeding access to the US financial system and they named three entities, including North Korea’s military intelligence agency, and people with links to weapons sales

Anxiety over Saudi King’s health rises ÏÏÏIt was Saudi Arabia’s Crown

Prince – not the King, as customary– who inaugurated the sixth session of the consultative Shura Council this week.

King Abdullah, 90, has been hospitalized with pneumonia for more than a week, and this has renewed speculation about who will succeed him to the throne and lead the kingdom during a time of political and economic uncertainty.

Since the death of the Kingdom’s founder Abdulaziz ibn Saud in 1953, five kings have ruled Saudi Arabia, all of them his sons. By tradition, the crown should pass from older brother to younger.

Abdullah’s brother, Crown Prince Salman, will turn 80 this year, and is next in line.

But in the House of Saud, nothing is certain because no succession policy has ever been defined.

The 1992 Saudi Basic Law of Governance stipulates that rulers be selected from among the sons of the founder. Tradition dictates they be among the so-called “Sudairi seven,” ibn Saud’s sons by his wife Hussa bint Ahmad Al Sudairi.

The law also states that that on the death of the King, the Crown Prince will succeed him, providing he receives the required oaths of allegiance from religious clerics, tribal chiefs and others in the bay’ah, a formal ceremony with early Islamic roots.

In essence, it gives the king the power to select or re-designate the crown prince “Whether he becomes king rather depends on whether Salman can achieve an oath of allegiance from the other princes,” said Simon Henderson, a Saudi expert at the Washington Insti-

and proliferation.

Financial sanctions have been effective in bringing pressure on Iran and Russia, but they have had limited impact on North Korea, which has been sanctioned by the United States for more than 50 years.

Sri Lankan leader seeks 3rd term in office Pope prays for victims of Paris attack

ÏÏÏ Yesterday Pope Francis cel-

tute for Near East Policy. “And this is debatable in that Salman is believed to be physically and mentally frail.”

blamed the Russian secret service for a hack attack against German government websites.

A pro-Russian group has already claimed responsibility but this is the first suggestion that it was backed by the Russian government.

Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk made his remarks ahead of a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

But one expert questioned what real evidence there was for the claims. The attack targeted webpages for Mrs Merkel and the German parliament. Both sites were inaccessible from 10:00 Wednesday until the evening.

A group calling itself CyberBerkut claimed to be behind it. Berkut refers to Ukraine’s now disbanded elite riot police force who were accused of beating, torturing and shooting demonstrators.

ebrated mass for the victims of the attack on the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, praying for all those affected by an Islamist assault which left 12 people dead.

“The terror attack in Paris brings to mind so much cruelty, human cruelty, so much terrorism, both isolated terrorism and of state terrorism,” the 78-year old pontiff said according to Vatican radio.

“We pray for the victims of this cruelty, so many of them. And we pray also for the perpetrators of such cruelty, that the Lord might change their hearts,” he said.

Following the early morning prayers in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, where the pope lives, Francis posted the #PrayersForParis hashtag on Twitter.The pontiff had earlier issued a strong condemnation of the “horrible attack”.

ÏÏÏSri Lankans voted yesterdayto

choose a new president in a high stakes race that pits President Mahinda Rajapaksa against his former aide, Mithripala Sirisena.

The contest is expected to be the tightest the nation has witnessed in decades.

As Mahinda Rajapaksa cast his vote in Hambantota district, he exuded confidence.

“We are going to win this handsomely,” he said, adding that it will be seen as a great victory by treating the defeated well.

But as voters stood in long lines to cast ballots, uncertainty ran high about the president being able to win a third term.

Rajapaksa was seen as politically invincible when he called elections two years ahead of schedule.

However he received a huge blow after his former Health Minister, Mithripala Sirisena, quit his government to become the main opposition candidate. Sirisena has won the backing of a raft of parties including those representing the ethnic minorities - the Tamils and Muslims.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

2015: The genuine fear of violence

T

Godwin Onyeacholem

here can be no better expression of apprehension over the 2015 elections than the spontaneous groundswell of agitation for violence-free balloting by many prominent and obscure Nigerians. Perhaps, given the palpable fear of explosive conflict that the unquestionably zerosum election might generate, it is just as well that a strong, full-strength case be made for avoiding violence in order to avert a disintegration of affairs in the polity.

But as carefully observed, two distinct submissions can be gleaned from the multi-strata interventions in this instance.

First, there is the disingenuous and seemingly conspiratorial contention that regardless of what happens, violence must be avoided; then there is the more upfront, decisive take urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to live up to its name as

an unbiased body and for the federal government (read the ruling party) to refrain from using its might to manipulate the process to its advantage.

Take note that the first submission, unlike the second, hugs the reluctance to take into account the way human beings are likely to respond in the face of obvious cheating. It is saying that even if INEC is seen to be undermining the party you support, and the federal government uses security agents to brutalise opposition party agents and supporters to ensure the ruling party retains power, simply fold your arms and walk away from the polling booths.

And if an offended political party feels strongly about the way the whole process is openly skewed in favour of those who now control power at the centre, it should just shut up and quietly head for the courts!

Let no one be deceived. The All Progressives Congress (APC), and their members must bear in mind this grim forecast: in spite of all the preachments,

hope and prayer from all quarters, the 2015 election will not be free, fair, credible and transparent given the unparalleled high stakes surrounding it. In other words, the election everyone is feverishly looking forward to will be rigged outright, and without any feeling of regret. The party at the heart of the rigging will be no less than the so-called largest party in Africa. And if the PDP wins, it is fairly certain that it will not be long before the APC begins to crumble, thus signaling the end of any effective opposition in the system.

However, with its popularity currently going down, the PDP, as it had done in the past, will use all the security agencies under its control to its advantage. The army, police and state security service operatives will provide cover and their supporters to perpetrate all kinds of electoral fraud. Where necessary, they will use violence.

When this happens, you can guess how APC supporters will react. Though President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to

organise free and fair elections, the rhetoric of some top officials of his party contradicts him.

Theirs favour the “do-or-die” stance of the Obasanjo era. In any case, it’s not the duty of Jonathan to promise and commit himself to credible elections.

That is the responsibility of the INEC boss, Professor Attahiru Jega. Jonathan is a player in the game, so like other players, the least he can do is to promise to abide by the rules as spelt out by INEC. Unfortunately, INEC itself cannot be trusted to be totally neutral in the conduct of the election. The commission’s onesided role in the 2011 elections is still fresh. That INEC, in many ways, helped the PDP achieve victory in the last election is not in doubt. Still, Jega has continued to carry on that he will be impartial this time. The commission’s distribution of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) in some states has been sloppy at best.

In spite of his promises, there are increasing signs that many voters will be disenfranchised.

Mutiny: What if the commander is a saboteur?

I

Tochukwu Ezukanma

was recently a guest on a radio talk show.

I was to discuss the Nigerian government’s inability, thus far, to contain and defeat the Boko Haram. At one point, the talk show host asked my opinion on the court marshal of mutinous Nigerian soldiers who heckled their divisional commander and shot at him.

My opinion is that the court marshal that sentenced them to death was appropriate. A number of my listeners that called disagreed with me. They argued that due to the circumstances that provoked the mutiny, the military hierarchy should be lenient with the mutineers. To me, no special circumstance invalidates the need for them to be punished with becoming severity.

A Nigerian army general was once quoted as saying that, “if I am ordered to shoot (and kill) my father, I will shoot him as a soldier, and then, return home and bury him as a son”.

There is something dreadfully weird about a man that shoots his father, and then, goes home and buries him. For he shot his

father, not in the thrall of hate, fit of lunacy or flush of delirium, and not due to lack of a sense of filial commitment and responsibility or disdain for tradition and societal expectations, but in obedience to an order. Is it not evident that in obeying orders, his actions are totally devoid of reason, emotions and sentiments?

Having lost its patient with protesting students that had, for months, occupied Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the Chinese government ordered soldiers to forcibly eject them.

As the soldiers advanced towards them, an elderly woman knelt down before one of the soldiers, pleading not to shoot at the students. He shot her in the head, and moved on. To a crowd of on- lookers, it was outrageous: mindless, heartless murder of an innocuous woman. However, to the soldier, he did nothing wrong. He was ordered to attack the students and anything that stood in his way was an impediment.

A man is a soldier not because he is proficient in the use of guns and bayonets, and is armed and outfitted with a military uniform, but because he

has been drilled into obeying orders unquestioningly? The word infantry evolved from the French word for “child” because of the child-like compliance instilled in troops. And without this blind obedience to orders, no army can exist, as it cannot be a disciplined force but a band of uniformed and armed thugs.

So, when those soldiers at the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri scoffed and shot at their divisional commander, Major General Ahmadu Mohammed, they were in gross violation of military conventions and ethics. A man that taunted his commander is not a soldier. He is, at the very best, a ruffian.

Undoubtedly, the Nigerian military, like every other Nigerian institution, is in a bog of ineptitude and graft. Not surprisingly, there are disquieting reports of corruption and inefficiency among the officers. Consequently, troops are not paid their allowances and those in the battle field are denied adequate arms, ammunition and ration. And in fierce battles with terrorists, they are also sometimes denied back-

up, reinforcements and air support. In addition, there are allegations that some officers are saboteurs, thus sabotaging the troops in their operations against Boko Haram.

The “peculiar environment and circumstances” that provoked the mutiny and which should necessitate clemency for the mutineers were that they were on a secret mission and were ambushed by the insurgents. Due to the secrecy of the operation, they suspected saboteurs must have tipped off the insurgents.

Inherent in their behaviour is a delirious notion that they reserve the right to suspect, arraign and sentence the divisional commander. Usually, most soldiers may not always understand the strategic doctrine of the military high command and the strategic and tactical plans of their officers.

So, irrespective of the limitations and supposed blunders and crimes of the commander, men under his command still must obey him. It is in the purview of the commander’s superior officers, and not men under his command, to judge and penalise him if need be.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

15 Opinion

Hell stuff in godly shells

T Tayo Ogunbiyi

hey are common sights on major roads across the country. They are vehicles with divine messages of hope, faith, righteousness, piety, patience, love and fairness. The messages are printed in such colourful and attractive fashion that easily attracts attention.

At first, the general presumption about such vehicles is that, with such unambiguous godly messages, the drivers should be heaven-bound men or women who are just marking time in this sinful world of mortals.

Experience has, however, shown that drivers, and sometimes, occupiers of such vehicles, often act in manners that make nonsense of the messages conveyed by their vehicles. Sometimes, drivers of the piously emblazoned vehicles drive in such reckless, and ungodly fashion that makes one wonder if they actually know anything about

the God. This, of course, is the tragedy of our nation. The scenario painted above isn’t restricted to vehicles and roads. Metaphorical representations of such vehicles and drivers abound in every facet of our national life. They are everywhere. They occupy high places at the corridor of power. They hold high offices in religious circles. They occupy strategic positions in the education sector. They even operate within the various national security outfits. These are men to whom talk is cheap. They are men who don’t act what they preach. They are men of two parallel worlds. Inside, they are snakes, but, they pretend to be doves outside. Hypocrisy is their stock-in- trade, deception their trademark. They sing the national anthem with pride; recite the pledge with relish, but stab the nation in the back at the slightest opportunity.

As a nation, we have not made much progress due to our hypo-

critical and deceitful inclinations. At their inaugurations, our leaders often swear by the holy books to uphold the constitution and operate in the fear of God. With stories of several billions of naira either missing or being misappropriated, over the years, one wonders if our leaders actually believe in the sacredness of their oath of office. It is amazing how we play fools with God. Whom do we actually take God for? A dumb deity who sees nothing and hears nothing?

We have turned deception into an art. We claim ours is a constitutional democracy but in all honesty, we operate a system that promotes injustice. While some hapless citizens rot in prison for offences considered trivial, many who should have been forgotten in jail remain strategically positioned at the corridor of power determining the fate of millions of their ill-fated compatriots.

This, of course, has been the unfortunate tale of our country.

Unfortunately, the hypocrisy bug

has gotten to hitherto revered religious institutions where, naturally, one should expect a reasonable measure of godliness. Today, we have prophets, seers and clerics, of all shades, who desecrate the name and altar of God, like the biblical Esau, for a pot of porridge. The altar of God is now being corrupted by those who claim to know God but whose god is actually mammon. The traditional institution is not faring better. We have monarchs, who occupy sacred ancestral thrones, but carry themselves in manners that would actually incur the rage of the gods. We complain of bad leadership, but we are partially responsible for what some of our leaders do. Is it not amusing that people place curses on their relations for upholding integrity and honesty while holding political offices. This is, to some extent, why some of our compatriots could compromise their electoral preference for a paltry sum as low as a thousand naira.

Is Jonathan really clueless?

Aloy Ejimakor

I

n addition to the clamour for ‘change’, the next big thing arrayed against President Goodluck Jonathan by his traducers is the notion that he is a ‘clueless’ President. In whispering campaigns and in the open, those purveying such theory continually reel out so many reasons to prove that the President is in fact clueless. So, now let us rehash some of those reasons and consider whether they can support the sing-song of cluelessness.

One, on the war against terrorists, they blame him for his studied approach, proclivity for minimum use of force and patience with some people that are suspected to be closet fundamentalists. Now, for us to determine whether that makes Jonathan clueless, it is only fair to compare and contrast him with how past presidents handled terrorism or similar acts of violence by non-state actors.

Beginning with Obasanjo, he handled his challenge by destroying Zaki Biam and Odi. In the rest of the Niger Delta,

he deployed troops and war ordnance and detaining many militant leaders. Yet, till today, vast majority of Nigerians and the international community still condemn Obasanjo for the excessive use of force in those places. You might add that such deployment of force never quelled militancy in the Niger Delta until Yar’Adua took office and solved it with amnesty without firing a shot. Jonathan is fighting terrorism today, and signaling that he is also willing to talk with the insurgents.

They say that makes him clueless. But was Yar’Adua clueless in toeing the path of amnesty?

Two, regarding some politically-sensitive appointments like Defence, Security, Police and the EFCC, they say the President is clueless for appointing northerners or Muslims to head those offices. They say he should have appointed his kinsmen or southerners. But is that the type of spirit Nigerians really want in their President? Didn’t some previous rulers draw some fire for tending to favour their own ethnic groups and religious faith? An example that stands

out most is Buhari-Idiagbon Muslim-Muslim, North-North regime, which contributed to their fall from power. Is Obama clueless for not forming a blackdominated cabinet after becoming the first black President of America?

Three, on Jonathan’s national development agenda, it is said he is clueless for revamping the railways, starting almajiri schools, and other initiatives that favoured the North. They insist the President should rather ‘punish’ the North for being the locale of terrorists and for ruling the nation the most. When you think of this, one wonders why Buhari is also being severely criticised for favouring the far North most when he was boss of PTF. What a contradiction?

The fourth is the accusation of Jonathan being soft on his opponents. Those calling him clueless say he refused to move aggressively against people like Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State who has been fighting him. Some have even waxed nostalgic for the Obasanjo era of impeachment gale.

Yet, is it not the same regime of impeachments that the Supreme Court struck down? Have we forgotten so soon that the single dent on Ribadu’s otherwise good reputation is the belief that he allowed Obasanjo to use the EFCC for political witch-hunt?

Fifth is accusation of Jonathan’s seeming lack of the gift of the gab? They say his command of the English language is not excellent, especially while reading out prepared speeches. Then, one wonders at the performance of some of our past leaders and their command of the English language. The late Gen. Sani Abacha, hardly pronounced any English word correctly. Watching Muhammadu Buhari , you also realise he struggles to pronounce any English word correctly. In America, former President George Bush, (jnr) was not reputed as a gifted orator, yet he won the presidency twice. One of the world’s greatest orators, Adolf Hitler, used his gift to drive the whole world to a costly war, to spread rabid hate and nearly brought about the extermination of the Jews.

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 9, 2015

PDP, civil society frown at Edo govt, UNIBEN face-off Titus Eguaoje, Benin

L-R: Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto and HRH, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, Otaru of Auchi at the commissioning of the Auchi-Jattu-Afashio 6-lane dual carriageway in Etsako West Local Government Area, on Thursday.

23 houses burnt, seven injured in Bauchi communal clash Audu Michael, Bauchi

ÏÏÏSeven persons were injured and 23 houses set ablaze in Dazara village in Bogoro Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi state, following a clash involving youths in the area. The clash was a reaction to the sudden change of names of Danzara and Anguwan Rimi communities.

It was gathered that An-

guwan Rimi village is now known as Naballi.

The Bauchi State Police Command, DSP Mohammed Haruna, said the disagreement that ensued between the two warring factions resulted into free for all and wanton destruction of property in the area.

According to him, “On the 7/1/2015 at about 14:00hrs, disagreement ensued between Dan Zara and Anguwan Rimi communities

in Bogoro LGA of Bauchi State. As a result, the warring factions engaged in a free for all fights and wanton destruction of property in the area.”

He said: “There was no loss of life, but seven persons, who sustained various degrees of injury, were rushed to Malar Clinic for treatment and over twenty three houses were set ablaze. However, normalcy has been restored by a team

of security forces, and patrols are being intensified within and outside the town to ensure safety and security.”

Mohammed said eight suspects had been arrested in connection with incident and they were assisting the police with useful information that would lead to ascertaining the actual cause of violence and extent of damage, after which the suspects will be charge to court.

February polls: Niger govt urges non-indigenes to stay ÏÏÏThe Niger state government has appealed to non-indigenes not to flee from the state as a result of fears that the February general election would be crisisfree.

The Director-General, Planning and Strategy of the Umar Nasko Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Danladi Umar Abdulhamid, made the plea in Minna on Thursday, while addressing newsmen.

He said it had come to the notice of the campaign orga-

nization and the Niger state government that many people are relocating from the state, as a result of fears that the general elections could turn violent which will be dangerous for their survival and those of their loved ones.

The Director-General, who is also the Commissioner for Education, assured the people of the state of the government’s readiness to ensure the safety of life and property of all.

Said he: “I can assure all of you that the February

general election will be devoid crisis; it will come and go without any ugly incident.”

He reminded the people that it was only God that gives life and can take it at any time, adding that no one should seek protection for himself but from God. Alhaji Danladi Abdulhamid pleaded with the media within and outside the state to assist in dousing e the rising tension in the state and across the country as a result of the general election.

ÏÏÏA pressure group, the Edo Civil Society Organisation (EDOSCO), has flayed the Edo State Government for its destruction of 18 buildings occupied by University of Benin personnel, including the official residence of its immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. Osayuki Oshodin on Monday.

At the end of an emergency meeting, in Benin City, EDOSCO presented a three page communiqué to the media, condemning the destruction. It also condemned the burning of a bus belonging to the Edo State Ministry of Transport by irate students, and called on both parties to seek an amicable solution to the problem.

The communiqué, signed by the Co-ordinator-General, Omobude Agho, and the Secretary-General, Aifuwa Bartholomew, stated that the state government acted in bad faith. It read in part: “Since UNIBEN had filed an appeal against the judgement, the state government should not have gone ahead with the demolition. It acted in bad faith by using thugs to intimidate and demolish the buildings, while the occupants’ belongings were still in them”.

It went on: “The state government acted in a manner suggestive that there was more to just recovering the said buildings”.

It also advised staff and students of the university to desist from destruction of government property and taking actions that would further heat the polity.

Lagos plans e-learning, social media centres in schools Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏThe Lagos state government and the Lagos State University have partnered to launch an electronic-learning and social media project, as part of efforts to aid secondary school students’ performance in school leaving examinations.

The project called “LASGLASU E-learning and Social Media Project,” is expected to leverage on the wide adoption of the internet, mobile phones, as well as social media among students, in order to take education closer to them.

Speaking at the project

launch, held in the Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), the Project Manager, Professor Peter Okebukola, said the project was aimed at presenting difficult topics in the secondary school curriculum in a learner friendly manner, using e-learning and social media protocols.

