Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Edition by Peoples Media Limited

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Wednesday, April 5, 2023 / 14 Ramadan 1444 AH

2 hunters nabbed for impersonating NDLEA in Adamawa >>PG 2

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Reps condemn call for interim govt, urge security agencies to be alive to duty >>>PG 5

No cause for alarm over presence of UN fighting equipment —DHQ

>>>PG 5

Deputy Director, Policy and Strategy / Project Coordinator, Nigeria Shea Export Project, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Ben Anani Egon (6th left),. Branding Expert, , Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, Mr. Tom Willence (middle), and other participants representing various Organisations , The CBI-NEPC Nigeria Shea Program is being implemented within the framework of the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) Export Business Coaching Project in Nigeria with the Collaboration of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC. The 4 year intervention seeks to support the sustainable development of Shea products for export to the EU and regional markets during the workshop on the Nigeria Shea butter sector branding analysis (mid- term) report, held yesterday in Abuja. . Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Businessman, 68, docked over alleged N115m fraud

PG 3

Housewife seeks exit from loveless marriage

Man arrested for allegedly strangling pregnant girlfriend in Kano

Nigerian Navy redeploys, appoints senior officers

Kogi guber primary: I have no anointed candidate, says Atiku

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

PAGE 2

NEWS CONTENTS News

2-10, 14

Editorial

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics

15-17

Health

Business

19-20

Feature

World News

Africa News

World News

2 hunters nabbed for impersonating NDLEA in Adamawa From Umar Dankano, Yola

wo hunters were arrested by the police in Adamawa state for alleged impersonating National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, officials. The suspects, Abdulrazak Bindow, 29 years old and Ismaila Alim, 27 years old, residents of Maiha were apprehended at Kala’a town in

Hong local government area while intimidating villagers. Image maker of the Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje made the disclosure in a press statement issued in Yola Tuesday explaining that, two Pump Actions, 11 live Cartridges, Handcuff, Leg chain, Jackets were recovered from them. “Adamawa State Police Command has on the

2/03/2023 apprehended a syndicate of two impersonating personnel of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Balkari Village, Hong local government “They were said to have at the early hours of 2/3/2023 armed themselves with guns and invaded the village, wearing NDLEA Jackets, making the villagers to believe them as personnels of the law

enforcement Agency. “They apprenhended and handcuffed one Amos Daniel, Kwada Fitagu and Gambo Zira before the villagers raised alarm and alerted the Police who immediately responded and effect their arrest. “Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are members of Hunters Association Adamawa state Chapter.”

President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on his reelection for his 2nd term at the State house, yesterday in Abuja PHOTO; State House

10th Assembly: Group endorses Senator Abdulaziz Yari for Senate President Page 14

Environment

Feature

Sports

30-31

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Association seeks industrial relations dept in MDAs

he National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has called for consideration of industrial relations department in all government agencies and private organisations. The call was made on Monday in Abuja at the opening session of the 14th NANNM labour/induction workshop for labour unions of Federal Health Institutions sector (FHIS), across the federation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, which would last for four days, has the theme: “Building grassroots leadership capacity for managing modern trade unions in Nigeria”. Mr AbdullahiYahaya, a former Chairman, NANNM-FCT, said that the industrial relations department would serve as a mediator between government, management and employees. Yahaya, who is also a former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT-council, said industrial relations, if properly harnessed and used, would avert industrial crisis. He said such department in most organisations in Nigeria, was lacking, adding that with such department on ground, strikes and lockouts seen in work places would vanish.

“Unfortunately in many of our ministries, we don’t have that department, this department is supposed to be headed by a director, the function of the department is to interact with leaders of industrial union, labour leaders in the organisation. “This department will be the one to set agenda for peaceful negotiation, workers by nature will definitely have demands from their employers being it promotion, wages, hours of work, equipment for work. “These are issues that will always come up between the two parties. The department of industrial relations is that middlemen that looks at the issues the workers are demanding and bring it up to the management. “So there should be a deliberate effort by factories, ministries and hospitals to have this department that will solely be responsible for labour issues and nip them in the bud to avert crisis,” he said. Mrs Francisca Okafor, Director, Nursing Services, Federal Ministry of Health, expressed happiness about the workshop and the success of the election that brought the labour leaders to power in their various organisations. According to her, the labour leaders from the FHIS are starting

well as the workshop will arm them with what they need and the kind of leadership they should exhibit for unionism. She said that unionism was not to be quiet, unionism represented a professional group before the government, before the management, adding that they had come, armed with the needed tools for trade union. Okafor urged the labour leaders to see themselves as serving in the place of Christ, the divine physician and the ultimate healer, irrespective of their belief. “God has called us to be able to minister to people who are less privileged, this must be done in a conducive environment; we chose this profession in love to be able to minister well for government and to give us the support. “This is why I am happy that this people are starting on a good note with the workshop, on how to negotiate better, to reach out, advise government and improve the working environment,” she stressed. Dr Farouk Abubakar, Secretary General/Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) called on the participants to be attentive to every details at the workshop, to make them sound leaders.

Abubakar who was represented by Yahaya Sumi, Director, Special duties in NMCN, said that nurses did not only work in the hospital, they should be able to also manage issues in their environment. Dr Ngozi Osunde, the former National Secretary of Forum, FHIS, and a Senior Lecturer in the nursing department, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, urged the labour leaders to use the knowledge from the workshop wisely. Osunde who is also the chairman of the occasion, advised the union leaders to always carry their members along in whatever agreement reached with the employers, to achieve their aims. Deborah Yusuf, Chairman, NANNM FCT-Council, who spoke on the theme, called on the inducted union leaders to always adopt the instrument of collective bargaining with management/ employers. According to her, collective bargaining strengthens and settles a lot of things, and that they must always put themselves in order before any negotiation. Earlier, Chairman of FHIS, Nurse Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, decried the incessant assault on its members by patients, their relations and other health workers while discharging their duties.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

NEWS

68-year-old businessman, Nelson Gwede, on Monday appeared before a Wuse Zone 2, Abuja Magistrates’ Court charged with defrauding one Agwu Ogbonna of the sum of N115 million. Ngwede, a resident of Chika, Airport Road, Abuja, is facing a twocount charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and cheating. The two crimes contravene the provisions of sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code, according to the prosecutor, Edwin Inegbenoise. Inegbenoise told the court that the defendant, sometimes in March, introduced himself to the complainant as a “financial facilitator”. “The defendant convinced the complainant that he was going to introduce him to a facility through which he would get liquid cash. “The defendant provided an account number 4011441873 owned by OCHKWO HANDRAIL NIGERIA LTD domiciled in Fidelity Bank into which the sum of N100,000,000 was paid by the complainant. “The defendant also provided

FCT DOAS Director accused of revenue collection scandal in AMAC By Usman Shuaibu

he Director in charge of the FCT Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Sinage (DOAS), Dr Babagana Adam, has been accused of revenue collection scandal rocking the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) currently. The Chief Executive Officer of Takushara Nigeria Limited/ADM Media Venture, Comrade Amagbo Donald, who made this accusation while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja. Comrade Amagbo Donald is a consultant engaged by the administration of Abuja Municipal Area Council to assist in revenue collection from signpost within the Area Council. Donald also accused Dr Babagana Adam of using undesignated account which he is the sole signatory to collect government revenue, adding that DOAS Director was known to be diverting council revenue into personal account for so long now. He said “The self-acclaimed Director of DOAS is the sole signatory to the account, which is even ill act. DOAS has no law establishing it, Babagana Adam is running a oneman show. EFCC, DSS, Police and ICPC should checkmate the DOAS Director for fraudulent activities in the name of revenue collection”. Adam’s led – DOAS has no law establishing it, but the Director was discrediting AMAC and deforming professionals empowered by the council’s authorities to regulate and raise revenue through legitimate means”, he explained. He, however, recalled that the court judgment by justice Muyiwah Idris from FCT High Court had nullified DOAS – FCT as an MDA of government or an agent of AMAC, calling on the FCT Minister Mallam Muhammad Bello Musa to stop DOAS Director from shaddy deals as well respect the several court judgments.

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Ag News Editor, Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Businessman, 68, Ramadan Timing Day 14 docked over alleged N115m fraud Towns

another account number carrying his name, Nelson Gwede, with number 3039016860, domiciled in First Bank. “An additional N15 million was paid into this account in exchange for liquid cash. “The defendant collected the money through the above mentioned accounts but refused to give the cash equivalent to the complainant as agreed,” he said. The prosecutor added that the defendant’s actions had affected the complainant and prevented him from carrying out his business transactions. Inegbenoise said that the defendant, during police investigation, mentioned that one Mr ThankGod, now at large, was

responsible for the account into which the sum of N100,000,000 was paid. At the hearing of the matter, Ngwede pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Huzaifa Maccido granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum that must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. Maccido ordered that one of the sureties must be a civil servant on Grade Level 14 while the other must be a businessman. All sureties must be living in their personal houses, the magistrate ordered. He, thereafter, adjourned the case until May 17, for hearing. (NAN)

10th Assembly Speakership: I am the force that will address Structural Reform - Rep AbdulReheem By Christiana Ekpa

3rd Time Member of the House of Representatives Representing Ekiti/Irepodun/ Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, in Kware State, Hon AbdulRaheem Tunji Olawuyi has disclosed that he is the right candidate for the Speakership position of the 10th Assembly who will ensure the Government address the structural reforms that will make the House more responsive to the needs of the citizens. Hon. AbdulRaheem who openly declared his intention for contest for the 10th Assembly Speakership position on Tuesday in Abuja, said Nigerians are in need of courageous and competent leaders that will change things positively for the generality of Nigerians. Peoples Daily Reports that, other lawmakers including the Deputy Speaker of the 9th Assembly Idris Wase, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Muktar Betara Aliyu and the Spokeperson of the House among others are also in the race even though they have not openly declared for the race. In his declaration speech, Hon. AbdulRaheem said, “My aspiration is built on principles that I believe are essential to guiding the House of Representatives through these challenging times. These include: Promoting transparency and accountability in the operations of the House of Representatives. Our citizens have a right to know what is happening in their government, and we will be transparent and accountable to the people to ensure that we can honestly win their trust, confidence and support. “Prioritizing Bills that are aimed at improving the lives of our constituents - such as affordable healthcare, security, education and job creation etc. “Fostering a spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation in the House. Only by working together, can we successfully tackle the issues that confront our nation. And we are well prepared to use the mandate of Nigerians to make laws that will

ensure good governance for Nigeria. “Finally, I believe that we need to address structural reforms that will make the House more responsive to the needs of our citizens. I assure you that if elected, I will work with you as equals to pass pro-people Bills and to promote policies that will benefit all Nigerians from various backgrounds, as well as work with all parties and stakeholders to unify the country. “I am genuinely looking forward to meeting fellow lawmakers, sharing my vision with them, and listening to their ideas on how best to improve the lives of our people through good governance. I would like to end by thanking you for taking the time to listen to my aspiration today. By electing me as your Speaker, J promise to lead the House with utmost integrity commitment and dedication to our collective cause of keeping the Hope Alive. The All Progressive Congress (APC) lawmaker further said “I congratuate everyone of my esteemed honourable colleagues on the victorious outcome of your elections to represent your constituencies at the House of Representatives of 10th Assembly. Our victories represent our desire to keep Hope Alive for our democracy and nation. “I stand before you today to officially declare my candidacy for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly. As many of you have noticed, our country is facing unprecedented challenges at this time. The challenges range from security to the economic downturn which has been unprecedented in the history of our nation, and it is crystal clear that Nigerians are in need of courageous and competent leaders at all levels that will take over from the outgoing leaders with the expectation that things will change positively for the generality of Nigerian who have through the ballot have overwhelmingly given their support through the ballot to the APC to continue to manage the affairs of our dear country for the next 4 years .

Abakaliki Abeukuta Abuja/Suleija Akure Akwanga/Keffi Auchi Ankpa Argungu Azare/Jama’are Bama Bauchi/Ningi Benin Bichi Bida Birnin Gwari Birnin Kebbi/Gwandu/Jega Birnin Kudu/Gwaram Biu Calabar Damaturu Daura/Dambatta Dutse Dutsinma/Jibiya Enugu Funtua/Tsafe Gombe Gummi Gusau/Laura Namoda Gwadabawa Hadejia/Gumel Ibadan/Ife Ilesha Baruba Ilorin/Kaiama Jalingo/Lau/Gashaka Jere Jos/Saminaka Kabba Kaduna Kafanchan/Maiyaki Kano Katsina Kontagora/Zuru Lafia Lagos Lokoja/Idah Maiduguri/Mubi/Gwoza Makurdi Minna Misau Mokwa/New Bussa Monguno Nguru/Gashua Ogbomosho Okene Onitsha Oyo Port Harcourt/Owerri Potiskum Shagamu Sokoto Takum/Wukari Warri Langtan/Wase Wurno Yola/Numan Zaria Cotonou - Benin Ngjamena-Chad Niamey - Niger Zinder - Niger Garoua-Cameroun Younde - Cameroun

Magrib

Alfijr

6.35 6.56 6.43 6.48 6.39 6.44 6.39 6.55 6.32 6.18 6.33 6.46 6.40 6.47 6.45 6.56 6.33 6.23 6.34 6. 25 6.40 6.36 6.45 6.38 6.44 6.27 6.52 6.47 6.53 6.33 6.53 6.57 6.53 6.35 6.42 6.36 6.46 6.42 6.39 6.39 6.44 6.50 6.28 6.55 6.43 6.39 6.36 6.46 6.29 6.52 6.19 6.32 6.53 6.47 6.41 6.54 6.39 6.28 6.54 6.53 6.30 6.45 6.32 6.52 6.21 6.41 6.58 6.13 7.06 6.39 6.17 6.20

5.13 5.33 5.17 5.25 5.22 5.25 5.13 5.20 5.29 5.25 5.14 5.34 5.27 5.20 5.14 5.21 5.22 4.42 5.14 4.42 5.15 5.13 5.20 5.26 5.31 5.28 5.19 5.11 5.18 5.00 5.27 5.24 5.26 5.38 5.13 4.37 5.20 5.12 5.10 5.26 5.39 5.19 5.21 5.22 5.27 4.26 5.20 5.26 4.48 5.15 4.43 5.06 5.27 5.19 5.19 5.28 5.19 5.35 5.31 5.28 5.24 5.33 5.15 5.37 4.44 5.20 5.26 4.18 5.20 5.02 4.40 5.02

(Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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NEWS PSC, NPF move to promote harmonious relationship

he Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr Solomon Arase and Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, have expressed commitment to promote harmonious working relationship between the commission and police force. This commitment was made when the I-G paid a courtesy call on the chairman on Monday in Abuja. Arase, while addressing newsmen said the commission and the police force had insisted on collaboration in their relationships. He added that they had agreed that synergy between PSC and the police high command was needed to ensure a properly motivated police force. He said they were ready to change the negative narratives about the frosty relationship that had existed between the commission and Nigeria Police Force in recent time. According to him, there will be a paradigm shift going forward. “We don’t have to quarrel about their promotions; we don’t have to quarrel about their recruitment. So, everything will be seamlessly done in such a way that everybody will be happy and it will be a win, win situation for everybody,” he said. On the recruitment of police personnel, the PSC boss said “that a small team would set up to sit together, and take a look at the issue to enable the police high command and the commission review the process’’. He said that the recruitment of police personnel was not supposed to be an issue, saying that both the commission and police force needed understanding to achieve results. He assured that the commission under his leadership would ensure that the best personnel would always be recruited into the police force to enhance competence and professionalism. The I-G Baba, said the visit was to assure the commission of the readiness of the police force to work in harmony and improve their relationship. He said proper leadership, guidance; sense of direction, proper maintenance of discipline, promotion and appointment in the police force, personnel would be motivated to do the right things. (NAN)

Housewife seeks exit from loveless marriage A

housewife, Hassana Adamu, has urged an Upper Area Court, Gwagwalada, Abuja, to dissolve her 10-year-old marriage to her husband, Danjuma Ali, citing lack of love and interest. Hassana, who resides in Kwali Area Council, Abuja, told

the court that her marriage with Ali was blessed with three kids. “I have lost interest in the marriage and no longer love my husband. “My husband has abandoned me, he does not enter my room again and he

is no longer interested in me. I want the court to dissolve the marriage because of lack of love and interest.” Ali, in his response, however said that he still loved his wife. The Judge, Malam Abdullahi Abdulkarim, advised

the couple to explore some means of settlement. Abdulkarim asked the complainant if she was willing to accept back her husband if he did all she wanted, but she answered in the negative. He adjourned the matter until May 2 for hearing. (NAN)

From left: Director Agric Business Development & Extension Services,Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria , SMEDAN,Hajia Safiya Balla, Director General ,SMEDAN ,Olawale Fasanya , Vice president,Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Director Enterprise Development & Promotion SMEDAN,Monday Ewans and Chief Strategy officer SMEDAN,Daberuje Onesi - Lawani during the SMEDAN team visit to VP, yesterday in Abuja.

APC refutes suspending Omo-Agege

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied suspending the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege from the party. This is contained in a statement by the Delta APC Executive Committee signed by Elder Omeni Sobotie, the state chairman of the party and Mr Peter Akarogbe, the secretary in Warri. The APC said that OmoAgege, who was its govenorship candidate in the March 15, election. remained a bonafide member of the party. It described the publication

alleging his purported suspension, as the handwork of rabble rousing impostors who claimed to have held positions at the various levels of the party in the state. “We the legitimate and only recognised state executive committee of the APC at the National Headquarters, in consultations with all other levels in the chain hereby disclaim the publication as fraudulent, a ruse and of no consequence. “Therefore, it should be disregarded and ignored as the handiwork of mischief makers by all party faithful and the

general public. “The executive committee members of the APC at the wards, local governments, senatorial districts and state levels, were duly elected by bonafide members of the party in a transparent process at the different congresses organised by the party. “So, they remain legitimate and still hold their offices and positions in accordance with the APC Constitution. “The general public, party faithfuls and stakeholders are therefore advised to discountenance the said

publication, and view it as the worthless undertaking of men with crooked intentions,” it said. The APC added that the signatories were not only dubious impostors, but very reckless, saying that their claims could cause a breach of public peace and should not be permitted. It, however, enjoined the police, Department of State Service (DSS) and other security agencies to take note of the wanton rascality and the unscrupulous intent to cause disharmony and a breach of public peace in the state. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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NEWS No cause for alarm over presence of UN fighting vehicles, equipment —DHQ

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he Defence Headquarters has said there is no cause for alarm over presence of UN fighting vehicles and equipment in the country. Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information, stated this while reacting to some social media video clips about the presence of some United Nations Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo state. He said the video has resulted to insinuations which are inimical to public peace and may even cause panic. “The Defence Headquarters hereby state that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various United Nations Peace keeping operations, the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan. The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr. It should be noted that the UN doesn’t have its own troops, rather it enter into agreement with troops contributing countries

to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions. “Therefore, it is imperative to state emphatically that the

military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in

Southern Sudan to marry up with our troops who were inducted into UNISFA mission last month. “The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of General

Lucky Irabor CFR wish to assure Nigerians that our nation is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of United Nations troops in our soil.”

