Thursday, May 23, 2019 Edition by Peoples Media Limited

Thursday, May 23, 2019/ Ramadan 18, 1440 AH

1858 Days after

Zamfara creates new emirate

Vol. 31 No. 073 N150

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. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Appeal Court President, Bulkachuwa, withdraws from presidential election tribunal

Buhari asks ministers to handover Tuesday pAGE 3

>>>page 5

Explains why he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change cabinet in 4 years

R-L; Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of State Health Prof Erhinnare Osagie, Â Minister of Mines and Steel, Hon Bawa Bwari, Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Health Prof Isaac Adewole, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh,Minister of Industry Trade and investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, Minister of Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and Minister of State Power Works and Housing Alhaji Mustapha Shehuri during the valedictory session for the Ministers held at the Council Chambers State House, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Reps summon NNPC, 8 die of hunger, disease in Presidency orders clearance of Apapa gridlock in 2 weeks Chevron over oil spillage fire Benue IDPs camp pAGE 3

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

News CONTENTS News 2-10,14 Editorial

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Business

19-20

Metro

World News

Africa News

World News

Reps summons NNPC, Chevron over oil spillage inferno By Christiana Ekpa

he House Representatives yesterday summoned the National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture to immediately appear and brief its relevant Committees on the steps taken to extinguish the inferno that caused serious environmental disaster in some communities of Ilaje Local government area of Ondo State. This even as the House urged the NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture, Nigerian Fire Service, Department of Petroleum Resources and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency to mobilize relevant officials to affected areas to extinguish the fire. It also mandated the

Committee on Local Content and other relevant Committees of the House to ensure adequate compensation of the concerned communities and asked the Committees on Governmental Affairs and Legislative Compliance to monitor compliance. The House further urged the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA to provide relief materials to the affected people in the communities. These were the resolutions reached Wednesday at plenary following the motion on ‘urgent need for intervention in the incident of burning oil fields under the joint venture operation of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation/Chevron Limited’ moved by Victor KoladeAkinjo(APC, Ondo). While presenting the motion,

Kolade-Akinjo explained that, “no fewer than five oil wells, including Isan-West field, Ayeren, Parable field, Malu field, Ororo, Opokaba, Otumara, Ikorigho, Kendo, under a joint Venture operation of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation/Chevron Limited in some communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, were recently gutted by fire which started around 10 pm on Thursday, April 18, 2019 leading to serious environment disaster with resultant adverse effects on the health of the people of the host communities of Ajegunle, Ikorigho, Zion - Ikorigho, Ehinmoghan, Otumara, Iluayo, Ojumole, among others”. According to him, “the inferno caused oil spillage which destroyed many aquatic lives, fauna and agricultural crops of

the people thereby causing untold economic loss and hardship. “Chevron Nigeria Limited conducted a drone over flight to evaluate the fire, mobilized emergency responders to assess the affected areas and reported the fire incident to the Department of Petroleum Resources, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and other regulatory and security authorities. “The lingering fire keeps spreading with greater destructive implication while Chevron or any regulatory authorities fails to come up with any constructive idea on how to put out the fire, and if immediate action is not taken, the longest coastline in Nigeria with all its economic potentials may be completely destroyed by the raging fire”.

News 8 die of hunger, disease in Benue IDPs camp From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

ore than eight Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Mbawa camp located in Daudu, Guma local government, home country of Governor Samuel Ortom have died as a result hunger and disease. Chairman of the camp, Geofrey Torrent confirmed this while speaking with newsmen yesterday. He lamented at the high incidence of diarrhea and hynea, noting that eight persons died at the camp in five months. He also explained that IDPs at the camp were living at the mercy of churches and NGOs having been abandoned by government for more than a year.

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Environment 25 Feature 26 Sports 29-30 Back Page

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President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN with cross sections of Ministers after the valedictory for the Minister held at the Council Chambers State House, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Emefiele: Trade dispute between US, China may slow down global economy By Osaigbovo Benin

Iguobaro,

he Nigerian government has predicted that the trade wars between the United States and China may slowdown global economy. The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele made the remark while delivering the 3rd eminent lecture series of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The lecture was titled, “Beyond the Global Financial Crisis: Monetary Policy Under Global Uncertainty”. He said except urgent steps were taken to address the brinkmanship over the imposition of tariffs on goods emanating from both countries, global economy outlook becomes uncertain. The CBN Governor expressed

worry that the country might slide back to recession if measures are not taken to tackle the high rate of unemployment. He said Nigeria has made progress in the year under review but more efforts must be made to reduce the country’s unemployment rate. “From some of my concluding remarks, you may have observed whether you like it or not, there is global uncertainty that will unfortunately most certainly, lead to another crisis. “The question could be, how are we as Nigerians, particularly our leaders, I am talking of Monetary and Fiscal Policy Authority, how are we preparing our country for the next set of crisis? “ We have luckily exited recession, we have seen recession pending downward to about 18.72 percent in 2017 to about 11. 37

percent today. “We have seen reserve moving up but unfortunately, we still have issues and those issues bothers around unemployment rate and those issues bother around how do we prepare our country. Giving a brief historical background of the effort made by the CBN to stabilize the nation’s economy, he said the introduction of the Investors and exporters Window has helped in shoring up the country’s external reserves. He said the turnover in the I&E FX Window has reached over $48 billion since the inception of the Window and that our foreign exchange reserved has risen to $45 billion in April 2019 from $23 billion in October 2016. The CBN governor added that the Nigeria’s current stock of external reserves is now able to finance nine months of current

import commitments. He said with the improved availability of foreign exchange, the exchange rate at I&E FX Window has remained stable over the past 24 months at an average of N360/$, and the parallel market exchange rate has appreciated from N525/$ in February 2017 to N360/$ today. The Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Faraday Orumwense ), said as the world becomes increasingly global, new innovations are being explored to solve problems. He revealed that the lecture series serves as a means to connect and to continue to rub minds together and brainstorm on how to improve on capacity building of the staff. He urged the University staff and the students to take the lecture series seriously.

According to him, ‘the last time the state government supplied food to the camp was on the eve of the Presidential elections in February. There were several instances where mothers and their children go out to scavenge for food at local markets. Some of them sell firewood from the fast depleting forest around the camp’ The camp chairman further decried that it was in course of searching for food that a 3- year old boy, simply identified as Nani went missing in March, pointing out that the boy is yet to be found. Torgenga stated that due of the deplorable conditions the IDPs were being sheltered, it was near impossible to sleep at night especially during the rainy season

“With the advent of the rains, matters have become worse because the camps are usually flooded so the inmates would have sit until the rain stops falling”, he lamented. Efforts to get concrete explanation from an official of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA Angela Omirigbe who is the camp did not yield any positive fruit as she declined comment on the issue. A cross section of IDPs who spoke to newsmen including chairlady of the camp , Elder Nyam and Monica Iorhemba frowned at the attitude of government in abandoning them. It Mbawa camp which has a total of3,515 IDPs was established in January, 2018.

Zamfara govt creates new emirate he Zamfara State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill for the creation of an additional Emirate Council to be known as Bazai Emirate. This followed a bill presented to the House by the executive earlier read on the floor of the House by the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Abubakar Gummi, asking for the creation of the Bazai Emirate out of the present Shinkafi Emirate. The bill also asked the law makers to upgrade the Senior District Head of Jangeru also in

Army foils communal clash in Delta

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

Shinkafi to a third class Emir and Kayayen Mafara to a Senior District Head in Talata-Mafara Emirate. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Assembly set up a committee last Monday to commence processes for the creation or otherwise of the new emirate and titles under the committee to be chaired by member representing Bungudu East in the assembly, Ibrahim Kwatarkwashi. The committee presented its report on Tuesday after which the motion passed through its second

and third reading, presided over by Mr Gummi. The deputy speaker then said both the creation of Bazai Emirate and the upgrading of the statutes of the district heads in Shinkafi and Talata-Mafara had now been passed. He then directed the Clark of the house to communicate the house decision to the executive for assent. The new emirate will bring the number of emirate councils to 18 from the 14 local government areas of the state.(NAN)

Security allegations: Apologize to Nigerians, PDP tells Lai Mohammed By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to apologize to Nigerians for misleading the nation and heating up the polity with unfounded security breach allegations against the PDP and its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja. The party said that with the assurances on Monday, that the nation was safe for the Presidential inauguration, Alhaji Mohammed has further exposed the fact that he, acting for the Federal Government, only conjured claims to create the impression that the PDP and Atiku Abubakar had set security breaches against the Presidential inauguration. The allegations, according to the leading opposition party, have “vanished like what they are - phantoms”. The PDP, in the statement,

said, “It is indeed lamentable that, in its desperation to secure acceptance from Nigerians and confer legitimacy to the outcome of a rigged election, the Buhari administration would manufacture and purvey fake news to the public, only for Nigerians to learn from the same Minister of Information and Culture, that his earlier claims against the PDP and our Presidential candidate were not based on any concrete evidence but, according to him, on having “no reasons to doubt” claims by other individuals. “Moreover, the minister’s claims that he relied on certain alarms fell flat as no agency in the country had ever accused the PDP, as a political party, or our Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari Administration, generally overheat the polity and make Nigeria seemingly ungovernable” as claimed by Lai Mohammed. “It is now clear that the whole essence of the misleading allegation was to heat up the system, attempt to cow democratic voices, divert public

discourse from the rigging of the Presidential election and scare the PDP and our Presidential candidate from pursuing our stolen Presidential mandate at the court. “We also have fears that Alhaji Lai Mohammed could have made those wild claims in a bid to pave the way to frame, harass, arrest and detain some opposition figures on trump-up charges. “Such antics have failed as Nigerians have seen through them and are resolute, behind Atiku Abubakar, in the determination to retrieve his mandate in the court, and no form of blackmail and intimidation will detract from that resolve. “By his fabricated claims, the Information Minister only succeeded in further demarketing our dear nation in the international arena, causing more damage to investors’ confidence in our system and exposing this administration as purveyor of fake news. “The PDP therefore invites Alhaji Lai Mohammed to apologize to the nation and desist from such acts of incitement”, it said.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu Ramadan Timing For Abuja And Other Cities RAMADAN day 18 TOWNS FAJIR SUNRISE ABAKALIKI 4.56 6.12 ABEOKUTA 5.15 6.31 ABUJA/SULEJA 4.58 6.12 AKWANGA/KEFFI/NASARAWA 4.52 6.08 ANKPA/AYANGBA 4.56 6.12 AZARE/JAMA’ARE 4.37 5.53 BAMA 4.23 5.39 BAUCHI/NINGI 4.42 5.58 BENIN 5.07 6.23 BICHI 4.43 5.59 BIDA 5.00 6.16 B/GWARI 5.54 6.10 B/KEBBI/GWANDU/JEGA 4.58 6.14 BIU 4.31 5.47 DAMATURU 4.30 5.46 DAURA/DAMBATTA 4.41 5.57 DUTSE 4.41 5.57 DUTSIN MA/JIBIYA 4.46 6.02 ENUGU 4.59 6.15 FUNTUA/CHAFE 4.49 6.04 GOMBE 4.36 5.52 GUMI 4.56 6.12 GUSAU/KAURA NAMODA 4.49 6.05 GWADABAWA 4.53 6.09 HADEJIA/GUMEL 4.37 5.53 IBADAN/IFE 5.10 6.26 ILORIN/KAIAMA 5.07 6.21 JALINGO/LAU/GASHAKA 4.38 5.54 JERE 4.53 6.09 JOS/SAMINAKA 4.46 6.02 KABBA 5.02 6.18 KADUNA 4.51 6.07 KAFANCHAN/KACHIA 4.50 6.06 KAFIN MAIYAKI 4.45 6.01 KANO 4.43 6.02 KATSINA 4.455 6.05 KONTAGORA/ZURU 4.59 6.15 LAFIA 4.52 6.08 LAGOS 5.15 6.31 LOKOJA//IDAH 4.59 6.15 MAIDUGURI/MUBI/GWOZA 4.23 5.39 MAKURDI 4.52 6.08 MINNA 4.57 6.13 MISAU 4.36 5.54 MOKWA/NEW BUSSA 5.04 6.20 MONGUNO 4.21 5.37 NGURU/GASHUA 4.32 4.48 OKENE 5.02 6.22 ONITSHA 5.03 6.23 OYO 5.10 6.30 P/HARCOURT/OWERRI 5.04 6.24 POTISKUM 4.32 4.53 SAGAMU 5.13 6.33 SOKOTO 4.54 6.14 TAKUM/WUKARI 4.47 6.09 WARRI 5.08 6.28 LANGTANG/WASE/SHENDAM 4.45 6.01 WURNO 4.52 6.12 YOLA/NUMAN 4.34 5.54 ZARIA 4.49 6.09

MAGRIB 6.40 7.01 6.48 6.45 6.44 6.41 6.27 6.41 6.51 6.51 6.53 6.53 7.06 6.32 6.35 6.51 6.46 6.56 6.43 6.53 6.35 7.02 6.57 7.04 6.45 6.58 6.59 6.31 6.48 6.43 6.51 6.50 6.45 6.50 6.49 6.55 6.58 6.44 7.00 6.48 6.29 6.41 6.52 6.39 6.59 6.29 6.42 6.50 6.46 6.59 6.43 6.37 6.59 7.04 6.35 6.49 6.38 7.03 6.27 6.50

SOURCE: Society for Propagation of Islam, Kaduna.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

News

Presidency orders clearance of Apapa gridlock in two weeks By Lawrence Olaoye

he Presidency has ordered the clearance of Apapa gridlock and the restoration of law and order to Apapa and its environs within 2 weeks. The directive mandates the immediate removal of all trucks from the bridges and roads within Apapa and all adjoining streets leading into the axis. To facilitate this important assignment, operators of trucks and tankers have also been directed to vacate the Port Access Roads within the next 72 hours. According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by a Presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, this directive followed an emergency meeting convened by President Muhammadu Buhari and chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the 25th of April, 2019.

The meeting proffered lasting solutions to the gridlock around the Lagos Ports, as the traffic congestion has continued to restrict all operations and livelihood in the area. At the meeting were key heads and representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government, including the Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola; Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu; representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral B.E.E Ibe-Enwo; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Salaam Taiwo Olufemi; and the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Sokonte Davies, among others. Consequently, a Presidential Taskforce, chaired by Vice President Osinbajo was established to restore law and order to the area within 2 weeks. The Taskforce, which will

report directly to the President, has included on its Terms of Reference the development of an efficient and effective management plan for the entire port area traffic, including the cargo, fuel distribution and business district traffic; enforcing the permanent removal of all stationary trucks on the highway, and the development of an effective manual truck call-up system, pending the introduction of the electronic truck call-up system. It also includes the implementation of a workable Empty Container Return and Export Container Truck Handling Policy, amongst others. Members of the taskforce include Mr. Kayode Opeifa, former Commissioner of Transport in Lagos State, as the Executive Vice Chairman; a representative of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC); the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC). Other members include a special unit of the

Discipline my top most priority in second term -Bida Poly Rector From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.

espite the turbulent four years of his first tenure the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Dr Abubakar Abdul Zhukogi said he has achieved his seven point agenda as discipline which is a serious problem will now be central in his new policy.

Zhukogi gave the charge yesterday in Bida at a dinner party and Iftar in honour of his reappointment as Rector of the Institution for second term that begun on 21st May, 2019. He said that his emergence as Rector was God’s destiny while urging the workers to accept him the way he is created by God as an independent minded and straight forward

person hence he applauded the management for their support and team work thus far. The Rector attributed his sour relationship with the ASUP that he has accorded great respect for as a unionist who brought the union to the institution to recent lack of pursuance of the welfare of the members by the leadership rather polarized and personalized issues which he resisted.

Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (right) watches as newly appointed chairmen of caretaker committees of local government councils take their oaths of office in a ceremony at Government House, yesterday in Damaturu

Two ex-NBA chairmen, treasurer arraigned over alleged fraud

wo former chairmen of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Adesina Ogunlana and Yinka Farounbi were on Wednesday arraigned for allegedly defrauding the association of N20 million. Also arraigned was a former treasurer of the branch, Aderinola Kappo Mr Farounbi served as NBA chairman between 2014 and 2016 with Kappo serving as treasurer during the period. Mr Ogunlana served as chairman from 2016 to 2018. The trio are jointly charged with conspiracy to steal. Mr Ogunlana is charged with 15-counts of stealing and one-count of money laundering, while Mr Farounbi and Kappo are jointly charged with 13 counts of stealing. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the 30-count charge before an Ikeja Special Offences Court. The former NBA Ikeja branch executives are accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of conniving and stealing N20 million belonging to the body of lawyers.

According to the EFCC Prosecutor, S. O. Daji, Mr Farounbi and Kappo allegedly committed the offences from June 15, 2016 to April 9, 2018 in Lagos. While Mr Ogunlana is alleged by the antigraft commission to have committed the offences from July 18, 2016 to April 10, 2018. “Farounbi and Kappo on 13 occasions without authorisation and in order to facilitate the stealing of N20 million funds belonging to the Ikeja Branch of the NBA issued cheques to Ogunlana. “The cheques were paid into Ogunlana’s personal bank account No. 2004528818 with First Bank Plc during his tenure as Chairman of NBA Ikeja branch. “He dishonestly converted the funds to his personal use,” Daji said. Shedding light on the money laundering charge, the prosecutor said: “Sometime in 2017, Ogunlana converted to his own use, N1 million out of N2.8 million purportedly paid to Brand in Demand Ltd for the NBA Ikeja Branch.

“In order to disguise the legal origin of the money, informed Adegoke Dairo of Brand in Demand Ltd to issue him an invoice/receipt No. 82871 as purported payment for the NBA Ikeja Branch,” he said. The offences contravened Sections 278, 285(1), 330 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011. Following their plea, Mr Daji asked the court for a trial date and for the former NBA Ikeja executives to be remanded in prison custody. The EFCC prosecutor, however, told the court that the anti-graft commission was only served the bail applications of the defendants in court before the arraignment. He noted that he would “vehemently” oppose their bail application. “Even my learned colleagues are threatening me but I’m not afraid. I’m doing what their taxes were paid to do,” Mr Daji said. Justice Mojisola Dada in granting the defendants bail, noted that they were ex-officio members of the NBA Ikeja branch.(NAN)

Nigeria Police Force led by a Commissioner of Police, representatives of the Truck Transport Union, the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and other relevant MDAs. The Nigerian Navy and all other military formations have also been mandated to withdraw from traffic management duties in and around the Apapa axis, while military and paramilitary checkpoints in front of the ports and environs are to be dismantled. In addition, LASTMA has been authorised to move into Apapa as the lead traffic management agency, while the NPA is to commence the immediate use of the Lilypond Terminal and Trailer Park A as a truck transit park. The directive further mandates compliance by all security personnel and MDAs, while heads of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, and all other security operatives are to ensure their officers’ adherence to the new directives.

Deputy Senate president: Gaya garners more support By Usman Shuaibu

rofessional associations, trade union movements and sundry political activists, social affairs commentators as well as Nigerians of all works of life have canvassed for Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya (APC Kano South) to emerge deputy senate presidency of the 9th Senate. The groups under the aegis of Citizens United to Save Democracy (CUSD) in a communiqué issued in Abuja and signed by it National Secretary, Comrade Anozie Okafor, said the Kano South senator is most qualified for the seat, having been elected and re-elected to the red chamber for the fourth time. They said the experience of the senator as former executive governor of Kano state, vice president of the Inter–Parliamentary Union (Africa Group), and chairman Senate Committee on Works are all credentials requiring the APC and colleagues to rally round him for the position. Specifically, CUSD said, “Senator Kabiru Gaya as deputy president of the 9th Senate is an idea whose time has come and we call on the entirety of the 108 senators to support his candidacy, irrespective of sectional, ethnic or religious affiliation, given his proven track record of competence, honesty, dedication, transparency, efficiency, humility, inclusiveness and widespread acceptance and popularity across the length and breadth of the hallowed chamber. “Senator Kabiru Gaya has faithfully discharged his duties and functions in the legislative, representative and oversight arena with the highest sense of responsibility, professionalism and exemplary performance thus earning him deserved accolades among his colleagues, his people and Nigerians in general.” The conglomerate of the association particularly said that motion moved by Senator Gaya for the release of Zainab Ali who was wrongfully arrested on drug charges in Saudi Arabia, is something Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry. The civil society group also said, “In the spirit of Pan Nigeria unity and co-operation, Senator Kabiru Gaya on behalf of the people of Kano South senatorial zone sponsored the motion for the establishment of the North East Development Commission even though he is from the North-west geopolitical zone.” CUSD assured that the 9th Senate will witness robust, vibrant, purposeful and vigorous debate and discourse if Kabiru Gaya assumes the deputy senate presidency.

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News

Buhari asks ministers to handover Tuesday Explains why he didn’t change cabinet in 4 years

By Lawrence Olaoye

resident Muhammadu Buhari has directed his cabinet ministers to handover to their various Permanent Secretaries Tuesday next week. Though yesterday’s was the last Council meeting, the President urged them to continue in office and hand over to their various Permanent Secretaries next Tuesday, a day before his oath-taking for second term in office. This is even as the President who chaired the valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, explained that he refused to rejig the cabinet in the last three and half years because the ministers contributed their divergent views during heated debates which eventually led to rational decisions taken by the Council. He ordered the ministers to submit their handing over letters to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) thereafter. On why he held on to the ministers for that long, Buhari said “Although we all had a common vision, we frequently had heated debates in this room on the best way to achieve our goals. These differing views are what made the decisions we took all the

more rational. It is this quality that made me retain my cabinet for the full term. Each of you in this room has a unique skill and strength. We are a reflection of the Nigeria we aspire to achieve. A diverse but tolerant nation where no one is silenced and where every opinion should be heard and considered.” While commending the cabinet members for serving to the best of their abilities, the President added “You should be proud to have been part of the Government that liberated the local governments previously under Boko Haram rule. “You should be proud to have contributed to our food security and economic diversification agenda which led to the revival of our rural agrarian economy “You should be proud to have been part of the team that developed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan which led Nigeria exiting its worst recession in decades. “You should be proud to have introduced the social investment program that enhanced livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. “You should be proud to have participated in settling outstanding pensions of many senior citizens abandoned

by previous governments while supporting state governments to meet their salary arrears. And of course, you should all be proud to have overseen the most ambitious road, rail and airport rehabilitation programs in the history of our country. I want to put on record, that your achievements in the last three and a half hears has guaranteed your position in the history books of this nation. You have certainly built the foundations for an improved economy and a more purposeful government.” The President recalled that his administration inherited a broken economy which eventually went into recession in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2016. The situation, he added, was further compounded by insecurity and massive corruption. According to him, “Many would have given up. Indeed, many outside commentators said our situation was well nigh hopeless. However, we all came together and pushed forward to deliver our campaign promise to rescue our country from its parlous state.” Buhari, who recognized that the success recorded so far by his administration was

made possible by the the cooperation and hard work of the ministers, also paid tributes to those ministers who resigned their appointments for one reason or the other as well as the dead, late James Ocholi SAN who,died alongside his wife and son in a road accident. Ministers who were given three minutes each to make their valedictory comments took their turns to pour encomiums on the President for giving them the opportunity to serve the country. The ministers, who said they had learnt a lot of lessons serving under the President, also commended Buhari and the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, for providing purposeful leadership and giving a right direction for the country. Buhari was specifically applauded for his integrity and dedication as well as for his calmness in the face of daunting challenges. Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu in his comments advised the President to take more interest in investment into Information Communication Technology (ICT) which he claimed had the potential of transforming the nation economically. As the ministers were exiting the Villa, they were seen handing over their diplomatic passports to the protocol officials of the State House.

