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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014 VOL. 1. NO.6

N150

Boko Haram slaughters captives 6

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Map showing the spread, and threat, of Boko Haram around the region.

Photo: AP

The orchestra of the Apostolic Faith Church, Anthony Village, Lagos, at the yearly Christmas carol ... yesterday

Presidency defends N1.05bn donation by PDP governors 6

Photo: Bolaji Olasunkanmi

Amaechi, Wike trade words over alleged N3.5b contract scam Daniel Okon, Port Harcourt

Amaechi

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ivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, on Sunday accused former

Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, of bolting away with over N3.5 billion state money for unexecuted road and school contracts.

However, Wike, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has repeatedly denied CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Editorial

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Imbibing the lessons of Christmas

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n Thursday, December 25, 2014, the world will be marking Christmas Day with all the fanfare that have become its hallmark.

The day has been set aside in Christendom to mark the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, Judea more than 2,000 years ago. As is usual with this season, the atmosphere has suddenly turned boisterous, as people of all ages and even faiths engage in a frenzy of commercial and social activities. Sadly, it is this aspect of the celebration that is slowly stripping the occasion of its reverence and meaning.

Many now worry that it has become too hedonistic and devoid of its religious significance. Unfortunately, Nigerians will be marking this year’s Christmas like those of the preceding three years under the shadow of the menacing insurgency by the Boko Haram sect, especially in the North east of the country. The insurrection, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives and displaced about 1.5 million persons, is a grim reminder of the perilous times in which the citizens and country are living. Such nightmare has been compounded by rising unemployment, collapsing infrastructure and general sense of despondency due to the increasing parlous economy. This is why we urge that this year’s Christmas be a time for soul searching and not subsumed in the banal and epicurean race to overindulge in the consumption of food and drinks only.

Definitely, Christmas celebrations are times for sober reflections. It is also a period when the leaders and the led should take stock of the journey so far and what lies ahead. Regrettably, there is

a yawning gap between our leaders and the ordinary citizens. At no time in Nigeria’s history have its political and economic fortunes been so circumscribed by violence, disunity and corruption. There is no denying the fact that the country today is at the cross roads with ethnic irredentism and religious bigotry being the order of the day. As the general elections for next year approach, the forces of division will become bolder and more daring. Pathetically, the picture remains grim and frightening. That is why we are imploring all Nigerians, irrespective of religious creed, political affiliations and ethnic origin to embrace this season of peace which Christmas entails. They should also imbibe its universal message of love and understanding.

The Bible teaches that while on earth, Jesus Christ went about preaching the good news to Jews and gentiles alike.

Even at that, he admonished his disciples to spread the gospel to all corners of the globe. That message was meant to bring hope to the hopeless, the downtrodden and the oppressed. On the contrary, the message preached by Jesus Christ is yet to be embraced by Nigerian leaders who are busy appropriating the nation’s commonwealth for personal use. The country’s politics is no better. The just concluded party primaries go to show how combustible the political landscape has become. For long, Nigerians had looked forward to the day when civilised political discourse would replace the present regime of crude threats and hooliganism by our politicians and their hirelings. It is therefore pertinent that politicians use this period of Christmas to reflect on the state of the nation, and see how their actions are negatively contributing to its arrested development.

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Deputy Editor

Deputy Head of Operations

Managing Editor

Head of Operations

Head, Sales & Marketing

Editor

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Noel Anosike

Gabriella Osamor Yinka Olujimi

Yemi Ogunsola

Innocent Nwankwo Bisi Abidoye

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (right) and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, when the latter visited him at his residence in Ibadan.

Photo: OYO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Any people that is starved with books, especially the right type of books, will suffer intellectual malnutrition, stagnation and atrophy – The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo

We will not fail to play our fatherly role of guiding our people aright, which will bring about enduring peace in Igboland and the entire country – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Fela didn’t die of HIV/AIDS…don’t let them deceive you. It was government that killed Fela. Soldiers gave him injection by force when they detained us at Doddan Barracks… Many soldiers pushed him face down, pulled his pants down and rushed one big injection into his buttocks – Oghenekevwe Anikulapo-Kuti alive 17 years after Fela supposedly died of AIDS

Mark-Anthony Oshilaja Moses Ebong

Head Graphics King Ododoru

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.

One day we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is open to all God’s creatures – Pope Francis

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

5 News

Eschew sins, ungodliness,

Adeboye admonishes Nigerians

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L-R: Ibadan Zonal Head, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Mr. Olajide Olashile; Senior Cleaner, APCON, Mr. Issac Udofot; Assistant Executive Officer and Secretary, Mrs. Comfort Ojo;Senior Driver, Mr. Gafar Arutu, and Transports Officer, Mr. Ajose Olatomiwa at the APCON 1st service award at the weekend.

SERAP sues PDP, APC over source of campaign funds Sodiq Adekunle

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civil society group, SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to court for not disclosing sources of funds for their electoral campaigns and other operations linked to the February 2015 general elections.

The suits, filed at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, followed Freedom of In-

formation requests to PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu and APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, dated 18th November 2014.

The originating summons against the PDP with suit number FHC/ CS/1969/2014 and against the APC with suit number FHC/CS/1968/2014 were brought pursuant to Section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, and signed by SERAP Senior Staff Attorney, Olukayode Majekodunmi.

The plaintiff is argu-

ing that under the FOI Act, “Nigerians have the right to know about spending by their political parties, especially the major parties with a strong possibility to assume government in the future. Citizens should be able to examine financial transactions of parties and be certain that politicians are working for their voters, not their benefactors.”

The plaintiff also argued that, both the APC and PDP “cannot take the position that the FOI Act does not apply to them because to do so will seri-

ously undermine citizens’ trust in their political parties and lack of trust will inevitably destroy confidence in the system and decrease citizens’ interest and participation in the democratic processes.”

The plaintiff also said that, “without free and fair elections, there can be no democracy. However, elections are only one part of the democratic process, and a fair and effective electoral system must be founded on an adequate democratic infrastructure and responsibility of political leaders.”

eneral Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has admonished Nigerians and those in the position of authority to distance themselves from sins and all forms of ungodliness but to maintain perfect relationship with their creator.

Pastor Adeboye gave the admonition during the annual Christmas Carol Service organised by the Oyo State Government at the Agodi Resorts and Conferences, Ibadan at the weekend.

In a release issued by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Pastor Adeboye described Jesus Christ as the harbinger of good news to the world, stressing that His birth had brought freedom to those in bondage and salvation to sinners.

Obasanjo counsels leaders on continuity in govt

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ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised leaders at all levels to ensure

successive governments to continue institutional and policy frameworks and projects put in place by their predecessors.

there is continuity in gov-

He gave the examples of the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), and the reforms in the rail transportation and power sectors initiated during his regime both as military head of state and later as civilian president, which could have been beneficial to Nigerians but which were abandoned by successive governments.

ernance as a way to en-

NOUN VC urges focus on human capital devt

sure infrastructural and human capacity development in the country.

The former president spoke when the Good Gov-

Augustine Aminu, Abuja

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ice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Vincent Ado Tenebe, has urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise human capital development instead of depending on natural resources.

Tenebe said countries

in the Middle East, Europe and Asia now depend on human capital development as the best resources to improve their economy.

The VC stated this at the weekend during an award/ dinner of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna Council.

Tenebe, who was the chairman of the occasion said, daily, the population

of the world and Nigeria is growing despite natural and ma-made disasters that are claiming lives.

“The price of oil is falling. Even if it did not fall, the Nigerian oil reserve might dry up in the next 20 years. So, we must develop human capital,” Tenebe said.

The VC said the Asian Tigers like Japan, China and other Middle-east

countries don’t have many natural resources, but depend on human ingenuity and human capabilitybuilding.

“Open University is a university that develops humans; it is the University for all and the only school that democratises education. NOUN is the university that gives you education without you feeling the pains.

The cleric, in his sermon entitled ``For unto us a Child is Born’’, said the birth of Christ was meant to liberate the world.

He seized the occasion to bless the state and the people from all walks of life who attended the service.

In his own remarks, the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, described Christmas as tenderness for the past, courage for the present and hope for the future.

While reiterating his belief in the imagination of possibility, he called on the people to live with the fire of possibility, stating that his vision was to make Oyo one of the best states in Nigeria.

The first reading of the Carol Service was taken by the Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, while the second was taken by the wife of the governor, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi.

ernance Group (3Gs) led by its convener. Comrade Seyi Mohammed Gambo, paid him a courtesy visit in his Hilltop House, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Friday.

Addressing members of the 3Gs, Former President Obasanjo argued that most of the failures witnessed in the country were as a result of refusal of

Change of Name I, formerly known as ADEOGUN LANRE EMMANUEL now wishes to be known and addressed as OLAYEMI OLANREWAJU EMMANUEL. All documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

B’Haram posts video of mass killings

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new horrific video of some members of the Boko Haram sect slaughtering tens of captives was late on Saturday posted online, prompting Guinea’s President Alpha Conde to express fears that the extremists have become a major regional

threat.

In the video, gunmen are seen mowing down civilians lying face down in a dormitory believed to be a school, and a leader of the sect is saying they are being killed because they are “infidels” or nonbelievers.

The gunmen are seen

stepping on several bodies to reach bodies still twitching with life. Most appear to be adult men, according to Agence France Presse (AFP).

“We have made sure the floor of this hall is turned red with blood, and this is how it is going to be in all future attacks and arrests of infidels,”

the group leader says in a message. “From now, killing, slaughtering, destructions and bombing will be our religious duty anywhere we invade.”

The video comes two days after fleeing villagers reported that the extremists are rounding up elderly people and kill-

ing them in two schools in Gwoza, Borno State.

The setting of the latest video appears to be a school, a long dormitory furnished with bunk beds which the leader says is in Bama, a town 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of Gwoza.

Previously, the militants

had told residents of villages and towns that they would kill only enemies and wanted people to live peacefully in the area they have dubbed an Islamic caliphate, a large swath along the country’s northeastern border with Cameroun that they have controlled for more than three months.

FG defends N1.05b donation by PDP Govs

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he Presidency on Sunday defended the donation of about N1.05 billion by 21 Governors on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the re-election campaign of President Goodluck Jonathan.

It faulted a claim by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the donation was made by PDP Governors who were yet to pay the salaries of public servants in their states.

According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs Doyin Okupe, the allegation better fits APC’s Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

who, according to the former has an eight-month backlog of unpaid teachers’ salaries.

Each of the PDP’s 21 Governors donated N50 million to the president’s re-election campaign at a fund-raiser organized in Abuja on Saturday, prompting protests from the APC. At otal of N21.27 billion was raised at the event.

Okupe, in a statement on Sunday described the APC’s accusation as untrue and mischievous.

According to Okupe it is on record that “despite being the major financier of the Buhari campaign, this (Amaechi) is the governor who has not paid 13,000 teachers their salaries in the last 8 months”.

ALL FOR BUHARI: Nigerians at a pro-APC rally in front of the Nigerian House in London, on Saturday.

Drama as hoodlums cart away offering in Akure ‘Tosin Ajuwon, akure

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ike a scene out of Nollywood, some hoodlums dressed in rags on Sunday invaded a church in Akure, Ondo State, flogged the officiating pastor and carted away the day’s offering.

The incident became more dramatic when Policemen who raced to the scene and arrested some of the suspects were mobbed by residents. One of the Policemen was consequently stabbed in the neck.

The Police men stopped the chase and the hoodlums strolled away.

The incident occurred at a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), in the state capital.

Worshippers in the church, who confirmed the incident to Daily Times,

said that the officiating Pastor, Oyekan Arije was flogged to a pulp.

Apart from stealing the church’s offerings, the gangsters destroyed valuable property in the premises. These include: Plastic chairs, electronic appliances, window frames, fans, electricity bulbs and wall clocks, among others.

Also, mobile phones and other personal valuables of the worshipers were snatched.

An eyewitness, Mrs. Iyabo Adebayo said they were surprised by the incident.

“We were surprised and initially thought it was Boko Haram. Later, we saw that they were thugs in the state who were not happy with what might be going on the church”, she said.

It was alleged that the hooligans might have acted

on instructions from some aggrieved pastors who were opposed to some development in the church.

According to Police report of the incident, the hoodlums entered the church premises with canes, flogged the worshippers and damaged valuables.

“The hoodlums rushed into the church with canes and flogged the members before maliciously damaging the property of the church, the total cost of which is not yet estimated,” the Police report read.

Police Spokesman in the State, Oluwole Ogodo confirmed the incident to Daily Times in a telephone interview.

“We received a distress call from one Pastor Oyekan Arije of No. 18 Owabamigbe Street, Akure on the attack to the church and detectives

from the command swung into action immediately.

“The detectives were led by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) and gave a hot chase to the hoodlums who were later caught around Odopetu Street, Oke Aro area of Akure”, he said.

Ogodo further disclosed that the Police detectives who rushed down to the street to calm the situation arrested some of the thugs but were attacked by a surging mob that consequently rescued the arrested thugs.

Attempts to rescue the situation and call for reinforcement met brick wall as one of the Police detectives was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle.

As at the time of filling this report, no arrest has since been made while the hoodlums have been declared wanted.

Amaechi, Wike in war of words Continued from page 1 the allegation and accused Amaechi of playing with the emotions of the people with “barefaced lies”.

When Amaechi first levelled the allegation, Wike asked the Daily Times: “If he gave me such contracts to build schools and roads and I did not do the jobs, why did he not say it before now?”

Receiving the traditional ruler of Akpor Kingdom in the state, Orlu Oriebe, Amaechi alleged that Wike did not execute the contracts.

He told the monarch: “My administration gave Nyesom Wike, the contract worth N2 billion to construct Eneka road and he disappeared with the funds. I even awarded 14 classroom blocks to Nyesom Wike at the cost of N112 million each. But, as

you can see, he has not built even a building.”

Amaechi alleged that the former Minister, who was once his Chief of Staff, “disappeared with the money without constructing the road.”

During Amaechi’s political battle with the presidency, Wike, who had been appointed minister, pitched tents with the president and became the arrowhead of the opposition to the Governor.

An aide to Wike, Sam Nwakaudu, told an online news website the PREMIUM TIMES that Amaechi was recycling lies to prevent the former minister from winning the governorship election.

“It is the same recycled lies he has been using since Wike stopped working with him,” Nwakaudu said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Benue ethnic group demands Deputy Gov slot

By Freddie Adamgbe, Makurdi

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ollowing the deadlock in picking the running mate for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer for the Benue State gubernatorial election, the people of Igede in Benue South Senatorial District are demanding that the slot be given to them as the third largest tribe in the state.

The party’s flagbearer in next year’s election in the state, Hon. Terhemen Tarzoor, is in limbo as of now as no running mate has been identified for him.

Arising from a meeting of the political leadership of Igede nation with a communique duly signed by Hon. Joseph Ode and Hon. Ben Ogah, they argued that as the second largest ethnic group in Benue South, the two highest available political offices to the Zone, the position of Deputy Governor and that of the Senate seat should alternate between the Idoma and Igede.

They however regretted that since the return of democracy in 1999, Igede have consistently conceded the senate slot to Idoma and have repeated same in the just concluded PDP primary elections and as such the position of deputy governor be shifted to them after being occupied for eight years by Idoma in the interest of fairness and equity. ‘’Out of the high profile positions accruing to Benue South in the last 16 years such as the Senate, Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, State Party Chairman, Federal Cabinet Ministers and Ambassadors, none have been occupied by any Igede person. This in balance highly contradicts the law of natural justice and the principle of zoning of our party’’.

The communique further posited that conceding the seat of Deputy Governor to the Old Oju in 2015, will give a clear signal that the lopsidedness in the contribution of political offices in Zone C and the age long marginalization of the Igede nation will be redress in the coming dispensation.

The people of Igede however pledged their commitment to the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections by working assiduously to ensure the victory of all PDP Candidates.

7 News

2015: Wamakko drums support For Buhari, Osinbajo Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

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overnor Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, has urged members of the party nationwide to join hands in supporting the pair of General Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for the 2015 Presidential election.

Governor Wamakko said the task before the All Progressives Congress (APC) was enormous amid its quest to break the jinx

surrounding past efforts to dislodge the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) from power.

He made this known during a chat with Daily Times in Abuja weekend.

He stressed that for the opposition party to win the next presidential election, requires days and months of careful planning by the party and its supporters nationwide.

He affirmed that the leadership of the party underwent gruelling moments in arriving at the choice of Osinbajo as Buhari’s running

mate.

He said all the contestants were qualified for the post, whereas certain considerations made it impossible for almost all of them to emerge as running mate.

He said: “Yes, it was not easy to conclude on who to select as Buhari’s running mate. This is part of the problems we have been fighting. The government of the day in Nigeria has widened the gap of divisions among Nigerians and so we must pay particular attention on our areas of division, at all times. This is not right.

“When we attempted to settle down for a particular option, the issue of religion would come up and the people will say let us not tow the path of religion. This is not good enough for us as a nation. But then, we must move on with the choice we made.

“Our Presidential candidate has the credential to hold Nigeria together. He will fight corruption by not making compromises that have been ruining our country today. Our desire is for Change and that is what APC will attain after securing victory in 2015”

UNICEF Ambassador on Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, demonstrating hand washing. With him are former Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Mr Kunle Ige and former Commissioner for Environment in Osun, Prof. (Mrs) Olubukola Oyawoye, during the 2014 Global and Washing Day celebration in Osogbo.

Ondo, Malaysia sign MoU on rice production Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

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n a bid to boost rice production, the government of Ondo state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) to begin mechanized production of rice.

The mechanization would see to the cultivation of 500 hectares rice in the state next year January.

Chairperson of the State

Wealth Creation Agency (WECA), Mrs. Bolanle Olufunmiloye made this known at the weekend, in Akure, the capital city, while reviewing the activities of the agency in the past one year.

Olufunmiloye said the state government partners with the MARDI on the project to create employment for the young graduates who are planning to engage in agriculture and as well boost the internally revenue of the state.

She revealed that the agency

would be leveraging from part of the N2billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) commercial agricultural credit available to the state in financing the project.

“We have N2bn fund by the CBN. This fund is for the production of food crops, honey production and other agricultural products. We intend to use part of this fund for the rice project,” The WECA boss noted that the state government would also support local producers in the state and encourage private

investors.

“We plan to intensify the promotion of goods and products made in the state to encourage the private sector and also organise the 2015 edition of the Made in Ondo Fair with more participation from enterprises and businesses in the state.

She added that the agency would soon embark on the rapid rehabilitation of the Ore, Auga, Isuada and Epe Agro Business Cities to create more employment opportunities and generate funds for the state.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Kaoje tasks Nigerians on nation building Augustine Aminu, Abuja

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former National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister of sports, Hon. Bala Bawa Kaoje, has charged Nigerians to always put national interest above parochial consideration for more development to be attained.

Kaoje gave the charge In Abuja in a chat with Daily Times.

He said, “If all Nigerians put national interest above personal interest, there is every tendency that more development will be attained.”

Kaoje noted that no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour, hatred and acrimony. He therefore urged Nigerians regardless of religion background to see themselves as indivisible entity.

According to him, this was one of the means the nation can overcome challenges facing her. He advised politicians to eschew politics of bitterness and shun acts capable of derailing the democratic structures.

He similarly urged Nigerian leaders to always be sincere to their followers to restore confidence in them.

NLC urges reduction in fuel pump price Wale Abiodun

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he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to follow in the lead of other refined Petroleum importing countries to reduce the pump price of petroleum products in line with falling crude prices in the international market.

The call was made by the General Secretary of NLC, Dr Peter Oso-Eson.

The Union expressed worries over the nonchalant attitude of Nigeria’s

political leader over its current travails such as the insurgency and economic imbalance.

According to Dr. Peter, the area that worries us very seriously is that crude prices are falling.

“In other countries, what that is immediately translating to, is that the price of petroleum products and pump head is coming down.

“In the United States, in the last one month, the price of a gallon of petrol, has come down from $3 to $2, in response to this price adjustment. In

our country, we are not allowed to enjoy that benefit.

What government is doing is that in order to shore up its naira revenue, it has gone to devalue excessively, the naira; $13 devaluation in one day, and then a continuous process of depreciation,” he said.

“What that does, is that, because we import petroleum products largely, the gains from the falling price of crude which ought to translate to consumers, is prevented by that devaluation; because, by devaluing the cost of the head price, it might

even increase.

“We say that is wrong and the benefits of the falling price of crude, must be translated to Nigerians.

Therefore, going forward, we want a situation in which the pump of petrol and other petroleum products should actually be adjusted downwards.”

AS the prices of crude oil continued to be on the downward slide, some economies around the world are now paying less for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with Nigerians yet to experience the downward price review trend.

Tinubu blames poor wages for graft in Police Sodiq Adekunle

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Some of the graduands at the graduation ceremony of Police Staff College Course 5 on tactical leadership and command in Jos at the weekend.

APC: Arewa group raises alarm over plot to short-change North Yakubu Salisu

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socio-cultural group, Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF), has raised the alarm over plans by a cabal within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to short-change the northern geo-political zone for another eight years.

The group claimed that

General Muhammadu Buhari was weak on account of age to pilot the affairs of the nation. The group alleged that the calculation was to pave way for Pastor Osibanjo, who is much younger, active and belongs to the cabal to take over power, thereby making it possible for power to return to the South again for another eight years.