L-R Comptroller General, Nigeria Costumes Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) exchanging the document of memorandum with the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Muhammed Buba Maruwa while the Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, NDLEA, Joseph Nbona applauding, during the signing of MoU between the NDLEA and Nigeria Customs Service yesterday in Abuja . Photo: Justin Imo-owo

2023 polls: Reps condemn call for interim govt , urged security agencies to be alive to duty By Christiana Ekpa

he House of Representatives during the Tuesday, condemned in totality, the call for interim government in Nigeria. Recalled that the Department of State Service (DSS) recently said it had confirmed serious threat by some people to truncate the democratic process by installing an interim national government. The House outcry followed a motion titled “An Urgent Need to Condemn the Call for Interim Government in Nigeria” moved at the plenary by Hon. Unyime Idem representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State. The House while asking the security agencies to be alive to their duties, urged the parties aggrieved by the outcome of the 2023 presidential elections to wait for the courts to address the issues. Presenting the motion under matters of urgent national importance, Idem said “the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, part 1, section 132, allows for change of leadership through the ballots. “The constitution allows for a four year tenure of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after each election cycle. “Interim government is undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unknown to our laws as a court of competent jurisdiction had in time past so declare. “On Wednesday, March 29, 2023,

•ask aggrieved parties to wait for outcome of litigations in courts the State Security Service issued a warning on some individuals who are allegedly plotting to install an interim Government in Nigeria. “If the plots are allowed to see the light of the day, it will result in anarchy, with a price many generations after us will continue to pay for. “The Judiciary is the only institution empowered by law to adjudicate over post election matters. “Some politicians have made comments that indicate their grievance over the last elections.If this development is left unchecked, we might be sliding into irredeemable anarchy”. Contributing to the motion, Hon. Sergius Ogun, (Edo PDP) said that the call was unnecessary had the security agencies went beyond mouthing the identified of the plotters to arresting and prosecuting them to safeguard democracy. “I think the security agencies should do their work. If you are asking for a different government not known to law — it is treasonable felony. Year in, year out in this House, we budget billions of naira to the office of the NSA and other security arms. Is it not a shame that the security agents would come out and say they have the names of people that have muted this type of government in this country you will not arrest and prosecute them . “You’re wasting our precious time telling us to condemn it. If this

government is alive to its responsibilities this should not even be an issue that will we will be dissipating energy on in this House. People are dying everyday in this country killed by bandits, killed by hunger. Go to hospitals people are not attended to. “Children cannot even go to school. Do we even have a government in this country. If the government cannot perform between now and May 28 they should resign and go. Because this is not even an issue we should be discussing here. How can you wake up and tell us some people are debating interim government. It is a waste of time time for this parliament to even begin to discuss and debate a nonexistent issue,” he said. Also contributing, Hon. Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) condemned the call earlier mase by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo to halt the collation of election results. He said “Even before our security agencies uncovered the plot, former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the letter he wrote to President Buhari condemning this free and fair election of 2023 and asking him to find a way of canceling without going to court. Who would have thought that somebody who had the benefit of free and fair election will allow for due process. Former President Donald Trump sponsored protesters as they are doing in Nigeria currently to go to the Congress and

attack parliamentarians and that’s exactly what we are witnessing here. People sponsoring protesters to come to the National Assembly and attack members. And nothing has been done till today. The motion is timely and must be discussed, a commission should be set up to investigate this matter.” Also speaking, Hon. Sada Soli (APC, Jigawa) said “this motion is timely, apt. The main function of the state services is to protect and defend the country from domestic threats within the country irrespective of the scope. Our committee on National security should have briefed us behind closed door, we shouldn’t have been talking about this here because it’s a national security issue. But since it has been brought on the floor, it’s timely because it affects Nigerians that we represent in this chamber.” In the same vien, Hon. Abubakar Ahmad (APC, Gombe) urged the security agencies to step up their game. “The resolutions that the house is going to make will really put the issue to rest. When we condemn it and term it unconstitutional, that also we should arm the security agencies to get into action. We can’t conclude whether it’s treasonable or not, but with the resolution we are making today will enable anybody to approach the court. This not an exercise in futility rather we can see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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NEWS

Man arrested for allegedly strangling pregnant girlfriend in Kano T

he Police Command in Kano State has arrested one Philibus Ibrahim for allegedly strangling his pregnant girlfriend, 22-year- old Theresa Yakubu. Ibrahim, who committed the offence in Tudun Wada Local Government Area (LGA) of the

state, was arrested alongside his accomplice Gabriel Bila, both of Unguwar Korau Tudun-Wada LGA. Mr Mamman Dauda, the Commissioner of Police in the state, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano.

According to Dauda, on April 2 at about 4:30 p.m., we received an information from a good Samaritan that a lady was seen lying on the roadside, unconscious on Kano-Jos Road in Anadaria Village. “On receiving the information, a team of policemen was rushed to

the scene and the victim was taken to Tiga General Hospital where she was confirmed dead by a doctor. “Investigation, however, revealed that the victim left Nassarawan Kuki to Yantomo Village in Garin Babba LGA of Kano on March 27, at about 6:00 p.m.

“In the course of investigation, the principal suspect was arrested and confessed committing the offence by using the victims veil to strangulate her. Dauda said that investigation was ongoing and once completed the suspects would be charged to court. (NAN)

NHIA pledges to leave no one behind in health insurance coverage From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

he National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has reiterated its commitment to leave no one behind in efforts to provide financial protection to Nigerians against the cost of ill-health. The NHIA Coordinator in Kaduna State, Malam Aminu Tanimu, gave the commitment in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday. He said that the authority has different health insurance packages for different categories of people in both the formal and informal sectors toward the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). According to him, there is a package for the formal sector, the informal sector, community-based, retirees and students of tertiary institutions, among other packages for all categories of persons and individuals. Tanimu said “this is to ensure that no one is left behind in the Federal Government efforts to provide health insurance cover for all citizens.” He urged Nigerians to embrace the programme and access quality healthcare services at affordable cost without exposure to financial risk. He particularly urged Kaduna residents that are not covered by any of NHIA’s packages to subscribe to the Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP). He explained that GIFSHIP was designed for small-scale enterprises, associations, unions and institutions outside the organised private sector, self-employed individuals, families, and groups. Others, he said, were retiree and retiree associations, diaspora groups, foreigners living in the country, as well as those whose premium would be covered by philanthropists or members of the National Assembly (NASS). The coordinator further explained that “under the package, contributions for an individual with two dependents is 45,000 per annum, while a family of four would pay N60, 000, with each member of the family enrolled at N15, 000. “Group enrollment is pegged at N15, 000 per person per annum, with a minimum number of 10 persons per group, except small-scale enterprises with less than 10 employees. “The benefit package is huge and can be accessed in any NHIA facility in any part of the country.” The state coordinator also said that the authority was doing all it could to

improve the quality of services across NHIA accredited facilities in the country. He added that Prof. Nasiru Sambo, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the

authority, was already strengthening states with the required manpower – doctors, pharmacists, lab scientists, and nurses, among others. He said that NHIA officials would be going round facilities to assess the

level of service delivery, adding that any facility found wanting would be sanctioned according to the NHIA guidelines. Tanimu appealed to enrollees who were not satisfied with

the quality of services or felt shortchanged to report to their Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) or the nearest NHIA office, assuring that necessary action shall be taken.

From left, Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Usman Jubril; Leader, Audu/ Faleke Political Structure, APC Kogi East, Senator Dangama Ochejo and APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Senator Abubakar Kyari during a meeting with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the Party’s National Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja.

ECOWAS develops civil-military coordination strategies to aid humanitarian action

he Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS) has embarked on a four-day workshop on developing CivilMilitary coordination strategies to aid humanitarian action across West Africa. Dr Sintiki Ugbe, Director, Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, Abuja, during the workshop in Lagos said this was necessary considering the varied humanitarian challenges confronting the region. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that delegates cutting across the 15 member states of ECOWAS were represented at the workshop which began on Monday, April 3. The workshop will end on April 6, 2023. Ugbe noted that humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable citizens was a critical mandate that ECOWAS had to pursue with all vigour. “Today, ECOWAS is hosting a regional workshop on Civil-Military coordination,. “Our region is faced with conflicts,

terrorism, impact of climate change, food insecurity and many other challenges as this has led to a surge in humanitarian assistance. “But, in providing humanitarian assistance, civilians cannot do it alone, they need military assistance to work together in a coordinated fashion to deliver assistance to vulnerable population. “So, what we are trying to do as ECOWAS is to see how we can strengthen Civil-Military coordination, as it has become important in our region because it is difficult for humanitarian actors to reach those who are in need. “The only way to enhance humanitarian access is to strengthen the synergy of Civil-Military coordination to promote compliance with humanitarian principles with comparative advantage in the use of our resources as civilians and military,” she said. According to Ugbe, ECOWAS had enjoyed the support and cooperation of ECOWAS countries’ Heads of States over the years.

She said: “Through their approval and mandate, we have the ECOWAS community levy that we use for implementing our programmes but that is not enough. ““We also mobilise resources from our partners, just like this workshop is done with partnership between ECOWAS commission and some other organisations, with funding from the European Union and we have our United Nations partners who are providing technical support.” Earlier, Mr Usman Obeche, Programme Officer for the workshop said the rationale behind the workshop was to organise ECOWAS working groups. According to him, the workshop is also meant to establish linkages between the working groups and other relevant forum such as the regional committee for disaster management in West Africa, the ECOWAS standardised emergency management system and the national disaster risk reduction platform. He said at the end of the day, some of the outcomes would be to have

established standards and guidelines for the use of national military assets in emergencies and ECOWAS and member states would have been developed. “Challenges in military coordination would be identified as well as emerging policy issues and gaps in the field of response,” Obeche said. In his goodwill address, Mr Trond Jensen, Head of Office, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), assured participants that the workshop would be strategic. Jensen emphasised the need for meaningful collaboration and constructive dialogue between the military and civilians. He said this was essential in solving common problems and building a brighter future for the many people “This workshop will be strategic and deliberations will design an appropriate civil-military coordination strategy for the ECOWAS region that meets the requirements of international best practices,” he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

Lagos High Court on Monday dismissed a “no-case’’ submission filed by ASP Drambi Vandi, who allegedly shot a Lagos-lawyer, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem to death on Dec. 25, 2022. Vandi had filed his “no-case’’ application on Feb. 28, praying the court to quash the charge preferred against him. His counsel, Mr Gbenro Gbadamosi, had earlier argued that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses called in the case were inconsistent and did not link Vandi to the murder. Presiding Justice Ibironke Harrison, held, however, that the prosecution, led by the AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) had established sufficient oral and documentary evidence linking Vandi to the crime. Vandi has a case to answer, Justice Harrison ruled. “The prosecution has established a prima facie case requiring some explanation by the defendant. “The court isn’t looking at the credibility of the prosecution witnesses at this stage. The court will not delve into the substantive

Jigawa correspondents congratulates Gov-elect, Umar Namadi

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NEWS Court dismisses police officer’s “no-case” submission in murder of Lagos lawyer case right now. “The only real issue now is whether a prima facie case has been made by the prosecution and not whether it has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,’’ Justice Harrison held. She ruled also that the evidence of the defendant, being the only other eyewitness who is yet to testify before the court, would shed light on what happened on Dec. 25,

2022. Before the prosecution closed its case on Feb. 15, it had called 11 witnesses made up of eight police officers, some of who are colleagues of the defendant; two eye witnesses and a pathologist. Counsel to the defendant told the court that the defence team would review the ruling and decide on whether to go on appeal or not. In his submission, Lagos State

Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Babajide Martins, said an interlocutory appeal would not stop the continuation of the trial in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of Lagos State. He consequently applied for a date for further hearing. The case was adjourned until May 16 for the defendant to open his defence. Vandi was arraigned on Jan. 16,

Kogi guber primary: I have no anointed candidate, says Atiku By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

residential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has declared that he has no anointed candidate in the forthcoming Kogi State primary election. Atiku expressed the firm belief that the decision to elect the flag bearer of the PDP in the coming election in the Confluence State is the responsibility of electors in that primary election. The former Vice President urged anyone amongst the candidates to desist from peddling influence with his name and, indeed, calls on the media not to lay prostrate to any blackmail against him.

Atiku maintained that all the aspirants in the election are up to the task of flying the flag of the PDP, advising that the electors should be given the unfettered rights to perform their constituted duty of electing the best person for the PDP. Atiku, in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, yesterday, said, “The attention of the former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has been drawn to several media reports insinuating his involvement in the democratic process of electing the gubernatorial flag bearer for the Peoples Democratic Party in the upcoming Kogi State governorship

election. “We wish to state categorically that such media reports are false and gross fabrication. “Atiku is a consummate democrat and the hallmark of his political struggles has been for the enablement of internal democracy in party politics. “It is therefore absurd to suggest that Atiku has a preferred candidate in the primary election to produce the governorship candidate of the PDP in the Kogi State election - or in any primary election, for that matter. “For the avoidance of any doubts, Atiku Abubakar has no anointed candidate in the Kogi State primary election.

“He believes that the decision to elect the flag bearer of the PDP in the coming election in the Confluence State is the responsibility of electors in that primary election. “He therefore urges anyone amongst the candidates to desist from peddling influence with his name and, indeed, calls on the media not to lay prostrate to any blackmail against him. “Atiku believes that all the aspirants in the election are up to the task of flying the flag of our great party, the PDP and the electors should be given the unfettered rights to perform their constituted duty of electing the best person for the PDP”, the statement ended.

From left, Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Usman Jubril; Leader, Audu/ Faleke Political Structure, APC Kogi East, Senator Dangama Ochejo APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Senator Abubakar Kyari and APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore during a meeting with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the Party’s National Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja.

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

he members of the correspondent chapel Jigawa state Nigeria Union Of Journalists congratulated his Governor Elect, Malam Umar Namadi for his emergence as winner of the last gubernatorial election in the state. This was contained in a statement signed by the chairman of the chapel comrade Muhammad Zangina Kura and issued to news men in Dutse. The statement described Malam Umar Namadi who is a former commissioner of finance and current deputy governor of the state as a man of integrity , moral discipline, selfless commitment, patriotism and compassion to humanity. According to the statement, Malam Umar Namadi is a rear politician who distinguished him self in public service and earned reputation and confidence of people of Jigawa state in the last eight years. “Your election as an APC flag bearer and the next Jigawa state governor is a clear testimony of your outstanding performance in public service, simplicity, loyalty and obedient to the rule of law. “We hope you will operate all-inclusive government as you promised during campaign”.

on a one-count charge of murder. The prosecution stated that the defendant shot and killed the 41year old pregnant property lawyer by shooting her in the chest in Lekki area of Lagos on the day of the incident. It submitted that the offence contravened the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Vandi pleaded not guilty to the charge. (NAN)

Flood: MALALA fund, assist 500 women victims in Jigawa From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

o fewer than 500 womenIed households victims of flood disaster are to benefit from integrated basic needs assistance of MALALA fund programmes. This was disclosed by the program officer of MALALA Fund in Nigeria, Maryam Danburam while delivering her speech during a one-day stakeholders consultative workshop in Jigawa held at Dutse, the state capital. She explained that, the

programme will be executed through My IT consult Ltd. to ensure accountability and transparency among the vulnerable flood victims in the selected communities. The programme officer who urged the stakeholders to be transparent in selection of beneficiaries said, three local government of Ringim, Taura and Auyo selected for the program. While given the overview of the program, the executive director of My IT consult Ltd, comrade Mubarak Yussuf said,

the flood disaster response will cover a total 500 women-Ied households across three most affected local government in Jigawa. According to him, the three local government of Auyo, Ringim and Taura were selected base on 2022 flood damages research that carries out by NEMA. Comrade Mubarak added that, as part of MALALA Fund’s effort to support out of schools girls and flood victims, Cash and non food items will be given to 200 women in Auyo, 150 women

from Taura and 150 respectively from Ringim local government. While making his remarks on behalf of traditional leaders, the Danmajen Ringim also the district head of Taura Alhaji Nura Usman promised to do all their best and ensure the assistance reach the right beneficiaries. Also speaking on behalf of women-Ied households victims, the coordinator women farmers association in Jigawa Hajiya Hadiza Giwa commended MALALA Fund for the assistance and urged others to emulate.

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Media 2023 elections: Our report based on practitioners human rights depression -NHRC urged to assist FIRS T drive to boost tax revenue By Albert Akota

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

edia practitioners in Kaduna state have been told that they have key roles to play in the quest by the Federal government through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to increase tax revenue in the country. This was asserted during a one day training workshop for journalists in Kaduna on how to broaden their knowledge of tax matters organised by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in conjunction with the Aftopolitan Media Limited, yesterday. A resource person, Malam Ibrahim Maruf Ajibola tasked the participants on the need to increase public awareness on the enormous benefits of tax in nation building and advancement. Mr. Ajibola explained that the FIRS under its Executive Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Nami, had modernized the Nigerian Tax Administration and integrated it into the global taxation system through cuttingedge, homegrown Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and partnership with tax authorities across the world. Ajibola stated that the Tax Promax automated tax software currently in use by the FIRS was conceived and built by FIRS staff under the direction of Mr. Nami and the current FIRS Board. Prior to this, he said the FIRS had relied on a Canadian-built software – Amanda – to collect taxes in the country, which was serviced at huge foreign exchange burden on Nigeria. Ajibola disclosed further that the FIRS uses the global SENTINAL software system to track and tax e-commerce transactions in Nigeria, stressing that this has enabled the Service to block holes hitherto in the tax net, making it impossible for anyone to evade paying tax on online purchases, betting, etc. He also spoke of the 2019 origin of the Finance Act, which is renewed yearly by an act of the National Assembly.

he National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerians to remain peaceful, calm ahead of its final report which is based on human rights depression during 2023 general elections. The Executive Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu (SAN) who disclosed this yesterday at the monthly review of the MOVE Project of NHRC in Abuja praised media houses, partners and sponsors for their continued support to

the Commission. He decried the violence and hate speeches which took political land scale especially during gubernatorial elections and State House of Assembly. Ojukwu condemned government sanctioned on media organizations over complaints made by political parties within short period. Speaking earlier, the commission Project Coordinator, Hilary Ogbonna who presented the commission’s findings said, it was wrong, the speed in which sanctions were imposed

on some television stations just five days after complaints were made through a petition, adding that such quick action was capable of sending wrong signal to the public and international community that thorough investigation was not carried out. According to him, the NHRC is not questioning the right of sister government agencies to carry out their statutory responsibilities but said caution should be exercised when petitions written by politically exposed persons are involved.

He said as the National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria, it is expedient to advise sister government agencies to promote human rights in the country rather than impede rights of citizens. Ogbonnaya advised that due to the crucial roles media play in the society, sanction should be the last resort when it concerns the sector. The commission noted that 88 lives were loss during the presidential and National Assembly, as well as the governorship and state assembly elections.

From left, Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd); Controller General, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) and Secretary NDLEA, Shedrach Haruna during the singing of MoU between the NDLEA and Nigerian Customs, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Ramadan Iftar: Dalung leads Christian Clergies to breakfast with Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

he former Nigerian Minister of Youths and Sport, Mr, Solomon Dalung has led a delegation of Northern Nigerian Christian Clergies to Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi’s House in Kaduna state

for breaking of fast in the spirit of Ramadan. According to him, the aims are to strengthened Christians and Muslims relationship for peace and unity among Nigerians. The Clergies are from Plateau, Bauchi, Katsina, Gombe, Taraba, Kaduna and Sokoto.

They were opportuned to be among those who attended the interfaith Ramadan Iftar to promote interreligious tolerance and mutual understanding among the adherence of different faith based organization in the country. Dalung explained that for

the past 12 years, they have been coming from various states in the North to join other top Islamic scholars towards breaking Ramadan Iftar fast to promote peace and unity among Nigerians. He called for more prayers for clerics nation wide.

Group wants Zaria man as 10th Kaduna Assembly Speaker From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

s the race for the leadership of the 10th Kaduna State House of Assembly (KSHA) hots up, the Coalition of Kaduna Young Professionals on Monday appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider member-elect, Ahmad Muhammad DanAsabe as the next speaker. The group also called on other aspirants who are eyeing the speakership position of the

next assembly to reconsider their aspirations and join hands with Ahmad in the interest of fairness, and equity, especially as the governor-elect and deputygovernor-elect came from zone 2 and zone 3 respectively. To this group, in addition to competence, physical, and mental ability, Ahmad hails from a Zaria local government, which has been giving APC bulk votes since 2015. The Convener, Amb. Ishaq MSani at a press conference in Kaduna said, having been

elected for the third term, Ahmad is eminently qualified to head the next State Assembly. To him, “it behoves the leadership of the APC and the good people of our dear state, to ensure that its post-election choices and direction reflect the urgency of sustainability in line with the sustain manifesto of the Governor-Elect, our dynamic leader per excellence Sen. Uba Sani, which is centred on safety and security among others. “We know of course, that the conversation about the

next Kaduna state House of Assembly leadership has been on for the moment even though informally. “But we wish to place on record that consolidating and continuing with the excellent achievements of the present administration under the incoming administration of Sen. Uba Sani requires the enthronement of competence, credibility, and expertise above s sentimental considerations for the leadership of the 10th assembly position.

