Online 261204

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

NIGERIA

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

dailytimesng

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2014 VOL. 1. NO.10

N150

Don’t set Nigeria on fire Jonathan to Obasanjo, Buhari:

8

The Bring Back Our Girls campaign protesters, led by former Minister Oby Ezekwesili drawing attention to the plight of the abducted Chibok girls in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Mystery fire guts hospital, doctor burnt to death

PDP: Osinbajo can’t give bloc votes to APC in S’West P8

ÏzƆôƋƋ ƌƆƆƐ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ polls –APC

The emergence of Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the Presidential running mate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), will not translate into auto-

matic bloc votes from the South West for the opposition, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Thursday.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Who needs another presidential jet?

T

he reported allocation of a staggering sum of N1.6billion in the 2015 budget for the purchase of another presidential jet leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Definitely, this exercise in wasteful spending should give every right thinking Nigerian food for thought. If it is true, it would be among the latest on the growing list of avoidable misplaced priorities by the Federal Government. It is worrisome that at this time of dwindling resources arising from the precipitous fall in crude oil prices, the federal authorities could be so insensitive as to embark on avoidable spending spree.

This is in spite of the fact that millions of Nigerians are wallowing in mind boggling poverty and impoverishments. That a presidential jet worth N1.6 billion is being accorded priority at this time, says a lot of the insensitivity by those charged with looking after the people’s welfare. It is unconscionable for the presidency to be indulging in out- of –this- world extravagance in the midst of worsening economic woes, collapsing infrastructure, increasing corruption and steady decline in the living standards of ordinary Nigerians.

We are scandalised that the federal government plans to buy another presidential jet even when it currently has 10 aircraft in its fleet. What does it need 11 aircraft for? Besides this, the presidency also proposed to spend about N747

million for aircraft fuel during the year. In the 2014 budget, N2.4 billion was allocated for local and foreign trips of President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo. There is no doubt that the cost of maintaining 11 presidential jets will have a tremendous effect on the country’s economy.

It is ironical that while some countries in Africa, including Malawi, are selling off their presidential jets for economic sustainability; those in Nigeria’s presidential fleet are increasing. We call on the government to shelve further plans for the purchase of additional aircraft. Moreover, it should sell off some the present fleet to conserve funds. Incidentally, most of the state governors are known to also maintain private jets, even when they are struggling to pay the minimum wage of N18, 000 to their workers. By every international standard, Nigeria is a poor country with more than 70 percent of the citizens living below $2 per day. It therefore smacks of callousness for the leaders to be living like emperors.

A comparative study of some world leaders shows that in spite of their country’s wealth, they are frugal in their private and public life. For example, the British Prime Minister, David Cameroon and even Queen Elizabeth11 takes chartered commercial flights inside and outside Britain for official functions.

One of the world’s topmost economies, Japan has only two aircraft.

Xmas celebration at the Millennium Park, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday.

PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Harmattan of electricity discontent in Nigeria

Analysis Michael Nnebe

A

ccording to the 2013 annual report of Nigeria’s Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) Nigerians are among the people most deprived of grid-based electricity in the world, with a per capita consumption that is far lower than most countries in the world. In the last couple of years, I have posted no less than a dozen articles commenting on our electric-

ity issues. I have also been very clear in condemning government actions that I believe is incapable of solving our electricity problems. I also warned that those government cronies who were bidding for these facilities neither have the money to pay for them nor the billions of dollars in new investment required boosting our electricity supply. Well, events of the past one year have proven my statements to be right.

In August 2013, Nigeria privatised the PHCN and

by November 2013 it did a formal handover ceremony where all the buyers received their keys, certificates and all they needed to take over full ownership

of these power generation and distribution facilities.

First, you should know that majority of these so called buyers were former heads of states, former presidents, former governors, and many other individuals fronting for them. Perhaps you should also know that upwards of 70 percent of the money used to pay for these facilities were borrowed from the banks, in dollars. And yes, you should also know that less than a year after these purchases, the government has been forced to dole out a N213 billion bailout for these companies as at September 2014.

There are just too many problems on many fronts in the power sector.

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

dailytimesng www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head, Sales & Marketing

Managing Editor

Head of Operations

Head ICT (Shared Services)

Editor

Online Editor

Head Graphics

Deputy Editor

Business Editor

Noel Anosike

Gabriella Osamor Yinka Olujimi Yemi Ogunsola

Bisi Abidoye

Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja

Moses Ebong

Banjo Ayorinde King Ododoru

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

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.

Yemi Osinbajo

Doyin Okupe

Seun Kuti

Rode on the bus earlier today and spoke to my fellow citizens, it was better than a thousand seminars

To All GMBites, an associate is willing to pay N100k to anyone who can list 10 verifiable achievements of GMB as Head of state.

If you have your point to make, make it and stop being abusive. I don’t believe the youths appreciate that

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

bringing it all together www.bglgroupng.com

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Rivers LP guber candidate calls for BOI on assets management

L

abour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill, has again called on the state government to make public its transactions with regards to some of the assets of the state.

Princewill had earlier accused the Governor Rotimi Amaechi administration of selling some Rivers State assets to friends and cronies, an allegation that the state commissioner for finance has since debunked.

But in a reaction to the response of the state government over the allegations, the Labour

Party candidate laughs off the state government’s defence, describing it as “empty and verbose monologue.”

A statement issued by D.M. Emmanuel, spokesperson, Finance and Budget Planning of Prince Tonye Princewill Campaign Team, the LP claimed the Rivers State Finance Commissioner lacks the understanding of the issue at hand.

The statement read in part, “Claims about a malicious publication, yet no redress sought from publishers, personal attacks on the Prince, bogus allegations and references to unnamed projects of questionable

intent with no clear objectives, yet governments are the ones who should set objectives and deliver on them.

Plenty waffle, little substance and in the end we are still where we are. Without answers. Little or no detail. All from a government of eight years.” Princewill also demand that the state government set up a commission of enquiry into the sale of all the assets in question with immediate effect or give credence to the concerns raised by the candidate for the Labour Party.

The response by the Honorable Commissioner of Finance is laughable, unnecessarily

rude and full of grammatical illusions. If I were to be a fly on the wall, one could almost state, with a high degree of certainty, that he did not write this statement unless it was at gun point.

Money was received in the consolidated account he claims, but provides no details to guide us.

“An election is coming and these and other issues are matters of importance to the people whom you have the privilege to serve. Rather than engage in personal attacks, it might be wiser to focus on the gravity of what is at stake. Public funds, public assets and public interest.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right); First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and the President’s mother, Mrs Eunice Jonathan at a thanksgiving service at St. Matthew Anglican Church in Maitama, Abuja.

Yuletide: Rep tasks Nigerians on security, peaceful polls

A

member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Awoleye, has charged Nigerians in general to use the Yuletide period to pray for peaceful, free, fair and acceptable conduct of the elections.

The federal lawmaker who represents Ibadan North Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the appeal yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital while speaking with journalists.

Hon Awoleye also tasked Nigerians to use the period to look back and reflect on the needed positive change the country deserves in all areas of human endeavours.

He similarly charged security agents to invite candidates and their political parties to sign a violent free undertaking for a smooth general elections.

In his words, “It is important as we are extending our love and good gesture to the needy to reflect on our problems in the country and pray

for peaceful conduct of the elections ahead of us in 2015.

“Nigerians as they are praying and reflecting during this Christmas should also pray for the emergence of APC to take over the mantle of leadership of this country because it is a vehicle of positive change the country needed at this time.

“My message to Nigerians as the 2015 general elections approach is for us to work in ensuring free, fair and acceptable general elections, we are yearning for elections devoid of violence, so that we can

have a smooth transition from one government to another, so that Nigeria will continue to grow older in democracy.

“I want Nigerians to engage candidates and political parties on issues and ask them what they have in stocks for them so that we can continue to grow from strength to strength.”

The federal lawmaker also advised security agents in the country to engage all aspirants at all levels to enter into peaceful agreement before, during and after the elections.

5 News Be optimistic about Nigeria -Anglican Church The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has urged Christians to remain optimistic about Nigeria as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Primate, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, said this during Christmas service at St. Mathew’s Anglican Church in Abuja.

Okoh said Christians in the country should continue to keep up their hopes and trust in the Lord.

He expressed his conviction that there was hope for the country and its people. ``There is hope for us, there is hope for Nigeria, there is hope for individuals, there is hope for us as a community of people. ``The spirit of God will enter into the bones and there will be new life, dry bones shall live again, the dry bones shall get flesh and gather strength.’’

He further talked about the politics of Nigeria, saying politicians should bear in mind that Nigerians have expectations and they have choice between good and bad candidates in 2015 general elections.

14,000 pilgrims in Israel for pilgrimage –Opara Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr John-Kennedy Opara, on Thursday, said 14,000 Christian pilgrims had so far been transported to Israel this year.

He said this while addressing the last batch of pilgrims at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Abuja, before they left for the Holy Land.

Opara said that the 2014 pilgrimage ended on Thursday, in line with the calendar of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the pilgrimage was for moral and spiritual transformation.

He added that the Thursday last batch of the pilgrims was unique and privileged people because they were going to celebrate Christmas in the Holy Land.

Photo 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Sleeping on duty...

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

7 Photo

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Don’t set Nigeria on fire, Jonathan warns Monday Agu Jnr

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday frontally took on two of his predecessors who routinely criticize his administration in public.

He urged them keep

the respect and awe of the office of President by using the opportunities available to them at the National Council of State to advise the government instead of going to the press.

Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the presi-

Mystery fire guts hospital, doctor burnt to death Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

I

t was a black Christmas on Thursday for residents of Oke Ibukun Street, off Araromi area in Akure, the Ondo state capital as a medical doctor, David Adetayo Oguntuase was burnt to death in his own private clinic.

Residents who confirmed the news said the incident occurred around 12:30 when neighbors had already gone to bed.

Oguntuase died at his Universal Medical Clinic (Specialist Children Clinic) after the fire caught him unawares in his private office, inside the hospital.

Daily Times learnt that no one could state the exact cause of the inferno at the clinic that resulted in the death of the doctor.

The dead body of the doctor was seen burnt beyond recognition as rescuers who ran to the scene wept profusely and uncontrollably.

Sources disclosed that the doctor was also a ‘consultant pediatrician’ at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, another town in the state.

Youths in the street who joined in rescue efforts described the incident as ‘pathetic’, while they took swipe on the officers of the Fire Brigade Service in the state for failing to show up at the scene to rescue the situation.

One of the nurses, who pleaded anonymity, told the Daily Times: “We can’t state what exactly caused

the tragic incident because all of us had gone home when it occurred. All we can say was that the doctor came into the hospital and cracked jokes with us about the celebration of the Christmas. He later told us to go home for a happy celebration. We left him behind.

The nurse continued: “Before we the nurses left, he instructed us to lock all the windows and doors, which we did. We later left only him behind while the rest of us went home. We were even happy that the doctor released us and we would not have to come to duty on Christmas day.

We never knew this would happened.”

Another nurse revealed that no patient was inside the clinic as at the time of the incident “We had discharged all patients and everyone had gone home for Christmas. It was only the doctor that was left behind in the clinic.”

A resident in the street, Ajayi Olorunlogbon revealed how neighbors and sympathizers tried to rescue the doctor.

“The incident occurred at midnight. I heard people shouting ‘Fire! Fire! Fire!

I quickly called other residents in the street to join in the rescue bid. We mobilised and looked for water to pour on the building to salvage the incident but all efforts proved negative as the gate leading to the clinic was already locked.

We had to break the gate to get into the building to prevent the situation from spreading to other houses in the street.

dential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a former military ruler. As the main challenger of President Jonathan for the office in the 2015 election, Buhari has consistently criticized the ruling government.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was a military ruler who handed over power to the civilians in 1979. He returned to the office in 1999 and spent

two terms. He has consistently criticized the Jonathan government openly.

President Jonathan, who spoke during a special Christmas Day Service at the St. Mathews Anglican Church, Abuja, berated the former leaders whom he failed to name.

He accused them of failing to take advantage of the instrumentality of the Council of State, of which they are permanent mem-

bers, but often run to the press to criticize the present Federal Government.

He accused another set of his critics of seeking to force themselves into power by making statements that are capable of polarising the country.

The President urged politicians to market themselves without attacking him, saying that only Nigerians will decide their leaders at all levels.

Vice Presidential candidate of the APC, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo taking the campaigns to a BRT bus in Lagos...yesterday.

He also made a veiled reference to Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi who recently threatened that the APC was ready to form a parallel government if next year’s elections are rigged. Jonathan questioned the basis of such threats, saying there was nothing that should make any office seeker brag that he would win his election.

He said: “I re-assure you that we will continue to do more. It is a week to the end of the year, next year, from January, we will see all political actors campaigning and from the middle of February to the end, we will have the elections at the various levels.

“I am very sure that those of you who mean well for this country will never be happy with us.”

The president continued: “As a politician, you want people to elect you, to perform a responsibility. If you mean well for the country, the country is nobody’s personal estate but you want to serve. If people want you to serve, you serve, if they say no, you leave, CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

PDP: Osinbajo can’t give bloc votes to APC in S’West CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In its response, the APC simply said: “We shall meet at the polls.”

On Thursday, Osinbajo took his gospel according to the APC to the public in a bus ride, The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, who spoke to the Daily Times on Thursday, expressed confidence in the chances of his party in the South West.

The choice of Osinbajo, a Christian from Ogun State, is married to a granddaughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who is highly revered in the geo-political zone.

According to Metuh, the PDP is a national party which has the unity of the nation as its driving force. It is also committed

to taking care of every section of Nigeria without focusing on any sectional or ethnic groupings. The ruling party therefore expects to get support from all over the country.

Metuh argued that those who might hope to benefit from Yoruba ethnic sentiments in the choice of Osinbajo were the same people who denied the people of the South West the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011. He argued that it is the height of deceit for the same people to now seek to bribe the Yoruba with the position of Vice President now.

Besides, Metuh argued that presenting somebody from the South West is no guarantee of bloc votes from the zone as the people are aware that the

position itself does not translate into development for them as their interest may not be accommodated by the party.

The PDP spokesman said what is important is to vote in a party that has national interest rather than sectional or ethnic considerations that can divide the country.

However, an aide to Osinbajo who pleaded anonymity, told the Daily Times last night that a shocker from the South West awaits the PDP on the electoral value of the Vice Presidential candidate who is also a senior pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), a Christian denomination that has a very large membership in the geo-political zone and the rest of the country..

The aide added that Osinbajo is a popular candidate not only in South West but across Nigeria where he is held in awe for his intellectual and legal prowess.

The announcement of Osinbajo as General Muhammadu’s running mate, had caused a stir within the PDP over possible loss of the block votes of the South West to the APC. On his tweeter handle on Thursday, Osinbajo posted a photograph showing him addressing some persons in a bus. It was not clear from the photograph if the shot was taken in a private or public bus.

He tweeted: “Rode on the bus earlier today and spoke to my fellow citizens, it was better than a thousand seminars !”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

NSCDC to deploy anticash transfer dogs on election days

D

etermined to halt the financial inducement of voters on Election Days, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it would deploy its sniffer dogs at election venues and strategic points to guard against the physical transfer of cash next year.

This was even as the Corps said it has put arrangement in place as well as logistics to ensure a hitch-free general elections in February 2015.

Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

Dr. Abolurin added that the Department of peace and conflict resolution; disaster management team; crises intervention group; the operations team; Civil Defence nuclear and chemical weapon team as well as the Antivandals squad would all be on ground to assist, rescue and manage crises as they occur.

He, however, urged the public to make their complaints known on time for prompt intervention in cases of any emergency.

Ebonyi PDP chieftain faults Gov. Orji on NIGERCEM

F

ormer chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Hon. Obinna Ogba, yesterday, accused Governor Martin Elechi of frustrating the re-activation of NIGERCEM cement industry by Ibeto group.

Hon. Ogba, who is also the senatorial candidate of the party in the state, made this known while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The PDP chieftain, how-

T

ever, warned that any attempt by the governor or any other person to disrupt the re-activation of the cement company would be resisted by the Nkalagu community.

The PDP senatorial candidate and the leader of Nkalagu community, however, exonerated the Ibeto Group over allegation that Ibeto entered into NIGERCEM illegally.

Said he, “What does Governor Elechi gain in frustrating business in NIGERCEM? Since he came into power with few

months to the completion of his eight years administration, no meaningful achievement was recorded in the area of industrialization. Not a mini or major industry was build, rather he is busy frustrating the existing ones.

“The company that was once the pride of Igbo people and has put food on the table of many Igbos cut across the five states in the South-East zone suffered setback because of Elechi’s resistance for its development.

“Do you know how

many people that have suffered since the collapsed of Nigercem as a result of Elechi’s ill personal interest, we are saying enough is enough.

He noted that NIGERCEM used to have best hospital in the Eastern part of the country way back. He also explained that since the collapse of the company, many pregnant women in the area have been made to travel far for medical attention.

He also bemoaned lack of a functional Health Centre in the area.

Hon. Ogba challenged Governor Elechi to produce any evidence or Court Order that restrained Ibeto from entering into NIGERCEM saying, “All the landlords, communities and the entire clan in Nkalagu have said no to Governor Elechi’s unrepentant stand on Nigercem’ just as they declared total support for Ibeto Group in their quest to reactivate the company.

The Ebonyi PDP chieftain, however, accused governor Elechi of dumping the PDP.

Indigenes of Osun who came from Lagos State through the free train transportation provided by Osun Government for the celebration of Christmas at Osogbo Railway Terminus, State of Osun.

FRSC convicts 26 drivers in Gombe he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) mobile court in Kaltungo, Gombe State, yesterday convicted 26 drivers for committing various traffic offences.

The state’s Sector Commander, Mr. Abayomi Omiyale, announced this while briefing newsmen during a special patrol by FRSC officials in the state. ``The court sat today in Kaltungo, tried 29 offenders; 26 were convicted and three were discharged and acquitted,’’ he said.

Omiyale said the 13 per-

9 News

sons were convicted for not putting on seat belts, three for not wearing helmet, three for driving vehicle without number plate, two for over loading, five for driving without driver’s licence and two for dangerous driving.

He said that dangerous driving, over loading, wrong over-taking, over speeding, among others, could lead to fatal crashes. ``The FRSC is concentrating more on those offences that can lead to crashes so as to reduce the rate of crashes during this period and beyond,’’ he said.

Obong of Calabar fears for Nigeria’s democracy

T

he Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, has warned that the country’s democracy was under serious threat.

He therefore urged political stakeholders not to involve themselves in acts that would be inimical to the unity and peace of the country.

Briefing journalists at his country home, Adiabo in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, yesterday, the

monarch berated the political class for what he described as a do-or-die approach to 2015 polls.

The monarch also stated that if what he saw during the just concluded political party primaries were anything to go by, then politicians could not convince him that they have the interest of the country and that of ordinary Nigerians in mind.

Said he, “The ambition and interest of many politicians seems to have overridden the interest of the

people they are supposed to serve. The political class has now made politics a do-or-die business.

To them, once you sail through, you automatically become a millionaire.