According to him, the project would “significantly boost the performance of secondary school students in school and public examinations, especially the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) and the United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB.”

Groups back TB Joshua Agozino Agozino

Aliyu Babangida

ÏÏÏPan-Yoruba groups, under the aegis of Oodua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), has called on the United Nations, (UN) to join in the investigation of the causes of the collapse of a building in the Synagogue of All Nations which led to the death of some people.

According to ONAC, there is a grand conspiracy to malign the pastor of the Syna-

gogue Church of All Nations, Temitope B Joshua. In a statement issued on Monday, after its National Working Committee (NWG), meeting the coalition of 35 Yoruba selfdetermination groups said the attack on the Synagogue Church of All Nation led by Pastor T.B Joshua was preplanned and carefully orchestrated.

“We are left with no room but to conclude that the attack was planned.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Politics

Wahab Owokoniran

Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos

OWOKONIRAN APC’s doomsday is here in Lagos, they will be defeated

17

s Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, Wahab Owokoniran in this interview with ABISOLA OYEWOLE speaks on the unity within the party that has made it formidable and a party to beat in the forthcoming general elections stressing that for the All Progressives Congress in Lagos, its doomsday is here. The former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government also highlighted the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan and reiterated its

determination to ensure victory for the party on February 14 and 28 election.

Presidential election is a few weeks away, what is the strength of the PDP in Lagos this time?

A lot of positive things are happening within our party that has never happened before and the impacts are profound. We conducted a very successful primary election, and after the primary, compared to what was obtainable

in the past, the disagreements were amicably reconciled with the intervention of the party’s leadership and everyone agreed to work together for the peace and unity of the party. The aggrieved ones were appealed to and that is why there is no case of defection at all and you will agree with me that, that is one of our strengths. The party is united and all our members are eager to ensure victory for us.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

FEB POLLS

PDP set to take over Kwara, says Oyedepo Ola Yekeen, Ilorin The peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP), is now fully prepared to sweep the 2015 polls and form government in Kwara State by May 29.

Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, State Chairman of the party in the state who made the declaration at Isanlu –Isin announced that the crisis that trailed the party’s primaries has been nipped in the bud making the party to wax stronger to face the challenge of the forthcoming elections squarely.

He said the wrangling that characterised post party primaries was expected as the beauty of democracy in a situation where over 300 people jostled for

Ribadu

just 34 elective positions.

The Chairman explained that the crisis resolution mechanism the party put in place right from the beginning made it possible to reconcile aggrieved aspirants with winners of all the party primaries.

He said to the contrary, none of the contestants has defected to another political party rather, more staunch opposition party members were dumping the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) to join PDP. He cited the case of Professor Sunday Opabola, Senior Special Adviser to Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed on Secondary Healthcare and State Chairman on Ebola Disease Control who resigned his appointment to join

2015 guber polls: Ribadu is not Adamawa PDP candidate

PDP after the primaries.

Professor Opabola also affirmed Oyedepo’s claim at the occasion adding that his exit from the ruling APC was like letting one out of a cage to breathe the air of freedom.

Oyedepo added that all other aspirants have united behind the party candidates to work for their success and that of the party at the polls.

According to the chairman, “the opposition were on the lookout that the primaries will tear PDP into shreds in Kwara on account of the sheer large number of aspirants alone.

“The opposition, especially the ruling APC government’s calcuCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Wale Akintunde, Yola Few weeks to the 2015 general elections, the Director General of Governor Bala Ngilari Campaign Organisation for the 2015 election in Adamawa State, Senator Abubakar Halilu Girei has declared that the Peoples Demo-

Oyedepo

cratic Party (PDP) in the state is yet to produce a candidate for the February gubernatorial poll.

Girei in an interview with reporters in Yola insisted that PDP is yet to conduct its primaries in the state and therefore the National leadership of the party should conduct the primaries if

it wants positive results at the election.

He condemned the process that led to the emergence of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as the flag bearer of the party in the PDP primaries that took place in Abuja saying that it is illegal and the party is yet CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

President Jonathan is a silent reformer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and others protested the outcome of the primary election and later sheathe their sword.

How easy was it reconciling them?

Nothing in life is easy, especially when you have invested effort and resources, but when you look at the larger interest of the party you will subdue your own personal interest to the interest of the larger part of the people in your party. Senator Obanikoro is a leader in the party with massive supporters. He is an asset to us and we are glad that he and others agreed to let go off their ambitions and support Jimi Agbaje’s candidacy. It’s a rare show of comradeship that should be emulated by all and sundry.

addressed through two or three programmes like the Sure –P across the states. In Sports, under him, we have won laurels locally and internationally. What else do you want the man to do? Even The electricity challenge, we are almost surmounting it with the privatisation. He has actually laid the foundation for stable electricity for the economy. In fact, he is about the best president Nigeria has ever produced. And as time goes on, people will begin to realise what president Jonathan has been doing for this nation.

General Muhammadu Buhari is becoming increasingly popular. Don’t you fear for President Jonathan? What could he have done that he didn’t do to put him in this situation?

It is so obvious to Nigerians that President Jonathan has done well. He has restored our dignity and passion as a nation. Is it because he is not talking or bragging like the opposition party?

Look at the rail transport, it’s being resuscitated. Now, you can travel to many parts of the country. Look at the Lagos/Ibadan expressway, the Benin/Ore road which used to be death traps for commuters. Its being built into an international standard. What about the second Niger Bridge?

It’s being contracted. All facets of our lives have been affected by the Jonathan’s administration. The youth’s unemployment has been

Inspite of all these achievements that you have highlighted, General Buhari is still being seen as the Messiah that will turn around the fortunes of Nigerians?

By the time people get to know who General Buhari is, they will change their minds. In the next few days, his true identity will be revealed to Nigerians and they will see that he cannot be trusted.

A retired General and former Military Head of State, who seized power through a Military coup in 1983. But obviously, as there are worthless scholars so there are wicked Generals; and noble Generals abound in the barracks even as excellent academics flock the ivory tower. But each man chooses his own path, and the cloak does not make the monk.

After the 2011 election, he and his supporters had sworn to make Nigeria ungovernable should Jonathan win the election. As the immediate fallout of this threat, youth corps members who officiated in the polls became the target of attacks, with many of these innocent young Nigerians slain in cold-blood by Buhari’s supporters. This same Buhari detained

Jonathan

It is so obvious to Nigerians that President Jonathan has done well. He has restored our dignity and passion as a nation

Owokoniran

“The truth of the matter is that Nigeria as a whole is a corrupt nation.

Corruption didn’t start with his administration. It is endemic” politicians and held them as prisoners under the guise that they were corrupt but ironically, those detained were only Southerners while the northerners were left free.

A good example was President Shehu Shagari who was the captain of the ship. He was not detained instead Buhari put him in a guest house at Ikoyi somewhere in Victoria island while his running mate who does not even

know how to sign one cheque, Alex Ekweme was put in the prison yard. Apart from that, most of the politicians from the south who were tried and found not guilty, he ordered their re-trial again and again. Mention one Notherner that experienced such under his administration.

Another very good case is the case of Chief Ebenezer Babatope.

His father died and he was appealed to, to allow him bury his father for one or two days, but Buhari refused. There was an appeal made to him then that the man should go and bury his father for only one or two days, the man refused. That is Buhari for you o. Look at the metro rail project in Lagos State conceived by Alhaji Jakande. According to the record, the total project was to cost about $100m or there about. When General Buhari came into power, he stopped the project.

The company took Lagos state to court and they had to pay a damage of about 75% of the cost which came up to about $75m.

If only we had added $25m then we would have had a metro rail project and if we had had a metro

In the next few days, General Buhari’s true identity will be revealed to Nigerians and they will see that he cannot be trusted

rail project as far back as the 80’s, tell me the status Lagos would have been in terms of mega city.

These are some of the havocs Major Buhari did to us in the South West.

I also remember during the time of Lam Adesina when the Fulanis were killing the Yorubas in Saki. I remember that General Buhari led some of his state men to accuse Lam Adesina and the Yoruba people of killing Fulanis.

The governor had to call the Commissioner of Police to find out if that allegation was true, but the commissioner said reverse was the case.

At the end of the day, the governor became very angry and disappointed in Buhari. Worse still, the Boko Haram issue we are still grabbing with today is the product of General Buhari’s pronouncement, is that kind of person capable to lead the country? If you want to talk in times of corruption, here is a man who said categorically that he would eradicate corruption by swiftly changing our currency. It is the same man that allowed 53 suit cases to come in through the back door; nobody was able to account for what was in the 53 suit cases.

The list of Buhari’s atrocities is inexhaustive.

But the allegation against Jonathan is that his administration is corrupt and he is shielding corrupt officials?

If you want to discuss corruption or accuse someone of being corrupt, you have to look at the society at large. The truth of the matter is that Nigeria as a whole is a corrupt nation. Corruption didn’t start with his administration. It is endemic. President Jonathan met it in the system and he is trying all he can to put an end to it. The measures he is taking to address this issue might not be obvious but as time goes on, it will become clearer that this man has actually taken some decisive steps to correct the inadequacies for the general good of the nation.

APC in Lagos is determined to continue their hold in Lagos with the choice of Ambode.

How is the PDP preparing to CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Buhari

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

19 Politics

Kwara will fall to PDP, Oyedepo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

lation was that crisis that the party primary would generate would weaken PDP and boost electoral fortunes of the opposition.

“Though, 300 vied for 34 positions which generated lots crisis, but thank God, all our people have united and agreed to work for all the party’s 34 candidates produced by the primaries”, Oyedepo said.

The Party is fielding 24 candidates for the State House of Assembly election, six for the House of Representatives, three for the Senate and Senator Simeon Sule Ajibola for the governorship election.

Oyedepo described the emergence of all PDP candidates in Kwara State as divine intervention starting from the elections of all the party’s executives from ward through Local Government to the State levels.

He said by divine intervention, Senator Ajibola is a dark horse candidate in the governorship polls and not a weakling as being touted by the opposition.

“Ajibola is not a weakling at all but a very strong character by all standards. It is when we get to the polls that you will realise that the people of Kwara State are very tired of Senator Bukola Saraki-led ruling APC government”, Oyedepo stressed.

He disclosed that PDP is putting wining arrangement in place to be headed by Deacon John Dara reputed for packaging supposedly unpopular candidates to the seat of power.

He buttressed his claim of Deacon Dara’s feat with the emergence of late Michael Otedola as Lagos State Governor during the Third Republic and former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

President Jonathan is a silent reformer

“It is when we get to the polls that you will realise that the people of Kwara State are very tired of Senator Bukola Saraki-led ruling APC government”

Saraki His words: “Deacon Dara specialises in building the assumed weak or seemingly unpopular into a strong candidate and that was how he built Otedola of the NRC from zero to the top.

“Dara did this against the backdrop of contending and supposedly very popular Social Democratic Party, (SDP) candidates in persons late Agbalajobi and Dapo Sarumi vying for Lagos State Governorship.

“Again, Dara was called to duty in 1999 to package General Obasanjo, a relatively unpopular PDP presidential candidate to victory against the odds of veteran First to Third Republic

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

market Jimi Agbaje and win the state for the first time?

I don’t know whether you were in Nigeria in 2011, the very first election we had before it was cancelled. Then, Professor Jega said that some documents didn’t arrive as expected and cancelled an on-going election. I want to remind you today that those who observed the voting pattern that

“The coming election battle will not strictly be fought on the basis of cash alone but by opening the eyes of the people and exposing the rot being perpetrated by the APC-led administration for 12 years.

“The battle of rescuing Kwara from socio-economic bondage would not be fought with guns, political thugs or tissues of lie but by information dissemination, sensitisation on PDP issues based programmes to mobilise the people.

“Therefore, it is now work time for the individual and we should not rest on our oars that after all, we have overcome the challenges of crisis that followed the party primaries”, Oyedepo declared.

He reiterated that the task of winning elections transcended holding positions as there would be division of labour in the face of current challenge of defeat-

Politicians”, Oyedepo said.

The Kwara PDP Chairman said Dara successfully accomplished those political assignments away from home but he is now being called to duty to repeat the feats in his home state of Kwara.

“John Dara is the Man God has assigned to be the Director General of the PDP Campaign team to do it once more for Kwara”, Oyedepo reiterated.

The PDP Chairman enjoined Party faithful and Kwara electorate to shun immediate pecuniary interests as better days were ahead for the people if PDP wins the state.

“I appealed to everybody to

day knew that PDP was already winning everywhere in Lagos.

As a matter of fact, I’m still not convinced that APC, the then AC did not have a hand in the cancellation of that election.

The truth of the matter is that they are very good at manipulating the result of elections. They are master riggers. Maybe you don’t know, I used to be a Council Chairman under Alliance for De-

look at what would be gained if PDP wins Kwara as benefits would be more to all than the individual becoming governor, deputy governor or state house or national assembly member.

“There are many positions, opportunities in government for several people to fill just as PDP government would patronise more of local contractors, stop capital flight and replace white elephant projects with people oriented programmes”, he added.

Oyedepo said the whistle has been blown for all the party members to get set on their marks for the emancipation of Kwara through the ballot boxes.

mocracy (AD) and to be precise, I was Tinubu’s council chairman because we were from same local government and I know his antics. Mark my words, they will meet their waterloo in the next few weeks.

People are tired of APC. They are clamoring for a change and God gave us the wisdom to produce Jimi Agbaje. If we can successfully block the loop holes by

ing the incumbent.

He challenged party faithful to work assiduously for the party’s success at the poll and brace up for the door-to-door campaign strategy to be adopted.

He also used the occasion to rally support for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan re-election as well as those contesting the national assembly polls from Kwara, saying the February 14 victory would make the of election of the governor and state assembly members in Kwara State a walk over for the PDP.

not allowing them to rig, I can assure you that they will never win this coming election. The only way they can win is for them to rig. And we will not allow it to happen. Take a look at the last local government election, we won councillorship in nearly all the 57 local governments and we won about 10 local governments but at the end of the day, they didn’t give anything to us.

Politics 20 The new Congress was not yet two hours old when the White House announced Tuesday that the president would veto the first bill lawmakers plan to send to his desk: a measure authorising the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline across the Canada-U.S. border.

The veto threat — which White House press secretary Josh Earnest issued as a dozen new GOP senators took their oaths and House Republicans reelected John A. Boehner (Ohio) as speaker — marked a contentious start to a session during which the president will face a legislative branch controlled by the GOP. Earnest couched the administration’s opposition to the project — which would transport heavy crude oil extracted in Hardisty, Alberta, to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast — in the narrowest possible terms, saying it was a matter of allowing the federal review process to take its course.

The State Department has completed an environmental assessment of the proposal by Trans¬Canada, but it is waiting for the Nebraska Supreme Court to rule on whether the pipeline’s route through that state was properly considered before it issues a conclusion on whether the project would benefit the national interest.

“There is already a wellestablished process in place to consider whether or not infrastructure projects like this are in the best interest of the country,” Earnest said. “I think the president has been pretty clear that he does not think that circumventing a well-established process for evaluating these projects is the right thing for Congress to do.”

Obama rejected an attempt by lawmakers two years ago to force his hand on the issue, vetoing a measure requiring him to make a final decision on the permit within a matter of weeks.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Veto threat: Congress, White House in heady start?

Obama But even as Earnest said the administration “would withhold broader judgment on the project itself,” he emphasised that the president has described the pipeline’s announced potential benefits as exaggerated.

“The president did make clear that he was a little skeptical of the claims that are made by some of the most enthusiastic advocates of the pipeline’s construction, about the impact it would have on energy prices or on job creation,” Earnest said.

The project, which would

“The fact that the White House issued the threat before the bill had even reached the floor offended several of them”

carry a total of roughly 800,000 barrels of crude daily from Canada’s oil-sands region and the Great Plains’ Bakken formation, has become a litmus test in the broader debate over how to address climate change. Opponents argue that the pipeline will worsen global warming by accelerating the energy-intensive extraction of Canada’s bitumen deposits, and they say that much of the refined petroleum products will not remain in the country but eventually will be exported through the Gulf. Backers say the project

will give construction workers jobs in the short term and maintain employment at American refineries over time, while ensuring a steady supply of oil from a U.S. ally.

While many lawmakers expect the president to veto the measure once it reaches his desk — the main Republican sponsor of the Senate bill, John Hoeven (N.D.), said in an interview that he was not surprised — the fact that the White House issued the threat before the bill had even reached the floor offended several of them.

‘Ribadu is not Adamawa PDP candidate’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Ribadu

to field a candidate constitutionally.

According to him “As far as we are concerned, no primary election took place in Adamawa. No candidate has emerged through the proper and acceptable way of conducting elections. Because the sham elections that took place in Abuja is totally rejected by the

people of Adamawa State” Girei noted that if PDP will go ahead to impose candidates on Adamawa electorate, the party may lose all electives posts in the 2015 general elections in Adamawa State except it retraces its step by addressing issue of non conduct of the party primaries in the state.

The former Senate leader said that crises generated by non conduct of the party primaries

in Adamawa needs to be addressed squarely, stressing that PDP stands the risk of losing all the February general elections.

He called on the national leader of PDP, President Goodluck Jonathan to wade into the political crisis rocking the party in the state before the general elections.

He lamented that if the abnormality is not amicably resolved, the president and those run-

ning on the platform of the PDP through the alleged sham primaries stand the chance of losing the state to the opposition.

According to him, those that had worked assiduously for the PDP and the victory of President Jonathan in 2011, have distanced themselves from the sham Abuja primaries, because the arrangements are not popular with the people as they have rejected the primaries.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Weekend Starter

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First Afro Beat Queen reunites with Fela’s children, 30 years after She started with Fela and established the Afro Beat dance; she is a mentor, a motivation, a model. She laid the foundation of the career of many dancers.

She brought out the meaning and rhythm of dancing in others. This is the VERY FIRST and ONLY Afro Beat Queen, when Fela’s band was known as the Kula Lobitos. She is 64-year old ‘Dele Salami. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR met her recently and she recalls the pains and gains of her career as a dancer.

It was 4.45 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2014, when the cab pulled up in front of the New Afrika Shrine, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, and a fair-skinned and elderly lady, alighted, with an escort in tow, she made her way into the hall, where people were already gathering for the Sunday night jump.

She stopped in her tracks, with a smile playing around the corner of her mouth, looked around, but recognised no one, likewise, no one recognised her, because she had never stepped on this ground, since the Shrine was opened in 2006. Strange, won’t you agree? that the very first Afro Beat queen to the legendary Fela AnikulapoKuti, the lady that created the now legendary Afro Beat rhythmic dance steps, could enter the Shrine, sit quietly in a corner of the hall, and no one would even look her way. “This is a different generation”, she whispered to her escort, Sam Oku; “I won’t even know any of Fela’s widows if I see them.”

Soon, a journalist from the DaiCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

First Afro Beat Queen

Femi and Dele

Dele and Yeni Kuti 30 years after

Femi warming up before the ‘Jump’

Female musician

Guardian of flowers

Weekend Starter 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

‘Fela was electrifying and all over the stage’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

ly Times arrived and sent word to Femi Kuti, that Dele Salami, the first Afro Beat queen, was in the shrine. Within minutes, his resident manager was around to usher the august visitor to Femi’s office, where he came to welcome the woman he had always known as a 20-year old and fondly called Aunty Dele.

When Yeni Kuti (YK, as she’s fondly called), arrived at the Shrine, at about 8.30 p.m., she pushed past the now-crowded hall to get into the living room/office upstairs, as she entered the room and sighted Aunty Dele, she was so excited that she jumped at each other and both hugged each other passionately; after a few minutes of rocking each other back and forth, Yeni announced to everybody, “This is the VERY FIRST Afro Beat Queen, when Fela’s band was known as the Kula Lobitos.