Some of members of House of Representatives who are not returning back moving out their belonging from National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Appeal Court President, Bulkachuwa, withdraws from presidential election tribunal By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

he President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, has withdrawn herself as a chairman and member of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. This is sequel to the application filed the Peoples Democratic Party and its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, seeking the withdrawal of tribunal Chairman, Bulkachuwa, from the panel, alleging the likelihood of bias. In a 19-paragraphed affidavit, Atiku and the PDP claimed that they were not comfortable that Justice Bulkachuwa, who they described as “a wife and mother of card carrying members of the All Progressives

Congress”, nominated herself to head the panel. At the resumed proceeding yesterday, the lead counsel to President Buhari, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, submitted that Atiku and the PDP, had no reason whatsoever to be apprehensive about the involvement of the Court of Appeal President in the adjudication of their dispute with regards to the outcome of the 2019 presidential election. In his argument, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (1st Respondent) Yunuz Uztaz, urged the tribunal to dismiss Atiku and PDP’s motion. He insisted that it contrabands section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,

adding that it is discriminatory. Counsel to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, accused the PDP and Atiku of engaging in “cheap blackmail”. He argued that PDP is in the habit of engaging in “unpardonable and regrettable attacks” on Judges. “This application is nothing but cheap blackmail. On facts and law, the application is most unmeritorious”, Fagbemi argued. In its ruling, the five-man panel of the tribunal, in a unanimous ruling dismissed the application, however, Bulkachuwa said she was withdrawing for “personal reasons.” “I am recusing myself from the panel for personal reasons.” I am happy that the matter had been settled “based on facts and

the law” so that “another female judge will no longer have to face what I have faced.” ‘’A new presiding Justice would be appointed for the panel,’’ Reading the ruling, Justice Olabisi Ige, held that the relationship between Justice Bulkachuwa and her husband, Adamu Bulkachuwa, who is a senator-elect, and her son Aliyu Abubakar, a governorship aspirant, both on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, was not enough reason to conclude that she would be biased. Justice Ige also ruled that no inference of likelihood of bias could be inferred from the speech delivered by Justice Bulkachuwa at the inaugural sitting of the tribunal on May 8 that she had pre-judged the petitioners’ petition.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, May 23, 2019

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News

47m Nigerians still practicing open defecation -UNICEF From Ahmed Kebbi

Idris

Birnin

he UNICEF has said that forty seven million Nigerians are still practicing open defecation. Speaking at a two-day workshop on media dialogue on sanitation:

“Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign”, UNICEF Specialist, Mr. Bioye Ogunjobi said that Nigeria ranks second among countries practicing open defecation globally. He also said further that open defecation has an economic, social and health impact on national development while Nigeria loses

about 1.3% (N455billion) of GDP annually due to poor sanitation and a third of that cost is as a result of open defecation. “You see, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with support from UNICEF Nigeria and other development partners, and in partnership with inter-ministerial

agencies, civil society organizations, the media, the private sector and Nigerians are currently leading the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign to end open defecation by 2025 and achieved universal access to safely managed sanitation” he added. He said that Nigeria needs to add

two million toilets per year between 2019 and 2025 to achieve the target of Universal Basic Sanitation. He appealed to the media houses, traditional rulers as well as the religious leaders to support the UNICEF and government agencies in advocating the uses of toilet and sanitation system.

Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa: CISLAC, Nigerian women decry gender discrimination By Musa Adamu

he Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Women in Nigeria (WiN) have condemned what the termed the ongoing unfair and undemocratic agitations to undermine the nation’s emerging efforts at attaining inclusive, participatory and equal opportunity in both public and private spheres. According to a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa, Executive Director, CISLAC and Ms. Chioma Kanu, WIN, the ongoing agitation by some people to push out Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa as Chairman of the Presidential Election Petition Panel was a case

in point. It said the reasons behind the agitation was a baseless political reason and unjustified ground that her spouse was a member of a political party. It said the two groups were known for working assiduously to advocate for gender equity and inclusiveness in appointive and elective positions with the view of achieving full implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action for Women by governments at all levels. It said: “This is in compliance with the African Union’s Protocol on the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights, as ratified by member nations

including Nigeria, as well as the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) which was also ratified by Nigeria.” They said they were concerned on the “continued marginalisation, unchecked discrimination and abuse of women despite existence of the ratified protocol, National Gender Policy, Violence Against Women Prohibition Act, Gender and Affirmative Action and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which guarantee comprehensive rights to women, including the right to adequately engage in the political process, socio-economic space, health, justice system in both

public and private spheres.” They declared their opposition to the agitation by some groups to push out Justice Bulkachuwa as Chairman of the Presidential Election Petition Panel. “According to Section 239 (1) (a), the Court of Appeal has the original jurisdiction to hear and determine questions as to whether any person has been validly elected to the office of the President or the Vice President, recall that Section 3 of the sixth schedule of the 1999 constitution empowers the President to appoint the Chairman and members of the Election Petition Tribunals; and the provision of section 145 of the Electoral Act 2010, states that

President of the Court of Appeal may issue practice directions for Election Tribunals. “In view of the fact that there is no established evidence of malpractice against her it is unfair to deny her this position. we call for total respect for the rights, dignity, freedom and solidarity for womenfolk at all levels, we also urge all well-meaning Nigerians to kick against gender discrimination and encourage gender justice.”

Gov. Gaidam swears in new local council chairmen From Uche Uche, Damaturu.

R-L: Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Faraday presenting a gift to Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele who is flanked by the University Registrar, Dr.(Mrs.) Otasowie Oshodin, and Prof Eddy Erhagbe, Orator of the Institution at the 3Rd Eminent Lecture Series of the school, Yesterday in Benin.

Dogara holds special Ramadan prayers for Nigeria By Umar Muhammad Puma

peaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has joined Muslim faithful to offer prayers to God in a special Ramadan session he hosted in the House of Representatives, for wisdom to handle all the security challenges bedeviling Nigeria. It ha become a tradition for Speaker Yakubu Dogara to host Muslim brethren in the House of Representatives in breaking their fast during the Holy Month

and joining in the Iftar prayer where Nigeria’s challenges are brought up. Speaking at the prayer session, the Speaker stated that prayers should be focused on wisdom for leaders of Nigeria to be able to handle the many challenges the country is faced with, especially that of insecurity. Dogara said, “We use the opportunity to pray for our dear country and for everyone in authority, more so at this period that our nation is being faced with so many challenges; be it the

insecurity of lives and properties, as well as the challenges pertaining the economy which has given rise to the insurgency that we are witnessing.” He, therefore, called for prayers for the leadership of the nation in the Executive, National Assembly and all other spheres of leadership, for God to give them wisdom for them to be able to handle these challenges. He also asked for prayers for specific challenges being faced with as a nation, including issues of insecurity, terrorism and

kidnappings, as well as for the solutions to the issues. He said, “We believe that if some of these individuals have better jobs, they will not engage in these vices, pray for the communities, because like it or not, these individuals are members of our communities and hence our followers. “Let us pray that God will have mercy on our nation to overcome all the problems, unite the country and then make meaningful development as a nation.”

obe State Governor, Alh. Ibrahim Gaidam has sworn-in seventeen local government management committee chairmen following the expiration of the tenure of the elected councils and their subsequent dissolution on the 16th of February, 2019. Considering that almost all the appointed and sworn-in chairmen were among those whose tenure expired, he pointed out that their re-appointment was in appreciation of their contributions to the development of their areas and that of the state in general. He emphasized on the fact that, those past council chairmen, in spite of the challenges they faced in their respective areas, they worked with commitment, resulting in execution of numerous developmental projects. “From the report submitted by the Alhaji Muhammad Laminled committee on verification of the projects executed by the local governments from January 2015 to December, 2018, most of the approved projects were implemented and have contributed greatly towards uplifting the standard of living conditions of citizens at the grassroot,” the governor stated. He urged them to consider their appointment as a call to service and a challenge which requires total commitment, dedication to duty and the exhibition of the spirit of accountability in the performance of their duties and to justify the confidence reposed on them by the government and good people of the state. Some of sworn-in chairmen, he said, would also be assigned with the responsibility of serving as supervisory councilors in the departments of the local governments.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ational Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has sued for collaborative efforts against human trafficking. Dame Julie Okah-Donli, Director -General of the Agency who made the call on Tuesday at a town hall meeting of stakeholders on Human Trafficking/Irregular Migration, the launch of “Not For Sale” campaign, organised by NAPTIP in collaboration with the United KAFE Agency Institute for Development,(UKAID ) in Asaba, Delta state, explained that collaborative efforts in the fight against inhuman activities, would however provide fruitful results for possible end to the current trend of trade by “heartless” traffickers. Represented by Mr Arinze Orakwe, Director of Intelligence and Public Enlightenment at the Agency, said the causes of human trafficking in the country has not changed, adding that only concerted efforts of all stakeholders would effect tremendous changes and arrest the urgly trend bedeviling Nigeria.

CRIME News

NAPTIP urges stronger partnerships in fight against human trafficking “The cause of the human trafficking had not changed; deprivation, unemployment, poverty, economic, collapse in family values are some of the triggers. “This is part of the reasons why NAPTIP see the fight as collective responsibility, it is not something government alone can do and I am glad that Delta government has set up a task force to tackle the menace. “The next thing is to encourage a free and functional education for the pupils and students so that they will have no reason not to go

to school,” NAPTIP boss said She noted that the campaign was tailored towards Edo/Delta because they have the highest number of people repatriated from Libya, but added that trafficking in all forms has become endemic, especially in other states in the country. “This campaign is tagged, “Not for Sale” no child in Nigeria is for sale by anybody, so that is why we are here to sensitise the students. “The students have been charged to share with the fellow students what they have learnt that it pays to work hard and

make it in the country because it does not seem rossy abroad as traffickers often promise. “Benin kingdom fought against slave trade long ago, so, choosing Edo /Delta for this campaign, we want to underscore that old belief that our children are not for sale by anybody,” OkahDonli explained She disclosed that Agency’s major challenge had been funding, adding that NAPTIP had canvassed for human trafficking to be included in school curriculum with a view to mentally empower the students as part of its achievements,

L-R: Commander Peacekeeping Center, Martin LutherAgwai Jaji, Presenting an award to Head of Small Arms Division Ecowas Commission, Mr Ahioba Joseph Piex; during the inauguration of Multi National Small Arms and Ammunition Group Course, yesterday in Kaduna. Photo: NAN

Benue Police launches new operation to end killings From Uche Makurdi

unfortunately had not achieved its desired objective. She however lauded the UKAid for its support, and commended the Delta Government for supporting the fight against human trafficking, and pledged to take the campaign to all the local government areas in the state. The state governor Dr, Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by Mrs Genevieve Mordi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on International Relations said his administration was committed to the eradication of human trafficking in the state.

Nnorom,

enue State Police Command yesterday launched ‘Operaton Puff Adder’, OPA to curb the increasing crime wave in the State. The new Police Commissioner Garba Mukkadas who performed the launch at the State Police Headquarters, Makurdi said it is a directive from the Inspector General of Police Tanko Mohammed as part of measures by the forces to reduce the high rate of crime in the country. He said the 130 men for the operation have been carefully selected and well trained to protect lives and property even as he urged them to be professional in their conduct. “Be civil in dealing with members of the public. You need their cooperation to succeed. Also, shun all forms of corruption as this would not be tolerated”, CP Mukkadas warned. It would be noted that there has been increasing rate of kidnapping, cultism and ethnic conflicts which has led to the death of many as well as destruction of property in Benue State.

Army foils communal clash in Delta From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

lood bath amidst communal clash in Koko community, Delta State, was on Tuesday averted by military taskforce in the area. It was gathered that the 19 Battalion of the Nigeria Army in Koko community, Warri North Local Government Area of the State stalled communal clash which reared its heads between Ajoki ,Kolokolo communities in the early hours of the fateful Tuesday after a member of one of the communities was feared killed. Sources said that the crisis would have taken a turn for the worst If not for the timely intervention of the military taskforce who immediately moved into the two aggrieved communities to forestall peaceful coexistence. It was further gathered that trouble was ignited by the alleged seizure of a barge belonging to Ajoki community by Kolokolo

community, an action that was said to have been stemmed from grievances allegedly held against Sahara Energy who it claimed favoured Ajoki community. Sources alleged that a barge conveying workers and materials was hired by Kolokolo community and seized after the duration for the contract elapsed, but another source maintained that the request for the release of the Barge was met with stiff resistance which resulted in armed men from Ajoki community allegedly firing gunshots into the air, disturbing noise that attracted the military taskforce to the scene to save the situation. But Major Yakubu Kachaallah, leader of the military taskforce who confirmed the incident to journalists in the area, said,” we had to save what would have been blood bath by the two aggrieved communities, we restored peaceful coexistence and peace had returned to both communities, we ordered the release of the Barge which was the major cause of

the clash, and it was released for peace.” Meanwhile, six suspected oil thieves operating within Warri north were in the early of Wednesday arrested by the military taskforce and handed over to the police for further prosecution. Details of the arrest of the suspects as at the time of this report was not too clear as none of the taskforce members were ready to comment on the issue, but managed to say investigation was ongoing. FG arraigns journalist, Jones Abiri for terrorism, economic sabotage The Nigerian government on Wednesday arraigned journalist Jones Abiri for alleged economic sabotage and terrorism. Federal prosecutors filed three counts of terrorism, economic sabotage, and fraud against Mr Abiri on Wednesday morning, according to his lawyer, Samuel Ogala. Court filing seen by PREMIUM

TIMES said Mr Abiri sent text messages from his phone number to Shell and Agip officials, threatening to blow their oil installations if his demands were not met. The Bayelsa-based journalist was also accused of leading a gang of activists to blow up pipelines in Bayelsa. All the offences allegedly took place between June and July 2016. The charges came nine months after Mr Abiri was freed from the custody of the State Security Service, after spending two years there without trial. The journalist strongly denied all allegations, saying he was being targeted for his media work that put a spotlight on the controversial conducts of oil companies and the Nigerian government in the Niger Delta. His ordeal has been a major topic of discussion amongst media rights advocates, with the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalist asking for all charges to be dropped.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

News

Aviation union pickets NCAA, demands removal of DG

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

nions in the Nigerian aviation industry yesterday made real the threat to paralyse activities of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over alleged Ministerial interference in the organogram of the agency and the refusal of the management to push for the implementation of the new Condition of Service (C0S) which is before the Salary and Wages Commission while also demanding the removal of the Director General of NCAA, Captain Usman Muhtar. The leadership of the unions, comprising the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)

and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) stormed the gates of the NCAA complex at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos and at about 5:am an barricaded it entrance. Staff who arrived for duty couldn’t gain entrance as they met the gets under lock and key while the unions chant solidarity songs demanding the implementation of agreement reach with the NCAA management and the ministry of Transportation (Aviation). The protesting workers carried placards bearing various inscription such as “Captain Muhtar must go, enough is enough”, “ bring back our autonomy”, “our demand, expanded organogram, staff friendly COS, renegotiated staff health insurance policy” among others.

President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Illitrus Ahmadu told reporters that the strike will continue as long as the NCAA management and the ministry did not yield to their demands. He said the failure to engage the unions in discussion is akin to calling the bluff of the bodies. “I can assure you that that since we wrote to the Minister expressing our grievances and copied the NCAA management, nobody invited us to discuss the issue so it is like calling the bluff of the unions with regards to the ultimatum.” “You must understand that we are in a very tight position as unions. I can speak to you categorically as the leadership we are under tremendous pressure, workers are losing confidence in

us and they expect nothing but what we are doing today.” He said “We had a situation in NCAA and we agreed with management that the way to go about this is to review the organogram, management did a review with financial justification to say we have the capacity for the implementation of the new organogram, document was sent to the ministry for review, the ministry set up a team, they came, we agreed at the stakeholders meeting on certain things, l remember l asked the chairman of the committee, the former DHR ministry of aviation who said if we are satisfied with what we have and l said we were not fully satisfied but we can live with the consensus reached.” According to Illitrus, “We were hopeful the document will come the way we agreed,

L-R: Resident Commissioner of INEC, Oyo State, Mr Mutiu Agboke; Vice Chancellor Fountain University, Prof Amidu Sanni; Chairman of Occasion, Alhaji Sulaiman Lawal; during the Muslim Lawyers Ramadan Lecture, yesterday in Ibadan. Photo: NAN

NATFORCE DG commends Buhari over Executive Order on fire arms By Paul Efong, Abuja

he National Taskforce to Combat Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunitions, Light, Chemical Weapons and monitoring of oil Pipeline vandalism(NATFORCE) and the President Importers Association of Nigeria(IMAN) Chief Dr.Osita Emmanuel Okereke, OON has commended President Mouhammed Buhari for signing into law the Executive Order which is aimed at removing, revoking, banishing all firearm or shotgun certificates or licenses from individuals in Nigeria. Speaking with newsmen yesterday in his office in Abuja,

Chief Okereke described as very timely such an Executive Order adding that its seek to revoke and banish all firearms or shortgun certificates and license across the country thereby creating a very conducive atmosphere for his organizations to operate with little or no challenges in making sure that all forms of illegal arms are wipe out in the country. Speaking further, Okereke also emphasized the negative effect of arms proliferation in the society and in the country at large alleging that some states government have recruited and armed several security outfit just for political reasons, leading to several cases banditry and several other security

challenges in the country. According to Chief Okereke “many security agencies bearing arms could not and would not be the solution to Nigeria’s insecurity problems, many of such organizations are illegal and some have long been used by some politicians or highly placed in the society to perpetrate evil deed against perceived enemies”. Speaking while reacting to questions fielded in by some reporters on the expected role of his organization he said “ with the new law now in place, we shall join hands with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police to enforce the law. It is now clear that anybody with firearms license or not must

immediately hands them over to the police on or before May 31, else we shall swing into action and make sure that the law takes it cause”. “This Executive Order is a first of its kind in this country, the president has firsthand information than anybody else in this country, look at the way insecurity has taken over everywhere, nobody is safe, nobody knows the next step to be taken by these unscrupulous elements and so. We commend the tenacity and courage of President Buhari in endorsing this Order because it is for everybody good, he acted on security reports available to him”.

then they came back rather than implement the expanded organogram agreed upon, they now shrank the organogram.” He added that “the core essence of the review was to address an issue that arose in 2017 out of the promotion examination. They did not address that problem; rather they went and did something contrary.” Speaking on why the unions did not ground flight, the ATSSAN President noted that “our intention is not to inflict pains on the Nigeria public and travellers, our grievance are with the NCAA and the Ministry and l can tell you flight operations can go on but l can also tell you that the impact will be felt in due course” “There are administrative issues, approvals that airline wants to obtain, they cannot get it within this period, we don’t have to shut down the airports or disrupt flight operations to achieve what we want” On whether the bodies are ready to meet with the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who has extended invitation to them for dialogue, he said “we got calls around 6 pm on Tuesday that the ministry is inviting us for a meeting in Abuja, so why did they wait till the eleventh hour, so we decided the strike action will on, we will avail ourselves to meet with government, if we are not satisfied with the outcome of the discussions, we will continue.” Illitrus assured workers the union will not back down until all the demands are implemented just as he accused the NCAA management of not showing the commitment to ensure the speedy implementation of the condition of service of the agency document before the salary and wages commission.

Yobe to spend additional N6.19bn on cargo airport From Uche Uche, Damaturu.

obe state Executive Council has approved the sum of N6.19 billion for the upgrade of the design and bill of quantities for the completion of the state International Cargo Airport, Damaturu. The state Commissioner for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hon. Mala Musti, disclosed this while briefing newsmen of the outcome of the council’s meeting held yesterday at the council’s chamber at the Government House and chaired by the state Governor, Alh. Ibrahim Gaidam. He also stated that the council has equally approved the sum of N127.2 million to cater for operational expenses of the 2019 hajj.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

News

Gov Badaru dissolves governing councils, boards of agencies, institutions From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

s the 2015-2019 tenure came to an end, the Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Badaru has approved the dissolution of governing councils/ boards of some tertiary institutions and agencies under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in the State. The dissolution with immediate effect was contained in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Adumu Abdulkadir Fanini yesterday in Dutse the state capital. According to the statement, the affected tertiary institutions and the agencies include College of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, and Jigawa State Institute for Information Technology, Kazaure. Others are College of Islamic and Legal Studies, Ringim, Bilyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa State Library Board, Islamic Education Bureau and Jigawa State Scholarship Board. The statement extend government ‘s appreciation for the services rendered by the members and hoped that they should avail themselves whenever similar call is made to serve the State.

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Hate speech key to destruction of peace, unity, Islamic scholar warns From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

he notable islamic scholar and the chief Imam of Dutse central mosques Dr Abubakar Sani Birnin Kudu said, the danger of hate speeches could lead to the destruction of peace and unity among the Nigerian citizens. Dr Birnin Kudu also faulted politicians over the increased spread of hate speeches and the circulation of fake news amongst the people. The notable scholar dropped the hint yesterday at the event of Ramadan lecture organised by the state Chapter of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the Federal University Dutse (FUD) with theme : the spread of fake news

and hare speech: the position of Islam’. According to him,the rise of the social media is an innovation so influential that it has become the strongest tool utilized by people to cause transformations in the political, social, religious and economic spheres of human life in modern society. Dr Abubakar who is also the chief Imam of Dutse central mosque added that, the global clamour for freedom of speech, freedom of expression is being utilized negatively such that everyone interprets that freedom in a manner that suits him and gives him the chance to generate and spread his kind of misinformation”. He stated that, “the abuse of this freedom is the subject of

discussion all over the globe as it affects politics, religion, socioeconomic life, ethnicity etc.”, adding further that, “Lies are made to appear as normal decent and true stories”. He noted with dismay that Vile, hostile and hateful comments dominate the social media and dangerous exchanges between individuals and groups engaged in such discourse has become the order of the day. He noted that, “for the faithful to know the Islamic stand on these negative aspects of our life is very imperative especially now that we are in the month of Ramadan, the fasting of which is a pillar of Islam and during which the Prophet Muhammad made prohibited for the fasting Muslim to utter false statements, false testimony,

engage in back-biting others and other vulgar statements”, he stated. The representative of the Jigawa state Governor, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim Mamser blamed the proliferation of independent media houses that seems to condone the perpetrators of such Vice by giving them the platform to air their perceived freedom of expression views. He said the National Communication Commission (NCC) in conjunction with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) must clamp down any defaulting media house or media platform used in the propagation of either hate of fake news that would serve as severe deterant to others.

L-R: Member Elect, House of Reps, Hon. Linda Ikpeazu, deputy speakership Aspirant, House of Reps, Hon. Idris Wase, Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyeson Wike and Speakership Aspirant, 9th House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, during the Aspirants consultation visit to the governor in Port Harcourt, yesterday in Rivers State

2 consortia jostle for Asaba Airport as concessioning bids open From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ids r the concessioining of the Asaba International Airport were opened on Wednesday with two consortia, FIDMA/MA and AIMS becoming the favourite bidders. At the opening of the bids by the transaction adviser on the concessioning of the airport, HALCROW Infrastructure Nigeria Limited in a brief but interesting ceremony which saw representatives of the consortia in attendance, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa stated that his desire is to have an airport that is of international standards running effectively in Delta State. According to Governor Okowa who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, “we are happy with the interest of various consortia for the Asaba Airport concession and want to reassure you that the bids will be diligently analysed by the transaction advisers.” FIDC/MA Consortium and AIMS Consortium led by Adanwimo Ezeife and Chief Onome Onokpasa respectively commended the transparency and fairness of the bidding process, stating that they look forward to the announcement of the results of the technical evaluation.

Sex trafficking: US court jails Nigerian-born ex policeman 14 years

Nigerian-born man, Chukwuemeka Ekwonna, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison on charges of paying two teenage girls for sex while he was employed as a police officer in

Washington, D.C. According to The Baltimore Sun, Ekwonna pleaded guilty to the charges on Tuesday, before US Attorney Robert Hur. Ekwonna, 29, was also sentenced to five years of supervised release after

his prison term. Two counts of sex trafficking of a minor were levelled against the former police officer. It was revealed that Ekwonna exchanged more than 250 text messages and social media

messages with two girls, ages 14 and 15, and paid both for sex. Ekwonna was charged in April 2017 with soliciting sex from a 15-year-old girl in Glen Burnie and then robbing her at gunpoint.

Abuja: Female handset repairers decry epileptic power supply By Abba-Eku Onyeka

he Directors of Blessed Dominion Ventures: a company owned by women handset repairers, Ms Mercy Orif and Mrs Peace Esonye have decried epileptic electricity supply, saying it has been affecting them seriously in their business. Speaking to our reporter in their workshop in Abuja, Orif boasted of their ability to repair any kind of handset and restore it to its initial position, but regretted that poor power supply has been

hindering their business, just as she informed that they learnt the trade at a recent skill acquisition programme organised by the Redeem Christian Church of God, Jesuse Embassy in Kabusa, Abuja Appealing to the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led government to as a matter of importance and urgency do something about power supply in the country, Orif said with what they had been undergoing, she had come to know the importance contribution of power supply to the economy. She however, appealed to

the government and concerned individuals to assist them acquire a generator with which to be generating electricity in order to continue their work. Similarly, her colleague, Mrs Esonye said appart from the epileptic electricity supplies, they needed equipments and assessories, which if acquired would offer them the opportunity to showcase Nigerians what the women folk can do. She said if well encouraged, they would train other Nigerians, even as she informed that they learnt the

trade within three months. A passer-by, Apostle Frankiin Agusy who spoke to our man commended the women for the courage they sommoned. He however urged those in the public and private sectors to encourage such women, which if done, according to him would not only make them achieve their targets, also motivate other women to queue up. Calling on other women to emulate Orif and Esonye, he urged the partners to keep the pace at which they have been going.

News

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday,may 23, 2019

EDITORIAL

Katsina killings: Buhari orders probe by Police, CDS By Lawrence Olaoye

resident Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin and the Acting Inspector General of Police (Ag. IGP), Mohammed Adamu, to immediately commence probe into the reports of

the killings of citizens in Katsina by bandits. The President who, according to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, received the reports of the killings with shocks assuring that the government will restore peace and

stability in the polity. He ordered the Ag. IGP and the CDS to constitute an assessment team to intervene immediately in the state, and bring a feedback to him. Buhari, specifically, instructed the security chiefs to find out how the operation was carried out by the perpetrators, not minding the

Holy month of Ramadhan, and put in place structures to prevent future occurrence. The President, who has been briefed on the criminal and political intents of the attacks in Katsina and other parts of the North, described the carnage as senseless. He admonished that all those

instigating violence in the North and other parts of the country will be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law. The President commiserated with the Governor and people of Katsina State over the losses and prayed that Allah will comfort those who have lost loved ones.