“If we can separate the political powers from the financial powers in the running of the country, Nigeria will be better for it. The Governor, for instance, controls the State’s finances and decides what to do with it.

“All over the country, people are complaining

over the just concluded party primaries. It was very shabby. It was a disgrace to the power of democracy. They virtually hand-picked their cronies, and tactically lock out others.

“Our democracy has deteriorated to the level that it is those at the corridor of power who decides who should take over political power, not on the basis of quality of service to the people. It has become an avenue to settle political acolytes.

News 10 Disgruntled politicians behind nation’s insecurity Cleric

T

he Katsina state Chair man, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Nelson Onyekachukwu on Thursday blamed disgruntled politicians for the country’s insecurity.

Onyekachukwu stated this in his sermon at the Church of Resurrection in Nigeria, Katsina.

According to him, the security challenge threatening the country is not a religious affair as it affects both Muslims and Christians. ``It is not the issue of a Muslim or Christian that is behind the inhuman

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, Decembe 26, 2014

act. ``The insecurity is caused by some people who are aggrieved and have not satisfied their selfish interests,’’ he said.

The chairman said that the unwanted senseless killings are being sponsored by the aggrieved people, but nobody knows where they came from.

Onyekachukwu called on Christians to embark on prayer sessions for the senseless killings to end. ``We believe in the power of prayers to solve problems and we believe that anything that has a beginning will have an end,” he said.

He noted that Christians were celebrating Christmas so as to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. ``It is a day set aside for all Christians all over the world to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. ``The Christians have been directed to celebrate the Christmas by sharing gifts and assisting the less privileged,” he said.

XMAS: How we averted terror attacks on Churches -IGP

T

he Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abubakar, Thursday, hailed Nigerians for cooperating with the force to ensure a hitchfree Christmas celebration.

Abba who spoke after monitoring the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja also told journalists of how the synergy with sister-security agencies ensured that terror attacks on churches were

prevented.

The IGP confirmed receiving intelligence reports of plans by criminal gangs to launch terror attacks on christian worshippers during the Christmas services in many churches.

He said the proactive steps taken by all security agencies, as well as the efficient sharing of intelligence helped to forestall such attacks.

“My presence in par-

ticular is part of the effort to make sure we live up to expectation. Truly, we continue to receive reports of plans to disrupt the Christmas festivity but the police and other security agencies have all beefed up their operations to make sure that people not just enjoy the festivity but to have a feeling and sense of safety. That is why you can see the number of deployments we have made”, he said.

He expressed delight

that as at 3pm when most church services were over, he had not received reports of any attack on any of the churches.

Abba however said that with so many activities associated with the festivity, the police will continue to scale up her effort at protecting Nigerians.

The IGP who was also at the Jabi Lake in Abuja to monitor the safety of funseekers, however urged the public to support police operatives in the prevention of crimes.

JOHESU flays FG over stoppage of members’ salaries

T

he Joint Health Sector Union and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU), has come hard on the Federal Government, accusing it of stopping the salaries of its striking members.

This was contained in a statement dated December 23, 2014, jointly signed by leaders of 11 bodies, including MHWUN, NANNM, SSAUTHRIAI, NUAHP, NASUEAI and the Chairperson Assembly of Health Professionals.

According to the body, it was unfortunate that the Federal Government could resort to this instead of bringing an end to the ongoing strike, adding that “it should be blamed and held responsible” for the union’s on going strike.

“Instead of the Federal Government to do the needful and demonstrate commitment towards bringing an end to the plight of Nigerians and health workers by addressing the issues and restoring public health services,

it has resorted to stopping the salaries of our members which was not done to members of NMA and MDCAN that embarked on strike even at the peak of Ebola Virus Disease outbreak,” the union said.

The body emphasized that its members embarked “on dispute of right and not dispute of interest and we shall not succumb to any threat of intimidation and harassment by the government”.

JOHESU in the statement urged Nigerians to bear with its members and understand their plight on why “we have to take this painful but inevitable action, bearing in mind that we have been on this same issue since year 2010.

“We wish members of the public to note that it is the Federal Government that should be blamed and held responsible for the non-resolution of this conflict since the Federal government have chosen to continually discriminate, marginalize and victimize members of JOHESU nationwide”, it stated.

L-R: Deputy Chancellor Lagos Diocese, of Anglican Communion Church of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Adedayo Oyebanji; Diocesan Bishop of Anglican Communion Lagos, the Most Revd. Adebola Ademowo; Guest, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Chancellor, Diocese of Lagos, Hon. Justice George Oguntade, after the 2014 Christmas day Service in Lagos. PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Lawyer tasks CDA’s on youth restiveness Ola Yekeen, Ilorin

A

legal luminary, Alhaji Yusuf Olaolu Alli (SAN), on Thursday called on Community Development Associations (CDAs) to embark on aggressive establishment of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in order to arrest youth restiveness in their domains.

Alli made the call in Ilorin while launching the’ 2014 Electrononic and

Print Almanac’ of the Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressives Union to mark the 49th Annual National Conference of the Association.

According to the Ilorin based legal practitioner, mere sermons or verbal appeal to shun hooliganism would not appease a hungry person who has no hope of getting the next meal of the day.

Alli said before one can effectively and meaningfully persuade idle hands not to fall for being used

as political thugs, a better alternative arrangement must be in place for hungry people.

The Ilorin based lawyer further charged communities to channel their development fund raisings toward establishing small enterprises that would make the army of unemployed Youth become self -employed and job creators.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria assured that public spirited and well to do people in the society

would be very willing to support such projects in cash and kind more than cash donations.

Alli stated that people were more concerned about proffering enduring solutions to the increasing involvement of youths in violence, crime and other social vices.

He added that money spent on building young entrepreneurs would fast rack socio-economic transformation of the community and impact positively on the masses.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

11 News

Olejeme celebrates Christmas with widows, orphans, others

A

Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba (middle) with fun-seekers at Jabi Lake during security patrol on Christmas Day in Abuja.

Okorocha accuses Iwuanyanwu, Araraume, others of plotting his fall

I

mo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has accused a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustee, BoT, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, for fighting to remove him as the governor of the state come 2015.

The governor also accused Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, former governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim and Senator Arthur Nzeribe of also joining force with Iwuanyanwu to plot his down fall.

Speaking during a chat with newsmen in Owerri, the state capital, Gov. Okorocha said he has more political enemies than any state governor in the country.

“All the big men in Imo State are on one side fighting one man, Iwuanyanwu, Nzeribe, Ken Nnamani, even all the governors in the South East are fighting one man. I am like bad news. Anywhere I go, everyone just plotting against me,” Okorocha said.

He said that all the fight

was just because he wanted to do things outside the norms without godfathers.

“I feel pains sometimes because of what I go through as governor but I want to set a standard in the country that other governors must follow. I want to correct the idea of governance in Nigeria, so that if any governor comes in and he is not following such standard, he will be exposed,” he stated.

He said it takes the fear of God to do what he has done in the state “because

as governor you are in control of resources that people will even know what you are doing, but I prefer good name than, I want to leave a legacy for my people.”

However, the governor disclosed that he never knew he was so rich until he became a governor. “I have many land and property in Abuja that my wife and children don’t even know them. What do I need the property for; I don’t want to owe anything,” Okorocha said.

NULGE carpets Ekiti Assembly for voting against LG autonomy Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

P

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have received attack from the Ekiti State chapter of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) over what it described as alleged conspiracy against the actualization of the Local Government autonomy in the country.

Specifically, NULGE expressed dismay at the action of the pro-Fayose lawmakers, led by its speaker, Hon. Dele Olugbemi, for resisting

local government autonomy in the ongoing constitution amendment, saying this had shown that they are not true representatives of the people.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Mr. Victor Adebayo, and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, the union said it smacks of ignorance and insensitivity for the lawmakers, who were voted for by those at the grassroots, to have killed the opportunity that would have brought development to the less privileged.

The apparently irked

NULGE condemned the action of the PDP lawmakers and their colleagues who also resisted the policy across the country, saying “to us, this is a clear case of joining others to do evil as in the case in most of the state assemblies”.

It would be recalled that the PDP lawmakers had during its sitting of Tuesday, December 23, 2014, voted against local government autonomy, contrary to the step earlier taken by All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers who voted in support.

NULGE submitted that

“with the position of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, it cannot be said that the members are committed to the realisation of a better society, where opportunity will abound for the actualisation of common man’s aspiration irrespective of their political leanings.

“Our union has made it known that the continuous attempt to keep the LGs as mere administrative units has not encouraged the functionaries occupying positions at the tier of government to maximally apply their initiatives for development.

s part of its plans to ensure transformation in lives of people, the Ngozi Juliet Olejeme Foundation has concluded arrangements to visit orphanage, home for the elderly, hospitals and widows in Delta, Imo and Bayelsa states.

The visit is to bring the message of Christmas to the door steps of Nigerians. It is also aimed at encouraging and supporting widows, young females, women, children and elderly with basic needs.

A statement in Abuja signed by Henry Ebireri, Director of Communications, Ngozi Juliet Olejeme Foundation, said the visit would bring joy to Nigerians, particularly widows and people with special needs.

“The spirit of goodwill should be brought to Nigerians. It’s also great to see Nigerians happy. The visit is

aimed at sharing the joy and blessings of Christmas and also providing gifts to widows, orphans and people with special needs.

“We just need to boost the morale of such people who are in need of attention and encouragement all the time,” the statement said.

This year’s Christmas celebration of the Ngozi Olejeme Foundation will began on Thursday, December 18, 2014.

“The foundation will also visit royal fathers,” the statement said.

The Ngozi Olejeme Foundation is a nonprofit organisation whose mission is to foster philanthropy by educating, empowering and lifting orphans, young females, women, widows and the elderly.

The organisation’s goal is to provide social, emotional and financial support to vulnerable people in Nigeria and abroad.

Sokoto PDP faction rejects guber primaries results

A

faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State yesterday rejected the results of the state’s governorship primary conducted on December 8.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the 3-man electoral panel which conducted the election and declared the results was headed by Sen. Usman Dukku.

The election was won by Sen. Abdallah Wali, who polled 547 votes, while the state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari, got a vote, even though he withdrew from the race.

Sen. Abubakar Gada got 193 votes, while former Minister of Transport as well as Sports, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, who got no vote, also boycotted the poll.

The trio of Shagari, Suleiman and Gada had petitioned the national leadership of the party, calling for the cancellation of the results and the conduct of fresh polls.

They cited some irregularities which they alleged marred the elections, alleging that it was illegal as ‘’ ghost’’ delegates were substituted with the original 984 accredited delegates.

The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, recently told news men that the election results still stood. ‘’As far as we are concerned, there was an election which was won by Wali, and we are ready for the 2015 general polls even now, ‘’Milgoma, added.

However, addressing newsmen in Sokoto yesterday, a faction of state executives of the party dissociated themselves from the election.

The group spoke through the state’s organising secretary of the party, Alhaji Usman Yabo. ‘’ As far as we are concerned, there was no gubernatorial election in Sokoto State, and we are hereby dissociating ourselves from its results. ‘’We are calling on the national leadership of the party to dispassionately and urgently attend to the petitions which arose from it and we want it cancelled. ‘’We are however law abiding members of the party and we therefore want the national leadership of the party to employ its internal mechanism to resolve the impasse,’’ Yabo, stressed.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Ebola: S’Leone declares three-day lockdown

S

ierra Leone has declared lockdown of at least three days in the north of the country to try to contain the Ebola epidemic.

More than 7,500 people have died from the outbreak in West Africa so far, the Word Health Organization (WHO) says, with Sierra Leone the worst hit.

Sierra Leone has the highest number of Ebola cases in West Africa, with more than 9,000 cases and more than 2,400 deaths since the start of the outbreak.

The other countries at the centre of the outbreak are Liberia and Guinea.

Alie Kamara, resident minister for the Northern Region, told AFP news agency that most public gatherings would be cancelled.

“Muslims and Christians are not allowed to hold services in mosques and churches throughout the lockdown except for Christians on Christmas Day”, he said.

Museveni gets additional constitutional powers

U

gandan President Yoweri Museveni’s ruling National Resistance Movement has given him additional political powers ahead of possible changes to the constitution.

At the NRM delegates conference in mid-December a monumental shift took place. More than 10,000 delegates assembled in Kampala approved a motion allowing the party chairman, President Museveni to appoint or dismiss party leaders. Prior to the conference, the NRM elected leaders by popular vote.

In less than a week, the president used those powers and the NRM announced a shakeup in the party’s top offices. First to go was the man who presented the biggest challenge to Museveni: NRM Secretary-General Amama Mbabazi, who had been dismissed as prime minister months earlier.

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni (C) arrives at the national celebration to mark Kenya’s Jamhuri Day (Independence Day) at the Nyayo Stadium in the capital Nairobi, recently.

Kenya unrepentant over tough anti-terrorism law

T

he High Court of Kenya has declined to suspend a tough new antiterrorism law that the opposition says violates human rights, local media reported.

Judge Isaac Lenaola said the government needed to be given a chance to prepare its defence against the legal challenge lodged by the main opposition Coalition for Reform and Democracy (Cord), after losing a parliamentary battle last week to stop passage of the legislation.

Lenaola gave the government until Monday to file its response.

“We are hoping for justice, and we think the process so far has been fair. Justice for Cord in this case is justice for Kenya and Kenyans,” Cord legislator Irshad Sumra said after the court session.

The law allows police to hold terrorist suspects for up to a year, from 90 days previously, and intelligence services to tap telephones without warrants.

Journalists publishing ma-

terial undermining securityrelated investigations or photographs of terrorism victims without police permission can be jailed for up to three years.

The opposition says the law violates the constitution and could turn Kenya into a dictatorship. Rights groups and Western countries have warned that the law could open the door to human rights abuses.

Debate on the legislation turned to physical brawling last week when opposition legisla-

tors tried to block law in parliament. Several senators who joined the debate in the lower house sustained minor injuries.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has faced mounting pressure to tighten security since the Somali Islamist group al-Shabaab killed at least 67 people in September 2013 at a Nairobi shopping mall.

A string of smaller attacks has followed, with al-Shabaab killing more than 60 people over the past four weeks in Kenya.

Al-Shabab attacks AU base Man sentenced to death in Mauritania for apostasy in Mogadishu

S

omali militant group al-Shabab has attacked an African Union peacekeeping base in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

A spokesman for the AU mission, Ali Hamud, tells VOA that seven to 10 al-Shabab gunmen entered the compound Thursday.

He says two of the attackers detonated suicide bombs and three others were killed in a gunfight. He says two other gunmen were still inside the compound as of Thursday afternoon

local time but were surrounded by troops.

The spokesman said there are casualties among the AU troops, but did not provide details.

Thursday’s attack targeted the Halane base, a fortified structure on the edge of the Mogadishu airport. The base is also home to a United Nations office and foreign embassies.

In a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, alShabab said it targeted a Christmas party at the base.

A

Muslim man in Mauritania has been sentenced to death for apiostacy in Mauritania after a court ruled that he had written something blasphemous, a judicial source told AFP. Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed, who is around 30 years old, fainted when the ruling was read out late on Wednesday in a court in Nouadhibou in the

northwest of the country, the source said on condition of anonymity.

He was revived and taken to prison, the source added.

Mohamed has been detained since 2 January and pleaded not guilty to the charge when proceedings opened on Tuesday.

Mauritania has the death penalty but has not executed anyone since 1987, according to human rights organisation Amnesty International.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

‘‘The Interview’’ goes public in US

T

he controversial comedy The Interview has opened in some US cinemas and online, after a cyber-attack and threats to moviegoers over its release.

Sony Pictures had originally pulled the film, about a fictional plot to kill North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

But it reconsidered after critics - including the US president - said freedom of expression was under threat.

Some cinemas organised midnight showings for Americans determined to see The Interview on the big screen.

Several hundred independent cinemas across the US have come forward offering to show the title after larger cinemas decided not to screen it following threats.

Lee Peterson, manager of Cinema Village in New York, told Reuters news agency it was a matter of principle to show the film.

“Obviously we would like to make money from the movie, as we would with any movie, but it’s important to take a stand about freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to see movies.”

Kim Jong-Un with North Korean soldiers’ families North

Korea says the film hurts the “dignity of its supreme leadership” The film is also being offered through a dedicated website and via Google services YouTube and Play, and Microsoft’s Xbox Video platform, but only in the US. A spokesman for Sony told the BBC the release was US-only “at this point”.

Sony Pictures initially pulled the film after suffering an unprecedented hacking attack at the hands of a group calling itself the Guardians of Peace.

Last week, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said its analysis pointed the finger at North Korea. However, many cybersecurity experts have come forward to dispute this assertion.

North Korea denied being behind the attack but described it as a “righteous deed”.

The hackers threatened to carry out a terrorist attack on cinemas showed the film on its scheduled release date of Christmas Day. After many cinemas pulled out, Sony cancelled the release.

That move was described by President Obama as a mistake.

13 World

Pope Francis slams ISIS over ‘persecution’ of minorities

P

ope Francis condemned the “brutal persecution” of minorities by Islamic State insurgents in his Christmas message on Thursday and urged people not to be indifferent to the suffering of so many around the world.

Christmas is one of the holiest days for Christians, who on Thursday celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Tens of thousands of people turned out on St. Peter’s Square to hear the Argentine pope deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing and message, marking the second Christmas since his election last year.

The pope appealed for the

end of many of the major conflicts and crises going on in the world, urging peace in places like Ukraine, Nigeria and the Central African Republic and condemning last week’s Taliban attack that killed more than 130 students in Pakistan.

Calling also for an end to violence against “vast numbers of children,” and noting last week’s deadly attack in Pakistan, he said: “Truly there are so many tears this Christmas.”

On a day that brings joy to little ones in much of the world, Francis expressed anguish for children who are victims of violence, those who are trafficked or those forced to be soldiers.

The pope also offered bless-

ings for the victims of Ebola, particularly the people of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, as well as for those providing care.

However, he reserved his toughest words to defend the victims of Islamic State fighters who have killed or displaced Shi’ite Muslims, Christians and others in Syria and Iraq who do not share the group’s ideologies.

“I ask him, the Savior of the world, to look upon our brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria, who for too long now have suffered the effects of ongoing conflict, and who, together with those belonging to other ethnic and religious groups, are suffering a brutal persecution,” he said.

Israel approves 243 new settler homes in East Jerusalem

I

srael has given preliminary approval for the construction of 243 new homes on West Bank land that Israel annexed to Jerusalem, and advanced plans for another 270 homes in the same area, officials said on Thursday.

Such moves run counter to calls by the United States and other world powers for Israel to freeze construction of new settler homes.

The land in question was captured by Israel in a 1967 war and annexed to Jerusalem in a move never recognized internationally. Palestinians, who seek statehood in Israeli-occupied territory, want it as part of a future state.

Jerusalem’s municipal planning committee authorized 243 new housing units in Ramot, a municipal spokeswoman said.

It also approved changes to preexisting plans for 270 homes

there and in Har Homa. Israel describes both settlements as Jerusalem “neighborhoods.”