The Co-ordinator of the

group, Mallam Hamid Usman, in a telephone chat with Daily Times yesterday frowned at the new plot as a fallout of series of meetings between the former President and some powerful forces in the APC and has already started playing it out to demonstrate their disdain for the North and its people.

Stressing further, Us-

man insisted that it has become very obvious that those who abandoned very energetic, young aspirants like Kwankwaso and Nda Isaiah, or even a more connected Atiku Abubakar, are out to repeat the wicked selection of an ailing Governor in 2007 knowing full well that age and health are very important in the discharge of national duties.

ormer Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has blamed poor remuneration of police officers as part of the reasons why some of them collect bribes.

He said this during the commissioning of a new 60-bed Specialist Hospital, built by the Governor Adams Oshiomhole government, in Ewohinmi, Esan South East Local Government area of Edo State, complete with state-of-the-art equipments, 3-bedroom doctors’ quarters and 2-bedroom Nurses’ quarters.

Tinubu had earlier, in Benin City, commissioned the rebuilt 6-lane New Lagos road, complete with walkways and street lights.

The hospital was first conceptualised but abandoned over 25 years ago, a statement from the Delta State Government said.

The APC leader regretted the sixteen years of the rule of the Peoples

Democratic Party at the federal level has been a colossal waste.

He said, “What you have in Edo State is common sense development revolution. Good security, employment, potable water supply, agriculture, good road infrastructure, vocational job to train and develop your mind and become independent in life. That is common sense development revolution.

“We have spent six years now and six years of our arrival with our broom, we have been sweeping the dirt away.

We say change from deceit; change from lies; change from excuses.

Today the country is in darkness because of the deception of the PDP. When you pay a policeman, pittance how do you expect him not to take bribe?”

In his remarks, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said the hospital project was one of the dreams of his administration to extend development to the rural communities.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

9 News

DESOPADEC dragged to court over overseas bursary sponsorship Emmanuel Addeh

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he Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has been dragged before a Warri high court for allegedly sponsoring overseas students to the detriment of their Nigeria- based counterparts.

The plaintiffs are praying the court to compel the oil commission to use the monies for over-

seas scholarship for local bursary to students in higher institutions in the country.

In a Suit number W/505/204, filed by Igbighogho Ernest, Awipi Lawson, Aguonigho Samuel and Udi Elijah on behalf of themselves and the Delta Elite Youth for Good Governance, the claimants also asked the court to convict officials of the agency for not complying with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The complainants told the

court that after despite several application letters for the requisite financial information to be made available to them, the oil commission consistently failed to make the information available.

Igbighogho , counsel to the claimants, on behalf of himself and the three others prayed the court, among others, to compel the commission to convert N1.385billion budgeted for local bursary and overseas scholar-

ship for the year 2013 to local bursary only.

They are asking the court to effect “the conviction of the defendants and other officials responsible for making the information applied for by the claimants available for failure to comply with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act No.4 Laws of the federation of Nigeria 2011.

“An order compelling the defendant and its officials to make the information (records) avail-

able with regard to the expenditure of N5.443billion for Itsekiri nationality, N5.540billion for Ijaw nationality, N2.326billion for Urhobo nationality. ‘’ Also for the N2.292billion for Isoko nationality, N1.221billion for Ndokwa nationality and N1.385billion for local bursary and oversea scholarship for the year 2013 and an order compelling the money for overseas scholarship be converted to local bursary.”

TET Fund okays N343m for Jigawa poly Dutse Mohammed

T L-R: National Secretary General, Road Transports Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Yusuf Adeniyi; National President, Alhaji Musa Isiwele; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr Dauda Kigbu, and Director, Central Working and Equipment Department, Ministry of Works, Mr Sunday Umanah, at the inauguration of RTEAN Joint Committee on Motor Vehicle Maintenance, with Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, at the weekend.

Ondo Senator donates vans to combat crime

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owards boosting the efforts of the federal government in providing adequate security of lives and property in Ondo state, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere representing Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly has donated 13 Hilux patrol vans to the state command to combat crime and criminal activities in the area Speaking during the presentation of the vans, Kunlere disclosed that he procured the vans with the 2014 constituency threshhold to support the security operatives in his constituency to reduce crime and criminal activities.

He said though Ondo State had been adjudged the most peaceful state among the nine states within the Niger Delta region, kidnapping activities had been the order of the day in the Southern Senatorial districts which he represents.

Kunlere who commended the

state police command for its effort in eradicating crimes however said the gesture was not to score cheap political popularity but a practical demonstration to fulfil his promise to the people of the districts in giving effective and efficient representation in all spheres to ensure secure environment for the. People’s.

Kunlere said “ As part of our demonstration towards reducing crime rate and ensuring secure environment, we have chosen to empower all the 13 Police Divisions in the Ondo South Senatorial district.

“Apart from our support to security, we can boldly say that in the last three years our constituency projects impact cover areas such as construction of classroom blocks, provision of furniture to schools, Solar-powered boreholes, erosion control and school computers are being felt in almost all the six local governments within

the senatorial districts.”

He disclosed that work was ongoing on some projects within his district which would be delivered soon but frowned at the removal of his name from some of the projects executed by him in some of the areas and said he had informed the appropriate quarters on the development.

Appreciating Kunlere gesture toward the state police command, the state Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, said the vehicles would go a long way in combating crime within the district.

Eke who was represented by the Deputy commissioner of Police, Alhassan Mahmuda, said the gesture had further confirmed Kunlere’s unwavering commitment to improved quality life and called on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Kunlere, saying funding of security agencies should not be left to the government alone.

he Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved over N300 million for capital projects at Jigawa State Polytechnic Dutse, the director of works of the institution, Engineer Aminu Sadik Abubakar, has disclosed.

Briefing newsmen in his office, he said the fund gave the approval after the school met the standard of the fund.

The approval was for the execution of ten different lots of capital projects for 2013/2014 projects.

Among the projects are procurement and installation of phys-

ics laboratory, and construction of the Institution’s main library.

Others are construction of student’s toilet, reconstruction of the second phase of some major departments, among others.

According to Abubakar, when we were given approval of this huge investment, we followed due process of acquiring the approval which attracted the attention of 37 different engineering firms.

He added : “What we are awaiting now is the vetting and costing of contracts approval for final contracts execution based on the recommendation and approval of both the fund and the polytechnic governing board.”

Land dispute: Firm denies attack on community Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

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s the Ogun State Police Command intensifies efforts to unravel the circumstances that led to fracas between some land owners and some residents of Oke Ore in Ado Odo Local Government of Ogun State, a property firm, Owoeye and Company, has denied the allegation that its staff attacked some people on a disputed land in the area few days ago.

Addressing journalists yesterday in his office at Sango, the Managing Director of the firm, Alhaji Mutairu Owoeye, said it was his members of staff who were at-

tacked by some miscreants on a land belonging to his clients.

Owoeye said his staff went to the village to paste a public notice on the recent court judgement that ruled that the disputed land rightly belongs to his client.

He explained that his client, the Ikoroko Ajangbo Koniwo Agbogbo Akindipe Family, has been adjudged to be owners of the village and others in the area.

Alhaji Owoeye displayed a court judgement handed down by Justice Mobolaji Ojo of the High Court of Justice Ogun State, Ota Judicial Division on April 10, 2014 declaring his client the owner of some villages including Oke-Ore.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Lamido gives condition for Jigawa votes to Jonathan Dutse Mohammed

G Group Managin Director, New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), Dr. Ahmed Muhammed (right), presenting a document to the President Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr Chidi Ajaegbu after signing of MOU with ICAN on student special project in Kaduna recently.

Folarin tasks Oyo Hausa community on PVC

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, has enjoined the Hausa community in the state to ensure that they get their permanent voter’s card (PVC) ahead of the next year’s general elections.

Sen. Folarin made the appeal Sunday when he received leaders and members of the Hausa community from the 33 local gov-

ernment areas of the state who paid him a courtesy visit at his Oluyole Estate residence in Ibadan, the state capital.

The former Senate leader said it was necessary for all and sundry to get the PVC which he described as the only weapon needed to send the present government in the state out of the Agodi Government House.

According to him, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) has assured that all measures have been put in place to register all eligible voters in the state, stating that getting the PVC from INEC by all eligible voters in the state is the power they have to put the best government in place.

He said if elected as governor, he will run an allinclusive government such that members of the Hausa community will be recognized and appointed into positions.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate who thanked his guests also urged them to vote for the party in the next general elections, assuring that the party will also pay back the kind gesture to the community.

Those who received the Hausa community with Folarin were other stalwarts of the party, who included Alhaji Bashir Akanbi, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, Director of Team Folarin, Hon. Sunday Babalola, Director of Strategy among others.

FUOYE crisis: VC absolves self, blames staff for corruption

By Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

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he embattled Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, OyeEkiti (FUOYE), Professor Isaac Asuzu, has absolved himself of all the accusation against him by the staff of the University, who have been protesting against a series of

demands, saying the staff were being instigated against him by a certain clique.

The staff of the university had protested in OyeEkiti on Thursday, during which they barricaded the road and called for Asuzu’s removal over several allegations of outrageous tax deduction, selective promotion of staff, illegal deductions from salaries,

non-payment of allowances and ineptitude, among others.

But, at a press conference, in Ado-Ekiti, at the weekend, the Vice-Chancellor said that all the allegations were not only frivolous, but fly in the face of commonsense; pointing out that all the actions he had taken since assumption of office two years ago were within the ambit

of the law, contrary to the allegations made against him.

The Vice-Chancellor also pointed out that the tax he had been deducting from salaries was din consonance with the new Federal Tax Law, which said the gross or consolidated salaries should be taxed , rather than the basic being proposed by the workers.

overnor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has assured President Goodluck Jonathan of massive votes from the state in next year’s presidential elections, provided the President would redeem his pledges to them.

Speaking at a PDP stakeholders meeting in Dutse, Governor Lamido stated that “based on our marathon discussion with Mr. President, I am happy to announce to you that President Jonathan has assured me that he’d redeem his previous campaign promises”.

Parts of the promises are the completion of Hadejia valley irrigation, the construction and expansion of Dutse regional water scheme, the Auyo Irrigation Project, and the construction of Dutse international airport.

It would be recalled that during the 2011 presidential campaign, the president promised the Jigawa people that he will complete the Hadejia Valley Irrigation, among

other promises.

He stated that when the promises appeared unrealistic, “we took the pain of using our hard-earned money to construct a befitting international airport to the tune of over N16 billion only for the Presidency to begrudge us a reimbursement of such a huge investment.

Lamido said he delivered the message from his people and that he had carried forward his campaign promise to the people of Jigawa state, and that if he really wanted their mandate this time around, he should redeem his promises.

Lamido said that Jonathan gave an assurance that all the promises he made to the people of Jigawa state would be met.

It would be recalled that recently a meeting was called by the North West Zone of the PDP caucus to share and adopted a decision of endorsing President Jonathan for 2015 presidential bid, actions which the people and government of Jigawa state kicked against.

1, 200 poultry birds perish in Edo auto crash

By Titus Eguaoje, Benin

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n early morning auto crash at UgbowoLagos Road, in Benin, on Saturday, left at least 1200 poultry birds dead.

No life was lost in the accident which occurred at Adolor juncture in Egor Local Government area of Edo State.

The truck driver, who was said to have driven

throughout the night on Benin-Ore-Lagos Expressway, dozed off before losing control and skid into a ditch, according to Ms. Amenze, a trader. ``I pity the driver, so many birds died. This is a big shortage’’, she wept.

While some sympathizers attempted to take the injured driver to hospital for treatment, other women queued round the scene waiting to prey on the dead birds.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

11 Africa

Congo villagers flee axe, machete attacks

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Mourning for a loved one killed by a machete blow during an attack on December 2

Zambia’s ruling party reconcile leaders ahead of polls

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ambia’s information minister says the ruling Patriotic Front has a much better chance of winning next month’s presidential by-election now that acting President Guy Scott has publicly reconciled with the party’s presidential candidate, Edgar Lungu.

Supporters of the PF expressed concern after 14 cabinet ministers called for Scott’s removal from office last week. The ministers accused the acting president of failing to support Lungu and undermining the party’s efforts to win the election.

Tension rose further when the acting president refused to step down. But information minister Joseph Katema said that tension dissipated Saturday, after Scott and other

party leaders accompanied Lungu to the electoral commission office and through the main streets of the capital, Lusaka, as a show of unity.

Lungu formally filed his nomination papers with the Electoral Commission of Zambia to officially represent the PF in January’s vote.

Katema says the hatchet has been buried.

“It seems to be the case because the acting president has come into [the] fold of the Patriotic Front to give support to the president of the [PF] to be Edgar Lungu. Of course there were challenges here and there,” said Katema. “There are different perceptions, but by and large, everybody has welcomed it -although with complaint that it was long overdue.”

Katema says senior members of the party, including members of parliament, are now launching an intensified nationwide campaign in an effort bid to keep the PF in power.

“We go full force into the campaign. All the Patriotic front MPs, we are going into our constituencies to beef up or to ignite the already existing campaigns. Don’t think that the party had gone to sleep. No. The party had not gone to sleep,” said Katema.

He says party members who challenged Lungu’s candidacy have also announced their support for the presidential nominee.

Next month’s election was made necessary by the death of Zambian President Michael Sata in October. Sata was also the leader of the PF party.

cores of people have been killed in worsening violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s eastern region, leaving the local population in urgent need of aid, according to the United Nations and Human Rights Watch.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees has said that it had credible reports that at least 256 people, including children, had been killed in axe and machete attacks since October in the Beni area of North Kivu province.

“Multiple attacks over the last three months have caused widespread fear and displacement.

We are appealing for humanitarian access to help people in distress,” UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards told reporters in Geneva.

Last Tuesday, Human Rights Watch also sounded the alarm, saying its interviews with victims and witnesses indicated unidentified rebel fight-

ers had killed at least 184 civilians -- though the actual number is likely significantly higher -- and injured many others in attacks on villages in Beni territory.

About 88,000 people have been forced from their homes in Beni and the surrounding area, with some finding shelter with families while others seek sanctuary in schools or churches, UNHCR said.

The violence has also spread northward into Orientale province, the agency said. Meanwhile, more attacks have been threatened, prompting frightened villagers to flee again toward larger towns and cities, the UNHCR said.

“The survivors and the displaced live in a desperate situation and in constant fear. They remain at risk of new attacks and have had no respite for the past three months.

They have little protection against violence and have received hardly any assistance,” Edwards said.

People need shelter, basic aid items, clean drinking water and access to health services and schools, he said. Aid projects have been suspended because of the violence, of particular concern where disease is already rife.

The UNHCR called on the government to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian organizations safe access to Beni and the surrounding areas.

Human Rights Watch urged government forces and the U.N. peacekeeping force in DR Congo, MONUSCO, to work together to restore stability and to identify those behind the violence.

“Large-scale rebel attacks occurring nearly weekly have terrorized residents of Beni and left them uncertain where to seek safety,” said Ida Sawyer, senior Congo researcher at Human Rights Watch.“UN and Congolese forces need to urgently coordinate their efforts and improve protection of civilians in Beni.”

Tunisians vote in historic Presidential runoff

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unisians cast their ballots Sunday in the second and final round of a landmark presidential vote that marks the culmination of a rocky transition to democracy. Results are expected early this week.

Voters have a choice between two veterans of Tunisian politics who have diametrically different pasts and messages.

The frontrunner is 88-year-old Beji Caid Essebsi, who led the first round of presidential voting in November. Essebsi heads the antiIslamist Nidaa Tounes party. It won the most seats in parliamentary elections in October.

The party is a loose coalition of trade unionists, businessmen and former members of the prerevolutionary government. That includes Es-

sebsi, who served under ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his predecessor, Habib Bourguiba.

Essebsi is running against Tunisia’s current president, 75-yearold Moncef Marzouki.

Marzouki was a human rights activist who went into exile during the Ben Ali regime. He has been part of a coalition government with the moderate Ennahda party that ended earlier this year.

He counts on backing from the Islamists in the runoff.

Marzouki cast his ballot early Sunday in the Tunisian coastal city of Sousse.

Marzouki vowed to respect basic rights - and to ensure the country’s democratic transition and revolution would continue. He says Tunisia is a bright spot in the Arab world, and if it goes

back to the old era, this pioneering spirit will end.

Just hours before the polls opened, troops guarding ballot papers in the central region of Kairouan came under attack by armed gunmen. Defense ministry officials say troops shot dead one assailant and captured three others.

The campaign has been marked by negative campaigning. Marzouki has accused Essebsi of wanting the restore the old guard ousted in the revolution. For his part, Essebsi has described Marzouki as an “extremist” whose three-year tenure as president has been disastrous. Essebsi refused to hold a debate with Marzouki ahead of the runoff.

If Essebsi wins the presidency, his party will control all the key parts of Tunisia’s government.

World 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

14 killed in attacks in Afghanistan

Kurdistan Iraqi regional government President Massoud Barzani arrives to support Kurdish forces as they head to battle Islamic State militants, on the summit of Mount Sinjar, in the town of Sinjar, Iraq, on Sunday

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even police officers and seven civilians have been killed in parts of Afghanistan after their checkpoint came under attack by insurgents.

Police officials in Jawzjan province say five other police officers were wounded in the attack late Saturday.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a separate incident, seven civilians were killed when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in eastern Kunar province. The casualties include two children. Three others were wounded in the blast.

Also late Saturday, an Afghan journalist died

from wounds sustained in a Taliban attack on a French-run school earlier this month. Zubair Hatami, a cameraman with privately-run Mitra Television was seriously wounded when a teenage suicide bomber blew himself up during a performance at the Etsiqlal High School on December 11. A

German aid worker was also killed in that attack.

The militants have been stepping up their attacks against Afghan security forces in a bid to undermine the Westernbacked government as foreign combat troops prepare to withdraw from the country by the end of the month.

Lebanon seeks French choppers to fight Jihadis

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ebanon hopes France will deliver helicopters to its army faster than planned so it can fight jihadis encroaching from neighboring Syria, Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam said in an interview on Sunday. France and Lebanon signed a $3 billion Saudi-funded deal in early November to provide French weapons and military equipment to the Lebanese army, which has few resources to deal with the instability on its border and has been seeking to modernize its military hardware.

Paris plans to start supplying the equipment in the first quarter of 2015 and over a period of three years, ending with the delivery of helicopters, a Defense Ministry source said

last month.

“We are still in talks for the helicopters to be delivered at the beginning of the program rather than at the end, so that we can use missiles as soon as possible against the jihadis in the mountains,” Salam told weekly paper Le Journal du Dimanche.

“Daesh [Islamic State] is present in the region of Arsal, on the LebaneseSyrian border. If it manages to invade Lebanon, it will impose its extremism everywhere,” he said.

Lebanon, whose own sectarian divisions have been exacerbated by the Syrian war, fears Islamist insurgents are trying to expand their influence into Sunni Muslim areas in its north.

Salam said the air strikes carried out by the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic

US frees 4 Afghan Guantanamo detainees

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he United State gover nment continues to shrink its ranks of Guantanamo Bay detainees, announcing that four more have been repatriated -- this time to Afghanistan.

The Defense Department identified them as Shawali Khan, Khi Ali Gul, Abdul Ghani and Mohammed Zahir. The U.S. Air Force C-17 carrying them arrived in Afghanistan around 6 a.m.

Saturday (10 p.m.

ET Friday), Pentagon spokesman Lt. Colonel Myles Caggins told CNN. An administration official told CNN the four detainees are not expected to face further detainment in Afghanistan.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul expressed appreciation to the Afghan government which, since September, has been led by President Ashraf Ghani -- “for helping to reintegrate these former detainees.”

“We have full confidence in the Afghan government’s ability to mitigate any threats these individuals may pose and to ensure that they

New Romanian leader talks tough on corruption

C Tammam Salam

State and alQaida’s Nusra Front in Syria were insufficient and symbolic.

“To beat them, you need to be on the ground. But at this stage, who wants to go there?” he asked.

Lebanon is also under severe strain from a flood

of civilians fleeing the conflict, with over one million refugees now accounting for a quarter of its population. Syrian refugees even had their food aid suspended earlier this month because a U.N. agency ran out of money.

are given humane treatment,” the embassy said.

The move was also made to further President Barack Obama’s goal of drawing down the number of those held at the U.S. naval base in southeastern Cuba, something that has been ongoing for years.

“This repatriation reflects the Defense Department’s continued commitment to closing the detention facility at Guantanamo in a responsible manner,” said Paul Lewis, the Pentagon’s special envoy for the closure of Guantanamo.

This is down significantly from the numbers soon after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when the facility widely known as Gitmo was repurposed to hold detainees from the “war on terror.” The administration of then-President George W. Bush claimed that, since Gitmo detainees weren’t held on American soil, they could be considered “enemy combatants” and be denied some legal protections.

Almost all of the nearly 800 detainees were held without charges.

enter-right politician Klaus Iohannis was sworn in as Romania’s president on Sunday, promising to crack down on corruption and strengthen institutions 25 years after the fall of communism.

Iohannis won a surprise victory against the leftist prime minister, Victor Ponta, in November’s election.

“There is a need for the whole political class to understand there is no other way for Romania except that of a country rid of corruption,” Iohannis, 55, told the joint session of the lower house and senate.