Group praises military for maintaining retirement policy By Albert Akota

R-L: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Managing Director of Skodak Agro Industry Project ltd, Mr. Bunmi Oyefeso and Mrs. Bolaji Osime, during the vice president’s meeting with CBN, Skodak Agro Industry Project Ltd and other Farmers at the Presidential Villa on Monday in Abuja. Photo: V.P’s Office

he Young Christians Forum of Nigeria (YCFN) has described as unfounded allegations of lopsided recruitment, postings, appointments and retirements of military personnel by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). A statement yesterday signed by its President Rev. Nathaniel Ochimana Vice President, Bro. Bright Sunday in Abuja claimed that some Christian officers were silently retired from the Armed Forces and replaced by Muslims by the leadership of the Armed Forces led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonishakin was misleading. According to the Christian group, the assertion of premature retirement of Christian officers and lopsided recruitment of northern Muslims, postings, and appointments are utterly misleading. “So as not to leave any stone unturned, the Young Christians Forum investigated the claims with a view to ascertaining the

correctness of the news making the rounds in the public domain.” Upon completion of investigations, however, the group discovered that there was never a time in the history of the Armed Forces that promotions and retirements were based on ethnic or religious factors. “Findings gathered from the Federal Character Commission indicates that no such infraction was recorded in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonishakin “ Findings from the National Human Rights Commission also indicates that the commission is not in receipt of any petition on religious and ethnic discrimination in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” “The Young Christians Forum of Nigeria also wishes to state that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not an ethnic or religious organization and hence it should not be associated with the promotion of ethnic or religious agenda.

I’ll rather die than lose one corps member -New NYSC DG

rig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the new Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, says he is ready to sacrifice his life to ensure that no corps member dies during the service year. Ibrahim said this on Wednesday during a visit to the staff and corps members at the NYSC Zonal Office in Akure. The DG, who said he was happy to be in the state, told corps

members to keep themselves abreast of what was happening in their environment and be security conscious. Ibrahim urged the corps members to take the opportunity of the entrepreneurial programmes put in place by the scheme rather than embarking on frivolous travels. “I will prefer to die than losing a corps member. Keep yourself abreast of what is happening in

your country, and make a difference as a corps member. “I want to rejig our skills acquisition programme. If you take it seriously, we have partners that are ready to lend you money. I am very passionate about the scheme and my corps members. “I came for a youth programme, so I decided to visit you my ‘children’. What will you be remembered for when you leave this place? Try as much as possible

to keep your records clean,” he said. Ibrahim, on the sidelines of the event, described his visit as unofficial, saying, he would look for a way by which the scheme would not depend solely on government funds. Earlier, Mrs Grace Akpabio, the state Coordinator of NYSC, described the visit of the DG as homecoming. Akpabio also said the Ondo State Government had been helping

to improve the scheme in the state, “especially with the building of perimeter fence at the Ikare Akoko Permanent Orientation Camp.” She used the visit to reel out some of the achievements to the DG, especially the reactivation of farm in Ita Ogbolu to teach interested corps members how to farm. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 18th DG of the scheme assumed duty on May 17.(NAN)

Northern CAN VC makes case for Ayokunle’s reelection as national president From; Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

he Vice Chairman of the 19 Northern States CAN, Reverend Joseph John Hayab has expressed satisfaction with the leadership of the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Supo Ayokunle hence his re,-election should be supported. He made the assertion while speaking to the media in Kaduna yesterday. Hayab added that Dr. Ayokunle has been able to protect and

defend the interest of Christians in the country, however, “some retrogressive elements are against him because he is not doing their bidding”. According to him, Christian leaders in the north and southern parts of Nigeria are behind the leadership of Ayokunle and his return as CAN President after the elections that would be conduct by the Association in June, this year. Reverend Hayab who is also the Kaduna State CAN Chairman criticised those who are presently

campaigning against the candidature of the incumbent President, saying that they are the same Christian leaders who supported the emergence of Dr. Ayokunle in 2015 when he emerged as President of the Christian body. However, he explained that “ these leaders fell apart with him because he decided not to do their bidding and move the Christian Association in Nigeria forward, which he is doing today”. Hayab who said that the Christians in the North are solidly

behind Ayokunle, pointed out that “I am in touch with many Christian leaders in Nigeria, including those who are part of the National Executive Council (NEC), over 90 percent are satisfied with Ayokunle’s leadership”. He argued that the officials of CAN in the North have been following the development since the emergence of Ayokunle as President and how some external forces within the corridors of CAN have thrown Allegations against and “we have found them as baseless”.

“Interesting, myself I knew what happened in the last elections in 2015. Some of these leaders who are now telling us that Ayokunle is bad, why were they saying then that he was an angel”. Hayab added that what the Nigerian Christian body needs today is a leader that would provide quality leadership against oppression and high-handedness. According to him, Christians in the north and Nigeria in general will rally round Dr. Ayokunle for his second term bid as CAN President.

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The obnoxious anti press policy in NASS

he management of the National for example, has rejected them, saying Assembly has published “new they are “primitive, undemocratic and guidelines” for the accreditation blatantly anti-press and anti-people.” of media organisations and their General Secretary Mary Atolagbe said correspondents to cover legislative Monday: “These guidelines run contrary proceedings. They come into effect on to the grains of reason, democratic ideals June 11. Accreditation is either permanent and they are a clear affront on the letter or temporary. The requirements for and spirit of the Nigerian constitution permanent accreditation include which empowers journalists to freely “evidence of certificate of incorporation” practice their profession without any and proof of membership of professional gag, muzzling and restriction.” The bodies as well as registration number Guild said it was disappointed by “the of membership of the Nigeria Union same 8th National Assembly which benefited immensely of Journalists (NUJ). from free press in its Media houses are also moments of trial.” required to provide code Today it has “turned of certification from the around to put the same National Library. They must have “functional bureaus” These guidelines press in shackles and chains. We reject this in Abuja, each having “not less than 5 editorial staff”. run contrary to the crude abrasion of our rights Each newspaper (print) grains of reason, constitutional to freely disseminate organization is expected democratic ideals information. It cannot to show evidence of daily and they are a stand.” The Guild called circulation of 40,000 copies. on all media houses The media organization clear affront on to rise up and reject concerned must have experience of covering the letter and spirit what it called “this medieval intrusion proceedings of the National of the Nigerian into the media space in Assembly for at least two constitution the 21st century, what years before applying for permanent accreditation. which empowers more in a democracy Nigerian media All media organizations journalists to freely which doggedly fought for must each “submit a copy of practice their and for which some its income tax return for the last two years.” The guidelines profession without journalists paid the supreme price.” say “only journalists and The Nigeria Union correspondents whose media any gag, muzzling of Journalists (NUJ), organisations meet the and restriction. on its own part, has requirements for permanent described the guidelines accreditation will be entitled to carry National Assembly identity as “satanic”. National President Chris card/membership of the respective Isiguzo has given a 24-hour ultimatum press corps” of the two chambers. to the management of the National Those that fail to meet the requirements Assembly “to rescind the satanic “will be captured under the temporary decision or face the wrath of the union.” accreditation status and they will not be He said if the ultimatum was ignored, entitled to carry the National Assembly more punitive measures would be taken identity card/membership of the press to drive home the union’s point. corps of the Senate and House of No, these guidelines cannot stand, Representatives.” not only because they undo the nice As for media houses and journalists work the National Assembly did in that have temporary accreditation, they passing the Freedom of Information Law will be allowed to cover the National to ease access to and dissemination of Assembly for a period “not exceeding information. Another reason is that some one week in the first instance and not of them simply are not implementable. more than twice in a month.” Foreign Take the requirement that newspaper media houses are required to “abide by houses, each show evidence that they diplomatic protocols established by the print 40,000 copies daily. These days ministry of foreign affairs for foreign when rising production costs are forcing media organizations and the Code of newspapers into online publishing it is Ethics for Nigerian Journalists. They hard to find any that prints that number must also obtain security clearance and of hard copies daily. We want to believe a recommendation by the ministry of the publication of these vexed guidelines foreign affairs. was the handiwork of an overzealous These harsh accreditation guidelines NASS management. We demand that have expectedly stirred the hornet’s senators and House members, who nest, particularly in the media. should know better, throw them in the The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) , trash-bin where they belong.

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Letter to the Editor

Enhancing our productivity, cultivating our potentials By Taiwo Odukoya

f the greatest challenges facing leadership the world over is raising the productive capacities of their people. Organisations and nations alike are in need of free minds and steady hands that can imagine solutions and implement them, faster than problems arise. What great nations and organisations have done over centuries is to create and recreate a set of organising principles that allow for human productivity to flourish unfettered, and for the invention of new technologies that make our lives infinitely more productive. Think of companies like Microsoft and Google, Samsung and Apple, whose entire revenue of $234bn for 2015 is two times bigger than Nigeria’s entire 2016 budget. Then think about the value companies like these bring to their host nations in terms of revenue, employment and a whole value chain of tangible and intrinsic gains. Now imagine what Nigeria can accomplish with over a hundred million people given wings to fly. Outside a commodity like oil which is perpetually at the mercy of the vagaries of the market, Nigeria is a less than productive country. The 2015 WEF Global Competitiveness Report ranks Nigeria 124th in the world out of 140 countries. We must turn the tide, and we must turn the tide now. How? 1. We must be deliberate about reorientation. Our seriousness to inspire and aggregate the productivity of Nigerians into a potent economic, social, cultural and geopolitical force, ought to be evident in our commitment to revamping the educational sector, where the minds of millions of youths, potential geniuses and innovators, are currently being subjected to one of the most inept and outmoded educational systems in the world. We have to re-navigate our educational policy at every level to include vocational and entrepreneurial training, and this we have to do fast. Nigeria’s unemployment rate currently stands at 10.4 percent. Our universities are churning out more graduates than we are able to absorb, not to mention how ill equipped most of these young men and women are to handle the challenges of the 21st century business and work environment. As former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard aptly put it, “Our future growth relies on competitiveness and innovation, skills and productivity… and these in turn rely on the education of our people.” 2. An enabling environment is a prerequisite, whether at federal, state level and I daresay, local government

too. This would mean: a. Removal of bureaucratic encumbrance. Those bottlenecks embedded in the constitution, which have become systemic impediments to doing business in Nigeria. In other words, the legislature must face up to the responsibility of streamlining most of the limiting laws that make doing business in Nigeria a tedious affair. b. Making access to funding, particularly for young people a lot easier, as it is in the developed world. This is a responsibility for the public and private sectors. In June 2016, the Mark and Chan Zuckerberg Foundation made a $24million investment in Andela, a tech start up co-founded by a 24 year old Nigerian, Iyin Aboyeji, with a major hub in Lagos. It is in young Nigerians like Iyin that the future of Nigeria rests and to millions like him in every sector, in every corner of the country, from Lagos to Aba to Kano. We will lose them to terrorists and degenerates who will recruit them for sinister purposes if we do not give their creative energies a productive outlet by making access to funds as easy as possible. Organisations like the Tony Elumelu Foundation who play a critical role in making funds accessible to young entrepreneurs must be encouraged. c. Giving infrastructure development its priority of place – power, roads, standard airports, etc, are non-negotiable factors to fostering productivity. We cannot keep throwing money into infrastructural development with nothing to show for it. No matter how golden the intentions of the current government is, it will need the support of the legislature, the judiciary and Nigerians at large to make public infrastructure formidable enough to bear the weight of the dreams of millions of Nigerians. d. Dealing decisively with corruption. The truth is, none of these can work if corruption is allowed to run rampant as it has always been. Every attempt by past and successive governments to engender productivity has been stymied by corruption. This is why this time around we must collectively do our best to ensure an environment of transparency and accountability. To get out of the current economic downturn and into a season of continued prosperity, to wean ourselves from the curse of the crude, it is to the irrepressible, ingenious Nigerian spirit, buried under the rubble of decades of struggles that we must turn. NIGERIA HAS A FUTURE Taiwo Odukoya from Lagos.

writes

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Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

Crying wolf where there is none By Tunde Johnson

am not impressed by certain critics or “activists.” It is not enough to think, we have the liberty of expression and are endowed with skills of the pen and so can wake up any day to push all manner of gibberish into the public domain. The article by Samuel Omachi titled “Military promotion, retirement and religious politics” has the tapestry of what some Nigerians describe as armchair criticism. I perused the entire gamut of the article and found nothing convincing. It is speculative, assumptive and very fluid. Its attempt to push the argument that some officers have been retired from military service and they are from a particular region of the country is lame. It sounds exciting only to the extent it fulfills the inner yearning of the critic to fuel public r anger against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the current leadership of the Nigerian military and presiding officials of the Federal Character Commission (FCC). There is no modicum of credibility in anything the critic has rendered his reading fans. It’s just like I would pick a pen and scribble that Samuel is not the son of his father. And I will not explain anything to justify this claim. But feel contented I have questioned his paternity. Mr. Samuel, let me correct certain impressions first. It may please Samuel to know that President Buhari is an impartial leader. It is the immutable truth. Buhari’s honesty, integrity and passion of perceiving every Nigerian like a member of his nuclear family is legendary. No Nigerian leader I know has exhibited his leadership traits. We cannot doubt it. Buhari has no affinity to any religion, tribe or region. It is evident in the manner he dispensed his first term in office by patronizing every section of Nigeria regardless of whether they supported his presidential aspiration in 2015 or backed out of it. The President sees Nigeria and Nigerians as one huge united and indivisible community of people destined to be together. It is not his Presidency that would break this cord of communality. He is not the kind of President a Samuel would gleefully seek to destroy simply because he is excited with an idle pen. The retired or promoted military officers, Samuel glowingly alludes in his narration are shielded by this

narration. I don’t believe in those who claim to be fighting injustice with fearfully or masked. Those who genuinely stand for the cause of injustice and truth do it boldly. King Martin Luther Jr died fighting it boldly; Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid and a lot more. What about our own Gani Fawehinmi? They are human beings and also value the air they breathe and the freedoms savoured by the rest of us. So, hiding to claim fighting injustice is absolute mischief. Any informed critic like Samuel wants us to believe would have at least mentioned some names of the sacked soldiers to buttress and anchor his point. It is unwise to embark on such a senseless voyage by guessing vague figures. It demeans and defeats sound argument. The Nigerian military were gracious enough to respond to him by attempting some explanations. I am angry with them for promoting nonsensicality. Now Samuel, let’s break your piece to shreds to establish the extent you goofed. Happily, Samuel elaborately quoted the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in his narrative. And assuming, he could vouch for whatever propaganda contained in this irritating piece, we expected him to have quoted correspondences he had with the FCC over this alleged injustice. Oh Samuel! Public systems do not function according to personal whims and caprices. There are procedures and, in this instance, the first step of a person convinced of a genuine case of injustice would have been to approach the FCC for redress. Activism requires commitment. It’s either you are committed to it or abandon the cause and desist from unnecessary noisemaking. I hope Samuel is with me and decoding it appropriately? It smacks of barefaced mischief and ridiculous posturing to the institution of the Military for Samuel or anyone else to think he can remote control the routine internal postings, retirement or appointments. We have marketed ourselves as sticklers to religion or tribe in handling national issues and it has cost us grave retardations in the past. Some leaders adhered to such principles over merit and the 57-year old Nigeria has remained tethered to retrogression we see today. Samuel, do you expect for instance that if the first seven airforce pilots in seniority are Christians

or all Muslims or from the same geo-political zone, you expect their junior should be catapulted from the back to head them in order to balance the sentiments espoused by you? Is it normal and if Samuel heads a place, would he consent to such anomaly? The day any Nigerian is appointed into any position, he knows there would come a day of retirement. And retirement is not same as termination of appointment. So, if all those due for retirement are from one tribe, religion or region, they should hang on for the absurd reasons advocated by Samuel? One could secretly replace names in the public civil service or other public institutions. But it doesn’t sound plausible to me that the military could “secretly” replace retired personnel, ignoring the rigours of military training. Its not possible even in the para-military. I task Samuel to conduct his research properly and serve us verifiable and undeniable facts or respect himself with silence. Nigerians are the most talented and belligerent people in the world, yet our country does not reflect it. We regale in the excitement of freedom and seem to forget our limits. I don’t know which American dictates to President Donald Trump, who he should appoint into sensitive positions that are levers of the success or failure of his government. He sacked Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and appointed Mike Pampeo without consulting anybody. He sets the standard for his appointments. We must recognize that there are certain liberties we must concede to President Buhari. If Nigeria is rated a failed or successful nation now, only Buhari takes the blame or credit. Nigerians will not blame any religion, tribe or region, but President Buhari. When insecurity rages in the country, we blame Buhari and not the ethnic champions or religious bigots who canvass for such sentiments in appointments. So, what is wrong if President Buhari in the last presidential campaigns told Ndi’gbo that none of their sons met the criteria to be appointed any of the Security Chiefs? Was it not just yesterday Gen. Ihejirika was there as COAS? What impact did he make on the war against Boko Haram insurgency? It rather festered under his watch. Perhaps, he was not even qualified, but the then President appointed him in response to such unproductive sermons of

t the time Godwin Emefiele was appointed the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, the economy was in trouble, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had declined, and inflation was around 19 percent and unemployment rate at the flying speed of a rocket. The downward slide of international crude oil prices snowballed into foreign exchange crisis for the country, and bettors and speculators had unchecked reign attacking the Naira. The situation was further compounded with preparation for the 2015 general elections and its electoral campaign spending. This was the scenario when he became the governor. Godwin Emefiele in the past five years at the helms of CBN has no doubt tried to assert the autonomy of the apex bank with some of his daring monetary policy initiatives. He treaded where even lion hearted men fear to walk. He dared currency speculators. He refused to devalue the Naira when virtually everyone see it as the way out, rather he proffered a ‘home grown’ prescription. The promoters of currency devaluation wanted Nigeria to go the way of Egypt, Venezuela and Zimbabwe for them to continue prospering in their illicit trade. He suspended the 41 items he considered as drains on the scarce foreign reserves, and since then he lost his sleep. The attacks, local and abroad mounted unabated. Some international media and their local collaborators tagged his monetary policy initiatives a ‘toothpick alert’. At the risk of being immodest, I did not foresee any reason why he should not be reengaged by the President considering how passionate he has piloted the affairs of the economy. The reappointment was not out of place in view of fresh breath given to the economy that slipped into recession shortly after him and the President assumed office. Aside, it is not out of place to see anyone coming new having worked with the President in the last four years on economic diversification of which he proved his mettle in revival of agriculture, the economic focus of President Buhari. He was blamed for the ills of the economy, but without a fault of his he was able to bring the economy out of recession. But despite pressures and speculations by the

rumour millers, and political ‘marabouts’ who coveted his position for their cronies, the President shocked them with the re-nomination of Emefiele. There was temporary grave silence in the camp of the lobbyists and applause from those who would have not taken anything otherwise from the President. Barely 48 hours after the pronouncement, economic vampires struck with a ‘concocted wired audio tape discussion between the Governor and his aides’. Also surprising, was the synergy and unity of purpose and speed never witnessed between the present federal executive and the outgoing 8th National Assembly, on Emefiele’s reappointment. He was confirmed with the speed of light, an approval that he has indeed worked for and his actions were indeed nationalistic. As we all know, an audio recording surfaced on the social media posted by a notorious online medium and his co-travellers in mischief 48 hours after the President announced Emefiele’s reappointment, named: ‘Caught On Tape: How Central Bank Governor, Emefiele, Deputy Adamu, And Top Officials Discuss How To Cover Up N500bn Which They Stole From CBN’. The ‘expose’ turned out be a hoax and handwork of the sworn enemies of Emefiele’s developmental policy initiatives. The video trended with the intention to scuttle the governor’s reappointment and dent his glorious career but the ‘travellers’ got another shocker was the speed with which the Red Chamber approved his reappointment, the first of such in the life of the 8th National Assembly and first of any government appointee of the present administration. The ravenous hawks are not relenting and have regrouped. Probably what Emefiele’s traducers do not know about him was his disposition and pronouncement on assumption of office, the posture of a ‘stoically’ stubborn man who has come to leave a legacy of reorientating our psyche about nationalism. He gave insight into what would be his mission with a 10-poing agenda he unveiled on assumption of office. He pledged to use resources and energy at his disposal to build a resilient financial system that would serve the growth and development needs of Nigerians using development bank strategies as the fulcrum of his policy. Not only, he committed himself to creating ‘a central bank that is professional, apolitical and people focused …’ The task ahead is however arduous, the burden of his reappointment, and epochal in our democratic

journey calls for more hard work and the journey ahead is no doubt going to be tortuous. His first term journey was rocky but able to redirect financing to agriculture through Anchor Borrowers’ Programme. This has indeed revolutionized rice production and save the country huge import bills. And not only rice, significant local production of the suspended 41 items has begun to witness massive production and creating jobs. Shortly before his reappointment he signified intervention in the revival of Palm oil, Cotton and textile production with the assurance to make cheap and sustainable credit available at single digit interest, all geared towards job and wealth creation. The trilemma challenge usually faced by any monetary authority is the exchange rate stability, interest rate and inflation rate which in the last five years of Godwin Emefiele at the CBN has been able to stabilize the exchange rate in the last three years and has also achieved success in bring down inflation which stood at over 18 percent in Q3 of 2018 to about 11.37 in Q2 of 2019. Taking on the third leg of the trilemma, the interest rate, was the reason he rallied round the hitherto unwilling deposit money banks’ chief executives to lend to SMEs and urged them to set aside 5 percent of their annual profit to finance MSMEs, which also include fashion, music and film production as well as information and communication technology (ICT). Also in the same vein was his ability to erect a tri-partite structure to enhance the financial inclusion strategy of the CBN, the NIRSAL, Bankers’ Committee and NIPOST to hoist a national microfinance bank in all the 774 local governments areas in the country to make cheap and sustainable credit at single digit rate available to the economic but active poor rural dwellers and get included in the financial inclusion net. Godwin Emefiele in driving his vision and derisking credit to MSMEs established Nigeria Incentivebased Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Lending (NIRSAL) and the National Collateral Registry to invigorate his development finance policies, and in particular to support farmers, entrepreneurs and small holder businesses. The task ahead of his reappointment is to consolidate on these efforts. In achieving results he employed some unconventional policies (though heavily criticized) but proved potent needs for our peculiarity – the home grown policy of 41 suspended items, the Investors and Exporters’ Window among others, to bring the economy to full recovery.

Comment

Should the underage best JAMB candidate be given a waiver? Nigerians like Samuel. Samuel angles for us to believe his poor criticism and so, compensates himself by tasking others to do what he failed to do: Hear him; We call on the Presidency, the National Assembly and the military authorities to go beyond rebuttal of alleged divisive and religious administration of the armed forces. Let them constitute an independent panel of inquiry to forensically investigate the alleged infraction of federal character in the military and paramilitary appointments, postings, retirements and redeployment with the view to assuaging frayed nerves in the interest of unity, peace, tranquility, justice and fairness in the country.” For me, this is outright expression of unpardonable intellectual and research laziness. If the result of such independent inquiry is published, would Samuel not pick loopholes in it so long as it does not favour his jaundiced thinking? I advise Samuel to always stoop to conquer. It’s wrong to stoke public anxiety baselessly and unnecessarily only to push the burden of proof to someone else. I repeat, nothing in Samuel’s piece alerts me to the submissions of a serious mind or critic or activist. It’s unfortunate that Military authorities stooped so low to dignify him with a response. But let it be known to the likes of Samuel that the military under President Buhari is no respecter of tribe, religion or regionality. Its insulated from such regressive sentiments. Samuel can utilize his idleness by scavenging elsewhere. An African adage says, “idle hands scratches the anus,” and Samuel’s piece is a perfect illustration. The Armed Forces of any nation is a sensitive national institution and everyone is its owner. All military personnel lose their tribe, region or religion from the first day of enlistment and garb the coat of national tribe for their country. The logic of the sentiments and bogus assertions spewed by Samuel are not derivable in the Nigerian military. Nigerians must therefore see the need for national cohesion, national unity and national peace above every other consideration. Johnson wrote this piece from Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos

Godwin Emefiele and the task ahead By Abdulfatai Olamilekan

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

For the CBN to achieve this, the Governor in the Bank’s March 2019 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) briefing, urged for synergy of purpose between the fiscal and monetary authority. In fact, the challenge is more on the fiscal side which needs to complement the monetary policy initiatives by providing critical infrastructure, particularly power to fire the economy and diversify the country’s revenue base from oil to non-oil products. Mr. Emefiele therefore should see this next five years to rein-in the activities of rice smugglers as cried out by the Rice Farmers Association early in the year. He should call for support of relevant government agencies, particularly, the Nigeria Custom Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that the activities of smuggling are stopped through the porous borders. As some analysts have advised, what the CBN needs to do in the next five years is to target inclusive growth having stabilized the foreign exchange market; and if it is able to achieve that the challenge of double digits interest rate will ultimately be tackled. On the new National Microfinance Bank, NIRSAL Bank, set to come on stream soon; the CBN should ensure it does not go the way of Community banks and the Peoples’ Bank of yester years. The apex bank should ensure that the credit being provided by the tripod institutions reach the economic active but poor rural farmers and artisans, the small businesses and entrepreneurs on sustainable bases, through which appetite for foreign imports would be addressed, jobs created and grow the economy. As President Buhari is set for the inauguration of his second and final term (so also is Godwin Emefiele) he should earnest unveil his ‘Next Level’ economic blueprint promised Nigerians to better their living condition with tested technocrats and bureaucrats with nationalistic fervor, while Godwin Emefiele should not rest on his oars nor allow himself to be distracted, neither should he be deceived that with his confirmation by the National Assembly the battle against him is over, the battle has just begun and it will get worse. I am advising him to rally round agencies of government that he thinks will help him drive his dream, step on toes (even if they need to be cut off) as history will judge him for his success or failure. Abdulfatai Olamilekan writes from Minna, Niger State.