The Palestinians want to establish a state in East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East War. They fear Israeli enclaves will deny them contiguous territory.

Citing biblical links, Israel says Jews have a right to live anywhere in Jerusalem including the eastern sector which it has annexed as part of its “indivisible” capital.

U.S.-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in April.

Most world powers deem Israel’s settlements illegal and settlement activities have drawn criticism from the European Union and from the United States, which like most countries views settlements as illegal.

Pope Francis gives his traditional Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Dec. 25, 2014.

Ukraine peace talks deadlocked

T

alks between Ukrainian government negotiators and their pro-Russian separatist counterparts have failed to produce any breakthrough to end the eight-month conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Separatist leaders were quoted as saying Thursday that the only tangible result of the talks in Belarus this week was an agreement on the terms of a

prisoner exchange of about 400 fighters.

Peace efforts have also involved Russian officials and mediators from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The aim is to solidify a September cease-fire that has reduced the fighting.

The Kyiv parliament’s renunciation of Ukraine’s neutral sta-

tus this week as a step towards joining NATO has outraged Moscow and deepened the worst confrontation between Russia and the West since the end of the Cold War. Speaking on state television Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Ukraine’s desire for NATO membership poses a danger to European security.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

2014: Year Nigerians will not forget in a hurry

I

Temple Chima Ubochi

f the North’s problems would have been solved by having a Northerner in power, the North ought to have been a paradise by now. No. The problem of both North and South can only be solved by having the right people in power not once in a while, but all the time. Vision and discipline and the strength of character to stick to it until the vision materialises are what are needed for Nigeria to develop (Pat Utomi) Some northerners, who, through their countenance, actions or inaction aided the insurgency, were at first shouting against what they termed the Nigerian military’s high handedness in its war against the insurgents.

But when the insurgency became deadlier and beyond their control, they started accusing President Jonathan of not doing enough to defeat the insurgents. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, while noting that the war against Boko Haram is politicised, urged Nigerians to stop condemning the Federal Government on the war against insurgency. He said it would have achieved results, if some things had been

done differently. He stated that it was necessary to stop the blame game and work towards getting the country out of its predicament.

He said “The idea that government is not doing enough is an oxymoron and an extension of our creeping cynicism and the unfortunate politicking that has dogged this tragic war. No one has come up with a superior exit war plan. It is true; a few things could have been done differently. As they say in Hausa, ignorance is at the back of the head. We have to take off from where we are and stop the blame game. There is a lot of credit in the bank of blame to enrich us all.

We are on a long road and we must wear the shoes of the long distance runner. Let us not be deceived and do not listen to anyone who might claim that they know how this can end tomorrow”.

How can those who empowered Boko Haram and made it the monster it is turn now to, blame President Jonathan? At first, those northern leaders supported the terrorist sect, one way or the other, just to make the country ungovernable. Earlier, when the Nigerian military started confronting the insurgency, those leaders started seeing it as “belligerency” against

the north. How do we reconcile the two different viewpoints? The Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Ibrahim Coomasie (rtd), said in October 2014: “Head or tail, we in Northern Nigeria are the ones losing because our people are still being killed; property being destroyed and people charged with the constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property are not doing much.” Prof.

Abdullahi said: “The population generally believes that President Jonathan is not doing enough, or he is incompetent. The government should be blamed for the long crises”. Statements like these fueled mistrust and insurgency in the land.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari who has now accused President Jonathan of not having the political will, uncommon courage and unrelenting determination to deal with the insurgency, once asked the government to stop the clampdown of Boko Haram insurgents. He was once quoted as saying that unlike the special treatment given to the Niger Delta militants, the Boko Haram members were being killed and their houses demolished by

government. Accusing Jonathan of failing to address the security situation in the country, Buhari said he has never been in support of the state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

According to Buhari , what is responsible for the security situation in the country is caused by the activities of Niger Delta militants.

The Niger Delta militants started it all. You see in the case of the Niger Delta militants, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua sent an aeroplane to bring them, he sat down and discussed with them, they were cajoled, given money and granted amnesty.

They were trained in some skills and were given employment, but the ones in the north were being killed and their houses were being demolished. They are different issues, what brought this? It is injustice”. The killing spree of the Boko Haram has gotten out of hand as the terrorists are no longer differentiating between those they were meant to protect from those they are meant to deal with.

The insurgents seem unstoppable, because, despite the belated effort to rout them, they still have the capability to strike anywhere and whenever they like.

to another in search of position.

We seem oblivious of the fact that religious motives to enforce morality, as Muslim extremists seek to do with Jihad and Sharia and ethnic supremacy are always the wrong reasons to seek power.

Once the power is gained, it is invariably used to oppress opponents and those who choose to be different.

This is why the continued introduction of religion into Nigerian politics and increasing ethnic polarisation of politics are very dangerous and herald a bad omen for the future of Nigeria.

If Nigerians do not set aside religious and ethnic differences and prejudices and elect a leader who has the courage to confront, sectarianism, corruption, lawlessness and impunity and restore accountability and rule of law, Nigeria will unravel and end up like Iraq.

Sadly, I do not see Jonathan doing it. He has had six years and has not shown any evidence that he is minded to confront corruption, and impunity the way they should be confronted.

He has sort to align with the

Christian Right, thereby giving oxygen to sectarian politics in the country.

Instead of tasking prospective candidates about their policies, hope and dreams for Nigeria, opinion shapers are evoking old prejudices rooted in religion and ethnicity to discredit those they do not like, thereby further polarising the country along sectarian lines.

Yes, it is important to examine the past utterances of candidates and raise issues about their religion as I and some people have done, but it would be unfair and counterproductive not to put it in context and give the candidates opportunity to explain what they think about the issues raised.

I am concerned that Buhari may have a religious agenda, but he is said to be an honest man.

Yet, he did nothing, while his party fixed the cost of presidential candidate form at N27 million to separate the boys from the men.

His use of decree 2 and 4 during his spell as head of state is still fresh in the memories of his victims and those who witnessed it.

Nigeria is worth saving

W

E.O. EKE

ith Boko Haram terrorising and sacking towns and villages in the North, some Islamic countries, like Sudan and Chad, are aiding them because of oil in Chad basin, and the Nigerian army is struggling with out of date arms, after years of producing millionaire generals. It would appear that the hand writing is on the wall for those who can read signs of the time.

Nigeria has entered a very difficult phase in its history, without having forged an encompassing national identity and segregated along religious and ethnic fault lines, which are threatening to tear it apart.

Without a leader who is skilled in nation building, and prepared to allow reason, justice and the rule of law to inform his decision and able to defend the interest of all, Nigeria may not survive in its present form.

The Nigerian peace makers

must now recognise the necessity to prepare for war because of the type of enemy it must overcome to survive.

Good men must now, prepare for war, in order to survive and preserve and secure the peace. If there is ever a time for a people to prepare for war, it is now for Nigerians, against an enemy who has disdain for all that civil societies hold dear.

The enemies are religious intolerance and extremism, ethnic prejudice and toxic nationalism, institutionalised corruption, greed, impunity and abuse of power and due process.

Many Nigerians cannot continue to behave like Nero, while Rome burnt. Boko Haram is gaining Nigerian territories, killing innocent children, women and young and old men, sacking villages and schools and putting Nigerian soldiers on the run and armed Fulani herdsmen are carrying out ethnic cleansing of villages in Middle Belt and the Christian dominant South Kaduna while, the politicians continue to pursue politics of self interest, defecting from one party

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Politics

15

s Nobody can accuse Tinubu of favouritism - Ikuforiji Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, in this interractive session with journalists covering the Assembly, he speaks on his challenges as Speaker of the Lagos House, his next political move after his tenure in May, 2015, sequel to his failed bid to govern the state. ALADE TASMA was there. Excerpts: What’s your next move after leaving office as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in May 2015?

When I look back, I see that God has a way of making me achieve in life. One thing I have learnt from my own life is not to worry too much about tomorrow. I have learnt that, when I set my eyes on a particular cause, most times, it gets so tough, it becomes near impossible, but God opens wider doors and even the cause I choose for myself usually turns out to be far shorter and smaller than the one that God chooses for me. Usually, even that which I think is the best for me and that I really want and becomes so difficult comes back to me without much headache. It has been like this since the beginning of my life.

I wanted to go to the university here, at that time, every university conducts its own admission exams, I chose University of Ife and Benin but when they offered me admission, I was devastated, imaging being offered education Yoruba by University of Ife, I could not remember what UniBen offered me then. And that period I had a younger brother, who wanted to go to secondary school and I spent all the money I had for his secondary school admission.

We have just lost our father the previous year, my brother was in the final year in primary school, while I was in the final year in the secondary school at that time, and I didn’t want him to be out of school. So, the one year work I did before going to the university, I spent all the money taking care of him. When the issue of admission came and I wasn’t happy and was still devastated, after I had spent all my money on my brother. But an overseas scholarship came, and I was given a course, which was a lot better than the ones I was offered at home, and it also opened an opportunity for me to study something I dreamt of, but never thought existed.

I was given scholarship to read mathematics. During the cause of the programme, I felt I didn’t want to go back to Nigeria and be like one Dr. Chike Obi that would be teaching mathematics, I wanted mathematics that would be applied. Actually, I didn’t have an idea of such a course, but the Dean of the faculty said there was a new programme, cybernetics. I had never heard of such in my life and I asked him what the course was all about. He said ‘you do a lot of mathematics and application in the industry and that, it is a feedback system.’ I love the sound of the course. I saw one American

Ikuforiji

Ikuforiji Dictionary that somebody gave me and I looked at it, it was there that we found the word ‘cybernetics’ and I got the full meaning.

So I had to study mathematics, physics and economics. I ended up studying a course nobody ever thought of. I was a banker, and I did some other things. Later I decided to move down to Nigeria to do something for myself but the late General Sani Abacha came and dis-organised everything.

At the end of the day, I had to go to the United States of America that never caught my fancy; I had collected their visa and I refused to use it, it eventually became the CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

I was devastated as I spent all my money on my younger brother but an overseas scholarships came

No end in sight to Ekiti assembly crisis

Page 17

Politics 16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

place where I could find sucour.

I got myself into the system in a college that was seen as a white college, infact my friends and colleagues, who heard that I had been offered appointment could not believe it. Coming back here in 2003, some of you, who were around knew how I fought hard to be the Speaker of the House. It was a battle we never saw before.

It was really battle royale; I realized that being Speaker is not by the number of the members you know but something that is being pre-determined before they get to the floor of the House. In order not to create problem for the House or get the House divided, I was the one who raised the hand of the man who later became the Speaker of the House. The House was inaugurated in June 2003 and I could not get enough money to go back to the United States until August, 2004, it was tough.

By the end of 2005, when no one would have thought it possible, the House moved against the then Speaker of the House on the 29th December, when we were on recess and miraculously, what I laboured for and almost ran bankrupt, just came without me making much effort. If I look back from December 2005 till date, can I ask for more from God? What God has done for me are enough for me to remain grateful for the rest of my life.

In a nascent democracy, a 16-year-old democracy and out of the 16 years, I have been Speaker for 10 years, what else, let us thank God, in a state of 20 million people and I have been able to put the House together without any trouble, is that not enough for me to thank God. Even in the National Assembly, none of the leaders has been able to go full four years without one form of crises or the other. So, if I am on my third term, notwithstanding our differences, and we have made so many strides, I think I should not be too bothered about tomorrow.

The one that created me knew me before He created me and He had my path laid out.

We heard that the governorship aspirants of the APC at a meeting held prior to the governorship primaries accused the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of favouritism. They alleged, he was supporting a particular aspirant, even though the allegation was a common knowlegde, yet you

Buhari, godsend to rescue Nigeria - Ikuforiji came out to defend him, why did you trust him?

This is one of the reasons I wanted to join your league, you were not at the meeting, you said it as if you were there. I don’t know where you got your information from. Nobody accused the leader of favouritism. I remember people said that a level playing ground should be given to all the contestants but Asiwaju Tinubu was not accused of favouritism. I defended him then and I would still defend him. We need to be more pragmatic and realistic about life. You all know my relationship with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is not something that is hidden. Maybe that also gave me the over confidence on this issue of the Governorship. But, like I told my wife

Nobody accused Asiwaju of favouritism Tinubu

I remember people said that a level playing ground should be given to all the contestants, but Asiwaju Tinubu was not accused of favouritism

and daughter sometime ago, if somebody had been with you for a whole month, two months, three months, nine months and in the 10th month, you wanted something and he wanted something else, should you call for his head. Ours is a managed democracy, we have to be honest about that, we are not in the US. Even in the US, there are certain things that they manage.

I attended the National Democratic Convention years ago with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, where President Obama was adopted for a second term of office. If certain leaders did not come out openly to endorse him, (Obama) he wouldn’t have been able to make a second term. On the stage, I looked at him and wondered if this was the President of the United States of

What I laboured for and almost ran bankrupt, came without much effort

America. He was like a toddler, who saw his aunt who usually brought things for him, when former president Bill Clinton came. It was more like a kid, a whole President of the US looking for a second term.

He knew that if ‘this man (Cliton) makes a speech on my behalf tonight I would make it.’ If he were a Yoruba man, he would have prostrated for Clinton before he started the speech. That is how it is, the same goes for Kennedy, it was when Kennedy endorsed Obama that Clinton knew that his wife, Hilary would not make it. We exaggerate some of these things here, sometimes we go very far with them, but issues of endorsement, supports and all that happen everywhere. It is not only here, if it happens in the most widely acknowledged democracy in the world, who are we; a 15-year-old democracy. I say it again, Asiwaju Tinubu was not accused of favouritism, I defended him then and I would still defend him now.

You must have informed Asiwaju Tinubu of your ambition to succeed Gov. Fashola in office before your campaign began, if you did, what did he tell you?

I won’t tell you what he told me, that is between two brothers or father and son or whatever you want to call it.

16 members of the current Assembly have lost their bid to return to the House come 2015, what is the implication of this outcome considering the fact that the state had invested so much to train the members?

That is a very tough one, but in 2007, we fought very hard for 17 members to return to the House.

In 2011, it was another battle to get 22 members to return. Yes, we have 24 who already have tickets, but it is still my hope that even some of those who haven’t would still get the tickets. I want to tell you, ours is a very young democracy, a lot of hitches are still on our path. I personally would not like a situation, where we have seven women in the 7th Assembly and we cannot have eight or 10 women in the 8th Assembly. If the number reduces, it doesn’t portend good omen for our democracy, not just for Lagos State House of Assembly.

Ikuforiji

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

17 Politics

No end in sight to Ekiti assembly crisis Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

T

here seems no end in sight to the political crisis rocking Ekiti State house of Assembly except perhaps a judicial intervention. This is as a result of the unfolding drama being played out on weekly basis by the major actors in the dramathe All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers’ caucuses in the state who have been on each others throats over leadership and power.

It has already become a constitutional crisis in the state which can only be resolved in the court, as there seems to be two Speakers in one state House of Assembly with each one laying claim to authority and power even as the PDP caucus Speaker, Dele Olugbemi claimed to be the authentic Speaker who was democratically elected by his caucus to lead the House.

Similarly, the APC Caucus Speaker, Dr Adewale Omirin insisted that he remained the authentic Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly who was “democratically elected by all members of the House”, describing the “7 PDP lawmakers action” as “affront and illegality that can not stand” The genesis of the crisis could be traced to the fallout from the eligibility suit filed by a group, the E-11 and Citizens Popular Party (CPP) against Fayose’s participation in the June 21 governorship poll. The development led to series of events, including the murder of Fayose’s loyalist, and a former chairman of the state’s chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Omolafe Aderiye, on September 25 and the subsequent imposition of curfew on Ado-Ekiti by the former Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

While the suit was being heard

by Justice Olusegun Ogunremi, his courtroom was invaded by some people suspected to be po-

litical thugs on September 22.

There was also an allegation that Justice John Adeyeye was manhandled by some people three days later.

According to the PDP, the suit was instituted as one of the ways the APC planned to frustrate the Fayose administration in order to regain control of the state through the back door. Also, the PDP accused the APC of wanting a situation whereby Fayose would not be inaugurated and Omirin, as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, would be sworn-in as acting governor of the state.

But APC lawmakers, who did not defect to the PDP, alleged that the governor was planning to descend on them

But APC lawmakers, who did not defect to the PDP, alleged that the governor was planning to descend on them. Another issue that might be considered as reason for the face-off was the refusal of the speaker to attend Fayose’s inauguration.

The disagreement over the closure of the House for one month by Omirin after the governor was sworn in was also another major contentious issue.

Omirin said the closure was to enable members go on recess.

But stakeholders, including the governor, criticised the speaker for declaring recess at the beginning of a new government which would need the input of the assembly in the pas-

sage of the 2015 appropriation bill, as well as the screening and confirmation of political appointees.

Governor Fayose had alleged that the speaker took the step to derail his government, an allegation which the speaker promptly denied.

The speaker, on the other hand, alleged that the closure was meant to defeat the plan by the defected APC members to replace him. An accusation the governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, also denied.

Omirin in a statement by his media aide, Wole Olujobi, accused the governor of victimising him and those who did not share his political belief. He cited the closure of his filling station, T-Five Petroleum, at Ajilosun among five filling stations by the government for allegedly contravening environmental laws because it was sited at residential areas.

Three of the filling stations, it was alleged, belonged to top principal officers of the assembly. Omirin argued that there was no reason for closing his filling station, adding that he got necessary approval before constructing it.

As if that was not enough, even as controversial impeachment of Omirin by the seven PDP lawmakers still lingers, the Pro-Fayose lawmakers went ahead to approve the lists of three commissioners and 12 special advisers brought by Fayose.

The governor’s request to reconstitute the dissolved 16 local governments was equally endorsed.

None of the 19 APC lawmakers was in attendance during the sitting presided over by Mr Olugbemi, who acted as protem speaker, before he was subsequently elected as speaker by the seven PDP lawmakers.

The embattled Speaker of the State Assembly, Omirin, and his deputy, Orisalade, had since November, 2014 approached an Abuja Federal High Court for the restoration of all their

Fayose rights and privileges.

Traditional rulers in Ekiti State were later brought in to intervene in the crisis, but to no avail as nothing fruitful came out of their intervention. Similarly , the Federal lawmakers` vowed to solve the problem but this could not be possible as up till now, as no meaningful resolution has been reached by them on the matter.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back seems to be the reappearance of the 19 APC law-

Olugbemi

Accused of alleged victimisation

makers who last week made a surprise re-entry into the state and suspended the leader of the seven PDP lawmakers and their Speaker, Olugbemi. The lawmakers, who are members of the PDP, are Samuel Ajibola, Israel Olowo, Alex Ade Ojo, Mrs. Adunni Olayinka and Ayoka Fatumbi.

At the plenary held at a secret location in Ado-Ekiti and presided over by the embattled CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

No end in sight to Ekiti assembly crisis CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Speaker, Dr. Omirin, the APC lawmakers also nullified all legislative actions purportedly carried out by the PDP caucus.