“She started with Fela and established the Afro Beat dance; she is my mentor, my inspiration, my model. She laid the foundation of my career and taught me everything that I do on stage. Aunty Dele brought out the meaning and rhythm of dancing in me.

In fact, Aunty Dele handed me a mold to express myself and I have never looked back.” Hugging the elderly queen again with joy and gratitude literally written all over her face, Yeni announced, “East or West, this (the New Afrika Shrine), is her home.”

Before the happy duo went downstairs to the hall, YK ordered the penthouse, exclusively reserved for Femi, to be prepared for the queen to rest after the show.

As a proud athlete would display her talent on the tracks to her coach, Yeni mounted the stage to show the now 64-year-old queen the result of the training she had received as a young lady from her mentor, and as the audience yelled for more, the queen could not sit still because the Afro Beat bug bit her and, surely, the days of yore would have flashed through her face as she recollected how it was done back then. Without hesitation, she was on the stage with YK and, seeing is believing, both of them were a sight to behold, the crowd could not have enough as they watched with gaping mouths, the dexterity of Aunty Dele’s moves, despite her age! Coupled with the electrifying moves of YK on stage, the crowd went wild, jumping and shouting for more. “This is a clash of two originals. I wished Fela were here to see this now!” a fan shouted above the blast of music.

Soon after, Femi, basking in the euphoria, and beaming with smiles, stepped on stage to introduce the “young, old lady” who performed with YK. “I cannot do without honouring her: this is the first and only crowned Afro Beat Queen that started with Fela and reigned with Fela, when we all were small boys! Apart from YK, all other girls after her were afro beat dancers – this is the original queen.”

At a sign from Femi, the band resumed exactly where they broke off and the duo resumed their performance. Everyone on the dance floor joined in, but much as the crowd loved for Aunty Dele to continue her performance on stage, and much as she would have loved to continue, her body decided otherwise and she retired to her seat

Dele and grand daughter

“We had a very good relationship, while it lasted. We never quarreled nor disagreed.

Fela was someone who respected skill and talent and he would give you a free hand to bring out your best”

amid cheers from the crowd.

Going down memory lane, veteran journalist and anchor of the online weekend radio Kalakuta Chronicles, Alhaji Abdul Okwechime, told Daily Times that with Dele and YK on stage, it was a synthesis of the past and present. “Seeing the famous Afro Beat Queen here live is like pulling the past back to the moment.

This brief moment has made it up for many of us, who were not old enough to see her reign in the ’70s.”

There was no official statement from the afro beat dynasty regarding whether the queen and the Afrika ’70 would resume show business again, but Femi assured fans: “You will be seeing her again.”

At dawn, the legendary dancer, in an interview with Daily Times, talked about her beginning as pretty little Dele Salami, with the Ukwuani-speaking people of Obiaruku, in Delta State Born in Obiaruku, on October 14, 1950, to an Agbor (Ika) tailor popularly called Salami; her mother was Diana, one of the most beautiful ladies of Ogume, in Delta State. Dele, in 1968, was a fair and beautiful 18-year-old. She was better known about town as Baby Laskoto, and the name fuelled her radicalism and resolve to explore the world.

In 1968, there were no television, magazine or internet facilities, so exposure was seriously limited for youths, and when the Nigerian civil war ended in 1970, there were no international stars to look up to, so for the ambitious villager, who desired stardom, the world, in the pre-and post-war Nigeria, ended in the city of Warri CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Ayo Dada: Many sides of a genius with high definition arts Every work on display seems to capture the serenity of the Grail land environment in the rich and flowery Iju hills. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR was at the Showman’s Arts Gallery at Iju and encounters a man with many sides but passionate about high definition arts.

Inside the hall at the Grail land, Iju Hills at Ajuwon, on the outskirts of Lagos, to the far left as you enter the exquisite and expansive auditorium are choice collections of beautiful, expres-

sive, breath-taking arts and photographs that tell stories of many worlds apart. The collection was put together by a Lagosian of note; a writer, who took a further step into the world of arts as an artist and curator. Introducing himself as Ayo Dada, he added with confidence that ‘I live in a world of arts’.

A peep into his background showed that Ayo started with the sciences in school where he took on Medicine and later became an accountant but, expectedly, he found work in the accounting

world too routine, that he went in pursuit of his dreams. He became a writer and his books were doing very well in the universities but the restless young man decided to tread the lonely path and he went deeper into himself, searching for that innate thing in him that needed to come to the fore and benefit the world.

“Eventually, I found myself at the bay of my dreams which is having me at the disposition of arts anywhere in my whole life.

Along the line, I also became a CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Dada displays his gallery

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

23 Weekend Starter High definition arts and effects on human nature

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

(for Midwesterners of the time), or Lagos as the heart of Nigeria.

Dele’s determination to get away from her family might have been well-founded: her parents had divorced with her mum remarrying and living in Lagos.

Dele, who had relations who were over- and virtually policed her around town, saw an opening for escape. “I wanted to join my mother. Obiaruku was a commercial town, which was just recovering from aftermath of the civil war at that time, but I didn’t just like the feel of home life; all the boys were after me, as if I was a magnet. I didn’t want to be a local champion, so I needed to get out of the community. With my mother living in Lagos, I had a destination”.

Running away from home “Since our compound in the village was a walking distance to the motor park, it was easy to pretend I was going to the local market.

On getting to the park, I boarded one of the highly visible black, Morris Minor cabs.”

But, like a gold fish that has no hiding place, someone had spotted Dele boarding the cab and, promptly, alerted young Dele’s relatives. Her brothers raced after and caught up with the vehicle and forced her to return to the village with them.

“O, my God”, Dele recalled, “They beat me black and blue; so severely that I made up my mind to flee again”, and she did, eventually.

“I arrived Lagos on a Saturday evening and located my mother at Ajegunle.”

After recovering from her wounds at her mother’s home, she visited her aunty, who lived at Ishaga Close, Surulere. She was a party person, and with some of her friends she met there, Dele joined them in regular partying.

“At that time, the hot spots were either Bobby Benson’s Caban Bamboo, which was more highbrow, or Gondola Nite Club, but it was at Kakadu at Alagomeji, Yaba, that she saw Fela playing for the first time. The attraction was instant, Dele recalled.

“Oh, I loved his music, and I danced my heart out that first night. Fela came over to our table and said: ‘This girl, you can dance o; I want you to dance again, let me see’ and he went back to stage.” A smile of nostalgia lit up her face as she relived that night.

“Oh, I made a great show; I invented dance steps that knocked everyone out. I danced like never before and Fela liked it so much.

“Afterwards, he said he wanted me to dance for him, and that I should find two other girls, who would be dancing with me.

He made two dance cages with

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

‘Radicalism fuelled my urge for adventure’ enough room for a dancer to display.

“We found two dancers, Eva and Paulina; both were Yoruba girls, but I was the lead and outstanding dancer. Not long after, Eva and Paulina couldn’t cope with the demanding nature of our assignment and they stopped, that left me as the only dancer. Afro Beat was the latest music then and we worked hard to keep the tempo.”

It wasn’t long before Fela told her he was travelling to the United States and wanted Dele to come with him and the band. “I leapt at the big offer. I told my aunty, who gave her nod; and being a fashion designer, she said if I was going to America with Fela, I needed good clothes. She went shopping and really designed some original styles for me. Fela got a group passport and we left.

“Fela’s manager in America at that time, Tunde Fadimu or so, took us to airport and we left Nigeria. We played in Washington, D.C. and after the show, we lodged in a hotel. We left for New York, where we had many shows, but we were invited back in Washington for more shows.

“The people loved our shows.

Nigerians, black and white people, all really enjoyed Afro Beat music. Fela was electrifying and all over the stage, I was at my best

all the time.”

That was where Dele was named the Afro Beat Queen before the Nigerian press picked it up.

“We performed in all major cities of America. We also spent time in Chicago. Thereafter, we moved to another city, where we saw great mountains. We went on to San Francisco, before we returned by road to tour other states including Los Angeles, in California State, New Orleans, in Louisiana State. We got to know many places in America because we were travelling by road.” Dele was the only dancer, all the while, and her fame became synonymous with Afro Beat music.

My romance with Fela Commenting on her personal relationship with Fela, Dele was frank: “At our first meeting, Fela was my boyfriend; but, while it lasted, our business relationship was top priority. Fela could be crazy with love and spoil you, but he never toyed with his music, you had better be good or you are out.

“When we were performing in Los Angeles, Fela met one movie actress, Breny Hamilton and Fela arranged for me to stay with her, I think for accommodation reasons, because we were spending too much on hotels in the cit-

ies where we played, while Fela stayed with his African- American girl friend, Sandra Daniele.”

An incident happened that caused Dele to leave the lady’s home.

“One day, when Breny went to work, her younger brother came in, searched the house and took her gun. When she found out, she was very angry. After she had calmed down, she told me it was no longer safe for me to continue to stay with her, so she took me to one Papa Duke’s place.”

Papa Duke turned out to be a Ghanaian. “His wife was pleasant and she received me very well; his son, too. Papa Duke’s brother was also friendly. But, after some time, we fought in Papa Duke’s house, so I left. Before then, there was one Igbo boy, who had been ‘toasting’ me at the night clubs for a long time; I called him and moved in with him.”

While Dele stayed at the Duke’s home, she took up a part-time job with a confectionery company.

“They made cakes, cheese and burgers and my pay was two dollars per hour. Typical of American life, after a long time living with the Igbo boy, he saw another babe, moved in with her and left me alone in his house.

“After staying there for a while, CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

curator and I’m privileged to put together great works of different artists from all over the world in shows, exhibitions and seminars under the umbrella of the Showman Arts Gallery with my base in Akute, Lagos.’

Dada’s father, who was an ambassador, was an artist but his diplomatic schedule did not give him much time to explore his talent. “Whenever I stumbled on his sketches of things he used to draw, I’m so amazed and wonder why this man dropped this gift for a life as an ambassador? I believe we have the blood of the artist in my family, but, I am, possibly, the first that decided to really push it to this level”.

Ayo’s quest for the best in arts brought him in contact with gifted minds, hands and brushes, even those who create the highest definition in arts by making dots! A tour of the works on display opened with ancient potters depicting the early days of Africa where there had been royal arts.

The work showed two old women working in purple, a colour that defines the presence of royalty.

The curator explains the artist behind this and other works on display: “Busari Agbolade captures these old women in this presentation of royal arts in oil on canvas. These Fulani maidens are also captured by the same artist in this work which I call realism arts.’ An artist of his generation, Busari is a 73-year-old man who has a fascination for tradition.

Based in Oyo State’s capital city, Ibadan, the old man has a deep passion for culture and tradition.

I collect his works extensively, so I can also have a repertoire of culture preserved. Here’s another of his work called Spirit of the Gangan or what Yoruba calls Ilu; each time the drums go off, there’s this particular spirit that just comes out to dance in a graceful beautiful feminine form.”

Speaking in the spirit of the artist, Dada explains another work CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

How relationships engender sadness and joy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

I thought that I had better move out. I called Sandra, who took me to her home, where Fela was also staying.”

Confirming the black movement ideology that revolutionised Fela’s music, Dele told Daily Times: “It was that long stay in America that transformed Fela’s ideology, and Afro Beat moved from jazz to the afro rhythm that became even more popular.”

“If I had thought of getting a passport for myself and had a resident permit while we were in America, I would not have returned to Nigeria with Fela. One of his band boys, actually, didn’t return with us.

Unlike all the girls that flocked Kalakuta upon Fela’s return, Dele never lived in the Republic, but she set the standard for Afro Beat dance. “Many young girls just liked to dance for Fela after they saw me dance, but Fela told them: ‘If you can’t dance like Dele, you’re not a dancer.” So they started by watching me dance, and began to learn the pattern; but then Fela decided I should teach and manage them. That was how the number of dancers grew.

“Yeni was then a young but willing girl who showed a lot of talent. I decided to coach her with passion because I loved her like a daughter”.

Business relationship with Fela “We had a very good relationship, while it lasted. We never quarreled nor disagreed. Fela respected talent and he gave me free hand to bring out my best in me.

When I started dancing for the band for the first time at Kakadu,

Fela was my boyfriend, but after I got serious with my part of the band, we stopped our relationship and faced the business aspect. I worked for what he paid me. The salary was a token, but money had value at the time; it was when our money exchanged for 50 kobo to the dollar. Besides, whenever I wanted anything extra beside outside salary, Fela always obliged.

He had a good soul.”

The dancing and coaching contract flourished and many dancers, then living with Fela, had caught up with the Afro Beat dance, each one dancing fairly well. Dele remembered a head dancer, named Eniola, the daughter of a high court judge, but something went wrong and the contract broke off abruptly.

The Ebenezer Obey factor Ebenezer Obey first saw me in Ghana, when Fela went for a music festival. We lodged at Nima Hotel. Ebenezer also came for the festival; during the show we (Paulina, Eva and myself) performed like Ghanaians never saw Afro Beat dancers before. So, when it was dark, after the show, Ebenezer Obey sent somebody to call me. I went to meet him and, I spent the night with him, before we returned to Nigeria.

“When we returned, we continued the relationship until I became pregnant, and that became a problem between Fela and Ebenezer. Fela took an exception to that, because he cherished the part I played in his band. The two musicians quarreled so much that Fela included Ebenezer in his album ‘He Miss Road’, but over time the quarrel seized.” But another issue came up over the paternity of the baby girl after she was born. “Eb-

“Many young girls just liked to dance for Fela after they saw me dance, but Fela told them: ‘If you can’t dance like Dele, you’re not a dancer”

First Afro beat queen and Femi enezer took good care of me; he got me an apartment at Ishaga, in Surulere, until the baby was born and doing fine.

“When Ebenezer’s father died, one girl from my town, Ruth, accompanied me to Abeokuta for the burial. Ebenezer lodged us in a hotel and behaved responsibly, until one of his managers named Awosika, began to incite him that my baby couldn’t be his, because she was very fair, pointing to Tony Benson – with whom I had a relationship before Obey sent for me.

“I told you my relationship with Fela after we came from the United States was purely business, so I

had a relationship with Tony.

“Awosika continued inciting Ebenezer; others joined him in their suspicion, until Ebenezer suddenly changed his attitude towards me. One day, he called me and said he was not the father of the baby; that Tony Benson is the father. I said ‘okay, if that’s what you have decided, fine.’ Tony Benson didn’t refuse the child. Until she got married recently, my daughter’s surname was ‘Benson’. “When I told Tony what Ebenezer said, he was happy. He said: ‘Bring my baby, I want the baby.’ Because Tony Benson’s father was late, we went to his uncle’s place in Ikorodu. The family received us well, performed

all the traditional rites, killed a goat over Biola’s legs and the child was received into the family.”

More than three decades after, the Queen still respect Ebenezer Obey.

“Since I left Maza Maza for Obiaruku, Ebenezer and I have not met. I learnt later his wife was dead. I would have called to pay my condolences, but I didn’t have his number.”

“By the time many dancers started living with Fela, I had already broken off from Fela. Well after I gave birth to Biola, I still visited the Shrine. Fela and I were still okay. His only cause of anger was that Ebenezer impregnated the star of his band and took her away.

“When Fela moved to Ikeja, I visited the Shrine, which was my first love and my starting point.

Anytime Fela saw me, he would introduce me to everyone and tell them: ‘Men, this is my first dancer, the Afro Beat Queen’, that memory will live with me forever.”

Ayo Dada: Depicting power of womanhood through art CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

of Agbolade called The Carver; “This picture fascinates me because it’s the carver’s job to bring out that which is inanimate into life; so he’s the person who actually gives life to the wooden form, and this artist has so much dexterity that the images he carves, if you look at them with the artist’s eye, they actually look like living beings”.

Dada also showcased the uncommon works of an artist he described as a spectacular young man who is, probably, the hottest thing on stage at the moment;

‘Akanimoh Umoh is his name and one of his works just premiered at the auction and it sold for N500,000. Akanimoh is gifted in the sense that when he works with colours, he does it with dexterity, and he’s exceedingly detailed. In this water colour medium, he shows a woman that’s a guardian of flowers and who uses her energy to shield and enliven her flowers”.

Silas Adeoye is another artist whose work on display spoke volumes. ‘Silas is resident overseas because a lot of people want him to work in their residences; he is somebody who uses a single

broomstick to paint on canvas.

‘Silas created a revolution by producing scenes with just dots; he has a composition with images on dots and the sheer effort alone has a price.’

Genuine Womanhood is the work of the curator himself; it depicts what could pass as abstract art with vivid image of a pair of hands and an arrow swooshing down from space. Dada says of this work: ‘Each of these hands gives a different message. This work entitled Genuine Womanhood shows that the female hand is protecting a male hand much stronger than hers from external

influence; and when a true woman that God made her to be stands on her rights, that is far stronger than a man psychically, and by virtue of that psychic protection she offers the man, she stands in a position to protect him from all dangers seen or unseen”.

Dada gives an instance when a woman says to her husband; ‘I’m not comfortable with that man you’re doing business with’, the husband may not sense it but later on, you’ll find there really is something about the man that you wish you had not done business with, or a wife tells her husband; ‘My dear, don’t travel

till tomorrow; I had a dream’; so if a woman stands in her position she uses her power of sensitivity to shield her home from danger, because she had sensed it and that’s why it is said that behind every successful man, there is a woman’. His other works on display include A cry for the helper which goes for N150,000.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Femi Obateru’s generous lifestyle Femi

Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng

ÏÏÏObat Oil MD, Prince ‘Femi Akinrutan, who is happily married to Folake Akinrutan, is a force to reckon with in the society.

Talking about a billionaire’s son who is humble to a fault, Obafemi’s name will definitely come first as the cool dude who never looks down on his fellow men.

25 Society

Sources within the company attests to the fact that ‘Oga’s son’ is a very generous man who loves to put smiles on people’s faces. Another interesting part of him is that he never, for any reason, move around with security guards, unlike other rich men’s sons who are power drunk.

In case you don’t know, Obafemi is the second son of the wealthiest King in Africa, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinrutan, the Olugbo of Ugbonla kingdom in Ilaje, Ondo State.

PMAN Headship: Pretty vs Hajia Dangaji ...as Hajia fires back!

Opeoluwani Akintayo

ÏÏÏHeadship of

the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has been under a controversial cloud for years down the line, and we wonder when an end will come to the brouhaha.

Since the peaceful era of the old musicians like Sunny Okosuns, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Charley Boy and others ended, the association has been witnessing factions right from the time of Dele Abiodun to the likes of Preddy Wise, Teemac, Kevin Luciano, until recently when it narrowed down to Hajia Dangaji and Pretty Okafor.

Just recently, Pretty called a press conference where he announced that the court, under the Lordship of Justice A. O. Abang of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has declared him PMAN’s Interim President.

According to the judgment, Pretty Okafor will run the affairs of the association for the next 24 months, after which he would organise a fresh election to elect another president for PMAN. He said the new peace in PMAN was made possible by the cooperation of the previous president, Murphy Van-Anthony, alongside Dr. Zee Mc Coy, Dennis Baker, Kenny George, among other peace loving previous exco members.

According to him, the court has dessolved any other fraction, including Hajia Dangaji’s headship of PMAN. Pretty also went ahead to say that PMAN has no organised body and no office of operation, and that since his emergence as

Hajia Dangaji

the Interim President, the association has been operating from his personal office.

This new move by Pretty has sparked even more controversy, as Hajia Dangaji has been spitting fire, saying there was never any court order nullifying her headship, and that Pretty’s declaration was nothing but false.

Reacting bitterly to Pretty’s move, Hajia said she’s still the President of PMAN and that she never received any court order to

Pretty

step down.

“What court order, and where did such a sitting take place without my notice? Don’t mind anyone who is trying to cause trouble in the association because, as we speak, I am still PMAN’s President.”

When quizzed further on the truism behind Pretty’s claims that PMAN doesn’t have an office, she debunked the claim, saying the association now has an office in Abuja.