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FCrisis rocks Two former ambassadors, Obayendo, Olanrewaju, ASUP, as group others win honorary awards passes no P confidence vote on Chairman From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

fresh crisis rocked the Kaduna Polytechnic chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) on Monday, as a group of the Union members passed a vote of no confidence on the Chapter Chairman, Engr. Abubakar Abdullahi, over the controversial sales of some of the Polytechnic’s staff quarters. The ASUP group led by Dr. Shedrack Audu accused the ASUP Chairman of violating the Regular Congress Resolution of 21st November, 2022, which appointed Ahmed Ahmed & Co as the solicitor of the Chapter, alleging that, the chapter chairman in a unilateral decision decided to appoint a different solicitor to handle a court case instituted against some bona fide and financial members of the union. But the Chairman in a swift reaction said, while he is constrained to comment on the sales of the Polytechnic’s property, which is the bone of contention, because the matter is in court, the group lack the power to pass a verdict on his chairmanship. Addressing journalists earlier, shortly after a meeting of the group, Dr. Audu said, the ASUP Chairman, “Engr. Abubakar J. Abdullahi equally violated the Emergency Congress Resolution of the 6th December 2022. At this meeting, a resolution rejecting the sale of Kaduna Polytechnic Government Quarters was held. However, the resolution did not request the Union Executive to file a court case in any law court against its members (Appendix 2, Resolution 8). But the union chapter chairman in his wisdom decided to file a case against its members at the Federal High Court, Kaduna with respect to the sale of the said quarters. “Engr. Abubakar J. Abdullahi lied under Oath with respect to the Case Filed and Titled “The Registered Trustees of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna Chapter There is no such registered trustee of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics much less Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna Chapter (Appendix 3). When the case was mentioned in the court, the KPT Union Chairman identifies himself as ASUP KPT Chapter Chairman to represent the said Trustee of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics. “Also, noncompliance with the written directives from the ASUP national body of the KPT chapter to withdraw the case it instituted against its members of the Federal High Court, Kaduna. As a result

rominent Nigerians including two former Nigerian ambassadors to Rome(Vatican) and Spain,Major General, Godwin George UMO (rtd) and Amb.Chief Dr Mrs Susan Aderonke Folarin, former Nigerian envoy to Spain and former Chairman of Ogun State Civil Service Commission are expected as Special guests while the National president of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration and Group Managing Director/CEO of Temple Group, Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo; the CEO of Tasty Times Nigeria Limited, Mr Isaac Olugbenga Kole; and Mr Olanrewaju Idowu of Lekki Free Zone Development Company are among the honorary doctorate degree award winners of Prowess University,Delaware,USA and Triune Biblical University Global Extension New York,USA respectively. The managing Director/CEO of Budget Homes Properties Limited, Ohio Flourish Ebozafe and Amb. Mrs Funke Kehinde, founder/CEO of Brilliant Concepts are expected at the ceremony as honorary doctorate degree awardees in Business Administration and Real Estate Development respectively. Also in the list is the Managing Director of Ashaka Cement Plc

Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu and Chimezie Henry Ebulofor, the Managing Director/ CEO of Henry Montego Homes; and the Group Executive Director of Chi Limited Mr Jerome O. Shogbon,among others. The theme of this year’s edition is “Enhancing Accelerated Capacity Building Through Entrepreneurship in Governance -Pathway to Sustainable Growth and Development in Nigeria.” The event is expected to hold in the last week of April this year at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. The program which is packaged and anchored by Leadtimes Africa Magazine would feature with its annual award presentation ceremony/ workshop on Strategic Leadership on good Governance in African Leadership. At the occasion, prowess University, Deleware USA and Triune Biblical University Global Extension New York, USA will use the platform to honor few eminent Nigerian professionals across the country for their enormous contributions in their various leadership positions. Professor Buba S. Mshelia, Advisory Board chairman of Leadtimes Africa Magazine in a press statement said “selected Nigerians who have excelled in their professional careers would

be recognised with the Prestigious Leadtimes Africa Award for Integrity, Accountability and Transparency in Africa Leadership aside the honorary doctorate award conferment during the ceremony. “This is to spur them for excellence in quality service delivery”, he noted. Professor Prince Eze Nwauba, African Representative of Prowess University, Delaware,USA/ Registrar/CEO of Institute of Arts Management and Professional Studies (IAMPS) and Professor Adeleke D. Durojaiye, President of Triune Biblical University Global Extension, New-York, USA in a press statement said: “in this year’s edition, two US universities will honor outstanding Nigerians with track records in leadership and professionalism. “Selection of these awardees is built on transparency, accountability and integrity and more especially the impacts made on their local communities is part of the indices used for selection including recommendation from their constituents”, among other parameters. Other prominent honorary doctorate award nominees included the Managing Director/CEO of Flourish Global Properties, Pamela Allen;Ugo Elizabeth, CEO of Lead

Homes Luxury Apartment and Mr Charles N.Mba, Managing Director/ CEO of CDV Properties and Development are expected to bag honorary doctorate degrees in Real Estate Development and Business Administration respectively at the occasion. Hybrid Group CEO, Dapo Omolade and DIG Udom Ekpoudom, proprietor of TopFaith Schools, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State will also be honoured at the occasion in the University of Lagos later this month, among others. It will be recalled that outstanding personalities in leadership cycle across Nigeria have been nominated for the conferment of honorary doctorate degree awards in various categories and the program is billed for the University of Lagos guest house come April. Also included as Special guest is Amb. Dr Mohammed Jibril Ahmed, Chairman/CEO of Shelter Construction Co. Limited. Professor Basil C. Nwankwo of the Kogi state University, Anyigba, is expected to serve as guest lecturer at the occasion. Selected professionals, technocrats, captains of Industry, traditional rulers, NGOs, credible politicians among others are expected to participate in the event.

President Muhammadu Buhari receives/ congratulates SenatorElect Sen Osita Izunaso on his re-election for his 2nd term at the State house, yesterday in Abuja. PHOTO; State House

Kaduna State appoints transition committee From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

he Kaduna State Government has announced the constitution of the 2023 Transition Committee, comprising nominees of the outgoing El-Rufai administration and Senator Uba Sani, the governor-elect. This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication)Muyiwa Adekeye and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday. A statement from Sir Kashim Ibrahim House disclosed that the 65-person committee will prepare the roadmap for implementing the SUSTAIN manifesto of the incoming government, which has at its core a

governance agenda to continue the progress recorded in the state since 2015. The committee will also arrange the ceremonies to usher in the new government. The Transition Committee will be chaired by Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the incumbent Secretary to the State Government, who was chairman of the Transition Committee in 2015 and vice-chairman in 2019. Nuhu Isyaku Buzun, the permanent secretary Cabinet & Political Affairs, will serve as secretary to the Committee, which will soon be inaugurated. Others includes Prof. Mohammed Sani Hello ,Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, Mohammed Hafiz Bayero, Lawal Samaila

Yakawada, Mohammed Sani Abdullahi,Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani and Aisha Dikko The Committee that will have Nuhu Isiyaku Buzun as Secretary have Umma K. Ahmed, Muyiwa Adekeye, Bulus Banquo Audu, Hadiza Muazu, Prof Aminu Ladan Shareholders, Yahaya Baba Pate, Prof. Ben Gugong, Babangida Jatar Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Meters. “Rev. Ishaya Jangado, Prof Maryam Abdu Dr. Abubakar Salihu, Pastor David Adeniran Awwal Malami, Ishaya Ayuba Ranga Mohammed Sani “ Dr. Abdul Ishaq, “Ummulkhair Mukhtar, Sadiq Mamman Lagos Mr. Umar Sani Aminu Zaria, Chris Adapar Umar Larai Ishaku Abubakar Hubs, Dr. Bello Jamo Mohammed

Sani Kila,Dr. Shehu Mohammed Makarfi,Abubakar Hassan, Prof Abdullahi Musa SobaIbrahim Tanko, Hon. Datti Babawo, Bishop Ishaya Kunama “Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed, Pastor Yusuf Biniyat, Hon. Ibrahim Hamza, Prof. Nuhu Tahir, Dr. Doshiya Barwa, Dr. Omano Edigheji, Hassan Aminu Jere Francesca N. Musa,Adamu Ibrahim Dr. Joseph Maigari, Dr. Muhammad Tukur Adam Abdullahi, Rabi Salisu, Mainasara Liman, Cecilia Musa Rabiu Abdullahi, Sagir Balarabe Musa Saadatu Awwal Abdulwahab,Maryam Suleiman, Suwaiba Shehu Ibrahim, Nuhu Isiyaku Buzun: Secretary Mansur Salanke: Deputy Secretary and Amina Sani Bello: Assistant Secretary”

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NEWS

he Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, has approved appointments of senior officers comprising Rear Admirals and Commodores as part of the routine reorganisation in the service. The Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja. Ayo-Vaughan said the new appointments resulted from the promotion of 128 senior officers in December 2022, mainly 52 rear admirals and 76 commodores. He said the new appointments saw Rear Adm. Garba Abubakar being reappointed as the Nigerian Navy Delegate to the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Rear Adm. Akano Adesope, was moved from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru and appointed as the Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordinance Depot. Similarly, former Director

AMAC: Business tycoon distributes food items, cash to 200 widows By Usman Shuaibu

he Chief Executive Officer of Resort in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Uzochukwu Akunedozi, has distributed food items as well as cash gifts to 200 widows in Abuja in order to mark his birthday celebration. The food items which included bag of rice, vegetable oil and sachets of tomatoes paste among others were presented to the beneficiaries by the Senior Special Adviser to AMAC Chairman on Community Development, Hon. Yunusa Ahmadu on behalf of the celebrant on Monday. Hon. Yunusa Ahmadu in his words said: “Mr Uzochukwu Akunedozi asked me to mobilise not less than 200 widows from different communities in the FCT to celebrate with him on the occasion of his birthday with the little God has blessed him in our land. “presently, over 200 widows are here and we are trying to manage the situation because we know how the economy has been biting hard on the masses. “`Everyone will go home with something, some will go back with cash gifts, while others will go home with the foods items”. One of the beneficiaries who spoke during the occasion, Mrs. Hanatu Garba appreciated the celebrant for the gesture and prayed for his long life.

Nigerian Navy redeploys, appoints senior officers of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Kennedy Egbuchulam, was appointed as the pioneer Chief of Communications and Information Technology. Former Chief of Defence Space Administration, Rear Adm. Nnamdi Muogilim, moves to Defence Headquarters as the Executive Director Operations, Navy Holdings Limited. Ayo-Vaughan said the erstwhile Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, WEY, Rear Adm. Adewale Olanrewaju, would to take over as the Director of Standards, Naval Headquarters. The former Deputy Director Communication Intelligence at Defence Intelligence Agency, Rear Adm. Fatah Sanusi takes over as Executive Director, Administration, Human Resource & Personnel Management at the Navy Holdings Ltd. “Rear Adm. Nuhu Bala, the former Director of Transformation, Defence Headquarters has been reappointed as the Deputy Chief of Defence Space Administration. Rear Adm. Danjuma Moses, former Director of Training, DHQ takes over as the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. “The routine reshuffling of the senior naval officers also affected

Rear Adm. Vincent Okeke, former Director of Logistics, DHQ who has been reappointed as Director of Plans, DHQ and Rear Adm. Yakubu Wambai, the erstwhile Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command moves to DHQ as the Director of Transformation. “The former Director Veterans Affairs, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Ismaila Zelani has been appointed as Director of Administration at Naval Headquarters. “Rear Adm. Emmanuel Beckley, the erstwhile Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordnance Depot moves to Headquarters Defence Intelligence Agency as the Director of Logistics,” he said. The naval spokesman further said Rear Adm. Domnan Dangwel, had been redeployed from DHQ to Naval Headquarters as the Director Special Projects, while Rear Adm. Tanko Pani, would remain in DHQ and appointed as Director of Training. He said while the former Deputy Director Earth Observation at DSA, Rear Adm. Hamisu Sadiq, moved to NHQ as Director of Safety, Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole would take over as the Director of Communications at NHQ. According to him, the immediate past Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm.

Ibrahim Dewu takes over as the Director of Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate. “Rear Adm. Kennedy Ezete, moves to DHQ as Director, Project Monitoring while Rear Adm. Noel Madugu, formerly Deputy Director Special Operation Forces, DHQ has been appointed Director of Logistics. “The erstwhile Director of Logistics, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Rear Adm. Daupreye Matthew, is to resume as the Director, Innovation and Concept Development, NHQ. “While Rear Adm. Emmanuel Nmoyem, was appointed as the Director, Human Rights Desk, DHQ while Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shettima, formerly Chief of Logistics, NHQ takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command. “The former Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Monday Unurhiere is now the Director of Plans, NHQ while Rear Adm. Hamza Kaoje has been moved from Headquarters Western Naval Command to DHQ as Director of Equipment Standardisation and Harmonisation. “Rear Adm. Idi Abbas, formerly Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command resumes as the

Director of Operations, NHQ,” he added. Ayo-Vaughan also said Rear Adm. Clement Atebi, had been moved from the Central Naval Command to NHQ as Director of Audit, while Rear Adm. Samson Bura, formerly Fleet Commander, Western Fleet, had been moved to DHQ as Director Search and Rescue. He said Rear Adm. Oluwole Fadeyi, had been moved from Eastern Naval Command and appointed as Director Record, Returns and Analysis at NHQ while Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire, takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command. According to him, the erstwhile Deputy Commandant, AFCSC, Jaji Rear Adm. Mustapha Hassan, is now the Director of Policy, NHQ while Rear Adm. Bashir Mohammed, becomes the Chief of Logistics (Navy) and Rear Adm. Julius Nwagu become the Director Campaign Planning at NHQ. He added that Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, while Rear Adm. Mike Oamen is now the Director Veterans Affairs, NHQ, while Rear Adm. James Okosun, takes over as the Commandant Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Sapele. NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari receives/congratulates Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni on his reelection for his 2nd term at the State house, yesterday in Abuja. PHOTO; State House

10th Assembly: Group endorses Senator Abdulaziz Yari for Senate President By Usman Shauibu

he Parliamentary Lobby Network in Arewa (PARLNETWORK) has thrown its weight behind Senator Abdulaziz Yari for the race of Senate Presidency in the 10th National Assembly for rapid development of Nigeria. The National Convener of the Group of Principal Parliamentary Aide, Honorable Salisu Sabo, who made the Endorsement in a press statement issued in Abuja, said

another strong contendant has joined the race. Honorable Salisu Sabo, said Senator Yari is not only the most qualified for the exalted office, but committed to national development among the aspirants. According to him, the party’s leadership and its Presidentelect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should without hesitation affirm Senator as Senate President for credibility. Harping on national interests of peace, stability

and unity, Yari be appointed with the position of the Senate President. The National Convener specifically described Senator Yari a seasoned leader who is not only widely respected by political leadership of Nigeria, but also a man known on the basic principles of inclusivity, collective prosperity and consultative leadership. “Senator A.A. Yari is not only known as a green horn in the Executive leadership of Nigeria. To a very large extent,

he is also revered as a leader who naturally commands respect, and recognition for his Parliamentary leadership prowess, and for his aweinspiring ability to manage people of all ages, social and political strata. “But most importantly because of his wealth of experience in the Senate, leadership skills and good relationships with all parts of the country spread across all the state capitals of the federation,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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OPINION

Mother’s pain of losing a newborn baby By Murjanatu Usman …the pains of motherhood on losing a newly born baby are many and varied. It is a pain that no mother should have to endure, but unfortunately, it is a reality for many. It is important to remember that healing takes time, and that there is support available for those who have experienced this kind of loss. Losing a newborn baby is one of the most devastating experiences a mother can go through. It is a heart-wrenching pain that leaves a lasting impact on a mother’s life. The pains of motherhood on losing a newly born baby are many and varied, and they can manifest themselves in a number of different ways. First and foremost, the pain of losing a newborn baby is a physical one. Giving birth is a physically demanding experience, and losing a baby can leave a mother feeling weak, tired, and drained. In addition to the physical pain, there is also the emotional pain of losing a child that a mother has carried for nine months. The emotional pain of losing a newborn can manifest itself in many ways. A mother may feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and shame, wondering if she did something wrong or if she could have done something differently to prevent the loss of her child. She may also feel a sense of isolation and loneliness,

as it can be difficult to find support from others who have not experienced the same loss. Another painful aspect of losing a newborn is the sense of loss and longing for the child who was never able to grow and develop into a person. A mother may feel a deep sense of emptiness and longing for the child she never got to know. The pain of losing a newborn can also affect a

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In conclusion, the pains of motherhood on losing a newly born baby are many and varied. It is a pain that no mother should have to endure, but unfortunately, it is a reality for many. It is important to remember that healing takes time, and that there is support available for those who have experienced this kind of loss

mother’s relationships with others. It can be difficult to connect with others who have not experienced the same loss, and it can be challenging to find the words to express the depth of the pain she is feeling. The loss of a newborn can also strain relationships with partners or family members who may not understand the depth of the mother’s pain. Lastly, the pain of losing a newborn can have longterm effects on a mother’s mental health. The grief and trauma of losing a child can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. It is important for mothers who have experienced the loss of a newborn to seek support from mental health professionals and to take care of themselves during this difficult time. In conclusion, the pains of motherhood on losing a newly born baby are many and varied. It is a pain that no mother should have to endure, but unfortunately, it is a reality for many. It is important to remember that healing takes time, and that there is support available for those who have experienced this kind of loss. Murjanatu Usman is of the Mass Communication Department, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi Bauchi State and can be reached at murjanatu333@gmail.com

The significance of emergence of Fr. Alia as Benue governor-elect By Abu, I. Michael

am a proud Benuenite but sad over the stagnated growth of the state since its creation from the defunct Benue-Plateau in 1976. States which came into being after her even the most recent of them have developed beyond expectations; take for example states like Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Ebonyi, Ekiti and Nasarawa States which came into existence in 1991 and 1996 have soared over the years in terms of socioeconomic and physical development. The people of Benue State continued to suffer abject poverty in spite of its rich mineral resources and agricultural endowments. Successive leaderships elected in trust of affairs of the state lacked vision to transform the state with these resources lying fallow, and preemptively breeding armies of unemployed youths who would have been engaged in factories and companies which these natural resources can sustain. All this while, past and present governors of the state occupy themselves in blame games for their ineptitude and failure; what they do more in governance is playing politics with serious issues of governance and seeking personal relevance in place of the sacrifice and projects they pledged on oath for the benefit of the people and durable development of the state economy. No need crying over spilled milk; it is time to look with hope at the perkier years ahead and it is in order to draw strength to survive and hope for a better Benue State that it is pertinent to look at the significance of the emergence of Fr. Alia as the next Benue Governor. The Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia I know is sympathetic, empathetic and familiar with the sufferings of the people of the state which he will soon be privileged to lead. These qualities he demonstrated in his healing ministry and has helped and provided for many from the meager he had. I have also been privileged to have interacted with him and had discussions with him especially in 2014 and 2015 when I was visiting the Church he was pastoring opposite the First Gate of the Benue State University. Fr. Alia’s commitment to uplifting not just the

spiritual life of the people but the concerns he showed towards the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people of the state, I believed fetched him the votes that saw his emergence as the Governor-elect to run the affairs of Benue State in the next 4 years. His training and eventual ordination as a priest of God Almighty bestows him a burden for crass accumulation of materialism, pilfering of public funds, utter disregards of human dignity, prejudice, and general abuse of power as well as all manners of action that have kept the state politically and socioeconomically in the wood. The expectations of the people of the state of the government under Fr. Alia are high, I must confess. For him to succeed, he must be weary of some political juggernauts who will want to influence his

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With his connections which cut across the globe, it is my hope that he will pull the right strings for the industrialization of the state. It is well known that the state is blessed in commercial quantities with mineral resources and agricultural potentialities; they are on hand materials for food, drink and other industries that will help change the fortune of the state as a producer at the same time providing vista for job opportunities not only for the indigenes of the state but other Nigerians

leadership for selfish ends, and work hard to diffuse the trivialities and sentiments that are dragging to opposite directions the thought of togetherness and amity that once held the people of the state a common pledge; he can achieve this through fair distribution of governmental powers and positions and projects across the state. The contemporary politicians of the state hype sentiments adversative to mutual understanding and unity that can drive the support required by every government to attain success in its programmes and project implementation in the effort to transform the lives of the people. Focusing on tackling insecurity that has disrupted agricultural and economic activities of the state is of paramount priority to any government; the Fr. Alia-led government on inauguration must hit the ground running in order to recover the state from armed criminals that whose activities have stolen the peaceful and tranquil environments of our communities and the general atmosphere of the state. With his connections which cut across the globe, it is my hope that he will pull the right strings for the industrialization of the state. It is well known that the state is blessed in commercial quantities with mineral resources and agricultural potentialities; they are on hand materials for food, drink and other industries that will help change the fortune of the state as a producer at the same time providing vista for job opportunities not only for the indigenes of the state but other Nigerians. The development and expansion of physical infrastructure of the state especially of Makurdi, the state capital was long overdue. This is another area that the APC-led Government of Fr. Alia is expected to pay attention. Makurdi does not look like a state capital in the real sense of it. There should be proper and good road network, streets, flyovers and passages for pedestrians as well as good public structures depicting the headquarters of a state. It needs some aesthetics to project its hidden beauty that will speak volumes of the people of the state. Abu, I. Michael is from Odugbo-Ochekwu, Apa LGA, michaelabu888@gmail.com, (SMS08126121139)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

COMMENT

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Kenyan media, political violence and public expecation By Henry Neondo

o maximize the positive impact of media in preventing political violence, it is important to promote responsible and ethical journalism, and to support media outlets that prioritize accuracy, balance and impartiality. The Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua has lately been portrayed as a man not friendly to media freedom. According to information filtering around, the deputy president is being viewed as a man bent on stifling freedom of a sector that has severally been classified as most trusted by the Kenyan citizenry. His utterance in Kakamega last week, together with those of Musalia Mudavadi, the chief prime minister did not help matters. At the Malaba prayer function, the two were quoted by various media outlets linking live media coverage to potential fanning of political violence. While the two have been bashed by all and sundry about the positions they hold on the matter, their utterances sharply brings to fore the never-ending debate about the role of media in political violence. Over the last two or three weeks, Kenyans have seen street demonstrations that have been called by the opposition supporters led by the Azimio leaders protesting cost of living, unilateral reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) unilaterally, ethnicisation of the civil service and opening of the servers onstensibly with the hope that it will show different presidential results from those declared by the then IEBC Chair, MrWafula Chebukati during last August 2022 elections. The demonstrations however have witnessed police brutality and have been characterized by stonethrowing, tear gas lobbying and paralysed businesses and transport sector. Studies around this area has always exhibited a complex and often-contentious relation. On one hand, media can serve as an enabler of political violence by amplifying extremist views and providing a platform for propaganda and hate speech. On the other hand, media can also play a crucial role in exposing and condemning political violence, and in promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

One of the ways in which media can enable political violence is by providing a platform for extremist views and ideologies. In many cases, extremist groups use social media platforms to disseminate propaganda and recruit new members. These groups often use violent or aggressive language to incite their followers and justify their actions. This can create a vicious cycle in which the media provides a platform for extremist views, which in turn encourages further violence and extremism. Moreover, media can also contribute to political violence by promoting hate speech and stoking ethnic, racial or religious tensions. This was the case during the last chaos the country witnessed in the 2007-2008 politically instigated ethnic clashes. A study be Sharon Anyango Odhiambo, Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding Scholar on the 2008 violence showed that local media organizations played a role in amplifying hate speech that helped fuel the 2007-2008 post-election violence, which left over 1,100 dead. But the then vilified media atoned itself in the 2013 elections, when players rose above partisanship to promote what has come to be known as “peace journalism,” the promulgation of state guidelines to avoid hate speech, and a recommitment to capacitybuilding among journalists By providing a platform for divisive and polarizing views, media outlets can create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust that can escalate into violence. Furthermore, media can also contribute to political violence by legitimizing violence as a means of achieving political goals. Gachagua and Mudavadi may however come from the background of viewing the media outlets reports on violent incidents as portraying demonstrators as justified or heroic (whichever way one may want to look at), in which case, the media would then have been creating an atmosphere in which violence is seen as a legitimate tool for achieving political change. This can encourage individuals or groups to engage in violent acts in pursuit of their political objectives, potentially leading to further violence and instability. Viewed in that latter case, no government would stomach such a stance.