But the Pro- Fayose Speaker, Olugbemi, lambasted the APC lawmakers and described as “comedy of the festive season,” claim by some of the APC lawmakers in the state that they sat in Ado-Ekiti, saying no sitting of the House of Assembly took place in Ado Ekiti, adding that “The APC lawmakers could have met at a beer parlour in Ikoyi, Lagos or Osogbo, in Osun State.”

He said it was only a group of “clowns that would gather at a hotel, consume several bottles of beer and later send pictures of purported sitting as members of Ekiti State House of Assembly to the press.”

While urging Ekiti people to ignore the APC lawmakers, Olugbemi said; “they are in court challenging the removal of Adewale Omirin as the Speaker and it is commonsensical that they allow the court to adjudicate.”

He said “if the APC lawmakers were serious about performing their legislative duties, they should return to the state instead of running from one hotel to another in Lagos and Osun states. The APC lawmakers are behaving like the clowns that they are and one cannot but pity them.

“The hallowed chamber of the Ekiti State House of Assembly is the only venue for the sitting of the House of Assembly and those meeting in hotels and drinking joints in Lagos and Osun states

should know that they are just advertising their collective idiocy,” Olugbemi said.

The PDP chairman equally said investigation conducted by him proved that nowhere in the state did such a legislative meeting took place.

He equally condemned the decision by Dr Omirin and his APC colleagues for running from pillar to post from Lagos to Oshogbo without coming to Ekiti State House of Assembly to perform the functions they were elected for.”

But the APC legislators alleged that Governor Fayose has directed the state Ministry of Justice to forward a memo to the state’s Commissioner of Police to arrest the lawmakers for conducting a sitting at an unknown location in the state capital.

The lawmakers insisted that they cannot be arrested for performing their constitutional duties on the premise that Section 101 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers them to sit in another location in the state capital if their security cannot be guaranteed in the House of Assembly complex.

In the statement signed by Omirin, the lawmakers said political thugs have continued to lay siege to the Assembly complex and the situation has endangered their lives, saying “The governor or the police cannot arrest us for performing our constitutional duty. Section 101 of the constitution makes it explicit that the House can regulate its activities, including conducting its sittings in public buildings in the state capital.

They pointed out “The Supreme Court

Omirin

They alleged that Governor Fayose has kept armed thugs permanently in the House of Assembly to attack us

had also ruled that the House can conduct its sittings in public places in the state capital if conditions exist that endanger members in the conduct of their sittings.

They alleged that “Governor Fayose has kept armed thugs permanently in the House of Assembly to attack us. We can’t put ourselves in harm’s way, yet we have a responsibility to our constituents to make laws for good governance.

“This is why we followed the law to sit to consider issues on the ongoing constitutional amendment. Ekiti State has just one House of Assembly. That is why the National Assembly acknowledged the receipt of our resolutions on the constitutional amendment. If they are sure of their status, let them approach the National Assembly or the Judiciary for recognition,” they argued.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Features

19

s

Labour pains of minors...

Like non-Olympic weight-lifters...

I

f international human rights law is underplayed by governments across the globe, the child rights law suffers a worse fate, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

As minors by law, children do not have autonomy or the right to make decisions on their own for themselves in any known jurisdiction of the world. Instead, their adult custodians, who include

parents, teachers, social workers, youth workers and, in the African setting, ‘extended’ relatives, etc, are vested with that authority, depending on the circumstances.

Some believe that this state of affairs give children insufficient control over their own lives and makes them vulnerable.

Louis Althusser described this legal machinery as “repressive state apparatuses”.

Though

parents may not be aware nation, our corresponof this international right dent was greeted by child over their wards, native workers, aged between six law and custom across Af- and eight years, working rica gives absolute right a church building project of dominion over their one would expect men of biological children as well their fathers’ age to be as children of deceased doing. Two of the minors parents. were feebly digging the During a visit to a build- drainage in turns before ing work site at Orioke in the gate, while three othEjigbo local government ers were mixing cement area of lagos, Nigeria’s and piling up block-work City of Excellence and the commercial capital Continued on page 20 of Africa’s most populous

GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT Snr in this report examines child labour through the experience of kids at a building site in Lagos…

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

‘They are born into labour’ Continued From page 19 preparatory to the day’s assignment.

In a country always in the news for scandalous building collapses, even those under construction, Nigeria is a nation where unlettered builders within and across borders execute projects from foundation to finish upon un-surveyed lands and without building plans. They are their own architects, building contractors and quantity surveyors.

Within their ranks they have ‘experts’ they call iron-benders who do the work of structural engineers, rewire (electrical engineers), formwork and roofing carpenters, welders, bricklayers, painters, etc and each comes with his apprentices as well as women who constitute the unskilled workforce.

The country is still smarting from the collapse of a sixstorey building belonging to the Synagogue Church of all Nations where some 115 people, mostly South African nationals lost their lives.

Omolaja (8) Opeoluwa (7), Suru (8), Muyi (7), and Fata (6) are Togolese children who started practical all-round building and construction training as soon as they could walk!

According to the children, a man they know only as Baba Carpenter brought them to Lagos under an unwritten agreement with the children’s parents: the kids work for their

Child labourers at work master who remits agreed monies to their poor parents at home while the child workers are paid just about enough to feed their little stomachs.

The daily tight work-sched-

ule has taken away their right to education (not that their ‘uncle’ or anyone was willing to sponsor them anyhow); thus, the children speak neither English nor French: they can only com-

municate in the Yoruba dialect which is a trans-border commercial language for traders this end of the Diaspora.

Isaac Opeoluwa, who would pass as madam’s white-haired boy is the sixth and the lucky one among them favoured to go to school; even though he doesn’t have to work on site, Isaac loves to join his mates after school hours, on weekends and public holidays. He’s a second grade junior high school pupil in private school in Ejigbo, a suburb of Lagos. Isaac, whose best subject is mathematics, said he would like to be a chartered accountant when he’s grown up.

Through him, our correspondent learnt that the children as soon as they could walk!

“When we work, the contractor who calls us gives us N200 for our pocket, but our money is paid to Baba Carpenter each day we work.”

On a good day, Isaac gets the full day’s money, or he gets half

Continued on page 21

“When we work, the contractor who hired us gives us N200 for our pocket, but our money is paid to Baba Carpenter each day we work.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

The kids under Kassim’s supervision

21 Features

Muyi and Fatai digging a drainage

‘They learn the value of money’ Continued From page 20 for his half-day job.

The children had learnt from experience to ask for food while they work because according to Isaac, “if we don’t ask, they will not give us; before, we didn’t use to ask and we would work till evening when we closed before we ate from our money; but now we ask in the afternoon and they will give us N100 per person to eat.”

But Omolaja Ope and Suru don’t have that opportunity because, according the boys, their uncle takes the money from them when they get home. “After we work, Baba Carpenter will say, ‘where’s the money they paid you?’ And he will take it; sometimes he will give us N100 and sometimes he will not, so we eat all we can at the work site.”

Under a supervisor, the children do every job adult masons do on building sites; mixing cement and sand/gravels, fetching water for mixers, carring blocks within the site to ‘feed’ bricklayers with mixed cement and blocks have become second nature to these kids.

Our correspondent was startled to see the children struggling with six inches blocks each on both hands from the pickup van to the work site. Atimes,

they were asked to carry nine inches blocks to the extreme end of the site for those doing block work. Sometimes the kids help one another carry the block on their heads but when they’re alone they have perfected a way of hoisting the hard concrete on their heads. They even hoist and carry full head-pans of mixed cement.

The man who hired them for this site is a bricklayer-cum-contractor, Kassim Taiwo, from Oyo State. He mobilises labour for every manner of work in building projects and is a go-between for the kids and their masters.

He discussed the background of the kids with Daily Times.

“They’re Cotonou children brought here from Togo by their brother who is a bricklayer; he works with my team when he has no job of his own. As for the children, they were born into labour from when they started to walk.

“In their home in Cotonou, as soon as their children can walk, so long as the child is a boy, the parents will say, ‘oya, follow daddy go learn work.’”

The clergyman who employed the services of Kassim had to intervene when Kassim commanded two of the minors to carry a 50kg bag of cement to the spot where two other kids

“Don’t look at them as small boys... as you see them so, they work more than adults; they’re not like Nigerian children, they’re Togolese’’ were waiting to mix. With a wry smile, Kassim went over and carried the cement himself.

In this exclusive chat with Daily Times after the day’s work, Kassim waved a hand at the boys washing their little bodies at a corner in the site: “Don’t look at them as small boys o; as you see them so, they work more than adults; they’re not like Nigerian children, they’re Togolese. They have

Continued on page 22

Opeoluwa mixing cement and gravel

Features 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

This is their school

- Supervisor

Straining under the weights

‘once they begin to walk, they’ll be following bricklayers at worksites everywhere; they don’t do any other thing in their lives. This is their school’

Continued From page 21 been growing inside this work and they’re so rugged that they don’t tire; 24 hours they’re on the work, not like us adults who have to rest between work and take long hours of break.

“As their mother born them, once they begin to walk, they’ll be following bricklayers at worksites everywhere; they don’t do any other thing in their lives: this is their school; they grow and marry in this job and their children will continue like them. That’s their life. If you people are not here, they will carry that cement. Ordinary 50 kg bag!”, he spat.

“Even if two of them cannot carry it, another one will joint and they will carry it; next time, two will carry it and after sometimes, one person will carry it: that’s how they learn in this work. They understand teamwork than we adults.

“As they started like this, they can work for 15 to 20 years; by that time they’re already experts on this work. After that, they are allowed to do freedom, then they will rent one room and marry.”

On their daily wages, Kassim said each child’s normal wage

The sweat of minors per full day is N1,200; but being apprentices, they don’t collect the money; “We just give them small money for small things children like, but it’s their oga that collects their money.”

Another shocking side to their story is that these kids, when they become men don’t marry just one or two wives.

‘Togo men don’t marry just one wife; some will marry five, others can marry seven or eight wives. These boys you see so will follow the same pattern.

As you see them, one wife can have up to 10 or more children;

in fact, Togolese don’t count the number of their children because children are labourers and when the child is a boy, he is a labourer for life.“ Unlike his Togolese kid workforce, Kassim did not start building work from childhood.

“I abandoned school when I was in JS.2 in United Secondary School at Udi-Obi in Oyo State because I wanted to face bricklayer work. That was how I matured inside the business.

Today, I am a contractor; just show me photo of the house or

tell me how many flats or rooms you want and I will build it from foundation to roofing: that is my life.”

Kassim sees a goodly side to the children’s experience: “These children will grow up to know the value of money; they won’t spend their money buying ice cream or chocolates like Nigerian children. In fact, they don’t even know what ice cream or chocolate tastes like. Before they spend one kobo, they will make sure the need is very important, otherwise they will not part with the money.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Business

s

Passengers stranded as airlines raise fares Stories by Ugochukwu Onyeocha

H

undreds of intending passengers were yesterday stranded at the two domestic Lagos airports over hike in fares by airline operators.

The operators capitalised on the Christmas rush to increase their fares.

Air ticket for an hour flight

were hiked from between N18, 000 –N 30,000 to N30, 000 - N43, 000, depending on the carrier.

Officials of some of the airlines said the rush for tickets was more pronounced on Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja, Owerri, Calabar and Port Harcourt routes.

The carriers currently operating commercial services in the country are Arik Air, Aero Contractors, IRS Airlines, Med-

View Air and Overland.

Findings at the Lagos airports as well as enquiries from airline representatives showed that the average fare on the Lagos-Enugu route, which was less than 45 minutes, was N35, 000 as against N20, 000 about two months ago.

Similarly, the Lagos-Abuja route attracted an average ticket price of N40, 000.

This was against an average of N24, 000 recorded some weeks ago.

On the Lagos-Port Harcourt and Lagos-Owerri routes, it costs between N38, 000 and N45,000.

Mr Olumide Faleti, a traveller who was heading to Enugu from Abuja said: ``it is funny how things operate here. This is a time to share and not to exploit your passengers.’’

NERC suspends new electricity tariffs for residential areas

T

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has suspended the implementation of the newly approved tariff for residential consumers till June 2015.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Michael Faloseyi, the NERC’s Head of Media and made available to newsmen.

The statement said the tariff, which was signed, was a review of the Multi Year Tariff Order

(MYTO) 2 to factor the losses that were now different.

It said that the new price of gas was usually part of the minor review done every six months.

The statement said that the review had raised the cost of distributing power supply nationwide by the 11 electricity Distribution companies (Discos).

It said the tariff was expected to increase for all electricity consumers. ``But because of the commit-

23

ment that NERC to ensure that consumers are not further disposed to increased cost until there are improvements in supply, which we expect shortly, we have frozen the increment for six months for Residential consumers (R2). ``We approved an amendment to the MYTO tariff basically which means a new tariff order that continues with the existing framework but now shows a different figure for the remaining five year tariff structure,” it said.

NERC chairman, Sam Amadi

Dele Ore

Aviation expert calls for maintenance facility at MMIA

C

aptain Dele Ore, President, Aviation Round Table, has called for the construction of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the country.

Ore said the country lacked the facility at airports and this was long overdue.

According to him, such facility, when in place, would reduce operating costs for domestic carriers whose planes were going overseas for major repairs.

“If the facility is established here, it will create jobs for the industry’s professionals,’’ he said.

Ore, a former director of the defunct Nigeria Airways, advised that to make the project viable, the facilitators must adopt measures to sustain patronage for the project. ``Maintenance facility in Nigeria is long overdue. Government should facilitate the establishment of such a project to ensure that airlines have enough aircraft in their fleet and ensure profitability,” he said.

Money 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Navy recovers stolen petroleum products in Lagos

Over 300,000 jerry cans fully loaded with fuel were recovered

T

he Nigerian Navy (NN) in Lagos has said that it arrested five suspected oil thieves and recovered a locally made boat loaded with petroleum products on Lagos waters.

The outgoing Flag Officer (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ilesanmi Alade, made the statement while addressing officers and ratings of the Command at the NNS BEECROFT parade ground.

Alade also said that the suspects were being interrogated and would be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency if found culpable.

The FOC said that the outcome of the interrogation would reveal where and how the products were stolen.

He said that the Federal Government had approved the establishment of a Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Majidun in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Alade said that the aim of the FOB in Ikorodu is to reduce the activities of pipeline vandals in the area. ``You are all aware that we recently raided Majidun area of Ikorodu, where vandals have practically converted into a safe haven for their criminal activities. ``Over 300,000 jerry cans fully loaded with fuel were recovered, all the jerry cans were buried in the murky waters of Majidun River,’’ he added.

Harvard graduate seeks entry into Nigeria’s $500m tomato market

H

arvard Business School graduate Mira Mehta has been splitting her time 60/40 between Cambridge and Nigeria to get her tomato paste business Tomato Jos off the ground after meeting her Kickstarter goal last month.

Mehta first noticed an imbalance in supply-and-demand in Nigeria while working with the Clinton Health Access Initiative and with Harvard School of Public Health graduate Shane Kiernan, she launched a company that will harvest and tin locally grown

fruit to make an all-natural tomato paste for Nigerian consumers.

They named it Tomato Jos. “The market in Nigeria is half a billion dollars so initially we’re just going after the domestic market,” she said. “Most tomato based products are across West Africa so we see export to landlocked companies and building a regional brand. Our plan is to operate a fully-integrated business.”

“The ingredients of tomato paste are pretty much tomatoes and salt, so the quality comes from the tomato itself,” Mehta explained. Tomato Jos aims to

produce a product with no additives—like starch, fillers, or colors—commonly found in other local brands, so finding the perfect tomato is key.

Mehta said tomato paste plays a large role in many popular Nigerian recipes, specifically a customary dish called red stew.

Producing a paste that results in a bold, vivid red without the help of artificial colors means growing the right tomato that not only tastes right, but looks right, is the next challenge for Mehta and her team.

“Taste testing will be a very

important,” she said. “It’s about the customer. Do they care more about the acidity or the sweetness if it’s red enough? Do they care about thickness? What are all those characteristics that matter as much as the flavour?”

Just this week, Tomato Jos begun to transplant their tomatoes in Panda in the north-east quarter of Nigeria, with nearly 40,000 seedlings over 4.5 acres of Tomato Jos and smallholders’ land. The team experimented with several types of tomatoes this round to see which produces the tastiest results with the best colour.

Ecobank signs $100m loan facility agreement with European Investment Bank Kayode Adelowokan

E

cobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the Lomé-based parent company of the Ecobank Group, has disclosed that it signed a seven-year USD 100 million loan facility agreement with the European Investment Bank.

This is contained in a notice to The Nigerian Stock Exchange wherein Ecobank stated that it will use the loan to provide some of its subsidiaries with additional lending capacity. It will also

finance some of the Group’s strategic capital expenditures.

Ecobank continues to contribute positively to the African economy by increasing the levels of credit available to businesses while at the same time generating long-term value for its shareholders.

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer Albert Essien, commented: “This funding continues our relationship with the European Investment Bank. It will allow us to continue to consolidate our expanded operations and

Essien

The funding will allow us to continue to consolidate our expanded operations

translate our scale and geographical footprint into added value for our customers. We shall use the financing to maintain credit provision in key economies in Africa thus contributing to the development of the continent.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

25 Global Business

Zimbabwe counts foreigners lucky to get 49% in own businesses

Z

imbabwe’s new Indigenisation Minister Christopher Mushowe says foreign investors are “very lucky” to get 49 per cent shares in businesses they have set up, the Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday.

In his first comments on President Robert Mugabe’s indigenisation policy since his appointment earlier this month, Mushowe said: “In fact 49% is the maximum [for foreign shareholding] and 51% is the minimum [for indigenous holding].”

Under the laws, whites and foreigners are obliged to arrange for locals to take over 51% of large companies they own. Critics say the regulations, which came into effect in 2010, scare away foreign investment.

“So it’s not cast in concrete that it’s 49 per cent, it can be one percent because it is the maximum and 51per cent can be 99 per cent because it’s the minimum,” the indigenisation minister reportedly said.

Mushowe’s comments appeared to be in direct response to hints from new vice-president

49% is the maximum [for foreign shareholding] and 51% is the minimum [for indigenous holding

Ghana infrastructure plans could be hampered by falling oil prices –President

Emmerson Mnangagwa earlier this week that the authorities would “relax” indigenisation laws.

Would-be investors have previously criticised the government for sending out conflicting signals on indigenisation.

Mushowe replaced former indigenisation minister Francis Nhema, who was sacked as part of Mugabe’s ongoing purge of ruling Zanu-PF party officials linked to Joice Mujuru, Zimbabwe’s first ever female vicepresident, who was sacked for allegedly trying to oust the president. She and her allies deny the charge.

il producer Ghana could struggle to pursue its plans to build schools, roads and hospitals if global oil prices fall further, President John Mahama has said.

Petroleum exports from Ghana’s offshore Jubilee field are a big source of government revenue. As in other economies heavily dependent on oil income, the near halving of benchmark crude prices since June has undermined even conservative budget assumptions.

Ghana, which exports roughly 105,000 barrels of oil per day, had already begun talks with the International Monetary Fund in August on how to steady its economy after rapid development and surging government spending drove up inflation.