By Azuka Onwuka

igeria knows how to make simple things difficult by creating crises where there should be none. Let me buttress this with two personal experiences. Years back, I attended an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I checked into a hotel that evening because my appointment was in the morning of the next day. I had arrived a day earlier to avoid any unforeseen delays from Lagos. The next day, I left early for the event. Unfortunately, it lasted more than I expected. I returned to the hotel around 2pm to check out. The hotel staff said I had overshot the checkout time of noon, and would therefore pay for another full day. It sounded unfair to me. We discussed it a bit and I paid and left, feeling that I had been ripped off. Not long after that, I attended a conference in London, United Kingdom. I paid for one day because I was not sure if that was the hotel I would lodge in after that day. The next morning, I left for the conference. When I returned in the evening, I slotted my card in the door but the door did not open. I thought something was wrong and tried a couple of times, but the red light was showing that the door did not recognise my card. I went to the lounge to complain to the receptionist. He checked and told me that my payment expired at noon that day and my things were moved out of the room. He showed me where my personal effects had been kept. I checked them to confirm that nothing was missing. Everything – as far as I could recall – was there. I paid for more nights and got another room. I had learnt my lesson. Technology was put to good use to avoid arguments. Even if a person did not pay for a new day but was inside the room after midday, most likely the card would cease to work to open the door. The person

would most likely be informed that the payment had elapsed. If the person refused to renew it or check out immediately, the police would be invited. Compare that to my Nigerian experience. I was allowed to overstay my time and then told that I had to pay for it. I had to argue it with human beings who could use their discretion to let me go without paying or insist on payment. That is the same with the case of the boy who got the highest score in this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Franklin Ekele scored 347 over 400 but may not be admitted by the University of Lagos, which he applied to. According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board which organised the examination, the boy is 15 years and does not meet the minimum age benchmark of 16 years. There has been an outpouring of outrage over this attempt to deny such an exceptionally brilliant boy admission because of age restriction. The argument has been that his performance above older candidates shows that the age restriction is baseless. Denying such a candidate admission, it is argued, amounts to killing the aspirations of exceptionally gifted children. If JAMB had acted like a modern organisation, this argument would not have arisen at all. If at the point of registering for the exam, any candidate who was less than 16 years was not allowed to complete the registration process, this brouhaha would not have arisen, since JAMB is basking in the euphoria of online registration and online examination. Any candidate who chooses a false birthday from the one in the candidate’s documents can then be prosecuted for perjury and forgery, if the candidate later starts complaining of being denied admission due to age. It will be clear that the candidate intentionally used an older age to become legible to register for the examination. But beyond the issue of JAMB exploiting the

vantages of technology to curb this annual dirge, there is also the issue of playing by the rules by candidates. Every society or system that wants order and progress operates with laws that are clearly spelt out. Even companies and brands add “terms and conditions” to their offers to customers. The essence of the laws is to ensure that nobody is discriminated against based on the person’s relationship with the managers of the system, who are human beings with human whims and prejudices. There are age restrictions for people who vote and are voted for. There are age restrictions on jobs at different levels. There are employment restrictions based on academic qualifications. There are restrictions based on height for those seeking recruitment in the army, police and other para-military organisations. Serious organisations do not twist these conditions for individuals, because doing so is injustice to others who had been turned down in the past based on similar restrictions. For example, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka has a condition that every candidate must have a minimum of a credit in one science subject to be eligible to be offered admission into any course in the university. If one has the highest UTME score in Nigeria but does not obtain a credit in a science subject, that candidate cannot be offered admission. Those who falsified their result to add a science subject to their certificate, even if found out in the final year, are rusticated. Similarly, a Nigerian lad who represents the nation at the Under-16 World Cup may score all the winning goals, but he is not qualified to vote in Nigeria’s elections until he becomes 18 years old. If he cuts corners and falsifies his age to enable him to vote, he is breaching the law and may be punished if found out. Nigeria faced a test case in 1999 when a bright and amiable legislator named Alhaji Salisu Buhari became the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was doing very well as

King Jaja of Opobo, lessons of history By Tayo Oke

orn in a town in the present day Imo State in 1821, sold into slavery in the neighbouring Bonny Kingdom at the age of 12, toiled day and night to bring himself into the reckoning of the Master, then, rose through the ranks to become a head merchant and secured his liberation from bondage. Thereafter, he became the architect of his own destiny. He set himself the goal of achieving financial independence and began to accumulate wealth, buying and selling merchandise from palm products locally, then, joined in the export bonanza; the exclusive preserve of the European imperialists which, nonetheless, catapulted him into financial stardom; the “Rockefeller”, “Ford”, “Rhode”, “Buffet”, “Gate”, “Dangote” of his age. I am talking of a boy named; Mbanago Okwaraozurumba, known locally as JuboJubogba, shortened to “Jaja”, who emerged the king of the City-State, Opobo, in the 19th century, in today’s Rivers State. With stupendous wealth and pride of place in society, Jaja sought political power, achieved some by dint of his wealth and influence, and had other levers of power thrust upon him as it were. It did not end well. What happened, how it all unravelled, is much worse than a Greek tragedy. A personal anecdote is injected towards the end of this write-up to enliven the discussion. The trajectory of Jaja’s life cut across the history of slavery, rebellion, resistance, triumph, and ultimately defeat in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Like phoenix, he rose from the darkest valleys of slavery and servitude to become the head-cornerstone of his own kingdom within a generation. He lived long enough to be a slave, merchant, businessman, military strategist and later king and powerful symbol of autonomy for his people. As noted earlier, as a young boy, Jaja was packed off, sold to the High Chief Iganipughuma Alison of Bonny, in modern-day Rivers State. He later

proved his mettle and was moved on to serve in the Annie Pepple House, a prominent royal household, which stood tall among several other “Houses”, populated by loyal servants and courtiers, soldiers, slaves and merchants. There were cases of internecine warfare between the Houses, who were in competition for power and influence. Jaja, spent the most productive period of his youth trading and thriving in the cargo shipment of goods across the Atlantic, and very quickly became rich and comfortable, but he wanted more. His meteoric rise took the British aback and led to the Consul, Sir Richard Burton, predicting that Jaja would either be shot or he would beat down all his rivals. The Pepple House later fell into debt and disarray, and had to be rescued by none other than Jaja. Nonetheless, continuing domestic rivalry and rampaging warfare led him to flee Bonny to establish a new settlement in Opobo in the 1870s with his own well-armed and fully trained militia later established as a dominant force in the region. Jaja had now become an acclaimed businessman, mega-rich, strong and powerful personality, that even the British began to pay homage to him, enlisting his help with troops to put down a rebellion in the then Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1878. Jaja could have set about the conquest of the rest of the hinterland stretching to the rest of the southern and northern coasts, but he did not. This was around the same time the Europeans were meeting to finalise the colonial partition of Africa in Berlin in 1885, whereupon the whole of the Niger Delta and the territories of Southern and Northern Nigeria were ceded to the British. Jaja suddenly woke up to be given the gut-wrenching news, which he resisted at first. The British played a long game of coaxing and cajoling Jaja to “cooperate” and “work” with them, promising not to annihilate him, but they knew he, alone, constituted the most dangerous impediment t their colonial ambitions in the new territories. Here was a

man who could match anything the British had to offer in terms of strategy, intellect, and resources. He had to be eliminated. After several skirmishes here and there between the European traders and Jaja and his followers, he was lured into a “settlement meeting”, where upon he was promptly put under arrest and sent into exile in Ghana, the country he had earlier helped the British to suppress. Not content to keep him even in the safe distance of Ghana, he was again packed off to the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent, to live further in isolation from his people. From there, Jaja sent several petitions to the British Government pleading for a return to his homeland. The request was finally granted and Jaja was allowed to embark on a voyage home in 1891. He did not make it back to the shores of Nigeria, however. He collapsed and died as his ship docked on the Island of Tenerife, having drunk from a cup of tea served by British seamen on the warship “Goshawk”. Is it such a coincidence that the winner of the June 12, 1992 presidential election in Nigeria, Moshood Abiola, died, having also drunk from a cup of tea served in the company of British diplomats in 1993?As mind-boggling as this may sound, it is not the main purpose of this write-up. First, it is about the teaching of history or a lack of it in this country. The manner in which history has been quietly but systematically jettisoned from the school curriculum in this country is nothing short of criminal. A lack of knowledge of history is like a tree growing without its roots. Trust me, I have come across university undergraduates in this country who think Aminu Kano was a folk singer, and Obafemi Awolowo a traditional herbalist! Are we so morally bankrupt in this country that we no longer care about learning the lessons of history? Who on earth decreed out history from the school curriculum and where are the outrage and backlash against such a retrograde and primitive move? The second point of this write-up is the

the Speaker until The News magazine blew his cover: He was one year younger than the required minimum age of 30 years for members of the House of Representatives. So he falsified his age and also forged a certificate claiming to be a graduate of Toronto University. He eventually resigned with ignominy and faced the music. The best way to challenge a rule or policy is not to ask for the rule to be bent for the sake of an individual. The noble way is to take the matter to court and hope for repeal. But is 15 years (or even 17 years) ripe enough for a child to be in the university? What is the hurry for? If the voting age is 18 years, and a Nigerian is called a minor who cannot be sent to prison for any crime until 18 years, what is the compelling reason for a Nigerian to be admitted into the university before 18 years? The academic feat of Franklin is a challenge to other young people. He is an exceptionally brilliant boy. But insisting that the rule be bent to offer him university admission in a public university is encouraging corruption. This hot brain should not be drawn into that dirt. He should wait and take the exam next year when he will be 16 years old. He may even score higher than he did this year. My nephew, Kenechukwu, scored 308 last year but was not offered admission by the University of Nigeria to study medicine. He was disappointed. But this year, he took the exam again and scored 321. An intelligent child is an intelligent child. Restrictions cannot stop that person from shining. Franklin has just shown the world a slice of the stuff he is made of. By next year, he will unfold his intelligence more than he did this year and gain admission through the front door rather than through the back door which some people are campaigning for. Azuka Onwuka is a Public Affairs Analyst.

choice of the main character, King Jaja of Opobo. I not only enjoyed learning about him in my school days, in this country, but came face-to-face with the legend himself as a student in London in the 1980s/1990s. I ran into the statute of the great man inside the “Horniman Museum” in London and several Benin and Yoruba artefacts, ‘collected’ by Mr. Frederick John Horniman (1835-1906), a Victorian tea merchant, who wanted to bring ‘object, specimens, and artefacts illustrating natural history and the arts and handicrafts of various peoples of the world to Forest Hill, London’. I felt an instant connection to this museum upon seeing various artefacts from Nigeria on prominent display and wondering why we, in Nigeria, chose to turn our back on history, then, have the brass neck to protest when others take pride in displaying these looted arts for their own pleasure? I later moved to live and settle in Forest Hill London, where I joined the Labour Party, fought hard within the party until they put my name forward for election as a London Councillor to represent (guess what?), the Horniman Ward in 1994. Against all odds, I won against my Conservative opponent, and served to the best of my ability for a four-year term on the Council, arguing in a deeply conservative neighbourhood, for “repatriation” of Africa’s stolen arts, which of course, fell on deaf ears. I also threw myself into leading an effective pro-democracy movement as Chair of the London-based New Nigeria Forum, after which I relocated back home to Nigeria following the military’s exit from government. How I wish Jaja had had access to a laptop, the Internet, and social media to launch his own anti-imperialist struggle from his enforced location in the Caribbean a couple of centuries back. How Nigeria’s history might have been different! A society that keeps its citizens ignorant of their own history lives without its institutional memory, and will soon fall like a house of cards.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

PAGE 14

NEWS From Ahmad Bauchi

Mohammed,

auchi State Government has begin delivery of eight out of the sixty buses to boost the state revenue and to alleviate transportation problem of citizens. Last year February 2018 , the State Government at the end of its State Executive Council meeting announced its intention to purchase 60 buses for its own transport company at the cost of 1.3billion Naira and the delivery of the buses comes 15 months after government expressed its intention. General Manager of the Yankari Transport Company, Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Abubakar disclosed this when he conducted journalists

Bauchi govt takes delivery of 60 buses to boost transportation round eight out of the sixty buses delivered to the company by the contractor at the premises of the company in Bauchi. He said the remaining fifty buses have arrived the country and by next week, the State Government will release some funds to the contractor to enable him deliver the remaining buses to the company. Aliyu said the purchase of the sixty 18 seater buses will

also increase the revenue base of the state owned transport company, Yankari Transport Company Ltd and commended the outgoing Governor Abubakar for his effort to put the company on sound footing and said the buses will be one of legacies of the outgoing governor He said initially when the buses arrived it will be as planned by the out going government , thirty buses will be given to the state owned transport

corporation, Yankari Transport Corporation and twenty will go to the twenty local government areas, while ten will be retained by the state government. Aliyu said when he became the general manager of the company only ten buses were on the ground but he was able to repair thirty more buses and maintained them, today the company has over forty buses flying the road despite challenges associated with old

vehicles. On the ceremony of Democracy Day on 12 June , Aliyu who is ardent supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari said he sees nothing wrong with the President’s decision since it didn’t affect the 29th May swearing in date and appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the President in his commitment to take the country to the next level.

Gombe SEMA begs FG to help alleviate suffering of IDPs From David Hassan, Gombe

ombe state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has called on government to do as much as possible to ensure that means

of livelihood is sustained among the Internal Displaced Persons( IDPs). The overseeing Executive Secretary of the agency in Gombe, Mrs Larai Maigari made the appeal yesterday in an interview

with our reporter in her office. She said since January 14th this year which she was mandated to over see the activities of the agency nothing tangible was given either from the government or Nongovernmental organizations,

NGOs, as part of relief materials to alleviate the suffering of Internal Displaced Persons. She decried that something have to be done to ensure that the affected persons get means of livelihood within the society.

L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, during a valedictory news conference by the minister, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

According to her, staff of the agency could not longer access problems that affect IDPs directly due to none provision of relief materials by the government and non governmental organizations. She said staff of the agency are been accused by IDPs for accessing their problems and yet nothing is forthcoming which according to her said the IDPs claimed if funds is given to tackle their problems will not be utilized for their livelihood The overseeing executive secretary who did not hide her feelings said the activities of SEMA does not mean to cheat IDPs but to ensure that they get means of livelihood as other people in the society. While emphasising her comments she said alot of IDPs could not afford food on their table which she described as a challenge in SEMA. Speaking further, she said since 2017 when government donated relief materials through SEMA to alleviate the suffering of Internal Displaced Persons nothing was giving since then as part of relief materials to IDPs. She called on government and non governmental organizations not to hesitate to come to the aid of the vulnerable one and donate relief materials to alleviate the suffering of the people.

GPN guber candidate, Zaura withdraws petition against Ganduje From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

he Kano State governorship candidate of Green Party of Nigeria, GPN, Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura has withdrawn a petition against the election victory

of the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje of All Progressives Congress, APC. Ganduje emerged victorious in the March 23 supplementary governorship election in the state. In an eight paragraphs petition

dated May 17, counsel to Zaura, Ibrahim Sa’ad said the petition was withdrawn to allow peace to reign in Kano State. He cited section 1 (a) and (b) of electoral act to withdraw the petition. Zaura had earlier filed a petition

before the Kano governorship election tribunal challenging the victory of Mr Ganduje In the last election. Delivering the judgment yesterday, Justice Muhammad granted the request of Mr Zaura’s

counsel and stroke out the petition. With this development, the tribunal has only one governorship case between the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate Abba Kabir-Yusuf and Mr Ganduje to attend.

18 farmers killed by bandits in Katsina community buried

he remains of the 18 farmers killed by bandits in Batsari local government area of Katsina State have been buried in Katsina amidst tears by families and sympathisers. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the farmers were killed in their farmlands at Yar-gamji community on Tuesday morning.

The police later evacuated the corpses and dropped them at the palace of the District Head of Batsari, Tukur Muazu Ruma, which triggered a protest by angry youth. The angry youth later took the corpses in vehicles to the palace of the Emir of Katsina and Katsina Government House. Governor Aminu Masari had addressed them and called on them

to remain calm as the government was taking steps to address the problem. The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Katsina, Mustapha Ahmad, at about 11:00 a.m, on Wednesday, at the palace of the Emir of Katsina. The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir, Transition Committee Chairman of Batsari,

Mannir Muazu, traditional and religious leaders were among hundreds of people that attended the prayer. The Chief Imam prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest. He also prayed to Allah to avert future occurrence. The District Head of Batsari and the Transition Committee

Chairman of the area urged security agents to intensify efforts towards protecting people’s lives and property in the area. They also urged people in the area to continue to be law-abiding as the government was taking steps to address the problem. The deceased were buried at Dantako cemetery in Katsina town. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

By Umar Muhammad Puma

peaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said the House, under his leadership, has cooperated with the Executive arm of government under President Muhammadu Buhari. According to the Speaker, the House has giving speedy consideration and passage to legislation and other requests forwarded by the President and has fast-track implementation of the administration’s policies and plans. Noting that there were times the House passed Executive Bills within two days or one week, he added that the 8th House of Representatives is the most performing in Nigeria’s political history from independence in 1960 to date. He spoke in Abuja when he received the Euro Knowledge Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership which was conferred on him last month at the United Kingdom’s Parliament and another one by Nigeria’s Federal government for his contribution to passage of Ease Of Doing Business Bills in Nigeria. Receiving the award, Speaker Dogara said, “We have done exceptionally well. It is on record that this has been the most productive National Assembly ever, as well as unparalleled House in the history of

We Gave Buhari’s Government Maximum Support -Dogara ... says 8th Assembly the most performing in Nigeria’s history the House of Representatives. “We hope that those who are coming after us, those who will take over from us will do better and be able to rededicate themselves and to achieve the ideals they set out for themselves. When we started out on the 8th Assembly, it was our desire and thank God we can say today that we have cleaned up virtually all Laws we inherited from even 1800. For some of us who read Law, we may have knowledge on the Statutes of General Application.” “Before we embarked on this massive exercise, some of our Law books were still containing Pounds Sterling, in some Laws, some addresses in the United Kingdom were even mentioned. To the credit of the 8th Assembly, all those things are no longer reflected in the body of our Laws. “ “For the Ease of Doing Business, anyone who thinks we have not supported Government enough in the bid to create a conducive business environment to attract

better investment into Nigeria should check what we have done in the area of the ease of doing business in Nigeria. “There were times when we ensured that within days or weeks, we passed these Bills that were required to jumpstart this process to bring Nigeria out of recession and prosper. This made Nigeria jump about 24 places in the Global Index of the World ranking of nations in the Ease of Doing Business. Words like these only spur one to do his best, we will continue to do our best in the interest of our country and of its people in whatever position we are. “I want to specifically says that I am deeply indebted to the entire Membership of the 8th Assembly, they made all this happen, so I dedicate these Awards to the ever wonderful Members of the 8th Assembly.” Speaking earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics & Privilege, Hon Ossai N. Ossai (PDP,

Delta), who received the awards on behalf of the Speaker, stated that Hon Dogara was found worthy of the recognitions due to the impact and the kind of Laws passed by the House that have made great impact in Nigeria. “One of such Laws is the ease of doing Business Law that you have championed, guided the House, shown positive contribution to, this has made the Nigerian economy which had gone into recession to jump another 24 points on the economic index and because of the positive impact you have, as well as the leadership stand you always bring to bear. Many people are placed in authority; very few, however, actually lead, you are one of such few. Your name will be positively etched in the history of Nigeria. “This other Award was also handed to the House of Representatives for all the impactful Laws made, even the President has acknowledged your impact

in effective Lawmaking. For your visionary leadership and for the path you have laid; we will continue to celebrate you because of your knowledge of the Legislature as an Institution of Government, and because you have protected that Institution very well. On his part, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon Abdulrazak Namdas, who also received an award on behalf of the Speaker from the Arewa Online Publishers Forum said, “the forum believes that you have done credibly well to steer the ship of the 8th House of Representatives in the National Assembly. To be specific, they singled out the Legislative Agenda that you campaigned on for particular commendation as it has greatly improved the business of Lawmaking in the National Assembly. “You also brought some positive reforms, for example when presenting budget, a Committee of the House was put in place to interact with external stakeholders to bring suggestions, even though the House could do it, but it was done to give Nigerians a say. As watchdogs of the society, they thought it necessary to honour you. I also collected on your behalf, a lifetime achievement award, no need to repeat myself, this is also for the same exemplary leadership you have continued to show.”

2019 Election Violence: Group asks court to order for Gov Wike’s probe By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

human right group, has ask the federal high court in Abuja, to order the investigation of Governor of River State, Nyesom Wike, over the violence during the conduct of the 2019, Presidential election in the state. The Plaintiff, the Incorporated Trustees Global Integrity Crusade Network, is praying the court to compel the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) to launch an investigation and probe of the governor’s alleged involvement in the electoral violence that greeted the state during the election. The right group, has through their counsel, Mr. Edward Omaga, applied for an of Order of Mandamus compelling the commission to begin investigation into the role of Governor Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the crisis that led to injury of Captain Adams Salami and Corporal Adeosun Adebayo. According to the plaintiff, the duo were attacked while performing their legitimate duties of ensuring a hitch free collation at Obio/Akpor Local Government Headquarters Collation Centre in Rivers State. They were sent to maintain peace during the controversial Rivers State Governorship Election conducted on 9th March, 2019 in which the incumbent, Barr. Nyesom Wike sought re-election for a second term. The plaintiff is also asking the court for an order directing that the sum of N5billion be paid by Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as

compensation to Captain Adams Salami and Corporal Adeosun Adebayo. The application is premised on the strength of Section 6 (1) (e) of the National Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2010, for the violation of their fundamental rights to human dignity. In an affidavit in support of the claim, the plaintiff said it is seeking the order on the ground that on 20th March, 2019 the Plaintiff/Applicant wrote a letter to the Defendant drawing its attention to the ugly incidence of inhuman treatment, violent attack and attempt to murder some military officers, particularly Captain Adams Salami and Corporal Adeosun Adebayo. ‘’Unless and until the Defendant is compelled by an Order of this Honourable Court it will continue to leave the fundamental rights of Captain Adams Salami and Corporal Adeosun Adebayo unenforced with the attendant negative effect on their health. ‘’The failure, refusal and or omission by the Defendant to investigate the role of Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the crisis that led to injury to the persons of Captain Adams Salami and Corporal Adeosun Adebayo has caused them severe pain, mental trauma and psychological great damage, thereby entitling them to compensation. ‘’The Plaintiff/Applicant is aggrieved and hereby applies that this Honourable Court invokes the provisions of the law by issuing a Writ of Mandamus compelling the

Defendant to forthwith jumpstart investigation of the role of Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the crisis that led to injury to the persons of Captain Adams Salami and Corporal

Adeosun Adebayo at about 10.30pm of Saturday, March 9, 2019 while the duo were performing their legitimate duties of ensuring a hitch free collation at the outer perimeter of Obio/Akpor Local Government

Headquarters Collation Centre in Rivers State and appropriately refer the offenders to the Attorney-General of the Federation or Attorney-General of Rivers State, for prosecution’’, the plaintiff said.

Speaker , House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara (2nd Left),Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yusuff Lasun (left) Chief Whip, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa(2nd Right) & Minority Whip, Hon. Yakubu Barde at the 2019 Breaking of fast for Honorable Members organised by the Speaker at the National Assembly on Tuesday in Abuja

PDP Ticket: Court dismisses suit against Senator Nwaoboshi By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba.

Federal High Court sitting in Asaba has dismissed as nulity suit challenging PDP ticket for Senator Peter Nwaoboshi Integrity Group within the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) Delta State Chapter, had dragged Senator Peter Nwaoboshi to court over Delta North Senatorial ticket of the Party The Plaintiffs had sought the court to disqualify Senator

Peter Nwaoboshi on the ground that the primary election which produced him as the Senatorial Candidate of the Party for Delta North, was irregular, and fraudulent But delivering ruling on Tuesday, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba held that the Plaintiffs could not produced reasonable evidence to support its claims that the primary election was marred with irregularies, adding that the case was status- barred.