However, the beef with the government is that the media players also realise how important it is in exposing and condemning political violence. By providing accurate and balanced reporting on violent incidents, the Kenyan media outlets realise that they can help to raise awareness of the dangers of political violence and the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts. This can also help to promote accountability on the part of security agents and prevent impunity for those responsible for political violence, be they from Azimio (opposition) or Kenya Kwanza (governing coalition). Furthermore, media can also promote dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts by providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. By facilitating open and constructive dialogue between different groups as evidenced by the many morning and breakfast shows in our television and radio stations, media can help to build bridges of understanding and promote reconciliation. In addition, media can also play a role in promoting democracy and human rights by holding governments and other actors accountable for their actions. By reporting on human rights violations, corruption and abuses of power, media can help to expose wrongdoing and promote transparency and accountability. This can help to prevent political violence by creating a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law. Without doubt then, the role of media in relation to political violence is complex and multifaceted. While media can serve as an enabler of political violence by amplifying extremist views and promoting hate speech, it can also play a crucial role in exposing and condemning political violence, and in promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. To maximize the positive impact of media in preventing political violence, it is important to promote responsible and ethical journalism, and to support media outlets that prioritize accuracy, balance and impartiality. The writer is a strategic communication specialist: neondohenry@yahoo.com

Education is key By Oyinlola Olamide Doyin

o address this challenge, governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to expand access to education and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Education is often referred to as the key to success, and for good reason. It is an essential tool that enables individuals to unlock their potential and achieve their goals. Education empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world and make a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them.Education is an essential part of personal and societal development. It plays a vital role in shaping individuals’ lives and their overall contribution to society. The benefits of education are manifold. First and foremost, education is a means of acquiring knowledge. Through formal education, individuals learn about a range of subjects, from history and literature to mathematics and science. They develop critical thinking skills and gain the ability to analyze and interpret information, enabling them to make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. Education also provides individuals with practical skills that are necessary for success in the workforce. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, employers are looking for candidates who have relevant skills and experience. Education equips individuals with the technical

and soft skills needed to excel in their chosen careers, from computer programming and engineering to communication and leadership. Moreover, education promotes personal development. It fosters creativity, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge, inspiring individuals to pursue their passions and explore new areas of interest.Education promotes personal development by providing individuals with opportunities to learn and explore their interests and passions.It also cultivates emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills, enabling individuals to build strong relationships and navigate complex social dynamics. In addition to these personal benefits, education also has significant social and economic impacts. Education is a powerful tool for reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. It enables individuals to access higher-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities, providing them with the means to support themselves and their families. Education is also a key factor in social mobility, enabling individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.Education is an essential tool for social mobility as it enables individuals from different backgrounds to have equal opportunities for personal and professional growth. Moreover, education is a catalyst for social change. It provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become active and engaged citizens, advocating for their rights and working to create a more just and equitable society. Education also fosters social cohesion, promoting

understanding and respect for different cultures and beliefs. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to quality education. Across the globe, millions of individuals face barriers to education, including poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources. This inequality is a significant challenge that must be addressed if we are to realize the full potential of education as a tool for personal and societal development. To address this challenge, governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to expand access to education and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This requires investment in education infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development, as well as policies that promote equal access to education for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or ethnicity. In conclusion, education is the key to unlocking human potential and achieving personal and societal development. It is a fundamental human right that enables individuals to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and pursue their dreams. Education has significant social and economic impacts, promoting social mobility, reducing poverty, and fostering social cohesion. However, access to education remains unequal across the globe, and addressing this inequality is critical to realizing the full potential of education as a tool for positive change. Oyinlola Olamide Doyin is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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NEWS By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

motorsport nongovernmental organization, Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) that promotes motorsports and road safety in Nigeria has condemned burning of used tyres saying that it pollutes the environment and puts public health at risk. This was made at a two-day training programme it organized for over 200 participants on how to produce diesel and furniture from

Information dissemination: AMAC Chairman visits NTA Channel 5

Burning of used tyres poses environmental hazards -NGO used tyres, held between March 2425, 2023, at Cyprian Ekwensi Arts and Culture Centre, Area 10, Abuja, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Agency (NESREA), Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and Used Tyres Producer Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (UT-PRON). The president of ATCN, Mr. Isiaku Bamayi, noted in his speech that, “Currently, Nigeria disposes off about 260 million units of tyres each year. Only a minuscule amount of these tyres are recycled or put to other uses at end of life. “Most of these used tyres end up in landfills, municipal dumpsites

or worse in abattoirs where they are used as fuel to burn the hair off slaughtered animals”. He also added that, “In Nigeria, most dumpsites are set on fire to burn off the organic wastes that are rotting away. We need to however remember that tyres are synthetic and the fumes from the burning tyres contain highly mutagenic gases, which are toxic to humans, plants and animals. “Some of the gases released during the burning of tyres include carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur oxides (SO2) oxides of nitrogen (NOx), Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) to name but a few”, he stated.

By Usman Shuaibu

and manage solid waste but to also engage manufacturers to ensure a policy action on how to re-use spent tyres instead of burning them and polluting the environment”. The president of Association of Erudite Entrepreneurs of Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, said that, “the advocacy helps us to understand that Tyre burning is a problem in terms of environmental hazards”. Hon. Billy Nwoye, the managing director of Used Tyres Producers Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (UT-PRON), charged the participants to ensure that they take advantage of the entrepreneurial opportunities and tips the training would give to them.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. (Sen.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (2nd right), receiving plaque of NIPSS from the Leader of Delegation/Directing Staff, AIG Dasuki Galadanchi (right) Hon. Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh (2nd left) and Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Mrs. Monilola Udoh (left), at the Strategic Institutions Study Tour to FMSTI by Participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 45, 2023 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, yesterday in Abuja.. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

he Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal of Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has led the management of the Area Council on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Television Authority Channel 5 in Abuja for the sake of information dissemination as well as the grassroots development. Maikalangu said: “He is proud of NTA Channel 5 for meeting the yearnings of the people at the grassroots, especially by giving them a voice” He paraphrased that his presence at the station was to identify and align with the NTA Channel 5 in order to meet its goals and objectives. The Council’s boss pledged to sustain the council’s existing relationship with NTA Channel 5 Abuja. His words: “NTA Channel 5 has been a reliable source of information for years and has been doing its best for the people at the grassroots level. It has been the voice of the voiceless and a worth partner in progress. “This is why we decided to partner with the management of continue delivering dividends of democracy to AMAC People. Like I always say, the betterment of AMAC is uppermost on my mind and I will continue making use of every opportunity to make sure that my people get the best of what we can offer” Responding, the Assistant Director in charge of News, Mr Kayode Adeniyi, who represented the General Manager appreciated the visit of the Chairman and his team. He, however, assured the Chairman of the station’s readiness to continue covering the administration’s programmes of the Council.

According to him, the programme was designed to raise “awareness on the hazards posed by improper disposal of used tyres and to promote a circular economic approach via extended producer responsibility (EPR) to the environmentally sound management of used tyres, which in turn will promote environmental quality an aspect of the environmental pillar of the FIA Sustainability Roadmap”. Engr. Chukwudi, an assistant director, plastic sector in the National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Agency (NESREA) who took day one training session explained that “the essence of applying EPR is not only to control

SMEs crucial to surmounting nation’s challenges – Arunma Oteh

former treasurer and also former Vice-President of the World Bank, Dr Arunma Oteh, (2015 – 2018) says Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are capable of bailing Nigeria out of its multi-dimensional challenges. Oteh made the declaration on Monday in Abuja in a lecture she delivered at the celebration of youth entrepreneurs empowered by an indigenous upstream oil and gas company, Seplat Energy Plc. The lecture was titled: “Unleashing Nigeria’s Untapped Potential through Entrepreneurship and Sustainability.’’ She noted that any country that placed value on its SMEs and entrepreneurship already understood the formula for future successes. She said Nigeria had lots of entrepreneurs that could be used to solve her multi-dimensional poverty and challenges. She observed that entrepreneurs found solutions where others saw trouble, just as they are creative, innovative, tenacious, and are problem solvers. Oteh said also that Nigeria needed to surmount challenges

faced by SMES, which included unfavourable business environment, poor access to credit and epileptic power supply. “We need to sort out power, because enterprises suffer more and the cost of doing business in Nigeria is higher than the cost of doing business in other countries. “As an entrepreneur in Nigeria you have to provide your own electricity, water, and logistics,’’ she said. Oteh commended Seplat Energy and its partner the Conversation 4 Change (C4C), an NGO for the initiative to train, empower and support young entrepreneurs. Earlier Dr Chioma Nwachuku, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability at Seplat, said the event aimed at developing participants’ leadership skills, social entrepreneurship and business management abilities. This, she explained, would be done through generalised and targeted capacity building workshops. “The graduates’ ability to action their ideas is supported through equipment funding and mentoring.

“This year, we are celebrating the 23 successful graduates who received a cumulative funding of 16.5 million naira in seed money. “Through this programme, we aim to enhance their lives by giving them the opportunity to forge their own ways and have a say in the future of their country,’’ she said. Nwachuku noted that the International Labour Organisation had predicted that global unemployment level would rise by around three million to 208 million in 2023 (corresponding to a global unemployment rate of 5.8 per cent). “In Nigeria, youth unemployment is a major concern. A 2022 report by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics stated that Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose to 33.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2020. “This implied a staggering 23.18 million persons of Nigeria’s labour force being out of job. It further indicated an increase in the country’s unemployment portfolio, mostly among the young and able youths. “That is why, at Seplat Energy, we are proud to play a pivotal role in changing the narrative for

young people in Nigeria. “Since 2019, C4C and Seplat Energy Plc. have worked together to ensure that we improve the lives of young Nigerians by supporting them to start and sustain their business enterprises. “Through this partnership, we have successfully trained and supported three batches of fellows; about 55 young entrepreneurs who are thriving, despite the odds stacked against businesses in Nigeria. “Each beneficiary has shown resilience, creativity and innovation through the duration of the yearly programme, “They have become our proof of concept that we can truly make Nigeria better by investing in the youth; one young person (or more) at a time,’’ Nwachuku said. She added that the trainees were engaged from the selection process to intensive face-to-face training on key management aspects of business and participation in internship trainings. The trainings are conducted by credible companies in the beneficiaries’ area of vocation and support provided for each of their businesses.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

By Musa Baba Adamu

political pressure group under the auspices of Concern Nigerians For Sustainable Democracy, which spans across the thirty six States and the Federal Capital Territory, is lobbying the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cede the Senate President of the 10th Assembly to the South East. The group said APC, the President elect and well meaning Nigerians should work by ensuring that the South East zone gets the Senate President. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Convener/Coordinator of the group, Dr Amos Gizo said insecurity will be tackled if the South East get the office of the Senate President adding that the people from the region will feel they are carried along. “Presently as we face the transition, there are negative agitations to truncate the will of the people where Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been voted by the majority votes to lead the nation yet another antidemocratic elements are calling for and interim Government, military coup and a call to stop the swearing in come May 29th 2023. “We are calling on all well meaning Nigerians to rise against these elements of anti-democracy and ensure that Democracy thrives and a smooth transition to swear in the President-Elect Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take over in order to minimize the myriad of problems facing the country. “South-East has two APC governors (Imo and Ebonyi) and

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Pressure group lobbies APC to zone Senate President to South East one APC Governor-elect of Ebonyi. South-South has one APC Governor (Cross-River State) and one Governor Elect in the same Cross River State. “South-East has produced six APC Senators-Elect in the 2023 election from five states. SouthSouth has six APC Senators-Elect in 2023 from six States. “From 1999 till date, SouthSouth has produced Vice-president and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the person of President Goodluck Jonathan, none

from South-East “South-South has produced two APC National Chairmen - Chief John Oyegun and Adams Oshiomhole, none from South-East. “South South has also produced the National Secretary of APC in the person of Senator John Akpan Udodeghe. South South has produced a Senate Majority Leader in the person of Senator Victor Ndoma Egba. Currently, South-South has the deputy Senate President, HE Ovie Omeagege. South Senate President from 1999

under Obasanjo and nothing more till date. “Since then, the South-East has not produced any other top leadership under APC. Presently, there is a need to dilute the Peter Obi Phenomenon in the South-East. “The need to give the South-East a sense of belonging since 2015 till date. APC need to douse the IPOB/ ESN and general insecurity in the South-East. South-East is in the majority in terms of population spread across the federation against the South-South. Our position is

to strengthen democracy, reduce political tension, reduce security threats and keep Nigeria one,” the group said. “We are not mindful of the fact that democracy is a game of numbers but we are equally mindful that Nigeria is a cosmopolitan and a multi-religious state that needs special handling in the spirit of keeping the Nigerian state one. “This world press conference desires all attention and with all seriousness to avoid an avoidable crisis,” the group added.

Why Akpabio is best candidate for 10th Assembly Senate President - CNPDN By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

foremost southern Democracy Forum, Citizens Network For Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN) has thrown their weight behind the former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, to emerge as Senate President, saying senator Akpabio is has the competence, national acceptability and political experience to effectively pilot the Senate to greater heights. Briefing journàlists yesterday in Abuja, the National Secretary of CNPDN, Francis Okereke Wainwei said Akpabio, being a former Senate Minority Leader while in Peoples Democratic Party, if elected senate

President in All Progressives Congress, can become a true unifier. Wainwei said “He can be the rallying point of all the senators and a formidable bridge between the Executive and the Legislature, having also been a former governor and minister. “We are therefore, using this medium to also call on all patriotic senators-elect to support and vote massively for Akpabio to emerge as the Senate President of the 10th Senate for the betterment of the country. “We are therefore, calling on all patriotic Nigerians who truly want to experience the ‘Nigeria of our Dreams ‘to prevail on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the position of

the Senate President of the 10th Senate to the South South geopolitical zone and also prevail on their senators-elect to facilitate and ensure the emergence of Akpabio as the Senate President of the 10th Senate and the leader of the 10th National Assembly.” The group who are also allies of former President Goodluck Jonathan, while declaring support for Akpabio, urged the National Working Committee (NWC) and the various organs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to zone the Senate Presidency to the South South. Francis Okereke Wainwei said all South South leaders are primarily committed to the need to allow the South South geo-political zone to also

produce the Presidency of the Senate. He said the South South zone has not been given the opportunity to produce the Presidency of the Senate since the return of democratic rule in 1999. CNPDN was the first group in 2022 that called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the office of the President again. Following the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, 2022 as the presidential candidate of the APC, the pro-South South group, despite the popularity of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), openly endorsed Tinubu in December, 2022, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

Isiukwuato/Umunneochi candidate for LP, Ogah lacks valid nomination - APC group By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

oalition of All Progressive Congress (APC) campaign groups, yesterday said the nomination of the Labour Party candidate for Isiukwuato/ Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Amobi Ogah is invalid, even as it called on the ruling party hierarchy to intervene and retrieve the mandate which it alleged was stolen by LP in the area. Briefing journàlists yesterday in Abuja, the leaders of the group described the election as a sham and charade which if allowed to stand, would have thwarted the resolve of the majority of the people of the constituency and set a bad precedent for future elections. The group led by Retson Tedheke, who is the Secretary, APC Directorates of Agro & Commodities, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, who represents Coalition for Good governance and Change Initiative, Omonu Gowom-Nelson, who is the Lead Director, Centre for Leadership Legacy International and Hon Abdullahi Bilal, who is the National Coordinator, United Arewa Movement for Peace Good Governance, said APC leadership should set up a committee from the existing Presidential Campaign Council to review what transpired during the elections.

•Says ruling party must recover stolen mandate

“We will like to put it on record that the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Isiukwato/Umunneochi federal constituency, Amaobi Ogah, was not a bonafide member of LP at the time of the party primary, because he left the APC and joined the PDP in March 19, 2022. “On June 4, 2022, he joined LP and contested the party primaries four days later, June 8. By contesting the primary on June 8, it explains clearly that he was not a member of any political party according to the provisions of the law and Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended)”, the group said. Speaking further, it said the election in the SouthEast region was rigged by the Labour Party, arguing that “the most outstanding case in view is that of House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, representing Isikwato/Umunneochi federal constituency. “It is on record that Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha was the only APC stalwart in Abia State, who openly identified with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and stood on the podium to campaign along with him during the presidential campaign across the region. “While we do not want to go to some

of the issues she openly told Asiwaju during his campaign in the region, which eventually came to pass, we want to say that the party must stand up and reclaim all its stolen mandates in the country.” The group said concerned stakeholders in the South East have finalized modalities to challenge the outcome of elections in the zone, especially in Abia State where he said candidates who contested on the platform of Labour Party are still running from pillar to post to validate the credibility of their membership of Labour Party, even after elections have been concluded. Describing the exercise as one fraud too many, the APC group citing Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2022, says “each party is required to maintain a membership register in hard and soft copy and to make such register available to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not later than 30 days before the date fixed for primaries, congresses, and conventions.” “Recalled that on April 30, 2022, INEC demanded all political parties to submit registers of its members. The Labour Party held its National Assembly primaries on June 8. This was just 4 days after Amaobi

Ogah joined the Labour Party. “It follows that as of 8 June, 2022 when Ogah manipulated his way into the party to secure an illegal ticket, his name was not on the register of the Labour Party which had been submitted to INEC in compliance with the requirement of Section 77 of the Electoral Act, 2022. “The constitution makes it clear that a candidate must belong to a political party, which Amaobi Ogah was not at the time he contested”, according to the group. It said though this is not the only basis for which Nkiruka Onyejeocha is challenging the results of IsiukwuatoUmunneochi Federal Constituency election of 25 February, clear evidence of electoral infractions have been compiled to validate their claims. They said “While Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has so far approached the Court to reclaim and to challenge what members of her constituency have termed robbery hatched against her, we maintain that the Leadership of the APC at all levels rise to the occasion to retrieve her mandate and that of many others who contested on the platform but were robbed of their mandates through widespread malpractices, voter suppression and falsification of results as witnessed in the South East”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

PAGE 16

POLITICS By Abubakar Yunusa

he Group under the auspices of the Global Network for Sustainable Development (GNSD) has condemned the trending audio of a leaked phone conversation between the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church, David Oyedepo. It also calls on Nigerians to ignore the blackmail and focus on retrieving the mandate they gave to Obi from those who stole it saying the wishes of the people expressed at the poll can never be suppressed. At the press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the convener, Amb. Philip Roberts said those calling out Peter Obi today are nothing but a bunch of shameless hypocrites. Citing section 37 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended provided for the right to privacy of citizens, he said “Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to their privacy. Be it in their homes, communications with people by way of letters, telephone or telegraph is protected and guaranteed by the Constitution).” According to him, “Those who leaked the purported telephone conversation acted in breach of a citizen’s confidentiality and right to privacy, and it is malicious, callous, and criminal. “For placing Obi’s purported private conversation in the public domain, those behind this despicable plot are liable to criminal prosecution”, he said Speaking further, he said “We are aware that the All-Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrated this blackmail to distract Nigerians from challenging the party’s purchased victory at the fraudulent presidential poll. The purported leaked audio conversation has APC’s blackmail mill written all over it. “The infamous political Almajeri has used his office as the Director, New Media APC Presidential Campaign Council to carry out similar dirty jobs before, especially against Tinubu’s opponents. Roberts said the ruling party has reduced politicking in Nigeria to cheap blackmailing and throwing tantrums. It is a pity that issuebased politics have been murdered by psychopathic sycophants and desperate politicians who thrive on blackmail and character

Group condemns Obi’s alleged leaked audio phone conversation with Oyedepo •Urges Nigerians to ignore blackmail and focus on retrieving the mandate assassination. “It is a shame that a party that claimed to have won electoral victory has resorted to underhand practices and cheap blackmail against a purported loser instead of defending their purchased victory in court.