Mahama, whose post comes up for election in 2016, told his advisory council the oil price fall could further imperil government development plans.

“If it continues low, it will affect us on the revenue side in respect of how much money comes into the annual budget funding amount which we use for capital expenditure under the budget,” Mahama said on Monday.

Ghana has a stabilisation fund to back up budget financing if oil revenue falls short of forecasts, but the government needs parliamentary approval to draw on the fund.

The government projected in its 2015 budget it would earn 4.2 billion cedis (1.3 billion US dollars) in oil revenues, or 3.1 per cent of gross domestic product.

O

Mugabe

CNPC, S. Sudan in MoU to Russia says ruble crisis over as reserves dive, inflation climbs boost oil production

R

C

hina National Petroleum Co has entered an agreement with South Sudan to boost production of existing oilfields in the young African state.

This is according to a report in China Petroleum New, a CNPC-run paper.

Oil is the main source of cash for South Sudan, but output has dropped due to conflict and ageing fields. Fighting between rebels and the government has damaged some fields.

CNPC’s engineering and services team will work with oil producers in South Sudan and also conduct training on technologies to enhance oil recovery (EOR), the report said.

Main investors in South Sudan include CNPC, parent of PetroChina, Malaysia’s staterun oil and gas firm Petronas and India’s ONGC Videsh.

The 1/2/4 block in South Sudan, that produces mainly a medium sweet crude called Nile Blend, has entered its latter stage of production, while block 3/7 and block 5 produce largely heavy crude, the report said.

All of these fields require EOR technology to boost output.

The report did not give further details.

A South Sudanese oil official put production in late June at about 160,000 barrels per day. It had been in the range close to 260,000 bpd.

ussia said yesterday its currency crisis was over even though its forex reserves have plunged and annual inflation has climbed above 10 percent, adding to the problems facing the government as it fights its worst economic crisis since 1998.

The ruble plunged to all-time lows last week on heavy falls in the price of oil, the backbone of the Russian economy, and Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis that made it near impossible for Russian firms to borrow on Western markets.

But it has since rebounded sharply after authorities took steps to halt its slide and bring down inflation, which after years of stability threatens President Vladimir Putin’s reputation for ensuring the country’s prosperity.

Those measures included a

hike in interest rates to 17 percent from 10.5 percent, curbs on grain exports and informal capital controls.

“The key rate was raised in order to stabilize the situation on the currency market. ... That period has already, in our opinion, passed. The rouble is now strengthening,” Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told the upper house of parliament on Thursday.

He added that interest rates would be lowered if the situation remained stable.

Standard & Poor’s credit ratings agency said this week it could downgrade Russia to junk as soon as January due to a rapid deterioration in “monetary flexibility”.

Keen to avert a downgrade, Russia said it had started talks with ratings agencies to explain the government’s actions.

Mahama

Auto 26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

Only 500 individuals will own this car globally

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Niyi Omo-Okiri

O

nly 500 individuals will own the next allnew Cadillac CTS as part of its send-off for the current-generation CTSV which will be replaced next year.

At least in sedan form Cadillac will build 500 special-edition coupes for 2015. The unique model doesn’t look terribly unique, what with its CTS-V coupe–standard looks, but Cadillac has bundled together several optional extras to create an appealing end-of-generation offering.

Compared to its predecessor, that reawakened the world’s recognition of the brand as a true luxury car company, the all-new Cadillac CTS is an utterly impressive car, perhaps even more so. Soon, an all-new CTS-V will join the upgraded CTS, but in the meantime, a special edition model of the 2015 CTS-V Coupe will find 500 lucky owners.

The Detroit-based automaker says 2015 CTS-V Coupe will consist of 500 limited-edition cars available during the second half of 2014. It will be the last model before the next generation of the V-Series debuts next year.

Special-edition customers

get the 556-hp CTS-V’s optional satin graphite colored 19-inch wheels, red-painted Brembo brake calipers, black chrome grille, Recaro seats, suede steering wheel and shift knob, and Midnight Sapele wood trim for $72,195.

That’s marginally less than a similarly equipped regular CTSV coupe, but special-edition buyers also get exclusive red contrast stitching for the interior, so to those who place a heavy value on red this is the CTS-V coupe to get.

A sunroof ($700) and just three exterior colors are available Crystal White, Black Diamond ($995), and Phantom Gray but that lack of choice is compensated for by the far more important option of selecting a manual transmission.

Next year, the CTS-V coupe and wagon, as well as the outgoing V sedan, will bow out ahead of the 2016 CTS-V sedan’s arrival. By the looks of things, the two- and five-door V-series models unfortunately won’t be returning.

To be built during the second half of 2014, the 2015 CTSV Coupe special edition will include the usual magnetic ride control dampers, Brembo brakes, and the monstrous, me-

lodious 556-horsepower supercharged LSA V-8 engine.

In addition, it will get exclusive Ebony leather interior with red contrast stitching, Recaro seats, metal pedals, microfiber suede steering wheel and shift knob covers, satin graphite wheels, red brake calipers, and a handful of other aesthetic tweaks.

Exterior color options are limited to Crystal White, Phantom Gray, and Black Diamond.

Both automatic and manual versions can be ordered.

While the 2015 CTS-V Coupe

special edition is an appearance upgrade package, hints at what to expect of the nextgeneration CTS-V come from Cadillac’s chief marketing officer, Uwe Ellinghaus, who said in a release, “The special edition is a stepping stone to the nextgeneration V-Series, which will move to the next level with more dynamic design and technical sophistication.”

The special edition CTS-V Coupe shares the high-performance technology of its predecessors built from 2010–2014, including Cadillac’s Magnetic

Ride Control, Brembo brakes and 556-horsepower (415kW) supercharged V8 engine.

“The V-Series continues to elevate Cadillac, providing an exclusive family of high-performance luxury models that attract a new audience of elite and passionate buyers,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, Global Cadillac chief marketing officer, in a statement.

The 2015 special edition version features an exclusive Ebony interior with red contrast stitching, Recaro performance seats, metal pedals, Midnight Sapele

Simple ways to prevent your

C

ar theft is nothing new because everything of value attracts thieves and therefore extra care must be taken to prevent the loss of one’s valuables like a car to thieves, who most times strike when and where you least expect.

A car doesn’t have to be expensive to be a target. Thieves often steal vehicles just to strip them of their parts and metal components. Others steal cars to use as getaway vehicles while committing other crimes. It doesn’t mat-

ter if you drive a new luxury sedan or an old pickup truck. Car theft is a reality that you need to guard against. Multiple devices are available that help protect against your vehicle getting stolen.

Car theft is a serious problem, and there is no right or wrong answer as far as what you should use to prevent it. However, always lock all your doors, keep your windows up and follow basic common sense whenever leaving your vehicle. Additional security measures do help pre-

vent your car from being stolen, but only if you use them consistently and in the way they are intended.

1. Car Alarm Nearly everyone is familiar with the basic car alarm.

One advantage of car alarms is that they make it harder for a car thief to operate anonymously. Thieves don’t want attention, and a loud, blaring siren is bound to get the attention of anyone nearby, including the car owner.

As a result, the thief is more like-

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

27 Auto

Coupe –Exiting in style wood trim, microfiber suedewrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dark-finish V grille, satin graphite wheels and red brake calipers.

The 500 special-edition CTSV Coupes will be produced this summer at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly plant. Full pricing information will be released closer to production, according to GM. Exterior Don’t look for any styling changes on the 2015 CTS-V. There are none, not even a headlamp or a new set of wheels, al-

though the rims are now available in a Satin Graphite finish and are contrasted by red brake calipers. Exterior colors will be limited to three shades, Crystal White, Phantom Gray and Black Diamond, the latter offered at extra cost ($995).

Despite the lack of novelties, the CTS-V Coupe remains somewhat attractive due to its muscular lines and sleek appearance, both enhanced by a suspension that sits lower when compared to the sedan.

Interior Things become a little more

compelling inside, where the driver and the passenger will ride in Recaro performance seats. The interior also benefits from microfiber suede-wrapped steering and shift knob, as well as a set of metal pedals. Additionally, the 2015 CTS-V Coupe will come with exclusive Ebony interior with red contrast stitching and the Midnight Sapele wood trim previously offered on the Black Diamond Edition.

Those looking to enjoy a bit of sunlight in the cabin can select the sunroof option for $700.

Just like this year’s model,

car from being stolen ly to bypass a car with an alarm for a vehicle without one.

The disadvantage of car alarms is how common they are and how often they go off accidently. The panic button on the key fob in someone’s pocket often gets pushed accidently, either in the pocket or while the owner is pulling the keys out, and this triggers a false alarm.

2. Steering Wheel Lock A steering wheel lock bar slides over the steering wheel and locks

in place, preventing a thief from being able to turn the wheel because the bar hits the car door, preventing the wheel from turning. The bar is typically made out of hardened metal to make it difficult to cut. It also slides inward to make it more compact when not in use, allowing you to store it quickly. under the seat or in the trunk.

One advantage of the steering wheel lock bar is that it’s simple and easy to use. It fits onto the steering wheel in seconds and

just requires a key to remove it.

It is also cost-effective.

3. Kill Switch A kill switch works either as a stand-alone device or with an alarm system. When a thief tries to start the car without a key, the kill switch cuts off the fuel to the car or shuts off the electrical system, preventing the thief from taking the car anywhere.

The kill switch is disengaged with a plastic key or an entry code, much like a car alarm.

the 2015 special edition will feature standard heated, eightway power seats, rear center console with dual cup holders and steering wheel mounted control for audio, traction control and StabiliTrak.

Under the hood Open the hood and you’ll find the same 6.2-liter, V-8 engine with a 1.9-liter Eaton supercharger on top. Although output figures remained unchanged, that’s far from bad news, because the mill pumps 556 horsepower and 551 poundfeet of torque, which is enough to blow most competitors away.

Connected to either a Tremec six-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic, the engine will propel the coupe from naught to 60 mph in four seconds and up to a top speed of 180 mph. Naturally, the special edition comes equipped with Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control system and Brembo brakes all around.

Far from being its strong point, fuel economy remains at 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway with the automatic transmission and 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway with the manual gearbox.

Auto News

It seems that the “friendly competition” between Audi and BMW has been settled at least temporarily with a lighting-technology victory for Audi.

The boys from Ingolstadt have revealed the first production car with laser headlights, a special-edition R8 LMX for European markets. The new model debut ends a one-yearlong back-and-forth between Audi and BMW over which would be first to market with the new lighting technology.

It would be recalled that last year BMW announced its plan to offer laser headlights on the i8 plug-in hybrid.

At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Audi Research and Development chief Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg one-upped the Bavarians with: “We will be the first car brand to put laser light into production.”

28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

Daily Times Advert Rates Promotional rates valid till January 31ST 2015

Colour

Black & White Rate for Computer & IT/Property/ Vacancy/Home & DĂŠcor

Pictures & Captions Classified Advert

Loose Insert

Colour

Political

Black & White

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

Femi Pedro returns to Bola Tinubu

Isaac Oguntoye As the general election approached in 2007, Femi Pedro made desperate attempt to succeed his then boss, Asiwaju Tinubu.

As a result, Pedro was impeached from office after which he joined Labour party to pur-

sue his gubernatorial ambition which failed.

After failing in his political pursuit, he defected to PDP. However, information reaching us says Femi Pedro, who was at a time deputy governor of Lagos state, may have resigned to fate as far as his political ambition is concern. Sources that re-

I bathe my son and prepare him for school – Cobhams, blind artiste Unlike most physically challenged folks who rely on help from friends and family to move around, Cobhams Asuquo is quite a breath of fresh air. Moving around the house and doing stuff like bathing his son and doing dishes isn’t such a big deal for him.

And you would think he would be a victim of bully, especially during his primary and secondary school days, yet, Cobhams says he also did bully some of his mates, which he regrets though.

Quite an interesting chat with OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO where he talks about growing up, career, family and loads of other mind-catching issues.

Read on;

I

was amazed when I saw you walking around the house without help. You must be a genius!

I don’t think there’s anything spectacular about that. The loss of sight doesn’t necessarily mean that you lose coordination or that you lose your baring.

Since I can hear, I can smell and feel, all those of those factors still help me move around freely. Seeing is great actually but I’m used to my environment which helps me move around very well.

What was it like growing up in a barrack?

It was fun, wild and exciting. I consider myself a true barracks boy because I ran through the streets, played with tires, fought a bit as a child, until a girl 5 years older than me slapped me and for the very first time, I saw stars! After then, I realized fighting wasn’t meant for me. So, I had fun and played. I had a life and totally enjoyed growing up there because it was a very eventful place where things always happened.

You must have faced lots of bullies, especially at secondary school First of all, I’m a strong willed person.

I do what I want to do and if I do what you want me to do, it’s because I want to

do it. So, that wasn’t much of a challenge for me. By the time I got into secondary school, I had lost some time so, I was older than my mates. I was friends with my seniors in school at Kings College so bullying was something that happened to me in primary school. I had my share if it and regretted that I also bullied some people.

So was it in the Primary school that you discovered your music talent?

It was before primary school actually.

There wasn’t an epiphany of some sought.

It just blew on me. I’ve been musical from the age of six or seven. I whistled a lot and

29 Society

tried to sing. I would play on anything that came my way so music just grew in me But you didn’t study music at the university?

No I didn’t What did you study?

My university story is interesting. I studied Law up until my third year, after which I opted out to pursue music.

Why Law, in the first place?

Because I felt attracted and called to it. I was fascinated by the relativity and application of the law in a particular situation and how it can vary from place to place,

vealed to us that if not his party leaders didn’t really support his vying for a post, the top banker would have contested under PDP come 2015.

We further gathered that the man in question has practically humbled himself and now worships at the feet of Asiwaju Tinubu.

the morals and details from God that govern this world. I loved the fact that Law allows you to argue and determine who is guilty and not guilty. Generally growing up, I liked to argue and see things from a certain stand point but, I guess, the university system made me lose the taste for it You must have fallen in love with some girl in the university I had a regular campus life. There was a girl I was madly in love with before I got into the university so, that was there. So during the university days, I had music and friends around me to keep me company.

So girls didn’t interest you in the university? Come on!

I wouldn’t say they didn’t interest me but it wasn’t my priority. Like I said, straight out of high school into the university system, I was already in a relationship with someone I cared very deeply about. I think that was enough Your kind of music isn’t that popular in Nigeria. How did you manage to get shows?

It was all about the music more than anything else and by this time, I was more into music production than singing. So I was making music for almost everybody.

I made ‘Catch Cold’ for Maintain in my year 1, ‘Faze Alone’ for Faze in my third year, ‘Maintain In India’ for Maintain either in my second year or third year so, I was working as a producer which was my focus not on getting shows and performing.

You seem to be very close to God. If you had your sight, would you still be close to Him? I don’t think sight is the reason why I love God. I think I’m close to Him because I found him too big in my life. I’ve had encounter and experiences that no one would have showed up and given me much hope and he just stepped in and took care of everything me. No one can be God in your life and I’m grateful to know more of Him So were there times you asked why he created you blind?

I don’t think I’ve had cause to question Him because I haven’t had a bad life. The honest truth about life is that you can be sighted and unemployed and dealing with a heart condition and loss of loved ones, poverty and all and still question God. So I don’t think sight is a reason why I should question him for created me like this. I could easily have asked why He decided to bless me like this because obviously, He has blessed me in many ways. He has put me in a place where many people envy So you haven’t asked Him for your Continued on page 30

Society 30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday December 26, 2014

‘I don’t feel bad being born blind’ Continued from page 29 sight, even if it’s to see your wife and son!

The good thing is that I think touch is better than sight. Sight is great don’t get me wrong but one of the challenges we have in this world is that we see a lot of things we can’t touch and that’s what creates desire. Touch quenches desire and my wife and kid are people that I can touch and I have a close relationship with them, I have a picture of them branded in my mind and brain. So, I know them better than I know anybody else. But if it will make my wife happy for me to see her then, it’d be nice to see. If I can touch her face, what else is better?

Deaf and dumb people usually have this bad temper.

Have you found yourself snapping at someone who looked down on you?

I don’t think I have the time for that. As a kid, I saw myself as perfect. I ran around and did everything my mates did. The realization of blindness dawned on me when my mates began to drive and I couldn’t. but that was quickly replaced by the thought that being able to drive is better but you’d agree with me that in Lagos traffic, you’d rather be

About Mercy Aigbe’s mag divas boutique

M

other of two, Mercy Aigbe Gentry is a humble actress who has paid her dues in the fast rising entertainment industry as her acting prowess has endeared her to many.

The talented light skinned actress, has not only been able to make herself a force to reckon with in the industry. The actress recently invited friends and associates to come celebrate with her recently when she commissioned a store, trading in various items like hair accessories, clothing, kiddies items, cosmetics, among others. The store, named Mag Divas boutique, sits somewhere around the high brow area of Omole estate, in Ikeja.

driven than drive yourself.

Was it the passion to drive that drove you to buy a Mercedes Wagon in your year two at the university?

Yes I guess so. I’m fascinated by two things- driving and health.

So in my second year at the university, I went out and bought a car.

Did you take someone along to buy it for you?

I went all the way to Ibadan in the pouring rain, gathered all the money that I had and bought it. It was quite a car, we drove it to Lagos but it broke down on the day we bought it but I was proud of it. So, I had conquered my desire for a car.

You always say you are very romantic. I guess you replaced your disability with being romantic, so women can like you I don’t think there’s anything to cover up about me. If I’m romantic it’s because it’s in my blood. I love to love because I was born and given a lot of love. My parents love me and I’m sure my father loved me until he drew his last breathe. My mother and siblings continues to love me till today. So it’s only natural that I show love to others.

Yes, I am hopelessly romantic

and it’s got nothing to do with whether I can see or not. It’s just who I am. It’s my person So how romantic are you to your wife?

I don’t want to discuss that here but I’m romantic to her in a way she only understands But you wooed her somehow Yes. Were friends for many years even before I became Cobhams. So when she came back from America and found that ordinary guy with so much force about him, she just wondered and asked what has changed and why people paid so much attention to me. So to her, I’ve always been the same person and that’s good for me because no matter who I am, I come back home to this one person who loves me and thinks the world of me, but who also realizes that I’m her friend and husband. If my duty is to give my son a bath or do the dishes then, that’s exactly what I’m going to do You bathe your son!

Of course! I prepare my son for school everyday and I love it Do you dress him up too, or you just bathe him?

I dress him up and take care of him because I’ve learnt to do all kinds of things

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

31 Society

Terry G, the shy guy!

Bearing in mind that everyone has this weird representation of who Terry G should be, it must have been strange to have tagged him ‘a shy guy’ in this piece. But, not to worry, you’ll understand at the end because the ganja master, Terry G, is truly a shy person...he can’t look you eye-ball-to-eye ball...yeah.

There was a time I met up with him for an interview and to my surprise throughout the interview, he couldn’t look me in the eye!

What? How does this guy sitting in front of me relate with the one we see doing all that stuff in his videos? I asked myself.