On allegation that the lawmaker belongs to secret cult, Justice Dimgba further held that the plaintiffs had usurped the powers of the Nigerian Police force, adding that they lacked the powers to do what was not supposed of them. Justice Dimgba pointed out that the plaintiffs could not also reprobate and approbate at the same time, dismissing that there was no evidence to support their claims

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

POLITICS

INEC Withdraws Certificate Of Return to 2 lawmakers on Kaduna From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has withdrawn two Certificate - Of - Return issued to Hon. Haruna Aliyu, popularly known as Chakis and Hon. Ibrahim Ismail following a court orders. Hon. Haruna Aliyu and Hon. Ibrahim Ismail are members of the Kaduna House of Assembly representing Kaduna North II (Kawo) and Kaduna South II (Tudun Wada) constituency

respectively since 2015 on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC. INEC, while upholding the court orders to withdraw the Certificate of the duo and other 23 persons disclosed that 20 of the 25 Certificates-Of-Return were withdrawn from All Progressive Congress (APC) members to other APC members; while two from People Democratic Party (PDP) members were withdrawn and issued to other PDP members. Haruna Aliyu and Hon.

Ibrahim Ismail whose Certificate were withdrawn contested in the primaries where Hon. Yusuf Salihu scored 104 votes and Hon. Nasiru Usman had 49 votes at the said elections held on October 7, 2018. APC submitted the names of the winners of the primaries but later substituted with the names of Hon. Haruna Aliyu and Hon. Ibrahim Ismail illegally who had scored 24 and 35 votes respectively to INEC as the party’s candidates. However, the development

led to a legal fireworks to reclaim the stolen mandate at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. In the judgement delivered on the 16th of April 2019 by the presiding Judge, Justice Z. B Abubakar said Hon. Nasiru Usman having scored the highest number of votes cast at the primaries conducted on the said date for elective position of member State House of Assembly representing Tudun Wada Constituency otherwise known as Kaduna South II, Kaduna State is the nominated candidate

for the general elections. Justice Abubakar stated that the purported substitution of the name of Hon. Yusuf Salihu for the Kaduna State House of Assembly election Kaduna North II Constituency is in violation of the provision of section 33 of the Electoral Act. 2010 as amended. Following the court orders, INEC adhered to the directives and issued certificate of return to Hon. Yusuf Salihu and Hon. Nasiru Usman as the winners of the 2019 Kaduna State House of Assembly election.

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

ustice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja, yesterday said that Senator Osita Izunaso, ought to have been remanded in prison for Contempt of court. The Senator representing Imo North(Okiwe Zone), is the third defendant in the ongoing certificate of return suit filed by Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. Justice Abang said that Izunaso’s attitude before the court could be best be described as “rascality of the highest order”. The trial judge had at the resumption of proceeding yesterday, informed the court that he received an affidavit of facts

From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

political group known as ‘ North East Support Group of Senator Ahmed Lawan has asserted that the Senator is the most senior and serving lawmaker having been in house of representatives from 1999 to 2007 and Senate from 2007 to date adding that he is more qualified to be president of the 9th senate. Speaking yesterday during a zonal

meeting with states coordinators of the group held in Bauchi, the national chairman Abubakar Adam Muhammed said if experience is what is required to be senate president, Lawan is the best man for the job among all his contenders. While lamenting the rivalry that ensued between the legislative and executive arms in the last regime, Muhammed assured that based on the good rapport and cordial relationship Lawan enjoyed

from President Muhammadu Buhari, there would be harmony that would pave way for development in the country under Lawan’s senate presidency. “ In the past, it took national assembly long time to pass budgets which delayed execution of capital projects in the country. But Senator Ahmed Lawan has promised that if elected senate president, budgets will be passed into law within a maximum of two months”.

“ Although there are other APC senators vying for the seat such as Ali Ndume and Danjuma Goje, Ahmed Lawan is the most loyal to the party who will not sabotage the development agendas of president Buhari”. He claimed. The group also noted that it wrote letters which it would deliver to all elected APC senators to canvass support for Lawan’s senate presidency.

filed by Izunaso. The third defendant, in the affidavit, said that he had an application at the Court of Appeal for a stay of proceedings in the matter. Responding, all counsel for the defendants prayed the court to honour the said application for stay of proceedings. However, counsel to Okorocha, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, in opposition, urged the court to dismiss it because it was incompetent. Justice Abang after listening to the submissions of the parties, asked the court registrar to ask Izunaso to stand in front of the court in order to listen to his ruling properly.

In the bench ruling, the court held that putting the name of a presiding judge as one of the parties to be served a court process filed at the Court of Appeal was scandalous and embarrassing and showed that Izunaso had no respect for the court. “The motion filed at the Court of Appeal where my name is recorded is before me, tagged as exhibit c, attached to the third defendant’s affidavit of facts. “The third defendant is also before me so I have jurisdiction over him summarily if that was not sufficient, he deposed to an affidavit that the motion was duly served on me. “This is only to ridicule the court and lower the esteem of the

judge in the eye of the public as if the judge is a party in the matter. “This shows the level of disregard Izunaso has for the court which is established by the constitution.” According to the judge, the conduct of the senator that is before me is contemptuous; it is contempt to the face of the court not outside the court. “I have jurisdiction to deal with him summarily because he is the contemnor and he is before the court. “The senator ought to have been remanded in prison today for contempt of court, he is before me and the offensive affidavit is also before me.” Justice Abang held that in the

case of contempt before the court, the judge was the complainant, the prosecutor and remained the judge. He, however, held that the plea of the counsel for Okorocha had saved Izunaso and so he should “go home and sin no more”. “Having regards to the passionate plea from the learned senior counsel, (Ogunwumiju), I will let the distinguished senator go home today, not because the court is weak or cowardly. “We have been trained to use our summary powers sparingly, I will leave the senator to his conscience, he is accordingly discharged even though I find his conduct before the court contemptuous,” the judge said.

Gbajabiamila Absent As PDP Reps debate for Speakership Aspirants

NE group support Lawan bid to become next Senate President

POLITICS

Senator Izunaso escapes prison over contempt of court

By Christiana Ekpa

L-R: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama, Amb. SecretaryGeneral of AfricaFrance Summit, Stephenie Rivoal and other official of the French Embassy, during the visit of the Secretary-General to the Minister, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

spirants to the speakership position of the 9th House of Representatives were yesterday sized up in their individual presentation before opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lawmakers in Abuja. At the event organised to afford the aspirants the opportunity to present their plans and manifestos with a view to soliciting for the caucus support, all aspirants except Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila were present. As at 6:45 pm on Wednesday, the aspirant who was said to have embarked on a campaign tour of the South East and South-South was yet yo make his appearance. A source privy to the inner workings of the caucus told Peoples Daily that Gbajabiamila, having been held somewhere in Port Harcourt, the Rivers stage capital while making frantic efforts to delay the event to enable him attend. The source whi further disclosed that, the House leader realised that the process had commenced without him, and asked that all the caucus members including newly elected ones who came from different parts of the country be made to stay another night at the prestigious hotel as he is ready to foot the bills of their accommodation and flight tickets. The source lamented that all aspirants including Gbajabiamila were duly informed of the event, but he chose to travel, describing his request as “arrogant and and condescending”.

...Allegedly Pleads For An Extension *As Bago pledge proportionately Committee postion

Also speaking to our correspondent on the matter, one of the ranking PDP members and organizers of the even, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf (PDP, Kogi), said “all aspirants were duly consulted and agreed to the days between

Tuesday and Wednesday”. Speaking to the gathering, Hon. Muhammed Umar Bago said with him as speaker, all committee positions would be equitably distributed in a proportionate manner. His presentation which elicited

standing ovations from PDP members marked the end of the presentation forcing them to say there was no need for further engagement on the matter. At the moment, the PDP has 121 members with 23 belonging to other

parties making the opposition votes 144. On her part, Hon. Nkuriuka Onyejeocha (Abia APC) promised to run all inclusive leadership where all the members of the House shall be carried along. According to her, the relationship between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary shall be cordial if she given the opportunity leader the House.

Widows, during the widow’s petty trading empowerment programme in Barkin-Ladi on Saturday in Plateau State. Photo: NAN

NGO Stresses Peaceful Resolution Of Election Matters From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

non governmental organization Search For Common Ground had stressed the need to sensitize political actors towards peaceful resolution of election matters. Coordinator of the organization Mrs. Niri Goyit said this yesterday during a familiarization visit to the Independent National Electoral

Commission, INEC in Makurdi. Mrs. Goyit also, said that they engaged over 2000 persons during and after the elections to propagate peace, adding that they are involved in capacity building and sensitization to strengthen democracy. She further intimated that the organization works in violent prone States such as Plateau, Borno and Benue State in resolving conflicts,

noting too, that they have trained over 30 Journalists in conflict management and resolution. Goyit lauded INEC for the successful conduct of the 2019 election and sued for partnership with the electoral body to improve on election conduct in future. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda acknowledged the laudable role Search for

Common Ground has played in peace building during and after elections. Represented by Mr. Gabriel Ishape, Administrative Secretary the REC emphasized the need to build peace amongst contesters since election is not a do or die affair. He said the commission has been inundated with over 12 Pre-election and 31 post election

Petitions, maintaining that election cases amount to waste of time and resources. “Election is seen as war in the country especially amongst the elites. There is need to create awareness amongst the politicians and Electorates and for us, we are ready to partners with NGOs a d CSOs to improve on the electoral system”, he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

CLASSIFIED UMMI

anyebe

NWABUNDO

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS UMMI MUSA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS UMMI MUSA IBRAHIM. My CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH is 9th JUNE ,1993. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS angela ene anyebe. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS anyebe angela paul. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS NWABUNDO NZEKWU. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS NWABUNDO IDRIS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

IBRAHIM I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS IBRAHIM MOHD GARUBA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS IBRAHIM RABIU MUHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. Jennifer I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Jennifer Gideon. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Jennifer Gideon Amakundi. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PEPPER GROWERS, PROCESSORS AND MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA.

Initiative for public awareness and development

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C”of the Companies And Allied Act No. 1 of 1990. TRUSTEES NAMES: 1. Alh Adamu Dabo Sambo ( chairman) 2. Prof Banike . E. Sambo 3. Mall kabir Usman 4. Mall Sirajo . A. Gambo 5. Alh Murnai Dandume 6. Alh Garba Abdullahi 7. Alh Abubakar Yakubu Kurfi ( secretary ) Objective To support each other and exchange knowledge between members. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication. Signed : SECRETARY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C”of the Companies And Allied Act No. 1 of 1990. TRUSTEES NAMES: 1. Alh. Hamza Adamu Fanda 2. Mufuliat Fijabi 3. Ms Cynthia Mbamalu 4.Alh Mamuda Kabo 5. Hamza Suleiman 6. Dr. Umar Sani 7. Hon. Azumi Namadi Bebeji 8. Amb. Zainab Suleiman Umar AimS and Objectives 1. To sensitize the general public on the negative effects of drug abuse in the society and west Africa at large 2. To ensure the actualisation of the Sustainable development goals. 3. To strengthen gender inclusion and women political participation in politics through sensitization and public awareness 4.To discourage child labour and human trafficking through public awareness, enlightenment and empowerment. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication. SIGNED BY SECRETARY

Again, Emefiele preaches Economic Patriotism By Etuka Sunday

he Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has taken his message of economic patriotism to the University of Benin, where he urged actors in the public and private sectors to look inwards in developing the Nigerian economy. Mr. Emefiele gave the charge while delivering the third in the university’s series of Eminent Persons’ Lecture, charging all Nigerians to think of what they could do to improve the fortunes of the Nigerian economy, rather than what they could benefit from the economy. In his lecture titled: “Beyond the Global Financial Crisis: Monetary Policy under Global Uncertainty”, Emefiele noted that there was much potential

within the Nigerian economy to make it as developed as other countries, which were its peers at independence but had gone ahead to become more developed. The CBN Governor, who noted that the lecture was part of the Bank’s efforts at promoting research and collaboration with Universities, towards developing policies and programmes that will enhance the economic well-being of all Nigerians, highlighted how the crisis had helped to reshape monetary policy tools used by Central Banks to address dips in their economies. Giving an overview of how central banks across different economic blocs responded to the global financial crisis, he noted that while the impact of the global financial crisis had little effect on the Nigerian economy, the dropin commodity prices between

2014 – 2016, brought to the fore the limitation of conventional monetary policy tools. According to him, “the 60 percent drop in crude oil prices between 2014 – 2016 along with normalization of Monetary Policy by the United States Federal Reserve Bank in 2014, imposed severe constraints on the Nigerian economy, given our reliance on crude oil for over 90 percent of our export earnings and 60 percent of government revenue.” He explained that the CBN and the fiscal authorities, in an effort to contain the crisis, decided to deploy both conventional and unconventional tools in a bid to support continued growth of the economy. This is even as he noted that a simple focus on the Monetary Policy Rate would not have been sufficient to get the Nigerian economy out of the

recession. Speaking further, he said the CBN, in employing unconventional monetary policy measures, decided to intervene in critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and manufacturing, in order to promote growth in the economy and boost employment opportunities as pressures well as address the stability of the financial system and provide support against external pressures. He reiterated the need to promote sustainable growth through the increase of policy buffers and a further diversification of the Nigerian economy away from oil, to other non-oil produce. He equally stressed the need for huge investment in infrastructure in order to enhance economic growth and provide cheap financing to

Investors show stronger demand for 30-Year FGN Bond -DMO

L-R: Representative of the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, (NEPC), Mr. Williams Ezeagwu; Course President, Mr Chester Inyamkume Tertsegha and Project Consultant NEPC Zero to Export Project, Mr Kola Awe, during the graduation ceremony of trainees of the NEPC Zero to Export, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Etuka Sunday

he Debt Management Office (DMO) said investors have shown stronger demand for the 30 Year FGN Bond at the May 2019 Auction. DMO said, at the May 2019 FGN Bond Auction held on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, the Office offered three (3) instruments for 5, 10 and 30-year tenors to the investing public, with a total amount offered of N100 billion. It said, “as with the April Auction when the 30-year Bond was first offered to the market, investors showed a stronger demand for the 30-year Bond with subscription of over N100 billion compared to the N30 billion offered. “This clearly indicates that the DMO understands the needs and preferences of investors in terms of tenor, which informed its introduction of the 30-year Bond. “The 5 and 10-year instruments were equally oversubscribed, with subscription of N45.98 billion and N124.22 billion respectively, compared to the N35.00 billion offered for each of the instruments,” DMO said. The office said, in addition to the strong demand, interest rates demanded by investors also significantly declined for all the instruments compared to the April 2019 Auction. It said, allotments were made to successful Bidders at 14.11% for the 5-year, 14.24% for the 10-year and 14.49% for the 30-year Bond. The DMO allotted a total of N111.31 billion for the three instruments offered.

boost the local production of priority goods in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy in order to reduce reliance on foreign imports. Mr. Emefiele, who will commence his second and final term as CBN Governor in June 2019, pledged that the Bank will continue to take a proactive approach in easing the likely adverse effects that may emanate from external pressures. He said the Bank will promote policies that will enhance domestic production of goods that can be produced in Nigeria along with measures that improve the stability of the financial system. Furthermore, he stressed the need for increased coordination between fiscal and monetary policies in deploying measures that will support economic growth and reduce unemployment.

NCC rejigs teledensity computation in line with rebased 190m population figure *Puts March teledensity at 91% *Says active subscribers increase to 173.7m By Etuka Sunday

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has clarified that it has recently re-aligned the computation of the country’s teledensity with the latest population figure of 190 million given by the National Population Commission (NPC), up from the 140 million population of 2006. Following the re-alignment, which is also in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s calculation of teledensity, the Commission arrived at a teledensity of 91 per cent by the end of March, 2019. This is just as active subscriber base for the month of March increased to 173.7 million from 173.6 million in February, 2019. Telephone density or teledensity is the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals living within an area. Hitherto, teledensity in Nigeria was calculated using the 140 million population

official figure of 2006 against the prevailing monthly subscriber base. According to the Commission, as at February, 2019, when the 140 million population figure was last used and benchmarked against the active subscriber base of 173.6 million, the country’s teledensity stood at 124.05 per cent. The teledensity figure stood at 124.29 per cent in January with active subscriber base of 174 million. However, from March 2019, the Commission began to use the rebased 190 million population of Nigeria, as projected by the NPC, against the subscriber base of 176.7 million to calculate teledensity. With the regulatory re-alignment by the NCC, teledensity for the country as at end of March, 2019 was put at 91 per cent. This is based on the rebased population figure of 190 million against active subscriber base of 173.7 million. Explaining further, the Executive Vice

Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the clarification on teledensity calculation has become necessary to avoid misinterpretation of the re-alignment to mean a reduction in teledensity. “Rather, the teledensity actually did not reduce because in March, active mobile subscriber base actually increased. So, what has happened is a re-alignment of the teledensity calculation with the rebased population figure of 190 million against the prevailing monthly subscriber base, which is a more realistic figure for the country in light of the latest population figure,” Danbatta said. The EVC said “this clarification is to accurately inform telecoms operators and telecoms investors, who must be provided with realistic and accurate figures needed for their day-to-day decision-making process. The clarification will also bring other stakeholders such as academia and industry researchers in tandem with the updated teledensity.”

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ENERGY Despite FAAC dispute, NNPC insist on N1.26trn remittance to Federation Account in 2018 By Etuka Sunday

espite the heavy dispute between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) last year over non-remittance, the corporation said it met its financial obligations to the Federation Account in 2018 by remitting N1.26 trillion as against the N1.22 trillion projected in the 2018 budget, recording a surplus of N41billion. Managing Director of NNPC Capital, Mr. Godwin Okonkwo, made this submission when he represented the Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru during a presentation to the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Investigation of the Non-Remittances of Funds to the Federation Account by the corporation between July 2017 and December 2018 at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. A release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, on Tuesday quoted the GMD as saying that though 2.3million barrels per day (mbpd) was proposed in the 2018 budget,

national daily production for the period under review oscillated between 1.9mbpd to 1.89mbpd. Dr. Baru listed the two sources of inflows into the Federation Account from the NNPC to include equity crude oil sales less cost of recovery from the Joint Venture cash call arrears and domestic crude less cost recovery, adding that the JV cash call arrears were being efficiently managed now to ensure steady inflows to the Federation Account. “The current management of NNPC ensures that it contributes to the cost of the production of crude oil and gas in the upstream sector to avoid a repeat of the mistakes of the past. If we had made cash call payments in the past, the arrears that we are liquidating now would not have arisen. The current situation creates a win-win scenario for the country. The NNPC is strategically saving for the rainy day to make a better future for all of us by liquidating the arrears”, Mr. Okonkwo posited. He noted that the corporation on a regular and sustained basis balanced up with the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and the JV cash calls in order to make sure that the future generations do not suffer from the legacy debt.

The NNPC Capital MD dismissed the allegations by Commissioners of Finance of under remittances by the Corporation, adding that the NNPC was a going business concern that met financial obligations to its various stakeholders. Dr. Baru stated that investment in the Oil and Gas Industry took time to mature, adding that if the NNPC failed in its obligation to invest in the sector, there would be nothing to share by the various tiers of government. Responding to a question on whether the NNPC 2018 audited account was ready, Dr. Baru stated that the 2018 audited account would be ready next month, adding that NNPC had cleared its backlog of unaudited account. He attributed the delay to some Joint Venture partners that were being awaited to turn in their budget performance for the 2018 budget circle to be completed. In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, Hon. Chukwuka Onyema Wilfred, praised the NNPC for responding to all the issues raised, stressing that the interface would go a long way to putting to rest allegations of non-remittances of funds against the NNPC.

Power plant in Nigeria

Physically challenged persons protest exclusion from NNPC recruitment exercise

group of physically challenged persons, under the auspices of Physically Challenged Applicants of Nigeria, yesterday, held a protest at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), calling for inclusion in the ongoing recruitment exercise of the corporation. The group lamented that the recruitment exercise did not accommodate physically challenged people, especially blind people and others with other forms of disabilities. Addressing newsmen, President of the Physically Challenged Applicants of Nigeria, Mr. Godstime Onyegbulam, said the association had written to the NNPC several times over the ongoing recruitment exercise, noting, however, that the NNPC had consistently ignored its letters. He bemoaned the fact that in the online application form, there were no provision to identify the specific disabilities a candidate might have, while he added that during their numerous attempts to visit the NNPC to engage management of the corporation, security personnel attached to the NNPC had always embarrassed their members.

He said, “There is a law in Nigeria that states that five per cent of every opportunities should be reserved for physically challenged people and we are here to ensure that the NNPC comply with that law. “We also want to know why there were no provisions for physically challenged people in the recruitment exercise. Irrespective of our various disabilities, we are qualified to work anywhere, even in the NNPC. There are gadgets that help me and some of my members to work. For instance, though blind, I can work; I can type and read. We have these gadgets and we can do any job. The physically challenged people disrupted activities at the NNPC in Abuja for a few minutes and it took the efforts of security personnel attached to the corporation and after several appeals, before they allowed free movement of vehicles and persons into the corporation. In a related development, another group led by the Civil Society Network Against Corruption, CSNAC, also staged a protest to the NNPC, demanding the immediate revocation of Oil Prospecting License, OPL,

245 allocated to Malabu, which was later sold Shell and Eni. The protester also called for the prosecution of individuals involved in the controversial deal. Some of the protesters carried placards with the inscriptions: “OPL 245: Nigeria stand to lose $6 billion”; “OPL 245: Etete, Adoke should face justice”, “Stop OPL Shell & Eni to deprive Nigeria of $6 billion.” Speaking on behalf of the protesters, National Coordinator, National Malabu Awareness Coalition, Shina Odugbemi stated that six years ago, reports were rife that one of Nigeria’s richest oil field, OPL 245, was sold in shady circumstances. He pointed out that the former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, who was convicted for money laundering in France owned Malabu Oil and Gas adding that he had registered the company with a fictitious name Kweku Amafegha. He noted that half of $1.1 billion paid to Malabu for the procurement was consummated through bribes to Nigeria politicians and intermediaries who helped to secure the controversial deal.|

Oil drops more than 2% on U.S. inventories build, demand worries

il futures tumbled more than 2% on Wednesday as an unexpected build in U.S. crude stockpiles compounded investor worries that a prolonged trade fight between Washington and Beijing could dent crude demand. Brent crude futures shed $1.58 a barrel, or 2.2%, to $70.60 a barrel by 1:18 p.m. EDT (1718 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped $2.03 a barrel, or 3.2%, to $61.10 a barrel. U.S. crude inventories swelled by 4.7 million barrels in the week to May 17 to their highest in nearly two years, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a decrease of 599,000 barrels. “It’s at the extreme end of the range of possibilities for a bearish report,” said Bob Yawger, director of futures at Mizuho in New York. “It’s about as bad as it could have been considering the fact that driving season is so close.” Gasoline stocks posted a surprise build as well, rising by 3.7 million barrels compared with analysts’ expectations for an 816,000-barrel drop. Weaker-than-normal refinery output for this season contributed to the builds. “Despite a chunky drop in imports, refinery runs below year-ago levels have encouraged a fifth consecutive build to crude inventories... in the last nine weeks,” said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData in Louisville, Kentucky. The prospect of a long-term tariff war between China and the United States also pressured prices. No further talks between top officials have been scheduled since the last round ended in a stalemate on May 10. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Washington is at least a month from enacting its proposed tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports as it studies the impact on consumers. The conflict is weighing on economic growth forecasts and oil demand predictions. The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday revised down its global growth forecast for the year. Growing tensions between the United States and Iran, which could lead to supply disruptions, helped limit losses. The prospect that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies will continue its output cut pact later in the year was also supportive. Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s de facto leader, said it was committed to a balanced and sustainable oil market. U.S. bank Morgan Stanley said it expected Brent prices to trade in a $75$80 per barrel range in the second-half of this year, pushed up by tight supply and demand fundamentals.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

By Stanley Onyekwere

or allegedly extorting cancer patients and engaging in human trafficking related activities in the FCT , four persons were yesterday arraigned at the Upper Area Court, Mpape, Abuja, which remanded them in Prison. The suspects simply identified as Princess, Victor, Francis and Makinde were arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, cheating and extortion of cancer patients and vulnerable people brought into the FCT. According to the Police First Information Report (FIR), the three accused were apprehended on 18th May in Kubwa for allegedly

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Four persons remanded for ‘extorting’ cancer patients in Abuja assembling cancer patients and taking them round the FCT, soliciting for funds. It added the suspects acted dishonestly by converting the funds realised on behalf of the sick persons for their personal benefit. After the case was mentioned before the presiding judge, Honourable Hassan Muhammad, the accused persons entered no

guilty pleas. Consequently, following the no guilty plea by the accused, the prosecution counsel,Barr. Donatus Abah, made an application to the court, for them to be remanded in prison pending hearing proper. As expected, the defense lawyer, Pius Onigah swiftly orally applied for bail to be granted to the accused persons, as the offences

are bailable in nature. After a strong objection to the bail application, the trial judge ordered that accused persons be remanded in Keffi Prison, and adjourned the matter till 29 May for hearing on the pending bail application proper. Explaining further, the Police Prosecutor, said: “From the facts in the FIR, it appears that a likely

case of trafficking in human maybe be involved in the process. “But I don’t have the full facts now, that is why I asked the court to kindly remand the accused persons in the prison custody, so that by the time I go back to the office of the Area Commander, where the matter emanates from, we will be able to know what to do.”