“Honestly I don’t know where all these lies are coming from because, as I speak with you, I’m in Abuja and I can authoritatively tell you that PMAN has an office in Abuja.”

When quizzed further to know the reason why Pretty has said he’s now the new President, she interjected, saying, “our members know themselves!”

At this point, we ask, is there ever going to be an end to PMAN’s crisis?

Exclusive Opeoluwani Akintayo o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng

9ice

9ice broke after APC primaries? ÏÏÏIf anyone had told us 9ice of all people could venture into politics, we would have sworn by all we had that it was all a cock-and-bull story. Not that we doubted his ability to be a good leader but that he just looked too entertainerish for such as ambittion. But then, it happened!

So, we were down on our knees praying he makes it beyond the primaries, as he contested for the post of Rep in his home town, Ogbomosho North, in Oyo State.

Maybe our prayers would have worked wonders were it not for counter prayers from people like his first wife, Tony Payne, who raised an alarm from the outset that 9ice wouldn’t make a good leader.

Eventually, he lost out and, should we say we were almost in tears for him? Whatever!

And now, updates coming from his camp has it that the Alapomeji label boss is allegedly down and broke, trying so hard to pick up the pieces of his life.

The last we sighted him was at the opening of Mercy Aigbe’s exotic boutique, where he came to perform and was simply a ‘shadow of himself ’.

Y’all know 9ice wasn’t on the fat side in the first instance. So, imagine the shock when we saw him looking pale and gaunt!

Daily Times gathered that the stress of the election eventually weighed down on him, and that he allegedly took some loans, after spending a chunk of his personal fund on his failed political ambition.

We heard his creditors are allegedly on his neck to pay back, the more reason he quickly ran back into the waiting arms of his first love, music.

Society 26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 9, 2015

How my song woke a dying woman – Lara George In what looks like a never-ending chat, because I had to meet up with her on a Sunday evening during a live recording at the Kingdom Africa Studio, Oregun in Lagos, Lara George was practically shuttling between spending time with me and the live recording crew.

Hectic it was for both of us, as she was halted several times at the middle of the interview, attending to issues until the chat finally came to a close. However, the mother of two, a jolly good fellow, handling the hectic situation like a pro, still managed to smile and sometimes give a roaring laughter through it all.

Here in this chat with OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO, she opens up on quite a number of interesting issues from growing up, to the time of KUSH, her career, marriage and all.

Read on!

ÏÏÏYou look good!

Thank you! (bubbling with excitement) How has it been with you lately?

Well, I’m in a very happy season of my life. I just recently released a new single titled ‘Love Wantintin’ which is the lead single off my new album, coming up. The album is also titled ‘Love Wantintin’. So, I’ve been busy promoting that and, yes, I’m very excited about it. The album is to celebrate my 10 years of marriage and I’m very excited right now.

‘Dansaki’ is a really big song now. Did you know the song was going to be that popular? (laughs). When I put it on the ‘Higher’ album, I didn’t have an idea of how big it would become.

I thought it would be another one of the songs in the album. I didn’t know ‘Dansaki’ would be the one everybody will love most. So, it’s a pleasant surprise to me because the song also happens to be one of my favourites on the album. As an ar-

tiste, you’ll never really know what’s going to resonate with the people, you just do your work and put it out there and people will decide which one they love the most.

I also read your tweet about a testimony given by an On-AirPersonality on how the song brought her mom back to life after she went into coma. How did you feel after hearing that your song brought back someone who could have died in the process?

(Blushing) I am totally in awe at hearing that kind of story about my song. For me, it’s just the Grace of God because it’s still a little fantastic and kind of unbelievable. I’ve heard of such things happening, but when it happened with my music I was like ‘is this for real?’ After that, I’ve received so many other testimonies.

People have called me from the UK, from here in Nigeria, from Malaysia, giving me those awesome testimonies all the time, especially on Facebook. It’s not like they are saying it’s the song that sparked the miracle,

Soul E on another prophecy of doom!

Soul E

Lara George but they say that listening to the words of the songs helped them stay connected enough for God to see them through whatever trying times they were going through. Some peo-

ple who had waited on God for children; some who almost had an abortion; some who were going through some kind of sicknesses; some who did Kidney transplant and had is-

ÏÏÏJust like we all look forward to yearly prophesies from Primate Ayodele, gospel singer, Soul E strikes us as someone who wants to take the job of a prophet serious since he started dishing them out in 2014.

Unfortunately for him, almost all the prophecies he doled out last year didn’t see the light of day and, instead of him being taken seriously, the only thing he received was backlashes, especially from his victims- Davido and Wizkid.

Obviously, Wizkid wasn’t poisoned in 2014 and Davido wasn’t involved in any accident, but Aso Rock was indeed on fire.

Now what?

It’s 2015 and the singer-turnedprophet has six doom prophecies.

According to him, Oprah Winfrey, who was reported to be down with breast cancer, may not make it to the end of the year.

He also predicted that the Presidential election will spring up many surprises.

He said: “The Lord told me that

sues with it and, when they listened to the song, God saw them through.

I’ve heard all kinds of amazing testimonies (sober and almost in tears).

You are about the biggest among the members of the defunct group, KUSH. You broke out from ROCK SOLID back in school to form KUSH with Dapo, Emem and TY Bello. I’m sure you had your doubts about becoming this successful when you decided to go solo?

The hope for me when I was going solo was that I would be bigger than where I am today. So, I don’t feel I am where I want to be yet in terms of my goal in music. I didn’t really break out as such. ROCK SOLID was a school fellowship choir.

Even at that, ROCK SOLID released an album which was successful too Yes, we released an album but then, just like people graduate from the choir, I naturally graduated from there and because I had already formed an alliance with Emem, TY, and Dapo, we went on to start the group Kush. Unfortunately, after some years, the group rested, and I had an almost three year break in between when I started doing the regular 9:am-5:pm job before I started my solo career, between 2004-2007.

But the group had its challenges Yes, there were challenges. At the time when KUSH was hot on Nigeria’s music scene, music wasn’t as it is today. It was very challenging for very young three professionals who were fresh graduates from school, with a lot of pressure from the family Yes, especially from your Continued on page 27

this year, the real prophets all over Africa will take over.”

That’s not the end. He said the Queen of England needs to pray, else she’d die this year.

In his words: “Kenya, Cameroon, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt should pray against terrorism.”

And, lastly, he said he saw serious “floods and fire outbreaks around the world.” The best part, “the Lord said this is a year of supernatural wealth for the children of God.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 9, 2015

Maheeda makes shocking 2015 resolutions Maheeds

...will her fans like her decision?

ÏÏÏWe all know self acclaimed Goddess of ‘X’, Maheeda, to be the raunchy and carefree type.

And as a matter of fact, she rocked our 2014 with some of the naughtiest photos.

But it looks like we might not be seeing the Maheeda we knew in 2014 anymore.

That’s because the singer and mother of one has promised to dump her old ways for a new one

27 Society

and…prepare to be shocked by what you’re about to read.

Did you know Maheeda used to bleach her skin? Honestly, we didn’t too! But it’s the fact.

A close source to her revealed that she used to bleach her skin, but has decided to stop it as part of her 2015 resolution.

So, imagine you walking down the street and seeing this dark skinned girl who you thought

looked like Maheeda but, on a second thought, you just passed by, ignoring her.

What this means is that ‘it’s bye bye to the light skinned Maheeda.

We wonder what she’d turn out like now!

Will her fans still like her after she goes back to her natural skin tone?

Anyway, good resolution, though.

every one thing I do, he’s done like a zillion more.

He’s really looking good.

You’re taking good care of him Really? (blushes). Well, I thank God. He’s the size I want him to be.

He’s just perfect.

You go to the gym together?

Yes. We do walks together; we jog, treadmill and swim together.

You said your husband didn’t

propose to you while dating and that the relationship just went from friendship into marriage talks… I remember he said he was going to do something special to cover up for that I’m still waiting for that special thing (admiring her husband).

I know you’d have wished for that romantic please-marry-me kind of thing Of course!

Do you dream of it even after years down the line?

Actually, in retrospect, I realized that he did actually did the romantic kind of proposal but I missed it because I thought he was joking on that day. I actually have a photo of him kneeling down in front of me and asking me to marry him in front of his friends. (Her husband suddenly got up and showed the picture of his proposal, and there was a general laughter). It was on his 30th birthday but when he did this, I thought he was joking.

Look at you here, you were just laughing Yes, I was just laughing! People were there and they took the photo and I just thought he wasn’t serious.

But I can’t see any ring here!

Exactly! There was no ring sef… but the ring came later Look at him here, so slim (laughs). It’s been 10 years, you know.

Oga, you said you were planning something great for her.

What’s that you’re planning? I asked the husband.

She’s not telling the whole world the truth (he replied calmly).

I know (Lara cooed in) I’m still waiting for that great thing he wants to do (she continued).

She’s been telling everyone I’m not romantic (he interjected softly).

I’m sure this picture will vindicate me. (general laughter) So what would you have wished for if he was to do that surprise?

Aahh, let me not put him under too much pressure. I’ll let him be the one to assess the definition of what he thinks I’ll consider special.

It’s been 10 years, you know. Let me leave that one under cover.

What if he gives you another baby!

Another baby keh? How is that a gift (she exclaimed). From who to who? Abeg o!

My husband actually proposed to me – Lara George Continued from page 26 mother Yes, they didn’t understand what we were doing because music wasn’t paying. So, to keep the group going was difficult. That was the main reason each of us started doing other things.

So you went back to working as an architect?

I wasn’t really practicing architecture at that time. I worked in a real estate firm while I was with KUSH but during that three year break, I worked with an IT firm, just a quiet little job on the Island where I didn’t want to be bothered by anybody (laughs).

At age six/seven, you started writing your own songs and saying to yourself that you wanted to please God. A girl of that age should be thinking of playing with dolls, eating and having fun, but you had such a big dream in your little head? (laughs) I had music in my blood But none of your parents was a pro in music!

Exactly. Although my mom had a nice singing voice, none of my family members went into professional music, not even as a hobby. I guess I got my voice from my mom. So, I didn’t have anybody to draw from.

All I know was that I used to dream doing music a lot. I grew up watching a lot of music videos on NTA; I used to watch Eddy Brown, Micheal Jackson and see people screaming and fainting, and I’d be like “yeah, someday I’m going to do concerts like this and attract massive crowds!”

We know that most mothers of musicians are usually the ones

supporting them but yours was different. Your mom was at the forefront of discouraging you.

Why? In the case of my parents, time vindicated me. I understand the concern she had at that time when I just started music.

Was it just about you not bringing in the money?

It wasn’t about the money. She was just concerned about the viability of music as a career. She wanted something I could do, and still be respected. Again, she didn’t want anything that wouldn’t stop me from school. But as soon as I was done, she was relieved because it was easier to let go. And, over time, all of her fears have been allayed because eventually I didn’t become wayward.

As an artiste with your kind of music, do you get shows?

I get invited. My husband manages my affairs, so he arranges everything. On average, I do four events in a month, which is very good. So, I’m actually quite busy and, again, God has brought me to a point where I can bill people and it’s quite competitive. I know it’s not like the million dollars per five minutes show yet, but I’m not doing badly I like the way your husband is here with you. Does he follow you around always?

Sometimes, when he has time.

Today is Sunday and he’s available.

We also work together because we do real estate too. Often times, we synchronize our calendar so that we can work together as much as possible.

I’m glad that he takes time off whenever he can to be with me on a day like this, and that’s important to me Does he get jealous when you

Lara George and husband

Lara George get too much attention, especially from male fans?

My husband is not a musician.

He’s a legal practitioner. He does his own thing and I like that. He’s very confident in himself and so, for him, what makes me happy makes him happy too, and I’ve never had an issue with him where he feels we’re competing because I’m like just one of his ribs (roars of laughter). So, for

Television 28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Black November Black November, a movie by popular Producer and Director, Jeta Amata, hits the cinemas in the United States.

The Nollywood/Hollywood collaboration, which features Akon and Wyclef Jean, is about the Ni-

128 SONY MAX

00:15Unbeatable Banzuke 00:40Unbeatable Banzuke 01:05 Rude Tube 01:35Poorman’s Bikini Beach 02:00 Return To The 36th Chamber 03:40 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke 05:00 Ninja Warrior 05:25 Ninja Warrior 05:50 Cheaters 06:40 World’s Most Amazing Videos 07:30 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

08:30 I Bet You Will 08:55 World’s Wildest Police Videos 09:55 Total Blackout 10:25 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

11:25 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

12:20 Cheaters 13:20 World’s Most Amazing Videos 14:15 World’s Wildest Police Videos 15:15 Video Zonkers 15:40 Video Zonkers 16:10 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

17:05 World’s Most Amazing Videos 18:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 19:00 Killer Karaoke 20:00 Tattoo Nightmares 20:30 Tattoo Nightmares 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 World’s Most Amazing Videos 23:25 Cheaters

ger Delta communities’ struggle against the Nigerian government and a multi-national oil corporation to save the environment, which is being destroyed by excessive oil drilling.

The movie was first premiered at the Kennedy Center in the United States on May 8, 2012. It was also screened on September 26, 2012 during the United Nations General Assembly.

It starts showing from January 9, 2015.

130 MTV

Now showing:

Hotel Majesties

154 AfricaMagic Family

00:15 Scrubbing In 01:00 All Night Session 05:05 #TFIF! 08:20 Pranked 09:05 Punk’d 09:30 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 10:15 Sleeping With The Family 11:05 Teen Mom 2 12:10 Awkward 12:35 Punk’d 13:00 Punk’d 13:25Ridiculousness 13:50Ridiculousness 14:35 Teen Cribs 15:45 Pimp My Ride 16:10 Awkward 16:35 Awkward 17:25Ridiculousness 17:50 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 18:40 Jersey Shore 19:50Ridiculousness 20:15 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 21:05 Geordie Shore 21:55 Geordie Shore 22:45 World Stage 23:30 Are You The One?

00:00 The 5 Brides 00:30 Lies That Bind 01:00 Jara 01:30 Foot Prints 02:00 Kings Of Segou 02:30 Tinsel 03:00 The 5 Brides 03:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti 04:00 Jara 04:30 Tinsel 05:00 Fifth 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 So Wrong So Wright 07:30 Finished 08:30 Jara 09:00 Glam Report

135 BET

252 Silverbird 00:00 Boomtown 00:30 Hollywood Best Directors 01:00 Music Africa 02:00 Boomtown 02:30 STV Sports Café 03:00 Local Movie 05:00 Gospel Rhythms 06:30 Insights For Living 07:00 STV AM News 07:30 Today On Stv 09:30 Triple M Show 10:30 STV Sports Café 11:00 101 Business 11:30 Play Ground

09:30 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 10:30 Channel O Africa: Basement 11:30 Lies That Bind 12:00 Rolling With Faith History 12:30 Doof 13:00 Jara 13:30 Tinsel 14:00 Click Africa 14:30 Foot Prints 15:00 Channel O Africa: Basement 16:00 A Day In Life 17:00 Prem 17:30 Lies That Bind 18:00 Click Africa 18:30 Foot Prints 19:00 Kings Of Segou 19:30 Channel O Superfan 20:00 Goal Diggerz 20:30 Making Of A Star 21:00 Channel O Africa: Basement 22:00 Goal Diggerz 22:30 Complicated 23:30 Jara

12:05 Music Africa 14:05 Reel Entertainment 14:30 This Life 15:00 Dynamix On TV 15:30 Brights 16:05 Nickelodeon 17:00 Young Scholars 17:30 Circle Of Interest 18:02 MTV Base 19:00 STV News @ 7 19:30 Taste of Love 20:00 Dream Movie 21:30 Politicscope 22:00 STV News @ 10 23:00 Smooth DJ Mix

00:00 MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 02:00 106 & Park 03:00 BET Now 03:30 BET Now 04:00 Late Night Heat 06:00 Soul Sessions 07:00 Soul Sessions 08:00 Soul Sessions 09:00 106 & Park 10:00 Centric Comedy All Stars 11:00 Centric Comedy All Stars 12:00 Let’s Stay Together 12:30 Let’s Stay Together 13:00 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 13:30 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 14:00 TBA 15:00 Centric Comedy All Stars 16:00 Centric Comedy All Stars 17:00 Let’s Stay Together 17:30 Let’s Stay Together 18:00 The Wendy Williams Show 19:00 106 & Park 20:00 BET’s Music Matters 21:00 Obama Goes To Ghana 22:00 The Wendy Williams Show 23:00 TBA 23:30 TBA

A new TV soap is in town titled ‘Hotel Majesties’.

Fun lovers can catch up with the series every Monday to Friday at 21;00 CAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DSTV Ch 151).

11:00 E! News

12:00 Live From The Red Carpet: The 2015...

13:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons 14:00 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills 14:30 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills 15:00 E! News 16:00 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills 16:30 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills 17:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 18:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 19:00 E! News 20:00 Live From The Red Carpet: The 2015...

21:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons 22:00 Escape Club 23:00 The Girls Of The Playboy Mansion

124 E! Entertainment Television

00:00 Dr. 90210 01:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 02:00 Giuliana & Bill 03:00 Dr. 90210 04:00 Dr. 90210 05:00 The E! True Hollywood Story 06:00 Macklemore’s Big Surprise 07:00 Extreme Close-Up 08:00 Giuliana & Bill 09:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 10:00 Ryan Seacrest With The Wanted 10:30 Fashion Bloggers

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

EZINWANNEDINAMBA ASSOCIATION OF LAGOS The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Nonso Eriobuna Emmanuel -Chairman 2. Mr Omotola Samuel Ojone 3. Mr Okorie Chukwuma Linus - Secretary 4. Mr. Obi Chukwudi Emmanuel AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To promote peace, unity and love among members 2. Enhancement of mutual understanding and cooperation 3. To inspire and encourage it’s members with view to enhance their status.

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

Signed: Anyanwu. Anyanwu & Co Barr. Maureen Nnenna Nwuzor Anyanwu (Mrs) 703, Lagos Abeokuta Exp. Road, Ijjaiye B/Stop, Americana Shopping Complex Ojokoro, Lagos. Tel: 08033793219

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE NEW GLOBAL GLORIOUS EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF CHRIST The General Public Is Hereby Notified That The Above Named Has Applied For Registration With The Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” Of The Companies And Allied Matter Act 1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Prophet Aliu Oluwa Danjinu Samuel 2. John Godwin Osesede Hunsa 3. Deaconess Deborah Henuho Alimota 4. Jimoh Dossa 5. Deaconess Deborah Gusu 6. Evang Isreal Akonde 7. Moyosore Oluwafeyisetan Esther 8. Alice Iyawosa Missodin 9. Zisu Oluwalaja Elizebeth 10. Evang Ahouanvoedd. S. Samuel AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To win souls for the kingdom of God Any Objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

GLOBAL THINK AND ACT RIGHT INITIATIVE The General Public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

TRUSTEE 1. Ezeude john ugochukwu.

2. Ezeude NNEKA Winifred.

3. Mr. Ejeagba CHIDI. AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, education, skill acquisition, enlightenment programs and creation of job opportunities.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within TwentyEight (28) days from the date of this publication.

GEORGE TURNAH FOUNDATION The General Public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

TRUSTEE: 1. Jennifer Timinipre Turnah. - Chairman.

2. Menizibeya Charles. - Secretary.

3. Elizabeth Charles. - Member.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES To help the less privileged in the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within TwentyEight (28) days from the date of this publication.