“I want that at the end of my term people can see we have made durable laws, solid institutions,” he said in the blue-and-gold domed

hall of the parliament building built by former communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Iohannis replaces center-right politician Traian Basescu, who served for a decade in which Romania joined the European Union in 2007 and saw record economic growth rates before a real estate bubble burst, forcing it to seek help from the International Monetary Fund.The former communist state of 20 million is emerging from painful budget cuts imposed duringthe slowdown. Growth rebounded to more than 3 percent in the third quarter of 2014, but corruption and tax evasion are rife. Progress to implement reforms and overhaul a bloated state sector is mixed.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Features

13

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Life in Lagos pit community … Disaster-in-waiting

NAMELESS COMMUNITY: Buried deep in the soil around NNPC depot, Ajao Estate, Lagos

I The struggle for a place called home in Lagos is surely not for the fainthearted. A proof of that can be seen in these gutsy, rugged families that blissfully pitch their abode in the belly of the earth, right in the heart of the metropolis. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR welcomes you to …

t is a short route about 500 meters from the loading depot of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through Ilamoshe Estate, Ajao Estate to Airport Road, Lagos.

No passerby can miss the sight of a small community of people dwelling way down the belly of the earth with a large stream of waters half covered by weeds right beside it.

From the main road, the place looks like a dungeon with its top blown off, revealing a large wasteland about 90 feet inside the belly of Mother Earth. Sources say it was a quarry site abandoned many decades ago.

There is no easily traceable entrance because it is shielded round about by closely knit houses on Billiaminu Akinsanya Street, going straight on to the new Canoe Bridge, Arochukwu Street to the right, Kofoworola Akah behind and Nnokwa Street completing the square

back to Bailliaminu Akinsanya. A small gap between two shops offers enough access to pass through the backyard.

A long bush path, some cultivated with cash crops, leads to the community. The middle-aged fellow who regards our correspondent with grave suspicion and relaxes only after a deal is struck. Refusing to give any information about himself, he gives a small profile of the settlement.

“Some of the people here are retired servicemen and workers who had accommodation problems. We don’t welcome visitors and we don’t like strangers.”

Confirming their upper neighbours’ claim that the settlement has no name, the resident says they don’t want to name the place after anybody even though there are landlords.”

DTN learnt that the rent here is not fixed, anyone seen as not a

threat can negotiate according to his pocket. To the right of the few buildings are foundations laid preparatory to further development, and it was gathered that even here, deep in the ground, a plot of land goes for as high as N2.5 million.

It is negotiable though. The DTN contact who came into the settlement seven years ago, said he lost his home to government at a place he refused to mention. According to him, they have endured heavy rainy seasons but they have never been in danger.

Also, some 50 meters before this settlement, a Pentecostal Church some 30 feet inside the ground seats what looks like an annex to the quarry site, upfront.

It is the Christian Unity Gospel Church, Lagos Branch, with headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. It is supposed to be on 15, BiIliaminu Akinsanya Street, off CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Features 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

‘We need govt attention’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

“Some of the people here are retired servicemen and workers who had accommodation problems. We don’t welcome visitors and we don’t like strangers.”

NNPC Depot, Ejigbo with Kofoworola Akah Street to its left and Nnokwa Street behind.

Apparently built to withstand the ever-present danger of massive flood in mind, the church is built with the typically solid ‘German Foundation’ raised about four feet from the ground.

In the pastor’s estimation, the height of the building is about 25 to 30 feet from the ground to its roof which is on the same level with the ground surrounding it. Our correspondent counts 40 steps about 1/half ft across 3ft wide each from Billiaminu Akinsanya Street (the only entrance) leading down to the church below.

The pastor of the church is Samuel Oluwadamilare, big with that distinct Ashanti shiny black skin, he speaks with a clear Ghanaian accent though he bears a Yoruba name. He puts us in the picture of how the church came to be in this location.

“The church is about six years old; we have eight branches at different locations in Nigeria and our headquarters is in Ibadan. We bought the land as you see it now, with the gulley there.

It was an area people were digging laterite from over a long period before they packed up the business around 2005. The church bought five plots of land altogether.”

Concerning the threat of flood overrunning the church, and the edges of the pit round about the yard caving in, the pastor says the look is an illusion.

“We don’t have any problem running the church inside the ground as it is. It may appear dangerous when you look down here from the road above, but we are the people down here and I tell you what we see down here is different from what it appears to people up there.

“Even though people passing or driving past Billiatu Akinsanya Street wonder why anyone will think of

building a church inside the ground, the waters coming inside here do not give us any trouble. The land is big and it’s not as if there are signs of any potential danger.

“The land on this side of Ilamoshe is a very good and solid land; it receives a great deal of water and absorbs it very quickly, and that’s the advantage we are enjoying here; just like it happened on Sunday the 10th. We were here when the rains started and as the great volumes of waters were coming so the ground was swallowing them up, the whole thing dried up in no time.”

But neighbours on the four streets surrounding the church do not share the pastor’s confidence. Everyone thinks it is a matter of time before flood will sack the church though they acknowledge that the pit has been there for over a decade and there has not been one instance when it pit was flooded.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

15 Features

‘Flooding is no problem here’ NAMELESS COMMUNITY: Under the threat of flooding

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

not been one instance when it pit was flooded.

Assuring everyone that the Church had never had any problem, Pastor Samuel stressed: “Water is not something that will scare us; besides, the waters that come from all around us into t h i s ground do not really disturb us.

T h e

one thing we’re not so happy about is that all the houses around and about us divert the waste waters of their houses straight into this place. You can see it for yourself. Now, if residents of Billiaminu Akinsanya and Kofoworola Akah as well as residents of Nnokwa Streets behind us can make proper gutters in front of their houses then link it all up to the gutter on the NNPC-Ejigbo road, everything will be okay.”

On the

long term plan of the organisation, the pastor said: “The Church has a p l a n and we a r e s t i l l wo rk ing

Pastor Samuel

on what line of action to take.

But at present, we’re using this place temporarily. By the grace of God, we plan to fill this big pit and make it better on the long run. Our land extends beyond this place because we own alto five plots beyond this place altogether. The general overseer has been telling us about his plan for the Church. He said we

should be using this place as it is, that we are going to fill this place eventually and build a beautiful model edifice; so we have a very good plan for this place.

“We were also envisaging that anything could happen in the future, and since we needed a place to worship temporarily, we just had to buy this place.

We built it like this to make sure it will stand the state of this ground, especially as it concerns flood, to serve as a place of worship for us until we are able to build a befitting edifice of worship unto the LORD.” What does he think the government can do?

“What the government can do is to either construct a good drainage system that will channel all waters to the major NNPC road gutter or instruct residents on the two streets to do the gutters in front of their

houses; those gutters should be linked to the gutter on the major road. Once this is done, this place will be dry throughout the year, except when we have rainfall from the sky and when that happens, no matter the volume of water, it goes down in a very with short time, sometimes just within 15 minutes and the whole place is dry again.

“I remember that Deeper Life at Gbagada was built in the deep like this but a good drainage system made the place dry and usable. The same can be done here if the government pr will execute such project.”

Samuel who is married with children was born and bred in Ghana though his parents are of Oyo State origin.

“I was born in Takwa, but I schooled in Kumasi, in Ghana. I returned to Nigeria in 1985 and minis I got into the evangelical ministry some ten years ago”.

From the nameless comcom munity in Ilamoshe Estate, DTN found a new settlement springing up in an abandoned laterite site about thirty feet in ab the ground. Very visible along Akinwunmi Kosemani Avenue, Paiko, Idimu Titun in AlimoAlimo sho Local Government Area of Lagos State. This growing comcom munity in the ground comprise gr of three families who refused to CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

“The church is about six years old; we have eight branches at different locations in Nigeria and our headquarters is in Ibadan. We bought the land as you see it now, with the gulley there.’’

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Eviction not the answer, says govt

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

speak to the press, but a source told DTN that land is being sold to developers at any price.

Also DTN visited the famous 77 steps area at Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area in the Ikeja Division of Lagos State. A very popular area given its topography, the core dwellers at the bottom of the valley pride themselves as residents of the famous 77 steps. The community deep in the valley derives its name from the 77 stone and concrete steps formed by the early settlers to access the lowest part of the valley.

In a city where taskforce officials chase and detain street traders in their caged trucks and mark the “X” sign on illegal or unapproved buildings and shops which, sometimes, are at lintel level of construction,

DTN

sought

word from the Ministry of the Environment, MoE on account these settlements which the government of the state is either ignoring or is not aware.

A source at the Publication Relations and Communication Unit who craved anonymity, first reminded our correspondent that Lagos State is a responsive and responsible government.

“Concerning these settlements in the ground, I can tell you that government is not unaware of their existence in many parts of the state; but let us say they are some of those sleeping dogs government is sometimes forced to allow to sleep.”

Asked for a possible reason his ministry is doing absolutely nothing about them, considering the eviction of the Makoko coastline dwellers two years ago, not to mention the scandalous memory of Maroko, now a sandfill, under the government of Raji Rasaki, our source said what is required here goes beyond just evicting the inhabitants.

“Eviction is not the issue because after eviction, where would government find sand to fill up those large areas without creat-

ing more large pits wherever such sand is dug from?

“And if you evict them without filling the deep, what would you do with them? The likelihood is that each will become hidden forests over time and probably become a den for kidnappers and ritualists.”

He sighed and lamented that too much is expected from government.

“Sometimes the public expects too much from government; they may be in power, of course, but government is not omnipotent and cannot make provision for everyone. So long as the dwellers don’t constitute public danger, it is a lot better that they keep their environment safe and protected for the good of everyone.”

Considering the rate these settlements are springing up deeper and deeper in the earth, Lagos may just be poised to make settlements in the ground another unique feature and signature in the City of Excellence.

When that time comes, it won’t matter where you dwell, the question would be: “Are you living in Lagos?”

Living it up, deep in earth’s belly

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Politics

17

s

Ondo PDP Crisis: Mimiko is our problem –Ogunye

Dr Olu Ogunye, is the chairman of a faction of the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with ‘TOSIN AJUWON in Akure, Ogunye, speaks about the crisis in the state chapter of the party and fingers Governor Olusegun Mimiko the crisis in its fold. Excerpt

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ir, is the report of crisis in the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) true?

If there is any crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it means Governor Olusegun Mimiko has caused it with his selfish political agenda because he has refused to obey the rules of the party. The PDP had been there for years and we didn’t have any problem until Mimiko defected back and divided members of the party.

Anyone that creates such a crisis in our party is always shown the way out. We are not Labour Party (LP) where someone would always want only his own words to stand and command everybody. He was a dictator in his former party but it can’t work in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

You can’t just come to the PDP and say you want to be the Lord.

It can’t be possible because the people already there are longstanding members. We have

been accommodating him but he should forget that he wants to take over our party.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko says his return to the PDP is after due consultation with party leaders, which many of them have confirmed. Why then the grievance?

He went to Senator Bode Olajumoke telling him he wanted to come back to the PDP and Olajumoke asked him why he wanted to come back. But Mimiko said the reason he wanted to come back was because PDP lost in Osun State, so he is here now to salvage the PDP from the noise of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Is that not nonsense! Why didn’t he join immediately Ayodele Fayose won the Ekiti election? He left the Labour Party because its crown had gone. They are people like Dr. Olaiya Oni, Senator Ajayi Borofice, Banji Enikumoyenin who were all once in PDP. We didn’t ask Mimiko to come back to PDP by duress but he came back freely. He is our boy

Ogunye and political son. We knew when he became the governor and his antecedents. He has to mend his ways because he has bitten much more than he can chew.

How would you describe the role of the Governor in the ongoing crisis in the party?

You understand clearly that he defected to our party in Abuja not in Ondo State and he wanted to take over its structure. We refused and told him it can’t work because the structures are elected members not appointed.

When the Ebenezer Alabi resigned his chairmanship position there are laid down rules of filling it, which are spelt out in

Mimiko went ahead doing what he likes, believing he has weight in Abuja

the constitution of the party. But Mimiko went ahead doing what he likes, believing he has weight in Abuja. The governor knows what the laws and constitution of the party says, why is he now pretending as if he doesn’t know The constitution says those people to replace the ones that have resigned must come from the same geopolitical zone and the same senatorial district but look at the people he went to put there. He should know all these.

He was advised on this but because he thinks he is the boss and governor, he can do what he likes.

Again, look at our befitting secretariat on Oyemekun road that

everybody knows is our office in Akure. Mimiko went to establish another one, which he is ruling over at Alagbaka road. This is totally wrong and illegal. We also have a way of getting party registration Identity Card but he still went ahead to do illegal ones for his own defected kangaroo members. This man called Mimiko is our problem and he has refused to change. He is called Iroko but people forget he is a virus who came to destabilize our party. He came to infect us with a virus. I am sad about this; he has also refused to read and learn more.

What is your take on the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Anyone that creates such a crisis in our party is always shown the way out.

We are not Labour Party (LP) where someone would always want only his own words to stand and command everybody. He was a dictator in his former party but it can’t work in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

judgment of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High court in Abuja that has sacked the Clement Faboyede-led executive loyal to Governor Olusegun Mimiko from their positions?

The judgment is the best decision ever pronounced and it is not only our members that are happy about it but the entire citizens of Ondo State. They knew what the governor did was wrong by coming through the back door and wanting to hijack the structure of our party. What the court did was to look at the constitution of the party and judge his action that is not in line with the constitution and due process.

We told them that they were jokers! Let his boys he called executives pack their loads. They should move back to where they belong. Mimiko can’t just come from nowhere and mess us up.

He met us here and must ask his members to take turns.

Won’t you try and reconcile with the sacked executive for peace to reign?

We are ready to reconcile with them if they show interest. Although, they are our people and we belong to the same party. But they can’t defect into the party and break our rules. If we are reconciling with them it has to be on the basis of following the rules of the party and having tolerance with the people they met on ground. We are not lords neither is he our Lord. That he is the governor of the state doesn’t mean he is the owner of the party. The party is bigger than everyone and he must learn it.

You once said you were not happy with the governor, why?

Yes, I am not happy with Governor Olusegun Mimiko. He has done something that is wrong and he knows it. I taught him in school and he is like a son to me.

He is not an illiterate but he is behaving and doing things as if he doesn’t know how to read. He is not brilliant but is an educated man.

I introduced Mimiko, to most of the people he knows in politics and that was why I said he is a small boy. I introduced him to Chief Olu Falae, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, the late Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire. I had been taking him around before he became the governor. He now became the governor and started flying wings.

It’s totally wrong.

He was in the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and wanted to become governor but he was told that they wanted the late Adebayo Adefarati. He couldn’t accept it so he left for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He came to PDP again and wanted to become the governor but met the political machine of the late Oluse-

Mimiko

‘Mimiko was my student, he can’t lord it over us’ gun Agagu. People refused him and told him they wanted Agagu.

He became angry and they made him Secretary to the State Government (SSG), which is a position he should never have gotten. I opposed it because it was unfair to give him such a position at that particular time. The SSG at that particular time belonged to Ondo North, which is Owo, Ose or any of the four local government areas in Akoko.

You claimed that the Governor is doing things that are not right, what do you mean?

There was an election in Ilaje/ Ese Odo Local Government. Why did they not win it? Instead, they went to court to put a stalemate on the conclusion of the election because he didn’t want to lose.

Also, no election has even been conducted for the constituency of the late Speaker, Hon Ajayi Ad-

esina. This is very bad. I always ask if this is the Ondo State of our own. He is doing things that are not right in the state. He is from Ondo town and his house is a walkway distance to my house.

I am not saying this because I want to be governor. I am too big for that and he knows it. I am not fighting him but he is not ruling this state very well.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is taking advantage of your crisis to get more aggrieved members into its fold and has vowed to take over the government of the state in coming elections, what is your reaction?

The APC is still a small group to us. Taking advantage of our little rumble in the party does not deter us. They are too small for us and we shall defeat them and send them back to where they be-

long. Tell them they are not wise.

We shall soon settle our scores and make PDP formidable in Ondo State.

How do you defend allegations that Lagos-based businessman, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim is sponsoring you against Mimiko?

In all modesty, I am hearing this for the first time. The issue is that people don’t know me.

They probably talk from afar since they don’t really know my person. Why would Jimoh Ibrahim be backing or sponsoring me when I am not a baby? I am too big for such rubbish talk. I am 74 years old and I am not a baby.

How can someone be sponsoring me? I have a name in the country to protect, for crying out loud!

It’s annoying because they are saying nonsense. Let them face me and say it in my presence.

Ask about me from Senator Remi Okunriboye and Otunba Fasawe, they will surely tell you I can’t be bought. Probably they are saying so to get me angry but I would laugh over it.

There is also this belief that the opposition party is sponsoring your faction to diminish the fold of the PDP in the state…

Which is the opposition party? Is it not the All Progressives Congress (APC)? My reaction to this is to laugh because when people don’t have things to say they will talk nonsense. I don’t know about the All Progressives Congress (APC). I am too big for such and will never engage in such things.

What are the chances of President Goodluck Jonathan in the state considering the polarisation of your party, as the 2015 elections draw closer?

There is no polarisation in our party but it’s just that some people have come to the PDP to cause disaffection. For your information, President Goodluck Jonathan will get massives vote in Ondo State. We are going to work for him and he shall win handsomely. He will win even without the support of Governor Mimiko whom he thinks would mobilise for him. I can assure you that Jonathan will win landslide in Ondo State as his chances are very bright.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

19 Politics

Udoedehe It also means that we will have to choose between one evil and another evil, it will mean that there is no difference between APC and PDP

Why I may defect to PDP –Udoedehe Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe is an All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with ENO-OBONG OKON, Udoedehe says that if the crisis that has attended the governorship primary election in his party is not resolved fairly, he may defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Excerpts:

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here are speculations that because of the outcome of the governorship primaries in your party, you will be defecting to the PDP. How true is that?

Incidentally, I have been accused of not opening up the space in APC for people to come in, and the blackmail went on for a long time. They would have said they wanted the ticket of the APC. So they met some of our leaders and tried to show that they had more money than me. According to them, they donated billions of naira to the party as the only group that can challenge the incumbent governor, Dr. Godswill Akpabio

naira to naira, dollar to dollar.

So some people in Nigeria who don’t understand Akwa Ibom politics think otherwise. I am not moving to PDP for now, what happened was that they came with a very violent and volatile arrangement to destroy our party. Because of what happened to me in 2011, I did not want that same thing to happen again. What we did was to walk away and we advised them that that was not election. Our party’s constitution does not allow option A4 and what they did was to open the stadium’s back door for people to come in; PDP people, not the real delegates.

What we needed to do we did to ask them to stop so that we

could conduct a free and fair primary, if we had a winner, then we could congratulate ourselves, then we could walk away and move forward. What they did was completely alien to our principles. I am presently not moving to PDP, I am still in APC. We have an option of appeal. In their wisdom, if they consider what they are considering, then we have no alternative than to appeal. And it is not going to be a personal decision; a lot of our followers will meet and take a decision for the interest of our group and we will chart a way forward.

Could the way forward include moving to the PDP, a party that you have always

been criticising?

Yes. It also means that we will have to choose between one evil and another evil, it will mean that there is no difference between APC and PDP. You said that your party had the credibility and the capacity to solve internal problems.

That is what I believe in. The party has the capacity to solve its internal problems and Akwa Ibom State cannot be an exception. I will use all means. I will use all internal mechanisms to resolve the problem, but if they are adamant about corruption and fraud then they will have themselves to blame.

There is speculation by the CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Politics 20 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

people of your party that you have been paid dearly to move from APC to PDP. Can you confirm it? Have you been paid to move?

No. I am not that kind of person. Those who are saying this are not in their right senses. It is only when people get mental problem that they say what they ordinarily should not say.

It is not in my character. They are trying to speculate because they know that if I move, there would be uproar.

Which money is Umana Umana with? All they are saying is Akpabio, which means that anybody is free to take Akpabio’s money. Umana has never owned a kiosk, he has always been a civil servant. In 2007, I did what I did based on the circumstances that we found ourselves in, and I toed the line of the public that we needed something else, and that was why we supported Akpabio. And I said that to Dr. Akpabio so that we could maintain peace. In 2011, he derailed, the government we thought was a government that would bring unity, peace employment, prosperity, something happened, there was insecurity, and the people of Akwa Ibom expected me to do what I did because I stood in the gap for governor Akpabio to guarantee him, and I did exactly that. In 2011 they said Udoedehe is coming to take money from Akpabio, he is not going to run for election, I stood on their behalf, when it got to a court matter, they said I would not go to court that when I got Akwa Ibom money, I would stay back, I went to the Supreme Court twice. I was pursuing my prison time, they said I had run away, that was why I did not hold meetings at home, because they didn’t understand that you can only speak as a free man.

They also said I was given two billion naira, none of them has said something to give me credit for what I have done.

Tinubu came when they wanted to welcome Umana into the party and they said he had sold the party to Umana, they heard the speculation that I was moving, they said Akpabio has given me money. Please, am I not bigger than 500 million Naira? Let me tell this to all Akwa Ibom people, 500 million Naira is small money. Those who are collecting N10 billion and N20 billion, were they not born of mothers? I deserve Akwa Ibom’s money, if I have taken it, I will tell Akpabio bring the money, but this money is nonsense. That is not me.

You always say that the people are suffering.

The people are suffering, that

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

I can’t be bought

by A’Ibom’s oppressors

Akpabio

I want to plead with the people, I have not taken money from anybody; governor Akpabio or Umana or any other person. If I had done that, or I’m going to negotiate with governor Akpabio, it is not going to be a personal negotiation; it will be done with my supporters with me.

is why I’m still on their side.