L-R: Program Manager Cleen Foundation Mrs Ruth Olofin, Director Institutional Service and Operation, Mr Peter Maduoma and Deputy Director public prosecution Ministry of Justice, Mrs Ndidi Ukoha, during the stakeholder conference on Tracking Corruption Cases through Digitalization of Court Proceeding, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

CESJET urges Buhari to sustain transparency in appointments By Stanley Onyekwere

he Centre for Social Justice Equity and Transparency (CESJET, has urged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to sustain what it termed its “culture of transparency” in appointments into the critical sector as a panacea towards a just nation for her citizens. It noted that such in the security sectors where Mr. President has demonstrated that competence must come above ethnic and religious coloration in the choice of

his pillars has seen the nation emerging stronger out of the worst insurgency and economic recession within a short period of time. CESJET, which was reacting to the reappointment of Mr Godwin Emefiele as Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, said the President has always gotten it right on security and the economy through his competent appointees.Comrade Isaac Ikpa, Executive Director of the group, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday, called on the apex bank boss and others holding strategic offices in the

economic sector to continue to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Muhammadu Buhari to continue to render quality and selfless services to the country in our quest to make Nigeria great again. The statement reads: “This is quite commendable, and CESJET wishes to state that such actions are for the public good and a step towards the right direction towards eliminating the feeling of ethnic and religious superiority which have been the bane of the myriad of the challenge confronting us as a people and

a country. “CESJET also wishes to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his choice of appointees into key strategic offices in the economic and security sectors of Nigeria that has been based strictly on merit, competence, and transparency.” CESJET also charged those in the critical security sector to continue to render their invaluable services in the tedious task of keeping Nigeria safe and secured and free from both internal and external threats.

Candido seeks support of Ndi-Igbos in AMAC By Stanley Onyekwere

he Chairman Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Candido has called on the Igbo indegenes residing in the council to collaborate with the new Administration in providing dividends of democracy to the residents of the Council.

Candido noted that unity of Igbo wih other ethnic groups is more important for the growth of economy in the coucil. He made this known at a thanksgiving ceremony organised by Igbo indegens in AMAC to usher in the second tenure of Lawrence Onuchukwu asVice Chairman of AMAC. While assuring to improve on the

provision of infrastructure for the development of the Council, Candido noted that his first priority is construction of AMAC School of the gift in Orozo. Also speaking at the ceremony, AMAC Vice Chairman while thanking God for his re-election, assured Igbos and other residents his first three years tenure have given him more experience to do better

in providing democratic devidend to the people of AMAC. Recall that Chairmen of the six Area Councils including Abuja Municipal Area Council were on Monday sworn-in by the FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello to kick start the grand takeoff three-year term of the newly elected Chairmen.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

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world news

By Zhou Pingjian

hina-US trade talks are catching the eye of the Nigerian media recently. Around the world, there have been widespread concerns over the new round of additional tariffs between China and the US. Some believe escalated disputes will bring more uncertainties to world economy. Some have described the global economic landscape as “unpredictable” and labeled the trade issue as “the biggest uncertainty”. We have noted the reactions of the international community and understand the concerns of various parties. Indeed, the escalation of China-US trade disputes is not in the interests of either side and will put a drag on world economy. But the facts are clear to all: it is the US that provoked the trade disputes, not China; it is the US that fired the first shot in raising tariffs, not China; it is the US that repeatedly resorted to maximum pressuring, not China. What China has done so far is entirely self-defense against the unreasonable acts of the US side. By so doing, we are not only defending our own legitimate rights and interests, but also safeguarding multilateralism and the free trading system. The international community has its fair judgment on who is the initiator of the latest round of a tariff war, the rule-breaker in free trade and the generator of risks in global economy. The underlying reason that the 11 rounds of consultations failed to yield an agreement is that the US attempts to achieve unreasonable demands through maximum pressure. This wouldn’t work from the very beginning. The simplistic view that the US is “ripped off” in its trade with China is unscientific and unprofessional. Economic globalization by nature is a process during which countries leverage each other’s respective strengths and each supplies what the other needs. What we call reciprocity and mutual benefit in trade refers to the overall reciprocity and balance of interests in the open market of all industries. It is only unrealistic to pursue absolute reciprocal openness in real trade practices. Therefore, the negotiated trade agreement itself can by no means ask for absolute equality in all fields and it must be equal and mutually beneficial with two-way balance. There is hope for success only when the consultations proceed on the right track of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The US side claimed on May 17th that the two sides actually had a deal, but China broke it. We are not sure what “deal” the US was referring to. Perhaps it has bore in mind all along “a deal” of its own wild wish, one that

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

China doesn’t want a trade war but is by no means afraid of fighting one

China has certainly not agreed on however. When its threats didn’t work and instead led to widespread doubts and market fluctuations at home and abroad, the US resorted to muddying the waters and shifting the blame. That, too, is futile as the international community see clearly which side has been flipflopping all along in the past 11 rounds of trade talks. In May last year, China and the US reached consensus on trade and issued a joint statement in Washington, D.C. But just a few days after that, the US abandoned the agreement. In December last year, the two sides reached consensus on the value of China’s purchases from the US, but in the following talks the US wantonly rejected the agreement and asked for more. It is never China that backtracks and breaks commitments. The issue of forced technology transfers is sheer fabrication. In fact, China attaches great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights. There is never any policy forcing foreign actors to transfer technology. The recently-adopted Foreign Investment Law by China’s top legislature stipulates explicitly that there shall be no forced technology transfer through administrative means. There have been mutual investment and technology transfers between

China and foreign countries, which is the result of consensual cooperation between market entities, a win-win cooperation by nature. For some time, out of political motives, the US has been abusing its national power to tarnish the image of and suppress specific Chinese companies while making “national security” a catch-all phrase, which is disgraceful and unjust. This is entirely against market rules and the principle of fairness, which does not serve the interests of the US either. The US side recently told reporters many times that China’s economy was not so good, and that China very much wanted to make a deal. Such remarks are just baseless. The fact is that the Chinese economy is growing steadily with a positive momentum. Trade protectionist measures of the US side will have some impact on our economy, but we can totally overcome it. We have the confidence and capability to guard against any external risks and impacts. In the first quarter this year, China’s GDP grew by 6.4% year on year, which is more than expected. In particular, domestic demand has become the main driver for growth. Last year, consumption contributed 76.2% of our economic growth. In its

“

The issue of forced technology transfers is sheer fabrication. In fact, China attaches great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights. There is never any policy forcing foreign actors to transfer technology. The recently-adopted Foreign Investment Law by China’s top legislature stipulates explicitly that there shall be no forced technology transfer through administrative means.

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping recent World Economic Outlook report, the IMF downgraded its outlook for global economic growth to 3.3% while upgrading China’s growth from 6.2% to 6.3%. China was the only country that got upgraded in the forecast among all major economies. From January to April this year, China’s import and export increased by 4.3% year on year, with dramatic increase in export to the EU and ASEAN. With trade partners all around the world, China is turning more rapidly into a strong trading nation. Many countries would like to share China’s development dividends. If some country does not want to do business with China, others will soon fill in the vacancy. The US side is reported to claim that China will be hurt very badly if it doesn’t make a deal because companies will be forced to move to other countries. Frankly, the US doesn’t need to worry at all on China’s behalf. Over the past four decades of reform and opening up, enormous achievements have been made in economic and social development in China. As foreign investment environment keeps improving, China has become one of the most popular destinations for global investment for many consecutive years. When choosing investment destinations and business partners, enterprises make decisions based on their own interests and market principles rather than empty words from certain persons. As a matter of fact, despite the constant US threats to impose additional tariffs on Chinese products for the past year or so, China remains a popular destination for foreign investors as their enthusiasm remains high. The number of foreign companies newly set up in China in 2018 topped 60,000, up by 69.8%. It is worth mentioning

in particular that the biggest US oil company Exxon Mobil Corp decided to set up a whollyowned large-scale petrochemicals project in September last year. In January this year, US company Tesla officially kicked off the construction of its first overseas factory in Shanghai. As the top two biggest economies in the world, the economic and trade relations between China and the US are of great significance to the two countries and the global economy. The US should have worked with China and shouldered its responsibilities for global growth. But on the contrary, it insisted on staging a trade war unilaterally and repeatedly increased tariffs on Chinese goods against standing consensus while China has kept full sincerity for the consultations. China has made it very clear on many occasions, raising tariffs won’t solve any problem, and starting a trade war will harm not only others, but also oneself. China doesn’t want a trade war, but is by no means afraid of fighting one. China never succumbs to external pressure. We have the resolve and capability to defend our lawful and legitimate rights and interests. If someone brings the war to our doorstep, we will fight to the end. We hope the US will heed the international community’s call of ration and justice, keenly grasp the situation, return to the right track as early as possible, meet China halfway and strive for a mutually beneficial agreement on the basis of mutual respect. It will serve the interests of China and the US and is the shared aspiration of the international community. Zhou Pingjian is the Ambassador of China to Nigeria

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

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Virginia Uber driver was Binyavanga Wainaina: Kenyan author and gay rights activist dies Somali war criminal

US jury has found that a former Uber driver living in Virginia committed acts of torture during Somalia’s civil war in the late 1980s. Somali citizen Farhan Tani Warfaa testified last week in the Washington DC suburbs that exSomali colonel Yusuf Abdi Ali shot and tortured him. Ali was a commander in the national army and supporter of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, say court documents. Until this month, Ali drove for Uber, with a high 4.89 rating. On Tuesday, a jury at a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, found that Ali was responsible for the torture of Mr Warfaa more than three decades ago, awarding Mr Warfaa $500,000 (£395,000) in damages. Mr Warfaa, who first filed the case against Ali in 2004, told the BBC he was “very happy” with the verdict. “I am very, very satisfied with the outcome,” Mr Warfaa said through a translator from court. Mr Warfaa said he was kidnapped from his home in northern Somalia by a group of Ali’s soldiers in 1987. Over the next several months, Mr Warfaa said he was interrogated, tortured, beaten and shot at the direction of Ali, who was a battalion commander. Left for dead, Mr Warfaa says he only managed to survive by bribing his gravediggers to spare him. Ali was first identified in a 1992 documentary by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which detailed allegations that Ali had tortured, killed and maimed hundreds of people while working for the Barre regime. At the time of the broadcast, Ali was living in Toronto working as a security guard. In the documentary, multiple eyewitnesses in northern Somalia described brutal murders ordered by Ali, known then as Colonel Tukeh, meaning “the crow”. Shortly after it aired, Ali was deported from Canada for “serious human rights abuses”, court documents say. The US also began deportation proceedings against Ali, but he returned to the country in 1996. It is unclear how he was able to re-enter the US. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In May, CNN reporters went undercover to take an Uber ride with Ali. He told CNN that he drives for rideshares Uber and Lyft full-time, preferring weekend shifts because “that’s where the money is”. Asked if the application process for drivers was difficult, Ali replied that it was simple: “They just want your background check, that’s it.” Ali drove for Uber for about 18 months, after passing a screening process for the rideshare company. The background check included a review of Ali’s criminal history using state and national records, and a scan of government watchlists from the FBI and Interpol.

He has now been “permanently removed” from the app, an Uber spokesperson told the BBC. Lyft spokeswoman Campbell Matthews said the company was “horrified” by the allegations against Ali. “We have permanently banned this driver from our community and stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation,” Ms Matthews said. Background checks for both Uber and Lyft are conducted by Checkr, a consumer reporting agency. Checkr’s scanning process varies according to client, but includes “industry standard sources” like the national Sex Offender database, FBI watchlist, Interpol watchlist, various US and international sanctions lists, and local and federal criminal court records. “Under federal law, consumer reporting agencies that process background checks rely on criminal records that have been filed in a court of law rather than unverified sources like Google search results,” said a Checkr spokesperson to the BBC. “Most employers don’t request background checks that include civil lawsuits between private parties because the information is too subjective to use for a hiring decision.” Before working for Uber and Lyft, Ali worked as a security guard at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC. Tuesday’s ruling, in favour of Mr Wafaa, demanded “heroic amounts of effort,” said his lawyer, Kathy Roberts. Ms Roberts is part of the Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA), a San Francisco-based nonprofit organisation that seeks to bring alleged war criminals to justice. Much of Mr Warfaa’s case, thwarted by delays for over a decade, hinged upon whether Ali could be found guilty by a US court of a crime committed in Somalia. US laws, namely the Torture Victim Protections Act (TVPA), prohibit torture whether it occurs on US soil or overseas, and allows both US citizens and non-citizens to bring claims for torture and extrajudicial killings committed in foreign countries. The TVPA only allows for the finding of civil claims in the US, meaning that lawsuits result in monetary compensation, rather than jail time. When Ali moved to Virginia, he exposed himself to the lawsuit, said Benjamin Klein, another lawyer for Mr Wafaa. Mr Warfaa’s case included testimony from a former US ambassador, soldiers who served under Ali, and another victim of the former colonel, as he argued that Ali had directed acts of torture and attempted an extrajudicial killing. The US jury issued a split ruling, finding Ali only guilty of torture. Still, Mr Warfaa is “absolutely thrilled”, said Mr Klein. “He’s been waiting 31 years for this day.” Source: BBC

rize-winning Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina has died in Nairobi after a short illness at the age of 48. He won the Caine Prize for African writing in 2002 and was best known around the world for his satirical essay How to Write About Africa. Wainaina was also named among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2014 for his gay rights activism. He “demystified and humanized homosexuality” author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wrote at the time. Wainaina was one of the first highprofile Kenyans to openly declare he was gay and “he felt an obligation to chip away at the shame” that people felt about being gay, Adichie added. Kenyan writer and commentator Nanjala Nyabola said Wainaina had shown Kenyans that literature was not just a way to express oneself - it could also be a valuable career: “He reopened the possibilities of Kenyan literature,” she told the BBC’s Newsday programme. Wainaina challenged Kenyans to rethink their negative stereotypes about homosexuality, Nyabola added. “Inasmuch as homosexuality is illegal in Kenya, there are people who are very comfortable with their identity… but the public space for acceptance and respect has always been lacking and even characterised by violence,” Nyabola said. “What he said is ‘look I’m here and I’m still the same person that you know and love and respect ‘... I think it’s incredibly powerful,” she added.

Binyavanga Wainaina was one of the first high-profile Kenyans to openly declare he was gay Homosexual relations are currently illegal in Kenya but the Supreme Court is due to rule on Friday whether to overturn the law banning them. Living in the fast lane If life was a highway, Wainaina stayed on the fast lane. And when he swerved, he barely stepped on the brakes. Wainaina kept tongues wagging and people breathless almost all his life. He shot to global fame in 2002 when he won the Caine Prize for African Writing for his short story, Discovering Home. He then set up a literary magazine, Kwani, as a platform for emerging writers. Several contributors to the magazine world subsequently won the Caine Prize too. In 2014, his personal life took centre stage when he told the world

he had known he was gay since he was five. A year later, he suffered a stroke. The next year, in 2016, he announced he was HIV-positive on World Aids Day. In 2018, against all odds, he said he would marry his boyfriend in South Africa. Wainaina will not have his wedding. But he leaves behind an LGBT community in Kenya, many of whom were emboldened by his bravery. Wainaina suffered a stroke in 2015. His brother James Wainaina told the BBC his family wanted to celebrate his life: “We are in a life celebration mood, we’re looking at this from a human level. It’s a human story. Allow that humanness to shine, people are hurting.”

Gabon timber scandal: How 300 containers of kevazingo went missing

Gabon is home to part of the world’s second-largest rainforest

abon’s President Ali Bongo has sacked his vice-president and his forestry minister amid a timber-smuggling scandal. No reason was given for the sackings but it comes after 300 containers of kevazingo wood - which is illegal to export - were discovered at a port. There is demand for the wood in Asia where it is used to make furniture. Nearly two-thirds of Gabon is covered in forests and the timber industry is important for the country’s economy. What is so special about the wood? Kevazingo, which is better known

as bubinga or guibourtia, is a reddish type of wood found in West Africa. Some trees in Gabon are more than 500 years old and they can be considered sacred by local people. But timber from kevazingo is highly valued in parts of Asia, where it is used to make high-end furniture and music instruments. The government banned the export of kevazingo in 2018 in an effort to protect the country’s resources. How much wood went missing? Last month, more than 350 containers of the precious timber were discovered at the port of Owendo, outside the capital, Libreville, ready to be exported. They were found in depots

belonging to Chinese companies, falsely labelled, allegedly with the forestry ministry label. Then the containers mysteriously disappeared. About 200 of them have since been recovered. It is not clear how much the missing wood was worth. Reuters news agency says it had a street value of $250m (£200m) but the prosecutor running the case, Olivier Nzaou, said he couldn’t comment because it was an ongoing investigation. What does this mean for Gabon? The authorities have vowed to pursue those responsible in an investigation known as “kevazingogate”. The dismissal of Vice-President Pierre Claver Maganga Moussavou and Forestry Minister Guy Bertrand Mapangou are believed to be linked to this investigation, although no official reason for their sackings, or details on their alleged involvement, were given. Some 13 other officials were suspended last week and a Chinese businessman was named as the mastermind behind the illegal operation. In recent days, there had been calls for Mr Mapangou to resign. A document which appeared to bear his signature - authorising a Chinese company to export the containers - had been circulating online. He said it was a fake document and has denied any involvement in the scandal.

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Abe Shinzo? Japan re-thinks the order of names

apan’s foreign minister wants Japanese names to be written surname-first in foreign languages. Taro Kono told reporters he plans to ask overseas media to write personal names in the Japanese style, so Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will become “Abe Shinzo”, for example, the Sankei Shimbun newspaper reports. He says this has long been the practice with other Asian names, as in the cases of China’s President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jongil. “I plan to ask international media organisations to do this. Domestic media that have English services should consider it, too,” he says. ‘Western influence’ Japanese names got out of step with their neighbours in the 19th century amid the growing influence of Western culture, according to the Japan News site. The question of changing the order of names has been around for decades. Back in December 2000, the Japanese Language Council official advisory body called on domestic media, publishers and universities to “be aware of the diversity of languages and cultures and make use of it - the order of surnames and first names is desirable even in the Roman alphabet,” Sankei Shimbun reports. Mr Kono quoted the 2000 report in March when he said his ministry was considering making the switch in official documents. He now says the accession of the new Emperor Naruhito, plus upcoming international events in Japan such as June’s Group of 20 summit and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, make this an auspicious time to switch the name order. Mr Kono has support elsewhere in the government, as Education minister Masahiko Shibayama has also called on official agencies to go surname first, the Mainichi Shimbun daily reports, but not everyone is as sure. ‘Many factors’ Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters that “There are many factors we have to consider, including convention,” according to Tokyo Shimbun. Mr Kono has a history of making a public stand on sensitive issues. He has proposed allowing more immigration to deal with the problem of Japan’s ageing population, as well as a new memorial to the war dead to detoxify the controversy over the Yasukuni Shrine, which honours several war criminals. And most recently, he posted an enigmatic tweet about bacon that left an entire nation wondering whether he was communicating in code.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

s i a

Iran marks world Quds day

uds day, officially known in Iran as INTERNATIONAL QUDS DAY is an annual event that began in Iran in 1979 and is also commemorated in several countries in the Arab and Muslim World. To this end, organization of Islamic cooperation (O.I.C) adopted this day as the National Day of Quds (city) to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and opposing Zionism as well as Israel’s control of Jerusalem. It is normally marked on the last Friday of Ramadan by marches and demonstrations around the world, to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and opposing Zionism as well as Israel’s control of Jerusalem. Quds day is synonym to establishing OPPRESSED MUSLIM PARTY which main function shall be to develop the Muslims and open their eyes to the problem confronting Muslims worldwide and proffer ways to confront this problem with view to bring about united Muslims Ummah whose goal shall be worshipping ALLAH socially, politically, economically and spiritually. It is also not merely a strategic solution for the Palestinian problem, as it to be viewed as a key for solving the world problems; any freedom lover and justice seeker in the world must do it best for the annihilation of the Zionist regime in order to pave the path for the establishment of justice and freedom in the world. Israel, which gained independence as a modern country in 1948, claims Jerusalem as its capital. But this is not internationally recognized because the ancient city is also the proclaimed capital of the State of Palestine. Jerusalem’s unresolved status is one of the core questions at the heart of the IsraelPalestine conflict. US President Donald Trump’s provocative statements on the occupied Syrian Golan drew a storm of international condemnations and criticism, as many states and parties asserted

Tobacco Control Regulations: Groups urges national assembly leadership to resist industry overtures By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

he Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has urged the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Honourable Yakubu Dogara to resist on-going attempts by the tobacco industry to truncate the passage of the draft National Tobacco Control Regulations. The groups, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday pleaded with the National Assembly leadership to repel clandestine activities of the tobacco industry to water-down the draft Regulations. “We have been monitoring the processes after the adoption of the draft Regulations on the floor of the House of Representatives and are shocked by the delay in transmitting the draft Regulations to the Senate for concurrence.

Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani their rejection of these reckless statements, and at the same time they expressed adherence to the relevant international resolutions, which assert that the Golan have always been and will always remain a part of Syria. It is almost impossible to see the logic of the Trump administration’s expected recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and possibly moving the U.S. embassy to Israel there—before it even unveils what’s certain to be a controversial plan for Middle East peace, which will be tough enough to sell. “We therefore call all Muslims worldwide and all peace and freedom lovers to see support for Palestinians, the weak and oppressed throughout the world, as a personal as well as collective obligation.

They should also condemn in totality Israeli aggression on innocent civilians, as they are living witnesses of the historical injustice and the deprivation of fundamental human rights by these enemies of humanity. We should encourage abstaining from trading in and buying all goods made by them, severing disharmony and legalizing shedding of blood of fellow Muslims among other measures. Islamic and human right activists worldwide even among the Jews keep the spirit of Quds Day alive by demonstrations, write ups and lectures in major cities.” The Quds Day is a universal day; it is not an exclusive day for Quds itself. It is a day for the oppressed to rise and stand up against the arrogant. “IMAM KHOMEINI

The award is also a big achievement for the publishers Sandstone Press, a small company in Dingwall, Scotland, with four full-time staff members and which puts out between 20 and 25 books per year. A spokesperson from Sandstone, said the win was “extremely exciting” for the team. “Our editor really championed Celestial Bodies, she saw something special in it,” the spokesperson added. “It’s just a beautiful book about families and their loves and their losses. It’s fantastic that we are able to see into this world.” Celestial Bodies is set in the village of alAwafi and tells the stories of three sisters, who witness Oman’s cultural evolution from a traditional society in the post-colonial period. In particular, the story focuses on middle-

class Omanis trying to come to terms with major changes to their way of life. “It touches the subject of slavery. I think literature is the best platform to have this dialogue,” said Alharthi, who is the first female Omani novelist to be translated into English. She’s also an academic who was educated, in part, at Edinburgh University. The chair of judges, historian Bettany Hughes, said the novel showed “delicate artistry and disturbing aspects of our shared history”. “The style is a metaphor for the subject, subtly resisting cliches of race, slavery and gender,” she added. Alharthi has previously written two collections of short fiction, a children’s book and three novels in Arabic.

Yemen war: UN appeals to Houthi rebels over aid

he UN says food aid is being diverted by some corrupt and uncooperative officials in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, where millions of people are believed to be on the verge of famine. David Beasley, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), told the BBC the agency’s efforts to reach people in need were being repeatedly blocked. He said he hoped “good Houthi leaders” would prevail over the corrupt ones. On Monday, the agency warned of a possible suspension of aid delivery. Yemen is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world currently and some 12 million people - almost 40% of the population - are on the brink of starvation, according to Mr Beasley. Most of those most in need are in Houthi-controlled areas.