DOMINION FIRE CITY CHURCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 TRUSTEE NAMES: 1. Pastor chike ifeonyenacho jerry 2. Pastor lovelyn jerry 3. Mr. Julius nwakasi 4. Mrs juliet johnson 5. Mrs etinimeya selekene 6. Udochukwu ifeonyenacho jerry 7.Anomneze ifeonyenacho jerry 8.Nnajiofor udoka 9. Pastor emmanuel ifeanacho AIM AND OBJECTIVES To spread the gospel of jesus christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Udeogu Obinna Esq

PUBLIC NOTICE SIMEON ODEJIMI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL This Is To Inform The General Public That The Above Named Foundation Has Applied To The Corporate Affairs Commission For Registration Under Part C Of The Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1- Odejimi Isaac Olurotimi- President.

2- Odejimi Samuel Oluwadamilola- Secretary.

3-Oginni Gideon Oluwole-Member.

4-Otitoju Olanrewaju P. - Member.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1- Relieving The Poor.

2- Provision Of Education And Training. 3- Provision Of Foods , Clothes And Shelter To The Needy.

4- Mentoring 5-Advocacy.

6-Micro Financing Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE GET KIDS GOING FOUNDATION. The General Public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

TRUSTEES: 1. Ms. Nneoma Nwokeke - President.

2. Mr. Ejike Nwokeke, 3. Mrs. Marian Nwokeke.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote skills acquisition and talents amongst children.

2. To promote and encourage reading culture amongst children, pupils/ students.

3. To promote the educational welfare of children.

Any Objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Ms. Nneoma Nwokeke - President.

PUBLIC NOTICE RURAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND SKILL ACQUISITION INITIATIVE The General Public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

TRUSTEES: 1. MR. Felix ikechkwu Nkwazema.

2. Barrister chika Nancy Obi. - secretary.

3. Sir. Israel Ekezie. Esq. 4. Mr Gabriel paul uchenna. - president.

5. Mr. Kenneth uchenna obiakor.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1.To promote a better life through skill acquistion.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Barr Kulap Rengkat Wumnokol.

Signed: Secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE

29

Signed: Barr. Obinna Ugwu

PUBLIC NOTICE THE HEIRS PARTAKERS CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990

PUBLIC NOTICE EARTH HEALERS FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies And Allied Matter s Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Opaniyi Mimoyemi Samuel President 2. Ogunba Abimbola Samuel Vice President 3. Ogunba Mary Olufunmilola Secretary

TRUSTEES: 1.Pastor Michael Okekoya 2.Pastor (Mrs) Christiana Okekoya 3.Pastor Ogbeide Kingsley 4.Pastor Odukwe Franklin.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE (1)To Provide Health Care For The Sick (2) To Provide Educational Assistance For The Less (3) To Provide Accomodation For The Needy.

(4) To Provide Feeding For The Needy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the word of god worldwide 2. To win souls for christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE GRACESPRING INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION CENTRE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied For registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. Peter olusegun 2. Victoria enehezeyi peter 3. Abayo olowoporokwu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the word of god worldwide 2. To win souls for christ.

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

Signed: secretary

Privileged

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within TwentyEight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed By: President

PUBLIC NOTICE ADEDAYO QUEENS AND PRINCESS FOUNDATION This Is To Inform The General Public That The Above Named Foundation Has Applied To The Corporate Affairs Commission For Registration Under Part C Of The Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990 The Trustees Are: 1. Oyebade Adedayo Damilola 2.Adeleke Fuminiyi 3. Osoba Gabriel Ajenifuja 4. Omilani Oluseyi Oyeniyi 5. Olayanju Oluseyi Funke 6. Osoba Moyosoore Emmanuel The Aims And Objectives Are 1. To Promote And Protect Social, Political And Economic Equality Of Women Living In Nigeria 2. To Assist Women And Girls Who Are Victims Of Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse And Other Home Based Violence Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed By: The Trustees

30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ABIOLA COURT 2 RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION LAGOS This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters act No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. Adeleye Onibokun 2. Afolabi Folayan 3. Segun Oladipo 4. Olurotimi Awosile

PUBLIC NOTICE

MARIAOM MEMORIAL FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. Hon. Hassan Danagna Mabushi 2. Prince Remmy Ogugua 3. Chief Paul Nwodo

TRUSTEES: 1. Olowoyo Olufunmike Esther.

2. Eniola Olusesan Olowoyo.

3. Hon. Akingbade Isola Olurotimi 4. Olufunmilola Wale-Akindele.

5.Oluwaseyifunmi Oni.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Promotion of good relationship, unity and co-operation among members.

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

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

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied For registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. Ofoni Anthony - Chairman 2. Adaje Francis - Secretary 3. Bisala Danjuma - Treasurer 4. Jama Moses - Fin. Secretary 5. Ambo Timothy - P.R.O 6. Ogbudu Rose - Provost AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To assist indigent farmers in gogbe, kwali area council abuja Through charitable donations of fertilizers, seedling and financial Assistance to boost agricultural production in the area.

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

Signed: Shima M.C. Esq Suite F20 Area A Cornershops Nyanya Abuja.

08037019614

PUBLIC NOTICE

TRUSTEES: 1.Pastor Michael Okekoya 2.Pastor (Mrs) Christiana Okekoya 3.Pastor Ogbeide Kingsley 4.Pastor Odukwe Franklin.

PENIAL HOPE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. Pastor (Dr) Gladys Nwankwo 2. Pastor (Dr) Stephen Nwankwo 3. Mrs Amarachi Pearl Akpotoboro 4. Mr. Lanre Sunmonu 5. Chukwuemeka Nwankwo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To care for the under privileged and raise the standard of Integrity among our teenagers, youths and adults.

2. To send revival fire and deliverance all over the world.

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

Signed: Secretary.

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To support and empower the youth in okpaile community

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

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Signed: Ejeata A.I.Onogho 08053056007

PUBLIC NOTICE

GRACESPRING INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION CENTRE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied For registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the word of god worldwide 2. To win souls for christ.

RESCUS HEART AFRICA FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies And Allied Matter s Act of 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To reach out and care for the less privilege in our society.

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

Signed: Secretary

TRUSTEE NAMES: 1. Pastor Chike Ifeonyenacho Jerry 2. Pastor Lovelyn Jerry 3. Mr. Julius Nwakasi 4. Mrs Juliet Johnson 5. Mrs Etinimeya Selekene 6. Udochukwu Ifeonyenacho Jerry 7.Anomneze Ifeonyenacho Jerry 8.Nnajiofor Udoka 9. Pastor Emmanuel Ifeanacho AIM AND OBJECTIVES To spread the gospel of jesus christ.

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

Signed: Udeogu Obinna Esq

EARTH MOVING PLANTS & EQUIPMENTS DEALERS ASSOCIATION, AKWA ABASI IBOM This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied For registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES: 1) Mr sunday okon udofia 2) Mr linus isong okure 3) Mr kingsley dunstan 4) Akparawa okon bassey imeh 5) Akuku aniekan johnson udom 6) Mrs ofonmbuk victor joseph 7) Mr godwin effiong udoh AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To assist, support and promote the welfare and interest of members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-general. Corporate affairs commission, 420, tigris crescent, Off aguyi ironsi street. Pmb 198, matiama, abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Patrick Chinweike Abuka, 2. CHINENYEM Sopuluchukwu Anyanwu, 3. Mr. Johnson Omenka Chuku, 4. MR. Erhabor Ehondor 5. Pastor Mrs. Veronica Isy Bamidele Ehondor

TRUSTEES: 1. Peter Olusegun 2. Victoria Enehezeyi Peter 3. Abayo Olowoporokwu

DOMINION FIRE CITY CHURCH This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990

PUBLIC NOTICE

TRUSTEES: 1. Ojoga Lucky, (Secretary) 2. Agbanogwe Frank, (Chairman) 3. Olola Gabriel, 4. Ogbudhu Samuel

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the word of god worldwide 2. To win souls for christ

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE HEIRS PARTAKERS CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied For registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 of 1990

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To empower and support women in our society.

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

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOGBE FARMERS ASSOCIATION

INTERGRATED WOMEN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990

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

Signed: Chairman

OSUN PROGRESSIVE ELITE CLUB The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied for registration to the corporate affairs commission under part c of the companies and allied matters act, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alh Olanrewaju Asimi - President 2. Mr Hassan Moshood Adebayo 3. Mr Ayanleke Yemi Samson 4. Mr Oyedele Olasunkanmi - Secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: I.To cater for welfare of members and to foster love and unity amongst members Ii.To develop the mind of understanding and promote respect for one another, to settle differences among members and make visitation.

Iii.To voluntarily contribute, as may be necessary to the progress of all local governments in osun state, to encourage even development and upliftment of our cultural heritage.

Iv.To assist worthy citizens of osun state to develop their skills and promote socio economic freedom and general welfare of the people.

V.The fundamental human rights of the members shall be in conformity with the fundamental objectives in the constitution of the federal republic of nigeria Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, maitama, abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Secretary: Oyedele olasunkanmi

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GET KIDS GOING FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

TRUSTEES: 1. Ms. Nneoma Nwokeke - President.

2. Mr. Ejike Nwokeke, 3. Mrs. Marian Nwokeke.

,

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote skills acquisition and talents amongst children.

2. To promote and encourage reading culture amongst children, pupils/ students.

3. To promote the educational welfare of children.

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

Signed: Ms. Nneoma Nwokeke - President.

PUBLIC NOTICE RURAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND SKILL ACQUISITION INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named initiativehas applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

TRUSTEES. 1. Mr. Felix Ikechkwu Nkwazema.

2. Barrister Chika Nancy Obi. - Secretary.

3. Sir. Israel Ekezie. Esq. 4. Mr Gabriel Paul Uchenna. - President.

5. Mr. Kenneth Uchenna Obiakor.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES. To promote a better life through skill acquistion.

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

Signed: Barr. Obinna Ugwu Kp.

PUBLIC NOTICE GOSPEL OF CHRIST PECULIAR CHURCH This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prophet James Kunle Hephzibah 2. Princess Kemi Hephzibah 3. Mr Oladapo Olatunji 4. Dr Yemi Gbemi Bade 5. Sister Abiodun Ajiyan 6. Evangelist Jane Harrison 7. Evangelist Jimoh Ojo THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To Preach And Teach Gospel Of Christ Worldwide For Sinners To Repent 2. To Proclaim Jesus Christ Ministry For Salvation Worldwide Any Objection To The Registration Should Be Forwarded To The RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja Within 28 Days Of This Publication Signed:Princess Kemi Hephzibah 08027678272 08026717379 34 Egbatedo Street, Oko Oba Orile Agege Lagos

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Ugochi Imma Ndukwu/Ugochi Imma Joe Duru now wish to be addressed as Ugochi Imma Ihedilionye. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Nnachetam Nkeonyelu Stephanie now wishes to be addressed as Agu Nkeonyelu Stephanie. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Oladele Jumoke Roseline now wish to be addressed as Jaiyeola Jumoke Roseline for banking purposes and all other relevant documents. former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Omozusi Juliet Oseghale who now wish to be known as Omozusi Juliet Iyamanbhor . . former documents remain valid.

General Public please take note.

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

GLOBAL THINK AND ACT RIGHT INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named initiative has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “c” of the companies and allied matters act, 2004.

TRUSTEES: 1. Ezeude John Ugochukwu.

2. Ezeude Nneka Winifred.

3. Mr. Ejeagba Chidi.

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PUBLIC NOTICE GEORGE TURNAH FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “c” of the companies and allied matters act, 2004.

TRUSTEES: 1. Jennifer Timinipre Turnah - Chairman.

2. Menizibeya Charles. - Secretary.

3. Elizabeth Charles. - Member.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES To promote youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, education, skill acquisition, enlightenment programs and creation of job opportunities.

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

Signed: Secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE ADONAIS PATH PRAYER MINISTRY 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, 2004.

TRUSTEES: 1. Aliu Steve Zubairu.

2. Ndidiamaka Steve Aliu.

3. Chief Emma Okafo.

4. Jeleel Justice Aliu.

5. Jeol Ezeanya.

6. Onyeabuchi Maraizu.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES To preach the gospel of god and to pray according to the word of God. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Barr Musa Razaaq. Suite o4 , 1st floor, Peace Mass Transti Hqtrs office, Plot 39 Ajose Adeogun street, off Awolowo Road Utako Abuja.

Tel: 08032896405.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AIM AND OBJECTIVES To help the less privileged in the society.

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

Signed: Barr Kulap Rengkat Wumnokol.

PUBLIC NOTICE ABUNDANT LIFE HOLY GHOST APOSTOLIC MINISTRY WORLDWIDE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. Adeoye Dada 2. Oke Obabunmi Victoria 3. Ogundaini Oludolapo Oludare 4. Adeyemi Oluwadiya Peter 5. Ogundaini Adejumoke Elizabeth AIM AND OBJECTIVE To propagate the gospel of jesus christ.

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

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

MARIAOM MEMORIAL FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990

ABIOLA COURT 2 RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION LAGOS This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. Olowoyo Olufunmike Esther.

2. Eniola Olusesan Olowoyo.

3. Hon. Akingbade Isola Olurotimi 4. Olufunmilola Wale-Akindele.

5.Oluwaseyifunmi Oni.

TRUSTEES: 1. Adeleye Onibokun 2. Afolabi Folayan 3. Segun Oladipo 4. Olurotimi Awosile

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Promotion of good relationship, unity and co-operation among members.

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

Signed: Secretary

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss Oluwabunmi Folayemi Ajayi now Mrs Oluwabunmi Folayemi Folayan. All documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I AROGUNDADE DAMOLA ALEX is the same person as AROGUNDADE ISUA. All documents remain valid. General public and Concern authority to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known as Miss Constance Faith Igbinosa.now wish to b known and addressed as Mrs Constance Faith Otojahi. All former documents remain valid.

Accion Microfinance Bank, Lagos. and the General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known as Miss Habiba Nasir Ajanah now wish to b known and addressed as Mrs. Habiba Ajanah-Hamza. All former documents remain valid. University of Abuja, Federal Ministry of Justice and the General public take notice.

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known as Miss TEMITAYO OLAITAN FAGBAMIGBE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs TEMITAYO OLAITAN AKERELE. All former documents remain valid. and the General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss KamilunRukayat Oluwatoyin now wish to be addressed as Mrs Adedokun Rukayat Oluwatoyin former documents remain valid. The general public take note

Signed: Secretary

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE CHANGE OF NAME I formally known as Miss Anuoluwapo Comfort Oni now wish to be known and addressed as Anuoluwapo Comfort Agbojule. All former documents remain valid. and the General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Miss Constance Faith Igbinosa. Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Constance Faith Otojahi.

All former documents remain valid.

Accion microfinance bank, lagos.

And the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known as Miss Temitayo Olaitan Fagbamigbe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Temitayo Olaitan Akerele.

All former documents remain valid.

And the general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The cerfiticate of occupancy ( Cof O) in respect of landed properly situated at Adebowale Street, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, belonging to Mr Samson Adewale Abodunrin and Mrs Ajoke Abodunrin is missing. The said document was issued to them by the Federal Government of Nigeria . General Public should plase note. If found please contact 08033202569.

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Money

s

PMG-MAN boss seeks vibrant petrochemical industry Charles Okonji A Pharmaceutical expert has called for the revamping of the nation’s petrochemical industry stressing that a vibrant petrochemical industry, was globally the precursor for a strong and competitive pharmaceutical sector.

This hint was dropped by Okey Akpa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, SKG Pharma Ltd, who is also the Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN).

He noted that it was high time the Nigeria urgently grew its petrochemical industry, adding that vibrant pharmaceutical sector that meets the critical needs of Nigerians was necessary.

He stated that PGM-MAN was working with government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that the right environment was created for manufacturing industries, stressing that his role as the chairman was to offer leadership and work with his colleagues to make sure the right environment was created.

He said; “World Health Organisation (WHO) certified three more pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria and that brings the number to four. Earlier than now, one had been certified which is SWIS Pharma and presently, you have May and Baker, Evans and Chi Pharmaceuticals. This means that the Nigeria pharma industry has come of age in terms of quality, operational standards and in

terms of good practices.

“The first thing it does is that it opens the horizon for the Nigerian drug manufacturers to compete with the rest of the world in bidding for those items.

What that means also is an endorsement that we can produce quality drugs.”

Akpa noted that he would want to be remembered for a pharma industry that has progressed to global standard, stressing he would also want to be remembered for a pharma sector that was attractive to investors and the industry in general.

He stated that pharma manufacturing companies require some exclusive protection from the government, adding that there must be political will to protect the industry.

“It is critical to the development of the country and the well-being of its citizens, and so government must develop a special interest, and we require a special protection for the industry. This protection is in the area of patronage by government agencies which will encourage us to continue to grow, it is in the area of making sure that local capacity is continuously grown to the level we can say that it is developed. In the area of policy, it requires that 70 per cent of the drugs that are to be used in Nigeria be manufactured locally in Nigeria.” Akpa said.

He urged the government to help realise the critical national objective, saying that national drug objective was what the pharma group is demanding.

Micheal Ikpoki, MTN Nigeria boss

Starting the year 2015 on a good note, telecommunication service provider, MTN has introduced a one-stop package, ‘Better Me’ for its customers.

The ‘Better Me’ campaign was launched on Tuesday, January 7 at a press briefing in Lagos.

The new package which signals a fundamental paradigm

MAN tasks FG on cheap funds for manufacturing activities Joy Ekeke The Ogun State chapter of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to make cheap funds available to manufacturers in 2015.

Mr Wale Adegbite, Ogun State MAN president made the appeal in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Ota. He said that access to cheap funds would boost manufacturing activities in the country.

Adegbite said the recent devaluation of the nation’s currency due to falling oil prices had increased the cost of importing raw materials.

NLC urges AGF to respect the court judgment on JUSUN strike Joy Ekeke

Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, Supervising Minister of Health

MTN introduces ‘Better Me’ package Opeoluwani Akintayo

Briefs

shift not only for MTN but the entire Nigerian ICT/Telco industry, is a move towards maturity in the local ICT industry to promote variety of data based products and services.

Speaking at the launch, a representative from the App developer(Neo-2 Limited), Bayo Adekanmbi, said ‘Better Me’ is moving from Telco 1.5 to Telco

2.0 which is characterised by full scale focus on data and digital services leveraging the power of the internet.

He further explained that the ‘Better Me’ campaign will show how ordinary Nigerians can use the power of the internet to do extraordinary things in ways that make for a better life in all sorts of ways.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and state Attorney-Generals to respect the court judgment that favoured financial autonomy to judiciary workers in the country.

The call was contained in a statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Dr Peter OzoEson, issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

The statement quoted OzoEson as saying that financial autonomy for the judiciary was non-negotiable.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2014

33 Money

No cause for alarm over investments in Ikeja Hotels- SEC

A banner on the gates of Sheraton Hotel Lagos displaying the court injunction barring the hloding of a shareholders Extraordinary General Meeting on January 6.

FG to clear NNPC’s Right-of-Way of illegal structures Augustine Aminu The Federal Government has warned those who encroached on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) right-of-way to vacate such locations.

The Public Affairs Manager of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr Nasir Imodagbe, stated this in Abuja.

Imodagbe said government was set to clear all structures obstructing the oil pipelines’ “Right of Way” across the country.

He said the mandate of PPMC was to clear obstructions to secure the company’s right-of-way.

The spokesperson, who decried the high level of encroachment on the right-of-way, said that there would be no compensation for anyone whose struc-

ture is demolished.

He said that those encroaching on the stretch were illegal occupiers of government land because they had no approval from government before they built on the pipelines’ right-of-way.

He explained that oil pipelines passed through the way and that no structure was expected to be on it.

“Any structure on it is illegal,” he said.

He said demolition had already been carried out on the stretch in Lagos and some areas in the northern part of the country.

He said those who encroached on the company’s right should therefore stay clear and not wait for the demolition team to arrive.

While stressing that government was poised to reclaim the entire oil pipelines right of-way, he stressed that the aim was to stem the activities of vandals on the pipelines.