I am not standing because I need money. If I needed money I would not be suffering, if the party that I’m in abandons me and abandons principles, I will be left with no other option than to take the decision based on the current situation, and with consultation with my friends and supporters. I’m not moving alone. I mention people, so that if the person thinks that I am lying, he can go to court.

Governor Akpabio did this to me, did that to me, but Umana was part of the government and superintended over my suffering. And he wants to fly change.

You cannot fly change because you were part of the problem.

Don’t listen to blackmail, for once encourage Akwa Ibom people to honour those who deserve honour. I went to prison on their behalf, there is no amount of money that can compensate the fact that when I was taken from Abuja to Uyo by helicopter, my wife collapsed five times, she almost died because of this. So don’t talk about money.

Ojukwu went to civil war on behalf of the people; Nigerians were killed, Igbo people were killed. He went on exile and when he came back, the people welcomed him as a hero, as if nothing happened. But here instead of remembering the little good thing that one has done, we want to inject blackmail to dent a character. Anyway I know a lot of good people of Akwa Ibom State understand what I am doing and they respect me for that. I don’t bother about blackmail, the issue is not about money, if it was money, I would not have done what I did. Let me tell them something that they know. I own Quality Ceramics, 80% share of Quality Ceramics the government took away from me, if I wanted to embrace governor Akpabio, I would have embraced him for that, he would have returned my factory to me. Go to Abak road, you will realise that there are Christmas decorations everywhere but not done at Abak road because Udoedehe is from there. There is no road to my village, it is enough for me to go back to him and ask him to do it for me. I did not.

Where I come from, they are suffering because I live there and come from there. That is what is going on. Please in the name of God, don’t destroy your hero, you might not have another one.

I want to plead with the people, I have not taken money from anybody; governor Akpabio or Umana or any other person. If I had done that, or I’m going to negotiate with governor Akpabio, it is not going to be a personal negotiation; it will be done with my supporters with me.

BUSINESS

TiMES

Balance P23 power rationing, NERC tells DISCOs

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014

INSURANCE

ENERGY

LABOUR

INDUSTRY AVIATION

MARITIME MONEY

ICT

AGRI-BUSINESS

Waheed

Olagunju (BoI)

Rotimi Oladele (IoE)

Nigeria needs a new economic policy 24 P

Business 36 22

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014 Monday December 22, 2014

Bank targets 5% non-performing loan ratio for 2015 Stories by Ugochukwu Onyeocha

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ne of Nigeria’s commercial banks, Unity Bank Plc, at the weekend revealed that it has projected a Non-Performing Loan (NPL) target ratio of five per cent in 2015 and becoming retail bank of choice by 2020.

The Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Henry Semenitari, made the announcement in Lagos.

Semenitari said that the bank would achieve the NPL target through aggressive loan recovery strategy.

He said that with a current NPL ratio of 20.4 per cent, Unity Bank planned to embark on tier-2 capital

raising exercise in 2015 to boost liquidity and ensure enhanced growth.

The managing director said that the bank would achieve the target through enhanced aggressive recovery, right corporate governance structure, expertise and modernised information technology structure.

Semenitari said that the bank would sustain revenue drive and focus on the business objective to ensure enhanced return to all stakeholders.

He, however, assured shareholders that the bank would increase its profitability for better returns in the next financial year.

“The impact of our recovery

would be felt next year. There must be a drop in NPL. We must achieve this, it is a whole battle.”

He said that the bank had established clear relationship with customers and embarked on thorough account re-activation to increase clientele base.

The Unity Bank boss said that the bank would emerge as best retail bank of choice in 2020 with strong networks, enhanced customer base, strong product offerings and efficient work force.

Semenitari said that the bank would target Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) businesses and increase exposure in the agriculture sector with more agricultural products.

He stated that the bank would offer SMEs an opportunity to grow their businesses and generate employment.

Semenitari said that the bank would also focus on the rural economy to propagate rural economy in line with the Federal Government’s financial inclusion strategy.

“You cannot grow Gross Domestic Product without rural populace to boost rural economy banking,” Semenitari said.

He said that the capital raising exercise of about N40 billion, comprising rights issue and special placement, embarked upon by the bank in 2013 was over-subscribed.

Semenitari said that the proceeds of the offer would be used

for branch expansion, upgrading of information technology and human capital development.

The bank posted gross earnings of N48.14 billion for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2014, compared with N45.30 billion achieved in the preceding period of 2013.

Its profit before tax rose to N12 billion against N1.20 billion posted in 2013, while profit after tax stood at N11.02 billion, compared to N1.15 billion in 2013.

Also, the bank’s interest income during the period under review stood at N25.69 billion from N20.8 billion in 2013.

FG advised to develop infrastructure with financial instruments

T Nigerian Stock Exchange

Revived indices at Capital Market up by 3.4%

A

n eventful week in the Nigerian Stock Exchange which saw the 2015 budget presented to the National Assembly, a hint on austerity measures to be introduced in the second quarter of 2015 and a break from an eight (8) day straight downward trend in the All Share Index (ASI) with a last day high recorded on the floor.

For the week ended Friday 19th December 2014, Chapel Hill Denham Mgt Ltd topped the Stockbrokers list, responsible for the highest number of tradings of 67.35% of the total volume traded

compared with the 2nd on the list, CSL Stockbrokers Limited which had only 4.57% of the total volume traded.

Monday, 15th December, 2015 started with the All Share Index (ASI) closing at 30,492.30 basis points while Friday 19th December 2014 closed with an All Share Index (ASI) of 30,306.51 basis points which was a 3.4% increase from Thursday’s closing All Share Index (ASI).

Friday’s market activity shows that a total of 3,990,956,539.00 shares exchanged hands on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Ex-

change (NSE). The shares worth 30,258,698,977.36 naira in 5,678 deals brought the Market capitalization to N10.005 trillion. Despite the eight day decline in the ASI the total Market capitalization staggered back into a little above 10 trillion naira.

With a high number of gainers recorded on Friday (42 gainers) the banks led the top gainers on the close of trade in the week ended with UBA and ACCESS bank leading the gainers chart with a gain of 35 kobo and 55 kobo on their unit price of shares which closed at N6.78 and N6.05 respec-

tively.

Whereas there were only 14 losers on the loser’s list by close of trade with PZ suffering a loss of N2.70 while Total and 7UP had a high loss of N6.30 and N8.30 respectively on the day.

The market received a boost with shares of UBN which represented a 86.7% of the total value recorded on Friday’s sale. Apart from UBN which were the top traders for the day, Transcorps FBNH, UBA and WEMA bank also had a good outing, topping the top traders list of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

he Deputy President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Otis Anyaeji, has advised the Federal Government to use policybased financial instruments as alternative sources of funding national Infrastructure.

He said some of the policy-based financial tools available for funding infrastructure included taxation, levies on importation, discount rates and pension funds.

Anyaeji said that government should deploy these funds domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for funding infrastructure. ``Policy-based finance created and controlled by the Federal Government made available on a revolving commercial basis to prioritise projects through development banks are lacking. ``The CBN has been using these techniques to make a lot of money; they warehouse this money and begin to spend it themselves. ``Government should channel such funds to the development of national infrastructure through a deliberate policy backed by proper legislation,” he said.

He explained that in other parts of the world, such funds generated by the government banker were handed over to development banks to release for funding infrastructure.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

23 Energy

USTDA formalises partnership with Eko, Ikeja Discos Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

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he United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has signed memoranda of cooperation with Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to help reduce electricity losses.

Commenting on the agreement, the USTDA Director, Leocadia I. Zak, said that the agreements formalises the agency’s partnership with the recently privatised DISCOs, both of which previously participated in a USTDA-sponsored reverse trade mission that introduced them to technologies to help reduce electricity losses on their grids.

“The agency is pleased to

strengthen its cooperation with our Eko and Ikeja partners, who have already purchased U.S. technologies that can help them improve power distribution.

The next phase of our partnership will introduce them to U.S. industry experts, who can assist in developing comprehensive plans to modernise their electricity networks” Zak said.

Under the agreements, USTDA is sponsoring a feasibility study that would develop a roadmap for implementing smart grid solutions throughout the DISCOs’ power networks.

The study will assess the technological, economic, regulatory and financial frameworks required to expand and enhance the networks by focusing on business process reengineering and distribution automation.

Dr. Sam Amadi, NERC boss

NERC cautions Discos against unfair electricity rationing

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he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has cautioned the various Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) in Nigeria’s Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) against unfair electricity rationing and directed them to work out fair and ingenious plan of shedding electricity loads to ensure adequate supply of same in their respective coverage areas.

NERC also charged the Discos to commence and follow-up on periodic trainings of its staff on

good customer relations in order to checkmate the various complaints of alleged unfair power rationing by the discos, and cases of ill-mannered responses to demands of electricity consumers by staff of the electricity distribution companies.

Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, who issued the warning at a public consultation and fact finding mission on the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme in Benin, explained how important it is for staff of elec-

tricity distribution companies in the country to now appreciate the operational framework of the industry, following its privatisation.

Amadi, who was represented

by NERC’s Commissioner for Engineering, Standards and Safety Regulations, Mary Awolokun, also explained that the public consultation was initiated to avail the commission first-hand assessment on the status of Discos’ compliance with the CAPMI

scheme and other consumers’ related issues.

Commenting on the commission’s interest in fair load shedding by the distribution companies, Amadi said: “They should make sure that every customer gets equal supply of whatever power is allocated to the company. They should not give longer supply to areas where their friends and relatives live. Every customer must be treated equally.”

He frowned at reported rude attitudes of staff of Discos in

the discharge of their responsibilities to consumers and urged them to treat customers as kings.

The NERC boss also apologised to consumers for delayed installation of electricity meter in their homes, majority of which dates back to the pre-privatisation era.

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), however, stated in a presentation that as much as 5,000 meters are installed monthly by it, with plans to increase the number to 7,000, thus reducing estimated billing across its coverage area.

Dormant marginal oil block: DPR to withdraw licences in 2015

F

Dezani Alison-Madueke, Petroleum minister

ollowing the inability of operators of about 19 marginal oil fields to meet the objectives of bringing the fields to production since 2003, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has warned that it would withdraw the licences of nonperforming marginal blocks by March 2015.

Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), George Osahon, made this state-

ment at the one-day marginal field sensitization for stakeholders, in Lagos, adding that the Federal Government licensed about 28 marginal oil fields since 2003 but only about nine of them have been operational, contributing about 24 per cent to the nation’s oil production.

Osahon said that the department would target the licences of the defaulting operators at the expiration of the deadline,

unless reasonable commitment is ascertained by government.

“A criteria would be used as guide in determining assets to be revoked and those to be given some time before revocation,” he said.

He explained that though financial constraints was a major setback to marginal field operators, the companies should as well repackage themselves to be credit worthy.

He listed other factors that

have militated against smooth development of the fields to include insecurity and community issues; technical capabilities; ownership and partnership tussle; and technology development, among others.

On his part, the Director, First Exploration and Production, Emmanuel Enu, noted that marginal fields in Nigeria have been hampered by slow take-off syndrome, due to insufficient funds.

Business 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Wanted: New national – BoI, IoE There is, therefore, a need for a new national economic policy, orientation and implementation – towards a diversification of the oil-based, forex in-flow into the Nigerian economy

Waheed Olagunju, Executive Director, Bank of Industry

Nduka Uzuakpundu

T

he current slide in the price of crude oil, in the international market, poses a budgetary challenge to Nigeria and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). At less than $60.00, as 2014 draws to a close, the somewhat rapid, south-bound price of crude oil, upon which Nigeria depends for about 80 percent of her forex, has come, with an unseasonable touch, and it has

triggered, amongst public policymakers and development economists, a debate for a new, national economic orientation.

Both parties agree that the unexpected south-bound price of crude oil would, compellingly, eat, deeply, into government activities with effect from 2015 up 2019. For that major capital projects, like road construction and development of new if decidedly ambitious – rail routes, in the deep south of the country, may have to take a longer time to complete, on account of budgetary restraints if not suspended for a

fairly long time.

The naira may lose value compared to the dollar, pound and euro, with an attendant, negative expression on consumer price index (CPI) and, amongst others, the cost of borrowing from the banks.

Still, development economists argue that even if the price of crude oil plummets to, say, $35.00

by February 2015, what it may call, naturally for especially for Nigeria is an adoption of some form of fiscal astringency and a guarded regime of economic austerity. Besides, it’s believed

that no matter how harsh may be the crude oil crisis effects on Nigeria’s budgetary expectations, her economy is unlikely to get frighteningly emaciated – a la the PIGS – Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain – all of them southern members of the European Union that suffered most from the recent global depression caused, in the mass, by the sinking, in 2008, of the Lehman Brothers financial outfit in the United States.

The confidence in the resilience of Nigeria’s economy that it would almost ford through the current crude oil crisis – is

freighted on the experience of the early ’80s, when the price of crude oil, in the international market, plummeted as wretchedly low as $3.00.

A greater cause of today’s fall in the price of crude oil is the fact that China’s economy is experiencing some form of recession: in place of a projected 8.8 percent for 2014, what obtains is about 5.03 percent. It presupposes that Beijing is not importing much oil – Nigeria’s, alongside others – as a result. In addition, the United States is fast becoming less dependent on imported oil, having found a huge quantum at home.

And yet, it’s a bit paradoxical that in place of the crisis sprung in the Middle East by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) helping the fortunes of crude oil, because of its scarcity in the international market, the reverse is the truth.

Participants at a recent conference, in Lagos, organised by the Institute of Entrepreneurs Nigeria, agreed that it was high time, as a result of the current fall in the price of crude oil, that Nigeria started exploring, quite seriously, other sources of foreign exchange – alongside offering incentives to an expected army of entrepreneurs who’d be active in the new non-oil turfs.

This time, the participants chorused, to stem Nigeria’s overdependence on a mineral that is not only non-renewable, but, sadly, with a volume that is southbound.

The Executive Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Waheed Olagunju, said Nigeria, with a population of 170 million, needs more entrepreneurs, would stimulate employment amongst 45 million adults fit to rejuvenate the country’s economy with emphasis on inspiring a healthy growth and competition in the small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) sector of the economy.

There is, therefore, a need for a new national economic policy, orientation and implementation – towards a diversification of the oil-based, forex in-flow into the Nigerian economy. With nearly all the 774 Local Governments in

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

25 Business

economic policy the country blessed with exportable minerals, Olagunju – the Executive Secretary of IOE – Nigeria, Dr. Rotimi Oladele with him – was of the view that the crude oil crisis posts, in relief, a drive towards the relevance of the SMEs, as the new dynamic force of the Nigerian economy – as was the case, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, with the Asian Tigers like South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia et al.

He said that while BOI was established in 2001 to bring about a new culture of industry and effective economic management its resources, the available funds, given as loans to prospective beneficiaries, should not be seen as some former ministers tend, somewhat irresponsibly, to think – as “government money meant to be taken and diverted to less productive ventures.

BOI, Olagunju said, was designed for economic growth and minimisation of risks that were often associated with economic mismanagement or budgetary indiscipline that would seem to have characterised the Nigerian economy, since 1979 – via uncompromising loan terms and effective supervision of the activities of the recipients. Presently, BOI is into a punctilious process to create between 20,000 - 40,000 jobs on the wings of some N5 billion.

In response to the inherent danger posed to Nigeria’s economy’s over-reliance on crude oil, BOI has identified 10 SME-friendly commercial banks that would be willing to allow BOI-backed entrepreneurs to access long-term funds at fairly- friendly or concessional rates. Such entrepreneurs, spread all over the six geopolitical zones of the country, are characters in whom that BOI is investing a generous amount of confidence and hope, as the next skippers of industry, who’d trigger a much-desired renaissance in the Nigerian economy.

In addition to SME-friendly banks, BOI – buoyed by simple, if informed, economic instinct –intends, as Olagunju disclosed, in the near future, to approach, with a sense of duty, the visibly- rich in the country – the ‘Dangotes’ – to aid the funding of SME-driven economic activities

In recognition of SMEs as reigning foundations of emerging markets or enterprise economies, there’s a need for a “knowledge platform”, at Nigeria’s primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, for the inculcation of entrepreneurial skills and behaviour

Dr Rotimi Oladele, Executive Secretary, Institute of Entrepreneurs, Nigeria

in the country in that, that way the ‘Dangotes’ would, in keeping with an element of corporate social responsibility (CSR), have expanded, solidified and empowered the base of the economy from which they made their gargantuan wealth.

At a time, like this, of dire economic straits, Oladele, who’s also the president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), took a holistic view of today’s economic crisis and offered some forward-looking strategies, which if heeded by the Nigeria’s economic policy- makers, could, immeasurably, be helpful.

He offered that Nigerian lawmakers needed education on entrepreneurial issues, so that they could craft laws that are friendly

to economic growth revved by SMEs. Nigeria, said he, was losing a colossal lot – in terms of time, energy and resources, in the current regime – where there’s no policy to drive the SMEs. Oladele’s position, put differently, is that there ought, by now – nearly two decades into the Fourth Republic – to have been an inseparable linkage between SME-friendly legislations, within the matrix of Nigeria’s political economy and the sustainability of democracy; for when the SMEs are not singing melodious songs of economic growth, what, then, is the essence of democracy?

Besides, it was Oladele’s view that, in recognition of SMEs as

reigning foundations of emerging markets or enterprise economies, there’s a need for a “knowledge platform”, at Nigeria’s primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, for the inculcation of entrepreneurial skills and behaviour that would have, as a leitmotif, disciplined budgetary and monetary practice – not squandermania.

The essence of education, economic growth and crime control, said Oladele, is “entrepreneurial knowledge platform.” When people cannot think, constructively – oftentimes, as a product of unrelieved ignorance – they resort to crime. Entrepreneurial knowledge, skill and behaviour, said Oladele, should also be extended to the prisons, because there were

empowered ex-prisoners, who built China’s economy.

A nutritionist, who’s also the first female and seventh Director-General of the Federal Institute for Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Elemo, advocated patronage and consumption of locallymade goods. Amid dwindling oil-based forex, she offered that there’s a need to cut down, drastically, on food importation. It’s senseless to expend about N360 million, daily, on the importation of wheat.

Abuja, she said, should make generous funds available for the promotion of an effective liaison between research institutions and industries in the interest of economic growth.

Energy 26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Afren to earmark first oil in Okoro, Aje, Okwok fields in 2015 Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

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fren Plc., a United Kingdom-listed oil firm, said it would earmark its first oil from the Okoro Further Field Development, Aje and Okwok oilfields offshore Nigeria in 2015.

The company in its interim management statement and financial results released recently in accordance with the reporting requirements of the EU Transparency Directive for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and an update on its operations year-to-date 2014 said the Final Investment Decision (FID) sanctioned on Okoro Further Field Development and Aje would be sealed by the end of this year.

The statement stated that the installation of the Ebok Central Fault Block Extension platform is expected in Q4 2014, while batch drilling on Ebok North Fault Block is underway. The Wellhead jacket fabricated at Okwok would be installed in Q4 2014.

The results highlighted that the average net production for

the nine months to September 30, 2014 at 31,377 barrels of oil equivalent per day (bopd), with full year 2014 net production guidance range (excluding Barda Rash) maintained at between 32,000 to 36,000 bopd with new incremental production wells are now on-stream.

The results further showed that profit after tax of $167 million, compared to $129 million in Q3 2013 reflected tax exemption at Ebok offsetting reduction in pretax profit and revenue.

Afren disclosed that the balance sheet remains strong with net assets of $1,981 million, adding that drilling campaign was underway on OML 26, with drilling ongoing on the second producer with a third producer to spud in late 2014.

Commenting on the results, the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Afren, Mr. Toby Hayward, said the company’s board was pleased to have received the results of the independent review by Willkie Farr and Gallagher (UK) LLP (WFG), adding that the board is in the process of implementing

its recommendations.

“Management remains focused on operational performance, having made good progress on our core development projects in Nigeria, which are expected to drive significant growth in production and cash flow in the medium-term. We are moving forward with our play-opening discovery at Ogo, while we continue to de-risk an exciting set of exploration opportunities across our portfolio,” Hayward added.

Afren delivered average net production (excluding Barda Rash) in the period to 30 September 2014 of 31,147 bopd, compared to 48,305 bopd in Q3 2013 and below the company’s full year production guidance range of between 32,000 to 36,000 bopd.

“This was principally due to the on-going delays with the installation of the Ebok Central Fault Block (CFB) extension due to adverse weather conditions and additional downtime at OML 26 in July, as a result of repair work by Shell Petroleum Development Company, (SPDC) on the Trans Forcados pipeline.

Toby hayward, Afren CEO

Sankofa gets approval for first oil in 2017, gas in 2018

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hanaian Government has given approval to the Plan of Development (PoD) for the Sankofa complex offshore Ghana where it envisages first oil in 2017 and first gas by 2018.

The Italian major, ENI, is the operator of the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) block in the Tano Basin, where the field is located.

ENI estimates discovered volumes in the complex as 490 Million barrels (MMbbls) Original Oil In Place (OOIP) and 1.2 Trillion Cubic Feet (Tcf) of gas in place (GIIP).

The Ghanaian government is particularly interested in Sankofa development because of what it means to gas production in the country.

A statement by the Ghanaian government stated that “This

project promises to deliver up to 170 million cubic feet of gas per day for the next 20 years and put Ghana on its way to a future where one of the critical constraints to power generation (cheaper fuel) will be addressed.”

It noted that the key challenge is the processing and transportation infrastructure to get the gas to several power plants in the country.