“We are even more angered by Femi Fani-Kayode’s call to security agencies to “declare Obi a master terrorist” for purportedly “describing the election as a religious war”. “Let us not forget his recent

inciting comments that fuelled unprecedented violence against non-Yoruba voters in Lagos State at the just-concluded governorship poll. Fani-Kayode is such a foulmouthed imp and national disgrace. “The leaked conversation is

an invasion of his privacy. With incidents like this, one may be forced to ask how safe are Nigerian’s telephone conversations. “We, therefore, call on telecommunication companies in the country to rise to their responsibility of protecting their customers’ privacy,” he said.

Insurrection accusation: Lai Mohammed’s statement malicious, fictitious – Peter Obi By Christiana Ekpa

abour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi has denied inciting Nigerians to violence over the outcome of the February 25 presidential elections. Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, had made the allegation on Tuesday. He said it was wrong for Obi

to seek redress in court over the outcome of the polls and, in another breath, incite people to violence. Reacting, Peter Obi, in a statement on his Twitter page on Tuesday, said there has been various campaigns of calumny against him in the last few days. Obi said Lai Mohammed’s accusation that he is stoking insurrection was totally malicious

and fictitious. He maintained that he has never discussed or encouraged anyone to undermine the Nigerian state and has never sponsored or preached any action against the Nigerian state. Obi tweeted: “I am on record as always, advocating for peace and issue-based campaigns and never campaigned based on ethnicity or

religion. I am committed to due process, and presently seeking redress in the Court. “I urge those engaged in this demarketing process to stop presenting Nigeria in such bad light.” He added that Nigerians deserve a new Nigeria, where they can live a secure and decent life like their counterparts in other climes.

Senate Presidency: I’m most senior senator from S/East, S/South - Izunaso

By Egena Sunday Ode

he Senator representing Imo West, Osita Izunaso, has conferred with President Muhammadu Buhari on his ambition to become Senate President, telling newsmen afterwards that as the the most senior member of the upper chamber from the southeast and south south, he is the most qualified for the post. He said he had good discussion with the president on the matter but declined to give insight, adding: “Those are my personal discussion with Mr. President but I had a good discussion with him.”

Izunaso said beyond being the highest ranking Senator, his tenure as the National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) puts him in prime position for the upper chamber’s presiding officer. Asked what he came to the Presidential Villa for, he said: “I came here to see Mr. President and to discuss a wide range of issues of national importance and I can assure you that we had a good discussion, several discussions. “First of all, you know I was a recipient of national honors. I haven’t even thanked Mr. President and I came in to thank him.

“Of course, we discussed the issue concerning the 10th Senate. It was discussed extensively. “As the oldest Senator in both Southeast and South South, I think the question should be obvious. I’m the oldest. There is no Senator today in the APC of South South and Southeast that is older than me in the Senate and that’s an institution that believes in ranking. “So, I’m the highest ranking Senator in both South South and Southeast. I came to the senate on 2007, I was in the House of Reps, I’ve been in the party for five good solid years. “I ran the party to the best of my ability as National Organizing

Secretary of this party that saw us to victory in 2015 and 2019. So, I think we have paid our dues.” On his chances against former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, who is also vying for the position, he said: “I don’t want to talk about that. But am telling you that am the oldest Senator in the Southeast and South South and we are waiting for the party.” Izunaso insisted that the Senate President should be zoned to the southeast as according to him, it is the natural thing to do. “It’s only fair and natural that the party should zone it to the southeast,” he declared.

Elections: You didn’t lose, history will be kind to you - Wike assures Gov Ortom By Musa Baba Adamu

he Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday lauded his Benue State counterpart, Samuel Ortom for backing the Southern presidency in the February 25 presidential poll at the expense of his senatorial bid.

Wike who is the leader of the G-5 governors stated this during the commissioning of the Government Secondary School Kpor in the Gokana Local Government Area of the state. The Rivers Governor said history would be kind to Ortom for the sacrifices he made to ensure that power returned

to the South. He claimed that the governor did not lose the poll, saying Ortom is the winner of the election. He said, “You may think you have lost but you didn’t lose, you are the winner. Let me thank you for standing firm that the presidency should go to the

South, you paid for it but history will be with you. “When the time came for people to stand up, for Nigeria to be united, you came out and said ‘Yes, I’m from this zone yet for equity and fairness, it will be for the unity of this country if the presidency is zoned to the South’.

Senate adopts Conference Committee Report on Peace Corps Bill By Musa Baba Adamu

he Senate in plenary yesterday adopted the report of the Conference Committee set up by the two chambers to harmonise the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps (NPC). It.would be recalled that the Committee set up earlier this year by both chambers of the National Assembly completed its assignment on last week leading to the report being laid and adopted by the lower same week. The harmonized report of the Committee shows that the Committee adopted the version of the Bill as passed by the House of Representatives.

Highlight of the adopted report is on clause 38 (1) of the version passed by the Senate which is in conflict with the version passed by the House of Representatives as contained under clause 38 (1). The Senate’s version had sought the dissolution of the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria and National Unity and Peace Corps in contrast with the position of the House of Representatives which recommends the dissolution of only the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria to be transformed into the Nigerian Peace Corps when assented to President Buhari.. The Conference report clarified that for a Bill to become an Act of Parliament in Nigeria, it must pass through the two Chambers of

the National Assembly, a criteria which the National Unity and Peace Corps Bill could not attain because its Bill was never debated unlike that of the Peace Corps of Nigeria debated and passed by the two Chambers. However, the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps expressly provided under clause 38 (8) a window of opportunity for individuals, groups, associations or bodies that show or demonstrate interest to be absorbed as members of the Corps shall be absorbed subject to the mandatory basic training and orientation program of the Corps as may be prescribed from time to time when the Bill is signed into law. The Nigeria Peace Corps

(NPC) Establishment Bill passed in 2022 by the two Chambers was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee of the Nigerian Army, Senator Ali Ndume while that of the House of Representatives was sponsored by the Chief Whip, Rt Hon Mohammed Monguno as HB17 The Bill, among others, seeks to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps as a body charged with the responsibility to develop, empower and provide gainful employment to youths, facilitate peace, volunteerism,, Community Service, Neighborhood Watch and Nation building. According to part Vlll of the passed Bill, when assented to by President Buhari, would give

statutory backing to the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria. The adoption of the Report by both the Senate and the House of Representatives has brought to its logical conclusion every legislated process involved in the enactment of a Bill has however cleared the coast for the transmission of this all-important Bill to Mr President for assent. The Peace Corps of Nigeria established over 24 years ago under the National Commandant, Professor Dickson Ameh Akoh is Incorporated in Nigeria under the Company and Allied Matters (CAMA) Act and accorded the Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

PAGE 17

POLITICS

By Christiana Ekpa

re-elected member of the House of Representatives from Kwara State, Hon. Abdulraheem Olawuyi has joined the race for the Speaker of the10th National Assembly. He said North-Central deserves to produce the next Speaker of the House of Representatives for equity and justice. But he said only the zoning of the position out of the NorthCentral will deny him the slot Olawuyi, who declared his interest at a briefing in Abuja, said he might look like an underdog but he is the best for the office. He is the first member of the House of Representatives to formally declare his intention to contest the position of the Speaker when the 10th National Assembly is inaugurated in June. He said: “I have the passion vision, experience, capacity, competence, courage, humility, patriotism the requisite knowledge and capacity to provide the required and equitable leadership, that ensures inclusive participation of all members to pilot the affairs of the House and the country in the right direction, in line with our constitutional mandate and collective aspirations of the people we represent. “As Speaker of the House, I promise to promote transparency and accountability in the operations of the House of Representatives. I believe the citizens have the right to know what is happening in government. He also promised to prioritize Bills that are aimed at “improving the lives of our constituents - such as affordable healthcare, security, education and job creation, while fostering a spirit of bi-partisanship and cooperation in the House. He said: “It’s only by working together, can we successfully tackle the issues that confront our nation. And we are well prepared to use the mandate of Nigerians to make laws that will ensure good governance for Nigeria”. But Olawuyi said he was prepared to adopt the position of the party on zoning, saying he will consider stepping down from the race if the position is not zoned to the North Central zone. He said even though zoning of positions was not part of the nation’s constitution, the parties adopt it as a way of balancing power. He was however quick to add that Nigerians must grow beyond the politics of religion and ethnicity. He said: “We want the position of Speaker in the North-Central. But if the party decides that the position of Speaker is not going to the North Central. I will be the first to support it. Outside zoning that might shut me out, if I make it to the floor, I will be the next Speaker”. The lawmaker, who described himself as the underdog of the contest said he will not compromise on the standard of governance. He said: “As many of you have noticed, our country is facing unprecedented challenges ranging from security to the economic downturn which has been unprecedented in the history of our nation. “It is crystal clear that Nigerians are in need of courageous and

Reps: Kwara lawmaker joins Speaker race, wants slot for North-Central competent leaders at all levels that will take over from the outgoing leaders with the expectation that things will change positively for the generality of Nigerians who have through the ballot have overwhelmingly given their support through the ballot to the APC to continue to manage the affairs of our dear country for the next 4 years . “The challenges of leadership are no doubt daunting and the expectations of Nigerians are nonetheless very high. This new administration will be committed to fixing the identified challenges and provide the needed political, economic, social direction that would inspire a “Renewed Hope” for our country and its people.

“Today, God in his infinite mercy has graciously put us in a partnership position, as legislators, with the Executive and the Judiciary, to keep this Hope Alive for our dear countrymen and women, irrespective of tribal or religious differences, age, sex, political affiliations or any other parochial sentiments. “With the elections concluded, the time of partisanship is over, and now is the time for partnership and nation building.” He said further that the Hope Alive objective of the 10th Assembly was for a better Nigeria with the Renewed Hope of shared prosperity for all Nigerians and by all Nigerians in our collective desire for security, unity and development of our

nation and its teeming population. He explained that he was contesting the position of Speakers because he believes that members of the legislative arm of government have a cardinal responsibility to achieve these goals collectively. He said: “I have the passion vision, experience, capacity, competence, courage, humility, patriotism the requisite knowledge and capacity to provide the required and equitable leadership, that ensures inclusive participation of all members to pilot the affairs of the House and the country in the right direction, in line with our constitutional mandate and collective aspirations of the people we represent. “As Speaker of the House, I

promise to promote transparency and accountability in the operations of the House of Representatives. I believe the citizens have the right to know what is happening in government. He also promised to prioritize Bills that are aimed at “improving the lives of our constituents - such as affordable healthcare, security, education and job creation, while fostering a spirit of bi-partisanship and cooperation in the House. He said: “It’s only by working together, can we successfully tackle the issues that confront our nation. And we are well prepared to use the mandate of Nigerians to make laws that will ensure good governance for Nigeria”.

L-R: Member Elect, Federal house of Reps, Muktar Shagaya , Akinbode Haruna, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, Chairman house of Reps committee on Power, Engr. Magaji Da’u Aliyu and House of Representatives Speakership Aspirant, Abdulraheem Olawuyi, during the official declaration for the office of the speaker by the Aspirant, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Bauchi APC chairman, Babayo Misau expelled from party By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Bauchi State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babayo Misau, has been expelled from the party by the executive council of the party in Kukadi/Gundari Ward in Misau Local Government Area for alleged anti-party activities. Announcing the expulsion of the state chairman, the ward secretary, Aliyu Hassan Adamu, said the decision to expel the chairman was

taken at a meeting of the party in the ward. The decision, he also stated, had since been communicated to the party at the local government level. Adamu alleged that Babayo Misau did not campaign for any APC candidates in the recently held general election in the state, adding that the state chairman was conspicuously absent at all their congresses and meetings throughout the campaign period. “We, the executives of Kukadi/

Gundari Ward in Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State have agreed to expel Babayo Misau, the state APC chairman from the membership of the party in Misau LGA because of acts of disloyalty and betrayal to our great party. “In his capacity as chairman of the APC in the state, he neither campaigned nor voted for our governorship candidate during the period of the campaign. “He was caught red-handed

displaying his voters sheet where he did not vote for the party governorship candidate, rather, he voted for the candidate contesting the state assembly election,” Adamu said. He further alleged that the chairman even went as far as discouraging the electorate from voting for the party during the general election, saying that, “we consider this as a great distrust to our party, therefore he is not fit to be a member of the party in Misau LGA.”

Bayelsa guber: APC aspirant, Daumiebi denies petition, smear campaign By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Bayelsa State, Barr. Festus Daumiebi has denied his involvement in any petition against his co-aspirant in the forthcoming election in the state. In a statement signed and sent to journàlists on Tuesday, Daumiebi frowned at aspirants and their supporters who are in the habit of making protests with written petitions aimed at throwing shade at co-

aspirants and then inserting his name as the author of the communication. Daumiebi, who is one of the frontrunners in the race, stated that he is not part of any internal squabble in the party in the state and will never be in the overall interest of the well-being of the party. The statement read in parts, “A notice is hereby given to the general public that some Gubernatorial aspirant of the APC in Bayelsa State and their supporters have resorted to a smear campaign and playing mischief with my good name. Their intention is

to play spoiler, stoke fire, wedge a war behind the radar using my name and reputation and, in the process, attract self-gains. “Ordinarily, I would have left them to their own device, but to insert my name in such condescending statements and pass it off as my communication in the hope of making a maximum impact is to go beyond the bounds of decency. “It is, therefore, with great restraint and compelling necessity that I have to make this disclaimer stating that I am not part of any internal squabbles in the All Progressives Congress in the

State and will never be in the overall interest of the well-being of the party. “The petitions casting aspersion on co-aspirants is vexatious, brought in bad faith and did not emanate from my team or me. For the records, I wish to categorically state further that I have never in my entire life written any petition to disparage anyone and would not stoop so low to do that because of a party primary election, which is a family affair. Mine has always been to preach peace and unity. We do not have to hurt ourselves beyond redemption as we go about soliciting support.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

PAGE 18

International Breweries appoints new non-executive director From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

nternational Breweries has appointed a new nonexecutive director to take the place of Tolulope Adedeji, who recently resigned from the board, the company said Monday in a notification to the Nigerian Exchange. Mrs Adedeji resigned following her appointment as a senior director, trades marketing and sales operations, Labatt Breweries, Canada. At its meeting held on 31

March, the company approved the appointment of Cherian Kurien to take over from Mrs Adedeji. Mr Kurien is a Finance and Technology Vice President with AB Inbev, a multinational drinks conglomerate. He has a demonstrated

history of working in the consumer goods and shipping industries across four continents, the company said. He has led multicultural teams across the African continent, India, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Australia, and Denmark working across

functions including Sales, International Trade, Technology, and Mergers & Acquisitions. “Cherian is a CFA charter holder and has an MBA from the Harvard Business School. He was Finance Director for AB InBev India, VP, Finance Business Unit, India & Southeast Asia, VP,

Strategy and Technology, South Korea and now VP Finance, Africa. “The foregoing is for your information in line with Rules 17.5 and 17.6 of Part 2 (Issuer’s Rules) of the Nigerian Exchange Limited’s Rulebook (2015)” the document said.

4 ships with petrol waiting to berth at Lagos port – NPA From Abubakar Yunusa, ABUJA

he Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, on Monday said that four ships had arrived at the Lagos Port Complex waiting to berth with petrol, general cargo and bulk wheat. It said that 13 other ships were discharging general cargo, container, petrol, bulk wheat, bulk sugar, base oil, bulk gypsum and bulk urea. Meanwhile, 15 other ships with general cargo, frozen fish, bulk urea, bulk sugar, bulk salt, container, petrol and bulk clinker are expected from April 3 to April 10.

L-R: FCT APC Chairman Hon Abdulmalik Usman, Secretary Economic Planning, Reenu Generation and PPP Secretariat, Hon Lukman Dabiri, Executive Secretary, FCDA Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, Chief of Staff to FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola and FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello during the inauguration of Boards of FCTA Agencies, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

NNPCL denies paying N20bn to ‘ghost’ consultants From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

he Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Monday said it did not pay N20 billion to ghost consultants. The NNPC Limited said this in a statement by GarbaDeen Muhammad, the chief corporate communications officer of the company. The NNPCL made this known in reaction to reports alleging that the company paid the sum of N20 billion to ghost consultants and was involved in the theft of multi-billion naira tax due to the Ogun state government.

NNPC Limited in a statement said that as a responsible corporate organization, it does not have or deal with ghost consultants. “The NNPC Ltd read with utmost dismay, a report by an online platform (Sahara Reporters) alleging paying the sum of N20bn to ghost consultants and theft of multi-billion Naira tax due to the Ogun State government. “At NNPC Ltd, the process of engaging consultants whenever the need arises is clear and verifiable and follows global best practices. “It is therefore unfortunate that for whatever reason, the said the online

platform would make such a grievous allegation, mindless of the consequences of such actions. The claim of a missing N20bn is absolutely false and baseless,” it said. The NNPCL asked the online platform to retract the said publication. “The second component of the said unfortunate report is related to the Ogun state government claiming a back duty tax liability of about N18bn, against an NNPC subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) Ltd. “For clarity, PPMC had objected and challenged the claim through its Tax Consultant. Consequently, the Ogun State

Government took the matter to court which is not unusual in business circles,” it said. Mr Muhammad noted that the matter is currently before the court and NNPC Ltd will prove its case accordingly. “In conclusion, NNPC Ltd strongly advises the said online publication to be mindful of the consequences of its actions before taking them. “For a matter that is already in court, as admitted by the online publication, it is sad that any medium can arrive at such subjudice conclusions as shown by the actions of the online medium,” the company said.

BU$IN€SS Naira Scarcity: Emefiele committed Naira crime against humanity, says Soyinka plunges

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

From Abubakar Yunusa, ABUJA

obel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has blamed the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for the hardship faced by Nigerians due to the implementation of the Naira swap policy. Mr. Soyinka, who spoke on Channels Television’s Roadmap 2023 programme, also blamed President Muhammadu Buhari for enabling the CBN governor. “Emefiele has committed a crime against humanity, over and beyond even any electoral mago

mago (foul play),” Mr Soyinka said. “He struck at the heart of the subsisting survival principles, minimal needs and entitlements of the ordinary people in the street. “Don’t bully me. Don’t take my voice away. Don’t take my economic potential away, my economical entitlements. Don’t throw me on the mercy of sadists like Emefiele.” Last December, the CBN introduced new N200, N500, and N1000 notes, leading to the withdrawal of the old notes from

Soyinka

PAGE 19

circulation. The policy, aimed at curbing counterfeiting and inflation, caused chaos across banks and ATM terminals, with protests breaking out in different parts of the country. At the height of the uncertainty, many Nigerians encountered challenges doing business and making cash payments in their daily transactions. Following a Supreme Court ruling, the policy was reversed in March when the bank directed commercial banks to dispense and receive the old N200, N500,

N1000 bank notes. On Monday, Mr Soyinka said Mr Emefiele and the president shares the blame for the hardship faced by Nigerians. He recalled how he could only get cash from a banker when he needed money at the height of the cash crunch. “You can’t buy a newspaper. You can’t buy guguru (popcorn) and epa (grounduts), which means that you cannot pay for the plantain; which means that the farmer cannot even pay for transportation of the goods from his farm to the [markets],” he said.