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By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Man Booker International Prize: Jokha Alharthi is first Arabic winner mani author Jokha Alharthi has won this year’s Man Booker International Prize the first Arabic writer to do so. Her novel Celestial Bodies centres on the lives of three sisters and their families coming to terms with social changes in Oman. Judges described it as “a richly imagined, engaging and poetic insight”. Alharthi shares the award of £50,000 ($63,000) with her translator, the American academic Marilyn Booth. “I am thrilled that a window has been opened to the rich Arabic culture,” Alharthi told journalists after the ceremony at the Roundhouse in London. “Oman inspired me but I think international readers can relate to the human values in the book - freedom and love.”

environ ment PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

Mr Beasley said that his unusual public criticism could backfire, with Houthi leaders providing even less access to humanitarian workers, but that children were dying as a result of this “desperate, desperate situation”. “This violates the most fundamental international standards of humanitarian principles because innocent people are suffering from food diversion, theft, corruption,” said Mr Beasley, who last year criticised the Saudi-led coalition for a blockade stopping vital assistance from reaching Yemen. “I know all the Houthis and the Houthi leaders aren’t like that. There are good Houthi leaders and I hope they can prevail.” On Monday, the WEP said its teams were being denied access to people in need,

convoys had been blocked and local officials were interfering with food distribution, warning of a phased suspension of aid. Earlier this month, rebels pulled out of three key Red Sea ports - Hudaydah, Salif and Ras Issa - in partial implementation of a ceasefire deal agreed last December, according to the UN. This could allow vital humanitarian aid into the country. The UN says at least 7,070 civilians have been killed and 11,205 injured since the conflict in Yemen started in 2015, with 65% of the deaths attributed to Saudi-led coalition air strikes. Thousands more civilians have died from preventable causes, including malnutrition, disease and poor health. Source: BBC

“Equally worrying are reports that the draft Regulations being sent to the Senate are being doctored to exclude some key provisions as approved on the floor of the House of Representatives and reflected in the record of the Votes and Proceedings. “To us, the tobacco industry is striking again. Proper due process was followed and respected all along, and all parties were duly consulted but we know the tobacco industry will always act in bad faith to compromise any law aimed at reducing smoking and its attendant harms and economic costs. “The National Assembly must once and for all, draw the line and side with the health of Nigerians as well as protect them from an industry that is killing 16,100 Nigerians every year,” said ERA/ FoEN Deputy Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi. According to the groups, some of the critical

sections approved at the House of Representatives include: all tobacco products must carry pictorial health warning of 50 per cent on all principal display areas which will automatically increase to 80 per cent after four years; licensing of all tobacco products including variants by the Federal Ministry of Health, amongst others. The NTCA Alliance Coordinator, Oluseun Esan said: “The eighth National Assembly is at a critical period and we have seen the wave of bills that were given expedited passage. We wonder why the Tobacco Control Regulations have not enjoyed similar treatment. “Our plea is that the Senate President and the Speaker of the House Representatives step into this issue personally and stand with public good. Nigerians are watching and indeed the global public health community is also watching to see how the eighth National Assembly treats this very important issue.

“We restate our confidence that the leadership will do the needful by approving strong Regulations as approved on the floor of the House of Representatives; that is the Public Health legacy Nigerians need from Senator Saraki and Honourable Dogara. The draft National Tobacco Control Regulations provide clarity and details for the enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Bill, 2015 signed into Law under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. However, Section 39 (2), of the Act provides that draft Regulations for the full implementation of the Act must be sent back to the National Assembly for approval. The groups want the Senate to concur to the draft Regulations approved by the House of Representatives before the expiration of the term of the current National Assembly on June 6, 2019.

We’ll partner relevant 160 communities benefit from FG’s share of Ecological Fund -SGF agencies towards developing Nigeria’s environment -Odusote By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

he Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, has expressed the commitment of her Ministry to partner relevant agencies in implementing developmental projects and cardinal programmes that will improve the state and well-being of the environment. Mrs. Odusote, spoke while hosting a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), at her office in Abuja. The FAO’s team was led by the Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Suffyan Koroma. A statement signed by Director Press,Saghir el Mohammed ,said the Permanent Secretary, pointed out that Nigeria is immensely endowed with uncommon human and natural resources, compared to other countries of the world. She however maintained that receiving technical supports from intervention and development-focused agencies like FAO will greatly help to harness the exotic resources domiciled in the country, in a way that will promote sustainable environmental development. “We at the Ministry of Environment are more than ready to partner and work with FAO. Nigeria, as a nation, stands to benefit and also gain a lot from the technical assistance(s) you may wish to offer us in various aspects or ways. Specifically, the Environment Ministry is always receptive to innovative ideas and mutually-beneficial partnerships. As such, I wish to inform you that our doors are open to welcome the extraordinary policyideas, conceived projects and development programmes you may wish to avail and provide us,” she said. Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Koroma, stated that their mission was to familiarize and intimate the Ministry on programmes and projects of mutual interest and areas where FOA is already providing support services to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He revealed that Food and Agriculture Organisation is providing support to the government in the development of sub-national forest reference emission level, development of sub-national forestry monitoring system action plan, and building of the capacity of government officials in the use of modern laser equipment national forest inventory, among others. The FAO’s Country Representative, pledged the continued support of the Organisation to the Ministry.

Picture of one of the completed projects of Gully Erosion and Flood Control Works at Wuye,Abuja . By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

he Secretary to the Government (SGF)of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has said that about one hundred and Sixty communities (160) throughout the Federation have benefitted from the Federal Government accrued share of Ecological Fund. President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Boss Mustapha at the commissioning and hand-over ceremonies at Lugbe and Wuye reiterated the present administration’s pledge that no part of the country would be neglected under this administration owing to its geographical location or political considerations. Mustapha made the disclosure recently while answering questions from journalists at the commissioning and handing over ceremony of the Federal Government’s executed and completed projects of Erosion and Road Improvement works at Lugbe and Gully Erosion and Flood Control Works at Wuye respectively, under Abuja Municipal Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He said the Federal Government’s execution of projects across the country demonstrated the sincerity of purpose of the present administration towards entrenching justice, equity and fair play to all and sundry. He pointed out that with the completion of the projects, the living standard of Lugbe and its environs would be enhanced as well as that of Wuye school community. He said that one percent Ecological and

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Gida

derivation Fund Mustapha (Centre) being aided by to the PS , EFO, Dr. Habiba accrued to the Lawal, Director DDC& CZM, Mr. Addy Yusuf ( in white left), Director Federal services SEFC. Engnr. Felix Okeke (in black left), the AMAC Chairman, Hon. the National Adamu Candido (in white right), and AMAC Vice Chairman, Hon. E m e r g e n c y Lawrence Unachukwu (in brown , right) to cut the commissioning M a n a g e m e n t and hand-over tape of the completed Erosion and Road Agency (NEMA), Improvement Works at Lugbe ,Abuja recently . Great Green Wall (GGW), Ecological In his reaction, the Executive Chairman, Abuja Fund Office (EFO) and other agency at the directive of Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Mr. President. Candido appreciated the efforts of the Federal According to him, EFO which is under the Office Government on the projects. of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation He appreciated Mr President, the Secretary to intervenes in virtually all the thirty-six states of the the Government of the Federation, Ecological Fund Federation including FCT. He promised that with the Office and the contractor for seeing to the award and commissioning of completed projects, Nigerians would completion of the projects in AMAC. be seeing more of the interventions of the Federal In the same vain, the representative of Lugbe Government through the Ecological Fund Office. community, Barr. Salihu Momoh expressed joy on According to him, the intervention of the Federal the completion of the project,saying, the community Government has helped in reducing the dangers had struggled for the past ten years to get the attention associated with erosion and persistent flooding that the of government on the road without result. While communities have experienced. commending the leadership of President Muhammadu Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Buhari and the Secretary to the government of the Secretary, (EFO), Dr. Habiba Lawal also commended Federation for the attending to the yearnings of local the contractor, consultant and EFO staff for their efforts communities. in ensuring timely completion of the project. At the Federal Government boys’ Secondary He reiterated that the handover was meant to School, Wuye where the other completed project was enable the host communities take over and exercise commissioned, the school authorities were grateful to ownership over the projects. the Federal government for the quick intervention in Lawal urged the host community not to allow the rescuing the school’s permanent site from dangerous resources the Federal Government committed to the gully erosion threat. projects to waste.

Nigeria, Finland pledge commitment to promote circular economy, fight climate change By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

he Nigerian Government and Federal Republic of Finland have pledged to strengthen bilateral tie in the areas of circular economy, climate change and other environmental issues affecting the two countries. This was the highpoint of a meeting between the Minister of Environment, Surv. Suleiman Hassan Zarma, and the Finish Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Jykri Pulkkinen, held in Abuja. While speaking at the meeting, the Minister restated the commitment of Nigerian Government to boost the economy through viable strategies that include waste recycling and management and resources conservation. This was contained in a statement signed by Saghir el Mohammed ,Director Press ,said

Hassan Zarma, explained that “globally, natural environment has become a currency. And Nigeria, like other nations, is working assiduously to earn the currency.” He said the APC-led Federal Government is very passionate and committed to its cardinal programme of turning the country’s mass waste materials into wealth through recycling, as it has the capacity to fast-track economic growth and accelerated development. While pledging to collaborate with key stakeholders to fully implement the Ministry’s economic blueprint, Zarma added: “Recycling will help the country to conserve beneficial natural resources and energy, which are fast been depleted through over-exploitation, while also mitigating the hazardous impact of climate change on our environment.” He said as part of efforts put in place to revert the

devastation of climate change in the country, the Ministry has embarked on various sensitization campaigns and strategic programmes, in order to enlighten the public on ways to prevent the destruction of natural habitats and biodiversity. Earlier, Dr. Jykri Pulkkinen, revealed that they were in the Ministry to identify and also seek areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Finland, as both countries have peculiar environmental challenges, together with the problem of harnessing scarce resources for development. “How to properly care and protect the natural environment is something that the Finnish government takes seriously. We believe Nigeria and Finland can mutually partner, and seek ways to address the issue of scarce resources’ depletion and global warming, which is caused by climate change,” he said.

Feature

PEOPLES DAILY, thurSDAY, may 23, 2019

Being black in Nazi Germany

ilm director Amma Asante came across an old photograph taken in Nazi Germany of a black schoolgirl by chance. Standing among her white classmates, who stare straight into the camera, she enigmatically glances to the side. Curiosity about the photograph - who the girl was and what she was doing in Germany - set the award-winning film-maker off on a path that led to Where Hands Touch, a new movie starring Amandla Stenberg and George MacKay. It is an imagined account of a mixedrace teenager’s clandestine relationship with a Hitler Youth member, but it is based on historical record. In the Nazi era, from 1933 to 1945, AfricanGermans numbered in their thousands. There was no uniform experience, but over time, they were banned from having relationships with white people, excluded from education and types of employment, and some were sterilised, while others were taken to concentration camps. ‘Disbelief and dismissiveness’ But their story has largely been untold and it has taken Ms Asante 12 years to get her account of the period on to the big screen. “Often there’s a form of disbelief, of questioning, sometimes even a dismissiveness of the difficult lives these people led,” she told the BBC about the reaction she received from some when she spoke about her research for the film. The African-German community has its origins in the country’s short-lived empire. Sailors, servants, students and entertainers from present-day Cameroon, Togo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Namibia came to Germany. Once World War One broke out in 1914 this transient population became more settled, according to historian Robbie Aitken. And some African soldiers who fought for Germany in the war also settled there. But there was a second group whose presence went on to feed into the Nazis’ fear of racial mixing. As part of the treaty that was signed after Germany’s defeat in World War One, French troops occupied the Rhineland area of western Germany. France used at least 20,000 soldiers from its African empire, mainly North and West Africa, to police the area, some of whom went on to have relationships with German women. Racist caricatures The derogatory term “Rhineland bastards” was coined in the 1920s to refer to the 600800 mixed-race children who were the result of those relationships. The term spoke to some people’s imagined fears of an impure race. Made-up stories and racist caricatures of sexually predatory African soldiers were circulated at the time, fuelling concern. While anti-Semitism occupied a preeminent place at the heart of Nazi ideology, a line in Mein Kampf, the book published in 1925 outlining the political beliefs of party leader Adolf Hitler, linked Jewish and black people. “It was and is the Jews who bring the Negroes into the Rhineland,” Hitler wrote, “always with the same secret thought and clear aim of ruining the hated white race by the necessarily resulting bastardisation.” Once in power, the Nazis’ obsession with Jews and racial purity gradually led to the Holocaust, the industrialised slaughter of six million Jewish people during World War Two, as well as the mass murder of Roma, people with disabilities and some Slavic people. Mr Aitken, who researches the lives of

black Germans, says they were targeted too albeit not in the same systematic way. He describes them as being assimilated into the Nazis’ “spiralling radicalisation of racial policy”. He says evidence shows their policies toward “other ‘racial aliens’ hint toward a goal of racial annihilationism”. ‘I felt only half-human’ In 1935, the Nuremberg laws, which among other things outlawed marriages between Jews and other Germans, were passed. These were then amended to include black people and Roma in the same category as Jews. But a fear of racial mixing persisted and in 1937 the mixed-race children from the Rhineland were targeted for forced sterilisation. Hans Hauck was one of at least 385 people who underwent the operation. Mr Hauck, the son of an Algerian soldier and a white German, appeared in the 1997 documentary Hitler’s Forgotten Victims. He spoke about how he was taken in secret to have a vasectomy. He was then given a sterilisation certificate, to allow him to carry on working, and he had to sign an agreement saying he would not marry or have sex with people “with German blood”. “It was depressing and oppressive,” he told the documentary makers, “I felt only halfhuman”. Another victim, Thomas Holzhauser, said on the film: “Sometimes I’m glad I couldn’t have children. At least they were spared the shame I lived with.” The children were inhabiting two places at the same time. They were both insiders and outsiders” Very few others spoke about their experiences while they were alive, and “there have not been many attempts to uncover what

“

That was the fear of Theodor Wonja Michael, who was born in Berlin in 1925 - the son of a Cameroonian man and a German woman Growing up he appeared in so-called “human zoos”, or ethnographical exhibitions, he told German broadcaster DW in 2017. “With vast skirts, drums, dancing and songs - the idea was that people on display were foreign, exotic and were showing spectators what their homeland was like,” he said. “Basically it was just a big show.” Once the Nazis came to power he knew that he had to stay as invisible as possible, especially when he became a teenager. “Of course, with a face like this I could never completely disappear, but I tried. “I avoided all contact with white women. That would have been horrible. I would have been sterilised and I might also have been charged with racial defilement,” he said on the DW film Afro-Germany. In 1942, Heinrich Himmler, who was one of the architects of the Holocaust, ordered a census of the black people living in Germany. This could indicate the beginnings of a plan of mass murder, though no such plan was ever put in place.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

GLORIOUS WITNESS GLOBAL MINISTRY The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

loss of document

Society Of Community Health Technologist And Scientist Of Nigeria

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: POSITION: THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. APOSTLE ELIJAH SPRINGS ATAFO - PRESIDNET /SERVING 1 Ephraim Audu Anja. OVERSEER 2 Aminu Sabo 3 Agba George Thomas. 2. APOSTLE CHARLES FRESHVINE WOGHIREN -VICE PRESIDENT & 4 Ahmed Mohammed Tijani. DIRECTOR OF FOREIGN 5 Nwaeme Chibuezo J. MISSIONS 6 Abdulrahaman Abdulhamid. 3. DR. CHARLES IKHIFA - VICE PRESIDENT 2 & 7 Aransiola Rashidat Ajoke DIRECTOR OF HOME MISSION Aims And Objectives. (1) To uphold the dignity of community Health Professional through AIMS AND OBJECTIVES promotion of hard work and dedication. 1. To Preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all the Nations of (2) To pursue the recognition of ND/HND/BSC/Master/PhD in community the World. on Health. (3) To enhance unity among various cadre in community Health Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Profession. Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Abuja, within REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS Twenty Eight (28) days of this publication. CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: PASTOR EDWIN EMOJEVU SIGNED : 08039230250 Secretary.

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This photo was used in genetics lectures at Germany’s State Academy for Race and Health

INITIATIVE FOR POVERTY AND CONFLICT SOLUTIONS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. EJEMBI OLOHY - CHAIRMAN. 2. OCHE MARY ENE - SECRETARY. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To assist the less privileged in the society. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR. ANDREW PIUS 08059830577.

PUBLIC NOTICE Amandla Stenberg plays mixed-race teenager Leyna in Where Hands Touch eventually happened to the majority of them”, Mr Aitken, who is one of the few historians working on the subject, told the BBC. “It is worthwhile remembering that the Nazis also wilfully destroyed many of the documents pertaining to camps and to sterilisation, making it difficult to reconstruct the fates of groups and individuals,” he said. Ms Asante, who has also written and directed Belle and A United Kingdom, says many of these people suffered an identity crisis. They had a German parent and saw themselves as German, but they were also isolated and never fully embraced. “The children were inhabiting two places at the same time. They were both insiders and outsiders,” the 49-year-old said. Though their experiences differed, all black Germans were subjected to persecution under Nazi rule. Germany’s colonial era, especially the attempted genocide of the Herero and Nama people in Namibia, already led to a negative view of Africans. After Hitler came to power, they were harassed, humiliated in public, excluded from types of work and education, and essentially rendered stateless. There was some resistance. For example, Hilarius Gilges, who was mixed race, was a Communist and anti-Nazi agitator. He was kidnapped and murdered in 1933. Once war broke out in 1939, their position became more precarious. People in mixed relationships could be targeted for sterilisation, imprisonment or murder. Trying to be invisible That was the fear of Theodor Wonja Michael, who was born in Berlin in 1925 - the son of a Cameroonian man and a German woman Growing up he appeared in so-called “human zoos”, or ethnographical exhibitions,

he told German broadcaster DW in 2017. “With vast skirts, drums, dancing and songs - the idea was that people on display were foreign, exotic and were showing spectators what their homeland was like,” he said. “Basically it was just a big show.” Once the Nazis came to power he knew that he had to stay as invisible as possible, especially when he became a teenager. “Of course, with a face like this I could never completely disappear, but I tried. “I avoided all contact with white women. That would have been horrible. I would have been sterilised and I might also have been charged with racial defilement,” he said on the DW film Afro-Germany. In 1942, Heinrich Himmler, who was one of the architects of the Holocaust, ordered a census of the black people living in Germany. This could indicate the beginnings of a plan of mass murder, though no such plan was ever put in place. Instead, there is evidence of at least two dozen black Germans ending up in concentration camps in Germany. “People would simply disappear and you wouldn’t know what happened to them,” Elizabeth Morton, whose parents ran an African entertainment troupe, said in the documentary Hitler’s Forgotten Victims. Through Where Hands Touch, Ms Asante is trying to shed new light on these stories. As a British-Ghanaian she feels that the role and presence of people from the African diaspora in European history is often missed out - and says her film will make it difficult to deny that black people suffered at the hands of the Nazis. “I think there’s a lot of ignorance and currently there’s a lot of dismissing of what these people went through.” Source: BBC

Life Gate Bible Ministry CAC/IT/NO 31274

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR the removal and appointment of trustees UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE RETAINED/REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Rev. Anthony C. Okafor - Retained 2.Evang (Mrs) Confidence E. Okafor - Retained 3.Bro Godwin Nwachukwu - Removed 4.Rev. (Dr.) Jude Oguh - Removed 5.Bro Thomas Okafor - Retained THE APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Bro. Joshua Ugochukwu Okafor - Appointed 2.Bro. Andrew Ossaite - Appointed. Any objection to this removal and addition of trustee should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: VICTORIA UDOWA 08033553106.

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LightFinder Empowerment and Development Initiative

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Mr. Abiola Oludele 2. Barrister Obo Effanga 3. Dr. Yemisi Oyegbile 4. Mrs. Mosunmola Adeniji Sanni 5. Dr. Tosin Gboji THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Promote mutual co-operation among members in skills exchange,v information and resource sharing for life advancement 2. Campaign and advocate for the wellbeing of persons with disabilities 3. Create a well established projects that will advance the situation of persons with ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MAKURDI CAC/IT/NO-76 THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MOST REVD. ATHANASIUS ATULE USUH - RETAINED 2. MOST REVD. WILFRED CHIKPA ANAGBE - APPOINTED 3. REVD. FR. BARNABAS IORWUESE AKAA - APPOINTED 4. REVD FR. JAMES ORSHOJA UTAV - APPOINTED. 5. REVD. FR. REMIGIUS SHAWON IHYULA - APPOINTED. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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PROGRESSIVE INITIATIVE FOR HUMANITY DEVELOPMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Muhammad Bashir Khalid - Chairman 2. Sani Girema - Vice Chairman 3. Awalu Hassan - Secretary 4. Jabiru Adamu - Member 5. Usman Shehu Adamu - Member 6. Umar Musa Ayuba - Member 7. Rabiu Yusuf - Member 8. Musa Auwalu Garba Member Aim and Objective To foster unity and love among members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

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JOLLY FOOTBALL CLUB

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.SAGBE KESIYE - CHAIRMAN 2.NABENA SAMUEL EBIWENI - SECRETARY 3.TUATEI FAWEI JAMES 4.ORAGWU CHINEDU ONYEKACHI 5.ANUCHA NNAEMEKA HILARY 6.YOM FIDELIS BALSOM THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To promote health, fitness and social welfare amongst members. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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PUBLIC NOTICE ALHERI AGAPE HOPE FOUNDATION

CHIEZE STONE DEALERS ASSSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) ONYEDIKACHI GODIAN. (2)CHISOM AHIAEKE (3)ALOYSIUS OKAFOR (4)CHIMA EMEH (5)DANIEL AMAECHI (6)LIVINUS OKEKE (7)BASIL IKEJIAMA . THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : (1) TO ENSURE THE WELFARE OF IT’S MEMBERS. (2)TO SEEK FOR LAWFUL COMMON GOALS FOR THE PROGRESS AND PEACE OF THIS ASSOCIATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR. EVEREST AJAEREE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. DR. YAKUBU JOSEPH. 2. JOHN OLUSHOLA MOTUNBADE. 3. TUKURA NOSAYABA IFUEKO. 4. GAMBO PRECIOUS YUSUF. 5. PASTOR DANIEL AMAECHI. 6. LADI AGYER MADAKI. 7. YUSUF PEACE GAMBO. 8. PROF. ISICHEI CHRISTIAN OGOEGBUNEM. 9. GAMBO YUSUF HARUNA. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROVIDE HEALTH SERVICES. 2. TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF INTERVENTION. 3. TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : CONTACT: BARR. N. O. UDALO. 08033727601.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

SECURE TOMORROW INITIATIVE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1- OKAFORCHA PRINCESS TOBECHUKWU ----- Chairman 2- OKAFORCHA CHIDI J. ---- Secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1- To promote girl child education. 2-- TO promote African Languages and Culture. 3- Youth empowerment through Skill acquisition training. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Barr Eudorah Ezeonye

I- CAME FOUNDATION NIGERIA

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.His Eminence , Amb. Samson Mustapha Benjamin 2.Amb. Dr. Zyra McCloud 3.Amb. Dr. Sarah Jibril 4.Amb. Emmanuel Suleman Dabs 5.Anthony Ifeanyichukwu Uwechia 6 Blessing Ngozika Uwechia. 7. Mr. Eddie Lee McCloud. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : IAAAACAME provides a platform for global leadership development solutions to government, private businesses and international donor agencies. For over 20 years, IAAAACAME brings together African Americans and the remainder of the Diaspora all over to the world to Africa and the Middle east to network, share resources, exchange knowledge on economics, while educating the community, and fostering international peace and solidarity. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BETHEL VICTORY PRAYER BETH-EL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

RIGHTSTEP GLOBAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. AMAJOR EMMANUEL 2. OGBUKA CHIMEZIE 3. EMMANUEL AMAJOR MERCY NDAGLAYA AIM AND OBJECTIVE To Strengthens Personal Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and enable Christian Members to see the Relevance of living a prayerful life as a Whole. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded the Registrar- General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 day of this publication. Signed Secretary.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1, Mrs Nkemdi Onyirimba --- President 2, Attorney Charles Onyirimba --- Vice President 3, Mr Chinwe Chikwem --- Secretary 4, Mrs Nmeka Akanno Nwosu ---- Treasurer

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PASTOR GODWIN UBE 2.MRS CELESTINA UBE 3. FRANKLIN NDUBUISI EKEOCHA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1, Youth Entrepreneurial Support Ethics and Value Re-- Orientation. 2, Education and Empowerment People of Diverse Group to Change and Manage Challenging Behaviors. 3, Mentoring on Accountability and Building of Leadership Skills. 4, Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To advocate for the voices of the poorest, the deprived and the marginalised and build platform from which their voices are heard and developed out of ownership and participation.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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BIG BROTHER’S SHOULDER FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OLATUNBOSUN KOREDE SUNDAY 2. PASTOR GRACE ADEKEMI OLATUBOSUN 3. NWACHUKWU CHIDIEBERE MONDAY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MR. ECHEME IKPO EKE 2. MRS. CINDY NWOKE AGWU 3. MR. BENJAMINE ECHEME IKPO 4. OKWUCHI ECHEME EKE 5. MR. JOHN IFEGWU NDUKA 6. MISS. OYEDIYA PEACE ECHEME

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To preach the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by establishing churches and worship centers across the world 2. To share God’s love and provide welfare and support for needy and less privileged persons. 3. To establish educational institutions that will teach and empower students with skills and knowledge .

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE SKILL ACQUISITION AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED 2. TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WELFARE OF THE EXTREMELY POOR PEOPLE 3. TO DISCOURAGE UNSKILLED ECONOMIC MIGRANTS FROM AFRICA THROUGH RESULT- ORIENTED EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT

SIGNED : SOLICITOR.

SIGNED : FABKING & ASSOCIATES 08038752918 , 09093949281

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pa phillip akintoye developement foundation

Candidates of heaven glorious ministry

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Akintoye kehinde festus 2. Akintoye fadekemi oludolapo 3. Faduola abiodun babayemi 4. Ajetonmobi ismail biodun Aims To care for the less priveledged in the society To develope infracstructures in its community Any objection to this registration should be forwarded the Registrar- General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 day of this publication. Signed Secretary.