However, Ghana is building a number of gasfired thermal plants and even importing thermal barges, all of which will need at least 400MMscf/d by 2018.

The $6billion project includes floating production storage and off-loading (FPSO) vessel, which will be the third in the country. Oil production is expected to peak at around 50,000BOPD.

Conoil remodels classic to mega station in Abuja

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n its quest to meet the changing needs of consumers, Oil marketing firm, Conoil Plc., has rebuilt and reopened its classic station in Abuja to optimally serve the petroleum product needs of the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

The company made this known in a statement, in which it explained that the new station, which is taking off from the Herbert Macaulay axis of Abuja, is fashioned after the company’s multipurpose mega station model it pioneered in the petroleum marketing industry 14 years ago.

The statement also noted that the new station is equipped with hi-tech, pressurised nozzle pumps and gadgets with the capacity to dispense fuel to an av-

erage of 15 cars in just five minutes at 40 litre fuel per car.

It also said that the station will not only sell petroleum products, but also offer a variety of value-added consumer services.

“Motorists are assured of prompt, reliable and efficient service delivery 24-hours a day, and seven days a week. With 270,000 litre storage capacity for premium motor spirit, 90,000 litres for AGO (diesel) and 45,000 litre for kerosene, the station has 19 multi-product nozzles to dispense petrol, diesel and kerosene,” the company said.

Conoil also confirmed its resolve to continue to set standards through its product capacity in the industry by ensuring superior service delivery and customer satisfaction during rush hour and petrol scarcity.

The strategy, according to the

company, is targeted at providing top quality products and convenience services that will guarantee customer loyalty.

Interestingly, it added that it would not relent in its bid to increase visibility of its products and services across the country and in the West African sub-region.

Mike Adenuga, Chairman Conoil group

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

Atlas coal power plant to begin operation in 2015

Oando raises Ebendo production by 400%

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he Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Atlas Petroleum Corporation for a coal-to-power plant which will enable the country to harness all its potentials at developing her power sector.

Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, said in a statement in Abuja that the country’s abundant coal, biomass, solar, wind and small hydro could provide possible insurance to deal with vandalism of pipelines.

According to him, Nigeria had about 2.8 billion

Pade Durotoye, Oando MD

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

O

ando Plc’s exploration and production division, Oando Energy Resources (OER), said that it has completed the 45,000bbls/d, 51km Umuginni pipeline located in south-eastern Nigeria.

The Umuginni pipeline provides an alternative evacuation route for crude oil produced from the Ebendo field through the Trans Forcados export pipeline, ensuring flow

production from which maximised and further revenue streams are generated.

Following the successful drilling of Ebendo wells 5, 6, and 7 over the last year, oil production capacity within OML 56 has increased to 7,140boepd gross for OER and Energia Limited, the operator of the asset.

However, export had been restricted to 3,093 bopd via the Agip operated Kwale-Brass NAOC/JV infrastructure, in which

OER currently has a 20per cent interest through the recent $1.5billion acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigerian Oil & Gas Business.

Since the production of first oil in 2009, OER, in conjunction with Energia, has spurred the growth of the Ebendo field by 400 per cent from 1,600 bopd to 8,050 bopd in 2014 with 4 additional wells.

The completion and commencement of operations on the Umugini pipeline ensures the Ebendo

field can now produce at an increased capacity of 11,250 bopd via the 12” evacuation route to NPDC/ Shell’s Eriemu station to the Focados terminal. This complements the existing 2,500 bopd evacuation via the cluster GGF and Agip Kwale station to the Brass terminal.

Chief Executive Officer, Oando Energy Resources, Pade Durotoye, said: “We are extremely delighted with the achievement of this key milestone.

WEF report dims Nigeria’s hope on trans-African power export

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he World Eco-

nomic Forum (WEF) report released recently has dampened Nigeria’s hope to start exporting power beyond West Africa to Central and South African countries due to the low capacity of its grid network, which will cost an estimated $5 billion to fix.

The WEF report, entitled: ‘The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index Report 2015’, ranks

125 countries on the ability to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy.

According to the report, Switzerland, Norway and France top the global rankings, Brazil ranks highest of the major emerging economies examined, with China and India facing some of the greatest challenges.

It ranked Nigeria as 116th on the energy access and security sub-index, adding that only half of Nigerians have access to electricity, 10

27 Energy

per cent of them in rural areas, with power shortages severely affecting the quality of electricity supply across the country.

The WEP report also said that Nigeria as the most populated country in Africa, with a population of about 174 million, and growing at six per cent per annum...she faces a number of challenges across the energy triangle.

It noted that the govern-

ment plans to increase the supply and use of gas across the country, with a total investment of about $25 billion, but poorly coordinated attempts at revamping the nation’s energy sector have previously resulted in “$40 billion spent with little improvement”.

Accordingly, it stated that a number of challenges still need to be addressed before the government’s long-term goals become a near-term reality.

metric tonnes of coal deposits left untapped for years now, and that the use of these coal deposits, amongst other renewable energy sources to generate electricity for Nigeria, could alleviate instances of

vandalism of

petro-

leum pipelines.

The promoter of the project and Chairman of Atlas Petroleum, Chief Arthur Eze, said the company has the competence to deliver on the project.

In his words: “We have the ability and wherewithal to deliver; we will move fast to invest in coal to power.”

NLNG increases output of Liquefied Natural Gas

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he Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited said that it has increased its production capacity at its Bonny facility, in its quest to put an end to the shortage of cooking gas.

The Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Babs Omotowa, in a statement confirmed that the sixtrain LNG plant was now operating at installed capacity, and urged the government to intervene in

sels, were responsible for the poor market in cooking gas.

NLNG is owned by the Federal Government, represented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) (49%), Shell (25.6%), Total (15%), and Eni (10.4%). The construction of the 7th train of the LNG plant is still awaited.

terminal operation and development, distribution and retail, promotion and awareness and incentives for full maturity of the domestic LPG market.

He lamented that the absence of a functional cylinder, poor transportation network and infrastructure, limited jetty availability and low-priority berthing given to LPG ves-

Omotowa, NLNG boss

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

28 Business

Tougher measures await foreign sources of sub-standard products - SON

By Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

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he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has announced that it is considering stricter penalties for countries exporting sub-standard goods into Nigeria.

The Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, explained that these countries do not mean well for the economic development of the nation, stressing the need for stricter punishment to be deployed to curb the influx of substandard goods into the country.

Odumodu, during a stakeholders’ forum on the maritime industry, tagged: ‘Seamless importation: Building stakeholders’ synergy and fostering trade without compromising standards’, said this move by the agency was to also boost local production in Nigeria, noting that if these foreign products continue to flourish in the Nigerian markets, they would further worsen the unemployment situation and lead to economic loss to the nation.

Stressing that over 90 per cent of fake products in the nation’s market are imported, he said: “We need to take firmer actions against countries that are selling death to Nigerians. We must take stricter actions. It is a selfintervention activity. We are losing our people because they are selling death to us but, more importantly, we also need indus-

Odumodu, SON DG tries in Nigeria. If they continue selling these products to us and our industries continues to die, when are we going to have jobs open up to our own children?

“The point I am trying to make is that the people selling these products to us are not ready to change because they are making money from it. So, we have to help ourselves,” he said.

According to him, “As SON,

one of our six point agenda is to support ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods, and I want to state that statistically, 95 per cent of substandard products are products imported into Nigeria.”

The SON boss appealed to stakeholders for a closer collaboration to combat substandard goods in the country, maintaining that Nigeria was living dangerously patronising substandard goods.

“This is why we are here today to appeal to you. We all have to be part of the change process. Everybody is under this siege. You don’t know who could be affected next.

We are leaving dangerously in this country and all of us have a role to play. It is about us...and I said it earlier that you can make all the money you make clearing the consignment, but let us clear good consignments that would add val-

ue to our lives,” he charged.

According to him, ‘Made-inNigeria’ goods suffer neglect and destruction in the global market, bringing nothing but economic loss to the country.

He said to tackle this challenge, two of its laboratories have been accredited to ensure that any product that undergoes any form of test in Nigeria, would be accepted globally.

Ministry of Finance enhances graduates employability Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

E

fforts towards reducing unemployment in the country have received a boost, as the Federal Ministry of Finance organised a three-day orientation training for interns and firms’ representatives under the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SUREP).

Opening the session in Enugu, the Senior Consultant, Fittam Consults, Abuja, Mr. Augustine Bolu, said it has become imperative for the interns under the GIS

to be trained on life after internship, exit strategies and entrepreneurship.

Bolu noted that government should be commended for the recognition it gave the private sector as the major employer of labour which, according to him, requires certain minimum skills from graduates in order to employ them.

GIS is designed and introduced as part of the SURE-P for graduates to be placed in interested and demonstrated viable firms/ organisations, where they would be mentored and supported, to develop or strengthen core skills with potential to enhance their

employability.

The graduates at the training were taken through personal branding, financial literacy skills, skills for the work place, work ethics and etiquette, business leadership, performance and others.

The objectives of the training, among others, were to enable the interns optimise the period by developing useful skills and positive work habits, expose them to opportunities for life after internship, and provide opportunity to share experiences with other participants, including firms’ representatives on opportunities

and challenges in the workplace.

Bolu berated the educational curriculum in the nation’s higher institutions which does not provide for the development of the need for work place skills, which accounts substantially for why large number of graduates do not get employed.

He said: “The thrust of the GIS, therefore, is to partly address this problem by bridging the gap between school and labour market and provide the graduates with something to do and somewhere to go, while they continue their job search”.

The Fittam boss noted that though the training was target-

ed at interns, “we believe that a shared vision with our partners would enhance the benefit the scheme provides not only for the interns but also for the firms, especially the SMEs. For the firm representatives, this training provides windows for staff assessment, official etiquette, staff management/development through structured mentorship and other critical lines, which are necessary for the growth of nay firm.”

He, therefore, challenged the trainees to take full advantage of the training and be the change agents in their various organisations.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

29 Business

APCON ready to prosecute illegal practitioners – Registrar Stories by Ugochukwu Onyeocha

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he Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) on Friday said that it would prosecute anyone found to be operating in the sector illegally.

Mr Garba Kankarofi, the Registrar of APCON, who spoke in Lagos at the Long Service Award Ceremony organised to honour some of the council’s members of staff, stated that the association would

do all it could, to rid the advertising industry of quacks.

He said that the council could not tolerate illegal advertising practitioners in the country. ``We will do all we can do to ensure that we get rid of quacks in the industry, `` Kankarofi said.

The APCON registrar said that the council had been able to reduce the number of illegal practitioners drastically in the last four years. ``Everybody is trying to comply with APCON rules now, being the

regulatory body for all the advertising firms in Nigeria, `` he said.

Kankarofi expressed gratitude to the 10 senior members of staff that were given long service awards for giving their best to the council.

He urged them to continue to offer selfless service and to always strive for excellence.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr John Iwarue of Daar Communication Ltd., urged the junior staff to emulate the senior

ones who had offered exemplary service in the organisation.

He said that everything was not about quick cash or fast money, but what was more important was dedication and passion for one’s job. ``Some people work because of the huge money being paid while some work because of the passion they have for the job. ``The best, above all, is to work with passion, which will bring out the best in one.

Registrar of APCON, Alh. Garba Bello Kankarofi (right); past Council Chairman, Chief Olu Falomo and present Council Chairman, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi at the event

ICAN, NNDC agree on training young accountants

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he management of New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), on Friday signed an agreement with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to encourage the training of professional accountants in the North.

The agreement, tagged Students Special Project (SSP), is aimed at strengthening an earlier agreement signed between the two since May 20, 2009.

Speaking on newsmen after the signing, the NNDC Managing Director, Dr Ahmad Muhammad, who signed for the company, said the initiative would boost awareness and encourage prospective

professional accountants in the region to acquire ICAN certification.

He said that the target was to bridge the gap between the northern and the southern part of the country in terms of the number of chartered accountants produced by each of the regions.

Muhammad said that the new agreement would facilitate the opening of more study centres, apart from the special centres earlier established in Kaduna, Ilorin and Kano.

The managing director said more than 563 chartered accountants had been produced from the existing three centres since 2007.

He said that the Kaduna centre was also accredited by ICAN for

the conduct of Technology Competence Initiative training.

According to him, 124 qualified accountants have been inducted into the institute.

Muhammad said that the NNDC had committed about N138.8 million into the partnership between it and ICAN since the commencement of the SSP in 2007.

The NNDC is owned by the 19 northern state governments.

The managing director said that the NNDC had, through its Young Professionals Development Trust trained 17 unemployed graduates to enhance their competence. ``The scheme awards scholarship to young unemployed graduates from the owner states to un-

dertake professional certification in various fields such as accounting, stock broking, insurance and information technology.’’

In a remark, the President of ICAN, Mr. Chidi Onyeuchukwu, who signed for the institute, said the partnership with NNDC was the most productive relationship it had had in the country.

He said that the partnership would go a long way in producing competent chartered accountants in line with the mandate of the institute, which is to protect public interest and encourage professionalism. ``We will also build competence and partner with other organisations willing to join us,” he said.

2015 budget: Financial experts call for stringent tax regime

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ome stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial market at the weekend called for a tougher and inclusive tax regime following the sustained slide in the price of crude oil in the international market.

The financial experts also stated that the 2015 budget would only be achieved through strategic fiscal and monetary policies aimed addressing national tax linkages.

These, they stated in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, President, Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR), said that government should introduce measures to check tax management in the country.

Olugbemi said that Nigerians and the three tiers of government should expect more belt tightening in 2015, following developments in the international crude oil market.

He said that governments at all levels should review their spending pattern and source for other sources of revenue, to reduce pressure on the nation’s Excess Crude Oil account.

According to him, the 65 dollar per barrel benchmark for the 2015 budget is not realistic and government should look for other sources of revenue to cushion the effect of the fall in oil prices.

He also called for the introduction of more fiscal measures, to hedge against a free fall in oil price.

Olugbemi, however, said that the development would not affect the Value Added Tax palliatives granted by the government on all capital market transactions.

He said that the major aim of the incentive was to encourage more participation in the capital market.

Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said that the budget was not realistic because of the nation’s dependent on oil.

Unegbu said that government failed to develop alternative sources of revenue, in spite of warnings on dangers of over reliance on oil.

He said that “every oil dependent country that failed to develop other sectors is facing an economic crisis.”

“The 2015 budget is not realistic and achievable because the 65 dollar benchmark is above the current oil price in the international market,” Unegbu said.

ICT 30

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

L-R: Regional Account Executive, Energy & Natural Resources, SAP Africa, Ukonu Ukonu, Group CFO, Interswitch, Peter O’Toole, Country Manager, Verve International, Oremeyi Akah, Group Head, Social Systems and Services Industry Vertical Markets, Titilola Shogaolu and Leader, Advisory West Africa, Deloitte, Michael J Vincent at an event in Lagos recently.

Airtel premieres reality TV show, ‘Touching Lives’ Stories By Opeoluwani Akintayo

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irtel Nigeria has premiered its first ever reality TV series, Touching Lives, in a colourful event held last Thursday. The TV series is centred on a revolutionary CSR intervention on empowering underprivi-

leged individuals, communities and groups in the society.

The premiere, which was an emotion-evoking event, brought to limelight the commitment and kind-heartedness of Airtel in uplifting underprivileged people across Nigeria through its CSR interventions.

Airtel’s Managing Director and Chief Execu-

tive Officer, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, at the event, described the initiative as a philanthropic gesture of the Telco to connect emotionally with Nigerians and alleviate the suffering of helpless people across the country.

“This, without a doubt, underscores our determination to enrich lives and contribute to humanity.

And the premiere tonight

marks the beginning of a new journey in providing empowerment and a major lifeline for thousands of Nigerians.

“At Airtel, we are passionate about the people we serve and the Nigerian society. Airtel Touching Lives provides a platform for the underprivileged in our society to be identified, listened to and also cared for. For us, it is a

commitment to connect with millions of Nigerians, alleviate their suffering and bring smile to their faces,” Ogunsanya said.

The event which held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, was graced by top government functionaries, captains of industries, royal fathers, NGOs, media partners, and other distinguished guest from all

walks of life. Some of the dignitaries at the event include Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; United States Consul General in Nigeria, Jeffrey J. Hawkins; Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun; Chairman of Airtel Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, RTD, (GCON) and HRH, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.

Interswitch tops Deloitte’s list of fastest growing techcos

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an-African integrated payments processing and transaction switching company, Interswitch has been ranked first on the Deloitte Technology Africa Fast 50 2014, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in Africa.

Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over five years,

and according Deloitte, Interswitch’s revenue grew 1,226% during this period.

Speaking on the company’s achievement, Mitchell Elegbe, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Interswitch, said: ‘We are delighted to have been ranked the fastest growing technology company in Africa by De-

loitte. Africa is teeming with growth opportunities and companies that understand how to use technology to address local challenges are likely to grow on the back of these opportunities. This is what Interswitch is all about.

‘At Interswitch we saw the challenges and by extension the opportunities

in electronic payments in Africa and we have diligently provided solutions over the years. We believe our success is tied to our deep understanding of Africa, the strength of our team, the culture of the organization and the completeness of our vision.’

Kamal Ramsingh, Deloitte Africa Technology Leader and partner in charge of the Deloitte

Technology Fast 50 Africa programme, said: ‘Interswitch has proved itself to be one of the fastest growing tech companies in Africa, and we are proud to honour them as one of the 2014 Technology Fast 50.’

Interswitch built Nigeria’s transaction switching infrastructure and connected all the banks in the country just over 11

years ago with the strategic objective of becoming a truly pan-African electronic transactions business.

In 2014 the company announced a partnership agreement with Paynet, East Africa’s leading multi-institutional payments provider, creating payments infrastructure spanning nine African countries.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

31 ICT

Microsoft, 88mph partner to boost start-ups in Nigeria Stories By Opeoluwani Akintayo

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icrosoft, in partnership with 88mph has announced the expansion of the Microsoft Ventures program into Nigeria. As part of the 4Afrika Initiative, the collaboration will help improve start-ups’ productivity by offering tools, resources, expertise and routes to market around the world. This expansion builds on the success of the first partnership in Kenya, announced in October 2013.

“There is a great opportunity to further develop the start-up ecosystem in Nigeria and drive innovation,” says Amrote Abdella, Director of Startup Engagement and Partnerships, Microsoft Africa Initiatives.

“By expanding Microsoft Ventures into Nigeria, we hope to reinvent productivity for start-ups.

This means equipping them with the technology that puts their businesses first, by providing affordable devices, cloud-based software and pay-as-you-go models, that enable anytime-anywhere access.”

Start-ups for the program will be selected based on globally established criteria. These include having a full-time founding team, a bold vision for tackling a real problem, technology-driven so-

lutions and less than $1 million raised.

“While working with Microsoft in Kenya, we found we were very aligned on finding businesses that deliver value to consumers, helping bring them to profitability, and hopefully getting more investors interested in web/mobile businesses,” says Kresten Buch of 88mph.

88mph and a reputable Nigerian seed fund, L5Lab, created a Joint Venture called 440.ng, to invest in start-ups in Nigeria.

“It’s still early days here and not a lot of players in this space, so we are thrilled that Microsoft wants to support our efforts here as well,” Buch concluded.

Microsoft Ventures was first launched in June 2013 as a coordi-

nated global effort to help startups get off the ground. Microsoft Ventures accelerators currently operate in Bangalore, Beijing, Berlin, London, Paris, Seattle and Tel Aviv with partnerships with 3rd party accelerators in Moscow, São Paulo, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Bulgaria and Kenya among other cities and now Nigeria.

“88mph is a leader in a region where entrepreneurism is thriving and a great source of economic good. The Microsoft Ventures team is proud to be partnering with them in Nigeria and we hope to contribute to the success of 88mph, the startups they support, and the country as a whole,” says Cliff Reeves, Senior Director, and Microsoft Ventures.

Chairman, Airtel Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore rtd; HRH, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya at the premiere of Airtel Touching Lives TV series held in Lagos recently.

Nigeria not prepared for ICT future - Aregbesola

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overnor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said that the country was not prepared for the massive future of Information Technology.

The governor blamed the Federal Government for taking ICT for granted and neglecting it in the hands of the private sector who he said, were merely after exploiting the poor masses.

Aregbesola made the statement in Lagos, at the just held African Digital Forum (ADF) and Africa Digital Awards (ADA) awards 2014.

“Looking at how the government is currently not giving enough attention to developing the ICT sector, if we are not careful, we will still remain backwards in the next 20 years as far as ICT is concerned, and I pity the masses because they bear the brunt of being over-charged by service providers.”

According to him, having limited broadband in the country is like having limited oxygen to breathe, adding that only broadband can solve internet problems network subscribers encounter in the country every day.

“With broadband, Nige-

ria will never experience setback as internet is concerned. This means that the government has to be involved in its development”, he explained.

Following their immense contribution towards the development of ICT in their respective states and the country at large, the executive Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Aregbesola of Osun State, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura and others were honoured with awards during the event which was themed ‘Broadband; Oxygen ‘For A Digital Economy’.

Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi walked away with the ICT Infrastructural Governor of The Year, Governor Aregbesola of Osun State, ICT Infrastructural Governor of The Year, and Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura as the ICT Personality Governor of the Year.

Adding to the cue of prominent Nigerians honoured were also Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who got the ICT Personality of The Year award, the ICT Luminary Award went to Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Outstanding Computer of The

Year went to Zinox, Tecno got the Outstanding Phone of The Year, Outstanding Micro Finance Bank of The Year went to Accion Microfinance Bank Limited, lastly, TVC clinched the plaque for the Television of The Year on Social Usage.