Emefiele

Nigerian Customs generates N212.6bn in Apapa Command From Abubakar Yunusa, ABUJA

he Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Area Command, has generated N212.6 billion in the first quarter of 2023. Its Area Controller, Comptroller Auwal Mohammed, said this at a news conference in Lagos yesterday. According to Mr Mohammed, the command’s functions of revenue generation and collection, suppression of smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade have been consistently implemented within the first three months of 2023. “My meeting with various stakeholders and partner government agencies is to ensure the tempo of compliance is sustained and improved upon, the command stood forthright in foiling attempts at smuggling prohibited items into and out of the country. “On this note, the command recorded a total collection of N212,592,680,700.99 covering January-March,” he said. The customs boss noted that for

export trade, the command processed agricultural goods such as sesame seeds, ginger, hibiscus, mineral resources, steel ingot and others. He added that it had a total tonnage of 110,448 metric tonnes in the first quarter of the year. “Statistics from the export report shows that the exported goods are worth N70.2 billion which is equivalent to Free on Board (FOB) value of $159,845,232.84,” he said. Mr Mohammed said that as regard anti-smuggling, the command resolved to enforce government fiscal policies and extant laws to ensure that all import and export consignments transiting through Apapa Port are duly examined. He added that these had been strengthened through effective collaboration and timely sharing of credible intelligence with sister government agencies in the port. He said that within the period under review, the command made seizures of 14 containers comprising of prohibited items such as vegetable oil, foot wears, used clothing,

unprocessed wood, and tramadol tablets with a Duty Paid Value of N22.1 billion. “It is pertinent to mention that on March 31 the command uncovered a large quantity of 225mg of tramadol tablets concealed in 2x40ft container numbers TRHU 4758549 and TRHU 6936803. “143.8 million tablets of Tramadol 225mg were discovered in 720 cartons weighing 10.3 tonnes (10,386kg) that originated from India, and this single seizure is valued at N21.6 billion,” he said. He added that the command was on the look-out for those behind such unlawful importation for arrest and very soon they would be tracked down to face the full wrath of the law. He said that as a service, they owe Nigerians the duty to prevent this kind of importation from entering the market to safeguard the health of the citizenry. He warned perpetrators of smuggling, duty evasion and other forms of criminality, saying that “it is frowned upon by the Customs

and Excise Management Act, CEMA, and other extant laws, that Apapa Command will only facilitate legitimate trade”. “Since my assumption of duty here, I have been meeting with various stakeholder groups comprising importers, exporters, licensed agents, freight forwarders, and others and these meetings are yielding good results and will be sustained in days ahead. “In this command, we have a deliberate culture of inter-agency collaboration with other government organisations. Within this first three months, I have enjoyed robust sharing of credible intelligence and support from other agencies of government. “I want to respectfully extend my profound appreciation to the CGC, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) and his management team for their untiring support, government agencies in the port for collaboration and synergy, officers and men of Apapa command for their determined resilience,” he said.

to new low at official window

From Abubakar Yunusa,ABUJA

aira weakened to a new low at the official market on Monday, falling 0.46 per cent against the United States dollar at the spot market window. According to data published by FMDQ, where forex is officially traded, the naira opened trading at N461.70 and closed at N463.50 to a dollar on Monday. This represents a N2.12 or 0.46 per cent depreciation as against N461.38 posted in the previous market session last Friday. The domestic unit reached an intra-day high of N460.00 and hit a low of N466.00 before it eventually settled at N463.50 per $1 at the close of business on Monday. The rate is the weakest rate the naira has exchanged this year. In the first quarter of the year, the currency moved between the exchange range of N461.00 and N462 benchmark to a dollar, after closing the previous year at N461.50 per $1. At N463.50 per $1, the local fiat has declined by at least 0.43 per cent in less than four months into this year amidst forex scarcity, dwindling foreign reserves and the controversial naira redesign policy. Within the business period, forex turnover decreased significantly by 7.4 per cent with $175.40 million recorded at the close of business on Monday as against the $188.37 million posted in the previous session last week Friday. However, the naira appreciated significantly against the greenback at the parallel market on Monday. According to currency rates collated in cities across the country, the domestic currency closed at N738.46 to a dollar on Monday as against N746.29 per $1 it closed on Friday last week. The spread between the official and unofficial market is pegged at N274.96, leaving a margin of N59.32 per cent at the close of business on Monday.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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BU$IN€SS

Cryptocurrency Surges As Musk Changes Twitter Logo To ‘Meme Dog’

From Abubakar ABUJA

Yunusa,

meme-inspired cryptocurrency’s price jumped on Tuesday after Elon Musk changed the bluebird logo of Twitter to a dog associated with the digital token, despite the mogul

being sued over his previous promotion of the coin. Musk bought Twitter in October last year for $44 billion and has since slashed the workforce, introduced paid-for accounts and reinstated banned users including former president Donald Trump.

His decision to change the logo to a Shibu Inu dog, whether permanent or another short-lived joke, caused the price of dogecoin to surge by more than 20 percent, from below $0.08 to more than $0.10. The Twitter chief has 133 million followers and has

long used the platform for self-promotion and humour, occasionally also promoting dogecoin, a highly volatile cryptocurrency initially created as a joke. He is being sued for $258 billion by an investor who claims he lost massive amounts of money because

Trainee participants at the programme on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) organised by Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Arts and Culture Centre Area 10, yesterday in Abuja

of Musk’s activities, though the billionaire has dismissed those claims. The Shiba Inu dog became a popular meme in 2013 when posters on forums like Reddit and 4chan began using pictures of the Japanese dog breed alongside messages written in broken English. The cryptocurrency was launched as a joke later that year and remained largely without value for years — like thousands of other coins. However, in May 2021 its value briefly spiked to a record $0.73 after Musk suggested his auto firm Tesla could begin to accept it as payment. The value quickly slumped and investors have accused Musk of manipulating the value of the token to make a quick profit, known as a “pump and dump”. Musk has said he is committed to crypto and that he pumps but does not dump. The logo change prompted a slew of messages featuring the meme dog — not least from Musk, who tweeted out a conversation with a follower from last year where he had promised to buy Twitter and make the Shiba Inu its logo. However, some users were more cynical. “Why do I get the feeling the Doge icon was added so when you search ‘Elon’ and ‘Doge’ the story of his racketeering lawsuit will be buried,” tweeted comedian Jesse McLaren.

Oil theft: Investigative panel submits report to NSA, seeks speedy implementation From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

he Special Investigative Panel on Oil Theft/Losses in Nigeria, has submitted its report to the National Security Adviser, NSA, Babagana Monguno, in Abuja. The Head, Strategic Communication, Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, Zakari Usman, in a statement on Tuesday, said the report was submitted on Monday. While submitting the report, the Chairman of the panel, retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, said the panel engaged key stakeholders from within and outside the oil and gas industry. Mr Ndiomu said stakeholders from state governments, ministries, departments and agencies, security agencies, regulatory agencies,

international and indigenous oil companies, traditional institutions, host communities, artisanal refiners, among others were also engaged. He said the panel received and reviewed several memoranda and reports on oil theft and losses during the various engagements. According to him, the panel discovered several layers of involvement in the illegal theft of crude oil in spite of the best efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to combat oil theft. “The panel also observed that crude oil losses arose from lack of proper reporting of crude oil production, illegal refining, theft from wellheads and diversion from sophisticated pipelines network. “The panel also attributed losses to the absence of a robust industry-wide

metering system and an unworkable security arrangement. “The confusing roles of regulatory agencies was also cited as being responsible for making the detection of theft/losses difficult,” he added. Mr Ndiomu called for quick implementation of the report and asserted that if the government implemented the recommendations in the report, oil theft/ losses would be adequately addressed. He said prompt implementation of the report would not only create an immediate impact on crude oil production levels to meet OPEC’s quota but would also attract foreign direct investment and serve Nigeria’s economic and national security concerns. Receiving the report, the NSA thanked the panel for keeping to the timeframe and for addressing the issues of oil theft

and losses comprehensively. Mr Monguno assured that government would study the report and see to its immediate implementation, especially the recommendations with short-term perspectives. The NSA had on December 6, 2022, inaugurated the investigative panel with extensive terms of reference to investigate all aspects of crude oil theft/ losses in all its ramifications. The panel was expected to investigate oil theft/losses in all its ramifications and propose wide ranging implementable recommendations to enable the administration take decisive action to end the criminal enterprise within the shortest possible time. The panel was given 10 weeks to complete the assignment effective from the date of inauguration.

METRO

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AEIG engages students, persons with disabilities SGBV

By Stanley Onyekwere

s part of its project targeted at strengthening traditional justice systems to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls (AEIG) yesterday took strategic awareness campaign on mitigating the menace, to hundreds of indigenous students and persons with disabilities. Some of the students are Ambassadors on Anti-SGBV in the high schools, representing their high schools to tell their colleagues about SGBV and calling the attention of their counsellors and teachers on any form of violence within the school premises. AEIG organised a town hall meeting on gender and social inclusion with the theme: “Engaging the youths as anti SGBV Ambassadors on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Their Community”, yesterday, in Gwagwalada, Abuja. Speaking at the event, AEIG Founder, Abiodun Essiet, disclosed that protection officers from NAPTIP and Nigeria Correctional Service officers, shared their contact detail with some of the Ambassadors, so that even during their long holidays they will help break the culture of silence, by reporting accordingly on any form of violence that is happening within their community and sphere. She added that in attendance were 100 students from majorly schools attended by indigenous children from across six Area Councils of the FCT, and people with disabilities, “because we don’t want to leave anyone behind, as

SGBV doesn’t have limitation, so even people with disabilities are also being violated, and they need to be exposed to what they need to do.” “Since we introduced this project to some of the ambassadors, we have gotten feedback from various schools about SGBV issues such as sex for marks and sex for grades, that have been reported to us, which we have also skyrocketed the report the education board in the FCT. “So there have issues about SGBV within the schools premises, which we envisaged that it couldn’t happen, but we have strengthened our ambassadors to be able to know

what to do at every point in time”, she stressed. On her part, AEIG Executive Director, Mayowa Akpati, disclosed that the Organisation has reached over a thousand students and raised about thirty anti- SGBV ambassadors in these schools to become change agents not only in their schools, but also in their respective communities and the world at large. Also speaking, AMAC Desk Officer, Non Custodial unit of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Grace Okpor, described the engagement of youth on SGBV issues, will go a long way to mitigating the menace.

Okpor, who commended AEIG for the initiative, also called other stakeholders to promote measures that would help to effectively reduce its prevalence in the society. For SGBV Ambassador, Abdulmu’min Zulfa, from Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, because of the project, they have gotten involved in educating fellow youth on the menace especially how to promote gender equality and social inclusion in the society. She adds: “There have been some records of SGBV from students, and as ambassadors, we talk and direct them to go to zhe guardian counselling unit, where

they are properly advised on what to do.” Similarly, another SGBV Ambassador, Ezekiel Josiah, who is also a student of GSS Gwagwalada, through the assistance of AEIG they have learnt so much about the menace and how to help tackle ot within the school environment. According to him, as a youth, and teenager who is still growing up, exposure to the ambassadorial role to be actively involved in engineering a positive change of narrative, even if he is not in a position to do so much like the government, he and others ought to work towards promoting things that would curb the menace.

A cross section of students during a town hall meeting on gender and social inclusion organised by a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls (AEIG) yesterday, in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

FCTA issues accreditation certificates to 85 schools By Stanley Onyekwere

he Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has granted an accreditation certificates to additional eighty five public and private schools to operate within the nation’s capital city, Abuja. Speaking during a brief event where certificates of Accreditation were presented to schools that passes the 16th Batch Accreditation Exercise conducted by the Department of Quality Assurance of the FCT Education Secretariat, the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola also commended Private Schools owners for her support towards the development of Education sector in the Territory. Adesola who hailed the complementary role Private schools are playing in the

provision of quality education to residents, assured them that FCT administration will continue to provide an enabling environment to operate and add value to the education system. The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director, Human Resource Management of the FCTA, Dr. Muhammad Bashir, called on them to continue to operate within the confines of the law as the Administration will not hesitate to sanction any erring school administrator. The Secretary, Education Secretariat of the FCTA, Sani Dahiru El-Katuzu while granting the accreditation to schools in the nation’s capital appealed to all the schools to adhere strictly to the required minimum standards. He said: “The use of these evaluators from a wide range of educational organizations

is to ensure the credibility and transparency of the exercise and to adhere strictly to the required minimum standards. “A total of 97 schools were assessed in the 16th batch accreditation, comprising of 10 public schools and 89 private schools. “Out of the 97 schools, a total number of 85 schools measured up to the required standards and are those whose certificates we are officially presenting today. 12 schools got provisional approval and none of the schools was denied accreditation. “The Secretariat wishes to appreciate the complimentary role the private schools are playing in moving education to greater heights in the FCT and Nigeria at large. “I use this opportunity to encourage all members of NAPPS

to encourage one another to ensure that more schools are presented for the exercise as accreditation certificate is the equivalent of operating license for schools in the FCT and the nation at large. “The Secretariat is also determined to ensure that the process of obtaining the certificate simplified for schools without unnecessary delay. Now, accreditation exercise is no longer once a year, it is now quarterly. “Similarly, I urge all private schools proprietors to continue to ensure compliance to minimum standards in their operations and ensure the safety and protection of all learners under their care” he stated. Earlier in her speech, the Director, Department of Quality Assurance, FCT Education Secretariat, Mrs. Magdalene

Uzoanya warned that the department will be using stick and carrots in their punishment and reward system. Uzoanya also warned that pupils must complete primary six/ basic six so as not to be negatively influenced while in high schools. She said: “Let me remind the proprietors of the need for prompt payment of annual and other charges as the department will soon commence school closure in the FCT and also commend and recognize schools that are outstanding in compliance. “It is my fervent hope that schools comply with our earlier directive of the need for learners to complete primary six/basic six to avoid turning out underaged students that can be easily negatively influenced. The order is mandatory please, as defaulting schools will be sanctioned”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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world news

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

UK airport scraps 100ml liquid rule with scanners

ondon City Airport has scrapped the 100ml liquid limit by using high-tech scanners which also allow electronics to be kept in hand luggage at security. Travellers can now carry on up to two litres of liquid, and toiletries no longer have to be put in separate bags. It is the second UK airport to use this technology in all its security lanes, after Teesside introduced it in March. The government has set a June 2024 deadline for most UK airports to install the machines. London City Airport has brought in the C3 scanners which takes high-resolution 3D images of bags. Passengers at other airports currently have to remove items such as tablets, laptops and liquids from hand luggage for security checks. The current rules were introduced in November 2006, at the end of a ban on liquids in the cabin, when British police said they had foiled a plot to blow up as many as 10 planes using explosives hidden in drinks. London City Airport started trialling the new technology more than a year ago and went live with four of the new X-ray machines, similar to CT scanners used in hospitals, on Tuesday. Chief operating officer Alison FitzGerald said screening staff had been retrained to use the technology, which presents 3D imagery, and the public can be assured it is safe.

Alison FitzGerald says the new system will speed up movement through the airport “The level of processing now through the X-ray is even more secure than it was previously and the machine has the ability to differentiate between a non-dangerous and a dangerous liquid.” The machine would still reject images it was not happy with, she said, but it would allow staff to focus on potential threats while allowing items such as water, shampoo and perfume to go through. It would also speed up the “door to gate” process with estimates of a 30% increase in passenger numbers, Ms FitzGerald added. “The whole process is quicker on the basis that previously you needed to empty your bag and put that in multiple trays whereas now it’s one bag in one tray and you don’t need to take everything out,” she said. Which? consumer expert Harry Kind said while it was the “beginning of the end” of a system introduced 17 years ago, people should not assume it was a rule change across the board. “It’s really important passengers actually check what the rules are for the airports they’re flying from and flying to,” he said. But crucially it should reduce waiting times. Many travellers reported delays of up to an hour at security, and in a recent Which? survey 7% said they had missed a flight because of queues, Mr Kind added.

“This change will make a massive difference and reduce the number of people missing flights and losing out on their holidays just because they’ve got a too big bottle of shampoo.” London City Airport was already the fastest of the UK airports it surveyed for security times, with an average of 12 minutes, he added. The largest of the UK’s airports are rolling out the next generation technology on a gradual basis. Heathrow trialled 3D scanners in 2017 and said with more security lanes than any

other airport installing the new machines was “always going to be complex and take longer”. Gatwick is currently trialling one lane with next generation technology and a spokesperson said passengers should continue to follow all existing rules. Other airports told the BBC they had no specific date for completion but would be in line with the government deadline of June 2024. The technology has already been in use by airports in the US, such as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and Chicago’s O’Hare, for a number of years.

Why the Wisconsin Supreme Court election matters

illions of dollars are flooding into Tuesday’s race to elect a judge in Wisconsin. Why has an election for a supposedly independent position become such a bitter political battle? This is the most expensive court race in US history, but there’s more at stake than just $40m: whoever wins a spot on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court could tip the scales on some of America’s most pressing issues. The state’s top court has the final say on what laws go into effect, and is currently equally split between three liberal and three conservative candidates. The side that wins a majority will determine the fate of key issues including access to abortion and voting rights in the state. The court could also be called to decide on any challenges to the 2024 US presidential election results. In 2020, a single vote by a justice blocked an effort by then-President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn his defeat in the swing state. “That majority on the court has more power than the governor, more power than the assembly or the senate,” Brian Schimming, the Chairman of Wisconsin’s Republican Party, told the BBC. That’s why unprecedented attention - and campaign spending - is focused on the 4 April run-off between Judge Janet Protasiewicz, the liberal candidate, and Justice Daniel Kelly, her conservative opponent. The result of the race may be clear by Tuesday evening. ‘The most expensive court race ever’ The Wisconsin race has cost nearly $42.3m (£34m), according to campaign finance watchdog Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, triple the previous national record. Since 20 March, when they had to start mandatory disclosures, Ms Protasiewicz’s

campaign has spent just shy of $12m, while her opponent Mr Kelly’s campaign has spent a little more than $2.2m. But it was third-party organisations whose spending on things like advertisements tipped this race into overdrive, with $15.3m spent for Mr Kelly, and $11.3m for Ms Protasiewicz. Democratic and Republican parties have been their biggest contributors, as well as interest groups and wealthy political donors from both sides. Matt Rothschild, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, said changes to election laws have allowed people from outside the state to spend unlimited amounts on campaigns. “In a real democracy, we shouldn’t have a tug of war between a handful of billionaires on the left and a handful of billionaires on the right,” he said. Judicial elections are the norm for state courts in the United States. According to the National Center on State Courts, nearly 90% of all state judges are elected, either to win their initial seat or to be re-elected. In Wisconsin, the supreme court election is technically meant to be non-partisan. Both candidates insist they will remain independent during their 10-year term and simply follow the law. But on a host of hot-button issues, the battle lines are clearly drawn. “In a polarised political climate, leaning into salient wedge issues can be an effective way for candidates to generate attention and support - including financial support,” said Professor Robert Yablon, from the University of Wisconsin Law School. “The old expression that ‘all politics is local’ increasingly seems to have it backwards: today, even local elections often become nationalised,” he added. The battle over abortion rights After the US Supreme Court overturned

Daniel Kelly is the conservative candidate hoping to join Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Roe v Wade in June 2022, ending the nationally protected right to abortion, laws surrounding the procedure fell to individual states. In Wisconsin, this meant a law from 1849 came back into force. One of the strictest in the country, it bans abortion in nearly all cases, the only exception being to save the life of the mother. Judge Protasiewicz has put the effort to overturn that law at the forefront of her campaign. In her primary night victory speech, she took aim at her conservative rival: “I’ll be running against someone who doesn’t think that women get to make their own reproductive choices. I will guarantee you that my opponent, if elected, will uphold the 1849 ban.”