So, I met up with a friend of his who confirmed it. Not only that, he also mentioned the fact that Terry G is different from other artistes. Enjoy our short conversation below:

S

o what’s Terry G been up to that’s making him so busy these days?

He has shows every mid-week and at weekends.

Is he planning his wedding with his baby mama?

The babe lives in his house already It doesn’t matter whether she lives with him or not. Isn’t he ready to legalise it?

They are already married because of their daughter. His wife even handles his other businesses So she’s more like a PA?

What about you nah?

Me? I’m not in his plan. I’m just a friend. I can’t relate with hiphop guys abeg Why? Because they are ingrates Has he hurt you?

Not him o. Other musicians.

Terry G is different.

I hear sey him dey beat him baby mama well Hmmn. Olofo.com He can get crazy after smoking ganja Una don start. You can gossip!

I’m I not a journalist?

That one nah lie o. It’s far from

the truth. You don’t know the real Gabriel Amanyi. You know only Terry G. It’s two person in one body.

I noticed he’s a very shy person Yes. He can’t look people in the eye.

Why? That’s how God created him But you said he’s different?

Yes. He’s different and I say it again. That’s why everyone who fought with him reconciled with him. Like AY.com, Timaya and co. Ope abeg, let’s end talk about Terry G abeg.

Dapo Adelegan revives Lekki Sun-Splash

I Daniel Adeoye of Communication Network Company, a subsidiary of MTN, V/Island, Lagos, tied the knots with Miss Feliciy Nkiruka Ugoh at St. Vincent’s Catholic Cathedral, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos recently.

t’s still fresh in the memories of many how Dapo rose to achieve stardom and made fortunes at a relatively tender age, many years back, when he pioneered one of the most popular and patronized entertainment show, Lekki Sun Splash. After some years into the popular TV show, it died a natural death.

Now, aside sitting atop a flourishing business, Celtron Group,

we noticed Dapo has been trying to revive Lekki Sun Splash. As you read this, he has all requirements to bring back the well sort after show. He recently held series of meetings with artistes who made the show great back then and the likes of Ras Kimono, Orits Williki, Mandator to mention a few were in attendance.

According to information, the show will surely bounce back in 2015.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

32 Television

‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ crosses $20M The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies scored the biggest opening of all time for Warner Bros in Russia over the weekend.

A $13.4 million bow took up 84% of the Top 5 market share in Russia and was more than enough to claim the top spot at the Russian

box office. The film registered 2.4 million admissions from 2,385 screens -a 30% improvement over An Unexpected Journey and 14% ahead of Desolation of Smaug.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies grossed $117.6 million in its overseas premiere.

AIT

MITV

DURATION :

Programme

00:00 - 00:30 AIT NEWS 00:30 - 02:30 HOME VIDEO MOVIE 02:30 - 03:00 SPORTS TODAY (REPEAT) 03:00 - 04:00 FOCUS NIGERIA (REPEAT) 04:00 - 04:30 WHAT LIFE TOOK FROM ME (REPEAT) 04:30 - 05:00 ONE MIC (REPEAT) 05:00 - 05:45 OREMUS (HOLY ROSARY) 05:45 - 06:00 A LIGHT FOR THE NATION 06:00 - 09:00 KAAKAKI 09:00 - 09:30 GIANT STRIDES 09:30 - 10:00 MAKING OF THE CHEF (REPEAT) 10:00 - 11:00 FOCUS NIGERIA 11:00 - 12:00 THE MONEY SHOW 12:00 - 13:00 AIT REPORTS 13:00 - 13:30 SPORTS EXTRA 13:30 - 14:00 DATELINE ABUJA 14:00 - 15:00 GBEDU ON THE MOVE 15:00 - 15:30 MATTERS ARISING 15:30 - 16:00 STATE OF THE NATION 16:00 - 16:30 WORLD NEWS 16:30 - 17:30 NICKELODEON 17:30 - 18:00 NAFDAC AND YOUR HEALTH 18:00 - 18:30 SPORTS TODAY 18:30 - 19:00 ONE MIC 19:00 - 20:00 AMAZON 20:00 - 21:00 AIT NEWS HOUR 21:00 - 22:00 PRIMETIME AFRICA 22:00 - 22:30 WHAT LIFE TOOK FROM ME 22:30 - 23:00 AIT WORLD NEWS 23:00 - 23:05 E-XTRA 23:05 - 23:30 DA NEW LIVE BEATS 23:30 - 00:00 SHAKATAWA

Train To Win 6:00 – 6:30am Al-Hujaj ½ Hour 6:30 – 7:00am Inspiration Hour 7:00 – 8:00am Am News 8:00 – 8:30am Am Chat 8:30 – 9:300am Islamic Documentary 9:30 – 10:00am Wazobia Plus 10:00 – 11:00am Discovery ½ Hr 11:00 – 11:30pm Drama- The Jingle Ride (Repeat) 11:30 – 12:00am Understanding Islam 12:00 – 1:00pm Street Legal 1:00 –1:45pm Food Tips 1:45 – 2:00p Monster Musiq 2:00 – 3:00pm Abc 3:00 – 3:30pm Mitv Sports 3:30 – 4:00pm Teens World 4:00 – 4:30pm Alaye Oro (Islamic Programme) 4:30 – 5:00pm Islamic Point Of View 5:00 – 5:30pm Old Skool 5:30 – 6:00pm The Storm 6:00 – 6:45pm Filler – Musical (Islamic) 6:45 – 7:00pm Nollywood Moive English 7:00 – 7:30pm Nollywood Moive English 7:30 – 8:30pm Project Fame 8:30 – 9:00pm Na So I See Am 9:00 – 9:30pm Mitv World News 9:30 – 10:00pm El-Clon 10:00 – 10:30pm Christ Embassy 10:30 – 11:00pm Masked Republic 11:00 – 11:450am Filler 11:45 – 12:00am Street Legal 12:00 – 12:45am

FRIDAY

FRIDAY

Drama- 2014

Drama 2014 Esther is a good girl gone bad, a self absorbed and egoistic miscreant, who also happens to be Oge’s little sister. When one of her many money borrowing tricks fails her, she throws a dark tantrum and a blackmail stunt that goes terribly wrong. Uche Jumbo, Yvonne Jegede, Seun Akindele.

Co-produced by Seun Akindele and Uche Jombo.

October 1 2014 Film October 1 is a 2014 Nigerian dark psychological thriller film written by Tunde Babalola, produced and directed by Kunle Afolayan. It stars Sadiq Daba, Kayode Olaiya, David Bailie, Kehinde Bankole, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Nick Rhys, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Bimbo Manuel, Ibrahim Chatta and introducing Demola Adedoyin and Deola Sagoe.[2] The film which is set in Colonial Nigeria, narrates the story of Danladi Waziri (Sadiq Daba), a police officer from Northern Nigeria who is posted to a remote town of Akote in Western Nigeria to investigate the frequent female murder cases in the community, and have the mystery solved before the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day. Initial release: October 1, 2014 Director: Kunle Afolayan Genre: Thriller

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Christmas: Ogun LP guber candidate urges Nigerians to appreciate God Jonathan Eze

G

overnorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Ogun State, Mr. Sina Kawonise, has urged citizens of the state and generality of Nigerians not to allow current situation in the country to stop them from appreciating and celebrating God for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to bring hope,

joy and peace to the world.

In a Christmas message signed by his Media Assistant, Mr. Ademola Osinusi, Kawonise said citizens and residents of Ogun State and Nigerians should ensure that they do not lose hope as God will intervene and redeem the country from its current problems and economic hardship.

His words: “We should not despair. Jesus Christ brought hope,

joy and peace and I am persuaded that help is on the way as the Lord will make a way where there seems to be no way. Residents of Ogun State and Nigerians should use this period to reflect on the virtues of peace, selflessness, sharing and caring which Jesus Christ exemplified.

I urge all of us to show love and kindness to the less privileged.

We should also use the period to

make up our minds to elect only leaders that have love of the people and want to get into public office to genuinely serve the people as the general elections in 2015 are just around the corner. This is the only way to make progress and ensure good governance in our state and country, “Kawonise said in the statement.

He also wished Nigerians a joyous Christmas celebration.

Fun seekers at Amusment Park in Alausa, Lagos.

2015: Imo students adopt Ihedioha’s programmes

I

mo State students’ leaders have endorsed the plan of the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, to introduce free and qualitative education in the state when he is elected into office in 2015.

At a solidarity visit to the governorship candidate at his hometown, Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government area of the state, the students’ leaders also threw their weight behind the free and quality education policy of Ihedioha, pointing out that ‘‘it is the only way forward for the collapsed education system in the state.’’

Speaking on behalf the students of the five tertiary institutions in Imo State, Chairman, Council of SUG Presidents and SUG President of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education,

Comrade Nwadike Orient, congratulated the deputy speaker on his emergence as governorship candidate of PDP. “We have followed your activities and progress in the Legislature and having seen what you have been able to achieve for students, women, youths and other sectors of the state. Besides being a youth like us, you have shown a rare character by fulfilling every promise you have made. We hereby adopt your free and qualitative education policy as the only way forward for the collapsed education sector,” he said.

The students’ leaders assured the deputy speaker that they would mobilise the entire students to ensure that he is elected as the next governor to restore the pride of state.

Reacting, the Deputy Speaker while wishing them a Merry

Christmas, said: ‘‘I am humbled and indeed challenged by this singular show of love and solidarity at this critical time of redefining and charting a new course for our state. As a student activist during my university years, I understand the struggle you have assumed for the collective interest of youths and indeed the nation. ‘‘I welcome this endorsement and solidarity which is a clear signal that you are all desirous of a positive and realistic change from the present deceit and corrupt government in Imo State.

He promised to offer a totally different service from what Governor Okorocha is doing. “I want to reiterate that I will offer a free and qualitative education to our people based on a well thought out planning, transparency and result-driven policies,” Ihedioha said.

33 News Benue workers celebrate Christmas without salaries

S

ome government employees in Benue State said they were celebrating Christmas in high spirit in spite of the state government’s inability to pay their salaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers who were being owed four months’ salaries, appeared to have shunned all grievances against the state government.

NAN also reports that the workers, however, said they were not happy that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) was trading their welfare for political reasons and other benefits. ``Comrade Simon Anchaver‘s leadership of the state NLC has shown clearly that it is not capable of fighting for workers’ welfare. ``First, Anchaver used NLC chairmanship position and the workers welfare to bargain for his 2015 governorship ambition which he eventually lost to Prince Terhemen Tarzoor. `` He contested election without resigning his appointment with the state Ministry Agriculture because of his closeness to the governor.

“He does not have the interest of the workers at heart; all he does is look for ways of enriching himself and build his political career,” a teacher in Gboko Local Government area said.

Niger police arrest two kidnappers at Madalla

N

iger State Police command has arrested two suspectes for kidnapping one Henry Christian at gun point at Madalla, Suleja local government area of the state.

They were said to have demanded a ransom of N30 million on their victim from his family.

The two suspects include Austin Arikpo, 25 years old from Cross Rivers State based in Ogun State and Abdulraman Adamu, 22 years old, a vigilante member based in Madalla.

The state Police Public Relation Officer, Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari, who said this in Minna, the state capital, said the mastermind of the crime, Iwelalor Chilota Aka Owolabi, who is at large invited Austin from Ogun State to carry out the crime.

“The mode of operation of the gang is to target people based

on their personalities, outlook and the type of cars they drove.

Henry was kidnapped in a Murano Jeep car while dropping a friend, Sarah Edo. He was kept and rescued at flat 4 Aba- Abana Estate in Madalla behind Living Faith Church.”

“The suspects drove to the area in a Honda Accord (Baby boy) and forced Henry into the car at gun point and took him to an unknown destination before report reached the police,” he said.

Gambari further said as soon as information reached the police in the area, men of the command swung into action that led to the arrest of the two suspected kidnappers at Madalla.

Among the items recovered from them include a locally made double barrel gun, one dane gun, 4 knives, 25 expended cartridges, 2 screw driver, a plier, sealing tape and bandage used to tie the mouth of the victim.

34

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Tourism

s

Anambra set agog with African Cultural Heritage Okey Chris Awka

I

n what could be described as the aesthetics of cultural heritage, Anambra state, yesterday, began its maiden annual 2014 “Anambra Heritage Festival”.

The cultural splash event kickstarted at Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s square on Tuesday, 23 December with traditional dancing troupes and masquerades representing all the 21 Local Government Areas in the state, and would expectedly end on 29th December with grand finale of Governor Willie Obiano Football Cup Competition which has already commenced.

Other important activities heralding the festival include Christmas Carol of 999 Lesson and songs on 24th December; Kiddies show which held yesterday, 25th December; Musical concerts and wrestling on today.

Daily Times reports that Izaga (the African longest juju), Ijele (moving House), Enyi (Elephant), Agu (lion), Atu (Zebra), Ezenmou (the oldest masquerades in Africa), were among the notable masquerades that

featured at the epoch-making event.

Speaking to our reporter, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Culture, Mr. Tony Onyima, explained that the Anambra Heritage Festival 2014 was aimed at rejuvenating the dying African culture amidst globalization, even as he enjoined youths to embrace the trend with a view to sustaining their identity from generations to generations.

According to Onyima, Anambra State has numerous culture and tradition that showcase her people to the world.

On his part, Director, Anambra State Arts and Culture, Dr. Peter Okafor posited that the state beams the light to the world in Arts, Creativity and Cultural firmament.

Speaking in separate inter-

to maintain their age-long traditions so as to avoid losing it to westernization.

Over 63 masquerades and dancing troupes performed at the occasion, but Onitsha North Local Government area later emerged as overall best in both dancing, masquerade, costumes, and was awarded the sum of five hundred thousand naira to that effect.

Chief of the Panel of Judges, Mr. Chuka Nnabuife, who announced the results noted that winners emerged after carefully studying the spectacles, costumes, dancing, organization, and crowd/audience appreciation of their outcome. views, Hon. Sylvester Achebe, Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government area, his counterpart Hon. Hillary Udeano and Hon. Charles Okafor of Anambra East and Oyi Council areas underscored the importance of arts, language and culture.

The trios while emphasizing that culture gives identity to people, added that it serves as hope and voice to the voiceless, and implored Africans to strive

Be an agent of change- Opara, NCPC boss Tunde Atobatele

T

he Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara has charged 323 intending pilgrims from Plateau State who travelled with members of the Federal Government delegation to Israel recently in Abuja to be the change they desired.

He said “Be good ambassadors of Nigeria in Israel and keep in mind that people will judge from your actions. ’’He added that the Commission placed emphasis on pilgrimage as a tool for Moral and Spiritual Transformation.

He urged the pilgrims to pray for Nigeria.

In the words of the NCPC boss ‘’we are heading into an election year, pray that the country may be one and pray for the President to

continue to lead this nation well’’.

The NCPC helmsman encouraged all pilgrims to follow the rules, be security conscious and pray daily throughout their stay in Israel.

In his speech, Senate Leader, Senator Ndoma Egba, wished all pilgrims a fruitful encounter in Israel and encouraged them to pray for our country so that we can overcome our challenges at this phase of our development.

He reminded pilgrims that pilgrimage was a spiritual exercise and as such they should conduct themselves well, not abuse or misuse the opportunity they have while in the Holy Land. He posited that the impression they give in Israel is what the people will keep.

Senator Ndoma Egba also advised pilgrims NCPC boss, Kennedy Opara addressing intending pilgrims to be agent of transformation.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

35 Tourism

New Carnival Calabar queen emerges

Contestants in their traditional attires

Akra Ubong, Calabar

A

The new Queen, Miss Olawale Leticia waves to the audience after her crowning

Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke making a remark during the event

24 year-old graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar as emerged the new Carnival Calabar Queen (CCQ).

She is Miss Olawale Leaticia Bola who won the crown after an outstanding performance where she beat 25 other contestants to clinch the coveted crown.

By this win, Osun State born Miss Leaticia Olawole went home with the star prize of a brand new car worth N4 million and lots of other attractive packages. She again received the awards of Miss Congeniality and best evening gown appearance.

In the one year of her reign, Miss Leticia will also serve as the Face of MACA, a role that involves advocacy among school children as a way of preventing the spate of teenage pregnancies and child abandonment.

Following closely were Miss Obikwelu Uche Kourtney who emerged First Runner Up and went home with a cash prize of N500,000 and Miss Tochie Emenike who came up Second Runner Up and was awarded a cash prize of N200,000.

In her remarks during the event, the Founder and Board Chair of MACA, Her Excellency, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke stated that the pageant was borne out of the need to address the menace of child abandonment and neglect by using a young person as an advocate who would be going to post primary schools to sensitize young people on the ills of pre-marital sex thus encouraging the practice of abstinence as the surest way to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Mrs. Imoke expressed appreciation to her husband, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke for his support in championing the cause of vulnerable women and children in the state through her NGO, MACA. She thanked all sponsors who have been part of the realisation of the vision of MACA and further called for support beyond 2015 when they would no longer be in office.

Gov. Imoke and wife presenting the car prize to the winner

Gov. Imoke and wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke at the event

Gov. Imoke and wife presenting the cash prize to the winner

News 36

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Ekweremadu reconciles with Enugu Gov Fred Ede, Enugu

D

eputy Senate President, Ike E k we re m a d u , has declared that the rift between him and Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime is over.

He made the disclosure while addressing thousands of his constituents and supporters including; widows, members of Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), Jonathan Support Group (JSG), and Project Monitoring Group (PMC) in his constituency, Enugu West

senatorial District; that he has reconciled with Chime in order to move the constituency and Enugu state forward.

He announced that there is no more division and discrimination between ‘Ekweremadu or Ikeoha group’ and ‘Sullivan group’, saying that everybody now belongs to ‘Ikeoha group’ because he is the senator representing the zone, including Governor Chime.

The Deputy Senate President stated that he and his wife, Dr (Mrs.) Nwanneka Ekweremadu called the people together

in order to use the opportunity to celebrate and wish them Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year and also to thank them for their prayers and support throughout the year, which had been very effective as God has been faithful to his family and constituency.

“We are thanking our governor, there was a time I had a misunderstanding with him; but I’m announcing to everybody that we have reconciled, we are now working harmoniously.

Everything is going well in the state,

so when you get to your wards, there is no more anything like Ekweremadu group and Sullivan group; we are all the same thing. Everybody now belongs to Ikeoha group, including Sullivan because I’m the senator representing everybody including the governor.

“So we don’t want to see any division, let us work together, so that things will be moving well in our zone. I’m telling you that in the politics of 2015, Enugu West will play a major role.

“So I’ll like to wish you a Merry Christmas

Travelers for the 2014 Christmas celebration about taking-off from Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja. PHOTO: TOPE BALOGUN

Don’t set Nigeria on fire, Jonathan warns CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

“Nigeria is nobody’s personal estate, Nigeria is nobody’s business enterprise, Nigeria is nobody’s father’s property, it belongs to all Nigerians.”

He spoke further: “I get embarrassed when we the politicians, maybe including me, make provocative statements; statements that create division among Nigerians; statements that can set this country ablaze.