The Special Recognition in Social Development award went to National Legal Adviser, ACP, Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire, Publisher, Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu got the Special Recognition in Media Entrepreneurial award, EVC/CEO, Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem was honoured with the ICT Man of The

Year, and lastly, Engr.Adebayo Banjo, Chairman, Disc Communications LTD got the Broadcast Personality of The Year.

Also present as special guest was President, Association of Telecom Companies f Nigeria, (ATCON), Egnr. Lanre Ajayi who also doubled as the moderator.

Speaking during the event of the award which launched its maiden edition in 2010, the Coordinator, Tayo Adewusi, harped on the urgent need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to embrace Broadband as the future of ICT and digital economy in the country.

Labour 32

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Ex- NUHPSW President lauds return of NASU to NLC

RATTAWU continues strikes in Bauchi, Yobe

Stories By Joy Ekeke

embers of Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), in Bauchi and Yobe States, said they would continue on industrial action despite being called off at the national level.

National Officer in Charge of North East zone of the union, Comrade Mohammed Ningi, made this known during interview with newsmen in Bauchi on Friday.

He explained that Bauchi was among States yet to implement the weigh-in allowance the union had been clamoring for. ``In the North East zone where we have six states, four out of the six has implemented the weigh-in allowance leaving Bauchi and Yobe. ``Gombe state has implemented it, if you go to Adamawa, they have approval in place, and if you go to Taraba, they have implemented it. ``It will interest you to hear that Borno state is paying about twice of what the union even demanded. They were supposed to pay 17 per cent in addition to the old 17 per cent. ``Instead, they increased it to 75 per cent, meaning that they are paying weigh-in allowance at the rate 52 per cent of the basic salary. ``While Borno State workers are enjoying this peculiar allowance, unfortunately, Bauchi workers are yet to feel the impact of the allowance’’, Ningi contended.

F

ormer President of National Union of Hotels and Personal Services Workers (NUHPSW), Comrade Leke Success, has stated that the return of the Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational And Associated Institutions (NASU) to the Nigeria Labour Congress is a good thing to happen to the labour movement as it is part of the renewed effort by the Congress to

douse the fear from the public of any crisis in the movement The NLC at its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on November 6, 2014 deliberated on the desire of NASU to return to the Congress, and therefore approved the return of NASU to the Congress with immediate effect without any pre-conditions Success, made the declaration, while interacting with newsmen on how the revival of the militant tradition of the

NLC would close the insinuating missing gap of the labour movement when there is peace and unity amongst the rank and file of the NLC during the opening ceremony of the 5th Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference of the union, at Sheraton Abuja hotel, Abuja He said: “The return of NASU to the NLC is a good thing to happen in recent times because as organised labour, we need to urgently regain our voice and our respectability among the

rank and file of our members and the Nigerian public.”

According to Success, “The organised labour in the country needs unity because the political elites in the country have shown that they are prepared to drive the nations to the brink, at the slightest sign of stress, for short term personal and clannish interest. We as organized labour must reclaim our role as the champions of the common good; as the protectors of the common interest of the masses.

L-R: Women Commission Chairperson, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Olasanoye Oyinkan, TUC Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa Lawal, President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, First Deputy President, Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako and Third Deputy President, Comrade Bede Opara, at Congress National Executive Council meeting in Lagos recently.

Prioritise workers’ interests, commissioner urges NLC

L

agos State Commissioner of Transports, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, has called on the organised labour, under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to put the interests of workers at the top of its priority to create wealth for them and improve their wellbeing.

Opeifa made the declaration while interacting with newsmen on how Lagos State Government policy would support the recent 153 Labour City Transport Services Ltd (LCTS) buses officially commissioned by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Gov.

Babatunde Fashola in Lagos.

He said “We call on the organised labour, the NLC and TUC to put the interests of workers at the top of its priority to create wealth for them and improve their wellbeing by ensuring that the support the gesture of the Government, especially the Lagos state Government to boost transportation system in the state” “Our call is necessary because when there is efficient transportation system in Lagos state, for instance, the workers in the state will have enough to be save from their salaries, but if the otherwise, they do not have any

M

money to save for the raining day”, he added According to Opeifa, the state public transportation services system was aimed at creating a safe, reliable, efficient, integrated, multimodal transportation system.

The Lagos transport Commissioner also described the Federal Government control of Rail transport as `bad and wrong’ and not in the interest in workers. ``We are not just working of road transport; we are working hard on rail system, however, too much of Federal Control on rail transport is not only bad but also wrong.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

33 Insurance

NAICOM restrategises to boost insurance awareness Stories by Kayode Adelowokan

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he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) said it has adopted measures that will mandate all insurance companies to make special commitment to awareness creation in order to deepen insurance penetration in

the country.

Speaking on behalf of the commission, NAICOM’s spokesperson, Mr. ‘Rasaaq Salami said one of these measures was the reintroduction of advertorial processing fee, which would spur the operators to make public, advertorials approved as they would now incur cost to secure them.

Before now, he said because the processing and approval were made free, many of the operators took the efforts of the commission for granted and never took the issue of awareness creation serious.

NAICOM recently disclosed that some operators are playing pranks on the commission, by

presenting to it, awareness campaign materials which are not made public after they are approved.

It was learnt that some of these operators design campaign materials, present them for approval with NAICOM, but did nothing about after approval of such materials.

The commission however detected this dubious game in the process of accessing the budget the operators made yearly for awareness campaigns.

The commission also revealed that advertorials made by some firms within a year are congratulatory and obituaries, which does not promote insurance practice.

California pension system seeks new investment windows

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L-R: Former President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Adeyemo Adejumo; CIIN President, Bola Temowo, and Deputy Chairman Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and Managing Director, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Eddie Efekoha at the CIIN’s 2014 graduation ceremony in Lagos recently.

Greenoaks commends NAICOM, SEC over roles in acquisition deal

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reenoaks Global Holdings Limited (GGH) has applauded the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for providing exemplary supervisory oversight during the process leading to its acquisition of Union Assurance.

A representative of Greenoaks, Andrew Borda, said the two regulators were very helpful during the course of this transaction, noting that the insurance industry in the country would be better

for such acquisition.

He disclosed that the firm has successfully acquired a 92.8 per cent stake in Union Assurance, a former associate company of Union Bank Plc. Stating that GGH comprises a team with deep Insurance skills and consulting expertise using proven set of tools and capabilities in accelerating growth, he said this acquisition would improve the operation of the company, increases its profits and market share.

His firm, he pointed out, was

focused on achieving exponential growth in emerging markets via a combination of excellent underwriting, customer services, value-oriented workforce and dominance in insurance retail distribution.

The investment, he added, provides existing and potential Union Assurance clients an opportunity to be a part of a diversified global group positioned to provide service excellence and strong performance.

To this end, a new board emerged chaired by Mr. Fola Ade-

ola, while Mr. Asue Ighodalo; Mr. Andrew Borda (Australian); Mr. Stefan Olofsson (Swedish); Owolabi Salami; Mr. Segun Adesanya; Okanlawon Adelagun; Dickie Agumba Ulu; become board members, even as Mr. Godwin Odah remains the Managing Director.

The Managing Director, Union Assurance Company Limited, Mr. Godwin Odah, said Union Bank had to divert its investment from Union Assurance, following the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN)’s directive that mandates commercial banks to do so.

ollowing the recent tumble in crude oil prices to five-year low, a California pension fund last Thursday said it was looking for new investment opportunities.

The Orange County Employees Retirement System issued a request for proposals for investment strategies that can favourably exploit the recent meltdown in global petroleum markets.

The $12 billion public pension plan is considering both equity and debt strategies.

Chief Investment Officer of the pension fund, Mr Girard Miller said: “We are exploring the available options to deploy our capital strategically and timely in light of the recent plunge in crude oil prices and the anticipated shake-out in the American energy industry.”

A six-month selloff has nearly halved U.S. crude prices, to below $60 a barrel as at last Thursday for the first time in five years.

“In this washout environment, we do not need to swing for the fences to hit home runs to succeed in this space,” said Miller, in a statement.

Business 34 Nigeria has brighter chances of forex earnings from gas

- Ambassador

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igeria’s chances of earning foreign exchange from gas had brightened with the efforts the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) is making to stabilise the global market, a top official has said.

Nigerian Ambassador to Qatar, Mr Shuaibu Ahmed, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Doha, Qatar.

He said the focus of the forum was to salvage the international energy sector from the challenges facing the trade in gas. ``You can see that the prices of crude oil are crashing down and it is affecting the gas sector. ``So, the focus now is to salvage the situation internationally first. If we get to do that, Nigeria is a major oil exporting country; automatically it will trickle down because our revenue is going to increase. ``And some of the budgetary challenges we would have had in 2015 because of the dwindling oil prices would be overcome. `` The envoy said the appointment of Nigeria as president of the forum was a major achievement for the country’s Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke and the country as a whole.

According to him, giving Nigeria the right to host the 17th Ministerial Meeting in Abuja in 2015 shows how much trust the international community has in Nigeria.

He said, ``we consider the appointment of the minister of petroleum as the president of the GECF for the year 2015 as a major achievement having just been elected as the President of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. ``This is very significant for Nigeria and the minister as a person. It shows the kind of confidence that the international oil and gas sector has reposed in her ``As you know, the global energy sector is facing one of its major challenges in the last couple of decades.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

World’s largest bottle tree unveiled in Lagos Stories by Opeoluwani Akintayo

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igerian Breweries has unveiled its innovation, “Star Bottle Tree”. The Star Bottle

Tree, situated at Star Beer Village, Bar Beach Stretch Victoria Island Lagos, is made with 8,000 bottles and is the largest bottle tree in the world. Attention grabbing and stunningly made, it is

a first of its kind in the country, symbolising greatness and the enterprising Nigerian spirit personified by Star Lager, the country’s leading beer brand.

Lagosians took part in the re-

Officials of Nigerian Breweries at the unveiling of world’s largets bottle beer in Lagos recently.

cord-breaking feat by submitting empty Star bottles, which were put together to build the tree.

The Star Bottle Tree aims to break the current World Record of 1,000 beer bottles being held by the Chinese city of Shanghai.

“This is another achievement by Nigerian Breweries Plc, which has become a forerunner in creativity and innovation over the years. Star Lager is an exciting brand, which strives to reach its consumers on enthusing platforms such as the Star Beer Village and also with the Star Bottle Tree. It’s the festive period; season of fun and unlimited excitement and Star Lager has put everything in place to ensure fun seekers are relaxed, entertained and refreshed.

The Star Bottle Tree is a first of its kind in Nigeria. The enormous size is perhaps a first of its kind in the world. We are very excited about the Star Bottle Tree; People can enjoy the tree, which stands as an iconic landmark in Lagos, Nigeria and across the world shining into 2015”.” Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Mr Walter Drenth said at the Star Bottle Tree unveiling.

Other guests present at the event include Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Edem Vindah, Marketing Manager Star, Goldberg & Export NB PLC Mr. Tokunbo Adodo, Brand Manager Star Lager Obabiyi Fagade, Comedian Lafup amongst others.

Minister opens ICT cluster in Lagos

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he Minister of Communications and Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, has inaugurated clusters of ICT gap and also unveiled the Universal Service Provision Fund’s (USPF) website in Lagos.

The minister stated that access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) was a right and not a privilege.

This was contained in a statement made available by Mrs Efem Nkanga, the Special Assistant on Media to the minister on Friday. ``The USPF has continued to

play a leading role in promoting and deepening ICT access and availability in the rural areas of the country. ``The mandate of the fund is the backdrop against which it developed Symmetric Multi-Processes 2013-2017 to guide execution of sustainable ICT projects which will improve the quality of lives of Nigerians. ``In the USPF, the mantra is that access to ICT is not a privilege, but a right. We will continue to push forward frontiers of service until ICT for all is achieved’’, the statement said. ``There is need to get a clear

view of the true access gap within the country so that interventions would be targeted at the appropriate communities’’, It quoted the minister, who is also Chairperson of the fund, as saying.

According to the statement, the access gap study was conceptualised and had culminated in the identification of over 200 subsidy clusters across the six geo political zones.

This, it added, represents the areas where telecommunication services were yet to reach. ``The USPF will utilise these clusters to identify target areas,

define Universal Access Service (UAS) interventions and map the interventions to the appropriate communities. ``We will also share the results of the study with the telecoms operators to enable them to get a detailed view of the needs and demands of the market. ``We will also assist them in developing roll out plans for these unreached areas.’’

It added that the greatest wish was to continue to collaborate with the telecom operators to closing access gap in the country and set Nigeria on the path to full digitalisation.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

35 Global business

European stocks post biggest four-day Jump since 2012

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uropean stocks advanced, after fluctuating between gains and losses, capping their biggest four-day rally in more than two years.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added 0.4 per cent to 340.3 at the close of trading, after earlier rising as much as 0.8 per cent and falling 0.6 per cent. The measure posted its fifth weekly advance in six. Energy stocks contributed the most to gains, while a drop in health-care companies was the biggest drag as Roche Holding AG (ROG) slid.

European shares jumped the most since November 2011 yesterday, rebounding for a third day, after the Federal Reserve pledged to be patient in increasing interest rates and the Swiss National Bank introduced its first negative deposit rate since the 1970s.

The Stoxx 600 has advanced three per cent this week, recovering more than half of its December losses.

“Low interest-rate policy addicted markets are being comforted and there is no other option for cash other than to participate by owning stocks it seems,” Daniel Weston, chief investment officer at Aimed Capital GmbH in Munich, wrote in an email.

Markel, German chancellor

Front view of New York Exchange

U.S. stocks cap best week in two months on Fed-led rally

U

.S. stocks surged the most this week since October as the Federal Reserve sparked a three-day rally that nearly wiped out two weeks of equity market pain.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (SPX) jumped 3.4 per cent in the five days, bringing some calm to the

market after a seven-day slump erased about $1 trillion of equity value amid sinking crude prices and a worsening of the financial crisis in Russia.

The MSCI All-Country World Index rallied 2.3 per cent for its best week since October. Energy shares in the S&P 500 climbed 9.7 per cent, the most in three years. Commodity

producers gave Europe its best gain of the year and sent Canada’s benchmark index to the biggest rally since 2009. The options gauge known as the VIX (VIX) sank 30 per cent in the three days following the Fed meeting after having doubled in the previous seven days.

Equities rallied around the world after the central

bank said it will be patient on the timing of a rate increase even as U.S. growth shows signs of accelerating. Chair Janet Yellen said any spillover from the situation in Russia is likely to be small, while the central bank’s policy statement didn’t mention turmoil sparked by tumbling oil prices.

“There was a sigh of re-

lief as the contagion fear was vastly overblown and people came back to their senses,” Marshall Front, chief investment officer at Front Barnett Associates LLC, said by phone from Chicago. “The market is refocusing on profits and where the economy is going next year and that’s why the Fed’s comments were so supportive.”

Thai Union frozen to purchase U.S. Bumble Bee for $1.5bn

T

he world’s biggest producer of canned tuna, Thai Union Frozen Products PCL, has agreed to buy U.S. competitor Bumble Bee Seafoods for $1.5 billion as part of a plan to double revenue through overseas acquisitions.

The purchase once completed will give Thai Union control of some of North America’s best-known seafood lines, including two of the three biggest canned tuna brands in the United States, in its quest to reach revenue of $8 bil-

lion by 2020.

“The deal is the largest acquisition in the history of our company and one of the most exciting external growth propositions,” Thai Union President and Chief Executive Thiraphong Chansiri told reporters on Friday.

The deal marks the latest instance of consolidation in the global seafood industry, which analysts say has been in flux over the past few years as companies change the way they manage supplies and costs to better cater to shifting consumer de-

mand.

The transaction is likely to be completed in the second half of next year, subject to approval by U.S. antitrust authorities, said Thai Union, whose clients include Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Costco Wholesale Corp.

Thai Union has operated in the United States for over 17 years, and Thiraphong said he expects a “positive response” from the authorities.

Thai Union’s Chicken of the Sea is the third-biggest tuna brand in the United

States behind Bumble Bee. The top brand, Starkist, is owned by South Korea’s Dongwon Industries Co Ltd. With so few canned tuna producers, major asset sales will be needed to persuade U.S. antitrust authorities to allow the deal to proceed as tuna consumption is declining, antitrust experts said.

“This potential merger will raise concerns with U.S. regulators and may lead to an agreement to a divestiture of U.S. assets if they can find a willing buyer. I don’t think this merger would breeze

through,” said Jeffrey Jacobovitz, an antitrust expert at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP. Bumble Bee is the largest canned tuna and sardine producer in North America, with brands including Brunswick and Sweet Sue. It is owned by pan-Atlantic private equity firm Lion Capital, which bought the seafood maker from another private equity firm for $980 million in 2010.

It has annual sales of about $1 billion and estimated EBITDA of $145 million for 2014.

Capital Market 36 Adesola Akindele

Daily Times DailyNigeria Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

37 Capital Market

DAILY MARKET SUMMARY

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 18TH DECEMBER, 2014.

Currency US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING EURO SWISS FRANC YEN CFA

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

167 261.2214 204.9758 170.0957 1.4008 0.2979

Selling(NGN)

167.5 262.0035 205.5895 170.605 1.405 0.3079

Market Capitalization and All Shares Index Trend for Equities Market Capitalization (N)

Index value

Monday 15/12/2014

Day

10,066,952,548,320.79

30,492.30

Tuesday 16/12/2014

9,834,953,619,664.58

29,789.59

Wednesday 17/12/2014

9,561,620,497,003.35

28,961.67

Thursday 18/12/2014

9,677030520039.71

29,311.25

Friday 19/12/2014

10,005,614,281,026.61

30,306.51

168 262.7856 206.2032 171.1143 1.4092 0.3179

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

37 News

Kogi labour union vows to resist sack of 6,000 workers

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xecutive Council of the Organised Labour in Kogi State have vowed to resist the state government’s plan to sack 6,000 civil servants in the state.

The labour has urged workers to reject their December salary to protect

job security of their members This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the emergency meeting the State Executive Council of the Labour and jointly signed by the State Chairman of Nige-

ria Labour (NLC), Comrade J.O. Odaudu and the Secretary of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade J.O. Kolawole.

The Communique which read thus, “State Executive in session having notice government

plan to send away 6,000 workers in Kogi state, the Union hereby resolved that workers should reject salaries for the month of December, 2014 to protect the job security of our members”.

The Communique also condemned the plan of

state government to implement part of report as the Labour have so many issues. Such as cash backing of promotion, annual increment.

It condemned in totality the instalment payment of 2013 leave bonus over a period of 10 months and wondered when and how the state government will commence the payment of 2014 annual leave bonus.

The SEC in session have also agreed that the implementation committee be

allowed to carry out its assignment instead of Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Accountant General hijacking the process and the arbitrary removal of names of 6,000 worker from December, 2014 salary pay roll.

The State Executive therefore warned that failure to do the necessary things may hamper the peaceful industrial relations atmosphere in the state.

Yuletide: ‘South-West highways motorable, safe’

D L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya (left), United States Consul General in Nigeria, Mr. Jeffrey J. Hawkins, during the courtesy visit to Airtel CEO in Lagos

Akpabio, Onayekan, Mbang, others seek end to insurgency Ini Sunday, Uyo

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head of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has devoted the 2014 carol night, to sing and pray for God’s intervention to end insurgency in parts of Nigeria.

Similarly, clergies, such as Bishop Sunday Mbang, John Cardinal Onayekan, Revd. Jesse Jackson took turns to eulogise the good work embarked upon by the governor in the last seven and half years.

Since he took seat as the Governor of the 27 – year

old State, on May 29, 2007, the Governor had instituted the symbolic 1999 choral opera, where local and international gospel artists gathered with notable egg-heads in Christendom few days to Christmas, to herald the birth of Jesus Christ with praise and worship songs.

This year’s edition, held at the new International Stadium (Nest of Champions) in Uyo, the State capital, which ended early yesterday morning, has to be significantly marked, according to Akpabio, being the last he would witness as Governor.

Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

F

ormer Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has described his desire to return Borno State to the center of national politics in Nigeria as totally overwhelming, just as he assured that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will rule the state, come 2015.

Sheriff said he joined the PDP in order to free the state of politics of deceit and sundry illusionary deals noted of the opposition party which has been in the saddle in the state.

According to him, the electorates in Borno state now know the difference and were no longer in the mood to vote the opposition into power in the state, for any reason.

Sheriff in a chat with

Borno’ll not go to opposition in 2015 -Modu Sheriff Daily Times in Abuja said his efforts to ensure victory for PDP in Borno State were the reason he has been constantly under attack with desperation by those he described as political foes to link him with insurgency in the state.

The former Borno governor said with the recent arrest and confessions of some fake Boko Haram members by the Department of State Security (DSS), efforts by his opponents to link him with the Islamic sect had amounted to nought.

irector, Federal Highways, South West Zone, Mr John Ibe, yesterday said adequate measures had been put in place to ensure roads were smooth and safe during the Yuletide.

Ibe told NAN that bad roads were being rehabilitated and that security had been beefed up in the South West.

He explained that the Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action against Road Abuse (FERCSARA) had been briefed to ensure the safety of road users.

Ibe added that they had already swung into action.

He said that the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), as well as the Police, who are members of the FERCSARA team, had been deployed to work 24 hours on the major highways.

The director said that the FRSC were also on ground, to effectively manage traffic and clear obstructions.