He said the plan was also to keep those areas safe for lawabiding citizens and to safeguard installations and infrastructure built with tax payers’ money.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday assured shareholders of Ikeja Hotels Plc of the safety of their investments in the holding company and its subsidiaries.

SEC, the nation’s apex capital market regulator, said there was no cause for alarm in the holding company’s ongoing board tussle.

Mr Obi Adindu, Communications Adviser to SEC DirectorGeneral, gave the assurance in Lagos.

Adindu said that the commission was keenly monitoring developments at the company and would soon engage all parties involved in line with the commission’s investors’ protection mandate.

“We are monitoring developments at Ikeja Hotels Plc very closely and engaging in line with our investor protection mandate.

“All this is with a view to making the necessary interventions that will forestall erosion

of shareholder value,” Adindu said.

Shareholders of the Ikeja Hotels Plc, were on Tuesday morning, forced to hold their Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) outside the hotel’s premises as the gates were shut against them despite paying N500,000 for a hall space in the hotel.

Daily Times had earlier reported that the shareholders were shocked on arrival at Sheraton hotel Ikeja, the venue of the EGM on January 6, to find a banner displaying a court injunction from an Abuja high court barring them from holding the EGM, prominently displayed on the gates of the hotel and security personnel on orders preventing them from entering the premises.

Daily Times gathered that the shareholders decided to call for an EGM to address gross irregularities by the management and Board of Ikeja Hotel Plc, which includes, Sheraton Lagos, Sheraton, Abuja, federal palace hotel and airport hotel both in Lagos.

Short News Lagos discos warn staff over illegal disconnections The two electricity distribution companies in Lagos State, IKEDC and EKEDC yesterday urged consumers on prepaid meters to report any member of their staff who unlawfully disconnects them from the national grid.

The discos warned that such a staff member could be dismissed if found guilty.

They said it was wrong for any of their officials to do so because such consumers were on pay-as-you-consume.

Mr Pekun Adeyanju, the Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Ikeja Electrics (IK), urged consumers to report any of such case to the nearest business unit within the area.

Adeyanju said that such a worker would be punished according to the law if found guilty after proper investigation.

He added that it was uncalled for, for any of its staff member to assume a house was on analogue billing whereas the house had pre-paid meter.

DMO to raise three bonds worth N73bn Ugochukwu Onyeocha The Debt Management Office (DMO) says it will raise N73 billion worth of bonds in three categories on January 14.

The DMO disclosed this in its Website yesterday in Lagos.

According to the DMO, the three categories of bonds will are 20 years, 10 years and five years bonds.

It said that the three bonds would be issued in N24 billion, N25 billion and N24 billion respectively.

It said the bonds would ma-

NNPC pipelines

ture in July 2034, March 2024 and April 2017 respectively.

The DMO said that the bonds would open in 12.15 per cent, 14.20 per cent and 15.10 per cent respectively.

It added that the settlement date for the three bonds would be on January16.

The DMO said that all the bonds could be re-opened if there was any need.

NITEL/MTEL: Preferred bidder makes part payment of N12.7bn

Auto 34

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2014

AUTO CLINIC

Seatbelt Effectiveness

ÎÎÎBelts work as a restraint for

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport on display

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport –a legend re-invented ÎÎÎThe

Land Rover Discovery Sport is the replacement for the Freelander, and is set to go on sale in 2015. The Land Rover Freelander will be killed off early next year, and replaced by this new Land Rover Discovery

Sport, a seven-seat SUV that will kick-start a new family of models sold with the Discovery name.

Prices will start slightly up on the current, ageing model, but Land Rover says the additional cost is justified by the design,

technical and practical improvements made on the Discovery Sport. Rivals include the Audi Q5, Hyundai Santa Fe and Volvo XC60.

The Discovery Sport has been designed to be the most versatile

Behind the wheel ÎÎÎThe only engine available

initially is an 188bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine denoted as the Discovery Sport SD4. It produces 310lb ft of pulling power and gives the car a 0-60mph time from 8.4sec. This model is available only with four-wheel drive, but nonetheless average fuel economy is 46.0mpg while CO2 emissions start at 162g/ km, depending on whether the engine is linked to the ninespeed automatic gearbox or six-speed manual. The current Freelander powered by the SD4

engine averages 40.4mpg and emits 185g/km.

However, the SD4 powertrain will be replaced as soon as mid2015, by a more efficient turbocharged diesel called eD4. This new engine, part of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium engine range, will emit from 119gkm of CO2, suggesting an average economy figure of around 47mpg. It will be available with a nine-speed automatic gearbox or six-speed manual.

This power unit will be available with two- or four-wheel

Back view of the car drive models.

Additionally, Land Rover says the Discovery Sport has been optimised for use off-road. In

car in its sector, yet retain the premium quality for which Land Rover is known. It is 9cm longer than the Freelander, at 459cm, 7cm of which has been used to make the middle row of seats truly spacious.

particular, it highlights the car’s 60cm wade depth and the four settings of its Terrain response system: general, grass/gravel/snow, mud and ruts and sand. Other standard off-road aids available include hill descent control, roll stability control, dynamic stability control, traction control and engine drag torque control.

The steering is also electrically power assisted, reducing fuel consumption and allowing the introduction of an option for a self-parking function where the car steers itself into a parallel parking space or parking bay.

vehicle occupants both by keeping them in their cars during a crash and by lessening the impact of a crash. During a crash, three distinct forces occur. The first is the force of the vehicle colliding with another object.

The second is the force of the occupant’s body colliding with the interior of the vehicle.

The third is the force of the occupant’s body organs colliding against the body’s skeletal structure. A seatbelt functions to stop the occupant with the car, preventing the body from continuing to travel at the car’s original speed after the car has stopped. The seatbelt also spreads the deceleration energy over the larger, stronger parts of the body, namely, the pelvis, chest, and shoulders, which are more able to absorb the energy without sustaining injury.

According to traffic safety researchers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts reduce a person’s chances of dying in a crash by 45 per cent and being injured by 50 per cent.

Seatbelts also prevent total ejections from a car during a crash, an important factor in preventing fatalities, since 75 per cent of car occupants who are totally ejected during a crash are killed, according to NHTSA. Several independent studies have shown that seatbelts also reduce the severity of injury: the odds of serious injury for people not wearing seatbelts are four to five times greater than for people who are belted.

In short, research has repeatedly demonstrated what is now widely known: seatbelts save lives and prevent injury.

Seatbelts also reduce the cost associated with motor vehicle crashes, the most costly and fatal form of unintentional injury.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

35 Auto

Inside of 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport

On the inside ÎÎÎIn

the centre of the Discovery Sport’s dash there’s a new eight-inch screen that uses phone-style dragging, scrolling and swiping functions to move between functions and screens.

The main screen controls functions such as the audio, climate, telephone and navigation controls, while other options including turning the car into a wi-fi hotspot or displaying off-road or economy data. Sat-nav is standard on SE Tech models and above.

The Discovery Sport’s infotainment system is also optimised for use with smartphones.

As an option, downloadable apps will allow owners to perform tasks such as summoning the emergency or breakdown services through the touch-screen, or to track their car if it is stolen.

Also, two phones can be linked at once; one to make calls and one to stream music from.

Buyers have a choice of three audio systems: SE models get a 10-speaker system, while HSE models have an 11-speaker system. Buyers also have the option of a more advanced infotainment system, which includes a more advanced sat-nav system, a dual-view screen system, so

ÎÎÎLand

Rover describes the interior seating arrangement as 5+2 rather than a full 7-seater, because the rearmost seats are for occasional use only; they’ve been designed around an average 15-year old.

As standard the middle row of seats can be reclined, slid

back and forward by 16cm, and can be split 60:40. They are also 5cm higher than the front seats, to give passengers a better view.

Climate control for the front two rows of seats is standard, while buyers can specify air-con for the rearmost seats, as well as additional 12V and USB sockets

New technology

so that passengers can use their electronic devices.

The four trim levels are called SE, SE Tech, HSE and HSE Luxury. The highlights of SE include half-leather, climate control, 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors and heated seats. SE Tech costs £1500 more and adds

a touch-screen sat-nav, front parking sensors and a powered tailgate. HSE adds a further £3600 for full leather, a panoramic roof, reversing cameras and 19-inch wheels, while HSE Lux adds £3600 for premium leather, climate-controlled seats and the automatic parking function.

AUTO CLINIC

Inflatable Seat Belts ÎÎÎIn

Inside of 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport a passenger can, for instance, watch a DVD while the driver sees the sat-nav.

Among the safety features are ABD automatic braking, which uses sensors to detect potential impacts and automatically apply the brakes to stop the car from speeds up to 32mph, or reduce impact speeds at up to 50mph. The same system also gives audio and visual warnings if it detects a possible cause of a collision, such as a row of stationary traffic. Additional to the standard roster of airbags, the Discovery Sport also features a new pedestrian airbag

system which triggers from the base of the windscreen when the car detects a significant front impact at between 15 and 30mph.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport goes on sale on January 22 2015. Initial demand is expected to be strong because of the traditional appeal of new Land Rover models, plus the inherent improvements over the outgoing Freelander. However, the decision to launch the car with an engine that will be replaced around six months after its launch is likely to prompt many buyers to wait for the more efficient unit.

2009, Ford announced that they would be offering inflatable seat belts in the rearseating positions of the Ford Explorer SUV. Since that time, Lincoln, Lexus and Mercedes have also offered inflatable seat belts in some of their models.

The seat belts are disgned to deploy in the event of a frontal or side impact crash over the occupant’s torso and shoulder. They are designed to reduce pressure on the chest and help control head and neck motion. The increased diameter of the inflatable belt will spread crash forces over five times more area of the body. As more drivers buckle up, the social costs associated with motor vehicle injuries decline. NHTSA estimates that between 1975 and 2000, seatbelts saved over 135,000 lives -- 12,000 in 2000 alone. If all vehicle occupants used seatbelts, over 9,000

additional lives could have been saved in 2000.

Seatbelts first appeared in American automobiles in the early 1900s. With few other cars to collide with at the time, seatbelts were popular not for their role in crash protection but because they kept occupants inside their cars during bumpy rides.

Global business 36

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Standard Chartered axes retail jobs in cost cut push Standard Chartered chief executive, Peter Sands, moved aggressively yesterday to reverse the Asia-focused lender’s fortunes by closing the bulk of its global equities business and announcing 4,000 job losses in retail banking.

The bank said in a statement that it is dismantling its stock broking, equity research, and equity listing desks worldwide, leading to 200 job cuts as it exits an unprofitable business in which it had failed to build scale.

In its retail banking division, Standard Chartered said it has cut or announced the cutting of 2,000 jobs in the last 3 months, and plans to ax a further 2,000 over the course of this year.

The move forms part of a cost-cutting plan the bank announced last October that is targeting $400 million in savings this year, as it tries to bounce back after seeing its share price slump more than 40 percent over the past two years.

Falling commodity prices and a slowdown in growth in many of its core emerging markets ate into Standard Chartered’s earnings during 2014, with the bank hit by a surge in bad loans and rising regulatory costs. It also took a $175 million hit from a suspected commodities fraud in

China’s Qingdao port.

The bank said the retail job cuts should save $200 million in costs this year, while the closure of the equities business should result in $100 million of savings in 2016.

“Management is continuing with their rationalization process and no unprofitable sacred cows have been left untouched,” said Christopher Wong, a senior investment manager at Aber-

deen Asset Management Asia.

Bankers in Standard Chartered’s equities division in Hong Kong arrived yesterday to find they were locked out of the office, while some in Singapore were escorted from their workplaces.

The decision to exit equities marks a reversal in strategy for the bank, which had been hiring staff in the division as recently as October last year.

“It’s a logical step.

Standard Chartered

Japan seeks to sell jet to UK as Abe pushes arms exports

A sub-hunting jet Japan is asking Britain to buy its P-1 submarine-hunting jet in a deal that could top $1 billion, a major step in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to arms exports after decades of self-imposed restrictions, people with knowledge of the proposal said.

Britain has not formally decided it will buy new maritime patrol planes, having canceled an order for nine built by BAE Systems in 2010 due to delays and cost over-runs, and the P-1, made by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, would face stiff competition from Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon, the three sources said.

Japanese officials raised the issue of London buying the P-1 to replace the British-made Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, which was retired in 2011, when they met their UK counterparts to discuss defense-equipment cooperation at the Farnborough Air Show near London in July, the sources said.

After Abe eased curbs on military exports in April, his Defense Ministry has been looking to tap foreign markets for its cocooned weapons makers, includ-

ing potential deals to sell subs to Australia and seaplanes to India. A P-1 sale to Britain would be Japan’s first major military deal outside the Asia-Pacific region.

Abe wants Japan’s defense suppliers to move into the global arms market through tie-ups that will help bring down procurement costs and strengthen the nation’s military to counter China’s growing military might.

Even if Britain doesn’t buy, the P-1 could benefit from being treated as a genuine contender.

“If the UK gives it serious consideration, then the P-1 will garner attention internationally,” one Japanese source said.

“It has potential customers beyond the UK, like New Zealand, Norway and Canada, with large maritime areas,” said UK consultant Simon Chelton, a former BAE Systems Plc executive and defense attache at the British Embassy in Tokyo.

“We are considering a number of options in regard to defense equipment sales, but we don’t comment on specific deals,” said Japanese Defense Ministry’s spokesman Hirofumi Takeda.

Samsung records first annual profit fall in three years Global smartphone leader Samsung Electronics Co Ltd , yesterday confirmed expectations for its first annual profit decline since 2011, although a pickup in the fourth quarter hinted that earnings may have stabilized in the short term.

The South Korean tech giant lost market share for three

Sansung Building

consecutive quarters up to JulySeptember, and analysts say the trend likely continued in the October-December period thanks to competition from Apple Inc’s new iPhones and cheaper Chinese rivals like Xiaomi Inc [XTC.UL].

“I think the company will show a turnaround,” said CIMB

analyst Lee Do-hoon, pointing to the positive outlook for Samsung’s foundry and display panel businesses this year.

Samsung said its fourth-quarter operating profit is likely to be 5.2 trillion won ($4.74 billion), beating a mean forecast of 5 trillion won from a Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S survey of 44 analysts.

The outlook means Samsung’s 2014 profit will probably be 25 trillion won, the weakest in three years, although it marks a rebound from the thirdquarter’s 4.1 trillion won profit which was the firm’s lowest quarterly result in more than three years. The company is ex-

pected to release its annual results around the end of January.

Samsung shares were trading 0.5 percent higher as of 0310 GMT, compared with a 1.1 percent rise for the broader market.

“There were concerns about the mobile division but it looks like the won’s recent weakness against the dollar and the Galaxy Note 4 impact helped,” HMC Investment analyst Greg Roh said, referring to solid sales of Samsung’s latest flagship phone.

“I expect profits to continue improving through at least the second quarter of 2015.”

The company did not provide a breakdown of its earnings figures in Thursday’s outlook,

but a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters that components sales picked up across the board, with healthy demand for memory chips and higher liquid crystal display panel prices.

The mobile division’s contribution to Samsung’s profit has slipped from about 68 percent at its peak in 2013 to about 44 percent in the third quarter, as its high-end offerings lost out to Apple’s iPhones. Meanwhile buyers in booming emerging markets like China have opted for cheaper devices rather than Samsung’s flagship Galaxy series.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 9, 2015

Today in History

37

s

1952 Truman warns of Cold War dangers

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1952 Truman warns of Cold War dangers In his 1952 State of the Union address, President Harry S. Truman warned Americans that they are “moving through a perilous time,” and calls for vigorous action to meet the communist threat.

Though Truman’s popularity had nose-dived during the previous 18 months because of complaints about the way that he handled the Korean War, his speech received a standing ovation from congressmen and spe-

1984 1984 The Hillside Stranglers Angelo Buono, one of the Hillside Stranglers, was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the rape, torture, and murder of 10 young women in Los Angeles.

Buono’s cousin and partner in crime, Kenneth Bianchi, testified against Buono to escape the death penalty.

Buono, a successful auto upholsterer, and Bianchi began

cial guest Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Truman spent much of his speech addressing foreign policy concerns. The primary focus was on meeting the communist challenge. The president declared that the United States was confronted with “a terrible threat of aggression.” He also pointed with pride to U.S. action in meeting that threat. In Korea, combined U.S. and United Nations forces “turned back the Chinese Communist invasion;” elsewhere in Asia, U.S. assistance to its allies was helping to “hold back the Communist ad-

The Hillside Stranglers their serial crime spree in 1977 when Bianchi moved from New York to live with his cousin.

They started talking about how the prostitutes that Buono often brought home would hardly be missed by anyone if they disappeared. Idle speculation quickly led to action and the pair raped and strangled their first victim, Yolanda Washington, on October 17.

Within a month Buono and

vance;” and in Europe and the Middle East, the fight against Soviet expansion was also ongoing.

Truman was particularly proud of the Point Four program, which provided U.S. scientific and technical assistance (such as in the field of agriculture) to the underdeveloped world, claiming that it helped “feed the whole world so we would not have to stomach communism.” There could be no slacking of effort, however, since the Soviet Union was “increasing its armed might,” and with the Soviet acquisition of atomic bomb technology, the world was still walking “in the

Bianchi had attacked three other women and developed a trademark method of operation.

They picked up the women in their van, drove them back to Buono’s house where they were sexually assaulted in all manners, tortured, and strangled to death. The duo then thoroughly cleaned the bodies before taking and posing them in lascivious positions on hillsides in the Los Angeles area, often near police stations. Thus, they earned the nickname the “Hillside Strangler.” The press assumed that it was the work of one man.

shadow of another world war.”

Truman’s speech was a stirring rebuttal to domestic critics like Senator Joseph McCarthy, who attacked Truman’s “softness” on communism. Perhaps such criticism contributed to Truman’s decision not to run for re-election. Adlai Stevenson ran as the Democratic candidate, but he lost the election to Dwight Eisenhower.

1972 Fire breaks out on Queen Elizabeth The ship Seawise University (formerly the RMS Queen Elizabeth) sank in Hong Kong Harbour despite a massive firefighting effort for over two days.

2007 Steve Jobs debuts the iPhone

2007 Steve Jobs debuts the iPhone Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone—a touchscreen mobile phone with an

iPod, camera and Web-browsing capabilities, among other

The Queen Elizabeth, named after the wife of King George VI, was launched on September 27, 1938; at the time, it was the largest passenger steamship ever constructed. When World War II began, the Queen Elizabeth was sent to New York to protect it from German bombs.

There, it was docked next to the Normandie and the Queen Mary, the other two largest passenger ships of the time.

Later, the Queen Elizabeth was called into service as a troop transport ship, carrying nearly 1 million soldiers during the war. Following the war, the ship returned to commercial service and became one of the dominant transatlantic carriers, hauling thousands of people back and forth between England and the United States.

In 1968, the ship’s owner, the Cunard Steamship Company, sold the Queen Elizabeth to a company that sought to turn it into a tourist attraction and hotel in Philadelphia. However, the aging ship was deemed a fire hazard and two years later it was sold to Hong Kong businessman C.Y. Tung, who wanted to use the ship as a floating college. It was renamed Seawise University and sent to Hong Kong Harbour for refitting.

On January 8, fire broke out on the ship and virtually the entire Hong Kong fire fighting force turned out to try to save it.

Despite heroic efforts over two days, the old ship turned on its side and sank to the bottom of the harbour. Fortunately, no one was killed.

features—at the Macworld convention in San Francisco. Jobs, dressed in his customary jeans and black mock turtleneck, called the iPhone a “revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone.”

When it went on sale in the United States six months later, on June 29, amidst huge hype, thousands of customers lined up at Apple stores across the country to be among the first to purchase an iPhone.

38

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 9, 2015

Our heritage

s

‘Awolowo’s statue gave me fame but not money’

What’s your educational background?