I don’t think that is what a leader should do. I don’t think that is the kind of seed a leader should sow.

“Those who take government by violence, look at African countries, those who kill to take power, they never end well. Few cases,

yes, probably in a society not everybody goes the same way but on the average one has recently happened in west Africa.

“If a politician wants to take power whether at the House of Assembly level, at the House of Representatives or Senate or governor or president, you don’t sow seed of discord and enmity because of course, it will consume you.

“As a nation, we know that if anybody who has the privilege of being a governor of a state after serving, he becomes a senior citizen of that state, it is your duty to assist in-coming government.

“If you happen to serve as the head of government or as a president of this coun-

try, in fact at the national level, we have the highest authority called the Council of State, the permanent members of the council of state are past presidents and past Chief Justices of the country. The idea is that they have vast experience in a number of things and they can bring their experiences to bear in terms of advising any president at any time. That was why that body was created by the constitution.

“But if we abuse ourselves, kill ourselves to be in office, then who will finish serving and still want to attend the Council of State meeting for somebody who probably abused you through life, it is not possible.

“For us who are looking for various offices, we should just talk about what we can do for Nigerians, you can market yourself but not to sow the seed of discord.

“For a politician to stand up, who is even a Christian to say that if he fails election, he will form a parallel government. What makes him feel that he must win the election? Even me as a serving president, what makes me feel I must win the election, no matter what I think I am? Nigerians will decide who will govern them at the state level, or federal level, state assemblies or the National Assembly in terms of the federal constituencies and the senatorial districts.

and a prosperous new year. I will like to announce that peace has returned to Enugu state and that peace should be sustained and everybody should be part and parcel of the joy that comes with the peace,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs. Ekwer-

emadu had distributed Christmas gifts including bags of rice, a wrapper and cash each to over 500 widows from Enugu West senatorial zone.

Mrs. Ekweremadu thanked the widows and everybody for responding to the invitation.

Cleric warns politicians against ‘campaign of killing’ Sodiq Adekunle

cians should avoid any act that may truncate the existing peace and tranquility in the environment. They (politicians) should put God first in their political activities for the country to witness peaceful and violence free election come 2015.

“According to the scripture, Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, there’s nobody that regrets relating with God and the same thing apply to politicians as well. Politicians must play the game according to the rules. I urge them to desist from preaching campaign of calumny, killing each other and other things that may lead to political mayhem.”

A

s 2015 general election approaches, the General Overseer, Holy Ghost Power Assembly, World-Wide, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, Rev. Dr.’Sola Olubadejo, has warned politicians to shun campaigns that may lead to crisis in the country.

He also asked politically conscious citizens all over the country to fear God and show love to one another.

He gave the charge on Thursday while delivering a Sermon on the Christmas celebration at the Church Auditorium.

Olubadejo said, “Politi-

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formally known as Ogbonna Ihuoma Joy now wish to be addressed as Amogu Joy Trinity. All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formally known as Miss Vivian Ebi Ekiyo now wish to be addressed as Mrs Vivian Ebi Aiyenuro. All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formally known as Fadenipo Oluwashina Gold now wish to be addressed as Boluwaji Joshua. All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formally known as Iyabo Olasimo now wish to be addressed as Iyabo Afodunribi.

All documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GUNIVI ELDERS AND CHIEFS TRADITIONAL AND CULTURAL ASSOCIATION The General Public is hereby notified that the above Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for under ‘Part C’ of the COPANIES ALLIED MATTER ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Chief Hungbo Mathew Awise 2.

Chief Joshua D. Kuruyo 3.

Joko Joun Hunnowiyon 4.

James Makanju 5.

Sosoedo Adansede

6.

7.

8.

9.

Gbenyon Monday Agegenu Dansu Samuel Chief Sanpan Hunpe Dasi.

Chief Hundenu Toyin

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1.

To foster peace, unity and charitable services among members of the Association.

2.

To promote the welfare and general being of members.

Any objection to this publication should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED. BARRISTER. JOSEPH OLUMUDI

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

37 News

Delta Speaker tasks Christians on peaceful electioneering campaign

T L-R: Bishop of Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt Revd. Edoka Amuta; Bishop of Tinubu of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rt Revd. Oladapo Babalola, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu-Uche, after the 2014 Christmas day Services in Lagos. Photo: Taofeek Babajide

Ex-Ondo Speaker defects to APC ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

A

former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly (ODSHA), Ayo Agbonmuserin, has defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon. Agbonmuserin, who defected alongside his supporters at the APC secretariat, in Akure, the state capital, said his decision was after he had received a go ahead and consulted members of his constituency in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that lack of internal democracy and polarization of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following the defection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko was the reason behind his defection.

Hon. Agbonmuserin was a Speaker during late Governor Adebayo Adefarati’s regime of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD).

He noted that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its pride and could no longer serve the interest of the people as it promised to give dividence of democracy to the people, hence his action.

“The Labour Party now the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state is no longer able to serve the interests of its members and our youths in general”, he said.

The former speaker explained that the idea of the former Lagos state governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu made it possible to have APC as the main opposition party in the country and expressed optimism that it would form the next government of the Federation next year.

Responding, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Isaac Kekemeke said the party would continue to welcome progressive minded persons into its fold.

Kekemeke added that the party is a moving train that is ready

Adeboye sees bountiful years ahead of Ekiti

G

to make a positive change and assured the former speaker as well supporters of internal democracy.

Lack of internal democracy and polarization of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following the defection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko was the reason behind his defection

eneral Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has predicted a brighter future for Ekiti.

Adeboye, who prayed for God’s intervention for the state and its people, assured that Ekiti would soon overcome its present challenges.

The cleric, who was in Ekiti State for the

he Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Mr Peter Onwusanya, has called on Christians to pray for peaceful campaigns and elections in 2015.

He made the appeal in his Christmas message to the people of the state as Christians all over the world mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

Onwusanya noted that Jesus Christ preached peace and love as bedrock for a better society.

He stressed the need for Christians to emulate the virtues of Christ and work in peace and harmony.

According to him, the only way Nigerians can attract development and enjoy peace and stability in the country is by loving

one another. ``Nigeria as a nation is in dire need of peace especially this time that insurgency, struggle for power and elections are threatening peace and existence of the country. ``Christians must use the celebration of the birth of Christ to pray for peace in our country,’’ he said.

The speaker also called on political leaders to place the interest of the country above others in all their actions and heed the call of the religious leaders praying for peace to reign.

Onwusanya expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its travails including security challenges threatening the polity.

CHRISTMAS Islamic cleric secures the release of 4 Kaduna prison inmates Augustine Aminu

I

n the mood of Christmas celebration, a Kaduna based Islamic cleric and founder of Malam Niga Rehabilitation and Skills Acquisition Centre, a Non-Governmental Organization, Thursday secured the release of four inmates of the Kaduna Convict Prison.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the release of the inmates, the leader of the center, Malam Lawal Yusif Muduru said, “we have been engaged in such exercises for long to mark the Christmas celebration and we would not relent in our efforts in showing love and care to the inmates who are human beings like us”.

He called on Nigerian youths to desist from drug-addiction considering its negatives consequences and also stay away from all sorts of social vices that would retard their progress in life.

The cleric also appealed to

yearly “Let’s Go a-fishing” programme of the church, spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday during a visit to Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Adeboye predicted that his visit to Ekiti State would herald good things and rapid transformation in the coming years, saying: “God will take Ekiti to greater heights. As from now, we shall continue to hear good news from Ekiti State” Earlier in his remark, Fayose, who said

well-meaning Nigerians and other organisations to engage in such exercise in order to see that the congested Nigerian prisons are de-congested.

Also speaking at the occasion, the founder of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation, Pastor Yohanna Buru, commended the efforts of the Islamic cleric and urged him to continue with the gesture, which he said would promote peace among the adherents of the two faiths.

Pastor Buru said both Christianity and Islam came from one God and the need for adherents of the two religions to embrace peace and live in harmony with one another.

Kingsley Yusuf, an 18- year- old and one of the beneficiaries of the cleric kind gesture, narrated his story saying that he was arrested and sentenced to prison over a theft of Television set and a Decoder in a House he bugled at Barnawa High Cost.

that his insistence to receive Adeboye in his office was to have a feel of the anointing, adding that with the current economic realities, only prayers could get the state out of the woods.

In his message at the crusade at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Pastor Adeboye urged Christians to take advantage of the Yuletide to review their relationship with God.

38

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

Our Heritage

s

The event was 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

Lebechi Omeje debuts with Moving Forward Agozino Agozino

W

ith the release of her debut album, De Anointed Child, young musical act, Lebechi Omeje has not only joined the list of emerging singers, she has also fulfilled her dream.

She began her journey to stardom recently with the release of her first effort, a 10-track album titled Moving Forward in Lagos.

The new album is a listener’s delight, and, given the response to it so far, it is sure to launch the singer to the top of the competitive music industry.

The Nsukka, Enugu Stateborn singer, in a chart with Daily Times, said she aims to be a star, adding that she has always been CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Lagos school props youngsters with arts K

nowing the power of art, graduating students of Chrisland School decide to tell their stories with art at a oneday exhibition.

Aside 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. ‘‘I want to appreciate the management of the school for their love and support for art, ’’ Adasanya said.

The school art teacher who is also a studio artist, promised that next year’s art exhibition would be showcased in a bigger gallery.

Mrs. Van der Merwe, the school proprietress, described the show as a remarkable outing. The show was declared open

by W.J Osanupin (Sales Manager, NNPC) who was the chair-

man of the event. Others in attendance were Mrs W.A Awosika (OON) who was the mother of the day; Chairman, Chrisland Schools Ltd., Mrs I.O Adeyemi; Mrs A. Oye, the Director of Administration among others.

The head teacher of the school, Mrs Fajemirokun, who could not hide her feelings about the works, said, “The art exhibition added colour to the valedictory service and prize-giving day. She praised Chrisland School for being a breeding ground for the total-child, especially nurturing creative skills of the young students. “We believe that the door to great innovation is the ability to imagine and be creative. I am very proud of the graduating pupils’ artistic and creative abiliCONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 26, 2014

39 Our Heritage

Iresi festival begins with colloquium Agozino Agozino

I

resi town, Osun State, has a yearly carnival it is propping to become a prime tourism attraction. Iresi Socio-Cultural festival organised

by Oyeladeniran Foundation for Community Development is aimed at showcasing the spectacular, cultural and artistic heritage of the Yoruba nation.

Preparations are in top gear for this year’s edition of the event with a cardinal goal of attracting sons and daughters of the town.

A release made available to the Daily Times, by its promoter, Debo Adeniran, said the programme would kick off with a colloquium at the Ebekun Town Hall, Boluwaduro Local Government, Osun State on Saturday December 29 night.

The cultural festival which comprises dance, performances, parades and display of a cornucopia of arts is scheduled for December 29 to 31.

According to Adeniran, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf

Aregbesola, and Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Atere, are the special guests to this year’s event as well as several other dignitaries. Other activities billed to take place during the event includes, dance display, film show, marathon race, art and culture

display, inter-lineal cultural competition, mountain climbing, colloquium, exhibition and many more.

There will also be competitions on Iresi, Oriki, Iresi dialect, Ijala, rara, songs, dance drama and mountaineering.

Iresi Socio-Cultural festival is

an initiative of whistle blower, Comrade Debo Adeniran. The event which is been propped by the Oyeladeniran Foundation for Community Development was founded in 2011. It seeks to imortalise the memory of two couples, Mr. Adeniran Awoniyi and Mrs. Oyeladun who during

Organisers of Iresi Socio-Cultural festival

their lifetime contributed to the socio-economic development of Iresi community. It also aims at reawakening the socio-cultural heritage of the Iresi community as well as that of the Yoruba nation.

Speaking of this year’s approaching event, Adeniran said organisers are ready to make a memorable outing. The rights whistle blowing activist noted that last year’s event was spectacular but this year will suppass it. According to him, the cultural festival is also aimed at creating cultural awareness and promoting moral values of Yoruba culture. This year’s event would be celebrated with pomp and ceremony. “ We are ready to showcase and promote our cultural heritage. And this why the event is significant.’’

Trowing more light on the event, Adeniran football competition, mini marathon holding at Orita Otan to Oke Ode interlineal and cultural as well as competitions on Iresi, Oriki, Iresi dalect, Ijala, rara, songs, dance and drama would be showcased.

Lebechi Omeje debuts with Moving Forward CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

interested in music, and that her debut album is, as the title suggests, the beginning. ‘‘The title of the album is Moving Forward, and it is about what God can do to anyone who trusts in Him. I sing gospel music and the new album is also my testimony,’’ said Lebechi who now

performs at many events.

Explaining the message of the album, she said the aim is also to thank God for His providence over her career. ‘‘In the track titled God is There for Me, I am singing praise and worship to the Lord, to adore His name, while in the track titled It is Well with Me, I am simply expressing myself to the Lord for what He has done in

my life,’ she said.

Lebechi is also grateful to her producer, Blessed Samuel, for his encouragement, and indeed to all her fans and she has dedicated a particular track to all of them.

And the track is Give Your Life to Jesus. Other tracks in the album includes, Looking Unto God, Ihem Achawala, Heavenly Candidate, I am Highly Favoured, Uwa

I am simply expressing myself to the Lord for what He has done in my life

did Egwu, Chineke doo and Merem Ebere.

The singer disclosed that she was inspired into becoming a gospel act by the support of her family and calling of God. ‘‘Each time I compose a song in those days, my family will encourage me. I started singing when I was two years old, and then I became very interested in gospel music.”

Lagos school props youngsters with arts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

We believe that the door to great innovation is the ability to imagine and be creative

ties. They are surely going to be legends in the future.” ‘‘Looking at the pieces, you could feel the assurance from the children that there is still hope for the future. We could feel how they studied what has been damaged or abandoned, and processed the thoughts in their hearts about the way forward.

And the result was the beautiful ideas displayed as their art works. The pieces were awesome,’’ Adegoke one of the organisers of the event said.

Parents of the pupils were

also glad at the outing as some of them praised the efforts of the school.

Some of the exhibiting youngsters were Abubakar Amir, Adeji Eric, Akinwande Kehinde, Akinwande Taiwo, Awogu Onyia, Bello Olaseni, ClaudiusAkinyemi Ajibola, Idowu Oluwasogo, Obirinanwa Charles, Ogundipe Sunmisayo, Osanupin Demilade, Victor-Iyamu Nosakhare, Adebayo Nifemi, Edagbami Sayo, Fowotade Kanyinsola Ibrahim Fatimah, Kuti Tomilayo, Nwanze Amanda, Nwokoro Chelsy, Ogundipe Mololuwa, Olumese Precious.

Others were Oluwasegunfunmi Moyosire and Onwuzulume Mary.

Mr Tosin Akinwunmi congratulated the pupils for their wonderful art and craft works and wished them the best as they moved on in their studies.

The event was later rounded off on a good note.

Daily Times gathered that some of the works produced were fresh ideas beautifully interpreted, some were abandoned unappreciated items that they gave new life to and revived while some were re-cycled to prevent wastage.

“What we are doing in Chrisland schools, is to encourage these talents, support them in all ways and prevent them from losing focus,’’ said Adesanya.

Dignitaries at the event included Chief W.J. Osanupin, who was the chairman of the occasion; Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejere, Aunt Landa, Dr. Yolanada George among other media and entertainment buffs.

On a the closing note, Mrs. Adegoke said the pupils’ arts work represented their beliefs, understanding, appreciation and state of mind about the world around them.

Tourism

New Carnival Calabar queen emerges P 35 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2014

VOL. 1. NO.10

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

P26

Man sentenced to death in Mauritania for apostasy P12

Politics

Nobody can accuse Tinubu of favouritism - Ikuforiji P15

Price: N150

dailytimesng

When a leopard bequeaths its spots T

When will our politicians desire to soar above their recycled promises?

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe –Exiting in style

News

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

Lucky Alade

Auto

he political sphere in Nigeria is now an open arena where hardcore politicians, like Athenian gladiators, display savage cruelty, amid the cheers of fans, in a bid to satisfy their selfish political intents.

In a country like ours, where political power equates supreme power, the masses are nothing but pawns on the chess board of our leaders. It would have been a great relief if this ‘I-must-winand-you-must-lose’ disposition is confined to our role-model political fathers alone but sadly, the cubs of a leopard will always be a leopard.

It is very shocking to realise that the same gloomy climate that has enveloped the outlook of our political scene at the top, has also left a dark smoggy and threatening shadow at the bottom. A clear example is the just concluded departmental

and faculty elections at the University of Lagos.

Students, who stood as standard bearers of their various political parties on campus, now employ brutish tactics such as intimidation, vile threats and blatant lies just to put down their opponents in the same manner their role-model political fathers’ do. This is no longer a game but a slaughter arena in the making!

I watched them present their manifestos and they all virtually repeated the same cliche promises I have heard two years ago. I am sure they simply went to a nearby business centre and made photocopies of all the manifestos of their preferred predecessors which, according to some political commentators, is what has constituted one of the problems plaguing the political landscape of this country.

They have always been recycling the manifestos of their predecessors since

independence just as they hardly take a second thought of the protracted negative implications those redundant manifestos might have on our polity. Looking at it in a way, that single disposition of recycling manifestos has made it almost impossible for our political parties to have a genuine sense of direction, thus perpetuating the status-quo which is well-designed with impunity, corruption, highhandedness and godfatherism. I am not kicking against party agenda nor the completion of other uncompleted or abandoned projects attempted by previous tenures but that the concrete manifestation of our various parties’ manifestos, must appear at the vanguard at all times, in the lives of the masses. Continuity should reflect all-round improvements in every sector and not failed commitments by successive administrations.

When will our politicians desire to soar above their recycled promises?

Promises of constant power supply, good roads, free health care services, revamped economy and millions of employment opportunities for youth are like sharp objects forced into my eardrum. It has made no sense anymore, because they are all wellarticulated nuisance. Why do they always fail to tell us their fate if they eventually fail to materialise their promises within stipulated time? This goes to show that power belongs to our political leaders and not us, the masses.

But I must not fail to give my unreserved credit to few exceptional leaders like Raji Fashola of Lagos State and Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State for their brilliant feats in a polity designed with all shades of corruption.

I bumped into one of the contestants on my way to Unilag Fm. He

The phoenix

rises

BREAKING NEWS | POLITICS | BUSINESS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. www.dailytimes.com.ng email: www.dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI

told me how some thugs (students) from rival political parties on campus threatened him and also rent his campaign posters into shreds. I was shocked to the marrow!

‘When did this start in Unilag, I asked myself.

But when I thought about their role models, my shock instantly ended up in a sheepish grin.

Truth be said, our political leaders are just too insensitive to the kind of examples they are setting for our future politicians. The young are observing and they may turn out to be deadlier than their fathers if maximum caution is not exercised. The big question now is: If the Nigerian Medical Association recently recommended psychiatric tests for all our national political figures who want to contest for various electoral positions, what will be the case of our future political leaders?