Accordin g to Ibe, ``We are doing serious maintenance work on these routes from Lagos to Ibadan and from Sagamu to Ajibandele on the exist-

ing carriageway. ``Both carriage ways would be opened up during this period and the areas that have been constructed would be opened up and we would have free flow of traffic. ``We are working day and night to make the roads motorable; the Ondo/Akure road is okay, I was there two weeks ago. ``Adequate arrangement has been put in place; a towing van is on the Lagos end and the Ibadan end, as well as Sagamu on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. ``These are the three most serious arterial routes that are normally very busy during the Yuletide,`` he said.

Ibe said that bad spots were currently being repaired at Sango on the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

Change of Name I, formerly known as ISIAKA ADEWUMI RAIMI now wish to be known and addressed as ISIAKA ADEWUMI ADEDEJI. Former documents remain valid. Kajola LGA and general public please take note.

38 16

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014 Tuesday December 16, 2014

7 News

Daily Times Nigeria Monday November 10, 2014

Daily Times Advert Rates

Sizes

Colour

Black & White

Rates

Vat

F/PAGE

409,500.00

17,403.75

H/PAGE

233,415.00

9,920.14

Q/PAGE

125,716.50

5,342.95

14”X5

397,215.00

16,881.64

14”X4

317,772.00

13,505.31

14”X2

158,886.00

6,752.66

FPS 6”X3

671,835.94

28,553.03

FPS 6”X2

447,890.63

19,035.35

BPS 6”X3

652,640.63

27,737.23

BPS 6”X2

435,093.75

18,491.48

ROP2”X6

152,382.01

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 22, 2014

39 Opinion

The robber state can now drink its oil

T Erasmus Ikhide

he hope of restoring normalcy to a morally bankrupt nation to a place in the sun greater than it had ever been is ebbing gradually. Nigeria is in economic straits, maimed by official corruption, which slices off more than 50 percent of her GDP. The nation’s oil deals which have been shrouded in the caucuses of bargaining and appalling crudity has left the people in abject poverty.

But President Goodluck Jonathan’s sidekick wouldn’t have any of such. It is time President Jonathan summons the courage and pledge the reversal of the nation’s menacing present and the future.

Regrettably, the argument of his supporters is not supported by the President’s broken promises, overt corruption, oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

In 2011, NNPC signed a USD28.5 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chinese to build the NNPC Greenfield Refineries in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Lagos States. Four years down the line, none has been built. In 2012 at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference, the oil minister promised that Turn Around Maintenance’ (TAM) will

gulp USD700 million for the four refineries within 12 months.

Today, none of the four refineries operates with more than 60 percent capacity. Kaduna refinery operates below 30percent of installed capacity. That is after billions of dollars was expended. How else can we explain that TAM was a waste of our common patrimony and the crudest form of corruption? The four refineries can produce 445,000 barrel of oil per day, if they are functioning at 100 percent capabilities; which is still below Nigeria’s current need of about 39 million litres per day!

President Jonathan’s government expended trillions of dollars on the so-called fuel subsidy that was embroiled in corruption.

It was a show of sheer unconcealed disdain for the Nigeria masses. While the people haggled and groaned under the excruciating hike in the price of fuel, the federal government remained insensitive to their concern.

That profound deadening of consciousness is the sheerest negation of nation-building, where the peoples’ demand for access to common till is viewed as doing them a favour. Any surprise that President Jonathan suppressed protesters who seek the reversal of fuel incre-

ments in the past?

Till now, the consistent figure of about N200 billion the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, pays to petroleum marketeers quarterly for subsidy hasn’t changed. Yet, Nigeria remains one of the few OPEC members still importing refined petroleum products

Regrettably, the argument of his supporters is not supported by the President’s broken promises, overt corruption, oil theft and pipeline vandalism to the tune of over USD15 billion yearly.

There is no doubt that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has accumulated dust wherever is it kept.

This is due largely to the frosty relationship between the Minister of Petroleum and the National Assembly. This has resulted into her getting court injunction stopping

them from investigating the alleged N10 billion allegedly expended on private jets. This is away from the USD20 billion missing in the NNPC accounts as alleged by the former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now the Emir of Kano.

The Presidency is aware that the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, is gravely affecting investment in the oil and gas industry. Its passage would have fast-tracked exploration in many parts of the country where oil has been discovered. The President is also aware that the passage will stem the tide of corruption and the suitcase oil portfolios will come to an end.

Recently, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, disclosed that Nigeria loses N24 billion yearly on waivers granted to importers of crude oil.

This is in spite the fact that those enjoying the waiver are the same people criminally benefiting from fuel subsidy graft.

Both the International Energy Agency and former U.S. Energy Information chief, Guy Caruso, predict oil prices are likely to remain lower for a while, barring a major disruption in supply. “It’s highly unlikely OPEC gets their act together, so I see prices being weak for the

Time to review General Buhari

L

Mustapha Abdullahi

ast Wednesday, December 17, 2014 was the 72nd birthday of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a former military dictator and now presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Beyond the celebratory birthday messages, one wishes to use this occasion to conduct a modest review of Muhammadu Buhari. After all, as he steps forth at 72 to once again offer himself for service as Nigeria’s president, it is only fair to ask about the records of his past service to Nigeria.

The followership that has grown around Buhari mainly in the North of Nigeria is based on the perception of the man as “Mai Gaskiya”, or, as this writer understands it, the incorruptible one. Among Nigeria’s past governing elite, Buhari is one of the few who cannot be counted as wealthy. Not that being

wealthy automatically implies corruption. For instance, former US President Bill Clinton was practically bankrupt by the end of his time in office, but he has become fairly well-to-do through honest earnings mostly from the speech-making and lecture circuits.

So the fact that Buhari continues to flaunt his status as a man without means may indicate that he is not interested in earning more money than his Army pension. Or, it may mean that he might not have the entrepreneurial capacity to make himself rich. Or, it may be a pointer that he is downright lazy and likes playing the poverty card for popular empathy.

One thing his lack of self-generated financial capital clearly shows is that he lacks the ability to create wealth and bequeath the same to a new generation.

Moreover, on closer examination, the perception of Buhari as being incorruptible raises an important question. If he is in-

corruptible, does that also mean he has stopped those around him from being corrupt? This is a question that the verifiable facts surrounding him amplify. In the late 1970s when Buhari was Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources under then Head of

If he is incorruptible, does that also mean he has stopped those around him from being corrupt? This is a question that the verifiable facts surrounding him amplify State General Olusegun Obasanjo, N2.8 billion oil money went missing. As the oil Minister, did

he not have the responsibility of knowing where the money disappeared to?

Similarly, when General Ibrahim Babangida led the coup that kicked Buhari out of power in August 1985, one of the reasons the new junta gave was that the nation’s mineral resources were “once again being wasted on unproductive ventures.”

Supporters of General Buhari may say that the late General Tunde Idiagbon was the one taking economic decisions, but that then raises the question: who was the ultimate boss?

In the same vein, during Buhari’s days at the helm of General Sani Abacha-established Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) it is on record that he engaged the services of the late Ahmad Salihijo, his brother-in-law and head of the all-powerful Afri-Projects Consortium, as a super-consultant. It was well-known that absolutely nothing happened in PTF without the approval of Salihijo’s Afri-Projects Consortium.

Our Heritage 40

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Orpheus xmas concert: A night of classical thrills…

Lagos school props youngsters with arts Knowing the power of art, graduating students of Chrisland School decide to tell their stories with art at a day exhibition.

The audience at a classical music concert got more than they bargained for in a nightful of entertainment. AGOZINO AGOZINO writes.

W

atching classical music perfor mers showcase their skill is an elitist pastime, some may argue, but the reality was showcased last Sunday in Lagos when Orpheus Music, a Lagos-based classical music promoter hosted its yuletide classical concert which ended with a classical thrill and orchestral flavour.

At Ogunbiyi Adande close off Ishola Taiwo Street, Omole phase 1 Lagos, venue of the show, the mood was light and lifted as various performers showcased their prowess in musical vocalisation, stage art and instrumental rendition. About 26 pieces were presented at the concert.

Among the master composers whose songs were used to serenade the audience at the event which was tagged Orpheus Xmass concert were Mo-

zart, Puccini, J.S. Bach, Edward Elger, C.M. Widor, N. Paganini, Kreisler, Denis Bedard, Alexandre Guilmant.

According to the organisers, the concert was a yearly event to mark the musical company’s end of the year activity. It was also meant to fete lovers of classical music as well as customers of the music company.

Master of Ceremony, Patrick Akhibenor set the night in lighter mood with his witty introduction of the performers.

The night of performances was served in two

sessions bridged by an intermission. The first session was largely made up of praise and pieces from Nigerian and international composers.

Such numbers as Yak Ikom Abasi, Inazamuje, Joy to the world, Hallelluya, Isantim, Variations on Christus Vincit by Bedard ‘Finale’ from Symphony No 1, All Glory (Giulmant), All the Glory (Worley), Ave Maria (Gounod), Catari, Catari (Cardillo), Nessum Dorma (Puccini) The Prayer ( Sager & Foster), Divertimento No.1 in D (Mozart), Venetian Gondola (Men-

delssohn), Peer Gynt Suite (Greg) and a traditional hymn, Praise to the Lord were part of the first phase of renditions.

The second session which was replete with hymns allegro and waltz had such numbers as Ave Maria (Franz Schubert) performed with audience participation. Ding dong, Silent night, Manwgwani, Shosholoza and Eje ka jo yo all rendered by the Amadeus choir.

Others are Padre Davida da Bergamo’s Church Symphony in D Major, J.S. Bach’s Aria; Erbarme Dich (From Matthew Passion) and Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstances. There were equally, Praludium and Allegro

by Kreisier and Cantablle in D by N. Paganini, Nella Fantasia by Ennio Morricone, You Will Never Walk Alone by Richard Rogers and All I Ask for You by A. Lloyd Webber.

Schostakovic’s Waltz .

A

side the joy of graduating from an elite secondary school and posing before cameras, the essence of art in reality is to document remarkable moments that would later bring back memories of the past. This no doubt, was the reason behind a recent art exhibition by the graduating pupils of Chrisland School Ladipo Oluwole street, Ikeja Lagos.

The exhibition titled, The Future Legends held at the school was a catalogue of creative events from works produced in their new school art studio.

Since the inclusion of arts subject into the curriculum of the school recently, of which painting

and drawing is part , the school has ensured it lives up to its motto, ‘‘Training a child for the Future.’’

The one-day exhibition which also features presentation of gifts to the graduating students was a memorable day for the graduating youths. The event was also meant to stir in the students intellectual wonder and creative adventure, to make them know that although they cannot take back the hands of time on their academic journey, through art, they can get to revisit and appreciate past events.

For the school, the exhibition was also part of its effort to encourage such young students to reach their full potential and also ensure their social, emotional and cognitive growth.

Samuel Adesanya, the new school art instructor and curator, while speaking on the significance of the exhibition described it as one that has a lasting impact on the young students.

Eleven shocking points from Obasanjo’s new book * He says that Jonathan is confused, paranoid to an extent that the person ruling Nigeria is his wife, Patience Jonathan.

* He mentioned how the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua and Goodluck Jonathan allowed their close associates to wreak havoc on Nigeria’s economy by looting the country’s foreign reserve.

*Obasanjo called Jonathan a failed leader, citing his “failed” economic policies and Boko Haram as examples.

* He called Yar’Adua and Jonathan ingrates as they allegedly refused to respect the fact that he installed them in power.

* He accused Jonathan of listening to few Ijaw people as if he’s the president of Ijaw’ thereby pursuing sectional agenda that is capable of destroying Nigeria.

* He feels betrayed that Yar’Adua colluded with former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, to implicate him in serious crimes.

* He concludes that even if he reconciles with Jonathan, that he will do everything possible to make sure that he (Jonathan) does not return to power in 2015.

*He accused Jonathan of being the one that recruited his daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, to denigrate and embarrass him in a public letter where she described him as “a liar, manipulator and two-faced hypocrite.”

* He said that Jonathan is finished for depending on Tony Anenih, a man he (Obasanjo) knows too well.

* On Atiku, he said he will never support Alhaji Atiku to rule this country because of his widespread acts of corruption which covered various sectors of the economy.

* He accused Yar’Adua of abandoning his policies in power sector, railway etc., instead he (Yar’Adua) was wasting time probing his tenure.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

41 Our Heritage

War of books Do authors’ abilities to ignite controversy in the society have more to do with the contents of their books than what they want to tell? AGOZINO AGOZINO probes the turfs

I

t takes courage to be an author.

On the one hand, your book might not succeed. On the other hand, it might. And for some writers, that is exactly where the trouble begins. Charges of plagiarism, indecency, inaccuracy, or just plain bad blood begin to fly once a book gets popular enough and for some authors it is hard to ever climb out from under the mudpile again.

Two years ago, it was Chinua Achebe who came out with a book titled There was a country. The book which was launched in London immediately sparked controversy among Nigerian politicians, especially, between the Yoruba and Igbo.

In the book, the author was said to have lampooned the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Just as the controversy over Achebe’s book was still raging, the duo of former vice President Atiku Abubarkar and erstwhile River State Governor Peter Odili also wrote controversial books to tell the story of their political adventures.

While Odili’s book is said to be centered on the behind-the-scene power play orchestrated by Olusegun Obasanjo which denied him the opportunity of becoming Nigeria’s President, Atiku’s book chronicles his eight-year sojourn as Vice President of Nigeria and all that led to the disagreement between him and his former boss, Chief Obasanjo.

He also exposes Obasanjo’s style of leadership in the book.

Similarly, former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mallam el-Rufai’s Acci-

dental public servant and General Alabi Isama’s The Tragedy of Victory also came with doses of controversy.

Outside Nigeria, many writers are so hot for their abode that they just have to keep living in exile. Some meet with harsh fates like Walter Rodney, the famous Caribbean writer who wrote the classic long essay, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, who was said to have been assassinated because of the text.

Some other just romp and wine from city to city like epicureans moving from one ballroom to another.

Similarly, some authors have a penchant for frequently writing books or posting acts that attract controversy from religious or political sections as if they are signposts to hell.

Some writers are just crazy. And nature seems to have a way of making crazy things happen around them. Their writings can even be worse.

Whether or not they deserve it, here are other controversial writers and books that have had some major stones thrown in their direction for writing books considered controversial.

India born Salman Rushdie who was knighted by the Queen of England is now a British citizen. But he is still living with a fatwa on his head, pronounced by the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran.

He sparked off controversy with the publication of his book, The Satanic Verses in 1989. The title refers to an incident that is disputed between fact and fiction. Some describe it as a blasphemous treatment of the Islamic faith as Rushdie refers to the Prophet Muhammad as Mahound, which is the medieval name for the devil. Hence, when the book was published, it spurred controversy around the world. Despite Rushdie issuing an apology, the late Iranian spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, condemned the author publicly, and went to the extent of announcing the reward of $1 million for anyone who succeeds in killing him. Even in Venezuela, which is not an Islamic nation, state officials threatened 15 months of imprisonment for anyone who read or owned the book. Japan imposed a fine on anyone selling the English edition and a Japanese translator

was said to have been stabbed to death for getting involved with the book. Many booksellers removed the book from their shelves because they received death threats. Rushdie himself has lived in hiding since then.

Author, Dan Brown and his books belong to this category. His 2003 book, the Da Vinci Code, a fictional account in which characters, supposedly, reveal some hidden centuries-old developments in the Christian faith, including the divinity of Jesus, his celibacy and hinted of a possible genetic line of Jesus Christ’s biological descendants, was a bombshell on booksellers’ charts. But it sparked global controversy. Most of the complaints against the book refer to its unsubstantiated speculations, wild conspiracy theory and misrepresentation of the history of the Catholic Church as well as its questioning of the basic tenets of Christianity.

The book was also criticised for inaccurate description of history, geography, European art and architecture.

Aldous Huxley’s novel, Brave New World is a popular book that was seriously challenged in its early years with several attempts to ban it. Still considered controversial, the book sweeps its reader into Huxley’s vision of a future based on science and technology. The novel depicts drugs, sexuality and suicide, and reveals Huxley’s disdain for the contemporary culture of the United States. An attempt to get the book banned was made by a group of parents as they felt it centered on negativity.

Animal Farm by George Orwell is another such controversial book. The work brings to light the sad state and future of a society that is robbed of privacy, truth or free will. It offers a fresh perspective on many topics; totalitarianism, torture, mind control, the United States, former Soviet Union, privacy, technology, power, human emotions, organised religion and censorship. It became a controversial book right from publication, especially during the cold war. Many reviewers have assumed that the book represents a repudiation of democratic socialism.

Again, the controversies which J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter’s series ignited

are still ongoing. Harry Potter has become a widely popular TV drama series.

While some see it as an adventurous and harmless children’s tales, others deem it very dangerous. Therefore, the serial book continues to cause controversy over the past few years, especially from quarters where people claim the fairy tales inspire children to become involved in witchcraft and the occult. The novels follow the life of a young wizard, whose occult parents were killed by the evil Lord Voldermort. The young boy receives an invitation to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft on his eleventh birthday and each book represents a year of his life at the school.

Niccolo Machiavelli’s masterpiece The Prince has garnered a rotten reputation over the centuries as advocating tyranny.

The Prince which many say is the Bible for politics argues that the best ruler is the one whose people love. Such a ruler is almost impossible to come by. But a very close second to this is the ruler whose people fear him.

The book is more philosophy than politics, and it champions the idea of selfreliance. But this can easily be taken as ‘don’t help anyone because they should help themselves’.

Self-reliance is one of the founding principles of the modern Church of Satan, and that’s the comparison detractors of this book routinely make. In general, the detractors loathe it because it appears a very efficient method by which to create a corrupt tyrant.

Three writers, Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincol published The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail in 1982 in the United Kingdom. It states a case that Jesus was not divine, married and had sex with Mary Magdalene, had children by her, and that these children or their descendants emigrated to Gaul (France), and founded the Merovingian Dynasty, which has two of the most famous Frankish kings, Charles the Hammer, and Charlemagne.

It also asserts that the Roman Catholic Church has completely corrupted the truth of Judeo-Christian history in order to control people.

42

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Sport

AFCON 2015

s

Chukwu

rues Nigeria’s absence Charges NFF to go back to the basics

F

ormer Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu believes over reliance on overseas-based talent has detrimentally affected the country’s football fortunes in recent years.

Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations despite emerging champions at the biennial soccer showpiece in 2013.

Chukwu acknowledges that it is important get the “the right balance of ” overseas-based and homebased talent in the national team.

“We no longer pay attention to our local league as we used to in the past. The foreign-based players are important but the foundation, which is our league, must not be ignored,” Chukwu

said.

Chukwu, who lead Nigeria to a third place finish at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, however reckons that “things will get better if we return to the basics.”

“As African champions, we are supposed to be in Equatorial Guinea next year to defend our trophy but I am sure things will get better if we return to the basics.

“In the past, we had very good players come through the local league. There are so many good players in the country but they are not given the opportunity to develop,” he added.

Chukwu, an Enugu Rangers legend, captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations success in 1980.

Chukwu

Skrtel’s late header saves Liverpool against Gunners Page 46

CWC: San Lorenzo’s Bauza applauds Ancelotti

Football Page 47

Boxing legend Ali in hospital with pneumonia Page 45

Flying Eagles get tough AYC draw

Page 44

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

43 Sport

Eaglets target World Cup ticket in Niger

E

Ideye in action for West Brom

Irvine A

lan Irvine remains convinced Brown Ideye will come good for West Brom despite another match without a Premier League goal.

The Nigerian striker has yet to find the net in his seven league appearances since arriving from Dynamo Kiev for a club record fee.

Ideye was selected ahead of Saido Berahino against QPR on Saturday for the second successive match, but he failed to

backs Ideye to end goal drought

test Rob Green with the few openings he had.

Although his link-up play impressed at Loftus Road, he was replaced by Berahino after 69 minutes as West Brom surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2.

However, Irvine has backed the 26-year-old, who’s only West Brom goal came against Hull City in the League Cup, to end his Premier League goal drought soon.

“He did very well,” said the head coach. “It was a shame he

didn’t score because he had a good chance early in the game which normally I would expect him to score.

“It’s been a long process getting him ready to play, he’s getting there.

“But there is still a little sharpness to come and that all important first Premier League goal.”

Saturday’s defeat saw QPR move level with West Brom in the league table on 17 points, leaving Irvine’s side just two points above the drop zone.

aglets coach Emmanuel Amuneke has said his team are focused on securing a ticket to the 2015 FIFA World Cup at the African Championship in Niger.

Nigeria are drawn with hosts Niger, Guinea and Zambia in the first round of the African championship.

“I think it is a fair grouping not minding the fact that we are going to face the host country Niger,” Amuneke stated.

“We are not going to underrate any of the teams and as I said before the draw, our sole objective in Niger is to qualify for the World Cup and after that, we can begin to talk about other things.”

Indeed, the Golden Eaglets have their work cut out since they are going to battle against the host who their illustrious predecessors white-washed 10-1 on aggregate in the qualifiers for Morocco 2013, where they finished second and secured a ticket to the FIFA World Cup in the UAE - and eventually earned Nigeria a record fourth title.

“We are aware of the task ahead of us and what happened between the Golden Eaglets and Niger the last time is immaterial now,” noted Amuneke.