My name is Adeola Balogun. I was born in Ota, Ogun State. I had my elementary school in Lagos, while my postprimary education was in Ota. I attended the Yaba College of Technology and University of Benin, Edo State for my tertiary education.

You sculpted the popular Obafemi Awolowo monument in Allen Avenue roundabout in Lagos. What inspired the gargantuan work?

The inspiration came from the need to immortalise the sage because of his great legacies.

And I am happy the work did that because when the younger people eventually see the sculpture, they will be able to relate it with what they might have read in history books about this great man. The size is 10 feet while the pedestal is nine feet. The pedestal was constructed on an elevation, so if you add it to the statue, it will also give you 10 feet.

In what year was it unveiled?

It was unveiled in 1999 at the Allen Avenue roundabout by former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The defunct Gulf Bank commissioned

me to do the project, after the first one was destroyed by an extremist.

Sculpting the statue of Chief Obafemi Awolowo would be any artist’s dream.

How did you feel about it?

(Laughter). I feel very humble and happy each time I see it, because my name is on it. The first statue there was destroyed.

Moves were made to restore it, but there was much delay. One day, I passed by that roundabout and saw that it had been washed with gold. It was obvious that those who commissioned the restoration work were not pleased with the outcome so somebody recommended me and I was commissioned to do the present statue.

What was the original medium you used for the work?

I used acrylic copper. I didn’t just pour everything because I like to highlight some areas. But somebody, who must have been commissioned, changed it.

Who maintains the roundabout environment?

Like I told you, the defunct Gulf Bank that commissioned me for the work, was maintaining it. I don’t know who took over, probably, it is the Ikeja Local Government Council, that

10ft statue of Pa Awolowo at allen road by Balogun

actually proposed that the work should be there.

You said the initial monument was destroyed, why?

Yes, within a period of two years, there was a constant attack on the monument by extremists. Initially, they destroyed the two hands, before it was eventually brought down by the same attackers. I hope it never happens again.

What was the reaction of people on the day it was mounted?

Yes! Everyone around was happy and supportive, especially, the so-called area boys. The support we got from them was tremendous. While awaiting the crane and the work was still lying on the ground at Allen Avenue roundabout, people started gathering around us asking for what to do to assist us, I think it was because of the respect they have for Chief Obafemi Awolowo. They didn’t even ask us for any gratification especially, the ‘miscreants’ around. They were all elated that this was what they were expecting because it looked like ‘Baba’, they all assisted in the installation because of their love for Awolowo.

Are there other public monuments you have executed?

In Lagos I have done two, outside Lagos, I have many public works that I have mounted. I also have one in my hometown, Ota, I have one of the late Brigadier Ademulegun.

What is your description of a public monument?

When it comes to public monuments, they are controversial, but they are less controversial especially where the people can easily connect with the work.

For instance, if you look at words by Auguste Rodin, you see what I am saying. Since his death, it is still generating controversy. What Rodin did was to interpret the character of a man in the piece but people did not see it that way, so they condemned him.

Oguntokun’s Prison Chronicles for Terra Kulture Sunday

After much preparation, The Prison Chronicles a dramatic satire of a country and its interesting populace, would begin showing in Terra Kulture this Sunday at Terra Kulture, plot 1376 tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos starting from 3 and 6pm.

Written by playwright Wole Oguntokun, Prison Chronicles is a tale of four prisoners whose chaotic, sometimes hilarious and often absorbing life stories is a metaphor of the everyday events people encounter . In spite of their crimes, the prisoners share their smelly Cell Block B, (which is christened

Scene from the play

Adeola Balogun, a sculptor and scholar, carved the 10foot imposing monumental statue of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo at the Allen Avenue roundabout, Ikeja, Lagos. He bares his mind to Agozino Agozino, saying the work made him popular but did not give him money.

Balogun

‘Heart Break Hotel’ by the warder), with two unlikely guests -hopes and dreams.

Daily conversations between the prisoners go hand in hand with their cleaning chores, which they spice up with song, dance and delicacies from the warder’s wife.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 9, 2015

E-mail

39

Islamic art museum for Kano Emirate

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

Book on tax law practice in print AETA publishers Nigeria limited, a company reputable for publishing tax laws reports has released the 10th edition of the Tax Law Reports of Nigeria (TLRN) and the second edition of the The Tax Law Journal TLJN edited

by Maxwell Ukpebor, a legal practioner One main problem facing the practice of taxation in Nigeria today is that there is no easy method pronouncement by courts on notable provisions of the country’s tax laws. In view of this, the company periodically compiles and reviews cases on tax laws that will be of benefit to the individual tax payers, companies doing business in Nigeria, tax practitioners, accountants, legal practitioners, foreigners, foreign investors, and teachers and students alike.

Echoes of the masters Obiora Udechukwu More than any other artist, Obiora Udechukwu has assumed the mantle of leadership after Uche Okeke, developing and expanding Nsukka aesthetic horizons and becoming an influential art teacher. Born in Onitsha in 1946, where he grew up, his parental home is in nearby Agulu. He studied for a year at Ahmadu Bello University before he served in the Biafran War. Udechukwu completed his bachelor’s and master’s of fine arts degrees in 1972 and 1977, respectively, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. During the Biafran War (1967-70) Udechukwu created somber pictures of suffering and death.

Our heritage

Front view of Gidan Makama museum, kano.

As part of its commitment towards preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) had requested the permission of the Kano Emirate to establish an Islamic art museum at the defunct British Council’s premises in Kano.

The Director-General of the commission, Malam Yusuf Abdullahi, made the request when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.

According to him, the decision to establish the museum was to reinforce the status of Kano as a city of Islamic heritage as declared by the Islamic Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) in 2012.

The director-general said “as the chief custodian of the collective heritage of Kano people, we solicit your permission to collaborate with the emirate council in the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of Kano.

Mr. Tenor, others set MUSON aglow New Year begins at the Lagos MUSON Centre with a thrilling classical music concert that left the audience breathless, writes AGOZINO AGOZINO

Watching a classical music show is an elitist pastime, you may quarrel with that reality but there it is. The Musical Society of Nigeria, (MUSON), has been set up principally to promote the performance of serious music with emphasis on classical music and it is just the case that every now and then a concert, a theatre production, an exhibition is hosted at the highbrow centre at the Agip Recital Hall, Onikan Lagos, and attended by enthusiasts.

Last Sunday, January 4, a oneday thrilling concert put together by Joseph Oparamanuike popularly known in the classical music scene as Mr. Tenor set the MUSON aglow.

The event which also featured two other performers, Fatima Anyakeme, Mezo Soprano and a guest artiste, Ranti Ihimoyan, soprano, with Princewill Ubani on the piano, literally, brought the hall aglow as the performers showcased their prowess in vocal rendition.

Though Oparamanuike has long been performing professionally, the outing was his first on his return to Nigeria after finishing his master studies in Scotland and he left the hall fulfilled with his sterling performance.

The night was served in two sessions, with an intermission.

The session was largely made up of compositions by such masters as R. Rodgers, G. Bizet,

2010 Oparamanuike and his group has Year: 2010 Since organised yearly concerts in Lagos F. Tosti, C Gounod, Elton John, Ayo Bankole, and L. Bernstien .

Such numbers as If I Loved You, Pres Des Rampart De Seville, Ideale, Je Veux Vivre, From Deep Within the Temple, Can You Feel The Love Tonight?, Ja Itanna T’O Ntan and Tonight were part of the renditions.

The show session, which was replete with hymns, allegro and waltz also had such numbers as Che Gelida Manina, Si Mi Chiamano, O Soave Fanciula, Baby It’s Cold Outside, The Impossible Dream, Somewhere, Akpata, All I Ask Of You, Hier Soll Ich Dich Denn Sehen and Auld Lan Syne.

It was an event of gusto performances. The first act of the night came in two straight numbers, If I Loved You and Languir Per Una Bella.

Both numbers were rendered by the veteran Anyakeme and Oparamanuike. It was moving that organist, Princewill Ubani’s dexterity on the organ engulfed and ‘hypnotised’ the hall.

His performance was greeted with resounding applause.

One of the remarkable performances during the second session was the duet by Oparamanuike and the soprano, Ranti Ihimoyan in O Soave Fanciula.

The two were extraordinary in

their vocal force. Their flexible rise and drop of pitches and ability to sustain their voicing in giddy tempo made the audience savour every bit of their performance.

“We are happy to make it again this year. It is a wonderful opportunity. The essence of the concert is to sustain what we started in 2010, to have a concert every year where lovers of good music will come and have a good feel. I am happy that we have sustained the event. That is why you see that many of us are very happy participating in this event,” Oparamanuike said after their presentation.

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Akpom, Aja PDP set to take Anxiety over over Kwara, says Saudi King’s yi’ s Eagles Oyedepo availability health risesP13 P17 uncertain PX3 Anxiety over Saudi PDP set to take King’s health rises

AJAYI’S

EAGLES www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR AVAILABILITY https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts dailytimesng UNCERTAIN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Tunji Abayomi

VOL. 1. NO.20

Business

PMG-MAN boss seeks vibrant petrochemical industry P32

The 1992 Saudi Basic Law of Governance stipulates that rulers be selected from among

Price: N150

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to make cheap funds available to manufacturers in 2015.

State MAN president made the appeal in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Ota.

tion dictates they be among the so-called “Sudairi seven,” ibn Saud’s sons by his wife Hussa

fund ing activities in the country.

The law also states that that on the death of the King, the Crown Prince will succeed him,

valuatio rency due to falling oil prices had increased the cost of im porting raw materials.

quired oaths of allegiance from religious clerics, tribal chiefs and emony with early Islamic roots.

The education and learnings of Muhammadu Buhari ÎÎÎThere appears to be a

General Buhari is well educated.

This is why he thinks well, speaks well, reads wells and interacts well on national issues

great anxiety by some to assert and spread wrong conclusions arising from my two previous notes on the education of General Buhari. I have not said General Buhari did not attend Primary or Secondary Schools. He did.

What I said and stand on, is that section 131(d) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution focuses not on certificates but on education.

I repeat, for the avoidance of doubt, a certificate where available may well prove the education level of the citizen desirous of becoming President, but without it, he can still meet the education qualification by other modes of proof.

General Buhari met that proof before the eminent men and woman of the APC Screening Committee (A.S.C) He did that by affidavit evidence under oath and by interaction and reaction. The Screening Committee

justly and rightly concluded that “he has been educated up to at least school certificate level or equivalent.

Those who refer to the disqualifying provisions of section 137(i) (j) … “he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission “ to affirm that the Constitution requires a certificate are plainly wrong. In section 137 (1) (j) a citizen contestant who makes a false representation (“forged certificate”) to INEC stands disqualified.

A citizen who presents no certificate cannot be disqualified by a “forged certificate”. The interest of section 137(1) (j) is in truth or falsehood not certificate.

Now my argument is not that General Buhari was or was not educated.

It is that with all the certificates of any contestant, all that the constitution plainly requires in

section 131(d) is a show that he has been educated up to the school certificate level or its equivalent not any particular certificate.

General Buhari is well educated. This is why he thinks well, speaks well, reads wells and interacts well on national issues.

All you need do is listen to him in live interviews or conversation. Only yesterday I listened to the inspiring interview he gave when Nigeria turned 50.

General Buhari attended Primary School in Daura/Maiaduwa (1948 – 1952), Middle school, Katsina (1953 – 1956), Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College), Katsina (1956 -1961) Nigerian Military Training School, Kaduna and Cadet Officer Course Aldershot UK (1963) Platoon Commander Course, Military College Kaduna (1964), Army Transport School, Bordan, UK (1965), Defence Service

Staff College, Wellington, India (1973-1974), U.S Army War College (1979 -1980).

General Buhari also displays an impressive Professional carrier. He was Platoon Commander (1964), Battalion Adjutant / Commander (1967) Brigade Major (1970), Commander, 31st infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (1972), Colonel, General Staff, 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters (1974) Military Governor, North East State (1976) Commissioner for Petroleum and Energy Resources (1976), Chairman, NNPC (1978), Military Secretary, Army Headquarters (1979), Member, Supreme Council (1979), GOC, 4th Infantry, 2nd Mech. Infantry, 3rd Armoured Division (19811983), Head of State and C-O-C (1983-1985), Chair PTF (1994-1999). I have only mentioned a few.

In addition to the above learnings, he has re-

ceived impressive honors among which are, to mention a few, GCFR, CFR, Defence Service Medal, Congo Medal as well as D.Sc/LL.D (honoris causa) of the Univ. of Bauchi, Ilorin, Enugu State, Calabar, and Benue State.

The APC Screening Committee is expected to make intelligent decision within the context of the qualification requirement set out in section 131(d), that is, to decide whether General Muhammadu Buhari “has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

The APC Screening Committee rightly and intelligently decided that with or without the presentation of any certificates, his written profile, supported by his deposition put it beyond doubt that he has been educated beyond School Certificate Level or its equivalent.

The phoenix

rises

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Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI

XT Exclusive

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NIGERIA MAY DROP OUT OF FIFA TOP 50 IN FEB

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Friday, January 9, 2015

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Poster!

Nationality: Date of Birth Place of Birth Current Team: Previous Teams:

Trophies Won:

Arsenal:

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Arsene

CONTROVERSY DOMINATES JUVENTUS

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French October 22, 1949 Strasbourg, France Arsenal (Premier League) Nancy-Lorraine (1984-87), Monaco (1987-94), Nagoya Grampus Eight (1995-1996) Monaco: 1988 French League

1998 Premier League 1998 FA Cup 2002 Premier League 2002 FA Cup 2003 FA Cup 2004 Premier League 2005 FA Cup

Philosophy: “I believe the target of anything in life should be to do it so well that it becomes an art.”

Even though he has a degree in Engineering and a Master’s degree in Economics, football is what this 66-years chose as his profession. He is currently manager of Arsenal and has been there since 1996. He has earlier managed 3 other clubs including AS Monaco. He is fluent in French, German and English and also speaks a bit of Japanese, Italian and Spanish.

Wenger

‘GHOST GOAL’

GOLF BEGINS NEW YEAR WITH 3 EVENTS TO KEEP AN EAGLE EYE ON

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Nagoya Grampus Eight:1995 Emperor’s Cup 1996 J-League Super Cup

ARSENE WENGER

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Friday, January 9, 2015

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The best time of his life has certainly been spent at Arsenal. Not only that but Arsenal’s best time of their history has been under Arsene Wenger! Before joining Arsenal he was rejected by AC Milan for looking too much like a schoolmaster! They would later have been wishing had they accepted him as he won Arsenal the League in his first season in charge!

Earlier in his life he tried out as a football player also. He appeared for numerous small clubs and even made an appearance in the UEFA Cup but he paid more attention to his education rather than his playing career. After getting his Master’s in Economics though, he moved back to football and coached a local junior squad after obtaining a manager’s dimploma. He moved to a couple of clubs before moving to AS Monaco. He was a relatively unknown even when he was manager there but winning the League with them certainly raised his image. David Dein was the man who had the most faith in him an so appointed him as Arsenal’s manager. At Arsenal he has achieved milestones that no other manager has been able to. He led the team to the prestigious Double in his first 18 months as manager and repeated the same feat four years later. He also managed his team to a whole League season unbeaten, a feat that has not been achieved by any other top football manager yet. He has created football legends all by himself. Its Arsene Wenger’s special ability to spot talent and then nurture it. From Anelka to Bergkamp to Henry to Fabregas, Arsene Wenger has created some of the worlds best footballers in their time. In recent years he has developed Arsenal into a team that plays football the way its supposed to be played, the beautiful football! He has made Arsenal into the most delightful club to watch. Be it their beautiful slick passing game or the extremely talented youngsters being nurtured by him, Arsene Wenger is truly a legend. A legend not only of Arsenal but of football. He has undoubted passion and love for the game which has led him to great heights. Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houlier said “Arsene Wenger has the ability to eat, talk, sleep and drink football, and then come back for more.” He is admired by friends and foes alike for his exceptional managerial ability.

AKPOM, AJAYI’S EAGLES AVAILABILITY UNCERTAIN X7

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WIGGINS LAUNCHES HIS OWN CYCLING TEAM X2

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Friday, January 9, 2015

EXTRATIME

CAF Awards

NIGERIA MAY DROP OUT OF FIFA TOP 50 IN FEB W

ith the latest Fifa rankings seeing Nigeria remain at 43rd in the world, it may be the last month for a while that the Super Eagles remain in the top 50.

With the Super Eagles not participating in the African Cup of Nations finals, you can expect to see major jumps for

other African countries over the next month.

Points at major tournaments like Afcon have a significant higher value than for any friendlies that Nigeria may play in.

There are a number of African teams who are at the finals not far behind Ni-

geria, including Mali at 49th, Zambia at 50th, South Africa at 52nd, the DRC at 57th, Congo at 61st, Gabon 62nd and Burkina Faso at 64th.

Good performances from any, or all, of these teams at the tournament could see them leapfrog Nigeria.

CAF, GLOBACOM EXTEND ABU D ABI FRIENDLY: OSAGUONA, THREE OTHERS MISS ABU DHABI TRIP PARTNERSHIP DEAL …As Eagles Depart For Friendlies

Idu Jude Abuja

R

angers International of Enugu striker, Christian Osaguona Ighodalo, was the surprise exclusion from the Super Eagles team to the two international friendly against Cote D’Ivoire on January 12 and Sudan January 17.

Others who did not make the cut are Ammel Angel Wilfred of Kogi Unted, another Rangers star, Chinedu Udeaga and Mighty Jets central defender, Ahmed Idris, who was a late replacement for injured Kano Pillars ‘big man’ in defence, Zango Umar.

In a statement issued by the Super Eagles media officer Ben Alaiya, Assistant Coach, Dan Amokachi, explained

…Obuh Sure Of Team’s Success

that Ighodalo, was not fit enough and the other players who were battling for positions with him were simply better.

“Recall that I did say to the world and especially to the players that only 19 of them will make the team and current form and not names will form the basis of selection, that was exactly what happened in the case of Osaguona”, he declared.

The national team made up of wholly professional players from the Nigerian league are expected to depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday night for the United Arab Emirates via an Emirates Airline.

Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, said all necessary details for the trip have been worked out for the six-hour trip to UAE.

T Amokachi

he Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and telecommunications giants, Globacom on Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria, extended the sponsorship contract for the CAF Awards.

The renewed partnership will see Globacom remain as the headline sponsor of the annual CAF Awards until 2018.

The signing ceremony took place on the eve of the 2014 Awards Gala with CAF President, Issa Hayatou penning

for the continental football governing body and Mrs Gladys Talabi, Globacom’s Executive Director of Legal Services for her outfit.

“Today’s event will ensure that the symbiotic relationship which started about ten (10) years ago between CAF and Globacom is sustained for another four years. With this agreement, we wish to reiterate our commitment to further stimulate and inspire the growth of football in our treasured continent,” Mrs Talabi said.

Friday, January 9, 2015

EXTRATIME

AKPOM, AJAYI’S

EAGLES Y T I L I B A L I A V A UNCERTAIN

E

nglish Premier League club Arsenal have remained coy on the availability of Chuba Akpom and Semi Ajayi for Nigeria’s exhibition games against Côte d’Ivoire and Sudan in the United Arab Emirates later this month.

The Nigeria Football Federation had previously stated that both youngsters and ex-Switzerland youth-teamer Steven Ukoh were in line to make their official debut for the Super Eagles.

While the Sporting Director of FC Biel-Bienne, Stefan Freiburghau, has confirmed to this website that Steven Ukoh has the blessing of the club to travel to Abu Dhabi, Arsenal are unlikely to release Akpom and Ajayi.

“If there is any information regarding the invitation of both players by the Nigeria Federation, we will pub-

FAVOURITES FOR AKWA JOB

F lish it on the official website and make it available to the public,” an Arsenal spokesman, Richard Lewis, said.