Justice Kelly told the BBC he believes his views on abortion are irrelevant because he’ll stay “consistent to the constitution” when ruling on laws. He accuses Judge Protasiewicz of behaving more like a political candidate than a judicial one. Justice Kelly has accepted the endorsement of three prominent anti-abortion groups - and has benefited from the influx of cash from conservative national organisations too. Judge Protasiewicz defended being outspoken about her values. “People deserve to know that, rather than having this shady division of standing up and telling people you’re going to follow the law, and not giving them any insights into how you think and feel. It really doesn’t tell the voters much, it’s almost a charade.” Source: BBC

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N e w s

F r o m

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A f r i c a

Angola landmines: The women hunting for explosives left from civil war

n increasing number of women in Angola are working to get rid of the scourge of landmines left from the 27-year civil war, which are still claiming victims long after the fighting finished. “I don’t want my daughter, or any other child, to be the next victim of a landmine,” Helena Kasongo tells the BBC on a video call from Moxico in eastern Angola. Her smile broadens when she talks about her three-year-old daughter, despite the grim nature of the subject. The child is still too young to really get what the 25-year-old mother does for a job, namely risking her life every single day at the “office”. Ms Kasongo, nonetheless, is adamant that the little girl will someday understand what led her mum to become a “sapadora” - the Angolan term for people who clear mines. People are still dying or being maimed after coming across one of the millions of landmines or unexploded ordnance left over from the fighting that ended more than two decades ago. The only national survey into this issue, carried out by the Angolan government in 2014, found that around 88,000 people were living with injuries caused by landmines in the country. Organisations like the International Campaign to Ban Landmines say that the true toll may be higher still, as there is no on-going official monitoring of casualties. Children are often the victims. Three months ago, a six-year-old girl was killed, and six others were injured, in an explosion in Moxico province. According to local media, the children were playing with an unexploded bomb they found in a field, unaware of the risks. “This is a story we all know too well. There is nobody in Angola who doesn’t know someone who got injured. We need to stop this cycle for the good of our people and our nation,” Ms Kasongo adds. She works for the Mines Advisory Group (Mag), an NGO that since 1989 has overseen the destruction of landmines and assorted unexploded ordnance in 70 countries including

Angola, where it estimates that an area of 7,300 hectares, equivalent to over 10,000 football pitches, still needs to be cleared. This not only poses a risk to life, but also limits basic activities in the affected areas, including agriculture and construction. This hurts the economy in already struggling places - more than half of Angolans live below the World Bank’s international poverty line (earning the equivalent of less than $2 a day), despite a booming oil industry. “Landmines cost lives and limbs, but they also hamper development and prevent displaced people from returning to their homes after conflict,” Mag CEO Darren Cormack said in a statement. “They trap communities not just in fear, but also in poverty.” Women can sometimes be worst affected by poverty, which also helps to explain why more women like Ms Kasongo are becoming “sapadoras”. The job offers good wages - ranging from $440 (£355) to $600 a month and there is steady work, given the amount of land still to be cleared. Women already make up almost 40% of Mag’s mine-clearing personnel in Angola and there are more than 600 women working in this area for the Halo Trust, another demining organisation operating in the country. “Humanitarian mine action has traditionally been a male-dominated sector, in part because of the specialist explosive ordnance disposal and military backgrounds of many staff,” Mr Cormack explains. “We proactively seek to recruit and train female deminers in all of our programmes as part of a long-term and developing strategy to address gender imbalance.” Ms Kasongo and her colleagues spend an average of six hours a day, six days a week, combing areas for landmines or explosives - they are at the forefront of attempts to rid Angola of the scourge. They are equipped with heavy protective gear and using a metal detector methodically sweep a patch of land to find the hidden dangers. Once

The women methodically comb through affected areas to identify exactly where the landmines are the locations are mapped, bomb experts come in to defuse the explosives. The women are also challenging gender stereotypes and facing down peer pressure. “My mum and my brothers did not want me to become a sapadora at all. They said it wasn’t something a woman should be doing,” says Joaquina Barbosa, 27, who also works for Mag. “But I had been unemployed for five years and I wanted to work doing something that fulfilled me. Luckily, I didn’t have a partner to try and stop me. [In the future,] any man will have to put up with me doing a dangerous job,” she adds, with a loud laugh. Brave as they are, the sapadoras are not immune from fear. Ngoie Graca Mulunda, 35, who has been doing the job for almost five years, admits that she is constantly aware of the danger. “I still only relax after I put down my equipment. Fear is a constant companion, but it’s also what makes you pay attention to avoid mistakes,” she says. “In this line of work, your first mistake could be your last.” Accidents are rare but not unheard of. According to Mag, there have been only two injuries and no deaths of deminers since 2012, when comprehensive records began to be collected. But Angola still has a long way to go

to rid itself of mines. The country has been a member of the Anti-Personnel Mine Convention since 1997 - the year when Princess Diana made a famous visit to the country to raise awareness around the issue of landmines. Under the terms of the treaty, the Angolan government is obliged to commit to total clearance, but the original December 2013 deadline has since been extended and is currently set for 2028. One of the reasons for the delay, Mag says, is a shortage of donor funding, which is the source of the vast majority of financing for demining activities around the world. The global scale of the problem is immense: at least 5,544 people were killed or injured by mines around the world in 2021, according to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Most of the victims were civilians, half of whom were children. The sapadoras, however, are already dreaming of lending their expertise further afield once their job at home is wrapped up. “I would really like to help other countries get rid of their landmines and prevent more people suffering injuries or dying,” Ms Kasongo says. “Only people who live in a place where danger is next door can really understand this feeling.”

New capital’s lavish mosque angers Egyptians facing poverty

gypt has opened a record-breaking mosque in its new administrative capital city - but has been widely criticised for the costs involved. The government has been building a new city in the desert, to try to move people away from heavily-congested Cairo. But the unveiling of the new centre and mosque was criticised on social media. It comes at a time when Egypt has been fighting soaring prices, with inflation running at just over 30% in March. The New Administrative Capital of Egypt has been purpose-built 45km (28 miles) east of Cairo. Its new Islamic Cultural Centre also includes the Grand Mosque, which covers more than 19,000 sq m and is capable of hosting 107,000 worshippers. The mosque cost 800 million Egyptian

pounds ($25.9m; £20.7m) to build and is the second-biggest mosque in the Africa. State media celebrated the mosque for breaking three world records - including the highest pulpit in the world, standing at 16.6m (54.5ft) and handcrafted from the finest types of wood. The second and third were for the main chandelier of the mosque, which is the heaviest in the world at 24,300kg (53,572lb), and the largest, with a diameter of 22m (72.2ft) and comprising four levels. The opening event was attended by President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, with state media describing it as showing Egypt’s “grandiosity”. But on social media there was severe criticism. Egypt is facing a deepening economic crisis. Its currency has lost half of its value

against the dollar over the past year, causing inflation to reach its highest level in five years. The country has also been selling state assets to Gulf investors to help plug a widening budget deficit. Many people went to Twitter and Facebook to criticise lavish spending on religious places at this critical time, as millions of Egyptians struggle every day to put food on their table. One Facebook user posted: “Overspending, insanity and waste of money. The tallest pulpit, the heaviest chandelier and people can’t find anything to eat. Sell this chandelier and pulpit and the whole mosque if this will help solve the problem.” Another user said that the mosque remains closed all year, opening every three months so a hundred people can use it, then

it is closed again. A third raised concerns about overspending on mega projects, writing: “Well, what should we do with people who can’t find what to eat or young men who can’t get married? It does not matter. We have the largest mosque, heaviest chandelier, and the biggest foreign debt that we will continue to pay till Doomsday.” President Sisi - who led the military’s overthrow of his predecessor, Mohammed Morsi, in 2013 following protests against his rule - thanked participants, workers and singers at the event, which was also attended by the prime minister. His official spokesperson used social media to post pictures of him enjoying the celebrations, an event the local media described as launching the era of the “new republic”. Source: BBC

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N e w s F r o m A SI A Nato’s border with Russia doubles as Finland joins

inland has become the 31st member of the Nato security alliance, doubling the length of member states’ borders with Russia. The Finnish foreign minister handed the accession document to the US secretary of state who declared Finland a member. Then in bright sunshine in front of Nato’s gleaming new headquarters, Finland’s whiteand-blue flag joined a circle of 30 other flags. Finland’s accession is a setback for Russia’s Vladimir Putin. He had repeatedly complained of Nato’s expansion before his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said by attacking his neighbour, the Russian leader had triggered exactly what he had sought to prevent. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that Russia would be “watching closely” what happens in Finland, describing Nato’s enlargement as a “violation of our security and our national interests”. A military band played Finland’s national anthem followed by the Nato hymn. Beyond the perimeter fence a small group of protesters waving Ukrainian flags chanted “Ukraine in Nato”, a reminder of why non-aligned Finland had asked to join along with Sweden in May 2022. Finland shares a 1,340-km (832-mile) eastern frontier with Russia and after the war in Ukraine began Helsinki chose the protection of Nato’s Article Five, which says an attack on one member is an attack on all. In effect, it means if Finland were invaded or attacked, all Nato members - including the US - would come to its aid. Russia’s invasion prompted

a surge in Finnish public opinion towards joining Nato to 80% in favour. “It is a great day for Finland,” said Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, proclaiming a new era for his country. Finland would be a reliable ally and its membership would not be a threat to anyone, he said. “Security and stability are those elements which we feel very strongly; if people can live in secure stable circumstances that’s the basic element of happy life.” “This will make Finland safer and Nato stronger,” said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg earlier, describing it as a proud day for him and the alliance. “President Putin had a declared goal of the invasion of Ukraine to get less Nato along its borders and no more membership in Europe, he’s getting exactly the opposite.” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was “tempted to say this is maybe the one thing we can thank Mr Putin for, because he once again here has precipitated something he claims to want to prevent by Russia’s aggression”. Finland brings with it a wellequipped and trained, active armed force of about 30,000. It can also call on 250,000 reserves. It also provides a challenge for Nato to help keep its long border with Russia secure, but it is already being included in Nato’s latest defence plans to keep the alliance secure. Sweden’s application has for now become stuck, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Stockholm of embracing Kurdish militants and allowing them to demonstrate on the streets. Hungary is also yet to approve

Finnish military personnel raised their country’s flag at Nato headquarters for the first time Sweden joining. As he handed over the accession document to Mr Blinken, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said he had a very important initial task: “The task is to give to you for the deposit also our ratification for Swedish membership.” Mr Stoltenberg said the most important thing was that Sweden joined as soon as possible and the Finnish president said he looked forward to welcoming his Nordic neighbour at Nato’s next summit in Lithuania in July. Helsinki’s journey to accession has lasted less than a year, and Tuesday’s ceremony coincides with the 74th anniversary of Nato’s founding in 1949. “Finland’s a terrific ally, very

capable, shares our values and we expect a seamless transition into its proper seat at the table,” US ambassador to Nato Julianne Smith told the BBC. The Kremlin said that Russia was being forced to take counter-measures to ensure its own security, tactically and strategically, but pointed out it had never had disagreements with Helsinki in the way that Ukraine had become “antiRussian”. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that Russia’s shortrange Iskander-M ballistic missile system had been handed over to Belarus and was capable of carrying nuclear as well as conventional weapons. Some Belarusian fighter jets were also capable of carrying nuclear weapons, he said.

Jens Stoltenberg said Nato had not yet seen any changes to Russia’s nuclear posture that would require any change by the alliance. He added there would be no Nato troops stationed in Finland without the consent of the government in Helsinki. Nato will now have seven members on the Baltic Sea, further isolating Russia’s coastal access to St Petersburg and its small exclave of Kaliningrad. Mr Peskov told the BBC that Russia would be watching closely how Nato used Finnish territory “in terms of basing weapons systems and infrastructure there which will be right up close to our borders, potentially threatening us”. “Based on that, measures will be taken,” the Kremlin spokesman said.

Darya Trepova: Russia cafe bomb suspect charged with terrorism

suspect in the killing of pro-war Russian blogger Vladlen Tatarsky has been charged with terrorism, Russian officials say. Darya Trepova was taken to a Moscow court on Tuesday after her arrest the previous day in St Petersburg. The court ruled she should remain in custody until 2 June. Tatarsky was killed on Sunday in a blast in a cafe in St Petersburg where he was due to give a talk. More than 30 people were injured. In a video released by the authorities on Monday - most likely recorded under duress Ms Trepova was heard admitting

she brought a statuette to the cafe that later blew up. But the 26-year-old did not say she knew there would be an explosion, nor did she admit any further role. Russia’s Investigative Committee, which looks into major crime, said she had been charged under the criminal code with “a terrorist act carried out by an organised group causing intentional death” and the “illegal possession of explosive devices by an organised group”. It recommended to the court that she be remanded in custody. “The request by the investigators for Darya Trepova

to be kept in confinement has been granted, and the accused will be detained until 2 June,” Russian media quoted Judge Valentina Levasheva as saying after the court session, which was held behind closed doors. The committee added that it had evidence the attack was organised by Ukrainian security services with the help of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s AntiCorruption Foundation. But Kyiv presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak described the blast as part of a Russian “internal political fight”. Tatarsky (real name Maxim Fomin), aged 40, had been

attending a patriotic meeting with supporters in the cafe as a guest speaker late on Sunday afternoon. A video circulating on social media showed a young woman in a brown coat apparently entering the cafe with a cardboard box. Images showed the box being placed on a table in the cafe before the woman sat down. Another video showed a statue being handed to Tatarsky. Tatarsky was a well-known blogger with more than half a million followers, and had a criminal past. Born in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, he said

he joined Russian-backed separatists when they released him from jail, where he was serving time for armed robbery. He was part of a pro-Kremlin military blogger community that has taken on a relatively high-profile role since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Tatarsky is among those who have gone so far as to criticise the Russian authorities, slamming the military and even President Vladimir Putin for setbacks on the battlefield. But on Monday, he was awarded the posthumous Order of Courage by Mr Putin. Source: BBC

Property

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023

Estate surveyor plays major role in smart buildings mgt -ESV. Okechukwu Madubuko By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

n Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV Okechukwu Madubuko said Estate Surveyors and valuers play a major role in management of smart buildings. He made the disclosure in a chat with peoples Daily yesterday in Abuja, saying that it is also the duty of an Estate Surveyor and Valuer to articulate the use of technology to be able to enhance and improve the life cycle of a given facility. He explained that smart building is a facility in which its energy management is regulated and controlled automatically. “The use of technology, devices are deployed to full use in order to create a healthy, productive and comfortable living or work place. It is also the ability to harness and make use of available data being churned out by different systems deployed in the facility is very important and key”. He cited an example saying that, there are building management systems, weather systems, security access platforms, emergency systems, air quality platforms, utility meters and CCTV networks. “All these operate independently, producing their own isolated data that when harnessed bring about comfort and beauty to the facility”. ESV. Madubuko stated that the role of an Estate Surveyor and Valuer includes real time management of energy consumption, Improved servicing and maintenance efficiency among others. He said that real-time management of energy consumption, an Estate Surveyor and Valuer has the requisite training and competence to access data deployed in smart buildings which has the power to inform on the over-head lowering decisions whilst at the same time reducing the environmental impact of the building. “By continuously monitoring the energy and utility usage of the building, smart technology allows the manager instantly identify issues so that a consistent supply is maintained all through. This way, the property energy usage can be optimized so that energy wastage can be avoided”, he said. He noted that to improved servicing and maintenance efficiency, an Estate Surveyor and Valuer has the technical knowhow to monitor data fed from the mechanical and electrical devices

in deployed in the facility in order to ensure that servicing and maintenance programs are adequately and efficiently organised . He said in order to know the difference between changing an air filter in an air conditioning system when necessary and when to change same out rightly as the data indicates. “Such proactive working ability can assist in maximizing maintenance and engineering resources, making sure that servicing decisions are factbased and centred on the actual condition of equipment rather than its age”. He said to enhance working Enviroment Smart building technology is well known for its ability to enhance a building’s working environment. “An informed Estate Surveyor and Valuer utilizes his/her know how in

using this technology to monitor and manage air quality which in turn has a direct impact on health, wellbeing and productivity. By constantly monitoring the likes of carbon di-oxide levels, temperature and humidity in real-time and linking the data to air-exchange system control,the smart building can ensure that all its work spaces are comfortable at all times. Even better, by connecting this data to room booking or space management systems, the conditions of individual rooms can be automatically adjusted in line with the number of occupants and the nature of work being undertaken”, he said. Speaking on Remote work and flexibility,he said past experience has it that the estate surveyor and valuer spend a lot of time and hours physically monitoring and checking everything happening on every floor in the building

several times a day. “Making sure that siloed typical system like HVACS, security and electrical systems were managed separately, with each system requiring its own monitoring and maintenance”. He said today technology has changed all that, it is now a lot easier for the estate surveyor and valuer to access all the information on an integrated platform to track multiple systems and share relevant real-time information about what is going on. All data is collected and displayed centrally, thus simplifying the entire process even further. He concluded by saying that, It is imperative to know that an Estate Surveyor and Valuer with the right facility management skills, competence and knowledge of technology is the right person to manage your facility no matter the sophistication.

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV Okechukwu Madubuko

FHA raises alarm over alleged land grabbers’ activities in FCT estates By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

ederal Housing Authority (FHA), yesterday raised an alarm over the alleged activities of land grabbers in its estates in Apo/Guzape, Gwarinpa and Lugbe in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Authority in a statement signed and issued in Abuja by its Head, Public Affairs, Mr. Kenneth Chigelu, advised Nigerians to refrain from doing business with them. FHA disclosed that it does not relate with agents or third parties in any of its transactions, adding that one Mr. Abdullahi M. popularly known as Elephant is not an agent or partner of FHA. “The attention of the

authority has been drawn to the activities of Land grabbers in the authority’s estates in Apo/Guzape, Gwarinpa, and Lugbe, with the sole intention of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public. “The syndicate’s mode of operation is to distort the authority’s layout, by placing fake beacons on the land, taking innocent members of the public to such places, with the pretence of giving them FHA land allocations thereby defrauding them. “The authority therefore through this medium brings the activities of these unscrupulous persons to the members of the public, and wishes to state as follows: Members of the public

should refrain from transacting any business with such persons and other third parties on any matter relating to Federal Housing Authority. “That one Mr. Abdullahi M ( popularly known as ELEPHANT) is not an agent or partner of FHA and has not been appointed to deal on behalf of the Authority concerning any parcel of land belonging to FHA. That authority does not relate to agents or third parties in any of its transactions. “That any claims by anyone of being appointed as an agent by the authority is false and should be disregarded. Members of the public should be mindful of purported letters of allocation of the authority’s lands, with the signature of

a former Managing Director; Arc. Terver Gemade, appended by the syndicate, purportedly headed by this Abdullahi. M (AKA ELEPHANT), with which members of the public are been defrauded. “Members of the public should contact the Nigeria Police Force or any Law enforcement agency in case there are reasons to suspect any dastardly or unwholesome transactions or activities in any of Federal Housing Authority’s estate all over the country. “Also, all the authority’s transactions on land and houses must be channeled through the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the authority”, the statement said.

Mortgaged landlords struggling to make a profit

andlords who rely on finance are struggling to make a profit following dramatic rises in the cost of mortgages, analysis by estate agent Hamptons International shows. An investor buying a home at 75% loan-to-value (with a 25% deposit) is now looking at a rate of 4.84% for a 2-year fixed rate, a far cry from a rate of just 1.53% at the start of 2020. Landlords in higher value areas like London are being

disproportionately hit because buyers need take out larger loans to afford the steeper prices. Hamptons identified 92 local authorities as ‘unviable’ for landlords, of which 24 were in London. The report said: “Higher mortgage rates have fundamentally changed the sums for investors.” These developments mean the current environment favours cash buyers, who could face less

competition in the months ahead. Some 8% of landlords are said to be at the greatest risk thanks to the current situation. Aside from the cost of finance, investors have been hit by dramatic rises in energy costs and inflation following the RussiaUkraine war. Meanwhile UK growth appears to have been affected by factors like Brexit – making it a tough environment for those looking to make a profit from property.