XT Exclusive

In-form Red Devils ready for Newcastle’s visit

Personal information Full name: Lionel Andrés Messi Date of birth: June 24, 1987 (age 27) Place of birth: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina Height: 1.69 m

Poster!

Playing position: Current team:

Forward Barcelona

NUMBER

10

Lionel Messi of Argentina

X4,5

X8

GLO-CAF AWARD

Enyeama, Aubameyang, Toure eye top prize X2

!

N O I S U F N CO IKANDE’S DILEMMA N I S T S I S R E P ISRAEL

My Eagles place not threatened, says Babatunde

X8

X6

Sportlitics

MAYWEATHER IS FINISHED IF HE FAILS TO FIGHT PACQUIAO –ROACH

X7

X5

Torres set for Atletico return

X8

X2

Friday, December 26, 2014

EXTRATIME

Glo-CAF Award

ENYEAMA, AUBAMEYANG, TOURE

P O T E EY E Z I PR

Vincent Enyeama, nominated for the African Footballer of the Year Award.

3 p o t e k a m i h c e h c U , e i z o n a r a p O , a l a o h s O

T

hree-time African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure of English Club, Manchester City and Cote d’Ivoire, Super Eagles of Nigeria and Lille of France goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama and Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang currently playing for Borussia Dortmund in Germany have made the top three of the 2014 African Player of the Year Award.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday in Cairo unveiled the top three nominees for the 2014 Glo-CAF African Footballer of the Year Award which will be held in Lagos, Nigeria on January 8, 2015.

The release of the top three players

competing for the prized crown of African footballer of the Year Award heightened expectation across the continent on who would be the next King of African Football.

The King will be crowned at the Awards Night holding at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos on January 8, 2015.

CAF also released the names of top three finalists for the Africa-based ‘Player of the Year’ Award. They include the duo of Akram Djahnit and El Hedi Belamieri of Algeria and ES Setif FC and Firmin Mubel Ndombe of Congo and AS Vita.

In the Women Player of the Year

category, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie were shortlisted long with Annette Ngo Ndom of Cameroon, while Asisat Oshoala also made the top three of Youth Player of the Year alongside her Nigerian team mate Uchechi Sunday and Fabrice Ondoa of Cameroon.

The trio of Clinton Nj’jie and Vincent Abubakar from Cameroon and Yacine Brahimi from Algeria made the top three of the Most Promising Talent Award while Algeria, Libya and Nigeria were listed for National Team of the Year Award.

The list is prepared through a vigorous selection process by the Technical,

Football and Media Committees of CAF, taking into account the performance of the players for their national teams and clubs from January to November of each year. The ultimate winner of the award will be decided by votes from the Head Coaches or the Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF. The Glo-CAF Awards gala is the continent’s most prestigious sports event, providing Africa with a reputable forum for recognising and rewarding achievement in the various departments of football.

Globacom Limited has partnered with CAF in the past nine years, work-

ing together and stimulating the growth of African football through the Glo-CAF Awards.

According to Globacom “the partnership between Globacom and CAF was inspired by the telecom company’s strong belief in football as a vehicle for communication and social integration.

As the Glo-CAF partnership hits the ninth-year mark, we at Glo take pride in the significant strides our alliance with CAF has achieved in raising the quality and popularity of football in Africa. We will continue to use our clout in sports sponsorships to develop the round leather game in and around the continent of Africa.”

Friday, December 26, 2014

EXTRATIME

X3

Oshoala

Bertrand Traore

re AFCON 2015: Trao ina k brothers make Bur Faso squad

Abu Dhabi friendly

Eagles replace Mali with Sudan Ï Steven Ukoh joins squad

N

igeria will now play against Sudan after AFCON-bound Mali pulled out of a proposed clash in Abu Dhabi next month.

This was as a result of a change of plan by the Federation Malienne de Football concerning the Les Aiglons’ final camping ahead of the 30th Africa Cup of finals in Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria will now face Sudan on January 17 after they have battled AFCON-bound Cote d’Ivoire on January 11, also in Abu Dhabi.

In view of these changes, the Eagles players from the domestic league invited to a training camp in Abuja are now expected to arrive on Tuesday, December 30 and not December 28 as earlier planned.

Burkina Faso coach Paul Put has included brothers Alain and Bertrand Traore in a preliminary 24-man squad for January’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Bertrand, who is on loan at Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem from Chelsea, missed out on the 2013 Nations Cup when Burkina Faso finished as runners-up.

He was part of the Burkina Faso squad that lost all its matches at the 2012 tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon as a 16-year-old.

Burkina Faso’s preliminary squad Goalkeepers: Germain Sanou (Bauvais, France), Abdoulaye Soulama (Hearts of Oak, Ghana), Moussa Fofana (Rail Club du Kadiogo)

Meanwhile, former Swiss junior international Steven Effiong Archibong Ukoh, whose application to represent Nigeria at senior level was recently approved by world football–governing body, FIFA, has confirmed his availability for the mini-tour.

He becomes the 25th player on the invitation list.

Defenders: Mohamed Koffi (Zamalek, Egypt), Wilfried Balima (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova), Bakary Koné (Lyon, France), Florent Rouamba (CA Bastia, France), Steve Yago (Toulouse, France), Paul Koulibaly (Horoya, Guinea), Narcisse Bam-

Alain missed out on the Stallions’ run to the final in 2013 after picking up a thigh injury in the final group game against Zambia.

He had scored three goals in their opening two games in South Africa to ensure their passage to the quarter-finals.

Jonathan Pitroipa, the Player of the Tournament in 2013, is once again included in Put’s initial list.

Burkina Faso are in Group A at the Nations Cup where they will face hosts Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville. bara (CF Cluj, Romania), Issa Gouo (As Kaloum, Guinea) Midfielders: Jonathan Zongo (Almeria, Spain), Préjuce Nakoulma (Mersin, Turkey), Charles Kaboré (Kuban, Russia), Djakaridja Koné (Evian, France), Abdul Razack Traoré (Karakbukspor, Turkey), Bertrand Traoré (Vitesse Arnhem, Netherlands), Moussa Yedan(Al Ahly, Egypt), Adama Guira (Sonderyesk, Denmark) Forwards: Jonathan Pitroipa (Al Jazira, UAE), Aristide Bancé (HJK Helsinki, Finland), Issaka Ouédraogo (Admira Wacker, Austria), Alain Traore (FC Lorient, France), Banou Diawarra (RC Bobo Dioulasso).

Barcelona

Current team:

10

NUMBER

Forward

Playing position:

Full name: Lionel AndrĂŠs Messi Date of birth: June 24, 1987 (age 27) Place of birth: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina Height: 1.69 m

Personal information

X4

EXTRATIME

Friday, December 26, 2014

Friday, December 26, 2014

EXTRATIME

X5

X6

Friday, December 26, 2014

EXTRATIME

Agent on Ikande

“It doesn’t matter - English or not

“He suffers each day and he will not play for Hapoel Tel Aviv. He is not happy and it is not good for him for Hapoel Tel Aviv to waste his time. In January he wants to go to another team, if there is no team, he would go to Nigeria. The guy loves football, he came here to enjoy and not to suffer as he hasn’t enjoyed his time. He had fun at first, but now he is suffering here.”

English - the moment you are a football player in this country, I respect you a lot.

At this moment the German guys are on the beach, the Spanish guys are in the Maldives getting sun - everybody else is doing that. But in this country you play on the 22nd, you play on Boxing Day, you play on the 28th, you play on New Year’s Day. There is no Christmas - just football, and I think the players deserve respect. The supporters all around the country give them that respect because every stadium is sold out. And I think the way to do it is with the kind of professionalism my players have shown.

Ikande

26

th

BOXING DAY Mourinho

xxxxx

!

N O I S U F N CO

A M M E L I D S ’ E D IKAN L E A R S I N I S T S I PERS I

t seems the troubles surrounding former Nigeria youth international Harmony Ikande’s future at Israeli Ligat side Hapoel Tel Aviv has not abated despite assertions by the midfielder that he has no problems with the club and is proud to be associated with the team.

Israeli media reported that the management of the team has

suspended the defensive midfielder indefinitely and will likely issue out sanctions through a disciplinary committee for breach of club rules and ethics to the want-away player.

Ikande, who scored a stunning 30-yard effort against Hapoel Beer Sheva in a league game weeks ago, has been at logger heads with the club especially with manager Asi

Domb after the pair fell out recently.

However, the former Flying Eagles star tried to put the matter to rest despite wanting to quit the club in the January transfer window by issuing a statement per his allegiance to the club.

But his agent has dispelled the statement by saying all that was said was fiction and nothing of us such came from the player.

“It seems a complete fiction and I’m apparently convinced that Harmony didn’t say such things or someone invented it,” he said.

“He suffers each day and he will not play for Hapoel Tel Aviv.

“He is not happy and it is not good for him for Hapoel Tel Aviv to waste his time.

“In January he wants to go to another team, if there is no team, he

y l d n e i r f a n a f a B Battle of : o b m a b u L t s e t Africans t a e r g e b l l wi in EPL

Z

ambia midfielder Lubambo Musonda believes Bafana Bafana will be very a competitive opponent in the January 4 friendly.

Bafana will host Zambia in a pre-2015 Africa Cup friendly at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

“Looking at the way South Africa played in the qualifiers, they will give us a very good game,” the 20-year-old said.

Bafana were unbeaten in the 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers and

finished top of Group A on 12 points from six games.

Zambia have beaten Bafana Bafana in their previous two meetings with the last game coming in the 2013 COSAFA Cup semifinals that Chipolopolo won 5-3 on post-match penalties after a scoreless draw in Ndola on their way to lifting the regional title.

Meanwhile, the Zambia midfielder from Armenian club FC Ulisses is in line for his eighth cap in next weekend’s friendly against Bafana.

Lubambo

would go to Nigeria. The guy loves football, he came here to enjoy and not to suffer as he hasn’t enjoyed his time.

“He had fun at first, but now he is suffering here.”

The 24-year-old started his European adventure at AC Milan’s primavera side before stints with Monza, Extremadura in Spain, Budapest Honved in Hungary and Beitar Jerusalem in Israel.

There will be several African stars on show when West Brom hosts Manchester City today, with all eyes on Brown Ideye and Yaya Toure.

Nigerian forward Ideye has begun to show himself and is likely to play in a three-man attack while Ivorian Toure is expected to play a commanding role for City.

West Brom also have Stephane Sessegnon and Victor Anichebe on their books.

Manuel Pellegrini will once again have to juggle his options up front when Manchester City travel to West Brom today. Pellegrini se-

Pellegrini

lected James Milner as an auxiliary striker in last weekend’s 3-0 home victory over Crystal Palace in the absence of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic.

Though the latter returned to training ahead of the champions’ trip to The Hawthorns, he will not be fit to play, meaning Pellegrini once again has to conjure up something different.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Athletics: WADA takes 3000 samples from Russian athletes

Around 3,000 samples have been taken from Russian athletes by officials investigating claims of widespread doping in the country.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) launched its investigation following allegations made in a German television documentary.

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko

confirmed a Wada commission had now visited the country at his request.

“They took around 3,000 samples to be checked in laboratories,” he said.

“A commission from WADA has already been to visit us, which included three people who were led by the director of science.

“We will continue to work along this route and we are completely open.”

Programmes aired by the German broadcaster this month contained a number of allegations including one claim that as many as 99% of Russian athletes were doping.

There were also allegations of coverups from within Russian athletics, while the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) came in for criticism.

It was claimed that a list of 150 suspicious blood samples, including one from a top British athlete, were not properly investigated by the sport’s world governing body.

Earlier this month, WADA announced its former chief Dick Pound would head up an investigatory commission looking into the German documentary’s claims but said it would not start work until 1 January.

Final preparations for the World Cup loom large over the upcoming Test series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, which starts at the Hagley Oval today, with seven ODIs to follow the two matches in Christchurch and Wellington.

Both sides will be fine tuning their World Cup selections, with final squads needed for January 8, the day after the second Test ends, but New Zealand will also be seeking to build on their recent resurgence in the test arena.

After winning both home series last summer, beating West Indies away, then drawing with Pakistan after being hammered in the first Test in the UAE, New

Zealand enter the series playing at a level that would not justify their ranking of seventh.

The team has been galavanised under the captaincy of Brendon McCullum, with the only concern in the top five the opening partnership, with Hamish Rutherford given another opportunity to prove his credentials alongside impressive rookie Tom Latham.

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor will be expected to provide the majority of runs with the 24-year-old Williamson coming of age this year, having scored 844 test runs, including four centuries, at 60.28.

Mukto

EXTRATIME

BOXING

MAYWEATHER

IS FINISHED IF HE FAILS TO FIGHT Cricket: New Zealand, Sri Lanka launch W/Cup preparations PACQUIAO –ROACH Freddie Roach, the trainer for Manny Pacquiao, says that unless Floyd Mayweather Jr fights Pacquiao, he will ruin his boxing legacy.

Roach thinks that Mayweather will have an asterisk next to his name if he chooses to retire without fighting his guy Pacquiao.

Roach admits that the reason why Mayweather and Pacquiao didn’t fight when they attempted to negotiate a

fight in 2009 was because Pacquiao couldn’t agree on the blood testing that Mayweather wanted for the fight.

Roach says that was their fault.

However, Roach blames Mayweather for the two of them not fighting since then even though Mayweather offered Pacquiao $40 million to fight him in 2012 and was turned down.

“I think he’s (Mayweather) a little afraid to take a challenge like Manny

Cycling: Trott, Kenny announce engagement Laura Trott has announced her engagement to fellow British Olympic cycling star Jason Kenny.

She wrote on Twitter: “Merry Christmas everyone. I’ve had the most amazing couple of days thanks to @ JasonKenny107 and the whole family #engaged”.

Both riders won two gold medals on the track at the London Olympics in 2012.

Kenny, 26, was successful in the

team sprint and individual sprint, while Trott, 22, took gold in the team pursuit and omnium events.

Kenny, from Bolton, had previously won the team sprint at the Beijing Olympics four years earlier.

At this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the pair both competing in England colours, Trott won the women’s 25km points’ race, while Kenny took silver in the team sprint and individual sprint.

X7

Love birds! Laura Trott (left) with Jason Kenny.

because he’s so in love with that zero on his record,” Roach said. “The thing is in boxing you have to fight the best. If he retires without fighting Manny then there will be an asterisk next to his name because he didn’t fight Manny Pacquiao. I think that will ruin his legacy. He picks his own opponents. He fought the same guy (Marcos Maidana). Why in the world did they do the second one,” Roach said.

X8

Friday, December 26, 2014

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME BRIEFS

M

M R O F IN S L I V E RED D R O F Y D A E R S ’ E L T S A C NEW VISIT Ibrahimovic

Torres set for Atletico return

Pires: Arsenal changed my life

Walsh: Hull clash crucial for Leicester

anchester United manager Louis van Gaal wants to see his side establish a dominant style of play when Newcastle visit Old Trafford today.

United have won seven and drawn one of their eight games on home soil since losing 2-1 to Swansea City on the Premier League’s opening day.

Six victories on the spin helped Van Gaal’s side climb comfortably into the top four, though their momentum was checked by a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa last time out.

Newcastle were one of seven away teams to win a Premier League game at Old Trafford last season in a stuttering campaign under David Moyes and Van Gaal is keen to continue banishing the memories of those home failings.

“We want to build a fortress at Old Trafford,” he told the press on Tuesday.

“We have made it that already because we have won a lot, and with great results. We have to continue but there are no easy games in the Premier League.

“My record in away matches as a coach is not so bad. Away, teams are more open and want to attack but here they want to defend.

“That is why we have to build up a certain playing style so we can dominate. I’m saying every week that we are dominating for 45 or 60 minutes.

Docherty backs Chelsea to win two-horse race

My Eagles place not threatened, says Babatunde Nigeria international and Volyn Lutsk player Michael Babatunde has said he is ready do all it takes to return to the Super Eagles team.

The midfielder who clocked 22 on December 24 is yet to play for the country since suffering an injury against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Brazil.

While expressing his delight to full fitness, he said his five – month absence from the national team, he said he is willing to work very hard to get a call up for future games.

“I feel very bad but that is the game for you. I was injured twice and went for surgery twice but thank God I’m back on my feet again,” Babatunde enthused.

“Football is a game where people get a chance to exhibit their skills and you expect the coach to seek for alternatives in the absence of others.

“Well, I’m not worried whether I will lose my place in the team or not – it is just a wakeup call for me to get back to my best towards getting a national team call up while I leave the rest for national team selectors to invite me.”

Babatunde

Pillars comb NPL clubs for players

Pires Torres Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is understood to be set for a return move to boyhood club Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard joined AC Milan on a two-year loan deal over the summer but has found the back of the net just once for the Serie A club.

This has prompted speculation that Milan are keen to offload the striker and Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague believes a deal for the former Atletico Madrid striker to return to the Vicente Calderon has now been done.

Torres joined Chelsea from Liverpool for £50m in the 2011 January Transfer Window in the biggest transfer deal involving two English clubs.

Robert Pires admits he is looking forward to resuming his role with Arsenal Football Club following his participation in the Indian Super League.

The 41-year-old was FC Goa’s marquee player in the inaugural league, helping guide the club to the last four of competition where they eventually lost out to champions Atletico Kolkata.

Pires, who also confirmed he remains undecided over whether or not to continue playing football, feels lucky to still be part of a club that he says changed his life.

Pires, who was voted as Arsenal’s sixth best player of all time in a poll conducted in 2008, admits he has no immediate plans to go into coaching.

Walsh

Docherty

Former Leicester City captain Steve Walsh views Sunday’s trip to fellow Premier League strugglers Hull City as “a cup final.”

Leicester have picked up only two points from their last 12 games since hammering Manchester United 5-3 back in September.

The midlands club have struggled to compete on their return to the top flight and are bottom of the table with only two victories from 17 games.

Tottenham are Leicester’s next opponents at the King Power Stadium today and they face a trip to manager Nigel Pearson’s former club Hull City two days later.

Former Chelsea manager Tommy Docherty has backed his old club to prevail over Manchester City in the “two-horse” Premier League title race.

At one stage earlier in the season, Jose Mourinho’s men held an eight-point advantage over their rivals.

That was after Chelsea had made an imperious start to the campaign, while City’s stuttering early form sparked talk of a comprehensive romp to the title for the men from Stamford Bridge.

However, six straight league wins for City and a draw and a defeat to Sunderland and Newcastle United for Chelsea means the gap between the top two is now down to three points.

The reigning Nigeria Premier League (NPL) champions, Kano Pillars, are making efforts to reinforce their squad ahead of their CAF Champions League outing in 2015 and they are in touch with some topflight teams in order to recruiting players that will help their campaign.

The Kano-based football outfit will face Malaika of South Sudan Malaika in the preliminary stage of the competition.

Media Officer of team, Idris Malikawa revealed that the club has approached Nasarawa United, El Kanemi Warriors, Ranchers Bees and other clubs so as to enable the club to raise a formidable squad ahead of their outing in the lucrative competition.

“We are working towards fortifying our team in various areas so as to impress on the continent this term,” Malikawa said.