“Our boys have to go out there and show that this set o f Golden Eaglets is good in their own right and we must first secure a ticket to the World Cup.” Though Zambia and Guinea are making a return to the

competition after a break since they failed to qualify the last time in Morocco, Amuneke said they won’t be treated with kid’s gloves: “Both Zambia and Guinea showed they are a strong side during the qualifiers; so we are going to take all our matches seriously.”

In the other half of the draw, defending champions Cote d’Ivoire will slug it out in Group B along with South Africa, Mali and Cameroon who incidentally were not in Morocco 2013.

Niger 2015 will take place between February 15 and March 1 next year in Niger with the semi-finalists guaranteed a ticket to the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held between October 17 and November 8, 2015 in Chile.

Golden Eaglets coach, Emmanuel Amunike

Canada 2015: FIFA doubles prize money for Women’s World Cup winners

P

rize money for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup winners has doubled, while the total prize pot has increased by 50 per cent, it has been announced.

The winners of the quadrennial event, taking place in Canada between June 6 and July 5, will receive $2 million (£1.3 million), in comparison with the $1 million (£650,000) allocated

to 2011 World Cup winners, Japan.

A total of $15 million (£9.5 million) in prize money will be the full value on offer, up from $10 million (£6.5 million) four years ago.

This comes as FIFA, like many other sports bodies, are keen to be seen as increasing gender equality, a key message reiterated in the International Olympic Committee’s

recent Agenda 2020 reform process, which has already led to more female and mixed gender events being pioneered across a myriad of different sports.

In football, this has been seen by attempts to raise the profile of the Women’s World Cup, as well as key players and events therein.

This was shown by a wondergoal scored by Ireland’s Stepha-

nie Roche for Peamount United being included in FIFA’s Goal of the Year competition alongside strikes by male superstars James Rodríguez and Robin Van Persie.

But, with prize money for this summer’s men’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil topping $576 million (£368 million), with $35 million (£22 million) alone allocated to winners Germany, FIFA President, Sepp Blatter. there remains a huge gap.

Sport 44

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Manu tips Flying Eagles, Cote d’Ivoire to qualify

Kelechi Iheanacho (right) is expected to lead the Flying Eagles to the 2015 AYC in Senegal.

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Flying Eagles get tough AYC draw Team seeks revenge against Cote d’Ivoire

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igeria’s Flying Eagles have been handed a tough draw for the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) billed to hold in Senegal.

The African U-20 Championship draw has pit the Nigerians in Group A alongside hosts Senegal, Congo and Ivory Coast.

The hosts look like the odd team out of a group that has three former finalists - Nigeria, Congo and Ivory Coast. The Senegalese are the team in the group yet to play in the show-

piece game for Africa’s U-20s.

The Flying Eagles have won the tournament six times and ended up as losing finalists in 1999 and 2007, while Congo were champions in 2007. The Ivoirians have reached the showpiece game thrice in 1983, 1991 and 2003 and lost on three occasions.

The Congolese were responsible for the ouster of the defending champions, Egypt.

They knocked out the Junior Pharaohs in the third round of the qualification in August via away goal rule.

Nigeria head coach, Manu

Garba, said he is wary of not just the Congolese but also the Senegalese and the Ivoirians.

“It is a tough group. Yes, Congo may have won the tournament like us in the past like you have just said, it is not enough for us to look down on Senegal or Ivory Coast. But we will take it one game at a time,” he said.

Senegal and Ghana were the seeded teams for the draw of the AYC which took place in Cairo, Egypt yesterday.

Meanwhile, Flying Eagles will seek to avenge losses against Cote d’Ivoire at the

2015 AYC in Senegal after both teams were drawn in the same first round group.

The Flying Eagles class of 2015 are built around the country’s U-17 team who won the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year in the United Arab Emirates.

Last year, they suffered defeats at the hands of African U-17 champions Cote d’Ivoire at the U-17 championship in Morocco.

Group B has Ghana, Mali, Zambia and South Africa.

The 2015 African Under-20 Championship will take place from March 8 to 22.

lying Eagles coach Manu Garba has tipped his team and Cote d’Ivoire to qualify from a tough 2015 AYC first round group, which also has hosts Senegal and Congo.

“Our group seems to be tougher than the other group which has Ghana, Mali, Zambia and South Africa, but I believe we will qualify to the semi-finals along with Cote d’Ivoire,” predicted Manu.

“But this is not to say that all the eight teams are not good enough to win the competition and so we will expect no favours from any of them.

“There will be no easy groups or matches. We therefore have to prepare very well and be motivated to achieve our targets.”

However, Manu has insisted they will not be seeking revenge when both teams clash again in Senegal.

“We are not driven to avenge the loss in Morocco because this will be a different competition and we will have two different teams from the ones from last year,” he argued.

“We respect Cote d’Ivoire because they have a great footballing culture, but we hope to beat any team we come up against.”

The Flying Eagles have won a record six AYC titles with their last triumph being in 2011. They finished third last year in Algeria.

The semi-finalists will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Power wrangle tears Sierra Leone FA apart

S

Johansen

ierra Leone football has again been rocked by internal power wrangles following a decision taken by members of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to dissolve the executive committee led

by Isha Johansen.

A nine-man interim body, headed by an owner of a premier league club and veteran football administrator Alhaji Unisa Alim Sesay, has been set up to run the affairs of the association with immediate effect until elections are held in June 2015.

The decision was among nine resolutions agreed on by the majority of SLFA members, including 12 out of 14 premier league clubs, in an unusual extraordinary congress.

It took place via a telephone conference as members were not given permission by the Sierra Leone police to assemble due to the state of emergency laws in place to stop the spread of the ebola virus.

But the Johansen-led executive does not recognise the decisions taken by the members, accusing the extraordinary

congress of being illegal.

World football’s governing body, FIFA, is yet to react to this latest development, but had previously warned it would frown at any decision taken in the extraordinary congress, questioning the validity and authenticity of the stakeholders who convened it.

These stakeholders had already written to FIFA with signatures of the delegates attached to make a case that they were genuine, and they remain adamant that Saturday’s meeting, and the decisions taken, do stand.

Manu Garba

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Khan visits Pakistan after Taliban school massacre

Muhammad Ali

B

Boxing legend Ali in hospital with pneumonia F ormer heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali has been taken to hospital Sunday with a mild case of pneumonia, a spokesman for the boxing great has confirmed.

Ali, who is battling Parkinson’s disease, is being treated by his team of doctors and is in stable condition after the pneumonia was caught early.

His spokesman, Bob Gunnell, said the illness should only result in a short hospital stay.

“He was admitted earlier yesterday morning and because the pneumonia was caught early, his prognosis is good with a short hospital stay expected,” Gunnell said in a statement.

45 Sport

Gunnell declined to say where Ali, 72, is in hospital.

No other details are being released due to the Ali family’s request for privacy, he said.

Ali’s public appearances have diminished in recent years as he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease, but he still enjoys getting out to watch sport and visit friends.

Ali appeared in public in September at a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards. Ali did not speak to the crowd but posed for photos with award winners, including former NFL great Jim Brown and NBA great Bill Russell.

Brown leaned over and

ritish boxer Amir Khan will travel to Pakistan before the end of the year to show support for the victims of the army school massacre in Peshawar.

Pakistani Taliban militants killed 141 people in the attack on Tuesday.

The WBC Silver welterweight champion’s parents were born in Pakistan and he donated boxing shorts worth £30k to help pay for the school to be rebuilt.

“I just want to speak the truth and tell people what is happening is wrong,” Khan, 28, said.

“I think it’s more important now than ever to go over

there. I think it will send a statement to a lot of people that Amir Khan is going there to make a difference. I want it to be a better country,” he added.

Khan, who in May became a father for the first time, plans to make the trip between Christmas and the New Year.

“The news hurt me even more having a little girl,” he said.

“Imagine sending my daughter to school and hearing that she got killed. Innocent kids, killed over nothing. These people are ruthless.

“It’s very disgusting seeing or hearing stuff like this. You can never think people will be that sick in their mind.”

whispered to the seated Ali during the photo session.

Later, Brown said he told Ali: “You’re the greatest of all time”.

Ali retired from boxing in 1981 and devoted himself to social causes. He traveled the world on humanitarian missions, mingling with the masses and rubbing elbows with world leaders.

The Muhammad Ali Center, in Louisville, is dedicated to Ali’s humanitarian causes and showcases his boxing career.

Ali and his wife, Lonnie, have homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona; Berrien Springs, Michigan; and in Louisville.

Khan

CAF tourney: Amajita, Amajimbos in tricky draws

T CAF President, Issa Hayatou

he South African men’s U17 national team, Amajimbos, have been drawn in Group B for the CAF U-17 African Youth Championship to be played in Niger from February 15 to March 1, 2015.

Amajimbos have been drawn against defending champions Ivory Coast, Mali and Cameroon.

Group A sees hosts Niger pitted against Nigeria, Guinea and Zambia.

“It is a good draw considering that these are the best eight nations at this level. We have always maintained that, without being complacent, it doesn’t matter who we are drawn against because for us to reach the top we have to play against anyone in the tournament.

“I am confident though that with the boys that with the squad that we have, we are can do well. Nothing beats good preparation. We are also

encouraged by the fact that together with Zambia we are the only representatives of COSAFA so we have to go there represent the region well,” said Molefi Ntseki, head coach of the South African U-17 squad.

Meanwhile, Amajita, the South African men’s U-20 national team, have also been drawn in Group B against Ghana, Mali and Zambia.

Hosts Senegal are in Group A alongside Nigeria, Congo

and Ivory Coast.

The CAF U20 African Youth Championship will be played from 8-22 March 2015.

Early in the New Year, the South African Football Association (SAFA) will release full information on the preparations of the two teams.

The semi-finalists from both tournaments will represent Africa at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile and New Zealand respectively.

Sport 46

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Hargreaves

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Skrtel’s late header saves Liverpool against Gunners

M

artin Skrtel’s equaliser seven minutes into stoppage time gave Liverpool a fully deserved 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

Referee Michael Oliver had added nine minutes on after a lengthy second-half delay when Skrtel required treatment for a head wound sustained in an accidental clash with Olivier Giroud.

Giroud looked to have sent Arsenal on the way to avenging their 5-1 thrashing at Anfield last season when he put them ahead, Mathieu Debuchy having equalised seconds after Philippe Coutinho gave Liver-

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel (2nd from left) powers home a header past Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny in the 97th minute to end the game 2-2 apiece at Anfield yesterday.

pool the lead on the stroke of half-time.

But Skrtel, heavily bandaged and with Liverpool reduced to 10 men after substitute Fabio Borini was sent off late on, rose to meet Adam Lallana’s corner in the 97th minute and power a header past Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny in front of the Kop. Arsenal were desolate but it would have been a real smashand-grab had they hung on for three points after Liverpool showed most of the ambition and moments of quality in a game high on drama but short on class.

Liverpool supporters rose to acclaim their team’s resilience

iverpool starlet Raheem Sterling has been told to stay at Anfield by former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

Bundesliga giants Bayern are the latest club to be linked with a move for Sterling as the 20-year-old England star continues to stall on a new contract.

But Hargreaves, who forged a glowing reputation during his seven-year spell in Munich by helping Bayern to four Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy, believes Sterling’s development would be better served under Brendan Rodgers in Merseyside.

“I think he should stay at

at the final whistle, but they may actually feel disappointed not to claim all three points against an Arsenal side that were desperately poor for long periods.

Brendan Rodgers’s team moved into the top 10 in the Premier League table, but they are nine points adrift of West Ham in fourth place, while Arsenal are sixth.

What was clear, however, was that these are two sides who will prove an irrelevance when it comes to the title race.

Their main business will be contesting a top-four place and trying to ensure they are in next season’s Champions League.

Team

P

GD

PTS

1. Chelsea

16

23

39

2. Man City

17

22

39

3. Man Utd

17

12

32

4. West Ham

17

10

31

5. Southampton

17

15

29

6. Arsenal

17

9

27

7. Tottenham

17

-1

27

8. Swansea

17

3

25

9. Newcastle

17

-5

23

10. Liverpool

17

-3

22

11. Everton

17

0

21

12. Aston Villa

17

-10

20

13. Stoke

16

-3

19

14. Sunderland

17

-9

19

15. West Brom

17

-6

17

16. QPR

17

-12

17

17. Crystal Palace

17

-8

15

18. Burnley

17

-14

15

19. Hull

17

-9

13

20. Leicester

17

-14

10

Mourinho fumes!

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J

ose Mourinho believes using independent panels to punish players retrospectively for offences such as diving would be a “disaster.” The Chelsea manager had two of his players cautioned for simulation in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Hull City, whose manager Steve Bruce was highly critical of Gary Cahill for taking a tumble in the second half of that encounter.

Former referee Mark Halsey

has recently suggested the idea of players receiving sanctions from independent panels, however, Mourinho is not impressed with that idea.

“When you go to an independent panel to analyse and suspend players by video evidence, it is a disaster,” Mourinho said.

“I remember last season, and I don’t want to mention names, you had players and clubs protected by panels. I saw somebody kick a player on the floor and hit

him in the back, no suspension.

“I saw others doing minor things being suspended. Players are punished for silly comments on Facebook and Instagram and players are not being punished for other things.”

The Portuguese specifically referred to an incident against Aston Villa last term, when he was sent to the stands for encroaching the pitch following the dismissal of Chelsea midfielder Ramires.

Mourinho

Sterling Liverpool for another four years,” said Hargreaves.

“It will be good for his development.

“He is far too young mentally to make that move.

“Bayern are one of the best clubs in the world. Pep is a great manager. There is no better place in the world for a player like Sterling to be. He would fit in as good players always do.

“It would benefit him to play in such a team.

“But he should stay at Anfield a bit longer. Brendan Rodgers is also a great manager and will really develop him as a player.”

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS Man City 3 - 0 Crystal Palace Aston Villa 1 - 1 Man United Hull City 0 - 1 Swansea City QPR 3 – 2 West Brom Southampton 3 – 0 Everton Tottenham 2 – 1 Burnley West Ham 2 - 0 Leicester City Newcastle 0 - 1 Sunderland Liverpool 2 - 2 Arsenal Today’s Match Stoke City v Chelsea 21:00

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 22, 2014

Briefs

CWC: San Lorenzo’s Bauza applauds Ancelotti

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an Lorenzo coach Edgardo Bauza predicted Real Madrid will “keep breaking records” after lifting the Club World Cup (CWC) and applauds Coach Carlo Ancelotti for his achievements with the club.

Real defeated Bauza’s side 2-0 in the final in Morocco on Saturday and extended their winning streak in all competitions to 22 matches.

That run is a club record and Bauza believes more will follow, due to the exceptional balance Ancelotti has achieved with his star-studded squad.

“I think this Madrid, and I said this to Ancelotti when I congratulated him, this

team achieved a balance that is really hard to get,” the 56-year-old Argentinian said.

“Because at front they are extremely dangerous individually, like very few other teams in the world, and he has achieved that everyone defend in a team that isn’t easy to accomplish that.

“I told him that was to his credit. And that thing makes them very dangerous, very dangerous and they are going to keep breaking records, I don’t doubt it.”

In a feisty opening to the match, San Lorenzo’s Nestor Ortigoza and Pablo Barrientos both received yellow cards in the first 20 minutes but although Bauza did not

Suarez delighted to score Barca’s first league goal

L

uis Suarez was delighted to score his first league goal for Barcelona, but claimed the victory was more im-

portant.

Suarez had scored twice in the Champions League but, before the 5-0 win over Cordoba on Saturday, the 27-year-old had yet to find the net in the Primera Division following his summer move from Liverpool.

The Uruguayan did not make his debut until late October because of a four-month ban for biting, but had played seven matches without finding the net.

“I did break my duck but it was more important for the team to get the three points. Now we need to get some rest and start thinking about our next matches,” Suarez said.

“I know I am a striker and I have to score goals, but I was sure that

Carrick backs Falcao to score more goals Michael Carrick expects Radamel Falcao to go from strength to strength following his goal against Aston Villa on Saturday. The Colombian striker’s time at Manchester United has so far been undermined by injury issues since his loan move from Monaco, but making his first start since October 5 on Saturday, Falcao netted for the second time in a United shirt to earn a 1-1 Premier League draw at Villa Park.

Ancelotti agree with those, he rejected suggestions the referee had cost his team the victory.

“I don’t think that he (the referee) had influence in the result, I think he was too severe at the beginning because he didn’t want the game to escape his hands, but it was a regular match, a disputed final,” he said.

“There were no rough plays, both teams were focused to playing, and there were the usual clashes of a

football match and the referee didn’t affect the result.”

Although Real were widely expected to win the Club World Cup final, Bauza refused to get too excited by his team’s achievement of reaching the tournament decider.

“For me, defeats are defeats, there are no good defeats or honourable defeats, and every defeat is painful for me, no matter who is the opponent,” he said.

Eredivisie title not won yet –Depay

M

emphis Depay is not getting carried away despite PSV heading into the mid-season break top of the Eredivisie.

Philip Cocu’s side moved four points clear of champions Ajax at the top of the table with a c o m p r e h e n s ive 5-0 victor y over G o

Suarez with my team-mates’ help I’d even- Ahead Eagles on Sattually get one.

“I wasn’t obsessed with it because u r d a y , I knew I was helping the team to get good results. Of course it’s always important to get goals in the league, but I wasn’t panicking.”

Pedro gave Luis Enrique’s side a second minute lead before Suarez doubled Barca’s advantage after 53 minutes. Pique made it three after 80 minutes before Lionel Depay Messi grabbed a late brace.

47Sport

extending their unbeaten league run to 10 matches.

PSV have not lifted the championship since 200708 and finished a distant fourth last season.

Depay, who scored twice on Saturday, is desperate to win the title, but knows there is a lot of hard work to be done in the second half of the season.

“We have a long way to go,” the 20-year-old said.

“Being the champions is my only goal. We still have a lot of games after the break, which if we win them all then we will be champions.

“The football was not always good against Go Ahead, but the result speaks for itself.

“Now we can relax.”

Garcia rues Roma’s Milan draw Roma coach Rudi Garcia hopes Saturday’s goalless draw against AC Milan does not come back to haunt them. The outcome at the Stadio Olimpico allowed league leaders Juventus to head into the winter break with a three-point advantage over Roma at the top of the Serie A standings.

Silva targets more goals

Silva David Silva is confident he can help carry the goalscoring burden for Manchester City while the club are without any of their recognised strikers. The 28-year-old playmaker came to the rescue for City on Saturday with two goals in the second half to set up a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad.

Juve must maintain focus, warns Allegri Massimiliano Allegri wants one more push from his Juventus players in the Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli before the mid-season break. The Serie A champions, and current league leaders, face the Coppa Italia winners in Doha today, and Allegri is keen to earn his first trophy since replacing Antonio Conte.

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Goodnight, Rev. Adebiyi

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s at the time I was thinking I would not have to write another funeral tribute in 2014 after that of Bamidele Aturu, death played a last-minute one on me by snatching a very good brother, friend and faithful comrade in the trenches, Rev Tunji Adebiyi. I was outside the country when a message dropped on my phone from the one we call Pope. Have you heard that Rev Adebiyi is dead?” My world froze for a moment,

followed by a tinge of regret. My regret stemmed from the fact that fate played some unfortunate one on me that I was unable to see Rev Adebiyi for the last farewell before he took the final bow. I heard that he was critically ill a few days before his death and planned to see him because he was there for me in 1999 when I had some health challenge. He visited me several times and gave words of encouragement as a man of God. My travelling was under com-

pulsion and I told my wife the evening I was leaving that I just heard that Reverend was seriously ill and that as soon as I returned about three days later we would have to go see him, as one good turn deserves another. I had a nudge in my spirit to stop on the way to the airport to see him but Lagos traffic made me to almost miss my flight. I prayed that his condition would improve before I returned. That did not happen. I met him in 1993 during the struggle

against the annulment of June 12 where he played critical roles and served with all that he had. He sacrificed his entire being for the struggle. His eyes were misty as he recalled how he would carry water on his head to the 9th floor of a building where the then General Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Mr Ayo Opadokun was hiding from the clutches of the murderous Abacha junta.

After Abacha caught Mr Opadokun and put him

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. www.dailytimes.com.ng email: www.dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI

in “freedom jail”, Rev Adebiyi became the personal assistant to the Leader of Afenifere and Deputy Leader of NADECO, Senator Abraham Adèsanya whom he served with all his heart. He ran many errands for the cause of progress and did not flinch throughout those years of tortuous struggle. He was an epitome of commitment to worthy causes.

When the struggle was over, he got some fringe appointments here and there but these were not commensurate to the sacrifices he made. But given his nature he served that system till he breathed his last. He was a practical demonstration of the unjust reward system in this country and of especially the one he served.

Whereas those who were nowhere to be found when Adebiyi was pounding the streets for the cause are today billionaires, some on their first jobs, Adebiyi couldn’t afford the kind of care that would most probably have kept him longer alive. I learnt he spent a long time at a low rated hospital around his house in Jankara before he was moved to the General Hospital in Ikeja. It was at the point of death that he was moved to Saint Nicholas.

My heart sank to learn that all that prevented his being taken to Cuba was mere N3m! Well, Rev Adebiyi has played his part and those who have a sense of history would always remember his good works. Good night Reverend Adebiyi and stay well in the company of Abraham Adesanya, Anthony Enahoro, Bola Ige, Solanke Onasanya, Baba Omojola, Chima Ubani, Bamidele Aturu and other departed veterans. May our God take care of the family you left behind.

Sun re o!