Though Semi Ajayi, 21, previously turned out for the Flying Eagles, he remains eligible to represent England as the games were unofficial.

On the other hand, striker Chuba Akpom, who plays for Arsenal’s Under 21 squad, has appeared more than 30 times for England youth teams.

Chuka

FOOTBALL RESTARTS IN LIBERIA AS EBOLA INFECTION RATES FALL

A

s the numbers of new Ebola patients falls off dramatically in Liberia, with just eight new infections reported in December 29 to January 4 reporting period, the Liberian Football Federation has announced the resumption of competitive matches “with immediate effect,” marking a major milestone in the impoverished country’s struggle against the deadly disease which has killed at least 3,471 people in Liberia.

Musa Bility, the president of the Liberian Football Association, made the announcement that football activities would restart in tandem with a Liberian government announcement that schools would reopen in February for the first time in six months. Bility urged that players keep in mind the preventative mea-

UDOH, OBUH

Weah sures to halt the spread of Ebola.

The Liberian Football Association called a halt to football in the country in late July 2014, early in the battle against the disease when only 127 deaths had been recorded, with the authorities and football stars such as George Weah helping to raise awareness of the threat.

FIFA, working in conjunction with the

United Nations, provided aid to the nations hardest hit by Ebola, including the use of its solidarity fund to support the member associations of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. In Liberia, FIFA offered up the use of the new stadium in Monrovia for two Ebola treatment centres, crucial in the battle against the disease.

ormer Akwa United technical adviser Patrick Udoh and exEnugu Rangers gaffer John Obuh are frontrunners for Akwa United’s top job.

Udoh guided the Promise Keepers to safety finishing the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season as 16th best on 51 points.

An unnamed official of the side said the picture on who would be technical adviser of Akwa United will be clearer on Wednesday.

“Many coaches have indicated interest to fill the vacant position of technical adviser but the decision on who becomes the head coach will be clearer or known on Wednesday.

“The management is working hard to ensure the assignment is concluded in good time to allow the new person ample opportunity to

hit the ground running.

“Right now the immediate past technical adviser, Patrick Udoh, and coach John Obuh are on everybody’s lips as possible candidates for the top job.

“However, nothing is certain yet until the management makes their pronouncement. Whoever is chosen must have earn the right on merit as the management wants the very best for the side,” said the source to supersport.com.

Only eight of the retained 18 players showed up in camp on Monday at the new resumption date for the upcoming season after the Yuletide and New Year holidays.

Akwa United have already placed 17 players on the transfer market while they hope to shop for additional 15 quality legs for the new season.

MIKEL TURNS

DOWN MOVE TO AC MILAN

C

helsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has reiterated that his immediate future lies in London, with reports strongly linking him with a January move to AC Milan.

The Rossoneri manager, Filippo Inzaghi, wants to add another midfielder to his squad, and has beamed his searchlight on the experienced Super Eagles star.

However, Mikel has insisted that he will not be joining another team in the winter transfer market, stressing that he will weigh up his options in the summer. ‘’For now, Mikel is remaining at Chelsea. It is true AC Milan are interested in him. He doesn’t have the mind of changing clubs in this window,’’ one of Mikel’s representatives said.

Mikel

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Friday, January 9, 2015

EXTRATIME

Arsene

Wenger

6

6 6 Nationality: Date of Birth Place of Birth Current Team: Previous Teams:

Trophies Won:

French October 22, 1949 Strasbourg, France Arsenal (Premier League) Nancy-Lorraine (1984-87), Monaco (1987-94), Nagoya Grampus Eight (1995-1996) Monaco: 1988 French League

Nagoya Grampus Eight:1995 Emperor’s Cup 1996 J-League Super Cup Arsenal:

1998 Premier League 1998 FA Cup 2002 Premier League 2002 FA Cup 2003 FA Cup 2004 Premier League 2005 FA Cup

Philosophy: “I believe the target of anything in life should be to do it so well that it becomes an art.”

Even though he has a degree in Engineering and a Master’s degree in Economics, football is what this 66-years chose as his profession. He is currently manager of Arsenal and has been there since 1996. He has earlier managed 3 other clubs including AS Monaco. He is fluent in French, German and English and also speaks a bit of Japanese, Italian and Spanish.

The best time of his life has certainly been spent at Arsenal. Not only that but Arsenal’s best time of their history has been under Arsene Wenger! Before joining Arsenal he was rejected by AC Milan for looking too much like a schoolmaster! They would later have been wishing had they accepted him as he won Arsenal the League in his first season in charge!

Earlier in his life he tried out as a football player also. He appeared for numerous small clubs and even made an appearance in the UEFA Cup but he paid more attention to his education rather than his playing career. After getting his Master’s in Economics though, he moved back to football and coached a local junior squad after obtaining a manager’s dimploma. He moved to a couple of clubs before moving to AS Monaco. He was a relatively unknown even when he was manager there but winning the League with them certainly raised his image. David Dein was the man who had the most faith in him an so appointed him as Arsenal’s manager. At Arsenal he has achieved milestones that no other manager has been able to. He led the team to the prestigious Double in his first 18 months as manager and repeated the same feat four years later. He also managed his team to a whole League season unbeaten, a feat that has not been achieved by any other top football manager yet. He has created football legends all by himself. Its Arsene Wenger’s special ability to spot talent and then nurture it. From Anelka to Bergkamp to Henry to Fabregas, Arsene Wenger has created some of the worlds best footballers in their time. In recent years he has developed Arsenal into a team that plays football the way its supposed to be played, the beautiful football! He has made Arsenal into the most delightful club to watch. Be it their beautiful slick passing game or the extremely talented youngsters being nurtured by him, Arsene Wenger is truly a legend. A legend not only of Arsenal but of football. He has undoubted passion and love for the game which has led him to great heights. Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houlier said “Arsene Wenger has the ability to eat, talk, sleep and drink football, and then come back for more.” He is admired by friends and foes alike for his exceptional managerial ability.

Friday, January 9, 2015

EXTRATIME

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Friday, January 9, 2015

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Italian Serie A

‘GHOST GOAL’

CONTROVERSY DOMINATES JUVENTUS BUNDESLIGA:

WERDER BREMEN TRACKING JUVENTUS MIDFIELDER

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erman strugglers Werder Bremen have identified Juventus outcast Luca Marrone as a potential January signing in a bid to strengthen their side.

The 24-year-old midfielder-cum centre-back is yet to feature under boss Massimiliano Allegri and may seek a move away from the Bianconeri in an attempt to gain some playing time.

According to Sport Bild, Werder Bre-

men have been monitoring the former Sassuolo man and are keen to secure the services of the Juventus youth product.

Reports also suggest that French outfit Evian Thonon Gaillard are keeping tabs on the youngster should he decide to leave Turin.

The Italy Under-21 star made 15 appearances for the Neroverdi last season but returned to his parent club for the start of the current campaign.

Astori

S Marrone

GLADBACH HIT OUT AT BAYERN MUNICH TRANSFER POLICY

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Stuttgart Szczesny

ladbach club’s sporting director believes that the reigning Bundesliga champions are harming German football by snapping up young players before they can develop elsewhere.

The Bavarians recently announced the capture of Stuttgart youngster Joshua Kimmich after previously bringing in players such as Sinan Kurt from Gladbach and Mitchell Weiser from Koln.

Eberl feels that German football would

be better off if talented youngsters were to develop into key players at their boyhood clubs before potentially moving on for a greater transfer fee.

“I’m not sure whether it actually benefits German football when you sign up promising youngsters before they are ready,” he told Rheinischen Post.

“Young players could also make a name for themselves elsewhere before making the move to Bayern.

econd-placed Roma closed the gap on leaders Juventus to one point when they won 1-0 at Udinese amid controversy over whether Davide Astori’s header had crossed the line after it bounced down off the underside of the crossbar.

After months of listening to AS Roma bicker about the refereeing in the controversial match in September, Juventus have turned the tables following Tuesday’s so-called ‘phantom goal’ for their rivals.

Second-placed Roma closed the gap on Serie A leaders Juventus to one point when they won 1-0 at Udinese amid controversy over whether Davide Astori’s header had crossed the line after it bounced down off the underside of the crossbar.

Although photographs seemed to indicate the ball had crossed the line, the referee’s decision to over-rule the goal-line assistant and award the goal

gave Juventus all the ammunition they needed.

“In recent weeks, (Roma coach Rudi) Garcia has continued to talk about Juventus-Roma, forgetting about all the incidents that have gone in Roma’s favour,” Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta said.

“If the referee is a human being, that means he came make mistakes. You have to accept the rules of the game and Roma should do that as well.You cannot blame the failure to win the league title on a refereeing mistakes, over the years there are incidents that go for you and against you,” he added.

Juventus beat Roma 3-2 in September in a stormy match which featured two controversial penalties for the hosts and one for the visitors. Roma also claimed Juve’s winning goal should have been disallowed for offside.

Roma’s win has prompted more calls for Serie A to use goal-line technology.

Friday, January 9, 2015

GOLF BEGINS NEW YEAR WITH 3 EVENTS TO KEEP AN EAGLE EYE ON

P

redictions are a dangerous business, especially in

golf.

How many could have guessed that Tiger Woods, No. 1 in the world and coming off a fivewin season, would play in only nine tournaments, finish only four of them and plunge to No. 32 in the world because of injuries?

Or that Bubba Watson, who had gone 38 events without winning, would finish 2014 as highest-ranked American?

Instead, the start of a new year at Kapalua allows a look into the future not what will happen, but the five events that hold the most anticipation.

THE MASTERS: Already the highlight of any year, this will be the first time since 1991 that a player showed up at Augusta National with a chance to complete the career Grand Slam. That was Lee Trevino. And it wasn’t much of a chance. Trevino was 51, and he never seriously contended at Masters.

Rory McIlroy is 25.

Not only has Boy Wonder captured the last two majors, he probably should have had a green jacket by now. He had a four-shot lead going into the final round in 2011 before he imploded into a series of blunders on his way to an 80.

The only potential distraction is his day in court over a lawsuit involving his former management company. The trial is scheduled for February.

Tiger If history is any indication, don’t read too much into his form during the road to the Masters. The last time one player faced so much scrutiny at the Masters was Woods in 2001 when he was going for an unprecedented sweep. Woods heard whispers that he was in a slump because he went six straight tournaments without winning at the start of the year. Woods then ran off three straight victories, culminating with another green jacket and his place in history.

THE U.S. OPEN: There are more compelling elements at the U.S. Open than the Masters. But the U.S. Open doesn’t whet the public’s appetite in the cold of winter with the Masters commercial that made you wish April could get here tomorrow.

WIGGINS

LAUNCHES HIS OWN CYCLING TEAM

F

MAYWEATHER SHOWS OFF EXPENSIVE PLANE

W

CYCLING

ormer Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins is launching his own cycling team as he prepares for the 2016 Olympics.

The British rider announced on Thursday that the team to be launched this spring will be named Wiggins and sponsored by his current outfit Sky. The team will also be supported by the British cycling federation.

The 34-year-old rider is aiming for an eighth career medal at the 2016 Rio Games to become the most decorated British Olympian, and said he will also try to beat the Hour Record in the summer. The record involves riding as far as possible in an hour in a velodrome.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist became the first Briton to win the Tour in 2012. He will continue to ride for Sky until the end of April.

BOXING

EXTRATIME

BA/WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr isn’t letting the stress of his tough negotiations with Team Pacquiao get to him for their proposed mega-fight on May 2nd. Mayweather is still enjoying himself with his expensive cars, houses and in this case his plane.

Mayweather took to Twitter on Monday to show off his plane and eight of his super expensive cars. The price tags on the vehicles alone are out of this world expensive and beyond the reach of most people.

Pacquiao recently lashed out on Mayweather on his social media site in response to Mayweather showing his fabulous wealth. Pacquiao said “Floyd brags about his lifestyle and everything. I don’t care. I’m just waiting for him to sign the contract!”

Some boxing fans would say that Pacquiao does care about Mayweather showing off his wealth, because the way that Pacquiao worded his tweet could be interpreted annoyance based on envy/jealousy.

Whatever is eating at Pacquiao, he needs to let Mayweather show off his possessions if he wants to.

Mayweather is just giving his fans what they want by him showing the things h e owns

and the way he lives. He’s not just a boxer, he’s also a businessman and obviously a highly intelligent one.

If Pacquiao stays patient and doesn’t overreact during the negotiation process by drawing a line in the sand in terms of the money split, then the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight negotiations could go smoothly with it quickly resulting in them signing for the fight. But if Pacquiao becomes impatient, and unwilling to give in to Mayweather’s offers, then we can pretty much forget about the fight taking place because Mayweather will no doubt move on rather than letting a B-side fighter ask for too much of the money pot.

FIA’S NEW LICENCE SYSTEM MAY LOCKED SCHUMACHER OUT

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he FIA’s new super licence points system would even have locked Michael Schumacher out of F1.

Apparently reacting to the controversial debut this year of 17-year-old Max Verstappen, the sport’s governing body will clamp down hard on the qualifications for the mandatory F1 driving credential in 2016.

But as the details of the licence points system for junior categories emerged this week, some calculations show that many of the sport’s top names would have fallen foul of the FIA’s tough new criteria for experience. Writing in Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, correspondent Tobias Gruner calculated that someone like Nico Hulkenberg, having won F3 and GP2 titles, would have collected almost three times the necessary 40 points for his F1 debut.

But Daniel Ricciardo, on the other hand, would have seen his 2011 debut

CRICKET

BANGLADESH;

PACER HOSSAIN BEHIND BARS IN RAPE CASE

A

FORMULA ONE

denied, despite collecting experience in Formula Renault, F3 and the World Series. Also locked out of F1 at the very beginning of their careers would have been the highly-respected veterans Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button, who went on to win world championships.

Gruner added: “And since a DTM title counts for nothing, former Force India driver Paul di Resta also would not have got his super licence.”

And if the 2016 system had applied at the end of 2009, the great seven time world champion Michael Schumacher would not have been allowed to return to F1 the following year for Mercedes, Auto Motor und Sport continued.

That is because the FIA is requiring even former F1 drivers to have contested at least 5 grands prix in the past season, or 15 grands prix in the previous three years.

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magistrate in the capital Dhaka, delivered the order after actress Naznin Akter Happy lodged a complaint of ‘rape’ and a ‘false promise of marriage’ against the cricketer last month.

Bangladesh medium fast bowler Rubel Hossain, who has been named in the nation’s World Cup squad, was reportedly behind bars on Thursday after he was remanded in custody over alleged charges of raping an actress.

A magistrate in the capital Dhaka, delivered the order after actress Naznin Akter Happy lodged a complaint of ‘rape’ and a ‘false promise of marriage’ against the cricketer last month.

The court’s decision has put a huge question mark over Hossain’s appearance in the World Cup that starts in Australia and New Zealand next month after selectors shortlisted him in the 15-man squad last weekend, the Dawn reported.

Deputy commissioner of Dhaka police Anisur Rahman said that the metropolitan magistrate court rejected Hossain’s bail plea, adding that the cricketer was sent to prison pending the next hearing of the case.

No date has been set for the next hearing of the cricketer. The fast bowler has rejected the accusations of rape or making a marriage proposal, saying Happy was trying to ‘blackmail him’. He also ruled out marrying the actress.

Hossain has played 22 Tests for Bangladesh and taken 32 wickets. He has also taken 69 wickets in 53 ODIs including a hattrick against New Zealand, the report added.

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EXTRATIME

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The Bafana Bafana team

MASHABA BOASTS BAFANA BAFANA WILL MAKE 2015 AFCON FINAL

afana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba believes that they can win the 2015 Afcon in Equatorial Guinea as they are one of the best on the continent and raring to go for the tournament.

Speaking at the team’s departure for Gabon where they will be having one last preparation for the finals on Wednesday at the OR Tambo International Airport, Mashaba is of the opinion that they will contest the Afcon final in Bata on February 8.

“We are coming back after the 10th (February) after the final is played. We have packed our bags expecting for a long stay there,” Mashaba said.

“In 1996 we set the standard that we are championship material. With this team we are trying to revive that spirit and show that we are one of the best,” Mashaba said.

Bafana take on the continent’s top side in Algeria on January 19 in Mongomo, and Mashaba has since taken a swipe at them, but added that all teams in Group C are difficult customers.

“All the teams are equal. When they say the group of death it gives us motivation it will be good to beat the number-one team on the continent.

“I have told the players not to fear anybody, because we have no reason to feel inferior. The boys are ready. The players know why they are here and they know what it means to wear the Bafana jersey,” Mashaba said.

The national team will then take on Senegal and Ghana on January 23 and 27th respectively, all in the same town of Mongomo.

CHAN 2016: RWANDA KEEN TO HAVE NEW HOTEL READY

LA LIGA:

Atletico Mounts Pressure On Rift Ridden Barcelona In-form Atletico Madrid will aim to pile pressure on a Barcelona side reeling from a rift between coach Luis Enrique and star player Lionel Messi in a crunch La Liga clash on Sunday. It was an all-or-nothing match last time the two sides met at the Camp Nou in the final game of last season with a draw giving the visitors the title.

Now while the stakes are not as high, a negative result could have a major impact on the future of Luis Enrique. It is a perfect time for Diego Simeone’s Atletico side to face Barca who have failed to convince this season and are embroiled in a supposed rift between Luis Enrique and Messi.

The pair are believed to have almost come to blows during a training session last Friday and then had a heated argument after Sunday’s La Liga defeat

by Real Sociedad. That result left champions Atletico level with Barcelona on 38 points, one less than leaders Real Madrid who also have a game in hand of their two title rivals.

Appiah Happy To Make Ghana’s Final AFCON Squad

R

wanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) has announced that the 4 star hotel it is set to start constructing will host some teams during the African Nations Championship (Chan) next year.

Fifa will provide Rwf2bn ($2,896,640) grant which is half the budget as part of the Fifa Goal project development programme aimed at helping developing countries establish infrastructure and facilities towards the growth of the game.

According to the Ferwafa president Vincent Degaule Nzamwita, the hotel will be four-storeyed with 88 rooms and will be built on the piece of land next to the Ferwafa headquarters in Remera, currently occupied by Rwanda Police.

“We shall approach banks and different stakeholders like the Ministry of Sports and Culture to help us fund the other half which is Rwf2bn,” Ferwafa spokesman Moussa Hakizimana revealed.

Construction is set to start next month as the football governing body awaits Rwanda Police to shift so that

Appiah

FERWAFA president Vincent Degaule Nzamwita work can commence in order to beat the December deadline.

Hakizimana is quite skeptical about the timeline, “Sometimes projects like this one can take a while longer and may not be ready by January but we shall try and keep on track.”

The hotel is expected to reduce on the expenses that the Ministry of Sports spends on national teams during

residential training or visiting national teams.

Ferwafa is also expected to use the hotel for commercial purposes to generate income for different football activities.

Fifa has sponsored several projects in Rwanda including the construction of the Ferwafa Headquaters in Remera, which was the first project in 2001. Six

years later, the Fifa Goal Bureau supported the installation of an artificial turf at the technical centre to help improve the facility used by several teams for training.

Fifa then spearheaded the establishment of a football academy in 2008 which later played a crucial role in Rwanda’s qualification for the 2011 Fifa U-17 World Cup in Mexico.

Striker Kwesi Appiah is happy to have made the final cut in Ghana’s 23man squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Appiah posted on his official Twitter account: “Delighted to have made the @ghanafaofficial 23 man squad for #AFCON Let the hard work continue!!

At age 27, the on-loan Cambridge United player is about to start his international career.

Appiah was a shock inclusion in Avram Grant’s provisional 31-man squad but the forward justified his callup with some decent performances in training.

He scored on his debut on Wednesday night as the Black Stars beat Portuguese second-tier side Olhanense.