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TRIBE WARRIOR SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C”of the Companies And Allied Act No. 1 of 1990. TRUSTEES NAMES: 1. ADEKOLA AKINWUMI ADEWALE - CHAIRMAN 2. YAHAYA ADAMU MAIKORI - SECRETARY 3. ADE ADEFEKO 4. FATIMA MUKHTAR BUHARI 5. OLALEKAN SUNDAY AJISAFE 6. TANISHA OMORINSOLA KOFOWOROLA AGUNBIADE 7. NDEY MARIAMA JOBE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Improve the standard of living of people living with sickle cell diseases. 2. Create awareness about sickle cell disease to the general public. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication. SIGNED BY SECRETARY

CELESTINA CARE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

WORD & SPIRIT GLORYLAND TABERNACLE CHURCH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1) Ifeanyi Friday Onumegbu. 2) Maria Ifeanyi Onumegbu. 3)Aigbona Moses Afekhade Aims To preach the gospel of christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded the Registrar- General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 day of this publication. Signed Secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE LIGHT OF PEACE GOSPEL CHURCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Centre has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. STANLEY IKECHUKWU ORJI 2. CONFIDENCE UGOMA IKECHUKWU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROCLAIM AND EVANGELIZE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST THROUGH BIBLE TEACHING. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED SECRETARY

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Thursday, may 23, 2019

Nigeria defeats Botswana, Ghana to sustain World Cricket Championship qualification hopes

SIGNED : Mrs CELESTINA UBE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Akoko young farmers association

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1 olowosile adebayo 2 owolabi esan 3 adewumi jackson 4 makinde olaitan Aims To carter for the intrest of members To provide a platform for farmers to interact and network Any objection to this registration should be forwarded the Registrar- General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 day of this publication. Signed Bar thompson omoerha

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Great Word of God Church of all nations

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE (1) NNAWETANMA ERNEST KANAYOCHUKWU (2) MADUEKWE OGOCHUKWU CHINYERE (3)INNOCENT NWANKWO NNAWETANMA. Aims To preach the gospel of jesus christ. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded the Registrar- General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 day of this publication.

By Amaechi Agbo

Signed Secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE

KINGS PALACE KINGDOM LIBERATION MISSION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C”of the Companies And Allied Act No. 1 of 1990. TRUSTEES NAMES: 1. APOSTLE IMHANLUOBE LEBERTY 2. PASTOR MRS GLORY OSETOFOH IMHANLUOBE 3. HON. DR. JOSEPH IGIAGBE IKPEA 4. DEACON EMHONS OBEAHION EMMANUEL 5. ELDER JOSEPH IMHANSIONA 6. DEACONESS VICTORIA IMHANLUOBE 7. BRO. IHENSEKHIEN FREDERICK IRIOBOSA 8. SIS. IMHANLUOBE, OMONHOBHION FAVOUR

-(GENERAL OVERSEER) -(MEMBER) -(SECRETARY) -(MEMBER) -(MEMBER) -(MEMBER) -(MEMBER) -(MEMBER)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To worship God in spirit and Truth through prayers, teaching/ preaching, obedient service and evangelism. 2. To bring total recognition and deliverance to all mankind in name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3. to win lost soul to Christ. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication. SIGNED BY SECRETARY

Nigeria Yellow Greens in action

he Nigeria Cricket National Men’s team on Tuesday, recorded back-to-back wins against Botswana and West Africa rivals, Ghana at the ongoing ICC T-20 World Cup qualifier Africa Finals in Uganda to sustain their qualification hopes. The Yellow Greens, as the team is referred as, put aside their day 1 disappoint loss against Kenya to record the two wins which propelled them up in the qualification ladder. Botswana won the toss and elected to field first thereby sending in Nigeria to bat. Nigeria played a well-constructed innings in the opening stages but stumbled later in the game with wickets falling at quick successions. At the end of 20 overs, Nigeria managed a total score of 119 runs all out in the 20th over Young Isaac Danladi from the victorious U-19 team led the way for Nigeria with 37 runs

strongly supported by Joshua Ayannaike with 33 runs as the best performers with the bat for Nigeria. In the second innings, Botswana started brightly in their run chase but the bowling attack of Nigeria was too strong as they struggled to string up a decent partnership. Isaac Okpe and Isaac Danladi tore into the hearts of the Botswana batting order to record an impressive bowling statistics of 2 wickets for 17 runs and 2 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs respectively. At the end of the second innings Botswana could only manage a total of 108 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs. Isaac Danladi was named man of the match. Day 3 match on Wednesday against Ghana, began with the freshness of the West Africa rivalry between the two West Africa neighbours. The most recent duel which qualified both countries for this tournament happened in

Nigeria just over 12 months ago with Ghana emerging as victors. The only constant thing in life is changed and with that defeat fresh in the minds of the Yellow Greens, the only way out was to serve the revenge very cold and no better stage to do it. Ghana won the toss and elected to field first sending in Nigeria to bat. Nigeria set off on a decent note and progressed through the opening stages of the innings quite comfortably with 68 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 12 overs. A little scare in the middle of the innings with the loss of Isaac Danladi for no runs but Captain Ademola Onikoyi took charge of proceedings to eventually stare Nigeria to a quite comfortable score of 135 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Ademola Onikoyi led the batting onslaught with 49 runs off 35 balls, strongly supported by Ovais Yusuf with 33 runs off 44 balls and late

but valuable additions by Vincent Adewoye with 23 runs off 13 balls not out. In the second innings, Isaac Okpe turned on the pressure on the Ghanaian opening pair to force errors and prevent the use of the bating power play overs. However, it was Vincent Adewoye who took the game away from their opponent by ripping through the middle order taking 4 wickets and conceding 18 runs in 4 overs with Isaac Danladi off spin producing 2 wickets for 10 runs in 3 overs. Vincent Adewoye was named man of the match with an overall statistics of 23 runs off 13 balls and 4 wickets. Nigeria eventually restricted Ghana to a total of 107 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Nigeria will face Namibia in their next fixture on Thursday 23rd May 2019.

Emeka Richard gives assist as Liepaja defeat FK Jelgava in Latvia League

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, may 23, 2019

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S p Nigeria National League, matches suspended for two weeks

Emeka Richard gives assistance as Liepaja defeat FK Jelgava in Latvia League By Amaechi Agbo

he Nigeria National League, NNL 2018/19 league matches has been put on hold for two weeks. The suspension was made known via a statement released by the league management Wednesday and signed by its media officer, Amar Ignis. According to the release made available league is suspended to allow NNL clubs free period to participate in the Aiteo Cup Round of 64 matches. The statements noted that sequel to the suspension, Matchday seven (7) fixtures earlier scheduled for this weekend will no longer hold as new dates will be announced by the NNL. “The Nigeria National League, NNL, organisers of the Most Important and second tier domestic Football League in Nigeria have placed the 2019 League season on hold. “This is following the need to allow its clubs featuring in the round of 64 of the 2019 Aiteo Cup (Federation Cup) to properly participate. “Lawrence Katken, NNL Chief Operating Officer said the League will go on a two weeks’ break. “This also means that Matchday seven (7) earlier scheduled (for) this weekend will no longer hold, as new dates will be announced by the NNL,” part of the statement read. The Aiteo round of 64 matches are billed to begin this weekend at designated centres in the country. NNL, has fourteen (14) of its clubs taking part in the 64 teams round. They are ABS FC of Ilorin, Aklosendi Int’l of Lafia, Crown of Ogbomosho, EFCC FC of Abuja and Ekiti United. Others are: Jigawa Golden Stars, Kogi United, Gateway United, Rovers of Calabar, Mighty Jets of Jos, Osun United, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan (3SC), Warri Wolves and Sokoto United. Katken enjoined the NNL clubs to avoid acts capable of bringing the beautiful game to disrepute. “Our teams we trust to do us proud, they should ensure they win and decently too, we do expect them to play by the rules. “This is wishing all our teams the best of luck in the Aiteo Cup,” Lawrence concluded

igeria teenage sensation, Emeka Richard gave an Assist as his club Liepaja defeated FK Jelgava 1-0 at home in the Latvia League over the weekend. The 19-year old who played all 90 minutes of the match gave the assist in the 42nd minute of the encounter. Richard who was overlooked by the Flying Eagles technical crew for the Poland 2019 U-20 World Cup has been in superb form for his club. He has played all 12 league matches and have scored 9 goals with 7 assists making him a contender for the golden boot award in the Latvia League.

Liepaja currently occupy 10th in the twelve-teague Latvia elite league with 12 points from 12 matches. Richard has been excellent in the league which has lead to European clubs seeking for his services. He told reporter from his base that offers are coming but his priority is to ensure that Liepaja gets out of the drop zone and move up the ladder. “The clubs are coming but I am focused here. I would not want to disclose their names because nothing concrete has been discussed but I am aware that three clubs from Europe have made enquiries. “I want to continue my career development which is very important now,” he said.

o fewer than 8 Super Falcons who are plying their trade in Swedish League have joined the team in Austria for the 2019 FIFA World Cup preparations, Bestchoicesports. com.ng can report authoritatively. The eight players joined the local players and the technical crew yesterday from Sweden. The players are: Ogonna Chukwudi, Djurgarden; Osinachi Ohale Växjö; Ngozi Okobi, Eskilstuna; RitaChikwelu, Kristianstad Dff; Halimatu Ayinde, Eskilstuna; Anam Imo

Health

Open defecation: UNICEF, FG harp on media roles to end practice by 2025

Emeka Richard in action

World Cups/AFCON tournaments: NFF assures of total focus in all competitions

he Nigeria Football Federation has said it is keeping total focus on the several competitions in which the various national teams are participating in this year, beginning with the trio of FIFA U20 World Cup which kicks off today in Poland, FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations that are in full swing between this week and next month. On Thursday, the FIFA U20 World Cup finals, in which Nigeria’s U20 squad is one of the 24 participating teams, will kick off in Poland. The Flying Eagles, who spent three weeks at a final training camp in Germany, will open their account, against Qatar, on Friday. African champions, Super Falcons, arrived at the Avita Resort, Bad Tatzmannsdorf in Austria on Tuesday, for a two –week residential camping leading to their departure for the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in France, starting on 7th June. The Falcons will play Norway in Reims on Saturday, 8th June in their first match of the championship. On Sunday, 2nd June, the Super Eagles will begin to gather in Asaba as they begin preparations for the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt 21st June – 19th July. “We are very focused and not distracted by anything. The well-being of these teams, as well as their adequate preparation to go to their different championships and do the country proud, is of utmost concern to us and that is what is receiving our full concentration, not anything else. “Football is a global unifying force, and even in our country we know the importance of the performance of these teams and how almost every Nigerian at home and in the diaspora are looking forward to the matches. Nothing else matters,” NF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said on Wednesday. While the Flying Eagles qualified for the U20 World Cup after reaching the semi-finals of the U20 AFCON in Niger Republic in February, the Super Falcons made sure of a ticket to France

Falcons players and officials being officially welcomed to the Avita Resort by the management, on Wednesday after winning their ninth Women AFCON title in year’s championship will hold in Dakar next week Wednesday. Ghana in December 2018. The U23 National Men Team, having The Super Eagles, just as they did in the race to the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, earned a defeated Libya in the second round of the race ticket to this year’s AFCON finals with a match to the 2019 U23 AFCON (for which Nigeria is the defending champion), will take on Sudan in to spare in the qualifying race. “There are many more competitions this year, the last hurdle in September. The finals will hold even after the U20 World Cup, FIFA Women’s in Egypt in November 2019. The U17 National Boys Team, Golden World Cup and the AFCON. We are also focusing on them and will do everything necessary to Eaglets, will take part in the FIFA U17 World Cup finals in Brazil in November, having prepare our different teams for glory.” Nigeria is one of the eight teams that has qualified from the U17 AFCON held in Tanzania qualified for this year’s Women’s Football in April this year. The Beach Soccer team, Supersand Eagles, Tournament of the 12th All-Africa Games, coming up in Rabat, Morocco between late August and will feature in this year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay in November, having early September. Around the same period, the Super Eagles finished second at the Beach Soccer AFCON in B will be engaged in the qualifying campaign Egypt in December 2018 to emerge as one of for the 2020 African Nations Championship – Africa’s two flagbearers. Yet, the Super Eagles will kick –start their the tournament for senior players plying their trade in their country’s domestic league. Nigeria race to the 2022 FIFA World Cup later this finished as runners-up in the fifth edition of the year, while the U20 and U17 girls will also begin their race to their different FIFA World Cup championship in Morocco early last year. The Eagles B are also scheduled to take competitions in 2020. This year is, indeed, the busiest ever for part in the WAFU Cup competition (in which they finished as runners-up in the last edition all National Teams in the history of Nigerian in Ghana in September 2017). The draw for this Football.

France World Cup: Swedish-based Falcons swell up training camp in Austria By Amaechi Agbo

PEOPLES DAILY, ThurSDAY, may 23, 2019

of Rosengard; Josephine Chukwunonye of Kungsbacka and Faith Michael Pitea IF. A delegation including nine home –based professionals and technical and administrative staff departed Abuja on Monday night aboard an Air France flight, and travelled from Paris to the Austrian capital, Vienna on Tuesday morning before connecting Bad Tatzmannsdorf. At the airport in Vienna, nine overseas – based professionals from different parts of the world joined the contingent, taking the number of players to 18. With England –based IniAbasi Umotong already waiting in camp, that

made the total number 19, with only eight more expected. The world –renown Avita Resort is the same facility that served the Super Eagles in their final training sessions just before the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. Coach Thomas Dennerby is expected to name is final 23-woman squad on Friday. Nigeria take on Norway, Korea Republic and host nation France in the group phase of the championship, with their first coming up against Norway at the Stade Auguste Delauney in Reims on 8th June

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

orried that 47million Nigerians still engage in open defecation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday engaged media organizations in Kano, to end the trend in Nigeria. Speaking on the objectives of the dialogue organized by the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information & Culture in collaboration with UNICEF, the agency’s Communication Specialist, Geoffrey Njokwu, said the workshop is aimed at creating awareness about “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign and mobilize resources to sustain the national movement. “Also, to call for behavior change and policy reform through community dialogues, advocacy visits and engagement with policymakers. “Drive cross-sector collaboration, especially with the private sector to improve investment in the sanitation sector.” While presenting an overview of the “Clean Nigeria”: Use the toilet campaign, UNICEF’s WASH Specialist, Bioye Ogunjobi added that 33 million more people in the country also use unimproved toilets.

Giving the breakdown according to regions, Ogunjobi said, 53.9% of the people are in the North Central, while South West has 28%. Others are; North East 21.8%, North West 10.3%, South East 22.4% and South South 17.9%. In his analysis of the poor sanitation situation in the country, Ogunjobi said UNICEF is working to change a situation where 64% have access to basic drinking water services, and only 42% have access to basic sanitation. He added that 20% have fix place for hand washing with soap and toilet, while only 6% of schools have basic gender sensitive WASH services. He further said only 5% of the country’s health facilities have basic gender-WASH sensitive services. “12% market and motor parks have basic WASH services. Also, 11% of people suffered diarrhea in the past six weeks, 76% are children under 5.” Ogunjobi said the organization is working assiduously with European Union (EU), The United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and other partners to ensure that the 47 million Nigerians use the toilet and stop open defecation, and also to increase access to improved sanitation, especially in the rural

areas. He noted that 10 local governments in the country are Open Defecation Free (ODF), accounting for 13,000 communities across the country, describing Jigawa as having the highest number followed by Bauchi. On what the agency has done, Ogunjobi said UNICEF has provided 1.7 million access to improved water facilities and 2.2 million people have access to improved toilets”. “1,227 schools and 599 primary healthcare centers have been equipped with WASH services. 3,908 communities supported to become certified open defecation free through community approach. 2.4million have benefited from UNICEF’s hygiene promotion improved distribution of hygiene supplies.” On his part, the Deputy Director, Head Child Rights Information Bureau, Federal Ministry of Information who represented the Minister, Lai Muhammed said there is need to increase awareness about the impact of open defecation in Nigeria. “The media is a strong vehicle to communicate the message. End ODF and WASH programmes were integral part of SDG6. It is therefore, critical to intensify efforts in tracking them. It is against this backdrop that the process recognized that

there is dire need to constantly leverage on media alliance in this process because the media is a critical partner in achieving success in the WASH and End ODF programmes. “This media dialogue on sanitation and the campaign to end open defecation targeting three states of Kano, Osun and Cross River. Therefore, it is aimed at creating awareness about “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign, and mobilize resources to sustain the national movement. It calls for behaviour change and policy reform through community dialogues to raise public awareness by setting agenda for children issues within the framework of child rights. It also creates a deeper understanding of the needs of children among people, government and institutions, while defining the role of the society in meeting those needs. He further called of journalists to arm themselves with in-depth knowledge of WASH “as this would enable you write factual and compelling stories. “You are also to use your expertise to increase the knowledge among community members, to upgrade local government areas, WASH units and departments, and strengthen the capacity to implement rural WASH projects.”

QUOTABLE QUOTE

. . . putting the people first

Thursday, may 23, 2019

“Relations between the Executive and the Legislature were not the best in the 8th National Assembly. I sincerely hope each one of us will do his utmost to ensure there is a better working relationship between these two arms of government in the 9th Assembly so that we can serve the people better." -President Muhammadu Buhari

SPORTS Lessons from Suleja’s royal gladiators (I) latest

President Buhari appoints Dadimamud as new NIS Director

r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved the appointment of Dr John Atumiye Ndanusa Dadi- Mamud as the new Director/Chief Executive of the National Institute for Sports, NIS. A statement released Wednesday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Nneka Ikem Anibezea, revealed that a letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation stated that the appointment of the former NIS Deputy Director is for an initial term of four years. The 53-year old DadiMamud hails from Kogi State and attended the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has a Doctorate degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a Masters’ degree in Exercise Physiology . Dr Dadi - Mamud has served in various capacities including Acting Director NIS, Coordinator, Academic programmes, NIS, Head of Department Research Department, Secretary, Swimming Association Lokoja and part time lecturer, Arabic Teachers College Kano. His appointment is with effect from May 14, 2019 while taking over from Dr Chukwudi Kingdom Eke whose tenure expired on May 10, 2019. Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

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n 1993, the commercial gateway city and baptismal-mother of ‘Abuja’, namely Niger State’s Suleja, was embroiled in one of the fiercest royal succession tussles in the history of Nigeria. By the way, Suleja was originally ‘Abu-ja’, named after one of its earliest Zazzau (Zaria) kings, ‘Abu’ (nicknamed ‘the red one’ or ‘ja’ for courage). ‘Abuja’ ceded its name in the 70s to General Murtala Mohammed’s dream Federal Capital, and since then adopted ‘Sule-ja’, after another of its ‘red’ kings, ‘Sule’, or Sulaiman Barau. Following the demise of the last but one Emir, Ibrahim Dodo Musa in 1993, Suleja was engulfed, for years, in a bloody succession crisis after self-serving State powers attempted to tamper with the Emirate’s succession laws to accommodate a certain preferred candidate-prince who, legallyspeaking, had no right of contest under the Kingdom’s Native Laws and Customs. Reportedly, most members of the emirate’s Kingmakers’ Council and a majority of the people of Suleja –supported morally and materially by the city’s huge Igbo communitywanted Bashir Sulaiman Barau, an unassuming, not-too-eminent retired Federal Civil servant, to succeed his uncle Dodo Musa under the alternate, partially-primogenital rule of succession historically adopted by the emirate’s two recognized royal Houses of ‘Abu-Kwaka’ and ‘Abu-Jatau’. Both Awwal and Barau were from the ruling Abu-kwaka house whose turn it was to produce the king. And since the rule was that princes eligible for contest must descend directly from the last Emir in the ruling house whose turn it was to produce the next king, the not-too-eminent retired civil servant, Bashir virtually had everything going for him: he was favored by the Kingmakers, preferred by the people and descended directly from a father, Sulaiman Barau (the Sule ‘ja’) who was the penultimate king from the candidate-ruling house. But the then Niger State civilian Governor, Dr. Musa Inuwa, allegedly in deference to the preference of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Gado Nasko, was openly on a mission to install Bashir’s cousin Awwal Ibrahim, -a more educationally exposed, more politically-experienced and connected former civilian Governor of the State under Shagari. In all fairness although he was favored by the influence of his two ‘General’ friends, Awwal was nonetheless the more eminently qualified of the two contenders. And by the way, even Dr.Musa Inuwa’s National Republican Convention (NRC) Governorship seat was said to owe to the god-fatherly discretion of IBB and Nasko; in addition to the fact that the Governor was Nasko’s own lecturer-clansman surreptitiously pulled out of UDUS classroom only a few weeks to party primaries. Helping

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dankande2@gmail.com Awwal to the throne would be Inuwa’s first opportunity to repay his liegeships for their patrician favor. “The blood more stirs to rouse a lion” Shakespeare said “than to start a hare”. It was also alleged that the attempt to use state power to interfere with royal prerogatives in Suleja was also to test the waters for an upcoming task, namely the creation of an emirate back home in Nasko District where General Nasko’s District Head elder brother was scheming for the upgrade of his little borough into a fiefdom. Plus, it was alleged also that the Emir of Minna Faruk Bahago, who was a lone supporter of the State on Suleja, was hoping too, that State power could help him pull a royal chestnut out of the fire of an adverse succession rule under his emirate which favored the seven Gbagyi District heads over the lineage of a demised king. So now the irony was that, whereas Bashir had everything going for him except the support of the State, the State’s preferred candidate, Awwal Ibrahim had a fundamental legal handicap. Although he was from the same ruling house as Bashir, he neither descended from the last but one king, nor was he even descended from a father who was a king. Like Kano’s Sanusi Lamido Sanusi only Awwal’s grandfather, Mamman Gani was king. And just like Lamido’s grandfather-king suffered a politically-motivated deposition and banishment, Awwal’s too did not die on the throne of his forefathers. They said that he was deposed and banished to Kaduna in politicallymotivated circumstances. Meaning that the only thing going for Awwal was the anointing of his two powerful military friends, and the zealotry of a sitting Governor. He had neither the law nor kingmakers who would implement the law on his side. Plus he faced a strong plebeian opposition on the streets of Suleja. All the

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same, in a letter to the kingmakers authorizing the commencement of the selection process, Governor Inuwa was categorical, that the State expected nothing less from them than Awwal’s name making it, at least, to the list of three nominees that the Council was expected to recommend to the Governor and from which the prerogative would be his to choose one. And so, not to take any chances, he had appointed two Directors from his office and two loyal LG chairmen to serve respectively as Secretary to the Council, supervisor and observers of the selection process. Plus the Governor had earlier communicated the trimming down of the 7-man kingmakers Council to 4. Yet the kingmakers, whether in deference to the succession rules or so not to take chances too, not only excluded Awwal’s name, but all three of their nominees were sons of the late Emir Sulaiman Barau, -with the favored eldest one, Bashir’s top on the list. Expectedly this was outrightly rejected by the Governor on the grounds, ironically, of improper constitution of the kingmaking council. Thereafter, a desperate Governor Inuwa now resorted to a most despicable self-help measure: he requested the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers headed then by the Etsu Nupe Umaru Sanda Ndayako to assume the kingmakership and select an emir for Suleja. It was as ridiculous as when President Jonathan, a Bayelsan attempted to influence the choice of an emir for Kano; and just as it will be too if the Sultan of Sokoto, -following pressure now mounted on him- were to arrogate the right to interfere with the creation of new emirates in far away Kano. Dr. Inuwa in a memo to the Etsu Nupe Council had cited sundry ridiculous reasons for inviting it, including the fact that the Suleja Kingmakers had openly demonstrated

Acceptability’ and ‘goodwill of the people’ are the most crucial requirements for the making of kings, not necessarily ‘education’ or ‘experience’ which are preconditions to the making only of mere potentates”

bias in favor of a particular candidate, and that their insistence on applying the rule of direct lineage was more discriminative than it was altruistic. And short of expressly demanding the nomination only of Awwal, the Governor had said that given Suleja’s strategic entrepot location, it required a ‘more educated, more competent and more experienced’ emir than the Suleja kingmakers were ready to admit. Suffice it to say that almost immediately, the Etsu Nupe had rallied all the State’s First Class emirs -less only Minna’s, who was embedded with the State- to communicate their outright rejection of the idea that they should be involved in the desecration of the time-honored Kingmaking institution from whence they all came. They observed that since the role of traditional rulers in modern times was essentially one of ‘advise’, ‘mobilization’ and ‘public relations’, it was Inuwa’s unsolicited prioritization of so called ‘good education’, ‘exposure’ and ‘experience’ that was unrealistic, -because they said ‘acceptability’ and ‘goodwill of the people’ are the most crucial requirements for the making of kings, not necessarily ‘education’ or ‘experience’ which are preconditions to the making only of mere potentates. In any case the Council also argues that Bashir too was above average educationally, and that having retired as a very senior Federal Civil Servant, he was modestly ‘experienced’ and ‘exposed’ enough to be king. If Governor Inuwa and his military godfathers thought they could ride roughshod over the royal prerogatives of Suleja emirate, with this baptism of fire they now knew this ‘game of throne’ would not only be ‘battle royal’, it would require a ‘war room’ and a ‘war chest’ to prosecute. Just as Kano’s Ganduje too, must be realizing by now, that the race is not after all to the swift; or the battle, to the powerful..! ...To be continued

DAN GAYE Zamfara creates new emirate - News

Hope court won’t reverse it!

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