While landlords can hike rents to account for rising mortgage costs, fundamentally the amount that can be charged is depends on supply and demand in a given region – and many tenants are themselves feeling the pinch. Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “We expect rental growth to slow over 2023 as affordability pressures bite, and the slowdown could be dramatic in some city centres.” Source : property wire

26 PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023

Feature

Ramadan: How to look after your skin during holy month

amadan is a month of physical sacrifice and spiritual repentance, where devout Muslims refrain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. It symbolises dedication, reflection and discipline. The act of fasting gives insight into the anguish and suffering endured by the millions of people living in famine and poverty around the world. However, not having enough water, disturbed sleep and a poor diet can impact your body and skin. TikTok dermatologist the Derm Doctor, otherwise known as Dr Muneeb Shah, is encouraging people to take more care of their skin during the holy month. “When I was growing up I didn’t have many South Asian friends and Muslim friends or friends that were fasting,” he tells BBC Asian Network. “One of the cool things about social media is that no matter where you are in the world you can find people that are sharing these experiences.” Since posting his first TikTok in 2020, Dr Shah now has more than 17 million followers and is the most followed dermatologist on the platform. He aims to debunk the myths surrounding skincare and highlight the positive impact this month can have for some people. “A lot of skin care conditions like psoriasis and acne are all inflammatory conditions, and some studies show that conditions like psoriasis actually decrease during Ramadan for people who are fasting,” he says. So what are Dr Shah’s top tips for looking after your skin during Ramadan? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate During fasting, your skin can easily lose moisture and lack hydration, so Dr Shah - who is fasting - advises people to use more hydrating products. “Praying five times a day and washing your face after your pray can be really drying

for some people,” he says. “You should make sure to moisturise after you wash your face, as it is really important, otherwise it can irritate the skin barrier.” Maintain a balanced diet Dr Shah explains “some people are going to say their skin gets worse during Ramadan because you are changing your diet significantly, and that means what you’re doing when you break your fast”. Heavy eating at sunset and before sunrise, and missing out on nutritious food groups due to the limited time eating, may have a negative impact on your skin. Dr Shah encourages people to break their fast with food they enjoy, but believes moderation is key. “Fried foods have no relationship with acne but eating anything in excess can affect the skin. “I tend to eat a lot of fried Dr Muneeb Shah has more than 17 million followers on TikTok foods when I break my fast, I don’t think it affects my skin but other people will notice it will affect their skin.” Keep it simple During Ramadan, diet and sleep patterns significantly change, so many might modify or update their everyday skincare routine. But Dr Shah says you can still use your normal products while fasting. “There’s a common misconception that you can’t use your traditional skincare products when you’re fasting,” he says. “I think you can still use your classic moisturisers and sun creams when you’re fasting.” His simple three step routine includes cleansing, moisturising and adding sun cream for the day. And for night, he recommends cleansing, applying a retinol and moisturising the skin again. Like Dr Shah, content creator Farah Ferrero is also using her social media platform to educate her Farah also believes there’s a lot of misconceptions about what skincare products you can use during Ramadan followers on skincare during Ramadan. ‘Faith before work’ - sharing her skin care journey The 29-year-old from Leicester believes there is a Doucoure’s life as a Muslim with her followers. “Sometimes when I’m lot of misinformation online player Farah also recommends feeling lazy, I will use a about what skin care products cleansing during wipe and I do get negative you should and shouldn’t use double comments on social media for Ramadan. during the holy month. Quote Dr Shah explains “some people are going to say their “Double cleansing involves it because it’s not really good “Some people avoid using skin gets worse during Ramadan because you are changing products with alcohol in them removing makeup first using for your skin,” she says. your diet significantly, and that means what you’re doing when “But, when I’ve just had an oil-based cleanser or during Ramadan,” she says. you break your fast”. “Toners contain alcohol but micellar water, and then I a long day at work, I’ve just Heavy eating at sunset and before sunrise, and missing out on as a Muslim I’m not consuming cleanse again to clean deeper come home and cooked. I just nutritious food groups due to the limited time eating, may have want to do the easiest possible it and it’s not intoxicating me, in the pores.” a negative impact on your skin She believes transparency things and that’s okay to do.” so it’s fine to just put on to my Source: BBC is key during Ramadan and is skin.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

PAGE 27

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ODOEMELAM IFEANYI CHINWENDU (CHAIRMAN) 2. IFEANYI VIVIAN (SECRETARY) 3. FABIAN STELLA ULUNMA 4. AGUSTIEN UCHICHE DAVID THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN ITS ENTIRETY TO THE WORLD. 2. TO WIN SOUL FOR CHRIST. 3. TO PROMOTE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THROUGH MASS EVANGELISM. 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.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. KOLAWOLE GAFAR OLASUNKANMI (CHAIRMAN) 2. AJIJBOLA KAZEEM KOLAWOLE (SECRETARY) 3. OMIYALE NAFISAT ADEOLA 4. OLADIPO FEMI EYITAYO 5. SHOGO OLUWASHEYI TAOFEEQ 6. IBRAHIM SULAYMAN MODIBBOR 7. IBRAHIM ISMAIL ADEBISI 8. BELLO KEHINDE GAFAR 9. OMOKANYE ADEOLA MISTURA 10. IGE FAUSAT OLAITAN 11. ABDULAZEEZ KING TAYO 12. BALOGUN SHADE MISTURA 13. BELLO SIKIRU OLAJIDE 14. ABDULKABIR NUHU 15. ELIAS IDAYAT BOLANLE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN ITS ENTIRETY TO THE WORLD. 2. TO WIN SOUL FOR CHRIST. 3. TO PROMOTE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THROUGH MASS EVANGELISM. 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 : MOHAMMED ATTAHIRU.

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GLORIA ODUNAYO ADEJARE 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 ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020). THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ADEJARE ODUNAYO GLORIA - CHAIRMAN 2.OLADAPO DAMILOLA ROTIMI - SECRETARY 3.ADEJARE ADEMOLA OLUWATOYIN 4.OGUNDELE GABRIEL OLUSOLA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO EMPOWER TEENS TO FULFILL THEIR CALLING IN LIFE. 2.TO NUTURE A GENERATION WHO WILL UPLIFT THEIR ENVIRONMENT. 3.TO SUPPORT THE EDUCATION OF TEENS THROUGH AWARDS, GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIP. 4.TO GIVE INFORMAL EDUCATION TO THE TALENTED ONE AND ESTABLISH THEM. 5.TO ENHANCE LIVELIHOODS OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH SOCIAL PROJECTS. 6.TO ORGANSIZE CONFERENCES, SYMPOSIA, LECTURES, SEMINARS TOWARDS EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG ONES. 7.TO WORK IN COLLABORATION WITH GOVERNMENT AND DONOR AGENCIES CORPORATE. 8.EDUCATION SUPPORT AND SCHOLARSHIP. 9.INFORMAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TO TALENTED YOUTHS AND TEENS. 10.SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS. 11.CAPACITY BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT. 12.EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES, SYMPOSIA AND WORKSHOPS. 13.TRAININGS FOR TEENAGERS. 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.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

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Aleksandar Mitrovic: Fulham striker receives eight-match ban for pushing referee

ulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic has been given an eightmatch ban by an independent commission after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in their FA Cup loss at Manchester United. The Serbia striker received a three-match ban for the sending off, three for violent conduct and an additional two for “improper, abusive, insulting and threatening” language. He will also receive a £75,000 fine. Fulham manager Marco Silva will serve a two-match ban after he was sent off.

In addition to an improper conduct charge for allegedly throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee, Silva was charged with misconduct for comments he made in a press conference following the FA Cup defeat. While the 45-year-old admitted abusive behaviour towards match officials and that his post-match comments constituted improper conduct he denied that he threw the water bottle. Silva said in a statement last week that he had apologised to Kavanagh and he “regrets what

happened” in the match on 19 March. One game of Mitrovic’s ban has already been served, meaning the forward will be available for Fulham’s last three Premier League games of the season, the first coming at Southampton on 13 May. Following Mitrovic’s straight red card, the Football Association had said its standard punishment for his dismissal at Old Trafford was “clearly insufficient”. The 28-year-old denied this but it was upheld by the independent commission, and Mitrovic

separately admitted the charge that his behaviour and language after being sent off was improper. Following the announcement the FA said it would appeal against both sanctions but would wait for the written reasons from the independent commission. In the FA Cup tie, Fulham’s leading goalscorer Mitrovic had put his side in front against United early in the second half. But he was dismissed in the 72nd minute after the hosts were awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check that resulted in Willian being

sent off for a deliberate handball on the line. In an apology to team-mates and the club’s supporters, Mitrovic said: “On a personal level, I regret my actions that led to me being sent off. “I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, and how I reacted was wrong.” Fulham have also received a £40,000 fine for failing to control their players. The London club are currently 10th in the Premier League and host West Ham on Saturday.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023

P R T AC Milan Thrash Boxing: President Buhari lauds Napoli In Victor Osimhen's Joshua’s victory against Franklin Absence

erie A league leaders, SC Napoli had a night to forget on Sunday as they were thrashed 4-0 by visiting AC Milan in what is regarded as the Champions League quarter-final rehearsal with their talismanic goals scorer, Victor Missing due to injury In the first of three matchups between Milan and Napoli this month, the defending Serie A champion routed this season’s runaway leader 4-0 on Sunday ahead of two more clashes in the Champions League quarterfinals in two week's time. Rafael Leão scored twice and Brahim Diaz set up one goal and scored another to hand Napoli its heaviest defeat of what otherwise has been an extraordinary season. “We’re happy with the performance but it’s just one game,” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said. “Tonight’s result has nothing to do with the Champions League games, because that’s a different competition. That will be a very balanced contest.” Napoli’s only other losses in the Italian league this season both came by scores of 1-0, to Inter Milan in January and to Lazio a month ago. Napoli was also beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the final match of the Champions League group phase but that loss came after the Partenopei had already clinched a spot in the round of 16. Otherwise, Napoli’s only other defeat in 2022-23 came against Cremonese on penalties in the Italian Cup. Milan moved up to third place, 20 points behind Napoli and four points behind Lazio. Milan controlled from the start at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium and Diaz set up Milan’s early opener for Leão with a perfect through ball. Leão — last season's MVP — then did the rest by chipping in over Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret. Diaz produced some more fireworks when he faked out Mario Rui to score with a deflection from close range in the 25th. It marked the first time that Napoli conceded twice in the opening 25 minutes of a Serie A game since a match against Juventus in Aug. 2019.

By Amaechi Agbo

igeria President, Muhammadu Buhari has celebrates the victory of Nigerian-born British boxer, Anthony Joshua, over Jermaine Franklin on Saturday night. The President in a releases signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, commended the triumph of the gifted pugilist over a formidable opponent. Extolling the mentality of Joshua, who did not allow personal setbacks and obstacles to dent his resilient spirit, the President says the former three-time world heavyweight champion has demonstrated that by hard work, patience, dedication, persistence and humility, those who dare do win. “President Buhari lauds Joshua for his courage and discipline, on and off the ring, and prays that this success will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history. “The President believes that the accomplishments of Joshua on the world stage will continue to inspire many upcoming professionals, particularly sportsmen and women, not to be discouraged by temporary defeats and setbacks. “He wishes Joshua a bright future and fulfilling career,” the statement reads. Anthony Joshua returned to winning ways with a unanimous points victory over Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena.

Anthony Joshua (in white) defeated Franklin Jermaine on Saturday night

The British heavyweight, 33, controlled the contest against the durable American but it was not the explosive early finish many expected. Anthony Joshua started another journey en route the top, defeating Jermaine Franklin in a keenly contested Boxing match that stretched to 12 rounds. Joshua won the bout by unanimous decision (118-111, 117-111, 117-111)

Tempers flared after the final bell as the two fighters squared up to each other, prompting their teams to enter the ring and be separated by security. It is Joshua’s first win in more than two years, having lost consecutive bouts to WBA (Super), IBF and WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk. “No knockout, so no good. It is a brutal sport, but knockouts are everything. I’m

not too happy,” Joshua told 5 Live Boxing. “I could have thrown more shots, and I should have, no excuses. But I will. That is part of coming back; you have to be your own biggest critic.” He also called out fellow Briton and WBC champion Tyson Fury, saying: “I try and provide for the fans. I know who they want. They said Tyson Fury - the ball is in his court.”

Bala Nikyu resigns as Nassarawa United Coach after poor run of form

ith eight defeats, two wins and two draws in 12 matches, Bala Nikyu, Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United FC, has parted ways with the Club on mutual consent after three seasons at the helm of affairs. The former Nigeria U-17 female national team coach’s exit from the Solid Miners followed the team’s extremely poor results in the ongoing 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League Season, particularly the 1-2 home loss to newcomers, El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri on matchday 12 on Saturday, 1st April, 2023, at the

New Jos Stadium. Nassarawa United are in danger of relegation to the second division, Nigeria National League, NNL after collecting just 8 points from 36 in 12 league matches in the abridged league and are 9 on Group A table which has ten clubs Coach Nikyu thanked the Club and its wonderful supporters for the opportunity given to him to serve, describing Nasarawa United as a big and amazing club with so much to offer. The Management of Nasarawa United headed by

Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, has welcomed the decision of Coach Bala Nikyu to throw in the towel, and wished him the best in his future endeavour. Subsequently, the Management has confirmed that Head Coach, Abubakar Arikya, will become Acting Technical Adviser pending the appointment of a substantive Technical Adviser, with Samson Keshi Marwa, Balarabe Ibrahim and Ibrahim Yahaya Sabo working as his assistants. Barr. Danladi told the Club’s Media: “This is not the best time for us as a Club in the league. “We thank the Coach for his

wisdom to step down from his role. Yes, the results are not what we ever envisaged, but we hope this is the best for both parties, going forward. “We have but six league matches remaining and we have a herculean task on our hands to stabilize in the league. “There is no better time to join forces than now. Everyone has to be at his best to ensure the highest possible result for our darling Club and our teaming supporters.” Bala Nikyu was first appointed as Nasarawa United Coach in November 2018 and later reappointed in 2021.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023

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SPORTS A case for and against subsidy regime LATEST

Amir Khan banned for two years after anti-doping test reveals presence of prohibited substance

ritish boxer Amir Khan has been banned for two years after an anti-doping test revealed the presence of a banned substance following his fight against Kell Brook in February 2022. The former light-welterweight world champion tested positive for ostarine. Khan, who retired from boxing in May, accepted he broke antidoping rules but said it was not intentional. An independent tribunal accepted that argument, ruling out “deliberate or reckless conduct” by the 36-year-old. “I’ve never cheated,” Khan told Sky Sports News. “But I’ve got a twoyear ban now, which is quite strange and funny because I’m already retired anyway. “There’s no comeback planned at all. But I’ve never cheated and I never will. That’s just not something I would do.” Khan says he has “no idea” how the banned substance ended up in his system. “I have to take some sort of responsibility. End of the day it’s been found in my system. I can honestly say this is something I would never ever do [cheating]. “It was such a tiny amount, it was no benefit at all. I should have maybe taken more precautions. “I don’t want to remembered for something like this,” he said. “That’ll hurt me.” The UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) website states ostarine is a drug designed to have similar effects to testosterone. Khan tested positive for the drug in a Ukad test taken on 19 February 2022, the night he lost to Brook. Ukad says it informed Khan, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and the World AntiDoping Agency (Wada) on 6 April 2022 of a potential four-year ban. Brook and event promoters Boxxer were not told.

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t seems the aftermath of the presidential election would not be leaving us so soon. The anomalies and the ‘behind-the-scenes’ that characterised the electoral period continue to unravel the unpatriotic actions of some actors in the elections who went overboard to get involved to win the election by all means. We have been worried enough that rather than moving away from the religious and tribal fault lines in the country and the effects that have slowed our progress, the 2023 elections have come to deepen and broaden the wound. And now, the new revelation coming from the latest leaked audio of the conversation between the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and the General Overseer of the Living Faith church, Bishop Oyedepo is too depressing and unbecoming of the aspiration we all have for the country. I had hoped it wasn’t real; that by some means it would be confirmed by Deep Fake or any similar tools as some quarters projected, but unfortunately, it isn’t. So, here we are, in the open, knowing that a presidential candidate, that believed by many of his followers to be their messiah and their best among the contenders; the one who has the best interest of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria at heart, to set right the many wrongs created by past administrations and heal many wounds of our people, is actually a religious and tribal bigot, whose most potent card to win the election was religion and tribal segmentation. We had been worried all along that Peter Obi built a cult-based followership on a very faulty religious and tribal foundation, but we didn’t know all along that for the man Obi, it was actually not a democratic tussle but a ‘religious war’ in his own words. The ‘take back your country’ rhetoric can now be fully comprehended; he meant to set the people against one another on the very sensitive religious front. The party and its candidate made very extreme religious political moves during the campaign, manipulating and exploiting our religious and cultural diversities and the sensitivities to their advantage. We only heard the conversation with one clergy; there definitely would be others made to other clergies for the same purpose. Obi was practically sending the pastors to preach religious war across pulpits in the country. No wonder, the churches became a volatile campaign field weeks and days to the election, and several prominent pastors took the election outcome as a personal injury because their efforts did not pay off. We should be grateful to God and the sensible population of the electorate that roundly served all religious bigots the deserved defeats at the poll; and you won’t be wrong if you said they have been served breakfast! We had warned Nigerians repeatedly before the election, pointing to Peter Obi’s religious bigotry antecedents as governor of Anambra state; how he was absolutely hostile to the Muslim community and created a great gulf between the Catholics and other

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USSIJU MEDANER info@medaner.com, justme4justice@yahoo.com Christian faithful in his home state. Anyway, it is better we have come to the knowledge of the reality of the person we dealt with and fully in the know of why the religious clerics went overboard to abuse their positions to install one of their own on the country. This week however, after this little diversion, my intent is to x-ray the national subsidy regime vis-à-vis the pros and cons. I have been for years a proponent of fuel subsidy removal; that is, because beyond the public sentiments of opposing the policy, I have always seen the needed reasons why removing it would be a plus to the country. I have concluded the only reason why economic advisers and all foreign economic bodies would insist nonstop since the Babangida regime that the way out of the nation’s woes in her management of the oil and gas industry would be the removal of the subsidy, can only be because it is the way out. Definitely from an economic point of view, removing fuel subsidy is a much needed decision for the country, and one that is long due. It is obvious that the continuous regime of fuel subsidy in the country has been more favourable to the corrupt elite along the corridors of influence and power. There have been arguments for a doctored daily consumption figure for the country overtime, and we have repeatedly submitted that there is no way the country would consume sixty percent of the figure in the public domain. The arguments are simple; juxtaposing with nations with similar population size and distribution as Nigeria do not support the presented figures, as much as the current figures do not correlate with any forecast figure from time series analysis of our past populations and PMS consumption figures. If that has been the case, and we have been paying subsidies for extreme figures of PMS not consumed by Nigerians on a daily basis, where has the money been going? Who have been the beneficiaries of the corrupt largesse? And does it continue? Another sacrosanct submission from the Nigeria petroleum subsidy regime is the reality of the mass exportation of the product to our neighbouring nations immediately after subsidy payment by the federal government. It is obvious and uncontested that after the Nigeria government has paid subsidy on this product, a sizable portion finds their way out of the country to be resold at an even higher rate. The perpetrators collected subsidies from the Nigerian government and still sell the product at even higher cost, making triple returns on a product meant for the Nigeria market and Nigeria

people. Even at the crux of border closure of the past years, the product smuggling refuses to abate. A visit to the Benin Republic would be a perfect testament to this reality. While the official pump price of the product is 650 CFA, the roadside, littered with smuggled products from Nigeria sell for as little as 400 CFA. For the stated reason, except it is possible to end the impunity of bloated figures and smuggling of the product, maintaining the subsidy regime would never be a positive for the country regardless of all street sentiments. However, there is a second face to the argument for subsidy removal; this I have been quiet about until now, but I have come to the realisation that until we can create a balance for all sides, removing or not removing would always create a one sided effect on sections of the country. The Nigeria masses dependence on the cost of petroleum products cannot be easily waved aside in the consideration of cost and subsidy regime in the country. Virtually, an average Nigerian man’s daily life is woven around fuel availability and cost. The most obvious and effective is transportation cost; living in the suburb of FCT, for instance, a roundtrip to work on a daily basis may cost as much as one thousand five hundred naira, that being twenty four thousand naira monthly on a minimum wage of thirty thousand naira. With the suspected level of increment that is expected with subsidy removal, this transport cost might go up by as much as 150 percent to thirty six thousand naira a month; only on transportation. The cost of general goods is another major challenge. We all know what happens the moment fuel cost increases, market prices respond; the common man would again be faced with the burden of increased cost of goods all the way from staples, to even bills. Access to services would similarly respond to the change; from accessing health care facilities, to visiting barbershop, Nigerians would have to pay exorbitantly more, all on the meagre working wage regime in the country. Apparently, while on the government side, subsidy removal would spare huge capital for infrastructural development and eases the burden of debt on the nation, the impact on the common man that constitutes the bulk of the national population is clearly negative and huge. The federal government cannot afford to consider the eventual termination of the subsidy regime without sacrosanct arrangements to address the burden of the Nigerian citizens. If the challenge is the landing cost of PMS, I am of the opinion that rather than heaping the burden on the street, the

government would rather be proactive in turning the hands of the process to either minimise or even totally do away with the importation of finished petroleum products. We can do this; all we need to do is to truly commence the process of genuine turnaround of the nation’s existing refining or invest on building one new national refining to complement the almost completed Dangote refinery alongside all existing and incoming modular refineries in the country being operational and supplementing the national product requirements. If we can do away with importation, we would also be able to stop talking about oil subsidies without heaping any of such burden on Nigerians, particularly the masses. If Dangote can build a refinery in six years, NNPC can make a similar investment on behalf of Nigeria and even in a shorter time. Another potential solution to the challenge of the subsidy regime in the country is open for us all to embrace; and that is the CNG pathway for powering the bulk of our automobiles. For a country richly blessed in gas deposits, going the way of CNG cars, CNG retrofitted cars or dual powered cars would be an easy route out of the current PMS challenge of the country. If we can have as much as 60 percent of the cars on our roads running on the much cheaper and safer gas, the discussion of high transportation cost and its effects on movements and cost of general goods wouldn’t surface; and of course the nation’s over reliance of PMS would literally fizzles out. I sincerely do hope the administration of the incoming president would be bold enough to recognise these pros and cons with regard to the oil subsidy regime and be able to face the challenge with an attitude to engage a perfect and permanent solution for Nigeria. I do also have no doubt that a man who could confront the Atlantic Ocean and create a mega city from it wouldn’t be afraid of doing, and even surmounting greater national challenges as the nation’s oil and gas sector presents. GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!

DAN DAN GAYE GAYE

PDP crisis: ‘I will fight you till I leave office’ – Wike mocks Ayu after removal

Why not continue after leaving office?

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